Category: Beauty

Beauty product reviews and general chat about beauty!

Spring Eye Shadow Choices From Boots No7, Napoleon Perdis and Josie Maran

I don’t think you need to buy all new makeup each season, but it is fun to pop in a few new products, like a bright or shimmery eye shadow for spring, to update your look. Here are some of my favorites that I have recently tried.

Boots No7 Stay Perfect Eye Mousse ($7.99 USD) —  These small tubes of light-as-air color combine a wonderful whipped texture with a flattering iridescent finish. The unique formulation means the color lasts on and on and it’s just so easy to apply, use your finger to dot and blend to your heart’s content. The eye color is waterproof so great for sports enthusiasts.

Apply using fingertips and blend to create the desired effect. A brush can be used for more precise definition. The Vanilla shade can be used as a highlighter. It is also available in Fudge, Khaki and Lilac.

Visit www.target.com or www.us.boots.com to learn more and purchase.

Napoleon Perdis Loose Eye Dusts ($25.00 USD) — A highly pigmented loose powder in a canister that dispenses just the right amount of product each time. Start in the closed position, shake lightly and open to release. The sifter mechanism measures out enough shadow for one application. Dust or pat onto the eyes, cheeks or even body for brilliant shimmering highlights. The vivid results last from dust till dawn.  Available in 20 shimmering shades.

Visit http://www.napoleonperdis.com/US/ to learn more and purchase.

Josie Maran Argan Eye Love You Too Palette ($42.00 USD) — A limited-edition palette that contains eight Argan-infused eyeshadows for endless eye looks.Enriched with pure Argan Oil, these soft, velvety shadows blend effortlessly and stay put for intense, saturated, all-day color. The perfectly portable palette comes with an easy-to-follow, how-to card from Josie herself, featuring step-by-step instructions on how to create the ideal day and night looks. Campfire is a matte chestnut brown. Rejuvenate is a golden mossy green. Dragonfly is a color shifting, brownish-teal. Chirp is a maple brownish-gold. Bunny is a buttery white. Cinnamon is a fleshy pink. Meadow is a subtle lemon-lime green. Branch is a dark brown with gold flecks.

You can purchase at www.josiemarancosmetics.com or www.sephora.com.

Enjoy!

Glam Up With Jemma Kidd Makeup School

Jemma Kidd is a makeup artist who has founded a makeup academy and lines of makeup including Jemma Kidd Makeup School, Jemma Kidd Pro and JK Jemma Kidd (you can find this line at Target). I have recently tried some products from hr lines. Here are a couple that i really like:
 
Jemma Kidd Makeup School Lash Xtension Volume Mascara — Carbon super-black mascara with Bio-boost complex to help enhance lash-growth and next generation ‘V’ groove brush for creating maximum volume.

Give lashes extreme volume and length with Jemma Kidd’s Lash Xtension Volume Mascara. The unique formula enriched with Bio-boost complex helps to encourage natural lash growth while Silk Proteins and Vitamins A and E condition and strengthen.The carbon formula leaves lashes looking blacker than black and the reflective pigments create a subtle gloss finish for added drama. The innovative design of the double ‘V’ groove brush encourages maximum mascara application, resulting in thicker, longer looking lashes.

  • Bio-boost complex helps stimulate natural lash growth.
  • Carbon black shade for blacker than black lashes.
  • Added Silk Proteins and Vitamins A and E condition and strengthen.
  • Next generation double ‘V’ groove brush provides instant volume, length and depth

What I think: I love the super black tint of this mascara and that fact that it lengthens and thickens my lashes. The thick brush is really easy to apply and it stays on all day without smudging! I have only been using this for a couple of weeks, so I haven’t noticed lash growth, but I will let you all know if I do!

Jemma Kidd Pro Skin Perfection Kit — A revolutionary, professional standard skin perfecting palette with four shades to help conceal, enhance, sculpt and shade your way to a flawless base.

  • Citrus Colour Corrector
    Unique citrus shade with green undertone. Yellow corrects blue & purple undertones around the eye area while green will neutralise any unwanted red tones in the complexion. This revolutionary citrus shade is the perfect combination of both ‘essential’ colour correctors in one
  • Apricot Colour Corrector
    Brightening apricot shade to neutralise & even skin tone around the eye area with added collagen for firming effect
  • All Over Radiance Crème
    Mini version of the award winning JKMS Dewy Glow Radiance Crème – (Iced Gold)
  • Lip & Cheek Flush
    Berry blush concentrate to create subtle definition & a healthy flush; added antioxidants vitamins A & E

What I think: This is a great little do-it-all compact that is perfect to use at home or put in your purse for quick touch-up! I use the Citrus and Apricot correctors under my eyes. I put the citrus first and the apricot over. It lessens my dark circles and brightens, too. The radiance cream is gorgeous as a highlighter and the flush is a pretty lip and cheek color!

You can learn more about these products and more at  www.jemmakidd.com.

Clarisonic Sonic Skin Cleansing System and the Opal Sonic Infusion System at LA Style Fashion Week

We all know that California girls have a golden glow, but what is their secret to gorgeous skin?  We’ll let you in on a little secret—they use Clarisonic!  On March 15-18th, Clarisonic participated backstage at Style Fashion Week Los Angeles, and treated busy models to mini facials with the Clarisonic Sonic Skin Cleansing System and the Opal Sonic Infusion System.

Keep reading for more backstage tidbits from these exciting events as well as trends from each show and tips from the Clarisonic aestheticians!

Time to Get Runway Ready!

Models arrived backstage at the Vibiana, a historic church in downtown Los Angeles, in the late afternoon.  They were thrilled to received Clarisonic Sonic Skin Cleansing System treatments, which removed makeup 6X better than manual cleansing.  Models were happy to hear that sunscreen and other topicals are absorbed 61% more effectively by the skin after using the Clarisonic.  They also learned that self-tanner goes on more evenly after using the Clarisonic PLUS Model on the arms, legs and décolleté—a must in Los Angeles!
(left, backstage at Stop Staring!)

Tighten and Brighten!
With a week full of shows and parties, it’s easy for a model to look tired. Thankfully the Opal Sonic Infusion System came to the rescue!  After providing facials with the Clarisonic Sonic Skin Cleansing System, Eva, Dottie and Jennifer used the Opal around the models’ eyes.  The Opal combines sonic micro-massage with proprietary anti-aging serum to work immediately on appearance of lines and wrinkles and also helps to depuff.

(right, backstage at Stop Staring!)

      Don’t Forget the Men!
Female models weren’t the only ones enjoying Clarisonic treatments.  Male models at the Future Heretics and Gypsy 05 shows loved them too! Most male models said that their skin had never felt as clean as it did after using the Clarisonic.  One male model came back for a second treatment because it was so relaxing!

Dottie and Jennifer used a Normal Brush Head instead of a Sensitive or Delicate Brush Head on the men’s skin since Normal is better at cleaning men’s skin, which is typically rougher and thicker than women’s skin.
(left, backstage at Future Heretics)

I am going to be reviewing a Clarisonic Mia in a few weeks, but all of the buzz is very good! To purchase, you can visit www.clarisonic.com or www.qvc.com.

Add Some Volume to Your Hair With Clip-In Extensions by POP and HairDo

Wonder how the dancers and  celebrities in Dancing with the Stars plus pop sensation Jessica Simpson get their great voluminous hair? Clip-in extensions! These allow easy changes in hair styles — you don’t have to commit to one style! So much fun!

Bango Tango by Dancing with the Stars ($22.00 USD) is a very blunt bang that allows you to achieve a prominent fringe without any cutting of your natural hair combined with Heat-Friendly synthetic fiber that can be styled using a flat iron or curling iron, up to 350 degrees. It also features 3 pressure sensitive clips; two that tuck into the front hairline and one to attach to the back of the piece.

What I think: Thinking about getting bangs? I was. Bango Tango is a great way to try a cute full fringe without committing to a hair cut. I found out that it is not the look for me, but my bang-less hair is still in tact!

I love the Bump Up the Volume by hairdo ($99.00 USD)! This is a one piece clip in volumizing extension made with heat-friendly synthetic hair. The overall length measures 21 inches from top to bottom and can be cut and styled to blend with hairstyle. Instantly create lift and volume at the crown where you need it most. Created by celebrity stylist Ken Paves and tested on Jessica Simpson herself, you can take your hair to new heights, without teasing and using hairspray. The half-circle base has 4 pressure sensitive clips which secures firmly in place without damaging your own hair. There are also flexible wires built-in to the base which allow you to push up for extra height.  Available in 11 salon inspired colors.

What I think: This is so easy to use! I love how easy it is to apply and that you can adjust the size of the bump that you want by pushing up the bottom of the piece and clipping it in. It looks really cool in a ponytail — my hair is thin and it gives me extra thickness. You can also curl it or wave it and wear it loose.

Go! Go! Girl by Dancing with the Stars ($49.00 USD) is a 19″ V-Shaped 1 piece clip-in extension that offers incredible volume and layers, yet has a compact, comfortable fit combined with Heat-Friendly synthetic fiber that can be styled using a flat iron or curling iron, up to 350 degrees. It features 6 pressure sensitive clips for easy, secure attachment.

What I think: It looks extremely natural under a layer of your hair —  smooth your hair over it and the layers look like they are yours! The only downfall is that it is a bit heavy.

Visit www.hairextensions.com and www.hsn.com to purchase these amazing hair pieces.

The Award-Winning White Sands Curling Iron

White Sands Curling Iron

 

White Sands, a professional hair care manufacturer rated as one of Hollywood’s most requested product lines, is proud to announce their Spring Marcel Curling Iron ($110.00 USD) as the recipient of Best Curling Iron for Essence Magazine’s 2011 Beauty Awards!
 
These innovative and now award-winning curling irons are one of the first in the beauty industry to fuse the Marcel and Spring Load curling iron methods into ONE tool. Utilize the professionalism of a Marcel curling iron to create beautiful waves or switch to the direct control of a Spring Load without the need for multiple irons.
 
Available in 3 sizes (1″, 1.25″, & 1.33″), this light weight Professional Titanium Iron is the secret to achieve beautifully designed and polished curls.  Maintain total styling control with a smart tool providing an instant and even heat with a Digital LED Temperature Setting ranging from 122 – 410°F. As the smoothest surface available for tools, tresses will effortlessly glide over the Titanium barrel for styling free of unwanted tugging, snags, or breakage. This cutting edge material produces the iron’s even heat distribution, emitting negative ions to create soft, silky hair.          

What I think: This is a great curling iron! I tried the 1.25″ size and it gave me big curls that I brushed out into soft waves — very pretty. I used it on my 6-year-old daughter and created fun barrel curls. She looked so cute! And it was so easy to use. I love that the barrel can rotate, which made it easy when I switched hands and directions of curl, the rotating barrel made the transition easy. It also heated extremely quickly, which is important for curling children’s hair — they do not want to wait a long time!

This curling iron is available at fine salons & www.whitesandsproducts.com.

DERMAdoctor Litmus Test Glycolic Acid Facial Cleansing Gel

DERMAdoctor Litmus Test Glycolic Acid Facial Cleansing Gel

Looking for a great anti-aging cleanser? DERMAdoctor’s Litmus Test Glycolic Acid Cleansing Gel ($25.00 USD) cleanses away impurities, removes environmental debris, dirt, excess skin oils and makeup. Leaves skin refreshed and radiant.

Features:

  • Buffered Glycolic Acid – Medically recognized as the superior AHA option for removing skin impurities and restoring a glowing complexion.

Benefits:

  • Restores essential healthy skin chemistry with a unique pH balanced foaming formulation
  • Exfoliates cellular build-up and clears impurities, make-up, excess skin oil
  • Can be incorporated into all skincare regimens
  • Ideal for all skin types

Dermatologist Tested, Non Irritating, Non Drying, Non Comedogenic, pH Balanced, Paraben Free, Soap Free, Oil Free, Fragrance Free, Dye Free, No Animal Testing.

What I think: This is a really nice foaming cleanser that doesn’t irritate the skin. I like that it is fragrance-free and that it foams and rinses clean. I have been using it every other day, because I have extremely sensitive skin and it irritates it a little. But once the redness abates, my skin glows and looks clearer! For non-sensitive skin this can be used every day.

Visit www.dermadoctor.com to learn more and to purchase.

Announcing The Winner Of My EcoTools Giveaway!

EcoTools by Alicia Silverstone - 5 Piece Brush and Case Set

Congrats to Erin from Canada, who won the  EcoTools by Alicia Silverstone – 5 Piece Brush and Case Set! I know she will love this great eco-conscious set!

For my other readers — stay tuned because I’m sure I will be having another giveaway soon! Thanks for reading!

Hot New Product — Hourglass Aura Sheer Cheek Stain

Hourglass Aura Sheer Cheek Stain

I have been excited to try Hourglass’s new Aura Sheer Cheek Stain ($45.00 USD).  I have seen ads for it for the last few weeks, and it is even a featured new product on the Sephora website.

So does it live up to the hype, you ask? I think so.

The Aura Cheek Stain is a water-based stain that give cheeks a subtle lit-from-within glow and to last all day. Spring makeup is about looking effortlessly beautiful, and this product embodies this by being so easy to apply. Aura’s unique click mechanism dispenses the perfect amount of product for convenient on-the-go application, and has a sponge applicator which makes it easy to blend.

This product is enriched with Vitamin E to help improve skin’s moisture retention and is free of oil, fragrance, and phthalates. Available in three shades: Rouge (sheer rose); Flush (sheer red); Petal (sheer pink/coral shimmer).  I have tested Petal and love the color. It is a soft pinky coral with a subtle shimmer. Anti-aging tip: pinks and corals are perfect for us women who want to look younger. A soft flush is extremely youthful. Pinks and corals are also perfect as a lip gloss for a younger-looking pout!

This blush is currently available at www.sephora.com and www.hourglasscosmetics.com.

Organix Renewing Moroccan Argan Oil Collection

Argan Oil is currently my favorite ingredient for hair care.  It makes hair shiny and manageable without it being greasy. I especially like argan oil treatments. I know that oil in hair can be scary, but if you put the right amount in, you get incredible shine and softness!

Organix has recently come out with an affordable Argan Oil Collection that includes the following benefits:

  • Sulfate and Paraben Free
  • Organic Active Ingredients
  • Amazing Scents
  • Safe For Color-Treated Hair
  • Safe for All Hair Types

The products in the collection are:

Renewing Moroccan Argan Oil Shampoo & Conditioner ($7.99 USD) — Indulge the senses with this precious blend of Moroccan argan oil which instantly penetrates the hair shaft restoring shine and softness while strengthening.  This renewing formula is free of sulfates and parabens, and is safe for color-treated hair.  Organix Renewing Moroccan Argan Oil Shampoo and Conditioner will restore moisture to dry hair, protect from styling heat and UV damage while creating soft, seductive, silky perfection

Renewing Moroccan Argan Oil Penetrating Oil ($7.99 USD) — This rare, ultra light weight formula is nature’s secret to silky perfection!  Derived from the southwest region of Morocco, argan oil instantly penetrates the hair shaft to seal in shine and protect from styling heat and UV damage.  Organix Renewing Moroccan Argan Oil Penetrating Oil fights frizz, strengthens and moisturizes dry, brittle hair to give you smooth sexy tresses.

Renewing Moroccan Argan Oil Renewing Treatment ($7.99 USD) — Renew your hair’s inner health with argan oil nutrients, antioxidants, and vitamin E.  Organix Renewing Moroccan Argan Oil Renewing Treatment is a deep conditioning, exotic formula to add brilliant shine and create lush softness without leaving any heavy residue which can weigh hair down.

These are great products for the price. Visit www.organixhair.com to learn more and you can purchase at drugstores and mass market retailers