Beauty – Page 168 – Forty, Flirty & Fabulous

JESSICA Cosmetics Burlesque Beauty Collection

JESSICA has come out with a sultry collection of nail polishes for the fall called Burlesque Beauty. The collection is described in the website as:

Take yourself back to the decadent days of the Moulin Rouge and add a bit of drama and glamour to your look this fall. JESSICA, manicurist to the stars introduces the fall 2009 collection, Burlesque Beauty. While not everyone aspires to be a full-on Burlesque Girl, adding a sexy shade to your nails is a subtle way to make a bold statement and bring out your inner vixen. The Burlesque Beauty collection presents six new rich colors that add femininity and allure to your style. With shades of purples, berries and greens the new collection helps any woman embrace her dark, playful or sexy side on a whim.

The shades of Burlesque Beauty are:

636: Gorgeous Garter Belt – Magenta

637: Ruffled Bottoms –Violet

638: Fishnets and Fringe – Hunter Green

639: For Your Eyes Only – Grape

640: Feather Boa – Mauve

641: Sexy Siren – Plum

I have Gorgeous Garter Belt and For Your Eyes Only — the latter is my favorite. It is a super dark purple that is really cool for the fall. I have been wearing it all week and it hasn’t chipped much which is surprising since I work (and play) on the computer all day.

All JESSICA Custom Colors are formulated with Vitamin A for maximum conditioning, contain UVA/UVB protection from sun’s damaging rays, eco-friendly: Toluene-, Formaldehyde-and Phalate-Free and are quick-drying.

Visit www.jessicacosmetics.com to learn more about these products and where to purchase them.

NIA24 Niacin-Powered Skin Therapy

Looking for a different type of skincare skincare “>regiminethat will work from the inside out? NIA24 is a Niacin Powered skincare line that claims to bring a continuous-release form of Niacin to restore skin’s barrier and reverse signs of skin damage.

The collection includes Gentle Cleansing Cream ($30.00), Physical Cleansing Scrub ($35.00), Skin Strengthening Complex ($85.00), Intensive Recovery Complex ($110.00), Eye Repair Complex ($65.00), Sun Damage Prevention 100% Mineral Sunscreen ($45.00), and Sun Damage Repair for Decolletage and Hands ($55.00).

I tried samples of these products and liked them. Although the claim is that your skin can get red and patchy the first 7-10 days and then clear up. I used the products for 4-5 days and never saw any redness.

One of my favorite products is the Gentle Cleansing Cream which offers 24-hour prevention, repair, and protection and is physician recommended, fragrance, color & dye free, allergy tested and non-comedogenic. It is very gentle and feels great going on. I feel like I’m cleaning, but not stripping, my skin.

I also loved the Eye Repair Complex. Along with Pro-Niacin™, this lovely product contains Matrixyl™ to reinforce collagen and elastin to visibly reduce fine lines and wrinkles; Vitamin C, licorice and white birch to visibly brighten and illuminate under eye discoloration and Caffeine to reduce the appearance of puffiness. I could see a difference after a few days with my dark circles. Very nice.

Visit www.nia24.com to learn more and to purchase these products.

PureOlogy SuperSmooth Collection

PureOlogy has released a new collection to smooth frizzy hair, like mine! It is “professional colour care for unmanageable colour-treated hair in need of intense smoothing and discipline as a result of multiple chemical processes. Our SuperStraight System has been reborn as SuperSmooth and includes reformulated favorites plus new smoothing essentials to transform hair.”

This is a fantastic system that really smooths my hair! Here are the products with descriptions from the website:

SuperSmooth Shampoo ($27.00) Gently cleanse and smooth unruly hair without stripping away moisture, and intensify natural shine while protecting colour vibrancy. This ZeroSulfate® shampoo delivers smoothing oils of camellia, sesame and organic shea butter for multi-layer balancing and conditions hair with an organic botanical of geranium. Our exclusive ThermalAntiFadeComplex® helps provide heat-styling protection and maximizes colour retention.

SuperSmooth HairCondition ($27.00) Smooth and replenish unruly hair, and intensify natural shine while protecting colour vibrancy. This daily detangling conditioner delivers smoothing oils of camellia, sesame and organic shea butter for multi-layer balancing and conditions hair with an organic botanical of geranium. Our exclusive ThermalAntiFadeComplex® helps provide heat-styling protection and maximizes colour retention.

SuperSmooth SmoothingElixir ($24.00) Fortify and smooth highly sensitized, chemically-treated hair, and intensify natural shine while protecting colour vibrancy. This repairing treatment silkens and delivers smoothing oils of camellia, sesame and organic shea butter for multi-layer balancing and conditions hair with an organic botanical of geranium.

SuperSmooth RelaxingHairMasque ($50.00) Dramatically subdue frizz and dry, unruly volume, and intensify natural shine while protecting colour vibrancy. This concentrated, nourishing masque delivers smoothing oils of camellia, sesame and organic shea butter for multi-layer balancing and conditions hair with an organic botanical of geranium. Our exclusive ThermalAntiFadeComplex® helps provide heat-styling protection and maximizes colour retention.

I find that my hairs is the smoothest if I wash with the shampoo, and then use the masque for about 5 minutes. Once my hair is towel-dried, I apply a generous amount of the elixir. I usually let my hair air dry wavy or dry it completely straight. I then add a little more elixir for final smoothing.

Visit www.pureology-usa.com to learn more about the products and to find a retailer near you.

The Quality Products of Prescriptives

Prescriptives creates quality skincare and makeup that makes you look great and is good for your skin, too.

I have recently tried a few products from this line. They are:

False Eyelashes Plush Mascara ($19.50) — This fantastic mascara pulls triple duty by creating volume, length, and curl. Oh yes, I said curl. This is the first “curling mascara” that I have tried that has made my eyelash curler obsolete. It’s quick and easy to get great lashes and my pin straight lashes look long and full. The formula includes conditioners to keep lashes smooth and healthy.

Flawless Face Primer ($27.50) — This smoothing primer creates a silky canvas for smoth foundation application. It claims to “helps diminish the appearance of large pores, lines and wrinkles, while simultaneously helping to reduce the appearance of redness and discoloration.” This is a very nice primer, it is creamy without being greasy or oily. A little goes a long way, and once applied only a small amount of foundation is needed for a flawless complexion.

Armed with a Super Antioxidant System (SAS), Super Line Preventor Xtreme ($48.00 1 oz, $76.00 1.7 oz) claims to “defend against the visible aging effects of free radicals triggered by environmental assaults both immediately after exposure and again up to 72 hours later. It helps strengthen skin and boost its natural defenses by helping skin bolster its collagen production to improve visible skin tone, radiance and diminish the appearance of lines and wrinkles. Skin looks stronger, smoother and more radiant…one step ahead of environmental assaults.”

I really enjoy this serum. It is light and non-greasy and sinks into the skin quickly, so one can apply moisturizer. My skin has been looking smooth and radiant lately and I think this serum has a lot to d with that.

Visit www.prescriptives.com to learn more about these great products!

Be Good to Your Nails, Try Organic Priti Nail Polish

Wow, I just realized that my blog has been around for a year now! Amazing. And I am still finding great new products to review!

In the year I have been beauty blogging, I have become more aware of the natural and organic products for review. I think that the number of natural and orgainc brands and product lines will only grow in the future, which is both great for our bodies and the planet.

I have recently discovered Priti, an organic nail and skin care company. The complete product line is non-toxic and derived of organically grown products.

I have been wearing their nail polish ($12.50, 0.43 fl. oz.), which is contained in a bottle that is completely recyclable. The website states, “they are fast drying, chip resistant, non-yellowing, contains a UV inhibitor, and are super durable and glossy”.

I have been wearing a peacock blue color called Tulip Tree for the past week, and it is just beginning to chip, which is amazing for a nail polish. I usually touch up my polish during the week, but this week I haven’t had to. And I have had compliments on the gorgeous color, which has stayed glossy all week. This is a pretty pricy polish, but it is well worth it for the wear and for the fact that it is non-toxic and organic!

Visit www.pritinyc.3dcartstores.com to learn more and to purchase these great polishes, which come in a large variety of colors.

Three Custom Color Specialists’ Crème Concealer/Foundation

Three Custom Color Creme Concealer — Crème Concealer/Foundation

A great concealer is hard to find! I have recently tried Three Custom Color Specialists’ Crème Concealer/Foundation (Singles $22.50, Refills $15.00). This is a buildable concealer that allows you to create tailored coverage, from to sheer to full.

This is touted to have a rich and creamy texture that is appropriate for all skin types and is formulated to provide the most effective coverage for redness and dark circles. I have been using it under my eyes and on blemishes. I really like how it instantly covers the discoloration and doesn’t settle in fine lines. It is very creamy and easy to blend.

Use this with a brush or fingers or it can be used all over the face as a foundation. It can also be blended with a face cream to create a tinted moisturizer. This is available in 10 shades, which is a lot of variety for concealer! A custom blending service for the Creme Concealer/Foundation is also available.

Three Custom Color Specialists’ products are available at select beauty boutiques worldwide, via the hotline at 888.262.7714 and online at www.threecustom.com. Contact them to purchase the products as well as ask about custom blending.

Try Ms. Manicure for Better Looking Nails!

Ms. Manicure creates products to help with all your nail needs. Their all-inclusive Handy Dandy Mani ($9.99) includes Cuticle Nippers, Nail Clippers, Nail Scissors, Wood Cuticle Sticks, a Nail Brush, a Washable Salon Board, 4-Way Nail Buffer, and Slant Tip Tweezers. Housed in a two-sided carrying case, this kit is great for on the go or to keep in a locker or desk drawer at work. The clippers are my favorite item in the kit because are precise and work very well. The buffer is nice to keep with the kit or throw in your purse for emergencies. All in all, I think this is a great buy!

Ms. Manicure’s Block Party ($2.99), a 6-way buffer that is light, portable, and destined for the gal on-the-go. With four different textures designed to shape, smooth, buff and polish, this tool will give you a professional look quickly. I have found that I get a pretty high gloss from this buffer which is great when I don’t have time for polish. I also like to smooth my nails when I change my dark fall nail polishes. It gives me a clean slate before I put a new shade on.

For a list of retailers and to learn more about these products, visit www.parispresents.com.

ecoTOOLS Bath and Body Collection

As a convert to ecoTOOLS environmentally friendly and affordable makeup tools, I was excited to hear that they have recently released a collection of bath and body products.

One of my favorite products from this line is the Clean Skin, Cleaner World Body Wash ($7.99). This is made with 98% natural ingredients, and is a botanical and biodegradable body wash. The scent is very fresh and pretty and it even makes a great bubble bath. I let my daughters use it and feel safe in doing so, since it does not contain harsh chemicals.

I have also tried the fresh, floral-scented Blooming Planet Body Mist ($7.99). This is a great everyday scent because it is light and clean smelling. Just spritz it on after a shower or bath, and you smell and feel fantastic!

The line also includes the Sustainable Softness Body Lotion ($7.99)with shea butter and One Hand Helps the Other Hand Cream ($7.99) with jojoba oil and notes of cardamom and ginger, as well as other “green” products.

The ecoTOOLS Bath & Body Care Collection can be found at Walgreens stores nationwide. Visit www.eco-tools.com for a full list of retailers and products.

Jo Malone Vanilla & Anise Cologne

Jo Malone launched a brand new cologne on September 1st, 2009 called Vanilla & Anise ($55.00 1 oz, $100.00 3.4 oz). This is described as “a spicy scent inspired by the floral valleys and exotic spices of Madagascar. Vanilla & Anise’s top notes include star anise and wild fennel flower, the full floral heart contains delicate vanilla orchid and fragrant oleander and the base includes the precious, rare vanilla bourbon absolute and Madagascar clove.” The notes are:

Top Notes: Sicilian Bergamot, Tunisian Neroli, W ild Fennel Flower, Star Anise
Middle Notes: Oleander, Tuberose, Frangipani, Purple Vanilla Orchid
Base Notes: Madagascar Clove, White Amber, Vetiver Bourbon, Vanilla Bourbon Absolute, Tonka

I LOVE this scent. Just hearing the description, I though it might be too strong a frangrance for me. But it is so soft and cozy, and not too spicy. The Bergamot and floral notes cut any strong scent that this might have. My only complaint is that it is so subtle and doesn’t last long enough. I have to reapply it often.

Jo Malone has a philosophy of Fragrance Combining™, which is that by blending two scents together, you will become the creator of your own signature scent. They suggest to create a refreshing scent, combine with Grapefruit Cologne, which has notes of mandarin and grapefruit. If you would like a more feminine scent, combine with Orange Blossom Cologne, with notes of water lily, lilac and orange flower petals. To create a sultry scent, combine with Vetyver Cologne, which has notes of white amber and vanilla bourbon.

You can find Vanilla Anise and other Jo Malone fragrances at Jo Malone Shops, www.jomalone.com, Bergdorf Goodman and select Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue stores nationwide. Available exclusively at Holt Renfrew in Canada.

Pevonia Botanica Skincare

Pevonia Botanica is an elite spa-exclusive natural skincare brand. Treatments are given at their spas, but the home products are touted to help people maintain healthy, youthful-looking skin. The website states that, “Pevonia Botanica is passionately committed to providing effective skincare solutions to teens, women, and men of every age and ethnicity.”

I really like that “Pevonia International believes that protecting and preserving the planet is a global responsibility.” They offer natural, cruelty-free formulations in eco-packaging (fully recyclable and biodegradable). I tried a few different types of products from this line:

Youthful Lip Cream ($48.00) The claim is that “this combines the repairing effects of Retinol with regenerating Collagen and Elastin, to smooth lines, hydrate, prevent wrinkles, and even coloring. Your lips are rendered smoothly toned and lusciously rejuvenated.” I have been using this every night and some mornings for a couple of weeks. I apply it around my lip line first, then rub it in and around my lips. It is non-greasy and fragrance free, just like a light lotion. I have noticed that my lips to look smoother and a little plumper, probably because the lines are diminishing. Very nice!

Restore Neck & Bust Cream ($62.00) is touted to “firm and tone your delicate neck, bust and décolleté. A potent blend of Kigelia Africana, Elastin, and Vitamin E reduces visible signs of aging, smoothes overall texture and improves skin elasticity for a visibly, youthfully restored neck and bust/chest.” This is a luxurious product that smells like sweet flowers, (maybe lilacs or gardenia?) and is thick and creamy. I my neck and chest are in pretty good shape, so I haven’t noticed much of a change, but I feel great using the product and it is quite lovely!

Blemish B Gone ($24.00) “Radically effective, this spot treatment heals blemishes through a Micro-Matrix advanced time-release delivery system with Organic Benzoyl Peroxide and Organic Salicylic Acid. It counteracts bacteria, preventing future breakouts and hyperpigmentation.” Even though I’m forty (something), I still break out once in a while. Yuck! I like to apply this extremely gentle cream at night and in the morning my pimple is smaller! After a few day it is completely gone. Yay!

Visit www.pevonia.com to purchase the products and find a spa near you. It might be nice to be pampered by someone else for once!