Tag: Shopping

Brighten Your Hair With Clairol Natural Instincts Vibrant

Clairol Natural Instincts Vibrant

Do you know that besides the physical benefits of coloring hair, freshly colored hair can do a lot to a womans self-esteem? Clairol has recently held a survey regarding the emotional benefits of coloring hair. The survey reveals 93% of women who color their hair agree their day instantly improves directly after coloring. Women feel confident and on top of the world with freshly colored hair, but as color starts to fade, their confidence and mood drop. This cycle of emotional ups and downs can be described as a “hair color rollercoaster.”

Now Natural Instincts with new Week 2 Color Refresher has a solution to love. The Week 2 Color Refresher replenishes the tones your hair color loses first and can simply be applied two weeks after coloring to give hair a color boost.

The color boost is included in the traditional Natural Instincts demi-permanent as well as the new permanent Vibrant formula. Now you can get up to 8 weeks of vibrant, healthy-looking hair color from Natural Instincts. New Natural Instincts Vibrant is a 10-minute formula that delivers stunning color with 100% gray coverage.

What I think:  I have used Natural Instincts before and liked it, but because it is semi-permanent, the gray coverage never lasted long.  The vibrant color is permanent and so lasts a very long time. I also love the idea of the color boost.  I applied it after two weeks and my hair appeared brighter and my color looked fresher. Awesome!

Natural Instincts is available at mass market retailers near you. Enjoy!

Dancing With The Stars Summer Hair Trend Report

Now that the weather is hot and humid, women everywhere are tossing their heat-styling tools and opting for the usual ponytail, just to beat the heat. Here are some new hair trends to try this summer – so you can look hot – not just feel hot.

Platinum Highlights: Create the ultimate sun-kissed highlights without ever visiting a salon this summer. Simply clip-in extensions like the Dancing with the Stars Starlights Extensions ($49: ULTA.com) in a sun-kissed hair shade (such as Swedish Blonde) and in an instant you have non-committal highlights.

(From left: Spring/Summer 2011 runway at Peter Som; Dancing with the Stars Starlights Extensions)

Ballerina Bun: Instead of tying hair up into another boring ponytail, opt for a chic knotted ballerina bun instead. Simply wrap hair into a low bun, securing with bobby pins to keep hair in place. Add volume to the bun by attaching the Dancing with the Stars Glamarama Extensions ($20: ULTA.com) to complete this look.

(From left: Spring/Summer 2011 runway at Ruffian; Dancing with the Stars Glamarama Extensions )

Braids: The braid has managed to stick around for another season and we know why! It’s easier than ever to create this trend-worthy style at home –without a stylist. Wearing hair up or down, simply incorporate the Dancing with the Stars Bellissima Braid Band ($10: ULTA.com) into any look.

(From left: Spring/Summer 2011 runway at Lacoste; Dancing with the Stars Bellissima Braid Band)

Enjoy!

Glam Up Your Home Fragrance With Tyler Candle Company

I love trying new home fragrances in different forms.  I have recently tested candles, lotions and other fun products from Tyler Candle Company.

Tyler Candle Glamorous Suite I Diva ($21.00 USD) — A warm and complex fragrance overflowing with delicious fruits and rich florals. Rich aromatic chocolate and amber complete this luscious blend!! It’s her world…we just live in it. •1 – 3.4oz Prestige Candle•1 – 9oz Chambre Parfum•1 – 4oz Glamorous Wash•1 – Autoglam Auto Air Freshener

What I think:  I thought this might be a bit strong for me, but it is fabulous! The candle imparts and nice scent in the home, as the room spray does — or I think it does but my teenager confiscated it and uses it in her own room!  The only product in this kit that I didn’t care for was the auto air freshener because it didn’t have a scent at all.  Good price for everything you get in this kit!

Tyler Candle Luxury Hand Lotion Diva 2.0oz ($5.50 USD) A warm and complex fragrance overflowing with delicious fruits and rich florals. Rich aromatic chocolate and amber complete this luscious blend. A 2 oz travel size bottle, includes one per purchase.

What I think:  I love this lotion.  It is portable (easily fits in purse or carry-on) and gives soft and  sweetly fragranced hands.

Visit www.tylerCandles.com to learn more and to purchase.  Enjoy!

Conquer Sensitive Skin and Rosacea With Atopalm

Atopalm Intensive Moisturizing Cream

I was excited to receive a sample of Atopalm’s Intensive Moisturizing Cream.  My teenage daughter has eczema and gets dry pathes on her face.  Here is info on what Atopalm claims to do and why I wanted her to try it:  

Formulated for dry, sensitive skin, Atopalm’s rich, emollient, yet non-greasy formulas are designed for skin suffering from allergies, rosacea dryness and sensitivity in need of gentle yet powerful treatment.Each paraben-free Atopalm product is powered by Dermatologist and Ophthalmologist tested MLE-Multi Lamellar Emulsion formulas—plant derived ingredients that mimic skin’s natural structure and restore skin’s protective moisture barrier system. This unique complex hydrates, soothes and calms skin in distress, leaving dry, sensitive skin visibly renewed.

·        Intensive Moisturizing Cream($30): This rich, hydrating formula for dry, sensitive skin nourishes skin with a unique vitamin, antioxidant blend, for a healthy, vibrant complexion. The gentle yet effective cream calms the symptoms of eczema and rosacea, as well as skin recovering from facial treatments such as microdermabrasion. 

·        Daytime Undermakeup Moisture Cream ($18): This restorative, moisturizing cream provides a smooth foundation for even, long-lasting makeup application. Infused with nourishing Vitamin E and antioxidants, the gentle yet hydrating cream supports beautiful, healthy skin. 

·        Moisturizing Skin Revitalizing Complex($35): This powerful yet gentle rejuvenating formula helps reduce the appearance of fine lines, roughness, wrinkles and laugh lines and helps brighten skin with a unique peptide complex infused with Vitamin C and licorice root.

What I think:  My daughter used the Intensive Moisturizing Cream at night on her eczema, and by morning her skin looked much better.  She said that it didn’t itch as much either, which is a big plus!

Visit www.atopalmusa.com to learn more about this line and to purchase.  Enjoy!

Glow On With beautyADDICTS

beautyADDICTS has a great system to give your face a glowing summer look without the glitter that is only age-appropriate for the very young.  Here is what they suggest:

First start with a bronzer that is a versatile shade and does not have an abundance of “shimmer”. Hydra SUNRays Bronzing Powder ($28.00 USD) provides buildable coverage in one flawless shade and is formulated with pure pearl powder to stimulate cell renewal. Packed with healthy ingredients such as green tea and Vitamins A, C, D and B5, it contains amino acids that help to exfoliate dead skin cells and bring forth a natural, fresh glow.  Apply HydraSUNRays Bronzing Powder to the cheeks, nose, forehead, ears and neck for an even look.

To complete your sun-kissed complexion you have to subtlely highlight those areas of the face that need a heathy “shine”. If you haven’t tried GlimmerSHEERS ($28.00 USD) then you have never experienced such a multipurpose product that leaves skin looking and feeling radiant and healthy. Each GlimmerSHEERS compact holds two unique formulas in complimentary shades. The Sheer formula is loaded with Jojoba Oil to fight wrinkles and hydrate and enhance glowing skin while the Glimmer formula contains Green Tea for ultimate anti-oxidant protection and stimulates collagen and elastin production for a sun-kissed, elegant sheen. 

Pro Tip: Apply HydraSUNRays Bronzing Powder and GlimmerSHEERS with a flawless makeup sponge like beautyblender.  Moisten your Beautyblender and apply product along the brow bone, cheekbone, décolleté or down the bridge of the nose for a contouring effect.

What I think:  This is the perfect easy summer duo. The matte bronzer is perfect for a natural looking summer glow or a great contour powder.  The S on top highlights and gives face even more dimension.  One color or texture (all matte, all glowy) can make the face appear one-dimensional.  This duo imparts the perfect, healthy look of the sun, without damaging the skin!  

BeautyADDICTS HydraSUNRays Bronzing Powder and GlimmerSHEERS retail for $28 each at a salon near you and is available online at www.beautyaddicts.com.

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.

Self Tanners For A Golden Glow Without The Sun

It’s tanning time!  My pale skin has been crying out for some color.  So I have tried the products below and have had mostly successful results.  I recommend these to help kick-start your summer color without the harmful rays of the sun.

Sun Laboratories Dark Sun Set (List Price: $85.95,  Price: $39.95, You Save: $46.00 (54%) — This sunless tanning system is a must try for anyone who likes to have a great tan all year round. This system is very easy to use.

First exfoliate your whole body with Exfoliating Body Gel to clean and revitalize skin. Then apply Tan Maintainer Moisturizer on any dry area. This will keep your tan looking flawless. Then apply everyday to help maintain your tan.

Apply Sun Labs Dark Sunless Tanning Lotion all over body. This product is so gentle you can even use it on your face. It comes out a nice chocolate brown so you can see where it is being applied. This great tan will last 5 to 7 days. Apply every few days to get even a darker richer tan.

Sun Labs Beach Bag is a great gift with purchase. You will find many uses for this bag.

This set includes:
1 Dark Self-Tanning Lotion 8 oz
1 Exfoliating Body Scrub 8 oz
1 Tan Maintaining Moisturizing Lotion 8 oz
1 Exfoliating Net Sponge
1 Sun Labs Beach Bag (Gift with Purchase)

Visit www.sunlabsonline.com to learn more and purchase.

Beautisol Need I Glow More? Face Self-Tanning Lotion For Normal-Oily-Problematic Skin Types($26.00 USD) is the first ever skin-type-specific face self-tanning lotion.

Features & benefits:

  • Created specifically for normal to oily or problematic skin types
  • Infused with Montmorillonite Clay, Lilac Stem Cell, and Niacinamide to help reduce inflammation and improve acne
  • Lightweight formula prevents the skin from feeling heavy or greasy
  • Pure Scent odor-eliminating technology reduces processing odor
  • Guide color allows you to see exactly where you have applied the product and where you may have missed, reducing streaking and application mishaps
  • Paraben-free, propylene gycol-free, sodium laurel/laureth sulfate-free, and cruelty-free (PETA certified)

Need I Glow More is also available in Normal-Dry-Sensitive Skin Types. Learn more and purchase at www.beautisol.com.

L’Oreal Paris Sublime Bronze Clear Self-Tanning Gel($10.49 USD) — is an innovative, first-to-mass clear gel spray self-tanner that is free of parabens. It combines the comfort of a cooling gel formula with the convenience of a spray bottle for easy, mess-proof application. Infused with a light citrus scent, the clear formula works by utilizing proteins in the skin and brings out a natural, healthy glow. Just spray it on and gently massage into skin to achieve a streak-free, long-lasting bronze complexion that begins to develop in less than one hour. Available in a medium-tone bronze finish to complement all skin tones, Sublime Bronze™ Clear Self-Tanning Gel can be applied daily until the desired level of color is achieved.

You can purchase this self tanner at drugstores and mass market retailers near you.

New For Spring 2011 From The Body Shop — The Honey Bronze Collection

Honey Bronze For Summer 2011

Transform into a bronze goddess with natural looking shimmer and glow thanks to the new moisturizing Honey Bronze make-up range from The Body Shop. Honey, known as one of nature’s best moisturizers, is used throughout the entire range so you can enjoy even application and a natural-looking bronzed and beautiful complexion. Discover new Honey Bronze Shimmering Dry Oil, Brilliance Powder, Bronzing Gel For Face, Lip Nectar and Bronzing Powder. These products are ideal whether you want a subtle hint of bronze or you prefer deeper tones. You can say goodbye to patchy bronzing thanks to the honey bee, instead enjoy smooth, moisturized skin with a bronzed glow. This range simply wouldn’t be possible without the incredible work of the honey bee, providing the honey and beeswax used across the range.

Honey Bronze Shimmering Dry Oil ($14) You are bound to love this light-weight moisturizing body oil. It gives skin a natural-looking beautifully bronzed shimmering glow, with a dry finish.  Long-lasting and streak-free, it contains Community Fair Trade honey from Ethiopia and beeswax from Cameroon to moisturize. That’s right, these are two perfect ingredients for inclusion in this bronzing product, moisturizing, softening and smoothing your skin. Apply to your body using circular motions.  Wash hands after use.

Honey Bronze Brilliance Powder ($22) This illuminating powder can be applied to your cheeks and collarbone,
leaving skin looking glowing and radiant. Enhance your natural skin color with this easy-to-apply powder, which gives an instant shimmer courtesy of the integrated brush. It contains Community Fair Trade honey from Ethiopia and Community Fair Trade beeswax from Cameroon. Release the powder by twisting the top, and apply directly to your cheeks and décolletage, until you have the perfect depth of color you desire.

Honey Bronze Bronzing Gel For Face ($14) This lightweight moisturizing bronzing gel suits all skin tones, giving an even and natural-looking honey-bronzed glow – it can also be used to enhance a natural tan. It contains Community Fair Trade honey from Ethiopia and beeswax from Cameroon, as well as organic aloe vera from Guatemala. Simply smooth over skin gently, blend for a perfect finish and wash hands after use.

Honey Bronze Bronzing Powder ($18.50) Discover a compact bronzer to give your skin a matte, natural-looking glow. Ideal for a smooth and even finish, simply using a bronzer brush, dust over forehead, cheeks, nose and chin – anywhere the sun naturally touches your face. With four shades available, each contains Community Fair Trade honey from Ethiopia, beeswax from Cameroon and marula oil from Namibia.

Honey Bronze Lip Nectar ($10) The Body Shop has developed two perfect shades of lip gloss to offset your
bronzed look. With a sheer high shine glossy tint, Honey Bronze Lip Nectar is perfect for parched or sun-exposed lips. You can wear these alone or over lip color, providing your lips with great moisturization. Each product contains Community Fair Trade honey, beeswax and marula oil. Available in two shades: Honey Bunch and Honeycomb.

What I think:  I have tried a few of these products.  My favorite is the Bronzing Gel for Face.  It is a really pretty bronze color without any orange to it. I dab it on my cheeks, nose, forehead and chin to mimmick where the sun would give me color.  I also use it as a contour under my cheekbones and at my jaw line.

The Bronzing Powder in light works well all over my face as it gets darker with sunless tanning or as a bronzer.  The other product I tried is the Brilliance Powder which is glittery, so it’s not for me.  I gave it to my teenage daughter and she loves it.

Visit www.thebodyshop.usa-com to learn more and to purchase. 

It’s Sunscreen Time — Try One of These Amazing Choices!

It’s almost summer, which means time to get out the sunscreen! Whether you are gardening, running errands or will be at the pool or beach all day, grab a new sunscreen for face, body or even hands and enjoy the outdoors without damaging your skin!

Avon ANEW SOLAR ADVANCE Sunscreen Face Lotion SPF 45 (Reg. $34.00, Sale $24.00) Sun exposure can cause visible signs of aging. UV Rays penetrate skin’s surface, damaging DNA and creating harmful superoxide free radicals that attack skin cells. The best protection is to avoid sun exposure. When this isn’t possible, broad-spectrum sunscreen is a must to help protect skin from the sun’s harmful rays.

Formulated with RepairShield™ Technology. Dramatically reduces the look of wrinkles and visibly diminishes discolorations. Broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection. Lightweight, quick-absorbing. Very water-resistant. 2.6 oz. net wt.

Also available is ANEW SOLAR ADVANCE Sunscreen Body Lotion SPF 30 (Reg. $34.00, Sale $24.00).  Visit www.youravon.com/brittbowman to learn more and purchase.

If you would like to try a newer brand that has received a lot of praise — Supergoop! uses the latest technology to provide easy-to-use sunscreen options. Some I have tried are:
   
Supergoop! SPF 30+ Lip Balms (AcaiFusion and MintFusion) $8.50  USD) Toss those low SPF formulas and grab these unique SPF 30 lip balm solutions! They protect against broad-spectrum UV rays in a super-antioxidant and regenerative formulation.
Supergoop! SPF 30+ Sunscreen Swipes ($34.00 (for 21 individually wrapped swipes) $34.00 (for a pack of 40 swipes) $10.00 (for a pack of 8 swipes)  An extension of their ever-so-popular 40 count and 8 count swipe packs, these soft, pre-moistened, paraben-free and water-resistant swipes, that deliver powerful UV protection for the face and body, are now available in individually wrapped packets – to keep it easy for you and your little ones to stay covered on the go!
 
Supergoop! SPF 30+ Everyday UV Lotion Spray ($19.50 USD) A favorite among both men and women everywhere for its incredibly “clean” formula, this lightweight, water-resistant sunscreen lotion is great for all skin types, and is now available in a convenient, TSA-approved 3 oz. spray bottle for a broader application range!
 
Supergoop!’s NEW summer 2011 Collection is available for purchase at Sephora/Sephora.com, Nordstrom/Norstrom.com, Barneys NY/Barneys.com andwww.Supergoop.com.
 
Hissyfit Body Double body moisturizer plus SPF 30+ ($38.00 USD) The singular Body Double. Enjoy a luxurious body moisturizer that cares for the body in so many different ways – protecting against sun damage, fighting free radicals and hydrating precious skin. Rich in anti-oxidants, it also contains broad spectrum SPF 30+ protection to guard against UVA/UVB rays and environmental damage while enveloping your skin with an energizing fragrance.
 
Another neat product from Hissyfit is the Handy Work Hand Cream ($22.00 USD) This is a decadent hand cream containing moisturizing ingredients and sun protection all in one. Its advanced formula relieves dryness and delivers intense hydration, nourishes with Vitamin E and aloe extracts, and provides broad spectrum protection from environmental damage with SPF 30. The beautiful orange mint fragrance pampers the senses with every use. Visit www.hissyfit.com to learn more. Enjoy!