.:: CybeleSays ::.

You Read It Here First!

As soon as I get home in the evening and know I’m in for the night, I immediately put back the hair and put on the PJs. Using a headband and then pulling the rest into a ponytail is not the most comfortable but it does get the hair off my face. Now I am happy to say I’ve found something better and we’re happy to make their Internet introduction. The TASSI ($14.99 @ tassicompany.com) headwrap will become the only way to comfortably get your hair off your face and neck.

There’s only a two beauty conventions I go to every year looking for the latest debuting on the beauty scene and this was one of the most useful ones I came across. Put the stretch terry cloth band over your head, pull hair through, push it up into the front like a headband and then pull the back up to catch the back of your hair. It’s the most comfortable thing to wear on your head! Use it for everything: getting a facial, putting on makeup, while tanning, showering. Basically anywhere you need to get your hair outta the way. Available in 8 fun colors! Big recommendation.

Antioxidizing Color

This one has a lot of firsts under its belt. This was the first cheek stain on the market and the first product that came out from this line. It was also one of the products that started me on my journey of weeding out the good from the bad. TARTE’s Natural Swirl Cheek Stain in Full Blossom ($28/1oz @ sephora.com) is the latest stain to be unleashed on the world. It is two shades swirled together in one - the Natural Beauty shade (sheer berry rose) and their T5 Super Fruit Complex. Hmmm, so what “shade” is a T5 Super Fruit Complex?? I guess it’s the color you would get if you mix together the five most active superfruits that this complex is made up of: goii, acai, maracuia, acerola and pomegranate. From looking at the picture, it looks pretty light. The other benefit of this complex is that they are natural antioxidants and vitamins. So a great color and skin benefiting ingredients. I’m in!

Looking East For Inspiration

BATH AND BODYWORKS is taking inspiration from Asia with their new Far East Escape Collection from the True Blue Spa, which comes out today. Pamper yourself with each of the five products that contain ingredients from Asia that are known to have skin nutritious ingredients. And I love how self-explanatory each product is!

Clean Karma Gently Exfoliating Daily Body Wash w/Crushed Lychee and Bamboo ($13.50)

Rice To the Rescue Rice Pudding Body Polish with Rick Milk ($17.50)

For Heaven’s Sake Super Softening Oil-To-Cream Bath & Shower Wash with Sake ($15)

Mystic Silk 24-Hour Ultimate Moisture Body Lotion with Silk Protein & Rice Bran Oil ($15)

Self Meditating Body Butter with Rice Bran Oil & Green Tea ($15)
All @ bathandbodyworks.com

New Greeks On the Block

Homeopathic Greek line, KORRES, just added a full line of makeup to their lineup! I was very surprised that they did this as I never thought is would be up their alley. Overall the colors all seem wearable most a lot of skin tones – no Urban Decay colors here. The skin benefiting ingredients are worked into these products too. For example, the Eyeshadows are made with natural botanicals and passion fruit oil. And the pigment intensity varies depending on the shade.

Product picks right now are the Eyeshadows ($16) in #35M Brown and 24S Gold, Blush ($22) in #16 Pink and Deep Colour Mascara ($18) in #04 Blue Black. Look for more reviews on this line in future posts. All exclusively @ sephora.com

Royal Eyes

SCOTT BARNES just put out some new colors of Eye Ice ($25 @ scottbarnes.com). “The Royals” collection of loose eye powder colors is very diverse but seem most suited for nighttime wear. Simply tap-tap the amount needed out of the heavy glass bottle, swirl your brush in and apply. Very beautiful shades.

• Majesty – chrome like gray
• Empress – rich royal purple
• Imperial Gold – soft metallic gold
• Serpentine – burnished bronze
• Versailles – snow white glitter

Alive & Kicking

The timing on this next line is right on. It seems that everyone is a-buzz regarding green, organic and eco-friendly. And a Hollywood hairstylist is taking on the hair category with C TONiCS. This line is composed of 100% live organic ingredients that not only treat your hair but also the scalp. Each product is sulfate-free (safe for color-treated strands, yeah!) and is made with various ingredients from around the world, like oils from Sri Lanka, clays from Iceland and herbs from China. You are really getting a global product here!

There are seven products ($25/8oz bottle) and each addresses a different hair or scalp concern. Choose Core, Pulse, Tranquility, Passion, Tantra, Elixir Milk, or Elixir Blossom. Learn more about this groundbreaking line @ ctonics.com

Quick Pick

It’s made of minerals

It’s blush on one half and bronzer on the other half

It’s two hot and totally wearable colors in one compact
It’s PHiLOSOPHY The Supernatural Mineral Blush Duo in Berry/Chestnut ($25 @ philosophy.com)

The Classic Man

I still say the way to any man’s heart is through his nose. And for this upcoming Valentine’s Day, my SO will be getting a bottle of the classic GiORGiO ARMANI Acqua Di Gio Eau de Toilette ($46.19/1.7oz @ fragrancenet.com). It's a fresh, woody and all masculine scent. This fragrance also comes in a 2.6oz Deodorant ($16). Mmm, mmm, good.

Leave It To Lush

I have been on a LUSH tear! I mentioned a few weeks ago that I went to one of their stores when I was back east and in addition to Fever, I also picked up some new ones to try and one of them was their new Jasmin and Henna Fluff-Ease ($19.95/7.8oz @ lush.com) and wow, is all I can say. It is a hair treatment you plaster onto dry hair and leave on for 20 minutes. Thinking that I just got lucky with my amazing results, I used it again and again, the same tah-dow results! Being the Queen of Excess when it comes to products, you’d think this one was right up my alley – instructions say ¼ pot for short hair, ½ pot for medium length and whole pot for long. I was able to restrain myself and only use about ¼ of it for my medium length and was still able to cover it all. Welcome to the Hall of Fame, Jasmin and Henna Fluff-Ease!

Get Blue With Kitten

Ok, this is the last blue mascara I will post on these pages, at least for a few months. You’ve had three recommendations now so get out there and try one!

The color of KiTTEN ViXEN’s ‘Eye Put A Spell On You’ Eye Kit in Naughty Girl Navy ($24@ kittenvixen.com) shouldn’t scare you too much upon first glance. The blue is really dark but it still makes the whites of eyes appear brighter and whiter. Isn’t that enough to make this month the month to try something new in your beauty routine? And this one has a liner on the other side of the mascara, a sharpener and eye shadow applicator. Makes the $24 sting less.

Have Heavenly Hands

There’s nothing like a soothing hand cream to really make my dry hands feel better and this one lasts well after I’ve put the cap back on the tube. LA MER The Hand Treatment ($70/3.4oz @ cremedelamer.com) may be a bit on the pricey side but as I’ve mentioned before, isn’t it worth it to pay a little extra for something that really works for you? This is certainly one of those products. And this formula contains an exclusive Skin Lightening Complex that helps jazz up how the skin on your hands looks. I’m also a fan of the light scent it leaves behind. Nice job La Mer.

It's All In the Kit

Thanks goodness for at-home treatments! I’m not really a spa type girl except for a massage. Other than that, you won’t find me there on a Saturday afternoon. Since Microdermabrasion kits started appearing on the scene a few years back, I was intrigued but not really won over. Yes, there are some good ones out there and I am putting this ZiA NATURAL Microdermabrasion System ($79.95 @ zianatural.com) in that category.

The most important trait when looking at anything you put on your face is to make sure it gentle and won’t make microscopic tears in the skin. Most scrubs that say “for the face” are too harsh for the face and it seems that the only good ones on the market are those with synthetic beads. The Natural Microdermabrasion Scrub (2.5oz) in this kit uses a Magnesium Oxide Crystal Crème to exfoliate and from what I could find online, it’s pretty gentle and I found quite a few popular scrubs that also use this ingredient. Also contained in this kit is the, the Microdermabrasion Tool with Stand and a Replaceable Sponge Head. And this is the fun part! Simply apply a nickel-sized amount of the scrub on the sponge head of the Tool and run it all over your face from 1 to 3 minutes. Afterwards, use the Skin Balancing Tonic (3.3oz) and then the Moisture Infusion Serum (.5oz) to seal the deal.

Fab Little Squares

SHU UEMURA’s Pressed Eye Shadow N ($20 @ shuuemura.com) is a new formula of powders (I’m guessing the “N” at the end of the name stands for New). I always thought the original ones were a nice quality and the clear cases were neat. These new squares of finely milled micro-pressed powders and light capturing powders. So these new recipes not only seem to adhere to the skin better but they still have the superior blending ability I came to love. And they ever sleek-a-fied the Lucite packaging. I’m not sure if they are converting all 100 or so colors or just a big handful of them. Either way, if you have not tried these shadows, here’s a great reason to now.

Coming Our Way *Preview* Bites

In April, GUERLAIN is coming out with a $35 mascara called Le 2 de Guerlain. It's a two-brush mascara "powered by space-age polymers."

Jean Paul GAULTIER is trying his hand in the skin care and color cosmetics made just for men. The line will be called Monsieur and available also in April.

VERSACE Pour Homme, the counterpart to their fragrance for women, Versace, will hit the US marketing in August.

The KERASTASE hair line is coming out with a three-product system to address those with color-treated and highlighted strands. Réflection Chroma Riche will complement their line Réflection, which is specifically for color-treated hair. The trio of products will be available in salons in February.

Complexions by Dr. Watts is an 8-product line that will launch on HSN as an alternative to plastic surgery.

Source: WWD

Wash~n~Scrub

The best way for any moisturizer to work is to use a scrub to remove all the dead skin beforehand. This really allows the moisturizer to sink in deep. I am really liking SURGEON’S SKiN SECRET One Step Manicure ($3.99 - $24.95/1oz - 16oz @ jamarklabs.com). It’s Shea Butter, essential oils (lemon, jojoba and almond) mixed in sea salt. Massage a tablespoon all over hands and get ready for softness.

Cold Weather Answer

Is the cold taking its toll on your skin? DARPHiN’s Aromatic Purifying Balm ($75/.5oz, $220/1.6oz @ darphin.com) is perfect for this time of year. It contains Tea tree, Lavender, Sage, Geranium and Grapefruit essential oils; Hazelnut and St. John’s Wort oils and Beeswax. These ingredients really hydrate the skin and it is recommended for use before you hit the hay. And where does the “Aromatic” part come in? Some of the above ingredients are pretty fragrant, especially the Lavender. This one’s nice after a long day.

Hold It!

Need to keep every hair in place? Cream or spray, these use different formulas for different holds.

PROFOUND BEAUTY Structure Luxe Cream ($28/4.75oz @ profoundbeauty.com) – This cream is the modernized version of the 60’s/70’s setting creams. Wanna create some waves but afraid that they won’t last long? You could do it with hairspray but the finished look always has that hard crunch effect. This one leaves a more natural look.

L’OREAL Elnett Hairspray ($12/2.5oz, $21/6.7oz @ amazon.com/beauty) - This hairspray has such a cult following and after discovering it a few years ago, I can see why. It brushes out so it allows a woman to change her mind! And thankfully it is not hard to find anymore.
PAUL MiTCHELL Extra-Body Firm Finishing Spray ($12.99/11oz @ paulmitchell.com) – Here’s a hair staple. You need to hold your hair style; I mean really hold your hair style firmly in place. Here’s your answer.

Facesome Foursome

I love when a line keeps it very basic. Like the one from DiANA B. Their moto is CLEANSE. HYDRATE. NOURISH. TRANSFORM. And yes, all in caps.

CLEASE = Foaming Facial Sugar Scrub

HYDRATE = Hydrating Toner

NOURISH = Face Cream

TRANSFORM = Eye Cream

Now I don’t know about you but I can’t imagine washing my face with a sugar scrub everyday. I didn’t try it so I can’t comment on it. The ones I did try were the Face Cream ($90/3oz) and Eye Cream ($85/.9oz). I like using them both at night. Neither contains filler ingredients and are non-comedogenic.

Benefits of the Face Cream – ingredients include algae extracts, nourishing oils of sweet almond, jojoba, Evening Primrose, and Shea Butter to name a few. Seems to work beautifully for this time of year.
Benefits of the Eye Cream – same as above but also contains ones to help tone down dark circles. And it has a slight cooling effect when applied. So de-puff away! All available @ luckyscent.com

Keepin' It Real

Everyone is onto the N Collection from MAC since it just came out a last week, but I am still caught up in the Originals. The colors and shades have stood the test of time and this has to be one of the most diverse collections they've ever put together.
New to MAC and don’t know where to start? Or maybe you just need to stock up on some good basics? Here’s our picks:

• Lipstick - Russian Red, Supersequin, Twig-Twig
• Tinted Lipglass ($14) – Full On Lust, Avarice
• Eye Shadow ($14) – Ochre Style, Parrot, Memorabilia, Charred
• Pigment ($19.50) – Melon, Kitschmas
• Glitter ($16.50) – Reflects Antique Gold
• Eye Pencil ($12.50) – Coffee, Ebony
• Mascara X ($12.50) – Black, of course!

All @ maccosmetics.com

Now how about a contest that keeps it real? Click here to read all about our MAC Cosmetics contest.

Rolling, Rolling, Rolling

It seems like LiSA HOFFMAN is thinking of real women and real situations with her line. Take her new ‘Variations’ Fragrance Collection ($150 @ lisahoffmanskincare.com) for example. We all have a favorite scent but sometimes it’s just not appropriate for all times of the day. When I wake up in the morning, my nose is not really awake yet and to hit it with my signature scent is sometimes a little too much and I find myself forgoing it altogether that day. She has created scents where each is adjusted to how sensitive your nose is throughout the day. Huh? One scent, four roller-ball vials and each is labeled for when to apply: Morning, Daytime, Evening, Bedtime (I guess I am not the only one who likes wearing fragrance to bed!). Choose from three different totally wearable scents: French Clary Sage, Tuscan Fig (Cybelesays pick), and Tunisian Neroli.

Quick Pick Lips

Sometimes, I just want a basic creamy lipstick. Moisture Drench Lipstick ($9.99 @ boots.com) from UK line, BOOTS, is that basic lipstick. It’s smooth and slightly moisturizing. Color pick #75 Sugar Plum.

Blue Suede ... Lashes

Since the kickoff of 2008, I’ve been obsessed with blue mascaras as this is the second one this week I am featuring. The formulas I have tried do not look blue unless you look at them up close AND in the light. TOO FACED’s Lash Injection in Vivid Blue ($19.50 @ sephora.com) looks really bright blue on the wand. Yikes! Swipe, swipe, swipe your way to thick lashes, added length, and whiter looking eyes, so yes, I guess you could say that lashes are “injected.” Hours later? No flaking!

Let's Get Green

As we get deeper into beauty as a whole, we are exposed to alternate ways of living and being, and part of that is grooming and beauty. One company that has recently cropped up on our radar is GREEN BY NATURE. Each of their products are 100% paraben free (preservative), 100% sulfate free  (lathering agent), 100% DEA free (additive that supposedly causes cancer), and 100% not tested on animals. Phew, that’s a mouth full! Now, if were to look at my kitchen sink, you’d see all the different liquid soaps I keep on the right side of the sink. One that has been added to the group is their Tea Hand Wash ($8.99/7.4oz @ greenbynaturebeauty.com). It contains natural lemon oil and other gentle ingredients that clean without stripping them dry. There are seven different scents available and my pick is the Mint Green.

Coming Your Way Preview *Bites*

Comme des Garçons will be putting out their first fragrance called 8 88 in March.

Ralph Lauren is set to come out with another fragrance, this one aimed at teens. Ralph Wild will hit stores in mid-February.

The Sonya Dakar Body Line is making its debut of 6 products in February.

French surfwear brand, Oxbow, is trying their hand in the fragrance category. It will be released in France in March and worldwide this summer.

Source: WWD

Know What You're Using

Here’s a first -- ORiGiNS is the first prestige line of hair and body products to put out a collection certified organic by the USDA National Organic Program. Each of the 9 products in the Origins Organics line declares how much of the product’s ingredients are organic, so for the most part, you know what you are getting. Hair and body never had it so good and I think this will be a trend for 2008. So choose from the Foaming Face Wash ($25/3.4oz) or the Cleansing Body Bar ($15/3.4oz) or some others. My other favorite has to be the Soothing Lip Balm ($15/.5oz). It’s 97% organic, fixes my dry lips and has a nice vanilla scent. All @ origins.com

Crazy, Sexy, Smokey

Need a little help creating that smoky eye? DuWOP can lend a hand. Their Smoke ($28 @ sephora.com) eye shadow duos give you the look in two steps. Each contains a cake liner, a shimmer powder and two small brushes to apply. And the secret here is to blend, blend, blend. Available in 4 coordinating duos: Black Gold, Navy Seal, Olive Branch, and Plum Wine. Big recommendation.

Try A Smidge Of Color

I really like the idea of using dark blue mascara on lashes. It’s different than traditional black and the finished look is beautiful. MAX FACTOR’s new Vivid Impact Dual Color Highlighting Mascara in Banishing Blue ($11.24 @ drugstore.com) is a Defining Basecoat on one side and a Highlighting Topcoat on the other. At this point in my life, I am quite used to running a mascara wand over my lashes about 50 times to get the desired length and thickness and the Defining Basecoat falls into that category. Each tube uses their FX Brush Technology, which allows you to cover ever lash, and it works. The Highlighting Topcoat is for adding an “iridescent wink of color.” I liked the Basecoat but didn’t really notice any wink of color from the pink highlighter on my lashes no matter how much I applied. But that’s ok, I really liked the length, the definition and that the blue really makes the whites of my eyes appear whiter. Love that!

Nail-Aid To The Rescue!

The Holidays are finally over and now, not only can my body recover, but my nails too. I had acrylic nails put on for the month of December and as you probably can guess, my nails paying the price. So I am turning to NAiL-AiD’s Nail Recovery ($6.50 @ nailaidcares.com) made especially for after the removal of artificial nails. This formula is infused with vitamins, wheat protein and calcium to help nails recover. It’s been 1 ½ weeks and so far, so good. They have six other formulas for what ails your nails and how’s this for a good deal - If the one you choose doesn’t live up to your expectations? Simply return it for a full refund.

Fun N' Flirty With Floral

We all know the clothing line, now say hellow to the fragrance. And what a pleasant surprise this ROXY Eau de Toilette ($34-$58/1oz –3.3oz) turned out to be. I read somewhere that florals were not too popular in the fragrance world and I wish I could drum up that piece now so I could reference it. Anyway, it may feel like full on winter outside but spritz on this one and you’ll swear it’s spring, even if only in your bedroom. This fun scent targets teens and young adults but I say gimme more! It’s cirtus, berries and florals like magnolia, lily of the valley (a personal favorite), violet and a base is a musk, which all dances together wonderfully. Be sure to layer it with their Delicate Shower Gel ($24/5oz) and Delicate Shower Gel with Pearl Extract ($20/5oz) to make the scent last through the day.

The brand plans on releasing a fragrance every 6 months so keep your radar on for the next one, Roxy Love. All @ sephora.com

From Overseas To Your Bath

Create a sense of well being in the bath with a few products from New Zealand’s LiNDEN LEAVES. Their Aromatherapy Synergy collection is scented with rose, geranium and ylang ylang. Joyous! Picks: Bubble Bath ($18.95/9.1oz), Foaming Shower Gel ($13.95/6.7oz), and Memories Body Oil ($29.95/8.4oz). From this collection and the others we have tried over the years, this line never disappoints. All @ lindenleavesusa.com

One Last Holiday Reminder

My house is still