Give The Gift of Too Faced This Holiday Season

December 7, 2009 at 10:06 pm · Filed under Beauty, cosmetics ·Tagged , , , , ,

Too Faced is that rare type of makeup company that makes products that are a combination of coolness – colors, packaging, even the product names — and really good quality everyday (and special occasion) cosmetics.  

On of my favorite Too Faced products is the Primed & Poreless Skin Smoothing Face Primer ($30.00 USD). It is a makeup primer scientifically formulated to achieve the look of flawless skin without makeup. I don’t usually wear primer unless I really love how it makes my face look and feel. This primer has a nude tone that melts into the skin, so ladies with all skin shades can wear it. It includes Vitamins A & C, Mulberry extract, and a powerful dose of Retinol to make pores appear smaller and hydrate skin.

I like wearing Primed & Poreless with just a little concealer and powder, because on its own, my face looks smoother and I don’t need full makeup. But, it would work well with liquid or powder foundation.

LASHLIGHT ($25.00 USD) — is an innovative mascara formula containing millions of microscopic mirrors that bounce light off lashes for a super-glossy, jet-black finish with an exclusive light up wand to spotlight each lash for the most precise application possible. Cool huh? LASHLIGHT is “formulated to thicken, lengthen, and condition while coating lashes with the glossiest of jet-black finishes to make eyes look brighter, whiter, and camera ready. A combination of Panthenol and Vitamins C and E keep lashes healthy and Red Algae increases Keratin resistance for maximum lash flexibility.”

I like this mascara, but don’t love it. It does make my lashes longer and thicker, but it clumps a bit and I have to work at it to get the clumps out. I do love the light and the mirror on the side of the tube — great for nightclub touch-ups! 
Glamour Revolution ($39.50 USD $100 Value) is a limited-edition makeup book that includes everything a to keep you beautiful this holiday season!

This set contains:
- Milk Chocolate Single Eyeshadow
- George & Weezie Single Eyeshadow
- Boy Toy Single Eyeshadow
- Label Whore Single Eyeshadow
- London Calling Single Eyeshadow
- Glamazon Single Eyeshadow
- Dirt Bag Single Eyeshadow
- Party Girl Single Eyeshadow
- Neptune Single Eyeshadow
- 3 Lip Glosses
- Chocolate Soleil Bronzer
- Brightening Blush in La Vie En Rose
- Shadow Insurance (colorless application)

What can I say? This is a fab kit that has everything you need to look stunning! I love the blush and bronzer – pretty together, and the eyeshadows and lip glosses include enough colors to make everyone happy!

Visit www.toofaced.com to purchase. You can also find Too Faced at Sephora and Ulta. Enjoy!

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ecoTOOLS by Alica Silverstone’s Great New Makeup Bags

December 6, 2009 at 11:28 pm · Filed under Beauty, Beauty Tools, Makeup Bags ·Tagged , , , , , ,

ecoTOOLS by Alicia Silverstone

ecoTOOLS, the creator of my favorite makeup brushes, has collaborated with actress and environmental activist Alicia Silverstone to produce a brand-new cosmetic bag collection, ecoTOOLS™ by Alicia Silverstone.    

This collection is launching this month, December 2009, at Walgreens and Target stores.  The line includes a complete set of five cosmetic bags, ranging from a brush bag with a brush set to an overnight bag.  Each bag is produced with a natural hemp material and uses a recycled PET lining.   

The description of each product follows:  

ecoTOOLS™ by Alicia Silverstone 5 Piece Brush Set and Bag ($15.99 USD): This limited edition brush set and bag features four of Alicia’s must-have brushes and directions to help you create her natural look. One of Alicia’s favorite brushes is the Finishing Brush, a feathery soft brush that gives a flawless finish. Also included in the set are the ecoTOOLS™ Blush Brush, Angled Eye Shadow Brush, and Lash & Brow Groomer. The packaging of the set is made from 30% post-consumer recycled content.
 
ecoTOOLS™ by Alicia Silverstone Cosmetic Brush Bag ($12.99 USD): Perfect for tossing in a purse for touch-ups throughout the day, this cosmetic brush bag also contains a limited edition blush brush. It is large enough for additional cosmetic storage and has a separate compartment for your brushes in order to keep them clean. A great addition to the collection, the brush bag and brush will carry you from day to night, seamlessly.
 
ecoTOOLS™ by Alicia Silverstone Train Case ($14.99 USD): Designed with convenience in mind, the Train Case has a handy zip top, allowing for easy access and organization. With a clear removable compartment inside, you can keep organized anywhere — whether you’re on vacation, or sitting at your own vanity!
 
ecoTOOLS™ by Alicia Silverstone Overnight Bag ($19.99 USD): This large bag is sturdy and durable and features easy-to-grip handles that make it ideal for travel. The two interior compartments are removable and versatile to help keep contents clean and tidy.
 
ecoTOOLS™ by Alicia Silverstone Cosmetic Bag ($8.99 USD): A staple in any makeup bag collection, this compact case is perfectly sized to fit all the essentials, and is great for the girl-on-the-go. The feminine floral design stands out in any handbag, making it easy to find for quick touch ups.
 
These bags are all very pretty and the lining makes them durable and luxurious at the same time. Just because these are made of natural and recycled materials, it doesn’t mean that they aren’t fabulous: like everything else ecoTOOLS makes, they are! And the prices are right for giving and receiving. I am using the Train case to store my makeup in my bedroom and it is as pretty as it is functional!    

Visit www.eco-tools.com for a full list of retailers and products.

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Fab Holiday Sets from Urban Decay

December 5, 2009 at 11:22 pm · Filed under Beauty, cosmetics ·Tagged , , , , , , ,

Urban Decay always releases really cool holiday makeup sets, and this year is no exception! I’ve sampled a few of the sets and I think that all of the products aren’t only fun, but they are quality cosmetics that really last. Some of my favorite sets are:
 
24/7 Sets – do you like Urban Decays long-lasting eye liner?  You will love the new 24/7 Sets ($29.00).  These each include an exclusive shade of 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil, 3 best-sellers, and a Heavy Metal Glitter Eyeliner. The sets are:
 
Hi-Fi :  new shade, Mildew, a deep green inspired by one of their best-selling eye shadows and exclusive to this set. Also included are Zero (black), Flipside (teal) and 1999 (plum), and Heavy Metal Glitter Eyeliner in Distortion, an iridescent sparkle.

Stereophonic: new shade, Crash, a rich eggplant inspired by another eye shadows and exclusive to this set. Also included are Zero (black), Underground (metallic taupe) and Gunmetal (like it sounds!), and Heavy Metal Glitter Eyeliner in Midnight Cowboy, a beige sparkler.

I love how creamy and blendable these liners are. Long gone are the old days of heating your liner with a lighter to get it soft! And once it sets, it stays on. The set is cool because not only do you get Zero, a great black, you get to try other shades as well. Plus the glitter liner is great for a night on the town!

Smoke Out Kit ($34.00 USD)  – I realize how daunting creating a smoky eye can be. It is not an ever day look that we are used to doing. This fab kit not only gives you all of the tools that you need, but step-by-step instructions and a face chart, too! 

Included in the kit are 4 shadows, a shadow brush, travel size versions of 24/7 Eye Pencil in Zero (black),  and new Skyscraper Mascara. Adorned with exotic wisps of smoke, the kits feature a swiveling mirror and swinging layers, kept shut with magnets.

Remember that smoky eyes don’t have to be black! The kit comes in 3 palettes;  black/grey, plus brown and deep green kits. And I LOVE the Skyscraper Mascara. True to its name, you get very long lashes with this mascara. But, they are also very thick, as well. I had a lot of fun playing with the looks with the instructions. You can vary the intensity of the smoky eye, which is great!

Show Pony Shadow Box ($30.00 USD) Is a fun shadow kit that includes a primer and liner for great eye looks! Urban Decay chose Kime Buzzelli, darling of the LA art scene, to illustrate this amazing Shadow Box inside and out. Kime’s paintings feature wickedly fashionable women… often with brightly colored makeup running down their cheeks. Inspired by these characters, Urban Decay has filled this palette with 6 shadows… all totally wearable, and 2 exclusive to this set: Snatch (peachy-pink with glitter) and Painkiller (turquoise shimmer).

This is the first time I have tried the Primer Potion. It is such a great idea, since shadow never seems to stay on all day. The primer potion goes on creamy, not greasy and seems to help shadow stay put.
 
Visit www.urbandecay.com to learn about these kits and more. 

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Tame Your Tresses With Moroccanoil Hair Products

December 4, 2009 at 8:26 pm · Filed under Beauty, Haircare ·Tagged ,

Full Moroccanoil Line

Argan oil is the hair ingredient of the moment. It is touted to deep moisturize hair and leave it frizz free. I have tried a few different products with Argan oil, but my favorite so far is Moroccanoil. Moroccanoil formulas claim to be, “exclusive, innovative and revolutionary, and are renowned among top professional stylists for their lightweight, natural‐looking results and the unique way they instantly absorb into the hair without residue.  They also offer the rare benefit of strengthening and reconditioning the hair strand while adding lustrous shine, and a polished frizz‐free and static‐free finish.”   

A powerful antioxidant and UV protector, Moroccanoil®’s proprietary Argan oil blend is rich in vitamins and natural elements that fortify the hair, including Vitamin F (Omega 6), Vitamin A to improve elasticity, Vitamin E to protect against free‐radicals, and Phenols to shield against environmental stressors. The Argan oil is harvested   under a free trade program which provides substantial socioeconomic support to thousands of families in the Souss‐Massa region of Morocco.  Revenue from this project provides income to families and helps improve the working conditions of rural women.    

The products I tried (and their descriptions are:  

Moroccanoil® Treatment ($39.00 / 3.4 fl. oz) is a new type of weightless finishing, styling and shine product in one, which protects against UV damage and other environmental hazards. Moroccanoil Treatment’s patented Argan Oil‐based formula is rich in Vitamins A, E and F (Omega 6), as well as phenols and tocopherols to nourish the hair and scalp, promote healing and repair & relieve dry, itchy conditions.  It absorbs into the hair instantly, leaving a natural, silky finish and brilliant shine. Moroccanoil Treatment also softens thick unmanageable hair, restores dull lifeless locks and helps brittle hair become more supple.     

Moroccanoil® Intense Hydrating Mask ($31.00 / 8.5 fl. oz.)    is intensive care for stressed hair.  No heat required.  A rinse‐out, deep conditioning treatment that treats hair with moisture and protein, adding shine and elasticity.  Used weekly, this highly effective mask revitalizes the hair, restoring shine and manageability.  

Moroccanoil® Hydrating Styling Cream ($30.00 / 10.2 fl. oz.)   is a leave‐in styling cream formulated to eliminate frizz, condition and hydrate, while adding definition and brilliant shine to all hair types. It provides soft hold and creates an ideal texture for styling.  
 
Moroccanoil® Glimmer Shine Spray ($24.00 USD / 3.4 fl. oz.) is an invisible veil of pure luminous shine infused with Argan oil to protect hair from the damaging effects of UV rays and free radicals.  It creates a smooth radiant finish, while strengthening the hair.    

My hair is thin and dry and it can get very frizzy. My favorite product is the original Moroccanoil. After I wash my hair, I pour a little  of  it in my hands, rub my hands together, than smooth it on my hair. I also apply a little more on my dry hair, and my hair stays soft and shiny all day. I also want to try using it on my hair before coloring it. The oil is supposed to keep the hair shiny after coloring and the color may last longer. Cool!  

I also loved the hydrating mask. I have to deep condition my hair a lot, to keep it soft and this one does the trick! The styling cream works wonders on my 10-year-old daughter’s thick, thick hair and the shine spray is fun for a little extra glimmer!  

Visit www.moroccanoil.com to find a salon near you.

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Skincare by Anastasia Beverly Hills

December 3, 2009 at 10:27 pm · Filed under Beauty, Skincare, anti-aging ·Tagged , , , , , ,

I love Anastasia Soare’s eyebrow product. The stencils, tweezers, powders and gels make it easy to have professional looking brows by doing them yourself. After making brows a priority (they do frame the face), Anastasia is launching a skincare line on December 26, 2009.   

Anastasia returned to her native Romanian roots to discover healthy products that naturally improve the texture, tone and appearance of skin.  She developed Balkan Botanical™ Infusion, a blend of rare plant and herb extracts found only in the rich soils of Romania.  A few of these ingredients are Marshmallow Leaf, Lemon Balm Leaf, Bilberry, and Green Tea, which combine to soothe and restore the skin’s natural radiance.  The result is a long-lasting and more youthful appearance! 

The three “hero” products from the new skincare line are:

Line Erasing Serum ($45.00 USD) – This is a product I have reviewed a couple of months ago. This refreshing serum claims to help crows feet and lift the eyes.   This lightweight serum contains a unique blend of natural hydrators, Instalift Goji, and Anastasia’s exclusive Balkan Botanical™ Infusion.  Check out my full review at http://fortyflirtyfabulous.wordpress.com/2009/07/27/anastasia-line-erasing-serum/.

Sheer Moisture Crème SPF 30 ($40.00) – I love this very light SPF 30 day cream. It is fragrance-free and designed to soften the skin while providing protection against broad-spectrum UVA/UVB rays and free radicals that can cause signs of aging. The cream contains hyaluronic acid, antioxidants, and natural oils. I used it morning and night and it smooths and soaks into the skin; it is never greasy, which is a plus in the morning before makeup application. I have noticed that my skin is very smooth and radiant while using these products. 

Hydrating Oil ($40.00) — is an unusual product; an aromatic and hydrating oil that soothes the skin and the senses! This product is specifically designed for absorption and hydration. It claims to soften and brighten the skin.   The silicone and oils are infused together so there is no separation, allowing the oil to completely absorb into the skin.  I love the herbal scent, but it is a bit too oily for my combination skin. For someone with dry, winter skin, this is a perfect treatment to keep skin hydrated.

Remember this fab line is launching December 26, 2009. Visit www.anastasia.net to find out more when the time comes.

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LipFusion Holiday 2009 Mini Lip Gloss Set

December 2, 2009 at 11:01 pm · Filed under Beauty, cosmetics ·Tagged , , ,

LipFusion Mini Lip Gloss Set

The LipFusion Holiday Mini Lip Gloss set is not only a fun gift, it’s an excellent way to plump lips to make them appear younger. I love the LipFusion glosses because you get plump without pain.   

The claim is:  The revolutionary patented LipFusion®  technology delivers active collagen into lip tissue painlessly and instantly. The patented LipFusion® delivery system dehydrates the collagen molecule into tiny microspheres that can absorb easily into lip tissue, then search for the body’s natural water to re-hydrate up to 50 times their size, creating a beautiful, full-out pout. Unlike other products in the marketplace that claim to enhance lips, LipFusion® does not contain menthol, caffeine, cinnamon or other irritants that only cause the lip mucous to temporarily swell.   

The LipFusion® Holiday Collection features six minis of LipFusion® Micro Collagen Lip Plump Color Shines.  The collection combines LipFusion’s® three newest shades Crave, Goddess and Boca Babe and three original and best sellers Clear, Bare and Blush.  This limited edition collection sells for $39.      

 Lip Fusion Holiday Mini Collection includes six sexy day-to-evening shades:  

 Crave: Flushed pink  

 Goddess: Decadent golden bronze  

 Boca Babe: Juicy tangerine  

 Clear: Subtle shine  

 Bare: Natural healthy nude  

 Blush: Subtle and luminescent baby pink   

For best results, simply apply an even layer of LipFusion® over the top and bottom lip and allow the formula to penetrate for 2-3 minutes. You’ll experience naturally luscious, full and kissable lips for up to 24 hours. For maximum plumping, combine with LipFusion® Lip Plumping Pencils, and use LipFusion® XL as an intensive nighttime treatment (which I use every night and LOVE).    

You can purchase the collection at Sephora, Ulta, Dillards, Beauty.com, Skinstore.com and HSN.com in the US and Sephora in Canada. Enjoy!

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Clean 2009 Holiday Coffret Set

December 2, 2009 at 10:39 pm · Filed under Beauty, Fragrance ·Tagged , , , , , ,

Clean Coffret Set

Perfume is such a fun gift to receive, but it’s hard to know what someone will like. The remedy? The CLEAN Coffret Gift Collection. This set of four of CLEAN’s best-selling scents is sure to have something that will please the giftee! This Eau de Parfum set includes CLEAN’s newest scent Simply Soap, plus Original, Shower Fresh and Warm Cotton, packaged together in a new metallic inspired aquamarine gift box.  The recipient (or you) can to try and layer various scents to create a personal scent that works best with a person’s natural essence or mood.  Or give the individual 1 oz fragrances as stocking stuffers or small gifts to people your care about!  

The scents as described by www.cleanperfume.com are:   

The Original Clean Perfume — is a fragrance option for those who do not like to smell like a particular perfume, but rather prefer that just-out-of-the-shower fresh smell. CLEAN combines fragrance notes of Litsea Cubeba, Orange, Sweet Lime, Pink Grapefruit, Passion Lily, Rose Geranium and White Musk.   Simply Soap – A soft floral fragrance with a harmonious blend of Calabrian orange bergamot, Polynesian frangipani, Japanese lotus blossom, Damask rose oil, sweet violet and soft musk, this scent evokes the spirit of the beautiful necessities in life: a white cashmere bath robe, Egyptian cotton sheets, and of course a sudsy bubble bath with your favorite soap.     

Warm Cotton — So pure, so fresh, it captures the feeling of a fluffy, warm towel just pulled from the dryer or slipping into your favorite T-shirt line-dried in the summer sun. CLEAN Warm Cotton wraps you in notes of citrus, lilac and jasmine over a subtle but oh-so-sexy blend of amber and musk. A fresh, comforting, just-laundered scent.      

Shower Fresh — This uplifting CLEAN scent opens with crisp, citrus top notes of Lemon, Mandarin, And Orange. The heart of the fragrance is faintly floral, hinting at sweetness with notes of Lily of the Valley, Orange Blossom, and Jasmine. The drydown is an understated musk and sheer woods base. Not heavy, overwhelming or pretentious, Shower Fresh Perfume is simply sweet and subtly sexy; a revolutionary aroma that leaves one feeling “shower-fresh” from sun up to sun down.     

They are all fantastic, but I think my favorite is the Warm Cotton. Very soft, but sexy too!   

 The collection became available across the country at Sephora, Ulta, Beauty.com, Skinstore.com and HSN.com for $65.00 USD (Value $152.00 USD) in October 2009.

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CoverGirl LashBlast Length Mascara and Brand New ShineBlast Lip Gloss and Smoky ShadowBlast

December 1, 2009 at 8:36 pm · Filed under Beauty, cosmetics ·Tagged , , , , ,

CoverGirl’s Blast collection is all about big bold looks. Big and long lashes started it all with LashBlast and more recently LashBlast Length. Now comes Smoky ShadowBlast and ShineBlast Lip Gloss, arriving in drugstores in January.

I love the original LashBlast in the fat orange tube because of the thick lashes it gives. The LashBlast length ($7.79) is also fab, but because of different reasons. This lengthening mascara has a longer, thinner brush — which I prefer. It is easier to maneuver and give lashes that extra length that stubby lashes like mine need!

I also have tried the ShineBlast Lip Gloss ($7.49) that is debuting in January. I’m a gloss girl, and this is a good one! It is non-sticky and very shiny. It smells fruity, but doesn’t have a taste, which is good. If it tastes yummy I lick my lips, which ruins the whole purpose of wearing gloss!  The foam tipped applicator is cleverly designed to be thicker on the end for easier application. When released in January, it will come in 16 shades!   

The Smoky ShadowBlast seems like a very fun way to apply eye shadow. I haven’t tried it yet, but when I do, I will review it. I do know is that it is a cream stick with a different shade on each end. One shade is for the base and one is for the crease. This comes in 6 duos.

Until December 5th,  COVERGIRL has an online preview of the NEW Blast collection featuring Smoky ShadowBlast, ShineBlast Lip Gloss and LashBlast Length Mascara.    Consumers who visit Drugstore.com will save $5 and earn free shipping when they purchase all three products while supplies. Those who visit CVS.com will receive free shipping.

Here are the shades available for advance purchase:
 
Smoky ShadowBlast
-Silver Sky
-Onyx Smoke
-Bronze Fire
-Purple Plum

ShineBlast Lip Gloss
-Dazzle
-Flare
-Ablaze
-Firecracker

LashBlast Length Mascara
-Very Black
 
Visit www.covergirl.com to learn more. Enjoy these fun new products from a classic brand!

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Pacifica Tuscan Blood Orange Spray Perfume Set

November 30, 2009 at 9:10 pm · Filed under Beauty, Holiday Gift Sets, bath products ·Tagged , , , ,

Tuscan Blood Orange Spray Perfume Set

Looking for a fragrant gift for a friend, teacher, baby sitter or co-worker? Pacifica has released the Tuscan Blood Orange Spray Perfume Set ($20.00 USD) that is an affordable, yet luxurious perfume and candle gift set in time for the holidays. 

This beautiful gift box contains Pacifica’s natural spray perfume, a signature soy candle in a glass container, and a lovely printed box of matches. The set’s fragrance is a refreshing blend of blood orange, strawberry, raspberry, and mandarin. This is a wonderful scent for holidays as well as anytime of the year. It is usually hard to give fragrance, but since this is a fruity and not flowery set, many women will love it!

This set contains:
- 1.0 oz Spray Perfume
- 3.0 oz Soy Candle
- Matches

What it is formulated WITHOUT:
- Parabens (perfume)
- Sulfates (all)
- Synthetic Dyes (perfume)
- Petrochemicals (perfume)
- Phthalates (all)
- GMOs (all)
- Triclosan (all)

This set is available at Sephora stores and online at www.sephora.com. Enjoy giving (or buying it for your self) this fab gift!

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Yves Rocher Holiday Collection 2009

November 29, 2009 at 11:17 am · Filed under Beauty, Holiday Makeup Sets, cosmetics ·Tagged , , , , ,

I have recently discovered the brand Yves Rocher (which I enjoy) and happily tested some of their Holiday 2009 offerings. 

My favorite holiday item from Yves Rocher is the Extra Long Wear Eye Pencil ($5.00 USD). This thick pencil goes on very smooth and is claimed to be long -lasting. It didn’t last all day on me, but did last for a while. It comes in two colors — Taupe Rose is a rosy, bronze that is great for day and Bleu Nuit is a dramatic navy that is perfect for evening looks.

Gloss & Charm Mirror – Limited Edition ($6.00 USD) are perfect holiday lip glosses.  They are available in two party-perfect shades: Raspberry Jelly and Frosty White.  These glosses are soft and shimmery and can be worn over lipstick for more glamour! Plus you’ll receive a mirror charm with every gloss purchased.

Yves Rocher also has a home fragrance collection. I really like the Jardins de Noel  Liquid Hand Soap ($5.00 USD). It comes in a generous 10.1 fl. oz bottle and is a festive way to dress up your bathroom (and keep your hands clean) this holiday season. It comes in Fleur de Noel, with notes of white flower, cedar, lemon extract and orange, and Jardins de Noel, with notes of almond, mandarin, bergamot and grapefruit. The bottle is very pretty as well!

Visit www.yvesrocherusa to purchase these festive products. Enjoy!

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