Category: cosmetics

Fall Makeup Guide Part 3 — Go For the Glow!

Eyes are extremely dramatic this fall, so my advice is to keep cheeks and lips soft and glowing.  Some fun new products to try are:

Mally Beauty Ultimate Performance Inner Glow Blush ($36.00 USD) is a blush system that won’t fade or crease and looks believable and natural from the start. This unique two-phase system uses a rich cream to hold on and give even, beautiful color; and a subtle activating powder that mutes the intensity, keeps the look beautiful, and gives a soft lit-from-within glow. The distinctive dual-chamber compact allows for portability and convenience.  It includes a dual-ended brush — one end applies the cream blush and one end the activating powder. Available in 4 shades to match your skin tone — Light, Medium, Rich and Tan.

What I think:   This is a fantastic idea for blush!  I have the light, which is a pinky-rose shade and a light powder.  I  apply the cream blush over primer and/or foundation. It appears a little dark at first, but I lay it on.  Then I brush the powder over it and it tones down the shade, plus makes my pores look less noticeable.  You can also sweep the powder all over to finish the face.  So pretty and lasts all day! Available at www.qvc.com.

One Triple Play Shimmer Lipgloss Trios ($9.99 USD) let you pamper your lips the natural way. Each cute, portable palette features three delicious flavors of gorgeous gloss. Wear them alone or apply in layers for custom kisses. Not only are One’s glosses eco-friendly, their packaging is 100% safe for our planet. When you’ve used the last of your luscious lip treat, just recycle the tin to contribute to ONE beautiful world.

What I think:  This large lip palette is perfect for the girl on the go.  The colors are sheer enough for ladies of all ages.  I am also impressed that the tin is recyclable.  One products are available at Target.

Hard Candy World Balmination ($3.00 USD) is a mixture of a fabulous glossy, tinted, lip balm with an amazing sugar-lemon flavor and very cool packaging. 8 shades to protect, nourish and moisturize lips.

What I think:  Not only is this balm very cool, it is so affordable at only $3.00 each!  When applied, you get a soft flush of moisturizing color which is perfect for every day.  It also tastes terrific — yum!  Purchase at Walmart.

Fall Makeup Guide Part 2 — Complexion Perfection

Time to get your complexion ready for the fall and winter!  The following products well help you look flawless in the cold months ahead!

Get ready for a smooth ride with Napoleon Perdis renowned Auto Pilot Pre-Foundation Primer ($39.00 USD). The lightweight and gentle formula is scientifically formulated to allow your foundation to automatically glide over the skin, creating a flawlessly smooth complexion. Helps makeup stay put longer.

What I think:  This is a light, but effective primer.  I apply this over moisturizer, under foundation and it does help my make up stay on all day!  Visit www.napoleonperdis.com to learn more and purchase.

Smashbox Photo Finish Hydrating Foundation Primer ($42.00 USD) The key to healthier, younger-looking skin? Hydration, as any studio artist will tell you. The latest addition to Smashbox’s legendary primer family immediately quenches skin and seals in moisture for hours after, thanks to Hydraplex, an extract derived from desert plants. Benefits are oil-free and lightweight, smoothes fine lines and pores, and extends makeup wear.

Smashbox Studio Skin 15 Hour Wear Hydrating Foundation SPF 10 ($42.00 USD) Hot studio lights usually mean lots of complexion touch-ups-but not anymore! Stay picture-perfect for a full 15 hours with our breakthrough long-wearing formula, developed to withstand intense on-set conditions. Skin is hydrated and shine-free, while imperfections are blurred with light-diffusing spheres. Benefits are buildable medium-to-full coverage, water, sweat, humidity and transfer resistant, plus it is oil-free, and helps control oil.

What I Think: If you have dry skin, this combo will be perfect for you! The primer is extremely moisturizing.  It is oil-free which is perfect for all skin types, but it does feel a bit heavy on my skin.  I think it will work better for me in the winter, when my skin becomes drier.

The foundation, though, is fabulous!  It smooths the appearance of the skin, making my pores and fine lines less noticeable. I find that it really lasts all day long and looks flawless.  The shade I have is 2.3, and it is a bit darker than I usually wear, but I smoothed it onto my neck and chest and it looked so natural!   You can purchase at www.smashbox.com and www.sephora.com.

Pixi Flawless Beauty Fluid ($30.00) — Can you fake flawless? Actually, with this oil-free foundation from Pixi™, you can!  The lightweight, water-based formula creates an impeccable complexion.  Conceals imperfections while minimizes the appearance of pores and redness.  Provides sheer to medium coverage.  Vitamin E and B5 protects the skin.  Long-lasting matte finish.

What I think:  This is very light weight and it is matte — which I love.  I don’t need to add shine to my face! This lasts all day and is full coverage.  Visit www.target.com to purchase.

Liz Earle Sheer Skin Tint SPF15 (Available in the UK only, currently) — The perfect way to enhance your skin. Our rich and creamy, yet lightweight formula leaves all skin types looking naturally dewy, even and radiant. With mineral UV SPF15, it’s enriched with our own blend of natural source vitamin E, borage and avocado, specially selected to work in harmony with our skincare range.

What I think:  This is a dewy tinted moisturizer that is lightweight, but covers well.  I love the skincare benefits that I receive while wearing it. The release day for the United States in unclear, but when it becomes available, it is a good base for those who like light coverage!  Visit www.uk.lizearle.com.

Laura Geller Bake Sale Collection And FNO!

QVC is launching a Laura Geller Today Special Value, in honor of Fashion’s Night Out.  The collection is Bake Sale — 6 full size products. They are:

  • Laura Geller Spackle Tinted Under Make-Up Primer in Ethereal
  • Laura Geller Balance-n-Brighten
  • Laura Geller Blush-n-Brighten in Pink Buttercream
  • Laura Geller Baked Eye Pie Shadow Trio in Birthday Cake
  • Laura Geller Italian Marble Lipstick in Strawberry Toffee
  • Double-Ended Brush

This collection is $59.75  in two monthly payments on www.qvc.com.

Also, check out the @LauraGeller Tweet Suite tonight at 8:30 EST.  Join her FNO discussion at #QVCFNO.  Learn all of the FNO dish.  Fun!

Fall 2011 Makeup Guide Part One — The Eyes Have It!

Yay for Fall eye makeup!  I always look forward to this time of year because I love the dramatic colors — plums, forest greens, midnight blues, chocolate browns.  I feel like a kid and the bold liners, shadows and mascara are my coloring tools!

Smashbox, Josie Maran, Make Up For Ever and Sue Devitt are introducing Fall 2011 collections that include a dramatic eye and soft cheeks and lips. I have tried at least one eye product from each collection and I have found that beside the beautiful jewel tones, many of the products have really cool features like being long-wearing.

Here is a little description of each collection and a product that I have tried from each:

Smashbox’s Fall 2011 color story is a celebration of the studio’s heritage. It’s about the magic of capturing the perfect close-up—the moment when you see that impeccable shot of a beautiful girl and everything just clicks.

Smashbox Girls On Film Cream Eye Liner & Travel Brush ($28.00 USD) — Create the perfect frame for eyes with this cult-favorite liner that provides totally customizable eye definition. Wait 60 seconds for it to dry or immediately smudge with shadow for extra intensity. Apply it with the included travel brush for perfectly defined eyes in a flash. Cream Eye Liner can also be used as a long-wearing cream shadow for a sexy smoky look.

What I think: This is available in two shades: Blacklight (black with blue pearl) and Sepia (midnight brown with gold pearl).  I have the Blacklight and love how the color easily lays down and the fact that the blue pearl is not too noticeable, so it can be used day or night. And it is very long-wearing.  Visit www.sephora.com or www.smashbox.com to purchase.

Josie Maran’s Fall 2011 Collection contains three Argan-rich products — A 4 eyeshadow and 1 eyeliner compact, a serum foundation and the eye makeup pen described below.

Josie Maran The Rapid Eye Makeup Pen (REM) ($32.00 USD)  features long-wearing Argan gel eyeliner on one end and a mini liner brush on the other. The middle houses a perfectly coordinated Argan eye shadow in a spring-loaded sponge tip applicator for single stroke eye definition. Infused with Josie’s signature ingredient, Argan Oil.

What I think:  This is a perfect for a dramatic on-the-go eye look. The shadow easily applies with the sponge and the eye liner brush dips in the liner for a great thick line.  Perfect for a cat’s eye look.  This is available in 6 color combinations.  I’ve tried the Black liner/Amethyst shadow and love the look. Visit www.sephora.com or www.josiemarancosmetics.com to purchase.

MAKE UP FOR EVER introduces Smoky Couleur, a new collection of eye make up essentials inspired by the rich, jewel tone fabrics seen on the fall 2011 runways. This vibrant new take on an all-time classic provides a number of different ways to wear the eye-catching look and adapt it to every mood, occasion and outfit.

The Smoky Couleur collection includes a limited edition Smoky Eye Shadow Palette, four new shades of dramatic
Smoky Lash mascara and three new ultra-creamy Khol Pencils — all in an array of bold, yet wearable colors.

New Smoky Lash Couleur ($22.00 USD) — The ultimate mascara for volume, length and curl is now available in four new hues. Boasting the same lash boosting formula and unique elastomer fiber brush as the original best seller, Smoky Lash Couleur delivers a dramatic faux lash effect in seconds. Each new shade is extremely concentrated with brown, green, blue and plum pigments so the mascara instantly coats the lashes with intense color.

What I think:  Very cool mascara that is extremely volumizing and really colors lashes, even dark ones like mine!  I have the Dark Blue and the Pearly Deep Blue Khol pencil.  They work great together for an intense shot of color or mix them up. Fun! Purchase at www.sephora.com or www.makeupforever.com.

Sue Devitt’s Nordic Trek, inspired by Iceland A new Eye Palette in muted tones of Deep Moss Shimmer, Glacial Aqua, Arctic Blue, and Nordic Nude was inspired by the deep blue sky meeting the mossy earth and ice along the horizon. And a new Defining Eyeliner in three pigment rich, long lasting, waterproof shades- rich black, chocolate brown and silver-glides on to give an edge to a softer palette. The collection of Color Luxury Lipsticks echoes the colors of the autumn flowers of the lowlands.

Sue Devitt Defining Eyeliner ($20.00 USD) Inspired by our star product—Eye Intensifier Pencil—NEW Defining Eyeliner is an ultra thin, twist-up pencil designed to create a precise line in vibrant colors for an intense look. Its unique formulation hydrates while defining, glides on smoothly in a soft, velvety texture, while locking in color that is long-wearing, transfer resistant, water resistant and smudge proof. Hyaluronic Filling Spheres and Nylon-12 lock in moisture, and expand and contact with facial expressions without creasing. No sharpener required.

What I think:  I love this in the chocolate brown.  It is a deep color and is a nice change from black for daytime.  It glides on smoothly, and doesn’t need to be sharpenend. This liner lasts a long time, too.  Visit www.suedevittbeauty.com to purchase.

Whatever you choose to try, I think you will enjoy your Fall look!

Great Products To Help Keep The Summer Glow Going Through Fall!

Keep your glow up with these fun summer-enhancing products.  From a great color-customized mineral foundation, to a cheek gel to some great glosses, enjoy a new easy look that will help you sail into Fall while keeping your color!

e.l.f. Mineral Personal Blend Foundation SPF 15 ($8.00 USD) — Create customized mineral based color for a perfect match, year-round! Housed in a unique quad  chamber for the perfect mix, the weightless mineral formulation blends seamlessly into skin and contains natural skin protecting SPF 15 and is 100%  mineral based with no parabens, preservatives or chemical dyes. Infused with key Vitamin E for rich antioxidants that hydrate and replenish the skin. The inner dial allows you to control the amount of product dispensed so you can create  your customized color and keep the powder closed for clean and easy use every time.

Each quad blend contains four perfectly matched shades:

  • Light:Porcelain, Fair, Light, Beige
  • Medium:Medium Beige, Golden Honey, Tan, Bronze
  • Dark: Almond, Toffee, Dark, Deep

What I think:  This is such a great idea for a summer powder.  I have the medium, and I am in between Golden Honey and Tan so I mix them together.  I use Bronze for a bronzer and I know as my (fake) tan fades, I know I will be more Medium Beige.  So I get all different looks in one product.  Genius! The only thing that I don’t care for is that there is a little shimmer in it and I like my powder matte. This is for sale at a Target store near you.

Perfekt Beauty Cheek Perfection Gel ($28.00 USD) — gives an instant lit-from-within flush to the cheeks.   The multitasking formula glides on effortlessly to instantly per-fekt and enhance the appearance of the cheeks. Smart Color Technology™ assures a perfect color  match for every skintone. This gel leaves a hint of natural color, sculpting and  highlighting the cheekbones.

What I think:  I like to use just a little bit of this gel to get a lit-from-within glow.  It comes in two shades — Blushed and Bronzed.  I have Blushed, which is a pretty red-toned blush that looks so natural on.  But you can tell it is blush, I have had many compliments on it.  Purchase at www.sephora.com or www.perfektbeauty.com.

It Cosmetics Anti-Aging Shadow Trio & “No Tug” Shadow Brush ($29.00 USD). This eye shadow trio is all about intense pigment, in a naturally pretty look. It’s packed with skin-loving ingredients such as hydrolyzed collagen; acai; green tea; and vitamins A, C, and E; and is free of ingredients that make eyes appear older. The Dual No-tug Heavenly Luxe eye shadow brush gives you airbrushed eye shadow application without tugging on your delicate eyelids.

Shades are:

  • Naturally Pretty Matte Luxe: Cashmere, a matte creme; Espresso, a matte deep brown; Earth Angel, a matte beige cashmere
  • Naturally Pretty Pearl Luxe:  Je Ne Sais Quoi, a shimmery nude pink; Espresso, a matte deep brown; Ipanema, a golden beige pearl
  • Pretty in Plum: Je Ne Sais Quoi, a shimmery nude pink; Lucky Lavender, a violet pearl; Plum Passion, a rich shimmer purple

What I think:  I have tried the Pretty in Plum palette and love the colors.  It is highly pigmented and last a long time, especially over It Cosmetics Bye Bye Lid Lines Anti-Aging Primer.  The brush is gorgeous, too.  Purchase at www.qvc.com.

It Cosmetics Anti-Aging Brightening Face Disc  w/Luxe Brush ($48.50 USD).  This palette includes a matte bronzer, luminating powder, and vitality blush. They are packed with skin-loving ingredients such as hydrolyzed collagen; acai; green tea; and vitamins A, C, and E. The Jumbo Heavenly Luxe Mega-Brush gives you airbrushed application, and makes you smile upon contact.  Anyone who needs a little “brush therapy” to smile, will love this ultra-soft, luxe Mega-Brush!

What I think:  This is the perfect all-over face palette.  The matte bronzer is fabulous for contour or a healthy color on the face.  The blush is brightening and the luminizer is perfect anywhere you need a little light on the face.  Visit www.qvc.com to learn more and purchase.

bodycology® is thrilled to introduce you to Healthy Kiss ($2.99 USD) -three delectable, lip-quenching glosses that are loaded with beneficial ingredients: Juicy Watermelon, Fresh Strawberry and Pomegranate Splash. Formulated with a healthy dose of
vitamins, extracts and oils, the product leaves lips feeling beautifully soft and moisturized. Simply squeeze and apply for subtle color, high-gloss shine and mouth-watering flavor.

What I think:  These are fun, shiny glosses that taste fantastic.  They are perfect for days that you want a hint of color and lots of shine.  You can purchase these at Walmart.

Try A Daring Lip Look With Violent Lips

Jessie J glammed up her lips and showed a little patriotism during her performance on Britain’s Got Talent. To get the look, use the Union Jack pattern from Violent Lips. Simply shape it, peel it, set it and wet it!

Violent Lips: The ultimate form of self-expression, Violent Lips ($14.95 for a set of three) offer a statement-making range of FDA approved, vegan lip tattoos, tested on supermodels, not animals and made in America. Designs range from bold animal prints and raging rainbow to sexy fishnet and glam sparkles with new patterns and styles releasing every few weeks.

What I think:  I have tried The Rainbow and The Checkered Pink and they are both so much fun!  They apply like a temporary tattoo and stay on for quite a while.  They are easy to trim and look so cool on!  They do make the lips feel a little dry, but it is worth it for a night out or a fun party. 

You can purchase these at ViolentLips.com. Enjoy!

My Favorite New Summer Lip Products

Soft, smooth and natural lips are the perfect look for summer.  The luscious lip products below will help achieve this.  From a lip exfoliator to a fruity lip balm to a lipstick that makes lips soft after continuous use, your lips will look fabulous while using this products!

Merle Norman Lip Exfoliator ($15.00 USD) — Gentle micro-dermabrasion lip treatment immediately retexturizes skin to reveal incredibly soft and smooth lips.  Allows lip color to glide on smoothly and keeps it from caking.  Easy-to-use stick formula.  Visit www. merlenorman.com to learn more.

Enjoy eos’ all-new limited edition Strawberry Sorbet and Passion Fruit ($5.99 USD) – two refreshingly tasty organic flavors launching just in time for summer. Revolutionary smooth sphere applies directly to lips, making it more hygienic than pot lip balms. It is enclosed in powder pink and lavender soft-touch, recyclable packaging.  Key Ingredients are Jojoba Oil, Shea Butter and Vitamin E to soothe and moisturize. This retails for $5.99 at Wal-Mart, Walgreens, Target.com and EvolutionofSmooth.com.

Becca Cosmetics Sheer Lip Color ($24.00 USD) — A collection of sheer, hydrating lipsticks with subtle shine in a palette of tones flattering for all skin tones, BECCA’s Sheer Tint Lip Colour contains a cocktail of emollients and antioxidants such as Shea Butter, Cocoa Butter, Honey and Vitamin E, to moisturise and protect the lips while providing a smooth, even application of creamy colour.  Shop at The Plaza Beauty,One West 58th Street at The Plaza Hotel’s Concourse Level.

CoverGirl LipPerfection ($7.49 USD) — A new kind of lip transformation; lipstick that transforms your lips  instantly with gorgeous color and transforms dry lips to noticeably  smoother/more gorgeous lips in just 7 days. Contains a silk therapy complex –
beautiful rich lip color infused with silk protein to help sustain moisture  leve ls so the more you wear it, the more gorgeous your lips become. Lip Perfection is CoverGirl’s iconic, prestige-inspired lip bullet.  This is available at drugstores and mass market retailers near you.

Merle Norman Lip Polish ($15.00 USD) — Creamy lip gloss delivers 100-watt shine.  Luscious high-fashion shades provide intense luster with hydrating benefits.  glides on smoothly and evenly with brush applicator.  Long-wearing.  Anti-feathering. Visit www.merlenorman.com to learn more. Enjoy!

Tarte’s Fabulous New Waterproof Eye Products

Is your eye makeup running off of your face in the heat, humidity and water sports of the summer?  I don’t wear tons of eye makeup in the summer, but a little shadow, liner and mascara really makes the look.  I usually swipe one neutral shadow over the lid and line my eyes with brown or plum in the daytime and black or navy at night.  Finish with a nice coat of waterproof mascara and the look is perfect for the season!

The following tarte products are beautiful for the summer.  Add a coat of Lights, Camera and Splashes! waterproof mascara for a swim-able eye look!

tarte emphasEYES™ Amazonian clay waterproof liner ($22.00 with brush at tartecosmetics.com).  Infused with micronized clay and reinforced by a natural waterproofing  agent, these plush shadow/liners are a must for creating intense and  long-lasting high definition eyes. The high-performance natural™ Amazonian  clay is nature’s most perfect ingredient, lending deep color pigments while nourishing skin, reducing surface oil and improving overall texture for smooth  application.

The shades available are Brown, Black, Indigo, Plum, Bronze and Green. I have been enjoying the Bronze and Indigo.  The Bronze I use for everyday, even to the pool.  It does not budge in the water.  The Indigo is my going out shade.  It is so pretty paired with a soft shadow (like tarte’s Seashell Pink cream eye shadow).  I have heard that it dries out quickly, but I have been using it for a few weeks and it is fine.  I think the trick is to place the lid on very tightly so air does not get in.  The double ended brush that is included is fantastic, too.  The thinner end works will with lining the inner rims of the eyelids and the thicker end can smoke out the liner perfectly.

tarte Amazonian Clay Waterproof Liner ($18.00 for one and $28.00 for a duo of the same shade on QVC.com) — This one-of-a-kind eyeliner pencil glides on for a silky-smooth application, while Amazonian clay balances eyelids for long wear. Infused with skin-balancing Amazonian clay, this liner glides on buttery smooth to create gorgeous, defined eyes that won’t budge. The retractable component makes this liner easy to apply. Just twist up the tip of the eyeliner pencil and glide along the lash line–no sharpening required. You can make the line as thin or as thick as you desire, depending on the look you want to create.

This is available in three shades in the singles; Black, Brown and Plum and includes two more in the Duos; Navy and Turquoise.  I’ve been using the Black and it is very, very black. It would be great as an inner rim liner.  I use it on my top lash and the Brown or Plum on the bottom.  This is a more subtle look that is fun to try.  The pencil itself is very soft and breaks easily, so don’t push too hard. It did seem to last a long time, although I find the liner in the pot is longer-lasting.

tarte Amazonian Clay Waterproof Cream Shadow Pot w/Brush ($42.00 reg. price, on sale for $22.80 on QVC.com) — A richly pigmented cream shadow that is a must for creating long-lasting, high-definition eyes.  Micronized Amazonian clay intensifies color pigments while working to nourish skin, reduce surface oil, and improve overall texture for smooth application. Thanks to a botanical blend of natural plant waxes, the shadow glides on smooth and forms an impermeable layer that protects against sweat, tears, and creasing for hours of wear time. Not only is it super long-wearing, it works to infuse delicate eyelids with Amazonian clay, aloe leaf extract, beeswax, and vitamins A and E.  Use the custom designed cream eye shadow brush to sweep shadow on lids and blend it into the crease for softly defined, beautiful eyes.

Currently you can purchase this in 5 shades and if you get it at QVC it comes with a very nice brush (you can always use your fingers, too).  The shades are: Moss, Beach Bronze, Slate, Shimmering Plum and Seashell Pink.  All of the colors are gorgeous; Slate may be a bit misleading because it is not gray at all.  It is more of a taupe.  I love these shadows because the shades are buildable so that you can wear them as sheer or opaque as you wish.  Once you apply them, they are on for the day.  I have even swam in the Seashell pink and it is still on when I am done.

I highly recommend all of these fab tarte products.  If you haven’t yet, this line is one to dive into! Enjoy!

My Fave Products For a Flawless Summer Face

The makeup look that I go for in the summer is flawless, but natural.  I don’t want to look like I have tons of stuff on. The products below help me achieve this quickly!

Sorme Fresh Start Under Foundation Makeup Enhancer ($19.00 USD) — This light, fast-drying formula instantly evens out skin discolorations, smoothes skin texture, and fills in fine lines and wrinkles so that makeup goes on evenly and lasts far longer without touch ups. A powerful blotting ingredient holds up to 10 times its weight in oils for a shine-free, poreless finish. Super antioxidants of Green Tea, Grape Seed Extract, and Pomegranate help repair free radical damage. Hyaluronic Acid keeps skin hydrated without oils.

To Use:  After cleansing and moisturizing skin, apply a small amount evenly over entire face. Allow to dry. Apply powder or liquid foundation over.

Why I love it:  Even in the summer, I never skin primer.  I have tried tons of different types, from matte, to bronze to the classic silicon-based primers.  This primer is extremely light, which makes it perfect for the summer. The texture is like a serum, but it produces an almost matte finish.  It removes the oiliness so that my skin looks fresh instead of greasy.  Visit www.sorme.com to find a retailer near you.

One part brightening primer, one part sunscreen, FusionBeauty’s PrimeResults Tinted Moisturizer + SPF 15 Sunscreen ($40.00 USD) delivers a lightweight veil of hydrated coverage. Available in four shades, the built-in primer instantly perfects skin’s texture while helping to minimize the appearance of wrinkles, pores and discoloration while SPF 15 sun protection helps prevent premature skin aging. Toss this in your summer travel bag to maintain fresh and healthy-looking skin all season long.

Why I love it:  This has a primer built in, so if you do not want to use a separate primer its perfect.  I usually don’t use foundation all over my face during summer, but you definitely can with this tinted moisturizer.  I apply it with a sponge on the parts that need help including under eyes and on blemishes and discolorations. It blends in beautifully and feels natural on. You can purchase at Sephora stores or www.sephora.com.

smooth operator™ Amazonian clay finishing powder in bronze ($28.00 USD) — Like the original, this micronized clay finishing powder mattifies skin, minimizes the appearance of pores and replenishes all skin types, now while adding a natural touch of bronze to your complexion. This silky smooth finishing powder glides on evenly and imparts a healthy,
natural warmth while the intuitive and skin smart Amazonian clay, nature’s most perfect ingredient, acts as a total skin balancer by reducing dryness and flakiness, improving clarity and texture, and removing surface oil to mattify skin for a soft and flawless lit-from-within finish; all while replenishing and rehydrating skin.

Why I love it:  Two words — Matte Bronzer!  I LOVE bronzer that is not glittery or shimmery because when you think about it, the sun doesn’t add sparkle when you get a tan.  Some matte bronzers can make the face look muddy or dirty if you put too much on, but not this one.  It is buildable, so start with a little and add more if you need it.  I put it on the parts of my face where the sun would touch it, like nose, cheekbones, forehead and chin to start. I then usually add it all over my face, neck and decollotage, because it enhances the fake tan I’m rocking and looks so natural.  Great bronzer! Retail availability: Sephora/Sephora.com, Ulta/Ulta.com, beauty.com, tarte.com at the $28; retail price: $42 w/brush at QVC/QVC.com.

Amazing New Eye Makeup By L’Oreal

L’Oreal creates innovative and affordable cosmetics that are so fun to try — especially their eye makeup.  I have tried the following lately and really enjoy wearing them!

Studio Secrets Professional The One Sweep ($9.99 USD) — Discover the secret to a complete eye look in one easy sweep with Studio Secrets Professional™ The One Sweep™ Eye Shadow. This unique applicator is designed to fit your eye shape to define, color and highlight your eyes in one easy step. The beautifully coordinated shadows come in natural and playful palettes expertly designed to enhance your eye color. Discover your stunning eye look!

The One Sweep™ Shadow is a breakthrough new way for anyone to get a professional eye shadow look. The unique applicator is shaped to fit the eye and apply three shades in one step to define, color and highlight. It’s fast, easy, and mistake-proof.

There are 8 color combos to choose from — soft Natural and brighter Playful sets for Blue, Green, Brown and all eye colors.

What I think:  This is pretty easy to use, once you practice a bit.  It takes a little work to get the shadow perfectly on the applicator, then onto the eyelids.  Once you get the hang of it, though, it is such a cool idea!  On sweep and you have eyeliner, lid color and highlighter.  Fun!   

L’Oreal introduces new Double Extend® Eye Illuminator ($10.95 USD), a two-step lengthening mascara professionally developed to illuminate your eyes.

Step 1: Lengthen & Intensify: Black mascara infused with a hint of color adds volume and length to lashes while intensifying eyes.

Step 2: Illuminate: The illuminating top coat infused with light-reflecting pearls highlights your eye color with our exclusive sphere tip brush.

This is available in 4 shades to enhance eye color: Black Copper for Blue Eyes, Black Bronze for Green Eyes, Black Quartz for Brown Eyes, and Black Crystal for All Eyes.

What I think:  This is an interesting idea for mascara.  I usually like my lashes really black, but the illuminating color is more for glimmer than color.  The black mascara thickens, but doesn’t really lengthen my lashes.  I then put the illuminating color (Black Quartz) on the tips.  You can really see it in the sun. This is fun to use, though and is a different looks for the eyes.

Visit www.lorealparisusa.com to learn more and you can purchase at drugstores near you!