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!

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.

Darac Beauty

As a forty-something woman, I am always looking for products that will make my skin appear flawless. Darac, a celebrity makeup artist, has introduced a makeup line that focuses on flawless skin. His Core Solutions are made to help women with solutions to common, but troubling makeup problems. Darac says on his website, “Everyone has similar core concerns. When you say, my foundation doesn’t match my skin; my powder makes me look like my great-great grandmother; I used to have long delicious lashes and now I have four sausages, or anything else you’ve struggled with, Core Solutions offers you specific solutions with instant results.”
 
I have recently tried some of Darac’s fantastic products. My favorites are: 
   
Feature Focus ($39.50) is a compact of 3 different cream bases made to cover, contour and highlight the face. This product comes with the Looking Glass Cheat Sheet, which is a cling sheet that you can put on your mirror. It contains a diagram of where to place the products.  Forgive is a great color for concealing, Forget is for highlighting and Frame is a darker shade to sculpt. I love to use Forgive under my eyes and on blemishes, Forget goes on my cheek bones and under my browbone and Frame is great for my chin area!

The TourQuam ($40.00)  TourQuam Luxe ($75.00) brushes are some of the coolest I’ve tried. They are super-soft and full and contain magnets in the handle which I think draw the product into the brushes so you can swirl on an even coat of the product and use less of it. I use the TourQuam for bronzer and blush and the TourQuam Luxe for my powder.

Sifted Blur ($32.00) is more than a powder. Used with the TourQuam or TourQuam plus, I sweep it all over my face and it instantly makes my face look even and glow. The website states that, “Sifted Blur can be used as a under foundation to facilitate application of makeup and not allow it to rob water from your skin; it can be used over foundation to set and perfect makeup; or used without any makeup at all, any time of the day.” I have used it over my makeup and on its own, but I am going to definitely try it under my makeup in these hot, humid summer days when my face gets a little oily!

Expedition Mascara ($19.50) really lengthens my lashes while adding volume. Summer Allergies have forced me to wear my glasses instead of my contacts, and with Expedition, my lashes keep hitting my glasses! I have to make sure they are totally dry before I put my glasses on. This mascara also is vitamin-packed and nourishes lashes with a silk extract. I have noticed that my lashes stay glossy, black and soft all day long! You can also use the tiny detail brush included to get all of your little lashes and your bottom ones as well.

Visit www.daracbeauty.com to learn more about and to purchase this luxury cosmetic line. You are going to love it!

Mally Beauty

Celebrity makeup artist Mally Rancal has created a cosmetic line that I think would look great on any woman, no matter her age or skin tone. The colors are vibrant and extremely well pigmented, and just a lot of fun to wear!

To create a smooth canvas for the color, try Mally’s Ultimate Performance Professional Foundation ($45.00). This is a cream foundation that covers well while looking natural. I like to apply it with my fingers or a sponge, but it does come with a very soft hand-tufted foundation brush. The foundation is available in five shades; Fair, Light, Medium, Tan and Rich

The City Chick Smokey Eye Kit ($40.00) is an easy way to acheive the coveted smokey eye look. The palette includes a cream base, a soft neutral and a medium and dark shade that work great for smokey eyes. I have tried Plum Chelsea which is a fun alternative to the original black and gray smokey eye. The kit comes with an eyeliner pencil and is available in Brownstone, Skyscraper, Central Park, Nolita Navy, Midtown Merlot and Plum Chelsea.

My favorite Mally product is the High Shine Liquid Lipstick Pen ($20.00). This beautiful lip color is a cross between a lipstick and a lip gloss. It covers and is opaque like a lipstick but is shiny like a gloss. I have Perfect Pink, a very pretty neutral medium pink. I have been wearing it everyday because it goes with everything and looks natural, yet polished. It also comes in Summer Peach, Super Natural and Sweet Berry. 

Visit www.mallybeauty.com to purchase or learn more about this fun makeup line.

Studio Gear Cosmetics

Studio Gear Cosmetics creates high quality products that give a flawless look. I was lucky to try a couple of new face products from this brand:

Prime Objective Protective Perfecting Face Primer SPF 20 ($35.00) — This is cool little product. It helps protect the skin from the damaging effects of UVA and UVB rays while priming the skin for makeup. It is a silicone based face primer that provides an effective broad-spectrum SPF 20 sunscreen while making skin’s texture appear smoother. It also contains a sustained release liposome system with retinol which is touted to promote cell turnover and diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles as well as a milk protein complex to help to balance and protect the skin from environmental stresses.

I like this primer because you can never get too much sunscreen. You just need a little bit to smooth out the skin. Too much can be a tad greasy, just enough is silky. Once smoothed it all over your face, you are ready for concealer, foundation and the rest of your makeup.

Try the Flawless Foundation ($25.00) over your Prime Objective for glowing skin. This also contains silicone for a smooth finish. The website states that it also provides “the hydrating benefits of Hyaluronic Acid, light to medium buildable coverage, the antioxidant protection of Vitamins A, C and E, and a broad spectrum UVA, UVB sunscreen, SPF 10.”

This is a great summer foundation, because it is light, has the all-important sunscreen and gives the face a lovely glow. It is not heavy or cakey, and seamlessly blends into the skin.

Visit the Studio Gear website for product information at www.studiogearcosmetics.com and to purchase these wonderful items!

Bobbi Brown’s Illuminating Bronze Collection

“Nothing says summer to me like healthy skin with a bit of shimmer. It’s gorgeous and super sexy – and who doesn’t want to look like that?”

– Bobbi Brown

I know I want to look like that! A great bronzer is the center of my summer makeup wardrobe. Bobbi Brown has come out with the Illuminating Bronze Collection. The products in this collection are:

Shimmer Brick for Body ($75.00 USD) — This oversized bronzer brick can be used on arms, legs, décolleté, or anywhere you want to glow. It features three shimmering bars of color. This can be used with Bobbi Brown’s giant All Over Body Brush ($85.00 USD), to add a little color any place you wish.

All Over Bronzing Gel SPF 15 ($28.00 USD) — Bobbi Brown has offered this gel-based bronzer before, but it now has the added benefit of sun protection. It is available in a new shade, Golden Sun, and the original shade, Desert Sun. Depending on desired effect, blend bronzer all over face or where the sun naturally hits – forehead, nose, cheeks, and chin.

Illuminating Bronzing Powder ($33.00 USD) — I have this bronzer in Aruba, a light golden bronze, but it is available in 6 sunny shades. The ultra-soft and smooth pressed powder is formulated with a unique and innovative blend of sheer powder and micro pearls. This is a shimmery bronzer, but not glittery, and can be used for day or evening looks. I have been wearing it to work and have been receiving compliments on my makeup.

Visit the website at www.bobbibrowncosmetics.com to purchase a new bronzer or to find a location near you. Have fun glowing!

Try Glominerals for Healty, Radiant Skin

glōminerals is a company that believes that good-for-you beauty doesn’t have to be basic. Their website states that the products are, “uniquely formulated utilizing only the finest pharmaceutical-grade ingredients, triple-milled high-pigment minerals, and an advanced antioxidant complex of Vitamins A, C, and E and green tea extract, glōminerals provides broad-spectrum UV protection and helps to defend against free radical damage, to deliver a radiant, healthy complexion. In addition, glōmineralsformulas are talc-free, non-comedogenic and free of perfumes and chemical dyes, making them suitable for even the most sensitive skin types, including those with acne and rosacea.”

These are lofty claims. Do the products live up to them? I say “yes”. I have tested their mineral powder base, liquid bronzer and lip plumper; and concur that the products are as luxurious as they are good-for-you.

gloPressed base ($39.00 USD) — available in 20 shades. This is a matte, not a sparkly, mineral base. You apply it by using a kabuki or powder brush in small circular motions to achieve perfect even coverage. Using the brush of choice apply gloPressed base to clean, moisturized skin, beginning with a small amount, and layering if needed. I found that I only needed a little of this base to achieve an even, flawless look. It stays on and looks fresh for most of the day.

gloSheer tint base bronzing gel ($30.00 USD)— This gel is creamy and easy to apply. When you first squeeze it out it seems really dark, but blends in and looks natural even on my pale skin! I think this would look lovely on all skin tones. I love that it isn’t shimmery at all, which is a nice break from all of the glittery bronzers on the market today. It just give the skin a subtle glow. I sometimes like a little shimmer with my bronzer for night, but this is a great for a day look.  This sheer tint also repairs and protects skin from UV damage.

gloLip plumper ($16.00 USD) — This plumper is infused with spheres of Marine Collagen Atelocollgen, which work to plump lips by trapping water and swelling, thus providing volume to the skin’s structures. It is available in clear, perfect plum, very cherry, sheer berry, and copper shimmer. This plumper does swell the lips, but doesn’t sting, which makes it more comfortable to wear than some plumpers. You can use this under a gloss or lipstick, or use it on it’s own for a shimmery pout.

Visit www.glominerals.com to learn more about these great, healthy makeup options and to locate a retailer near you.

Make a Splash with FACE Stockholm’s Summer Look!

FACE Stockholm Summer Look
FACE Stockholm Summer Look
 
FACE Stockholm is a fashion forward brand of luxury makeup. Founded in Sweden by Gun Nowak in the 1980’s, FACE Stockholm can be found worldwide.  Their Summer Look is a combination of “surf-inspired blues and vivid sunset pinks”. The collection is described on the model in the photo as: 

BASE
A sheer application of Loose Powder #2 ($26.00 USD) and Magic Wand ($32.00 USD) will leave skin even without masking that natural summer glow.

LIDS
Apply Pearl Eye Shadow #44 ($19.00 USD) on the lid up to the brow bone. Top off with a touch of Details Eye Dust ($22.00 USD) for shimmer and shine. Brighten the inside of the eye with Clarity Eye Dust ($22.00 USD). Use Dark Blue Matte Eye Shadow ($20.00 USD)and Forceful Eye Dust ($22.00 UDS) on the outer lid for a smokey effect. The Dark Blue Matte Eye Shadow also does double duty as a soft liner on the top lash line.  

LASHES
Double up! Apply both Black and Blue Volumizing Waterproof Mascara ($32.00 USD each) for thick, rich lashes with a colorful twist that won’t budge, smudge or smear.
 
CHEEKS
Cheeks pop with Organza Blush-On ($20.00 USD) or Rio Creme Blush ($25.00 USD).

LIPS
Full color power and shine is achieved with Instinct Lipstick ($22.00 USD) and a top coat of clear Glas.

I was lucky enough to try the entire collection and it is so much fun! My favorite products are the Loose Powder and Magic Wand. With these two items, I don’t need a foundation, which is perfect for the easy days of summer. The Magic Wand highlighter/concealer covers my flaws and the powder sets it nicely.  

Both blushes are lovely. The Organza Pink powder blush is very light and can almost be used as a highlighter. The Rio Creme Blush is a shocking pink in the compact but goes on very sheer and blends easily. The shadows are very shimmery and fun for a night out, as is the VERY bright pink lipstick! The mascaras are both thickening and add length, and the blue mascara provides a fun pop of color on lashes.

You may purchase these items on line at www.facestockholm.com for a bright and fun summer!  

Nvey Eco

NVEY ECO Organic Eye Shadow
NVEY ECO Organic Eye Shadow

There are many organic hair, face and body care products on the market today. I have reviewed some here, but have found it is difficult to find organic color cosmetics.

The Australian cosmetic house NVEY Le Maquillage has recently debuted their organic collection of make-up in the United States in 2006. The brand is named NVEY ECO, and it is one of the few organic makeup collections to hit the U.S market.  The NVEY ECO website states, “A pioneer in the industry, NVEY ECO is a luxurious and comprehensive collection of makeup colors suited for all skin types and ages and the only cosmetic brand to be certified organic by the Organic Food Chain.”

The cosmetics contain a blend of natural botanics and powerful antioxidants such as safflower oil, Vitamins C, A, B5 and E, chamomile and jojoba oil. These ingredients are gentle on the skin and make for a healthy and glowing complexion.  

My favorite product that I have tried is the Organic Eye Shadow — ($24.00)  The website states the shadow is , “finely milled with an extra soft base of Corn Silk and Jojoba Oil, NVEY ECO, Organic Eye Shadows can be used in combination to enhance and contour the eye or individually for a flush of color. Chamomile and Vitamins A, C, and E make for a smooth and soft formula excellent for dry and sensitive skin. “

The shadows are very soft and easily blendable. They also have very nice pigments and stay on all day. I really like #268, which is a pearl taupe shimmer. I sweep it all over myeye lid for a neutral color base and then add a little highlighter under the brow and a darker color in the crease. Very pretty.

NVEY ECO has a full range of products on their website www.econveybeauty.com. Check it out if you are looking for quality organic color! 

The Nautical Collection by Bobbi Brown

The Nautical Collection
The Nautical Collection
Bobbi Brown has introduced the Nautical Collection for a sheer summer look. The colors are corals, pinks and mauves and they impart a soft shot of color that is great for warm weather looks!
 
Sheer Color Lip Gloss ($20.00 USD) — This is a glossy sheer color that looks dark in the tube, but almost clear with a hint of color on. It has a brush applicator, which I love for lip gloss and smells faintly of vanilla. I have Marina Pink, which is cross between fuscia and berry. It is quite pretty on. The gloss is a bit sticky, but the shine is worth it! It is available in 4 colors; Marina Pink, Cabana Coral, Popsicle (bright pinky-red) and Sailor (a softer pink).
   
Sheer Color Cheek Tint ($22.00 USD) comes in a cute, chubby little tube that fits perfectly in my purse! The product swivels up like lipstick and I like to apply iton the apples of my cheeks, then blend it up with with my fingers. I have Sheer Mauve, but it also comes in 5 other colors:  Sheer Blackberry, Sheer Coral, Sheer Lilac, Sheer Pink and Sheer Raspberry. This is an easy and fast way to get some color this summer! 
 
Perfectly Defined Mascara ($22.00 USD) I have not had a chance to try this product, but the website touts, “This new formula lengthens, separates and curls lashes for perfect definition with one easy sweep. The secret? A unique multi-comb brush and equally innovative formula, working together to enhance each and every lash. The flexible, long-wearing formula doesn’t flake or smudge and stays in place all day long. And best of all, when you’re ready to take it off just use warm water! Available in black, Perfectly Defined Mascara is both Ophthalmologist and Dermatologist tested and is safe for contact wearers.”
 
To check out the Nautical Collection and other fabulous Bobbi Brown products, visit www.bobbibrown.com.