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Mother’s Day Makeup Gift Ideas

Mother’s Day will be here soon — do you have a pretty present for Mom yet? If not, consider one of these cosmetic ideas below. I give my mom beauty products each year and she loves it! Mom probably won’t buy herself a cool kit or pretty highlighter — so treat her to something new!

LORAC Hot Off The Red Carpet Collection ($36.00 — $105 Value) — This set features two exclusive color-coordinated, mineral-infused, shimmering baked eye shadow duos, an exclusive TANtalizer Baked Bronzer, a full-size Multiplex 3D Lip Gloss in 3D (rose bronze glitter), and a gold bag that can double as a blingy evening clutch. It is formulated without parabens and petrochemicals.

This set contains:

– 2 x 0.12 oz Baked Eye Shadow Duo in Tease Me (bronze shimmer/ teal with gold sheen) and Tempt Me (champagne shimmer/ chocolate brown shimmer)

– 0.35 oz TANtalize Me Baked Bronzer (swirled tan, gold and bronze)

– 0.17 oz Multiplex 3D Lip Gloss in 3D (rose bronze with 3D glitter)

– Gold Zip Bag

This is a beautiful kit — my favorite items are the eye shadows. They are gorgeous — really shimmery and fresh — great for now and throughout the summer. The bronzer is also pretty, but the lip gloss is extremely sparkly, so I use it only for night-time. The bag is really fun! Visit www.loraccosmetics.com to purchase.

Make Up For Ever Uplight Face Luminizer Gel ($29.00 USD) — Enriched with precious pearls that catch and reflect light, Uplight creates a radiant complexion. It contains more than 70% water for a fresh, lightweight texture as well as mango butter that creates a moisturizing effect. Formulated for the face and body, this product adds a healthy glow to your skin that will last all day.

This is available in a variety of unique finishes: Dewy, Pearly, and Sparkling. I tried #31 — a sparkling blue pink. Very moisturizing and so pretty — but very sparkly! Your mom may like one of the Dewy or Pearly finishes. If she likes pink, there is #11 Dewy Pink Beige and #22 Pearly Pink Flesh. There are also white and flesh tones. Available at www.sephora.com, MAKE UP FOR EVER Boutique & Studios at Sephora.

Laura Geller Bring on the Bronze ($55.00 USD) — This kit is all you need to help you look sunny and rested, with that just-back-from-vacation glow. It is packaged in an adorable bronze clutch, with orange lining, to hold all your bronzing essentials:

– Spackle® Tinted Under Make-up Primer in Bronze

– Split Baked Body Frosting in Sugar Glow and Honey Glow

– Baked Eyeshadow Duo in Candied Bronze

– I-Care Eyeliner in Brown

– Lipshine SPF 15 in Sundrenched

This is a gorgeous kit for days where you want to look natural and not cake on a lot of foundation. Just apply the bronzer on your face and the body frosting can either highlight or bronze you all over. The eyeshadow and eyeliner make a great bronzed eye (just add the mascara of your choice). And the lip color is almost like a sunny balm!

Shop to Erase MS! For the month of May only, 20% of proceeds from this special kit benefit the Nancy Davis Foundation for Multiple Sclerosis. Visit www.laurageller.com to purchase.

Borghese Rapido Fast Dry Nail Lacquer collection!

The Borghese Rapido Fast Dry Nail Lacquer ($8.00 USD) collection is a quick-drying formula that is available in long-lasting colors. Borghese invites you to discover the new Rapido Fast Dry Lacquer collection in bold brights and chic Italian neutrals. Evoking all the vivid colors of a garden in bloom, and the sophisticated hues of city style, Borghese’s new nail lacquers complement every wardrobe.

These long-wearing, nail-strengthening lacquers contain Borghese’s exclusive Aqua di Vita complex to help restore moisture and balance, while Micronized Gemstones add strength and brilliance. Each shade comes with a special Duale Curve Tip Brush custom designed to hug the shape of your nail for smooth, flawless application that lasts up to seven days. The rich, saturated hues are free of DBP’s, Toluene and added Formaldehyde.

The Borghese Rapido Fast Dry Lacquer Collection includes 12 shades ranging from mocha to violet to silver.

What I think: Like the claim, these polishes dry very fast, even the second or third coat. And you will need more than one coat since it applies thin. But after a few coats, the shade is very true and pretty. It chips after a couple of days, but I just apply another coat or two to get me through the week! Well worth the $8.

You can purchase at drugstores nationwide or www.ulta.com. Enjoy!

Mother’s Day Skin Care Gift Ideas

Moms need to take care of their skin, but sometimes they are too busy to shop for themselves or they are unsure of what to purchase. Skin care is a fantastic gift for Mother’s Day — treat her to fab skin with one of these ideas:

pūr~lisse ageless & beautiful jet set starter kit ($58.00 USD) — On-the-go essentials for taking Chinese beauty rituals with you. Everything you need for youthful, radiant skin in petite packaging, perfect for first-time users and jetsetters. 14 days of TLC helps prevent wrinkles and fine lines, even for sensitive skin. It’s pure genius.

kit includes:

pūr~delicate gentle soy milk cleanser 1.7oz/50mL
pūr~youth preserve age~delay skin serum 0.35oz/10mL
pūr~moist hydra balance moisturizer 0.5oz/15mL
pūr~protect essential daily moisturizer 0.5oz/15mL
pūr~eye adore quadra benefit eye serum 0.1oz/3mL

Visit www.purlisse.com to learn more and purchase. This is a great way to try this line!

Mama Mio Neck and Jawline Concentrate ($45.00 USD): Keep the dreaded jiggly jowls and wobbly wattle at bay with Nexercise, a tightening, firming essential for softening jaw lines and recapturing strong, firm, taut, toned, fit skin. Specifically designed for the neck area; lightweight but hyper-moisturising, packed with collagen boosting, amino acids, firming proteins, vitamins and antioxidants AND peptide technology to smooth out crepe, plump up, mega-hydrate and strengthen giving you a firm neck and jawline. Also included is a pamphlet with neck exercises. Visit www.mamamio.com/us to learn more and purchase.

BORBA Age Defying Starter Kit ($25.99 USD) — Enjoy beautiful results when you use this simply effective, step-by-step starter kit from BORBA. Each scientifically developed formula is powered by BORBA’s own exclusive acai berry antioxidant blend. Skin is literally retexturized, nourished, protected and rehydrated at the cellular level. So with every use, you can cleanse, treat and hydrate your way to younger looking skin.

This 5 piece kit has everything you need to start your BORBA regimen. The kit includes :

4-in-1 Cleansing Treatment (1 fl. oz.)
Daily Hydrator SPF 30+ (0.5 fl. oz.)
Deep Repair Night Crème (0.5 fl. oz.)
Wrinkle Smoothing Serum (0.25 fl. oz.)
Eye Crème Concentrate (0.17 fl. oz.)

www.borba.com has more info and you can purchase. Enjoy!

Instantly Whiten Teeth With Luster NOW

Luster has just announced the debut of a revolutionary new way to instantly whiten your teeth at home. Luster Premium White, which offers a collection of at-home whitening products, has come up with a solution unlike anything available – Luster NOW Instant Whitening Toothpaste ($9.99 USD) for a fast fix to the white smile you have been dreaming about.

Power up your smile with an instantly white, dazzlingly solution that lasts for hours – perfect before a night on the town, a first date or a party! Dentist developed and perfect for everyday use, Luster NOW is infused with Bluverite™ technology that instantly makes teeth appear whiter with just one brushing. This revolutionary ingredient delivers a special optical effect to make teeth appear instantly white for hours. In addition to the instant whitening effect, the toothpaste uses Luster’s whitening power to gradually whiten smile over time. After brushing with Luster NOW the Bluverite technology may make teeth and gums appear slightly blue, but this will disappear after a few minutes to reveal a white smile!

Directions: Brush teeth thoroughly with Luster NOW following meals or twice daily. If excessive blue appears on teeth or gums simply swish with water to reveal your dazzling smile.

What I think: I have never tried anything like this before. It is like makeup for your teeth, with added benefits of long-term whitening. You brush it on and your teeth are instantly whiter — I would say a few shades. I also love how the whitening powder is brightening my teeth over time as well. Very cool. This is very affordable and you get three 1.5 oz toothpastes that you can take anywhere.

Luster NOW is available at Walgreens nationwide. Enjoy!

Luminess Tan — A Flawless Tan Made Easy

I don’t use tanning beds and I use a high SPF in the sun. But, I do love a nice tan in the warmer seasons. A tan not only looks healthy, it helps simplify my makeup routine. I have tried a lot of self tanners and no matter what I do, I end up looking a little streaky, and sometimes orange!

I have never tried spray tanning, but was excited to try the Luminess Air Airbrush Tanning — which is kind of like spray tanning at home. This tanning system gives you a sensational tan in the convenience and privacy of your own home without damage or odor! Featuring SoftTan™ Technology for a Natural Even Tan everytime!

Airbrush tanning is not a dye. The primary ingredient in the tanning solution works with the amino acids in the top layer of your skin to produce a natural tan exactly like the sun, but without damaging skin! Luminess airbrush tanning formula won’t run off on your clothes, once the tan is set. Tan lasts up to 14 days and fades gently day by day, as you would expect from a normal sun-blessed tan! Also Luminess tanning solution produces a golden brown color – no orange discoloration insight!

Airbrush tanning uses a precision stylus instrument a little larger than the size of a pen that allows for a smooth, flawless application. Special care is easy in difficult areas, such as the feet, knees, elbows, hairline and face!

Luminess Airbrush Tanning system is also great for spot tanning! Wearing a skirt and want tanned legs? Easy! Give them a light spray and you’re good to go! You can spot tan your legs, arms, shoulders, chest and or face for radiant healthy glow in minutes!

Luminess Airbrush Tanning System ( includes:

Compressor
Airbrush Stylus
Intake Cap (2)
Rubber Air Hose
AC Power Adapter
Tanning Solution (2 bottles which should give you up to 6 full body tanning sessions!)
Cleaning Bottle
Carrying Case
Detailed Instructions
Getting Started DVD

What I Think: This is so easy to use. It takes a minute to set up, but once it’s ready, I use the stylus to spray all over. It is a really seamless look. I only get splotches when I spray one area for too long, but that doesn’t happen after getting the hang of it and it’s easy to spot and blend in. The color of the tan is brown, very natural and not at all orange. Gorgeous!

To learn more and purchase visit www.luminessspraytan.com. Enjoy your fab tan!

In Honor Of Earth Day, Try A Natural Beauty Product

These days there are so many fantastic natural products for face, hair and body these days. In honor of Earth Day 2011, here are some suggestions for great ones to try:

Lavera Natural Liquid Foundation ($20.00 USD) — This hydrating foundation blends easily and hides imperfections, creating a porcelain-smooth canvas. Free-radical fighting argan oil, organic blossom butter and vitamins A, C and E protect, rejuvenate and nourish skin. This product is vegan. www.lavera.com

EOS Everyday Hand Lotion ($3.99 USD, drugstores near you, www.evolusionofsmooth.com) — Leave your skin feeling touchably soft for hours with this natural, fast-absorbing hand lotion. Designed to fit in your purse, your pocket, or on your desk, eos looks as good as it feels on your skin. Infused with moisturizing shea butter, oat extract, and a generous helping of antioxidants and vitamins C and E, eos hand lotion will leave your skin feeling soft, supple and radiantly healthy long after you apply it. This 97% natural formula is paraben-free, phthalate-free, lanolin-free, dye-free, dermatologist tested and hypoallergenic.

Ultra Rich Lip Balm ($19 at www.clarksbotanicals.com) – As if natural moisturizers like Shea Butter, Aloe Leaf Extract, Jojoba and Sweet Almond Oil were not enough, this lip balm also features Marine Collagen Microspheres that act like miniature water reservoirs. Together, these ingredients deliver intense, long-lasting hydration. Vanilla Planifolia and Jasmine Extracts add a delectable flavor that will have you re-applying—even when you don’t need to. It’s also a great lipstick primer, preventing feathering.

All of the products in Clark’s Botanicals (www.clarksbotanicals.com) feature Jasmine Absolute, a precious essential oil derived from nocturnally blooming flowers. Naturally antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and immuno-stimulating, this extract works to calm, balance and heal a broad spectrum of skin types, from young to mature, oily to dry, and normal to sensitive. “Clark’s Botanicals is an organic part of me and my recovery,” says founder Francesco Clark, “everything about this line has a purpose and reason for being, from the ingredients to the packaging to the contribution to medical research, it’s an expression of who I am in its purest form.”

Genuinely natural from head to toe, the Davines Authentic Collection ($26-46 at www.davines.com for salon locations) contains the first and only hair care products designed not only for hair, but also face and body. Gentle enough for even the most delicate skin and effective enough to thoroughly cleanse and condition hair, the breakthrough Authentic collection features 98% to 100% naturally-derived ingredients. The four-product collection trades in synthetics like SLS, SLES, sulfates, parabens, artificial colors, silicons, mineral oils, PEG and etoxilates for sustainable formulations including biodegradable surfactants and organically cultivated actives like shea butter and sesame, jojoba, sunflower and carthame oils.

Other great brands to check out are Josie Maran, tarte and Korres for makeup, Jurlique for skin, Phyto for hair and Pacifica for fragrance — all available at Sephora. And of course ecoTOOLS for makeup brushes and bags. Enjoy shopping green!

Love Your Skin By Using The Clarisonic Mia!

I have finally found the secret to making my skin look better — The Clarisonic Mia!

What’s a Clarisonic, you ask? The Clarisonic Skin Cleansing System uses a patented sonic frequency of more than 300 movements per second to clean, soften and smooth skin. In just 60 seconds, the micro-massage action removes 6X more makeup and 2X more dirt and oil than cleansing with your hands alone. Removing more dirt and oil from your pores also helps products work more effectively.

The smallest Sonic Skin Cleansing System, the one-button, one-speed Mia comes in a variety of colors and fits the active lifestyle – offering beautiful skin at home or on-the-go. When you purchase a Mia you get:

Cordless Clarisonic Mia
Compact pLink® International Charger
Sensitive Brush Head
1 oz. trial size Gentle Hydro Cleanser

What I think: I LOVE my Mia! It only takes a minute every morning and night and skin is instantly smoother and so soft! I have been using it for a few weeks and notice that my pores look smaller and my fine lines are way less noticeable. I can tell that my skin is cleaner and that serums and moisturizesr are quickly absorbed into my skin. It is also a pleasure to use. Like a massaging spa treatment — very relaxing!

I have used it with lots of different cleansers including Clarisonic’s Gentle Hydro Cleanser (very moisturizing), but my favorite to use with it is Philosophy’s (www.philosophy.com) Purity Made Simple. It is the perfect companion for the Clarisonic as it quickly dissolves makeup and cleans skin without stripping it. I highly recommend this duo!

Visit www.clarisonic.com to learn more or to purchase. Enjoy cleaner, softer and smoother skin!

Like Lavanila On Facebook April 21 And 22 — They Will Plant A Tree!

Hi All! Please read the info below. If you “Like” Lavanila on April 21 or 22 they will plant a tree! So cool! I am going to do it tomorrow. This is probably the easiest way that you can help the environment this Earth Day — by pushing a (Like) button! So go ahead — I know you love trees! ☺

Philosophy Hope In A Tinted Moisturizer

This is the time of year that I start switching heavier foundations to a tinted moisturizer. When the weather gets warmer, I want a lighter product on my face. It just feels and looks better!

I was happy to test Hope in a Tinted Moisturizer ($38.00 USD) from Philosophy. This product claims to combine advanced moisture, sheer color and SPF 20 to hydrate, revive and protect skin, leaving it fresh, hydrated and radiant.

Now Hope in a Jar, the award-winning, lightweight daily moisturizer, can color your world beautiful with this tinted moisturizer. Its sheer, glowing color helps smooth and enhance the complexion. Broad-spectrum UVA/UVB sun protection and a blend of antioxidants protect your skin against wrinkles and environmental attack. Its unique souffle texture absorbs quickly, yet leaves behind long-wearing coverage with a weightless texture that all skin types will love.

features & benefits

4-in-1, multitasking formula combines sheer color + moisture + antioxidants + spf 20
lightweight texture glorifies all skin types
airless pump dispenses the perfect dose

What I think: This tinted moisturizer goes on smooth like Hope in a Jar, but provides almost full coverage like a foundation, but it does let the skin (including my freckles) shine through. I love the matte finish, which is important because a moisturizer can sometimes appear greasy on the skin right after application, but this doesn’t. The only minus for me is that the shade I have, light, is a little too warm for my skin tone. It’s not quite orangey, but it doesn’t match completely. I either need to tan or buy extra light the next time! But I really love that I get all of the goodness of Hope in a Jar with the added benefit of color.

To learn more and purchase this product visit www.philosophy.com.

Mineralogie — Achieve A Flawless Finish With Makeup That’s Good For Your Skin

Tired of using the same old mineral makeup. Try Mineralogie, which is made with the best pharmaceutical grade minerals available. Nourishment of the skin, sheer to complete coverage and, most important, total protection from harmful UVA and UVB rays is the philosophy of the brand.

For a flawless and non drying look, the Mineralogie 4 Piece Starter Kit — Choose the foundation shade that is right for you from one of Mineralogie’s seven most popular colors for your personal introduction to 100% mineral makeup. Each Starter Kit includes 3-grams of Mineralogie’s SPF 26 Loose Mineral Foundation (to match your complexion!), 1-gram of coordinating Loose Mineral Bronzer, 6-ml of our new Natural Cream Concealer, a personal size Makeup Brush plus, a Mineral Application Card! A $90.00 retail value for only $35.00. That’s over 60-days of makeup!! The perfect way to begin experiencing the flawless beauty of minerals. Available in 7 shades.

I like all of the products in this kit. The foundation is very pretty and doesn’t cake in pores. The color blends well with my skin color. I do think it is a bit too glowy for me and I need to dust a bit of matte translucent powder on top to tone down the shine. The concealer is very matte and works well. Plus the bronzer is beautiful and not too shiny. For the price, this is a great deal!

From light to luscious our new Spring Quad Pressed Eye Shadow Compact ($38.00 USD) includes the must have colors for the season. Accentuate your spring wardrobe with Champagne, Mulberry, Fusion and Mango. The perfect springtime combination for a fresh, natural and irresistible look.

These shades are very soft in the compact, but pack a lot of color and shimmer (which I love). I am not a fan of glitter, but I think shimmery shadow is youthful in neutral shades like these. Perfect for spring!

Visit www.mineralogie.biz to learn more and to purchase. Enjoy!