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Milani Cosmetics — Drugstore Luxury

Milani is a quality drugstore brand that was launched in 2002 and was first created for women of color. Now the line extends to all skin types, which is great for everyone who wants highly pigmented products at an affordable price!

I have been lucky enough to try quite a few products from Milani’s varied collection. Below are reviews of three of my (many) favorites.

Sunset Duos Blush and Bronzer ($6.49 ) — This is a wonderful product! The website states that it “delivers a fresh, cheeky blush and a healthy-glow bronzer in one convenient compact! Expertly matched blush & bronzer are pressed into one cake, taking out the guesswork on how to coordinate your makeup.” I completely agree! It comes in 6 duos. I have 01 Sunset City which is a shimmery light brown bronzer and a pretty peachy blush. I like to wear it two different ways. I either take the bronzer and apply it in an E or 3 depending on which side. This means I start at the temples and sweep down to my cheeks, then down to my chin, creating a natural bronzed look. I then apply the blush to the apples of my cheek. Or some times I swirl my brush around the bronzer and blush together and sweep it all over my face. Very pretty and fresh!

Buzzworthy Lip Gloss ($5.49) — I swear to you that my shade of gloss, 03 Bee Rich (a very sheer red) tastes just like a watermelon Jolly Rancher. Yum! This gloss has a nice slanted tip applicator that is easy to use and it creates a very glossy lip. For moisturized and smooth lips, this gloss was formulated with Honey Extracts, Cranberry Seed Oil, Jojoba Seed Oil and enriched with Vitamins A & E. Available in 9 shades.

Runway Eyes ($8.99) This is a unique eye shadow palette. There are six intense eye color bars in one compact. You can use the colors individually or combine them for a multidimensional impact, and they can be applied wet or dry. I have number 08 Catwalk, which include a dark gray, deep blue, burgundy, silver, bronze and white shadows. Although it sounds very dramatic, it is surprisingly wearable. A plus is that the colors last all day!

Visit www.milanicosmetics.com to learn more and find out where you can purchase these fun products!

ApHogee helps Restore Over-Processed Hair

ApHogee is a product line that was developed as a serious approach to hair care. The website states, “it has been proven that superior results require healthy hair with structural integrity and a proper balance of strength, elasticity, and smoothness. This is why ApHogee products include our exclusive PropHytamine Complex which utilizes precise levels of proteins, emollients, and humectants to achieve and maintain healthy hair.”

The cool thing about this line is that it can be used on all types and textures of hair including color-treated, permed and relaxed. It is touted to help in the treatment of severe hair damage, and the correction of dryness, dullness, brittleness, limpness, splitting, and frizz. Two of my favorite ApHogee products are.

Shampoo for Damaged Hair ($7.99) — This rich, luxurious shampoo was created to clean gently and to not harm color, perm or relaxer services. It contains proteins, emollients and vitamins to restore sheen and pliability to hair and can be used safely everyday on chemically treated hair. My hair gets so frizzy in the summer and I see an immediate difference after I use this shampoo. It instantly makes my hair soft and flowy. And it smells very refreshing and a bit citrusy.

Gloss Therapy Hair Polish — ($8.99) — This is a great, non-greasy hair gloss. Use a dime size on towel dried hair if it is fine,and apply more for coarser, thicker hair. It smooths, detangles and fixes split ends. Plus it shields hair against UV damage and frizz while brightening highlights.

Visit www.aphogee.com to learn more about the products and www.sallybeauty.com to purchase them.

L’eauparkenzo eau indigo

Kenzo has recently released a summer version of their popular L’eauparkenzo fragrances for men and women. The website describes these, “As night falls, L’eau par Kenzo becomes Eau Indigo, a pair of sensual fragrances for him and her inspired by the seductive dance of color and scent as dusk sets on water. Fresh, zesty notes unfold into a sensual base built around an amber note. L’eau par Kenzo eau Indigo captures the moment when twilight skims over water’s surface and the heat of the day tangos with chilly whispers of the night, releasing a unique scent suggestive of the possibility and adventure yet to come.”

These are very seductive, evening scents. The bottles are curved like waves and fit together. The man’s bottle is a dark blue and the women’s a deep purple.

L’eauparkenzo Eau Indigo ($55.00 USD) — The women’s scent is very warm and spicy. It is a great summer evening scent because it is glamorous and sultry. The notes are:

Top notes — bergamot essence and mandarin essence, Heart notes — sambac jasmine absolut, orange blossom absolut, and ylang ylang essence, Base notes — tonka bean absolut, amber note

L’eauparkenzo Eau Homme Indigo ($55.00 USD) — It’s interesting to me that the man’s fragrance seems lighter and fruitier than the women’s. It has a sultry base note of amber and tonka bean, but is fresher than the ultra-spicy woman’s scent.

An explosive zesty facet — ginger notes with gourmand and lemony hints, fresh spicy notes of coriander and elemi. A sensual woody facet — vibrant woody notes of vetiver and cedar, sensual amber notes of labdanum and tonka bean

You can learn more about this fab pair of fragrances at www.kenzousa.com and find a retailer near you.

Try Glominerals for Healty, Radiant Skin

glōminerals is a company that believes that good-for-you beauty doesn’t have to be basic. Their website states that the products are, “uniquely formulated utilizing only the finest pharmaceutical-grade ingredients, triple-milled high-pigment minerals, and an advanced antioxidant complex of Vitamins A, C, and E and green tea extract, glōminerals provides broad-spectrum UV protection and helps to defend against free radical damage, to deliver a radiant, healthy complexion. In addition, glōmineralsformulas are talc-free, non-comedogenic and free of perfumes and chemical dyes, making them suitable for even the most sensitive skin types, including those with acne and rosacea.”

These are lofty claims. Do the products live up to them? I say “yes”. I have tested their mineral powder base, liquid bronzer and lip plumper; and concur that the products are as luxurious as they are good-for-you.

gloPressed base ($39.00 USD) — available in 20 shades. This is a matte, not a sparkly, mineral base. You apply it by using a kabuki or powder brush in small circular motions to achieve perfect even coverage. Using the brush of choice apply gloPressed base to clean, moisturized skin, beginning with a small amount, and layering if needed. I found that I only needed a little of this base to achieve an even, flawless look. It stays on and looks fresh for most of the day.

gloSheer tint base bronzing gel ($30.00 USD)— This gel is creamy and easy to apply. When you first squeeze it out it seems really dark, but blends in and looks natural even on my pale skin! I think this would look lovely on all skin tones. I love that it isn’t shimmery at all, which is a nice break from all of the glittery bronzers on the market today. It just give the skin a subtle glow. I sometimes like a little shimmer with my bronzer for night, but this is a great for a day look. This sheer tint also repairs and protects skin from UV damage.

gloLip plumper ($16.00 USD) — This plumper is infused with spheres of Marine Collagen Atelocollgen, which work to plump lips by trapping water and swelling, thus providing volume to the skin’s structures. It is available in clear, perfect plum, very cherry, sheer berry, and copper shimmer. This plumper does swell the lips, but doesn’t sting, which makes it more comfortable to wear than some plumpers. You can use this under a gloss or lipstick, or use it on it’s own for a shimmery pout.

Visit www.glominerals.com to learn more about these great, healthy makeup options and to locate a retailer near you.

Revolution Organics

Revolution Organics All-Over Skin Creme

Looking for more choices in organic and natural cosmetics? You’ve come to the right place. Forty Flirty & Fabulous is a great source for reviews on good for you (and the earth) beauty products! I am always looking for new brands to review for you, like Revolution Organics.

Revolution Organics is a great new line of organic skincare and makeup. The website states, “We are the vanguard of an organic revolution that will forever change the face, body and soul of the prestige beauty market. Our products combine 100% USDA certified organic ingredients with fragrances derived from the pure essence oils of 100% organically grown flowers. Our products impart a revolutionary sense of liberty, individuality and well-being. Break free from the conventional and the unnatural.”

The All-Over Skin Crème ($28.00, 2 oz USD) is a wonderful product. It contains 15 nourishing organic ingredients and comes in a cardboard tube that is great for travel and you can keep later to store your treasures in. The scent is very refreshing with essential oils, vital plant extracts, vitamins and nutrients to replenish, moisturize & nourish skin plus a patented organic 3 tea compound that promotes cell rejuvenation, skin elasticity and age defying free radical fighting antioxidants. When I rub it on my arms or legs, it is very silky and cooling and even gives me a little glow.

Revolution Organics also has an organic lip balm, a body balm, and lip and cheek colors. To learn more, visit their website at www.revolutionorganics.com.

EOS — Evolution of Smooth

EOS — Evolution of Smooth is a cool and affordable product line that includes shaving creams and smoothing, organic lip balms.

The Smooth Sphere ($2.99 USD) is a wondrous little product. A good amount of velvety lip balm is housed in a tiny orb. It is easy to pop in your purse and is so cute! But the good news for your lips is that it keeps them smooth and moisturized for a long time. You don’t have to reapply all day, even though it is so much fun!

The balm is 95% organic, 100% natural and is petrolatum & paraben free. It is also packed with antioxidant-rich vitamin E, soothing shea butter and jojoba oil. Available in Sweet Mint, Summer Fruit, and my favorite, Honeysuckle Honeydew. The flavors are very refreshing.

: Ultra Moisturizing Shave Cream

The EOS Ultra Moisturizing Shave Cream ($3.99 USD) is a non-foaming cream enriched with natural aloe, oat, and shea butter. It is so creamy that you can shave wet or dry, which is convenient on a trip. It also contains antioxidant vitamins E & C for healthy skin. It comes in a soft-touch recyclable bottle that won’t leave a rust ring in your tub.

I really like this shave cream. I had to get used to the non-foaming idea at first, but then it was nice to know that the creamy texture helps guard from shaving cuts. I have Vanilla Bliss (yum!) and Cucumber Melon, but it also is available in Pomegranate Raspberry, Lavender Jasmine, Island Blue and Fragrance Free.

These products are luxurious and so affordable! I highly recommend visiting the website at www.evolutionofsmooth.com to purchase the products or find a retailer near you. Enjoy!

Comodynes — an Easy Way to a Safe Tan

Do you love being tan in the summer, but with the need to wear sunscreen, do not want to brave tanning in the sun? Do you love self-tanners but find them a little messy? Same here!

Comodynes has created not only a sunless tanning towelettes, they also have exfoliating towelettes to prepare your skin for tanning and after tanning towelettes to hydrate the skin. Their line also include skincare items and a great variety of makeup remover wipes. Just wipe and go with these products, no mess here!

To gain an even, golden tan with Comodynes, I like to start with the Easy Peeling Towelettes ($8 pack 12.99 USD). The website touts they, “eliminate dead cells, deeply clean pores and leave your skin feeling soft, smooth and renewed. Purify your skin and boost the action of your treatment cream and self-tanning products.” I use one all over my body before tanning and it dries really quickly, leaving me ready for the tanning towelettes.

I really like the individually wrapped Self Tanning Towlettes (8 pack $13.99 USD). The benefits stated on their website include, photoprotection, moisturizing, emollient and they contain 100% natural viscose. To use, I rub this in circles all over my body, making sure I cover all of the surface of my skin to prevent streaking. Don’t forget to wash hands after tanning!

The website at www.comodynes.net is a great place to learn more about these innovative products. You can purchase them online or find a store nearest you.

Green By Nature

Looking for an affordable natural product line? I love finding new “green” products because not only are they good for the environment and our bodies, the potent scents are usually pretty fantastic!

Green by Nature is an all natural bath and body care line. All products are 95% plus natural, and free of parabens, sulfates, DEA, petroleum, propylene glycol, sacchrine, dioxin and phthalates.

Each Green by Nature Product contanins a beldn of six bio-renewable ingredients: grapeseed extract, shea butter, pistachio oil, aloe leaf extract, rosehip oil and beeswax. Infused with all natural antioxidants, emollients, conditioners and vitamins to benefit the skin and provide protection from the environment.

I really love the Banana Shea Body Lotion ($9.99 7.4 oz). It also comes in Almond Cocoa and Mint Green Tea fragrances. The Banana Shea smells like fresh bananas and my kids think it smells so yummy! I don’t have to worry about them using it because it is 96.6% natural.

The lip butters are so affordable (only $2.99 USD) and taste and smell wonderful. They are available in 10 flavors and are very moisturizing.

The Lemon Verbena Cuticle Cream ($6.50 USD) is good for dry and cracked cuticles. I like to rub it on my fingertips at night and let it soak it. And like the other products, it is very fresh smelling.

You can purchase these products on line at www.greenbynaturebeauty.com or check out your local Target.

Folicure Makes Fine Hair Full

Folicure is a haircare line to help thicken fine and thinning help. The Folicure’s System promotes a clean scalp and fuller, thicker hair with scientific formulas specially developed for fine or thinning hair. Folicure treatment, shampoo, conditioners, and styling products may be used individually or in conjunction with one another for maximum benefits.

Folicure Shampoo (approx. 14.75 USD) was created to remove sebum and clean gently without stripping away natural nutrients found on a healthy scalp. Folicure Original Conditioner’s (approx. 14.75 USD) exclusive scientific formulation provides added body, fullness and shine to fine and thinning hair. This conditioner is left in the hair and continues to work until it is washed out. It contains no greasy additives to weigh hair down.

I really like the shampoo it really cleans the hair, but still keeps it soft. The conditioner works well, too, but the very strong peppermint scent is a little much for me. My husband really likes both products. They would work well for both men and women.

The Folicure website, www.folicure.com, is down right now, but check back to learn more about the products, which are sold on various beauty websites. Just search for Folicure to find what you need.

Solerra Sunless Tanning

Looking for a different way to tan? Solerra Sunless Tanning Mitt ($24.95 for 5 ) is a very innovative product. A glove with four layers contains the sunless tanning solution so the hands will not get stained during application. This means that you don’t automatically have to wash them after you apply the product. And because it dries fairly quickly, this is a great on-the-go self tanner.

Solerra Sunless Tanning Mitt contains Invisicare — which allows an even all-over aabsorption of the tan without the use of silicones, alcohol, gels, wasxes or other skin damaging delivery systems.

I really like that one applications gives a light, golden tan without streaking. If you wish to go darker, you can use another mitt. Layering the color allows for more even coverage.

Solerra also has other great products like the Pre-Tan Body-Buff exfoliating mitt ($11.97 for 3 ). Scrub this on dry, clean skin right before your tan. It will exfoliate and prepare the skin for tanning and it dries in minutes — no need to rinse off. They also have self-tanning cream, sunscreen and after-tanning lotion.

Visit the website at www.solera.com to purchase these products or learn more about them.