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Posts from September 2007

September 30, 2007

Foot Fixers

Kisspedicure_2I know it’s a little early to be talking holidays but keep this next one in mind, or rather, start making your Christmas list with this next one right at the top. RED BY KiSS Contoured Pedicure File & Toenail Clipper Duo ($4.99 @ walgreens.com) will keep feet smoother than a baby’s bottom or rather, feet. I don’t know one female or male that won’t thank you for this one.

"Dreams Can Come True, It Can Happen To You ..."

Penuse_4I love when dreams come true. My dream in this case is that a candle I had came in a fragrance form ... and it does! How many times does that happen? PENHALiGON’S Lily & Spice Eau de Parfum ($85/3.4oz @ shoplondons.com) is such a striking scent. It’s the same notes as the candle so if you can picture fresh lilies and sharp spices, you have this scent. So unique and perfect for fall.

September 29, 2007

Red, Red Lips

Why does the red lipstick give us so much pleasure? Was it the forbidden lipstick to play with in your mother’s handbag? Was it the shade you only saw on a model in a magazine? Did your favorite Aunt always wear the same shade of red lipstick as her signature? Did a beautiful gold case signify mystery and allure? All these things and more make up our love for red lipsticks and I’m very excited that this fall it’s all about RED LIPS. We will be featuring many of our favorites in the Red, Red Lips feature in the next three months. Just note that some colors in the tubes can be deceiving and appear a different color than on lips. Some companies do “Red” so well, that you might see multiple picks from the same brand. And away we go! ~Lisa

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  1. Watch your lips grow with JOEY NEW YORK Collagen Boosting Lipstick in a stunning dark crimson berry cream lipstick called Later. Smooth and plump those lips up! Perfect for medium to dark skin tones. $18 @ joeynewyork.com

  1. Follow the red brick road to RAMY BEAUTY THERAPY Lipstick in Thrive! Avocado Oil keeps your lips moist and soft. Excellent on medium to dark skin tones. $17 @ ramybeautytherapy.com

  1. ViNCENT LONGO brings the rich drama of the glamour era to your lips with the dark red/dark pink semi-matte Velvet Riche Lipstick in Ignition. Lots of pigment and beauty! $23 @ beauty.com

  1. BENEFiT COSMETiCS sticks it to you with their Silky Finish Lipstick in Frenched. The texture is between a gloss and lipstick and is one of those you can build more color the more swipes you apply. This cherry red gives off a lot of shine. $16 @ benefitcosmetics.com

  1. Fair skinned beauties … yes you can wear red lipstick! CLiNiQUE Long Last Soft Shine Lipstick in Red, Red, Red is definitely one to try. It’s lasts a long time and feels lightweight. $14 @ clinique.com

  1. Slow Burn is the name of this gorgeous true blue red aptly named Perfect Lipstick! In its sleek black lacquered case from the from the Very Sexy Line at ViCTORiA’S SECRET, you will love to swivel up this classic crème formula. $12 @ victoriassecret.com

  1. Infallible Never Fail Lipcolour from L’OREAL is hip and chic in its two step, two sided silver plastic case. Long lasting color on one side, a soothing balm on the other.  It does stay on and on and even has a built-in mirror. Try the color Crimson (deep red with a touch of wine) and smile pretty. $6.99 @ ulta.com

  1. The SEPHORA brand calls their Cream Lipstick No. 94 a Classic Red. It’s a creamy light (semi-sheer) true blue/red in a soft cream formula. Perfect for you “beginner” red lipstick wearers. $10 @ sephora.com
  2. It’s a lip stain, and a gloss and Scarlett is its name. LAURA MERCiER correctly named the color of her new Lip Stain in Scarlett. Use your hands and put as little or as much as you like and press into your lips. This has a satin, balmy finish…long lasting too. $20 @ sephora.com

September 28, 2007

Coming Our Way *Preview* Bites

Use_2London-based SANCTUARY SPA is set to roll out 19 body products in Target stores in October. The line will retail between $6.99 to $17.99.

Space NK will be the exclusive US carrier of the UK skin care brand INA. The cornerstone of the line is White Gold Crystal Salt sourced from the Himilayan mountain region. They claim the crystals have the same electromagnetic frequencies as the human body, creating a natural resonance that allows them to penetrate cell walls and be metabolized.

souce: WWD

Fall Into Stila

The colors in StilasSTiLA's Fall 2007 Fantasy collection sum up the seasons warm rich feeling. And each of their A Tale of Enchantment Palettes ($32) comes with its own Agate, which is long believed to give mystical power to the wearer. Here's the breakdown of each palette.

Laguna Agate - blue velvet case with sheer silver blue, electric blue-green shimmer, gunmetal silver shadows and rosy pink blush

Madagascar Agate - brown velvet with sheer peachy bronze, rich bronze and warm dark brown shadows and rose gold blush

Moss Agate - green velvet with sheer champagne, khaki shimmer green and dark green shadows and warm coppery brown blush

And for super color for the lips, Long Wear Lip Color ($18) is eight shades of fab in a twist up stick. No sheers here, just deeply pigmented colors like Paramour, a deep plum red and Coquette, a soft rose sheen. All @ sephora.com

September 27, 2007

A Jewel For The Eye

It comes in a silver box, wrapped just like a precious jewel. From the Sensai Cellular Performance line of KANEBO, comes the holistic anti-aging Eye Contour Balm. This silky rich eye cream is not only a luxurious treat for the eye area,Kanebo_2 but more than that, the anti-aging ingredients help tremendously with dark circles, dullness, puffiness, sagging and fine lines and wrinkles. You feel an immediate tightening effect as soon as the cream sinks in! Treat yourself to lustrous skin that retains the sensation of silk. $95/.52oz @ bergdorfgoodman.com ~Lisa

September 26, 2007

Wash It, Wash It, Scrub It Too

Soap, soaps, soaps, what’s not to love? Big bars of cleaning goodness and there are so many types to choose from these days. One of the kings or rather queens, in the case of this particular product, of the gourmetBlueq soaps is Pittsfield, MA’s BLUE Q. Never have I seen a line of goodies carried in so many different types of retail stores - make a point to look around the next time you are in a party goods store to a high end card store. They simply have something for everyone. On the top of my shower stand this month is their Mental Case Prima Donna Soap ($7.99/5oz @ blueq.com). Lathering up some White Tea and Rose Hips in the morning is a pleasant way to wake up in the morning.

I have a habit of hording cool candle boxes and now Blue Q soap boxes. Help!

Taking Hair To New Heights

KiehlsssSince 1851, KiEHL’S has been bringing us fine quality skin and hair care and they’ve just introduced a Rice & Wheat Volumizing Hair Care duo. As always, it is infused with lots of natural goodness: natural hydrolyzed rice protein, wheat protein, honey, Jojoba seed and rice bran. I did get lots of volume, but without the usual dryness that sometimes accompanies volumizing products. This duo is excellent for thin and fine hair. It smells fresh, detangles, smooth split ends and hair appears fuller and thicker, while keeping the softness. Rice & Wheat Volumizing Shampoo or Conditioner $18/8.4oz each @ kiehls.com ~Lisa

September 25, 2007

Skincare 101

The TESS line conducted research with hundreds of teens and their mothers to find out what teens wanted and needed in a skincare product line.Tesses And what they came out with is a full range of products that address every need. But heh, some of them are good for us gals in the next generation too. I love to try masks on the weekends and these two next TESS masks were absolutely great for my skin. Mask O’ the Month? I think so. And right now you can purchase an unbelievable deal and get two for $20! The Go Undercover Strawberry Soothing Face Mask feels cooling and hydrating on the skin and You can even leave it on overnight! The Magic Mud Mask Eucalyptus Face Mask absorbs oil and purifies but it doesn’t leave your face feeling dried out like some made of mud can. As a matter of face, my face felt as soft as it did after using the Go Undercover Mask. Why should teens have all the fun?? $20 for both 4oz masks @ tessskin.com ~Lisa

September 24, 2007

Coming Our Way *Preview* Bites

111Private Eyes from EDWARD BESS is making its debut at Bergdorf Goodmans on September 29. This kit is a collection of five hand-pressed eye shadows and two mascaras. You may be familiar with his line of lipsticks that came out last fall called, Lip Wardrobe. The products are only available at Bergdorfs.

What Time Is It? It's 302

302_2Taking their name from a newly discovered skin compound found in the rainforest, this next line is set to storm the industry. Each product in the 302 SKiNCARE line is based on Avocatin 302, a yellow liquid found only in the avocado and is proven to vastly improve the skin’s resilience. From face serums, to sun protection, to Rosacea and acne the line contains everything to boost every inch of the skin on your body. Standouts include 302 Drops ($50/1oz), 302 Normal/Dry Cleanser ($25/8oz), 302 Recovery Plus ($40/4oz) and 302 Body Moisturizer ($46/8oz). You can’t buy the products from the website as they feel there are too many factors that go into determining what will work for you so give ‘em a call! 800- 295-7839 and they will refund your money if, for any reason, you are not happy with your purchase. All @ 302skincare.com

September 23, 2007

Fall Color Pick - Purple Passion NAILS

Finish off your purple look with some unexpected nails. Here are our picks:

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  1. ESSiE Sole Mate ($8 @ essie.com)
  2. CHiNA GLAZE Anklets Of Amethyst ($2.99 @ head2toebeauty.com)
  3. CAROLYN NEW YORK Mugged on the Six Train ($6.99 @ carolynnewyork.com)
  4. OPI Siberian Nights ($7.50 @ opi.com)
  5. RiMMEL Art of Noise ($3.89 @ Target strore)
  6. ORLY Vanguard Violet ($3.19 @ orly.com)
  7. CHiNA GLAZE Draped In Velvet ($2.99 @ head2toebeauty.com)

September 22, 2007

Fall Color Pick - Purple Passion

If you are finding yourself a little bit bored with black, you are hardly alone. Black is still hip but don’t you want to sport the new "it" shade this season? It's vibrant, powerful and both fun and fabulous to wear. Purple was sizzling on the runways and seems to be dominating cosmetics especially for the eyes so wear wines, eggplants, violets, lilacs; any shade of purple on your lids and don't forget how wonderful it is to wear on your cheeks and lips. Here are our picks. ~Randi

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  1. KiSS ME MASCARA in Dark Purple ($25 @ kissmemascara.com)
  2. CAROL’S DAUGHTER Natural Sexy Shine Lip Gloss new Purple Reign ($13.50 @ sephora.com
  3. SEPHORA Maniac Mat Long-Wearing Matte Lipstick in Mat 04 ($12 @ sephora.com)
  4. PRESCRiPTiVES Single Colorscope Eye Color in Heather ($14 @ prescriptives.com)
  5. LAURA MERCiER Eye Colour Matte in Black Plum ($20 @ nordstrom.com)
  6. NARS Cream Eyeshadow in Swing ($21 @ narscosmetics.com)
  7. JAPONESQUE Touch-Up Tube, Purple ($19 @ aveyou.com)
  8. BOURJOiS Kohl & Contour Eyeliner Pencil in Violet Artiste ($11.50 @ sephora.com)
  9. SONiA KASHUK Eye Definer in Purple Passion ($5.99 @ Target stores)
  10. DUWOP Violet Eyes ($32 @ sephora.com)

September 21, 2007

Nail Stickers

Incoco4_2Put this one on your shopping list for the upcoming holidays. It’s hard enough to know what you’re going to wear the big night of an outing and your nails? Who has time to squeeze in a nail appointment? INCOCO Dry Nail Appliqué ($5.99 @ walgreens.com or full color range visit Walgreens stores) will be your answer. It’s dry strips of nail polish that you simply fit to your nail size, peel off the back, stick and firmly crease all sides down and buff the excess top off. That’s it! And the colors are great – French Manicures to Red Velvet to Pink Satin. They have a shade for every gala.

Each kit comes with 20 thin strips, a buff stick, orange stick to help get into corners, and a polish remover cloth. Make sure to keep the silver package to store the ones you don’t use yet so they don’t dry out. All in all a great kit but I wish the silver package was a little bigger as the nail strips are a little hard to slide back in after it’s opened.
I’m on my 7th day of wearing them and only one nail “chipped.” That’s a passing grade for me. 

September 20, 2007

Calling All Cheeks

I sometimes get all caught up in eye shadows and glosses that I forget about blushes. One of my fall resolutionsPhyformblushessss_3 is to not forget about cheeks. PHYSiCiANS FORMULA Powder Palette Multi-Colored Blushes ($10.49 @ drugstore.com) are keeping me in line and at the same time looking beautiful! The several swatches of shades can blend together in the palette to sculpt and define cheeks. Three different blends to choose from. Picks are Blushing Berry and Blushing Mocha.

Femme Fetale

Ds2_2Dawn M. Spencer Hurwitz came on the perfumery scene back in 1991and has since enlightened us with her unique blends of fragrances. DSH PERFUMES Essence Oils Collection has a whole new look and they’ve added a few new ones to the mix. Since these ready-to-wear scents were originally inspired by the seasons of the year, I guess you could say she discovered new seasons! My favorite of the bunch is French Kiss. It has notes of White Grapefruit, Bulgarian Rose, Violet, Musk and Vanilla. Very feminine but not too girly.
And she sells all the scents in all sizes and forms – from a Dram Oil Pulse Roller ($23) and Eau de Parfum Spray ($44.50/1oz) to an Exfoliating Body Wash ($7/2oz) and Shea Butter Lotion ($47/8oz). I love that there are so many ways to wear them.
So if you're looking for a signature scent and don't want to go mainstream, give this line consideration @ dshperfumes.com

September 19, 2007

What Color Is September?

Tealeyes3September is earthy and warm with greens. ViNCENT LONGO new Eye Shimmer Souffle in Oasis ($24 @ sephora.com) from their 2007 Fall Collection illustrates this beautifully.
And since we are on the topic of greens, Teal has to be my favorite shade for the season and I have to say I’m a little obsessed with it. GiELLA Creamy Liner in Lockness ($27 @ giella.com). It’s the perfect shade of teal and the small pot goes a long way.

Lisa's Lucky List

Everyone else does a Top Ten List, but since seven is my lucky number, I'm going to give you the 4-1-1 on seven great skin care products. These are the highlight products from several lines I have tried and wanted to share. They are in alpha order because I can’t choose one over the other and they’re all good! Here it goes:

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1. BEYOND COASTAL SUN CARE – Must not forget sunscreen, even when the sun has gone behind the clouds. Daily Care SPF15 is chock full of green tea, yerba mate and lipoic acid ($14.50/4oz). And they don't forget about lips with their All Natural Lip Balm ($5/.25oz). The extra large tube provides an SPF of 15 with antioxidants galore and Shea butter. Both @ beyondcoastal.com
2. INSTiTUT ARNAUD's Youthful Radiance Serum gives a certain “glow” to your complexion, even without foundation! Skin appears to be firmer and lifted and the texture of the cream is like velvet. $30/1.02oz @ walgreens.com

3. Libertage Advance Jour Expression Line Corrector from L'BEL creates an intense patch-type effect to keep the skin in its relaxed state and to help control the appearance of wrinkles caused by constant facial muscular contraction. This is an intense gel with a double smoothing effect. Use this one in the AM. $37.50/1oz @ lbel.com

4. LUMEDiA Facial Brightener is 100% Hydroquinone-Free and brightens the skin helps you look younger and really enhances skin’s overall tone. Use twice a day to achieve optimum results. $90/3oz @ cosmeticmall.com

5. NiLAA SILK Eye Creme is just that, so silky! This one combines Indian Ayurvedic herbs and Turmeric spice for the creamiest treat for your eye area. It’s great alone or to wear over a specific eye treatment serum. This ancient Ayurvedic secret is comforting and immensely moisturizing to the eye area. $36/.85oz @ nilaasilk.com

6. PH ADVANTAGERhydex-2 Wrinkle Relief Cream. Wrinkles don’t stand a chance with this one that is one Peptide packed cream. For fast acting and long term treatment of facial wrinkles, this one claims to increase elasticity, help rebuild collagen and creates an ultra hydrating moisture barrier. $75/oz @ phadvantage.com

7. SKiNDiNAViA Shine Reducing Cleanser has a remarkable time released system built in the formula to help regulate shine throughout the day and it kicks into overdrive in extreme humidity. This is a sulfate-free blend that oxygenates in about 20 seconds to lift dirt and keep your skin matte. This is a major find for oily skin types! $19/4oz @ skindinavia.com 
~Lisa

September 18, 2007

Cream of the Crop

Lavaniladuo_3We loved their healthy fragrances when they came out and LAVANiLA has just added some decadent moisturizers to the line. The Healthy Body Butter ($25/8oz @ sephora.com) is 100% pure Shea and cocoa butters dosed with 'good for you' ingredients like Goji Berry, essential vitamins and minerals. We all know how important it is to layer your fragrances to make them last and now my skin will be living in vanilla. Available in Pure Vanilla, Vanilla Grapefruit and Vanilla Blossom. 

Work Those Brows

Check out the fantastic Miracle Brow compact from RAMY BEAUTY THERAPY. The mirrored compact has two neutral brown shades that seem to work well with any hair color.Ramy_3 And a small detail/big benefit trait, the indented well where the brush sits in is deep and wide so it’s easy to get the brush out when you need it. It doesn’t get stuck in the middle of the color pots when you move the compact around like compact brow palettes do. And no mess! Use the stiff angled brush on one side to apply the color and a combing brush on the other side to brush it in. The texture? It’s like Ramy melted an easy to use pencil color and cooled it in a gel base. Form and function! $28 @ ramy.com ~Lisa

September 17, 2007

Get Baked!

I am loving all the baked eye shadows the lines are putting out. They can be used with a wet or dry brush and the shades are all pretty wearable. LAURA GELLER Baked Marble Eyeshadows ($22 @ sephora.com)Lauragellersss are multiple shades of color swirled into a nice size pan. Use your brush to maneuver it to pick up all the shimmery colors or concentrate on specific shades in the pan. Color picks are the Blue Heaven and Stardust shown here.

The Lady Is A Vamp

Rockin’ royal shades are in season from the Imperial Anarchy Collection from CND (CREATIVE NAIL DESIGN), as they are now called. Their Fall 2007 Enamel Collection shades were all over the runways this year, so show off your hands (and toes!) too. The shades and color names are fresh and strong.

Cndgroup_4

On Monday I wore Hyde in the Dark - gray with hints of dark blue, stunning!

Tuesday, it was House of Rebels - brick red creme

Wednesday I sported Crowned - vintage copper metallic

Thursday I painted Crimson Uprising - shimmery crimson

Friday I rocked with Rock Royalty - dark purple crème

Saturday night it was Regal Revenge - deep fuschia crème
View them all for $6 @ creativenaildesign.com ~Lisa

September 16, 2007

Perfecting Skin

3lab_3File this one under Total Beauty Pampering. 3LAB WW Cream ($400/2oz @ saks.com) does it all in the fight against aging and is at the forefront of technology. It uses two powerful ingredients, Phyllantus Emblica Fruit Extract and Hydranox complexes to really attack and soften facial wrinkles, brighten the complexion and improve the texture and tone. It really seems to do what it promises. I could go on and on about the benefits but I think you get the picture. So if you are really serious about making a change in your skin, and can afford it, this one is worth a try.

Be Gentle With Me

CutlershampCutlercond_2In this transitional weather season, we must rethink our moisturizers, makeup … and hair care. If you can’t make it into one of Rodney Cutler’s famous Manhattan hair salons, you can experience his expertise in your own home! CUTLER Extra Gentle Shampoo is the perfect haven for “s-tressed” out hair transitioning from the heat of summer to the coolness of the fall. Hair really feels soft and has no tangles with this tenderly refining shampoo ($16/8oz). Even better is the Intensive Conditioner ($17/8oz), which nourishes dry and damaged hair without weighing hair down. The cool blue stripes really stand out in the shower so the bottles are easily found to instantly work their magic. All @ amazon.com ~Lisa

September 15, 2007

The Sun Still Shines

SunscreensIf it’s starting to look and feel a little like fall in your town, don’t be deceived. The sun is still out and shining those UVA and UVB rays, so you still need to protect your face and body. Lots of excellent choices out there so you can choose the one that fits you best.

POLA 1/f (pronounced un-ef) Suncut Milk SPF30 is allergy tested, water resistant and comes in a special formula, one for the face and one for the body ($24/2.1oz @ polakirei.com). I really like to treat my face differently and so I appreciate two different products. Makeup glides on over this non-greasy lotion.

SKiN MEDiCA Environmental Defense Sunscreen SPF30+ contains Hyaluronic acid (for hydrating), vitamin E, caffeine and green tea extract for antioxidant protection. This cutting edge sunscreen is excellent for extended exposure to sun. $38/3oz @ skinstore.com
The spray is the way to go.
JUNE JACOBS Spa Collection Oil-Free Sunscreen Mist, SPF 15 is a convenient and great smelling way to apply sunscreen.  A very fine mist sprays the lotion, which is quick drying and will not clog your pores. But the best thing about the spray is that you can cover those hard to reach places on your back and legs. This formula is very moisturizing so it can multi task. The soft citrus and ginger scent is soothing and not overpowering. $36/7.2oz @ junejacobs.com ~Lisa