Beauty411

Bare Escentuals Purist 9 pc Collection - Today's Special Value on QVC

Bare Escentuals Purist Collection is the Today's Special Value today on QVC. 

This mineral makeup kit features:

• RareMinerals Skin Revival Treatment--30 day supply
• SPF 15 Foundation--full size
• RareMinerals Healthy Radiance in copper rose glow--full size
• Purist Eye Color in butter chiffon--full size
• Harmony Eye Color in deep satin taupe--full size
• Promise Blush in pink tangerine--full size
• Raspberry 100% Natural Lip Gloss in rich berry rose--full size
• Double-Ended Shadow/Liner brush--full size
• Multitasking Face Brush--full size
• White Deluxe Train Case with two organizer trays--exclusive to QVC

The Bare Escentuals Purist Collection (A86357) retails at $ 96.72 and will be available on QVC through midnight EST tonight or while supplies last.  There is also an auto-delivery option available.  Do you plan on ordering?  Let me know in the comments!

Photo credit QVC

PCA Skin Brightening Therapy

Hyperpigmentation and skin discoloration are common problems, but finding an effective solution is often a challenge.  PCA Skin Brightening Therapy with TrueTone is a new alternative.  It's innovative combination of natural and bioengineered brighteners is clinically proven to reduce all types of skin discoloration.

Brightening Therapy with TrueTone combines clinically proven ingredients that not only inhibit the production of tyrosinase (the enzyme responsible for initiating the pigment response), but also act as powerful antioxidants.  Studies demonstrate comparable results to kojic acid and hydroquinone with no irritation. It also calms and soothes the skin as it protects from future free-radical damage.

I do have areas of hyperpigmentation so I was anxious to try PCA Skin Brightening Therapy.  I found that twice daily use on a long term basis did result in improvements in the areas of hyperpigmentation on my skin (although still a work in progress).  I didn't experience any burning or irritation using this product.  And a reminder that use of a daily sunscreen is a must!

PCA Skin Brightening Therapy retails at $ 48 and is available at DermStore and SkincareRx.

You may also be interested in:

Vivite Vibrance Therapy

Creative Nail Design Spring 2009 Trends

What was the #1 designer favorite color and nail look at the spring 09 fashion shows? Opaque flesh tone to elongate hands and match clean faces.  CND's Cocoa – seen at Giambattista Valli, Nina Ricci, Araks, Max Azria, Halston, Jason Wu, Ashley Isham, Karen Walker, Felder Felder, Graeme Black, Thakoon, Peter Som... to list a few.  

The top nail trends for the spring and summer are:

• Whitewashes: Creamy and iridescent white shades lighten things up.
• Shades of Gold: Whether 24-karat or honey bronze, bling abounds.
• Gothic Tones: A trace of red? A hint of blue? No matter, as long as it’s almost black.
• Solid Foundation: Opaque nudes — not just for the face anymore.
• Kind of Blue: From navy to deep sky, there seems no limit.
• Reds Return: From bright Wildfire to dark Decadence

I love the foundation tones like Cocoa (pictured above; courtesy of CND).  It's an updated look-- so modern and chic.  I definitely plan to pick up several of the opaque nude colors for Spring.

Creative Nail Design products can be found in salons, beauty supply stores and retailers like Ulta.  For additional information, check the CND website.

AlphaDerma CE Anti-Aging Treatment

AlphaDerma CE by Janson Beckett Cosmeceuticals is an anti-aging skin treatment designed to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, as well as repair and restore skin back to it's youthful appearance.  Billed as "the best, safest alternative to Botox", this lotion does come with clinical data.  (In the interest of fair balance, the only product that can give "Botox-like" results is Botox.)

The formula in this product contains 8 active ingredients, including Argireline 10%, alpha lipoic acid and Vitamin C Ester, DMAE, soy, soluble collagen and elastin, as well as UVA/UVB protection.  I like the fact that AlphaDerma CE has ingredients that work in a synergistic fashion to give you reliable and visible results.  

Clinicals with Argireline (one of the main ingredients in AlphaDerma CE) show a 27% reduction of depth of wrinkles after only 30 days and a 17% reduction of wrinkles around the eyes after only 15 days of treatment. Tests also show a 39% improvement in smoothness, 42% improvement of dryness and 45% improvement in overall skin tone.

I have been using AlphaDerma CE twice daily for approximately the last 6 weeks and during that time, I did notice improvement in my skin.  My forehead was noticeably smoother.  I also noticed improved skin tone and clarity.  I should also mention that in my opinion, my skin responded to treatment with AlphaDerma CE rather quickly.  The lotion-based formula is odorless and is not sticky.  I would say the 4 oz. bottle would last a fairly long time.

AlphaDerma CE retails at $ 129.95.  You can get more information and purchase AlphaDerma CE on the Janson Beckett website in addition to other online retailers like Skinstore.

MISSION Skincare and Olympic Medalist Amanda Beard on HSN!

MISSION Skincare is a new line of performance skincare created by some of the world's best athletes.  Athletes like tennis superstar Serena Williams, professional basketball player Steve Nash, Gold Medal skateboarder Ryan Sheckler, professional soccer player Mia Hamm, Gold Medal snowboarder Gretchen Bleiler, Gold Medal swimmer Amanda Beard and professional basketball player Carmelo Anthony.

The MISSION Skincare™ starting lineup includes:

• Daily Offense SPF 30 Stick
• Lip Protector SPF 20 
• Foot Synergy Gel
• Anti-Friction Cream
• After-Sun & Wind Revive Gel

Amanda Beard, one of the brand's co-founders and 7 time Olympic Medalist, will be appearing on HSN tomorrow to debut MISSION Skincare.  Tune in on Thursday, January 29th at 7:00AM  EST (HSN Today Show), 8:00PM EST (Beauty Report) and at 1:00 AM January 30th to learn more about MISSION Skincare. 

You don't need to be an athlete to reap the benefits of MISSION Skincare.  I love the Lip Protector SPF 20 and named it as one of my "best winter lip treatments"! 

Elizabeth Arden Pure Finish Mineral Powder Foundation SPF 20

Elizabeth Arden has a new mineral makeup; Pure Finish Mineral Powder Foundation SPF 20.  I love the convenience of a mineral makeup, but sometimes find them messy.  OR, depending on the ingredients--you really have to read labels--my skin is sensitive.  That's why I'm so loving Pure Finish Mineral Foundation SPF 20 by Elizabeth Arden.

First, the container eliminates the mess.  Pure Finish Mineral Powder Foundation comes in a compact with it's own grinder, so that you control exactly how much product and coverage you need.  You turn the grinder to release a fresh layer of mineral powder and then build you coverage from there. 

The formula itself has light-reflecting particles and doesn't settle into fine lines.  Although it comes with a puff applicator, I prefer to use a kabuki-brush for more precise application.  Pure Finish Mineral Powder Foundation comes in 9 shades.

In the past I have experienced problems with mineral makeups that contain bismuth oxychloride, but I can tell you that I had no sensitivity or irritation with Pure Finish Mineral Powder Foundation. That might be because it's near the bottom of the ingredient list, or possibly because there is aloe and other skin-soothing ingredients in the formulation.

Elizabeth Arden Pure Finish Mineral Makeup SPF 20 retails at $ 37.50 and is available at Elizabeth Arden counters, on the Elizabeth Arden website and on Beauty.com.

You may also be interested in:

L'Oreal Bare Naturale Gentle Mineral Powder

Island Michael Kors Bermuda Eau de Parfum

 

Island Michael Kors Bermuda eau de parfum gave me the virtual escape I needed.  The thought of a tropical island breeze, the crystal blue water, the fragrance of exotic flowers...perfect imagery, no?

The notes in this lush floral blend speak to its beauty and tropical inspiration:  Freesia, hibiscus, cassis buds, tiare, peony, passion flower, driftwood and cedar wood.  Spray it on and dream of a pink sand paradise.  This is currently my favorite fragrance; I just love it!

Bermuda is part of Michael Kors "Island Destination" fragrances, which also include Hawaii, Fiji and Capri. In addition to the fragrance, there is a Moisturizing Body Lotion, which leaves a trace of the fragrance and a Lip Gloss in a sheer pink shade.

Island Michael Kors Bermuda collection is available in department stores, at MichaelKors.com and at Sephora.

Best Winter Lip Treatments

In order to be named a "best winter lip treatment", a lip balm has to be conditioning, last overnight, be soothing and nourishing.  The skin on your lips doesn't have oil glands, so moisturization must be applied.  Dry winter air (whether from the inside or outside), blowing wind and cold temperatures are hard enough on your skin, let alone your lips. 

Here are some of the best winter lip treatments I've found and highly recommend:

MISSION Product Lip Protector SPF 20:  The MISSION line was developed by athletes for their own use and now for the rest of us.  MISSION Product Lip Protector SPF 20 lip balm contains anti-oxidants and is preservative and paraben-free.  I love that it is long-lasting, has sunscreen in it to protect and soothes without being greasy. The Gretchen Bleiler Lip Balmer SPF 15 is great, too! 

the lip scrub and the lip slip by sara happ:  Everyone knows that the secret to smooth skin is exfoliation and your lips are no different.  But who wants to use a toothbrush or washcloth on your lips?  Sara Happ didn't and neither do I.  She formulated one of the best lip scrubs ever...and followed it up with the lip slip.  At night, I apply a little of the brown sugar lip scrub (which tastes amazing, by the way) and then apply the lip slip.  Infused with Sweet Almond, Jojoba and Macadamia Nut oils, the lip slip locks in moisture.  Get them both--you won't be disappointed.

LABBRI Lip Treatment:  Formulated with only 4 ingredients, including medical grade lanolin, the composition of LABBRI Lip Treatment is nearly identical to the skin's natural oils. That allows the treatment to penetrate deeply and hydrate from within.  LABBRI Lip Treatment is 100% natural, with no colorants, fragrance or preservatives.  A very elegant lip treatment product.

Amore Pacific Moisture Bound Lip Treatment:  I love the Amore Pacific skin care line and when I heard they had a new lip treatment out I had to try it.  Amore Pacific Moisture Bound Lip Treatment combines anti-oxidants like Green Tea Seed Oil Extract, minerals and amino acids to reinforce the lips natural moisture barrier.  It hydrates lips for up to 8 hours--your lips are left feeling silky soft and comfortable.  Love this one!

Darphin Age Defying Lip Balm:  Darphin, the luxury French skincare line, has a winner with the new Age Defying Lip Balm.  A  natural antioxidant complex formed from the combination of Organic Argan Oil & Rosemary Oil neutralizes free radicals and helps protect the lips from aging.  Age Defying Lip Balm has the most incredible, delicate fragrance--a blend of vanilla and essential oils including sweet almond, plum orange and rosewood.  A new favorite.


LaMer The Lip Balm:  If anyone knows moisturizer, it's Creme de La Mer.  The Lip Balm doesn't disappoint.  The Lip Balm is infused with a potent concentration of the original Miracle Broth with marine extracts, botanicals and vitamins.  The Lip Balm also contains an essential protein found in arctic marine life that helps keep them from freezing.  It has a slightly minty taste and soothes and comforts on contact.  I know I can trust LaMer for great products and The Lip Balm is no exception.

Do you have a favorite lip treatment?  Let me know in the comments!

You may also be interested in:

Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment

Top 5 Winter Skin Care Tips from Renee Rouleau

Dr. Brandt Anti-Oxidant Water Booster

Dr. Brandt Anti-Oxidant Water Booster is a blend of three potent antioxidants: green tea, white tea and grapeseed extract.  It provides the equivalent of 15 cups of brewed green tea!  I had been wanting to try this product for a while, so I ordered it during Sephora's Friends and Family Event in the blueberry flavor.  It seemed an easy and convenient way to reap the antioxidant benefits and maybe give my skin a boost, too.

Green tea has many benefits, but among them, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties help to prevent free-radical damage and prevent cellular damage caused by exposure to UV rays.  I like the concept that you can repair and slow future signs of aging from the inside out.

So does the Dr. Brandt Anti-Oxidant Water Booster work?  With the amount of skincare products that I'm constantly testing and using, to be honest, I can't say for sure.  But my skin is looking great; I'll hedge my bets and keep using it.  I mix one dropper full into 8 ounces of water every morning. 

Dr. Brandt Anti-Oxidant Water Booster comes in three flavors, retails at $ 35 and is available at the Dr. Brandt webstore, Sephora, DermStore, SkinStore and other retailers.

Introducing Beauty Bylines

Beauty Bylines is making its premiere edition today on Beauty411.  Beauty Bylines will be a monthly feature, published the last Monday of each month.  The goal is to introduce you to some of the people that make beauty news, that shape beauty news or are connected to the beauty industry.

This month, I am pleased to introduce you to Jamie Sanders, the Editor of The Beauty of Life Blog.  Jamie is a self-professed beauty junkie who, from a very young age, absolutely adored playing with her mom's makeup and getting huge makeup palettes from the drugstore for her birthday each year. She is also the Associate Beauty Editor for Teen Scene Magazine, the Fashion & Beauty Editor for StyleBakery Teen and works full-time as the Copywriter for a major fashion company. Jamie lives in New York City. 

Have you always been a beauty/makeup addict?

I’ve loved makeup for as long as I can remember! I started doing theater when I was four years old, and I remember just loving everything about getting ready to play my part by transforming myself with makeup. My first show was The King and I, where I played the Youngest Royal Child – imagine transforming into a Siamese child every night! But I loved it … and my love for makeup just continued from there!

 
When did you decide to start your blog?  Where do you get your inspiration when it gets challenging?

I started my blog in January 2007. I had already been doing a lot of freelance beauty writing, but I wanted the opportunity to write in my own voice and choose my own topics. Honestly I don’t really find it challenging to come up with ideas. I think there’s always something new to write about, whether it’s the newest lipgloss or the latest hair trend. I look to tons of different beauty sites, blogs, magazines and even celebrity gossip sites to continue to be inspired – and of course the occasional trip to Sephora doesn’t hurt!