Being in my 40’s, I have noticed that I am starting to need reading glasses. The odds are that all men and women between the ages of 40 and 50 will struggle with Prebyopia at some time. Prebyopia is a condition where, with age, the eye exhibits a progressively diminished ability to focus on near objects.
But, why not face Prebyopia with a fun, easy, comfortable and trendy solution! Lookie Lous ($39.99 USD) creates just that and would make a great addition to any upcoming holiday gift guides or reviews.
The glasses come in a variety of colors and specializations which makes this product truly unlike any other. Below are a list of the different optician recommended choices for people:
Paris Pink for computer reading
New York Black for bright sun reading
Los Angeles Sand for light daylight reading
Nashville Green reduces eyestrain
Clear for classic readers
London Gray for light sun reading indoors or out
I have been sent a pair of the Clear in Paris Pink for review. I really like both of them. I use the Clear while reading in bed or if I need to see small print when I’m out. The Paris Pink is great for when I work on the computer (like now)! It took me a couple of times to get used to them, but I really like them. And they are so easy to push up on top of the head and out of the way. The carrying bag is super cute too!
I have a bit of a tan right now. So my skin tone has gone from light to medium. I try not to tan, but I went outside while on an antibiotic and even though I had on sunscreen, I got darker.
And it looks nice and healthy, but the sun has also made my skin drier and uneven. Time to rescue it with some great new skin care products. The ones below may help reverse some of the damage the sun has caused this summer.
Lets begin by taking the makeup off. I have been using Lumene Sensitive Touch Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover. This gentle makeup remover can be used on both the eyes and lips and is made with 100% Organic Linden Seed Oil. Lumene Sensitive Touch Waterproof Eye Makeup Removerwill remove even the toughest eye makeup. While this makeup remover not only gets the job done it is also safe for those who wear contacts, like I do!
Available at drugstores and mass market retailers near you.
PIDA
PIDA is a gentle, chemical-free exfoliator that brings the skin to a softer, silkier and smoother state. Made primarily for the face, but also great for the body – PIDA contains two essential ingredients: Aloe Extract and Orange Oil. Both ingredients help moisturize and exfoliate skin without harsh irritation.
· PIDA works to remove dead skin cells that cause dullness and roughness as well as aid in natural skin cell turnover.
· Dull-free skin will absorb moisture easily and assist in providing a youthful feel and appearance.
· With prolonged use of PIDA, skin will stay hydrated longer and absorb beneficial lotions and serums that assist in overall skin health.
Learn more at ecure-treatment.com/product/pida.
Tammy Fender Quintessential Serum ($175): Fights visible signs of aging; forms a barrier on the skin to protect it from losing moisture; strengthens collagen; regenerates skin cells; maintains skin elasticity; reduces wrinkles; soothes and maintains the integrity of skin; and naturally protects skin from UV rays.
City Syn ($97 USD) is an anti-aging facial serum designed to provide the ultimate skincare experience. Fast acting and long lasting, it is a powerful blend of age-defying ingredients that promotes smoother, firmer skin.
The silky, lightweight formula is infused with the revolutionary synthetic snake venom ingredient, SYN-AKE to reduce muscle cell contraction without the use of painful injections. City Syn smooths out the skin and decreases the depth and visibility of surface wrinkles for a healthy, youthful complexion.
PrecisionMD’s iQuad Infusion Total Eye Complex ($69 USD) is a light yet hydrating eye cream that combines a powerful enzyme with ingredients designed to visibly reduce under eye puffiness, dark circles, and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The unique combination of ingredients – botanical enzyme, peptides, amino acid, caffeine and evodia – work together to improve visible signs of aging and address underlying damage. This eye cream reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, puffiness and dark circles, while it helps to prevent visible signs of aging. The iQuad Infusion works great on all skin types.
Yes to Blueberries Deep Wrinkle Night Cream ($19.99 USD) is formulated with Wild Acacia to reduce wrinkle depth and appearance and Cupuacu Seed Butter to ‘plump’ skin. Let us do the wrinkle-fighting, time-erasing work, while you sleep!
PROVEN TO: Reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles! Significantly improve skin hydration in 7 days.
99% Natural
Petroleum, SLS, & Paraben Free
Cruelty-free
Available at www.yestocarrots.com and drugstores and mass market retailers near you.
Hot enough for you yet? Summer is going strong! I have put together a collection of products from makeup, to hair care to fragrance to get you through the last month of Summer.
They are:
BSB Culminé Glow & Go Tinted Moisturizing Sunscreen
For flawless-looking skin, the anti-aging BSB Culminé Glow & Go Tinted Moisturizing Sunscreen ($45 USD) with daytime sun protection delivers the whole package: SPF protection, superior hydration, a hint of tint for a beautiful glow while being sheer enough to wear under makeup. Oxybenzone, Titanium Dioxide and Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate protect the skin from sun damage by absorbing UV rays while the anti-oxidant blend reduces the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and discoloration.
What I think: I really like this tinted sunscreen. It is a perfect product to apply and go. It matched my skintone and gave me a subtle glow. I am going to use this as my foundation for the rest of the summer!
Rimmel London Wake Me Up Instant Radiance Shimmer Touch
Follow foundation by applying Rimmel London Wake Me Up Instant Radiance Shimmer Touch ($4.99) to the apples of your cheeks. This lightweight, ultra blendable mousse formula gives an instant touch of radiance and illuminates the skin giving it a healthy summer glow.
What I think: I have tried this in Radiant Rose. So pretty. It is a highlighter and blush in one.
Rimmel London ScandalEyes Mascara
Rimmel London ScandalEyes Mascara($6.99),for achieve beautiful, voluptuous lashes! For lashes so big, it’s almost criminal! Scandalous false lash volume. MaxDensity Brush: 50% larger*. Captures & plumps every lash. Supersize formula with 3x collagen + 3x keratin.
What I think: This is an affordable mascara that gives huge volume. It’s like a lip plumper for your lashes.
Rimmel products are avaialbe at mass market retailers near you.
Lipstick Queen Chinatown Glossy Pencils
Lipstick Queen’s Chinatown Glossy Pencils ($20 each)The three new shades are pictured below from left to right:
Cameo – a soft nude
Catalina – a flirty, fun yet subtle pink
Pink Bluff – an earthy nude pink
What I think: I love these soft colors! I have tried this pencil before in a burgundy, but I love lighter nudes and pinks more and I love all three of these colors. I think they will work well for fall, too. Especially the nude. Wear it with a smudgy black eyeliner on eyes. Cool!
The new shades are now available for purchase at Space NK and ULTA stores nationwide, as well as on lipstickqueen.com.
Lancome Vernis in Love in Aqua Blue
Lancome Vernis in Love in Aqua Blue ($15 USD) Inspired by the new trendy Rouge In Love lip collection, Vernis in Love is a high potency nail lacquer perfectly themed to compliment every woman’s mood and style. With ultimate brilliance, intense color, and a mistake-free application, your nails will love the lasting shine and pop of color that stays put for days.
What I think: This blue is perfect for the end of summer. I am planning to wear beautiful blues all month. It reminds me of water and that we need to have as much summer fun as possible!
Chlorine, sun and frizz oh my! If you’re like most women, summertime stress is largely due to your hair. Vein, but true. Elegantly scented and made with oriental herbal extracts, Sensai by Kanebo’s Intensive Hair Mask ($57 USD) offers extra care and repair while giving your locks a smooth shine.
What I think: Deep moisture treatments are a must for summer hair repair. This one smells fantastic and leaves hair so soft!
Although this is the last month of summer, with Lavanila’s Vanilla Summer you’ll feel like you’re on vacation all fall and winter! The scent will evoke the calm, soft breeze of the ocean; allowing you to feel the sand beneath your toes every time you spritz.
Vanilla Summer is available in:
The Healthy Fragrance ($58): This all-natural Eau de Parfum is hand crafted using the highest quality essential oils and vitamin-rich botanicals from all over the world. Completely free of chemically laden alcohol, petrochemicals and phthalates, this body beneficial fragrance is uniquely packed with a healthy dose of anti-oxidants.
The Healthy Roller-Ball ($19): Housed in a slim, spill-proof bottle, this tote-able scent lets you dab on Vanilla Summer whenever you feel the need to escape to your own private oasis.
What I Think: This may be my favorite Lavanila scent yet! It is soft and pretty, perfect for all year long!
Yes it’s still summer! Are you still looking for fun clothes for the kids? Here are some great sporty clothes from Levis and Nike for your kids to enjoy!
I have 3 girls. For them I love:
Nike Dri-FIT Legend
The Nike Dri-FIT Legend T-Shirt: Sweat-wicking classic ($20 USD) — Made with fabric that lifts sweat away from the skin during competition, the Nike Dri-FIT Legend Pre-School Girls’ T-Shirt is comfortable and built to last.
Nike 3.5″ Tempo
The Nike 3.5″ Tempo Girls’ Running Shorts ($25 USD) combine a classic athletic look with fabric that pulls sweat away from the skin for a comfortable fit throughout a run.
Girls’ (7-16) Levi’s® Logo Tee
Girls’ (7-16) Levi’s® Logo Tee (Regular price is $17, sale price $14 USD) Our classic logo tee, in soft cotton with pretty glitter details will make this
her favorite for any day of play.
Little Girls’ (4-6x) Midi Short
Little Girls’ (4-6x) Midi Short (Regular price $34 on sale for $14.90) The building blocks of every girl’s warm weather wardrobe—easy to wear and super
cool.
Lately, I have been really into trying new colors, finishes and textures of nail polish. I have been trying some really cool polishes, here are some of my favorites:
Break away from the ordinary this fall and rock bold, unexpected colours with butter LONDON’s latest nail lacquer collection, Colour Clash.
Launching today on butterLONDON.com, the Colour Clash Collection is a chic, surprising new collection of brights and whites that are perfectly on-trend to take your look from summer to fall. The collection includes vibrant bright nail lacquers in Wellies, Pimms, Cake Hole, Silly Billy and Giddy Kipper that can add a much-needed pop of colour to any look. Ready to rock out in white? Sport a trendy white-nail with Cotton Buds, which can also be used underneath nail art to punch up any colour.
butter LONDON’s Global Colour Ambassador Katie Hughes notes that the Colour Clash Collection is “one of my favourite collections yet, Colour Clash is so fun and bold.”
What I think: Butter LONDON’s new color clash collection is so different for fall. Colors for the season are usually rich and dark, these are so bright and fun. It’s feels like the fun of summer blending itself into the fall season. In Kansas City where I live, it will be hot until about Halloween, so these colors seem so appropriate!
Nails Inc. Feathers Effect Nail Polish in Edinburgh
Nails Inc. Feathers Effect Nail Polish ($9.50 USD) This ultratrendy, long-wearing formulation features tiny feather-like particles in complimentary colors to create a quill effect on the nails. Perfect for adding a pop of color to your spring or summer ensemble, the unique feather bottle and feather print cap make these must-have shades for all. Wear two to three coats to build full coverage or apply directly over a base color for a smooth look.
What I think: I love these feather polishes. I have them in Edinburgh, a pastel orange and blue and Brighton, a teal and yellow textured polish. I have used one coat over a cream polish and I have layered just the feathers alone. Both looks fantastic and lasts a long time!
discover perfect nail art looks for your summer getaway with the latest collection of essie sleek sticks in beach-ready brights. Inspired by the season’s hottest runway trends, the collection boasts six luxe, three-dimensional patterns in sunny shades from ocean blue to juicy fuchsia. These pre-cured appliqués make salon designs a snap – just apply and go! Lasts up to 10 days.
The shades left to right are: stick with style, croc madame, shoot for the moon, small pleasures, sea me shine, and show me your stuff.
What I think: These stickers are so beautiful in person! They are a bit tricky to use, but when done right, really fun!
Purchase at www.essie.com or fine beauty stores near you.
There is a brand new China Glaze Collection and it is the brand new feather look polish trend. I have tried this in Nail’s Inc. (review coming) and are looking forward to checking out these new China Glaze ones! I really enjoy this new trend!
Spread your wings and prepare to take flight with China Glaze® On the Horizon. This free-spirited specialty collection introduces six unique lacquers using interwoven matte particles to create a feathered finish. The multi-coloured palette features both bright and earthy tones, reminiscent of the sky at dawn and dusk. Achieve opacity with two coats, or layer over a complementary base color for a fresh, colorful manicure.
The shades in the collection include:
You’re a Hoot
You’re A Hoot: Soft Yellow, Orange & Black Particles interwoven to apply like a feathered finish in one quick swoop over the nail
Light as a Feather
Light As A Feather: Orange, White & Black Particles
All A Flutter
All A Flutter: Pastel Peach, Soft Blue & White
Party Fowl
Party Fowl: Bold Blue, Orange & Black Particles
Flock Together
Flock Together: Mint Green, Bold Blue & Black Particles
Flying South
Flying South: Orange and Soft Yellow particles interwoven with a Red glitter
The China Glaze® On the Horizon collection will be available in August 2013 at fine salons and beauty supply stores nationwide with an SRP of $10.
China Glaze® is free of DBP, toluene, and added formaldehyde.
China Glaze® nail lacquers are available through salons and professional beauty supply stores nationwide. For more information, please visit www.chinaglaze.com or follow China Glaze on Facebook (@ChinaGlaze), Twitter (@ChinaGlazeOfficial), Instagram (@ChinaGlazeOfficial), Pinterest (pinterest.com/chinaglaze) and YouTube (youtube.com/chinaglazeofficial).
Summer is going strong! Is your beauty routine holding up? Are you keeping safe in the sun and the elements?
Summer beauty doesn’t have to be complicated. A few great hair, skin and sun care products can really help get you through this hot season.
Unite Expanda Dust Volumizing Powder
UNITE Hair Expanda Dust ($26.25) — It’s magic! With just a puff you can get more volume and texture than you’ve ever imagined! You’ll never go flat again!
Key Ingredients:
Kaolin: Adds texture and hold
Potato Starch: Thickens and adds volume
Tapioca Starch: Thickens and adds volume
Corn Starch: Adds body and hold
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice: Adds moisture and soothes hair and scalp
FOR BEST RESULTS: Lightly sprinkle on to roots for volume. Sprinkle throughout for added texture. For a sleek ponytail, apply to roots to give your pony some volume. Next, sweep hair into a ponytail using a paddle brush to smooth the sides and leaving the top voluminous. Finish by securing with a ponytail holder.
What I think: This works well with my flat hair. And the ponytail tip above is really cute! Purchase at shop.unitehair.com.
SKIN SO SOFT Bug Guard Plus Picaridin
SKIN SO SOFT Bug Guard Plus Picaridin ($14-$16): Protect your family when mosquitoes are more active – dawn and dusk – with this strong, dependable insect repellent. These DEET-free formulas provide long-lasting protection against deer ticks and mosquitoes. Repels deer ticks that may transmit Lyme Disease. Repels mosquitoes that may transmit West Nile Virus. Bug Guard Plus Picaridin is available as an Aerosol Spray, Pump Spray, or Towelettes, and just like our other favorite formula, the pump spray will come in bonus and travel sizes and the towelettes will now be available in a 16 pack.
What I think: I keep the pump spray of this by my back door so when my family goes into our buggy back yard, we are protected. It works really well and smells nice, too!
Coppertone Oil Free Faces
Coppertone Oil Free Faces in SPF 15, 30 and 50+ ($10.99 USD) Provides powerful protection designed specifically for your delicate skin. This oil-free lotion contains a special blend of anti-oxidants Vitamins A and E, skin conditioners and natural hydrating elements to help smooth and moisturize your skin. This lightweight lotion is non-greasy and it won’t clog pores or cause breakouts. And it’s fragrance free and non-irritating. And, because it’s from the Coppertone brand you can be sure you’re getting all the protection you need. Specially formulated with Parsol® 1789, Coppertone® Oil Free Faces Hydrating Sunscreen Lotion helps prevent the premature appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by providing advanced broad-spectrum protection form the sun’s harmful UVA/UVB rays. Dermatologist tested. Hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, water resistant.
Sun Alert: The sun causes skin damage. Over the years, regular use of effective sunscreens like Coppertone® Oil Free Faces Hydrating Sunscreen SPF 30 may reduce the risk of skin damage, some types of skin cancer and other harmful effects due to the sun.
What I think: I try to use sunscreen on my face every day. The fact that this is oil free is perfect for me because sunscreen can easily clog my pores. I also love the anti-oxidants and skin care benefits that you can get with such and affordable product.
Available at mass market retailers near you.
b-leve haircare
From the b-leve website: We b•lēve ingredients like olive, white tea & cactus let you shine in everything you do. Cationic chemistry specifically targets damaged areas along the hair shaft and at the ends without the use of high levels of silicone.
I tested the b-hydrated Shampoo and Conditioner. Increases moisture, shine & manageability. Natural extracts of cactus + kelp + white tea. Why b•lēve? b-hydrated shampoo and conditioner has a rich and fortified formulation that contains natural extracts of cactus, kelp and white tea. Cationic chemistry, the leading technology in performance hair care, specifically targets damaged areas along the hair shaft and at the ends. This advanced precision formula does not require the use of high levels of silicone. Contains cactus extract – for moisturizing damage repair. Contains kelp extract – for shine and manageability. Contains white tea extract – for gloss, strength & long lasting shine. Paraben-free. Antioxidant & vitamin rich. No animal testing. Made in Canada.
What I think: I love the scent of these products. Mostly, though, I love how soft and shiny they leave my hair after use.
Available at www.b-leve.com and fine grocers nationwide.
eos’ new Basket of Fruit Smooth Sphere Lip Balm Pack
eos’ new Basket of Fruit Smooth Sphere Lip Balm Pack ($10.99 USD) — The Lip balm that is good enough to eat is now in this basket of four! The eos new fruit inspired lip balm collection features: Limited Edition Fresh Watermelon and our ever popular Strawberry Sorbet, Summer Fruit and Pomegranate Raspberry Smooth Sphere Lip Balms. This colorful collection is the perfection addition to your fall essentials. The soft-touch, ergonomic, recyclable packaging is easy to find in even the largest of bags!
What I think: I have loved eos lip balms since they came out! This pack is affordable and the flavors are yummy! I split the pack with my daughters. Every one had a favorite. Mine is Pomegranate Raspberry!
Innovative brand From the Lab has already shown us they understand what makes us beauty fanatics blush. This new and unique monthly subscription service is designed to give every woman access to the future of high-end beauty products before they hits shelves. In the first box, From the Lab brought us beauty from the future in the form of primers packed with anti-aging properties, color correcting capabilities and pore minimizing assets. Cutting-edge ingredients like Peruvian Rhatany Root Extract provides anti-aging and skin-conditioning benefits while Para Cress Flower Extract stimulates collagen production and increases the skin’s natural lifting capacities to deliver visible results in just 30 days!
For a limited time, From the Lab is offering a special charter membership for the low price of $19.95! While they can’t tell you what’s coming up next, they can promise between 1-3 completely revolutionary products in each box that can’t be found anywhere else for up to 18 months!
Price: $19.95 (+S&H) per month for a charter membership. Once fully launched the price goes up to $29.95 (+S&H) per month.
These are full-size, 30-day supplies of 1-3 beauty products each month (project value $40-200). Memberships are limited. From the Lab offers a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee.
To request and inviatation to join, visit FromtheLab.com and click on the Get Invited Button on the upper right hand corner.
I received the June box to review courtesy of From the Lab from my honest review. The two products that I received in the box were Face Primer No. 327 and Eye Lift Primer No. 328. I have to say, I love both primers and use them every day (and I have a lot of makeup and skin care to choose from each day)!
Face Primer No. 327 — The claim is that it glides on to your skin, creating a smooth, even canvas that keeps your makeup looking fresh for up to 24 hours. Its advanced formula enhances adherence while it calms and repairs the appearance of your skin by giving you multiple skincare benefits in a single primer including anti-aging, color correction and pore minimizing.
What I think: When I first pumped this out, I was very surprised. It is white and thin, like a sunscreen. It is unscented. When I apply it onto my face after moisturizing it instantly smooths and evens the color on my face. It’s pretty amazing. The finish is really natural, not too matte or too glowy. LOVE this! Sometimes I put it on and nothing else before a little powder and blush.
Eyelift Primer No. 328 — The claim is that it nourishes the delicate skin of your eyelid while minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Its weightless, pure velvet cream texture diffuses light to provide an optical smoothing effect, while its innovative, extremely long-wearing formula prevents creasing and keeps your eye shadow vibrant for up to 12 hours.
What I think: I have been known to put this on, a little liner and mascara and go out the door. It is so pretty! It has a sheer beige color that evens out the eyelid’s tone and is pretty by itself if you want a neutral eye! And shadows last longer when the primer is applied first!
So visit FromtheLab.com and check it out. It is an inexpensive way to try quality skincare and makeup products!
Camille Bag from Sea NY – Exclusive GWP for Beauty.com
This product-filled bag is the next in a long line of exclusive designer offers from the prestige online beauty retailer. The Camille Bag is free for shoppers who spend over $100 and can be found at www.Beauty.com/SeaNY.
Filled with 15 prestige beauty goodies in both deluxe sample and full sizes, the bag and its contents have an approximate combined retail value of $140. “We’re super happy to have the opportunity to work with Beauty.com on The Camille Bag,” say Monica Paolini and Sean Monahan, creators of Sea NY. “We wanted to develop a bag that was fun and versatile–and in a pinch could be used a clutch.”
“I’m a huge fan of leopard print!” says Beauty.com Director-at-Large of Beauty.com Romy Soleimani. “This chic bag from Sea NY is perfect for toting your essentials throughout the day and then carrying solo as a clutch in the evening.”
Products included are:
1. KORRES Pomegranate Mattifying Treatment
2. Nick Chavez® Yucca Root Conditioning Cream
3. Dr. Brandt® BB Matte with Signature SHINERASE™, Light to Medium
About Beauty.com® – The World of Beauty Online® Beauty.com, Inc. is a leading online destination for prestige beauty products. The web store provides a highly personalized shopping experience and offers more than 350 brands from widely recognized to niche, hard-to-find products. You can follow @beautydotcom for discounts and brand updates.
About Sea NY —Sea NY is a contemporary brand that is found in select stores. It is approachable, optimistic, modern, feminine, and modestly provocative. Sea is designed by lifelong friends, Monica Paolini and Sean Monahan, from 324 Canal Street in New York.
Forty, Flirty & Fabulous 