Beauty – Page 54 – Forty, Flirty & Fabulous

My Beauty Favorites — Week of January 23-29, 2017

The weather has been mild this week in Kansas City, but unfortunately I’ve had the flu and haven’t been able to enjoy it.

Even though I have been ill, I have been testing some great new products sent to me for my honest review! Read on for my weekly favorites:

Pur Cosmetics Velvet Matte Liquid Lipstick ($18 USD) — Dump those dry matte lipsticks. Velvet Matte Liquid Lipsticks provide sumptuous lip color in an innovative mousse texture that glides on with ease and coats lips in a rich and conditioning burst of color in a true matte finish. Designed with color perfecting technology, the formula does not flake or dry lips and provides a smooth and flawless finish. Soft, kissable lips and bold colour – it’s everything you want in a matte.

What I think: I’m not a fan of the super drying liquid matte lipsticks that are popular right now, but I have been switching from gloss to a more matte look lately. The products I like are matte, but also hydrating, and this one is perfect! It smells yummy and goes on like a mousse. It gives gorgeous matte color and stays! LOVE!

Purchase at http://www.purcosmetics.com

John Frieda Brilliant Brunette Visibly Brighter

John Frieda Brilliant Brunette Visibly Deeper

John Frieda Sheer Blonde Go Blonder

By using John Frieda Brilliant Brunette Visibly Brighter, Visibly Deeper, or Sheer Blonde Go Blonder In-Shower Lightening Treatments, you subtly lighten or deepen your hair color without having to consistently visit the salon for touch ups. Because the Treatments only take hair one shade deeper or brighter, the end result is extremely natural—simply an enhanced version of your normal shade.

What I think: I have very dark brown hair, so I tried the Brilliant Brunette Visibly Brighter, and it did lighten it a bit. I applied it on wet hair and let it set for 5 minutes. It was really easy to use. It left my hair a bit dry, so I recommend conditioning with sulfate-free products after use. This is a fun product!

Available at Food, drug and mass retailers nationwide

KORRES Greek Yoghurt Advanced Nourishing Sleeping Facial ($45 USD) — This sleeping facial is a weightless soufflé powered by super-charged proteins that melts into skin and works overnight for intense, immediate moisturization. A centuries-old Greek remedy for skin soothing, moisturizing Greek Yoghurt provides a natural source of proteins, minerals, and vitamins to instantly nourish stressed, dry skin. This ultra-hydrating facial-in-a-jar contains a Greek Yoghurt concentrate with two and a half times the protein content of regular yogurt, and works overnight to provide skin with intense, long-term moisturization and nourishment to create a smooth, even complexion.

What I think: I enjoy night moisturizers because you can treat and hydrate your skin while you are sleeping. This sleeping facial is so rich and in the morning my skin is so soft! It’s great for sensitive skin because it calms and doesn’t irritate.

Available at Sephora.com

SKINDINAVIA Post-Makeup Recovery Spray (4oz | $26 // 8oz | $36) — NEW Post-Makeup Recovery Spray delivers a quick boost of key nutrients, including powerhouse mineral Zinc that is clinically-proven to help prevent breakouts and clear clogged pores. Sprayed on within 5 minutes of removing makeup, our cutting edge delivery system quickly delivers a winning formula of zinc, magnesium and willow bark to keep skin clear, healthy and radiant the moment your skin needs it the most!

What I think: This is such a cool product! I spray on after I cleanse my face at night. It does smell slightly of minerals, and feels cool going on. I let it sink in for a bit, then apply my nightly treatments. I feel that it cools my skin and cleans out the pores. I’ve noticed that my skin looks clearer since starting use.

Purchase at http://skindinavia.com

What are you loving this week?

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Beauty And Recipe Books To Help Start The Year Off Right!

Love to read? Me too! This time of year, I especially love reading books to get ideas on healthful practices such as exercise, great recipes and beauty ideas. There are so many wonderful ones out there!

The three below are my current favorites:

Mindful Beauty: How to Look and Feel Great in Every Season by Estelle Lefébure ($19.99 USD) — A life in the spotlight can make it harder still to weather the passing of time, but Estelle Lefébure—former supermodel and French wellness sensation—has discovered the secret. French women reportedly have great genes, but model Estelle Lefébure divulges how they really maintain their fantastic natural looks. Her positive outlook inspires, and she offers a simple, enjoyable path to well-being and looking fabulous forever. Easy, step-by-step natural health and beauty tips provide a holistic and mindful philosophy for every season.

In the springtime, invigorate dry skin with a DIY body scrub while toning up for outdoor activities. Go green once a week with a vegetable-stock detox. When summer comes, protect skin and hair with nourishing homemade masks. A glorious Indian summer is the perfect time to think about transformations; slow down and try out her massage techniques. Once fall settles in, focus on breathing—sip Provence-inspired infusions of sunbaked thyme to open up your airways. And then keep toasty warm all winter long, wrapped in a cozy flannel blanket or cashmere scarf. Each chapter offers tips for beauty,nutrition, and fitness activities as well as natural remedies and gluten-free recipes from top French chefs to guide you throughout the year.

Learn more at http://www.rizzoliusa.com. Purchase at great book stores such as http://www.amazon.com

300 Best Blender Recipes Using Your Vitamix Spring 2017 by Robin Asbell ($24.95 USD) — If you are looking for a way to eat real, whole foods but find yourself short on time, a Vitamix® is the answer. It’s a convenient and nearly instant way to get those servings of fruits and vegetables that many of us skip, with minimal manual chopping. And grinding your own flour is incredibly easy in the Vitamix®, allowing you to mix up bread, pancakes or muffins with flour that’s at its peak of freshness, for maximum flavor and nutrition, instead of buying flours that were ground months ago.

Robin has created an extensive collection of tantalizing and innovative recipes that will help you get the most out of this exceptional appliance. You can create a wide range of delicious dishes, from nutritious breakfasts and sumptuous soups to fresh sauces, dips, spreads and the increasingly popular nut butters, not to mention desserts that will have you reaching for seconds. And no Vitamix® cookbook would be complete without a chapter on nutritious baby foods. There is even a bonus chapter on skin
treatments, scrubs, masks and lotions.

Robin also includes useful information about your appliance, from the differences among the different series to tips and techniques that demonstrate how you can turn your Vitamix® into an invaluable workhorse in your home kitchen.

Purchase at Amazon and other great stores.

The Compassionate Chick’s Guide to DIY Beauty by Chrystle Fiedler andSunny Subramanian ($24.95 USD) — Want to look gorgeous without Mama Earth or animals paying the price? Well, now you can, with this go-to resource for making lush, yummy beauty products from scratch in your own kitchen.

Part DIY vegan beauty how-to and part self-improvement manifesto, this book will show you how to whip up luxurious, cruelty-free (and gluten-free) makeup, skin and hair products with natural ingredients for just pennies per treatment.

The recipes are super fun and convenient and they give you complete control over what goes on your skin: only the purest ingredients with no nasty chemicals, additives or preservatives.

What are you reading right now? Leave a comment and let me know!

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My Beauty Favorites — Week of January 16-22, 2017

So we got through this week, yeah! Even though this week may have been a bit stressful, I still have been testing some amazing beauty products and enjoying them!

My faves include a gorgeous cream eyeliner, products to help keep your hands smooth in the elements and a matte lipstick:

jane iredale Mystikol eyeliners ($24 USD) — Create the sexy look you love with new improved Mystikol Powdered Eyeliners! The built-in brush makes a perfect line or smudged-out smoky eye. The powder/cream formula makes a shadow that won’t fade, crease or smear.

I love the creamy texture of these liners. Applying with the brush is so easy, the liner just glides across my lid. I could even make a cat’s eye with it, and I am not the best at that! All of the colors are gorgeous and so wearable. My favorite is Dark Topaz, but I love Amethyst and Smoky Quartz, too. I don’t usually wear black eyeliner, but the Onyx is a beautiful pure black.

Purchase at http://www.janeiredale.com

During the cold weather, it’s so important to it’s important to maintain a good moisturizing routine to keep hands soft and healthy. Here are three products (including a set of natural emollient infused gloves!) which contain essential ingredients like Cocoa Seed Butter, Cucumber and Avocado that will soothe hands all season long.

Arbonne FC5® Ultra-Hydrating Hand Crème ($24 at arbonne.com): This lightweight cream moisturizes deeply, leaving hands feeling soft, smooth and well-hydrated. Infused with Kiwi, a powerful antioxidant source which works to hydrate the skin. Cucumber and Watercress help even skin tone while Birch and Clover extracts work to improve the appearance of skin clarity

Borghese Splendide Mani Brilliante Brightening Hand Crème ($35 at Borghese.com): This rapidly-absorbing formula is infused with Cocoa Seed Butter which saturates skin in moisture while advanced natural plant Cell Culture helps to restore and provide smooth skin.

Borghese Spa Mani Brillante Brightening Gloves ($50 at Borghese.com): These specially- formulated gloves are infused with rich, natural emollients, including Jojoba Seed, Avocado, and Olive Fruit Oils which improve skin’s texture and tone. Octadecenedioic Acid helps to brighten, clarify and impart luminance. Dry hands are quenched and relieved at once, revealing a soft-silken appearance.

Salute

Trendsetter

The lipstick revolution goes matte! Rimmel London introduces The Only 1 Matte Lipstick, a new-generation, all-in-one matte lipstick that delivers long-lasting, non-drying colour, moisture and wear.

Available in 10 new matte shades in a range of pinks, nudes, brights and deeps. I have Salute and Trendsetter — a rosy pink and a gorgeous nude. They are a hydrating matte and feel as good as they look. They don’t dry down like a liquid matte, but as I don’t like those, this is the perfect way to get a matte lip! The only think I don’t care for is the scent. It’s really synthetic and a bit chemical. But it does fade. If they fix the scent, these will be some of my favorite lipsticks out there!

Purchase at mass market retailers near you

What products are you loving this week?

Hydrate Your Skin and Hair This New Year!

Is it cold where you live? In Kansas City it’s 20 degrees one day and 50 the next! Crazy, but it has been fairly dry. So my skin and hair are dry, too!

I have been sent some amazing products for my honest review. The following products are my current favorites for hydration.

Curél Hydra Therapy Wet Skin Moisturizer ($10.99 USD) — This lotion is an easy, yet effective way to calm, smooth, soften and heal dry, flaky skin. The formula’s water-activated properties work to penetrate deep into skin’s surface all while in the shower – no rinsing required – so you can just dry off, dress and go! When applied daily, it helps heal dry skin and restore the body’s ability to retain its own much-needed moisture with the use of its revolutionary wet skin technology from:

a breakthrough water-activated formula
a propriety ceramide complex which helps replenish and fortify the skin’s natural moisture barrier
two soothing and restorative ingredients — allantoin and panthenol
cationic technology that binds together the positive charge of the moisturizer’s innovative ingredients with the negative charge of moist skin.

What I think: Wet skin moisturizers are so cool, but take some getting used to, especially drying off with lotion. But afterwards, my skin is so soft. This one is really nice, it leaves my skin so soft and smooth, especially in the cold, dry air.

Available at select drug and mass merchant stores nationwide

Dermalogica Best-Selling Brightening Duo ($65 USD) –Limited time only! Your skin collects pollutants, excess oils and long-wearing make-up during the day – all of which dulls its natural radiance. Reveal your skin’s healthiest glow with this best-selling duo. Includes a full-size PreCleanse (5.1 OZ) to melt away stubborn buildup and a full-size Daily Microfoliant (2.6 OZ), the original powder exfoliant for smoother, brighter skin!

Deep-cleansing oil melts away excess oil, make-up and impurities.
Gentle, daily-use exfoliating powder works for all skin conditions.
Activates with water to deliver a cleaner, healthier-looking glow.

Massage PreCleanse over face with dry hands. Add water to create a milky emulsion. Rinse with warm water. Dispense about a half-teaspoon of Daily Microfoliant into hands and create a creamy paste. Massage gently onto skin for one minute, then rinse.

What I think: This set is a thorough way to cleanse the skin. Not only does it clean, the exfoliating powder is an easy way to get all of the gunk out of pores and really make skin glow! This is safe, even on sensitive skin, to use every day.

Purchase at Dermalogica.com

Organic to Green Only Arctic Skin + Lip Moisturizer ($12 USD, 1 oz) — As beautiful as a glacier, ARCTIC is Organic to Green’s artisan edition creamy white coco shea formula made to soothe and repair dry skin and lips. With just a hint of natural vanilla it’s a perfect travel companion to moisturize and heal skin from sun or environmental exposure.

What I think: This generous amount of lip moisturizer is perfect for cold and dry weather. It has a light scent of vanilla, and is super hydrating. A little goes a long way. It can also be used for cuticles and dry patches, like on elbows.

Purchase at http://www.ulta.com

Bhave Rescue Shampoo

Bhave Rescue Conditioner

Bhave Deep Conditioning Masque

Bhave Rescue Shampoo ($27.25 10.1 fl. oz) – your go-to shampoo for hair in dire need of rehabilitation caused by chemical treatments, heat appliances and environmental aggressors. It restores strength, condition, elasticity & shine, rebuilds & repairs dry, brittle, damaged hair, provides a protective shield – guards against future damage, weightlessly moisturizing and luxurious feel.

Bhave Rescue Conditioner ($27.25 10.1 fl. oz) – a luxurious conditioner formulated to nourish, strengthen & repair severely damaged hair. It has the same benefits as the shampoo above.

Bhave Deep Conditioning Masque ($27.75 5 fl.oz) – a deep conditioning masque that provides intense moisture and repair to extremely stressed, colored, dry or damaged hair. Benefits are intense moisture & repair, nourishes & conditions, restores elasticity, improves strength and boosts shine.

What I think: First of all, these all smell really amazing! Very refreshing and clean. They all hydrate the hair so well. A little of the conditioner and masque goes a long way. Hair is so moisturized. I use the shampoo and conditioner every day, but the masque only once a week. It hydrates so well! It keeps my hair soft and shiny.

Purchase at http://www.bhave.us

PHYTO PHYTOELIXIR Intense Nutrition Mask ($59 3.7 fl. oz. USD) — This indulgently rich mask becomes a luxurious hair rescuer that transforms even the driest, most porous hair. Narcissus flower wax, a beauty powerhouse envelops hair in prodigious nourishment. Macadamia oil, extremely rich in essential fatty acids, replenishes hair lipids with the promise of new suppleness and radiance. The mask is formulated to offer continuous active ingredient release to the hair, protecting it against the recurring drying-out process. Hair is infinitely soft to the touch and totally manageable. This light-as-air formula is suitable for all hair textures, even the finest hair.

What I think: This is such a luxe hair mask! It smells amazing and is so hydrating. I only need to leave it on for a few minutes and my hair is bouncy and shiny. My hair is very porous and dry and this makes it feels so healthy.

Purchase at http://www.PHYTO.com

What cold-weather skincare and hair care products are you loving right now?

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My Beauty Favorites — Week of January 9-15, 2017

How’s your new year going? Mine is going pretty well. I’m trying to stick to resolutions, but as I have brownies baking in the oven now, I guess it’s not working! LOL!

This week I’m loving products that are perfect for a fresh start. They include a cleansing face mask, hydrating skin care, a luxe perfumen and a hair towel to reduce frizz:

Beauty 360 Rose & Pearl Brightening Multi-Use Face Mask Pods, 2CT ($5.99 USD) — For a quick all-over glow, the re-sealable, multi-use Rose & Pearl Brightening Multi-Use Face Mask Pods are infused with Pearl Extract, known to help tone and rejuvenate the complexion, and Rose Water, rich in antioxidants and known for its moisturizing properties.

What I think: Although I like sheet masks, I think my favorites are cream, clay or gel masks. There’s something satisfying about dipping fingers into goo and spreading it on the face! This mask smells like fresh roses and feels cool on the face. I left it on for about 10 minutes (can be left on for 5-10). It dried on my face and I removed it with a soft towel and warm water. My face felt firmer and very clean. It was a little dry, so I used moisturizer on it afterwards. I think this is a great mask to clean firm the skin!

Available at CVS stores and http://www.cvs.com

Luene Sisu Urban Intense Hydrating Serum

Lumene Sisu Recover & Protect Facial Oil

Lumene Sisu Urban Intense Hydrating Serum ($28.69 USD on Amazon) –In the midst of busy days, get closer to nature with this hydrating serum. Pine bark and spruce knot extract, laden with antioxidants, combine with pure Arctic Spring Water to protect and moisturize skin. Powerful anti-pollution formula shields skin against urban pollution locking in hydration. The result is skin that appears healthier and a radiant, fresh-looking complexion.

Lumene Sisu Recover & Protect Facial Oil ($28.46 USD on Amazon) — Savor the power of Arctic berries with this restorative facial oil. A precious blend of antioxidant-rich blackcurrant, bilberry and lingonberry seed oils, with essential omega fatty acids and vitamin E, work in union with skin to help to defend against external elements, for deep replenishment and soft, supple skin. With the help of these Arctic berry oils, Sisu Facial Oil works with skin’s natural protective outermost barrier to restore moisture, leaving skin looking naturally healthy and revitalized.

What I think: Both of these products are affordable and luxurious! The serum is light and sinks right into the skin. It leaves my skin so soft and it works well under moisturizers. The oil is great at night, when I want something a bit heavier. In the morning, my skin is hydrated and glowing!

Purchase at Amazon and learn more at www.lumene.com

Atelier Bloem 1614 Eau de Parfum ($195 for 100ml) –This slightly floral fragrance blends the dewy freshness of sweet clover and citrus with an understated woodsy musk, giving the perfume a subtly sun-warmed scent.

TOP NOTES
Black Pepper, Bergamot, and Neroli from Tunisia

MIDDLE NOTES
Sambac Jasmine, Sweet Clover, Rose Water, and Orange Blossom

DRYDOWN
Teakwood, Sandalwood, and Musk

What I think: This sweet and spicy scent is really wearable. It’s the perfect winter floral, but will be nice in the Spring too. It’s pretty spendy, but it’s such a unique scent!

Purchase at atelier-bloem.com

AQUIS Waffle Luxe Hair Towel ($35 USD) — Waffle Luxe sounds like she might ‘go on a bit’. Indeed, with increased surface area from the layered fabric, Waffle Luxe loves thicker hair requiring more water wicking. Great for African and Asian hair. New generation Aquitex improves absorbency and comfort. Wraps and tucks easily leaving hands free while hair dries. Dries fast with less friction, to minimize frizz and damage.

What I think: This towel is soft and really absorbent. I love using hair towels and keep them separate so my husband doesn’t use them as hand towels! This one is my current favorite, my hair dries faster and is soft and shiny once it dries.

Purchase at http://www.aquis.com

IT Cosmetics New Year, New Confidence in Your Skin! Skincare Collection — QVC TSV For January 14, 2017

Yay, it’s another IT Cosmetic’s and QVC Today’s Special Value! IT Cosmetics is one of my favorite brands and I am always excited to try their new launches!

This TSV is called Your New Year New Confidence in Your Skin Collection ($79.96, $182 if sold separately) It includes two worldwide launches and two best-sellers for your most beautiful skin! This deal is only good on Saturday January 14, 2017, so act quickly!

This exclusive four-piece collection features two of IT Girl skincare must-haves, plus two new game-changing innovations that deliver life-changing, skin-transforming results! While new Bye Bye Under Eye Eye Cream is the solution for a smoother, brighter-looking eye area, Confidence in a Cream intensely hydrates and is perfect for all skin types! Also included is the new Confidence in a Compact with SPF 50+, which features all the benefits of the best-selling cream—infused with full-coverage pigments and SPF 50+ physical sunscreen for all-day complexion perfection. Use the new Heavenly Skin™ Skin-Smoothing Complexion Brush for flawlessly even application.

The only product in this kit I have tried before is the Bye Bye Under Eye Eye Cream. This cream is formulated with copper, blue algae, caffeine, and more! It claims to hydrate and smooth the eye area. I find that it does all of that and more. It smells amazing and is a pretty blue color. But the best thing is that is it so hydrating and refreshing at the same time. I use eye cream in the morning and the night to keep my peepers looking young, and this one really brightens the eye area!

I have been wanting to try Confidence in a Cream moisturizer since it came out, and I have to say that it exceeded my expectations. It is a revolutionary moisturizer formulated to help transform the look of the skin. In a consumer survey, 100% somewhat to strongly agreed there was an improvement in the smoothness of their skin’s texture, and 81% somewhat to strongly agreed that pores appeared minimized and fine lines and wrinkles appeared less noticeable.

I LOVE this cream. Usually I apply cream to my sensitive skin and my cheeks get red. This cream actually make my cheeks and forehead less red instantly after use. And it smoothed the look of pores and wrinkles. It feels amazing on too, my skin is so soft! I have only been using it a few days, but hope to see long term improvement.

Brand-new Confidence in a Compact is an anti-aging serum, full-coverage foundation, and SPF 50, UVA/UVB sun protection all in one easy step. It is skincare as well as foundation and has hydrolyzed collagen, squalene, and hyaluronic acid. To use, swirl the new Heavenly Skin Skin-Smoothing Complexion Brush or the included sponge into the Confidence in a Compact and buff onto skin.

I like this foundation, so far. I have used it only once and the Light shade is a bit dark for my skin (maybe because it is winter and I am pale). I like the feel of it, it is so hydrating which I need this time of year. And it covers well, too. I am going try it again and see if maybe using it with a lighter Bye Bye Undereye concealer will help.

This collection includes:

Includes 0.63-oz Confidence in a Compact, 2-fl oz Confidence in a Cream moisturizer, 0.5-fl oz Bye Bye Under Eye eye cream, and Heavenly Skin Skin-Smoothing Complexion brush
Fair: porcelain skin; fairest of the fair
Light: if you have a bit more warmth to your skin
Medium: light to medium skintones
Medium Tan: if you have a warm or golden-medium skintone
Tan: tan skintones
Rich: tan to rich skin with golden tones
Deep: rich to deep skin with a warmer tones

Since this is only good one day, jump on it! It’s a great value. Shopping early ensures that you get your shade, too!

Purchase at http://www.QVC.com or by watching and calling in!

My Beauty Favorites — Week of December 26, 2016 – January 1, 2017

Happy New Year! I hope the first day of 2017 has treated you well!

I have been taking a couple of holiday weeks off from blogging, but I am back! I hope to blog more frequently once I have more amazing products to review, like the ones below.

These products are my fave this week. They include gorgeous lip products, a zesty body soap, a cool round hair styling brush, and fab new nail polishes:

LORAC Alter Ego Lip Liner

LORAC Alter Ego Lipstick

LORAC Alter Ego Lip Liner ($17 USD) –These sexy and playful lip liners are highly-pigmented, smudge-proof and perfect for lining or filling in your lips for color that lasts. Alter Ego Lip Liners contain antioxidants such as Acai Berry, Pomegranate, Grape Seed Extract, and Vitamin E to help keep lips soft and healthy while preventing color from bleeding, feathering and fading. Whether you wish to be a Goddess, Socialite or a Dominatrix (even if just for a night), Alter Ego Lip Liner comes in a gorgeous range of colors from soft nudes to vivid hues to create any look you covet. Embrace your every identity and dress up your lips with LORAC.

LORAC Alter Ego Lipstick ($17 USD) — Instantly transform your look with LORAC Alter Ego Lipstick. These sexy and playful lipsticks coat your lips in highly-pigmented color with an opaque, matte finish. Alter Ego Lipstick contains antioxidants such as Acai Berry, Pomegranate, Grape Seed Extract, and Vitamins C and E.

What I think: The lip pencil is amazing! I have it in Duchess, the color above. It is my lip color but better, so I can wear it under all colors of lipstick, like the nude above. The lipstick is a moisture-rich matte, not a drying one. It looks gorgeous on and is comfortable to wear. Pair them together and they last for hours!

Available at http://www.loraccosmetics.com

MALIN+GOETZ lime bar soap ($16 at MALIN+GOETZ flagship apothecaries, www.malinandgoetz.com, Barneys, Bloomingdale’s, Space NK)
Now in a larger 5oz size, the foaming cleansing bar is synthesized with the refreshing lime tonic eau de toilette, gently and effectively purifying and balancing all skin types. Blended to hydrate while rinsing free of residue without irritation, drying, or stripping; helping to reduce epidermal stress. Natural color. Easily integrated into daily maintenance and prevention regimen.

What I think: I love the brisk scent of this soap! It cleans and hydrates all at once. It can be used every day!

Purchaes at http://www.target.com

Conair UltraDetangler Medium Nylon Round Brush ($14.99 USD)
Say goodbye to tangled hair! Conair’s UltraDetangler get out knots in wet or dry hair. Great for thick and unmanageable hair that is unruly.

What I think: This is a very nice brush. It is large enough to give body and big waves while blowing dry. I also use it on dry hair to turn my hair under and smooth it. It leaves my hair soft and shiny!

Purchase at http://www.target.com

Society Ruler

Devil Wears Nada

Hooked On Onyx

Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure you love is now even better with amazing new shades. Style starts with a stunning spectrum of high-shine, perfectly pigmented nail polishes in on-trend, elegant hues. Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure™ introduces fashion-forward colors ranging from wearable, sparkle-spiked neutrals to daringly deep tones. The new formula delivers up to 64% stronger nails and up to 10 days of chip-resistant wear. It’s everything you need to achieve a professional nail look at home. Here, six dazzling new shades in the Complete Salon Manicure™ lineup, available in a range of finishes.

Like the perfect wardrobe collection, the shades range from chic neutrals to deeper tones that express your mood:

World Is My Oyster Make moves in this ethereal take on a pearlescent copper nude.

Society Ruler Channel the upper echelons in this rich burgundy.

Hooked On Onyx Vamp it up in this gem of a glossy black polish.

Devil Wears Nada is a nakedly daring neutral pink-beige blend.

Freedom Of Peach Punch up your tips in this fruity, sun-ripened peach tint.

Mauvin’ On Up Decorate those digits with a penthouse-worthy creamy pink-mauve hue.

What I think: These are all really fresh colors, perfect for all seasons. Devil Wears Nada is my favorite, because I love nude nails. With these polishes, I don’t need a base or top coat so they are quick and easy to use and last for days.

Purchase at a mass market retailer near you!

What are you loving this week? Leave a comment and let me know!

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Get Your Winter Glow On With Gorgeous Skincare!

I hope everyone’s holidays are going well! I had a great Christmas and am looking forward to New Year’s!

In Kansas City, it is cold and dry, so my skin has been needing extra love. The below hydrating skincare has kept my skin looking good through the elements and holiday stress:

Finally a cocoa that does the body good! HydroPeptide’s Firming Moisturizer ($96, HydroPeptide.com) addresses and corrects the appearance of imperfections including scars, discoloration, stretch marks and wrinkles. The formula features anti-cellulite peptides and caffeine to effectively diminish the appearance of cellulite, while ultra-nourishing cocoa butter hydrates, replenishes and rejuvenates to lock in smooth, dimple-free skin so you can eat all the chocolatey treats your heart desires!

Don’t let the holidays put wrinkles on your face – HydroPeptide’s Power Lift Advanced Ultra-Rich Moisturizer ($96, HydroPeptide.com) targets all visible signs of aging and quenches dry skin with a proprietary blend of peptides, antioxidants and skin brighteners. Sage extract, promotes daily cell regeneration to minimize and delay the onset of facial wrinkles, while powerful antioxidants such as buddleja, echinacea, white tea, and rosemary offer free-radical defense and encourage more youthful looking skin.

Beyond the baking sheet and into your skin care regime. HydroPeptide’s Power Serum ($136, HydroPeptide.com) boasts Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract (vanilla) to prevent and reverse skin damage caused by free radicals and slow down signs of ageing including fine lines, wrinkles and age spots. In suppressing free radicals, this seasonal staple plays double duty by allowing growth factor activating plant extract from the Crocus Chrysanthus Bulb, to promote and strengthen connective tissue to increase skin firmness and elasticity without interference.

Purchase at http://shop.hydropeptide.com

DDF Aloe Toning Complex

DDF Ultra-Lite Oil-Free Moisturizing Dew

DDF Aloe Toning Complex ($43 USD) — Formulated with Sodium PCA, a natural moisturizing factor found in healthy skin. Ideal after sun, cleansing or as an after shave tonic to give soothing hydration to help calm skin. Fragrance-free.

DDF Ultra-Lite Oil-Free Moisturizing Dew ($42 USD) — An oil-, fragrance-, and dye-free moisturizer for all skin types, including acne-prone skin. Contains aloe vera, vitamins A, E and C, and grapeseed for comfortable hydration. Will not clog pores. Lanolin-free.

I love that both of these products are safe for sensitive skin! Everything irritates my skin these days, and these products really help calm my skin while hydrating it. I use the Toning Complex after cleansing and before the Moisturizing Dew. Used together, they make my skin soft and smooth!

Learn more and purchase at http://www.ddfskincare.com

Spa Home by Masque Bar Sleeping Mask ($19.99 USD) Let your mask do the moisturizing work while you sleep! Designed to be left overnight, this mask is enriched with Lavender Extract to help relieve dry irritated skin. The scent of Lavender helps you have a good night sleep. Aloe, Witch Hazel and Plant derived ingredients leave skin feeling moisturized and brightened.

This mask is such a treat! I use it at night and in the morning my skin is soft and glowing. I get dehydrated at night (thanks to the change of life!), so making sure I go to bed with a nice cream or mask is essential. This one also brightens my skin so I wake up glowing!

Available at Walgreens

Lumene Hydration Recovery Aerating Gel Mask($21 USD) — Water and air bring out your natural radiance with our instant hydrating gel mask. Lumene Hydra-technology combines oxygen-rich pure Arctic Spring Water with Nordic Birch Sap that’s bursting with minerals, on application the innovative light-weight aerating complex indulges your skins surface with moisture to provide intense hydration. Working in harmony these thirst quenching elements rescue skin to leave it smooth and even for an instantly fresh and radiant glow.

This mask is currently available at amazon.com

Freeze 24-7 Double Scoop Intensive Anti-Aging Moisturizer ($105 1.7 oz) –A smoothing, moisturizing complex that provides intense hydration while nourishing, firming and toning skin- provides immediate and long term benefits.
This high-tech, super-charged skincare cocktail takes the moisturizing experience to the next level. Luxurious and exceptionally hydrating, IceCream Double Scoop™ is a powerful moisturizing complex of ingredients that hydrates the skin while providing serious anti-aging benefits.

I find this a perfect winter night cream! It is rich and velvety, but not greasy at all. It feels so nice on my parched skin. I use it at night and also in the daytime when I am staying home and want to treat my skin. It is unscented.

Purchase at http://www.freeze247.com

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Holiday Gift Guide — Last Minute Beauty Gifts

There is about a week left until Christmas! Ahh! Do you have all of your shopping done? I don’t, but I’m close.

For those last minute beauty gifts, here are some great ideas:

Prai Beauty Customizable Concentrates ($79.95 USD) — Customizable Concentrates contains 3 formulas, each highlighting a key ingredient, that targets a specific skin concern. They empower you to transform your beauty products to your own skin’s unique requirements. Includes:

CUSTOMIZABLE CONCENTRATE with MATRIXYL™ synthe’6™ addresses crow’s feet and forehead furrows.

CUSTOMIZABLE CONCENTRATE with Dermaxyl™ addresses wrinkles and age-related skin damage.

CUSTOMIZABLE CONCENTRATE with Sepilift™ DPHP addresses skin’s lack of firmness.

Purchase at www.PRAIBeauty.com

VERT Beauty Brush Roll Kit ($185 USD) — The entire collection of our professional makeup artist brushes. Introducing the VERT beauty Brush Roll Kit. Apply makeup with a mistake-proof, seamless finish with VERT beauty brushes. These professional makeup artist quality brushes are made with the finest sustainable materials. The gorgeous reclaimed wood handles and mixed bristles are shaped for comfort and precision. Each brush head is luxuriously soft and durable. A flawless finish is in your hands with this perfect brush set. Winter Session provides our ultimate brush roll. Made from 10oz waxed cotton canvas and stitched with heavy gauge nylon thread. Features an adjustable leather closure tab with logo imprint.

Purchase at http://www.vertbeauty.com

KBShimmer’s Winter Collection ($9.95 USD) –a line of seasonally inspired nail polishes that feature 16 NEW shades that will step up your beauty game as well as a few favorites! Whether it’s a gift for yourself, or a stocking stuffer for a loved one, lets ring in this holiday season.

Purchase at http://www.kbshimmer.com

Zoella Beauty Ginger Bread Fizz Trio ($12 USD) — Zoella Beauty Gingerbread Mini Fizz Bar Trio brings a dose of Christmas sweetness to your bath. A perfect holiday gift, they’re just the thing for de-stressing before, during and after the busy holiday season.

Purchase at Target stores and http://www.target.com

Hard Candy Eye Essentials Collection ($4.88 at Walmart) –Fall in love with these purse friendly eye shadow palettes. Create that smoky look you desire for an evening out on the town or define your eyes with any of these coordinating shades for a natural look.

Hard Candy Eye Essentials Collection Makeup Set:

2 eye shadow palettes (12 colors each)
3 piece brush kit
On-the-go pouch

Purchase at Walmart and http://www.walmart.com

The Body Shop 40 Years Icon Gift Set

The Body Shop 40 Years Icon Gift Set ($58 USD) Celebrate The Body Shop’s 40th anniversary with our 40 Years Icon Gift Set! Featuring customer favorite body butters, moisturizers, shower gels, and more. This gift set filled with best-sellers is sure to please everyone on your list! A $97 Value!

Set Includes:

Green Tea Body Butter 6.76 oz
Vitamin C Moisturizer 1.69 oz
Moringa Shower Gel 8.45 oz
Strawberry Body Polish 2.54 oz
DOY Concentrate .24 oz
Lip and Cheek Stain
British Rose Hand Cream 1 oz

Purchase at http://www.thebodyshop-usa.com or The Body Shop stores

My Beauty Favorites — Week of December 5-11, 2016

How is your holiday season going? We got our tree up today and it looks great! A Noble Fir which is my favorite.

This week I have been loving gorgeous eyeshadow sticks, a skin firming device and an all natural skincare line:

Merle Norman Shadow Sticks ($18 USD) — The fun, easy-to-use stick is crease-resistant and designed for versatility. They’re perfect to use as your main shadow, a base or even a liner with a buildable formula designed to go from sheer to full-on color. They even have a special key ingredient, microspheres, which impart a silky texture while absorbing oil to keep lids sebum free.

No matter what color is trending this season from matte to shimmer, you’ll find what you need in Merle Norman Shadow Sticks. Available in a full spectrum of shades that range from luminous to matte: Glow, Fortune, Luna, Mystic, Bronze Age, Preppy, Stone, Watercolor, Toast and Almond Cookie.

What I think: I have tried a lot of shadows sticks in my blogging career, but they aren’t my go to form of eye shadow usually. I have to say really liked these and plan to use them lots! I have Mystic, a shimmery wine, Stone, a gorgeous greige and Watercolor, a soft matte blue. They are all pretty, but Stone is one I can use every day as an allover lid shade. The other two are very nice accent colors. This stay for hours and look fresh.

Available at MerleNorman.com.

Conture Kinetic Skin Toning System

Conture’s NEW Kinetic Firm Neck Cream

Two great products to help with tech neck are Conture Kinetic Skin Toning System ($249 USD), and Conture’s NEW Kinetic Firm Neck Cream ($65 USD). These are the secret weapons to fighting “tech neck” for a tightened, smoother, fresher décolletage.

The Kinetic Skin Toning action of the Conture is designed to specifically address deficiencies in skin firmness and elasticity as well as overall sagging of the neck area. In a 8-week clinical study in which women used their Conture Device and the Kinetic Firm Neck Crème, participants found an 81 percent improvement in the lifting of their skin.

What I think: I have tried the Conture device before. It is so easy to use and helps tighten skin in just a few weeks. The Firm Neck Cream is a great addition to the system. It is extra insurance for a firm neck!

Available at http://www.conture.com

Z Skin — I have been trying products from their Age Defying line. You can purchase the line with these products in it for $144:

- Face Lift Wash
- Face Lift Lotion
- Neck Firming Cream
- Daytime Eye Cream [Zz Eye]
- Nighttime Eye Cream
- Banish; Dark Spots And Scars
- Extreme Moisturizer
- Retinique

The line is very natural and uses a combination of herbs and oils. It claims to reduce the signs of aging.

What I think: I find the scents of these products very strong, maybe too medicinal for me, but they have been hydrating my skin and making it very soft and smooth. The Face Lift lotion is one of my favorites, it is a great day lotion.

Available at http://www.zskincosmetics.com