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Fun New Products from Rimmel London!

Rimmel London is a great, quality drugstore brand. It’s both affordable and fun, which is great in the current economy. They have come out with some fab new releases that will help you stay cool in the hot summer months!

Stay Matte Clarifying Matte Foundation ($6.99 USD). This is an oil free foundation that claims to give up to 12 hours of matte skin. It is formulated with SKINPURE Complex, which combines salicylic acid to clear blemishes and botanical extracts to nourish, and also claims not to clog pores in the summer heat.

I really like this foundation. It does go on matte and feels smooth. I don’t know about keeping my skin covered for 12 hours, but it seems to last for at least an 8 hour shift at work. I’ve been using it with my EcoTools foundation brush and I find I don’t need a lot of the product to cover my face. I’m using color 101 Porcelain, which looks great on me, but there are only six shades available that may not work for all skin tones.

Lasting Finish Kiss & Stay Gloss ($7.99 USD) is a two-step long-wearing color gloss. One end holds the color, which is applied with a soft sponge tipped wand. This goes on first, and when it dries you apply the shimmery gloss which shines and moisturizes. The applicator for this end is a brush, which I love. I have the color Enduring Love which is a mauvy-rose color. It stays on forever, but the glittery top coat may be a little young for me. This would be very fun on a night out with the girls, though!

Sexy Curves Mascara ($7.49 USD) Claims to curl and thicken lashes. My lashes are short and straight. It works fine if I don’t curl my lashes first, but if I do, its a big difference! My lashes look longer and curlier. Not too thick, but its a nice day look. The plastic bristle brush (Rimmel’s Triple Plump Brush) is really cool, but a little intimidating. I just take it slowly from the base of my lashes to the tips.

Visit the Rimmel website at www.rimmellondon.com to learn more about these products. They are probably for sale at your local drugstore!

It Cosmetics Smokin’ Hot Legs Kit

: It Cosmetics Smokin Hot Legs Kit

Smokin’ Hot Legs ($68.00 USD) is a body makeup kit that allows you to sculpt your legs to show them of to their best advantage.

The kit includes (as described on the website www.itcosmetics.com) —

My Firm Legs Primer: Key ingredients including Caffeine and Green Tea Extract help to give your legs and backside a firmer, more toned appearance. My Firm Legs Primer also helps to smooth and prep your skin for a sexy touch that’s impossible to resist.

Waterproof and Sweatproof Leg Shadows and Highlighters: Defining and highlighting shades that match all skin tones. They are resistant to water and sweat. They’re easily removable with soap and water or make-up remover.

Body Stain – Semi-Permanent: This long-lasting semi-permanent body stain will give you the appearance of ultimate definition that stays on your skin for 3-5 days. This stain lasts all day on the beach, all night out on the town and for your entire weekend getaway. No matter how wet or sweaty you get – your sexy, defined legs aren’t going anywhere!

Setting Spray: Once you have defined your legs to their sexiest, the Setting Spray will ensure your make-up lasts long and sets in place.

Mini Buffing Brush: For areas that need sexy shading and buffed-in definition.

Dual-Sided Body Contouring and Highlighting Brush: From sexy contoured curves to gorgeous sweeping highlights, this dual-sided brush gives you the power to sculpt your legs and backside to perfection.

Library of Secrets Manual: This coveted instruction manual will give you simple to follow step by step instructions on how you can sculpt your legs and backside to appear their sexiest! This manual reveals the tips and tricks that were once known only to celebrity make-up artists in an easy to follow, easy to duplicate fashion. This manual will give you all the knowledge you need to transform your lower body!

The way I like to use the kit is to first apply the silky primer. It really smooths the legs. I then take one of the darker matte colors and apply it to my cellulite or any other areas I wish to downplay. I then add highlighter I like the lightest, pearly color — to the front of my thighs and shins to draw attention to those areas. I finish off with the setting spray. You can’t tell that I’m wearing makeup, it looks natural and pretty!

Visit the website – www.itcosmetics.com — and check out this kit as well as ones for the lips, eyes, abs, bust and other areas you would like to make look a little bit sexier!

Feel Fresh and Pretty with Sole Beauty

Sole Beauty makes beautiful cosmetics that look great on everyone. Their soft, subtle colors are so lovely and the products feel great on.

Secret Serum ($28.00 USD) — This is an extremely silky primer to use after moisturizing, but before makeup to provide a solid matte base. It contains antioxidants, anti-aging benefits and jojoba to nourish and protect skin against the elements. You can use on the face, body, and even the hair for a smooth finish. It feels incredible on and really makes foundation go on so smoothly!

The Illuminator with Big Night Out Kabuki Brush ($36.00 USD) — Is a pretty shimmer powder in Angelic Peach that you can dust all over. I use it on my cheekbones, eyelids, forehead, nose — I basically brush it all over. It is also fun to use on the arms and decollete area — great for the upcoming warm weather! The Big Night Out Kabuki brush is also a winner. Its the perfect size to brush the shimmer (and face powder, too) all over!

Lip Crave Antioxidant Lip Plumper ($20.00 USD) — This plumper is packed with antioxidants. It gives a little tingle of mint as it plumps lips and makes them feel fresh with a bit of color. This is very moisturizing and comes in a soft neutral beige.

Check out www.solebeauty.com for these amazing products as well as a variety of skincare, fragrance and candles.

Pharmacopia — A Great Brand of Herbal Elixirs!

Pharmacopia creates natural aromatherapy products that are as good for the soul as they are for the body! Pharmacopia’s mission is, “We believe what you put on your skin is just as important as what you eat! We shun the use of artificial colors, fillers, fragrances, synthetics and parabens. Instead we pack our products full of healthy, plant based, nourishing ingredients like shea butter and sea algae.” The products I’ve tried are:

Rosemary Bath Salts ($8.99 USD 6 oz) -are blended with essential oils of peppermint and eucalyptus to refresh and revitalize while easing sore joints and muscles. Tossing some into my bath sooths the aches from my day and truly relaxes. The ingredients include; epsom salt and essential oils of rosemary, lavender and juniper.

Lavender Hand Cream ($10.75 USD 2.70 oz) –is an organic shea butter hand cream that is paraben free. The wonderful scent is an aromatic blend of lavender and Roman Chamomile. I really like it because it leaves my hands soft and smooth.

Herbal Lip Elixir ($7.99 USD) — is my favorite of the products I tested. It’s 100% vegan,and includes chamomile and tangerine to make it as brightly fragrant as it is soothing. This is great for dry, chapped lips and feels fantastic on!

Check out the Pharmacopia site to learn more about and to purchase these affordable and luxurious products at www.pharmacopia.net. Enjoy!

Yes to Carrots New Lip Tints and Lip Glosses

Yes to Carrots, creators of fabulous natural skin and hair products have just release lip tints and lip glosses. They are 95% organic and paraben and phthalate free, so you can feel guiltless about your pretty lip color!

C Me Blush Lip Tints (approx. $4.49 USD), are like a lip balm with a hint of color. They nourish and protect the lips with organic vegetable extracts, vitamin E, coconut, jojoba & sunflower oils, shea butter, and beeswax. Mineral pigments add color naturally. They are available in six fresh colors; Sunset Pink, Natural Smile, Cotton Candy, Coral Sunshine, Chocolate Kiss and Ready Red.

C Me Shine Lip Glosses (approx. $6.49 USD) are shiny, non-sticky glosses that are perfect for every day. They contain essentially the same good for you ingredients of the tints, but offer a more polished look. They also are available in six colors; Flirty Pink, Carrot Kiss, Cocoa Loco, Playful Nude, Rose Bliss and Red Hot.

Both the lip tints and glosses have a minty scent and feel a little tingly on. For the price, they are a very good buy! Visit the website at www.yestocarrots.com to learn more and find a retailer near you.

PureOlogy Essential Repair System

PureOlogy is a leader in color-treated haircare. Their new EssentialRepair line, is a luxurious collection of products that contain soymilk and biotin to help damaged hair while olive oil and chamomile impart softness and shine.

The line consists of six great products. They are as described by PureOlogy:

EssentialRepair Shampoo ($27.00 USD 10.1 oz) — Renew strength and help repair and fortify against damage while protecting colour vibrancy with this concentrated and gently cleansing ZeroSulfate shampoo.

EssentialRepair HairCondition ($27.00 USD 8.5 oz) — Deeply nourish distressed hair, renew moisture, and fortify against damage while protecting colour vibrancy. Intensely strengthens and helps rebuild hair.

EssentialRepair SplitEndCorrecting Treatment ($40.00 USD 3.2 oz) — Intensively nourish distressed hair and seal split ends while protecting colour vibrancy. Delivers high-performance thermal protection and defense against split ends from mid-length to ends.

EssentialRepair ColourMax ($22.00 USD 8.5 oz) –Fortify and help repair distressed hair while delivering extra colour protection and radiant shine. Lightweight spray contains UV filters to help defend against colour-fading and free radical damage.

EssentialRepair InstantRepair ($28.00 USD 8.5 oz) — Reinforce distressed hair and fortify against damage while protecting colour vibrancy. Lightweight leave-in conditioner renews strength and manageability.

EssentialRepair RestorativeHairMasque ($52.00 USD 5.2 oz) — Nourish distressed hair, renew moisture, and fortify against damage wile protecting colour vibrancy. Deeply reparative treatment strengthens and helps rebuild hair.

Besides the lovely shampoo and conditioner, I really enjoy spraying the ColourMax on wet hair, it helps my color last and softens my hair. The RestorativeHairMasque is also fantastic as a weekly or bi-weekly deep conditioner.

http://www.pureology.com/systems/essentialrepair will get you right to the EssentialRepair system. The website has a salon locator so you can find a retailer near you.

Olay Professional Pro-X — The Answer for Youthful Looking Skin

Olay Professional Pro-X Anti-Aging Starter Protocol

Olay Professional Pro-X is a scientifically advanced line of skincare that claims to give you younger looking skin in 28 days. Too good to be true? I decided to try it and find out.

I have been testing the Pro-X Anti-Aging Starter Protocol ($68.00 USD) for about four weeks. This includes the following three items as described by the Pro-X website:

Pro-X Age Repair Lotion with SPF 30 is designed and professionally tested to help shield your skin from harmful UVA and UVB exposure. This Primary Solution also hydrates to fight the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Pro-X Eye Restoration Complex is designed and professionally tested for the part of your face that communicates age the most: the delicate eye area. This Specialized Treatment hydrates to restore the area to its optimum appearance by improving the look of crow’s feet. Massaging it in reduces excess fluids to diminish dark circles and puffiness.

Pro-X Wrinkle Smoothing Cream is designed and professionally tested to smooth uneven textures with moisture, combating the look of fine lines and wrinkles.

Well. My face looks pretty great. Especially around the eyes. The skin under my eyes is so smooth and that really makes me look younger. I love the Repair Lotion because it feels light and silky and even though it has an SPF 30, it absorbs quickly so I can put my makeup on right over it. I Use the Wrinkle Smoothing Cream at night and it is very moisturizing. Plus, when I wake up, my skin is glowing!

I recommend using this starter kit for 28 days to see what it can do for your skin. And if you think you need a little more care, try the Discoloration Fighting Concentrate to get rid of uneven patches, the Hydra Firming Cream to tighten the skin and the Deep Wrinkle Treatment for those stubborn wrinkles.

Visit the Olay Professional website for more information at www.olayprofessional.com

My 5 Top Finds in 2009 — So Far…

I am so excited, as this is my 100th blog post! I started my blog in September 2008. But since January, I have received lots of fantastic products from fab companies to sample and review. I have looked back and found my 5 very favorite products or companies. These items are so good, I would definitely purchase them!

1. Lipstick Queen Big Bang Illusion Gloss ($20.00 USD www.lipstickqueen.com) — is probably the best gloss I have tried. Its light reflecting particles create the illusion of fuller lips without irritating ingredients. And it is creamy, not sticky. FAB!

2. Anything from Kenzo (www.kenzousa.com)! From their fragrances to their skincare items, Kenzo is all about quality and just plain fabulosity! Their scents are very subtle and fresh, like the Eau de Fleur de The – Tea (1.7 oz , $55.00 USD).

3. EcoTools (www.parispresents.com/EcoTools_s/36.htm) Makes the most wonderful — and affordable — makeup brushes and tools and are created from recycled and sustainable materials. I’m really digging the Foundation Brush ($5.99 USD) and the Recycled Aluminum Retractable Kabuki Brush ($7.99 USD) right now, but their are so many to choose from!

4. Tigi Love, Peace & The Planet line is a really fantastic eco-friendly line for your hair. The Eco Awesome Cranberry Orange Mint Moisturizing Shampoo and Conditioner($19.95 each USD) smells out of this world! It’s not up on the TIGI Website yet, but it should be soon.

5. LUSH (www.lushusa.com) makes lovely fresh handmade bath and beauty items. I really love their bath bombs! What a fun treat. But they also make quality skincare and haircare.

These are just a few of my favorite products that I have tried. I have been so lucky to love almost everything that I have received. You are welcome to peruse my blog for other awesome items that you haven’t tried yet!

Announcing 100th Blog Post Giveaways!

Hi all! Tomorrow (April 27th) I am going to write my 100th blog post! I have been reviewing beauty products since September of last year and I am loving it more each day!

To commemorate the occasion, I am having 3 different giveaways. They are:

EcoTools Recycled Brow Grooming Kit ($11.99 USD) and Bamboo Powder Puffs ($1.99 USD). EcoTools makes great eco-conscious cosmetic tools. I reviewed the brand in a post on March 29th — http://tiny.cc/VMhLp

It Cosmetics Smokin’ Hot Legs Kit ($69.00 USD) and My Youthful Smile in Kiss Me Now ($32.00 USD) It Cosmetics knows how to make the best of any feature. Check out my review of their my sculpted face on March 23rd — http://tiny.cc/lVhRQ

Yes to Carrots new C Me Blush Lip Tint in Chocolate Kiss ($4.49 USD) and C Me Shine Lip Gloss in Flirty Pink ($6.49). These are brand new products that I have not reviewed yet, but will this week. Yes to carrots makes fantastic natural and organic products that are as good for you as they feel! Check out my reviews on some of their other products at http://tiny.cc/BTfq5 and http://tiny.cc/psr1R

So how do I win these fantastic products, you ask? SO easy! Just leave a comment on any of my posts past or present starting 4/26 (today, yes on this one, too!) through 5/2. I’m going to old-school it by writing all entries down and having each of my 3 lovely daughters pick a name from a bowl! I will then notify you by email and get your mailing address. Good Luck!

Lush Oasis

Lush Oasis (www.lushoasis.com) is a new website that specializes in beauty products from around the world. The founder, Susan Anapol, knows the niche beauty market and knows how to spot quality products and fun trends. She has put together a fabulous collection of fresh and natural items.

I was lucky enough to sample some fragrances from the site, and have found quite a few that I like, particularly from the Comptoir Sud Pacifique and the Acorelle lines. My two favorites scents are:

Comptoir Sud Pacifique’s Aqua Moto (1.6 oz $53.00 USD, 3.3 oz $85.00 USD) — is a fresh, ocean scent that makes me think of summers as a girl on the Oregon Coast. It is so fresh and summery! The notes are:

Top Note: Helychrisum

Heart Notes: Marine Notes, Lily of the Valley, Warm Sand

Base Note: Kelp

: Acorelle Verceine Agrumes Eau De Parfum

Acorelle makes very delicate fragrances. Verveine Agrumes Eau de Parfum ($68.00 USD 50 ml)is very fresh and spring-y. The notes are:

Top Notes: lemon, mandarin, bergamot, orange, armoise

Heart Notes; Lemon petitgrain, cut grass accord, neroly, clary sage

Base Note: Cedar

Visit the Lush Oasis website to discover these and many other wonderful products!

Hey All! Enter my 100th Blog Post Giveaways! I will be giving away products from It Cosmetics, Yes to Carrots and EcoTools! To enter, just leave a comment on ANY of my posts between 4/26 – 5/2. I will draw 3 names on Sunday 5/3/09 and notify the winners! To see exactly what I am giving away, check out my post http://tinyurl.com/dgnxda. Good Luck!