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!

Besame Cosmetics: A return to old world glamour

Besame Cosmetics sets itself from other cosmetics companies in a variety of ways--gorgeous Art Deco packaging, a committment to effortless beauty and elegant style and a founder that is passionate about her line.  I had the opportunity to try a few pieces from the Besame line and really liked each of them.

The line is built around the Classic-Enchanting lipstick.  This is a semi-matte lipstick in a classic "bullet" shape, that makes application precise.  You can use the "sharp" side of the lipstick to line your lips and the broad side to fill in.  The formula is creamy and highly pigmented.  The Classic-Enchanting lipstick comes in a case that you would love to pull out of your purse, it's that pretty.  I also tried the Lip Glaze, a long-wearing formula which contains vitamins and antioxidants and marine collagen to nourish your lips, as well as moisturize.   

The newest product from Besame Cosmetics is the Gingerbread 1930s Waterproof Mascara.  Upon opening the tube, the first thing you notice is the gingerbread scent; created by using natural conditioning oils and food-grade colorants.  I really like this mascara; it coats the lashes evenly and without clumping and lengthens well.  It has a nice, full brush that doesn't promote clumping.  And the formula is one of the most natural on the market, without parabens and is safe for sensitive eyes.  And like all the other Besame Cosmetics, it comes in a beautiful gold plated tube decorated with chrysanthemums.

Besame Cosmetics can be found online at makeup.com,Zappos.com and on the Besame website, where you will also find a store locator.  Have you tried Besame Cosmetics? 

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.

 

Hourglass Lipstick & Lip Liner

My latest lipstick find is by Hourglass Cosmetics.  I've been using the Hourglass Lipstick and Trace Lip Liner and have been very pleased.  The lipstick, in Fresco, is a muted rose shade and a perfect everyday lip color. I found the lipstick to be long wearing, with smooth application and a natural look for me in this color. The lip liner is a double-ended mechanical liner; on one side you have a cartridge that contains a lip pencil, on the other side is a brush for perfect blending. You know how I love a multi-tasking product!

The Hourglass line has new products that are launching this month, including Illume Crème-To-Powder Bronzer, Veil Mineral Primer and Superficial Lash Mascara.  Look for the Hourglass line at Sephora.

Wet n Wild: Beauty Benefits on a Budget

Wet n Wild cosmetics, that perennial discount and drugstore favorite, is the newest player in the mineral makeup market.  The Beauty Benefits line has been formulated with Lotus Marine Mineral complex, which offers powerful anti-aging properties.  I tried several products in the line, including the Beauty Brilliance Illuminating Powder (in Cool), the Triple Fusion eye shadow (in Sandy Beach), the Color CorRx eye brightening concealer (Medium) and the Mint Infusions lippie. 

Overall, I was impressed with this line and give it high marks for value and performance. The Beauty Brilliance Illuminating Powder is a pressed powder containing bronze, orchid and neutral powders with a slight shimmer.  I used it as an overall highlighter to add a bit of radiance to my makeup. It gave a nice, soft finish.  And the lotus-embossed design was a nice touch, usually reserved for much more expensive makeup. The Triple Fusion eye shadow is a pan of three coordinated colors that you can use individually or blend.  Not as highly pigmented as other eyeshadows I have, it still wore nicely, especially with a primer underneath. The Color CorRx eye brightening concealer is a corrector, concealer and brightening powder trio to cover dark circles.  The formula applied easily and didn't settle into lines.  The Mint Infusions lippie is infused with peppermint oil and contains UVB protection SPF 15. It gives a high shine without being tacky sticky. Sun protection for your lips doesn't have to be expensive!

You can find the Wet n Wild Beauty Benefits products in select mass market retailers like Wal-Mart and Meijer; for specific where to buy information check the Wet n Wild Beauty Benefits website.

Oprah's 2008 Spring Makeup O-Wards

The winners of Oprah's First Annual Spring Makeup O-Wards have been announced.  There are 12 beauty product winners and a Best in Show.  The beauty product winners were all price points; from a $7.50 Cover Girl mascara to a gorgeous $90 Chantecaille compact.  Although there are some products on the list that I haven't tried, I must say that I completely agree with the Best in Show Winner, the Yves Saint Laurent Spring Collection. But be warned.  As news of the Oprah 2008 Makeup O-Wards get out, expect many of these products to sell out or become scarce in usual Oprah-manic fashion. 

What about you?  Do you agree with the selections?  The entire list can be found online here and in the April issue of O, the Oprah Magazine.

Earth Day 2008: Green is the new Black!

It's Earth Day!  This may be the trendiest Earth Day in years, with many beauty and cosmetic companies having special Earth Day promotions, activities or just great Green products..  Here's a sampling:

From Total Beauty and Origins Organics: The Totally Green Sweepstakes.  Enter for a chance to win a 2008 Saturn Vue Hybrid filled with tons of great green and organic beauty products from Origins, RAW Natural Beauty, Suki and Sephora.  For all contest rules and requirements, check here.

From Tweezerman:   When you purchase the "Go Green" Mini Slant Tweezer from Tweezerman, $1.00 of the purchase is donated to the National Arbor Foundation.  With every "Go Green" Tweezer purchased, a tree is planted. The packaging is made from 100% recyclable paper and printed using natural soy ink.  The "Go Green" Mini Slant Tweezer is available at drugstore.com.

From CARGO:  New celebrity PlantLove lipsticks have been created by celebrity moms Angie Harmon, Denise Richards and Kim Raver. CARGO PlantLove is a revolutionary lipstick containing a lipstick tube made entirely out of corn - a renewable and abundant resource. The outer carton is also made of flower paper embedded with real flower seeds, which are plantable.  Simply moisten, plant and wait for a bouquet of wildflowers to grow!  In addition, $2.00 from each tube sold is donated to St. Jude’s Pediatrics Research Hospital.  CARGO PlantLove lipstick is available at Sephora. 

From Elemis:  On April 22^nd, in recognition of Earth Day, Elemis will plant a tree for every guest that has an Elemis spa service in any spa on land, at sea or when an Elemis product is purchased online at www.timetospa.com.  The trees will be planted through the National Arbor Day Foundation, the largest tree planting foundation in the world.  The goal is to plant over 10,000 trees.

From Lush:  Go Green Solid Perfume is a citrus-herbal fragrance that comes in a recyclable tin.  Lush is known for their committment to fresh cosmetics using fresh, organic fruits and vegetables and when necessary, safe synthetics.

From China Glaze Ecollection:  Going green is more fashionable than ever with China Glaze's new collection of eco-friendly nail shades inspired by nature: sun, clouds, trees, water, sand and earth.  The ecollection nail lacquers even have earth friendly names!  Tree Hugger (fresh cut grass), Recycle (rain cloud gray) and Solar Power (sunshine yellow) are just a few in the collection.  You can find a great review of this product at All Lacquered Up. 

Go Green and celebrate Earth Day!

ORMEDIC Balancing Lip Enhancement Complex

ORMEDIC Balancing Lip Enhancement Complex has done the unthinkable:  rivalled Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment as my favorite lip treatment product.  One swipe of the tube across my lips, one whiff of the "dreamsicle-like" gel, the fact that my lips felt moisturized hours later and it was a lock.  ORMEDIC Balancing Lip Enhancement Complex is an ultra hydrating anti-aging polypeptide lip complex which dramatically enhances the appearance of lip contours.  ORMEDIC Balancing Lip Enhancement Complex adds up to 40% more moisture, volume and reducing fine lines with repeat usage.   The new Ormedic line by Image Skincare is a synthesis of the purest organic ingredients combined with medical effectiveness to achieve maximum clinically proven results.  Take a look at some of the ingredients in this lip treatment:

• Polypeptides and Vitamin A to stimulate collagen production
• Organic botanicals like Avocado oil to soothe
• Ibedenone - a powerful anti-oxidant
• Tocepherol - Vitamin E, an anti-oxidant

Who would benefit from the use of a lip product like this?  Basically, if you have dry/dehydrated lips, are or have had collagen or Restylane injections or dermal fillers, or have fine lines of the lips, this product is worth considering.  I've been using it twice a day and am impressed at the fact that my lips stay hydrated for hours.  At $16, it's reasonably priced. ORMEDIC Balancing Lip Enhancement Complex is available through licensed aestheticians and physicians.  Information on locating a professional can be found here.  This is a great product, one I highly recommend and a thank-you shout out to my fellow beauty addict Colleen for sending this to me!

HÅKANSSON: A Functionalist approach to skincare and beauty

HÅKANSSON is a line of cosmetics and skincare developed by Katarina Håkansson, a Swedish makeup artist known for her "un-made-up" look of skin at it's best:  natural, glowing and healthy.  The mission in developing this line was to develop a no-nonsense method of skincare using natural extracts, vitamins and beneficial oils.  The line is based on the premise of multi-tasking skincare and color cosmetics.  You know that's a concept that I would be in line with! 

I recently took the Small Skin Pack on vacation with me.  The pouch contains miniature sizes of The Moisturizer, The Oil, The Remover, The Soap, The Scent and The Vitamin Spray.  I was actually a little apprehensive; the line is so....minimalist.  No worries; once I started using the products, I was actually looking forward to my morning and evening skincare routines.  First, I have to tell you, these skincare products are like aromatherapy.  They smell fresh and wonderful.  And they work.  And my apprehension at putting oil on my face?  Forget it.  It made my face feel so soft and smooth, it was incredible.  My secret fixation and biggest surprise?  The Vitamin Spray.  I actually tucked this into my purse (and then inserted it into my 1 quart TSA-required bag) and when all hell was breaking loose at the airport, whipped The Vitamin Spray out and spritzed.  And spritzed again in the plane.  And got off the plane looking refreshed--not haggard and stressed.  Worth the price of the product all by itself!

The HÅKANSSON cosmetic line is equally as impressive.  The products come in futuristic mod-looking compacts and are wax-based pure pigments.  You mix and match the colors to achieve a natural look.  The compacts are truly multi-tasking.  You can use them as a concealer, eyeshadow, blush, lip color -- just by mixing and blending shades in the compacts. After a couple times, I was my own makeup artist, mixing and creating.  The colors apply and blend well and feel good on your skin.  I feel the HÅKANSSON line lives up to it's mission.

You can find and purchase the HÅKANSSON line online at www.hakanssonskin.com.  I would recommend spending some time on the website, especially to read frequently asked questions.  This section really gives you insight into the line, best practices with the products and answers typical questions you might have.  The Small Skin Pack I tried is available at MioMia, where they also carry other products in the HÅKANSSON line.

Red Carpet Beauty 411: Oscars Edition

You can bet that with 72 hours to the Oscars, Hollywood makeup artists, stylists, estheticians, masseuses and personal assistants are in overdrive.  It takes a village to get a celebrity ready for walking the red carpet.  In fact, Ole Henrikson Face/Body Spa is the place to be for pre-Oscar pampering, as Linda Evangelista has already been in for a facial and Mark Wahlberg is expected, as well.

What beauty trends should we expect to see on the Red Carpet?  Carol Shaw has created the  Best Dressed Face Palette for her LORAC line, based on her experience in getting the stars camera-ready for awards nights.  This palette is on-trend, featuring lavendar/plum and gold eyeshadow shades, perfect for creating a sexy, smokey eye.  As a rule, if the eyes are going to be a focal point, the cheeks should be subdued, so that you can play up a strong lip.  Red lipstick is important because it photographs so well.  Red Carpet Red is a new special edition of the L'Oreal Infallible Never Fail Lipcolor that pays tribute to the Oscars with a limited-edition gold compact  And don't forget the mascara--count on Diorshow to be the favorite of makeup artists to the stars.

Make sure to tune in and see all the Red Carpet glamour at the 80th Annual Academy Awards telecast on Sunday, February 24th at 8pm EST.