Smooth Your Complexion With Face Makeup That Won’t Weigh You Down In the Summer

L’Oreal’s Magic Smooth Souffle ($15.99 USD) creates a flawless, silky, even-toned finish. Apply it daily to achieve smooth, poreless perfection. Available in 12 different shades, Magic Smooth Soufflé is versatile enough to beautify every skin type.

What I think:  I love this foundation! The texture is smooth and silky when applied, and it covers so well. I set it with a little powder and it stays all day!  You can find this at drugstores and mass market retailers near you. 

Hissyfit Saving Face Foundation ($29.00 USD) — Put your best face forward. Saving Face Foundation | Highlight is a dual-purpose formula that acts as a foundation and a highlight, providing buildable yet flawless coverage plus SPF 50. Using your foundation shade, Saving Face evens skin tone and creates a flawless canvas, while your highlight shade conceals and adds dimension for that confident look you deserve. For normal to dry skin types.

Hissyfit Saving Face Buffing Powder ($25.00 USD) A perfect finish begins here. This lightweight product is formulated to complement saving face foundation | highlight and is rich in antioxidants and pure botanical extracts like green tea, aloe, and jojoba to condition the skin for a perfectly polished look. For all skin types.

What I think: The SPF 50 in this foundation makes it perfect for the summer (and any time of the year).  It is very light going on, but really evens the skin tone and covers imperfections.  I tried it in light, and it was a little bit orange for me.  I would need a more neutral shade to perfectly match my skin.  There are 15 shades, so I’m sure there is something that I will like.  Visit www.hissyfit.com to learn more and to purchase. 

I love the powder.  It sets my makeup, but it doesn’t look like I have anything on, it blends in so perfectly.  This comes in 8 shades.  I have the fair and it is perfect for my skin tone.  

Jemma Kidd Makeup School Light As Air SPF 18 ($38.00 USD) ultra light and natural skin foundation for a velvet, shine-free finish. SPF 18.  Features include; highly blendable & lightweight texture, silicone coated pigments for a velvet feel & soft focus finish, balancing benefits to help keep the skin perfectly matte for an even, shine free complexion and unique long-wear technology for all day staying power.

Jemma Kidd Makeup School Blushwear Creme Cheek Colour ($23.00 USD) — Formulated with antioxidants vitamins A, C and E this cream to powder formula enhances the complexion and the contours of the face while brightening, conditioning and protecting against free radical damage. Packaged in a slim compact with mirror, this sensational formulation is great for on-the-go use. Available in 3 shades Pomegranate (berry red), Guava (coral), and Paw Paw (terracotta).

What I think:  The foundation covers well but is so light, it doesn’t look like I’m wearing makeup.  The SPF 18 is a nice feature.  I apply this foundation, a little powder, cream blush and I am off.  I usually don’t need concealer with this.

The cream blush is fab, too.  Always a winner all year long, cream blush is easy to apply and stays all day — and this one is no exception.  It also gives a lit-from-within glow.  Visit www.jemmakidd.com to purchase.

Perfect Your At-Home Mani and Pedi With Nutra Nail

I do home manicures and pedicures all of the time.  I usually go to the salon just once a year in the spring to get a professional pedi, then I take care of my feet all year long.  And I always do my own manicures?  What’s the trick? The right tools, LOTS of different shade of polish and products that keep my nails looking better for longer.

Two of my biggest nail challenges are wak/brittle nails and smudged polish. Which is precisely why Nutra Nail, the nail treatment company with over a half a century of nail care know-how, comes to the rescue with two new innovative products with big pay off.

Flex-Shield Nail Hardener —  When striving for healthy, beautiful nails, the first thing that comes to mind is strength so you can grow your nails exactly how you like them. Weak dry, brittle, peeling nails never look attractive, however, using the right nail care remedies can help you to achieve a beautiful set of ten. Since we only get one time to make a first-impression, healthy, strong nails are just as important as the rest of our appearance. To combat this common beauty predicament, and ensure the strongest nails possible, Nutra Nail® developed the new Flex-Shield Nail Hardener.

This innovative formula coats nails with a super-hard, yet flexible and invisible shield to reinforce nails and help prevent breaking, tearing and peeling. Patented technology keeps the shield flexible to better absorb daily abuse to the nails, making it chip resistant and longer lasting. And if this must-have product wasn’t remarkable enough, Flex-Shield Nail Hardener can be used as both a base coat and over colored polish as a top coat.

What I think:  I really like this product.  I use it as a base and top coat when I polish my nails and I swear my polish lasts longer without chipping!  I also use it when I am not wearing polish as it protects my nails and gives them a nice sheen. 

Instant Smudge Repair — How many times have you left the nail salon, reached for your wallet, keys, or coat and accidentally smudged your nails?  Or even worse, spent time doing your nails at home, thought they were dry, but wound up with a ding, ping or smudge? And let’s not forget going to bed with presumably dry nails only to wake up with those infamous bed sheet marks. After investing time and money on a professional manicure, or prioritizing your schedule to polish your nails at home, there really is nothing worse! 
 
Introducing the best “why-didn’t-I-think-of-that?” beauty product to hit retail in years:  Nutra Nail® Instant Smudge Repair.  This miracle formula literally brushes away smudged, nicked, smeared, or dented polish in a snap. Just brush over the manicure mishap and instantly restore polish to a smooth, shiny finish without removal or reapplication of polish. 

What I think:  I have found that this works really well on small smudges.  Really big ones need to be removed and re-polished, but the smaller smudges can be smoothed out. Very handy to have around! 

Nutra Nail® Instant Smudge Repair is $3.29 and is available at Walmart, CVS and other national drugstore chains; Flex-Shield Nail Hardener is $4.98 and is available at Walmart and other national drugstore chains. Visit www.nutranail.com to learn more.

Self Tanners For A Golden Glow Without The Sun

It’s tanning time!  My pale skin has been crying out for some color.  So I have tried the products below and have had mostly successful results.  I recommend these to help kick-start your summer color without the harmful rays of the sun.

Sun Laboratories Dark Sun Set (List Price: $85.95,  Price: $39.95, You Save: $46.00 (54%) — This sunless tanning system is a must try for anyone who likes to have a great tan all year round. This system is very easy to use.

First exfoliate your whole body with Exfoliating Body Gel to clean and revitalize skin. Then apply Tan Maintainer Moisturizer on any dry area. This will keep your tan looking flawless. Then apply everyday to help maintain your tan.

Apply Sun Labs Dark Sunless Tanning Lotion all over body. This product is so gentle you can even use it on your face. It comes out a nice chocolate brown so you can see where it is being applied. This great tan will last 5 to 7 days. Apply every few days to get even a darker richer tan.

Sun Labs Beach Bag is a great gift with purchase. You will find many uses for this bag.

This set includes:
1 Dark Self-Tanning Lotion 8 oz
1 Exfoliating Body Scrub 8 oz
1 Tan Maintaining Moisturizing Lotion 8 oz
1 Exfoliating Net Sponge
1 Sun Labs Beach Bag (Gift with Purchase)

Visit www.sunlabsonline.com to learn more and purchase.

Beautisol Need I Glow More? Face Self-Tanning Lotion For Normal-Oily-Problematic Skin Types($26.00 USD) is the first ever skin-type-specific face self-tanning lotion.

Features & benefits:

  • Created specifically for normal to oily or problematic skin types
  • Infused with Montmorillonite Clay, Lilac Stem Cell, and Niacinamide to help reduce inflammation and improve acne
  • Lightweight formula prevents the skin from feeling heavy or greasy
  • Pure Scent odor-eliminating technology reduces processing odor
  • Guide color allows you to see exactly where you have applied the product and where you may have missed, reducing streaking and application mishaps
  • Paraben-free, propylene gycol-free, sodium laurel/laureth sulfate-free, and cruelty-free (PETA certified)

Need I Glow More is also available in Normal-Dry-Sensitive Skin Types. Learn more and purchase at www.beautisol.com.

L’Oreal Paris Sublime Bronze Clear Self-Tanning Gel($10.49 USD) — is an innovative, first-to-mass clear gel spray self-tanner that is free of parabens. It combines the comfort of a cooling gel formula with the convenience of a spray bottle for easy, mess-proof application. Infused with a light citrus scent, the clear formula works by utilizing proteins in the skin and brings out a natural, healthy glow. Just spray it on and gently massage into skin to achieve a streak-free, long-lasting bronze complexion that begins to develop in less than one hour. Available in a medium-tone bronze finish to complement all skin tones, Sublime Bronze™ Clear Self-Tanning Gel can be applied daily until the desired level of color is achieved.

You can purchase this self tanner at drugstores and mass market retailers near you.

Soften Your Makeup This Summer With New Offerings From Smashbox

Looking for a soft, yet long-lasting look this summer?  Smashbox has some fab new offerings that will take you from the office to a night out — or even to a trip to the pool or the beach! Read on for some of my faves:

Limitless Lip Stain & Color Seal Balm ($23.00 USD) It’s a lip revelation! On one side of this innovative, two-in-one product: a feather-resistant stain that won’t budge for 8 hours. On the other: a very emollient balm that can be worn alone or over the stain for a lustrous touch. The vibrant tint of color is designed to mimic the look of photo gels on set at the Smashbox studios.

Softbox Eye Shadow Palette ($48.00 USD) Forget piling on eye makeup in the heat of summer. Pro artists have handpicked all of these hues (including 7 new shades and 4 bestsellers!) with soft, naturally gorgeous eyes in mind. Includes FREE step-by-step guide for creating 3 looks and a mini Photo Finish Lid Primer!

Includes:
• 9 Eye Shadows
• 2 Cream Eye Liners
• Double Ended Brush
• Mini Photo Finish Lid Primer
• Get the Look Guide

New product feature! A video tag is printed on the back of this palette—just scan it on your phone, and watch Pro Lead Artist Lori Taylor take you through the application right in front of your mirror!

Full Exposure Mascara ($19.00 USD) — Inspired by the on-set technique of layering a lengthening fiber mascara over a volumizing formula, our new studio-tested mascara exposes your longest, fullest lashes. No clumps, no flakes. Just maximum-impact, scene-stealing lashes.

• 104% increase in lash volume
• 32% increase in lash length
• 34-degree increase in lash curl

So try these gorgeous products and more at www.smashbox.com.  You will get a photo-, night out-, and even beach ready look for your summer! 


 

www.sm

New For Spring 2011 From The Body Shop — The Honey Bronze Collection

Honey Bronze For Summer 2011

Transform into a bronze goddess with natural looking shimmer and glow thanks to the new moisturizing Honey Bronze make-up range from The Body Shop. Honey, known as one of nature’s best moisturizers, is used throughout the entire range so you can enjoy even application and a natural-looking bronzed and beautiful complexion. Discover new Honey Bronze Shimmering Dry Oil, Brilliance Powder, Bronzing Gel For Face, Lip Nectar and Bronzing Powder. These products are ideal whether you want a subtle hint of bronze or you prefer deeper tones. You can say goodbye to patchy bronzing thanks to the honey bee, instead enjoy smooth, moisturized skin with a bronzed glow. This range simply wouldn’t be possible without the incredible work of the honey bee, providing the honey and beeswax used across the range.

Honey Bronze Shimmering Dry Oil ($14) You are bound to love this light-weight moisturizing body oil. It gives skin a natural-looking beautifully bronzed shimmering glow, with a dry finish.  Long-lasting and streak-free, it contains Community Fair Trade honey from Ethiopia and beeswax from Cameroon to moisturize. That’s right, these are two perfect ingredients for inclusion in this bronzing product, moisturizing, softening and smoothing your skin. Apply to your body using circular motions.  Wash hands after use.

Honey Bronze Brilliance Powder ($22) This illuminating powder can be applied to your cheeks and collarbone,
leaving skin looking glowing and radiant. Enhance your natural skin color with this easy-to-apply powder, which gives an instant shimmer courtesy of the integrated brush. It contains Community Fair Trade honey from Ethiopia and Community Fair Trade beeswax from Cameroon. Release the powder by twisting the top, and apply directly to your cheeks and décolletage, until you have the perfect depth of color you desire.

Honey Bronze Bronzing Gel For Face ($14) This lightweight moisturizing bronzing gel suits all skin tones, giving an even and natural-looking honey-bronzed glow – it can also be used to enhance a natural tan. It contains Community Fair Trade honey from Ethiopia and beeswax from Cameroon, as well as organic aloe vera from Guatemala. Simply smooth over skin gently, blend for a perfect finish and wash hands after use.

Honey Bronze Bronzing Powder ($18.50) Discover a compact bronzer to give your skin a matte, natural-looking glow. Ideal for a smooth and even finish, simply using a bronzer brush, dust over forehead, cheeks, nose and chin – anywhere the sun naturally touches your face. With four shades available, each contains Community Fair Trade honey from Ethiopia, beeswax from Cameroon and marula oil from Namibia.

Honey Bronze Lip Nectar ($10) The Body Shop has developed two perfect shades of lip gloss to offset your
bronzed look. With a sheer high shine glossy tint, Honey Bronze Lip Nectar is perfect for parched or sun-exposed lips. You can wear these alone or over lip color, providing your lips with great moisturization. Each product contains Community Fair Trade honey, beeswax and marula oil. Available in two shades: Honey Bunch and Honeycomb.

What I think:  I have tried a few of these products.  My favorite is the Bronzing Gel for Face.  It is a really pretty bronze color without any orange to it. I dab it on my cheeks, nose, forehead and chin to mimmick where the sun would give me color.  I also use it as a contour under my cheekbones and at my jaw line.

The Bronzing Powder in light works well all over my face as it gets darker with sunless tanning or as a bronzer.  The other product I tried is the Brilliance Powder which is glittery, so it’s not for me.  I gave it to my teenage daughter and she loves it.

Visit www.thebodyshop.usa-com to learn more and to purchase. 

Join Me in The John Frieda At Home Hair Colour Challenge!

John Frieda Precision Foam Colour

Hi All! I’m looking for five readers who want to join me in trying John Frieda’s hair colour. I will send you a box of hair color in the shade of your choice, and all I need is before and after photos to include on my blog.  Here are the details:

Recently John Frieda® launched their first-ever permanent hair colour –Precision Foam ($12.99 USD). Easy to apply, the non-aerosol foam formula spreads evenly through hair, saturating every strand completely—even the back of the head, roots and hairline. The 20-shade palette collection was developed in conjunction with the John Frieda® Creative Colour Director, and sought-after U.K. colourist, Nicola Clarke, who is responsible for some of the most iconic hair colours in Hollywood. With an array of options for blondes, brunettes and redheads, the collection brings a salon shade spectrum home.No mess, no drips,no stains—just gorgeous hair from every angle. The revolutionary colour even provides 100% grey coverage and vibrant shine with long-lasting results, offering salon precision at home.

HOW TO USE:Squeeze the center of the bottle to dispense foam into a gloved hand and apply directly to hair. Simply massage foam into hair with fingertips to thoroughly cover each strand from root to tip. The foam easily coats even the most hard-to-reach areas, including the back of the head. Let stand for 20 minutes (30 minute for grey coverage) and rinse with lukewarm water until water runs clear. Apply conditioner and leave in for 2-5 minutes before rinsing.

I can only accept readers from the United States and Canada.

Are you interested in trying it? If so, leave a comment or email me at lorena.emerson@gmail.com telling me if you want to color your hair to cover greys or change your color (I want a selection for the review).  Also let me know what shade you would like to try.  If I choose you, I would need you to color your hair within a week of receiving the product and I would like before and after photos that show your transformation that I can use on my blog. I would also like your thoughts on the process.   

Find your perfect (or super fun) shade at:  http://www.johnfrieda.com/en-US/homecolour/shade-selector/ 

So let me know if you wat to join me in this challenge!

Try A Luxe New Ellis Faas Concealer

Ellis Faas Concealers

Looking for a new concealer and would like to splurge on quality? Ellis Faas Concealer ($40.00 USD) has eight colors to choose from to ensure a match and it is full coverage and very creamy. Here is the details:

 The secret to seamless concealer coverage lies in its relation to the foundation colour: Darker skin demands more contrast between concealer and foundation, while lighter skin requires foundation and concealer that are more similar in colour. The Ellis Faas concealer accommodates these dramatic differences in the requirements of different skin tones. This concealer has a polished finish, with a formulation that offers high coverage to reduce the appearance of blemishes, pigmentation spots and dark circles. With a unique blend of ingredients such as Karité oil and rice wax, Ellis Faas concealer immediately blends into the skin for a flawless finish. Vitamins E and C in the formula hydrate and have anti-aging and regenerating properties. Ellis Faas concealer is recommended for all skin types.

What I think:  I like the texture and coverage of this concealer. I tried s202, which is a bit dark and warm for my skin tone, which is light. As I do more sunless tanning this summer, it will probably blend in better.  I would suggest that you go lighter than you think if you have light to medium skin since you need a contrast. Darker skin tones can benefit from a closer shade.   

Visit www.ellisfaas.com to purchase and to learn more. Enjoy!

Treat Aging Skin With Avon Anew Reversalist

There are SO many anti-aging skin care products on the market today, and it is really difficult to decide which one to use (if you can even afford them). Avon’s Anew Reversalist line is so much less expensive than most department store lines and works just as well. Here are the products that I tried recently:

Anew Reversalist Day Renewal Cream SPF 25 (1.7 fl. oz. Reg. $32.00, Sale $27.00) — Visibly reverses wrinkles with Activinol Technology while helping to protect skin with SPF 25 UVA/UVB. Makes skin look and feel reborn all day. Skin will look fresh, new and younger. The claim is that in 3 days: begins to reduce the look of wrinkles. In 2 weeks: improves discolorations by up to 25%. Over time: dramatically reduces the look of wrinkles and discolorations. Skin looks dramatically tighter..

Anew Reversalist Night Renewal Cream (1.7 fl. oz. Reg. $32.00, Sale $27.00) — Reactivate skin’s repair process to help reverse the look of wrinkles with Activinol Technology, working better together.Over 80% of people saw their wrinkles dramatically reversed. The claim: In 3 days, 73% of people said their skin felt and looked reborn. In 4 weeks, dramatically reduces the look of wrinkles and discolorations.

Anew Reversalist Illuminating Eye System (.09 oz. $30.00 USD) — Brightens even your darkest undereye area. Two-part eye system with Activinol Eye Technology. Helps reactivate skin’s repair processes and dramatically reverse visible wrinkles. Instantly: eye area appears more luminous.  First used the eye cream to visibly repair dark, circles, fine lines and wrinkles over time; next use the sheer veil that has potent skin brighteners. Illuminates undereye area instantly. Use after eye cream and reapply as needed.In 4 weeks: dramatically reduces the look of fine wrinkles.

I enjoyed using this line. The creams are light enough not to be greasy, but are very mosturizing. I really loved the eye cream/illuminizer duo. This is a nice treat for the eyes and makes you look younger instantly!

Visit www.youravon.com/brittbowman to learn more and purchase. Enjoy

Mother’s Day Skin Care Gift Ideas

Moms need to take care of their skin, but sometimes they are too busy to shop for themselves or they are unsure of what to purchase.  Skin care is a fantastic gift for Mother’s Day — treat her to fab skin with one of these ideas:

pūr~lisse ageless & beautiful jet set starter kit ($58.00 USD) — On-the-go essentials for taking Chinese beauty rituals with you. Everything you need for youthful, radiant skin in petite packaging, perfect for first-time users and jetsetters. 14 days of TLC helps prevent wrinkles and fine lines, even for sensitive skin. It’s pure genius.

kit includes:

  • pūr~delicate gentle soy milk cleanser 1.7oz/50mL
  • pūr~youth preserve age~delay skin serum 0.35oz/10mL
  • pūr~moist hydra balance moisturizer 0.5oz/15mL
  • pūr~protect essential daily moisturizer 0.5oz/15mL
  • pūr~eye adore quadra benefit eye serum 0.1oz/3mL

Visit www.purlisse.com to learn more and purchase. This is a great way to try this line!

Mama Mio Neck and Jawline Concentrate ($45.00 USD): Keep the dreaded jiggly jowls and wobbly wattle at bay with Nexercise, a tightening, firming essential for softening jaw lines and recapturing strong, firm, taut, toned, fit skin. Specifically designed for the neck area; lightweight but hyper-moisturising, packed with collagen boosting, amino acids, firming proteins, vitamins and antioxidants AND peptide technology to smooth out crepe, plump up, mega-hydrate and strengthen giving you a firm neck and jawline.  Also included is a pamphlet with neck exercises.  Visit www.mamamio.com/us to learn more and purchase.

BORBA Age Defying Starter Kit ($25.99 USD) — Enjoy beautiful results when you use this simply effective, step-by-step starter kit from BORBA. Each scientifically developed formula is powered by BORBA’s own exclusive acai berry antioxidant blend. Skin is literally retexturized, nourished, protected and rehydrated at the cellular level. So with every use, you can cleanse, treat and hydrate your way to younger looking skin. 

This 5 piece kit has everything you need to start your BORBA regimen. The kit includes :

  • 4-in-1 Cleansing Treatment (1 fl. oz.)
  • Daily Hydrator SPF 30+ (0.5 fl. oz.)
  • Deep Repair Night Crème (0.5 fl. oz.)
  • Wrinkle Smoothing Serum (0.25 fl. oz.)
  • Eye Crème Concentrate (0.17 fl. oz.)

www.borba.com has more info and you can purchase. Enjoy!

Luminess Tan — A Flawless Tan Made Easy

Luminess Tan

I don’t use tanning beds and I use a high SPF in the sun. But, I do love a nice tan in the warmer seasons. A tan not only looks healthy, it helps simplify my makeup routine. I have tried a lot of self tanners and no matter what I do, I end up looking a little streaky, and sometimes orange!

I have never tried spray tanning, but was excited to try the Luminess Air Airbrush Tanning — which is kind of like spray tanning at home. This tanning system gives you a sensational tan in the convenience and privacy of your own home without damage or odor! Featuring SoftTan™ Technology for a Natural Even Tan everytime!

Airbrush tanning is not a dye. The primary ingredient in the tanning solution works with the amino acids in the top layer of your skin to produce a natural tan exactly like the sun, but without damaging skin! Luminess airbrush tanning formula won’t run off on your clothes, once the tan is set. Tan lasts up to 14 days and fades gently day by day, as you would expect from a normal sun-blessed tan! Also Luminess tanning solution produces a golden brown color – no orange discoloration insight!

Airbrush tanning uses a precision stylus instrument a little larger than the size of a pen that allows for a smooth, flawless application. Special care is easy in difficult areas, such as the feet, knees, elbows, hairline and face!

Luminess Airbrush Tanning system is also great for spot tanning! Wearing a skirt and want tanned legs? Easy! Give them a light spray and you’re good to go! You can spot tan your legs, arms, shoulders, chest and or face for radiant healthy glow in minutes!

Luminess Airbrush Tanning System ( includes:

  • Compressor
  • Airbrush Stylus
  • Intake Cap (2)
  • Rubber Air Hose
  • AC Power Adapter
  • Tanning Solution (2 bottles which should give you up to 6 full body tanning sessions!)
  • Cleaning Bottle
  • Carrying Case
  • Detailed Instructions
  • Getting Started DVD

What I Think: This is so easy to use. It takes a minute to set up, but once it’s ready, I use the stylus to spray all over. It is a really seamless look. I only get splotches when I spray one area for too long, but that doesn’t happen after getting the hang of it and it’s easy to spot and blend in. The color of the tan is brown, very natural and not at all orange. Gorgeous!

To learn more and purchase visit www.luminessspraytan.com. Enjoy your fab tan!