Beauty – Page 34 – Forty, Flirty & Fabulous

In Honor Of Earth Day, Try A Natural Beauty Product

These days there are so many fantastic natural products for face, hair and body these days. In honor of Earth Day 2011, here are some suggestions for great ones to try:

Lavera Natural Liquid Foundation ($20.00 USD) — This hydrating foundation blends easily and hides imperfections, creating a porcelain-smooth canvas. Free-radical fighting argan oil, organic blossom butter and vitamins A, C and E protect, rejuvenate and nourish skin. This product is vegan. www.lavera.com

EOS Everyday Hand Lotion ($3.99 USD, drugstores near you, www.evolusionofsmooth.com) — Leave your skin feeling touchably soft for hours with this natural, fast-absorbing hand lotion. Designed to fit in your purse, your pocket, or on your desk, eos looks as good as it feels on your skin. Infused with moisturizing shea butter, oat extract, and a generous helping of antioxidants and vitamins C and E, eos hand lotion will leave your skin feeling soft, supple and radiantly healthy long after you apply it. This 97% natural formula is paraben-free, phthalate-free, lanolin-free, dye-free, dermatologist tested and hypoallergenic.

Ultra Rich Lip Balm ($19 at www.clarksbotanicals.com) – As if natural moisturizers like Shea Butter, Aloe Leaf Extract, Jojoba and Sweet Almond Oil were not enough, this lip balm also features Marine Collagen Microspheres that act like miniature water reservoirs. Together, these ingredients deliver intense, long-lasting hydration. Vanilla Planifolia and Jasmine Extracts add a delectable flavor that will have you re-applying—even when you don’t need to. It’s also a great lipstick primer, preventing feathering.

All of the products in Clark’s Botanicals (www.clarksbotanicals.com) feature Jasmine Absolute, a precious essential oil derived from nocturnally blooming flowers. Naturally antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and immuno-stimulating, this extract works to calm, balance and heal a broad spectrum of skin types, from young to mature, oily to dry, and normal to sensitive. “Clark’s Botanicals is an organic part of me and my recovery,” says founder Francesco Clark, “everything about this line has a purpose and reason for being, from the ingredients to the packaging to the contribution to medical research, it’s an expression of who I am in its purest form.”

Genuinely natural from head to toe, the Davines Authentic Collection ($26-46 at www.davines.com for salon locations) contains the first and only hair care products designed not only for hair, but also face and body. Gentle enough for even the most delicate skin and effective enough to thoroughly cleanse and condition hair, the breakthrough Authentic collection features 98% to 100% naturally-derived ingredients. The four-product collection trades in synthetics like SLS, SLES, sulfates, parabens, artificial colors, silicons, mineral oils, PEG and etoxilates for sustainable formulations including biodegradable surfactants and organically cultivated actives like shea butter and sesame, jojoba, sunflower and carthame oils.

Other great brands to check out are Josie Maran, tarte and Korres for makeup, Jurlique for skin, Phyto for hair and Pacifica for fragrance — all available at Sephora. And of course ecoTOOLS for makeup brushes and bags. Enjoy shopping green!

Love Your Skin By Using The Clarisonic Mia!

I have finally found the secret to making my skin look better — The Clarisonic Mia!

What’s a Clarisonic, you ask? The Clarisonic Skin Cleansing System uses a patented sonic frequency of more than 300 movements per second to clean, soften and smooth skin. In just 60 seconds, the micro-massage action removes 6X more makeup and 2X more dirt and oil than cleansing with your hands alone. Removing more dirt and oil from your pores also helps products work more effectively.

The smallest Sonic Skin Cleansing System, the one-button, one-speed Mia comes in a variety of colors and fits the active lifestyle – offering beautiful skin at home or on-the-go. When you purchase a Mia you get:

Cordless Clarisonic Mia
Compact pLink® International Charger
Sensitive Brush Head
1 oz. trial size Gentle Hydro Cleanser

What I think: I LOVE my Mia! It only takes a minute every morning and night and skin is instantly smoother and so soft! I have been using it for a few weeks and notice that my pores look smaller and my fine lines are way less noticeable. I can tell that my skin is cleaner and that serums and moisturizesr are quickly absorbed into my skin. It is also a pleasure to use. Like a massaging spa treatment — very relaxing!

I have used it with lots of different cleansers including Clarisonic’s Gentle Hydro Cleanser (very moisturizing), but my favorite to use with it is Philosophy’s (www.philosophy.com) Purity Made Simple. It is the perfect companion for the Clarisonic as it quickly dissolves makeup and cleans skin without stripping it. I highly recommend this duo!

Visit www.clarisonic.com to learn more or to purchase. Enjoy cleaner, softer and smoother skin!

Philosophy Hope In A Tinted Moisturizer

This is the time of year that I start switching heavier foundations to a tinted moisturizer. When the weather gets warmer, I want a lighter product on my face. It just feels and looks better!

I was happy to test Hope in a Tinted Moisturizer ($38.00 USD) from Philosophy. This product claims to combine advanced moisture, sheer color and SPF 20 to hydrate, revive and protect skin, leaving it fresh, hydrated and radiant.

Now Hope in a Jar, the award-winning, lightweight daily moisturizer, can color your world beautiful with this tinted moisturizer. Its sheer, glowing color helps smooth and enhance the complexion. Broad-spectrum UVA/UVB sun protection and a blend of antioxidants protect your skin against wrinkles and environmental attack. Its unique souffle texture absorbs quickly, yet leaves behind long-wearing coverage with a weightless texture that all skin types will love.

features & benefits

4-in-1, multitasking formula combines sheer color + moisture + antioxidants + spf 20
lightweight texture glorifies all skin types
airless pump dispenses the perfect dose

What I think: This tinted moisturizer goes on smooth like Hope in a Jar, but provides almost full coverage like a foundation, but it does let the skin (including my freckles) shine through. I love the matte finish, which is important because a moisturizer can sometimes appear greasy on the skin right after application, but this doesn’t. The only minus for me is that the shade I have, light, is a little too warm for my skin tone. It’s not quite orangey, but it doesn’t match completely. I either need to tan or buy extra light the next time! But I really love that I get all of the goodness of Hope in a Jar with the added benefit of color.

To learn more and purchase this product visit www.philosophy.com.

Mineralogie — Achieve A Flawless Finish With Makeup That’s Good For Your Skin

Tired of using the same old mineral makeup. Try Mineralogie, which is made with the best pharmaceutical grade minerals available. Nourishment of the skin, sheer to complete coverage and, most important, total protection from harmful UVA and UVB rays is the philosophy of the brand.

For a flawless and non drying look, the Mineralogie 4 Piece Starter Kit — Choose the foundation shade that is right for you from one of Mineralogie’s seven most popular colors for your personal introduction to 100% mineral makeup. Each Starter Kit includes 3-grams of Mineralogie’s SPF 26 Loose Mineral Foundation (to match your complexion!), 1-gram of coordinating Loose Mineral Bronzer, 6-ml of our new Natural Cream Concealer, a personal size Makeup Brush plus, a Mineral Application Card! A $90.00 retail value for only $35.00. That’s over 60-days of makeup!! The perfect way to begin experiencing the flawless beauty of minerals. Available in 7 shades.

I like all of the products in this kit. The foundation is very pretty and doesn’t cake in pores. The color blends well with my skin color. I do think it is a bit too glowy for me and I need to dust a bit of matte translucent powder on top to tone down the shine. The concealer is very matte and works well. Plus the bronzer is beautiful and not too shiny. For the price, this is a great deal!

From light to luscious our new Spring Quad Pressed Eye Shadow Compact ($38.00 USD) includes the must have colors for the season. Accentuate your spring wardrobe with Champagne, Mulberry, Fusion and Mango. The perfect springtime combination for a fresh, natural and irresistible look.

These shades are very soft in the compact, but pack a lot of color and shimmer (which I love). I am not a fan of glitter, but I think shimmery shadow is youthful in neutral shades like these. Perfect for spring!

Visit www.mineralogie.biz to learn more and to purchase. Enjoy!

TIGI Bed Head Style Shots Epic Volume Shampoo and Conditioner

Big hair is a hot trend this Spring. How to achieve the look? Start with adding volume with TIGI Bed Head Style Shots Epic Volume Shampoo & Conditioner.

For thick, voluptuous hair, start your styling in the shower. With volume boosting shots for gravity-defying root lift and incredible body, use Epic Volume Shampoo ($15.95 USD) and Conditioner ($16.95 USD), a new volume-enhancing product combination that primes your style while you wash. The super-charged, sulfate-free shampoo provides light to moderate cleansing and improves hair’s strength while preventing colour from fading, while the nourishing conditioner provides style memory while using a volume boosting shot to explode your style from root to tip.

I find that this delicious raspberry scented shampoo and conditioner not only volumize, but seem to thicken the hair all the way down to the roots. As with all TIGI products, this is a luxurious experience and makes hair big, healthy and shiny! Add a little root volume spray and hair will be huge!

Available at www.tigihaircare.com and fine salons nationwide. Enjoy!

Great Idea For Spring Scents or Mother’s Day by Crabtree and Evelyn

Crabtree and Evelyn has introduced their Fine Floral Fragrance collection which features four modern single note scents available in personal fragrance, bath and body and home fragrances. The scents are:

LILY — The soft, spirited LILY fragrance is inspired by the delicate lily of the valley that flourishes in woodlands and country gardens throughout Europe. Calling to mind a beautiful spring morning in fresh-scented woods, this sparkling light green floral fragrance features a perfect single accord of lily of the valley surrounded by dewy greens, velvety mosses, and notes of hyacinth and ylang ylang.

LAVENDER — Crafted with a blend of the loveliest lavender grown in Europe, the uplifting LAVENDER is an aromatic fragrance that captures the refreshing spirit of summer in the countryside and the lavender harvest in Europe. This distinctive fragrance features fresh lavender bloom bouqueted with violet leaf, jasmine, exotic tonka bean, soft musk, and a touch of lemon leaf for a delicate, refreshing fragrance experience.

ROSEWATER –With some of the oldest rose gardens in England as inspiration, the classic ROSEWATER fragrance evokes the elegant essence of the hundred petal rose, a coveted scent through the centuries that is as captivating now as ever. This timeless fragrance features a blend of rose, violet, peony, fresh green foliage, and musk accords.

IRIS — The alluring IRIS fragrance pays homage to the Italian city of Florence and one of the most cherished ingredients in the world of perfumery today, the exquisite iris rhizome, which is at the heart of this exquisite modern floriental, and surrounded with soft, velvety accords of violet and jasmine. Top notes of natural Italian bergamot and cassis are added to the inviting base notes of exotic sandalwood, sensuous patchouli, fresh vetiver, natural cedarwood, and creamy musk to create a modern bouquet.

Some of my favorite products that you can purchase with the above scent of your choice are:

Body Cream ($33.00 USD) — Pamper your skin with this exquisitely blended body cream infused with scent and formulated with moisturising shea butter along with rose hip and evening primrose oils, which are rich in essential fatty acids. Other features are:

A blend of grapeseed, jojoba, and wheat germ oils moisturise the skin.
Absorbs quickly and imparts a velvety feel to the skin.
Free of parabens, phthaletes, propylene glycol, and mineral oil.

I love the incredibly silky feel of this cream. It is very luxurious. Perfect for after a bath or shower, in the morning as a soft scent and in the evening before going out maybe layer it with the Eau De Toilette. Lovely!

Eau De Toilette ($45.00 USD) — Excellent for daytime as well as evening, our Eau de Toilette sprays provide a lighter skin-freshening fragrance experience in a wonderful range of exquisite scents.

An airy, spirited fragrance that captures the freshness of a perfect spring day.
Can be sprayed on after bath or shower for a light, refreshing fragrance.
Free of parabens, phthaletes, propylene glycol, and mineral oil.

I have this in Lily and it is so pretty. It is fresh and smells like the patch of Lily of the Valley I have in my yard. The only thing that I would change is that the scent lasts a short time and needs to be reapplied frequently.

Lavender Poured Candle ($30.00 USD) — Create luxuriously fragrant moments with this beautifully designed candle scented with uplifting and refreshing Lavender.

Non-toxic and clean-burning cotton wick.
Contains natural vegetable waxes, including soy.
Total approximate burn time: 40 hours.

This is a perfect Mother’s Day gift. It has a long burning time of 40 hours and the scent is pure and makes the room smell amazing.

Iris Scented Drawer Papers ($23.00 USD) — Beautifully printed paper lines your drawers and gently scents your clothing with our exquisite iris fragrance.

Generously sized
Beautifully printed and fragranced
A lovely way to protect and delicately scent clothing

I love these! I have them in Iris and they are very fragrant. I lined my drawers, and now every time I remove a piece of clothing from the drawers, I get a whiff of the Iris. It is so nice — great idea!

Visit www.crabtree-evelyn.com for many more products in this line in a variety of prices. Perfect for mothers or yourself! Enjoy!

NeoStrata Skin Active Comprehensive Antiaging Regimen

NeoStrata Skin Active Comprehensive Antiaging Regimen ($79.00 USD)

A comprehensive antiaging system of potent professional products with active benefit ingredients clinically proven to work synergistically to address all of the visible signs of aging.

Stimulate cell turnover to enhance skin texture and clarity while preparing the skin for optimal treatment benefits with an anti-aging facial cleanser with Gluconolactone and Maltobionic Acid
Repair skin’s matrix support structure and reduce the appearance of uneven pigment with a daytime moisturizer that firms, smoothes, and protects the skin with Peptides, NeoGlucosamine™ and Retinol
Target crow’s feet and puffiness with a multi-mechanistic approach that plumps the deep layers of the skin, smoothing lines and wrinkles from the inside out so the eye area appears more lifted
Restore skin’s essential cells, rebuild the deep skin matrix and reduce oxidative damage with a reparative night cream for skin that is firmer, more lifted and vibrant

“Since the effects of intrinsic aging and photodamage on skin are multi-factorial, no single ingredient can address them all”.

The NeoStrata SKIN ACTIVE system is made up of four high-performance products, each formulated to deliver outstanding rejuvenating effects, including significant improvement in the appearance of deep wrinkles, crow’s feet, sagging and uneven pigmentation. When used as a daily regimen, complementary mechanisms of action work synergistically in all skin layers to achieve even greater results. These products are:

1. Exfoliating Wash: Cleanses without irritation; formulated to stimulate cell renewal; lightly exfoliates without over drying to prepare skin for optimal treatment benefits.

2. Matrix Support SPF 20: Formulated to repair the matrix support structure, increase cell turnover and reduce the appearance of uneven pigment for firmer, smoother, more luminous skin. Includes three clinically proven technologies, each with a unique action, for greater skin repair and strengthening, along with a potent antioxidant complex to help protect against further damage to the skin matrix.

3. Cellular Restoration: Designed to synergistically restore skin’s essential cells, rebuild the deep skin matrix and reduce oxidative damage for skin that is firmer, more lifted and vibrant. Employs a multi-mechanistic approach to rejuvenating cellular function and strengthening skin’s underlying structure.

4. Intensive Eye Therapy: Builds and plumps the layers of delicate skin around the eye. The eye area appears more lifted and luminous, and crow’s feet are smoothed from the inside out. Caffeine helps deflate puffiness, while hyaluronic acid acts as a natural moisture magnet.

Developmental studies for NeoStrata SKIN ACTIVE show high efficacy, good tolerability and remarkable results. In Consumer Use Testing, users of the full regimen reported noticeable benefits beginning as early as 1 month and continuing through 3 and 6 months of use.

93% observed smoother skin texture, more even skin tone, and less noticeable lines/wrinkles with regimen use
86% reported smaller pore size and more lifted skin appearance
93% preferred the SKIN ACTIVE regimen to their usual regimen

What I think: This is an interesting concept as a regimen. The steps are different than usual systems. After cleansing, I apply the Matrix Support, which has the texture like a moisturizer with SPF — then I apply the Cellular Restoration which feels like a serum, and is a bit greasy. It’s almost backwards. I have no problem do this at night, but I only use the Matrix Support in the day because I find it difficult to apply my makeup over the Cellular Restoration. I do really love the eye cream as it soaks in instantly and plumps the skin up around my eyes.

I have only been using this for a few weeks, but I do see more even skin tone. To learn more and purchase, visit www.neostrata.com. Enjoy!

Protect Your Hair With JOICO K-PAK Color Therapy

JOICO’s K-PAK Color Therapy collection is a dual-benefit system that strengthens strands while doubling the life of color’s vibrancy. The newest member of JOICO’s K-PAK “family,” well-known for deep-conditioning and hair reconstruction, K-PAK Color Therapy contains the revolutionary QuadraBond Peptide Complex. This complex resurfaces and reconstructs hair to ensure that damaged strands maintain color intensity twice as long when compared to ordinary shampoo and conditioner. At the same time, even the weakest, most fragile or structurally impaired hair feels softer, silkier and more manageable, and looks shinier and healthier.

The K-PAK Color Therapy Science
The QuadraBond Peptide Complex features four key elements that work together to help repair the outer surface and inner core of each strand. As a result, hair is stronger, more “fit” and better able to repel the water that diminishes the intensity and vibrancy of haircolor. These four elements provide essential protection to hair’s “B-Layer”—the hair’s first line of defense against damage—which is disrupted and compromised by environmental aggressors, styling and chemical services:

Quadramine PEP, the next generation of JOICO’s signature Quadramine conditioning complex, which contains peptides that attach themselves to damaged sites of hair to provide targeted, long-term repair. Arginine, a consequential amino acid found naturally in the hair, which restores silkiness and shine. Arginine works to strengthen the hair surface, equipping it to repel water, which in turn minimizes color loss/fading. AUnique Polymer System bonds to torn, lifted cuticles, thereby locking in color molecules and producing significant moisture and shine.
Ultra-hydratingAfrican Manketti Oil moisturizes and replenishes damaged hair, and provides lasting shine, vitality and softness to hair.

Thanks to this unique complex, K-PAK Color Therapy is poised to become the first choice for clients in search of a premium professional regimen that will protect and prolong their color “investments” and significantly improve the overall look and condition of their hair.

The unique, three-part K-PAK Color Therapy regimen is a complete color preservation and hair repair system:

K-PAK Color Therapy Shampoo ($13.95): Gently cleanses while enhancing elasticity, strength, color vibrancy and shine. The rich lather won’t disrupt the surface B-Layer, so color molecules are discouraged from escaping.
K-PAK Color Therapy Conditioner ($15.95): This daily formula fortifies, reconstructs and strengthens as it protects color integrity. It calms surface disruptions, and helps smooth, detangle and eliminate frizz.
K-PAK Color Restorative Styling Oil ($19.95): This weightless formula is equally effective as a treatment and as a styling product. Rich in an exotic blend of Manketti, Argan and Evening Primrose Oils, itseals and nourishes the hair cuticle, which discourages premature color fading. As it helps regenerate hair, it also conditions hair for incredible softness and smoothness. As a styling aid, it reduces styling and drying time and provides vibrant shine without weight or build-up.

What I think: This is a pretty fantastic system. Using the shampoo and conditioner is a fab experience because they both make hair soft and easy to detangle when wet. I add a little of the styling oil when hair is damp, and once I dry it my hair is soft and sleek. The oil can also be used on dry hair to smooth. I have noticed that while using this my color is lasting and is very rich (my hair is dark).

JOICO K-PAK Color Therapy is suitable for all hair types and is available at professional salons. Enjoy!

Perfect your Manicure With CND and Jason Wu

CND has the perfect product to get your hands and feet looking sexy this spring. Fashion designer Jason Wu is collaborating with runway manicure leader CND to introduce a limited edition Jason Wu Collection ($47.00 USD) that honors iconic women through wearable, timeless shades. The set will come with 4 Colours and 1 Effect that can be layered to achieve the designer’s effortless yet elegant nail styles.

“Every season I play with different ways of using color in my collection, so it was a natural choice to collaborate with CND on a capsule of nail colors that reflects my aesthetics. Included in the set is my signature gray color,” says Jason Wu.

The Shades Are:

Miss Wu – Jason’s signature limestone, warm gray that dries matte with subtle chrome sheen, in perfect harmony of masculinity and femininity

Brigitte – voluptuous warm pink that perfectly channels 50’s screen siren

Sophia – gorgeous mushroom taupe

Veronica – highlights the evolution of decadence with a blue-based, oxblood red

Anna Effect – layered over any of the four Colours provides a tweed finish via microscopic fibrous pieces that create cool, subtle texture

These colors are extremely classy and perfect for any outfit. The effect is interesting, but I like the polishes with out the effect. They are creamy and very opaque — you only need two coats.

SpaPedicure™ Marine Salt Scrub ($43.50 US 18 oz) — Physically exfoliates dead skin cells with minerals and sea salts and deeply conditions and softens skin with sunflower oil and vitamin E. The scrub leaves skin with a soft, luminous glow and does not leave a greasy residue. It contains mineral and Dead Sea Salt – provides effective yet gentle exfoliation and helps relieve inflammation when dissolved in water.

I used the scrub on my feet, legs and other rough spots like my elbows. It is extremely gentle but smooths skin and imparts great glow! It’s a perfect prep for the Jason Wu kit.

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

Becca Cosmetics Can Give You The Perfect Look For Spring and Summer

We have had a few hot days in Kansas City, which has made me long for the summer and tan skin and easy makeup. So I used an at home spray tanning system (will review soon) and broke out the bronzer and shimmery makeup! Oh, I love the fun easy look of summer makeup!

BECCA Cosmetics’ philosophy is about creating a natural, flawless look starting with amazing skin. This is the perfect philosophy when it comes to spring and summer makeup. The following products will provide an easy and pretty face.

Resurfacing Primer Line & Pore Minimizing Formula ($40.00 USD) — Prepare and seal your skin with this invisible Resurfacing Primer which instantly reduces the appearance of dilated pores and smoothes fine lines for a flawless finish. Applied on its own or under foundation, the velvety matte formulation helps to control unwanted shine with its special oil absorbing polymers which act as ‘fillers’ to create a refined base for makeup that will last all day.

What I think: mattifying primer is perfect for hot and oily skin. It also keeps your makeup from melting off of your face. This primer gives skin a velvety finish and helps makeup stay on all day.

Pressed Shimmer Powder ($38.00 USD) — A delicately fine shimmer powder that lights up the complexion, illuminating darkened areas and lackluster skin and creating a magical glow that seems to emanate from within. Contains ultrafine particles of shimmer (mica) to deflect light and illuminate the skin, creating a natural, radiant look. Does not have a glittery finish and thus can be worn day or night.

What I think: Pretty shimmer, and not too young for women who are a bit more mature and not looking for a glittery face. Available in 8 shades from a beigey-peach to a rose-pink, which is the most I’ve seen in an illuminating powder. The deeper shades make a really pretty blush. Brush it over bronzer for a lovely summer look.

Jewel Dust ($24.00 USD) — These exquisitely embellished powders add playful colour to the eyes when worn alone, and create rich, exotic tones when layered over neutral eye shadows. Available in a range of enchanting colours from ethereal pastels to dazzling metallics. Created from pure pigments which provide the highest luster and intensity. Unlike other shimmer powders, this exclusive formulation does not contain talc, fillers, or inferior silver pearl pigments. Can be worn alone or layered over creme and powder eye colour to create unique tones and range of effects. Micro fine shimmer pigments adds illuminating colour to the eyes. Available in 16 shimmery shades.

What I think: This is super pretty for summer. The lighter shades are gorgeous brushed all over the eye and the deeper and brighter shades can be used for an accent or a smoky eye.

Professional Brush Soap ($15.00 USD) — Designed with your prized makeup brushes in mind, this unique Professional Brush Soap is formulated to clean, condition and sanitize, lengthening the lifespan of your brushes and making them work better for you. In a unique vintage-style shaving tin, this soap is designed for all brush shapes and sizes and works on both natural and synthetic fibers.

Unlike shampoo, which is designed for human hair types and can leave brushes limp or brittle, this special soap is universal in its cleansing properties. Its solid formula is made from nourishing plant oils ensuring that it is gentle on brush fibers while tough on product build-up. Unwashed, brushes can be a common breeding ground for bacteria, which can in turn cause skin irritation and blemishes, along with reduced application performance. Dip the brush in lukewarm water, then with a stroking action, move across the soap until it produces a white lather, working well into the bristles. Rinse under the tap until the water runs clear, squeeze out excess water, reshape, then leave to dry on a clean towel.

What I think: This is a fabulous and affordable cleanser for your brushes. It is so important to keep makeup brushes clean and this is easy and quick. Love it!

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