Beauty – Page 17 – Forty, Flirty & Fabulous

My Beauty Favorites — Week of January 4-10, 2015

This week, it has grown colder in Kansas City. It really feels like winter now! Since I have been staying inside, I have been trying various fun new products!

I have been loving a cleansing foam, an acne treatment, a flawless foundation, a breath drop and lip balm combo, and a cool new toothbrush:

Lumene’s Bright Touch Refreshing Cleansing Foam ($10.99 at CVS, 5.1 fl. oz.) — Hydrating and caring cleansing foam for gentle yet efficient cleansing of makeup and impurities. Leaves skin perfectly clean, soft and balanced. Detoxifying, unique arctic cloudberry nectar helps to boost your skin’s natural radiance.

What I think: I am loving this gentle cleanser. It foams nicely, but doesn’t dry out my skin at all. It’s great to use day or night before my serums and lotions. I also love how affordable it is.

Purchase at CVS stores and other mass market retailers

DDF Acne Control Treatment ($46 USD) — A night treatment that fights, controls, and normalizes acne. Contains the Clarifying Neutralizing Complex with skin conditioners and glycerin that moisturize to soothe skin and restore balance. Salicylic Acid helps keep pores clear and helps fights and prevent blemishes for restored clarity. Non-comedogenic and paraben-free.

Fights and controls acne
Helps keep pores clear
Soothes and restores clarity

What I think: I get occasional breakouts, and when I do this is the perfect product to use. It is great on my pores and any area that I am experiencing a breakout in. In the morning, my skin feels smoother and looks clearer.

Purchase at http://www.ddfskincare.com

Smashbox Liquid Halo Foundation ($42 USD) — Bring on the flawless! The first-ever foundation with 100% Liquid Light Technology completely evens out skin for a totally natural, luminous finish. (Think gel-covered pigments that mimic photo filters to blur imperfections.)

Created in Smashbox studios, this HD formula was developed to keep up with advancing photo technology by giving you flawless coverage that’s undetectable to the naked eye.

•    Works with all undertones
•    Buildable sheer-to-medium coverage
•    Long-wearing
•    Moisturizing
•    Sweat and humidity resistant

What I think: I love this foundation. It is very light on the skin, but gives full coverage. It feels like skincare on, it leaves my skin soft and looking flawless!

Purchase at http://www.smashbox.com

Kissamint ($19.50 USD each) — Conveniently packaged together for the first time ever, Kissamint combines a luxe conditioning gloss with breath freshening drops so you are ready for anything. Available in a sheer (Miss Independamint) or tinted lip gloss (Spearamint Ur Ex), lips stay hydrated and breath is fresh so you will never be caught unprepared again!

What I think: I have never tried a product like this before, it is such an original idea! I love the Miss Independamint, because the balm is sheer and the drops are peppermint. The Spearamint Ur Ex would be great for going out. The color is a sheer red and it would be nice to have the drops when you meet new people!

Available at http://www.kissamint.com

Evolve Toothbrush ($15 USD) — Created with a patented Triple Flexing brush head design which helps thoroughly and easily clean surfaces of teeth and gums, especially the hard to reach areas, it’s a dramatic evolution in brush design with results that can benefit not just oral health, but overall health as well. EVOLVE toothbrush is design to work for people of all ages beginning at 6 years old. It’s fantastic for everyday use for people across all spectrums of dental needs.

It not only brushes at or below gum level, but it is a great tool for people with braces, gum problems and people with disabilities. It’s a SMART toothbrush that knows what to do even it you don’t!

What I think: I love using this toothbrush! It covers so much surface that I know that I am really getting my teeth clean! Since it is so big, it takes a bit of getting use to, but is easy to use.

Purchase at evolveoralcare.com

What are you loving this week? Leave a comment and let me know!

IT Cosmetics New Superhero Mascara Review!

IT Cosmetics Superhero Mascara (On sale right now for $26.36 for two on QVC.com) — One of my favorite companies, IT Cosmetics, has come out with an awesome new mascara that really works like a superhero! What is it’s claim, you ask?:

Formulated to give you the look of volume, length, and lift, Superhero Elastic Stretch Volumizing Mascara will take your lashes to new heights. The Lash-Changing Power Brush has bristles cut at all different lengths to make sure no lash is left behind, no matter its length. This innovative brush wraps each individual lash from root to tip, treating your lashes to collagen, hydrolyzed keratin, proteins, peptides, and polymers. It transforms your lashes with a super-black color for the look of longer, more defined lashes.

I was sent a sample of this amazing mascara to try and oh my! My tiny lashes almost hit my eyebrows once I applied it. Plus it stayed on all day without flaking. Mascara usually smudges on me by the end of the day, but this one didn’t!

This never-before-seen launch will make it’s debut on QVC TODAY during the 11pm Eastern Friday Night Beauty segment. You can purchase a duo of the mascaras now here. And the price is great, too!

Are you going to pick this one up tonight? I am going to watch tonight to see the presentation!

Enjoy!

Holiday Gift Guides 2015: Last Minute Beauty Gifts

Are you still wondering what to get that awesome lady in your life? Well, I don’t mean to be a brat, but you’re running out of time!

Below are some wonderful beauty gift ideas. Some you can find in stores, but if you want to order online, I think deadlines are coming up!

Caswell-Massey Sandalwood Foaming Bath Gel

Caswell-Massey Sandalwood Body Lotion

Caswell-Massey Sandalwood Foaming Bath Gel ($20 USD) — This invigorating Sandalwood bath gel will foam into an opulent lather. It is mild enough for everyday use. Splendid in the bath, equally marvelous as a body cleanser in the shower.

Caswell-Massey Sandalwood Body Lotion ($22 USD) — This luxuriously nourishing Sandalwood body lotion will leave your skin velvety-smooth. Its exceptional scent makes moisturizing a gratifying experience.

When I saw these I though Sandalwood? Too spicy! But these smell amazing! And they would be nice to have in a his and hers bathroom as the shower gel would work for men or ladies!

Purchase at http://www.caswellmassey.com

Japonesque Pixelated Color Kit

The Japonesque Pixelated Color Eye Defining Pencil Set

Japonesque Pixelated Color Kit $28) preps skin with the Radiance Primer, illuminates skin with Liquid Light, and perfects with the Pixelated Color Finishing Powder for a glowing complexion all night long.

The Japonesque Pixelated Color Eye Defining Pencil Set ($23) in 4 new bold shades, the color pencils combine an exquisite gliding texture with saturated prismatic color to create a stunning multitude of looks.

Both of these kits are perfect for the beauty junkie that you’re not sure what to give. The first is an amazing highlighting set, perfect for holiday photos. The second are gorgeous eyeliners in a black, gray, blue and plum. No brown? That’s fine with me, I have a TON of brown eyeliners!

Available at Ulta stores and http://www.ulta.com

XSense Deluxe Sample Pack ($14 USD) — A perfect way to try each scent in your own day. The deluxe sample pack has 2 doses of each scent to help you at work, play and rest. It’s a perfect introduction to the power of natural, scientifically backed ingredients. You get a sample of each of these containing ingredients which could help significantly:

WorkSense—helping learning, retention, memory, and accuracy;
PlaySense—helping speed and endurance;
RestSense—helping reduce stress and improve relaxation.

Made with a proprietary mix of natural and pure ingredients
Results may vary
Carefully formulated, with special versions for men and women
Not a drug, not habit forming
100% Money back guarantee
FREE Ground shipping on all domestic orders

This all kinds of smell the same to me, very strong and herbal. I am not sure how they work, but they do wake me up and are a neat idea for the lady who likes aromatherapy.

Purchase at xsenseworld.com

Key West Aloe Tropical Escapes Key Lime Essentials ($55 USD) Feel refreshed from head to toe with Key Lime hair and skin products – complete with travel bag.

Set includes:

Key Lime Shampoo, 8 oz.

Key Lime Conditioner, 8 oz.

Key Lime Bath & Shower Gel, 8 oz.

Key Lime Lotion, 6 oz.

I haven’t tried this scent, but it sounds amazing! I have been using a lot of winter scents lately and this sounds refreshing. I have tried Key West Aloe and really enjoy it.

Available at www.keywestaloe.com

Too Faced Le Petite Maison ($39 USD) — exclusive to Ulta Beauty this holiday season and gives you everything you need to embrace elegant beauty. The kit features 12 soft, blendable eye shadows, and Deluxe Better Than Sex Mascara for party-perfect eyes housed in a cozy French apartment.

I haven’t tried this yet, but I love Too Faced. Their eye shadows are amazing! I think this would be an amazing give for your makeup obsessed friend!

Purchase at Ulta stores and http://www.ulta.com

Holiday Gift Guides 2015: Fab Skincare Gift Sets

More gift ideas you ask? Of course!

Skincare is an amazing gift to give! I think a lot of people aren’t certain how to take care of their skin as they grow older. A kit with various products that tell you how to use them will help your family and friends take care of their skin.

Below are great sets to give:

H2O+ Sea Results Skin Renewal Minis ($24 USD) — Smooth away fine lines and replenish skin with a plumping surge of H2O+ anti-aging marine moisture. This mini-sized collection is infused with Anti-Aging Marine Blend, sea minerals and seaweed extracts to revitalize skin, improve elasticity, and keep skin looking as young as it feels. Set Contents 1.Sea Results Sea Mineral Cleanser1.0 Fl oz/ 30 mL travel size 2.Sea Results Line Mender0.5 Fl oz/ 15 mL travel size 3.Sea Results Eye Mender Plus0.24 Fl oz/ 7 mL travel size 4.Sea Results Anti-Aging Hand Cream1.0 Fl oz/ 30 mL travel size

Available at http://www.h2oplus.com

Philosophy spirit of miracles ($70 USD) — choose to live in the spirit of miracles and discover younger-looking skin. this comprehensive selection from the miracle worker family of skin care includes targeted treatments for morning and evening to address signs of aging including wrinkles, discoloration, uneven skin tone and rough texture. miracle worker miraculous anti-aging moisturizer 2 oz., miracle worker overnight age-resetting, anti-wrinkle moisturizer 0.5 oz. and miracle worker miraculous anti-aging retinoid eye repair 0.25 oz. are advanced skin care formulas offering radiant results. let miracles happen and start revealing a younger-looking you.

Purchase at http://www.philosphy.com

Intraceuticals Limited Edition Divine Eyes Collection ($169 USD) — This gift set contains Intraceuticals Rejuvenate Eye Gel, Eye Mask (6 pieces), and the Atoxelene Line Wand.

Purchase at http://www.intraceuticals.com

Yves Rocher Anti-Âge Global Collection ($54 USD) — This new generation of skin care uses the power of plant source cells to offer visible results: smoother, firmer, denser, perfectly moisturized and radiant skin!

Includes:
– Complete Anti-aging Day Care, 1.6 fl. oz./50 ml jar
– Complete Anti-aging Eye Care, 0.5 fl. oz./15 ml tube
– FREE Signature Beauty Case*, dimensions : 7.1’’/ 18 cm L x 4.3”/11 cm H x 5.1”/13 cm Dbr />
*The Signature Beauty Case may vary

Available at http://www.yvesrocherusa.com

Holiday Gift Guide 2015: Makeup Gift Ideas

Still looking for the perfect gift for the makeup lover on your list? It is such a fun gift to receive! When I give makeup, the recipient is always excited to have new colors to play with!

Don’t be afraid to give adventurous colors as gifts, too. It gives the lady license to try something new and bold!

Below are some great gift ideas:

Smashbox Art. Love. Color. Pop Studio Set ($29 USD) — At Smashbox we’re all about sharing hot new talent. For our Holiday collection, we partnered with breakthrough artist Yago Hortal to bring you these mega-vibrant, limited-edition kits featuring all of our bestsellers in a range of shades—from bold pops of color to always flattering neutrals.

Includes:
•   Full Exposure Mascara (black)
•   Be Legendary Lipstick in Primrose (mauve pink)
•   Be Legendary Lip Gloss in Disco Rose (rich rose)
•   Photo Op Eye Shadow Trio in Spectral [Platinum (matte warm nude)
•   Bare (shimmery goldish brown)
•   Aubergine (dark matte plum)
•   Photo Op Eye Shadow Trio in Callback: Fortune (soft copper), Nude (matte soft caramel), Cocoa (metallic deep brown)

Available at http://www.smashbox.com

Maybelline Gilded in Gold Makeup Kit ($14.99 USD) Get a luminous look. This kit has everything you need to light up the night with a luxurious glow. The kit features shimmery and matte nude shadows, eyeliner, blush, highlighter and a red lip gloss. For flawless application, the kit includes step-by-step instructions and face charts to follow.

Available at select mass market retailers

It Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe 6 Piece Brush Set with Travel Case

It Cosmetics Limited Edition Your IT Girl Lips!

It Cosmetics Your Je Ne Sais Quoi! Limited Edition

It Cosmetics The Heavenly Luxe 6 pc Essentials Brush Collection ($50 USD) is a set of 6 essential must-have brushes and travel case that truly sets a new standard in the brush category by creating an ultra-luxurious, ultra-plush collection of brushes that work with all of your favorite products, but take them to a whole new level of airbrush application! We designed the sophisticated travel case to protect your brushes and allow for ease of storage and travel. The case also flips around and velcros, becoming a vanity stand for your brushes!

It Cosmetics Limited Edition Your IT Girl Lips! ($24 USD) — Experience the gift of youthful vitality with your perfect red lips that last! This limited-edition, 2-piece set includes your cutting-edge Blurred Lines™ Smooth-Fill Lipstick in IT Girl™ and a bonus Travel-Size YLBB™ Your Lips But Better Waterproof Lip Liner Stain in Cherry Flush. While Blurred Lines™ lipstick drenches your lips in rich color, lip-smoothing collagen and hydrolyzed filling spheres, the creamy YLBB™ lip liner enhances your lipstick and locks it in place with budge-proof definition. For skin as beautiful as your lips, this set also includes free samples of No. 50 Serum™ Primer, Your Skin But Better™ CC+™ Cream with SPF 50+ and Bye Bye Under Eye™ Concealer—try IT, love IT, believe IT!

IT Cosmetics Your Je Ne Sais Quoi Limited Edition ($28 USD) — Treat yourself or someone special to our award-winning, cult-favorite Vitality Lip Flush™ 4-in-1 Reviver Lipstick Stain and Vitality Lip Blush™ Hydrating Gloss Stain in Je Ne Sais Quoi®—your perfect flush of pink! Tucked inside a luxe-looking makeup bag that doubles as a clutch, this limited-edition duo also comes with bonus samples of No. 50 Serum® Primer, CC+® Cream with SPF 50+ and Bye Bye Under Eye® Concealer—try IT, love IT, believe IT!

Available at http://www.itcosmetics.com

MUA Makeup Academy Holiday sets — Tis the season to share the glam with NEW Makeup Academy holiday offerings, available exclusively at CVS/pharmacy! The sparkly and festive makeup kits are perfect stocking stuffers for beauty enthusiasts and help achieve flawless eye, lip and face looks!

Whether it’s the Sultry Eyes kit, featuring the Smokey Eyeshadow Palette for nighttime looks, the All About Brows set for killer arches, or Shades of Plum lip set for a defined pout, there’s an option for everyone – beginners and pros alike! Additionally, the kits are affordably priced at $15-$20.

Available at CVS stores.

Côte Shop Limited Edition 9-Polish Gift Set ($144 USD) — This specially curated set of nine luxurious, hand-poured, “five-free” polishes which are made in the United States, cruelty–free, vegan, FDA approved and free of the five major toxins associated with nail polishes: formaldehyde, dibutyl phthalate (DBP), toluene, camphor and formaldehyde resin. Including a luscious trio of nudes, a bold trio of red hues, and a fresh trio of neutral pinks.

Purchase at coteshop.myshopify.com.

Lipstick Queen Galactic Gorgeous ($24 USD) — Take your lips into a fuller dimension with this travel-sized selection of Big Bang glosses formulated with light-reflecting shimmer particles for an otherworldly shine.
This set contains:

Infinite 3ml
Energy 3ml
Creation 3ml
Black Hole 3ml

Purchase at us.spacenk.com

Cyber Monday Beauty Deals 2015

It’s Cyber Monday and almost December! It’s hard to believe, but it is time to really get going on holiday shopping. It is also a smart time to stock up on beauty necessities, and beauty wants!

Here are a bunch of great deals. Enjoy!

Fab makeup and skincare is half off at mineralfusion.com. Use code Holiday50!

This year, Marula is bringing back its Cyber Monday deal of 40% off everything on Marula.com.

Marula Pure Beauty Oil is virgin, wild-harvested, hand-selected and cold-pressed, making it the highest quality Marula oil that can be found. The collection now includes an incredible line of Marula-infused haircare that is the perfect solution to keep your hair looking healthy all year long. Don’t let this winter get to you. Save you hair and skin with Marula Pure Beauty Oil.

Dr. Brandt CeyeBER MONDAY — Missed Black Friday? No worries: You can still get your favorite eye creams at 40% OFF.

WHAT: All eye creams 40% OFF

WHERE: www.drbrandtskincare.com

WHEN: Sunday, November 29^th, till midnight on Monday, November 30^th

CYBER WEEK

Celebrate a full five days of savings on some of dr. brandt skincare’s most beloved treatments. The more you spend, the more you save.

WHAT: 35% off on selected items (shown below) — and with any purchase over $90, receive a travel-sized NEW 3D filler mask and a dr. brandt skincare canvas bag

pores no more pore effect (regularly $55, now $35)
xtend your youth dual fusion water (regularly $32, now $20)
extend your youth face cream (regularly $59, now $38)
DNA time reversing cream full size (regularly $130, now $84.50)
glow hydra creme (regularly $65, now $42)
pores no more anti-aging mattifying lotion (regularly $60, now $39)
laser FX perfect serum (regularly $78, now $50)

WHERE: www.drbrandtskincare.com

WHEN: Tuesday, December 1st, till midnight on Sunday, December

Plus…more great brands and more great deals:

YUNI, the first yoga-centered green beauty brand complete with products for face, body and hair that are convenient, pleasurable to use, and conscious of the environment offers amazing products that are made with organic ingredients sourced ethically from around the globe.

Cyber Monday: Receive free shipping on YUNIbeauty.com

côte, the unique nail destination and retail shop, will offer variety of unique gifts for the holiday season from jewelry and fashion accessories to home goods and children’s items.

Cyber Monday: spend $50+ at coteshop.co and receive a limited edition côte polish.

Hada Labo Tokyo is Japan’s #1 skincare line, uses Super Hyaluronic Acid throughout each product delivering intense hydration instantly to skin to treat fine lines, wrinkles and other signs of aging.

Cyber Monday: Get 40% off the entire line at Ulta.com

Glow Recipe, the natural Korean beauty destination will be offering amazing deals off of your favorite Korean skincare brands. Take your pick from specially curated K-Beauty holiday gift sets, hydrating essences, ampoules, face masks and more.

Cyber Monday: 20% off purchase of $70 or more with a $5 credit for next purchase, code CYBERGLOW

My Beauty Favorites — Week of November 23-29, 2015

I hope everyone has had a great Thanksgiving weekend! We’ve had freezing rain for days now, but that hasn’t stopped my shopping (online)!

This week I’m loving a variety of products from No Nonsense, wet n wild and Vita Liberata. They include fun tights and leggings, cool new makeup and products that will give me a glow through winter!

No Nonsense — I received a variety of No Nonsense leggings and tights for my honest review. I haven’t tried No Nonsense in a while and was happy with the quality and variety of products that they have:

Zippered cotton leggings in Black ($14.99 USD) — These were really cute and comfortable.

Animal Print Cotton Leggings in Steel ($13.99 USD) — I wear these as PJ’s since I usually don’t wear animal prints and they are perfect! Soft and comfy, not tight at all!

Great Shapes Blackout Shaping Tights ($8.50 USD) — These are very opaque and hold everything in! Great with dresses and boots for fall.

Learn more and purchase at http://www.nononsense.com

Cruelty-free +Vegan Makeup Brush

Fanatic Cat Eye Mascara

Proline Graphic Marker

1 Step Wonder Gel

wet n wild’s new line of brushes (17 tools in total) are made of an exclusive thermoplastic polymer complex, which is designed to mimic the small breaks and imperfections in natural hair, making these brushes as effective as brushes made of animal hair, yet PETA certified and vegan ($0.99 and $2.99 USD).

The wet n wild Proline Graphic Marker ($3.99 USD) features a soft, angled marker tip that delivers bold and sharp lines, extreme edges and modern contour for the perfect cat eye.

Amplify your lashes to the max with the wet n wild Max Fanatic Cat Eye ($4.99 USD) Mascara, which instantly adds 8x the volume and 8x the curl for 35% longer lashes without clumping or smudging.

Get the results of a salon-quality gel manicure with the wet n wild 1-Step Wonder Gel ($4.99 USD) — no top coat or UV light required! wet n wild’s 1-Step Wonder Gel is chip resistant and 3-Free with no Formaldehyde, Toluene or Phthalates.

What I think: wet n wild’s makeup is fun to use and so affordable. The brushes are soft and pick up pigment well. It’s hard to believe that they are so inexpensive, plus they are PETA certified! The Proline marker and Cat Eye mascara help create a bold eye! The marker is so easy to use and can make a thick or thin line. And, I love that the mascara curls as well as adds volume!

I am wearing the nail polish in a gold color, All That Jazzy. It is a pretty color that is perfect for the holiday season. It went on extremely smoothly and has lasted for a few days without chips!

Vita Liberata Fabulous Tinted Self Tanning Mousse

Vita Liberta Tanning Mitt

Vita Liberata Trystal Minerals Self Tanning Bronzing Minerals – Bronze

Vita Liberata Fabulous Tinted Self Tanning Mousse ($30 USD) — A super fast-drying tan mousse that gives a gorgeous instant color and then develops to a beautiful natural-looking tan that lasts for up to seven days.

Vita Liberata Tanning Mitt ($6.50 USD) — A tanning mitt with extra soft flock surface for flawless tan application.

Vita Liberata Trystal Minerals Self Tanning Bronzing Minerals in Bronze ($55 USD) — A loose mineral bronzing powder that creates a tan lasting up to five days plus a luxury kabuki brush.

What I think: Vita Liberata makes some of my favorite tanning products. The Trystal Minerals are especially nice in the fall and winter to help keep a glow. The mousse dries quickly for easy all over color. The scent is nice, and you can barely smell the tanning chemicals.

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

Did you do any shopping this weekend? What did you get?

My Beauty Favorites — Week of November 16-22, 2015

It’s almost Thanksgiving (and Black Friday)…can you believe it? This year has flown by. It will be the holidays soon. As the weather turns colder and I get busier, I am trying to take care of myself (I have a cold now) and my skin and hair.

Below are my current faves. They include cool French skincare, affordable BB makeup and hair care to help thinning hair.

What are you using and loving now? Please leave a comment and let me know!

Filorga is a luxury skincare brand founded in France (and currently the #4 bestselling skincare brand there). Their products are world-class, developed by a scientific committee of internationally renowned experts (physicians, pharmacists, biologists, cosmetologists).

Anti-Aging Miceller Solution Physiological Cleanser and Makeup Remover ($29 USD) — This Anti-Aging Miceller Solution by Filorga is a fragrance-free cleansing liquid that removes even waterproof makeup and ensures effortless, gentle makeup removal from the eye area. It won’t sting eyes, it respects your skin’s physiological balance and leaves it comfortable without any tightness or redness.

Skin-Structure Firmness Redefinition Serum ($79 USD) — With its triple-action formula, this serum by Filorga tautens facial contours while restoring the structure and density of youthful skin.

What I think: I’m loving the Miceller Solution. It is so easy to get a clean face and it leaves my skin soft and glowing. The serum smooth the skin with continued use, should help sagging skin. I really like this line so far and am excited to try more products in the future.

Available for purchase at Nordstrom and Nordstrom.com

NYC Smooth Skin BB Crème Instant Matte

NYC Smooth Skin BB Perfecting Powder

NYC Smooth Skin BB Crème Bronzed Radiance

NYC New York Color has created a trio of BBs that deliver perfect skin in an instant. With tinted crèmes and pressed powders, the NEW Smooth Skin BB Trio from NYC New York Color improves the appearance of your skin.

Smooth Skin BB Crème Instant Matte ($3.99): Refine your skin instantly with this smoothing and hydrating long-wearing crème with an effortlessly matte finish. Available in light matte and medium matte.

Smooth Skin BB Perfecting Powder ($3.99): Get everything you love about BB crèmes in a long-lasting pressed powder that covers imperfections and evens skin tone, acting as a second skin with a velvety, matte finish. Available in Naturally Beige and Warm Beige.

Smooth Skin BB Crème Bronzed Radiance ($3.99): Brighten and beautify your skin with this perfecting BB crème with a built-in bronzer that minimizes pores and fine lines to leave skin looking bronzed and healthy. Available in Light Bronze and Medium Bronze.

What I think: I love the BB matte foundation! Most of the BB’s I have tried are heavy on and a bit greasy. This turns matte on skin, but not dry. The powder is perfect for days that you want the coverage in an instant. It also give a matte finish. The bronzer is glowy without being a glitter bomb. I have it in Light Bronze and it is the perfect amount of color for my pale skin! These are very effective and so affordable!

Available at stores like Ulta and http://www.ulta.com

HairMax for den•si•ty ACTIVATOR ($45 USD) — Fortify and enrich the scalp with this breakthrough, high performance, leave in serum spray. This unique peptide complex, designed for thinning hair is loaded with a proprietary blend of follicle boosting ingredients to nourish the scalp and encourage naturally thicker, stronger, healthier looking hair.

What I think: The advancements in treating thin hair are truly amazing! This serum is so easy to use. Used once a day, it makes hair thicker. Plus, it smells really nice and fresh and make hair super soft! Hopefully over time, it will stimulate follicles to make hair grow.

Available at www.hairmax.com

Tria Hair Removal Laser 4X — First Review

I was so excited when I was recently asked to review the Tria Hair Removal Laser 4X! I have been wanting to try this cool device for years. I have light skin and dark hair, so my body hair is fairly noticeable. I get so tired of shaving every day and thought it would be amazing not to have to worry about unwanted hair.

What is the Tria Laser? From the website:

The first and only FDA-cleared hair removal laser available for home use, the Tria Laser 4X uses the same diode laser technology preferred by dermatologists. The Tria Laser 4X targets and permanently disables the hair follicle to stop hair growth on the face and body for permanent results.

I received the device in Lavender and a tube of Smoothstart Calming Gel. The gel is to apply on clean, dry and shaven skin right before using the laser. “Featuring an Indian plant extract with anti-inflammatory properties, SmoothStart Calming Gel may help diminish the sensation of the laser treatment on higher levels for best results.”

I first tried the Tria on my chin. I have some facial hair and have been wanting to remove it. The Tria has 5 energy levels. I tried it on the lowest level on my chin. It stung at first, but the more I used it the less I felt. I then tried it on my right forearm and couldn’t feel the heat at all. The next time I do my arm (you treat an every two weeks), I will try a higher setting. I am only doing one arm in hopes that I will see a difference in the hair on my arms in time.

I am going to post again in a few days to tell you how the hair is growing back on my chin and arm. I am also going to treat my underarms and will let you know what that is like!

You can purchase the Tria Laser 4X at http://www.triabeauty.com. The device is normally $449, but is selling now at a Black Friday price of $427 for the laser and 2 oz. of the SmoothStart Calming Gel.

Leave a message if you have tried Tria and let me know how it worked for you!

My Beauty Favorites — Week of November 9-15, 2015

Can you believe that we are getting close to Thanksgiving? As it gets colder outside, I have to make sure that my skin is healthy. Because of that, I am focusing on skincare as my favorites this week.

This week I am loving cool dragon’s blood eye masks, amazing beauty oils, a firming serum and a reusable sponge, and a moisture cream that is perfect for oily skin!

Rodial Dragon's Blood Eye Masks Pack of 8 Sets of Two — Rodial Dragon’s Blood Eye Masks Pack of 8 Sets of Two

Rodial Dragon’s Blood Eye Masks ($39 for 8 sets of two) — Dragon’s Blood Eye Mask by Rodial is an innovative mask that uses the brand’s dragon blood complex to intensely hydrate and moisturize your eye area. It works as a second skin while soothing and repairing cells, and added hyaluronic acid helps plump and hydrated for a firmer, younger look. Additionally, arnica extract helps reduce the look of under-eye puffiness and dark circles for an instant, brighter-eyed appearance.

How to use: Remove each eye mask from the plastic sheet and apply directly to the under-eye area. Place the narrow side toward the nose and the wider side to the outer corner of the eye. Remove the protective fabric sheet. Leave on for 20-30 minutes and peel away. Gently massage any residue into skin.

What I think: These are so neat! You apply them under eyes, and leave them on for about 20 minutes. When removed, skin is soothed and firm. They stay on really well, so you can walk around the house and do chores if you need to! They also helped my dark cirlces.

Available at shop.nordstrom.com

Desert Essence Organic Coconut, Jojoba & Coffee Oil

Desert Essence Moringa, Jojoba, & Rose Hip Oil

Desert Essence Organic Coconut & Jojoba Oil

Desert Essence Organic Coconut, Jojoba, & Coffee Oil ($16.99 USD) — NEW! This pure blend of USDA-certified Organic and Non-GMO oils enhances natural beauty while awakening the senses. Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil and Organic Jojoba Oil penetrate deeply into skin to moisturize and tone, without leaving an oily residue. Coffee Oil, with its invigorating scent, helps keep skin smooth and firm –

Desert Essence Moringa, Jojoba, & Rose Hip Oil ($13.99 USD) — NEW! This extraordinary oil, formulated specially for face, neck and hands, helps revitalize skin with a rich combination of nutrients. Known as The Tree of Life, Moringa helps fight skin fatigue by delivering a healthy supply of fatty acids, Vitamins A, B, C, & E, and antioxidants. Considered to be one of the greatest cosmetic oils discovered, Moringa Seed Oil is blended with Jojoba Oil to help enhance skin’s texture and glow. Rose Hip Oil, rich in GLA fatty acids, adds remarkable skin-restorative properties to this powerful natural trio. –

Desert Essence Organic Coconut & Jojoba Oil ($16.99 USD) – NEW! Two ultra-moisturizing oils help bring out the natural beauty of skin and hair in this USDA-Certified Organic, Non-GMO oil blend. Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil penetrates deeply into skin and hair, delivering rich moisture and a delicious, tropical scent. Organic Jojoba Oil mimics the structure of skin’s natural oils to quickly absorb and balance moisture levels.

What I think: These are so hydrating and sink right in to the skin. My favorite is the once with the coffee oil. It smells amazing! It is like rubbing coffee on my skin! The scent does fade, which is probably good, but the moisture remains on my skin all day. These are also great for the hair and the moringa oil is very good for hands and cuticles.

Available at http://www.desertessence.com

In anticipation of winter skin woes now would be a great time to revamp a step in your beauty routine.

· Take your beautyblender pure, wet and squeeze out water

· Apply 2 3 drops of REN’s Keep Young and Beautiful Instant Firming Beauty Shot

· Before you make up, gently bounce your Beauty Shot-filled pure sponge all over your face and neck.

Often touted by makeup artists and dermotologists alike as botox in a bottle, REN’s Instant Firming Beauty Shot ($54 USD) acts as a makeup primer and anti-aging serum in one. The liquid matrix of Hyalurons (yeast-derived form of Hyluraonic Acid) supercharges the skin with firming moisture. A dramatically smother, tighter and a more youthful complexon is immediately revealed making for the perfect canvas for makeup application. But the benefits don’t stop there.

This unique formula also encourages elastin synthesis to firm and remodel the skin over time. Re-apply for a mid-day refresher by applying with beautyblender pure again over makeup.

beautyblender pure ($20 USD), the famed pink sponge’s white counterpart, was made for a product-conserving, silky application of skincare. Ideal for sensitive skin, this dye-free sponge is made of the same beautyblender material and works to evenly and impeccably apply skincare with a silk-like feel (without the dirt and oils of your fingers).

What I think: As a fan of beautyblender, I was excited to try pure. It makes skincare application so easy! I added a couple of drops of the REN Beauty shot to the sponge and applied it to my skin. It works well to get even coverage on my face. I aslo like how the Beauty shot instantly firms my skin!

Both are available at Sephora and Nordstrom stores nationwide.

Korres Pomegranate Moisturising & Balancing Cream-Gel ($34 USD) –is a pore-minimizing and mattifying moisturizer delivers immediate and lasting hydration while simultaneously balancing oily to combination complexions. The unique lightweight cream-gel texture is formulated with a blend of 15 percent pomegranate water, pomegranate extract, alpine willowherb, tannins, and polyphenols. These ingredients help reduce the appearance of pores and rejuvenate the look of skin while providing a matte finish. Hyaluronic and salicylic acids combine to offer an immediate moisture boost while conditioning skin for an overall smooth appearance.

What I think: This is such a light cream it can be used day or night. It is great for people who have oily skin, but still want to add some moisture to their skin. It smells really nice, too!

Available at http://www.sephora.com

What products are you loving this week? Have you tried any new skincare?