Beauty411

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:

Pacifica Solid Perfume

Pacifica Hawaiian Ruby Guava Solid Perfume is my new latest summer fragrance obsession.  And the best part is, I discovered it completely by accident.  While on my lunch hour a couple of weeks ago, I popped into a medi-spa to see what skincare lines they offered and got distracted by the Pacifica display.  I knew I was going to be travelling for business and thought that solid perfume would be a great way to avoid the "plastic bag" issue. When I took one whiff of the Hawaiian Ruby Guava, the fragrance was intoxicating.  It's fruity and tropical and citrusy. Instant aromatherapy.  On top of that, there are no preservatives, there are natural essential oils and it's vegan. The price?  Small, too at $ 9.00 (although prices may vary by retailer).

Pacifica Hawaiian Ruby Guava Solid Perfume is part of a collection of nine solid fragrances, each of them heavenly in their own right.  The Pacifica line also includes candles, soaps and body butters (I definitely want to try those).  The adorable little tins are very collectible and very addicting.  I'd encourage you to check the website to see if this line is available in your area and give the Pacifica Solid Perfumes a try.

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.

 

The ARCONA Studio

                                   

                                      

                                                            

Before the start of the Total Beauty Blogger's Summit, I made the decision to go to LA a day early so that I could experience a facial at the fabulous ARCONA Studio in Santa Monica.  I'm so glad I did, as it was an experience that I won't soon forget!

The ARCONA Studio is a beautiful space, with treatment rooms designed for comfort and efficiency.  My appointment started with a review of my skin and identification of any concerns that I had.  My main skincare concern is a few areas of sun damage.  Debbie was my esthetician for the Fruit Enzyme Peel, which she customized to my specific skin needs. The Fruit Enzyme Peel resurfaces the skin, leaving it glowing and healthy looking. The Fruit Enzyme Peel starts with cleansing and the application of an enzyme complex mask, which removes dead skin cells and helps to restore clarity and stimulate production of collagen.  Application of custom anti-oxidant serums is next, helping to restore the skin's softness and suppleness.  As each product was applied, you can't help but notice the wonderful smell.  The  treatment concluded with LED Light Therapy, which is beneficial for hyperpigmentation and skin conditions such as rosacea.  The LED Light Therapy stimulates collagen production and helps to repair skin damage.  At the conclusion of my treatments, my skin was glowing!

In discussing my treatment products, I shared with Debbie that I currently use several ARCONA products, including the ARCONA White Tea Purifying Cleanser, as well as the Triad Pads.  The Triad Pads are in a league of their own; a multi-tasking cranberry-scented pad that cleanses, tones and hydrates. I like to use the Triad Pads in the evening, when I can cleanse, tone, hydrate AND remove makeup.  In addition to all that, the Triad Pads are an excellent treatment product, as they contain vitamins, phyto-nutrients, essential fatty acids and rice milk.  Like all ARCONA products, they are cold-processed in small batches with active, natural ingredients.

The ARCONA Studio is located at 425 Broadway (across from Fred Segal) in Santa Monica.  More information on the ARCONA Studio can be found here.  Whether to learn about a new skincare regimen, purchase products or to nurture yourself with a skin service, I can highly recommend the ARCONA Studio. You can find ARCONA products online at beauty.com and sister site drugstore.com.

Sensational Sensai Loose Powder

Move over, Meteriorites...there's a new face power on my vanity and it is sheer perfection. Sensai Loose Powder, made by Kanebo, the Japanese beauty and skincare company, is an extremely fine, feathery-light translucent face powder.  Sensai Loose Powder is a blend of two exclusive powders:  Airy Powder and Weightless Moist Glow Factor.  This light-reflecting blend allows for a smooth, even coverage over foundation for a natural, flawless finish.  I apply the Loose Powder by pressing the puff that is provided onto my skin and then finish blending the powder with a large powder brush.  The puff is very elegant and is made of polyester fibres, which allows for better pickup of the powder and a more even application.  The fine composition of this powder also prevents settling into and accentuating fine lines and wrinkes.

Kanebo Sensai Loose Powder is a luxurious finishing powder that sets your makeup beautifully. The Kanebo Sensai line includes both cosmetics and skincare products.  Kanebo has integrated a special silk technology into their products, allowing for increased moisturizing properties that help to maintain the softness of the skin.  I love the Kanebo Sensai Loose Powder and can really see the difference in quality over other loose powders.  Kanebo Sensai Loose Powder retails at $55.  For more information or to find a Kanebo location near you, please visit www.Kanebo.com.

Intelligent Aesthetics Skincare: Smart Skin Care

Intelligent Aesthetics Truth-Based Skin Care is a results-oriented product line that is simple, straightforward and reasonably priced.  The line is founded on values of knowedge, empowerment and transformation.  It's a personalized approach to skin care, based on each woman's skin profile.  You can customize your skin care and select products using an evaluation tool on the Intelligent Aesthetics website. 

There are six skin profiles to choose from:

• Enlighten--For mature skin or environmentally damaged skin.  This is the line I've been using. Packed with antioxidants and lightening agents, I love the refreshing pink grapefruit scent.
• Clear--For acne-prone or irritated skin.  This kit promotes detoxifying and healing and is scented with a special blend of eucalyptus and peppermint extracts.
• Quench--The Quench kit enriches dry skin, including eczema. This line is scented with apple extracts to help reduce redness and irritation.
• Nourish--Designed for those with normal to dry skin, Nourish products are scented with almond, cinnamn and orange extracts.  Nourish also helps to control mild acne.
• Balance--This grapefuit and lemon scented line absorbs oil and reduces excessive oil production.
• Soothe--This line is for those with sensitive skin.  Soothe reduces redness and irritation and is naturally scented with lavendar.

Complete kits contain four basic products, generally a cleanser and skin primer, along with two additional treatment products appropriate to the skin profile.  Products like the Citrus Skin Polisher, can also be purchased separately.  The Citrus Skin Polisher is the #1 seller in the line and it's an excellent exfoliant.  The key ingredient in all of the products is called Synergy IE-6 and is a blend of anti-oxidants Vitamins A, C, E, pomegranate and Canadian Willowherb extracts. 

I've used this line for the past 4-6 weeks and have been really impressed.  Every one of the products I used--the Enlighten Resurfacing Bio-Enzyme Cleanser, Age Management Skin Primer (toner), Radiance Complex and Intensive Skin Brightening Treatment, which is a brightening mask, delivered great results.  I love the fact that the products come in very generous 90 day sizes, are a good value and contain high levels of natural ingredients.  Not only that, if, after 30 days you're not satisfied with the results, Intelligent Aesthetics offers a money back guarantee. If you're looking to try an individualized approach to your skin care, I would suggest giving the Intelligent Aesthetics skin care line a try.  You can get more information on the Intelligent Aesthetics website.

Bobbi Brown Custom Palettes Up Close and Personal

Bobbi Brown has just introduced new custom palettes to her already incredible cosmetics line.  There are two different palette pans available--a three or four-pan palette.  Each palette pan costs $10.  Once you've picked your pan, then you can fill it with the new sleek squares (love!) of eyeshadow or blush.  The idea of customizable makeup is popular and economical.  Buy what you need; no wasted shades or colors that never get used.

So are you dying to know what is in Beauty411's 4-pan palette?  First let me just say that there are new shades of shadow and blush, including shimmers, to accomodate the palettes.  I actually get weak when I think of new Bobbi Brown shadow colors, so you can imagine the angst and drama that ensued when I was at my local BB counter trying to decide *which* colors would go into the palette.  I went with Flesh, Rock and Heather Mauve eyeshadow, along with a Sandstone blush.  Gorgeous colors, all.  It's fun to be able to mix and match colors, group favorites by look; the possibilities are endless.  The shadow and blush colors are also available in new flip-top compacts should you not want to customize a palette.

The new Bobbi Brown custom palettes are available and on-counter now in department stores including Nordstrom.  You can also order online through the Bobbi Brown website.  What colors are going in your palette?

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.

Prescriptives First Ever Friends & Family Event

Hot off the press!  Prescriptives is having their first ever Friends & Family Event from now through March 21st 2008.  If you haven't had the opportunity to experience Prescriptives yet, this is an incredible opportunity.  Not only are they offering 25% off your online purchases by using code FFSP8 at checkout, you will also receive free shipping, plus a free sample.  Way to kick off with a bang!

Prescriptives is an innovative line; I've used many Prescriptives products over the years.  So what will I be ordering?  First up, the Anywhere Multi-Purpose Makeup Stick.  I've seen this advertised and wanted to try it, so this Friends & Family Event is a great incentive.  I also want to try the All Weather Friend UVA/UVB Sun Protection SPF 40.  Other products that Prescriptives is known for are, of course, foundation, Super Line Preventor Xtreme, False Eyelashes Mascara (love this!) and their signature fragrance, Calyx.

Hurry over to the Prescriptives website and start shopping this limited-time event!

3LAB "h" Serum: H for "highly recommended!"

3LAB products are an ideal blend of cutting-edge technology and natural botanicals.  Founded by a team of two renowned chemists and one famous dermatologist, the attention to both science and skincare results is evident. The 3LAB line itself is not a large one; instead it's a well-edited skincare line to match the precise philosophy of the company, which is the use of the highest grade botanical ingredients and state of the art scientific technologies to contest the forces of nature and time.

So let me tell you about my newest, favorite beauty product, 3LAB's "h" serum.  Through a patented process, 3LAB has been able to bio-engineer the functional-equivalent of human growth hormone.  What does that mean in relation to skincare?  Use of the "h" serum, with it's patented nanotechnology delivery system, in essence, increases the rate of skin-cell regeneration, promotes younger-acting and more luminous skin, reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.  The "h" serum contains potent anti-oxidants (a necessity in an anti-aging product), as well as humectants and other age-fighters.  Does it work?  Does it ever! My skin has never looked better; it is brighter, more radiant.  I apply a small amount (1 pump) in the morning and evening after cleansing my skin.  The "h" serum is not a sticky serum, either.  It's a luxurious light creme formulation that feels good on your skin.  I follow the "h" serum with moisturizer.

The 3LAB "h" serum retails at $200 and the 3LAB line is available at Barneys and Saks Fifth Avenue, although checking both websites, it appears you may need to call the stores directly to order.  In my book, the "h" stands for "highly recommended!"