.:: CybeleSays ::.

Sephora's Minerals Win Me Over

Anytime I come across a pressed mineral foundation, I’m immediately interested. And this latest one from SEPHORA is the latest one to catch my eye. Their Mineral Double Compact Foundation SPF 15 ($22 @ you know where.com) is everything a good formulated mineral powder should be – talc-free, Bismuth Oxychloride--free (this particular ingredient commonly found in mineral makeup can be irritating to those with sensitive skin), paraben-free (not all mineral powders are) and it contains Titanium Dioxide (the SPF). The application sponge it comes with unique in that it's black on one side for maximum coverage and the white on the other for minimum coverage. Cool!

My only “room for improvement” suggestion would be the actual compact it comes in. Through the top you can see the powder. OK, cool. Open it and the inside powder level moves open to reveal the sponge below. Also on that “level” with the sponge is the mirror. But after you take the sponge out and apply some powder you have to flip the level up to see the mirror. Need some more powder, yup, have to flip it back to get at the powder and then back to get at the mirror. And I have seen the speed some women use when applying powder! Not the easiest way to use this compact. So it’s a great powder with a detail that could be adjusted. Common Sephora, you know better.

I’m On The Minerals And Can’t Get Off

All foundations seem to pale in comparison since I discovered mineral makeup a few years ago. It’s easy and quick to apply and really looks natural. I’ve only come across one other liquid mineral foundation, Illuminare, and I loved it, so I was really open to this liquid one from YOUNGBLOOD. Their Liquid Mineral Foundation just came out and it is infused with Reduced Salt Deep-Sea Water and also Calendula, Cucumber and Green Tea to name a few. Let’s talk about what you see and feel.

See = nothing

Feel = nothing

Like it’s supposed to, it really does feel like I don’t have anything on my face and it evens out my skin tone beautifully. So I guess you could say I'm going au-natural! $39.95/1oz @ ybskin.com

Next Up MAC

I’m really beginning to hate MAC. They don’t seem to really miss the boat, like ever! Not that I wish them ill but come on. It’s funny, some of my favorite eye shadows and lipsticks are ones I wear once in a great while but I look and admire them all the time. Yes, most of them are from MAC.

Here’s the latest collection – Fafi. What is a Fafi? Click here. I don’t when the last time a graffiti artist was celebrated. It happens but just not much. The new Fafi Collection from MAC is all girly and mostly pink! So if pink is your thing, this is right up your alley. Two instant favorites are the Nail Lacquers ($10) in Girls Will Be Girls (pink with coral pearl) and Boom! (rich eggplant with purple pearl). Not only will I be admiring these but I will for sure be wearing them. Another favorite are the Clearly Fafi ($15, $25, $34) cosmetic bags. I have to be able to see everything I’m carrying around, right? If you’re in the mood to get in touch with your inner girly-girl and play, this is a fun collection for just that.

New Today ...

I really like trying new foundations from the big companies because they have the means to stay on the cutting edge of technology. Yes, face products are also in this category but I can tell instantly what a foundation is about where with a cream, only time will tell. So push your current foundation to the side to make room for CHANEL’s new Mat Lumiere Long Lasting Luminous Matte Fluid Makeup ($52/1oz @ chanel.com). It’s everything you want in a medium-coverage foundation these days: lightweight, shine-free, matte, and long-wearing, to name a few. And this formula uses a new kind of blend of silicone polymers combined with spherical powders (who thinks to even try this??) to create a “modernized matte.” Don’t quite know what that means but my skin looks fresh and flawless and I found I don’t need to touch up my t-zone as often throughout the day. Available in 12 shades.

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)

Metallic-A

Any cosmetic colors in the metallic family seem to automatically get my attention. THE BODY SHOP’s Special Edition Autumn Color Collection Fabulous Metallics is all things shimmering and seductive. From eyes to cheeks to lips, they’ve got shades for them.

Precious Rouge in Lavish Pink – flirty medium pink ($14.50)

Special Edition Shimmer Smudgers in Etched Brown - a rusty bronze with iridescent pink pearls ($18.50)

Innovative Shimmer Squares in Cashmere Pink - deep rose pink, smoky grey and intense purple ($18)

Brilliance Powder in Lustrous Rose - rich pink shimmer with iridescent multi-colored glitter ($18.50)

All @ thebodyshop.com

Ho-Ho-Holidays!

The Holidays are right around the corner and for me November means I have to start thinking of gifts. We will be giving you some gift suggestions right up until the last minute and you’ll know a pick by the cartoon picture of the bell and holly next to each.
A lot of the beauty websites understand how busy their customers are, so take advantage of online free shipping and other promotional offers. Make this the year that you get a jump on the season.

PRESCRiPTiVES sexes up the Holidays with their new collection, The Illuminators. Eyes, lips, face, each product mimics a candle’s feature-flattering effect. My pick has to be the All Over Face Color ($35 @ prescriptives.com). It has holidays written all over it and this picture shown here just doesn’t do this palette justice. The 3” square metallic bronze case contains three base shades with gold overlaid on each. So highlight or add depth to the cheeks or brow. I have been using the two of the shades as a swipe of shadow for the daytime for a subtle wink of color, since the colors are build-able. Beautiful collection!

Finger Paints

New for fall is SCOTT BARNES Crème Color ($24 @ scottbarnes.com). It’s an all in one sheer veil of color for cheeks, lips and even eyes. Choose from eight colors that can be worn alone or combines with others for cool effects. Color picks: Native (medium mauve) and Bloom (pink).

Been There. Done That.

In a way, I envy models. They are able to try just about every kind of makeup available in the world. In the WORLD! So they know the Holy Grail products and the clunkers. Sucking up all this knowledge up is what led former Maybelline New York spokes model to create JOSiE MARAN COSMETiCS. Her new eco-conscious cosmetics line contains everything you need and nothing you don’t. From Concealer to Lip Gloss and everything in between. My pick of the litter is her Lipstick ($18) in the creamy pink shade of Flirtatious. It really moisturizes and glides over lips. My other pick is the Pressed Powder ($30) in Natural. Not too cake-y and it gives a smooth natural finish.
And each rose-colored metallic case is made of corn based plastic, recycled aluminum or glass. I like that she goes the extra mile. Look for more features on this very wearable line. The site was supposed to be available in September so check back often @ josiemarancosmetics.com

In the Spotlight

It amazes me how the beauty companies keep coming up with innovative products. I keep thinking it’s all been done! LORAC is a frontrunner with their new Perfectly Lit Oil-Free Luminizing Powder ($32). When I first looked at the compact, I thought it was a bronzer. But no no no, it’s a gorgeous creamy silky smooth powder that instantly brightens and evens out the skin tone. It’s like having your face in the perfect light all the time. There are three shades: Luminous (light), Spotlight (medium) and Radiant (dark). I have been using Spotlight and experimenting with it on the cheeks, neck, over the brows, and around the mouth. You choose what effects you want to create and create it with the power of light! ~Lisa

Here’s your chance to shine like a superstar and prance down all the Red Carpets with their new limited edition Starry-Eyed Baked Eyeshadow Trio ($24). These highly pigmented and shimmering color-coordinated shadows are perfectly matched so you can easily create a super smoky eye look with a unique twist. Carol Shaw designed these trios baked on a terra cotta disk for long-lasting wear and they can be applied wet for a dramatic effect, or dry for a natural look. I’ve been wearing Rising Star, which includes a light gold, golden grass, and mossy olive and I love them because I decided to be a bit bold these days and am leaving neutral eye shades behind, well at least for a while. Also available in the Evening Star (silver/gunmetal gray/rich smoke) and Shining Star (golden cream/rich gold/deep copper). ~Randi
Both @ sephora.com

Magical Pen

This REVLON Makeup Eraser Pen ($7.99 @ drugstore.com) was a recent pleasant drugstore purchase surprise. One the end of this pen is an eraser-like hard sponge that cleans up any makeup mistakes. Draw too long a line with your liquid liner? Mascara slip onto your lid? Just erase it with this pen. It uses a greaseless formula and the eraser is totally dry. Smudges, smears, waterproof mascara marks, anything. And it will take it away with precision. No more messy liquids and gels to fix your face. Love this pen!

You Read It Here First ...

When I received two of the new SUKiCOLOR Fresh Finish Mineral Cream Makeup products in the mail from Ms. Suki, I ran home to try them. We heard about it a couple of weeks ago and were beyond excited to try them. Like her highly popular skin care line, this mineral cosmetics line was created after seeing a need in the beauty industry, products created with truly natural ingredients. The 20 products are all creams (she hates powders) including a tinted moisturizer, a concealer, a mascara, an eye definer and a Lip/Cheek Stain. And just like her skin care products, they're suitable for all skin tones. The Tinted Active Moisturizer Smooth/Balance ($42/1.2oz) is made with natural pigments to even your skin out and minimize pores. Available in Natural and Bronze. The Pure Cream Stain ($36.50/.5oz) is 100% natural crushed mineral pigment to give a natural flush of color to lips and cheeks. Seven shades available.
I’m sure we’ll be featuring more from this line as soon as we can get our greedy hands on the other items. All @ sukicolor.com

Two From Da' Pong

A real zipper on a cardboard box unlocks this soufflé like crème that helps to neutralize and correct. JELLY PONG PONG's Teint Sublime ($30) from the Fabled Dreams & Beautiful Things collection is just that, a sublime complexion enhancer. My two favorite color choices are Pink, which helps brighten your complexion wherever you need it, and Bronze, which is a very natural way to warm up your cheek area or across the nose and forehead. And you only need the tiniest amount to do the trick. The texture is a pillow soft cream and it only takes a minute for the color to adjust. ~Lisa

I love that their Venus Pearls ($20) from the same collection can be used like fingerpaints. Well fingerpaints of powder. So would that be powderpaints? Use these little beads of color to highlight and emphasize your favorite features. Simply swirl your fingertip into the cup o’ colored dots and apply to lids, under the brows, cheeks, anywhere really. My pick is the one shown here, Worship. The outside of the pearls is pure gold and inside is African maroon. Try each of the five shades to create a unique look.

Check 'em out @ jellypongpong.com and cherryculture.com

Who’s That Gal?

This pink primer takes any gal from dull to dazzling with a few simple strokes. That Gal Brightening Face Primer from BENEFiT COSMETiCS can be worn alone for a brighter appearance or before makeup so you get a smoother application from other products. One of the best parts is it can be reapplied during the day to re-brighten your complexion and it doesn’t seem to mess up the makeup you already have on. And what woman doesn’t want to use a product that has those light-reflecting properties?
There are five other products in the That Gal collection that you’ll also want to check out including a blush, lipstick, mascara, bronzer, and eye shadows. Leave it to the BeneFit babes to so cleverly package an item that is reminiscent of a fat glue stick and so easy to apply, I just love it.  $27/0.37oz @ benefitcosmetics.com ~Randi

Somebody Get Me A Doctor!

PHYSiCiANS FORMULA new Talc-Free Mineral Wear Matte Finishing Veil ($11.95 @ physiciansformula.com) is my on-the-go face toucher-upper for the summer. No time spent in front of a mirror applying as this one HAS a mirror on the cap!

Missed our Physicians Formula contest a few weeks ago? Click here to win a free bronzer now!

'Tis the Season - Makeup

I always love looking sun kissed in the summer but swore off worshipping the sun years ago because of premature aging and all its dangers. When I first discovered bronzers, I jumped for joy because this meant I didn’t have to walk around looking like a ghost year ‘round. So begun my quest to try every bronzer I could get my hands on. If this sounds like you, I recommend the new limited edition Caribbean Heat from the LORAC Caribbean Crush Collection. This two tier compact has a mirror and wide bronzing brush for easy application, and lets you build up with three different shades of multi-shimmer bronzer so you can get the color you crave. Take a peek at the other summer products in this cool collection as they include eye and lip shades that will allow you to achieve the overall beautiful bronzed look. $26 @ sephora.com ~Randi

Two from Tarte

There’s a new color in the TARTE Stain or Shine Collection. Those of you who really prefer using a lip stain over lipstick will really be keen on the Rise & Shine Plumping Lip Stain in Mauve ($21), which also includes a plumping lip gloss on the other end. So one side is a waterproof pink stain topped with a light mauve color gloss and the other pumps you up. ~Lisa

If you are looking for a normal looking sunless tan, Sunburst Body Beaded Bronzing Lotion with Self-Tanner ($49/5oz) from the same collection is your answer. This 2-in-1 gives a tan and moisturizes. Apply this oil-free blend anywhere as you would any face lotion and watch as the mini bronzing beads give you a gradual and long-lasting color that you can build up as you continue to apply more. And it’s suitable for all skin tones! A great blend of plant derived ingredients gives you lots of hydration and allows me the natural looking tan I’ve been seeking. What a winner. ~Randi
Both @ tartecosmetics.com

Two Pongs Without the Ping

JELLY PONG PONG has something super special for the shoe fanatic! Whether you favor flats or high heels, you’re going to love their new Shoe Palette ($9) from the One Swipe And Go Collection. I tried and love Vertigo Stiletto and Plush Pumps, which is an eye shadow and lip duo in a magnetic pink case with a mirror for easy applications on the go. The bronze shadow in the Vertigo seems to work better for my eyes as it really makes my blue eye color appear bluer! And did I mention how tote-able it is?

Chic Shine ($19), another product in this collection, is quickly becoming my other favorite. It’s a duo of matte blush and sheer gloss in a teeny easy to pack case with an inside mirror for touch ups on the go. I’m using Ballerina with a pink blush and sheer pink red gloss. A perfect pairing! Be sure to check out the other colors as well because they are winners. All @ cherryculture.com ~Randi

MAC n’ Me

The new limited edition Moonbathe Collection from MAC is a must for summer. Golds, plums, shimmers, pearls and frosts -- summer moonlight colors! My love affair with their Lipglass has gone on forever and will never end. Elaborate is a gold pearl frost that melts hearts.

For those of you who want a little more color on your lips, try the Lipstick in Solar Plum, an iridescent berry with red and gold pearl frost. Pair these two shadows for sexy eyes: Cosmic (warm gold w/pearl) and Fire Spot (deep olive with gold pearl). All these come in the Moonbathe signature white pearized outer cases. They stand out on your dresser, that’s for sure!  Don’t forget the wonderful Nail Lacquers ($10), especially Fireball in my favorite tangerine with gold and orange pearl. Each is $14 except where listed @ maccosmetics.com ~Lisa

Not Your Mama’s Face Powder

It’s a cute little gadget to pop in your purse for on-the-go powdering. MALLY BEAUTY's Perfecting Powder comes in a small container with a mirror on top so you can see where this lightweight powder is going. There is a soft suede like puff that makes it easy to control where you put the micro-fine loose powder. Hint: Give the top of the puff a tap on the back of your hand to release the powder and then blot away those oily spots on your face. Don’t rub it on, just buff it on the areas that look shiny. Portable powder that doesn’t spill? Mama would love this one! $28 @ mallybeauty.com ~Lisa

Contest!

To celebrate our new look and frequency we have a contest to help you really get you into summer. PHYSiCiANS FORMULA just put out a bunch o' new Bronzers and we got 15 of them in our hands to give to you our faithful readers!

We touted their Baked Bronzer last year, the Solar Power Bronzer with SPF 20 a few weeks ago and my pick of the bunch this month is the new Shimmer Strips Custom Bronzer in Malibu Strip ($11.95 @ drugstores nationwide). It is vaguely reminiscent of another brand but the price is so right! Use 1 shade or all 5 to create a unique look each day.

Just email us here you'll be entered into this random drawing. Good luck!

**Enties must be received by June 30, 2007*Include full name and mailing address or you will not be entered into this randomly picked drawing!*Those who have won a Cybelesays contest in the last 3 months will not be elegible to win*One entry per household**

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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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

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