Beauty – Page 132 – Forty, Flirty & Fabulous

New Spring Scents to Scintillate!

Want a new fragrance this Spring? It’s time to put away your strong, Winter scents and try something fresh and light. Here are some fun ideas to help change up your personal fragrance.

Apothia Pearl Pure Fragrance Oil ($58.00 USD) — Just as a beautiful string of pearls is easy to wear with your favorite pair of jeans or sexiest black dress, Pearl Pure Fragrance Oil is effortless yet chic. The APOTHIA original creation begins with shimmering shiso leaf and plum blossom wrapped around delicate white peony and Japanese honeysuckle, finishing with warm amber with touches of ivory musk and earthy orris. Visit ronrobinsoninc.com to learn more and purchase.

The NEW limited edition Love Fragrance Collection from Trish McEvoy ($90.00 USD) envelops you in the delicate fragrance of No. 9 Blackberry & Vanilla Musk Eau de Parfum and Super Enriched Body Cream while the Wild Blueberry Vanilla Candle burns gently to soothe your soul. Seduction Flawless Lip Color is the finishing touch of beauty and elegance to complete your romantic aura leaving you completely irresistible. Sweet, sensual, and undeniably the most loving collection of beauty a woman can get her hands on, the Love Fragrance Collection is a the perfect assortment of pleasure. Purchase at www.trishmcevoy.com.

Banana Republic introduces Wildbloom ($48.00 USD), an eau de parfum that captures the beauty of joy, optimism and spontaneity. The foundation of the fragrance conveys sensual femininity, with woody nuances, radiant musk and pink suede. The initial impression is one of freshness and purity, as sparkling citrus notes introduce luscious fruits. As the fragrance evolves, the captivating floral heart emerges, blending effortlessly with the breezy first impression. The background notes add subtle dimension and sheer sensuality for a deep, lush finish. Top notes are Guava, Pear Skin, Kumquat, and Pink Grapefruit; Heart notes are Watery Hydrangea, Hawaiian Pikake, Blue Orchid, and Wild Camellia; Base notes are Patchouli, Sandalwood, Tonka, Oud Wood, Radiant Musk, and Pink Suede. You can purchase at www.bananarepublic.com.

Enjoy!

Becca Cosmetics Can Give You The Perfect Look For Spring and Summer

We have had a few hot days in Kansas City, which has made me long for the summer and tan skin and easy makeup. So I used an at home spray tanning system (will review soon) and broke out the bronzer and shimmery makeup! Oh, I love the fun easy look of summer makeup!

BECCA Cosmetics’ philosophy is about creating a natural, flawless look starting with amazing skin. This is the perfect philosophy when it comes to spring and summer makeup. The following products will provide an easy and pretty face.

Resurfacing Primer Line & Pore Minimizing Formula ($40.00 USD) — Prepare and seal your skin with this invisible Resurfacing Primer which instantly reduces the appearance of dilated pores and smoothes fine lines for a flawless finish. Applied on its own or under foundation, the velvety matte formulation helps to control unwanted shine with its special oil absorbing polymers which act as ‘fillers’ to create a refined base for makeup that will last all day.

What I think: mattifying primer is perfect for hot and oily skin. It also keeps your makeup from melting off of your face. This primer gives skin a velvety finish and helps makeup stay on all day.

Pressed Shimmer Powder ($38.00 USD) — A delicately fine shimmer powder that lights up the complexion, illuminating darkened areas and lackluster skin and creating a magical glow that seems to emanate from within. Contains ultrafine particles of shimmer (mica) to deflect light and illuminate the skin, creating a natural, radiant look. Does not have a glittery finish and thus can be worn day or night.

What I think: Pretty shimmer, and not too young for women who are a bit more mature and not looking for a glittery face. Available in 8 shades from a beigey-peach to a rose-pink, which is the most I’ve seen in an illuminating powder. The deeper shades make a really pretty blush. Brush it over bronzer for a lovely summer look.

Jewel Dust ($24.00 USD) — These exquisitely embellished powders add playful colour to the eyes when worn alone, and create rich, exotic tones when layered over neutral eye shadows. Available in a range of enchanting colours from ethereal pastels to dazzling metallics. Created from pure pigments which provide the highest luster and intensity. Unlike other shimmer powders, this exclusive formulation does not contain talc, fillers, or inferior silver pearl pigments. Can be worn alone or layered over creme and powder eye colour to create unique tones and range of effects. Micro fine shimmer pigments adds illuminating colour to the eyes. Available in 16 shimmery shades.

What I think: This is super pretty for summer. The lighter shades are gorgeous brushed all over the eye and the deeper and brighter shades can be used for an accent or a smoky eye.

Professional Brush Soap ($15.00 USD) — Designed with your prized makeup brushes in mind, this unique Professional Brush Soap is formulated to clean, condition and sanitize, lengthening the lifespan of your brushes and making them work better for you. In a unique vintage-style shaving tin, this soap is designed for all brush shapes and sizes and works on both natural and synthetic fibers.

Unlike shampoo, which is designed for human hair types and can leave brushes limp or brittle, this special soap is universal in its cleansing properties. Its solid formula is made from nourishing plant oils ensuring that it is gentle on brush fibers while tough on product build-up. Unwashed, brushes can be a common breeding ground for bacteria, which can in turn cause skin irritation and blemishes, along with reduced application performance. Dip the brush in lukewarm water, then with a stroking action, move across the soap until it produces a white lather, working well into the bristles. Rinse under the tap until the water runs clear, squeeze out excess water, reshape, then leave to dry on a clean towel.

What I think: This is a fabulous and affordable cleanser for your brushes. It is so important to keep makeup brushes clean and this is easy and quick. Love it!

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

Alterna Caviar Anti-Aging Hair Care Products

My hair is certainly beginning to show its (my) age. It is thinner, dry and living in Kansas City has made it frizzy. I love the idea of anti-aging hair care, because the needs of our hair change as we get older. Alterna Caviar Anti-Aging Line was created to hydrate dry, brittle hair and help combat the signs of aging. Some of the products in the line are innovative and extremely helpful in making any hair look it’s best. My favorites are:

Caviar Anti-Aging 3-Minute Shine Boost ($25.00 USD) — A shine-enhancing hair treatment. Inspired by salon glazing services, this weekly shine treatment acts like a lip gloss for your hair giving it an instant blast of high-definition shine. For those with processed hair, this product instantly recharges faded color between salon visits and gives hair reflective brilliance while sealing the cuticle with a moisturizing layer.

What I think: This does give hair a nice shine, but you do have to use a lot to achieve this. To use, shampoo, condition and squeeze out excess water from you hair, then apply an ample amount of the cream. Leave on for 3-5 minutes and rinse out. Style as usual and you should get a nice sheen to your hair.

Alterna Caviar Perfect Blowout Creme ($25.00 USD) is a hydrating styling creme that provides gentle control. It reduces frizz and minimizes static while providing you with the perfect blow dry experience. Alterna Caviar Perfect Blowout Creme provides a sleek, smooth blowout with radiant shine. It tames frizz to keep hair smooth, shiny and moisturized.

What I think: I applied this creme to my hair by rubbing a dollop in my hands to emulsify it, then I applied it through my hair with my fingers. I then did a complete blow out, by sectioning my hair and blow drying using a round brush to smooth the hair. It turned out well. My hair was shiny and smoothed. I used a little shine serum to finish the look off. Very pretty!

Alterna Caviar Anti-Aging Overnight Hair Rescue ($35.00 USD) — A deeply penetrating overnight treatment for damaged hair that repairs while you sleep. This powerful treatment repairs and replenishes damaged hair, restores and reinforces hair strength, and prevents future breakage. It absorbs instantly and won’t leave greasy residue on pillows or sheets. The more you use it, the healthier your hair becomes.

What I think: This is a brilliant concept because you can sleep while treating your hair! I like that this is not greasy and doesn’t ruin pillows or sheets! In the morning, rinse it off and style as usual. Your hair will be soft and healthy-looking!

Visit www.alternahaircare.com to learn more and to find a retailer near you. Enjoy!

Kenzo Belle De Jour White Lotus Serum

In my fight against aging, I have tried lots of products that claim to help wrinkles, skin tone and the youthful glow. Not many do everything that they claim. But, I have always loved Kenzo’s Belle de Jour line. I have previously reviewed Belle De Jour cream (https://fortyflirtyfabulous.wordpress.com/2009/03/08/want-flawless-skin-try-belle-de-jour-from-kenzo/) and Belle de Jour Angel Eyes (https://fortyflirtyfabulous.wordpress.com/2010/02/17/belle-de-jour-angel-eyes-by-kenzo/) and have enjoyed both of them. The fragrance and texture of both products are fabulous, and I saw a difference in my skin with both.

So I was very excited to try Kenzo’s Belle De Jour White Lotus Serum ($150.00 USD) which is a day and night serum for a radical effect on the beauty of the face. At the heart of this care is a highly concentrated and enriched White Lotus alchemy which reinforces actions on cellular regeneration. Leaves skin tightened and restored. Belle De Jour, an exceptional product line that enhances the skin’s natural beauty by protecting it from free radicals and the harmful stress hormone – Cortisol. The skin is restored to its natural balance and left luminous and soft.

The key ingredient in this is White Lotus which is one regarded as a sacred flower throughout Asia, white lotus has many soothing and anti-free radical properties. It is cultivated especially for Kenzo in East Asia, an ideal location for this plant to flourish.

To use, take a small amount of the serum and using the fingertips, slowly spread it with a gentle touch over cleansed face and neck. Following with Belle De Jour cream is a complete experience.

I love this smooth, light gel that glides over the skin and absorbs so quickly. It instantly smooths the skin and leaves it so soft. Over a few weeks, I have noticed a difference in the texture and luminosity of my skin. This product is spendy, but it its worth it for the effectiveness. Also, its nice to splurge on a luxury product every once in a while!

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

Visit Target For Spring Products From Pixi and JK Jemma Kidd

Just in time for Spring, Target has released new products in some of the prestige cosmetic collections that they carry. These products are bright and shimmery, which makes it so much to change up your look! Enjoy these products:

JK Jemma Kidd Glitterati Eye Shadow Dust Duo ($18.00 USD) — Jemma Kidd’s super on-trend answer to this seasons shimmering seventies eye. A mega hold liquid shadow with powder glitter dust.

Features Include:

Water based, hydrating liquid shadow with a fast drying, crease proof formula
Added silk proteins for a lightweight and flawless application
Complementary roll on glitter dust for added “day to night” glamour

This shimmery shadow is available in 3 shades — Paparazzi (gold), Debut (silver) and Shadow (taupy bronze).

JK Jemma Kidd In Vogue Perfect Blush ($18.00 USD) Tailor make your cheekbones with Jemma Kidd’s brand new versatile and ultra flattering powder blush.

Features Include:

Powder blushers with complementary shades from one colour family
Mix colours together to create your own unique shade or use individual shades alone

available in 3 color combinations — Rodeo Drive (pinks), South Beach (bronze) and 5th avenue (corals).

Pixi Flawless Beauty Powder ($30.00 USD) — This powder looks like real skin, just better. It evens out skin tone and keeps skin shine-free for hours. Containing an innovative mix of translucent, coated air-light pigments, Vitamin E and strong UV-protection, it enhances and helps to protect the skin. Leaves an invisible, smooth, shine-free and youthful finish. Suitable for all skin types & ages due to its unique light-diffusing pigments and re-hydrating formula.

Beneficial ingredients and what they do:

Vitamin E nourishes and protects
Silica conditions and softens skin

You can purchase this in Fair, Natural and Warm. It is easy to use — it comes with a little sponge — or your can apply with a brush.

Pixi Succulent Lip Twin ($18.00 USD) — Give yourself a lip-loving treat with this duo lip nourisher. The natural oils and extracts condition and protect your lips – all while adding a quick tint of face-awakening colour with our unique lip & cheek tint (conveniently located in cap).

In the tube: Multi-purpose lip balm to soothe & heal dry lips. In the cap: Solid lip & cheek tint for when you need a quick pick-me-up.

Beneficial ingredients and what they do:

Aloe Vera soothes and heals stressed skin
Jojoba Oil is an effective natural moisturizer and environmental barrier for the skin
Lavender extract heals and calms skin
Vitamin E nourishes and protect
Shea Butter nourishes the skin

Available in 4 shades — Nude Lilly, Coral Camellia, Pink Peon, Poppy Red. The balm gives lips a pretty tint, and the gloss gives more color and shine.

Visit www.target.com to learn more and purchase!

Create A Beautiful Complexion With New Products From Physicians Formula

Happy Booster™ Glow & Mood Boosting Powder ($13.95 USD) — Ultra-smooth, perfecting powder in a complementary palette of color blends together to even out skin tone with a flawless radiance. Vibrant pink heart gives cheeks a healthy pop of color. Infused with our Happy Boost Blend, featuring Happy Skin and Euphoryl, natural plant extracts which have been shown to promote a feeling of happiness by mimicking the effect of Endorphins and helping protect the skin from environmental stress. The sweet scent of Violet provides a feeling of joy each time you apply.

What I think: First of all, I enjoy the soft violet scent. Violet is one of my favorite floral fragrances and this one is not strong — which is perfect for the powder. The powder also gives a nice soft glow and is pretty alone or over foundation or tinted moisturizer.

Mineral Wear™ Talc-Free Mineral Correcting Primer ($10.95 USD) — In one simple step, this versatile primer color-corrects imperfections, smoothes skin texture, fills in fine lines and boosts makeup’s staying power. Ultra-convenient twist-pen with attached brush applicator allows for easy blending and effortless application. Available in Nude, Pink Highlighter and Green.

What I think: I really love the green primer, because it color corrects the red from my complexion. It goes on incredibly smooth and is great under makeup. My skin does not turn green when I use it, so don’t worry about that. The nude is fantastic for evening out skintone and the pink is a pretty highlighter for cheekbones and under the eyebrow.

Bronze Booster Glow-Boosting Sun Stones ($14.95 USD) — Luminous bronzing Sun Stones provide an instant and lasting tan-boost that blends and builds easily to your desired level of bronze. Indescent bronze and gold blend together for a gorgeous and glowing bronze effect. Unique Sun Stones provide the soft, smooth look of a loose powder without the mess. It comes in two shades, Light to Medium and Medium to Dark.

What I think: This includes a nice little brush that works well to apply this bronzer all over for a faux tan, or where the sun naturally hits the face — forehead, nose, chin and cheekbones. The stones impart a pretty soft glow.

Visit www.physiciansformula.com to learn more and you can purchase at a drugstore or mass market relaiter near you.

Great New Ideas In Beauty Tools and Containers

Finding the right beauty tools and organizers are so important for perfecting your beauty routine. The following are some brand new (or new to me) products I have tried and have helped me simplify my beauty regimen.

From the new Sally Hansen Beauty Tools line, I love the Perfect the Arch Dual Slant Point Tip Tweezer ($14.49 USD) — This multi-tasking wonder does it all. Use the slanted edge against the skin for larger areas and the pointed end for detail work along the brow line. Theis is easy to use, and a sharp tweezer makes shaping brows quick and a lot less painful than a dull pair that barely grabs the hairs. Visit www.sallyhansen.com for more info and you can purchase these at drugstores and mass market retailers in the United States.

Cosmetic coordination. This Lori Greiner set of two quilted makeup cases is ideal for both home organization and travel. The large case is designed with 13 sections to organize all your shadows, blushes, lipsticks, and more–plus, elastic holders in the back section for brushes and mascara, and even a removable organizer page. The smaller organizer case fits easily into your purse so you can tote all your daily essentials. This is great for traveling or just for every day use.

Includes large cosmetic bag and small cosmetic bag and the approximate measurements are: Large bag 10″L x 8″W x 4″H; Small bag 7″L x 4″W x 3″H. They wipe clean with a damp cloth.

You can purchase this at www.qvc.com. The regular price is $29.50 and is on special at $26.80.

Tweezerman broke new ground on the beauty tool front by introducing the Zip File ($5.00 USD), a practical, retractable and ultra-portable – yet super-stylish and playful nail file for hassle-free usability. Now, Tweezerman is proudly bringing you three new fun, flirty patterns to suit all personalities. These colorful, fun, convenient file & case combos have a zippy slide-click mechanism that, with just a push of your thumb, easily extends and locks the file securely in place at the exact length you want. The all-in-one design works so that the case also acts as a handle when the file is extended. The file can then be effortlessly retracted to stay clean and protected, stored neatly in the compact handle/case. The dual sides (medium and coarse grit) allow you to shape and then seal nail edges with just one easy-to-use tool.

www.tweezerman.com is the place to find these as well as at www.sephora.com

Powerful Anti-Aging Benefits With Affordable Boots No7

Boots is one of the United Kingdoms top cosmetic and skin care companies. I have recently tried their No7 line which is a range of hypoallergenic and dermatologically tested products using trusted ingredients. Women in the UK have been using Boots No7 for over 75 years, so they must know something, right? I LOVE the following products because they all address aging problems and have the ingredients to fight them!

Radiance Revealed Exfoliator ($9.99 USD) — This light and gentle facial exfoliator deeply cleanses, removes dead skin cells and refines pores, leaving skin soft, smooth and glowing with health. With grapefruit and watercress to help purify, plus pro-vitamin B5 to hydrate the skin.

I love how this scrub leaves skin soft and very smooth. It should be used once or twice a week. Gently massage a small amount onto cleansed, damp skin. Wash away thoroughly with warm water.

Protect & Perfect Beauty Serum ($19.99 USD) — Reveal younger looking, beautifully refined skin with this powerful blend of caring and skin restoring ingredients. Light and non-greasy, it glides on instantly softening and smoothing your skin. Then, with regular use, it works to renew your complexion, restoring radiance and helping to reduce the appearance of pores, fine lines and wrinkles in just 4 weeks. With concentrated levels of unique antioxidant complex and skin-firming pro-retinol complex to boost and maintain skin’s elasticity.

This is a very popular anti-aging serum in the UK so I was very excited to use it — and it did not disappoint. It is so light and is absorbs quickly, then makes the skin so soft and silky. Use day and night to supplement a moisturizing regime. Apply a small amount of serum to the palms of the hands and smooth over the face, avoiding the eye area. Finish with moisturizer.

Intensive Line Filler ($17.99 USD) — This is a clever quick-fix that leaves skin looking softer, smoother and more youthful looking. With light-diffusing particles to blur away the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It’s been created to improve the appearance of deeper wrinkles too, with skin looking plumper and less lined in just 2 weeks. It’s all down to an exciting new development: hyaluronic acid spheres. They absorb water in the upper layers of the skin and inflate to many times their original size, appearing to push wrinkles up and away from within.

I love the instant lift to my skin’s texture that this gives. Plus, it gave my whole face a youthful plumping after just a few weeks uses. Smooth onto the places most vulnerable to expression lines: around your mouth and eyes, between your brows and across your forehead. Follow with No7 Time Resisting or Lifting and Firming moisturizers.

Visit www.us.boots.com or www.target.com to purchase. Enjoy!

I Scream For Eye Creams By AmorePacific, Boots No7 and Kate Somerville!

As an over-forty woman who tries a lot of eye cream, I know how indispensible this type of product is to make you look younger! I do not go a day without using eye cream because I will not allow lines and wrinkles around my eyes. Uh-uh. So finding the perfect eye cream is so important. Some really great new ones are:

AmorePacific Rejuvenating Eye Treatment Gel ($85.00 USD) — This lightweight eye treatment infuses the delicate eye area with intense hydration, fortifying the skin against aging. Its exclusive Radiance Eye Complex™ brightens dark circles, reduces puffiness, and protects skin against aging and fatigue. The complex includes:

-Bamboo Sap: Provides moisturization and epidermal cell regeneration.
-Hesperidin: Provides dark-circle care by improving micro-circulation in skin.
-Lotus Extract: Provides enhancement of aquaporin (celluar water-channel) expression.
-Hydrolyzed Green Tea Extract: Provides enhancement of skin protection power by anti-oxidant synthesis.

What I think: I love the light, cooling gel texture of this cream. I have noticed that it immediately plumps up the skin and smoothes away roughness. My skin looks soft and smooth and my eye circles have diminished. Visit www.amorepacific.com and www.sephora.com to learn more and purchase.

Boots No7 Protect and Perfect Eye Cream ($19.99 USD) Chase away dark shadows and puffiness and give skin a brightening boost. Created specifically for the delicate area around the eyes, this unique blend of protecting and renewing ingredients leaves skin soothed, smoothed and revitalized. With our patent pending next generation antioxidant complex, to help shield against free radical damage, plus our skin-firming pro-retinol complex containing lipo-peptides.

What I think: This cream is super-light and quickly soaks into the skin. You can apply it right before your makeup in the morning and still apply concealer if you need it. It does give the skin a little glow that really helps dark circles seem less noticeable. For a really great eye cream, it is also fairly affordable and easy to find since it is available at Target. Visit www.target.com or www.us.boots.com to learn more and purchase.

Kate Somerville CytoCell Dark Circle Corrective Eye Cream ($75.00 USD) — Revive your eyes with this ultimate eye cream that combines years of research and cutting-edge technology. Formulated with Peptide P-199, a revolutionary peptide that stimulates stem cell activity and restores the skin with new energized cells. CytoCell Dark Circle Corrective Eye Cream is clinically proven to treats all signs of aging around the delicate eye area. Claims and features are:

Reduces under eye dark circles by up to 60%*
Reduces puffiness around the eye area by up to 75%*
Diminishes fine lines and wrinkles around the eye area by up to 60%*
Helps to improve radiance, skin tone, and smoothness
Free of fragrance and parabens
Tested by dermatologists & ophthalmologists

*Based upon results from a 4-week clinical study.

What I Think: This is a very luxurious cream that plumps skin and makes your eye area look smooth and so young! I have noticed that after a few weeks of use, my dark circles look so much lighter. It is also non-irritating which my sensitive eyes appreciate. Visit www.katesomerville.com to purchase this great cream!

My tip is to apply it all around the eye bone (including under the eyebrow) because most eye creams lift and firm and this helps the upper lid from drooping!

Kiss My Face Olive Bar Multipacks Big Deal!

For centuries the people of the Mediterranean have recognized the benefits of Olive Oil to nourish and moisturize the skin. Bob MacLeod and Steve Byckiewicz, founders of Kiss My Face, recognized these benefits back in the early 1980’s and began selling their first product, olive soap imported from Greece. Today, this unique cleansing and softening bar remains as simple and pure as a soap can be. Long lasting and made from the purest natural ingredients, the Kiss My Face Olive Oil Bar Soaps are suitable for all skin types.

For a limited time only, Kiss My Face is offering its Mediterranean miracle olive oil bar soaps in multipacks. You can purchase two 4 oz bars and get two free or buy two 8 oz bars and get one free.

Key Features:

Each bar contains 86% pure olive oil harvested from sun drenched Mediterranean olive orchards
Soap works to heal eczema, acne and psoriasis
4 oz Multipacks are available in Olive & Aloe, Pure Olive Oil, Olive & Honey and Olive & Lavender
The 8 oz Multipacks are available in Olive & Chamomile, Olive & Green Tea, Olive & Lavender, Olive & Aloe and Pure Olive Oil

My Favorites are the Olive & Honey and Olive & Green Tea because they smell fantastic, but all of the bars really soften the skin and last a super long time!

The Kiss My Face Olive Oil Bar Multipacks are available for $5.99 (4 oz) and $7.99 (8 oz) at KissMyFace.com.