Category: Beauty

Fall Makeup Guide Part 2 — Complexion Perfection

Time to get your complexion ready for the fall and winter!  The following products well help you look flawless in the cold months ahead!

Get ready for a smooth ride with Napoleon Perdis renowned Auto Pilot Pre-Foundation Primer ($39.00 USD). The lightweight and gentle formula is scientifically formulated to allow your foundation to automatically glide over the skin, creating a flawlessly smooth complexion. Helps makeup stay put longer.

What I think:  This is a light, but effective primer.  I apply this over moisturizer, under foundation and it does help my make up stay on all day!  Visit www.napoleonperdis.com to learn more and purchase.

Smashbox Photo Finish Hydrating Foundation Primer ($42.00 USD) The key to healthier, younger-looking skin? Hydration, as any studio artist will tell you. The latest addition to Smashbox’s legendary primer family immediately quenches skin and seals in moisture for hours after, thanks to Hydraplex, an extract derived from desert plants. Benefits are oil-free and lightweight, smoothes fine lines and pores, and extends makeup wear.

Smashbox Studio Skin 15 Hour Wear Hydrating Foundation SPF 10 ($42.00 USD) Hot studio lights usually mean lots of complexion touch-ups-but not anymore! Stay picture-perfect for a full 15 hours with our breakthrough long-wearing formula, developed to withstand intense on-set conditions. Skin is hydrated and shine-free, while imperfections are blurred with light-diffusing spheres. Benefits are buildable medium-to-full coverage, water, sweat, humidity and transfer resistant, plus it is oil-free, and helps control oil.

What I Think: If you have dry skin, this combo will be perfect for you! The primer is extremely moisturizing.  It is oil-free which is perfect for all skin types, but it does feel a bit heavy on my skin.  I think it will work better for me in the winter, when my skin becomes drier.

The foundation, though, is fabulous!  It smooths the appearance of the skin, making my pores and fine lines less noticeable. I find that it really lasts all day long and looks flawless.  The shade I have is 2.3, and it is a bit darker than I usually wear, but I smoothed it onto my neck and chest and it looked so natural!   You can purchase at www.smashbox.com and www.sephora.com.

Pixi Flawless Beauty Fluid ($30.00) — Can you fake flawless? Actually, with this oil-free foundation from Pixi™, you can!  The lightweight, water-based formula creates an impeccable complexion.  Conceals imperfections while minimizes the appearance of pores and redness.  Provides sheer to medium coverage.  Vitamin E and B5 protects the skin.  Long-lasting matte finish.

What I think:  This is very light weight and it is matte — which I love.  I don’t need to add shine to my face! This lasts all day and is full coverage.  Visit www.target.com to purchase.

Liz Earle Sheer Skin Tint SPF15 (Available in the UK only, currently) — The perfect way to enhance your skin. Our rich and creamy, yet lightweight formula leaves all skin types looking naturally dewy, even and radiant. With mineral UV SPF15, it’s enriched with our own blend of natural source vitamin E, borage and avocado, specially selected to work in harmony with our skincare range.

What I think:  This is a dewy tinted moisturizer that is lightweight, but covers well.  I love the skincare benefits that I receive while wearing it. The release day for the United States in unclear, but when it becomes available, it is a good base for those who like light coverage!  Visit www.uk.lizearle.com.

Jessica Nails Rebel Glam For Fall 2011

Fall fashion is all about pushing the limits and defining your signature style. If you refuse to follow fashion rules, let JESSICA’s custom nail colours evoke the rebel in you! Introducing Rebel Glam, an assortment of six intense colours designed with a rebellious heart and sophisticated mind.

Rebel Glam takes you for a walk on the wild side with eye-popping purples, vampy red, mysterious black and captivating green that will leave an everlasting impression; giving you a sense of styles that’s identifiable. Even as fashion fades your Rebel Glam colour won’t!

Wild Thing — milk chocolate shimmer

Vampy Vixen — silvery blue-green

Dangerously Dark — dark plum shimmer

Street Swagger — deep blackish-red creme

Purple Edge — rich violet shimmer

Show Stopper — brownish olive-green

Dark fall colors are my favorite and these are perfect colors for the season. I tested the Dangerously Dark and the Street Swagger — both rich and pretty!

The Rebel Glam collection is now available and each colour retails for $7.50 at www.jessicacosmetics.com and spas.

New Body Care Releases For Fall 2011 From H2O, Burt’s Bees and Little Green

As the air turns cooler, don’t forget to take care of your skin.  Cool air equals dry skin! I have recently tried two new bath and body collections from brands that I love — H2O Plus and Burt’s Bees — plus a new children’s bath and body care line called Little Green. Here are some of the products that I love:

H2O Plus, leaders in marine-based skincare, introduces the Sea Moss Collection, a compilation of three replenishing products to perfect and protect skin from head-to-toe! Bringing ground-breaking formulas to a higher level, the Sea Moss collection
incorporates micro-fine volcanic black sand, mineral-rich red and brown algae and Irish moss ingredients that further propel H2O Plus to the forefront of sea-derived skincare innovation.

Reveal remarkably smooth and invigorated skin with the Sea Moss Black Sand Body Scrub ($18.50 USD). This volcanic scrub is powered by micro-fine black sand derived from cooled lava to gently exfoliate and soften dry, rough skin. Rare Irish moss mixes with sea salt, aloe vera and provitamin B for flawless, healthy hydration.

What I think:  This black scrub is cool to use and leaves skin so soft afterwards — it’s baby smooth!  The scent is light and fresh.  The collection also includes a body wash and body lotion.  You can purchase these at www.h2oplus.com.

Burt’s Bees® Honey & Shea Collection wraps the body in the warm, sweet scent of Honey, Almond and Shea.  Indulge your skin and senses with these antioxidant‐rich products for total body conditioning. With nourishing ingredients that provide essential moisture, they’ll leave your skin feeling smooth and smelling great, naturally.

Honey & Shea Conditioning Bar ($5.00 USD) Happy, nourished skin is the result of every good thing it touches. And our conditioning, French-milled bar soap starts things off right. A blend of Honey and Shea Butter creates a rich lather that gently cleans away dirt and oil to leave your skin feeling soft and silky. The rest? Smooth sailing all the way.

What I think:  This collection has such a soothing, homey scent.  The conditioning bar lathers well and smells divine!  The collection includes a body butter and a sugar scrub.  Learn more at www.burtsbees.com.

Something new has sprouted! Little Green, the new safe, gentle and pure hair and skin care collection for babies and kids, is a truly hypoallergenic collection of products. The paraben, sulfate and allergen free formulas are each clinically and dermatologist tested. Geared to those with sensitive skin, or for those who simply want to treat their skin sensitively, Little Green will surely become a staple in your family’s skincare routine!

This collection includes two lines — Little Green Baby and Little Green Kids.  My kids have been loving the Shampoo & Body Wash. This refreshing tear-free hair and body wash gently cleans and nourishes all in one. Key ingredients including Vitamin B5 and Vitamin E cleanse hair and skin without over drying. (Retails for $15).

What I think:  The mild fragrance is perfect for kids, plus I feel great that the products are so natural and good for my daughters.  The line includes a face and body lotion and a detangler for kids and a shampoo & body wash and a lotion for babies.  Little Green is available online at www.littlegreencares.com or at a salon near you.  Enjoy!

Thymes Bergamot Vert Collection

Thymes Bergamot Vert Collection

In the fall, new scents are usually spicy and a bit stronger than the fresh scents of spring and summer.  As I am not ready to go full sultry in my fragrance,  I was happy to try the new collection by Thymes, Bergamot Vert.  This is touted as an invigorating collection that evokes the uplifting aroma of fresh Bergamot after a summer downpour in the Mediterranean. A bright, luminous scent, Bergamot Vert blends essential oils with luscious notes of sun-drenched citrus,crisp balsamic cypress, light jasmine and a whisper of musk. Like all Thymes formulations, the Bergamot Vert collection is free of parabens, SLES, SLS, propylene glycol, mineral oil, petrolatum and animal-derived ingredients.

The products in the collection are:

Body Wash ($18):Envelop your body in a bright, zesty Bergamot Vert lather, enriched with skin-smoothing glycerin, antioxidant vitamins C and E and panthenol to nourish and hydrate skin.

AHA Body Lotion ($24):Formulated with skin-smoothing AHA fruit complex, moisturizing glycerin, shea butter, and vitamin E, this rich lotion protects the skin and restores its natural resiliency.

Bubble Bath ($20):Submerge yourself in a Bergamot scented bubble bath retreat,enriched with moisturizing glycerin and antioxidant vitamins C and E help soothe and smooth your skin.

Bar Soap ($13):This rich, triple-milled bar soap combines Bergamot Vert and moisturizing glycerin to soften and condition the skin.

Liquid Hand Wash ($12):Made with panthenol and nourishing vitamins C and E, this hand wash works double duty washing away germs and moisturizing busy hands.

Hand Lotion ($14):This light, non-greasy formula scents hands with a veil of Bergamot Vert while smoothing rough spots with shea butter, antioxidant vitamin E, and ultra-hydrating glycerin.

Hand Cream ($16):Replenish over-worked hands with this deeply hydrating dose of shea butter, aloe vera and antioxidant vitamin E while Bergamot Vert leaves them freshly scented.

Cologne ($32):Enticingly bright, Bergamot Vert blends essential oils from the fruit’s cold-pressed zest with luscious notes of sun-drenched citrus and crisp balsamic cypress.

Candle ($26):Transform your home into a Mediterranean haven with this clean, paraffin-free candle and enjoy up to 60 hours of burn time.

Home Fragrance Mist ($16):Infuse your surroundings with the scent of Bergamot Vert, anytime, anywhere.

Sink Set ($30):Bergamot Hand Wash and Hand Lotion are conveniently paired in this elegant stainless steel sink-side caddy. These gentle, caring hand products replenish and restore hands.

You can purchase these fab fragrance products at www.thymes.com.  Enjoy!

Laura Geller Bake Sale Collection And FNO!

QVC is launching a Laura Geller Today Special Value, in honor of Fashion’s Night Out.  The collection is Bake Sale — 6 full size products. They are:

  • Laura Geller Spackle Tinted Under Make-Up Primer in Ethereal
  • Laura Geller Balance-n-Brighten
  • Laura Geller Blush-n-Brighten in Pink Buttercream
  • Laura Geller Baked Eye Pie Shadow Trio in Birthday Cake
  • Laura Geller Italian Marble Lipstick in Strawberry Toffee
  • Double-Ended Brush

This collection is $59.75  in two monthly payments on www.qvc.com.

Also, check out the @LauraGeller Tweet Suite tonight at 8:30 EST.  Join her FNO discussion at #QVCFNO.  Learn all of the FNO dish.  Fun!

Don’t Forget To Enter My InStyler Giveaway!

The InStyler

Time to win, ladies and gents!!! I have TWO InStyler Rotating Irons worth $99.95 each to give away.

I love my InStyler because it straightens and curls my hair quickly and easily. Check out my review at  https://fortyflirtyfabulous.wordpress.com/2010/07/01/make-your-hair-fabulous-with-the-instyler/ to learn more about this fab hair styling tool.

To win, leave a comment letting my know why you would like to try the Instyler.  I will randomly choose a winner on Friday, September 9, 2011. Please, entries only from the United States and Canada.

Good luck, everyone!

Fall 2011 Makeup Guide Part One — The Eyes Have It!

Yay for Fall eye makeup!  I always look forward to this time of year because I love the dramatic colors — plums, forest greens, midnight blues, chocolate browns.  I feel like a kid and the bold liners, shadows and mascara are my coloring tools!

Smashbox, Josie Maran, Make Up For Ever and Sue Devitt are introducing Fall 2011 collections that include a dramatic eye and soft cheeks and lips. I have tried at least one eye product from each collection and I have found that beside the beautiful jewel tones, many of the products have really cool features like being long-wearing.

Here is a little description of each collection and a product that I have tried from each:

Smashbox’s Fall 2011 color story is a celebration of the studio’s heritage. It’s about the magic of capturing the perfect close-up—the moment when you see that impeccable shot of a beautiful girl and everything just clicks.

Smashbox Girls On Film Cream Eye Liner & Travel Brush ($28.00 USD) — Create the perfect frame for eyes with this cult-favorite liner that provides totally customizable eye definition. Wait 60 seconds for it to dry or immediately smudge with shadow for extra intensity. Apply it with the included travel brush for perfectly defined eyes in a flash. Cream Eye Liner can also be used as a long-wearing cream shadow for a sexy smoky look.

What I think: This is available in two shades: Blacklight (black with blue pearl) and Sepia (midnight brown with gold pearl).  I have the Blacklight and love how the color easily lays down and the fact that the blue pearl is not too noticeable, so it can be used day or night. And it is very long-wearing.  Visit www.sephora.com or www.smashbox.com to purchase.

Josie Maran’s Fall 2011 Collection contains three Argan-rich products — A 4 eyeshadow and 1 eyeliner compact, a serum foundation and the eye makeup pen described below.

Josie Maran The Rapid Eye Makeup Pen (REM) ($32.00 USD)  features long-wearing Argan gel eyeliner on one end and a mini liner brush on the other. The middle houses a perfectly coordinated Argan eye shadow in a spring-loaded sponge tip applicator for single stroke eye definition. Infused with Josie’s signature ingredient, Argan Oil.

What I think:  This is a perfect for a dramatic on-the-go eye look. The shadow easily applies with the sponge and the eye liner brush dips in the liner for a great thick line.  Perfect for a cat’s eye look.  This is available in 6 color combinations.  I’ve tried the Black liner/Amethyst shadow and love the look. Visit www.sephora.com or www.josiemarancosmetics.com to purchase.

MAKE UP FOR EVER introduces Smoky Couleur, a new collection of eye make up essentials inspired by the rich, jewel tone fabrics seen on the fall 2011 runways. This vibrant new take on an all-time classic provides a number of different ways to wear the eye-catching look and adapt it to every mood, occasion and outfit.

The Smoky Couleur collection includes a limited edition Smoky Eye Shadow Palette, four new shades of dramatic
Smoky Lash mascara and three new ultra-creamy Khol Pencils — all in an array of bold, yet wearable colors.

New Smoky Lash Couleur ($22.00 USD) — The ultimate mascara for volume, length and curl is now available in four new hues. Boasting the same lash boosting formula and unique elastomer fiber brush as the original best seller, Smoky Lash Couleur delivers a dramatic faux lash effect in seconds. Each new shade is extremely concentrated with brown, green, blue and plum pigments so the mascara instantly coats the lashes with intense color.

What I think:  Very cool mascara that is extremely volumizing and really colors lashes, even dark ones like mine!  I have the Dark Blue and the Pearly Deep Blue Khol pencil.  They work great together for an intense shot of color or mix them up. Fun! Purchase at www.sephora.com or www.makeupforever.com.

Sue Devitt’s Nordic Trek, inspired by Iceland A new Eye Palette in muted tones of Deep Moss Shimmer, Glacial Aqua, Arctic Blue, and Nordic Nude was inspired by the deep blue sky meeting the mossy earth and ice along the horizon. And a new Defining Eyeliner in three pigment rich, long lasting, waterproof shades- rich black, chocolate brown and silver-glides on to give an edge to a softer palette. The collection of Color Luxury Lipsticks echoes the colors of the autumn flowers of the lowlands.

Sue Devitt Defining Eyeliner ($20.00 USD) Inspired by our star product—Eye Intensifier Pencil—NEW Defining Eyeliner is an ultra thin, twist-up pencil designed to create a precise line in vibrant colors for an intense look. Its unique formulation hydrates while defining, glides on smoothly in a soft, velvety texture, while locking in color that is long-wearing, transfer resistant, water resistant and smudge proof. Hyaluronic Filling Spheres and Nylon-12 lock in moisture, and expand and contact with facial expressions without creasing. No sharpener required.

What I think:  I love this in the chocolate brown.  It is a deep color and is a nice change from black for daytime.  It glides on smoothly, and doesn’t need to be sharpenend. This liner lasts a long time, too.  Visit www.suedevittbeauty.com to purchase.

Whatever you choose to try, I think you will enjoy your Fall look!

InStyler Giveaway!!!

The InStyler

Time to win, ladies and gents!!! I have TWO InStyler Rotating Irons worthe $99.95 each to give away.

I love my Instyler because it straightens and curls my hair quickly and easily. Check out my review at  https://fortyflirtyfabulous.wordpress.com/2010/07/01/make-your-hair-fabulous-with-the-instyler/ to learn more about this fab hair styling tool.

To win, leave a comment letting my know why you would like to try the Instyler.  I will randomly choose a winner on Friday, September 9, 2011. Please, entries only from the United States and Canada.

Good luck, everyone!

Discover The Skincare Benefits Of Chinese Chestnut and Black Soy With Wei East

I was so excited to try the Wei East line ! This is an anti-aging skin care line that I have been wanting to review. Here is the description from HSN.com:

East meets West when centuries-old Chinese herbal formulas combine with advanced American cosmetic techniques for younger-looking skin. Take a natural approach to beauty with pampering formulas that are a pleasure to put on. Chinese plants
and roots such as ginseng and ginkgo seed are harvested at carefully selected stages to obtain the highest quality.

I tried a few new items from the Chestnut Lifting and Firming line. A closely guarded firming recipe using the delicate, innermost lining of the Chinese Chestnut has not only been passed down for generations, but it has also been the treasured firming & lifting beauty secret for millions of Wei East customers over the last nine years – and it just got even better!

Now, using a proprietary fermentation process, Wei East is able to extract special Black Soy peptides and combine them with Chestnut to deliver the most dramatic firming and lifting beauty benefits yet.

Experience double the firming and lifting benefits with this exciting new advancement in skincare and unlock the secret to a firmer, more lifted appearance with these 3 new must-have products:

Wei East Chestnut Extra Firming Cream ($56.00 USD) — Help lift, firm and tighten skin with this firming cream. Infused with Chinese Chestnut, Black Soy, Green Tea and Honey, overall tone and resiliency will improve right before your eyes!

What I think: I have been using this cream at night over serum.  I smooth it over my face and neck.  After one use, my skin was smooth and moisturized; after a couple of weeks worth of use, I can tell that my skin is starting to looks a bit tighter.  I am going to continue use because I love how my skin looks!

Wei East Chestnut Firming & Contouring Pads ($25.00 USD)  —  Reverse age-related drooping and sagging with this quick, convenient treatment. Key ingredients including Chinese Chestnut, Black Soy, Green Tea and Honey work to gently lift, firm and re-counter the skin, increasing tone and overall suppleness.

What I think:  This is fun to use and so easy.  I use it about every other night before my serums and creams.  It smells fab and feels cooling, plus it is firming and lifting!  Awesome!

Wei East Chestnut Refirming Eye Treatment ($35.00 USD) — Lift, tone and re-contour the entire eye area with the power of Chinese Chestnut, Black Soy, Seaweed and Chinese Angelica. These key ingredients work to naturally restore the eye area elasticity and smoothe away imperfections.

What I think:  This is my least favorite product of the three.  It has kind of a dry texture, so it is a little hard to smooth under my eyes.  It also irritated my extremely sensitive eyes.  Because of this, I only used it once so I can’t really review the effects of the cream.

All three products premiered on HSN in late July and will be available at www.weieast.com in September 2011.  Enjoy!