Beauty – Page 159 – Forty, Flirty & Fabulous

HerCut — A Cool, Innovative New Hair Care Line

I have recently tried an innovative hair care line called HerCut. What makes this line different, you ask? HerCut is the first hair care collections made to work with your haircut, not hair type.

The shampoos and conditioners ($22.00 USD each) in this line are pretty basic — the shampoo comes in Normal to Oily, Normal to Dry and Dry hair shampoo and the conditioners are available in Light, Medium and Deep conditioning formulas. I tried the Normal to Dry shampoo and the Deep conditioner and I liked them very much. Both formulas were creamy and moisturized my hair well. They smell soft and pretty too!

The products that truly make this line different are the catalysts ($28.00 USD). They are products that you put in your hair after cleansing and moisturizing that work with your hair on a molecular level to keep the hair looking perfect in your chosen cut. The five styles and descriptions of how the catalyst works are:

The Bob — The Bob Catalyst utilizes patent-pending Tumbling Polymer Technology to anchor the ends of the cut, weighting hair to encourage forward momentum and showcasing the clean, precise exterior of the bob.

The Pixie — The Pixie Catalyst utilizes patent-pending D3 Polymer Technology to create a strong yet flexible mesh that loosely connects hair, providing versatile hold that allows you to shape, contour and texture with total control.

The Shag — The Shag Catalyst utilizes patent-pending Ionicon Polymer Technology that creates separation and weight dispersion through negatively charged macromolecules that repel each other and create controlled separation.

The Blunt Cut — The Blunt Catalyst employs patent-pending Compress-Ion Polymer Technology to form a crystal-clear matrix around each hair fiber and compress it while forming bridges between hair fibers to ensure that they move in unison and always appear freshly cut.

Long Layers — The Long Layers Catalyst utilizes patent-pending Spring Polymer Technology that creates flexible connections between layers via coil shaped molecules, fostering delicately bouncy hair that moves together.

Cool, huh? I am using the Blunt catalyst and I love the formula. It is two product in one — a gel and a cream that dispense in unison. I rub the products together in my hands and apply on wet hair. I then blow dry and my blunt cut looks great. My daughter uses the Shag catalyst on her medium shaggy layers and they do seem more separated.

Visit www.hercut.com to learn more and to purchase these products. You can also find them at Sephora.

Calm Your Senses with Buddha Nose Heart Spray

Buddha Nose is a certified organic body care company that believes in inspiring the mind-body-beauty connection.They use only USDA certified organic ingredients when available, and 4 of their 12 products carry the USDA organic seal.

I love natural and organic products, so I was excited to try their Heart Spray ($24.00 USD). This is a soft floral body mist that claims to calm emotions and nurture the spirit. Ingredients include Rose Hydrosol, distilled water and the essential oils of Sandalwood, Sweet Orange, Petitgrain, Chamomile and Ylang Ylang.

The website describes the essence of the scent as:

” The name Heart Spray is inspired by what Yogis identify as the “Heart Center,” an area located in the center of our chest. Many who practice Yoga and Shiatsu believe the “Heart Center” is home to our emotions, our creativity and our spirit. By misting this sweet and gentle spray around your face and body, heartbreak, loss, and anxiety, drift away – making room for love and peacefulness.”

I like to spray it on and all around me, them breathe in deeply, especially when I am working, to alleviate stress. Luckily, I work from home, but the scent is not strong or offensive in any way. It reminds me of sniffing a bouquet of fresh cut wildflowers — it’s a very natural scent.

Visit www.buddhanose.com to learn more and to purchase this and many more natural and organic products that nurture the soul as well as make you pretty!

CND Colour and Effects Nail Polish

Founded in 1979 and based in Vista, CA, CND (Creative Nail Design, Inc.) is a global leader in professional nail, hand and foot beauty. CND also devotes significant time and resources to product research and development, education, and customer support.

CND has recently released a customizable nail colour concept called Colour ($9.00 USD) and Effects ($11.00 USD). There are 50 Colours of varying shades and finishes as well as 15 Effects in three categories — Pearl, Shimmer, and Sparkle – which can be layered over or under the colours for many different looks.

More information on the polishes from CND:

CND’s new two-coat, fast-drying formula is super rich and creamy and 3-free – containing no toluene, formaldehyde, or DBP. The custom designed, modern bottle is a unique ergonomic shape, created to fit perfectly between the thumb and forefinger. The state-of-the-art brush with triangular-shaped hairs ensures user-friendly results. It features clear, triangular bristles tailored to hold just enough, but not too much polish for a smooth, even application. Finally, the rubberized cap creates a no-slip grip that is easy to twist.

I really liked these polishes they go on very easily and smoothly. The Effect I tried was Gold Shimmer, and it looked so pretty over Desert Sand Colour. It dramatically changed the whole color by making it lighter and of course shimmery!

For more information or to find local availability on these fab polishes, visit cnd.com.

Anastasia Illumin8 Eye Shadow Palette

Anastasia Soare is an eye brow genius who has lately been branching out to skincare as well as cosmetics. She has recently launched Anastasia’s Illumin8 Eye Shadow Palette ($40.00 USD) makeup and anti-aging skincare in one great compact!

This palette is clinically tested to lift the appearance of skin, hydrate and refresh the sensitive skin of your eyelids with Youthful Synergy Complex. This essential complex is created from vitamins A, B, C, E and F, as well as naturally rich Brown Algae, Sea Whip and Macadamia. Featuring Anastasia’s exclusive antioxidant-rich Balkan Botanical™ Infusion of rare plant and herbal extracts, these powders have added power to soothe and soften. It is also paraben and fragrance free.

The shadows in the palette contain diamond core powder to diffuse light, minimizing the appearance of pores and wrinkles and make the eyelids luminous. There are 8 subtle colors in the palette ranging from bronzes, pinks and purples. It also contains a Mini Professional Brush with a broad end for sweeping shadows across the lid and on the brow bone and a tapered end for the crease and lining the lids.

The clinicals studies for this product showed reduced lines and wrinkles after an hour of wear. After 4 weeks 100% of women reported an improvement in overall eye beauty.

What I think: These shadows are soft and pretty, but not extremely pigmented. They are appropriate for daytime and the office. I do notice that my eyelids look smoother when I am wearing the shadow, but if I don’t apply an eye base or concealer, they wear off very quickly. I recommend this for the way it makes the eyes look.

Visit www.anastasia.net to purchase and to learn more about the palette.

Exvuiance Skincare and CoverBlend by Exuviance Concealer

Dermatologist developed Exuviance skincare was created to reduce lines and wrinkles, increase firmness, smooth texture and even skintone with a blend of Polyhydroxy and Alpha Hydroxy acids that deliver these benefits without irritation. Purifying Cleansing Gel (2 fl oz) — a gentle soap-free cleanser with Alpha and Polyhydroxy Acids (AHAs/PHAs) to wash away debris and surface oils.

Moisture Balance Toner, 2 fl oz — has an anti-aging formula with a nourishing blend of botanicals to improve skin’s suppleness and texture.

Essential Daily Defense Fluid SPF 15, 0.35 oz tube — an ultra-light daily moisturizer formulated to brighten skin tone, refine texture and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.Evening Restorative Complex, 0.5 oz jar — an intensive high-performance cream that fights the visible signs of aging while you sleep.

Rejuvenating Treatment Masque, 0.35 fl tube — a bi-weekly treatment to deeply cleanse the pores and rejuvenate the skin.

I used these products for a couple of weeks and found that they made my skin very soft and radiant. I especially like the Purifying Cleansing Gel, it has a nice fresh scent and feels refreshing, and the Evening Restorative Complex, which is smooth and creamy and makes my skin glow! My lease favorite product was the Rejuvenating Treatment Masque as it was very hard to peel off and took a couple of washings (and my kids laughing at me) to remove.

CoverBlend Multi-Function Concealer SPF 15 ($20.00 USD) not only conceals dark eye circles, blemishes and age spots, it also contains anti-aging treatments. It is blended with Polyhydroxy Acid Gluconolactone to enhance and improve skin tone and help diminish the appearance of fine line and wrinkles. It also has a SPF 15 to prevent sunburns (and more wrinkles) and is ophthalmologist tested.I like that it has a very creamy consistency and blends really well. Sometimes I mix it with a little moisturizer and smooth it all over my face, when I need a little extra coverage.To learn more about this fantastic products and to purchase them, visit www.neostrata.com. Enjoy!

: containsproducts that work together for your skin type in smaller sizes. This allows you to try the system before you dole out the big bucks for a bunch of full-sized products. This kit a selection ofIntroductory Collection – Normal / Combination Skin ($40.00 USD) – I love it when companies offer Exuviance

Kérastase Age Premium Collection

Kérastase Paris, a leader in luxury haircare, has recently launched the Age Premium Collection. This collection includes internal and external regimens designed to address the unique needs of mature hair and scalp.

Of course skin, eyes and bones aren’t the only parts of our bodies affected by aging — our hair and scalp gets ravaged by time, too. Hair grows in repeated cycles of various phases, anagen (growth); catagen (regressing); and telogen (resting). As we age, the life cycle of the hair gradually tends to become deregulated and the amount of hair in the growth phase decreases. In addition, the production of the substance of the hair is disrupted, while micro-circulation slows down depriving the bulb of its nutrients. The hair loses density and becomes fragile, dull and porous.

This line includes oral nutrients as well as hair products. I was able to test the two products below — a shampoo and a hair masque.

Age Premium Bain Substantif ( $34.00 USD)

Gently cleanses hair with enriched anti-oxidant ingredients
Hair is left looking rejuvenated with body and suppleness

Age Premium Masque Substantif ($60.00 USD)

Features Hyaluronic acid, an innovative ingredient in haircare, which is widely used in skincare due to its exceptional hydrating properties
Hair is deeply nourished and recovers suppleness
Scalp feels soothed and rebalanced, and the feeling of tightness dissipates

I really love how my hair looks while using these products! I have noticed my hair is visibly thicker, softer and my dark brown color seems richer. My hair is dramatically better looking! I know I am a bit younger than the target audience — women 50+ and/or experiencing menopause — but I do think my fine, dull hair is in better condition since using the Age Premium Collection/

I highly recommend this line– it is worth the price! Visit www.kerastase-usa.com to learn more and to purchase these wonderful products.

Fab New Products and Tips from ecoTOOLS

ecoTOOLS, my favorite makeup brush brand, is introducing brand-new brushes this February. Plus, they have teamed up with celebrity makeup artist Meredith Baraf to bring products and pointers needed to create a professionally pretty face. On February 1, ecoTOOLS officially launches four instructional videos on www.eco-tools.com so women everywhere can redefine and re-tool to become a total beauty know-it-all. The instructional videos offer tutorials for the following looks:

A cunning cat-eye (http://bit.ly/6YbhaA)
A flawless face (http://bit.ly/7tAOpQ)
A sultry smoky eye (http://bit.ly/6RSnR5)
A touched-up face for day to night (http://bit.ly/5wEmqw)

Their cool new tools to help achieve these looks are the ecoTOOLS 6 Piece Eye Brush Set ($7.99 USD) and ecoTOOLS Bronzer Brush ($9.99 USD).

The 6 Piece Eye Brush Set includes a large eye shadow brush, angled crease brush, petite eye shading brush, domed highlighting brush, smudge brush and a compact travel cosmetic case with a mirror. Each brush is printed with its name to ensure proper usage with every application. This is a great set at an amazing price! Like all ecoTOOLS brushes, this kit features highly sustainable bamboo handles, 100% cruelty-free, soft taklon bristles, recycled aluminum ferrules plus it the case is made with natural cotton and hemp. Green girls rejoice! I also really love these brushes because it has choices to create many different looks such as the cat-eye and smoky eye in the videos.

The brand new ecoTOOLS Bronzer Brush ($9.99) is a solid and luxurious brush to apply the perfect glow with. The thick bristles are very soft and they make it easy to apply enough product for a sun-kissed look. I also like to use it to apply powdered highlighter on my cheekbones and forehead.

Visit www.eco-tools.com to learn more about the brushes that are available at drugstores near you, plus check out the cool, short-but-informative videos. Enjoy!

Bobbi Brown Makeup Facelift Collection

I work from home everyday except for Thursday, when I go into the office. Yesterday I walked in and the first person who looked at me said, “Wow! You look young”. Seriously.

So I had to remember what I had on, and then it hit me…I was using three products from Bobbi Brown’s Facelift Collection; the Brow Pencil, the Brightening Lip Gloss and the wonderful Tinted Eye Brightener.

Bobbi’s Tinted Eye Brightener ($38.00 USD), now in a NEW portable pen. This use to be available in a little pot, but now it is in a, easy to use pen. This takes a few twists at first to get it flowing, but then it saturates the brush and you can go to town! I find that it hides my under eye circles pretty well and brightens the eye area. I do think that the price may be a little much, but it is a nice product to have in your purse. Available in eight shades.

Brow Pencil ($20.00 USD) — Brows do frame the face, so it is important to keep them groomed. I have very dark brow and haven’t had to use brow products, until recently. My brows are now thinning and look a little faded. This pencil is easy to use to color in and define brows and even comes with it’s own sharpener. I use the darkest color, Mahogany — but it is also available in Wheat, Blonde, Grey and Ash. What I have noticed about this is that it is very creamy, but you only have a few seconds to play with it before it dries and WILL NOT BUDGE! This is great, because you do not want your brows migrating south, but just be aware if you need to smudge or remove.

Brightening Lip Gloss ($20.00 USD) This sheer, reflective formula wakes up your face and helps create fuller lips. I like to wear it alone, but you can wear it on top of lipstick. I liked the color of this gloss — a light pink called Popsicle that looked more wearable on than in the tube. I thought it might look a little young on me, but it is very pretty. The only down side to this gloss is that it is a little sticky and the brush fanned out on me and won’t go back into shape. It is available in 6 brightening shades, the two new ones are Popsicle and Nectar, a peachy-pink. It also comes in Peach, Pink, Pink Lilac and White.

Oscar Blandi Pronto Colore Root Touch-Up and Highlighting Pen

So being of a uh, certain age, I’m starting to go gray…shhhh…don’t tell anyone. Actually I have been coloring my hair for a few years now. First just for fun, but now if I don’t do my roots in a while — the wiry, witchy grays come a callin’. When I heard about Oscar Blandi’s Pronto Colore Root Touch-Up & Highlighting Pen ($23.00 USD), I was really excited to try it. This is a very portable little pen, about the size of a tube of mascara, that is easy as to use as it is to carry. You twist the pen until the color saturates the brush, then brush it on the roots or squeeze some onto your hand and dab it on your hair. I like to brush it on then blend it with my fingers.

The pen comes in the following shades: -Beige Blonde: for pale to light blonde hair that’s natural, single-processed, and/or highlighted
-Light Golden Blond: for medium blonde hair with natural or highlighted gold or caramel tones
-Neutral Brown: for medium brown hair with natural or highlighted neutral tones
-Warm Reddish Brown: for medium brown hair with red tones, brown hair with red or auburn highlights, or red hair with natural or highlighted brown tones
-Dark Brown/Black: for dark brown and rich black hair that’s natural or single-processed

I own this in two different shades; Dark Brown to match my hair and Warm Reddish Brown to add fun highlights. To do this, I separate a strand of hair and “paint” it with the brush. It is fun to do and looks great on. This is fun for a night out or just to mix up your look.

I like that this is a safe product, even pregnant women can use it. The formula is also free of ammonia and peroxide. For convenience sake, it is fast drying and washes right out.

You can purchase these fab pens at www.oscarblandi.com or at your local Sephora. Enjoy!

Strange Invisible Perfumes

“From the barge a strange invisible perfume hits the sense of the adjacent wharfs” — Antony & Cleopatra by William Shakespeare.

In 2000, botanical perfumer Alexandra Balahoutis founded Strange Invisible Perfumes in her native California. She creates luxury botanical perfumes. She states that, “Our perfumes are melded in the fires of three essential components: pure aromatic plants, reverent distillation, and evocative compositions.”

The website further explains: “A Strange Invisible Perfume is a soulful, dynamic, living creation that fuses with each wearer’s particular body chemistry to create a unique aromatic expression. Immediately after application to the main pulse points—the insides of the wrists and arms, the nape of the neck, and the shoulders—a subtle evolution begins. Within the first three to five minutes, the perfume uncoils, whispering allusions of how it will eventually inhabit the skin. After ten to fifteen minutes, the dry down process, wherein the alcohol vanishes from the surface of the skin and the top notes begin the quiet, is complete and the true nature of the fragrance is revealed. These botanical perfumes are crafted without the aid of synthetic fixatives, therefore the longevity of an application will vary depending on the wearer’s chemistry and environmental influences.”

The following two perfumes are the ones I find most interesting from this line; Aquarian Roses and Fire and Cream.

Aquarian Roses ($175.00 USD 50 ML) “Crisp, aquatic notes of wild roses brighten a warm sea of marjoram and sandalwood. A floral perfume for both sexes, this Aquarian elixir boasts the relevance of rose in contemporary perfumery and on the skin of men.”

Most rose perfume are too floral and almost too grandma-like for me. But I really like Aquarian Roses. Its a sexy rose perfume, that holds all of the romantic essence of the flower without seeming too old fashioned. I don’t know about the uni-sex value of it, though. I still think it’s pretty feminine.

Fire and Cream ($145.00 USD 50 ML) — “A path begins in a warm, earthly setting of vetiver, sandalwood, and patchouli. Rising through the delicate light of white lavender and tuberose, this composition quickens toward a blazing glow of top notes. Upon its finish, the perfume’s every nuance smolders in a fiery sky of hydro-distilled oranges and their blossoms.”

This scent is very smoky and earthy. You can really smell the sandalwood and patchouli. After the dry down, you can kind of smell the orange scent, but it is still pretty heavy. This would be good for winter or evening wear. It’s definitely not an office scent!

Visit www.siperfumes.com to learn more and to purchase these luxurious scents. Enjoy!