The Fragrance Fanatic Introduces - The Twice As CLEAN Gift Set
A little “birdie” let me know that CLEAN has launched a new gift set this month - The Twice As CLEAN Gift Set. This gift set can be found exclusively at Ulta and has two of CLEAN’s best selling fragrances: CLEAN Shower Fresh Eau de Parfum and CLEAN Warm Cotton Eau de Parfum. Wow, what a great scented set and if you have never tried any of the CLEAN Fragrances before, now is the time!
by Gloria
There is something about Fall that’s special. Whether it’s merely appreciating the fact that you’re no longer melting into a puddle or the possibility of a relaxing stroll while basking in the crisp air and taking in the colors of the changing leaves.
There is something else to love about the Fall Season as well. Something that makes each and every makeup addict feel giddy with delight. Something that makes us feel like the proverbial kid in the candy store: the unveiling of new makeup collections!
shown: Estee Lauder
Speaking of the proverbial kid in the candy store, Estee Lauder’s yummy looking Chocolate Decadence Collection includes two of the Fall makeup trends, deep neutrals and gold. You can also get the season’s golden look with their Creme Caramel Shimmer Powder .
shown: Lancome
When it comes to gilded shimmer, Lancome’s Maharani Jewels has it down! With neutrals and golden shimmers to give you that “Indian Summer” glow. Lust-worthy is their golden face shimmer, an embossed palette of gold, embedded with a shimmery pink elephant.
shown: Chanel
A brand that has both the gilded and colorful looks going on for Fall is Chanel . Plum, Gold, and Teal are the colors showing up in this collection, for both lips & tips!
shown: Mac
When it comes to bold color, there is one brand that quickly comes to mind. Season after season, MAC never fails to impress with their vivid color range. For Fall MAC has partnered with Indian designer Manish Arora to create a truly unique collection. The colors in this collection are bold and exciting, with unique Eastern charm.
shown: Gosh Cosmetics
Keeping with the colors of the season, Gosh Cosmetic’s Spellbound Collection brings us that and more! Turquoises, teals, purples, plums, and even a few neutrals & bronzes can be found in this vibrant collection.
So, this Fall be glamorous with some golden shimmer or be daring and wear that bold lip color or that dramatic eye!
by the Muse
Fall Collections are out in full force when you step into your local Sephora and vi sit your favorite cosmetic counters. So many collections and just one face to use them all on!
Some of my must favorite Fall makeup items this year are definitely palettes! The simplicity of having everything you need in one place to create one or multiply looks is always great!
Shown: Prescriptives
Although Prescriptives new Fall Dimensions Eye Color Quad looks simple it delivers a mighty punch of satisfaction and mystery to your eyes with beautiful browns offset with a blue liner!
shown: Bobbi Brown
If you seek a warm, elegant, and mature look Bobbi Brown’s Mauve Face Palette has everything you need to create a stunning Fall face or two! Blush, Lipcreams, and Eyeshadow are all housed in a slick black case!
shown: Too Faced
Want a bit of edge to your look while getting a bit of help with it? Try out Too Faced Smoky Eye palette which allows you to create three smoky looks and includes tutorial cards for that extra helping hand with your shadow application!
shown: Urban Decay
Lips are just as important as your eyes and face! Indulge your inner goth with slick packaging that houses a wonderfully moisturizing, pigmented lip color that will give lips a bold splash of color! Urban Decay’s newest lipstick comes in 22 shades so you’re bound to find just the right shade of yum for the Fall Season!
By Vanessa Garcia
Fall is around the corner, and that means this season’s looks are going to be filled with warmth; lovely neutral looks bathed in golds, rich browns, and tones of red and orange- just like fall leaves.
For a nice fresh fall face, create a nice soft matte look, using a fluffy or flat top brush, sweep a mineral foundation that has buildable coverage or MAC’s Mineralized Skin Finish for a natural even toned look. Dewy looks are for the summer, so skip the liquid foundations and opt for a Tinted Moisturizer like Dior’s HydrAction Tinted Moisturizer instead which you can wear alone or under your powder foundation. Create a soft glow by using the shimmery side of MAC’s New View MSF , or a peachy gold bronzer or blush and light dab on the apples of your cheeks and dust lightly on the nose.
For the eyes, you can make them a soft smoky brown with MAC’s “Dipdown” Fluidline smudged across the upper and lower lashline, or create a natural look by sweeping a light shimmery eyeshadow all over the lid such as MAC’s “Patina” eyeshadow and applying a few coats of mascara.
For the lips, deep dark burgundy and deep orange red tomes are in, and MAC’s “Cult of Cherry” Collection couldn’t be released at a more perfect time, featuring 3 eyeshadow quads and gorgeous lippies to complete and Fall look. If burgundy isn’t your thing, browns are just as gorgeous and complement any skin tone. Try “Boss Brown” Lustre Twin by MAC.
For the hair, a nice chestnut brown is guaranteed to bring out all your gorgeous features, and cardigans, sweaters, calf-high boots are never out of style.
By Beauty Anonymous
www.beautyanonymous.blogspot.com
Finally, fall is approaching. I love fall season because it is the best time to enjoy the change of scenery and the breath of cool and crisp air. As the foliage turns its color soon, I am eagerly awaiting the transition to the fall makeup of 2008. Here are the fall 2008 makeup trends that I think any of us can pull off easily:
Left: Detailed Shot of Alberta Ferretti Fall 2008 Ready-to-wear
Right: Promo Image of Shu Uemura Fall 2008 Instinct Fall Mode Makeup
Dark Kohl-lined Eyes
The mod looks on fall 2008 fashion runways are still predominantly smoky eyes with pale lips. The top and bottom lash lines are heavily lined in black. For more definition and depth, blend in deep shades from lash line to crease and along bottom lash line. Fall 2008 emphasizes the play of rich and vibrant shades like rusty browns, deep plums, coppery blacks, or khaki green blacks.
Left: Detailed Shot of Donna Karan Fall 2008 Ready-to-wear
Right: Promo Image of Lunasol Fall 2008 Collection
Rich Red Lips
The red of this season ranges from deep red, berry red and scarlet shades. Dark red shades could provide a sense of edginess on the runway. For a real world look (remember, most of us don’t walk runways), however, keep the face makeup minimal and muted. Bear in mind that a raspberry red on the lips already could makes a great impression on holiday’s parties.
Left: Detailed Shot from Anna Sui Fall 2008 Ready-to-wear
Right: Promo Image of RMK Fall 2008 Collection
Barely Nude Face
The nude face is a classic look and it has continued to lead the trend in this fall. Face is kept semi-matte, flawless and luminous as though it glows from the skin within. The eyes are natural with a sheer wash of earthy tones like grays, golds, bronzes and browns. Keep the lips pale and nude, and the cheeks are given a touch of baby pink or peach-toned blush for a fresh and youthful look.
Photo credist:
www.style.com
www.shuuemura.com
www.kanebo-cosmetics.jp/lunasol/
www.rmkrmk.com
By Elessa
Direct Link to Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wt33Iv3OwKE
In just 10 minutes you can go from a Summertime look to a fresh Fall look without breaking the bank.
All you need are the following
* 10 minutes
* Hair ties and bobby pins
* Smokey brown and nude eyeshadow
o Department Store
+ Make Up Forever # 127
+ MAC Satin Taupe
o Budget
+ NYX Root Beer
+ NYX Aloha
* Red-Burgundy Lips
o Budget
+ NYX Revamped Lipstick
o Department store
+ MAC Jampacked Lipglass
+ Clinique Lipliner- Pomegranate
* Shimmer blush for cheeks
o Stila All Over Shimmer
Get the Hair
* Pull hair back to a side ponytail.
* Create two braids, twist to create a bun.
* Secure bun with bobby pins.
* Put on a fun hair and you are good to go!
Face
* Apply moisturizer, foundation, and powder as usual.
* Dab slight shimmer to cheeks for a healthy glow.
* Apply concealer to eyelids to create a base for eyeshadow.
* Add the natural shadow allover lid from lashline to brow bone
* Apply concealer on lips and outer area as primer. Then line lips and apply lipgloss.
Viola! It’s that easy to transition from Summer to Fall.
Toya Smith Marshall
http://lifeofaladybug.typepad.com
Ahhh! Can’t you feel it? The hottest days of summer are behind us and the refreshing breezes of fall are on their way. The colder months are my favorite time of year. So much for swimming and sunbathing (Okay, really, don’t sunbathe, y’all). Bring on the sweaters and knee-high boots! And, what’s more, it’s time for the new fall collections.
Quite a few of the beauty lines are rolling out fabulous collections for fall. I have been impressed by several of them. The biggest trends in fall beauty sound and look unbelievably delicious: smoky eyes in grays and bronzes, bold eyeliner in gorgeous colors paired with otherwise nude faces, pops of color on eyes and/or lips, and, my favorite trend of all – over-the-top lips in dark, almost sinister shades. And no collection rocks the deep lip better than MAC’s Cult of Cherry.
Of course, I am a totally unashamed MAChead, so they can’t do much wrong, as far as I’m concerned. Still, in my opinion, Cult of Cherry is MAC’s most interesting collection in quite a while. Never before have I been so excited for the leaves to turn! I need the fall to get here so I can start wearing this collection, posthaste.
The best part about the Cult of Cherry collection is that it is so sinfully dark. It appeals to my inner goth girl. Even the promo picture makes me think of vampires, which sets my heart all aflutter. (Y’all do know that Lestat is my dream man, right?) The whole collection is sexual chocolate on a stick. Even slicking on the blackened berries of the lipsticks makes me feel like a femme fatale.
Here are my picks from the collection – the ones I think all beauty fanatics should be lemming:
Lipstick in So Scarlet (clean grape burgundy in amplified cream)
Lipglass in Jampacked (sheer grape with multi-dimensional pearl)
Mattene lipstick in Rapturous (deep berry red) and Bing (blackened eggplant)
Powder Blush in Plum de Bois (frosted deep pink bronze with gold pearl)
Eyeshadow Quad in Shadowy Lady (Light Fall – dirty light pink satin, Smudge Violet – frosty blackened lavender with multi-dimensional pearl, Deep Truth – very dark blue frost, Shadowy Lady – darkly veiled plum)
Don’t be afraid to explore your hidden gothic goddess. Nothing will look better this fall than a smoky, smudgy eye in the deepest, darkest shades, paired with a vampish sultry lip. Can’t wait to see how you rock it!
This month’s Beauty Ideal is about Timeless Beauty/Beauty at Any Age so I felt it fitting to write about Natural Beauty versus Made Up Beauty. Natural beauty is something that remains timeless at any age so it’s perfectly fitting with this month’s theme? I simply adore cosmetics and find any excuse in the book to buy tons and tons of products. I find that sometimes simplicity wins over an overly made up face and I associate natural beauty with a fresh glowing face. Achieving a youthful, flawless, healthy look is easy with some simple products.
Light Foundation
For a fresh, younger face keep your foundation light and airy. Certain lighter foundations offer excellent coverage plus blend in without giving you the made up feel.
Concealer
I’ve noticed that with age I have a lot more baggage to hide away under my eyes so good concealer is the key to making eyes look bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. Remember to choose a shade or two lighter than your foundation to cover up puffiness, fine lines, and tired eyes. Brightening up the under eye area also gives you the appearance of 12 hours of sleep instead of the 5 you actually had.
Bright, Colorful Blushes
Brighter blushes work in a similar manner as cheek stains; they give a beautiful glowy look to skin that gives the appearance of health and youth. By sorting through the masses of cosmetics and products available on the market today and searching for just the right ones you can easily create a flawless, minimal look that’s flattering and youthful! Natural Beauty is fine and certainly dandy but we all like the spice, flair, variety, and pop certain cosmetics offer. When you feel like throwing in your hat and going with that Made Up Beauty feel follow the tips below to give yourself the drama you seek at any age.
Bold Eye Shadow
Go for the blue! Apply some aqua! Take a risk on a bright pink! Blend it all up and create a dramatic, unique eye look.
Lips
Spice up your lips with an outrageous red lip color or gloss. Sexy, fun, and bold! Stop telling yourself that you can’t wear a certain color or you’ll never be able to pull that off. Try something new and exciting. You might find out that it works brilliantly for you and you’ll be happy you tried it. Variety is the spice of life after all. The cosmetic world offers a variety of ways to make ourselves up by covering our flaws and accentuating our positive points. Being naturally beautifully is something every woman possesses without the help of makeup. It’s the way we present ourselves, the way our brains work, the clever way we know how to walk and chew gum at the same time…cosmetics just offer us an option to make the perfection and complication of being a girl interesting.
Visit some of the Muse’s favorite items:
http://www.stilacosmetics.com/
http://www.bourjoisusa.com/
http://www.lancome-usa.com/
http://www.yslbeautyus.com/
http://www.maccosmetics.com/
http://www.bobbibrowncosmetics.com/
http://www.makeupforever.com/
http://www.milanicosmetics.com/
http://www.smashbox.com/
BIO: I’m just a general cosmetic junkie that plans to take over the world…..someday. Best get on my good side fast! Aside from being a crazy, addicted, diseased collector of all things cosmetic I’m just an average, everyday girl that’s passionate about good makeup. I’m a native New Yorker, born and raised, that enjoys long walks on the beach and pina colados.
On a serious note I’m just a 30 year old woman that really has a passion for cosmetics and all things beautiful. During the day I’m an insurance broker but by night I moonlight as a Beauty Blogger bringing you the latest and greatest cosmetic finds from Japan, Korea, Singapore, Europe, and the US.
Kahlil Gibran once said that “Beauty is eternity gazing at itself in a mirror”. As women, we are constant in our hunt for perfection. Whether it’s the most promising skin serum of the year, the latest wrinkle reducer, or a mascara that extends lashes to impossible lengths.
Delve into your mind and think of timeless beauties. Women whose character and looks leave imprints in your mind. A simple photograph search of “Timeless Beauty” on Google images returns the likes of Audrey Hepburn, Bette Midler, Raquel Welch, and Claudia Schiffer. Women who are strong, outgoing, and self-aware. In fact, most women would agree that finding your beauty “self” involves becoming one with personality.
Trends in makeup come and go with each passing season. Artists and beauty companies hope to sell us their latest palettes and innovations. This summer it’s super bright nail polish and bronzed eyeshadows. This fall we’re looking at gray polishes and the standard deeper colors.
Ladies, if you want, buck the trends! Start your own. If it looks good on you, does it really matter what another person says is “in”?
A very stylish friend of mine knows she looks better in the deep, almost-black polishes that were so prevalent this past winter. And hence, she continues to rock them with confidence this summer. And she looks good doing it!
Each decade brings with it new creations in the art that is makeup. The thirties and forties featured hollywood glamour at its finest. Black eyeliner, peaches and cream skin, red lips. The hipster seventies focused on skin- freckles shining through, playful eyes and nude lips with a soft sheen. Ahhh, the rockster eighties. Blues, purples, yellows in eyeshadows and mascaras; even green hued lipsticks. Big and bold as shadows moved all the way up to brows. And the nineties revamped the smoky eye; while currently we’re playing with that same smokiness in colors other than standard black.
Need help finding your timeless style? Open your makeup bin and have a look inside. What items are positively loved? Chances are, you’re drawn to those items because your inner self is happier when sporting those products and colors. For some, it’s a basic black mascara, for others it’s a classic red lip stain topped with balm. Experiment and find your own unique combination. Whether it’s natural-look makeup, brightly pigmented eye shadows, a wild hair color, or deep glossy lips, stick with what works for you. To be timeless, you have to recognize your true self.
This doesn’t mean give up your product stash or your shopping ways. By all means, shop on (it’s good for the economy after-all). But instead, once you recognize your inner beauty, shopping becomes so much easier! You can focus on getting the blushes that work for you (and you’ll actually use them), the trendy lipstick that just arrived in your perfect color, or experimenting with new shampoo. A sporty gal could focus on finding her ultimate tinted moisturizer with sunscreen; a fashionista on creating her own indie eye look; and the business gal on a refined face that shows off her amazing bone structure.
Change with the times, but don’t forget your sense of self. Adapt the trends and looks to suit you, your face, and your budget. Ditch the fads that don’t work for you and embrace those that do. Timeless beauty is through individuality and comes in such varied forms. Be creative, unique and in the end, you’re personality will make you timeless, just like Bette, Audrey and Claudia.
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that frightens us most. We ask ourselves, ‘Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and famous?’ Actually, who are you not to be?…Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that people won’t feel insecure around you…And when we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” ~Nelson Mandela
BIO: Jamie Shopf is 31 years old and shares her life with her wonderful husband, three dogs, two Parrotlet birds, a hedgehog, and three Betta fish. She’s the writer behind Bionic-Beauty.com where she shares her freebie finds and (mostly) independent beauty product reviews. When she’s not blogging, Jami enjoys tending to her orchid collection, sailing, kayaking, and being a computer geek.
By Lilan Duong, The Daily Cookie
In a pinch, I always channel my favorite beauty icons to help me come up with some of my best beauty looks. Women like Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis are my muse and although this look is from decades ago, I still find it so relevant today.
Here are my favorite tips and products on how to get Jackie O’s iconic minimalist doe-eyed look of the 1960s that works for today –
Start by lightly prepping the skin with tinted moisturizer and concealer, where needed, and set with translucent loose powder.
Remember not to over-tweeze your brows. Keep them groomed with Anastasia Brow Gel for a natural look.
Prep the eyelids with a little bit of concealer to allow the eyeshadow to last longer throughout the day. Using a firm and flat eyeshadow brush, pat and layer on a nude shade similar to your skin tone all over the lids. Contour the eyes with a light coffee-colored shadow to the crease with a firm pencil brush.
Line the eyes with a black kohl pencil to create a and apply liquid liner over the pencil to create a more precise line. TIP: Use a liquid liner with a felt tip for easy application like shu uemura’s Liquid Eyeliner Pen.
Sweep a peachy rose shade of blush just to the apples of your cheeks to create a radiant glow from within.
For the lips, pick a nude, pink shade like Elizabeth Arden’s new Color Intrigue Effects Lipstick in Pink Honey Pearl. It’s enough to channel Miss Jackie O from her days as First Lady to present day in no time!
BIO: Lilan is the Owner and Editor behind The Daily Cookie, where she brings you daily morsels about anything and everything!
By Jennifer & Christine, Beauty in Real Life
Over at Beauty in Real Life, we like to keep things simple and fun. Our goal is to make the other laugh, but not to the point where is causes wrinkles – that would be wrong and cruel.
In keeping with that spirit, we thought we should let you in on a little secret. Everyone is talking about how to look younger; no one is letting us know how to look older. So, we have thoughtfully delved into years of research…or a couple lunch dates at Starbucks… to bring you what we think are the top ten tips on how to age yourself a good ten years and a couple of products that can actually keep you looking great. Enjoy….
Soak up the sun. Just head out to the nearest backyard, tanning bed, or beach, and bask in those glorious rays. Don’t use sunscreen either. In fact, grab some baby oil and iodine and smear it all over. So what if you are increasing the risk of skin cancer and your skin becomes leathery…just tell everyone that it’s the new look. And those stares you’re getting? Stares of envy honey, stares of envy. Try a great sun block instead… Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunblock is fantastic for protecting you from the sun’s harsh rays.
Pile on the makeup. Really. We mean it. Just smear that heavy base all over. Make sure that you get it into every crevice and crease of your face. How about topping it off with a nice heaping dollop of powder all over? Not only will it stay on all day, it’ll also allow those fine lines to be proudly on display.
Party like it’s 1999…again. So what if you have to get up early during the week? Relive your old college nights and p-a-r-t-y! Just make sure that you get in real early in the morning and get up only 3 hours later. To be safe, you should do this every night during the work week. Hey, you only live once. For the occasional late night…try iQ Derma Restore Eyes.
Eat like a frat guy. Think pizza for breakfast and Cheetos for lunch. Vegetables and Fruit? Nah…who needs those. Oh, and make sure to wash it all down with tons of sugary sodas…never water.
Do not change one itty-bitty hair of your outdated hairstyle. Mullets and beehives are actually quite attractive on some people. And as for hair color, be sure to pick a color that really washes you out.
Never moisturize your skin. Ever. No matter how parched you skin looks and feels, just keep right on ignoring it. Maybe you could try Clinique Moisture Surge instead?
Head into the latest store and buy the tightest things you can find. The shorter and more constricting the better. In fact, just go shopping in a clothing store with merchandise geared towards 5th graders…you will be the hippest 35 year old out there.
When going cosmetics shopping remember this word…sparkle! The more sparkle-y the better! Think disco ball. Be sure to add plenty of sparkle and glitter to all areas of your face at once. You are guaranteed to shine like the top of the Chrysler Building! For a more natural glow, try a bronzer. One of our faves is Bobbi Brown All Over Bronzing Gel with SPF 15.
Whatever you do, do not exercise. Ever! You can dress up and hang out at the gym, but never exercise. Not even for at least 30 minutes a day. Who cares if it helps to increase circulation, blood flow, and might actually help you live longer? Who cares if it increases endorphins and makes you feel and look better all over…you get enough of a workout sitting up in bed and reaching for the remote at night.
Don’t quit smoking.
We bring you all of these tips with our tongue firmly implanted in cheek. In all reality, by taking care of your health, eating and drinking what’s right, using proper sunscreens daily, exercising, and having a less-is-more approach to cosmetics, is the best way to look younger than your years.
As for the mullet…well, you’re on your own there.
For great daily tips on skincare and beauty, just check out any of the amazing beauty blogs from The Beauty Blog Network. Remember though; before you follow this or any other advice, always be sure to see your doctor first.
BIO: Jennifer and Christine are the co-editors of the blog Beauty in Real Life. They happily reside in the Virginia suburbs, with their families. In addition to being bloggers, they are both stay-at-home moms and best friends.
Tips For Using Cosmetics to Look Younger
The effects of cosmetics change with age. Powder slides into wrinkles, glitter makes flaws stand out, and imperfections are harder to hide.
In attempts to hide the signs of aging, many women mistakenly accentuate them. Try these tips to make your cosmetics work for you, not against you.
Less is more
Don’t attempt to hide aging with more makeup. It will make you look older. Instead, wear foundation only where you need it, and opt for sheer makeup and mineral powders that sit on top on the skin.
Switch to moisturizing and anti-aging foundation
Obtain double duty by using a moisturizing foundation that contains anti-aging ingredients. It will soften lines and keep makeup from settling into them. Anti-aging ingredients are a bonus to help keep skin in top shape. Take a look at Redpoint Dermalift Foundation, Elizabeth Arden Intervene, Revlon Age Defying Foundation.
shown Elizabeth Arden Intevene
Pick a lighter lip color
Red is beautiful, but it has an “old” connotation. It is also unforgiving about showing lines. Instead, opt for a muted berry, or choose a “young” light pink. Aim for moisturizing lipsticks and pretty shades of sheer gloss to reflect light. Sally Hansen makes some great conditioning lip items.
More matte, less glimmer
Forget the full frost items, and use shimmer in moderation. Try using a matte shade for intense shadow colors and add just a hint of shimmery highlight. Above all, don’t shimmer up the entire face. A face full of glitter shadow, shimmering blush, and dazzling lip gloss is overkill at any age.
BIO: Carleen Pruess Coulter is an Attorney and Freelance Writer in the Chicago Area. She is the Owner and Editor of the websites Beauty and Fashion Tech and Girl Gloss, and provides content for several third party websites.
Natural beauty under $30 bucks!
Green is all we hear this year but often it seems the price tags will have you seeing red. Don’t sweat it this summer, though. We’ve got great natural bargains that will have you looking beautiful from head to toe and they’re all under $30 bucks!
The Body Deli
Treats for the whole body, The Body Deli creates delicious products, many of which are so natural, they have to be stored in your refrigerator. Fortunately, their Botanical Shampoo and Conditioner are quite fine being stored in the shower stall. Made with many organically fresh grown ingredients, this collection is a steal at just $16 for each bottle.
Suki
Summer is time for the beach, sand and pool. Which can also mean dry hair alert. There’s no need to worry about crispy, lackluster tresses after you use Suki’s Clean Balance Treatment Oil. Don’t let the small size fool you. This once ounce bottle is packed with nourishing oils that make this leave-in conditioning treatment the perfect solution to summer dry hair. Sliding in under the wire for just $29.95. www.sukipure.com
Alima Cosmetics and Valana Minerals
Mineral makeup is so much more preferable in the summer. A little bronzer to highlight our summer color makes the skin more sensual looking under the full moon, yes? Both of these companies offer a commitment to using pure natural minerals without added fillers and also offer economical samples sizes, which enable you to shop more freely until you find your color. Additionally, both lines offer a full spectrum of color choices making it easier for women of color to find a suitable skin tone match. www.alimacosmetics.com
Shea Terra Organics
Shea Terra’s Miombo Mango Silk and Shea Butter Lotion are simply divine. The sweet, fruity scent is perfectly created so it’s not overpowering to the senses. The lotion is rich and moisturizing without being greasy, making it an indulgent treat for your whole body after a day in the sun. A full size eight-ounce bottle runs just $18 bucks and is sure to last in to the winter. HYPERLINK “www.sheaterraorganics.com” www.sheaterraorganics.com
butter London
Sexy toes are enhanced by the plethora of colors available from butter London’s 3 Free collection. This line is aptly named because they are free of Formaldehyde, Toluene, and DBP, which have been linked to health problems. So take those piggies to market the natural way at just $12 bucks a bottle.
The summer heat is here and our makeup can definitely feel it! The summer season can bring out the Bronze Goddess in some of us while others scream “I’m melting!” One of my favorite tips that will last your makeup through the heat and humidity is fun and simple for the summer!
Don’t know how to keep your shadow from melting? Check out L’Oreal’s De-crease. Be sure to use the waterproof version of your favorite mascara to keep that in place. To give that inner rim color longevity, it’s important to use waterproof liners. Here are some of my suggestions:
Makeup Forever Aqua Eyes, $16
Try shades: Shimmering Plum 4L (soft plum sheen) and Bronze Green 5L (golden olive sheen).
Great for everyday looks!
Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil, $16
Try shade Lucky (deep copper)
Day time or weekend fun!
Clarins Waterproof Eye Pencil, $22
Try shade 04 Turquoise
Kick this look into night time fun!
Give these liners a try! Enjoy your summer with a splash of colourful makeup!
We all want to glow rather that glisten this summer, don’t we? For those of us that have oily skin this can be a bit of a challenge. But not to worry – there are several great products on the market that will gently cleanse, tone and moisturize without adding unnecessary shine to our skin.
Start off with a face wash such as the Biotherm BioPur Gentle Purifying Gel cleanser that contains oil-regulating Copper and Zinc to clean and balance your skin.
Next use a toner to remove all traces of your cleanser.
Yves Rocher Bio Specific Pore Regulation Mattifying Toner uses a Botanical Flavonoid Complex to regulate oil, leaving the skin clean, mattified, and shine-free.
You should always use a moisturizer – even if you have oily skin. If you don’t, your skin will feel dehydrated and will overcompensate by producing more oil. Here are a few recommendations that will keep you matte yet hydrated:
Peter Thomas Roth Max Anti-Shine Mattifying Gel
This gel is formulated with powerful oil-absorbing, pore minimizing ingredients to eliminate shine without stripping your skin of its natural and important moisture.
Chanel Précision Pureté Idealé Mattifying Fluid
Chanel’s non-greasy formula contains a marine bio extract which stimulates the production of beta-defensins, the skin’s “natural antibiotics”, to help balance the cutaneous flora.
Vichy Aqualia Thermal Mat Fortifying & Soothing 24Hr Hydrating Gel
Light in texture and easily absorbed into the skin, Vichy’s latest product from the Aqualia Thermal line contains diakalite sebo-absorbing microspheres that regulate excess sebum to intensely mattify the skin.
Lastly, for touch-ups during the day try oil blotting sheets like L’Occitane’s Mattifying Rice Papers . You’ll be able to stop a shiny nose in seconds with this French powdered red rice infused product.
Dry, cracked, and sore? No, I’m not talking about your lips. I’m talking about those feet that were made for walking. Hot weather isn’t just about keeping your makeup from melting off but it’s also about keeping those feet looking pretty barefoot on the beach or in a pair of sexy sandals. Rescue your feet from some embarrassment and awkward stares by primping and pampering them! Keep them covered until you try these summer feet rescue tips!
DYI Rescue Tips:
Treating yourself to a professional pedicure is a must, but in-between those appointments maintain your beautiful feet in the comfort of your own home using a few products and some TLC. Celebrity manicurist, Jessica Vartoughian , also “The First Lady of Nails” shares her pedicure tips on how to get those feet in shape for summer!
shown: Jessica Vartoughian
What products do you recommend for dry cracked feet?
The ultimate solution to combat dry, cracked skin is INTENSE Heel Repair Crème. This restorative formula drenches skin in moisture, softens and smoothes skin. When used at bedtime, you wake up and your feet are silky soft – they beauty of this product is it can be used on any area of your body.
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What are some important tips for DIY pedicures?
It is important to create a lovely experience so you look forward to your pedicure evenings. Choose your favorite music; pour a glass of wine and you can begin:
Remove all polish on your toenails.
With a pumice stone or foot file remove all dead skin and calluses, it is easier to remove the dead skin on dry feet.
Then prepare a soothing footbath using Blissful, Foot Bath in Ginger or Green Tea. Massage a gentle exfoliator like, Jessica’s Purify Enzyme Scrub to remove excess dry skin and rinse.
Massage feet and legs with a rich hydrating lotion like our Pampered Soufflé (in Green Tea or Ginger), leaving feet soft and supple.
Trim toenails with a toe nipper rather than scissors- it is important to cut straight across to avoid ingrown nails. Finish with a gentle file to make sure edges are smoothe.
Now you’re ready for the finishing touches. Make sure all creams and oils are cleaned off the nail before applying your polish.
Painting your own nails is always a bit difficult, but if you take your time, you can apply the perfect polish. First, always apply 2 Coats of your basecoat.
Then apply 2 coats of your favorite polish, using 8-10 strokes and seal the edges. This will help give you an even application and allow the polish to dry quickly. Toe Separators are important so you can avoid smudging your nails.
Finish with a fast drying topcoat that also leaves a high gloss shine.
DYI Rescue Product:
My feet have always been the driest area on my body. No matter how hard I’ve pumiced or creamed my feet, they always end up cracked and dry a few hours later. Well beauties, I’ve had a breakthrough! A few of you may be familiar with the “As Seen On TV” product, the PedEgg . When I first saw the commercial for it, the first thought I that came to mind was “a cheese grater for your feet”! The image of that didn’t make me go out and buy it. Then, I started reading rave reviews from fellow beauty bloggers and figured maybe it was worth a try.
I love it! The PedEgg is shaped like an egg and designed to fit in the palm of your hand. The stainless steel file looks like a cheese grater but it is really gentle to the touch. It’s simple to use; just run it up and down vertically over the callused or dry area. Once the area is smooth, you can buff it with the emery buffing pads for the ultimate finish. The nasty dead skin is collected in the built-in storage compartment for no mess. However, it isn’t completely mess-free. If you tilt it down, shavings do fall out of it. A mess on the floor is a price I’m willing to pay. My feet have never in my entire life been this smooth! A few days after, my feet were still smooth and crack-free! The key is to buff your feet in between filing. The PedEgg is a definite must-have for sexy summer feet!
Summer is here and the time is right for changing up your makeup routine! With the mercury rising, you should be wearing less makeup and using lighter foundation formulations and brighter colors. If you flip through the magazines, you’ll see that this season the makeup trend is light and bright or bronze and bare. Often, women of color do not know how to interpret these trends to fit our unique beauty needs and skin tones. But, have no fear … I am here to help!
For “Bronze and Bare” I used: BareEscentuals Foundation in Warm Tan, BareEscentuals Feather Light Mineral Veil, Bobbi Brown Metallic Eyeshadow in Bronzed Pink (lid) and Penny (crease), MAC Pigment in Vanilla (highlight), MAC Eye Kohl in Teddy, MAC blush in Dollymix, Bobbi Brown Bronzer in Deep, Bobbi Brown Tinted Lip Balm in Bronzed Pink and Bobbi Brown Glitter Lip Gloss in Naked.
For those of us who will be going on vacation or just want to look casually pretty during a hot summer day, the way to go is “bronze and bare.”
Shown: Bobbi Brown Pink Collection
Bobbi Brown’s summer collection “Bronzed Pink Collection” is perfect if you’re trying to achieve the “bronze and bare” look. Of course, you don’t have to go to Bobbi to get the same effect. Just be sure that you focus on using these products: natural-looking but shimmery eye shadows, a bronzer that suits your skin tone, a vibrant pink blush and a tinted lip balm. These products will leave you with radiantly glowing skin, coupled with a healthy flush of color.
I always encourage women of color to use both blush and bronzer. Most women with brown skin may think that we don’t need bronzers since we already have a “natural tan”. However, a bronzer can perk up brown skin that may look a bit sallow and can add vibrancy and life.
Nothing’s better on a summer night than looking like a bronzed goddess! Many companies now make bronzers that cater to darker skinned women.
My favorites this season are Bobbi Brown Bronzing Powder, which comes in several shades – one of which is sure to work with your complexion; MAC’s Bronzer in Refined Deeper Bronze and BareEscentuals Warm Radiance, which lends a fabulous glow. Apply your favorite bronzer on top of a bright blush.
My favorites are MAC Dollymix, Bobbi Brown Apricot , CARGO Rome, and NYX Mosaic Blush in Love. When you apply a vivid bit of color to the apples of your cheeks and then layer a yummy bronzer on top, you give yourself a lovely naturally bronzed look, with the color peeking from underneath. It is a gorgeous effect on brown skin.
For “Light and Bright” I used: BareEscentuals Foundation in Warm Tan, BareEscentuals Feather Light Mineral Veil, MAC eyeshadow in Warm Chill (inner lid), Blue Flame (outer lid), Climate Blue (crease and outer v); Bourjois Volume Clubbing Waterproof Eye Pencil in Golden Grey Session (to line bottom lashes), MAC blush in Dollymix, Bobbi Brown Bronzer in Deep, MAC Slimshine in Tropic Glow, Laura Mercier Lip Glace in Bonbon.
shown: MAC Blush
If you want to ramp up your summer beauty a bit, go for the look that I’m calling “light and bright.” While you should still add bronzer to your skin, along with a bright blush, your eye and lip focus should change. For eyes, you can accent your lids in a color that you might not usually try – go for an emerald green, a juicy plum, vivid orange or an aqua blue.
MAC’s Cool Heat Collection, is great for eye shadows that will mimic the colors of the ocean.
Urban Decay also makes wonderfully saturated shadows in a rainbow of colors. If you’re too shy to go for such an over-the-top look on the eyes, stick to a bronze shadow, but use a liner in one of those colors. Make Up For Ever has a range of waterproof eyeliners, Aqua Eyes, which will work fabulously and won’t melt in the hot summer sun.
To really accentuate those bright eye looks, use a sheer lipstick or lipgloss in an equally vibrant color. I’m loving MAC Slimshines in juicy oranges, pinks and reds; Laura Mercier Lip Glace’ in Bonbon, Chanel Glossimers and Avon Glazewear in Punch.
shown: MAC Slimshines
Don’t be afraid to go for color or to amp up your bronziness! Summer is the time to go wild with your makeup! Feel free and have fun! Remember: it’s only makeup! Enjoy your summer!
Scrubbed. Exfoliated. Soft and silky smooth. Wearing a bikini during the summer months means one thing and one thing only – your skin needs to look out-of-this-world incredible. Because what’s the point of lying out by the pool or on the beach if your skin isn’t glowing, right? Luckily, there are tons of products out there guaranteed to make you the belle of the beach – these are the two you shouldn’t be without.
Bliss High Thighs Slimmer Scrub
$32 at sephora.com
With bikinis getting tinier and tinier, it’s important to take care of all areas that will be exposed. And that means making sure your thighs are in tip-top shape! This one tightens and exfoliates your skin with its circulation-enhancing granules.
Sephora Body Scrub
$16 each at sephora.com
Eleven different scents – each one more delicious than the next – include the sweet Peach Blossom, delectable Coconut Almond and heady Tropical Jasmine. Each scrub is formulated with jojoba beads and macadamia seed oil to make your skin feel like velvet … totally the best for showing off your tanned gams!
Beauty Rules Are Made To Be Broken
By Henna Singh
I feel that beauty myths are caused because people feel that they need to follow rules all the time. Rules, as it’s said, are meant to be broken, and there are a few guidelines that you can use to look your best.
So lets start with a myth on foundation: many women feel that they’re not really wearing makeup until they are wearing foundation. False! Not everyone needs foundation and if you are happy with your skin and loving it, then flaunt it, girl!
The same, of course, goes for blush. If you’ve got those rosy cheeks, work them! Sprinkle on a little big of highlighter and you’re set.
Now lets move on to eyeshadow. The only rule here is to try to find what looks good on you. No need to match the eyeshadow to your clothes or to your own eye color.
And when it comes to lips - I want to say anything goes, but the truth is that your look needs to be balanced. If you’ve worn a dark color on your eyes, then don’t wear a dark color on your lips and vice versa.
As for colors: what can I say? Pinks look natural on everyone! Try them in a range of finishes and shades until you find one you love. And you will!
I must confess that the greatest beauty myth is that there are hard and fast rules to doing makeup. The best way to learn what looks good on you and to figure out how to use different colors is to play with them whatever change you get. My favorite thing to do is to play with my makeup before I go to bed at night. I’ll try on different colors that I normally stay away from and try using different techniques and brushes. The beauty is that when I’m done - I wash it all off anyway! Try doing this once a week for a couple of months and you’ll see that you’ve added so much more to your arsenal of beauty techniques.??Above all: have fun and be confident no matter what colors you’re wearing. People see you - not your makeup.
Henna Singh writes CanadianBeauty.com and loves to focus on fashion shows and product reviews.
Lip Service: Do Plumpers Actually Work?
By Lilan Duong
Botox. Rhinoplasty. Augmentation. Liposuction. Oh what we wouldn’t do to preserve our youth and look like a hot celeb years beyond our time.
We all want Jennifer Lopez’s booty-ful behind, Angelina Jolie’s luscious lips, and Janet Jackson’s rock-hard abs. And while some prefer not to go the plastic surgery route, most will opt to try everything out there in the market to keep up with the Jones’ so to speak.
For me, I have always claimed that I’ll never go under the knife, that I’d be willing to grow old gracefully, but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t curious.
One of the latest crazes in the cosmetic surgery world is collagen lip injections and beauty brands are taking notice, giving us lip plumpers to help us create a fuller pout, allowing us the option to skip the needle all together. But do they really work?
I thought I’d put their claims to the test and tried three of Sephora’s top-selling lip plumpers, (according to the sales associate):
LipFusion Micro-Injected Collage Lip Plump Color Shine,
Too Faced Lip Injection Extreme, and
DuWop Pink Shimmer Lip Venom.
LipFusion Micro-Injected Collage Lip Plump Color Shine
Too Faced Lip Injection Extreme
DuWop Pink Shimmer Lip Venom.
?fotos: sephora.com
?With LipFusion being the only product scientifically proven to plump lips (according to the sales associate), all three products list some form of butylene (polybutene, polyisobutene) as a common ingredient which is used mostly to manufacture lubricants and synthetic rubber. Huh? I definitely didn’t understand the science behind it, but figured, appearances don’t lie, right?
When I tried each plumper, there was definitely a stinging sensation, which made me feel like they were working. However, only LipFusion gave me the additional feeling of actual swelling in my lips, like I had had an allergic reaction of some sort and my lips were feeling more swollen and tight when I talked or even smiled – you know that feeling right? Lip Injection Extreme made me feel and kinda look like I had duck lips after 10 minutes and Lip Venom doesn’t live up to the hype at all.
Overall, lip plumpers in the form of gloss can be considered a quick fix and if you have really thin lips, I’d give it a go. The myth that lip plumpers really work can only be resolved in the eye of the beholder – let’s just say, I’m a believer.
Lilan Duong is the girl behind The Daily Cookie, a blog Bringing You Daily Morsels of Anything and Everything!
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