Category: Beauty

Color Your Hair Safely With Surya Brasil Henna Cream

Surya Brasil Henna Cream ($11.99 USD) is renowned as the #1 selling semi-permanent hair coloring system in Brazil.  It comes in 15 exciting shades that will last up to seven to ten washes!

Henna Cream is touted as the safest way to color your hair and can be used on chemically treated and color treated hair. Packed with essential oils, this Henna Cream will keep your hair structure intact as it locks in moisture and leaves your hair smelling deliciously fresh!

What I think:  The first thing I noticed when I colored my hair was the scent.  It is light and herbal, but not chemical smelling AT ALL.  Seriously.  I also liked how easy it was to use.  There was no combining products — this is just one liquid that you apply with gloves that are included.  It took a little bit to get used to because it dripped a bit, but once you rub it in, it stays put.  The product also includes a plastic hair cap to use while you are waiting for the color to work.  Nice!

My results were pretty good.  The color is great.  I use dark brown which matched my natural color.  It covered well, but a few of my grays are still showing.  But, for a natural hair color, it works very well.

Availability: Whole Foods Market nationwide.  Enjoy!

As Summer Winds Down, Keep Your Skin Healthy With Natural Products From The Vitamin Shoppe

I love that you can use natural products, and get great results for your skin at the same time.  Win, win! Try one of the following products — you will love them!

Vitamin C W/Coq10 Facial Cleanser from Beauty Without Cruelty ($11.99 USD) — This wonderful softening facial cleanser contains Organic aloe vera gel, organic botanical infusion (chamomile, calendula, lavender), Co-enzyme Q10 and many other natural ingredients.  It does not contain parabens, animal ingredients and it is not tested on animals.

Kiss My Face Face Factor Spf 30 For Face and Neck ($11.99 USD) — Kiss My Face combines Oat Protein and Oat Beta Glucan, a dynamic duo of patented ingredients that reduce irritation and inflammation and fight against damaging free radicals as they moisturize your skin. This contains UVA/UVB Protection, it is water-resistant and is 100% paraben free.

Vanilla Honey Spf 15 Lip Balm by Kiss My Face ($3.29 USD) — Smooth, soothe and protect chapped lips organically with this 72% organic treatment. It works quickly to return your lips to a happy state with SPF 15 and tasty vanilla honey flavor. This product contains no animal ingredients, artificial colors, or unnecessary  chemicals and was not tested on animals.

One With Nature’s Shea Body Wash ($8.49 USD) — With a sweet and soothing scent, this ultra moisturizing body wash provides a thick, rich lather to gently cleanse the skin.  Shea butter and natural minerals, muds and salt of the Dead Sea Basin moisturize your skin and leave it feeling clean, healthy and rejuvenated.

100% Pure Cosmetics Honey Almond Body Scrub ($22.99 USD)  Juicy and invigorating body scrub smoothes away bumps and flakes for incredibly silky soft skin.  Fruit oils deeply moisturize while anti-aging vitamins and antioxidants nourish.  Fruit acids brighten gently for a healthy glow.  No harsh detergents, no synthetic chemicals, no artificial fragrances or any other toxins that can strip, irritate or dehydrate your delicate skin.  Truly, 100% Pure.

All products are available for purchase at The Vitamin Shoppe or at http://www.vitaminshoppe.com.

Need To Demolish Deep Wrinkles? Try Avon ANEW Platinum!

If you are over 60 or are experiencing advanced signs of aging, Avon has released the perfect skincare line for you — ANEW Platinum.   This line claims to help lift the skin and reduce the look of deep wrinkles.  It includes cleanser, day and night creams, a serum and an eye and lip cream.  Everything you need for your skin to look and feel better as it matures.  Here are a couple of products I tested:

ANEW PLATINUM Day Cream SPF 25 ($38.00 USD) — Claims to dramatically reduce the look of deep wrinkles and visibly reshapes the neck for a more youthful look.* Formulated with patented Paxillium Technology to help restore youthful cell shape, while Radiescent Microspheres help to immediately counteract dullness and help restore radiant skin. 92% agree it restores youthful color and radiance to skin.** In 1 day, skin of the delicate neck area looks firmed and feels lifted and supported all day. In 4 weeks, 74% agree it dramatically reduces the look of deep wrinkles and visibly reshapes neck for a more youthful look.** To use: In the morning, smooth evenly over cleansed face and neck. 1.7 fl. oz*Over a 4 week time period. **Based on women who expressed an opinion in a consumer-perception study.

ANEW PLATINUM Eye & Lip Cream ($36.00 USD) — The 1st eye & lip treatment formulated with Paxillium Technology to boost the production of Paxillin by 60% to help restore youthful cell shape. 77% saw more youthful definition in the eye & lip areas.* .5 fl. oz.

For eyes:  In 3 days, 88% agree skin around eye area looks and feels more elastic. In 2 weeks, 87% agree it smoothes the look of thin, wrinkled skin on eyelids.*

For lips: In 3 days, fills in the appearance of deep lines above and below lips.** In 2 weeks, 77% agree contour and shape of lips is visibly improved.*

Dual-tip precision applicator – rounded silvery tip helps cool and refresh eye area; flat tip evenly applies cream on and around lips.

*Based on women who expressed an opinion in a consumer-perception study. **Based on in-vitro testing on 3D reconstructed skin.

While I am not the target audience for these products, I found them soothing and extremely moisturizing.  I love that the day cream has an SPF of 25 — important for women of all ages.  The applicator for the eye and lip cream is so smart — I apply the product with the flat end and smooth it around my eyes or lips with the silver ball.

I do think that this would be a perfect — and fairly affordable — line for those over 60. Visit www.shop.avon.com to purchase.  Enjoy!

Fab Anti-Aging Skincare By Caudalie — Plus Their New Website!

Caudalie Beauty Elixir ($16.00 USD) — Inspired by the “elixir of youth” used by Queen Isabelle of Hungary, this treatment smoothes features, tightens pores, and gives the complexion a burst of radiance. an excellent base for make-up, this water
awakens the skin in the morning and livens it up before a night out.  For all skin lacking radiance. Beauty Elixir is an exceptional anti-dull complexion treatment and a wonderful after-shave for men.

What I think:  This is such a nice and refreshing face mist. I use it after cleansing in the morning and I can tell it tightens my pores before I apply my Vinoperfect Day Perfecting Fluid SPF 15  (see below).  It has a bit of a strong, herbal scent, though so it is not for those who do not enjoy strong fragrance in their skincare.

Vinoperfect Day Perfecting Fluid SPF 15 ($68.00 USD)  — This oil-free moisturizer instantly regenerates for a baby-skin
effect and radiant glow. Smooths lines, minimizes pores and reduces dark spots. Ideal primer for all skin types.  Formulated for those who wish to enhance their skin’s radiance, tone and clarity.

What I think:  I am loving this and use it every morning as my moisturizer and primer.  I find that it evens out my skin tone and makes lines and pores much less noticeable. It does give a little glow, but covers any shiny, oily spots on my face (hello, my forehead!). So awesome!

Premier Cru The Eye Cream ($95.00 USD) The ultimate anti-ageing eye cream for immediate and long-lasting visible results. Targeting all the visible signs of aging around the eyes: wrinkles, loss of elasticity, dehydration, dark circles, puffiness, dark spots
and loss of radiance, Premier Cru The Eye Cream, immediately brightens and correct dark circles thanks to silvery, coppery and iridescent pearlizers. For those who wish to combat all signs of ageing: wrinkles, lack of firmness, lack of radiance and dryness.

What I think: If you are looking for a luxurious eye cream, this is the one for you!  It feels fabulous — so cool and soothing once applied.  It also instantly makes the eye are look brighter and less puffy.  Use it morning and night — and go all around the eye with it — especially at night.  Your eye lids firmer and smoother in the morning.

Caudalie has also recently announced the new online home of Caudalie in the US – www.caudalie-usa.com!  There are so many new features for the Caudalie lover to explore:

• “Notes from Mathidle” – a new blog featuring insider scoop, expert advice and inspirational observations ( coming in early August)

•  Chat Live with a Caudalie Expert

•  The luxury of free ground shipping on orders over $50

•  Read and write product reviews

•  Access to Le Club, featuring exclusive offers, ability to store information and history and create and share wish lists.

•  Sign up to receive email newsletters with product news & previews, special offers and exclusive event invitations

If you shop online until August 26, 2011, enter the code SUMMER at checkout and you will receive 20% off of your order.  Enjoy!

 

Treat Your Skin With The New Anti-Aging Powerhouse Algenist

Being FORTY (something), flirty and fabulous, I know the importance of reviewing new anti-aging skincare for my wonderful audience.  I have recently tested the new amazing biotechnical skincare line Algenist.  What does Algenist claim:

Born out of an unexpected biotechnology discovery, scientists discovered Alguronic Acid – a powerful compound responsible for regenerating and protecting the microalgae cell.  As the key ingredient in all Algenist products, Alguronic Acid boosts skin elasticity and hydration, decreases melanin (skin pigmentation) and inflamed cells, as well as protect the skin against UV-induced DNA damage.

This line currently include four skincare products.  They are:

Concentrated Reconstructing Serum ($95.00 USD) — A smooth, advanced anti-aging serum formulated with a high concentration of the revolutionary ingredient Alguronic Acid to rebuild skin firmness and elasticity while restoring skin density and elasticity. Wrinkles are minimized and skin radiance is boosted.

Regenerative Anti-Aging Moisturizer ($90.00 2 fl. oz, s135.00 4 fl. oz) — A luxurious, moisturizing and nourishing anti-aging cream formulated with the revolutionary anti-aging ingredient Alguronic Acid to nourish and restore skin moisture while rebuilding firmness and elasticity. The appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and pores is minimized. The skin is regenerated.

Regenerative Anti-Aging Moisturizer SPF 20 ($90.00 USD) — A fast-absorbing, moisturizing, and protective anti-aging SPF cream formulated with the revolutionary anti-aging ingredient Alguronic Acid to nourish and restore skin moisture while rebuilding firmness and elasticity. The appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and pores is minimized. The skin is regenerated and protected against signs of aging caused by UVA & UVB exposure.

Complete Eye Renewal Balm ($65.00 USD) — A rich yet lightweight moisturizing and soothing balm for the eye area formulated with the revolutionary anti-aging ingredient Alguronic Acid to diminish signs of aging and fatigue, decreasing the appearance of puffiness and dark circles while tightening and firming the skin around the eyes. Fine lines and wrinkles are minimized for a comprehensive renewal of the eye area.

What I think:  I love these products!  It’s crazy that they can be so gentle going on delivers powerful anti-aging benefits!  They are fragrance-free and soothing when applied.  I have sensitive skin and Algenist products do not irritate my skin.

Since I have been using Algenist, I have noticed that my skin is smoother (pores appear smaller and fine lines are less noticeable), and it has a youthful glow.  I have only been using Algenist for a few weeks, but I will keep using it and see how my skin changes over the next month or so.

Visit www.algenist.com or www.sephora.com to learn more or purchase.  Enjoy your younger skin!

Treat Your Dry, Processed Hair To Rusk’s Deep Shine Oil Volume Shampoo and Conditioner

Summer is a hair killer.  Adding to damage from hair color and heat stylers, you get sun exposure, chlorine and/or salt in the hair and the frizz from humidity.  Yuck.

But my hair is looking pretty good now.  Why, you ask?  I am using Rusk Deepshine Oil Volume Shampoo and Conditioner ($15.00 USD Each).  These products contain the following ingredients for healthy hair:

  • Certified-Organic Moroccan Argan Oil — enhances the shine and condition of the hair.  Adds back natural moisture and softness.
  • Natural Algae Extracts — provide moisture, nourishment and deliver vitamins that help replenish hair’s natural balance.
  • Vitamin E — Protects the scalp and minimizes UV damage to the hair, promoting strength and luster.

I think that these products are wonderful for dry, damaged hair.  They really do revive super-dry hair.  My hair has been dry and frizzy and now it is soft and smooth.   The only thing is that this is probably not for people with fine or oily hair as it can weigh it down.  I really don’t see the shampoo and conditioner as volumizing hair care.  I make sure that I apply volumizing styling products after I use these for lift as well as shine.

Available September 2011 at www.stylesource.com.  Enjoy!

JESSICA Nails Carte Blanche Collection

Yves Saint Laurent said it best, “Fashions fade, but style is eternal.” Celebrity nail expert JESSICA® has taken her personal love for fashion and Parisian elegance and created a new summer collection of ultra feminine neutral nail colours.

The new Carte Blanche collection is an elegant six-piece assortment of sophisticated colours that enable women to explore their own personal style. With the right blend of shimmering whites, beiges and grays, each colour makes a stylish statement!

The shades are:

Haute Couture — soft pink shimmer

A La Mode — greige shimmer

Pret A Porter — warm beige shimmer

Tres Chic — dusty lavender shimmer

Soigne — light gray shimmer

Au Natural — nude shimmer

Visit www.jessicacosmetics.com to learn more and purchase.  Enjoy!

Great Products To Help Keep The Summer Glow Going Through Fall!

Keep your glow up with these fun summer-enhancing products.  From a great color-customized mineral foundation, to a cheek gel to some great glosses, enjoy a new easy look that will help you sail into Fall while keeping your color!

e.l.f. Mineral Personal Blend Foundation SPF 15 ($8.00 USD) — Create customized mineral based color for a perfect match, year-round! Housed in a unique quad  chamber for the perfect mix, the weightless mineral formulation blends seamlessly into skin and contains natural skin protecting SPF 15 and is 100%  mineral based with no parabens, preservatives or chemical dyes. Infused with key Vitamin E for rich antioxidants that hydrate and replenish the skin. The inner dial allows you to control the amount of product dispensed so you can create  your customized color and keep the powder closed for clean and easy use every time.

Each quad blend contains four perfectly matched shades:

  • Light:Porcelain, Fair, Light, Beige
  • Medium:Medium Beige, Golden Honey, Tan, Bronze
  • Dark: Almond, Toffee, Dark, Deep

What I think:  This is such a great idea for a summer powder.  I have the medium, and I am in between Golden Honey and Tan so I mix them together.  I use Bronze for a bronzer and I know as my (fake) tan fades, I know I will be more Medium Beige.  So I get all different looks in one product.  Genius! The only thing that I don’t care for is that there is a little shimmer in it and I like my powder matte. This is for sale at a Target store near you.

Perfekt Beauty Cheek Perfection Gel ($28.00 USD) — gives an instant lit-from-within flush to the cheeks.   The multitasking formula glides on effortlessly to instantly per-fekt and enhance the appearance of the cheeks. Smart Color Technology™ assures a perfect color  match for every skintone. This gel leaves a hint of natural color, sculpting and  highlighting the cheekbones.

What I think:  I like to use just a little bit of this gel to get a lit-from-within glow.  It comes in two shades — Blushed and Bronzed.  I have Blushed, which is a pretty red-toned blush that looks so natural on.  But you can tell it is blush, I have had many compliments on it.  Purchase at www.sephora.com or www.perfektbeauty.com.

It Cosmetics Anti-Aging Shadow Trio & “No Tug” Shadow Brush ($29.00 USD). This eye shadow trio is all about intense pigment, in a naturally pretty look. It’s packed with skin-loving ingredients such as hydrolyzed collagen; acai; green tea; and vitamins A, C, and E; and is free of ingredients that make eyes appear older. The Dual No-tug Heavenly Luxe eye shadow brush gives you airbrushed eye shadow application without tugging on your delicate eyelids.

Shades are:

  • Naturally Pretty Matte Luxe: Cashmere, a matte creme; Espresso, a matte deep brown; Earth Angel, a matte beige cashmere
  • Naturally Pretty Pearl Luxe:  Je Ne Sais Quoi, a shimmery nude pink; Espresso, a matte deep brown; Ipanema, a golden beige pearl
  • Pretty in Plum: Je Ne Sais Quoi, a shimmery nude pink; Lucky Lavender, a violet pearl; Plum Passion, a rich shimmer purple

What I think:  I have tried the Pretty in Plum palette and love the colors.  It is highly pigmented and last a long time, especially over It Cosmetics Bye Bye Lid Lines Anti-Aging Primer.  The brush is gorgeous, too.  Purchase at www.qvc.com.

It Cosmetics Anti-Aging Brightening Face Disc  w/Luxe Brush ($48.50 USD).  This palette includes a matte bronzer, luminating powder, and vitality blush. They are packed with skin-loving ingredients such as hydrolyzed collagen; acai; green tea; and vitamins A, C, and E. The Jumbo Heavenly Luxe Mega-Brush gives you airbrushed application, and makes you smile upon contact.  Anyone who needs a little “brush therapy” to smile, will love this ultra-soft, luxe Mega-Brush!

What I think:  This is the perfect all-over face palette.  The matte bronzer is fabulous for contour or a healthy color on the face.  The blush is brightening and the luminizer is perfect anywhere you need a little light on the face.  Visit www.qvc.com to learn more and purchase.

bodycology® is thrilled to introduce you to Healthy Kiss ($2.99 USD) -three delectable, lip-quenching glosses that are loaded with beneficial ingredients: Juicy Watermelon, Fresh Strawberry and Pomegranate Splash. Formulated with a healthy dose of
vitamins, extracts and oils, the product leaves lips feeling beautifully soft and moisturized. Simply squeeze and apply for subtle color, high-gloss shine and mouth-watering flavor.

What I think:  These are fun, shiny glosses that taste fantastic.  They are perfect for days that you want a hint of color and lots of shine.  You can purchase these at Walmart.

Erno Laszlo Transphuse Age Defying Mask Anti Aging Treatment

Erno Laszlo Transphuse Age Defying Mask

I notice as I move further into my forties, my skin needs extra help.  My main complaint is that I notice a general dullness in my skin plus enlarged pores.  Luckily, with my blog, I get to try many different anti-aging products.  Some help, some don’t.  I have recently found one that does!

Erno Laszlo Transphuse Age Defying Mask Anti Aging Treatment ($90.00 USD) is a luxurious approach to anti-aging designed to target fine lines and wrinkles. It also claims to saturate skin with moisture, reverse damage and rejuvenate tired, dull skin. It is formulated with a powerful concentration of Glycosaminoglycans to encourage collagen production for a plumper, more youthful complexion.

Cleanse and tone skin. Apply an even layer to face, avoiding eyes and eye brows. Leave on for 5-10 minutes or until dry. Rinse with warm water. Use weekly or as needed.

What I think:  The first time I tried this, I use as directed.  After drying my face, I looked in the mirror and wow!, my face looked smooth and glowy (not shiny) and my pores appeared so much smaller. Five years off instantly! This is easy to use and gives amazing results.

To purchase, visit www.ernolaszlo.com. Enjoy!

Add Some Color to Your ‘Do With Put on Piece’s Clip-In Color Strips

Put on Piece’s Clip-In Color Strips

There’s a new trend in hair that’s popping up on red carpets, runways, and on celebrities just about everywhere. Brightly streaked hair – and we’re talking bright – from green to pink and from blue to purple, has been seen on A-listers such as, Kesha, Brittany Spears, Jordin Sparks and Lauren Conrad. Not ready for such a shocking change? Then this bold look doesn’t have to be a permanent one thanks to an easy-to-use option like Put on Pieces Clip-In Color Strips ($8 each: extensions.com).

Put on Piece’s Clip-In Color Strips easily attach to hair for a commitment-free streaked effect. Each bright strip gives hair 16 inches of color that pops for standout hair that gets noticed. Choose from six fun fantasy colors – Amethyst, Blue, Gold, Pink, Purple and Red, or mix multiple shades to express yourself though your hair.

What I think:  I have tried the purple and red in my dark brown hair.  The purple is fun to wear everyday or to work, because it is a subtle flash of color in my dark hair.   The red is bright and fun for a night out.  The clips are easy to use and stay on until you take them off.

To purchase, visit  www.extensions.com.  Have fun!