My New Favorite Lip Gloss — Tarte’s Maracuja Divine Shine Lip Gloss

If you are looking for a new lip gloss that is conditioning, non-sticky, and very shiny — I know the perfect gloss for you.  I have just tried Tarte’s just released Maracuja Divine Shine Lip Gloss. LOVE.

These glosses are infused with maracuja oil. Only one crop of this rare Brazilian fruit grows every year with the harvest occurring in late August.  Women of the Amazonian cooperative collect maracuja by hand and cold press the seeded pulp of the fruit, extracting the concentrated pure oil, to preserve the loss of any nutrient-rich essential fatty acids (EFAs) or vitamins.

This skinintuitive™ and skin smart ingredient that Amazon locals call “puro milagro” or “the pure miracle” delivers a healthy dose of vitamin C and EFAs necessary for maintaining radiant skin. EFA deficiency can result in the breakdown of essential cells causing skin to appear dry and aged.  Pure maracuja oil helps to bring dull skin back to life!

The 10 shades are:

Adored — cotton candy pink

Dollface — pink grapefruit

Charmed — pale pink

Amused — hot pink

Blissful — warm peach

Glisten — peachy nude

Tipsy — coral

Blushing Bride — plummy-rose

Flush — berry

Natural Beauty — cherry red

All of the colors are gorgeous — but I have been using Adored and Blushing Bride.  Adored appealed to me because it is a light peachy-pink.  I think this would look gorgeous on all skin tones.  It is very light, but is sheer and shiny.

Blushing Bride is more opaque.  It is a rosy-plum with brown undertones.  I thought it would be overpowering and dark, but it’s not.  It is a really pretty shade that brightens up my pale skin.  I bet it will look great with darker skin as well.

This is available at www.tartecosmetics.com, www.sephora.com and Sephora stores.

Stay tuned for a tarte giveaway…

Wella Professional Brilliance Shampoo & Conditioner

Wella Professionals Brilliance Collection is fab for imparting shine in dry, color-treated hair.

The claim from the Wella website is “Bring the brilliance of Koleston Perfect and Color Touch into a new sensorial dimension with triple-blend care technology and diamond dust. Multi-level conditioning products for all hair textures.”

I have been using the Shampoo and Conditioner from this line, and I’m enjoying them fairly well.  The scent is light and pleasant, but not very distinctive.  The shampoo is thin and lathers okay.  The conditioner was fairly thick, and seemed to condition well.

I find that this system leaves my hair shiny and soft.  And I love that it protects my hair color.

Find out where to purchase at www.wella.com.  Enjoy!

CoverGirl and Olay Tone Rehab 2-in-1 Foundation

I love multitasking cosmetics — anything that does double duty in one step is okay in my book!

In the Tone Rehab 2-in-1 Foundation ($15.99 USD), CoverGirl & Olay combine foundation and hydrating serum to cover fine lines and wrinkles and helps hydrate to improve skin tone over time.

The benefits of this creamy foundation are:

  • Instantly covers discolorations and age spots
  • Hydrates to improve skin tone over time
  • Foundation + Serum
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There are 14 shade available.  I use Buff Beige, which is gorgeous.  It is a little darker than I would usually get, but since it blends in so beautifully, it looks natural on my skin.

I highly recommend this foundation/serum!

CoverGirl products are available at a mass market retailer near you.  Enjoy!

The Adorable Paul & Joe Spring 2011 Meow Collection

I have been wanting to try the cool cosmetics of the hot French clothing brand Paul & Joe’s for a while now.  They are known for their beautiful packaging as well as innovative cosmetics.  Their new collection of colorful and oh-so-cute beauty is sure to be the cat’s meow for the spring season. From flirty and fun color tones to kitty-cat inspired packaging, all of Paul & Joe’s new launches will have you looking as beautiful as the packaging itself.

The creamy cheek powder in Paul & Joe’s Blusher Stick ($28 USD)  collection glides onto skin smoothly to contour the face and cheeks for a flawless complexion. Feeling feline-like? draw three “whisker lines” onto the cheek and blend evenly with finger tips. Available in 3 shades:  Glamour Puss (a pearlescent beige), Minou (a subtle pink), and Catfight (a bold tangerine).

On trend for the season, each shade in Paul & Joe’s Face & Eye Color CS ($36 USD) collection is subtle yet playful to enhance natural beauty and add depth and character to the eye area. Each package includes a trio of contrasting textures – matte, pearlescent and shiny – for an effect that looks like it was applied by a makeup artist.  The shades are: Siamese, Please…(bronzes and beiges), Kittycat (matte nude and pearly pink), and Purr-fect (ivory and moss).

Paul & Joe’s Nail Enamels($14 USD) sure to be the cat’s meow! Available in a nude beige, an elegant pink and a flirty rose, these playful shades will have your paws ready for Spring! The shades are Tigress (a pearlescent nude), Kitten Claws (soft pink), and Manekineko (hot pink).

These fun cosmetics are now available at at www.b-glowing.com and www.beautyhabit.com.  Enjoy!

 

 

Winter Makeup Ideas and Tips From Laura Geller!

“Seasonal changes often require that modifications be made to one’s makeup regimen to ensure long-wearing, weather-proof results,” advises makeup artist and product developer Laura Geller.  “To keep skin looking even toned and healthier in the colder months, opt for creamy, nourishing formulas that will keep the complexion looking fresh and aptly hydrated.”

It finally rained in Kansas City for a few minutes today, after days of cold, dry air.  I know that my skin needs hydration.  I am taking care of it by exfoliating and using serums and creams — but I bristle thinking of using powdered blushes and other products on my skin.  So I am trying to use cream and liquid formulas.  Here are some perfect ideas from Laura:

Laura Geller Spackle Tinted Under-Makeup Primer in Bronze ($25 USD) — “Oil-free and enriched with hydrating, yet lightweight ingredients such as Aloe Vera, Centella Asiatica and White Tea Extracts, this primer soothes, helps reduce redness and adds some healthy color to skin,” says Laura.  I think a little bronzer in perfect in the winter, especially if you are pale like me.

Achieve a lovely flush of color with Laura’s Air Whipped Blush ($26 USD) — This blush glides on smoothly and blends in well for a sheer wash of color.  This blush also features a smoothing topical Dermal Filler to help restore skin’s plumpness and refine its texture.  It is available in two shades, Whisper Berry and Whisper Rose.

Signs of the cold are most often seen in dry, cracked lips.  Quench a parched pout with the Laura Geller Lively Lip SPF 15 Brightening Lip Gloss ($22 USD).  “I love that this lip gloss can instantly transform any lip color, while simultaneously nourishing and conditioning the area,” Laura confides.  “Plus, never forget that SPF protection is as important on the slopes as it is on the beach!”

You can purchase these at http://www.qvc.com.

Beauty.com’s New Gift With Purchase Featuring Marchesa

 

Demi Lovato and Lea Michele looked stunning in Marchesa at the People’s Choice Awards this year, and now, thanks to its collaboration withBeauty.com, everyone can own a gorgeous creation from the celebrated Marchesa designers.

Currently, the latest installment in the beauty retailer’s designer bag series will be available at http://www.Beauty.com/marchesa with any Beauty.com purchase of $150 or more –an exclusive gift valued at $185. Elegant and portable, the feather-light lace and satin pouch is perfectly sized to accommodate beauty essentials when stepping out for the evening.

“For February 2012, we wanted to create a makeup bag that was both demure and romantic. The nude and black lace design adds a delicate tone while the soft case makes it easy to pack and store. It’s the perfect go everywhere beauty bag for the season,” said Marchesa co-founders Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig.

Kathleen McNeill, President of Beauty.com, said, “This is our third collaboration with Marchesa, and we always see their gorgeous designs as a fun way for Beauty.com shoppers to kick off red carpet season. Plus, the diverse product assortment allows customers to sample across multiple categories, from fragrance to accessories.”

Each Marchesa gift bag is complete with the 16 prestige beauty samples listed below, as well as a card for $10 toward future purchases at Beauty.com and a voucher for $20 off the purchase of sunglasses from the Sunglass Hut® Store on Beauty.com.

1. bareMinerals® Purely Nourishing Moisturizer: Combination Skin

2. NUXE™ Reve de Miel Ultra Comfortable Face Cream – Day

3. Urban Decay® All Nighter™ Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray

4. Boscia® Green Tea Blotting Linens

5. Amika® Obliphica Oil Treatment

6. DDF® Amplifying Elixir

7. dr. brandt® Dark Circles Away

8. Arcona® Night Worker, Repair PM

9. Taylor Swift™ Wonderstruck® Eau de Parfum

10. Jouer® Luminizing Moisture Tint: Pearl, Golden and Bronzed

11. Murad® Acne Clarifying Cleanser

12. Alterna® UV+ Color Protection Fade-Proof Fluide

13. tarte® Amazonian Clay Waterproof Eye Liner: Navy

14. Laura Geller® Spackle Under Makeup Primer: Bronze

15. Braza® Clothing Adhesives

16. bliss® Lemon+Sage Body Butter

This GWP is so much fun!  The bag is gorgeous — probably the prettiest makeup bag I’ve seen.  It is sturdy, like a makeup bag should be, but the lace over the satin look is sexy and elegant at the same time.  The samples are fab, too.  Enjoy!

 

Add Moisture And Shine To Your Hair With Couture Colour Pequi Oil Treatment

Couture Colour Pequi Oil Treatment

Couture Colour Pequi Oil Treatment is a restorative hair treatment derived from the Amazonian Pequi fruit. I have received a sample and have been trying it for a few days now.

What it does: Pequi Oil Treatment revives even the driest, most brittle hair that’s been color-treated or chemically straightened. It also tames frizz, mends split ends with a natural UV filter, and keeps color vibrant. It contains moisture-restoring antioxidants, Vitamins A and E, proteins and lipids that help make every hair type noticeably softer, shinier, and smoother like never before.

What I think:  I have very dry hair that I have let grow longer than it needs to be.  My ends are a bit split and the cold, dry Kansas City air has done nothing for its shine and movement!  I first tried this on damp hair.  I put a few drops on my palm, rubbed my hands together and applied all over — especially on the ends.  I air-dried my hair and used a straightener.  I noticed that my hair was shinier and looked healthier.  I applied a little more to my dry, styled hair and it amped up the shine — so nice!

You can find out more about the product at www.couturecolour.com.  It can be purchased at www.sephora.com in two sizes — .5 oz for $12 and 2 oz for $32.  I recommend trying the smaller size first, to make sure that it works in your hair.  Enjoy!

 

Purchase It Cosmetics First Today’s Special Value on QVC!

Beginning at Midnight, Eastern Time, on January 13, 2012, QVC’s Today’s Special Value will be from one of my fave cosmetic companies — It Cosmetics.  This is their first TSV, and it is a good one, packed with some of my favorites.  Here are the details:

  • The worldwide launch of the Heavenly Luxe Dual Airbrush Concealer/Foundation Brush ($48 value)
  • The brand new launch of the Supersize Bye Bye Pores Silk HD Anti-Aging Micro-Powder ($48 value)
  • Full Size Bye Bye Under Eye Anti-Aging Treatment Concealer ($24 Value)
  • Heavenly Luxe Powder Brush ($48 Value)

I received a sample of this collection — and it is fantastic!  I have already tried the concealer, powder and I have the Heavenly Luxe Brush.  I love all three of these products and use them regularly.  The combo of the concealer and powder create a flawless base for the rest of your makeup. The brush is so soft and applies the powder perfectly.

The Dual Airbrush Concealer/Foundation brush is new.  I do like to use brushes to apply my liquid and cream foundations.  They blend in the product so well.  This brush is perfect with the creamy and thick concealer.  The brushes are densely packed and deposit the product evenly on the skin.  This concealer can also be used as a full-coverage foundation, if you need the extra help — so both ends of the brush can be used to apply it.

The price on this set is $49.98 with a value of $168.  Talk about bang for your buck! To learn more about this, go to www.QVC.com.  You can purchase online all day on January 13th and catch it on tv throughout the day.  Enjoy!

Beyonce Wears Mally Cosmetics on 20/20. Win her look!

If you didn’t catch 20/20 on Friday, December 2nd,we have the lowdown for you! Superstar mogul and fashion and beauty icon, Beyoncé, was a guest of Katie Couric and it was hard not to notice her glowing skin and flawless makeup! Here’s a chance to get tips to re-create Beyoncé’s glowing look (not just her pregnancy glow) from famed makeup artist Mally Roncal, who worked with her for this very exclusive interview. Mally share’s her inside tricks on how to steal this look:

−       Start by using my concealer to brighten under the eyes or any other place that needs help.

−       Next, use my subtle highlighter and contour powder to really bring out your inner beauty! The highlighter lifts the face and even illuminates the eye area. The contour powder instantly makes you look like you lost five pounds.

−       For eyes, I opted for my creamy, shimmery eye shadow, bulletproof Eyeliner and my secret: Volumizing Mascara.

−       To create glossy, Beyoncé worthy lips, I used my High Shine Liquid Lipstick.

−       This look is great for any skin tone and any age!

These essentials can be found in Mally’s “My Favorite Things Collection”. This kit contains all the Mally products used on Beyoncé, and will debut on December 9th for $59.50 on QVC.

And yes– You can WIN this collection!  I will be giving away a Mally My Favorite Things Collection.  To win, please place comment anywhere on my blog stating that you want to win Beyonce’s look.  I will select one winner and announce who it is in a week or two.  Check out my blog in the next couple of days and I will have a photo of the kit so you can see exactly what you can win (it is not for sale until tomorrow).

Good luck and take it from me, Mally’s cosmetics are beautiful and very long-wearing.  This is a kit that you will be able to wear day or night!

Does Your House Smell Like The Holidays? No? Try One Of These Home Fragrances!

Warm up your space with a spicy holiday home fragrance. The products below will make your house smell festive and inviting.
Slatkin & Co. Wallflowers® Pluggable Home Fragrance Starter ($8.50 USD) — Green Tree Night Light — This night-light emits a soft, glowing light. Pair with your favorite Wallflowers Fragrance Bulb (sold separately) to fill an entire room with fragrance.  Purchase at www.bathandbodyworks.com.

Soap and Paper Factory Tin Candles ($18 USD) — This line of hand poured 100% pure soy candles are housed in beautifully printed vessels (that are totally eco-friendly and made in the USA) that are actual needlepoints created specifically for this line. Perfect for bedroom, bathroom, home or office, these nature-inspired fragrances are relaxing and wholesome. Approximately 55 hour burn. Available in Spiced Clove, Balsam, Burnt Vanilla, and Warm Amber. Perfect holiday scents.  Available at www.soapandpaperfactory.com.

Thymes Frasier Fir Pinecone Reed Diffuser ($38 USD) This holiday season, spread your favorite home fragrance in  a festive, eco-friendly way. Evoking Frasier Fir’s forest inspiration, this  pinecone-shaped diffuser enhances any décor. Fill the 3-inch-tall bronze  receptacle with the fragrant oil; reeds layer the air with fresh-cut fragrance. The aromatic snap of crisp Siberian fir needles, heartening cedarwood and relaxing sandalwood form a refreshing bed of crisp, just-cut forest fragrance. Undertones of rich  floral musk deepen and soften the resinous woody notes, for a scent that’s mountain fresh, yet cozy and comforting. www.thymes.com.  Enjoy!