It Cosmetics Nail Love

It Cosmetics Nail Love
It Cosmetics Nail Love

It Cosmetics Nail Love Cuticle and Nail Oil Pen ($12.50) is a cool and affordable way to make your nails and cuticals look and feel fantastic.

The product description from IT Cosmetics is that Nail Love, “treats and conditions cuticles and strengthens nails with hydrolyzed collagen, plus this exclusive formula has an anti-yellowing complex! Combine that with the healing eucalyptus leaf oil and you’ll see this pen packs a whole lot of Nail Love!The beneficial ingredients including a Pro-Collagen blend plus Vitamins A, C, E and Pro-Vitamin B5 work to strengthen and protect your nails over time!? The Healing Eucalyptus Oil, Sweet Almond Oil and Jojoba seed Oil work to heal hangnails and torn cuticles giving a soothing effect you can feel immediately. Now that’s something your nails and cuticles will love!”

To use this product I first apply the oil by twisting the base of the pen to release it, and then brush the product on the nails and cuticles. Then I used the rubber cuticle pusher and push back my cuticles. The last step is to rub the excess oil on my nails and cuticles.

I think this is a great product to help keep cuticles healthy and it gives the nails a nice shine, too! The cuticle tool cap is also really convenient.

Visit www.itcosmetics.com to learn more and to purchase the Nail Love pen. Enjoy!

Try Ms. Manicure for Better Looking Nails!

Ms. Manicure creates products to help with all your nail needs. Their all-inclusive Handy Dandy Mani ($9.99) includes Cuticle Nippers, Nail Clippers, Nail Scissors, Wood Cuticle Sticks, a Nail Brush, a Washable Salon Board, 4-Way Nail Buffer, and Slant Tip Tweezers.  Housed in a two-sided carrying case, this kit is great for on the go or to keep in a locker or desk drawer at work. The clippers are my favorite item in the kit because are precise and work very well. The buffer is nice to keep with the kit or throw in your purse for emergencies. All in all, I think this is a great buy!

Ms. Manicure’s Block Party ($2.99), a 6-way buffer that is light, portable, and destined for the gal on-the-go. With four different textures designed to shape, smooth, buff and polish, this tool will give you a professional look quickly. I have found that I get a pretty high gloss from this buffer which is great when I don’t have time for polish. I also like to smooth my nails when I change my dark fall nail polishes. It gives me a clean slate before I put a new shade on.

For a list of retailers  and to learn more about these products, visit www.parispresents.com.

Tweezerman — The Beauty Tool Experts

Tweezerman creates beauty tools that are well made and high tech, too. They are known for their excellent tweezers, but did you know that Tweezerman offers other beauty tools as well, like manicure and pedicure items? They do indeed, and the quality is just as fab as their tweezers.

I have recently tried two of Tweezerman’s best selling products:

Hot For Dots Mini Slant Tweezer ($15.00) — is the perfect size to pop in a purse and take with you! The dot design is super-cute, but the best things about it is that it is made of stainless steel and that it boasts a precision tip. I can pluck quickly, knowing I am getting every last hair and that it is not going to pinch my skin.  

Pedro Too Callus Stone ($12.00)– the ergonomic shape fits perfectly in the palm of your hand for exceptional comfort and maximum control.  This is crafted with genuine German-made ceramic. It smooths calluses, removes embedded dirt and exfoliates. You can use it wet or dry. I like using it dry at night, but can also be used on wet skin after a bath. 

Visit www.tweezerman.com to learn more about these products and many more from Tweezerman.

Darac Beauty

As a forty-something woman, I am always looking for products that will make my skin appear flawless. Darac, a celebrity makeup artist, has introduced a makeup line that focuses on flawless skin. His Core Solutions are made to help women with solutions to common, but troubling makeup problems. Darac says on his website, “Everyone has similar core concerns. When you say, my foundation doesn’t match my skin; my powder makes me look like my great-great grandmother; I used to have long delicious lashes and now I have four sausages, or anything else you’ve struggled with, Core Solutions offers you specific solutions with instant results.”
 
I have recently tried some of Darac’s fantastic products. My favorites are: 
   
Feature Focus ($39.50) is a compact of 3 different cream bases made to cover, contour and highlight the face. This product comes with the Looking Glass Cheat Sheet, which is a cling sheet that you can put on your mirror. It contains a diagram of where to place the products.  Forgive is a great color for concealing, Forget is for highlighting and Frame is a darker shade to sculpt. I love to use Forgive under my eyes and on blemishes, Forget goes on my cheek bones and under my browbone and Frame is great for my chin area!

The TourQuam ($40.00)  TourQuam Luxe ($75.00) brushes are some of the coolest I’ve tried. They are super-soft and full and contain magnets in the handle which I think draw the product into the brushes so you can swirl on an even coat of the product and use less of it. I use the TourQuam for bronzer and blush and the TourQuam Luxe for my powder.

Sifted Blur ($32.00) is more than a powder. Used with the TourQuam or TourQuam plus, I sweep it all over my face and it instantly makes my face look even and glow. The website states that, “Sifted Blur can be used as a under foundation to facilitate application of makeup and not allow it to rob water from your skin; it can be used over foundation to set and perfect makeup; or used without any makeup at all, any time of the day.” I have used it over my makeup and on its own, but I am going to definitely try it under my makeup in these hot, humid summer days when my face gets a little oily!

Expedition Mascara ($19.50) really lengthens my lashes while adding volume. Summer Allergies have forced me to wear my glasses instead of my contacts, and with Expedition, my lashes keep hitting my glasses! I have to make sure they are totally dry before I put my glasses on. This mascara also is vitamin-packed and nourishes lashes with a silk extract. I have noticed that my lashes stay glossy, black and soft all day long! You can also use the tiny detail brush included to get all of your little lashes and your bottom ones as well.

Visit www.daracbeauty.com to learn more about and to purchase this luxury cosmetic line. You are going to love it!

Alcone Make-Off

Alcone Make-Off
Alcone Make-Off

I love makeup remover cloths. They are convenient and really effective in removing stubborn eye makeup.

That’s why I was happy to try Alcone Company’s Make-Off, individually wrapped makeup remover cloths. They are very soft so they don’t irritate eyes and are soaked with a gentle makeup remover. I like that it even removes my waterproof liner and mascara. And since they are individually wrapped, you can take them anywhere!

Make-Off is available in the following quantities and prices:

12 individually wrapped cloths                                 $6
24 individually wrapped cloths                                 $10
50 individually wrapped cloths                                 $19
80 individually wrapped cloths                                 $30
Case of 500 individually wrapped cloths               $175

Visit www.alcone.com to purchase these useful products.

It Cosmetics Smokin’ Hot Legs Kit

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!

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!

EcoTools — Fabulous Earth-Friendly Beauty Tools

EcoTools is one of my new favorite brands. This is because the are incredibly earth-friendly and they work fantastically well! And bonus — they are very affordable.

The brushes are made with cruelty free synthetic taklon bristles, recycled aluminum ferules (the piece that connects the bristles to the handle), and highly sustainable bamboo handles.  

Some of my top picks are:

 Bamboo 6 Piece Brush Set ($12.99 USD) : Are you kidding me with this price?  Wow! This fab set includes a blush brush, an eyeshading brush, an eyeliner brush, a concealer brush and a lash and brow groomer. The  brushes are SO soft and apply products very evenly. The set also includes a natural cotton & hemp brush roll.   

 Recycled Aluminum Retractable Kabuki Brush ($7.99 USD) : This is a great brush for applying powders. I use it to either apply mineral makeup or powder over my foundation. Just swirl in powder, tap off access and apply. It gives you a very smooth canvas for your bronzer and/or blush.

Eco-Foam Cleasing Sponges ($2.99 USD for 12) : Made with natural soybean oil and 100% cotton, which are sustainable materials. I LOVE these sponges! You apply your cleanser to the soft side and it removes every trace of make-up and gunk from the face.

There are other great brushes and tools available as well such as a Recycled Brow Grooming Kit ($9.99 USD), Foundation Brush ($5.99 USD) and Bamboo Mini Brushes ($3.99 USD for a set of 6).  I highly recommend these fabulous beauty tools! Visit the site at http://www.parispresents.com/EcoTools_s/36.htm.