My Beauty Favorites — Week of December 5-11, 2016

How is your holiday season going?  We got our tree up today and it looks great!  A Noble Fir which is my favorite.

This week I have been loving gorgeous eyeshadow sticks, a skin firming device and an all natural skincare line:

Merle Norman Shadow Sticks
Merle Norman Shadow Sticks

Merle Norman Shadow Sticks ($18 USD) — The fun, easy-to-use stick is crease-resistant and designed for versatility. They’re perfect to use as your main shadow, a base or even a liner with a buildable formula designed to go from sheer to full-on color. They even have a special key ingredient, microspheres, which impart a silky texture while absorbing oil to keep lids sebum free.

No matter what color is trending this season from matte to shimmer, you’ll find what you need in Merle Norman Shadow Sticks. Available in a full spectrum of shades that range from luminous to matte: Glow, Fortune, Luna, Mystic, Bronze Age, Preppy, Stone, Watercolor, Toast and Almond Cookie.

What I think:  I have tried a lot of shadows sticks in my blogging career, but they aren’t my go to form of eye shadow usually.  I have to say  really liked these and plan to use them lots!  I have Mystic, a shimmery wine, Stone, a gorgeous greige and Watercolor, a soft matte blue.  They are all pretty, but Stone is one I can use every day as an allover lid shade.  The other two are very nice accent colors.  This stay for hours and look fresh.

Available at MerleNorman.com.

Two great products to help with tech neck are Conture Kinetic Skin Toning System ($249 USD), and Conture’s NEW Kinetic Firm Neck Cream ($65 USD).  These are  the secret weapons to fighting “tech neck” for a tightened, smoother, fresher décolletage.

The Kinetic Skin Toning action of the Conture is designed to specifically address deficiencies in skin firmness and elasticity as well as overall sagging of the neck area. In a 8-week clinical study in which women used their Conture Device and the Kinetic Firm Neck Crème, participants found an 81 percent improvement in the lifting of their skin.

What I think:  I have tried the Conture device before.  It is so easy to use and helps tighten skin in just a few weeks.  The Firm Neck Cream is a great addition to the system.  It is extra insurance for a firm neck!

Available at http://www.conture.com

Z Skin
Z Skin

Z Skin — I have been trying products from their Age Defying line.  You can purchase the line with these products in it for $144:

    • Face Lift Wash
    • Face Lift Lotion
    • Neck Firming Cream
    • Daytime Eye Cream [Zz Eye]
    • Nighttime Eye Cream
    • Banish; Dark Spots And Scars
    • Extreme Moisturizer
    • Retinique

  The line is very natural and uses a combination of herbs and oils.  It claims to reduce the signs of aging.

What I think:  I find the scents of these products very strong, maybe too medicinal for me, but they have been hydrating my skin and making it very soft and smooth.  The Face Lift lotion is one of my favorites, it is a great day lotion.

Available at http://www.zskincosmetics.com

 

Last Minute Mother’s Day Beauty Gifts

Still looking for the perfect gift for Mom or other special ladies in your life?  I get it.  Although I have shipped off my mom’s gift, we are still debating what to get my mother-in-law (maybe the candle below!).

There is still time to go shopping in stores or to purchase a wonderful beauty gift card!  Here are some of my favorite gifts for that amazing woman!

 Conture Kinetic Skin Toning System
Conture Kinetic Skin Toning System

 Conture Kinetic Skin Toning System ($249 USD) — a non-invasive, at-home cosmetic device that is designed to gently lift the skin effectively and painlessly, the same results are possible, without the needles or breaking the bank!           The Kinetic Skin Toning action of the Conture is designed to specifically address deficiencies in skin firmness and elasticity as well as overall sagging of the neck area.

  • Conture uses a unique combination of Low Sonic Frequency vibrations combined with Isometric Compression. The two of these stimulate and tone the skin – essentially it’s like a workout for your skin. Isometric Compression lifts and releases the skin in a very targeted but gentle way, by creating a small vacuum effect within the treatment head.
  • The vacuum effect also has a great immediate effect in that it improves things like circulation which will give you a rosy glow, it also tightens and liftsthe skin so you get an immediate reduction in sagging and signs of aging.

Clinicals:

Based on 8 weeks of clinical studies, results showed:

  • 70% lift in neck area
  • 91% improvement in skin texture/smoothness
  • 64% improvement in skin firmness
  • 73% improvement in elasticity (tactile)

What I think:  I have only been using this for a couple of weeks, but I would recommend it for moms, because I can already see a bit of tightening in my neck and especially around my jawline (my problem area).  It’s easy to use, although the suction is a little surprising at first!  I will continue use and see how I like it!

Available at http://www.conture.com

C.O. Bigelow Eucalyptus Candle
C.O. Bigelow Eucalyptus Candle

C.O. Bigelow Eucalyptus Candle ($42 USD) — The intoxicating scent of eucalyptus meets enticing fruit in this candle based on the long-time apothecary-favorite perfume oil. Top notes of juicy lemon, apple, and zesty citrus blend with herbaceous eucalyptus, sage leaves, and garden rose. Dry notes of patchouli, oak moss, and vanilla bean lend a touch of subtle warmth.

What I think:  This is a very fragrant, clean smelling candle.  I think this would be great in a larger room (very fragrant!).   Perfect for the mom that loves the house to smell amazing.

Learn more and purchase at cobigelow.com and at fine department stores.

Soap & Paper Factory Shea Butter Hand Cream in Bouquet
Soap & Paper Factory Shea Butter Hand Cream in Bouquet

Soap & Paper Factory Shea Butter Hand Cream in Bouquet ($18 USD) — This  signature hand cream base will keep your skin supple and soft, while Bouquet fragrance will surround you with love and roses! The notes are Turkish Rose Otto, Rose Geranium & Orris Concrete.

What I think:  This is so moisturizing and smells amazing!  Perfect for the lady who loves feminine florals.  The packaging is gorgeous and perfect for giving.

Purchase at http://www.soapandpaperfactory.com

Have you tried any of these products?  If so, leave me a message and let me know how you like them!

Holiday Gift Guide 2015: High Tech Beauty Gifts

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It’s still time to get her something cool for the holidays!  Have you thought about a high tech beauty gift?  She may really like trying something new!

The items below are definitely new and different:

 Luminess AirSupremacy, ($29.99) was created for the everyday consumer who wants coverage, but doesn’t want to sacrifice a lightweight, non-cakey look and feel. The secret to the formula is a soft spray that’s easy to apply, lasts up to 18 hours and gives you the option of sheer to full coverage. AirSupremacy is a compact aerosol bottle that easily fits in every purse. Perfect for that friend that is always on-the-go, with just a few sprays they will look refreshed and feel amazing! This powerful innovation is available in foundation, blush, body coverage and more!

Available at http://www.luminessair.com 

 Conture Kinetic Skin Toning System, ($199, November 27) is a non-invasive, at-home skin enhancement device that improves skin radiance by 90%.  This revolutionary tool safely stimulates the skin by gently lifting and releasing targeted skin zones using a (pain-free) sonic vacuum system. Perfect for those looking to target anti-aging in a new, innovative way without relying on an expensive invasive procedure! Conture works with all of our favorite creams and serums.

Available soon at http://conture.com/

Luminess Epic 2 Airbrush Makeup System, ($399, December) is the first ever Airbrush system to feature a full digital touch-screen. Makeup junkies can step up their application techniques with this superior, at-home and on-demand makeup artist. With a full-range of airbrush makeup tutorials, any look can be easily achieved with just the push of a button.

Available at http://www.luminessair.com