Beauty – Page 44 – Forty, Flirty & Fabulous

Get Lovely Lips with Kissable Couture

Kissable Couture is a luxury lip gloss line that is created by former model Keisha Nash Whitaker and makeup artist AJ Crimson. They created the line to give women sophistication, elegance and to make them feel sexy.

I love these lip glosses! They are shiny and natural feeling, and not at all sticky. The glosses come in a variety of colors from sheer and shimmery to opaque and glossy. My two favorites are sheer: Dreams, a very light pink and Horizon, a pinky-bronze. They stay on for quite a while and look fresh the whole time. Very nice!

The lip glosses retail at $22.00 each. Visit the website at kissablecouture.com to purchase or to find a retailer near you. Enjoy your glossy lips!

Get Glowing With Skyn Iceland

Want your skin to glow? Skyn Iceland creates products that are free of harsh chemicals and they use pure ingredients like pristine glacial waters, powerful antioxidants, potent anti-inflammatory elements, skin-soothing moisturizers, medicinal herbs and purifying extracts. These ingredients are touted to help stressed skin regain its natural glow.

Skyn Iceland’s products do not include parabens, sulfates, mineral oil, petroleum, formaldehyde or paraffin, are allergy and sensitivity tested, and are cruelty-free. Another great plus is that the packaging is 90% recyclable.

This all sounds good, but how do the products work, you ask? Well, I tried two Skyn Iceland products that have been recently released, the Glacial Cleansing Cloths and the Arctic Brightening Serum, and I really like the gentle and soothing way that they treat my skin.

Glacial Cleansing Cloths($15.00 for 30) – These pre-moistened cloths are fantastic for nighttime, when I’m too tired to wash my face (which is often). They are infused with Icelandic glacial waters and natural extracts to remove makeup, dirt, oil and other impurities while refreshing and soothing the skin. The formulas is non drying and soothes the skin. This is also touted to help prevent breakouts, and since my skin does appear clearer, maybe it is helping! They do sting my eyes a bit, so I use a different eye makeup remover on my eyes and this one all over my face.

Arctic Brightening Serum ($65.00 1 oz) — I love this serum! The claim is that it helps, “reverse the progression of stress-related damage to restore luminosity and improve texture. Arctic Brightening Serum helps protect against premature aging” Ingredients in the serum include arctic root, Siberian ginseng, and maral root, which is touted to “delay cell aging by bolstering skin’s cellular defenses and resistance to stress. While your skin is being fortified, kombucha goes to work to brighten skin and bring back the glow you left behind. A gentle retinol derivative helps reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles. Arctic Brightening Serum helps restore the skin’s immune system to optimum levels so skin looks and more importantly, acts younger than ever.”

I apply this serum every morning and evening before moisturizer. I have been using it for a few weeks and my skin is noticabley brighter and smoother. I swear I look younger! It also feels so good when I apply it, it is cooling and soothing. I really recommend the Arctic Brightening Serum and think it is worth the price!

Visit www.skyniceland.com to learn more and to purchase these great products!

New Milani Eye Liners for Fall

Summer makeup is so easy. You don’t need a lot for a fresh look that is perfect for the season. But fall makeup is a different story. When the weather turns cooler, and the fashions become more bold, the bright colors come out of the makeup cases and on to our faces!

Milani has introduced two new eye liners that are perfect for fall. Eye Tech Liquid Eye Liner and Infinite Liquid Eye Liner offer bold lines and bright colors, and even though it is not quite fall yet, I have already begun having fun experimenting with them.

Eye Tech Liquid Eye Liner ($6.99) puts the control in your hands. This pen-style liner boasts a water-based formula that has a “flow thru system” and a felt-tip applicator for a steady line in one stroke. It goes on incredibly smoothly and you can get more than one look from it. The first time I tried it I was going out with friends, so I did a thick cats-eye line on my top lashes. I have also drawn a very fine line at the base of my lashes to for a more natural look. It is available in black, brown and charcoal.

Infinite Liquid Eye Liner ($5.99) is a long wearing liner that boasts a waterproof formula that lasts up to 24 hours. This comes with a very thin brush that you dip into the product and apply. Once you apply it, you have just a few seconds until it dries to correct any mistakes, because it STAYS ON!!! My daughter applied the blue liner (Infinite) on her friend and it took a lot of makeup remover to get it off! You know that if you put this on in the morning it will stay on all day! It is available in 5 dramatic shades: Infinite (the metallic electric blue), Endless (metallic purple), Eternal (golden green), Forever (golden bronze) and Everlast (black). My favorite is the Forever, it is so pretty and wearable for day.

Visit www.milanicosmetics.com to learn more about these and all of their fab products!

Tweezerman — The Beauty Tool Experts

Tweezerman creates beauty tools that are well made and high tech, too. They are known for their excellent tweezers, but did you know that Tweezerman offers other beauty tools as well, like manicure and pedicure items? They do indeed, and the quality is just as fab as their tweezers.

I have recently tried two of Tweezerman’s best selling products:

Hot For Dots Mini Slant Tweezer ($15.00) — is the perfect size to pop in a purse and take with you! The dot design is super-cute, but the best things about it is that it is made of stainless steel and that it boasts a precision tip. I can pluck quickly, knowing I am getting every last hair and that it is not going to pinch my skin.

Pedro Too Callus Stone ($12.00)– the ergonomic shape fits perfectly in the palm of your hand for exceptional comfort and maximum control. This is crafted with genuine German-made ceramic. It smooths calluses, removes embedded dirt and exfoliates. You can use it wet or dry. I like using it dry at night, but can also be used on wet skin after a bath.

Visit www.tweezerman.com to learn more about these products and many more from Tweezerman.

Bobbi Brown Ivy League Collection for Fall

“Pencils are back in a big way for fall. They’re quick, mistake-proof and can go from subtle to bold in one easy stroke.” – Bobbi Brown

I agree with Bobbi. I love pencil eyeliners. They are the easiest form of liner for me to maneuver. Bobbi Brown’s Ivy League Collection contains pencil eyeliners — as well as pencil lip colors — as the focus of a classic fall look.

I recently tried a few items from Bobbi Brown’s fall collection including her new and improved Creamy Eye Pencil ($20.00) — It is designed to go on smoothly and evenly and features a built-in smudger for a softer, smoky effect. Available in 9 shades including: Jet, Walnut, Caviar, Midnight, Hunter, Brown Plum, Dusk, Charcoal and Mahogany. I tried Mahogany. This is a soft taupey brown with a dash of warmth to it. It is creamy, but it takes a few swipes across my lids for the color to be intense enough to show; it’s quite a subtle brown. I like the look it gave me and I think it will be great for fall.

Bobbi also adds two new pearlized eye shadows, Autumn Shimmer Wash, a warm bronze and Bash Metallic, which a forest green for lining and defining ($22.00). I have the Bash Metallic and I like using it in my crease when I’m wearing beige shadow on my lids and the Mahogany Creamy Eye Pencil as liner. It’s a fun way to wear a pop of color. You can use the Bobbi Brown Angle Eye Shadow Brush ($28.00) which is ideal for applying shadow in the corner, in the crease or all over the lid.

The Ivy League Collection also includes a fresh, new spin on fall’s strong eye: Forest Shimmer Ink Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner ($21.00). To create the shade, Bobbi blended deepest green with golden pearls to create a liner that really makes eyes pop.

By far, my favorite product of the line is Bobbi’s Lip Crayons ($22.00). This awesome pencil “combines the luxurious feel of a lipstick with the ease and convenience of a jumbo, crayon-inspired pencil.” Including a custom-sized sharpener, the Lip Crayon is available in six shades: Honeysuckle, Coral Pink, Raisin Berry, Posey, Dusty Nude, Wild Rose. I have Dusty Nude, which is a medium beige that is so pretty on. It’s a lovely natural that will go with all my autumn outfits!

Visit www.bobbibrown.com to learn more and to purchase this collection before the first leave falls.

King of Shaves Woman Shaving Gel

: King of Shaves Woman Shaving Gel

King of Shaves — www.shave.com — a UK line, has introduced a line of women’s shaving products. They use low foam formulations to offer a close shave without the drying after affects of lather.

I tried the Pamper and Moisturise Shaving Gel ($5.99). This luxurious gel contains chamomile and rose to sooth and calm the skin. I like the soft fragrance of this gel and the close shave I get from it.

Here are some great tips and tricks from Master Barber for King of Shaves, Diane Wood to go with the King of Shaves Woman Shaving Gel:

Shave at Night: Shaving removes dead skin cells and the superficial layer of the epidermis reducing skin’s defenses. Try shaving in the evening to avoid exposing weakened skin to external elements.

Do it in the Shower: Warm, wet hair is three times easier to shave than dry. Therefore, try to shave during a shower, thoroughly wetting hair with warm water for at least three minutes. Also try to exfoliate skin before shaving to prevent in-grown hairs.

Use a Low Foam Formula Shaving Gel: Opt for a low foam gel such as King of Shaves Woman rather than foamy gels or plain soap and water which can rob skin of moisture, leaving it dry and irritated.

For the Smoothest Stems: Start at the ankles and shave upwards. Shave from the bottom of the ankle, gently gliding the blade up the leg, in one smooth stroke. Take extra care and shave slowly when shaving areas where bone is close to the skin surface, such as ankles and knees.

Be Flexible: Remember to flex the heel to stretch the skin while shaving to avoid nicks and cuts that often occur behind the ankle.

Bikini Babe: Follow the natural direction of hair growth to prevent irritation, particularly in the bikini area. Do not press too hard; let the blade do the work.

Up in Arms: Underarm hair grows in different directions; thus one must shave up, down and across. To prevent razor burn and ingrown hairs, pull skin tight with one hand, while shaving with the other. Re-apply shaving gel regularly.

Post-Shave: Thoroughly rinse any remaining gel from skin. Avoid exposing skin to any potential irritants (i.e. lotions, fragrance or salt water) for an hour to allow skin’s pores to close.

Paul Brown Hawaii Hair Products

Paul Brown Hawaii was created by master hairstylist Paul Brown. He uses natural ingredients, such as plant extracts, that he has discovered in his beloved Hawaii.

I really like these products. I think that the scent is fantastic and reminds me of my honeymoon in Hawaii. I tried the following products:

The Hapuna Cleanse and Conditioning system — This lightly fragrant shampoo and conditioner contain extracts from sea flowers and plants to produce beautiful, healthy hair with no buildup. The shampoo is light, but really cleans. The conditioner is also light, and I need more moisture from my conditioner. I have to either use a lot or use another conditioner afterwards to hydrate my dry hair.

I really recommend Paul Brown Hawaii’s styling products. Both the Stay Straight Smoothing Balm and the Stay Straight Molding Creme help to keep my hair frizz free. I first apply the Creme, then dry my hair to just damp and add the balm. Both contain a blend of natural Hawaiian Protein Flora Complex (HPFC) and plant emollients, which penetrate hair shaft to restore hair to a healthier, frizz-free condition.

After my hair is completely dry, I apply the Shine Amplifier to boost my shine. It also contains sunscreen, which is a great touch for healthy hair.

I finish the look with the Dry Mist. This hair spray gives hair volume and hold without making hair stiff or sticky. You can even brush your hair after you apply it.

Visit the website at www.paulbrownhawaii.com to locate a salon that carries these fabulous products. Your hair will be healthy and stylish!

Marina Cosmetics– The Kiss of the Sea

I love trying new lipsticks and lip glosses. I seem to be more drawn to lip glosses these days because they make the lips feel moisturized and are non-drying. Lipsticks can be very drying and it is great to find one that makes the lips soft and glossy.

If you are looking for a hydrating lipstick, try Marina Cosmetics – The Kiss of the Sea. Both their lipsticks and lip glosses are enriched with hydrating sea minerals, plus other nourishing ingredients like seaweed, jojoba oil and natural waxes. They are also Dermatologist tested, Hypoallergenic, and Paraben-Free.

The Sea Perfected Lipstick ($20.00) gives a soft, sheer wash of color that has a hint of shimmer to it. Available in ten colors, I have Pink Sand, which is a glimmering rose color.

Hydrating Lip Gloss ($22.00) This non-sticky and moisturizing lip gloss is fun to apply at any time of the day. It gives the lips shimmer and shine. Available in ten colors as well, I have tried Sandcastle which is a light beige.

Visit the webiste at www.marinacosmetics.com to learn more about these fab lip products.

Living Proof No Frizz Shampoo and Conditioner

Living in Kansas City can be quite the beauty challenge for my hair. The air is very dry in the winter so my hair becomes flyaway. The worst time of the year for my hair, though, is the summer. The humidity and heat turn my hair into a fuzzball. So frizz-free haircare is a must!

Living Proof’s No Frizz was created by a team of scientists by applying advanced technology to solve the problem of frizzy hair. They are launching another great breakthrough: No Frizz Shampoo, No Frizz Conditioner and No Frizz Leave-In Conditioner, a complete hair care collection that brings the frizz-fighting power of PolyfluoroEster to the most advanced cleansing and conditioning formulas.

Here are the new products and their descriptions:

No Frizz Shampoo ($24.00 8oz)was developed with PolyfluoroEster and SLMI, a gentle, sulfate-free surfactant that actually gives a luscious lather but removes any trace of dirt or oil without stripping the hair.

No Frizz Conditioner ($24.00 8oz) also contains PolyfluoroEster yet is completely devoid of the heavy oils, silicones and butters found in many frizz-fighting conditioners so it doesn’t weigh hair down.

No Frizz Leave-In Conditioner ($24.00 8oz) is an ideal option for drier hair, incorporating PolyfluoroEster with lightweight glycerin as the key moisturizing component instead of heavy oils, a first for a leave-in frizz-fighting product. No Frizz Leave-In conditioner is one of the only oil-free, silicone-free leave-in conditioners available on the market.

For my hair, I like to use all three of the products. I first shampoo, then apply conditioner and leave it in for a few minutes. I then towel-dry my hair and use the leave-in conditioner for extra smoothness. This really helps my hair say soft and manageable and cuts down on the frizzies.

The new No Frizz hair care collection will be available in Sephora, Sephora.com, QVC, QVC.com and www.livingproof.com beginning September 2009.

ZO Skin Health

Zo Skin Health was created by Dr. Zien Obagi, a dermatologist who makes products that bring a medical approach to skincare with the goal of reversing the appearance of aging skin.

I have tried a few of these products. The two below are my favorites.

Ommerse Daily Renewal Cream (1.7 oz $95.00) — This day cream is touted to soothe skin irritation, sensitivity and dryness. It contains pure retinol to decrease the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, photosomes to reduce the appearance of discolorations and inflammation and Canadian willowherb and oat extracts to calm and soothe skin irritation.

You can tell that this product is meant to soothe the skin because it feels wonderful when applied. It is a light cream and is definitely non-greasy. I have had a little redness in my skin lately and it helps that as well as smoothing everything out. This is a great morning cream to apply over your serums.

The other product I tried is the Oclipse Sunscreen + Primer SPF 30 (1 oz $175.00 for three, $65.00 for one). This is supposed to fight the #1 cause of wrinkles, age sponts and los of firmness. It contains zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, Vitamin E, silicone. proprietary lipopeptide and humectants and emollients.

I like this because it is a fantastic primer. It glides on the skin and is tinted, making it easier to apply. I also think it evens the tone in my skin and I need less concealer and foundation when wearing it. Sunscreens are so important to wear everyday and this product makes you want to wear it!

Now is a great time to visit the Zo Skin Health website because they are having a sale in honor of Dr. Obagi’s birthday. From August 1-10, 2009 you will receive 20% off your orders. Check it out at www.zoskinhealth.com.