Forty, Flirty & Fabulous

My Beauty Favorites — Week of November 14-20, 2016

Are you getting ready for Thanksgiving and the holidays following? I am! Not only the food I’m going to take to my family’s celebration, I am taking care of my hair, skin and am planning a great hostess gift!

I received the following amazing products for my honest review that hydrate and help me prep for the season:

sunday-products The Mane Choice Green Tea & Carrot Deep Strengthening & Restorative Mask Treatment ($17.99 USD): If your hair is in need of some extra TLC, after the hot tools and extreme weather conditions of the week, try this mask treatment from the Mane Choice! Enriched with biotin, green tea, and carrot oil, this product will immediately begin to repair and restore dry and damaged strands. Formulated to penetrate the hair shaft and infuse your hair with high-quality vitamins and nutrients. Available at themanechoice.com, Target, Sally Beauty Supply, Rite Aid.

fango ESSENZIALI Mud Mask Treatment for Face + Body ($32.50 USD for 7 oz): Get an at home spa experience with this mineral-rich mud mask designed to calm and soothe problematic, irritated and tight feeling skin. Providing a revitalizing surge of skin soothing ingredients, the CALM mud mask transforms skin from tight and dull to luminous and healthy in as little as five minutes. Available at Macy’s and Macys.com

neuLash ($150 USD) – This nutrient-rich formula delivers benefits beyond conditioning. neuLASH is fortified with Active Eyelash Technology® to dramatically improve the weak appearance of eyelashes in just 30 days. Pumpkin seed extract nourishes the lashes and helps lashes look more luxurious than ever. Available at skinresearchlabs.com or Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale’s

neuBROW ($150 USD) – This potent serum is formulated with an exclusive Dual-Weight Protein Complex™ that restores the appearance of youthful brows, promoting suppleness and shine. It delivers beautiful, more defined eyebrows in just 60 days. Sweet almond protein creates a protective layer, bringing softness and brilliance to the brow line. ,Available at skinresearchlabs.com or Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale’s

Arbonne Intelligence® Lip Treatment: Give your lips some love with this targeted formula that features the proprietary ingredient Phytinol™, which helps soften the appearance of fine lines on the lips and contours, and supports the skin’s natural moisture barrier. Lips feel replenished, hydrated and moisturized. Also enhances the appearance of lip volume and multitasks as a primer for lipstick or gloss. $38, arbonne.com

What I think: I have tried all of these except for the neu products. The hair mask really hydrates my hair, a little goes a long way and my hair is soft and shiny afterwards. The mud mask works so well on my sensitive skin! It calms it and smooths my skin. And as treating my dry lips is so important I love the lip treatment. It can be used at night or under lip color during the day!

Avon ANEW Ultimate Supreme Advanced Performance Crème ($50 1.7 oz. ) — is formulated to dramatically improve visible signs of aging* while immersing skin in radiant moisture for the ultimate transformative experience. Born in the exotic waters of Tahiti, the black pearl essence is known to improve skin’s ability to retain moisture. This luxurious yet lightweight night crème is infused with black pearl essence, as well as the highest level of Avon’s exclusive Celluvive anti-aging complex.

What I think: This night creme is very lightweight and sinks right into the skin. As I get really warm at night, this is perfect for me. In the morning my skin is glowing, but not greasy.

Available at http://www.avon.com

Juara Hope Soy Candle ($35 USD) — Inspired by the warm, tropical scent of JUARA’s Candlenut Collection, this fragrant, hand-poured candle is an exclusive blend of natural soy and vegetable waxes, custom-formulated to burn longer and cleaner than typical candles.

Wrapped with a decorative hand-drawn pattern, this candle provides soothing light and fragrance to enhance the beauty of any living space. The vessel features a protective lid and is housed in an artisanal glass jar that enhances its glow.

Notes: Plumeria, Freesia, Bergamot, Jasmine, Rose, Coconut

What I think: This is the perfect hostess gift for the holidays! It has an exotic floral scent and I think most hostesses will love it. It is packaged so nicely, too!

Purchase at juaraskincare.com

Brand Feature: LORAC Cosmetics

I was recently sent some gorgeous LORAC products for my honest review! So exciting! LORAC products are glam, but also perfect for every day looks.

My current fave LORAC products include an amazing contour palette, below, plus products that can create a complete look:

LORAC PRO Conceal/Contour Palette and Brush ($45 USD) — Correct and perfect with LORAC Los Angeles PRO Conceal/Contour Palette and brush. Containing 12 creamy, blendable shades this palette conceals, color-corrects, contours, and highlights for a beautiful, effortless application. These shades can be used individually or blended together to create your own custom colors.

PRO Conceal/Contour Palette comes complete with an exclusive, custom PRO Conceal/Contour brush. The unique double-ended brush is everything you need for effortless concealing, contouring and highlighting. The PRO Conceal/Contour brush hair is hygienic and easy to clean between applications.

TOP ROW: C1 (Light), C2 (Light Yellow), C3 (Medium Yellow), C4 (Peach)

MIDDLE ROW: C5 (Medium Beige), C6 (Warm Brown,) C7 (Taupe Brown), C8 (Deep)

BOTTOM ROW: SH1 (Light Shimmer), SH2 (Yellow Shimmer), SH3 (Peach Shimmer), SH4 (Bronze Shimmer)

What I think: I love the range of concealers, contour and highlight shades in this palette. They are really creamy. The brush is so luxe, the narrow end is great for applying product and the other end blends so nicely!

LORAC Sheer POREfection Foundation ($34 USD) — This oil, paraben and fragrance free makeup is infused with anti-aging antioxidants of Vitamins A & E, Olive Leaf Extract, Lemon Fruit Extract and Papaya Fruit Extract to help soothe, nourish and rejuvenate. The lightweight formula helps keep skin healthy, youthful and radiant with a clean, better-than-natural, no-makeup look and feel. Get a poreless-looking, silky-smooth finish and achieve complexion POREfection® with LORAC.

What I think: I apply this over the concealer and set it with LORAC’s POREfection Baked Perfecting Powder ($33 USD). The foundation is sheer and looks natural on. I love that it also makes my skin look so smooth!

LORAC Color Source Buildable Blush in Prism

LORAC Light Source Highlighter in Daylight

Instantly bring color and life to your cheeks with LORAC Color Source Buildable Blush ($22 USD). These silky-smooth matte and satin blushes are paraben-free and infused with anti-aging antioxidants such as Pomegranate, Acai and Vitamins A, C & E. In a wide spectrum of complexion-enhancing hues, these buildable blushes can be worn sheer for a natural flush of color or layered for a dramatic effect. Become a beautiful, sensual source of color with LORAC.

LORAC Light Source Highlighter ($22 USD) — Instantly bring luminosity and life to your face with LORAC Light Source Highlighter. These paraben-free, high-pearl highlighters are infused with anti-aging antioxidants and light diffusing, soft focus pigments for a silky-smooth, luminous glow. This illuminating, complexion-enhancing formula can be worn sheer for a soft, natural sheen or layered for a high-shine, dramatic effect. Become a beautiful, sensual source of light with LORAC.

What I think: Both of these are gorgeous and work really well together. The Prism blush is a nice matte peach. It’s so pretty on! The light source in Daylight is a beautiful highlighter with a very light shimmer to it.

LORAC PRO Lash Pomade Mascara ($23 USD) — This unique, smudge-proof and flake-proof professional formula for lengthening mascara is lightweight and designed to increase thickness, shine, curl and length to lashes. This volumizing mascara has a custom curved brush that easily grabs and separates each lash from root to tip and corner to corner for perfectly styled, jet black lashes.

What I think: This lengthens, curls and gives a nice, natural look. So nice for day time! Add a couple more coats for evening looks and your good to go. It stays on well and doesn’t flake.

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: This is a very hydrating matte lipstick (not an oxymoron in this case)! It feels great, but also looks amazing on. I have it in Goddess which is a pretty pinky nude.

Holiday Gift Guide — Unique Gift Ideas

I have received such wonderful gifts to review for my gift guides. Even though I usually review beauty products, I like to show a variety during the holiday season.

I have been sent the below products for my honest review. They are Outlander swag, sweet dog treats, and wine that gives back.

The Making of Outlander: The Series, The Official Guide to Seasons One & Two

Outlander Crown & Thistle Sculpted Pin

Outlander 12 Oz Ceramic Mug

The Making of Outlander: The Series, The Official Guide to Seasons One & Two ($49.95 USD) –Get an exclusive look behind the scenes of the first two seasons of Outlander with this official, fully illustrated companion to the hit Starz television series based on the bestselling novels.

Outlander Crown & Thistle Sculpted Pin ($12.95 USD) — When the Scottish thistle and the majestic crown come together, you are treated to this beautiful Outlander Crown and Thistle Sculpted Pin. 1.75” in size and made from antiqued bronze, this lapel pin will delight any fan of the popular series and will make a wonderful accessory for the person looking to add some Scottish culture to their clothing.

Outlander 12 Oz Ceramic Mug ($12.95 USD) — magine waking in the morning to the beautiful rolling hills of the Scottish Highlands and sitting out on your porch, sipping your coffee before you start the day. Perhaps you prefer an afternoon tea or a cup of hot cocoa on those chillier nights. No matter what the case may be, you’ll love having the Outlander 12 oz. Ceramic Mug to enjoy all these refreshing moments. Featuring Claire and Jamie, this high quality stoneware is both dishwasher and microwave safe.

Purchase these and many more items including clothing, coasters, magnets and DVD’s at http://www.outlanderstore.com.

Bil-Jac Dessert Jacs Caramel Apple Pie Dog Treat ($5.49 USD) –Introduce your dog to a unique taste he’ll come to crave with Bil-Jac Dessert JACS Caramel Apple Pie Flavored Treats. The best part about these treats is that they are as healthy and nutritious for your dog as they are delicious.

Dessert Jacs are deliciously indulgent and healthy snacks. Real Chicken is the #1 Ingredient. My Great Dane loved them! They are small so I sprinkled them on her dry food.

Learn more about Bil-Jac at http://www.bil-jac.com/dog-food-grain-free.php

EOD Cellars Wine Master Blaster Red ($32 USD) — EOD Cellars wine that is specially bottled to support the EOD Warrior Foundation. A portion of the proceeds of your purchase price will go directly to the foundation.

The Master Blaster Red is a 2010 blend of Cabernet, Merlot and Petite Verdot, and Zinfandel. It is so rich and yummy! Great for the upcoming holidays or as a gift.

Purchase at tackittfamilyvineyards.com

Go Glam This Holiday Season With Lipstick Queen, AVON and Sally Hansen

Are you starting to think about your glam holiday looks? I am! I usually add rich colors, a bit of sparkle and always try to have my nail painted. A complete look is so nice during the festive season.

Below are my new faves, they are all amazing!

Lipstick Queen’s has released three new Saint & Sinner lipstick ($24 USD each) shades. For those whose nice side rules, the Saint formulation is for you. With 10% pigment, this formula allows the colors to glide with a touch of sheen that gives lips a lustrous, hydrating look and feel.

For those who land on the naughty spectrum, the Sinner formula will speak to you. Containing 90% pigmentation, the colors are bold and intense, without the worry of lips drying out.

Candy – the perfect hot pink shade for all skin tones, this shade will be sure to turn heads

Mauve – a regal mix of pink and purple inspired by Marie Antoinette

Bordeaux – everything you’ve ever wanted in a rich wine for your lips

What I think: I love that Lipstick Queen takes one color and makes it in two finishes. Both formulas are very hydrating. The Saint is perfect for day while the Sinner is a bold evening choice! I have these in Mauve and Bordeaux and they are both gorgeous!

Available now at Lipstickqueen.com & Ulta.com

Avon True Color Glimmersticks

Avon True Color Wide Awake Mascara

Feeling tired from your daily beauty routine? Give your look an instant wake-up call with Avon True Color Wide Awake Mascara and newly revamped Glimmersticks!

Avon True Color Glimmersticks ($7 each) – Loaded with pure-color pigment, these long-lasting eyeliners give your eyes a shot of sexy sparkle with ease and precision

Avon True Color Wide Awake Mascara ($5.99) – Made with Avon’s Lift&Lock Technology, this new mascara provides intense color, length, and volume in just one swipe

What I think: The Glimmersticks are almost magical! They glide right on, set quickly and last all day long. I applied a vibrant teal one to my top lid in the morning one day, and when I went to bed, it was still on and it looked like I just applied it! The Wide Awake mascara lifts my straight lashes and lengthens them too!

Learn more and purchased at avon.com

Sally Hansen Color Therapy in Exotic Acai ($8.99 each) — Sally Hansen’s Color Therapy nail polish contains a patented micro-delivery system that delivers an argan oil-enriched formula, resulting in intensive nourishment and instant moisture for healthier-looking nails. The Color Therapy nail polish needs no base coat so the oil complex can directly contact the bare nail. 9 out of 10 women experienced a noticeable improvement in their natural nails after wearing the Color Therapy nail polish. Vibrant tones, available in three magnificent palettes, glide on for a radiant, shiny finish with up to 10 days of fade-proof, chip-resistant wear. The Color Therapy nail polish provides the ultimate color that cares while you wear, with everything needed to restore nails without sacrificing luminous color.

What I think: Amazing! I love this polish. It goes on very smoothly and the color is gorgeous. With 38 shades, there’s a color for everyone. And the best part, I wore this for a whole week with only a couple of small chips! The only issue was a little nail regrowth. Polish never lasts that long for me because I am hard on my hands. And when I did remove it, my nails were so smooth! I highly recommend this polish!

Learn more at http://www.sallyhansen.com

Have you tried any of these? What are your current faves?

Holiday Gift Guide — Home Gift Ideas

I love to post about beauty gifts for the holidays, but there are so many other fantastic gifts to give! Including items for your home that are comfortable and convenient!

Bamboo By Relax Home Life – Bamboo Pillow With Shredded Down Alternative and Stay Cool Cover (King) ($31.97 USD) –Innovative Double Zipper Design Allows YOU to adjust the height of the pillow making it your OWN Custom Pillow!!Provides relief from issues of snoring, insomnia, migraines, neck and back pain, allergies, and TMJ. Machine washable extremely soft bamboo cover. Sizes: Queen 18″x30″, King 18″x36″. Filled with Quality Poly Fiber. Breathable, molds and aligns to any sleeping style, including stomach, back, and side sleepers.

Purchase at www.relaxhomelife.com. Here is a link for 15% off the Bamboo By Relax Home Life Shredded Memory Foam Bamboo Pillow.

The Shower Sidekick ($29.95 USD) — a portable, adjustable stand that allows you to comfortably shave your legs in the shower. The product is made of aluminum metal and high-grade plastic so it’s sturdy, but it’s also lightweight, so you can easily take it to the gym, to a hotel or bring it with you to the dorm showers with your shower caddy. Initially it comes in 2 different colors, and it makes a great gift for any woman (or man) in your life.

Available at http://www.cotidea.com

SnapPower Charger

SnapPower Guidelight

The SnapPower Charger (starting at $20) allows you to easily convert your outlet coverplate into an attractive USB charger. It requires no wires or batteries and leaves all outlets free for use.

The SnapPower Guidelight (starting at $15) can safely and easily transform an outlet coverplate into a convenient night light. They automatically turn on and off by a sensor and are equipped with energy-efficient LED lighting for perfect nighttime illumination.

Purchase at http://www.snappower.com

My Beauty Favorites — Week of November 6-13, 2016

It finally feels like fall in Kansas City! It has been much cooler the last few days and I have finally been able to wear my boots and sweaters. Yay!

This week I am loving a variety of products including a lush fragrance, purifying hair care, nail polish with gold and a very fall body wash:

Molton Brown Rosa Absolute Eau de Toilette ($65 USD) — An opulent, floral eau de toilette, evoking romantic femininity with Italian red rose, spicy pink pepper and sweet vanilla.

The fragrance
Top notes: blackcurrant, pink pepper and raspberry.
Heart notes: rose, violet leaf and geranium.
Base notes: patchouli, labdanum and vanilla.

What I think: This smells amazing, really sweet and floral, but it has a little spice to it, too. I think it’s perfect for the fall and winter, it’s a substantial scent.

Purchase at http://www.moltonbrown.com

Dessange Paris Purifying Clay Pre-Shampoo Mask

Dessange Paris Purifying Clay Balancing Shampoo

Dessange Paris Purifying Clay Pre-Shampoo Mask ($8.99 USD) — This first of its kind, clay-in-mask pre-shampoo regulating treatment incorporates a breakthrough skin purifying technology that targets an oily scalp. The unique formula, containing mineral clay concentration, works to absorb sebum excess and regulate oil production over time while the professional application brush allows for targeted, even coverage. The scalp is left deeply purified, helping to drastically reduce excess oil production. Dating back to ancient times, the virtues of clay have been used for centuries in cosmetic and therapeutic remedies to absorb sebum and eliminate toxins.

Dessange Paris Purifying Clay Balancing Shampoo ($9.99 USD) — The second step in the Purifying Clay system, the pro-vitamin b5 enhanced balancing shampoo, helps to minimize oily roots while moisturizing ends, producing balanced hair from root to tip. The pro-vitamin b5 is known for its protective properties of the fiber capillary, helping repair and soften the hair. Hair and scalp become re-balanced, with the added benefit of a light cherry, violet, and vanilla scent.

What I think: This is a really cool system. My hair gets oily sometimes so it’s nice to treat it to a great deep cleaning. You use the mask first, then the shampoo. I brush the mask on my scalp and leave it on for about 5 minutes then rinse it out and use the shampoo. The system leaves my hair so soft and clean, without drying it out.

Purchase at http://www.target.com

Sally Hansen 18K Gold Hardener

Sally Hansen 18K Gold Cuticle Eraser

Sally Hansen 18K Gold Hardener ($7.49 USD) locks in moisture and strengthens nails. This eye-catching treatment combines real 18-karat gold with peptides and amino acids—ingredients known to promote healthy growth. The breakthrough complex envelopes the gold, creating a shatter-proof shield that protects nails so they can grow longer and stronger.

Sally Hansen 18K Gold Cuticle Eraser ($7.49 USD) is a must for healthy-looking, smooth cuticles. Meant to reduce and improve the appearance rough, ragged, parched cuticles, this decadent treatment renews and softens instantly while preparing nails for a flawless manicure.

What I think: the hardener is really nice on. It leaves nails with a soft gold glitter. It does leave nails harder and protects them. The cuticle eraser treats my dry cuticles and makes my nails look much smoother.

Purchase at mass market stores

Philip B. Chai Latte Soul & Body Wash ($35 USD) — Soothe your soul and celebrate your body with Philip B chai latte soul and body wash, a purifying magical potion of 20% pure botanicals. An herbaceous, spicy and aromatic deep-stimulating active cleanser that replenishes, energizes, and tones your skin. Honey, milk proteins and black tea extract, combined with cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, ginger and black pepper, work synergistically to stimulate and warm your skin for over-all beneficial health and glow. Chai latte soul and body wash is an active formula that leaves you feeling heavenly, silky, warm and stimulated.

What I think: This smells just like chai to me! It’s very spicy and sweet and leaves such a nice scent. It also softens my skin after showering.

Learn more at http://www.philipb.com

IT Cosmetics IT’s Your Top 5 Superstars and More! 6-piece Holiday Set

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IT Cosmetics IT’s Your Top 5 Superstars and More! 6-piece Holiday Set ($59.99 USD) — This amazing deal is good for one day only, November 12, 2016!

This exclusive six-piece collection features the products IT girls has said are most life-changing for them, plus a groundbreaking new brush:

Bye Bye Under Eye™ Concealer covers everything without creasing or cracking
Celebration Foundation Illumination™ gives you a flawless-looking glow in just 30 seconds
Brow Power™ Pencil to create your most beautiful brows
Superhero™ Mascara to transform your lashes
Je Ne Sais Quoi™ Lip Treatment to awaken your lips with a youthful-looking pop of color.
NEW Heavenly Skin™ Full-Coverage Foundation Brush does the work for you to deliver an airbrushed finish!

I love these products! I have tried all of them before (besides the amazing new brush), and they truly are superstars! Bye Bye Under Eye is my favorite concealer because it is full coverage but looks really natural on, as does the Celebration Foundation Illumination. The foundation covers so well and gives a little glow, but not shimmer.

Superhero is my holy grail mascara at the moment, it leaves lashes thick and long! And the lip treatment gives a hint of color with tons of hydration.

The new brush is so cool! I love the swirling bristle pattern. Like IT’s previous brushes, its soft to the touch and picks up product so well!

Are you going to pick this up? These products are definitely worth this deal! All IT products are such high quality, you can’t lose!

Holiday Gift Guide — Fun Books That Make Great Gifts!

I love cool books with activities! I know that adult coloring books are the rage right now, but there are other great books to give this holiday season.

Below is an extreme dot to dot book, amazing paper ornaments to trim the tree with, a book to teach you how to make beautiful flowers and a self-help activity book:

Dot to Dot NYC ($14.95 USD) — Follow the numbers, grab your crayons and markers, and discover and decorate the capital of the world… Hidden just beyond sight in this adventurous dot to dot coloring book lie epic New York City landmarks to be revealed and completed by you, the intrepid artist. Intricate and detailed, the final results are delicate and beautiful while stunning in their complexity. Within these pages you will find yourself visiting the rides of Coney Island, the towers of the famous NYC skyline, the commute along the Staten Island Ferry, the wilderness of the Bronx Zoo, the groove of the Apollo Theater, and the art deco elegance of the Chrysler Building, among so much more!

Purchase at http://www.powerhousearena.com

paper-holiday

Paper Holiday ($14.95 USD) — the 7th in the PaperMade series—will be an instant holiday favorite. Each of the pages has a unique design that is pre-cut, scored, and beautifully illustrated. The ornaments simply punch out and fold up into 3D shape, with easy-to-follow instructions right on the page. Each design has different shapes and colors of hooks too, to best attach to a tree, mantle, or any place that needs holiday cheer!

Purchase at http://www.powerhousearena.com

The Art of Paper Flowers by Bobby Pearce ($26.99 List Price $17.48 at Amazon) Paper is pretty much the least expensive craft material you’ll find. It’s also one of the most versatile. With a pile of colored sheets, a pair of scissors, and The Art of Paper Flowers, you can create gorgeous bouquets to give away or keep for yourself. For anyone who’s an avid home crafter or future home-decor online vendor, this book will get your creative juices flowering, err, flowing.

The Art of Paper Flowers makes it easy for anyone to create beautiful roses, orchids, tulips, and more–completely out of paper. There are thirty-five flowers included in the book, and each pattern is accompanied by a complete list of materials required, step-by-step instructions for creating the flower, original paper-folding techniques from the author, full-size patterns, and color photos for reference. Additionally throughout the book, there are interesting bits of trivia, myths, or folklore for each delicate flower. The book also includes a foreword by Rosie O’Donnell.

Available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble and other great stores!

Pick Me Up: A Pep Talk for Now and Later ($15 List Price, now $10.05 at Amazon) — On the heels of his internationally successful first book, 1 Page at a Time, graphic designer and illustrator Adam J. Kurtz delivers another intimate and engaging journal for anyone who loves to explore ideas, record thoughts and feelings, and capture those fleeting but amazing moments of everyday life.

Unlike a linear journal, this book can be opened up to any page, encouraging and engaging readers time and time again through continued use. Rather than simply complete tasks and turn pages, users are encouraged to leave their mark, and if they land on the same page days or weeks later, they can review, reflect, and revise their previous response.

Feeling lonely? Pensive? Peeved? Questioning? This deceptively simple book offers perspective, hope, and a twist of existential metaphor – and is perfect to pick up again and again.

Brand Review — Kiko Milano Skincare

Have you been taking care of your skin this fall? I sometimes don’t do as much as I should, even though I have everything I need! As the days get darker earlier, I get so lazy at night!

It is so important to take care of skin as the weather gets colder, and I was lucky to be sent the following Kiko Milano products for my honest review!

Have you heard about Kiko Milano? Here is brand info from their website:

Founded in 1997, KIKO MILANO is an Italian professional cosmetics brand that has revolutionized the rules of cosmetics and won over the most demanding beauty addicts with over 600 points of sale in 8 countries in Europe (Italy, Spain, France, Portugal, Germany, United Kingdom, Austria and Switzerland) with its presence in 34 nations (thanks to its online service delivery) and now with its new opening in U.S.

KIKO MILANO is constantly committed to a single objective: to allow all women to treat themselves to the most innovative cosmetics without having to sacrifice their budget. Quality is no longer synonymous with high prices. Below are my affordable beauties:

Kiko Milano Pure Clean Scrub&Peel ($9 USD) –A package of 20 wet wipes that both exfoliate and refresh the face. The textured side ensures the skin is exfoliated evenly and with the required intensity. The soft side leaves the skin feeling delightfully cool.

The formula contains alpha hydroxy acids that work for making skin free from dead cells and panthenol with its softening properties. The practical resealable pack can be taken everywhere and is ideal for traveling. Delicately scented with notes of magnolia, peach and sandalwood. Ideal for all skin types.

What I think: These have a lovely fresh scent! I use the soft side to remove makeup, then gently use the (very) exfoliating side. They leave my skin soft and smooth!

Kiko Milano Bright Lift Serum ($30 USD) –Highly luminous lifting effect serum. Brightens the complexion, reduces the appearance of wrinkles and minimizes signs of fatigue. Specific ingredients protect the skin from oxidative stress and give it a healthy glow.

The formula also contains marine collagen and ActiGlow, a revolutionary cosmetic advancement that enhances the skin’s beauty. The silky texture is slightly iridescent and easily absorbed. The skin appears hydrated, radiant and enveloped in a delicate scent of camellia and rose. The practical dispenser releases just the right amount of product.

What I think: This is a very sheer serum that sinks into the skin quickly. It leaves my skin luminous and smooth. Great for night and day, does work well under moisturizer. I especially like it for the day, to give a glow and lift!

Kiko Milano Hydra Pro Matte Mattifying Mosturizing Fluid ($29 USD) — Mattifying mosturizing fluid. The long-lasting moisturizing fluid leaves the skin with a matte finish that lasts all day while perfecting make-up performance. Specific ingredients protect the skin from oxidative stress and give it a healthy glow.

The matte effect is the result of a special biotechnological complex in the formula that helps to reduce excess sebum, or oil, and minimizes shine. The formula also contains hyaluronic acid and Actiglow, a revolutionary cosmetic advancement that enhances the skin’s beauty.

The lightweight texture is quickly absorbed and feels wonderful. The skin has an even look and a matte finish. Hydra Pro Matte mosturizing fluid comes in a sleek bottle with a handy dispenser that releases just the right amount of product. Delicately scented with musk and rose.

What I think: This has a light floral scent. It is a very sheer fluid that sinks right into the skin. It leaves skin soft, but matte. Perfect for oily or shiny skin. I would use this in warm weather, when my skin gets shiny.

Kiko Milano Skin Trainer CC Blur($24 USD) — Optical corrector for perfect skin with a smooth, even complexion. Combines a CC cream’s skin tone correcting properties with a blur’s ability to minimize skin imperfections.

In addition, special ingredients in Skin Trainer CC Blur capture the light which is then reflected on the face for a radiant glow.

The velvety texture is lightly coloured. Available in four shades to meet the needs of all skin tones; 01 Light, 02 Medium, 03 Neutral, 04 Dark

What I think: This sheer CC corrector gives light color, but really smooths out pores and wrinkles. The skin is left with a light glow, too! I received it in a dark shade, and I have light skin, but I would definitely try this in my shade!

Have you tried Kiko Milano skin care or makeup? Let me know which products are your favorites!

Sneak Peek and Early Sale! IT Cosmetics IT’s Your Top 5 Superstars and More! 6-piece Holiday Set

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IT Cosmetics QVC Today’s Special Value IT’s Your Top 5 Superstars and More! 6-piece Holiday Set is live for pre-sale today! Here is the link to purchase now:

http://qvc.co/SuperstarsTSV_

This amazing collection will officially go on sale on Saturday, November 12, 2016.

This exclusive six-piece collection features the products IT girls has said are most life-changing for them, plus a groundbreaking new brush:

Bye Bye Under Eye™ Concealer covers everything without creasing or cracking
Celebration Foundation Illumination™ gives you a flawless-looking glow in just 30 seconds
Brow Power™ Pencil to create your most beautiful brows
Superhero™ Mascara to transform your lashes
Je Ne Sais Quoi™ Lip Treatment to awaken your lips with a youthful-looking pop of color.
NEW Heavenly Skin™ Full-Coverage Foundation Brush does the work for you to deliver an airbrushed finish!

Superhero is my holy grail mascara at the moment, it leaves lashes thick and long! And the lip treatment gives a hint of color with tons of hydration.

The new brush is so cool! I love the swirling bristle pattern. Like IT’s previous brushes, its soft to the touch and picks up product so well!

Are you going to pick this up? I recommend getting it early as your shade could sell out quickly on Saturday!