cosmetics – Page 12 – Forty, Flirty & Fabulous

Fall Makeup Guide Part 3 — Go For the Glow!

Eyes are extremely dramatic this fall, so my advice is to keep cheeks and lips soft and glowing. Some fun new products to try are:

Mally Beauty Ultimate Performance Inner Glow Blush ($36.00 USD) is a blush system that won’t fade or crease and looks believable and natural from the start. This unique two-phase system uses a rich cream to hold on and give even, beautiful color; and a subtle activating powder that mutes the intensity, keeps the look beautiful, and gives a soft lit-from-within glow. The distinctive dual-chamber compact allows for portability and convenience. It includes a dual-ended brush — one end applies the cream blush and one end the activating powder. Available in 4 shades to match your skin tone — Light, Medium, Rich and Tan.

What I think: This is a fantastic idea for blush! I have the light, which is a pinky-rose shade and a light powder. I apply the cream blush over primer and/or foundation. It appears a little dark at first, but I lay it on. Then I brush the powder over it and it tones down the shade, plus makes my pores look less noticeable. You can also sweep the powder all over to finish the face. So pretty and lasts all day! Available at www.qvc.com.

One Triple Play Shimmer Lipgloss Trios ($9.99 USD) let you pamper your lips the natural way. Each cute, portable palette features three delicious flavors of gorgeous gloss. Wear them alone or apply in layers for custom kisses. Not only are One’s glosses eco-friendly, their packaging is 100% safe for our planet. When you’ve used the last of your luscious lip treat, just recycle the tin to contribute to ONE beautiful world.

What I think: This large lip palette is perfect for the girl on the go. The colors are sheer enough for ladies of all ages. I am also impressed that the tin is recyclable. One products are available at Target.

Hard Candy World Balmination ($3.00 USD) is a mixture of a fabulous glossy, tinted, lip balm with an amazing sugar-lemon flavor and very cool packaging. 8 shades to protect, nourish and moisturize lips.

What I think: Not only is this balm very cool, it is so affordable at only $3.00 each! When applied, you get a soft flush of moisturizing color which is perfect for every day. It also tastes terrific — yum! Purchase at Walmart.

Treat Your Skin With The New Anti-Aging Powerhouse Algenist

Being FORTY (something), flirty and fabulous, I know the importance of reviewing new anti-aging skincare for my wonderful audience. I have recently tested the new amazing biotechnical skincare line Algenist. What does Algenist claim:

Born out of an unexpected biotechnology discovery, scientists discovered Alguronic Acid – a powerful compound responsible for regenerating and protecting the microalgae cell. As the key ingredient in all Algenist products, Alguronic Acid boosts skin elasticity and hydration, decreases melanin (skin pigmentation) and inflamed cells, as well as protect the skin against UV-induced DNA damage.

This line currently include four skincare products. They are:

Concentrated Reconstructing Serum ($95.00 USD) — A smooth, advanced anti-aging serum formulated with a high concentration of the revolutionary ingredient Alguronic Acid to rebuild skin firmness and elasticity while restoring skin density and elasticity. Wrinkles are minimized and skin radiance is boosted.

Regenerative Anti-Aging Moisturizer ($90.00 2 fl. oz, s135.00 4 fl. oz) — A luxurious, moisturizing and nourishing anti-aging cream formulated with the revolutionary anti-aging ingredient Alguronic Acid to nourish and restore skin moisture while rebuilding firmness and elasticity. The appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and pores is minimized. The skin is regenerated.

Regenerative Anti-Aging Moisturizer SPF 20 ($90.00 USD) — A fast-absorbing, moisturizing, and protective anti-aging SPF cream formulated with the revolutionary anti-aging ingredient Alguronic Acid to nourish and restore skin moisture while rebuilding firmness and elasticity. The appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and pores is minimized. The skin is regenerated and protected against signs of aging caused by UVA & UVB exposure.

Complete Eye Renewal Balm ($65.00 USD) — A rich yet lightweight moisturizing and soothing balm for the eye area formulated with the revolutionary anti-aging ingredient Alguronic Acid to diminish signs of aging and fatigue, decreasing the appearance of puffiness and dark circles while tightening and firming the skin around the eyes. Fine lines and wrinkles are minimized for a comprehensive renewal of the eye area.

What I think: I love these products! It’s crazy that they can be so gentle going on delivers powerful anti-aging benefits! They are fragrance-free and soothing when applied. I have sensitive skin and Algenist products do not irritate my skin.

Since I have been using Algenist, I have noticed that my skin is smoother (pores appear smaller and fine lines are less noticeable), and it has a youthful glow. I have only been using Algenist for a few weeks, but I will keep using it and see how my skin changes over the next month or so.

Visit www.algenist.com or www.sephora.com to learn more or purchase. Enjoy your younger skin!

Great Products To Help Keep The Summer Glow Going Through Fall!

Keep your glow up with these fun summer-enhancing products. From a great color-customized mineral foundation, to a cheek gel to some great glosses, enjoy a new easy look that will help you sail into Fall while keeping your color!

e.l.f. Mineral Personal Blend Foundation SPF 15 ($8.00 USD) — Create customized mineral based color for a perfect match, year-round! Housed in a unique quad chamber for the perfect mix, the weightless mineral formulation blends seamlessly into skin and contains natural skin protecting SPF 15 and is 100% mineral based with no parabens, preservatives or chemical dyes. Infused with key Vitamin E for rich antioxidants that hydrate and replenish the skin. The inner dial allows you to control the amount of product dispensed so you can create your customized color and keep the powder closed for clean and easy use every time.

Each quad blend contains four perfectly matched shades:

Light:Porcelain, Fair, Light, Beige
Medium:Medium Beige, Golden Honey, Tan, Bronze
Dark: Almond, Toffee, Dark, Deep

What I think: This is such a great idea for a summer powder. I have the medium, and I am in between Golden Honey and Tan so I mix them together. I use Bronze for a bronzer and I know as my (fake) tan fades, I know I will be more Medium Beige. So I get all different looks in one product. Genius! The only thing that I don’t care for is that there is a little shimmer in it and I like my powder matte. This is for sale at a Target store near you.

Perfekt Beauty Cheek Perfection Gel ($28.00 USD) — gives an instant lit-from-within flush to the cheeks. The multitasking formula glides on effortlessly to instantly per-fekt and enhance the appearance of the cheeks. Smart Color Technology™ assures a perfect color match for every skintone. This gel leaves a hint of natural color, sculpting and highlighting the cheekbones.

What I think: I like to use just a little bit of this gel to get a lit-from-within glow. It comes in two shades — Blushed and Bronzed. I have Blushed, which is a pretty red-toned blush that looks so natural on. But you can tell it is blush, I have had many compliments on it. Purchase at www.sephora.com or www.perfektbeauty.com.

It Cosmetics Anti-Aging Shadow Trio & “No Tug” Shadow Brush ($29.00 USD). This eye shadow trio is all about intense pigment, in a naturally pretty look. It’s packed with skin-loving ingredients such as hydrolyzed collagen; acai; green tea; and vitamins A, C, and E; and is free of ingredients that make eyes appear older. The Dual No-tug Heavenly Luxe eye shadow brush gives you airbrushed eye shadow application without tugging on your delicate eyelids.

Shades are:

Naturally Pretty Matte Luxe: Cashmere, a matte creme; Espresso, a matte deep brown; Earth Angel, a matte beige cashmere
Naturally Pretty Pearl Luxe: Je Ne Sais Quoi, a shimmery nude pink; Espresso, a matte deep brown; Ipanema, a golden beige pearl
Pretty in Plum: Je Ne Sais Quoi, a shimmery nude pink; Lucky Lavender, a violet pearl; Plum Passion, a rich shimmer purple

What I think: I have tried the Pretty in Plum palette and love the colors. It is highly pigmented and last a long time, especially over It Cosmetics Bye Bye Lid Lines Anti-Aging Primer. The brush is gorgeous, too. Purchase at www.qvc.com.

It Cosmetics Anti-Aging Brightening Face Disc w/Luxe Brush ($48.50 USD). This palette includes a matte bronzer, luminating powder, and vitality blush. They are packed with skin-loving ingredients such as hydrolyzed collagen; acai; green tea; and vitamins A, C, and E. The Jumbo Heavenly Luxe Mega-Brush gives you airbrushed application, and makes you smile upon contact. Anyone who needs a little “brush therapy” to smile, will love this ultra-soft, luxe Mega-Brush!

What I think: This is the perfect all-over face palette. The matte bronzer is fabulous for contour or a healthy color on the face. The blush is brightening and the luminizer is perfect anywhere you need a little light on the face. Visit www.qvc.com to learn more and purchase.

bodycology® is thrilled to introduce you to Healthy Kiss ($2.99 USD) -three delectable, lip-quenching glosses that are loaded with beneficial ingredients: Juicy Watermelon, Fresh Strawberry and Pomegranate Splash. Formulated with a healthy dose of
vitamins, extracts and oils, the product leaves lips feeling beautifully soft and moisturized. Simply squeeze and apply for subtle color, high-gloss shine and mouth-watering flavor.

What I think: These are fun, shiny glosses that taste fantastic. They are perfect for days that you want a hint of color and lots of shine. You can purchase these at Walmart.

Erno Laszlo Transphuse Age Defying Mask Anti Aging Treatment

I notice as I move further into my forties, my skin needs extra help. My main complaint is that I notice a general dullness in my skin plus enlarged pores. Luckily, with my blog, I get to try many different anti-aging products. Some help, some don’t. I have recently found one that does!

Erno Laszlo Transphuse Age Defying Mask Anti Aging Treatment ($90.00 USD) is a luxurious approach to anti-aging designed to target fine lines and wrinkles. It also claims to saturate skin with moisture, reverse damage and rejuvenate tired, dull skin. It is formulated with a powerful concentration of Glycosaminoglycans to encourage collagen production for a plumper, more youthful complexion.

Cleanse and tone skin. Apply an even layer to face, avoiding eyes and eye brows. Leave on for 5-10 minutes or until dry. Rinse with warm water. Use weekly or as needed.

What I think: The first time I tried this, I use as directed. After drying my face, I looked in the mirror and wow!, my face looked smooth and glowy (not shiny) and my pores appeared so much smaller. Five years off instantly! This is easy to use and gives amazing results.

To purchase, visit www.ernolaszlo.com. Enjoy!

Nicole by OPI Introduces Texture Coat

Nicole by OPI announces the launch of Texture Coat, a line of graffiti-style nail art products inspired by OPI’s bestselling Shatter. Available in six chic shades – Gold, Silver, Red, White, Turquoise and Black – Texture Coat offers a simple way to create unique, unpredictable patterns on nails with a quick, at-home application.

“Fans of Nicole by OPI are fun, fashion-forward women who love experimenting with trends and using nail lacquer as a form of self-expression,” explains Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, Nicole by OPI Executive VP & Artistic Director. “Texture Coat offers an easy way to create your own completely customized nail art. Whether you choose pastels, darks, glitters, shimmers, or sheers to pair with Texture Coat, the endless options will accessorize every look.”

To use this product, start with Base Coat Plus, followed by two coats of any Nicole by OPI nail lacquer. Let the lacquer dry completely before applying Texture Coat. Complete the manicure with Top Coat Plus for a high-shine finish.

Nicole by OPI Nail Lacquers and Nail Treatments contain no DBP, Toluene, or Formaldehyde. Nicole by OPI formulas are long-lasting, fast-drying, and salon-quality, with products featuring the Perfect Stroke brush for streak-free, even coverage. Texture Coat will be available July 2011 for $7.99 each at ULTA, Target, Meijer, Harmon, Wegmans, Sears, and H-E-B. Texture Coat will be available in Canada at Shoppers Drug Mart, Walmart and Loblaw.

For more information, visit nicolebyopi.com. Follow Nicole by OPI on Twitter @NicoleByOPI and become a Facebook fan!

La Fresh Acetone-Free Nail Polish Remover

Acetone-Free Nail Polish Remover, 8 packets — La Fresh Acetone-Free Nail Polish Remover

La Fresh Acetone-Free Nail Polish Remover (8 for $4.99 and 16 for $9.99) — Bye-bye polish removers that are harsh on the nails and harsh on the nose. Hello fresh, healthy nails and an incredibly delicious scent. LA FRESH delivers this revolutionary good-for-nails polish remover that quickly cleans & conditions all 10 nails with just one pad. Helps moisturize with Aloe, Glycerin and Vitamin E. Helps strengthen nails with natural Rosemary and Horsetail Extract. And best of all, helps deliver an unbelievably fresh experience with natural Tuscan orange aromatherapy. Free of parabens, sulfates, petrochemicals, acetone, acetate, dyes, PEGs, artificial fragrances & animal byproducts. Try it to believe it.

What I think: Convenient and great smelling, these wipes are easy to use and so nice to have around. One wipe removes polish from all 10 nails, except for when I used a crackle coat over my base polish. Then it took two wipes, but that’s because it was a lot of polish to remove.

Learn more and purchase at http://lafreshgroup.com. Pick some up, they are a must to have around!

My Current Favorite Summer Skin Care Products

Summer is a funny time for my skin. I live in a humid climate so my skin becomes oilier in the heat, but since I wear less makeup my pores aren’t as clogged as they could be. Still, I believe if you take care of your skin in the summer with quality skin care, it will look fantastic!

L’Oreal Skin Expertise Go 360 Clean Anti-Breakout Facial Cleanser ($6.99 USD) — A salicylic acid acne treatment with a daily pore by pore cleansing with “the scrublet” soft cleansing disk. The cleanser claims to control breakouts and clears blackheads and is oil free.

What I Think: I like to use a little anti-breakout skin care in the summer to control the oil. I have tried this with the scrubber that is included, but it is a little rough for my sensitive skin. I use it with my Clarisonic cleansing brush and my skin feels super clean afterwards. My skin has also been clearer this summer.

You can find the cleanser at drug stores or ma

NUDE Hydrating Water ($20.00 USD) — NUDE Skincare’s refreshing rose and vanilla floral water removes final traces of cleanser and locks in moisture, leaving skin calm and beautifully soft.

Mist natural toner onto clean skin and wipe gently with a cotton pad. A skincare essential, Hydrating Water is perfect for setting make up and instant refreshment. Revives normal, dry and sensitive skins.

What I think: I love this gentle face mist. It smell fantastic. I like to spray it before I moisturize and throughout the day for a refresher. A good tip is to keep it in the fridge in the summer for a cool spritz to refresh in the hot weather. http://nudeskincare.com/ is the website and the products are also available at Sephora.

Paula’s Choice RESIST Daily Smoothing Treatment with 5% Alpha Hydroxy Acid ($21.21 USD)

5% glycolic acid plus 0.5% salicylic acid exfoliates sun-damaged skin
pH range of 3.5–3.8 for guaranteed efficacy
Reduces signs of aging, including wrinkles, sun damage, and discolorations
Corrects uneven skin tone
Restores a healthy, radiant, firmer look to your skin
Calms your skin with potent anti-irritants
Contains ingredients your skin needs to look and act younger
100% fragrance-free and contains no dyes or coloring agents

What I think: I apply this after the face mist and my skin tone instantly looks more even. It dries almost instantly so that you can apply moisturizer. After a few weeks of use, my skin is softer and so smooth. Serums are incredibly important in keeping wrinkles at bay and skin really glowing, and this one is a good choice!

Skyn Iceland the ANTIDOTE Quenching Daily Lotion ($45.00 USD) — Is your skin oily, congested and prone to redness or premature aging? Stress may be increasing breakouts and oiliness, while depriving your skin of essential nutrients, moisture and oxygen.

The ANTIDOTE Quenching Daily Lotion is a lightweight hydrating lotion for chronically stressed skin. It goes on with a cooling burst to decongest, detoxify and stabilize skin, returning it to its natural fresh and healthy state. With daily use, skin is fortified and protected from the ravages of stress. You can purchase this at http://www.skyniceland.com/ or at a Sephora store near you.

FEATURES & BENEFITS:

Omega 3, 6 and 9 fatty acids help preserve skin’s natural moisture
Aloe vera, jojoba and shea butter help soothe, moisturize and heal dry skin
A mint derivative provides a cooling sensation and helps improve microcirculation to reduce redness in skin
White willow bark, a naturally occurring form of salicylic acid, soothes irritation and helps prevent breakouts and congestion in the skin
Icelandic kelp helps revitalize skin and fight inflammation
Meadow sweet extract helps control oiliness, tighten pores and clear skin
Yeast extract revitalizes and helps calm inflamed skin

What I think: This is a refreshing, soothing lotion that is helpful in keeping skin clear during the summer. I use this after the Paula’s Choice smoothing lotion. I notice that after use, my skin is less red and my pores look smaller. It doesn’t make my skin greasy so that I can apply makeup almost instantly. Visit http://www.paulaschoice.com/ for more info or to purchase.

I recommend one or all of these fab skincare products to clear and smooth your skin this summer, no matter what your age. Enjoy!

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.

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!