In the summer, hands and feet are on display. I try to keep my nails polish — but sometimes I forget to take care of the skin around them.
LCN has some great mani-pedi products to prepare your skin for summer exposure.
LCN Urea Chapped Skin Cream
LCN Urea Chapped Skin Cream ($17.90 USD) — Urea 40 % Chapped Skin Cream containing 40 % urea reduces callusses with the help of fruit acids particularly fast and effectively without leaving an oily film and is supported by calming panthenol and nourishing bees wax and anti-inflammatory sage.
Aside from its main ingredient urea, the cream also contains a special carbohydrate complex and hyaluronic acid which is why it is optimally suited for daily use for stressed and chapped skin.
LCN Bamboo Cuticle Pen
LCN Bamboo Cuticle Pen ($15.90 USD) — Apply this moisturizing gel to the nail and cuticle daily to achieve strong healthy nails. Containing bamboo extract and shea butter, this is the ultimate natural health treatment for maintaining your cuticles, a key part of healthy, beautiful nails.
LCN 7in1 Wonder Nail Recovery
LCN 7in1 Wonder Nail Recovery ($11.90 USD) — This innovative top class multi function polish combines 7 properties in one: Base Coat / Top Coat / Wet Look / Quick Dry / Super Hardener / Ridgefiller / Whitener Especially for sensitive, thin and brittle nails, this LCN 7in1 Wonder Nail Recovery strengthens the nail plate and evens out surface irregularities. Like a protective shield, this viscous polish settles on top of the stressed nail and offers a means of recovery for the nail. Nails are shiny and firm and due to the whitener function brightened.Ideal to use as base coat to avoid yellowing of the nail caused by colour polishes as well as ensuring longer durability. Its ridge filling function ensures an even nail structure.For a perfect Wet Look Finish this super fast drying LCN 7in1 Wonder Nail Recovery can be used as a Top Coat sealant.
Starting at Midnight EST on July 27, 2012, This fab kit by It Cosmetics will be QVC’s Today’s Special Value. It is called the Hello Beautiful! Vitality Anti-Aging 5 Pc Color Collection. It is a $212 value and it will be on sale for $59.94. Such a good value for some of my favorite products.
The collection contains:
New—Super-size 1 oz. Bye Bye Under Eye Anti-Aging Vitamin K & Collagen Concealer—4 shades available ($72 value)
Vitality Lip Flush 4-in-1 Lipstick Stain in Je Ne Sais Quoi—sheer pink ($20 value)
Bye Bye Under Eye is my absolutely favorite concealer because it covers so well. With the lovely dual brush, you can blend it all over the face as a foundation.
I received the face disc last year, and the highlighter was darker and the blush wasn’t as bright. The new disc is gorgeous. The blush and highlighter are shimmery and so brightening on the skin. The bronzer is matte so it is perfect to contour the face. And the huge brush is so soft and perfect for applying the face disc.
And I LOVE the lip flush! It looks clear in the tube, but applies a medium bright pink — so healthy-looking! But watch out in the heat. Mine melted a little in my warm bathroom.
Watch QVC starting at midnight or visit www.qvc.com to learn more and purchase.
My skin is looking pretty great this summer. It is super hot in Kansas City right now, so my skin should be gross and oily, but the fabulous new products I have been using have made it clear, smooth and very youthful!
Freeze 24-7 Skin Glacé™ Daily Detoxifying Cleanser & Mask ($65 USD) — Nothing beats a clean feeling, from having a tidy pantry to a neat desk. Now your skin can experience that kind of calming clean with Freeze 24-7 Skin Glace Daily Detoxifying Cleanser & Mask, a gentle deep cleaning formula that provides maximum skin purification, detoxification and hydration. With daily use, you can effectively unclog pores, remove excess oil, make-up and impurities, leaving your skin visibly soft, supple and healthy. Daily Detoxifying Cleanser & Mask replenishes your skin’s natural moisture balance while calming red, irritated skin. Plus, it serves as a great shaving cream for men and women.
What I think: I love the fresh scent of this cleanser and how clean it makes my skin feel after use. It can also work as a quick mask for even deeper cleansing. I just apply it, let it foam up, then rub it in and rinse. Easy, fun and my skin looks clear and soft after use! Visit www.freeze247.com to learn more and purchase!
Skinnygirl Vitamin C Face Scrub
Skinnygirl Vitamin C Face Scrub ($6.99 USD) — Wash away dull, tired skin with this invigorating face scrub that instantly makes skin feel refreshed and smooth. The combination of shea butter and cranberry cleanses away dead skin to unveil a brighter, naturally radiant you.
Key Ingredients:
Soybean Oil – Rehydrates and improves skin texture
Grape Seed Oil – Moisturizes, tightens, tones, and rejuvenates skin while protecting against collagen destruction
Cranberry Fruit Extract – Soothes skin and is a natural vitamin c source to help improve circulation
Shea Butter – Deeply hydrating moisturizer
What I think: This is an unusal scrub in that the beads melt away and what’s left is an oil, so you really need to rinse it off completely. I am used to scrubs making my skin feel super clean, and this makes it feel like it was moisturized instead. That is weird, but when I looked in the mirror after use, my skin looked amazing. Really clear and smooth. This is worth a try, but is maybe not for those with very oily skin. Learn more at http://skinnygirlfaceandbody.com.
Freeze 24-7 Eye Serum
Freeze 24-7 Eye Serum ($115 USD) — Banish crow’s feet, dark circles and puffiness associated with allergies and other environmental conditions. This lightweight, fast-absorbing formula diminishes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles beneath and around the eye area within minutes of application by bringing oxygen and nutrients to the area. Causes a cooling, toning sensation; indicating that the serum is working.
What I think: I love this serum. It is a little pricey, but it is so good. After I apply this light serum, it instantly smooths my eye area leaving it hydrated and makes my fine lines virtually disappear! It is very cooling and refreshing on the eyes, especially great for these hot summer days. Plus, the more I use it, the better my eyes look. Awesome! Visit www.freeze247.com to learn more.
Nuance Salma Hayek Smooth Smart Skin Primer
Nuance Salma Hayek Smooth Smart Skin Primer ($10.99 USD) — Smooth start. Helps diminish the appearance of pores and fine lines and enhance makeup wear. Inspired by my grandmother, my products are designed to help every woman enhance the nuances that define her individual beauty. – Salma. Smooth start skin primer. White lupin seeds & safflower seed oil help improve skin’s firmness and elasticity. Pumpkin seedcake nourishes and delivers improved radiance. Soft-light diffusion technology helps create a healthy glow. Vitamin E nourishes and protects the skin. Paraben free. Fragrance free. Made in USA.
What I think: This is a good primer if you like a bit of a glow to your skin. Skin is very smooth and ready for makeup after use. Or, just wear it alone — it’s quick and easy to apply and you’re out the door! Purchase at a CVS pharmacy near you or visit www.cvs.com.
TIGI Cosmetics Mineral Tint Moisturizer
TIGI Cosmetics Mineral Tint Moisturizer ($30 USD) Wearing foundation in soaring temperatures can be a total drag. This oil-free, water-resistant tinted moisturizer is the perfect light-weight alternative for the season. Added bonus: It’s formulated with a hint of shimmer and SPF 20 so you can get that sun-kissed glow sans the rays.
What I think: Gorgeous! And perfectly matches my currently faux-tanned skin! It almost melts into my skin, and gives me such a flawless look. This can be worn with our without primer. Smooth it over skin and go! Please visit www.tigiprofessional.com to find a local salon.
Nuance Salma Hayek Flawless Mineral Cheek Trio
Nuance Salma Hayek Flawless Mineral Cheek Trio ($12.99 USD) Triple-milled pigments in this three-in-one conditioning blush shape, highlight and define for an extra smooth, velvety finish and endless, customized looks.
What I think: This is a beautiful compact. You can color, highlight and define cheeks and all over the face. I like to brush a little of the bronzer under my jaw and under cheekbones to define. The highlighter goes on top of my cheekbones and on my brow bone. Purchase at a CVS pharmacy near you or visit www.cvs.com.
I’m so thrilled to share news about the latest and great from Laura Mercier for Fall 2012.
The new, limited-edition Cinema Noir Collection will be on shelves beginning in July. Please find the inspiration behind Laura newest colour story belong along with product details below.
The Inspiration:
· This season, Laura was inspired by the Hollywood stars of the late 1940’s, the era when black & white film transitioned into colour.
· Think intellectual beauties like Ingrid Berman, Katherine Hepburn and Rita Hayworth, with their signature sensual quality and slightly colourized look.
· The soft, sultry, moody palette inspires a cinematic vintage charm, strong romanticism and ultra-feminine appeal.
Cinema Noir:
The Look:
· Eyes wear muted shades in smoky mixes of teals & chocolates, mixed together for a sultry look
· Lashes are long and voluminous, defining the eye
· Lips have a creamy soft finish in shades of roses & mauves
· Cheeks are luminous & glowing
· Nails are painted in soft shades of nude and cocoa
Product Shades:
Eye Colour Duet ($22.00) Mystere, Suspense
Tightline Cake Eye Liner ($22.00) Deep Teal, Ground Espresso
Long Lash Mascara ($24.00) Burgundy
Shimmer Bloc ($38.00) Starlet Mosaic
Nail Lacquer ($18.00) Cocoa Suede, Organza, Nude Silk
I have been so lucky to receive some beautiful makeup lately for review! Some has been from the lovely makeup artist and cosmetic creator Laura Geller. She creates long wearing products that come in the most beautiful colors.
Here are some that I have been currently enjoying:
Laura Geller Bright Lids, Big City Baked Collection
Laura Geller Bright Lids, Big City Baked Collection ($39 USD) — A collection of three Sugared Baked Pearl Eye Shadows in megawatt shades. Day or night, big-city shindig or impromptu brunch, light up your looks instantly with just a few sweeps of show-stopping color. Transforming your lids into light-catching, dazzling eyes has never been this electrifying.
Includes:
0.06-oz Sugared Baked Pearl Eye Shadow in Tribeca Blue, a satiny electric cobalt shade
0.06-oz Sugared Baked Pearl Eye Shadow in Upper East Side Purple, a luxe metallic grape shade
0.06-oz Sugared Baked Pearl Eye Shadow in Soho Pink, a glimmering magenta shade
Made in Italy
Laura Geller Inkwell Waterproof Gel Liners
Laura Geller Inkwell Waterproof Gel Liners ($16.50 USD) — Inkwell Waterproof Gel liner is one of the best, the silkiest and the most long-wearing gel-based liner you’ll ever get your hands on. A special gel silicon resin gives the no-budge, transfer-resistant formula its luxurious feel and crease-free finish. Unlike other gel liners that tend to dry out, Inkwell stays soft, moist and emollient, thanks to a well of skin-loving ingredients: VitaminE, Wheat Germ Oil and Jojoba Oil. You’ll love how easy it is to apply. And, once it sets, you’ll forget it’s even there. (You’ll simply be reminded of it when people compliment your gorgeous gaze!).
The shades are:
Black is a classic inky hue that goes on rich.
Purple is an elegant aubergine that creates a bedazzling gaze.
Laura Geller Lip Dream – Cream Berry
Laura Geller Lip Dream – Cream Berry ($23.50 USD) A colorful palette of pink and burgundy shades for kissable lips. This lip palette adds pop for people of all skin tones and types. It’s a quartet of super-wearable lip colors in one sleek compact. Use one stripe or combine them all–so many options, so many effects. The texture is sueded and cushiony, combining the coverage of a lipstick with the comfort and shine of a gloss. Wear each shade individually, in layers, or blended together by sweeping your fingertip or a brush across the colors. For the smoothest, most precise, and longest wearing results, apply by brush (not included).
Laura Geller Bright Lips, Big City Collection
Laura Geller Bright Lips, Big City Collection ($36 USD) This collection captures the vibrant hues of the brightly lit New York City skyline at night in three luminous Lip Pops Waterproof Lip Glosses. Each show-stopping shade goes on creamy and leaves a natural-looking tint on lips. This creamy and luxurious lip gloss combines the pout-enhancing qualities of a gloss with the long-lasting finish of a stain. The lip-softening formula packs in cottonseed oil and vitamin E for the most pillowy results.
Includes:
0.12-fl oz Lip Pops Waterproof Lip Gloss in Midtown Melon, a juicy, electric melon shade
0.12-fl oz Lip Pops Waterproof Lip Gloss in Nolita Pink, a delicious pink shade
0.12-fl oz Lip Pops Waterproof Lip Gloss in Broadway Berry, a dazzling raspberry shade
There are so many beautiful, bright and shimmery colors in makeup this summer. I do love to vary my makeup colors, but especially when the seasons change.
This year, I am loving shimmery bronze, purple and gold eyes plus soft cheeks and a bright, sheer lip. The colors below are lovely — try them yourselves!
Smashbox Limitless 15 Hour Wear Cream Shadow
Smashbox Limitless 15 Hour Wear Cream Shadow ($19 USD) — Developed in their studios to take long-wearing color to the next level! These super luxe, super saturated shadows glide on and stay put, even through the longest photo shoots. The
• 12 super creamy, vibrant shades
• No creasing, no caking, no flaking
• Holds up against water and humidity
Try layering darker shades over lighter ones to build definition and depth for a subtle, yet smoldering stare. Available at www.smashbox.com
e.l.f. Studio Makeup Remover Pen
e.l.f. Studio Makeup Remover Pen ($3 USD) — Mascara smears? Uneven eyeliner? Quickly remove or correct small makeup smudges, smears and mistakes without having to take off the rest of your makeup! The gentle and non-greasy formula erases even long wearing and waterproof makeup for flawless touch ups, perfect for throwing in your purse or gym bag when you’re on-the-go! Infused with Vitamin E, Cucumber and Chamomile to moisturize and condition skin. Visit www.eyeslipsface.com or a Target store near you.
Paul and Joe Face Color G
Fall in love this summer with Paul & Joe’s Limited Edition Face Color G ($24 USD). Inspired by the warm tones of a midsummer sky, the dreamy blushes contour cheeks and provide a natural, enchanting glow. The shades are:
Nubile — A soft, flirty peach to flatter every skin tone.
Nymph — A pop of pink to add a bold burst of color.
Faune — A deep rose to create elegant contours.
Paul and Joe Lip Gloss G
Paul & Joe – Limited Edition – Lip Gloss G ($22 USD) — Paul & Joe Beaute introduces a new collection that will send your taste buds dancing. The Lip Gloss G collection consists of three new enchanting shades that instantly melt onto your lips for a punch of sheer shimmering color that coolly completes your sexy, summer style. The shades are:
Dream a Little Dream — An enchanting orange sherbet tint with a creamy cool Orange & Vanilla flavor.
Fairie Kisses –A bright yellow gloss that appears translucent on lips with a light Green Apple & Vanilla flavor to refresh your pucker on a sweltering day.
Love Potion — The perfect pink to swipe on for day or night with a light Strawberry & Vanilla flavor.
Burt’s Bees Lip Shimmers with NEW Shades ($5 USD) Many lips have fallen for this slender tube of lip goodness–vibrant luminescent color and pearlized shine packed with nourishing natural ingredients. Now Burt’s Bees Lip Shimmer fans have more to love. The 100% natural formula is enhanced with antioxidant-rich Fruit Seed Oils and moisturizing Shea Butter to optimize color payoff while improving skin smoothness, but the signature refreshing, cool burst of Peppermint Oil remains. The shade range has been updated in keeping with color trends and includes three new shades: Cherry, Plum and Strawberry. The full range includes twelve shades: Radiance, Champagne, Peony, Caramel, Guava, Strawberry, Watermelon, Rhubarb, Cherry, Fig, Raisin, and Plum. Purchase at a mass market retailer near you!
If you haven’t heard of Yves Rocher, it’s a French originated company that created botanical skin care, body care, fragrance and makeup.
I was sent some products from the company to test, and have really been enjoying them. Many of these products are very affordable and are of great quality! Some of my favorite Yves Rocher summer products are:
Yves Rocher Mango Passion Fruit Smoothie Shower
Yves Rocher Mango Passion Fruit Smoothie Shower Gel ($10 for 13.5 oz) — My daughters LOVED this shower gel (past tense because it was gone in a week). The reason why is becasue this mango and passion fruit concoction smells delicious. It smelled just like real fruit and lathered up nicely so that we could also use it as bubble bath! Yum!
Yves Rocher Eau de toilette Monoï
Yves Rocher Eau de toilette Monoï ($32 3.3 oz) — One sniff of this and I was transported back to Hawaii — and I haven’t been there since my honeymoon over 20 years ago! Tiare and Ylang Ylang flowers are combined with a Vanilla base, and it is sweet, light and lovely. Vacation in a bottle! They also sell this scent in a body oil, but my teenage daughter took that for her dry legs, and I haven’t seen it since…
Yves Rocher Pearly Water
Yves Rocher Pearly Water ($10 1 oz) — Pearly and lightly scented skin all at once! Experience an immediate feeling of freshness with this slightly gelled, pearly water. This can be used on the face and body. Its fine-textured, golden pearly particles subtly add shimmer to your complexion. Perfect for instantly enhancing your tan!
Yves Rocher Duo Kohl Pencil – Tropical
Duo Kohl Pencils ($6 USD) Highlight your eyes with these Duo Kohl Pencils, which combine two trendy colors. Each pair comes with one radiant iridescent color (Pink Gold or Camel) to enlarge and brighten your eyes and one intense, matt color (Purple or Tropical Khaki) to structure your eyes and give them depth. Mix and match the colors to create hot new looks!
I have the Tropical pencil that is Camel — a shimmery gold — on one end and Tropical Khaki — a dark blue-green on the other end. I love this. The camel is great for the corners of my eyes and lining the inner rims to create a wide-awake look. The Tropical Khaki is gorgeous for enhincing the eyes and looks great with summer colors.
Yves Rocher Shimmering Bronzer
Yves Rocher Shimmering Bronzer ($10 USD) A tanned complexion for the summer! This shimmering bronzer is this summer’s must-have for a natural and radiant tan. Apply with a brush to enhance or intensify your bronzed complexion. This is also a lovely highlighter for darker complexions! So pretty!
Yves Rocher Lip Gloss – Sienna Red
Lip Gloss in Sienna Red ($5 USD) Luscious lips for the summer! Irresistible lips with this yummy-scented gloss. And the color? I am not a fan of red for me, but this shimmery red is beautiful and would be great with a neutral or a smoky eye. It also feels great on and is not sticky — AWESOME!
To celebrate their “Five Senses of Summer” July issue (on stands now), Glamour has partnered with Birchbox to stimulate the senses of beauty junkies everywhere.
If you haven’t heard of Birchbox, it is a deluxe sampling program that you can have shipped to your house monthly for just $10 per month!
Curated by Glamour’s beauty editors, the July box features treats from the following brands, among others:
See It: stila and Color Club to showcase the latest cosmetics trends
Hear It: Custom designed headphones and a Glamour edited “prettifying” playlist on Spotify – plus a month of free premium service on Spotify in every box
Feel It: AHAVA and Alterna® for skin and hair that feels silky smooth
Smell It: Oscar de la Renta fragrance to keep you uplifted
Taste It: LÄRABAR and Tea Forté for your snack cravings
You can shop full size Glamour picks and sign up now to get the Glamour box (while supplies last) at Birchbox.com.
You can also follow @birchbox and @glamourmag for brand updates on Twitter.
I may be receiving a Glamour Birchbox and when I do, I will review it on my blog.
A flawless makeup application starts with a clean slate. See what a clean slate can do for your skin with tarte’s primer trio– get poreless, flawless, creaseless and look your best naturally for up to 12 hours. Improve the texture, wear, and feel of your foundation or eyeshadow as you prep and prime skin with your choice of three deluxe size clean slate primers. All infused with naturally derived ingredients that will power through the day.
I have been testing these primers for a few weeks. The collection includes:
clean slate poreless 12-hour perfecting primer ($30 USD) helps makeup stay in place longer while preventing creasing in fine lines and wrinkles for a healthy, seamless complexion. Prime the skin for an overall soft-focus effect as you extend the wear of your makeup and mask imperfections. Ideal for all skin types, but perfect for those with fine lines and pore problems, this waterproof primer contains natural fruit-and plant-derived extracts to deliver anti-aging and skin-restorative benefits to your skin.
clean slate flawless 12-hour brightening primer ($30 USD) helps makeup stay in place longer while brightening skin for a healthy, glowing complexion. Ideal for all skin types, this hydrating base not only helps keep your makeup in place for up to 12 hours of perfect wear time, it’s also a quick fix for tired or sallow skin–just one application makes the face look instantly brightened and healthy.
clean slate 360; creaseless 12-hour smoothing eye primer ($19 USD) truly locks eyeshadow in place while preventing fallout and migration for true shadow payoff. The universal shade glides on easily and powers through the day into the evening for 12 hours of perfect wear time. clean slate creaseless can be used as both a shadow primer and under eye base to smooth areas around the eye giving you a seamless application and all around 360 solutions.
What I think: These are fantastic natural primers. The poreless primer is the one I like to use, it has a silicon feel to it and gives skin a matte finish. The brightening one has a creamy, pearly texture and would be perfect for dull, dry skin that needs some shine. My skin has a little bit too much shine in the summer, but it would probably work for me in the winter when my skin is dry.
The eye primer works really well. It mattifies lids and makes shadows last longer. The only thing is that it dries a little white, so I suggest to use just a little and rub it in well.
It’s time to lighten and brighten up your makeup for the warmer months! Some of the following products are new — and some just new to me — but all are lovely for the summer!
Essence Sun Club Bronzer
Essence Sun Club Bronzing Powder ($3.99 USD) — This is a gorgeous matte bronzer that can be used on face or body — it comes in a nice large compact. To apply, you can use the NEW essence powder brush ($3.49 shown above), and sweep the bronzing powder in blonde or brunette ($3.99) to the hollows of the cheek – making sure to follow through with your stroke and blend the matte color up to temples and slightly into the hairline. Also, don’t forget to brush a little on your forehead and down to the jawline. I love me some contouring! Also, I have the brunette and even though my skin tone is light, the color was not too dark. If you need more color, layer.
Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics Luminous Crème Blush ($27 USD) Give cheeks a burst of color and radiance with this cream-textured blush. The oil-free formula combines a shimmering glow with sheer, long-wearing color. Wear as a cheek color or highlighter, or layer with powder blushes for extra vibrancy.
For the Spring, there are two new shades:
Plum Satin — a rose-berry shade with a hint of shimmer.
Pink Cashmere — a lively, matte carnation pink.
I have the Plum Satin, and it is so gorgeous! Easy to blend and a beautiful light shade on.
IT Cosmetics Vitality Lip Flush Anti-Aging Lipstick Stain
Vitality Lip Flush Anti-Aging Lipstick Stain ($20 USD) takes the place of your lipstick, anti-aging conditioning lip balm, ultra-hydrating lip gloss, and your lip stain! This truly innovative formula contains Hydra-Luxe Technology including ingredients such as plum oil, cherry oil, shea butter, aloe, and jojoba that all work together to treat, hydrate, condition, and nourish your lips. It minimizes the appearance of lip lines and wrinkles. Plus, this lip flush is packed with anti-oxidants including acai, green tea, white tea, and vitamins A, C, and E to fight free-radical attack.
I have tried this in Je Ne Sais Quois, a sheer pink flush shade that looks almost clear in the tube. It feels so moisturizing on and leaves your lips a pretty pink for hours. Finally — a moisturizing lip stain.
You can purchase this alone or in a set with one or two other colors at www.qvc.com.
If you are looking to splurge try, Ellis Faas Spring Gift Set ($85 USD). The set contains the Creamy Eyes E106, which is a lilac taupe – ideal to create a soft smokey eye. The lilac Light E304 can be used for amethyst-like sparkly highlights. And to complete our Spring Gift Set, Ellis chose the juicy, nude pink Milky Lips L207, which is a lovely combination with the eye products.
Forty, Flirty & Fabulous 