fortyflirtyfabulous

Cool British-Made Nail Polish From Nails Inc.

Sephora has been recently invaded by the British — Nails Inc fab polishes are now available in the United States!

With a unique ability to create nail polish shades based on the latest fashion trends, Nails Inc is always the first to market with the hottest new items, including special effects 3D glitter polish, as well as crackle and holographic top coats. Thea, the creator of Nails Inc, started out as a fashion editor at Tatler, so she especially understands that nail polish is not simply nail polish, but an integral part of a person’s outfit and an expression of their personality.

What I think: Gorgeous color! This is lovely opaque polish that lasts as well as other high brand polish companies and is fairly chip-resisitant. I love layering the glitter polish over the base polish shade — this can be a really festive look for the upcoming holiday season.

To purchase, visit your local Sephora store or www.sephora.com. Enjoy!

Fab New Eye Products By Kate Somerville

New eye products by Kate Somerville well keep your eyes looking young and hydrated — and one may even help your lashes appear longer!

True Lash Lash Enhancing Eye Makeup Remover ($35.00 USD) Ready for an eye-opening experience? This incredible multi-tasker not only removes makeup, it also restores the look of lashes with one simple swipe. True Lash Lash Enhancing Eye Makeup Remover gently wipes away all kinds of eye makeup – even waterproof and long-lasting formulas. Cutting-edge SymLash226™ Complex is formulated to create more voluminous lashes. In addition, luxurious botanicals help reduce the appearance of puffiness and fine lines, while nourishing extracts are designed to condition the entire eye area.

Benefits:

Advanced SymLash226™ Complex promotes keratin production, creating visibly
fuller lashes.
Powerful Sodium Hyaluronate helps hydrate and condition the entire eye
area.
Green and White Teas are designed to reduce the appearance of
puffiness.
Chamomile and Aloe Vera smooth out the appearance of fine lines to create a
refreshed, younger look.
Rosehip, Evening Primrose, and Avocado Extracts are combined in an effort to
naturally contour and firm the appearance of the eye area.

What I think: This eye-makeup remover is extremely gentle and effective. One swipe on a cotton pad, and my waterproof eye makeup disappears! The best part is that it doesn’t irritate my eyes at all! I haven’t notices if my lashes look longer, but I have only been using it for a few weeks, but I can tell that my lashes are well conditioned. Excellent product!

With KateCeuticals Multi-Active Repair Lifting and Lineless Eye Cream ($135.00 USD) the results are undeniable: fine lines and wrinkles smoothed, skin tightened and lifted, puffiness noticeably reduced, texture and tone evened out, and the appearance of dark circles dramatically diminished. Your entire eye area will be lightened and brightened with a radiant, youthful glow.

Benefits:

Cutting-edge Peptide Complex utilizes the latest advances to repair damaged cells and increase collagen production, significantly reducing the appearance of fine lines, crow’s feet, and wrinkles.
A unique Caffeine Complex instantly alleviates puffiness and firms skin.
Moisturizing Anti-Aging Actives not only provide long-lasting hydration, but also stimulate collagen production and repair the natural lipid barrier.
Color Correcting Micro-Pearls diffuse and scatter light, diminishing the appearance of fine lines, brightening the entire eye area and masking dark circles.

What I think: What a beautiful, luxury eye cream. The first thing you notice is the pearly glow and creamy consistency. I apply this all around my orbital bone — so I get lifting and brightening all around my eye. It instantly gives my eyes a smooth appearance and lightens my dark circles.

To purchase True Lash visit www.katesomerville.com and to purchase the Multi-Active Repair visit www.neimanmarcus.com. Enjoy!

FACE Stockholm Fall 2011

This bold fall collection is inspired by the independent spirit and magnetic presence of silent film legends such as Louise Brooks, the look for Fall 2011 reflects the uninhibited nature and intellectual daring of the borrowed-from-the-boys theme that has hit today’s runways. Like the season itself, fall is provocative and bold, encouraging us the re-evaluate, rediscover and reinvent.

I think it’s cool that these shades are neutrals but are so very dramatic. I love the matte eye shadows — they look fresh in this season full of metallics. With the dark brown pencil and the fab volumizing mascara — your eyes will look soft but stunning!

For drama, line the lips with the dark orange lip pencil and use the clear lip treatment to add moisture. That’s a statement!

To purchase, visit www.facestockholm.com. Enjoy!

Fall Makeup Guide Part 3 — Go For the Glow!

Eyes are extremely dramatic this fall, so my advice is to keep cheeks and lips soft and glowing. Some fun new products to try are:

Mally Beauty Ultimate Performance Inner Glow Blush ($36.00 USD) is a blush system that won’t fade or crease and looks believable and natural from the start. This unique two-phase system uses a rich cream to hold on and give even, beautiful color; and a subtle activating powder that mutes the intensity, keeps the look beautiful, and gives a soft lit-from-within glow. The distinctive dual-chamber compact allows for portability and convenience. It includes a dual-ended brush — one end applies the cream blush and one end the activating powder. Available in 4 shades to match your skin tone — Light, Medium, Rich and Tan.

What I think: This is a fantastic idea for blush! I have the light, which is a pinky-rose shade and a light powder. I apply the cream blush over primer and/or foundation. It appears a little dark at first, but I lay it on. Then I brush the powder over it and it tones down the shade, plus makes my pores look less noticeable. You can also sweep the powder all over to finish the face. So pretty and lasts all day! Available at www.qvc.com.

One Triple Play Shimmer Lipgloss Trios ($9.99 USD) let you pamper your lips the natural way. Each cute, portable palette features three delicious flavors of gorgeous gloss. Wear them alone or apply in layers for custom kisses. Not only are One’s glosses eco-friendly, their packaging is 100% safe for our planet. When you’ve used the last of your luscious lip treat, just recycle the tin to contribute to ONE beautiful world.

What I think: This large lip palette is perfect for the girl on the go. The colors are sheer enough for ladies of all ages. I am also impressed that the tin is recyclable. One products are available at Target.

Hard Candy World Balmination ($3.00 USD) is a mixture of a fabulous glossy, tinted, lip balm with an amazing sugar-lemon flavor and very cool packaging. 8 shades to protect, nourish and moisturize lips.

What I think: Not only is this balm very cool, it is so affordable at only $3.00 each! When applied, you get a soft flush of moisturizing color which is perfect for every day. It also tastes terrific — yum! Purchase at Walmart.

Merle Norman Fall 2011 Makeup Collection

Merle Norman’s Fall 2011 Color Collection embodies the dramatic eye/soft cheek and lip look that is so hot this season. Both of the eye shadow compacts are so unexpected — one is bright blue, soft silver and a desert gold and the other is a soft vanilla, cranberry and a shimmery black. Drama!

The cheeks are soft pinks and the lips are neutral pinks and nudes. So pretty.

Visit www.merlenorman.com to learn more and purchase. Enjoy!

Discover Physicians Formula New Anti-Aging Skincare Line

Looking for an affordable anti-aging skincare line that will give great results? Well, Physicians Formula’s new anti-aging line claims that you will “Look 6 years younger in 4 weeks. We promise.”

That sounds wonderful, right? The line includes the following products:

Wrinkle Corrector & Firming Cleanser Formula Rx101 ($9.97 USD) Rich cream cleanser effectively removes makeup and impurities while smoothing, firming and protecting skin’s moisture barrier. Leaves complexion clean, smooth and moisturized.

Wrinkle Corrector & Firming Moisturizer SPF 15 Formula Rx111 ($16.97 USD) Potent moisturizer instantly enhances skin’s firmness, hydration and radiance. SPF 15 protects against damaging UVA / UVB rays. Luxurious and lightweight formula improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles for an overall smoothing effect.

Deep Wrinkle Corrector Day & Night Cream Formula Rx121 ($16.97 USD) Ultra-rich cream enhances skin’s cycle of repair, encouraging healthy cell renewal to reveal younger-looking skin. Wrinkle length and depth appear improved with regular use. Helps to improve the moisture barrier, strengthen skin and protect collagen, the key protein in maintaining firm skin

Intensive Wrinkle Corrector Eye Cream Formula Rx122 ($16.97 USD) Potent cream targets the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles in the eye area. Moisturizing formula boosts elasticity and firmness to improve the appearance of crow’s feet and puffiness. Illuminating properties improve the appearance of dark circles.

Dark Spot Corrector & Skin Brightener Formula Formula Rx123 ($18.97 USD) Potent serum targets signs of uneven skin tone and helps address the evidence of sun damage: dark spots, dark patches and skin stresses. Anti-oxidant formula can help inhibit the appearance of uneven pigment formation. Specialized ingredients target surface darkening and exfoliate it away. Works to keep skin looking brighter, more uniform in tone.

Firming & Lifting Booster Formula Rx124 ($18.97 USD) Skin firming serum improves the appearance of fine lines and medium to deep wrinkles. Builds a firming moisture cushion into thinning skin. Improves elasticity and delivers essential moisture to help plump skin and reduce the appearance of sagging.

What I think: I really like these purple-tinted products. My favorite is the Dark Spot Corrector. I have been using it for a few weeks and notice that my sun spots are getting lighter and my skintone looks more even. I also really love the moisturizers. Both are non-greasy and extremely hydrating.

The great thing about this line is that all of the products are specific to certain skin concerns. You can find what you need to help aging skin. Visit www.physiciansformulaskincare.com to learn more. Enjoy!

Fall Makeup Guide Part 2 — Complexion Perfection

Time to get your complexion ready for the fall and winter! The following products well help you look flawless in the cold months ahead!

Get ready for a smooth ride with Napoleon Perdis renowned Auto Pilot Pre-Foundation Primer ($39.00 USD). The lightweight and gentle formula is scientifically formulated to allow your foundation to automatically glide over the skin, creating a flawlessly smooth complexion. Helps makeup stay put longer.

What I think: This is a light, but effective primer. I apply this over moisturizer, under foundation and it does help my make up stay on all day! Visit www.napoleonperdis.com to learn more and purchase.

Smashbox Photo Finish Hydrating Foundation Primer ($42.00 USD) The key to healthier, younger-looking skin? Hydration, as any studio artist will tell you. The latest addition to Smashbox’s legendary primer family immediately quenches skin and seals in moisture for hours after, thanks to Hydraplex, an extract derived from desert plants. Benefits are oil-free and lightweight, smoothes fine lines and pores, and extends makeup wear.

Smashbox Studio Skin 15 Hour Wear Hydrating Foundation SPF 10 ($42.00 USD) Hot studio lights usually mean lots of complexion touch-ups-but not anymore! Stay picture-perfect for a full 15 hours with our breakthrough long-wearing formula, developed to withstand intense on-set conditions. Skin is hydrated and shine-free, while imperfections are blurred with light-diffusing spheres. Benefits are buildable medium-to-full coverage, water, sweat, humidity and transfer resistant, plus it is oil-free, and helps control oil.

What I Think: If you have dry skin, this combo will be perfect for you! The primer is extremely moisturizing. It is oil-free which is perfect for all skin types, but it does feel a bit heavy on my skin. I think it will work better for me in the winter, when my skin becomes drier.

The foundation, though, is fabulous! It smooths the appearance of the skin, making my pores and fine lines less noticeable. I find that it really lasts all day long and looks flawless. The shade I have is 2.3, and it is a bit darker than I usually wear, but I smoothed it onto my neck and chest and it looked so natural! You can purchase at www.smashbox.com and www.sephora.com.

Pixi Flawless Beauty Fluid ($30.00) — Can you fake flawless? Actually, with this oil-free foundation from Pixi™, you can! The lightweight, water-based formula creates an impeccable complexion. Conceals imperfections while minimizes the appearance of pores and redness. Provides sheer to medium coverage. Vitamin E and B5 protects the skin. Long-lasting matte finish.

What I think: This is very light weight and it is matte — which I love. I don’t need to add shine to my face! This lasts all day and is full coverage. Visit www.target.com to purchase.

Liz Earle Sheer Skin Tint SPF15 (Available in the UK only, currently) — The perfect way to enhance your skin. Our rich and creamy, yet lightweight formula leaves all skin types looking naturally dewy, even and radiant. With mineral UV SPF15, it’s enriched with our own blend of natural source vitamin E, borage and avocado, specially selected to work in harmony with our skincare range.

What I think: This is a dewy tinted moisturizer that is lightweight, but covers well. I love the skincare benefits that I receive while wearing it. The release day for the United States in unclear, but when it becomes available, it is a good base for those who like light coverage! Visit www.uk.lizearle.com.

Jessica Nails Rebel Glam For Fall 2011

Fall fashion is all about pushing the limits and defining your signature style. If you refuse to follow fashion rules, let JESSICA’s custom nail colours evoke the rebel in you! Introducing Rebel Glam, an assortment of six intense colours designed with a rebellious heart and sophisticated mind.

Rebel Glam takes you for a walk on the wild side with eye-popping purples, vampy red, mysterious black and captivating green that will leave an everlasting impression; giving you a sense of styles that’s identifiable. Even as fashion fades your Rebel Glam colour won’t!

Wild Thing — milk chocolate shimmer

Vampy Vixen — silvery blue-green

Dangerously Dark — dark plum shimmer

Street Swagger — deep blackish-red creme

Purple Edge — rich violet shimmer

Show Stopper — brownish olive-green

Dark fall colors are my favorite and these are perfect colors for the season. I tested the Dangerously Dark and the Street Swagger — both rich and pretty!

The Rebel Glam collection is now available and each colour retails for $7.50 at www.jessicacosmetics.com and spas.

New Body Care Releases For Fall 2011 From H2O, Burt’s Bees and Little Green

As the air turns cooler, don’t forget to take care of your skin. Cool air equals dry skin! I have recently tried two new bath and body collections from brands that I love — H2O Plus and Burt’s Bees — plus a new children’s bath and body care line called Little Green. Here are some of the products that I love:

H2O Plus, leaders in marine-based skincare, introduces the Sea Moss Collection, a compilation of three replenishing products to perfect and protect skin from head-to-toe! Bringing ground-breaking formulas to a higher level, the Sea Moss collection
incorporates micro-fine volcanic black sand, mineral-rich red and brown algae and Irish moss ingredients that further propel H2O Plus to the forefront of sea-derived skincare innovation.

Reveal remarkably smooth and invigorated skin with the Sea Moss Black Sand Body Scrub ($18.50 USD). This volcanic scrub is powered by micro-fine black sand derived from cooled lava to gently exfoliate and soften dry, rough skin. Rare Irish moss mixes with sea salt, aloe vera and provitamin B for flawless, healthy hydration.

What I think: This black scrub is cool to use and leaves skin so soft afterwards — it’s baby smooth! The scent is light and fresh. The collection also includes a body wash and body lotion. You can purchase these at www.h2oplus.com.

Burt’s Bees® Honey & Shea Collection wraps the body in the warm, sweet scent of Honey, Almond and Shea. Indulge your skin and senses with these antioxidant‐rich products for total body conditioning. With nourishing ingredients that provide essential moisture, they’ll leave your skin feeling smooth and smelling great, naturally.

Honey & Shea Conditioning Bar ($5.00 USD) Happy, nourished skin is the result of every good thing it touches. And our conditioning, French-milled bar soap starts things off right. A blend of Honey and Shea Butter creates a rich lather that gently cleans away dirt and oil to leave your skin feeling soft and silky. The rest? Smooth sailing all the way.

What I think: This collection has such a soothing, homey scent. The conditioning bar lathers well and smells divine! The collection includes a body butter and a sugar scrub. Learn more at www.burtsbees.com.

Something new has sprouted! Little Green, the new safe, gentle and pure hair and skin care collection for babies and kids, is a truly hypoallergenic collection of products. The paraben, sulfate and allergen free formulas are each clinically and dermatologist tested. Geared to those with sensitive skin, or for those who simply want to treat their skin sensitively, Little Green will surely become a staple in your family’s skincare routine!

This collection includes two lines — Little Green Baby and Little Green Kids. My kids have been loving the Shampoo & Body Wash. This refreshing tear-free hair and body wash gently cleans and nourishes all in one. Key ingredients including Vitamin B5 and Vitamin E cleanse hair and skin without over drying. (Retails for $15).

What I think: The mild fragrance is perfect for kids, plus I feel great that the products are so natural and good for my daughters. The line includes a face and body lotion and a detangler for kids and a shampoo & body wash and a lotion for babies. Little Green is available online at www.littlegreencares.com or at a salon near you. Enjoy!

Thymes Bergamot Vert Collection

In the fall, new scents are usually spicy and a bit stronger than the fresh scents of spring and summer. As I am not ready to go full sultry in my fragrance, I was happy to try the new collection by Thymes, Bergamot Vert. This is touted as an invigorating collection that evokes the uplifting aroma of fresh Bergamot after a summer downpour in the Mediterranean. A bright, luminous scent, Bergamot Vert blends essential oils with luscious notes of sun-drenched citrus,crisp balsamic cypress, light jasmine and a whisper of musk. Like all Thymes formulations, the Bergamot Vert collection is free of parabens, SLES, SLS, propylene glycol, mineral oil, petrolatum and animal-derived ingredients.

The products in the collection are:

Body Wash ($18):Envelop your body in a bright, zesty Bergamot Vert lather, enriched with skin-smoothing glycerin, antioxidant vitamins C and E and panthenol to nourish and hydrate skin.

AHA Body Lotion ($24):Formulated with skin-smoothing AHA fruit complex, moisturizing glycerin, shea butter, and vitamin E, this rich lotion protects the skin and restores its natural resiliency.

Bubble Bath ($20):Submerge yourself in a Bergamot scented bubble bath retreat,enriched with moisturizing glycerin and antioxidant vitamins C and E help soothe and smooth your skin.

Bar Soap ($13):This rich, triple-milled bar soap combines Bergamot Vert and moisturizing glycerin to soften and condition the skin.

Liquid Hand Wash ($12):Made with panthenol and nourishing vitamins C and E, this hand wash works double duty washing away germs and moisturizing busy hands.

Hand Lotion ($14):This light, non-greasy formula scents hands with a veil of Bergamot Vert while smoothing rough spots with shea butter, antioxidant vitamin E, and ultra-hydrating glycerin.

Hand Cream ($16):Replenish over-worked hands with this deeply hydrating dose of shea butter, aloe vera and antioxidant vitamin E while Bergamot Vert leaves them freshly scented.

Cologne ($32):Enticingly bright, Bergamot Vert blends essential oils from the fruit’s cold-pressed zest with luscious notes of sun-drenched citrus and crisp balsamic cypress.

Candle ($26):Transform your home into a Mediterranean haven with this clean, paraffin-free candle and enjoy up to 60 hours of burn time.

Home Fragrance Mist ($16):Infuse your surroundings with the scent of Bergamot Vert, anytime, anywhere.

Sink Set ($30):Bergamot Hand Wash and Hand Lotion are conveniently paired in this elegant stainless steel sink-side caddy. These gentle, caring hand products replenish and restore hands.

You can purchase these fab fragrance products at www.thymes.com. Enjoy!