fortyflirtyfabulous

Get Smooth Feet this Summer with Kenzo

Kenzo has recently released Barefeet Fantasy ($30.00 USD), a rich balm to get the feel ready for sandals this summer. The ingredients include cupuaçu butter (an herbal butter belonging to the cacao family) and shea butter to nourish and sooth the feet. It also contains rice plant water which has been touted to reinforce the antiradical activity of anti-oxidizing agents.

Before applying the balm, I like to scrub my feet with Kenzo’s Milky Rice Body Scrub ($42.00 USD) — which is also a great scrub for the whole body. It has a very unusual texture from the exfoliating particles that contain rice wax and rice powder, but it smooths the skin very nicely.

Both products’ fragrance is from Kenzo’s Sensual line of body products, with the main scent being rice water. The scent is very soft and musky and is very nice.

To learn more or purchase these products and others from Kenzo, visit the website at www.kenzousa.com.

Make a Splash with FACE Stockholm’s Summer Look!

FACE Stockholm is a fashion forward brand of luxury makeup. Founded in Sweden by Gun Nowak in the 1980’s, FACE Stockholm can be found worldwide. Their Summer Look is a combination of “surf-inspired blues and vivid sunset pinks”. The collection is described on the model in the photo as:

BASE
A sheer application of Loose Powder #2 ($26.00 USD) and Magic Wand ($32.00 USD) will leave skin even without masking that natural summer glow.

LIDS
Apply Pearl Eye Shadow #44 ($19.00 USD) on the lid up to the brow bone. Top off with a touch of Details Eye Dust ($22.00 USD) for shimmer and shine. Brighten the inside of the eye with Clarity Eye Dust ($22.00 USD). Use Dark Blue Matte Eye Shadow ($20.00 USD)and Forceful Eye Dust ($22.00 UDS) on the outer lid for a smokey effect. The Dark Blue Matte Eye Shadow also does double duty as a soft liner on the top lash line.

LASHES
Double up! Apply both Black and Blue Volumizing Waterproof Mascara ($32.00 USD each) for thick, rich lashes with a colorful twist that won’t budge, smudge or smear.

CHEEKS
Cheeks pop with Organza Blush-On ($20.00 USD) or Rio Creme Blush ($25.00 USD).

LIPS
Full color power and shine is achieved with Instinct Lipstick ($22.00 USD) and a top coat of clear Glas.

I was lucky enough to try the entire collection and it is so much fun! My favorite products are the Loose Powder and Magic Wand. With these two items, I don’t need a foundation, which is perfect for the easy days of summer. The Magic Wand highlighter/concealer covers my flaws and the powder sets it nicely.

Both blushes are lovely. The Organza Pink powder blush is very light and can almost be used as a highlighter. The Rio Creme Blush is a shocking pink in the compact but goes on very sheer and blends easily. The shadows are very shimmery and fun for a night out, as is the VERY bright pink lipstick! The mascaras are both thickening and add length, and the blue mascara provides a fun pop of color on lashes.

You may purchase these items on line at www.facestockholm.com for a bright and fun summer!

Nvey Eco

: NVEY ECO Organic Eye Shadow

There are many organic hair, face and body care products on the market today. I have reviewed some here, but have found it is difficult to find organic color cosmetics.

The Australian cosmetic house NVEY Le Maquillage has recently debuted their organic collection of make-up in the United States in 2006. The brand is named NVEY ECO, and it is one of the few organic makeup collections to hit the U.S market. The NVEY ECO website states, “A pioneer in the industry, NVEY ECO is a luxurious and comprehensive collection of makeup colors suited for all skin types and ages and the only cosmetic brand to be certified organic by the Organic Food Chain.”

The cosmetics contain a blend of natural botanics and powerful antioxidants such as safflower oil, Vitamins C, A, B5 and E, chamomile and jojoba oil. These ingredients are gentle on the skin and make for a healthy and glowing complexion.

My favorite product that I have tried is the Organic Eye Shadow — ($24.00) The website states the shadow is , “finely milled with an extra soft base of Corn Silk and Jojoba Oil, NVEY ECO, Organic Eye Shadows can be used in combination to enhance and contour the eye or individually for a flush of color. Chamomile and Vitamins A, C, and E make for a smooth and soft formula excellent for dry and sensitive skin. “

The shadows are very soft and easily blendable. They also have very nice pigments and stay on all day. I really like #268, which is a pearl taupe shimmer. I sweep it all over myeye lid for a neutral color base and then add a little highlighter under the brow and a darker color in the crease. Very pretty.

NVEY ECO has a full range of products on their website www.econveybeauty.com. Check it out if you are looking for quality organic color!

Try Living Proof to Fight Frizzy Hair

Straight Making No Frizz Styling Spray for Fine to Medium Hair

Living Proof is a company started by MIT scientists who are setting out to tackle some of the difficult beauty problems of our time!

Their first product is No Frizz, a hair spray or cream that works on different textures of hair to fight the frizzies. It is available for straight or way hair that is fine to medium, medium to thick and thick to coarse.

I have been using the Straight Making No Frizz Styling Spray for Fine to Medium Hair ($14.00 1.7 oz, $24.00 3.4 oz). First of all, it smells fantastic! As per the instructions, I spray it on wet hair and then blow it dry. I was really excited to try this product, but it doesn’t really work for my hair. It is still frizzy. I watched the videos and followed the instructions, but my hair is still fairly frizzy.

Don’t get me wrong, it may work on other people. Sephora now carries No Frizz so my advice is to go to Sephora and spritz it on. It is supposed to smooth dry hair as well as wet. So try it out, it may be the product you are waiting for!

Visit their website to learn more and view the videos http://www.livingproof.com.

Luxury Skincare by Kate Somerville

Kate Somerville is the creator and director of Kate Somerville Skin Health Experts which is a renowned medi-skin clinic in Los Angeles. She has partnered with top dermatologists and cosmetic surgeons to promote the integration of skincare and medicine. This has resulted in fantastic products that not only make your skin look great, it is very healthy too!

HydraKate Gentle ($65.00 1.7 oz) — This is a facial scrub that contains the naturally occurring enzymes, Papain and Bromelain, to help to digest dead skin cells and unveil luminous skin. The gentle scrubbing beads help to lift dry and damaged cells from the surface allowing the enzymes to penetrate pores. The claim is that “this unique blend helps to gently stimulate circulation, detoxify skin, refine texture and improve elasticity. It’s a must-have for clean, clear and radiant skin.”

I love this scrub! You are supposed to use it twice a week by applying a small amount to entire face. You then leave it on for 2 minutes only and rinse with tepid water. They say that redness may appear for up to 20 minutes due to the increase in circulation to the under layers of the skin, but my face only looks glowy and soft after I use it. It really gets rid of all of the dead skin and impurities in my skin and I have been known to use it more than twice a week!

HydraKate Line Release ($150.00 1 oz-) — This is sold exclusively through QVC and will be available at the Kate Somerville website in fall 2009. This is a very lovely serum (I call it my skin crack, because it is SO addictive)! Line Release contains a blend of peptides and collagen builders to help to improve skin texture and tone.

When I apply Line Release, there is an immediate tightening of my skin, and it looks so smooth. It can be applied either in the morning or night once a day. It includes “HSC Complex – Counters loss of lipids from skin due to washing, stress, environment or excessive UV exposure, Hyaluronic Acid – Aids in holding water in the skin’s surface to increase softness and suppleness and Leuphasyl® – Reduces the depth of expression wrinkles and is a safer alternative to Botulinum Toxin A.” I have never tried botox, but this gives me great results on my forehead wrinkles. Awesome! I know it is very spendy, but if you have the money go for it!

Check out these and other fantastic Kate Somerville products at www.katesomerville.com. Enjoy!

Kate Somerville’s Sun-sational Products

Kate’s Somerville’s luxury skincare line carries wonderful products to get you through the summer. Both the serum sunscreen and the tanning towelettes reviewed below are made with the same care and quality of Kate’s other skincare items.

Protect SPF 55 Serum Sunscreen ($45.00 2 oz) — “This mild, antioxidant-rich sunscreen is free of oils, parabens and alcohol. This formula was made with innovative technology which gives high-level protection against skin-burning UVB radiation and aging UVA rays. This serum is mild, quick-drying and non-whitening. AM Apply daily to face, neck, and chest. Apply liberally 20 minutes before sun exposure and as needed. Reapply after swimming or exposure to water.”

When you first apply this sunscreen it is white, but when you rub it in the white disappears completely, unlike other high SPF sunscreens. It is really creamy, so you can skip your moisturizer if you wish, especially if you have oily or combination skin.

Each Somer360°™ Tanning Towelette ($48.00 for 8) is” concentrated with a paraben-free self-tanning formula to give you a quick and even application with no streaking. Somer360°™ Unfold towelette and apply to dry, clean skin in a circular motion over your body. Wash hands immediately. Towelettes will produce a uniform, natural-looking glow within 2 to 4 hours. For a deeper tan and to maintain your glow, reapply as needed.”

Self tanning is always tricky, especially if you are my 13 year old daughter and you think you can throw your clothes on after tanning and act all crazy! She tried a tanning towelette and it did streak on her.

But not on me. I made sure I exfoliated first, then put on my swimsuit and applied a towelette all over. I let myself dry for a couple of hours before I put my clothes on. It does take a while to dry, but the color is a very lovely light brown. If you do it right, it is worth the wait!

You can purchase these wonderful products at www.katesomerville.com or at Sephora, www.sephora.com.

Intelligent Nutrients Creates Fab Natural and Organic Products

Looking for a natural and organic way to groom? These days there are many brands and lines to choose from. Intelligent Nutrients is a health and beauty product company, utilizing 100% food-based and organic certified ingredients. They have a wide range of products including skin care, hair care, aromatics and supplements.

Trying some of the companies products I fell in love with two cleansers; the Certified Organic Anti-Aging Cleanser for the face and the 70% Organic Hair Cleanser. Both of theses cleansers moisturize as they clean and feel and smell great! The descriptions on the website are:

Certified Organic Anti-Aging Cleanser ($45.00 USD) — Gently remove dirt, makeup and impurities while nurturing skin with this non-foaming cleanser. The USDA Certified Organic formula restores and protects with antioxidants, plant sterols, fatty acids and essential oils to help prevent aging and inflammation. A pure combination of the brand’s signature Intellimune Seed Oil Complex along with Argan and Acai help maintain a harmonious balance of moisture for radiant, healthy skin. Suitable for all skin types including mature, dry, sensitive and oily skin.

70% Organic Hair Cleanser ($29.00 USD) — Safe enough for the whole family, this delicate shampoo nourishes with a pure, plant-based formula. Certified organic by the UK’s Soil Association, the light suds rinse clean and leave a soft scent. Formulated with Apple water, Coffee Seed oil and 100% non-toxic plant-based cleansers the gentle blend also nourishes with the antioxidant-rich Intellimune Seed Oil Complex. Safe for color-treated hair.

Like many organic and natural products on the market today, these cleansers have a strong, earthy scent. If you do not like fragrance in your products these are not for you. I really enjoy them and recommend them as well as trying their other products.

Visit the website at www.intelligentnutrients.com to learn more about and purchase these great-for-you products.

Try Coppertone for a Wide Variety of Sunscreens

A reliable household name, Coppertone has a very large variety of sunscreen to meet your every need this summer. Their wide range of products include sunscreen for babies and children, anti-aging sunscreen, sports protection and more.

Here are a few of my favorites, which all are an SPF of 70, the highest Coppertone SPF ever:

Coppertone NutraShield Faces SPF 70+ with Dual Defense ($10.99 USD) — is moisturizing with a non-greasy formula that won’t clog your pores. This sunscreen was formulated for women and helps prevent premature skin aging caused by the sun. It is enriched with antioxidants to promote natural skin repair. And for us ladies who like to swim, it is waterproof. This also comes in a version for the rest of the body. I recommend this for women of any age!

Coppertone KIDS Continuous Spray SPF 70+ ($9.99 USD) — This waterproof and hypoallergenic sunscreen is dermatologist tested and is great for the kids. It has a twist-and-lock cap which means no cap to lose and it sprays at any angle.

Coppertone ultraGUARD Sunscreen SPF 70+ ($10.99 USD) — With a moisturizing formula that contains Viamin E, this sunscreen is also hypoallergenic and dermatologist tested. It goes on non-greasy and is waterproof. This is a great one for the whole family.

Check out Coppertone’s website for their full line of products at www.coppertone.com. Stay safe this Memorial Day and all summer long!

OPI’s Bright Pair Collection

It’s almost summer, which means time to get your toes done! During sandal season, we all need our toenails (and feet) to look perfect!

For an at home pedicure, a quality nail polish helps. OPI is a leader in polish that is used at home as well as in the salon. Their new Bright Pair Collection ($8.50 USD each), includes six eye-popping shades that correspond with jeans from Paige Premium Denim.

The colors are: No Room for the Blues — a bright sky blue, On the Same Paige — fiery orange red, Over the Taupe — medium gray- brown, Shorts Story — hot pink, A Grape Fit! — bright lavender, In My Back Pocket — true orange.

Remember, when doing your own pedicure start by scrubbing your feet with a foot or body scrub and follow with a creamy lotion. OPI also has some nice manicure/pedicure products such as their new Papaya Pineapple Scrub, Massage Cream and Mask.,Then trim and paint your nails. Voila — ready for the summer (well, at least your feet will be)!

Visit their website at www.OPI.com for everything you need to pamper your toes!

Ban Clinical Defense — Strong Deodorant for Hot Summer Days

Last Spring was a great time for me, because I discovered clinical strength deodorant. I had always used regular deodorant, which would help at first, but over the course of the day it stopped working for me. Clinical deodorant keeps me dry ALL DAY which is huge for me. Yes everyone — I sweat. A lot.

The main ingredient in these antiperspirants is Aluminum Zirconium Tetrachlorohydrex at a level of 20%, which used to be only available in prescription form. How does this keep us dry? Well, aluminium and zirconium ions form a gel that clogs large numbers of pores in the skin which prevents the pores from releasing sweat, plus it absorbs the sweat that didn’t get clogged.

I have tried other clinical strength deodorants that are solids, and they have worked well. But I really love that Ban Clinical Strength (approx. $7.99 USD) is a roll on. It is smooth going on and dries very quickly.

Besides drying quickly, Ban also claims that it targets odor 4 ways for prescription strength odor protection, contains the highest antiperspirant strength possible without a prescription, and it contains a smooth, non-irritating alcohol-free formula.

To learn more about this product, visit Ban’s website at www.feelbanfresh.com