Total Beauty Has recently announced their 2012 Beauty Award Winners. The winner for editor’s choice “Best Makeup Remover” was none other than NIP + FAB Clean Fix Wipes ($5.95 USD, for 25)!
Use these cleaning wipes from Nip + Fab daily to remove dirt and other damaging substances from your face. The gentle wipes work well on all skin types, and they come in a convenient pack that seals up after you are done. Infused with ginseng, aloe + marshmallow for your soft skin cleaning fix on the go! Perfect for the car, gym, travel, or makeup bag.
What I think: These are probably the softest makeup remover wipes I have tried. They feel like real cloth. They are effective in removing all makeup and leave skin clean and soft. Awesome and affordable!
Available exclusively at Target stores nationwide and online atwww.target.com. More information about NIP + FAB and the other skin and bodycare products they carry visit http://www.nipandfab.com.
I love trying brand new cosmetic brands! This Spring was the exciting launch of ck one color cosmetics, a full line-up of over 130 products that all capture the core ck one brand DNA – authentic, confident, and cool.
This line of affordable designer cosmetics continues the recent expansion of ck one into a lifestyle brand, with jeans and underwear introduced under the name in 2011.
I have got to try a few of these products and generally LOVE them. The packaging is unique and fun and the products themselves are really cool!
Here is the description about the packaging. I think it is interesting:
ck one color packaging design furthers the code-breaking legacy of the ck one brand with an understated pill shape that’s iconic and edgy. the modern, minimalist packaging offers simplicity in a black and white silhouette, enhanced by a playful contrast of soft touch matte and high gloss finishes for a heightened sensory experience. designed for intuitive use, product applicators feature two-sided textures and multi-functionality to encourage individual creativity.
Some of my favorite products are:
ck one 3in1 foundation
3-IN-1 FACE MAKEUP SPF 8 ($30 USD) — this distinctive liquid synthesizes serum, primer and face makeup into one simple, lightweight formula. treated pigment technology with triple-layer amino acid that mimics skin for an effortlessly natural, radiant finish. no compromise on skin perfecting coverage. antioxidants protect skin, lasting up to 11 hours.
What I think: A very lightweight but full-coverage makeup, which is very cool. There are 8 shades available from very light to very dark, so something for everyone. I wear the light which is a perfect match for my skin. It applies very smoothly and melts into the skin. So nice!
ck one concealer
MOUSSE CONCEALER ($20 USD) — absolute flawlessness. air-whipped concealer delivers a natural, seamless finish that fully hides blemishes and imperfections, lasting up to 9 hours.
What I think — This blends extremely well. It only takes a few minutes to cover my under eye circles and blemishes. To apply, I dip a concealer brush into the pot and dot on my skin, then blend. Really great consistency, not too thick but provides full coverage.
ck one Mascara
MASCARA ($18 USD) — customize lash looks with a unique twist brush applicator. Select definition or volume with a twist of the cap in this all-in-one mascara.
What I think — Super-cool idea for mascara application. You can twist the top of the cap to make the wand shorter or longer. I make it short first, to thicken lashes, then I make it longer to separate and lengthen. It only takes 2 coats on each eye to make my lashes look extremely long and thick. The only thing that I don’t love is that it flakes towards the end of the day.
ck one eye shadow quad
POWDER EYESHADOW QUAD ($28 USD) — accentuate. illuminate. define. fun and youthful hues that can easily be applied wet or dry to create looks for day or night.
What I think — This is a gorgeous eye quad. This comes in 6 color combinations, but I have Disco, the purple palette that you see above. It is prettier in person, though. It has a glitter purple, a shimmer fuchsia, a matte burgundy and a pearly off-white. You can make lovely combos with this set.
Available exclusively at Ulta and Ulta.com. Enjoy!
Mally Roncal, celebrity makeup artist and president of Mally Beauty, has one nemesis— translucent powder! It does everything it’s not supposed to—highlights lines and wrinkles, dulls your complexion and leaves you looking lackluster. That’s why she has declared a war against translucent powder and developed a life-changing alternative: Face Defender. A high-performance, completely clear antidote to old-fashioned powder, the revolutionary formula has inspired legions of women to throw away their old compacts and change the way they apply makeup forever.
As the leader of the war on powder, Mally is issuing a battle cry, encouraging women to take a pledge to “Fight the Powder.” Beginning early May, you can take the “Fight The Powder” pledge on Mally Beauty’s Facebook page.
And, if you are going to be in the New York City-area on Tuesday, May 8th, Mally and her “Fight the Powder” squad are encouraging women to take a stand against translucent powder by trading in their old compact for Face Defender. The event is taking place outside of Grand Central Terminal, where Mally and her beauty team will encourage commuters to participate in a makeup trade-up. The first 50 women to take the pledge will receive Mally’s Face Defender ($40 USD).
Here are the details:
What: Fight the Powder with the Mally Beauty Team
When: Tuesday, May 8, 2012: Rush Hour
§ 6:30 am – 9:30 am
§ 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
*Rain Date: Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Where: Outside of Grand Central Terminal
I do not live in New York City, so will unable to attend the event. But I have recently received a sample of the product and love it!
The Face Defender is a clear solid product that almost looks like wax. But when patted on the skin with the enclosed sponge (in a compartment under the compact with a mirror), pores and fine lines melt away! Well, not really, but it appears as so. Even the wrinkles under my eyes that are from seasonal allergies smooth out instantly with this product. So nice!
This limited edition offering arrives complete with more than a dozen deluxe and full-size samples from some of the leading brands at the Beauty.com® web store* including:
1. Smashbox® Camera Ready BB Cream, SPF 35
2. Arcona® White Tea Purifying Cleanser
3. NUXE™ Fondant Body Scrub
4. Stila® Prime Pot Waterproof Eye Shadow Primer, Taffy
11. bareMinerals® Purely Nourishing Moisturizer for Combination Skin
12. IT Cosmetics® Bye Bye Under Eye – Full Coverage Waterproof Concealer
13. Murad® Time Release Retinol Concentrate for Deep Wrinkles
14. Card for $5 off any future Beauty.com purchase
About Beauty.com – The World of Beauty Online®
Beauty.com, Inc. is a leading online destination for prestige beauty products. The web store provides a highly personalized shopping experience and offers more than 350 brands from widely recognized to niche, hard-to-find products.
The bag is a Lela Rose creation. Lela Rose’s aesthetic of adding whimsy to elegance through brilliant color and hand crafted details has brought a fresh view to modern American fashion. Lela was raised in Texas and went to school in Colorado where nature, its surrounding landscapes, and the sublime colors it offers have long been an inspiration. Today, Lela continues to draw from these early influences as she designs clothes for the modern sophisticated woman who embodies a spirit of effortless elegance.
I think that this is a great collection of samples (and a really cool makeup bag). I have been dying to try Smashbox’s BB Cream. I may review this once I receive the sample. Also, the Stila eye primer looks promising — I haven’t tried an eye primer in a pot before. And a full-sized tarte lip stain — awesome!
Looking for a new gloss or balm to lighten your Spring look? That’s a great idea! Changing your lip color or product type (gloss, balm, lipstick), can update your look without too much fuss. Here are some fun new products to try:
Laura Mercier Lip Glace in Orange Tulip
Laura Mercier Lip Glacé ($24 USD) is a high-shine, perfectly pigmented lip gloss with rich, long-lasting colour and brilliant shine that creates the appearance of fuller lips. Any skin tone is virtually enhanced by creating a subtle contrast in texture.
There are three new limited-edition Lip Glacés for summer. They are Camellia, Orange Tulip, and Lotus Blossom. I have Orange Tulip and love it. It isn’t too orange, and is a sheer way to wear the “it” color of the season.
Availability: lauramercier.com, Bloomingdale’s, Bergdorf Goodman, Henri Bendel, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, and select Belk, Blue Mercury, Lord & Taylor, and Macys.
Nuance Salma Hayek Ultra Shine Lip Gloss
One of my favorite new lip glosses is Nuance Salma Hayek Ultra Shine Lip Gloss $7.49 USD). Silky, smooth formula hydrates and helps protect lips. Mimosa extract and mango seed oil help nourish and moisturize lips through deep hydration. Vitamins A, C, & E condition and help protect lips. Hypoallergenic. Paraben free. Not tested on animals.
I have this in Peony, which is the second from the last color in the photo above. It is a sheer pink that is perfect for the season.
Shiseido Shimmering Rouge in Sorbet ($25 USD) Sheer, brilliant color infuses lips with lasting moisture and fullness. Lips have never looked so all-day sensuous. With photo-smoothing pearl, this moisturizing formula will give a fuller appearance to lips.
Available in 20 shades. I have this in Sorbet, which is a new shade. It is a light, creamy pink. Very pretty on. It is full color, but feels like a balm.
Mirabella Colour Luxe ($26 USD) lip gloss creates maximum shine with three-dimensional, light-reflecting shimmer. The combination of iridescent and pearlescent pearls create a star-like effect on the lips, taking Colour Luxe gloss to a new level of color purity, brightness and dimensionality. Vitamin-enriched long-lasting formula moisturizes, conditions, and provides antioxidant protection and anti-aging properties.
These glimmering glosses are not for the shy! I love Spark, the second color from the left in the photo above. It is a gorgeous peachy-nude. The applicator is a flat sponge paddle, which gives even coverage. LOVE!
Have you ever had that lip color that was close, but just not “perfect?” Use Three Custom Color’s new Transformer Duo: Champagne ($27.50 USD) to warm up or cool down your favorite (or not-so-favorite) lip shades!
The split-pan compact contains two high-quality gloss pigments to be your own mix master with a smooth, softly shimmering formula that’s never gummy or sticky.
This is so cool! I do try a lot of lip colors and many are too pink, or two brown. This works to even out the color perfectly. Now all of the lip colors that you have can work for you.
Earth Day is in a couple of days and as we are thinking about big and little things that we can do for the environment, L’Occitane has come up with a great idea for your favorite beauty products.
Their Eco-Refills are large sizes of some of L’Occitane’s best-selling products that can be used to refill your original containers. Some of these products are:
Lavender Liquid Soap Eco-Refill ($12 USD) — Reduce, reuse and refill! Both economical and ecological, the Lavender Liquid Soap Eco-Refill keeps hands clean, fresh and lightly scented. With nourishing Shea Butter and soothing aloe-vera extract, this detergent-free cleanser is gentle enough for dry, sensitive or damaged skin. Refill is 13.5 fl. oz. while Liquid Soap is 16.9 fl. oz.
Immortelle Refill Brightening Cleansing Foam ($38 USD) — An economical and ecological Brightening Cleansing Foam refill for the beauty of your skin and the preservation of the environment. Lighten the complexion with this gentle face cleanser, enriched with organic Immortelle floral water and citrus fruit peel.
Almond Shower Oil Eco-Refill ($36 USD) — The economical and ecological Almond Shower Oil Eco-Refill is perfect for both the beauty of your skin and the preservation of the environment. When in contact with water, this shower oil transforms into a delicate foam that gently cleanses the body. Enriched with Almond oil, it respects the hydrolipidic film and leaves a subtle and mouthewatering scent of fresh Almond, for delightful skin!
Aromachologie Soothing Shampoo Eco-Refill ($25 USD) — Formulated with a natural origin vegetable complex of 5 essential oils and wheat proteins, the Aromachologie Soothing Shampoo helps soothe the sensitive or irritated scalp. It also adds a genuine softness to hair, delicately cleanses and purifies the scalp and immediately eases irritations and aggressions. The scalp returns to a healthy and comfortable state, for stronger, beautiful hair. Pair with the Aromachologie Soothing Conditioner.
These can be purchased at usa.loccitane.com. Enjoy!
I have been trying lots of new Spring makeup! So much Fun! Some of the following eye products are new to me — blinc, rms beauty and Shiseido, and one I have tried before — Josie Maran — give them a try!
rms cream shadow in solar
rms beauty cream eye shadow ($28 USD) — create a very sheer refined metallic glow with all the benefits of raw mineral pigments without the dryness that occurs with minerals alone. They have a subtle, glossy, light reflecting quality that gives them a very unique finish, both modern and youthful. I have these in Solar, a warm gold shimmer and Karma, a rich, dark brown with a bit of silver shimmer. They are highly pigmented and last a long time. Solar is pretty to wear by itself, but add Karma to amp up the drama! Purchase at www.msbeauty.com.
Josie Maran Beautiful Eyes in Smoke
A fab natural makeup brand is from supermodel Josie Maran. Her palette Argan Beautiful Eyes ($36 USD) features four eye shadows and one shadow liner expertly coordinated to offer the ultimate range of customized looks. These naturally formulated shadows are richly infused with Argan Oil and a blend of floral and fruit extracts resulting in soft and nutrient rich textures including iridescent, matte, and satin finishes. The palette includes easy-to-follow instructions that make beautiful lids simply effortless. Available in Beautiful Smoke, Beautiful Blues, Beautiful Nudes, Beautiful Purples. I have Beautiful Smoke and it is very versatile. You can achieve a natural look with the lighter colors or go full smoke and use the darker shades. Visit www.josiemarancosmetics.com to learn more and purchase.
Shiseido Perfect Mascara Full Definition
Shiseido Perfect Mascara Full Definition ($24 USD) — is new for spring and has an exceptional formula and brush that captures every single lash for an opulent and lustrous finish, that maintains a just-applied 16 hour glamorous look. The dual-textured brush coats every lash while the firm tip captures even tiny lashes to add remarkable volume, separation and length. Its non-clumping formula allows for multiple, smooth coats. Available in Black and Brown at www.Shiseido.com.
Blinc Cosmetics Eyebrow Mousse
Once applied, blinc Eyebrow Mousse™ ($25 USD) fills in sparse areas to create the perfect brow line that cannot fade, run, or smudge, even if you sweat or wear it in harsh weather conditions. Get ready for beautiful, face-framing brow color that lasts all day long, unlike traditional eyebrow products that disappear half way through your busy day.
In addition to the unparalleled hold of blinc Eyebrow Mousse™, the innovative product also contains a peptide to moisturize and provide anti-aging treatment to the skin beneath your brow. Not only will you have perfectly colored brows, but you will also be treating your skin at the same time! At the end of the day, blinc Eyebrow Mousse™ is easily removed, only when you are ready, with any gentle makeup remover.
I like this eyebrow mousse. It is easy to use, but be careful, I have put on too much before and have accidentally thickened my brows — and they are plenty thick already! It stays on until you take it off and does not smear or smudge! Purchase at www.blincinc.com.
Announcing my second Spring Giveaway — a collection of products from Mirabella, Smashbox, Aveda and Julep. These are vibrant cooler shades that will brighten your spring!
The products are:
Mirabella Colour Luxe Lip Gloss in Wink (Bright Shimmery Pink) creates maximum shine with three-dimensional, light-reflecting shimmer. The combination of iridescent and pearlescent pearls create a star-like effect on the lips, taking Colour Luxe gloss to a new level of color purity, brightness and dimensionality. Vitamin-enriched long-lasting formula moisturizes, conditions, and provides antioxidant protection and anti-aging properties.
Smashbox Soft Lights in Shimmer (Shimmery Nude Bronze) — Get a gorgeous lit-from-within glow with this silk-like shimmering powder. The illuminating formula softens the way light reflects on your skin and wakes up your complexion for a radiant look.
Aveda Petal Essence™ Eye Color Trio in Violet Coast (lavender, gray and purple) Long-lasting, petal-smooth powder eye shadows offer crease-resistant, stay-true colors. Wear a single shade or blend several—complementary colors make it easy.
Julep Nail Color in Megan a playful and sultry Mediterranean aquamarine shimmer.
To win, leave a comment on my blog. I will choose the winner on Friday, April 20th. Please only residents of the United States and Canada.
Congrats to… Debra! She has won my tarte giveaway that includes an Amazonian clay 12-hour shimmering blush, an Amazonian clay waterproof cream eyeshadow, a maracuja divine shine lip gloss, and a Maracuja Blush & Glow. She will have fun playing with the fun Spring colors!
I will be announcing another Spring makeup giveaway in a day or too…so good luck!
What is it: A 2-in-1 eye shadow, with water built right into the formula, designed to be incredibly hydrating and long lasting. It creates gorgeous luminosity on the lid and can be built for more intensity and blended together seamlessly. The rollerball end contains a soft highlighter that has many great uses. It can also be worn on top of cream shadow for that extra glow.
Who is it for: Women who want a beautiful, bulletproof eye shadow that doesn’t crease, fade, or smudge.
Why is it different: This two-step eye shadow system allows you to create a beautiful eye look. How do I use it: First, take the cream shadow and apply it all over the lid, from lash line to crease and blend gently with your finger. Or, you can run it along the upper lash line for a great pop of brightening color. The beautiful formula is going to lay smoothly on the eye, hovering over any fine lines and wrinkles. It blends seamlessly to create a fabulous wash of color. Now, take the Highlighter and just pop it right into the inner corners of the eyes to instantly make you look awakened and refreshed. You can also take a little and apply it right in the center of each eyelid to make your eyes look wider..
Includes:
0.1-fl oz cream shadow
0.02-oz highlighter
What I think: This product comes in 3 shades for the cream shadow — bronze, lilac and mint cream. I have the lilac and bronze. I like the lilac color the best, but it doesn’t have much staying power. It starts off as a bright shimmery lilac, and fades to a softer matte color in a couple of hours. Still, it’s pretty. The bronze does last longer, but it is a bit dark for me.
The highlighting powder is pretty, but very sparkly. It works well at the inner corners of the eye.
I say this may be a good product for you if you like sparkly, shimmery shadows and can reapply if needed.
Forty, Flirty & Fabulous 