I have long, straight hair, but I have recently got a trim and added layers. Even though I usually don’t use hairspray, I have been using MATRIX Total Results Amplify Proforma Hairspray ($15 USD) and I am seeing a difference in hold and volume.
The claim is that the spray will, “Attack fine hair with thinner diameter and lack of inner structure and give it totally voluminous results that last 24 hours. Performa Hairspray with 24HR Full Boost Technology boasts thermal protectants and gives a firm hold finish, with lasting lift and volume.”
What I think: This spray does as it claims by giving volume. I spray at the roots and flip my hair over and spray again and my hair is full and swingy. It also last for hours.
I also love how my hair is shiny after using this product. It doesn’t dull my hair.
For a salon locator please log onto www.MATRIX.com. Enjoy!
And the winner is…Lynn! Congrats Lynn! You have won the Spring makeup from Smashbox, Mirabella, Aveda and Julep. I will be contacting you soon to get your contact info.
I will be having another giveaway in another month or two. Stay tuned and thanks to everyone who entered the giveaway and everyone who reads my blog. You rock!
Inspired by Disney’s most iconic fairy, Pixi cosmetics has recently unveiled a unique collaboration with Disney to launch its new PixiGlow collection.
Drawing inspiration from Tinker Bell’s ever youthful and illuminating beauty, PixiGlow tells the story of a grown-up version of this charming, playful, ageless pixie and her enchanted world.
The collection took shape as Petra Strand, makeup artist and Pixi creator, worked with Disney character artist, John Quinn, to re-imagine the Tinker Bell of fond childhood memories into a classic, vintage-inspired, beaming beauty.
The PixiGlow extension line offers that final sprinkle of twinkle for eyes, lips and cheeks, allowing women to turn an ordinary look into an extraordinary one while celebrating every day with a touch of magic.
“In collaboration with Disney, we created a unique Tinker Bell collection that captures the fresh-faced, glowing, and timeless beauty of both a Disney icon and the Pixi brand by reinforcing that makeup simply enhances and perfects your natural look,” says Strand.
Pixi Catching Shadows Crayon
I tried the Catching Shadows Crayon ($18 USD) in Beaming Reflection. Dance with the light & catch those shadows with this beaming cream-to-powder eye crayon. Light reflecting pigments play with the shade, defining and highlighting, bringing out the natural beauty in eyes like never before.
What I think: This is a pretty neutral shimmer shadow that can be used as a lid shadow, highlighter, or smear it all over your lids for a pretty, daytime shimmer.
Pixi Fairy Dust
I gave Fairy Dust ($14 USD) in Moonlight Shimmer to my teenage daughter because it was a bit too glittery for me. But it is perfect for her! You can use the loose pigments at the inner corner of the eye or under the brow bone for subtle shimmer or apply them to the upper and lower lash lines for sparkly drama!
There are other cool products in the collection that I would like to try — like a deep golden green eyeliner and a pink lip balm that reacts to the wearers ph levels and supposedly delivers a personal color. Fun. Also, the Fairy Face Palette looks gorgeous — pretty colors!
The PixiGlow collection is available at a Target store near you! Enjoy!
I love keeping my skin moisturized, so I try lots of different lotions and creams. There are so many great ones out now that are formulized to help skin by smoothing skin tone or even minimizing cellulite. Give one a try!
St. Ives Naturally Smooth Body Lotion
A great drugstore find is St. Ives Naturally Smooth Body Lotion ($4.97 USD). This lotion will help to nourish skin that is damaged by harsh outdoor conditions. With active alpha-hydroxy acids, this ultra-moisturizing lotion works to exfoliate and soften the skin, leaving it noticeably and smoother and more radiant in just 7 days. It also has a fresh citrus-y scent and if refreshing. Available at mass market retailers.
Soap and Glory The Righteous Butter
Soap and Glory The Righteous Butter ($18 USD). Award winning body butter with softening shea butter and aloe vera. Smooth on a handful after your shower and you might swear you’re wearing velvet. Scented with their Original Pink™ fragrance that is fresh and light. The body butter itself is creamy without being greasy. Available at www.soapandglory.com/us.
Yes To Blueberries Rejuvenating Body Lotion
Yes to Blueberries Rejuvenating Body Lotion ($9.99 USD) is formulated to help firm and improve skin elasticity, this lotion will be perfect for those who are looking for an added dose of moisture and firmness for their skin. Blueberries and Grapeseed Oil help improve and restore skin firmness. Tamanu Seed Oil is a fast-absorbing oil that is known to help repair and improve skin’s smoothness. Purchase at drugstores and www.yestocarrots.com.
L'Occitane Almond Shaping Delight
Looking to smooth out bumpy thighs and rear? Try L’Occitane’s Almond Beautiful Shape ($44 USD). The ultra-fresh Almond Beautiful Shape helps to visibly reduce the appearance of cellulite and slim the thighs and buttocks, while smoothing and firming the skin. This formula is concentrated in powerful, natural ingredients to help effectively fight cellulite. Peruvian liana, quinoa extract and carrot essential oil slow the appearance of new fat cells, while Almond tree buds, rich in draining flavanoids, and natural caffeine release existing fat cells. Our new formula also includes Almond proteins which reduce dimples and a lemon micro-exfoliating extract for delightfully smooth and firm skin. Purchase at www.usa.loccitane.com.
I have been trying lots of new Spring makeup! So much Fun! Some of the following eye products are new to me — blinc, rms beauty and Shiseido, and one I have tried before — Josie Maran — give them a try!
rms cream shadow in solar
rms beauty cream eye shadow ($28 USD) — create a very sheer refined metallic glow with all the benefits of raw mineral pigments without the dryness that occurs with minerals alone. They have a subtle, glossy, light reflecting quality that gives them a very unique finish, both modern and youthful. I have these in Solar, a warm gold shimmer and Karma, a rich, dark brown with a bit of silver shimmer. They are highly pigmented and last a long time. Solar is pretty to wear by itself, but add Karma to amp up the drama! Purchase at www.msbeauty.com.
Josie Maran Beautiful Eyes in Smoke
A fab natural makeup brand is from supermodel Josie Maran. Her palette Argan Beautiful Eyes ($36 USD) features four eye shadows and one shadow liner expertly coordinated to offer the ultimate range of customized looks. These naturally formulated shadows are richly infused with Argan Oil and a blend of floral and fruit extracts resulting in soft and nutrient rich textures including iridescent, matte, and satin finishes. The palette includes easy-to-follow instructions that make beautiful lids simply effortless. Available in Beautiful Smoke, Beautiful Blues, Beautiful Nudes, Beautiful Purples. I have Beautiful Smoke and it is very versatile. You can achieve a natural look with the lighter colors or go full smoke and use the darker shades. Visit www.josiemarancosmetics.com to learn more and purchase.
Shiseido Perfect Mascara Full Definition
Shiseido Perfect Mascara Full Definition ($24 USD) — is new for spring and has an exceptional formula and brush that captures every single lash for an opulent and lustrous finish, that maintains a just-applied 16 hour glamorous look. The dual-textured brush coats every lash while the firm tip captures even tiny lashes to add remarkable volume, separation and length. Its non-clumping formula allows for multiple, smooth coats. Available in Black and Brown at www.Shiseido.com.
Blinc Cosmetics Eyebrow Mousse
Once applied, blinc Eyebrow Mousse™ ($25 USD) fills in sparse areas to create the perfect brow line that cannot fade, run, or smudge, even if you sweat or wear it in harsh weather conditions. Get ready for beautiful, face-framing brow color that lasts all day long, unlike traditional eyebrow products that disappear half way through your busy day.
In addition to the unparalleled hold of blinc Eyebrow Mousse™, the innovative product also contains a peptide to moisturize and provide anti-aging treatment to the skin beneath your brow. Not only will you have perfectly colored brows, but you will also be treating your skin at the same time! At the end of the day, blinc Eyebrow Mousse™ is easily removed, only when you are ready, with any gentle makeup remover.
I like this eyebrow mousse. It is easy to use, but be careful, I have put on too much before and have accidentally thickened my brows — and they are plenty thick already! It stays on until you take it off and does not smear or smudge! Purchase at www.blincinc.com.
Hope you are well! Vivid greens and first buds begin to break through as crisp mornings give way to bright sunny days. The warmer weather is preparing us for the first day of Spring with its unmistakable scent of classic florals and young greens. Bring the fresh, dewy scent of the season into your home with Slatkin & Co.’s Bloom Collection.
Some of the fragrances available and their descriptions are:
Spring — Like a dream of walking in a lush garden with tulips in full bloom, sweet apple blossoms, yellow daisies and daffodils.
Lilac Blossom — A delightful fragrance blending lilac blossom, lingering muguet, delicate heliotrope and violets.
Eucalyptus Mint — A bright, refreshing blend of mint, citrus and ginger with clear notes of fresh eucalyptus and jasmine.
The one I have is Green Grass — Refreshing as shaded grass on a warm, sunny day, dewy greens and Meyer lemon, infused with Lily-of-the-Valley and a touch of jasmine.
This smells like freshly cut grass and flowers, like your lawn mowed the day after a spring rain. This really freshens the house if you don’t have time for spring cleaning!
These and more are available at Bath & Body Works Stores nationwide and www.bathandbodyworks.com. Cost: $19.50 for the 3 wick 14.5oz Candle, but right now there is a 2 for $20 sale going on. Hurry, I think it ends soon! Enjoy!
Get 14 travel-size beauty favorites in a pink cosmetics bag with your $125 beauty or fragrance purchase — a $116 value. Online only.
And, for a limited time, spend an additional $25 and receive three deluxe samples from Lancôme.
I don’t have a list of what samples you will receive, but some of the brands are TanTowel, Deborah Lippman, Smashbox, Phyto, Philosophy, Clarins, Estee Lauder and Clinique. I also see fragrance samples from Prada, Cartier and Bottega Veneta. Plus more and a super cute pink bag!
Announcing my second Spring Giveaway — a collection of products from Mirabella, Smashbox, Aveda and Julep. These are vibrant cooler shades that will brighten your spring!
The products are:
Mirabella Colour Luxe Lip Gloss in Wink (Bright Shimmery Pink) creates maximum shine with three-dimensional, light-reflecting shimmer. The combination of iridescent and pearlescent pearls create a star-like effect on the lips, taking Colour Luxe gloss to a new level of color purity, brightness and dimensionality. Vitamin-enriched long-lasting formula moisturizes, conditions, and provides antioxidant protection and anti-aging properties.
Smashbox Soft Lights in Shimmer (Shimmery Nude Bronze) — Get a gorgeous lit-from-within glow with this silk-like shimmering powder. The illuminating formula softens the way light reflects on your skin and wakes up your complexion for a radiant look.
Aveda Petal Essence™ Eye Color Trio in Violet Coast (lavender, gray and purple) Long-lasting, petal-smooth powder eye shadows offer crease-resistant, stay-true colors. Wear a single shade or blend several—complementary colors make it easy.
Julep Nail Color in Megan a playful and sultry Mediterranean aquamarine shimmer.
To win, leave a comment on my blog. I will choose the winner on Friday, April 20th. Please only residents of the United States and Canada.
Need to even skin tone and brighten your skin? Well, L’Occitane has recently added three products to their Immortelle collection.
What is immortelle you ask? The immortelle flower grows abundantly on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, has an exceptionally long life and retains its form and color when dried. L’Occitane has extracted a precious essential oil from the immortelle, which has anti-free radical and anti-wrinkle properties.
L’Occitane’s Immortelle collection offers a complete anti-aging solution for the face and hands. The three new products added to the Immortelle Brightening collection are enriched with a new extract, Garden Nasturtium, for boosted action to leave skin instantly dewy and youthfully radiant.
The additions include:
Brightening Essence ($56): A concentrated serum that optimizes penetration of active ingredients for dramatically brighter, more radiant skin.
Brightening Moisture Cream ($58): A daily moisturizer with an ultra-fresh gel-cream texture that helps correct wrinkles, even skin tone and brighten the complexion.
Brightening Hand Care SPF 15 ($30): A non-oily, protective hand lotion that smoothes the skin, evens skin tone and reduces the appearance of age spots.
What I think: I have been using this collection day and night for a few weeks and have seen some results. I think my skin is clearer in tone and a bit brighter. I do not have a lot of age spots yet (knock on wood), but my skin can get dull. I find that immediately after each application, my skin does look brighter. I have combination skin, and this does not seem to make me break out, which is great!
As for the products themselves, they are heavily scented with a floral/green fragrance. This is probably natural, but if you are fragrance sensitive, be aware.
The textures are nice. The serum and creams are not greasy at all and seem to quickly absorb.
I would recommend these products to someone who would like to even skin tone and fade dark spots. You can purchase them at usa.loccitane.com.
Congrats to… Debra! She has won my tarte giveaway that includes an Amazonian clay 12-hour shimmering blush, an Amazonian clay waterproof cream eyeshadow, a maracuja divine shine lip gloss, and a Maracuja Blush & Glow. She will have fun playing with the fun Spring colors!
I will be announcing another Spring makeup giveaway in a day or too…so good luck!
Forty, Flirty & Fabulous 