Switch Up Your Fragrances For Fall!

It’s almost fall, and I am already starting to love more hearty and spicy fragrances.  I have tried some great new perfumes and bath and body products. Here are a few that I really like:

Lisa Hoffman Beauty Tuscan Fig Eau de Parfum

Tuscan Fig Eau de Parfum ($59.90 USD 2 oz)  Vanilla Bean, Honeysuckle, Coconut Wood, and Gardenia, Tuscan Fig entices you with its warm essence.

I have been wearing this every day lately.  It is a great daytime fragrance because is it soft and warm.  I can really smell the vanilla and fig — so nice!

This is $59.90 USD on hsn.com.

Yves Rocher So Elixir Purple

Yves Rocher So Elixir Purple ($59 USD 1.7 oz) — Following the 2010 launch of SO ELIXIR YVES ROCHER, Yves Rocher is now introducing SO ELIXIR PURPLE, an intoxicating and magnetic fragrance that reveals your powers of seduction. The notes of the fragrance are a unique combination of Tuberose, Vetiver, Bergamot, Benzoin and Patchouli.

I like that this is spicy, but also bright — the tuberose and bergamot lighten up the benzoin and patchouli notes.  I think it is perfect for an evening out! This will be available in October at www.yvesrocherusa.com/.  Also, take their Plantsonality quiz at http://www.facebook.com/YvesRocherUSA to find the perfect fragrances for you!

Strange Invisible Perfumes Lemon Neroli Body Lotion

Strange Invisible Perfume’s Lemon & Neroli Body Lotion ($60 USD 8oz) — A remarkably pure moisturizing formula for all skin types, handcrafted with certified organic, non-photosensitizing ingredients, including hydro-distilled lemon and French neroli.  It is made with purified glacier water and natural, certified organic/pesticide-free ingredients and is completely non-toxic, vegan, and never tested on animals.

This is a light, fresh scent and the lotion makes my skin so soft!  The Bergamot scent is also lovely for citrus-lovers.  Purchase at www.siperfumes.com.

Laura Mercier’s Ambre Vanille Body Scrub

Laura Mercier has releasing a brand new fragrance to her Bath and Body Collection: intoxicating Ambre Vanillé in a Souffle Body Crème, Body Scrub and Honey Bath.

I have been loving the Ambre Vanille Body Scrub. This delicious and pampering body polish, made from crushed Vanilla Seeds and Hydrogenated Jojoba Oil, gently exfoliates skin, while Shea Butter and Honey naturally condition and protect. Sweet Almond and Hydrolyzed Rice Proteins, along with Pro-Vitamin B-5 provide moisture balance and protection. For skin that feels super soft and smooth, indulge in this luxurious Body Scrub.

This smells amazing and leaves skin velvety soft.  available for $46.00 at http://www.lauramercier.com

Enjoy!

Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration Lotion Sunscreen

With its ultra-luxurious hydrating silk ribbons, Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration™ lotion sunscreen nourishes and pampers skin while providing broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection, and 12-hour moisturization when out in the sun. Available in SPF 12, 30, 50!

I was given a deluxe sample of  Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration™ SPF 30 from www.influenster.com and their VoxBox program to review.  Check out their website and sign up to receive FREE products in exchange for honest feedback.

What I think: This is the perfect sunscreen for the person who wants to do double duty by moisturizing and protecting their skin at the same time!

It has a great coconut fragrance and it goes on more like a moisturizer than a sunscreen.  It does not leave white residue on the skin.  The protection is also great, it lasted a long time, and when I went camping, I didn’t get burned!

You can find Hawaiian Tropic products at most major retailers.

Suggested retail price: $8.99 for a 6oz bottle.  http://www.hawaiiantropic.com/

Bath & Body Works NEW and Improved Shower Gel!

NEW & Improved! Shower Gel NOW WITH SHEA! Bath & Body Works exclusive formula is now enriched with Shea Butter, making it the richest, bubbliest lather that gives you softer, cleaner skin. Moisturizing Aloe Vera and skin-loving Vitamin E combine for lather that bursts with fragrance! Exclusively at Bath & Body Works.

I was given a Mini Shower Gel from www.influenster.com and their VoxBox program to review.  Check out their website and sign up to receive FREE products in exchange for honest feedback.

What I think:  I am really enjoying this body wash in Paris Amour.  It’s a sweet, lovely scent.  The shea butter and other ingredients make this body wash so moisturizing — my skin is SO soft after use!

You can find Bath & Body Works products at a registered retail store near you! Suggested retail price of the Shower Gel:  $11.00 (Full Size, 10oz.), $5.00 (Mini Shower Gel, 3oz.).  Visit their website at http://www.bathandbodyworks.com.

Review of CoverGirl and Olay Tone Rehab 2-in-1 Foundation and CoverGirl and Olay Pressed Powder

I was sent the wonderful CoverGirl & Olay Tone Rehab 2-in-1 Foundation ($13.99) and CoverGirl & Olay Pressed Powder ($11.99 USD) to review from www.bzzagent.com.  This is a community of reviewers who are sent wonderful products FREE to get the word out.  Sign up and you could be a BzzAgent like me!

Here is the lowdown on the products:

Science and beauty Skincare and foundation. Indulgence and affordability. COVERGIRL and Olay. Isn’t it great when your favorite things come together to help you look your best? COVERGIRL and Olay have teamed up again, bringing you COVERGIRL & Olay Tone Rehab 2-in-1 Foundation and COVERGIRL & Olay Pressed Powder, to provide coverage for ageless, radiant looking skin, just in time for the peak of summer.

Give your skin a second chance COVERGIRL & Olay Tone Rehab 2-in-1 Foundation is no ordinary make-up. Thanks to COVERGIRL & Olay, it smoothes the appearance of rough surfaces and gives your skin a radiant finish. COVERGIRL & Olay Tone Rehab 2-in-1 Foundation also contains known skin conditioning ingredients to hydrate your skin and help improve skin tone over time. Neat, huh?

Perfect your look You can’t turn back the clock on aging, but you can reduce the signs. Just one pump of new COVERGIRL & Olay Tone Rehab 2-in-1 Foundation helps instantly cover discolorations, fine lines and wrinkles. And finishing your look with a soft layer of COVERGIRL & Olay Pressed Powder will help brighten your skin tone.

What I think:  I really enjoy both products!

The foundation is so moisturizing, but covers well, too!  I have read that it may be too heavy for some people, but my trick is to place a couple of pumps of the foundation on the back of my hand, then use a sponge or brush and apply a little bit at a time to my face.  That way I can add more if I need to.  Plus I can blend, blend, blend!  Which is always a trick when applying foundation. I also make sure to blend it down my neck so that I don’t get the “makeup mask”!
I usually use loose translucent powder, so it took me a little bit of practice applying the powder.  I started with a makeup brush, but I find that applying it with the enclosed applicator works best for my skin.  It helps lay the product down and gives great coverage.
After about a week of use, I have found that I really like this duo. My fine lines are less noticeable and the coverage is excellent!  I will probably purchase again.
Visit www.covergirl.com to learn more and you can purchase the items at mass market retailers near you.

NYC New York Color Liquid Lipshine

Straight from the city that never sleeps, NYC New York Color offers products with uptown style at down-to-earth prices, from $.99 – $4.99. The energy, style and color of New York City shines through the wide range of shades, textures and innovative products. NYC always delivers the most on-trend products & shades hot off the runway!

A beauty-editor favorite is Liquid Lipshine ($2.49). It has pure pigments that created a 3-D gloss effect. Vitamin E provides shine and a moisturizing feel. The formula is non-sticky, super shiny & soft. Available in 10 on-trend shades from neutral nudes, to berries & fuchsias. Start shopping for NYC at these stores nearest you: Walmart, Target, Rite Aid, CVS, Family Dollar, Duane Reade, Kmart, HEB, and others.  Visit newyorkcolor.com to check out all shades and fun products from New York Color!

I was given this gloss in Nude York City to review compliments of www.influenster.com.  This is a wonderful site that gives free products for review — you just need to sign up!

I LOVE this gloss.  It is as good as many of the prestige brands that I review.  It is not sticky — actually it is very moisturizing.  And it tastes good — just a light vanilla flavor.  I don’t usually wear nudes, but this one is very pretty.  I highly recommend this product!

Enjoy!

UNREAL Candy — A Healtier Option For Your Family

Candy is delicious, but not really good for you. Candy is delicious, but not really good for you. That’s why I was excited to try UNREAL candy, especially since myself and my family are trying to eat better.

This candy does not include corn syrup, the artificial ingredients, and the partially hydrogenated oils.  Not to mention less sugar.  They even add more cacao, real caramel (not corn syrup dyed to look like caramel), more peanuts, protein, and fiber. .

I received coupons from BzzAgent.com, to try the candy and spread the word.  I am glad I did!

The candy names are actually is numbers.  With my coupons, I have tried 77, the peanut butter cups, 41, the candy coated chocolates, 5, the chocolate caramel nougat bar, 8, the chocolate caramel peanut nougat bar.

I have noticed that the chocolate isn’t as sweet as the usual chocolate used in candy bars.  It is also a little bitter, but I enjoy that.  It reminds me of a very dark chocolate.

My favorites are the bars with nougat.  The caramel is amazing!  The coated chocolate candies are pretty good too.  The peanut butter cups are okay — but not my favorite any way.

My kids like them as well.  I like that they are better for them than the usual chocolate candy available.

I will purchase these again.  They will be perfect when I want to indulge — but not kill my diet!

I found these at CVS.  I heard they are now at Walgreens and will be at other mass market retailers soon.  Visit www.getunreal.com to learn more!

Enjoy!

Update Your Makeup For Fall With Products From It Cosmetics!

It Cosmetics has become one of my favorite beauty companies in the last year or so.  Everything I try by this company has the best ingredients and most innovative technology available.

It Cosmetics Anti-Aging Celebration Foundation with Brush ($39.56 USD qvc.com) — Rich in peptides, hydrolyzed collagen, and anti-aging technology, Celebration Foundation is a full-coverage, anti-aging foundation that gives you the power to achieve flawless, airbrushed complexion perfection! It delivers highly pigmented perfect coverage that will never crease or crack and is designed not only to cover, but also to make skin appear younger. The anti-aging technology gives you a flawless airbrushed finish that looks and feels like silk. It absorbs oil and shine without settling into lines and wrinkles. The Heavenly Luxe Buffing Airbrush Foundation Brush is the most ultra-luxe, ultra-plush tool for perfect airbrushed application. This foundation is available in 5 shades — Fair, Light, Medium, Tan and Rich.

What I think — I am mostly a liquid and cream makeup girl.  But, if I am going to wear a powder foundation, it like it to be pressed and not loose (loose always finds its way to my pores and fine lines). I like using this over a primer and it gives a full coverage when I do.  I buff the powder on with the brush and my skin looks even and smooth.  A good brush is just as important as the foundation, I think.  The foundation and brush sold together is a good value!

It Cosmetics Eye Shadow Trio ($24 USD itosmetics.com) — Working hand in hand with leading plastic surgeons, IT Cosmetics introduces “Naturally Pretty” Luxe Eyeshadow Trios. This naturally pretty collection of 3 Waterproof and highly pigmented eye shadows are comprised of a trio of hand-selected, must have shades designed to bring out your eye color and sparkle! Hydrating and skin loving ingredients give you high performance color that lasts all day, plus anti-aging benefits for younger looking, naturally pretty eyes! Each ultra luxe shadow is infused with an ultra-hydrating age reverse and preventative complex including hydrolyzed collagen, green tea, acai and Vitamins A, C & E. Talc, paraben, sulfate, mineral oil, petrolatum, synthetic fragrance, and phthalate free. Hypo-allergenic and non-comedogenic. Available in Matte Luxe (shown), Pearl Luxe, Pretty in Plum, Pretty in Amber, Pretty in Smoke.

What I think — Beautiful shades that last long with an eye primer!  These shadows are medium pigmented, you have to get a lot on the brush for maixmum color.  But they are very smoothing on the eyelids and the colors are very pretty!  My favorites are the Pretty in Plum and Pearl Luxe.

It Cosmetics “No Tug” Anti-Aging Silk Waterproof Eyeliner Trio ($29 USD, or $24 USD for a Duo, qvc.com) — Utilizing cutting-edge technology, No-Tug Silk Anti-aging Eyeliners glide on saturated, rich color without tugging on your delicate eyelids.
Who is it for: Anyone who wants rich, luxe eyeliner color and application without tugging on the delicate eyelids. Anyone who wants anti-aging benefits and wants to instantly diffuse the look of lines and wrinkles on the eyelids. Anyone who wants a naturally pretty look using skin-loving, high-performance ingredients. Anyone who wants a liner that can be used on both the inner and outer rims as well as the lash line. The trio includes eyeliners in Black, Brown and Plum.  The duos are Black/Brown and Plum/Bronze.

What I think — These are very soft eye pencils.  The positive is that they glide on very easily, even in the inner rims of the eyes.  The negative is that if you press too hard, the tip will break off.  Also, after a few hours, the eyeliner on my bottom lash line begins to smear, even though these are supposed to be long-wearing.  Still, the color payout is very good and they are so easy to apply!  I love the Bronze for bottom lashes and the Plum is very pretty as well.  I wear the Black every day on the inner rims of my upper lashes.  It gives the appearance of full, dark lashes!

It Cosmetics Vitality Lip Flush Anti-Aging Lipstick Trio ($39.50 USD, $26.36 for a Duo and $20 for a single on qvc.com) What is it: Vitality Lip Flush takes the place of four products–your lipstick, anti-aging conditioning lip balm, ultra-hydrating lip gloss, and lip stain, all in one! This truly innovative formula contains It Cosmetics’ Hydra-Luxe technology, including ingredients such as plum oil, cherry oil, shea butter, aloe, and jojoba that all work together to treat, hydrate, condition, and nourish your lips, minimizing the appearance of lip lines and wrinkles. Plus, Vitality Lip Flush is packed with antioxidants, including vitamins A, C, and E, acai, green tea, and white tea. This made-in-the-USA formula is paraben-free. Who is it for: Anyone who wants to add a naturally pretty flush of color to their lips that lasts! Anyone who wants ultra-hydrated and conditioned lips. The naturally pretty shades work on all skin tones. Why is it different: Vitality Lip Flush was developed to give that long-wear flush of naturally pretty color, the anti-aging hydration of a super-luxe treatment lip balm, and a powerful stain that doesn’t dry out lips. Plum oil, cherry oil, and a power-packed formula of anti-aging and good-for-you ingredients drench your lips with hydration. How do I use it: Apply directly from the tube. All three shades give a sheer, naturally pretty flush of color that lasts. From It Cosmetics. The trio includes Je Ne Sais Quoi, a sheer pink; Love Story, a rich, just-bitten pink; Pretty Woman, a sheer berry.  Duos are Je Ne Sai Quoi and Damsel, a soft pink nude and Love Story and Pretty Woman.

What I think — These are so fantastic!  My favorite lip products at the moment.  They glide on smoothly and all give a natural color that leave behind a soft stain.  They are all my favorites, except Pretty Woman, which is a little dark for me, but still pretty.  They are definitely worth the price.  They only downfall is that with all of the wonderful ingredients, they can melt or break easily.  My first Je Ne Sais Quoi has melted into the lid and I have to get it out with a lip brush!  Still, they are awesome!

I recommend all of these, but especially the Lip Flushes.  Enjoy!

  • Made in USA

Garnier Skin Renew Miracle Skin Perfector BB Cream

Garnier Skin Renew Miracle Skin Perfector B.B. Cream

Garnier introduces Skin Renew Miracle Skin Perfector that immediately and effectively fulfills your skincare expectations. Save time worth just one multi-benefit product that combines advanced skincare + immediate skin perfecting coverage.

Results*:

  • Instantly – Skin looks naturally more even, radiant and smooth.
  • After just one use – 90% has a more even complexion, 93% saw a more healthy glow, 96% saw smoother skin.

BB Cream Innovation B.B. Cream (Beauty Balm Cream) is a hybrid formula that offers advanced skincare + immediate skin perfecting coverage that is becoming popular all over the world.  It combines several beauty routine steps in one single product.

Garnier Skin Renew Miracle Skin Perfector is a miracle all-in-one product with results you can see and feel instantly.  Skin appears airbrushed, beautifully smooth and even.  Its light-weight and comfortable texture blends perfectly into skin for a sheer flawless finish.  This all-in-one formula combines intense moisturizing skincare with vitamin C + Mineral Pigments for an instant skin transformation:

  • Renews radiance
  • Brightness complexion
  • Evens skin tone and blurs imperfections
  • Hydrates for 24-hours
  • Protects with SPF 15 UVA/UVB sunscreen against harmful effects of the sun – the #1 cause of skin aging.

I really like the coverage this gives.  It evens skin tone and covers dark spots.  I like to use a little translucent powder (It Cosmetics Bye Bye Pores) over it to cut the shine and give me a matte finish.  I also use a little concealer where needed, but the bb cream covers very well. I also love the SPF!

This can be purchased at mass-market retailers everywhere.  Learn more at www.garnierusa.com.

Enjoy!

Fight The Frizzies With John Frieda Hair Care

 

With the heat and humidity comes the frizzies.  This is something that I have to deal with every year in Kansas City!  John Frieda’s Frizz-Ease collection, however, helps to both rejuvenate and tame my strands.  Below are a few of my favorite hair savers from the brand.

Frizz-Ease Smooth Start Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner($6.49 each) — The Smooth Start Shampoos and Conditioners are the best way to start off the day; they immediately start to block frizz.  Containing a Frizz-Mending Complex as well as natural olive oil, they smooth strands, hydrate and replenish vital moisture that’s lost, and restores your hair’s natural defense against frizz.

Frizz-Ease Daily Nourishment Leave-In Conditioning Spray($5.99) — This conditioning spray has a high-potency infusion of vitamins, proteins and supplemental moisture to strengthen and help repair hair.  Simply spray onto wet hair after shampooing and conditioning, concentrating on the ends where your hair is driest.

Frizz-Ease Thermal Protection Serum($9.99) — Not only does this serum eliminate frizz, but it also protects your hair from damage caused by UV exposure and styling tools.  Employing a Thermal Shield Complex (a blend of silk protein, phythantriol and Vitamin E), it buffers hair against styling stress and leaves it silky with a vibrant, enviable shine.  Apply to either soaking wet hair or dry hair.

These fab products are available at mass market retailers near you.  And learn more at www.johnfrieda.com.

 

Try A New Self-Tanning Product From Beauty Bar

Calling all sun worshipers – extend your summer glow into fall with products from Beauty Bar.

Skin-loving, self-tanning essentials that deliver a healthy-looking glow will extend your summer tan into next season.Achieve a stunning, luminous bronzed glow without exposing your skin to the sun’s harmful UV rays. It might sound too good to be true, but it can be done with these luxuriously formulated self-tanning products from Beauty Bar.

Dedicated to catering to a beauty-savvy, sophisticated clientele, Beauty Bar delivers the exclusive products from luxe domestic and international brands, and the chic boutique’s selection of self tanners lives up to its high standards. “As many people are aware, sun exposure leads to a greater risk of developing skin cancer, as well as other harmful photo-aging side effects,” says Beauty Bar’s Medical Director Dr. Robert T. Anolik. “That’s why if you’re looking to get tan, you should opt for safe self-tanning methods that don’t require you to bake under the sun.”

Get glowing with these self-tanning essentials from Beauty Bar that guarantee your bronzed look will last well into the fall:

Philosophy Here Comes the Sun Gradual Self Tanner for Face

Philosophy Here Comes the Sun Gradual Self Tanner for Face ($26 USD) — Here Comes the Sun Gradual Self Tanner for Face gives skin a natural-looking golden glow, while helping to improve the signs of aging. Who needs the sun when you can have a sun-inspired golden glow? This product allows you to find your perfect glow without the harmful effects of the sun. It doesn’t just give your skin a glow, it gives it skin-loving ingredients to help improve the signs of aging. This self-tanner gradually delivers color for a remarkably natural-looking golden glow, while an amino acid complex helps improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The oil-free, non-greasy formula absorbs easily. Use it each day to increase intensity, and find your perfect glow.

Kate Somerville Somerville 360 Tanning Towelettes

Kate Somerville Somerville 360 Tanning Towelettes ($48 USD for 8) — It’s easy to get a gorgeous glow with just a simple swipe. Kate Somerville Somerville360¦ Tanning Towelettes offer an incredible sun-kissed look that doesn’t require SPF. With a quick and easy application that prevents uneven tone or streaking, it’s the best way to get a healthy-looking tan. Because this advanced formula works with your skin’s own proteins, it gradually darkens to an ultra-natural, complementary color every time.

  • Towelettes containing paraben-free self-tanning formula
  • Produces a uniform, natural-looking glow on the skin
  • Delivers a quick and even application with no streaking

Hampton Sun Sunless Tanning Gel ($32 USD) — Get the bronzed skin you crave without the harmful effects of the sun. Hampton Sun Sunless Tanning Gel gives an ultra-natural looking, streak-free tan within just a few hours of application. Using natural and organic ingredients, this hypo-allergenic self-tanner leaves the skin incredibly smooth with no lingering scent.

  • Self-tanner that delivers an ultra-natural looking tan
  • Streak-free with no lingering scent
  • Contains natural and organic ingredients including walnut oil, aloe, and vitamins A through E
Omorovicza Glam Glow

Omorovicza Glam Glow ($85 USD) —

In just a few hours, Omorovicza’s Glam Glow gives the face and body a natural-looking golden glow, while hints of lemon and tangerine in this self-tanning lotion lift the spirits and precious oils replenish the skin.

  • Self-tanning lotion
  • Natural-looking golden glow
  • Light lemon and tangerine scent

All products are available on http://www.beautybar.com.

Enjoy!