Author: fortyflirtyfabulous

New GO SMiLE Products Plus a Fantastic Giveaway!

White teeth is a fairly easy way to polish a look. But unless you want to have your teeth professionally whitened (which is very expensive), it can be messy and painful to whiten at home.

That’s why I was excited to try the following GO SMiLE products. They are very easy to use and didn’t irritate my extremely sensitive teeth. Plus, big news, I am giving away a package of these three products to one of my amazing readers! Here are the descriptions of the products:  

1.      NEW Speed Whitening System ($99.00 USD): Speed Whitening System is the latest GO SMiLE home teeth whitening innovation – a two-step “prime-and-whiten” application that cuts whitening time in half!  The secret is our exclusive patent-pending Pre-Whitening Gel – a clear, flavorless first coat that accelerates the release of stain-fighting oxygen ions in our patented whitening ampoules, while virtually eliminating tooth sensitivity. This dual-action system is clinically proven to whiten up to 8 shades in 4 days! 
2.      NEW Green Apple Luxury Toothpaste ($16.00 USD): GO SMiLE Green Apple Luxury Toothpaste is a delicious way to keep your teeth white and healthy. A luscious twist on your everyday ritual, Green Apple Toothpaste will invigorate your day with refreshing flavor. With whitening and cavity protection, plus a delicious aromatherapy blend, it’s specially formulated to keep teeth bright and give your smile a refreshing sensory experience!
3.      Touch Up® Ampoules in Green Apple ($35.00 USD for 30): Once you’ve whitened your teeth, use smile perfecting Touch Up ampoules to help polish teeth and keep them white. Just Flip, Pop, Touch Up™ after eating and drinking to help keep stains from setting on teeth. These portable, single-dose ampoules work like a mid-day brush, specifically targeting the bacteria that cause bad breath and refreshing the entire mouth, no sink required.

I have been using all of these products and really love them. The Speed Whitening System was easy to use, tastes good (not bleachy) and didn’t irritate my teeth and gums. It really whitened, too. The Green Apple toothpaste is pretty yummy and keeps teeth white. The Touch Up ampoules are fun to use and great for after lunch, at work or at any time! You can purchase these at www.gosmile.com.

To win ALL THREE of these products worth a combined value of $150.00 leave a comment on my blog telling me that you would love to try GO SMiLE. For an extra entry, like GO SMiLE on Facebook or follow them on Twitter, then email me at lorena.emerson@gmail.com to let me know. I will be drawing a winner on Friday, March 4, 2011. Good Luck!

d.j.v beautenizer Volume Lash

d.j.v beautenizer Volume Lash

If you have been reading my blog for a while, you will know that I love reviewing new mascaras. My favorites are ones that lengthen, volumize and do not smudge. A tall order? Perhaps, but I think I found a mascara that provides all three. 

It is d.j.v. beautenizer Volume Lash mascara ($24.00). This mascara, available in Pure Black, claims that it volumizes, conditions and smudge-proofs each and every lash. Volume Lash’s versatile volume sculpting brush is designed to hold plenty of its new, 3D film-coating formula to cover and condition all your lashes with nourishing oils. This quick dry formula prevents lashes from clumping while giving you an all day smudge-free look. Of course, when you’re ready to remove Volume Lash at the end of the day, all you need is warm water. It’s fuss-free.

I love that this mascara does volumize plus lengthen. It also doesn’t smear, but flakes a bit at the end of the day. Removal is a bit tough, you need lots of water to get it all off. Makeup wipes do not work on it. But, if you want a dramatic look, this product delivers!

This is available exclusively in Sephora, Sephora inside JCPenney and Sephora Canada.

LORAC 3D Multidimensional Beauty Collection

The 3D Multidimensional Beauty Collection from LORAC is a great way to infuse your Spring makeup look with some shimmer. The products below are very unique in that many of them include holographic pigments. The products are:

MULTIPLEX 3D LASHES MASCARA ($22) – This volumizing and thickening mascara takes your lashes to the next level by instantly delivering 3 times the volume.  MULTIPLEX 3D LASHES has a buildable, smudge-resistant and multidimensional formula that creates a dramatic lash look.  Featuring beneficial ingredients like silk and keratin to nourish and condition.  The professional curved brush easily grabs, lifts and curls for maximum coverage and length.

3D LIQUID LUSTRE ($16) – A shimmering top coat that lets you amp up your look.  This paraben-free, long-lasting, shimmering coat can be applied over eye shadow or worn alone on eyes and cheeks for a luminous, prismatic 3-Dimensional sparkle and shine.

3-in-1 WATERPROOF EYELINER PENCIL ($18) – Get sexy, smoldering, defined eyes with this no-smudge, no-budge waterproof eyeliner pencil.  This new eyeliner features a creamy, velvety-smooth texture and intense rich color that easily glides on for a clean, precise line.  This transfer-resistant retractable pencil is equipped with its own sharpener and “smudger” for effortless, versatile application.  Available in Ultra Black, Chocolate and Eggplant.

MULTIPLEX 3D EYE SHADOW PALETTE ($38) – This Sephora Exclusive Limited Edition Palette contains high-wattage 3-Dimensional color with 6 velvety-smooth shadows infused with luminous, prismatic, holographic lustre, long-lasting pigments and versatile color.  The shadows can be worn dry for a soft, natural finish or wet for a more intense color pigment.  It can even be worn wet or dry as an eyeliner.  The faux animal print palette fits perfectly in your purse or clutch and is very on-trend for the season!

MULTIPEX 3D LIP GLOSS DUO ($28) – Get two glam and gorgeous shades of our popular Multiplex 3D Lip Gloss for the sexiest lips ever!  This innovative, paraben-free lip gloss contains holographic pigments, long-lasting color and high-lacquer shine.  The duo features 2 shades – 3D (Rose Bronze with glitter) and 4D (Bubble Gum Pink with glitter).

MULTIDIMENSIONAL BEAUTY COLLECTION ($35) – This ULTA Exclusive Collection contains everything you need for MULTIDIMENSIONAL eyes and lips.  Featuring 3 prismatic light-reflecting shadows for dramatic shimmering color and MULTIPLEX 3D Lip Gloss in ULTA GLAM for super glossy 3D lips.  All enclosed in a metallic mesh makeup case that can double as your evening clutch.

I tested the 3D Eye Shadow Palette and the 3-in-1 Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil. I love the shadows because not only do they give a great variety for many looks — the multi-dimensional shimmer is really gorgeous. The color included are Opalescent Gold with Pink Pearl, Amber Bronze with Gold Pearl, Red/Brown with Green Pearl, Silver with White Pearl, Royal Blue with Electric Blue Pearl, and Midnight Black with Holographic 3D Glitter. The ones I have been loving are the gold with the pink pearl because it is soft and pretty and the red-brown with green because it is so amazing. I dust it over my lid and when I turn my head the color changes. So cool! The shadows are also very long-lasting.  

The eyeliner is very good, too. It has a fairly soft consistency and can give a light or heavy line. It is also very pigmented and stays on all day!

Visit www.sephora.com, www.ulta.com, and www.loraccosmetics.com to learn more and purchase. Enjoy! 

China Glaze Anchors Away Spring 2011 Collection

China Glaze Anchors Away Spring 2011 Collection

Sail away this spring in 12 nautically-inspired colors from China Glaze. These bold and confident brights are reminiscent of a carefree natural getaway, with soft ethereal hues that inspire leisurely thoughts of sand and sea. Colors in this collection include:
 
·        Life Preserver: Highly pigmented and luxurious poppy crème. 
·        Hey Sailor: Vibrant crème red. 
·        Ahoy!: Delightfully intense pink that flashes with reflective glass speck.
·        First Mate: Sophisticated and rich navy crème.
·        Starboard: Hip and playful green crème. 
·        Lighthouse: Multi-dimensional, bright yellow glass speck.
·        White Cap: Whimsical and sparkling multi-dimensional white.
·        Pelican Gray: High shine, cool toned grey crème. 
·        Sea Spray: Calming pale blue crème. 
·        Below Deck: A flirty mix of taupe and violet.
·        Sunset Sail: Delightful peachy pink high shine crème. 
·        Knotty: Micro-particle beige shimmer.

Visit www.chinaglaze.com to learn more. China Glaze nail lacquers are available through salons and professional beauty supply stores nationwide.

FACE Stockholm Spring 2011 Bohemian Rhapsody Collection

FACE Stockholm Spring 2011 Bohemian Rhapsody

 

Spring 2011 breezes in with a Bohemian twist on a classical theme, inspired by the paintings of the Pre-Raphaelites.

Here’s what you’ll need:

Roz Lip Pencil ($17.00 USD) — Medium Rose Pink
Romance Lipstick ($22.00 USD) — Shimmery Rose
Lipgloss 1 ($19.00 USD) — Clear
Rio Creme Blush ($25.00 USD) — Sheer Fuchsia
Black Eye Pencil ($17.00 USD) — Darkest Black
Sophisticated Matte Shadow ($20.00 USD) — Matte Ivory
#26 Pearl Shadow ($19.00 USD) — Medium Pearly Charcoal
Sensitive Eye Dust ($22.00 USD) — Pinky Beige Shimmer
#28 Nail Polish ($12.00 USD) — Iridescent light pink



This is such a bright, pretty look, especially the lipstick and blush — they really wake up tired winter skin! I also love the shimmer on the eyes and nails. I am so happy to see such pretty spring colors after the long cold winter!

You can purchase these gorgeous colors at www.facestockholm.com. Enjoy the look of early spring!

NEW StriVectin-SD® for Sensitive Skin

NEW StriVectin-SD® for Sensitive Skin

Strangely enough, I find that as my skin ages, it becomes more sensitive. I was excited to try a new sensitive skin cream from StriVectin hoping that it would address some of my anti-aging concerns without making it red and uncomfortable. 

The product is called StriVectin-SD® for Sensitive Skin Intensive Concentrate for Stretch Marks & Wrinkles ($79.00 USD). A mouthful, I know, but a really great product. The claim is that it is, “is an anti-aging powerhouse, developed exclusively for sensitive skin. 100% of StriVectin’s collagen-building, wrinkle-reducing, anti-aging power. And none of the oils or fragrances that cause irritation and leave sensitive skin vulnerable to accelerated aging.”

This cream is for the 49% of women 25+ with sensitive skin who are battling the signs of aging. When using conventional products, they are prone to redness, dryness, flare-ups, burning and stinging. It includes the benefits of collagen building, wrinkle-reducing, anti-aging power with no oils or fragrances. Through NIA-114™, it strengthens skin’s protective layer so wrinkles diminish, tone evens and texture smoothes. Sensitive skin feels less sensitive.

StriVectin-SD® for Sensitive Skin is fragrance-free, oil-free, paraben-free, allergen-free, and artificial dye-free. This soothing formula contains Nia-114, active peptides, rose & cucumber extracts, and oat kernel extract to deliver powerful results in a gentle way.

What I think: The very first time I used this product, I noticed immediate smoothing and brightening of my skin. It was very surprising. So many face creams make my skin red at first, before the benefits kick in, so I am not used to such fast results.

I have now been using the cream twice a day for a few weeks and love using it. It hydrates my dry, winter skin leaving it feeling soft and nourished. My skin looks noticeably younger because of the glow and smoothness it imparts.

I highly recommend the StriVectin-SD® for Sensitive Skin Intensive Concentrate for Stretch Marks & Wrinkles for the face. I haven’t tried it on my stretch marks, but I bet it would help. You can purchase this at www.strivectin.com and www.sephora.com

Tired of Drying Shampoos? Try WEN Hair Care by Chaz Dean!

I have been wanting to try WEN’s Cleansing Conditioner for a while now. I love the idea of a cleanser that is not harsh on the hair and that does the job of cleanser and conditioner in one product.

WEN® Pomegranate Cleansing Conditioner ($28.00 USD) is the newest formula of a universal cleanser designed to give all hair types the moisture and hydration they need to stay healthy, shiny and manageable. It is an incredibly rich, yet lightweight formula that thoroughly cleanses and also gives body, volume and a smooth, polished finish. Other uses besides cleanser and conditioner are deep-conditioner, leave-in conditioner, detangler, and shaving cream.

The Pomegranate formula claims to leave hair healthy, shiny, moist, clean, soft, light, and manageable. The active ingredients are

Pomegranate Extract: Has anti-oxidant properties comparable to wine or green tea. It is also incredibly hydrating.
Hydrolyzed Soy Protein: Protein derived from soya beans. Increases strength and manageability.
Organic Aloe Vera Leaf Juice: Healing, moisturizing, antifungal, antibacterial properties.
Rosemary Extract: Amazing antioxidant properties, stimulates hair growth and fights scalp problems.
Chamomile Extract: Calming, soothing, with antibiotic and anti-inflammatory properties. Also used for dry, flaky skin.
Marigold Extract: Helpful as an antiseptic, healing wounds and reducing inflammation.
Menthol: Has local anesthetic and counter-irritant qualities. Can also reduce itching and tenderness.
Wild Cherry Fruit Extract: Soothing and anti-inflammatory.
Panthenol Pro-Vitamin B5: Acts as a penetrating moisturizer. Reduces split ends, smooths skin and strengthens hair as it seals in moisture.

I also tested the WEN® Replenishing Treatment Mist ($32.00 USD).  Infused with a unique blend of restorative botanicals and extracts, the multipurpose WEN® Replenishing Treatment Mist can be used to revive and restyle hair in between cleansings and can also be used as a light-weight formulation in place of a leave-in conditioner for those with hair lacking volume or body. Misting your hair with the WEN® Replenishing Treatment Mist will aid in rejuvenating dry, frizzy, dehydrated hair by giving it the moisture it needs to remain soft, healthy and luxurious. The WEN® Replenishing Treatment Mist can also be used for extra hydration to refresh the face and/or set make-up, and it is also very beneficial as a moisturizing spray on the body.
After cleansing with  Cleansing Conditioner, mist the midshaft and ends of your hair with the WEN® Replenishing Treatment Mist thoroughly. Rake and twist your fingers through your hair until the spray has been completely absorbed into your hair. Follow with the WEN® Styling Creme & Volumizing Treatment Spray. You may also mist on dry/styled hair to add extra moisture and hydration.
What I think: I like these products, but there is a learning curve in using them, especially the cleansing conditioner since it is such a different way to wash hair. I suggest that you follow the instructions carefully.
I have noticed that my hair has changed over the couple of weeks that I have been using WEN®. It first made my hair a bit frizzy, but now my hair is softer and shinier. I have recently colored my hair and the color is staying rich and dark (like it should be). My hair is also starting to get thicker. Over time, I think it will even improve more!
I also really like the treatment mist. It smells refreshing and it tames my hair when it becomes frizzy.  I used it on wet and dry hair. I think it will also be great in the summer, maybe I will keep it in the fridge for a refreshing body and face spray!
Visit www.chazdean.com or www.qvc.com to purchase. Enjoy!

Clairol Nice ‘n Easy Color Blend Foam

Clairol Nice ‘n Easy Color Blend Foam

I usually cover my grays at home. Of course it is much less expensive than going to a salon, but these days new formulas make it fairly easy, too!

This year, Clairol Nice ‘n Easy is making this even easier for women who color at-home with a new formula.  Nice ‘n Easy Color Blend Foam ($8.00 USD) offers women a breakthrough usage experience, alleviating many of the application burdens associated with at-home hair color while maintaining the same dimensional color result they know and love from Nice ‘n Easy.   This new, easy-to-apply hair color formula begins as a liquid, then applies as a foam. And it puts dimensional hair color right at your fingertips

Like traditional colorants, the tint and developer come separately in liquid form, but they mix and combine easily in the custom-designed foamer bottle. To produce the foam, simply shake the mixture with the cap on. Then using the foamer top, squeeze the foam into your gloved hand. The unique foamer bottle helps ensure control and consistency of the foam throughout the coloring process. When you squeeze it from the bottle, it stays in your gloved hand without dripping. Then simply use your fingertips to work it into your hair for ultimate precision.

Color Blend Foam gives you six times more product volume versus a traditional liquid or crème colorant, offering effortless and complete coverage. With Color Blend Foam, it’s easy to cover every strand over your entire head. Once it is applied to your hair, your hair’s natural oils collapse the foam. The resulting liquid is drawn through the hairs, allowing the color to penetrate hair quickly and evenly from root to tip. Color Blend Foam will not begin to collapse until it’s applied to your hair.

I really liked using this formula. Once I combined the tint and developer, I shook it up, then squeezed the bottle and the foam appeared.  I then applied it first to my scalp and then all over with my gloved hands. It was very fast and easy. I then wiped the excess away from my hairline and temples and it stayed in place for the 25 minutes it took to develop. After I rinsed it out and dried my hair, I was left with a rich color that entirely covered my grays!

You can purchase this fab hair color at a drugstore or mass market retailer near you. Enjoy!  

Smell Sweet This Valentine’s Day With Thymes, One and Bodycology

There are so many ways to try a new fragrance. And these great choices are perfect to give or treat yourself for Valentine’s Day.

Bodycology Midnight Garden Body Cream ($4.99 USD) –For Daily Rejuvenation: Smooth over skin, giving special care to dry or rough areas such as hands, elbows, knees and heels – for softening that feels like blissful indulgence
Beneficial Ingredients: Moisturizing Aloe Vera, Shea Butter and Nourishing Vitamins E & C.

Violets, lavender and rose mingle to produce a fragrance that is reminiscent of a moonlit garden. You can purchase this at Walmart.

One Lotion Massage Bar ($9.99);Blended with the finest moisturizing butters and essential oils, the calming bar instantly melts into skin to release tension and help you unwind. Just massage onto skin, concentrating on tired muscles and sore areas. Housed in an eco-friendly, recyclable tin, the Lotion Massage Bar is a loving indulgence you can feel good about. You can purchase at  Target Stores, Target.com and Walgreens.com

Thymes Offerings Love Candle ($26.00); It’s a scent evocative of a heartfelt emotion. Each time the recipient lights The Offerings Love Candle by Thymes, her home is filled with feelings of warmth. With a blend of heady tuberose, dewy jasmine, golden apricot nectar and exotic Hinoki wood, The Offerings Love Candle envelops the room with a rich, comforting aroma that burns cleanly for up to sixty hours. Housed in an opaque cream glass with subtle white starburst designs, The Offerings Love Candle makes the perfect adornment for your dresser or bedside table. And, as a unique expression of Valentine’s Day love, the inner packaging of The Offerings Love Candle can be personalized with your own inspired inscription. Simply handwrite your loving message on the inside flap of the candle’s box.

Purchase this and other great products at  www.thymes.com.

Cricket Friction Free Paddle Brush

Cricket’s Friction Free Paddle Brush

Flyaway hair driving you crazy this winter? Besides loading your hair down with product, you can tame that wayward hair with a friction free brush by Cricket. Cool huh?

Designed with comfort, performance and results in mind, this brush is crafted using a special blend of polymers to reduce friction caused by brushing, combing and styling hair.  Friction makes locks lose their shine.  Bristles are ion-infused with tourmaline to impart moisture into the hair, reducing static electricity and creating incredibly smooth shine.

What I think: This brush instantly detangles mine and my daughters’ hair — it glides right through without pulling. I also notice that when I use the brush my hair it is smoother and less static-y. Very nice!

The Friction Free Paddle Brush ($9.95 — $12.99)is available at www.amazon.com and other beauty supply stores.