Amarte – Forty, Flirty & Fabulous

Product Round-Up — My Fave Beauty Things Week of September 8, 2014!

We are a couple of weeks into September and it is cooling down and feeling like fall. I am into pumpkin spice lattes, candy corn and… tropical fragrances! I guess I’m not yet ready to let go of summer.

This week I am loving a mini makeup applicator, a quick skin smoothing facial, yummy bath and fragrance products that smell like coconut, a tropical scented perfume and a fresh facial mist.

beautyblender micro.mini ($17.95 for two) — This makeup blender lets you perfect makeup application in the inner eye corners, brow bones, sides of nose, cheeks, and more. Designed with exclusive beautyblender® material and one fourth the size of the original sponge, these non-disposable micro.mini sponges are the perfect tool for concealing small areas. Simply wet them so that they increase in size so that you can highlight and contour your face and ensure less makeup waste.

What I think: I love my regular sized beautyblender. I use it for primer and foundation each day. These micro.minis make applying concealer and highlighter so easy. And they are too cute!

Available at http://www.sephora.com

REN Flash Rinse 1 Minute Facial ($48 USD) — Formulated with potent water-activated vitamin C, this one-minute facial gives immediate spa facial results, leaving skin firm, toned, and smoothed. It reduces signs of fatigue, photo-aging, and skin imperfections, and skin instantly glows with renewed health and radiance.

What I think: This is so easy to use. Just apply it to a dry face, massage it in, add water that will activate the Vitamin C in the gel. Leave it on a minute and rinse off. Skin is so soft and firm! I think I will use this once a week for younger looking skin.

Available at http://www.sephora.com

Pacifica Indian Coconut Nectar Take Me There

Desert Essence Coconut Travel Kit

Pacifica Indian Coconut Nectar Take Me There ($18 USD, $26 value) –Pacifica Take Me There Sets are the ideal gift for everyone. Perfectly portable products that are easy to carry with fragrances that will carry you away! Each Take Me There Set contains the purse-ready 2.5oz Body Butter, .33oz Perfume Roll-on and delicious NEW Color Quench Natural Moisture Lip Tint.

Desert Essence Coconut Travel Kit – ($8.24 USD) — Four of our most popular Coconut products come together in travel-friendly sizes so you can take your natural favorites wherever you go. Ultra-hydrating Coconut Oil and natural moisturizers like Shea Butter and Jojoba leave skin and hair nourished and gently cleansed. Each 1.5-oz tube comes individually packaged—no pouch or box included—to more easily fit into your getaway.

What I think: I know it’s almost fall, but I am still loving the scent of coconut! I love to use coconut scented lotion all year-long. The Pacifica kit lets you layer your coconut scent and the Desert Essence set is perfect for fall getaways. Both smell amazing!

The Pacifica set is available at http://www.pacificabeauty.com and the Desert Essence set is available at http://www.desertessence.com.

Lavanila The Healthy Roller-Ball in Vanilla Summer ($19 USD) –Tropical mango, juicy pineapple, creamy coconut milk, and island sugar cane are steeped in base of warm Madagascar vanilla for the ultimate summer scent. Breathtaking sunsets meet the sounds of lapping waves in this limited-edition must-have fragrance.

What I think: I know, I know, another summer scent and it is almost fall. I can’t help it, though, it smells fantastic. It’s really sweet and tangy, like a pina colada. Love!

Available at http://www.lavanila.com

Amarte Aqua Mist ($68 USD) — Aqua Mist® provides an uplifting citrus spritz for an instant complexion boost. This antioxidant spray mist toner contains a uniquely elegant formulation of arbutin, elemental sulfur, and six botanical extracts to clarify, brighten, and soften skin.

What I think: What a luxe face mist! The scent is so refreshing and when I spray it on, it feels amazing! I find that my skin is soft and bright, and ready for my creams and makeup once I spritz it on. A really fun splurge!

Available at http://www.amarteskincare.com

What are you loving this week? Are you trying any fun new products. Please leave a comment and let me know.

Product Round-Up — My Fave Beauty Things Week of August 12th!

My kids went back to school this week! My daughter Olivia is in 5th grade and my daughter Abby is a freshman in high school! Time goes by so quickly!

During this fun, but emotional week, I have been loving a luxe new mascara, tropical lime-scented body products, a dark-circle buster, waterproof bright eyeliner, and a light skincare line.

What new products have you tried this week? Leave a comment and let me know!

Lancôme Paris Grandiose Mascara ($32 USD) — Professional makeup artists bend mascara stems to coat every lash. With Grandiôse, Lancôme brings this expert application technique to women everywhere thanks to the world’s first Swan-Neck^TMWand. Curved at a 25 degree angle, the Swan-Neck^TMWand mimics the curves of your face, grabbing lashes at the base to fan them out and avoid any unnecessary smudging.

The result? Ultimate Coverage – from corner to corner and root to tip. One more detail: the wand’s three dimensional curve seals air into the bottle and automatically mixes the formula in from the sides every time you open the bottle, so it always stays fresh.

What I think: I was so excited to try this mascara. The design of the bottle and brush are so different, but really easy to use. The short, rubber brush catches all of the lashes. I thought it might give me a dramatic look, but it is more of a natural, everyday mascara. Maybe, with more practice it will lengthen and thicken my short lashes!

Available at Lancome.com and Lancôme counters nationwide.

Whish Key Lime Collection — Treat your skin to a big slice of moisture with Whish’s Key Lime summer range. Including all their most loved products: Shave Crave, Body Wash, Sugar Scrub, Body Butter and Shave Savour Hair Inhibiting Gel, the Key Lime range will leave you feeling fresh, smelling delicious, and ready to take on that beach party with confidence!

Extremely dry skin needs an extremely efficient solution; Whish products contain organic ingredients such as Shea Butter, Coconut Milk and Aloe to soothe skin while active ingredients such as Chapparel Extract and Panthenol create dramatic, long lasting results. Beautifying yourself should always be a luxurious experience — and now it can be with Whish!

What I think: I have been testing the Sugar Scrub ($38 12oz) and the Three Whishes Body Butter ($24 5oz). I love the tangy, lime scent. It really smells like key lime pie! The sugar scrub erases all dry skin and the yummy body butter leaves it so smooth. I also love that Whish uses natural and organic ingredients.

Available at http://www.nordstrom.com

ANEW Clinical Absolute Even Dark Circle Corrector ($34 USD) — Instantly transform your eye area to banish the look of dark circles. The scientists at Avon have developed the Avon ANEW Clinical Absolute Even Dark Circle Corrector to help brighten the look of dark circles. A lightweight formula that visibly brightens under-eye shadows, the ANEW Clinical Absolute Even Dark Circle Corrector is a game-changing powerful new eye treatment that offers both instant brightening effects and improvement in the look of dark circles over time. The potent corrector is so effective, it’s clinically shown to improve dark circles by 31% while reducing the look of dark circles by one grade. It visibly brightens even the darkest under eye shadows.

What I think: This is such a cool product! I have been using it for a couple of weeks. When I apply it, it imparts a lightening effect and my dark circles look instantly better. I have also noticed that my under eye circles aren’t as dark as they were. I’m going to continue using this and hope to see even more improvement.

Available exclusively through Avon Representatives. To locate an Avon Representative call 1-800-FOR-AVON or visit www.avon.com.

EM Michelle Phan Waterliner in Teal Tease ($18 USD) — this richly pigmented liner grabs everywhere, including your waterline—without budging or smudging.

What I think: This is such a fun summer color! I have been enjoying using it in the heat and humidity because it doesn’t budge! I would definitely love to try darker colors for fall.

Available at http://www.emcosmetics.com.

Amarte, the prestige Korean skin care brand, has just launched their new Aqua Line, a four-piece collection of light, fresh skin care focused on natural antioxidant brightening and hydration. Ideal for updating your summer skin care regimen, the new Amarte lineup features gel-like formulas and refreshing citrus scents to lighten any beauty routine without compromising visible results.

The Aqua Line consists of a cooling toner, a pure hydration serum, a light nutrient-dense lotion and a concentrated 1% retinol cream that soften and hydrate skin while evening tone and visibly brightening even the most sensitive complexions. The scientific skin care system elegantly blends antioxidants including ginko and chamomile with brightening agents including arbutin and purified elemental sulfur.

What I think: I have been testing the toner and lotion. I love the light scents and formulas. Perfect for the hot summer and going into the fall. I have been using toners a lot this summer, and this one smells fantastic and is very cooling. The lotion is perfect for morning and night — it is so moisturizing, but not greasy at all.

Available at http://www.amarteskincare.com

Get Face (Not Just Body) Into Shape With New Firming And Anti-Aging Skincare

I don’t know about you, but I like to wear less makeup in the summer, especially face makeup. I usually pare down my usual primer, concealer, foundation, powder to something lighter — maybe a multi-tasker like a BB Cream.

To do this, I have to get my skin ready for less makeup. The skincare below will help your pores, firm up your skin and make your skin radiant just in time for warmer weather.

Dr. Jart+ Pore Medic Pore Purifying Mask ($29 for 5 masks) — This refreshing, rejuvenating mask incorporates natural extracts, which work to clear out pores without irritation and stimulate pore contraction. Hydrating ingredients help detoxify and brighten, leaving skin clear, smooth, and refined. This cruelty-free product is hypoallergenic, dermatologist tested, and free of alcohol and fragrance.

What I think: I LOVE this mask! I put it on my skin, left it there for about 25 minutes, took it off and rubbed the excess serum in my skin. Then I looked in the mirror — wow! My pores were so much smaller looking and my redness was almost gone. My skin was so smooth. Awesome product!

Available at Sephora stores and http://www.sephora.com

Avon’s ANEW Clinical Infinite Lift Targeted Contouring Serum ($39.99 USD) — Featuring a unique massaging applicator to target the four key facial zones prone to sagging (cheeks, chin, jowls, jaw), this effective serum combines the PolyPeptide Lift Complex with a high concentration of seven instant skin-tighteners including a pharmaceutical grade one for fast acting, fast lifting results.

What I think: I have been using this for a couple of weeks and already see results! I take the product with the applicator and roll the serum on to my chin, jaw and cheeks and then rub it in. It really tightens things up. Which is what I need as I approach my 46th birthday (I KNOW!).

Available exclusively through Avon Representatives. To locate an Avon Representative call 1-800-FOR-AVON or visit www.avon.com.

Sculpt Secret Facial Sculpting Serum ($69 USD) — Say goodbye to under-chin bulge and hello to chiseled jaw and cheek bones with the Sculpt Secret Facial Sculpting Serum. This product’s breakthrough IsoSculpt Complex mixes purified Seaweed Extract with other botanicals to reduce the appearance of double chin, define jaw line, contour cheekbones and tighten neck area, shaving both pounds and years off your appearance without dieting, pills, or surgery.

This unmatched product allows trapped fluids and fat to simply melt away as skin is detoxified. The Chromium CircuSpheres stimulate micro-circulation to boost metabolism and speed up the sculpting process—giving a slimmer, more defined look in just two weeks!

What I think: I have just started using this serum now. I love how it feels and how easy it is to apply. I will continue using it for the two full weeks to see if it slims my face, I have high hopes!

Available at http://www.softsurroundings.com

MyBody MyHero Anti-Aging Growth Factor Daytime Lotion ($115 USD) — A unique combination of biomimetic growth factor peptides plus lifting, hydrating and anti-inflammatory ingredients help restore youth and radiance while enhancing the skin’s NMF (Natural Moisture Factor).

Replenishes dehydrated, dry and mature skin with essential hydrators and nourishing moisturizers. The ultimate daytime lotion for dry, mature or compromised skin. By delivering a complete portfolio of anti-aging technologies, including probiotic derived bioactives, antioxidants, skin tighteners and a heroic complex of plant derived growth factor peptides, plus DNA repair actives, the combination of myHERO products maximize the skin’s natural healing abilities to enhance barrier function and rebuild thinning skin for results you can see and feel.

What I think: This is my new daytime lotion. I have been using it under SPF for a few weeks now and really like how it tightens my skin and makes it glow. I only wish it included SPF — the less products I have to use, the better. But, I am seeing results in how young my skin now looks so I will continue using it.

Learn more at www.lovemybody.com/products/detail/myhero-daytime-lotion/

Don’t forget makeup with skincare benefits, light a great BB Cream! Amarte Natural Finish BB Cream Light Tint ($55 USD) — Natural Finish™ Korean BB Cream lets you be your own beauty. This sheer, fine pigmented beauty balm provides uniform coverage without caking or flaking. Designed with SPF 36 to protect you while it softens and smooths for a natural look, Natural Finish™ BB Cream forsakes all else for the beauty of you.

What I think: This actually solves my SPF problem. I can put this on over my MyBody day lotion, and it has SPF and provides coverage with the tint. It feels so light on, but provides moderate coverage. Perfect for the summer when I want to use less products.

Available at http://www.amarteskincare.com

What are you doing to get your skin in shape for summer?

Help Your Skin Glow This Fall With Products by Hada Labo Tokyo, Taut, Amarte and Intraceuticals

When the weather gets colder, it is so important to really take care of the skin before it becomes dry and dull.

There aer so many different types of products that you can use to help the skin glow. I have been sent the products below to review for my honest opinion. These products run the gamut from cleansers, moisturizers, eye gels, masks and even a collagen drink.

Use one or combine them for perfect, glowing skin!

Intraceuticals Opulence Brightening Cleanser ($49 1.69 fl. oz. USD) A gently foaming cleanser to thoroughly cleanse, lift away impurities and leave skin soft, clean and bright.

What I think: This cleanser is very gentle on the skin. Lots of cleansers leave my sensitive skin red, but this does not. It also doesn’t dry my skin out after use.

Purchase at www.intraceuticals.com/us/products

Amarte Wonder Cream ($79 2.7 fl. oz) — A refined skin treatment used to restore and nourish precious, delicate skin. Retinol and nutrient-rich, the advanced Korean formula therapeutically and gently diminishes freckles and sunspots, reduces lines and wrinkles and lovingly exfoliates for a supple, translucent complexion. Formulated with unique ingredients like caviar extract, pearl powder, and mushroom emollient, Wonder Cream revitalizes the skin with minerals and protects against external factors such as UV rays, irritation, and environmental toxins.

What I think: I like to use this moisturizer at night after a serum. It is a great overnight treatment. It can also be used in the day time before SPF. This is very gentle on the skin and really makes skin look bright.

Available at www.amarteskincare.com

Hada Lado Tokyo Protecting Day Lotion SPF 18 — Hada Labo Tokyo Protecting Day Lotion SPF 18

Hada Labo Tokyo Protecting Day Lotion SPF 18 ($17.99 USD 1.7 fl. oz) —
Combines broad spectrum sunscreen with Super Hyaluronic Acid™ to replenish moisture and protect skin against the harmful effects of sun exposure. Helps strengthen skin’s resistance to signs of premature aging. Gentle formula leaves skin feeling comfortable, smooth and protected.

What I think: This is an excellent day moisturizer. It has sunscreen built in, eliminating a step in your skin care routine. Asian skincare is hot right now, and this one is very affordable!

Learn more at and purchase at www.ulta.com

Intraceuticals Rejuvenate Contour Eye Gel ($125 USD) An ultra concentrated gel hydrator with double the concentration of hyaluronic acid, specifically formulated for the delicate eye area. Ultimate hydration and visibly reduces the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, puffiness and dark circles.

What I think: I usually use eye creams, so this gel is a nice change of pace. It instantly cools and hydrates my eye area. After use for a few days, I noticed that the skin under my eyes looked smoother and a lot less puffy. I am hoping with use over time, it will help with my dark circles.

Available at www.intraceuticals.com/us/products

Taut Collagen Mask ($50 for 5 masks) — LAC Taut Collagen Mask is a luxurious, high-intensity facial mask that helps revitalize skin. Achieving a smooth, moist and radiant complexion has never been easier.

Manufactured in Japan, this mask is specifically formulated to target sagging, dehydrated and dull-looking skin. With a unique blend of hydrolyzed collagen, squalene, hyaluronic acid and antioxidants, this intensive mask penetrates deeply into the skin to tone, hydrate and brighten the complexion.

What I think: This is a very hydrating mask. I put it on a day that I wasn’t wearing makeup and it left my skin soft, but a little sticky at first. It took about an hour for the serum on the mask to really sink in. I suggest use at night.

Available for purchase at www.renewalliance.com/store.

Taut Premium Collagen Replenishment Formula ($110 for 8 bottles) –Unique and powerful liquid collagen beauty formula from Japan to improve skin elasticity, firmness and hydration. Each 1.7 fl oz contains the highest concentration – 13 grams – RDS* (Rapid Delivery System) premium Type(I) hydrolyzed marine collagen infused with anti-aging ingredients to restore your skin’s natural radiance and help reduce the signs of aging.

What I think: I have recently taken my first bottle of this. I took it at night and have been directed to take one a night for 8 nights. The taste is a pleasant orange flavor. If I do see results from this in a few weeks, I will report back. This is also supposed to help with health and growth of hair and nails!

Available for purchase at www.renewalliance.com/store.

Enjoy!

Get Your Skin Ready For Fall Part 2

Fall is literally just weeks away. I have been testing out many products including cleansers, anti-aging elixirs, SPF and CC creams.

I love how there are so many great price points for skin care (as shown below), you can find something that will help prepare your skin for the cooler months ahead:

Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash ($5.49) –Oil-Free Acne Wash is the #1 dermatologist recommended acne-fighting cleanser. This oil-free formula gently cleanses deep down into pores for clear skin. It contains Salicylic Acid to get rid of acne you have now and help prevent future breakouts. Special skin soothers help prevent irritation and overdrying. Skin is left clean, residue-free and never oily.

Available at mass market retailers near you.

Burt’s Bees Sensitive Facial Cleansing Towelettes ($6 USD) — These pre-moistened towelettes will not only make your beauty routine easier but they are the perfect essential to looking good.

Throw them in your weekend bag and you will be set for your getaway. Burt’s Bees Sensitive Facial Cleansing Towelettes ($6.00 burtsbees.com) remove makeup, cleanse and tone your skin all in one easy step. These wipes are also formulated with Cotton Extract to soften skin while cleansing.

Precision MD Celfix DNA Youth Recovery Facial Serum ($78 USD) – includes antioxidants that defend against free radicals and Hyaluronic Acid to moisturize the skin. Helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles -Addresses past damage and prevents future signs of aging -Great for all skin types -Contains 3 powerful enzymes for optimal efficacy -It is delivered in a light, non-greasy formula that you’ll love.

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

Osmotics Cream Extreme Intensive Repair ($75 USD) — A healthy barrier is essential to a healthy and glowing complexion. I designed this rich, nourishing moisturizer featuring Osmotics’ proprietary combination of natural lipids to moisturize and strengthen your skin’s protective barrier and virtually eliminate the underlying cause of dry skin–dramatically improving moisture retention, while alleviating dryness and irritation.

$75; osmotics.com

Coola Mineral SPF 20 Rose Essence Tint ($36 USD) — Keep the sun and environment at bay with this SPF 20 broad-spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen, a tinted, light Rose scented, Titanium Dioxide based formula (for those who are Zinc sensitive) made with 98% natural ingredients. Organic Acai Oil – high in Omegas-3/6/9, Vitamins B1/2/3, plus antioxidant Vitamins C and E – delivers a powerful defense against aging. Organic Sunflower Seed Extract promotes elasticity while organic Linseed Oil, containing Alpha-Linolenic Acids, reduces redness and irritation. The phyto-protector Plankton Extract rejuvenates, as organic Cucumber Extract calms skin.

Available at http://www.coolasuncare.com.

Amarte Natural Finish BB Cream Light Texture ($49 USD: This finely pigmented moisturizing face tint brightens, softly conceals and protects with SPF 36, providing uniform coverage without caking or flaking for a long lasting, natural glow. In Light and Dark.

Available at http://www.AmarteSkinCare.com.

Lumene Time Freeze Anti-Aging CC Cream ($14.99 USD). This fabulous 6 in 1 color correcting cream is infused with Wild Arctic Lingonberry and SPF 20. It helps moisturize, cover imperfections, even skin tone and protect against signs of aging all in one. It comes in 2 shades, light and medium.

Available in local drugstores and Ulta.

Enjoy your flawless fall face!