.:: CybeleSays ::.

Sonia Soars Into Summer With Sizzling Shades

It doesn’t have to be expensive to be excellent as SONiA KASHUK proves with her Spring/Summer 2007 Collection. I’ve been using the Eye Shadow Quad in Spring Into Action ($9.99). It’s a fabulous foursome of silky eye shadows in lilac, rose, gold and light grey - all great colors for this time of year. No matter how I wear them, solo or in conjunction with another one or two, they work wonderfully. I’ve also been wearing Sheer Luxury Lip Color in Sheer Champagne ($7.99) from the same collection as it’s long-lasting, creamy, and perfectly compliments the shadow colors. Nice collection. Both @ target.com ~Randi

What BORBA Youba?

What started as a nourishing skin drink you stored in the frig, has blossomed into a full skin care line. BORBA's line consists of cleansers, moisturizers and this next one. The Skin Balance Aqua-less Crystalline 7-Day System – Pomegranate Clarifying Drink Mix ($28/14 packets or $100/60 packets @ borba.net) is beauty treatment that works from the inside out. Dissolve one packet in a 16oz glass of water twice a day for 7 days and you’re on your way to solving your dilemma. This formulation is for Clarifying and there is one for each situation you are looking to target: Age-Defying, Replenishing, and Firming. This is a line to be watching.

Timelessness Is Next To Godliness

What makes a true classic is the timelessness that a product takes on. And scents are in a category all their own when it comes to the term. My Godfather gave me YVES SAINT LAURENT Paris Eau de Parfum ($88/2.5oz @ nordstroms.com) this past Christmas and I'm quite glad he did. I never really thought much seeing the oval glass bottle on many-a-beauty tables over the years but since this one turned me on I will now start asking why and run to try each I come across.
And for some reason this one really seems to bond with my skin. Hours later I can still subtly smell the warm floral and touch of wood and powder. I take this as a sign that it should be a staple in my collection because it works with my chemistry. There’s also a Paris Perfumed Body Lotion ($44/6.6oz).

New In Stores!

You Read It Here First...

BLUE Q comes out with some really unique products and when they put out one in the beauty category, it’s usually pretty darn good. Just added to the line are three Get Real Hand & Body Lotions ($10.99/8oz @ blueq.com) – Orange Ginger Scent, Lavender and Unscented. Each contains fresh pressed sunflower seed oil, anti-oxidants and of course, as they say, no fake crap.

How Now ... Brow?

Ever since I moved to Los Angeles 15 years ago, I have been borderline obsessed with keep my brows looking great. And I’m quite glad that fuller brows are back in fashion as I think the pencil thin ones would look funny on me. One new kit to help you along is ANASTASiA BEVERLY HiLLS Brows In Bloom ($28 @ anastasia.net). Available in Blonde and Brunette, each quad has two powders, wax cream to keep hairs in place, a highlighter cream and an angled mini brush to apply. Why doubt an expert like Anastasia Soare when it comes to your eyebrows?

A Balm By Any Other Name

There’s something so relaxing about ViCTORIA’S SECRET Beauty Rush Soothing Lip Balm (3 tins/$15 @ victoriassecret.com). Could it be the non-irritating peppermint oil? The Aloe vera? Or the thickness of the balm? All of the above and I love it.

The Bird is the Word and You're Light As A Feather

There’s something about the springtime that makes me want to leave the heavy foundations on the makeup table. Mineral powders definitely take center stage in these months so I was surprised when PRESCRiPTiVES Virtually Fresh Skin Refining Makeup SPF 15 ($32.50 @ prescriptives.com) felt so weightless on my face. It’s formulated for dry skin types and has a patent-pending (why is the patent on beauty products always seem to be “pending?”) technology that claims to abolish the look of lines and pores but I’m more amazed at the sheer to medium coverage and featherweight feeling of the formula.

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LUSH Your Day Away

This is one I could sit and smell all day. The Comforter ($8.45/7oz @ lush.com) from LUSH is a sugary nose and skin softening delight without the calories. Simply break off a piece (each bar is good for a few baths) of the pink Swiss roll and plop under the running water in the tub. You’ll have mucho bubbles and a sweet bubble gum smelling treat!

WARNING: DO NOT USE THIS WHEN YOU HAVE A MAJOR SUGAR CRAVING OR YOU MIGHT BE TEMPTED TO TAKE NIBBLE !

One Ofa-Kind Sunscreen

My friends call me the sunscreen queen because I never leave home without it on my face. The newest product on my list is MD SKiNCARE Powerful Sun Protection SPF30. In Texas where it’s sunny most of the year, you gotta have plenty of sunscreen on hand. This one is lightweight but packs a punch by including Chelators, which remove metals from the skin (found in tap water and perspiration) and can cause damage to the epidermis when exposed to the sun. This is the only sunscreen on the market to include this ingredient. Fabulous! $42/5oz @ sephora.com ~Lisa

TACT Take Me Away

TACT Pure Olive Oil Shower Gel  perfectly pampers the skin and has become one of my new shower staples. It moisturizers, invigorates, has an awesome aroma, and leaves my skin feeling fabulous so pour some onto a damp sponge, washcloth, or on hands, and enjoy the super spa-like experience. Perfect for all skin types and it’s not tested on animals, which is always a bonus in my book. $10/8.45oz @ smallflower.com ~Randi

Bronze Babe In A Box

This next kit is a really great way to try out a self tanner and you can’t beat the price. BATH AND BODYWORKS True Blue Spa Bronze Bombshell Collection ($16.50 @ bathandbodyworks.com) contains all the essentials:Glow and Steady Daily Moisturizer (1.5oz), Gradual Self Tanner SPF 15, my favorite, (1.5oz), So Aglow Tan Enhancing Shimmer (1oz), Tan on the Run Self Tanning Face Puff (one use), Suntan Boulevard for Face 2-in-1 Bronzing Sunblock SPF 20 (5ml) and even a Bronze Bomb Shell Eau de Toilette Roll-On (.05oz). Big recommendation.

Taking More Care

Sometimes we forget ourselves and sometimes we run out of time in a day. So INDULGE IN YOU wants all that to change. Their line of bath and body products are marketed to women with the tag line that you CAN afford to indulge yourself and spoil your body. My two favorites from this line are the Blackberry Sage Moisturizing Shower Cream and the Sweet Dreams Rehydrating Cream. The Shower Cream is an extra drink of water for your dry skin and there’s no need to apply lotion after showering with this fragrant formula that contains Shea butter and anti-aging white tea ($12/9oz). But if you do need to moisturize, their Rehydrating Cream feels like it came out of the blender. It’s whipped and creamy with heavy moisturizing agents, pumpkin and papaya extracts/enzymes and pomegranate. And the overall lavender scent makes for a peaceful sleep. $16 for an 8 ounce jar. Both @ indulge-in-you.com ~Lisa

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Budget Beauty

Pop this powerful little pal into your makeup bag and go! Buy one or several to keep at work, at home  everywhere. ELF’s All Over Cover Stick is a small but amazingly rich and creamy facial spot concealer for full coverage.  Use it on breakouts, redness, freckles, or anything else you want o hide. And for only $1 @ drugstore.com, how can you pass this one up? Available in 3 shades. -Lisa

A Little Color, A Little Protection

There are days when we are just looking for protection and a hint of color. And I love that companies are listening to what we women really need as there are quite a few products catering to just this now. I’m adding all 6 colors of BARE ESCENTUALS Junior Lip Guards SPF 15 ($36 @ bareescentuals.com) to my purse. Each .17oz tube’s formula is mineral-based, contains antioxidants, vitamins A, C, and E and protects the delicate skin from the sun. And the colors? They go with everything: Stinson Beach: coral nude, Palm Beach: deep rose, Miami Beach: rose mauve, Pebble Beach: mauve taupe, Coco Beach: caramel brown, and Newport Beach: deep blackberry.

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It Was Time

Dear Beauty Lovers,
Gotta keep up with the Joneses, right? Yes, monthly is good but weekly is better! Every week we will feature the same reviews of products we've come across that we love. So don't forget to bookmark us and check back often. Let us know what you think of the new layout!
All my blush,

~Cybele

Ease the Frizz

I've always liked JOHN FRiEDA products. Not only are they inexpensive and easily  attainable but they also work great on my very curly hair and I’ve tried everything on the market. The Frizz-Ease Curl Around Style Activating Daily Shampoo and Frizz-Ease Curl Around Style Activating Daily Conditioner leave my hair feeling super soft and conditioned and seem to really separate and define each curl. You would think that the more expensive brands would work better but these work just right without sucking the moisture out of my locks or my purse. $5.99/10oz each @ drugstore.com ~Celena

Minerals to the Rescue

I’ve stumbled upon a miracle with Supernatural Mineral Concealer from URBAN APOTHECARY, and if you’re looking for a flawless complexion, you are going to find it with this product. Designed like a click pen, all I do is dispense a little of this concealer over or under foundation, or on my bare skin. It seems to hide anything I’m trying to conceal including fine lines and wrinkles. I’ve been using the medium shade (it’s also available in light and medium dark so there’s a suitable shade for everyone), and I no longer leave home without this perfect, and I mean perfect, pen because it actually writes away all of my imperfections. $20 @ urbanapothecary.com ~Randi

Add A Little Glow

I recently discovered Mystic Tanning and like to do it every couple of weeks but I sure do realize how much I need it when I don't have a chance to get over there. Here are a few bronzers and highlighters that help me not look so sullen and pale until I can get over to the salon again.

PHYSiCiANS FORMULA Solar Power Bronzer SPF 20 ($11.95 @ drugstore.com) is made for those who have sensitive skin (take a light hand with this one) and this one protects against UVA and UVB rays.

From the Balloonacy collection is the High-Light Powder in Mellow Rave ($22 @ maccosmetics.com) from MAC. It gives a sheer kiss of shimmer and get it quick because it's limited edition so hurry.

The Glam Bronze Pressed Bronzing Powder ($12.99 @ drugstores nationwide) from L'OREAL's Bronze Rocks collection provides the tiniest of shimmer to formulas. Available in three colors: Golden Lights, Amber Lights and Terra Lights. CLARiNS Summer Fever Brush-On Bronzer ($28.50 @ clarins.com) is an on the go tote-able. Each of the available shades, Natural Bronze and Golden Bronze, comes in a tube with a built-in brush. Very sheer powder.

Another 2-in-1

I have always really liked the KEVYN AUCOIN line. The sleek packaging and quality are really up there. So I pretty much knew I was going to like the Liquid Lipstick. Yes, they are a little pricey at $27 a tube but it’s a lipstick AND gloss in one. The brown-y mauve color of Dollphine really put the final touches on a sophisticated look last Saturday night. Very supple formula. My only complaint would be the brush quality. Otherwise, this is a near perfect product. Get yers @ kevynaucoin.com

How Deep Is Your Love ...

... for your hair? I’m lucky enough to be able to wear my hair wavy or straight but my strands  can suffer from this back and forth. That’s why I love me a really good hair mask. LOGICS DNA Color Vitalizing Treatment Masque ($24.99/5.1oz @ logicshair.com) not only treats the state of my hair but also takes into consideration that I color treat it so it deep-conditions and restores my hair’s health in only 5 minutes. The formula also has a UV filter so this one helps in and out of the shower.

Too Faced Gives Back

The TOO FACED Love Lisa Beauty Battle Box Collection serves three purposes. It honors Lisa Blandino, sister of Too Faced creator Jerrod Blandino, who has been battling skin cancer, by donating 42% of the proceeds from the sale of the this item to benefit the Melanoma Reasearch Foundation, and last but not least, you get a lot of products to make you glow beautifully. Inside the magnetic pink folding box are two glosses in a rose and sheer shimmer, 4 bronze and gold eye shadows and a two-sided blush highlighter in gold and peach. Arm yourself with these bronzing tools and enjoy these sun alternative cosmetics. $32.50 @ toofaced.com ~Lisa

What Color Is May?

June is all things spring and the colors that go along with it. I’m always open to any product that is going to make my makeup routine a little shorter and CLARiNS new Kohl Eye Powder ($18.50 @ clarins.com) does just that. It's from the Summer Fever Collection and helps give you a smudgy eye look in 10 seconds. Go with Sparkling Black, Tropical Violet or the unique Ocean Green, shown here. Caution: be careful when pulling the applicator wand out. There is a kind of suction that will do a splash-back, so to speak, and get powder all over you and your table. Not a good way to use the product.

Jack & Jill Went Up the Hill To Fetch A Coupla Cosmetics

Here is a fun makeup line that was in the news recently because it was used on Dreamgirl, Jennifer Hudson. JACK AND JiLL COSMETiCS has some great stuff to talk about so let's get to their Lip Palette Compacts in Truly, Madly, and you guessed it, Deeply ($28 each). Truly has my three favorite shades of two lipsticks and a shiny gloss in three very wearable pinks. There's even an inspirational message on the mirror inside the compact and each comes with a double-sides brush for smooth applications.

My other pick from the line is the Shea Butter Foundation Stick with SPF 18 ($28). It's a quick and easy way to get blendable, flawless coverage. It was formulated for sensitive skin to effectively deliver healing properties. You can use the twist up tube for full face or spot coverage. Quick and easy in 12 colors. Both @ jackandjillcosmetics.com ~Lisa

 

   

Butter My Body

Another fantastic product from MARYAM’S SOAP NOOK. You dry skin ladies will absolutely adore her Whipped Shea Monoi Body Butter ($15/8oz jar). Botanical Bliss is my scent of the moment and I can’t get enough of it. These butters seem to cure anything dry that ails you and smells out of this world. The natural ingredients include Shea butter, Monoi de Tahiti oil, cocoa butter, sweet almond oil, sunflower oil, goat milk, vitamin E and silk fibers. There are tons of unbelievable scents to choose from, besides the Botanical Bliss, but you have to try it to believe it and with those big chunks of Shea butter melting into your skin, you can’t go wrong. Check these wonderful products @ maryam-soap-nook.com ~Lisa

All About Eyes

Here are some special products to address eye concerns and helps us with lines, wrinkles and dark circles. JOEY NEW YORK Firm and Tone Eye Cream ($30/.5oz @ joeynewyork.com) should be patted on and pressed in and around the eye area for hydrating and helping diminish appearance of fine lines and shadows. It’s very rich, but definitely not greasy! Great to use before makeup application.

PUR MiNERALS Mineral Eye Prep ($17 @ purminerals.com) in fast becoming a morning staple. After you moisturize and before you apply your eye shadow, give this wand a try. The Eye Prep will serve as a primer, neutralize eyelid color and provide antioxidant protection.

BOBBI BROWN brings our eyes into the lightness of being, with the aptly named Eye Brightener ($32/.24 oz @ bobbibrown.com). A very small amount of this light pink cream will not only hide dark circles but also lighten the entire eye area, which makes you look more refreshed.

SKiN MEDiCA Uplifting Eye Serum ($45.60/.5oz) has vitamins and botanical antioxidants to hydrate and lift the sensitive skin around the eyes while reducing appearance of puffiness, circles and fine lines. A great companion to this is their TNS Illuminating Eye Cream ($66.50/.5oz) which smoothes and brightens the sensitive tissue around the eyes. I use this on top of the serum and it helps your makeup go on flawlessly. Both @ amazon.com ~Feature by Lisa

 

Now You're Gonna LOVE Your Look

There are some products out there where the packaging is so darn cute and unique that you want to keep it. And oh is this the case with BENEFiT COSMETICS' new Love Your Look collection. My pick of the litter is the Sheer Cream Blusher ($18 @ benefitcosmetics.com). The formula is pretty thick so it doesn't come spilling out of the tube when you squeeze it. And I love that it's sheer so you can control the amount you put on and not look like you stepped out of the 80's, which I always seem to do. Available in 3 colors so sheer on!