Beauty411

Rock the Red, White and Blue!

Happy Independence Day!  What better way to celebrate than to highlight some of the best Red, White and Blue beauty products. 

Nothing says confidence like wearing red, whether it be lipstick or nail polish:

• Sally Hansen Salon Nail Polish in Ru-be or Not To Be: This is an easy to wear, year 'round shade of nail polish.  The Salon Nail Polish delivers a great quality polish and a good value.  Add some white and blue nail art and you've got a patriotic theme going!
• Julie Hewett Rouge Noir Lipstick:  A classic red lipstick, double-pigmented and long lasting. 
• For a lighter formula lip color, try NARS Lip Stain Gloss in Indian Red.

What's not to like about white? 

• To get a more bright-eyed look, line the inner rim of eyes with Lancome's Le Crayon Khol in Blanc.
• Clinique's new Even Better Skin Tone Corrector helps brighten skin and un-do sun damage, dark patches, age spots and the darkness that accompanies acne scarring.
• White teeth are always in style.  Use the Rembrandt Whitening Touch Up Pen for on the go tooth whitening.

You won't be singin' the blues with these products!

• YSL Mascara Aqua-Resistant in Oceanic Blue.  Perfect mascara for at-the-pool.
• MAC Cool Heat Eye Shadow in Blue Flame.
• MAC Naughty Nauticals Pigment in Bell-Bottom Blue.

These are just a few of my picks for red, white and blue beauty.  Have a happy Independence Day!

M LAB Skincare: The Science is Inside

M LAB Skincare comes together in a perfect blend of pedigree, science, ingredients and aesthetics to create a knock-out skin care line that delivers.  So what does that mean?  It means that "M LAB" is the creation of Milbar Laboratories, a cosmeceutical company that creates pharmaceutical grade products for Dermatologists and Plastic Surgeons.  That would be the pedigree part.  The science combines to create a product of clinically active ingredients that target every visual sign of aging.

Each product in the M LAB Skincare line is formulated with a high degree of clinically active ingredients.  That's what I want, as it is an assurance that the product is going to work.  Really work.  Each product insert lists the ingredients, the percent of clinically active ingredients and what effect that has on your skin.  The packaging of the M LAB Skincare products is all black and futuristic looking.  Love that! 

But what you want to know is, what are the M LAB products like and do they work?  I tried the products in the Travel Kit, which is about a 30 day supply.  What I can tell you, is that with daily, consistent use, I did notice positive changes in my skin.  I didn't experience any skin sensitivity to the products. The two best products (and the ones I would purchase from this line) are the anti-aging treatment cream and the anti-aging treatment serum.  The serum is formulated with 74% clinically active ingredients and the anti-aging treatment cream with 68% clinically active ingredients. That's a very high percentage, when the average luxury cosmetics are usually formulated in the 10-20% range. 

M LAB Skincare is available exclusively for purchase at www.mlabonline.com or at Harrods, London.

Anastasia All About Brows Kit

Anastasia All About Brows Kit contains everything you need for creating and grooming the perfect eyebrow.  This brilliant kit contains tweezers, a Brow Powder compact, four Brow Stencils, a Duo Brush (angled cut on one end, a "spooley" on the other), Clear Brow Gel and a Matte Camille Highlighter.  I've been using this eyebrow kit for about 4 weeks now and have really come to love it, especially the Camille Highlighter pencil. 

Anastasia Soare has developed a complete and well-thought out line of eyebrow products, using her Eyebrow Salon in Beverly Hills as a working lab.  To consistently have well-shaped brows, use one of the stencils in the kit that aligns with both the front and tail end of your brow.  You then use the angled brush to apply the Brow Powder, filling in where necessary.  Using the tweezers, pluck hair that falls outside of the line created by the stencil.  Apply Highlighter under brows (I also apply on inner aspect of eye area to brighten). Apply the Brow Gel, then using spooley brush, use upward strokes to hold brow into shape.  Step back and marvel at perfect brows!

The Anastasia All About Brow Kit is available at Sephora and Nordstrom.  Expert services are also available at at Anastasia Brow Studios at Nordstrom locations throughout the U.S.

 Meeting Anastasia and watching her actually demonstrate her technique using the All About Brows Kit was one of the highlights of the Total Beauty Summit that I attended in May.  Check out the video that Laurie from Beauty's Spot shot that day:

True Cosmetics Protective Collection

True Cosmetics Protective Collection improves on traditional color cosmetics with the addition of super anti-oxidant Idebenone.  Now your makeup can be more than just coverage; it can offer a defense against the environmental factors that cause premature aging.  The True Cosmetics Protective Collection includes Protective Mineral Foundation (loose and in a compact), Protective Illuminating Concealer, Protective Shadow Primer and Being True Transforming Mineral Mist.

The Protective Mineral Foundation has SPF 17 (titanium dioxide and zinc oxide) is different from any other mineral makeup I've previously tried.  It feels different; the texture is silky and glides onto your skin.  I've been using the loose mineral foundation and haven't even been tempted to reach for a liquid.  The coverage is buildable and has been totally non-irritating.  In addition to the sun protection and Idebenone, the Mineral Foundation also contains Green Tea and Vitamin E.  

The Protective Illuminating Concealer comes in a compact with three pans; two colors to blend for a perfect match to your skintone and a neutralizer to mask discoloration and deflect light.  Like the Mineral Foundation, the Protective Illuminating Concealer is formulated with Idebenone, feels great and works equal to my other favorite concealers. In addition to concealing and correcting,  I love the fact that this product is good for my skin.  The Protective Shadow Primer is an excellent shadow base, minimizing creasing and extend shadow wear and durability.  In addition to Idebenone, the Primer also contains Vitamin K, a skin brightener and vitamins A and E. 

For more information on the innovative True Cosmetics Protective Collection or to find a spa/retailer, please check the website.

Zia Natural Skincare

Zia Natural Skincare formulations only utilize ingredients that provide a benefit to the skin and that are not harmful. Zia Skin Basics contains a unique blend of vitamins, antioxidants and nutrients formulated to work together to deliver visible results.   More important than ever is the fact that you won't find harsh chemicals, artificial colors or artificial fragrances in the products. The line is all-natural and paraben-free.

I've been using several of the products in the Zia Skin Basics line, including the Moisturizing Cleanser.  The Moisturizing Cleanser is a gentle, soap-free cleanser that removes dirt and makeup without drying your skin; leaving it soft and supple after use.  The Moisturizing Cleanser would be best for someone with dry skin. I've also used the Bamboo Exfoliant.  It's made with rice bran, works gently (can be used daily) and leaves your skin glowing. The Everyday Moisturizer is a good, basic moisturizer; it's non-greasy and light.  The newest product that I tried is the Ultimate Eye Creme, a luxurious blend of mango butter and monoi oil.  This eye cream combines ten age-fighting ingredients, including antioxidants, grape seed, ginko and more, to fight fine lines, improve texture and firm the eye area. 

What I like about Zia Natural Skincare is it's no-nonsense approach, eco-friendly philosophy and good value.  You can find Zia Natural Skincare at health food stores nationwide and online at www.zianatural.com

 

Bobbi Brown: New Bronzed Pink Collection

Bobbi Brown has released the new Bronzed Pink Collection, perfect shades for the warm, sunny days of summer.  The collection includes 2 new limited-edition Metallic Eye Shadows in Bronzed Pink and Penny, a new clear Lip Balm, Yogi Bare, named after her good friend Yogi Berra.  I love the Tinted Lip Balm and there are three new permanent shades in this collection: Bronzed Pink, Desert Bronze and Golden Pink.

Also new is the Oil Control Lotion SPF 15.  Perfect for those with normal-to-oily and combination skins, this lightweight formula features Seaweed and Lavender extract to help soothe skin and reduce visible irritation. Its soft matte finish ensures smooth makeup application.

You can shop the new Bronzed Pink Collection on the Bobbi Brown website or buy the Bronzed Pink Collection set, which includes a Bronzed Pink Metallic Eye Shadow, Desert Pink Tinted Lip Balm, Crystal Lip Gloss, Black No Smudge Mascara, and your choice of Bronzing Powder.  The Bronzed Pink Collection is also available in department stores.

 

3LAB WW Eye Cream

3LAB WW Eye Cream is a serious anti-aging treatment product, with a cutting-edge formulation based on 3LAB's proprietary age-reversing Nano-Claire GY complex.  Nano-Claire GY is a bio-engineered human growth hormone that works at the cellular level to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Brought to you from the same developers as "h" serum, WW Eye Cream not only firms under eye skin, it stimulates circulation and evens skin tone.  That is important to note if you have dark circles, like I do.  WW Eye Cream also contains additional key anti-aging ingredients such as Portulaca Extract, which is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent that helps to de-puff under eye bags and puffiness; Matriyxl 3000, which stimulates collagen production and Niacinamide, which suppresses melanin and combats UV damage.  Together, you have a multi-tasking product that effectively helps to firm and restore the appearance of the eye area.

I loved trying this product; it's perhaps the richest, most intensely moisturizing and luxurious eye cream I've used.  If you like high-end skincare, 3LAB WW Eye Cream is available at Barneys and Saks Fifth Avenue.  More information on the complete 3LAB skin care line can be found on the 3LAB website.

Savvy Skin Guest Post: Dark Undereye Circles

Jeni from the Savvy Skin blog put out a call to beauty bloggers to be a "guest blogger" on her site.  I contributed with a post on undereye Dark Circles, because that is one of the most common beauty problems that women experience and one that I continually have to deal with, too.  Here's a snippet of the article:

Are you plagued by dark circles?  Dark circles are one of the most common—and frustrating—beauty problems.  With diligence, patience and some effort, you can learn to manage, or in some cases, eliminate your dark circles.  First, let’s take a look at some of the causes of dark circles and what you can do to treat or minimize the problem.

Dark undereye circles can be caused by many factors, including:

• Lack of sleep or fatigue
• Heredity/genetics/aging
• Hormones or allergies
• Sun exposure
• Smoking

The rest of the article, with my recommendations for eye creams that work (from my own personal experience) can be found here.  Are dark circles a problem you experience?  What have you found that works? 

Elizabeth Grant Caviar Rejuvenating Eye Pads

Elizabeth Grant Caviar Rejuvenating Eye Pads are one of my new current obsessions.  Torricelumn is the main ingredient in Elizabeth Grant skincare products and is a blend of skincare actives, including vitamins, proteins, anti-oxidants and botanicals.  It's designed to penetrate the skin, delivering nutrients and allowing them to work at the cellular level.  The main benefits to Torricelumn are as a hydration booster and anti-aging treatment.

I've been using the Elizabeth Grant Caviar Rejuvenating Eye Pads every Sunday night for the past month.  You apply the pads under your eyes once weekly for 15 minutes.  After 15 minutes, you remove the pads and work any remaining product into the skin.  You will be amazed at not only how rested you look, but that the skin looks firmer, smoother and more refreshed.  And the best part?  The results are still noticeable the next morning. I'm totally hooked!  Tuck a packet in your makeup bag when you travel or tuck a box into a new mom's gift bag--trust me, she'll thank you. 

My advice?  Head to the Elizabeth Grant website and place your order for the Caviar Rejuvenating Eye Pads.  Elizabeth Grant Skincare will also be launching on the ShopNBC network on 4/29, 4/30 and 5/1.

Remergent Microcirculation Eye Therapy

Remergent Microcirculation Eye Therapy treats under-eye circles by using liposome technology to deliver Pinoxide, an ingredient proven to speed blood flow, warm the skin, promote firmness and resiliance.  My quest to find an eye cream to help diminish or eliminate dark circles is never-ending and when I find one, you will be the first to know.  When I read about this product, I had to try it. 

Microcirculation Eye Therapy comes in a cylindrical applicator that looks like a pen.  It dispenses the correct amount of product to apply to the undereye area.  I love this delivery system, because it takes the guesswork out of how much to apply--there is no waste.  I find that with 1 pump, I have ample amount of eye cream to use for both eyes.  I have been using Remergent Microcirculation Eye Therapy for the past 3-4 weeks and have noticed a significant improvement in underye dark circles.  In addition, I have noticed increased tone and texture in the eye area and a more rested appearance.  I'm very pleased with this product and would definitely re-purchase.

Remergent Microcirculation Eye Therapy retails at $70 and is available on the Remergent website, SkinCareRx, Lovely Skin and through physician offices.