fortyflirtyfabulous

The Award-Winning White Sands Curling Iron

White Sands, a professional hair care manufacturer rated as one of Hollywood’s most requested product lines, is proud to announce their Spring Marcel Curling Iron ($110.00 USD) as the recipient of Best Curling Iron for Essence Magazine’s 2011 Beauty Awards!

These innovative and now award-winning curling irons are one of the first in the beauty industry to fuse the Marcel and Spring Load curling iron methods into ONE tool. Utilize the professionalism of a Marcel curling iron to create beautiful waves or switch to the direct control of a Spring Load without the need for multiple irons.

Available in 3 sizes (1″, 1.25″, & 1.33″), this light weight Professional Titanium Iron is the secret to achieve beautifully designed and polished curls. Maintain total styling control with a smart tool providing an instant and even heat with a Digital LED Temperature Setting ranging from 122 – 410°F. As the smoothest surface available for tools, tresses will effortlessly glide over the Titanium barrel for styling free of unwanted tugging, snags, or breakage. This cutting edge material produces the iron’s even heat distribution, emitting negative ions to create soft, silky hair.

What I think: This is a great curling iron! I tried the 1.25″ size and it gave me big curls that I brushed out into soft waves — very pretty. I used it on my 6-year-old daughter and created fun barrel curls. She looked so cute! And it was so easy to use. I love that the barrel can rotate, which made it easy when I switched hands and directions of curl, the rotating barrel made the transition easy. It also heated extremely quickly, which is important for curling children’s hair — they do not want to wait a long time!

This curling iron is available at fine salons & www.whitesandsproducts.com.

DERMAdoctor Litmus Test Glycolic Acid Facial Cleansing Gel

Looking for a great anti-aging cleanser? DERMAdoctor’s Litmus Test Glycolic Acid Cleansing Gel ($25.00 USD) cleanses away impurities, removes environmental debris, dirt, excess skin oils and makeup. Leaves skin refreshed and radiant.

Features:

Buffered Glycolic Acid – Medically recognized as the superior AHA option for removing skin impurities and restoring a glowing complexion.

Benefits:

Restores essential healthy skin chemistry with a unique pH balanced foaming formulation
Exfoliates cellular build-up and clears impurities, make-up, excess skin oil
Can be incorporated into all skincare regimens
Ideal for all skin types

Dermatologist Tested, Non Irritating, Non Drying, Non Comedogenic, pH Balanced, Paraben Free, Soap Free, Oil Free, Fragrance Free, Dye Free, No Animal Testing.

What I think: This is a really nice foaming cleanser that doesn’t irritate the skin. I like that it is fragrance-free and that it foams and rinses clean. I have been using it every other day, because I have extremely sensitive skin and it irritates it a little. But once the redness abates, my skin glows and looks clearer! For non-sensitive skin this can be used every day.

Visit www.dermadoctor.com to learn more and to purchase.

Announcing The Winner Of My EcoTools Giveaway!

Congrats to Erin from Canada, who won the EcoTools by Alicia Silverstone – 5 Piece Brush and Case Set! I know she will love this great eco-conscious set!

For my other readers — stay tuned because I’m sure I will be having another giveaway soon! Thanks for reading!

Hot New Product — Hourglass Aura Sheer Cheek Stain

I have been excited to try Hourglass’s new Aura Sheer Cheek Stain ($45.00 USD). I have seen ads for it for the last few weeks, and it is even a featured new product on the Sephora website.

So does it live up to the hype, you ask? I think so.

The Aura Cheek Stain is a water-based stain that give cheeks a subtle lit-from-within glow and to last all day. Spring makeup is about looking effortlessly beautiful, and this product embodies this by being so easy to apply. Aura’s unique click mechanism dispenses the perfect amount of product for convenient on-the-go application, and has a sponge applicator which makes it easy to blend.

This product is enriched with Vitamin E to help improve skin’s moisture retention and is free of oil, fragrance, and phthalates. Available in three shades: Rouge (sheer rose); Flush (sheer red); Petal (sheer pink/coral shimmer). I have tested Petal and love the color. It is a soft pinky coral with a subtle shimmer. Anti-aging tip: pinks and corals are perfect for us women who want to look younger. A soft flush is extremely youthful. Pinks and corals are also perfect as a lip gloss for a younger-looking pout!

This blush is currently available at www.sephora.com and www.hourglasscosmetics.com.

Organix Renewing Moroccan Argan Oil Collection

Argan Oil is currently my favorite ingredient for hair care. It makes hair shiny and manageable without it being greasy. I especially like argan oil treatments. I know that oil in hair can be scary, but if you put the right amount in, you get incredible shine and softness!

Organix has recently come out with an affordable Argan Oil Collection that includes the following benefits:

Sulfate and Paraben Free
Organic Active Ingredients
Amazing Scents
Safe For Color-Treated Hair
Safe for All Hair Types

The products in the collection are:

Renewing Moroccan Argan Oil Shampoo & Conditioner ($7.99 USD) — Indulge the senses with this precious blend of Moroccan argan oil which instantly penetrates the hair shaft restoring shine and softness while strengthening. This renewing formula is free of sulfates and parabens, and is safe for color-treated hair. Organix Renewing Moroccan Argan Oil Shampoo and Conditioner will restore moisture to dry hair, protect from styling heat and UV damage while creating soft, seductive, silky perfection

Renewing Moroccan Argan Oil Penetrating Oil ($7.99 USD) — This rare, ultra light weight formula is nature’s secret to silky perfection! Derived from the southwest region of Morocco, argan oil instantly penetrates the hair shaft to seal in shine and protect from styling heat and UV damage. Organix Renewing Moroccan Argan Oil Penetrating Oil fights frizz, strengthens and moisturizes dry, brittle hair to give you smooth sexy tresses.

Renewing Moroccan Argan Oil Renewing Treatment ($7.99 USD) — Renew your hair’s inner health with argan oil nutrients, antioxidants, and vitamin E. Organix Renewing Moroccan Argan Oil Renewing Treatment is a deep conditioning, exotic formula to add brilliant shine and create lush softness without leaving any heavy residue which can weigh hair down.

These are great products for the price. Visit www.organixhair.com to learn more and you can purchase at drugstores and mass market retailers

New Bronzing Kit From Cargo

A few warm spring days has got me looking towards warmer weather and sun-kissed skin! My skin is pasty and could really use some sun (fake of course, I make sure to use SPF everyday).

A good substitute for sun or sunless tanner is CARGO’s Voyages Bronzing Collection ($25.00 USD). This includes CARGO’s Bronzer in Medium packaged in a signature tin, a Kabuki Brush, and a cute travel bag.

This is a really pretty bronzer and the brush is perfect for application, plus the whole kit fits in your purse. Very nice for traveling. CARGO is known for their fab bronzers and the look is so natural, but has a little shimmer to it.

This kit is sold exclusively at Sephora inside JC Penney. Enjoy!

Don’t Forget to Enter my EcoTools by Alicia Silverstone Giveaway!

Hi All — Don’t forget to enter my fab giveaway! I am giving away this awesome brush and makeup case set by EcoTools by Alicia Silverstone ($15.99 USD). These brushes are earth friendly, so soft and apply makeup like a dream. I have used many EcoTools brushes and love them all. Environmentally minded Alicia Silverstone designed the set. The details are:

CASE

Case is made with natural hemp material.
Lining is made with recycled plastic (PET).
Floral design is printed with non-toxic inks.

BRUSHES

Highly sustainable bamboo handles.
100% cruelty-free, soft taklon bristles.
Recycled aluminum ferrules.

PACKAGING

Box is made from 30% post-consumer recycled content and printed with non-toxic inks.

This limited edition EcoTools by Alicia Silverstone Brush Set and Case includes a Finishing Brush, Blush Brush, Angled Eye Shadow Brush, Lash & Brow Groomer and Brush Case. All the tools you need to create Alicia’s natural look!

Contest is open to United States and Canadian residents. To win, leave a comment on my blog. For extra entries follow me on Twitter @fortyflirtyfab and/or subscribe to my blog at the right side of my site’s home page. I will draw the winner on Friday, March 18, 2011. Good luck!

China Glaze Crackle — The Hot New Nail Trend de Jour!

Looking for the hot new nail trend for 2011? Two-toned nails with a “crackled” top coat, is the it thing right now. And you can do it yourself with China Glaze Crackle polish (8.00 USD)! China Glaze brings a whole new level to the game with “Crackle” polish! Create endless edgy looks and make a statement with fun, fearless, color. Everyone has asked for it, and now China Glaze is giving it to them! The six different Crackle colors include:

Lightning Bolt – White Crackle
Black Mesh – Black Crackle
Broken Hearted – Pink Crackle
Cracked Concrete – Grey Crackle
Fault Line – Purple Crackle
Crushed Candy – Teal Crackle

An innovative technology allows you to play with a wide array of color combinations and achieve an edgy, new wave look. This unique formula was developed to give your nails a “crackled” design over traditional nail color. Contrasting colors are used one over another to achieve a deconstructed shatter look that takes place right before your eyes. Instant art for your nails!

How do you do it? It’s easy! Apply your favorite China Glaze glitter, shimmer or crème. Depending on the color you are using, apply either one or two coats for full coverage. When the colored enamel is dry, brush on a thin layer of the Crackle color. Allow the Crackle to work its magic during dry time. After approximately 5 minutes when the crackled design has completely formed, apply a top coat to seal the design for prolonged wear.

I applied China Glaze Re-Fresh Mint (a soft mint green from the Up and Away collection), let it dry completely, and applied Cracked Concrete over it. It works almost like magic as it shatters apart right before your eyes! Once that dried, I applied a top coat to seal the look. It lasted almost a week! Remember to apply a thin coat so it cracks apart easier. This is a really cool look, not too office friendly (unless you work at a casual office like I do), but perfect for night out!

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, visit: www.chinaglaze.com or follow China Glaze on Twitter: http://twitter.com/ChinaGlaze

New V05 Perfect Hold Styling Products

With gas prices rising, I am on the lookout for affordable beauty products. If you want hair styling products that work well and are extremely affordable, try V05 Perfect Hold Styling Line. This line consists of 4 different products are formulated with a unique polymer blend that assures long-lasting, all-day hold and a lightweight feel. The products in the line are:Perfect Hold Aerosol Hairspray — This lightweight aerosol hairspray is formulated with a select blend of polymers to provide strong hold while still leaving hair feeling healthy.

Perfect Hold Non-Aerosol Hairspray — This non-aerosol hair spray has a multi-polymer system known for benchmark levels of humidity resistance, providing strong hold while leaving hair feeling soft.

Perfect Hold Styling Mousse — This mousse prevents frizz and holds curl in place with it’s unique multi-polymer system, while giving hair the bounce and shine it deserves.

Perfect Hold Styling Gel — This gel is formulated from a base designed for simplicity to provide great styling hold without stiffness, even in humidity.

These product each retail for $2.00 USD — which is phenomenal for the quality you get. The non-aerosol hairspray is my favorite because it imparts a shine and leaves my hair soft. The gel also gibes great shine and the mousse is perfect for curly girls. Plus, the scent is very nice — my teenage daughter took the aerosol hairspray and uses it over expensive hairsprays that she owns because of the great scent!

These products are available at drugstores and mass-market retailers near you. Enjoy the savings!

Great For Traveling — Lavanila Fragrances

Looking for a great, portable fragrance? Lavanila Laboratories presents the Healthy Fragrance Collection in two pretty, portable, and airplane friendly renditions—The Healthy Roller Ball Fragrance and The Healthy Fragrance One-Ounce Collection. Completely free of harsh chemicals typically found in fragrance, now you can enjoy Lavanila’s fresh, clean blends and revel in powerful, skin-healthy ingredients anytime, anywhere.

Lavanila has changed the way we spray and roll on fragrance with the World’s First Healthy Fragrance collection. The first to fuse luxury fragrance with natural science, all Lavanila scents are free of chemically-laden alcohol, petrochemicals, phthalates, synthetic colors, silicone, synthetic preservatives, sulfates, parabens, and propylene glycol that can dry and damage the skin and are instead formulated with 100% natural ingredients such as pure essential oils and skin soothing botanicals. With each spray or roll, a daily dose of 30 essential vitamins and minerals and 19 amino acids is delivered to the skin and locked below the skin’s epidermis via an exclusive marine technology.

Lavanila Healthy Roller Ball Fragrance ($19 each): Housed in a sleek, spill-proof bottle, this travel-sized roller-ball perfume eliminates the risk of spills—a must for any purse or cosmetics case.

Lavanila Healthy Fragrance One-Ounce Collection ($39 each): These cute and convenient minis fit in your carry-on cosmetics case so you never have to be without your favorite Lavanila fragrances, even on the plane.

The Lavanila Healthy Roller Ball Fragrance and One Ounce Fragrances are available in the following scents:

Pure Vanilla: a soothing blend of rich Madagascar vanilla and soft freesia
Vanilla Grapefruit: a refreshing blend of pink grapefruit and warm Madagascar vanilla
Vanilla Coconut: an exotic blend of fresh coconut oil, tiare flower and warm Madagascar vanilla
Vanilla Lavender: a tranquil blend of Spanish lavender, rose absolute, violet leaf, and warm Madagascar vanilla

I have tried the Healthy Fragrance One-Ounce in Vanilla Coconut. I love the sweet, tropical scent that has a warm lasting note. Very nice!

You can purchase these fab fragrances at Sephora, www.sephora.com and www.lavanila.com. Enjoy!