Fab Fall Fragrances by Pacifica, Lavanilla, and Guess

There are some great new scents and fragrance products being released this fall.  From long-lasting oil based roll-ons to new spritz-on perfumes, there is a sexy fall scent for everyone!  Here are some that I’ve recently tried:

Pacifica Persian Rose Perfume Roll-On ($12.00 USD) — Fun, fresh and fantastic, Pacifica Perfume Roll-on is made with natural denatured alcohol and Pacifica’s signature fragrance blends with essential and natural oils. Classic and elegant with Bulgarian rose, subtle violet, myrrh and delicate fruit.  Purchase at www.pacificaperfume.com or Sephora.

Lavanila Healthy Fragrance in Vanilla Blackberry(1.7 oz $58.00, 10ml Roller Ball $19.00 USd)  – Seduce the senses with this new provocative blend of ripe blackberry, juicy raspberry, velvet iris and warm Madagascar vanilla. Inspired by the allure of vine-ripened berries, this effortlessly sexy twist on vanilla creates a crisp, sparkling and deliciously daring experience.  Purchase at www.lavanila.com and Sephora.

Lavanila Forever Fragrance Oils($26.00 USD) — Offering scents that last and last, these new Forever Fragrance Oils deliver a proprietary blend of pure essential oils in a hydrating base of sweet almond oil that lasts up to eight hours, twice as long as traditional fragrances. Concentrated, hydrating, and pure, Lavanila Forever Fragrance Oils uniquely melt into the skin as the body warms to release rich, alluring aroma. The scents:Vanilla Coconut, Pure Vanilla and Vanilla Grapefruit.  Purchase at www.lavanila.com and Sephora.

Guess Seductive I’m Yours ($52.00 USD 1.7 oz) — Make a lasting impression with the playful scent that will leave them wanting more.  Notes of passion fruit, while lily and exotic woods create this ultra-alluring fragrance. Available at www.guessparfums.com.

Enjoy!

Fab New Products From LORAC, Tarte and CoverGirl? Eye, Eye!


Dramatic eyes are my favorite makeup statement this fall.  I love shimmery shadows and intense eyeliner.  I always feel like I can get away with more makeup once the days start getting shorter — and making my eyes stand out is a step that I don’t like to skip.

LORAC Ooh La Lace Baked Shimmer & Matte Eye Shadow Palette  ($36.00 USD — $114 Value )  Seduce with sexy, sultry, smoky eyes created  with Baked Shimmer and Matte Eye Shadows in six smoldering colors. From the red  carpet to between the sheets, this palette will give you big, beautiful bedroom  eyes for all of your intimate moments.

This set contains:
– 6  x Eye Shadows in Lust (cream with shimmer), Smolder (matte gray), Risqué (matte black), Stunner (light bronze with shimmer), Knockout (bronze with shimmer), Racy (matte brown).

What I think:  This versatility of this neutral kit is amazing.  You can do a soft, daytime eye with the Stunner and Knockout, or do a smoky eye with the Smolder and Risque.  I like to use the Lust all over my lid and line my eyes with Risque or Racy, then I can do a darker lip.  Drama!  Visit www.loraccosmetics.com,  Sephora stores, www.sephora.com, Ulta stores, http://www.ulta.com.

CoverGirl Intense ShadowBlast Eyeshadow ($7.99 USD) — Our innovative formula of rich eyeshadow with built-in primer gives you intense crease-proof color that last for hours. Intense Shadowblast is rich color that stays! Built-in Primer + Rich Shadow. Water-proof. Precision applicator tip.

What I think:  Beautiful colors, lasts a long time and so affordable. There are 6 Shades available:  Beige Blaze, Platinum Pop, Forever Pink, Extreme Green, Brown Bling and Blue Bomb.  I love the Extreme Green, which is crazy because I go for neutrals or purple shades, but this green has a gold cast to it that is so wearable. You can purchase these at drugstores and mass market stores.  Learn more at www.covergirl.com.

tarte smolderEYES Amazonian clay waterproof eye liner ($25.00 USD) –This waterproof liner creates smoldering, sexy eyes that won’t budge, letting you go from simple to sultry in an instant. Create a crisp liner look by gliding along the upper and lower lash line or use the built-in smudger to soften. For a sultry, smoky eye, use the liner as a shadow by applying a thicker line along upper lashes and blending toward the crease. No matter how you wear this versatile liner, Amazonian clay works to nourish lids, reduce surface oil, and improve overall texture for easy application and better wear. Once you apply, this liner will lock down to a completely waterproof finish for guaranteed longer wear. The rich, pure pigments are boosted by Amazonian clay for truer, bolder color with each application.

What I think: This is one of the most versatile eye pencils I own. The liner is thin enough for a great day look — or smoke it out with the spongy end or use it all over the eyelid for an evening out look.  Colors available are Bronze, Brown, Charcoal, Fig, Golden Black, Navy, Olive and Plum.  Available at Sephora, www.sephora.com, Ulta, www.ulta.com, QVC, and www.tarte.com.

tarte MultiplEYE™ Lash Enhancing Liquid Liner  ($22.00 USD) — This bold liquid liner helps you achieve defined eyes and enhanced lashes with a  precision application tip. Deeply pigmented, this formula glides on smooth to  frame eyes while delivering tarte’s lash-nourishing HydroPlant™ peptide. The results speak for themselves: 80% of subjects agree their eyes appear more  defined instantly after using multiplEYE™ lash enhancing liquid liner. Its flow-through applicator allows for expert control to create a thick or thin line  without dragging, tugging, or skipping.

What I think: This very black liner is glamour in pen! It’s easy to use and to make a great cat’s eye or rim the whole eye. Perfect for ladies who like drama! Available at Sephora, www.sephora.com, Ulta, www.ulta.com, QVC, and www.tarte.com.

Cool British-Made Nail Polish From Nails Inc.

Sephora has been recently invaded by the British — Nails Inc fab polishes are now available in the United States!

With a unique ability to create nail polish shades based on the latest fashion trends, Nails Inc is always the first to market with the hottest new items, including special effects 3D glitter polish, as well as crackle and holographic top coats. Thea, the creator of Nails Inc, started out as a fashion editor at Tatler, so she especially understands that nail polish is not simply nail polish, but an integral part of a person’s outfit and an expression of their personality.

What I think:  Gorgeous color!   This is lovely opaque polish that lasts as well as other high brand polish companies and is fairly chip-resisitant.  I love layering the glitter polish over the base polish shade — this can be a really festive look for the upcoming holiday season.

To purchase, visit your local Sephora store or www.sephora.com.  Enjoy!

Treat Yourself To A Home Spa Day

Is your skin stressed from sun and heat?  Try one or more of these relaxing products to get your skin in shape and looking fab!

Peter Thomas Roth Cucumber Gel Masque ($45.00 USD)  — With soothing botanical extracts of cucumber, papaya, chamomile pineapple, sugar maple, sugar cane, orange, lemon and bilberry; this ultra-gentle, non-stinging, anti-irritant gel masque is made for all skin types including even the most sensitive skin. Recommended for daily use as a hydrating and calming masque. May be used under the eye area to reduce puffiness. Use in the treatment room to soothe the skin, even after the most potentially irritating procedures including extractions, waxing, clinical facials, peels and electrolysis.

What I think:  This green gel is fun to use, and is easy, too.  Just apply, let sit for 10 minutes and wash off.  Afterwards my face is soft and clear.  Any redness is reduced.  This doesn’t  irritate my skin at all, so it can be used each day.  This is available at www.peterthomasroth.com and Sephora.

Lavanila Healthy Body Wash 2-in-1 Shower & Shave ($14.00 USD) – Packed with nourishing ingredients that promote healthy skin, this non-irritating time-saver soothes, cleans, and moisturizes. While traditional washes and shave creams are made with sulfates and other harsh detergents that can irritate sensitive skin, Lavanila’s all-natural, chemical-free formula is packed with a daily dose of anti-oxidants and vitamins that promote calm, healthy, super soft skin.

Key Ingredients include coconut oil, organic rose hip oil, organic aloe and calendula. The scents are Vanilla Passion Fruit, Vanilla Lavender, Pure Vanilla, Vanilla Grapefruit, and Vanilla Coconut.

What I think:  I tested the Vanilla Grapefruit wash and it was very effective as a shower gel, shaving gel and even as bubble bath. The scent is light and perfect for the summer.  Visit www.lavanila.com to learn more.

The Body Shop Body Butter Duos ($16.00 USD) features an innovative twin pot of fragranced Body Butters to moisturize skin from head to toe. One side moisturizes dry skin like your elbows and knees, and the other side caters to normal skin. They come in four delicious flavors: Vanilla, Macadamia, Acai and Sweet Pea.

What I think:  This is such a cool idea!  One side of the pot holds a thick cream that is almost like a balm and the other side holds a lighter cream.  Both are scented the same but are for different types of skin.  I like to use the thick cream on my feet and elbows and the lighter cream on arms and legs.  Visit www.thebodyshop-usa.com to purchase.

Nothing feels worse than sunburnt skin! Smooth on aloe vera and lather up with Cures by Avance Skin Repair Body Mist ($39.00 USD) to hydrate and soothe skin. This exceptional body mist penetrates to heal and relieve sunburned skin. Sea minerals and essential oils provide deep rehydration and restored tone as the skin is visibly repaired. Perfect during the warm summer months for a lightweight, moisturizing glow that will bring out your tan!

What I think: This spray is light and moisturizing and is perfect for relieving summer skin problems. I do have to say that it has a very strong herbal scent, a little too strong for me.  But if you love natural-smelling products, this might be perfect for you! You can purchase this at www.curesbyavance.com.

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! 


 

www.sm

Mascara I Love: Make Up For Ever Smoky Lash

Make Up For Ever Smoky Lash

I LOVE trying different mascaras as you may well know. For me, this is one of the products that I don’t go without when I leave the house.  My lashes are short, straight and sparse so I need a mascara that lengthens, thickens and curls — very had to find!

Make Up For Ever Smoky Lash ($22.00 USD) claims to give lashes curl, volume, length, and intense pigment. This ultra-pigmented mascara was specially designed to give the lashes an exceptional volume-enhancing effect with infinite lengthening and immediate curling. Plus, the tough, dense brush of this Sephora-exclusive mascara penetrates into the roots of the lash to ensure that lash is completely coated with mascara.

What I think:  Smokey Lash is almost perfect for me. It curls my lashes (no curler required!), separates and thickens like crazy! It is also very black. My lashes are black, but this mascara makes them appear even darker. My lashes look insane with this mascara! Very dramatic. The only thing is that it does not lengthen as well as I would like. But, this can be fixed with a primer or layered with a lengthening mascara. If you do not have particularly short lashes, this mascara would be perfect for you! One or two coats are perfect for daytime and more coats bump up the glamour.

Visit www.sephora.com to purchase or visit Sephora stores. Enjoy!

Treat Mom to a New Scent For Mother’s Day

Here is a trio of new fragrances that would be perfect to give mom for Mother’s Day. They are all light and fruity and are gorgeous for warmer weather: 

CLEAN Limited-EditionSummer Escape Eau de Parfum ($49.00 USD): — Enjoy a sensory experience inspired by the relaxed freedom of sun-kissed skin, cloudless sky and endless sea; Summer Escape envelops the body in layers of fresh, citrusy notes (Mandarin Orange, Summer Peony, Orange Flower, Driftwood, Coconut Water) to transport you to the beach in an instant. CLEAN products are available at Sephora stores and www.cleanperfume.com

Beyoncé Heat Rush ($59 for 3.4 fl oz.: Department stores nationwide) — Beyoncé Heat Rush instantly captures attention with sparkling top notes of passion fruit, blood orange and Brazilian cherry. The heart of the fragrance embodies a delicate floral bouquet and is built upon a carefully blended combination of Yellow Tiger Orchid, Mango Blossom and Orange Hibiscus. Subtle and alluring, the unforgettable base engages with hints of teak wood, honey amber and a musk accord that is inspired by the sunsets in Brazil.

Komen for The Cure Promise Me fragrance infuses the essence of Komen’s promise to end breast cancer into a scent that truly benefits and brings hope to those suffering from the disease. Developed by Drom fragrances and famed perfumer Jean Claude Delville, Promise Me speaks to strong, courageous women who live life to the fullest. The sophisticated floriental opens with a fresh burst of mandarin, bergamot, and blood orange. Its feminine heart evokes softness and beauty with pink peony, wild orchid, and rosewood. The scent lingers on white patchouli and musk for a warm, sensual finish. Designed by Chad Lavigne and housed in an elegant glass vessel with interior floral motif, Promise Me is a stunning display item and gift.

Eau de Parfum 100 ml $59.00 (Dillard’s, Lord & Taylor, Boscov’s, Sephora in JC Penney and HSN.Com) Eau de Toilette 100ml $29.99 (promisemefragrance.com,) Eau de Toilette 30ml $19.99 (promisemefragrance.com.)

Mother’s Day Makeup Gift Ideas

Mother’s Day will be here soon — do you have a pretty present for Mom yet? If not, consider one of these cosmetic ideas below. I give my mom beauty products each year and she loves it! Mom probably won’t buy herself a cool kit or pretty highlighter — so treat her to something new!

LORAC Hot Off The Red Carpet Collection ($36.00 — $105 Value) — This set features two exclusive color-coordinated, mineral-infused, shimmering baked eye shadow duos, an exclusive TANtalizer Baked Bronzer, a full-size Multiplex 3D Lip Gloss in 3D (rose bronze glitter), and a gold bag that can double as a blingy evening clutch. It is formulated without parabens and petrochemicals.

This set contains:

– 2 x 0.12 oz Baked Eye Shadow Duo in Tease Me (bronze shimmer/ teal with gold sheen) and Tempt Me (champagne shimmer/ chocolate brown shimmer)

– 0.35 oz TANtalize Me Baked Bronzer (swirled tan, gold and bronze)

– 0.17 oz Multiplex 3D Lip Gloss in 3D (rose bronze with 3D glitter)

– Gold Zip Bag

This is a beautiful kit — my favorite items are the eye shadows. They are gorgeous — really shimmery and fresh — great for now and throughout the summer. The bronzer is also pretty, but the lip gloss is extremely sparkly, so I use it only for night-time. The bag is really fun!  Visit www.loraccosmetics.com to purchase.

Make Up For Ever Uplight Face Luminizer Gel ($29.00 USD) — Enriched with precious pearls that catch and reflect light, Uplight creates a radiant complexion. It contains more than 70% water for a fresh, lightweight texture as well as mango butter that creates a moisturizing effect. Formulated for the face and body, this product adds a healthy glow to your skin that will last all day.

This is available in a variety of unique finishes: Dewy, Pearly, and Sparkling. I tried #31 — a sparkling blue pink. Very moisturizing and so pretty — but very sparkly! Your mom may like one of the Dewy or Pearly finishes.  If she likes pink, there is #11 Dewy Pink Beige and #22 Pearly Pink Flesh. There are also white and flesh tones.  Available at www.sephora.com, MAKE UP FOR EVER Boutique & Studios at Sephora. 

Laura Geller Bring on the Bronze ($55.00 USD) — This kit is all you need to help you look sunny and rested, with that just-back-from-vacation glow. It is packaged in an adorable bronze clutch, with orange lining, to hold all your bronzing essentials:

– Spackle® Tinted Under Make-up Primer in Bronze

– Split Baked Body Frosting in Sugar Glow and Honey Glow

– Baked Eyeshadow Duo in Candied Bronze

– I-Care Eyeliner in Brown

– Lipshine SPF 15 in Sundrenched

This is a gorgeous kit for days where you want to look natural and not cake on a lot of foundation. Just apply the bronzer on your face and the body frosting can either highlight or bronze you all over. The eyeshadow and eyeliner make a great bronzed eye (just add the mascara of your choice). And the lip color is almost like a sunny balm! 

Shop to Erase MS! For the month of May only, 20% of proceeds from this special kit benefit the Nancy Davis Foundation for Multiple Sclerosis. Visit www.laurageller.com to purchase.

Spring Eye Shadow Choices From Boots No7, Napoleon Perdis and Josie Maran

I don’t think you need to buy all new makeup each season, but it is fun to pop in a few new products, like a bright or shimmery eye shadow for spring, to update your look. Here are some of my favorites that I have recently tried.

Boots No7 Stay Perfect Eye Mousse ($7.99 USD) —  These small tubes of light-as-air color combine a wonderful whipped texture with a flattering iridescent finish. The unique formulation means the color lasts on and on and it’s just so easy to apply, use your finger to dot and blend to your heart’s content. The eye color is waterproof so great for sports enthusiasts.

Apply using fingertips and blend to create the desired effect. A brush can be used for more precise definition. The Vanilla shade can be used as a highlighter. It is also available in Fudge, Khaki and Lilac.

Visit www.target.com or www.us.boots.com to learn more and purchase.

Napoleon Perdis Loose Eye Dusts ($25.00 USD) — A highly pigmented loose powder in a canister that dispenses just the right amount of product each time. Start in the closed position, shake lightly and open to release. The sifter mechanism measures out enough shadow for one application. Dust or pat onto the eyes, cheeks or even body for brilliant shimmering highlights. The vivid results last from dust till dawn.  Available in 20 shimmering shades.

Visit http://www.napoleonperdis.com/US/ to learn more and purchase.

Josie Maran Argan Eye Love You Too Palette ($42.00 USD) — A limited-edition palette that contains eight Argan-infused eyeshadows for endless eye looks.Enriched with pure Argan Oil, these soft, velvety shadows blend effortlessly and stay put for intense, saturated, all-day color. The perfectly portable palette comes with an easy-to-follow, how-to card from Josie herself, featuring step-by-step instructions on how to create the ideal day and night looks. Campfire is a matte chestnut brown. Rejuvenate is a golden mossy green. Dragonfly is a color shifting, brownish-teal. Chirp is a maple brownish-gold. Bunny is a buttery white. Cinnamon is a fleshy pink. Meadow is a subtle lemon-lime green. Branch is a dark brown with gold flecks.

You can purchase at www.josiemarancosmetics.com or www.sephora.com.

Enjoy!

Hot New Product — Hourglass Aura Sheer Cheek Stain

Hourglass Aura Sheer Cheek Stain

I have been excited to try Hourglass’s new Aura Sheer Cheek Stain ($45.00 USD).  I have seen ads for it for the last few weeks, and it is even a featured new product on the Sephora website.

So does it live up to the hype, you ask? I think so.

The Aura Cheek Stain is a water-based stain that give cheeks a subtle lit-from-within glow and to last all day. Spring makeup is about looking effortlessly beautiful, and this product embodies this by being so easy to apply. Aura’s unique click mechanism dispenses the perfect amount of product for convenient on-the-go application, and has a sponge applicator which makes it easy to blend.

This product is enriched with Vitamin E to help improve skin’s moisture retention and is free of oil, fragrance, and phthalates. Available in three shades: Rouge (sheer rose); Flush (sheer red); Petal (sheer pink/coral shimmer).  I have tested Petal and love the color. It is a soft pinky coral with a subtle shimmer. Anti-aging tip: pinks and corals are perfect for us women who want to look younger. A soft flush is extremely youthful. Pinks and corals are also perfect as a lip gloss for a younger-looking pout!

This blush is currently available at www.sephora.com and www.hourglasscosmetics.com.