cosmetics – Page 62 – Forty, Flirty & Fabulous

Reviews of CEW Finalists By Fresh, M.A.C. and Neutrogena plus an Ojon Giveaway!

CEW – a nonprofit professional organization with more than 4,500 executives in the beauty, cosmetics, fragrance and related industries– has recently presented its annual Insiders’ Choice Beauty Awards, the only beauty award voted on by industry experts. The Awards celebrate the most innovative products of the year, and its list of 140 finalists include some of the most popular and effective products around. You can learn more at www.cew.org.

I have received a few products from CEW for review and one cool hair product from Ojon to giveaway (see below). The products are:

Seaberry Restorative Body Cream ($28.50 USD) is an ultra-hydrating and nourishing treatment designed to calm and relieve irritation. The moisturizing formula is fortified with omegas 3, 6, 7 & 9 and seaberry oil, a powerful antioxidant that helps to restore, protect, and soften the skin. Its creamy rich texture offers a luxurious skin-soothing experience. The ingredients in this lotion are:

– Seaberry oil, also known as seabuckthorn oil, is a powerful antioxidant rich in omegas 7 & 9 that helps to restore, protect, and soften the skin.
– Cranberry seed oil is packed with omegas 3, 6 & 9 and vitamin E to help maintain the skin’s elasticity and smoothness.
– Sal seed butter, rich in omegas 6 & 9, apricot kernel seed oil, and jojoba seed oil help to hydrate and nourish.
– Sea lavender helps to soothe and calm dry skin.

What I think: This lotion is amazing! You only need one small squirt for both hands and arms. It is cooling and so silky on. This is perfect for after shaving or spending time in the sun (with sunscreen on, of course)! It has a pretty strong herbal scent, but it’s not unpleasant.

www.fresh.com and www.sephora.com

M.A.C. False Lashes ($19 USD) Fashionably false in look, but honestly real, this mascara’s key benefits of volume and curl are matched by a dramatic end look. The unique edge: the ultra-thickening formula in combo with the plush-’em-up action of its unique double-lush brush.

What I think: I have never tried a M.A.C. mascara and was excited to try this one. I have mixed feelings about this mascara. It does add length, but does not thicken unless you use a lot of coats, then it ends up clumping. It also runs very easily, and since I have allergies, it starts running shortly after I apply it. So yay on length and boo on volume and wearability.

You can learn more and purchase at M.A.C. stores and www.maccosmetics.com.

Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Soothing Lotion SPF 15

Neutrogena® Ultra Gentle Soothing Lotion with SPF 15 ($15.99 USD) is a gentle daily moisturizer formulated for even the most sensitive skin. It’s clinically proven to instantly soothe and calm skin, visibly reducing redness and irritation. This uniquely developed formula with Chamomile and Feverfew makes skin less sensitive after just one week by strengthening skin’s moisture barrier. Skin is left smoother, more supple, and healthier looking with daily use. Broad spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen protects the skin against the sun’s damaging rays. With an allergy tested fragrance uniquely developed for sensitive skin, skin is left feeling calmer, softer and smoother.

What I think: My skin becomes more sensitive the older I get. So I was happy to try this gentle daily moisturizer. It is not greasy and really soothes my red cheeks everyday I also love the SPF 15 that is in the product. I have been applying moisturizer and SPF separately and this is much more convenient and way less heavy feeling.

You may purchase at a mass market retailer near you.

Now For the Giveaway!!!

I am giving away a Ojon Color Sustain Gloss Finishing Hair Spray ($23.50 USD) Formulated with UVA/UVB sunscreens. This weightless finishing spray for color-treated hair not only keeps styles under control, it actually promotes hair’s natural shine and radiance. And it never leaves a heavy, sticky, color-dulling residue. Pure Ojon™ oil, nature’s hair-repairing golden elixir instantly preps hair to work with Tahitian Monoi so it can enhance softness and sheen. Hair looks rich, lustrous and vibrant. It’s the perfect summer or vacation hairspray for color-treated hair.

If you would like to win this, please leave a comment on my blog. I will randomly choose a winner on Monday, June 4, 2012.

Good luck! And please, only residents of the United States and Canada.

Enjoy!

Fresh New Makeup For Spring and Summer

It’s time to lighten and brighten up your makeup for the warmer months! Some of the following products are new — and some just new to me — but all are lovely for the summer!

Essence Sun Club Bronzing Powder ($3.99 USD) — This is a gorgeous matte bronzer that can be used on face or body — it comes in a nice large compact. To apply, you can use the NEW essence powder brush ($3.49 shown above), and sweep the bronzing powder in blonde or brunette ($3.99) to the hollows of the cheek – making sure to follow through with your stroke and blend the matte color up to temples and slightly into the hairline. Also, don’t forget to brush a little on your forehead and down to the jawline. I love me some contouring! Also, I have the brunette and even though my skin tone is light, the color was not too dark. If you need more color, layer.

Available at Ulta stores and www.ulta.com

Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics Luminous Crème Blush ($27 USD) Give cheeks a burst of color and radiance with this cream-textured blush. The oil-free formula combines a shimmering glow with sheer, long-wearing color. Wear as a cheek color or highlighter, or layer with powder blushes for extra vibrancy.

For the Spring, there are two new shades:

Plum Satin — a rose-berry shade with a hint of shimmer.

Pink Cashmere — a lively, matte carnation pink.

I have the Plum Satin, and it is so gorgeous! Easy to blend and a beautiful light shade on.

Purchase at www.ybskin.com

IT Cosmetics Vitality Lip Flush Anti-Aging Lipstick Stain

Vitality Lip Flush Anti-Aging Lipstick Stain ($20 USD) takes the place of your lipstick, anti-aging conditioning lip balm, ultra-hydrating lip gloss, and your lip stain! This truly innovative formula contains Hydra-Luxe Technology including ingredients such as plum oil, cherry oil, shea butter, aloe, and jojoba that all work together to treat, hydrate, condition, and nourish your lips. It minimizes the appearance of lip lines and wrinkles. Plus, this lip flush is packed with anti-oxidants including acai, green tea, white tea, and vitamins A, C, and E to fight free-radical attack.

I have tried this in Je Ne Sais Quois, a sheer pink flush shade that looks almost clear in the tube. It feels so moisturizing on and leaves your lips a pretty pink for hours. Finally — a moisturizing lip stain.

You can purchase this alone or in a set with one or two other colors at www.qvc.com.

If you are looking to splurge try, Ellis Faas Spring Gift Set ($85 USD). The set contains the Creamy Eyes E106, which is a lilac taupe – ideal to create a soft smokey eye. The lilac Light E304 can be used for amethyst-like sparkly highlights. And to complete our Spring Gift Set, Ellis chose the juicy, nude pink Milky Lips L207, which is a lovely combination with the eye products.

Available at www.ellisfaas.com.

Enjoy!

Laura Geller Glow-n-Behold Collection

Summer is on it’s way! Actually, it feels like it is here in Kansas City. It is supposed to be in the 80’s all week. So it is time to break out the bronzers and light summer makeup.

So I have to say yay for Laura Geller’s Glow-n-Behold kit. This isn’t only for Summer, but makes you look like you have been enjoying the fresh air and relaxation that the season can bring.

I always love the quality of Laura’s makeup and this set is no different.

Includes:

0.30-fl-oz Dream Creams Concealer & Highlighter Palette in Porcelain/Fair or Regular/Tan–exclusive to QVC until 8/4/12!
0.85-oz Baked Body Frosting in Tahitian Glow, a tan/cream/pearly pink swirl–Best Seller!
0.23-oz Baked Blush Mono Cheek Color in Bora Bora, a pearlescent peach-pink–exclusive to QVC until 8/4/12!
0.12-oz Double-Dipped Lipstick 2-in-1 Creamy Lip Color in Caribbean Kiss, nude petal pink/glazed butter caramel–exclusive to QVC until 8/4/12!
Puff applicator for Baked Body Frosting

Suggested Use:

Dream Creams Concealer & Highlighter Palette: Using your ring finger or a small brush (not included), apply any of the creamy stripes of concealer to undereye area and dark, recessed parts of the face. You can also use it to cover blemishes, age spots, and other skin imperfections. Blend and layer on two or three colors to get the perfect shade any time of the year (darker for summer, lighter for fall). Finish by applying highlighter over the concealer for luminosity, also dabbing it over cheekbones, brow bones, the center of the nose, and other areas you wish to highlight.

Baked Body Frosting: Using the Body Puff, apply all over skin. Build layers for a deeper bronze. Want richer color? Simply dampen puff and apply over areas you want to intensely tan.

Baked Blush Mono Cheek Color: Using a powder brush (not included), apply on apples of cheeks, blending towards the hairline.

Double-Dipped Lipstick 2-in-1 Creamy Lip Color: Apply directly from tube. For more precise application, use a lip brush (not included) to line and fill in. Wear one shade or blend for a customized look.

What I think: I like all of these products and think that this is a pretty amazing collection.

The concealer is very creamy and fun to use. You can used one shade (I used the lightest under my eyes) or combine to get a custom look. I use the second lightest shade to cover blemishes and a combo to cover redness. This works very well.

The bronzer is great for legs, but is very dark. If you are light-skinned like myself, use very sparingly. Can be used on the face, but is too dark for me. The color is good, but a little sparkly, so be aware.

The blush is a beautiful color — really pretty! I think this would look fantastic on all skin tones.

The lipstick is also gorgeous. I love the pink color, but the bronze is nice, too. They also look fab combined!

This collection is available at www.qvc.com. Enjoy!

Brightening Skincare For All Price Ranges From Nuance Salma Hayek, Shiseido and ReVive

Brightening products are increasing in popularity as consumers look for ways to get rid of troublesome spots and lighten skin in targeted areas. I know I have a few dark patches and spots that I would like to lighten.

These products are a big deal in the beauty market as women of all ages want to lighten their dark spots. One of the most popular products at the moment is Clinique’s Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector.

I haven’t tried that product, but I have tried the following standout products at different price-points for brightening:

· $: Nuance Salma Hayek Renewing and Brightening Facial Serum –Developed by CVS/pharmacy and Salma Hayek, the Nuance Salma Hayek Renewing and Brightening Facial Serum ($19.99, http://www.cvs.com) features natural Licorice Extract, a tyrosinase inhibitor, to brighten skin and help prevent hyperpigmentation. Other key ingredients include Botanagen SL™ to brighten skin and promote collagen synthesis, exfoliating Bio-Tripeptide, and an antioxidant blend of Tepezcohuite, Blue Agave, South American Camapu, and Mexican Prickly Pear Extract to soothe, hydrate and firm.

What I think: I have tried this product just a few times, so I haven’t seen an improvement in my dark spots. I do notice that it is a very light serum with a subtle floral scent. And it leaves my skin very soft — must be the exfoliators. The applicator is a metal roller, which is cooling and soothing on the skin. It goes on before moisturizer.

I am really impressed by the quality of this product. I will be reviewing other products from this line — look for that post soon!

· $$: Shiseido White Lucent –Expanding upon their groundbreaking White Lucent technology, which targets pigmentation and microcirculation (the two major causes of pigmentation), the line added two new products last month – White Lucent Anti-Dark Circles Eye Cream ($55, www.shiseido.com) and White Lucent Intensive Spot Targeting Serum (diminishes dark spots in ten days and prevents future pigmentation, $125, www.shiseido.com). The White Lucent products feature 4MSK, an exclusive patented brightening ingredient that diminishes the activity of the enzyme tyrosinase, helping to prevent melanin formation, as well as Yomogi Extract, Multi-Target Vitamin C and Hawthorn Extract.

What I think: I have been using the Anti-Dark Circles Eye Cream for a couple of weeks now. It has a fluffy texture and a light, fresh scent. The packaging is very pretty — a shimmering pink jar.

I like how this feels on my skin. It instantly smooths and moisturizes my under-eye skin. My dark circles are a little less noticeable after a couple of weeks. I will continue using this until it is empty.

I have not tried the serum yet, but I will be trying it soon (am using the ReVive serum below). It has received mixed reviews, but I will give it the benefit of the doubt since I enjoy the eye cream.

· $$$: ReVive Blanche Lighten Brighten – Created by renowned plastic surgeon Dr. Gregory Bays Brown, ReVive Blanche Lighten Brighten ($400, www.reviveskincare.com), safely and effectively fades spots caused by acne, sun damage and age. A cocktail of four non-hydroquinone agents and powerful antioxidants work together to even skin tone.

What I think: I have been testing this lovely prestige serum for 2 weeks now. It is very pricey — the most expensive skin care product I have tried. But, so far so good. I wear it under moisturizer morning and night. It is a rich serum, and I hot days, I only need a little sunscreen over it.

I have noticed that my skin is noticeably brighter, and my dark spots have gotten a little lighter. It is not greasy at all, so I will continue to use this for the next few weeks. It would be great to have my brown spots less noticeable by summer!

If you have tried one of these products, or a different product by one of these brands, please leave a comment!

Enjoy!

The New CK One Color Cosmetics Line

I love trying brand new cosmetic brands! This Spring was the exciting launch of ck one color cosmetics, a full line-up of over 130 products that all capture the core ck one brand DNA – authentic, confident, and cool.

This line of affordable designer cosmetics continues the recent expansion of ck one into a lifestyle brand, with jeans and underwear introduced under the name in 2011.

I have got to try a few of these products and generally LOVE them. The packaging is unique and fun and the products themselves are really cool!

Here is the description about the packaging. I think it is interesting:

ck one color packaging design furthers the code-breaking legacy of the ck one brand with an understated pill shape that’s iconic and edgy. the modern, minimalist packaging offers simplicity in a black and white silhouette, enhanced by a playful contrast of soft touch matte and high gloss finishes for a heightened sensory experience. designed for intuitive use, product applicators feature two-sided textures and multi-functionality to encourage individual creativity.

Some of my favorite products are:

3-IN-1 FACE MAKEUP SPF 8 ($30 USD) — this distinctive liquid synthesizes serum, primer and face makeup into one simple, lightweight formula. treated pigment technology with triple-layer amino acid that mimics skin for an effortlessly natural, radiant finish. no compromise on skin perfecting coverage. antioxidants protect skin, lasting up to 11 hours.

What I think: A very lightweight but full-coverage makeup, which is very cool. There are 8 shades available from very light to very dark, so something for everyone. I wear the light which is a perfect match for my skin. It applies very smoothly and melts into the skin. So nice!

MOUSSE CONCEALER ($20 USD) — absolute flawlessness. air-whipped concealer delivers a natural, seamless finish that fully hides blemishes and imperfections, lasting up to 9 hours.

What I think — This blends extremely well. It only takes a few minutes to cover my under eye circles and blemishes. To apply, I dip a concealer brush into the pot and dot on my skin, then blend. Really great consistency, not too thick but provides full coverage.

MASCARA ($18 USD) — customize lash looks with a unique twist brush applicator. Select definition or volume with a twist of the cap in this all-in-one mascara.

What I think — Super-cool idea for mascara application. You can twist the top of the cap to make the wand shorter or longer. I make it short first, to thicken lashes, then I make it longer to separate and lengthen. It only takes 2 coats on each eye to make my lashes look extremely long and thick. The only thing that I don’t love is that it flakes towards the end of the day.

POWDER EYESHADOW QUAD ($28 USD) — accentuate. illuminate. define. fun and youthful hues that can easily be applied wet or dry to create looks for day or night.

What I think — This is a gorgeous eye quad. This comes in 6 color combinations, but I have Disco, the purple palette that you see above. It is prettier in person, though. It has a glitter purple, a shimmer fuchsia, a matte burgundy and a pearly off-white. You can make lovely combos with this set.

Available exclusively at Ulta and Ulta.com. Enjoy!

Fight The Powder Event With Mally Roncal On May 8, 2012

Mally Poreless Face Defender Compact with Sponge

Mally Roncal, celebrity makeup artist and president of Mally Beauty, has one nemesis— translucent powder! It does everything it’s not supposed to—highlights lines and wrinkles, dulls your complexion and leaves you looking lackluster. That’s why she has declared a war against translucent powder and developed a life-changing alternative: Face Defender. A high-performance, completely clear antidote to old-fashioned powder, the revolutionary formula has inspired legions of women to throw away their old compacts and change the way they apply makeup forever.

As the leader of the war on powder, Mally is issuing a battle cry, encouraging women to take a pledge to “Fight the Powder.” Beginning early May, you can take the “Fight The Powder” pledge on Mally Beauty’s Facebook page.

And, if you are going to be in the New York City-area on Tuesday, May 8th, Mally and her “Fight the Powder” squad are encouraging women to take a stand against translucent powder by trading in their old compact for Face Defender. The event is taking place outside of Grand Central Terminal, where Mally and her beauty team will encourage commuters to participate in a makeup trade-up. The first 50 women to take the pledge will receive Mally’s Face Defender ($40 USD).

Here are the details:

What: Fight the Powder with the Mally Beauty Team

When: Tuesday, May 8, 2012: Rush Hour

§ 6:30 am – 9:30 am

§ 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm

*Rain Date: Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Where: Outside of Grand Central Terminal

I do not live in New York City, so will unable to attend the event. But I have recently received a sample of the product and love it!

The Face Defender is a clear solid product that almost looks like wax. But when patted on the skin with the enclosed sponge (in a compartment under the compact with a mirror), pores and fine lines melt away! Well, not really, but it appears as so. Even the wrinkles under my eyes that are from seasonal allergies smooth out instantly with this product. So nice!

Available for purchase at www.qvc.com and www.mallybeauty.com.

Please let me know if you attend the event. I want to hear all about it!

Enjoy!

Laura Geller and QVC’s Today’s Special Value April 4, 2012 — Glow-n-Behold!

Laura Geller + QVC = beauty fun! On Friday May 4, 2012 at midnight EST, QVC will present Laura’s sun-evoking Glow-n-Behold. This is a four piece collection that is a value of $118 for only $54.48. It includes:

The Best-Selling Tahitian Glow Body Frosting — A baked bronzer that hydrates skin and is full of antioxidants. You can use this wet for a more intense color

New Dream Creams Concealer & Highlighter in Porcelain/Fair or Regular/ Tan –Includes 3 blendable and mixable concealers and one highlighter in the compact.

New Baked Blush in Bora Bora – a sateen finish and a pretty pinky-peach color makes this blush wearable for all skin tones.

New Double Dipped Lipstick in Caribbean Kiss — A two-in-one lipstick bullet that can take your look from day-to-night!

I will be reviewing this in a couple of weeks, but tomorrow you can purchase this and tell me what you think when you receive it!

Enjoy!

Paint Your Pout With New Spring Lip Colors

Looking for a new gloss or balm to lighten your Spring look? That’s a great idea! Changing your lip color or product type (gloss, balm, lipstick), can update your look without too much fuss. Here are some fun new products to try:

Laura Mercier Lip Glacé ($24 USD) is a high-shine, perfectly pigmented lip gloss with rich, long-lasting colour and brilliant shine that creates the appearance of fuller lips. Any skin tone is virtually enhanced by creating a subtle contrast in texture.

There are three new limited-edition Lip Glacés for summer. They are Camellia, Orange Tulip, and Lotus Blossom. I have Orange Tulip and love it. It isn’t too orange, and is a sheer way to wear the “it” color of the season.

Availability: lauramercier.com, Bloomingdale’s, Bergdorf Goodman, Henri Bendel, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, and select Belk, Blue Mercury, Lord & Taylor, and Macys.

Nuance Salma Hayek Ultra Shine Lip Gloss in Peony — Nuance Salma Hayek Ultra Shine Lip Gloss

One of my favorite new lip glosses is Nuance Salma Hayek Ultra Shine Lip Gloss $7.49 USD). Silky, smooth formula hydrates and helps protect lips. Mimosa extract and mango seed oil help nourish and moisturize lips through deep hydration. Vitamins A, C, & E condition and help protect lips. Hypoallergenic. Paraben free. Not tested on animals.

I have this in Peony, which is the second from the last color in the photo above. It is a sheer pink that is perfect for the season.

Available at CVS/pharmacy retail locations and on www.cvs.com/nuancesalmahayek

Shiseido Shimmering Rouge in Sorbet ($25 USD) Sheer, brilliant color infuses lips with lasting moisture and fullness. Lips have never looked so all-day sensuous. With photo-smoothing pearl, this moisturizing formula will give a fuller appearance to lips.

Available in 20 shades. I have this in Sorbet, which is a new shade. It is a light, creamy pink. Very pretty on. It is full color, but feels like a balm.

You can find this at www.shiseido.com.

colour_luxe_collection_450x450 — Mirabella Colour Luxe

Mirabella Colour Luxe ($26 USD) lip gloss creates maximum shine with three-dimensional, light-reflecting shimmer. The combination of iridescent and pearlescent pearls create a star-like effect on the lips, taking Colour Luxe gloss to a new level of color purity, brightness and dimensionality. Vitamin-enriched long-lasting formula moisturizes, conditions, and provides antioxidant protection and anti-aging properties.

These glimmering glosses are not for the shy! I love Spark, the second color from the left in the photo above. It is a gorgeous peachy-nude. The applicator is a flat sponge paddle, which gives even coverage. LOVE!

Available at www.mirabellabeauty.com

Three Custom Color Transformer Duo Champagne

Have you ever had that lip color that was close, but just not “perfect?” Use Three Custom Color’s new Transformer Duo: Champagne ($27.50 USD) to warm up or cool down your favorite (or not-so-favorite) lip shades!

The split-pan compact contains two high-quality gloss pigments to be your own mix master with a smooth, softly shimmering formula that’s never gummy or sticky.

This is so cool! I do try a lot of lip colors and many are too pink, or two brown. This works to even out the color perfectly. Now all of the lip colors that you have can work for you.

You can purchase this at www.threecustom.com.

Enjoy your luscious lips!

Bethany Frankel’s Skinnygirl Tinted Daily Moisturizer

Skinnygirl Tinted Daily Moisturizer SPF 15

I don’t watch the Real Housewives TV shows, but of course I know who the main housewives are from the media. Before I tried the new Skinnygirl Tinted Daily Moisturizer SPF 15 ($10.99 USD), I knew that Bethenny Frankel was a reality TV star, but I didn’t know much about her brand, Skinnygirl.

Bethenny started her line with lo-cal alcoholic beverages and is branching out to a face and body line.

The claim is:

Even out your skin tone without using heavy makeup products. This formula is rich in Vitamin E and has Broad Spectrum SPF 15 to help prevent the visible signs of aging from the sun. Choose a light, medium, or dark shade to reduce redness and smooth out skin for an even-toned, gorgeous glow.

Key Ingredients:

SPF 15 – Protects skin from sun damage
Vitamin E – An antioxidant that has anti-aging properties to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles
Jojoba Esters – A deep moisturizer

What I think: I like the formula of this. It feels like a moisturizer, but can look a little heavy if not blended correctly. This has a built-in application brush — you unlock it, then squeeze up the amount you want and it comes out through the brush. I don’t care for the brush because it leaves streaks on the skin when applied and you really need to blend it in. I like squeezing the amount I need onto my hand, then applying with a good foundation brush.

The coverage is medium — not light like most tinted moisturizers, so I think it would work for a lot of women’s needs. I also like the SPF 15. I don’t know if I would purchase this again, but it a good price for what you get.& Body for any upcoming summer beauty stories you might have in the works.

Available at Walmart and http://skinnygirlfaceandbodystore.com/. Enjoy!

Spring Giveaway 2 Winner!!!

And the winner is…Lynn! Congrats Lynn! You have won the Spring makeup from Smashbox, Mirabella, Aveda and Julep. I will be contacting you soon to get your contact info.

I will be having another giveaway in another month or two. Stay tuned and thanks to everyone who entered the giveaway and everyone who reads my blog. You rock!