cosmetics – Page 86 – Forty, Flirty & Fabulous

LipFusion XL Nighttime Lip Plumper

My lips are in pretty good shape for a 40-something. I don’t have lines around my lips yet, but they can always use more moisture and a little plump never hurt either! As we age, the moisture in our lips reduce and they get thinner and more susceptible to wrinkles.

LipFusion XL ($50.00 USD) is a spearmint-flavored nighttime lip plumping therapy. The idea is to put it on before bed and you will wake up to plump, firm, hydrated and sexy lips. It combines active collagen with hyaluronic acid. Instead of needing to inject this collagen, “Patented, dehydrated, hyaluronic acid-filling spheres™ have a remarkable, sponge-like absorbency that captures the body’s natural water, causing spheres to swell a dramatic 50 times larger for maximum hydration and a long-term plumping effect. Once LipFusion XL is applied, lips swell continually for hours to visibly “fill” lines, boost volume, and keep lips lusciously moist”, claims the Fusion Beauty website .

I really like this product and think it is worth the price. I have been applying it every night for about a week and my lips have been looking great all day. Even my work friends have complimented my lip gloss and ask if I’m wearing a lip plumper. I haven’t been during the day, since there is no need to. My lips are plump and firm and look natural as well.

So if you need a little help in the lip area, go to Sephora or Ulta and try it out — it’s always good to try before you buy! You can also learn more about it at www.fusionbeauty.com.

Studio Gear Cosmetics

Studio Gear Cosmetics creates high quality products that give a flawless look. I was lucky to try a couple of new face products from this brand:

Prime Objective Protective Perfecting Face Primer SPF 20 ($35.00) — This is cool little product. It helps protect the skin from the damaging effects of UVA and UVB rays while priming the skin for makeup. It is a silicone based face primer that provides an effective broad-spectrum SPF 20 sunscreen while making skin’s texture appear smoother. It also contains a sustained release liposome system with retinol which is touted to promote cell turnover and diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles as well as a milk protein complex to help to balance and protect the skin from environmental stresses.

I like this primer because you can never get too much sunscreen. You just need a little bit to smooth out the skin. Too much can be a tad greasy, just enough is silky. Once smoothed it all over your face, you are ready for concealer, foundation and the rest of your makeup.

Try the Flawless Foundation ($25.00) over your Prime Objective for glowing skin. This also contains silicone for a smooth finish. The website states that it also provides “the hydrating benefits of Hyaluronic Acid, light to medium buildable coverage, the antioxidant protection of Vitamins A, C and E, and a broad spectrum UVA, UVB sunscreen, SPF 10.”

This is a great summer foundation, because it is light, has the all-important sunscreen and gives the face a lovely glow. It is not heavy or cakey, and seamlessly blends into the skin.

Visit the Studio Gear website for product information at www.studiogearcosmetics.com and to purchase these wonderful items!

Bobbi Brown’s Illuminating Bronze Collection

“Nothing says summer to me like healthy skin with a bit of shimmer. It’s gorgeous and super sexy – and who doesn’t want to look like that?”

– Bobbi Brown

I know I want to look like that! A great bronzer is the center of my summer makeup wardrobe. Bobbi Brown has come out with the Illuminating Bronze Collection. The products in this collection are:

Shimmer Brick for Body ($75.00 USD) — This oversized bronzer brick can be used on arms, legs, décolleté, or anywhere you want to glow. It features three shimmering bars of color. This can be used with Bobbi Brown’s giant All Over Body Brush ($85.00 USD), to add a little color any place you wish.

All Over Bronzing Gel SPF 15 ($28.00 USD) — Bobbi Brown has offered this gel-based bronzer before, but it now has the added benefit of sun protection. It is available in a new shade, Golden Sun, and the original shade, Desert Sun. Depending on desired effect, blend bronzer all over face or where the sun naturally hits – forehead, nose, cheeks, and chin.

Illuminating Bronzing Powder ($33.00 USD) — I have this bronzer in Aruba, a light golden bronze, but it is available in 6 sunny shades. The ultra-soft and smooth pressed powder is formulated with a unique and innovative blend of sheer powder and micro pearls. This is a shimmery bronzer, but not glittery, and can be used for day or evening looks. I have been wearing it to work and have been receiving compliments on my makeup.

Visit the website at www.bobbibrowncosmetics.com to purchase a new bronzer or to find a location near you. Have fun glowing!

Milani Cosmetics — Drugstore Luxury

Milani is a quality drugstore brand that was launched in 2002 and was first created for women of color. Now the line extends to all skin types, which is great for everyone who wants highly pigmented products at an affordable price!

I have been lucky enough to try quite a few products from Milani’s varied collection. Below are reviews of three of my (many) favorites.

Sunset Duos Blush and Bronzer ($6.49 ) — This is a wonderful product! The website states that it “delivers a fresh, cheeky blush and a healthy-glow bronzer in one convenient compact! Expertly matched blush & bronzer are pressed into one cake, taking out the guesswork on how to coordinate your makeup.” I completely agree! It comes in 6 duos. I have 01 Sunset City which is a shimmery light brown bronzer and a pretty peachy blush. I like to wear it two different ways. I either take the bronzer and apply it in an E or 3 depending on which side. This means I start at the temples and sweep down to my cheeks, then down to my chin, creating a natural bronzed look. I then apply the blush to the apples of my cheek. Or some times I swirl my brush around the bronzer and blush together and sweep it all over my face. Very pretty and fresh!

Buzzworthy Lip Gloss ($5.49) — I swear to you that my shade of gloss, 03 Bee Rich (a very sheer red) tastes just like a watermelon Jolly Rancher. Yum! This gloss has a nice slanted tip applicator that is easy to use and it creates a very glossy lip. For moisturized and smooth lips, this gloss was formulated with Honey Extracts, Cranberry Seed Oil, Jojoba Seed Oil and enriched with Vitamins A & E. Available in 9 shades.

Runway Eyes ($8.99) This is a unique eye shadow palette. There are six intense eye color bars in one compact. You can use the colors individually or combine them for a multidimensional impact, and they can be applied wet or dry. I have number 08 Catwalk, which include a dark gray, deep blue, burgundy, silver, bronze and white shadows. Although it sounds very dramatic, it is surprisingly wearable. A plus is that the colors last all day!

Visit www.milanicosmetics.com to learn more and find out where you can purchase these fun products!

Try Glominerals for Healty, Radiant Skin

glōminerals is a company that believes that good-for-you beauty doesn’t have to be basic. Their website states that the products are, “uniquely formulated utilizing only the finest pharmaceutical-grade ingredients, triple-milled high-pigment minerals, and an advanced antioxidant complex of Vitamins A, C, and E and green tea extract, glōminerals provides broad-spectrum UV protection and helps to defend against free radical damage, to deliver a radiant, healthy complexion. In addition, glōmineralsformulas are talc-free, non-comedogenic and free of perfumes and chemical dyes, making them suitable for even the most sensitive skin types, including those with acne and rosacea.”

These are lofty claims. Do the products live up to them? I say “yes”. I have tested their mineral powder base, liquid bronzer and lip plumper; and concur that the products are as luxurious as they are good-for-you.

gloPressed base ($39.00 USD) — available in 20 shades. This is a matte, not a sparkly, mineral base. You apply it by using a kabuki or powder brush in small circular motions to achieve perfect even coverage. Using the brush of choice apply gloPressed base to clean, moisturized skin, beginning with a small amount, and layering if needed. I found that I only needed a little of this base to achieve an even, flawless look. It stays on and looks fresh for most of the day.

gloSheer tint base bronzing gel ($30.00 USD)— This gel is creamy and easy to apply. When you first squeeze it out it seems really dark, but blends in and looks natural even on my pale skin! I think this would look lovely on all skin tones. I love that it isn’t shimmery at all, which is a nice break from all of the glittery bronzers on the market today. It just give the skin a subtle glow. I sometimes like a little shimmer with my bronzer for night, but this is a great for a day look. This sheer tint also repairs and protects skin from UV damage.

gloLip plumper ($16.00 USD) — This plumper is infused with spheres of Marine Collagen Atelocollgen, which work to plump lips by trapping water and swelling, thus providing volume to the skin’s structures. It is available in clear, perfect plum, very cherry, sheer berry, and copper shimmer. This plumper does swell the lips, but doesn’t sting, which makes it more comfortable to wear than some plumpers. You can use this under a gloss or lipstick, or use it on it’s own for a shimmery pout.

Visit www.glominerals.com to learn more about these great, healthy makeup options and to locate a retailer near you.

Make a Splash with FACE Stockholm’s Summer Look!

FACE Stockholm is a fashion forward brand of luxury makeup. Founded in Sweden by Gun Nowak in the 1980’s, FACE Stockholm can be found worldwide. Their Summer Look is a combination of “surf-inspired blues and vivid sunset pinks”. The collection is described on the model in the photo as:

BASE
A sheer application of Loose Powder #2 ($26.00 USD) and Magic Wand ($32.00 USD) will leave skin even without masking that natural summer glow.

LIDS
Apply Pearl Eye Shadow #44 ($19.00 USD) on the lid up to the brow bone. Top off with a touch of Details Eye Dust ($22.00 USD) for shimmer and shine. Brighten the inside of the eye with Clarity Eye Dust ($22.00 USD). Use Dark Blue Matte Eye Shadow ($20.00 USD)and Forceful Eye Dust ($22.00 UDS) on the outer lid for a smokey effect. The Dark Blue Matte Eye Shadow also does double duty as a soft liner on the top lash line.

LASHES
Double up! Apply both Black and Blue Volumizing Waterproof Mascara ($32.00 USD each) for thick, rich lashes with a colorful twist that won’t budge, smudge or smear.

CHEEKS
Cheeks pop with Organza Blush-On ($20.00 USD) or Rio Creme Blush ($25.00 USD).

LIPS
Full color power and shine is achieved with Instinct Lipstick ($22.00 USD) and a top coat of clear Glas.

I was lucky enough to try the entire collection and it is so much fun! My favorite products are the Loose Powder and Magic Wand. With these two items, I don’t need a foundation, which is perfect for the easy days of summer. The Magic Wand highlighter/concealer covers my flaws and the powder sets it nicely.

Both blushes are lovely. The Organza Pink powder blush is very light and can almost be used as a highlighter. The Rio Creme Blush is a shocking pink in the compact but goes on very sheer and blends easily. The shadows are very shimmery and fun for a night out, as is the VERY bright pink lipstick! The mascaras are both thickening and add length, and the blue mascara provides a fun pop of color on lashes.

You may purchase these items on line at www.facestockholm.com for a bright and fun summer!

Nvey Eco

: NVEY ECO Organic Eye Shadow

There are many organic hair, face and body care products on the market today. I have reviewed some here, but have found it is difficult to find organic color cosmetics.

The Australian cosmetic house NVEY Le Maquillage has recently debuted their organic collection of make-up in the United States in 2006. The brand is named NVEY ECO, and it is one of the few organic makeup collections to hit the U.S market. The NVEY ECO website states, “A pioneer in the industry, NVEY ECO is a luxurious and comprehensive collection of makeup colors suited for all skin types and ages and the only cosmetic brand to be certified organic by the Organic Food Chain.”

The cosmetics contain a blend of natural botanics and powerful antioxidants such as safflower oil, Vitamins C, A, B5 and E, chamomile and jojoba oil. These ingredients are gentle on the skin and make for a healthy and glowing complexion.

My favorite product that I have tried is the Organic Eye Shadow — ($24.00) The website states the shadow is , “finely milled with an extra soft base of Corn Silk and Jojoba Oil, NVEY ECO, Organic Eye Shadows can be used in combination to enhance and contour the eye or individually for a flush of color. Chamomile and Vitamins A, C, and E make for a smooth and soft formula excellent for dry and sensitive skin. “

The shadows are very soft and easily blendable. They also have very nice pigments and stay on all day. I really like #268, which is a pearl taupe shimmer. I sweep it all over myeye lid for a neutral color base and then add a little highlighter under the brow and a darker color in the crease. Very pretty.

NVEY ECO has a full range of products on their website www.econveybeauty.com. Check it out if you are looking for quality organic color!

The Nautical Collection by Bobbi Brown

Bobbi Brown has introduced the Nautical Collection for a sheer summer look. The colors are corals, pinks and mauves and they impart a soft shot of color that is great for warm weather looks!

Sheer Color Lip Gloss ($20.00 USD) — This is a glossy sheer color that looks dark in the tube, but almost clear with a hint of color on. It has a brush applicator, which I love for lip gloss and smells faintly of vanilla. I have Marina Pink, which is cross between fuscia and berry. It is quite pretty on. The gloss is a bit sticky, but the shine is worth it! It is available in 4 colors; Marina Pink, Cabana Coral, Popsicle (bright pinky-red) and Sailor (a softer pink).

Sheer Color Cheek Tint ($22.00 USD) comes in a cute, chubby little tube that fits perfectly in my purse! The product swivels up like lipstick and I like to apply iton the apples of my cheeks, then blend it up with with my fingers. I have Sheer Mauve, but it also comes in 5 other colors: Sheer Blackberry, Sheer Coral, Sheer Lilac, Sheer Pink and Sheer Raspberry. This is an easy and fast way to get some color this summer!

Perfectly Defined Mascara ($22.00 USD) I have not had a chance to try this product, but the website touts, “This new formula lengthens, separates and curls lashes for perfect definition with one easy sweep. The secret? A unique multi-comb brush and equally innovative formula, working together to enhance each and every lash. The flexible, long-wearing formula doesn’t flake or smudge and stays in place all day long. And best of all, when you’re ready to take it off just use warm water! Available in black, Perfectly Defined Mascara is both Ophthalmologist and Dermatologist tested and is safe for contact wearers.”

To check out the Nautical Collection and other fabulous Bobbi Brown products, visit www.bobbibrown.com.

Fun New Products from Rimmel London!

Rimmel London is a great, quality drugstore brand. It’s both affordable and fun, which is great in the current economy. They have come out with some fab new releases that will help you stay cool in the hot summer months!

Stay Matte Clarifying Matte Foundation ($6.99 USD). This is an oil free foundation that claims to give up to 12 hours of matte skin. It is formulated with SKINPURE Complex, which combines salicylic acid to clear blemishes and botanical extracts to nourish, and also claims not to clog pores in the summer heat.

I really like this foundation. It does go on matte and feels smooth. I don’t know about keeping my skin covered for 12 hours, but it seems to last for at least an 8 hour shift at work. I’ve been using it with my EcoTools foundation brush and I find I don’t need a lot of the product to cover my face. I’m using color 101 Porcelain, which looks great on me, but there are only six shades available that may not work for all skin tones.

Lasting Finish Kiss & Stay Gloss ($7.99 USD) is a two-step long-wearing color gloss. One end holds the color, which is applied with a soft sponge tipped wand. This goes on first, and when it dries you apply the shimmery gloss which shines and moisturizes. The applicator for this end is a brush, which I love. I have the color Enduring Love which is a mauvy-rose color. It stays on forever, but the glittery top coat may be a little young for me. This would be very fun on a night out with the girls, though!

Sexy Curves Mascara ($7.49 USD) Claims to curl and thicken lashes. My lashes are short and straight. It works fine if I don’t curl my lashes first, but if I do, its a big difference! My lashes look longer and curlier. Not too thick, but its a nice day look. The plastic bristle brush (Rimmel’s Triple Plump Brush) is really cool, but a little intimidating. I just take it slowly from the base of my lashes to the tips.

Visit the Rimmel website at www.rimmellondon.com to learn more about these products. They are probably for sale at your local drugstore!

It Cosmetics Smokin’ Hot Legs Kit

: It Cosmetics Smokin Hot Legs Kit

Smokin’ Hot Legs ($68.00 USD) is a body makeup kit that allows you to sculpt your legs to show them of to their best advantage.

The kit includes (as described on the website www.itcosmetics.com) —

My Firm Legs Primer: Key ingredients including Caffeine and Green Tea Extract help to give your legs and backside a firmer, more toned appearance. My Firm Legs Primer also helps to smooth and prep your skin for a sexy touch that’s impossible to resist.

Waterproof and Sweatproof Leg Shadows and Highlighters: Defining and highlighting shades that match all skin tones. They are resistant to water and sweat. They’re easily removable with soap and water or make-up remover.

Body Stain – Semi-Permanent: This long-lasting semi-permanent body stain will give you the appearance of ultimate definition that stays on your skin for 3-5 days. This stain lasts all day on the beach, all night out on the town and for your entire weekend getaway. No matter how wet or sweaty you get – your sexy, defined legs aren’t going anywhere!

Setting Spray: Once you have defined your legs to their sexiest, the Setting Spray will ensure your make-up lasts long and sets in place.

Mini Buffing Brush: For areas that need sexy shading and buffed-in definition.

Dual-Sided Body Contouring and Highlighting Brush: From sexy contoured curves to gorgeous sweeping highlights, this dual-sided brush gives you the power to sculpt your legs and backside to perfection.

Library of Secrets Manual: This coveted instruction manual will give you simple to follow step by step instructions on how you can sculpt your legs and backside to appear their sexiest! This manual reveals the tips and tricks that were once known only to celebrity make-up artists in an easy to follow, easy to duplicate fashion. This manual will give you all the knowledge you need to transform your lower body!

The way I like to use the kit is to first apply the silky primer. It really smooths the legs. I then take one of the darker matte colors and apply it to my cellulite or any other areas I wish to downplay. I then add highlighter I like the lightest, pearly color — to the front of my thighs and shins to draw attention to those areas. I finish off with the setting spray. You can’t tell that I’m wearing makeup, it looks natural and pretty!

Visit the website – www.itcosmetics.com — and check out this kit as well as ones for the lips, eyes, abs, bust and other areas you would like to make look a little bit sexier!