Monday, May 2, 2011

May Monday Marvelousness: Christie Brinkley and Dr. Patricia Wexler

Check out how utterly amazing Christie Brinkley looks at…57.

Christie’s Face is Absolutely Right

In a recent
New York Post, some of Hollywood’s A- Lister’s were featured in “Whats Wrong With Her Face?” breaking down celebrity cosmetic interventions!

57 year-old Christie Brinkley, playing the role of 25 year-old Roxie Hart on
Broadway’s Chicago was the ONLY actress awarded natural looking and just as beautiful as she was in 1983! She owes her glowing, smooth complexion to Dr. Patricia Wexler, Manhattan’s Cosmetic Dermatologist to the stars for her work over the past 25 years.

Hats off to Pat for “treating her perfectly…” and “Creating movement in all the right places.”

May Monday Marvelousness: Bobbi Brown Almost Bare Collection

Wow…

Bobbi Brown - The Almost Bare Collection

“You – Only Better”
May 2011

“From bronzers to the light shimmery glosses, The Almost Bare Collection creates the gorgeous sun kissed look you get after a day at the beach, one of my favorite sources of inspiration.” -Bobbi Brown

New, Limited Edition Bronzing Powder: Formulated for all skin types, Bobbi’s Bronzing Powder has just the right mix of red and brown – the colors you’d find in a true tan – to give skin a warm tint of healthy-looking color. What makes it so wearable? The lightweight mica-free powder applies smoothly and evenly and feels ultra-comfortable on skin. Now, this makeup bag essential is available in two limited edition shades ideal for darker skin tones. Available in 2 shades: Deep Chocolate, Rich Cocoa

New, Limited Edition High Shimmer Lip Gloss: Because there’s nothing sexier than glossy lips paired with luminous skin, Bobbi introduces her most high shine gloss ever. This ultra shiny formula glides on smoothly and offers medium to full coverage that makes lips look lush and full. Available in 3 shades: Pink Tulle, Citrus, Bellini

Almost Bare Fragrance: A Bobbi Brown classic, this fresh floral eau de parfum features a delicate balance of inspiring Italian Bergamot blended with Violet Leaves to relax and soothe the senses. The scent is enhanced by a note of Soft Muguet and gentle Jasmine Petals with a Soft Cedar and Warm Amber background.

May Monday Marvelousness: Win Oprah Tickets – Andre Walker Hair Facebook Contest

Oh my goodness – a chance to win Oprah tickets!!!

Andre Walker Hair Facebook Contest
Offers Fans a Chance to Win Chicago’s Most Coveted Tickets

Andre Walker Hair, developed by Oprah’s personal stylist of 25 years, presents an invaluable opportunity to win two tickets to one of the very last Oprah Winfrey shows. The sweepstakes is open to the public and free to enter by visiting the
Andre Walker Hair Facebook Page or at www.AndreWalkerHair.com. The winner will receive two tickets to “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” round-trip airfare for two to Chicago, two nights at a Chicago luxe hotel and a meet and greet with Andre Walker. Rules and regulations apply.

One winner will be randomly chosen for him and a guest to attend The Oprah Show. Subsequently, the winner will be announced on HSN during the next Andre Walker show. Entrants must be legal US residents and 18 years old to enter. Tickets must be redeemed by the deadline listed in the rules and regulations for travel before May 25th, 2011 or the last Oprah Winfrey Show. For more information on the Andre Walker Hair/HSN Sweepstakes, please visit
http://www.andrewalkerhair.com.

Andre Walker Hair: Andre Walker Hair, launched in November 2010 by seven time Emmy winning stylist to Oprah Winfrey, offers a line of hair care products developed by the finest raw ingredients to nurture all hair types. The line, sold on HSN and
www.AndreWalkerHair.com, consists of Total Keratin Obsession (TKO Deep Conditioning Pack), Keratin Shampoo and Condition, hair make-up and the star product Q-Oil Quench Essential Oil.

For more information, visit
www.AndreWalkerHair.com.

May Monday Marvelousness: Borghese Sample Sale

These sample sales are not to be missed! If you’re anywhere near Manhattan on Wednesday or Thursday, high tail it over to this sale…

Borghese Mother’s Day Sample Sale

Back By Popular Demand!
Cosmetics, Skincare & Gift Sets
Cash Only
Bring Your Own Bag

Wed, May 4th & Thurs, May 5th
10am – 3pm
10 East 34th Street, 3rd fl
New York, NY 10016

High-end Cosmetics & Skincare at ridiculously low prices!

May Monday Marvelousness: Celebrity Reds and Bigen

More validation – and an excellent product for keeping us…er…voluntary redheads…looking great.

Hollywood Hair is Red Hot!

Starlets Hayley Williams, Christina Hendricks, Rihanna and most recently Drew Barrymore have all been spotted sporting sexy scarlet locks this spring. From fiery rock star to boho babe or sexy throwback this head turning hair hue is easy to achieve.

Get the look without the commitment of traditional color, fear of harsh ingredients or spending big bucks at the salon with Bigen’s Semi-Permanent Hair Color in Intensive Red. Uniquely formulated with four natural moisturizers; honey, sunflower, beeswax and shea butter – these oil based nutrients provide a gentle dye treatment that enhances and refreshes natural color for stunning results. Ammonia and hydrogen peroxide free, Bigen Semi-Permanent Hair Color is always gentle and safe to use, even for chemically processed hair!

Bigen’s Semi-Permanent Hair Color in Intensive Red (SRP $4.99) is available at select beauty supply stores.

May Monday Marvelousness: Drew Barrymore and black15in1

Whoa – Drew Barrymore went red! I feel so validated!

Drew Barrymore Goes Red: Color Protection Must-Have black15in1

Hair color can instantly revive fatigued winter locks. This week, Drew Barrymore introduced a ravishing red hue for Spring, marking a dramatic departure from her signature ombre look.

Hair products play an important role in maintaining the vibrancy of newly tinged tresses. Clinical studies have shown that using black 15in1 Miracle Hair Treatment immediately after dying hair will help seal and protect color up to 40% more effectively. black15in1 also contains SPF, which will defend your dye from the dulling effects of spring and summer sun!

Stars like Ashlee Simpson and Mena Suvari, who often change their hair color with the seasons, turn to black15in1 for its color protecting benefits, amongst others!

May Monday Marvelousness: Kate Hudson and Almay - and a Sweepstakes!

This past weekend was complete laziness, and the weekend before was holiday madness. Maybe it’s time for something in-between for the coming weekend. Maybe a girls’ day at the movies? Or maybe a trip to the drugstore beauty aisle? Or both?

“Something Borrowed” opens this weekend, and starting today you can enter to win a trip to the Hamptons by visiting Almay’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/almay).

Something New, Something Blue…
Something Borrowed – From Kate Hudson

Borrow Almay Brand Ambassador Kate Hudson’s Beauty Looks from her New Movie, Something Borrowed

Almay Brand Ambassador Kate Hudson plays the beautiful and vivacious Darcy in the new romantic comedy Something Borrowed, from Alcon Entertainment and Warner Bros. Pictures, opening nationwide May 6, 2011. Living in New York City, Darcy has it all – a close circle of friends, including best friend Rachel, a gorgeous fiancé and enviable style. With flawless makeup and effortlessly chic style, Darcy (like Kate!) is a girl worth borrowing from… and while fans of the movie can’t borrow Darcy’s friends or her fiancé, they can borrow her gorgeous beauty looks with tips, how-to videos and products from Almay.

Almay, Hudson and Warner. Bros. have teamed up to help fans capture and recreate three of Kate’s favorite beauty looks from the film. Fans can choose from her day look, which features luminous skin with intensified eye color, her night look, which includes a sultry, smoky eye, and her gorgeous, pulled together professional look, which can be created in just 5-minutes.

Almay has partnered with renowned makeup artist Daniel Martin to create exclusive how-to videos for Almay’s Facebook page that give step-by-step instructions and expert tips and tricks on how to successfully ‘borrow’ Kate’s looks from the movie. The videos will launch on April 18th. And beginning May 2nd, Almay will have dedicated displays in-store with product recommendations for each look, as well as instructional pamphlets for easy application.

Almay is also offering consumers the opportunity to not only look the part of Darcy, but enjoy a taste of the character’s lifestyle by giving one winner the ultimate beach weekend at the summertime hotspot where Darcy and her friends enjoy the summer -- the Hamptons, New York. The sweepstakes will be held starting May 2nd on Almay’s Facebook page (
www.facebook.com/almay).

About “Something Borrowed”: In the romantic comedy “Something Borrowed,” Rachel (Ginnifer Goodwin) is a talented attorney at a top New York law firm, a generous and loyal friend, and, unhappily, still single…as her engaged best friend Darcy (Kate Hudson) is constantly reminding her. But after celebrating her 30th birthday, perpetual good girl Rachel unexpectedly ends up in bed with the guy she’s had a crush on since law school…who just happens to be Darcy’s fiancé. When Rachel and Darcy’s lifelong friendship collides with true love, it leads to unexpected complications and potentially explosive romantic revelations.

Friday, April 29, 2011

Hair Care Friday: Kinky-Curly (rave review)

Happy Friday! Even though this was a short work week, it still feels like it went on forever. This weekend I have plans to do a whole lot of nothing. But before I begin my journey of laziness, there is hair care to be discussed. From Kinky-Curly.

Come Clean Natural Moisturizing Shampoo

Blurb: You know all the grimy stuff you've put on your hair. Here's your chance to COME CLEAN. NEW & IMPROVED Formula with Phytic Acid - a natural chealating agent that removes hard water minerals such as calcium & magnesium. An all natural replacement for EDTA derived from soy & corn, it wlll soften hard water, rinse cleaner and prevent hard water buildup on your hair. Our exclusive blend of Mandarin Orange extract will gently clean your hair and scalp of dulling buildup while Sea Kelp will help maintain its proper moisture balance. This Sulfate Free shampoo is perfect for dry damaged hair and gentle enough for everyday use.

Knot Today Natural Leave In/Detangler

Blurb: A creamy herbal conditioner and detangler designed to smooth the cuticle and remove knots, snarls and tangles from thick curly textured hair. After washing hair, apply KNOT TODAY generously and work through troubled areas with a wide tooth comb. Can be used as a regular rinse out conditioner for wavy hair or as a leave-in for thicker curlier hair types. An excellent product to use after removing braids and extensions.

Curling Custard Natural Styling Gel

Blurb: Gives moisture and curl definition, hold and brilliant shiny hair all in one product! It reduces bulk, defines & elongates your curls helping them to 'hang' better. CURLING CUSTARD will bring out the natural curl or wave pattern you never knew you had! It is an advanced botanical formula made with ALL NATURAL ingredients that nourish and strengthen the hair. Utilizing the humectant properties of the Agave Nectar, CURLING CUSTARD will give weight to your hair, define your curls, remove frizz, provide long lasting hold and shine without ever being greasy, crunchy or drying to your hair. This high performance product is very concentrated so a little goes a long way.

Spiral Spritz Natural Styling Serum

Blurb: The perfect styling product for individuals with fine or wavy hair types. SPIRAL SPRITZ is a wonderful natural alternative to silicone serums. This lightweight Aloe based spray is made of all natural ingredients and contains vitamin B-5 to add moisture to your hair and completely eliminate frizz! Can be used to style wet or dry wavy hair and provides a flexible hold. Works great to smooth, moisturize and re-fresh 2nd day hair and remove frizz on all hair types.

This is awesome organic care for curls, kinks and waves! I’m so thrilled to have found these. Late spring and summer bring tons of humidity to the Philly area; and I need products that will keep my curls pretty, hold frizz at bay, and still condition my color-treated hair.

The Shampoo did a great job of cleaning and removing buildup without making my hair feel dry or stripped. It’s sulfate-free and had a fresh orange fragrance. I tried the Leave In/Detangler as both a rinse out conditioner and a leave-in and was thoroughly impressed. As a conditioner, it did a fabulous job of detangling and moisturizing (and my hair felt like silk when I rinsed). As a leave in, it kept my hair soft, touchable, and fly-away free.

As much as I loved the Shampoo and Leave-In; in my opinion, the styling products are the real revelations. The Curling Custard gave me unbelievable curl definition (even on my ends which currently need trimming). The directions said to apply to soaking wet hair; but I got better results when I applied it to wet (not damp) hair. I didn’t need much, and I got fabulous results. My curls looked great, and they stayed looking great all day (even on the humid day when the air conditioning at work conked out). Oh, and it smells downright delicious.

The Spiral Spritz is another godsend for curly girls. I’m one of those curly/wavy girls who doesn’t shampoo every day, but still has to wet my hair each morning. This product is perfect for day-after styling. It re-activates the curl, and also controls frizz and flyaways.

What thrills me to bits is that both the Custard and the Spritz gave excellent definition, control, shine and hold without being drying. No drying at all! In fact they moisturized and protected! This is huge! A+ Kinky-Curly!

There are more awesome-looking products on the website (including products for kids). Read the tips page, and check the retail locations section for local salons and beauty stores. Kinky-Curly products are also sold at Target and Whole Foods.

(ftc disclosure: sample/product received from manufacturer or representative)

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Abundant Thursday: NEW Clinique Chubby Sticks (review)

Tomorrow morning begins my return to responsible nutrition (and weight loss) after many many days of indulgence. I think tonight I'll salute my burst of hedonism with some low-cal, high-fun beauty from Clinique.

Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm (in “whole lotta honey” and “fuller fig”)

Blurb: Super-nourishing balm is loaded with mango and shea butters. Just what dry, delicate lips need to feel comfortably soft and smooth. Eight natural-looking lip tints in all, each with a subtle sheen.

Before I even tried them, I was already smitten with the name, and the super cute chubby crayon shape. Once I put them on, I also loved the sheer, pretty, subtle colors. “whole lotta honey” is a honey-rose, and “fuller fig” (my favorite) is more of a bronze-rose. Both shades are flattering, natural looking and have a dewy sheen.

These are especially great to have on hand at work. When the windows are shut and the air conditioners are going, my lips get dry. Chubby Sticks are hydrating, smooth, soothing and…fun!

Check out all eight shades on the website. You can also take a look at the rest of the Spring Top 10, and browse some of the Exclusive Gift Sets for Mothers’ Day. Clinique is available at fine department stores and Sephora.

(ftc disclosure: sample/product received from manufacturer or representative)

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Tantalizing Wednesday: LORAC's New Limited Edition TANtalEYES Palette (review)

I know all about tantalizing. I’m getting ready to go back to my weight loss program after a month of starts and stops. And the last couple weeks were mostly “stops.” Delicious stops. Related to recipe testing, fun events and Easter candy. And Easter waffles. And Mexican food. And...pie. Eeeek!

On Friday, I’m going to set temptation aside and refocus on my weight loss goals. Luckily, I have some wonderful (non-judgemental) support. I also have other tantalizing no-calorie treats to take my mind off of snacks. No-calorie treats in pretty colors. Like this one from LORAC.

NEW! TANtalEYES Palette

Blurb: LORAC TANtalEYES Palette will have you sizzling all season long! Give your sex appeal a boost with 4 shimmering, mineral-infused, ultra-pigmented Baked Eye Shadows for long lasting, sultry eyes and a travel size TANtalizer Body Bronzing Luminizer for glowing skin that shines like the stars' on the Red Carpet.

I actually think LORAC palettes might be more tempting than pie. Might. This one is especially yummy. It contains a travel-sized tube of Body Bronzing Luminizer; and a Baked Eye Shadow quad housed in a golden box that’s both glamorous and practical.

The Body Bronzer is a sheer, shimmery cream that slides on, and gave my skin a shimmery (sheer) bronze glow. I especially loved it on my legs (which always need help – especially at the end of winter).

Of course the outstanding part of this Palette is the shadow quad. The shade on the top left is a pearly highlighter that made my brow bone pop. It also made a gorgeous halo around my inner eye. The top right shade is a pretty golden bronze – perfect by itself during the day, and even more perfect when vamped up with the other shades for evening. The bottom right is a deep copper that looked beautiful in the crease, and made for a really dramatic evening lid. The bottom left shade is my absolute favorite. It’s a golden shimmering olive that looks both chic and exotic. Both bottom shades also looked amazing when applied as liners with either a wet or dry brush.

LORAC shadows are awesome, and these four shades are must-haves in my opinion.

Visit the website and check out the entire Summer 2011 Collection. You can also get some fab Red Carpet Tips, and score some bargains in the VIP Discount section. LORAC is also found at Sephora, ULTA, DermStore.com, and beauty.com.

(ftc disclosure: sample/product received from manufacturer or representative)

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Even Happier Tuesday: Olay Professional Pro-X Advanced Cleansing System (review)

Tomorrow it’s back to work, but today I’m all smiley and floaty. Even though it may be hectic tomorrow, right now I’m feeling relaxed, grateful and happy. And…mighty pretty too. Today’s lovely item is from Olay.

Advanced Cleansing System

Blurb: Designed by the Olay Professional Alliance for Skin Care Innovation, a group of renowned dermatologists and Olay Scientists, the Olay Professional Pro-X Advanced Cleansing System provides gentle cleansing and exfoliation, removes dry skin cells and promotes cell turnover at a fraction of the cost as compared to a more expensive professional cleansing system. The tool’s micro-massaging action helps maximize the immediate hydrating effectiveness of your anti-aging moisturizer.

I’ve been a gigantic fan of Olay’s Professional Pro-X everything since I tried it almost two years ago (here’s the review). I was already prepared to like this Cleansing System, and I was not disappointed.

First – it’s a tremendous value! It comes with a 2-speed facial cleansing brush (with replaceable/refillable brush head), 2 batteries, and a small tube of Exfoliating Renewal Cleanser. The only thing I wished it had were directions; but after a couple of minutes I figured out how to insert the batteries (pull and jiggle), and that that top button was the on/off switch, and the bottom button was the speed selector.

It works wonderfully! The quality is excellent, the brush felt lovely, and cleaned gently. The Cleanser worked very well, and my face was perfectly clean. The gentle vibrations also livened up my skin as well. The brush is well made, fits nicely in my hand, and is water resistant (so you can take it in the shower). Also…its small size, and the fact that it uses batteries (instead of a charger) makes it perfect for travel.

Oh, and the price tag is just under $30. Once again…A+ Olay!

There’s much more information on the website. You can also check out the entire (fabulous) Professional Pro-X line, the Learn About Skin Care page; and look for coupons in the Special Offers section. Olay products are sold in drug stores, grocery stores, Walmart, Target and ULTA.

(ftc disclosure: sample/product received from manufacturer or representative)

Monday, April 25, 2011

Happy Monday: Burt’s Bees Tinted Lip Balm (review)

Hello everyone! I hope you had (or are still having) a wonderful holiday. I had a great Easter weekend, and today begins the second year of a very wonderful relationship. And since we’re closed for Passover at work, I’m still in weekend mode. But that doesn’t mean I can’t momentarily pull it together to talk about something pretty. Today it’s from Burt's Bees.

Tinted Lip Balm

Blurb: Care for your lips with beautiful, sheer color. Our new tinted balms give you a hint of color with a soft, sweet flavor and natural ingredients that moisturize and condition your lips. Available in six flirty shades – Hibiscus, Honeysuckle, Tiger Lily, Pink Blossom, Red Dahlia and Rose.

It takes a lot to get me excited about lip balm, but these are fabulous. They’re all natural, and they feel wonderful. They’re smooth, very soothing, and stay on for a long time without feeling waxy or sticky. And when they do wear off, my lips are definitely softer.

I tried “Rose” and “Hibiscus.” Each had a light (yummy) fruity scent, and a tiny bit of sweet flavor. Nothing overpowering – it was very nice. Of course the best thing about these balms is the lovely pigment. Each has a sheer, shiny wash of color that gives my lips a pretty tint while keeping them soft. I also tried layering one of the shades (“Hibiscus”) over a lip stain I have, and got a really nice effect. These are perfect to keep in your desk or purse.

Check out all the shades (6) on the website. There’s even a Tinted Lip Balm video. And if you’re in the mood, you can learn about actual bees by visiting the be good to bees page. Burt’s Bees products are also available in grocery stores, drug stores, natural food stores, ULTA, and drugstore.com.

(ftc disclosure: sample/product received from manufacturer or representative)

Friday, April 22, 2011

Feelin all Funky (on Hair Care Friday): Uncle Funky’s Daughter Cleanser & Conditioner (review)

Today I raced through all the work on my desk; and now it’s time for a nice beauty break before I race through all of my errands. I have a gigantic busy weekend coming up, so there’s a whole lot that needs to be done (including buying some waffle mix).

But first things first…here are two lovely items from a line I just learned about. Uncle Funky's Daughter.

Rich and Funky Moisturizing Cleanser

Blurb: All pause when you walk into the room with supple curls cleansed by our Rich and Funky Moisturizing Cleanser. A 'truly' sulfate-free, foamy cleanser that delivers loads of moisture and detangling effects. Long-lasting, concentrated formula with a clean, fresh natural scent. Sulfate-free. No synthetic dyes. PETA Friendly.

Richee Rich Moisturizing Conditioner

Blurb: Mama nature says have it all and a dose of avocado oil with our creamy conditioner. This is the most luxurious conditioner on the market for textured hair and the price doesn't punch you in the pocketbook. Creamy, pliable formula spreads well and a little goes a long way. Light, fresh citrus scent.

Blurb (about the company): Uncle Funky’s Daughter believes that authentic, natural beauty is one of the greatest gifts of life. We strive to foster inclusive harmonies that encourage an appreciation for the environment in which we live, a respect for the culture of other human beings and a divine love, knowledge and appreciation of self. Simply said, Be Free to Be You.

I have to admit that the name, and the company’s philosophy are so awesome that I already liked the products before I opened a single bottle. Luckily, I liked them even more after I tried them out.

This line is marketed for textured hair; but I loved the way it treated my Hispanic/Mediterranean curls. The Cleanser is sulfate free (good news for those of us with color treated curls). It cleaned extremely well, got rid of buildup, and still moisturized and detangled.

The Conditioner was rich, creamy, and super moisturizing (and you really do only need a little bit). It went a long way towards finishing the detangling process (always a big deal with curly hair), and it left my hair soft and manageable. My curls seemed moisturized without being weighed down.

The website is fabulous. The "know us better" page is excellent reading, and you can also browse the products, watch a video, explore the salon or use the store locator to find out where to buy in person.

(ftc disclosure: sample/product received from manufacturer or representative)

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Gettin all Glowy: NEW Paul & Joe Protective Fluid Foundation S SPF 27 (review)

I’ve been feeling very commemorative and nostalgic this week. (For lots of reasons.) I’ve been thinking about people I’ve met this year, things that have changed, a new year of blogging, etc.

I’ve also been thinking about how the world and life has changed since I was a kid. Yesterday I was driving with a friend of mine, and she was talking to someone on her cell. It hit me all over again that we can now get a hold of people while we’re in the car. I remember a time when the only people who could do that were TV spies and oil tycoons.

This morning, I was talking about Star Trek with someone; and after I was done laughing at all the awesome Klingon quotes, it struck me that the crew’s “communicators” looked a whole lot like our cell phones. We talk on communicators now. In the car. Magic.

Have I completely wandered of the subject of beauty? Not really. Cosmetic products have come a long way too. Makeup has gotten incredibly refined, and skincare technology has advanced way beyond the old days of cold cream and cucumbers. Even sun protection has gotten way more sophisticated. What’s better…companies have managed to combine beauty with skincare and protection. Companies like Paul & Joe Beaute.

Protective Fluid Foundation S (SPF 27)

Blurb: Even in the extreme heat of summer, this foundation will keep your skin in its best condition ever! Keeps refreshing, sensuous skin free from makeup deterioration all day, with a hint of peppermint extract and unique 3 tiered structure. SPF 27 PA ++ ( USA)

Remember when sun protection meant white goop on your nose? Not any more. Now protection comes in the form of a creamy foundation in a pretty retro bottle. In addition to the high SPF, this foundation provides medium coverage that glides on, blends like a dream and creates an elegant, glowy finish.

An extra surprise was the fabulous staying power. I wore it all day yesterday; and even though the temperature hovered around 80° at one point, I managed to get through the day without re-applying. It even kept oiliness at bay!

The website is pretty cool. In addition to the what's new and fashion sections; you can also download screen savers. There’s also a page where you can find shop info.

(ftc disclosure: sample/product received from manufacturer or representative)

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Keepin all Clean: Walker’s Apothecary NEW Passionfruit Exfoliating Cleanser (review)

As awesome as yesterday’s laziness was; I’m pretty happy to be up and about today. I have another day off, and I’m going to do lots of fun stuff with friends. But before I scoot off, here’s a nifty NEW item from Walker's Apothecary.

Passionfruit Exfoliating Cleanser

Blurb: Combat dry skin from months of winter’s harsh temps and kick off the warmer seasons with fresh, glowing skin. Walker’s Apothecary introduces Passion Fruit Exfoliating Cleanser, which lifts away dead cells and improves circulation while unclogging pores and brightening dark spots to reveal even-textured, healthy skin. Formulated with properties of glycolic and lactic acid and concentrated fruit acids, this cleanser is the perfect core product for your spring and summer skincare routine.

Shalea Walker (founder and owner) believes that a bit of care and the right products can solve most skincare problems. In addition to spa services, Walker’s features a skin care line utilizes high-performance, plant based botanicals.

This is my first time trying something from Walker’s and I was really impressed. I used the recommended dime-sized amount; and that was all I needed to thoroughly clean my entire face. It removed all of my makeup, and left my skin feeling very fresh and clean (without any dryness).

The glycolic, lactic and fruit acids are excellent for lifting away old skin and revealing the pretty soft skin underneath. After about a week of using this cleanser twice a day, my skin definitely looked brighter.

Check out the website. In addition to skincare products, there are also spa services (for those of you in North Jersey). Walker’s Apothecary products are also available at select retailers.

(ftc disclosure: sample/product received from manufacturer or representative)

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Giveaway Winner! Bendini Hair Clips (by scünci)

Congratulations to Cindy L. – the winner of my Bendini Giveaway!

You’ll be receiving your very own personal
Bendini Hair Clips. They’re pretty, practical and a snap (literally) to use. Check out my review for more info.

Thanks to everyone who entered, and special thanks to the folks at scünci for partnering with me!

Stayin all Smooth: NeoStrata Sheer Hydration SPF 15 (review)

I think today I am a sure fire winner for the Laziest Person Ever Award. I have the day off; and I’ve managed to do unbelievable amounts of…nothing. It’s pretty awesome. After all the running around, it feels really good to be completely unproductive.

Well maybe not completely unproductive…there is still beauty business to accomplish. I’m going to keep things nice and smooth with something from NeoStrata.

Sheer Hydration (SPF 15)

Blurb: 67% of users noticed an improvement in skin clarity after 4 weeks of using this lightweight daytime moisturizer with broad-specturm sunscreen. Oil-Free day moisturizer lightly hydrates oily skin. NeoGlucosamine™ is clinically proven to help reduce the appearance of dark spots. Improves skin texture, firmness and tone. Broad-spectrum sunscreen (UVA/UVB).

My complexion tends to go a little bit crazy this time of year. The changing weather causes my skin to seesaw between dry and oily. I loved the way this moisturizer balanced everything out. It’s a lightweight, oil-free formula that hydrates without overdoing it. It sits very well under my foundation, and the sunscreen is a huge plus.

Also…I haven’t been using it long term yet; but I’m very excited to read that the NeoGlucosamine is proven to reduce the appearance of dark spots. (Yay!) What I’m noticing right now, though, is that my skin is staying hydrated and balanced.

Take a look at the website, and check out more recommendations for oily/breakout-prone skin.

(ftc disclosure: sample/product received from manufacturer or representative)

Tuesday Treats: Urban Decay Summer 2011 Preview

Take a look at fabulousness as only Urban Decay can do it. I'm pretty smitten with the whole Quinceañera thing.

Urban Decay Summer 2011

15 Year Anniversary Quinceañera Makeup Bag: It’s our birthday and we’ll sparkle if we want to! Help us celebrate 15 years of beauty with an edge, and - according to Latin American tradition - our entry into womanhood. Introducing the second of our limited-edition 15-Year Anniversary items: the Quinceañera Bag. Flashy in the coolest of ways, our Quinceañera Bag glitters purple and holds a sh*t ton of your favorite stuff!

Lip Love: From the mighty Lisa Rinna bouche to the barely-there Kate Hudson pout, all lips need love. Shower your kisser with the finest affection and prove your love with Lip Love Honey-Infused Lip Therapy by Urban Decay. With a honey scent that guarantees you’ll be getting’ some sugar, Lip Love conditioning lip oils keep your lips smooch-able while increasing fullness and giving a hint of tint for that perfect “no-makeup” makeup look we all crave.

Rollergirl Nail Kit: Don’t accessorize your hands and feet… wardrobe ‘em! Starring purples, pinks, and shimmery, glittery neutrals, the Rollergirl Nail Kit by Urban Decay defines summer 2011. So flaunt what yo’ mama gave ya, and paint your nails funky with six primo polishes in mini commitment-free bottles!

Meltdown Makeup Remover: Having trouble getting all of your long-lasting makeup off? Does your waterproof eye makeup seem more like it’s tattooed on? Don’t have a meltdown a la Anne Heche circa August of 2000. We have enough people claiming to be God and promising us a short spaceship ride to heaven. Instead of opting to be a hot-mess, take it all off with Meltdown Makeup Remover by Urban Decay.

Urban Defense Tinted Moisturizer: You have to multi-task all day, so your makeup should too! Introducing Urban Defense Tinted Moisturizer, a product that does it all: featuring light moisture, just enough color coverage, zero parabens, anti-free radical agents, and SPF 20!

Rollergirl Palette: Foxify yourself for summer with the Rollergirl Eyeshadow Palette by Urban Decay. Four shadows, an eye pencil, and a lipgloss provide high-maintenance looks in a ‘toss-it-in-yourpurse-and-go’ kit. Ya dig?

Baked Face and Body Bronzer: Be mistaken for a naturally bronzed goddess, not George Hamilton, or worse yet, an Oompa-Loompa! Get baked minus the munchies, and flaunt a glowing tan sans the damaging effects of the sun, with Urban Decay’s Baked Face and Body Bronzers now available in new packaging reminiscent of a bohemian Moroccan getaway.



Tuesday Treats: Have a LUSH Easter


LUSH continues to thoroughly rock - how adorable are these Easter bath bombs (and bunny wrap)?

Easter goodies from LUSH!

Peter Cottontail is around the corner, so instead of giving family and friends over-packaged, calorie-filled chocolate eggs this year, treat them to a tasty selection of LUSH’s new bath products. Much kinder to the waistline and the environment, LUSH’s bath bombs are solid which means they are preservative and packaging free. LUSH also doesn’t test on the Easter Bunny (or any other animals for that matter) – we just use them as inspiration!

Donkey Oaty Bath Bomb: A cute little Donkey shaped bath bomb that is scented with the fragrance of ylang ylang and geranium oil.

Hippy Chick Bath Bomb: Fragranced with our citrusy Happy Hippy shower gel, this little chick will frolic around your tub leaving you refreshed and ready to hunt for those Easter eggs.

Candy Fluff Egg Bath Bomb: Bathe in a mass of marshmallow, candy floss and jelly bean scented bubbles. You’ll get your sugar fix without anything passing your lips!

Happy Easter Gift: This gift is a hollow egg, made up of two halves of bath bomb mix – one half uses the sweet Candy Fluff mix, the other is the uplifting Avobath mix. Inside this giant egg, waiting to hatch, is a little Hippy Chick bath bomb. This fantastic Easter gift is wrapped with a beautiful Knot-Wrap scarf.

Bunny Knot Wrap: The Lush Knot Wraps are an environmentally friendly alternative to gift wrap. Choose this adorable Bunny version to wrap up all your Easter LUSH goodies!

Tuesday Treats: The Wedding Kit from Liz Earle

Liz Earle has created a fabulous kit in honor of the Royal Wedding (on April 29). Perfect for any bride, bridesmaid, mother of the bride (or wedding guest for that matter)…

Prep Like a Princess!