fortyflirtyfabulous

Pamper Yourself with Carol’s Daughter

I have begun the think about Mother’s Day (May 10th) and what I’m going to get for my mother and mother-in-law. Being a beauty blogger, I love giving products that I have tried and enjoyed. Great hint for your mom or other cool lady you love — Carol’s Daughter!

Talk about pampering! The products from this line are rich, luxurious and soothing and are made from natural ingredients. I recommend trying and giving some of these goodies:

Almond Cookie Shea Souffle ($13.00 – 30.00 USD) — This is a whipped body butter. If you love the scent of almonds, this is a good one! The fragrance is a combination of almonds blended with marzipan, sandalwood and musk. It goes on almond-y and dries down to a powdery scent that lingers all day. Even when I’m not wearing perfume, people comment that I smell so good! And it leaves my skin VERY soft.

If your looking for a highly pigmented lip gloss, try Candy Paint ($13.50 USD). – I like that this moisturizing gloss is not too sticky and that the color is well pigmented. It is infused with natural ingredients such as grapeseed oil, shea butter, aloe vera extract and vitamin E to hydrate, condition, protect and soothe your lips. The gloss comes in 15 shades, so their is a great selection. I really like the Bubbling Brown Sugar which is a shimmering bronze that is much darker in the tube then on. Very pretty!

Tui Hair Smoothie ($19.00 USD) — This is essentially a hair mask that you can leave on a few to about 15 minutes to get the conditioning that you need. It is rich in essential oils and Shea and Cocoa butters that provide moisture and protection. My hair gets very dry and frizzy in the Kansas City humidity and I find that this really helps. And like that its paraben-free and doesn’t include petroleum, mineral oil, or artificial color.Visit the website at www.carolsdaughter.com to check out these and other fantastic products. Enjoy!

Get Flawless Skin with Colorescience

Colorescience is known for “blending the line between colore and science”. They have some pretty amazing face products and sunscreen.

Colorescience Sunforgettable ($50.00 USD for the brush applicator) – is a mineral powder 30 SPF sunscreen with broad spectrum (UVA and UVB) protection. It comes in four different applicators; a brush, a roll-on a shaker can and a puff. You can purchase it in three shades; All Clear (transparent), Perfectly Clear (a light shade) and Almost Clear (a medium shade) and you can get matte or sparkle. This is a very innovative sunscreen. They suggest you apply it over your moisturizer, but I have been using the matte Almost Clear as a setting powder over my foundation and/or Line Tamer primer. It is very light (must be the minerals) and does not clog my pores.

Colorescience Line Tamer ($45.00 USD) — is one of the best primers I have tried. The website states (and I enthusiastically agree), “This beautiful yellow mousse smooths on like velvet and sets to absolute perfection. The yellow colore hides red discoloration while the active ingredients promote the actual reduction of redness in the skin.” This not only hides my redness, it smooths over my pores perfectly! I find that when I use it I don’t need a lot of foundation. I just use a little to cover my dark circles and blemishes. The ingredients include Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, oats and oat beta glucan to reduce the appearance of redness, blue algae extract feeds and tightens the skin, beta carotene and vitamin E to nourish the skin plus an antioxidant cocktail of green tea, lavender and tangerine.

Visit the website at www.colorescience.com, to check out these items as well as their fab mineral foundations, bronzers and other great 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!

Redpoint Cosmetics

Being forty, flirty and fabulous, I enjoy trying anti-aging cosmetics. So I was very interested in Redpoint. The website states, “it’s a revolutionary line of color cosmetics infused with breakthrough anti-aging and skin transforming complexes, to make you look and feel better than you ever have.”

I tried a few products from this brand, but my three favorites are:

Transformative Duel Foundation ($42.00 USD) — Redpoint’s new foundation is packaged in a glamorous red compact. The website claims, “Get full coverage in a foundation so weightless, it’s almost like you have nothing on at all! Unique Liquacreme formula glides on like silk, and leaves your skin with a flawless matte finish. Elastimide Amino AC, a proven peptide blend and light diffusing pigments combine to help fill in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, so skin looks and feels more youthful.” Like it promises, this foundation gives a smooth, matte finish. It comes in 3 color combinations; Light, Medium and Dark with two shades in each compact. Right now I am using the lightest of my Light compact, but in the summer when I get a bit darker (in spite of my sunscreen), I can combine both of the shades or even use the the darker of the two.

DermaLift Foundation ($42.00 USD) — If you would like a dewier look, this liquid foundation could be right for you. “Reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles with this sheer, all-in-one foundation, enriched with a proven combination of powerful peptides and moisturizers. The lightweight blend is easily layered, and contains unique light diffusing pigments that create the illusion of younger looking skin. The mineral oil-free, stay put blend is perfect for all skin types.” This is also available in Light, Medium and Dark. It may be lightweight, but it does have great coverage. My skin looks luminous with it on, but for daytime a little powder over if creates a natural, office-appropriate look.

StayPut Eyeliner ($21.00 USD) — “StayPut Eyeliner has a long-wearing, water-resistant, never-smudge formula that features our anti-aging TriPeptide complex to help your eye area appear firmer, smoother and more hydrated.” I LOVE this liner. It goes on extremely smoothly and stays on all day. One end has a sponge on it to use for a smudgey, smokey look. It comes in one color, Conga, which is a lovely, shimmery bronze. It is a beautiful color, but I would love it if they would make more shades!

I definitely recommend this brand to ladies of all ages who wants a little youthful magic in their make up. Visit the website at www.redpointbeauty.com.

Fab Spring Releases from Kenzo

Kenzo is fast becoming one of my favorite brands. From their lovely fragrances to their fabulous skincare, everything I have tried has been wonderful!

FLOWERBYKENZO Spring Fragrance Limited Edition ($52.00 USD 1.7 ox) -This fragrance is a limited edition that will only be available this April on the Kenzo website at www.kenzousa.com.

The Notes are:

Top Notes: Ginger, Mandarin, Lychee Middle Notes: Freesia, Ylang, Parma Violet Base Notes: Incense, White Musk

This is a very soft fragrance. I have noticed that each time I spray it on, I detect a different note. When first applied, the scent is a mix of floral and fruity (I can really detect the mandarin and violet) and dries down to a powdery musk. I really enjoy it and have been receiving many compliments!

The Kenzo Cleansing Ice Jelly ($28.00 USD 5.1 oz) is a new cleanser that is very effective at removing even waterproof eye make up. It is a self-cooling cleansing jelly that turns into a soft, water-like cleanser upon skin contact. It is very refreshing, especially if you chill it before using. The scent is an invigorating flowery ginger. The ingredients include plant water, ginger plant water, ginseng extract, essential oils and trace elements and minerals salts.

You may purchase these products at www.kenzousa.comor use their store locator to find a retailer near you.

Soak Your Cares Away with SALONTEA

I love discovering unusual beauty products that are really fantastic. SALONTEA by Tracy Stern is a company that not only creates teas for drinking, but also creates teas to soak in! I have tried both the BATHTEA and the EYE TEA and have found them both very relaxing.

EYE TEA($16.50 USD for 8) — The websites describes them as “eye pads designed to fit perfectly over your eyes are charged with a soothing blend of organic chamomile tea, angelica root, and witch hazel to bring fast relief to swollen, tired eyes.” To use these, you let them soak in cool or warm water for a minute then place them on your eyes. This feels wonderful and did de-puff my tired eyes. The scent is really soothing as well.

BATHTEA ($16.50 for 3, $33.00 for 6) “Homeothereapeutic bath infusions that combine the benefits of aromatherapy with the direct application of herbal nutrients to your skin to effectively relieve stress, anxiety and insomnia.” These are offered in three scents; Chai, Rose Petal and Vanilla. This is really a fun product. You let it steep in the bath and it’s kind of like you are soaking in a giant cup of tea! My favorite scent was the Chai; it smells a little spicy and exotic and it a good break from the kids (or whatever stresses you).

SALONTEA’s beauty line also includes tea-infused foot soaks, body lotions, body scrubs and lip balms. Visit their website at www.salontea.com

Everyday Minerals

I enjoy trying mineral makeup because it is so good for your skin. Mineral foundation can make you look like your not wearing makeup while covering flaws.

Everyday Minerals has one of the biggest shade selection I have seen. They have six color categories; warm, golden, cool, beige, buff and olive. Each category has at least six shades to choose from. I like the fairly light from the buff category. It matches my skin tone and covers imperfections.

You can purchase the base in 3 sizes — Sample $2.50 USD, Mini $5.00 USD and Big $12.00. The base also comes in four finishes; Semi Matte, Matte, Intensive, and Original Glow.

Visit the website at www.everydayminerals.com to peruse the many varieties of base, bronzers, blushes and eye shadows. Have fun!

Clinique – Classic Cosmetics With a Twist

I was recently sent some classic and new Clinique cosmetics to sample. This is one of the first brands that introduced me to fine cosmetics in my twenties. Before Clinique, I was only wearing drugstore brands. Applying higher-end products made me feel that I was somehow growing up.

So imagine my delight when I opened the package to find Almost Lipstick in Black Honey ($14.00 USD)! This is a product that I haven’t used since the 90’s. It somehow dressed up my grunge-wear back then and now it still gives me a hint of deep color and a lot of moisture. This is a great product for someone who wants to look polished but not heavily made-up.

I also tried a new product from Clinique called Quick Blush ($21.50 USD) in Pronto Pink. I have been using this everyday and I love it. The pigment is in the cap. To use, I swivel the brush just a little and place the cap back on it to pick up the color, then I take it off and use. Its a very nice brush that applies just the right amount of color. I also love the shade, it is pretty on my light skin and I believe it would look fab on most skin tones.

The third product I tried was High Impact Mascara ($14.00 USD). Another classic product, this claims to produce “Instant drama. Volumizes and lengthens lashes for a lusher, plusher, bolder look. Pure, deep colour adds impact.” I agree that it volumizes and lengthens and give a very nice look. The only problem I had is that it smears quite easily. When I wear it, I have to check all day to make sure I don’t have smudges around my eyes.

All-in-all, Clinique is just as innovative and classy as it has always been. You may visit their website at www.clinique.com to browse and purchase products. They are also at most fine department stores.

Whiten Up with Supersmile

I drink a lot of coffee. And I also love red wine. So my teeth need constant whitening. That’s why Supersmile is so great. It was created by a dentist, Dr. Irwin Smigel, to whiten conveniently at home and on the go.

The Professional Whitening System ($36.00 USD sm. $75.00 USD lg) – is made up of two items; the Supersmile Professional Whitening Fluoride Toothpaste with CALPROX® and the Supersmile Whitening Accelerator (with carbamide peroxide). The Website touts, “The Supersmile Whitening System is the perfect bleaching solution for everyone interested in safely and gently whitening teeth at home without messy trays. Just brush and whiten! Supersmile not only enhances professionally bleached teeth – but – most importantly, causes no sensitivity – and the Supersmile Professional Whitening System is the only system that will restore bonding, porcelain veneers, crowns and even dentures to their original color.”

To Use the Professional Whitening System, combine both products on a dry toothbrush and brush for two minutes, then rinse. I have been using the system for a couple of weeks and my teeth are at least a couple of shades whiter. This is so much easier than whitening trays and don’t bother my sensitive teeth as much.

Supersmile also sells fun, on the go products. Supersmile Quikee ($16.00 USD)- “Just a drop of our new pocket-sized Supersmile Quikee Whitening Tooth Polish with CALPROX® smoothed over your teeth with the tip of the tongue after eating or drinking, freshens breath while fighting cavities and plaque–anytime, anywhere. Quikee conveniently and effectively removes stains caused by coffee, tea or red wine while it helps maintain whiteness.” This tastes really sweet and minty and is easy to use. I like to concentrate it at the base of my teeth.

Also convenient is the Supersmile Single Dose Powdered Mouthrinse (60 Packets$29.00 USD –24 Packets $16.00) “Supersmile Single Dose Powdered Mouthrinse is a quick and convenient solution when there’s no time to brush. Just tear off the top of an individual-use foil packet, add water, swirl and rinse. CALPROX® attacks plaque and stains, and baking soda assures fresher breath and assists in cavity prevention.” This is not my favorite of the products. It was gritty, but did leave my mouth minty and clean.

One of my favorite Supersmile products is the all natural Sugar-free Supersmile Professional Whitening Gum with CALPROX® (Gum Box – 12pcs – $4.00 USD-Gum Jar – 100pcs – $24.00 USD). It, “quickly and effectively whitens teeth, freshens breath, promotes healthier gums and removes superficial surface stains with every use. And Supersmile Professional Whitening Gum is sweetened with XYLITOL – the natural cavity inhibitor preferred by dental professionals.” Plus it tastes yummy and makes my breath very fresh!

Visit the website at www.supersmile.com to learn more about Dr. Smigel and his fabulous products. They just might make your smile a little whiter!

Kiss My Face Potent and Pure Face Care

Kiss My Face makes natural and organic skin care. I was lucky enough to try items from their Potent & Pure line. The system was created by combining scientific knowledge with botanicals, vitamins, extracts and minerals. Potent & Pure is safe for sensitive skin and does not contain parabens, phthalates, SLS, artificial colors and fragrances, and is not tested on animals.

The products I tried are:

Start Up® Exfoliating Face Wash ($15.00 USD) “Cleanse and exfoliate skin with organic ingredients. Clarify, cleanse and luminize skin with this revitalizing blend of natural green tea and other pure renewable plant sources, many certified organic. Gently exfoliate with natural fruit acids.” Contains Natural Fruit Acids, Lemongrass oil and green tea.

Shea Soy Facial Cleansing Bar ( $13.00 USD ) – “Gently cleanse and calm with organic ingredients. This creamy, fragrance free bar contains organic oils, shea butter and aloe to moisturize while you cleanse. Your skin will feel fresh, smooth and hydrated.” Contains shea butter, aloe and soy oil.

Cell Mate® Face Crème & SOF 10 Sunscreen ($21.00 USD) – “Lightly moisturize and protect skin while reducing the signs of aging with organic ingredients. Instantly enhance skin tone, reduce fine lines and protect from environmental stresses. Antioxidant vitamins and botanicals soothe and revitalize throughout the day while natural mineral sun block helps protect skin.” Contains titanium dioxide, lavender and horsetail.

Eyewitness™ Eye Repair Crème ($19.00 USD) – “Reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, dark circles and puffiness with organic ingredients. Smooth the appearance of wrinkles and moisturize the delicate skin around your eyes. Natural and organic oils and butters leave skin looking hydrated and rejuvenated.” Contains hawthorne Bery exrract, shea butter and rose hips.

So Refined® Jojoba & Mint Facial Scrub ($15.00 USD) – “Exfoliate and polish the skin’s appearance with organic ingredients. This non-drying, natural humectant gently exfoliates and purifies skin by removing dirt with organic jojoba beads and other natural and organic herbs and plant oils. Helps skin look visibly younger and refreshed.” Contains jojoba beads grapeseed oil and mint.

Pore Shrink™ Deep Cleansing Mask $15.00 – “Organic ingredients detoxify skin and diminish the appearance of pores. This deep cleaning clay mask helps to remove oils and bacteria from the skin. Cloves, tea tree, lemongrass and other natural, organic and aromatherapeutic® botanical extracts clean and smooth skin’s appearance. Contains bentonite clay, teat tree oil and lemon grass oil.”

I really liked both the face wash and the cleansing bar. My skin is combination, so both worked for me. The face wash smells citrusy and is refreshing. The bar is very mild. Both left my skin clean and fresh-feeling. Also very cleansing, (and exfoliating) is the facial scrub. This smells very minty and feels great on. Once its rinsed off, my face is very smooth.

My favorite product is the cleansing mask. I love clay masks. They get rid of all of the gunk in the pores. Plus it is green and I got to chase my 5 year old around screaming, “Green Mommy Monster”, so that was a plus!

Probably my least favorite was the face cream. Since it does contain sunscreen, it left a white film on my face that took a while to soak in. I had to wait a bit in the morning to apply my makeup. Besides that, it is a nice cream as is the eye cream.

I really recommend this line. It is very good for you and affordable, too. Check out the website at www.kissmyface.com to check out the Potent & Pure line and other great products. They also have a store locator so you can find a retailer near you.

Shop Frilly Lilly for Unique Bath Products!

I love discovering fun products that are unique. The Canadian company Frilly Lilly makes beautiful bath products that are wrapped in vintage-inspired packaging and are like nothing I’ve seen before.

I especially like the bathcakes. They are essentially bath bombs that are in shapes and “flavors” of bundt cakes, cupcakes and petit fours. The website instructions states, “Dissolve your Frilly Lilly Bathcake™ in the tub under running water to release the soothing oils and delicious scents. Lock the door, give yourself plenty of time to soak, and indulge without ever gaining a pound!”

I tried the Mandarin Orange Bundt Cake. It was a very pretty light orange with frosting and sprinkles on top. As it dissolved in my bath, it released a fragrant orange aroma. Very fun!

Visit the website at www.frillylilly.ca and enjoy!