Latest Beauty Products
Staying up to date with the beauty industry whether it’s makeup, skincare or haircare can be a chore. Lucky for our readers, we have a staff of guest bloggers dedicated to discovering the latest trends and styles taking shape in the beauty industry.
Kat Von D Tattoo Concealer
14 years ago
Mother’s Day in my family is a big event with several dozen aunts, uncles, cousins, food and fun. We all prepare for the party at least one month in advance, we wear our pretty summer dresses and have a great time.
This year, before I bought the dress, my mom’s gift or the greeting cards, I bought Kat Von D Tattoo Concealer.
My family is a tad old-fashioned and I prefer them not to see my tattoos, while at the same time I don’t want to compromise my personal style by getting a dress I don’t like just to hide them. And this product really works as you can see for yourself with Kat Von D in this photo shoot promoting her fragrance Saint & Sinner.
I did some tests on myself before the big party and was very pleased with the results. The concealer comes in different shades, it retails for $25 can be purchased exclusively at Sephora.
In order to make your cover-up job look even more flawless, the collection recently introduced the Tattoo Eraser (retails for $14) and the Tattoo Concealer Brush (retails for $19).
This is a great product if you want to dress up or just want to maintain the peace in the family.
Lancome Hypnose Drama
14 years ago
Lancome has done it again! They are helping us achieve what nature denied some of us: big and full lashes. Lancome introduce Hypnose mascara, winning a 2006 Beauty Award, promising up to 6 times the volume thanks to their exclusive formula enriched with vitamin B5.
Now they introduced Hypnose Drama, which promises high volume lashes thanks to their S-shaped brush. The brush is designed to give lashes a fanned out and full body look, very dramatic and a great way to add intensity to your vampy stare.
You can find Hypnose Drama at stores such as Macy’s, Sephora and Bloomingdales, as well as online on Lancome’s site. The mascara retails for $24.50, with a waterproof version also available. The more I read and learn about it, the more I want it. I may not have too many plans for the weekend, except for going to a store, purchase the mascara and be amazed at how my eyes will look.
The Bowl Cut is making a comeback
14 years ago
Every few years, we’ll see a celebrity in a movie or on the red carpet with a new hairstyle and shortly after, you’ll see that same style on the streets. Take Sienna Miller’s hair in Factory Girl for example!
Lately, I’ve been noticing a hairstyle that seems to be catching on, and I’m a little concerned! The Bowl Cut is making a comeback! Yikes!
Way back in 1925, the bowl cut hairstyle was made famous by Moe from the Three Stooges, in the 60’s we saw a modern version of the bowl cut on the Beatles, and then again in the 80’s we saw this style on all the boys in our classroom!
And now, here it is again! But this time it’s not just for boys. Some of the trendiest ladies in Hollywood are sporting this style.
Even Lady Gaga’s dancers are sporting the bowl cut!
Rihanna holds the position of the most extreme bowl cut I’ve seen yet….
Hairstyles are like fashion; cyclical and seasonal. So if you’re thinking about getting this bowl cut style, think about it long and hard…because this style can’t be easy to grow out (good thing Rihanna has money for wigs and extensions)!
What do you think about the bowl cut? Would you rock this style?
ASKA Collagen
14 years ago
Some time ago I watched an Oprah Winfrey Show about things women do to keep their beauty; the show was entitled “Beauty Around the World”. After watching that show I became interested in the Japanese custom of eating or drinking collagen. Japanese women are convinced it works and keeps them looking young.
As soon as I could, I went to a Japanese market and bought ASKA Collagen.
According to the company:
“Collagen, a protein, plays an important role in bonding cells together and maintain firmly in the area such as skins and bones, which results in a firm youthful appearance.”
From my personal experience, the effect was almost immediate; after the third packet I drank, I noticed my face a lot smoother. Although I have to admit, my fine lines are still there; I see this product as a way to help reduce the ravages of time. I’ve been taking it for months and I’m still impressed at how smooth my skin feels. As a side effect, I’ve also noticed my hair and nails are stronger.
You can find this product on Japanese markets (in the store I go to, it’s next to the cash register) or online at the ASKA Corporation site and it retails for $34.00 USD.
What’s with the Frizz??
14 years ago
With the temperatures rising and humidity approaching that can bring one thing, frizzy, yucky hair days. If you’re like me with naturally curly hair and carry around a hair-band just in case, you’re probably wondering if there’s a better way around the mess. Well, I’ve learned that there is, so I’m going to test out a few things to hopefully put an end to this embarrassing frizzyness that’s been a reoccurrence all my life.
So, I’ve read that switching up a hair care routine is definitely a must, especially during the change of seasons. But, what’s the best product and how many products do I actually need to use? There are a multitude of hair products for frizzy hair but finding the right one for each unique head of hair can be a challenge. Also, in order to find the right one for you might require testing a few to see what works.
From my experience, Frizz-Ease Hair Surum worked wonders for my hair. But, after a few days of using it I noticed a little build-up so I backed down and used it every other day or as needed. It’s easy to use and definitely cost effective, running about $10 per bottle.
Bumble and Bumble’s Deeep conditioner (yep, there’s an extra ‘e’ in there) is known for being one of the best products for frizzy hair and I like that it’s a once a week thing. Deep conditioning the hair once a week for about 20 minutes is a great way to get shiny manageable hair that is still, cost effective priced at about $22 per bottle.
Another product out there that will help eliminate the frizzies but is also great all year round is WEN by Chas Dean.
This isn’t like your ordinary shampoo experience; it doesn’t come with lather and the need for conditioner. It’s a 2-in-1 shampoo that supposedly adds richness to your hair. The cleansers are made with natural ingredients, and contain no sodium laurel sulfate or other damaging detergents found in shampoos. WEN not only cleanses your scalp and hair but it also moisturizes, soothes, strengthens and adds sheen. It doesn’t lather; rather, it creates smooth foam when mixed with water. Since it’s probably a good idea to switch hair care regimens, this could be an option worth trying since they offer a trial period of 60 days.
Eye Lash Enhancement Serum
14 years ago
I was born looking like my Dad’s female look-alike. I inherited his skin tone, oval face, eye shape, smile and temperament. Among all the gifts I received from his side of the gene pool; the one gift I wish he could have kept: my eyelashes.
It’s pathetic how short and straight they are. Even if I use the latest miraculous mascara and curler, less than 30 minutes later they fall back down. Why do I even bother with mascara, you might ask? Because if I didn’t, my eyelashes would be invisible.
When the eye lash enhancement serum Latisse was available I felt hope, although I wasn’t too keen on going to a Doctor to get some of it.
But recently I got my hands on over-the-counter brand called Rapid Lash by Promaxyl.
The product promises results in 4-6 weeks, I’ve been using it for 4 weeks now and I can tell there is a difference on my eyelashes. My routine is the same, use the curler then the mascara, and to my amazement I can actually see big eyelashes on my eyes!
The best part is that several hours later I can still see my eyelashes and I find myself fluttering my eyes just to feel them on my lids (guys seem to like this). I knew I wasn’t imagining things when my sister commented on my lashes, which made me very happy as I fluttered them just for fun.
I haven’t seen this product on a store, but it can be bought online directly on the Rapid Lash website, as well as through online stores like Walgreens.com, Walmart.com or Drugstore.com. Depending where you buy it from, the price ranges from $41.65 to $49.99.
Go ahead! Give your eyes a new look!
Shine Control
14 years ago
Memorial Day is behind us, so it is officially summer in my book! And that means, grilling outdoors, drinking beers in the sunshine, a good tan, more skin, less makeup and the dreaded oily face.
There is a fine line between a healthy sun kissed glow and an oily t-zone, and maintaining the beachy/sun kissed look can be challenging (especially if you’re like me and have oily skin year round).
Instead of constantly applying powder to your face (which will just make your face look cakey), use a blotting tissue. Blotting tissues are great for removing excess oil and getting rid of that shine without removing your makeup! They’re also easy to find…you can get blotting tissues at your local drugstore, high-end makeup companies have jumped on the bandwagon and created their own, and if you don’t have a lot of time or money…you can even DIY!
Here are 5 products that I highly recommend for getting rid of that shiny forehead:
1. Nature’s Minerals Blotting Tissues from the Body Shop. $10 for 65 tissues
2. Too Faced Refresh Oil Blotting Papers from Sephora. $12 for 100 sheets
3. Clean and Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets from your drugstore. $5.49 for 50 sheets
4. Starbucks Napkins from Starbucks. FREE!!
Made from 100% recycled paper in a bleach-free process. Since the napkins are not white…you can see how much oil the napkin is absorbing (kinda gross…but at least its off your face)! One napkin is more than enough for a whole day in the sunshine!
5. And my favorite/easy to find facial blotter…The Toilet Seat Cover from your ladies room. FREE!!
Some have questioned the sanity behind using a toilet seat cover on your face…but if you’re finding yourself looking extra greasy, slip into your nearest ladies room and blot away the shine! It works…trust me!
There are hundreds of blotting tissues on the market…they come in all sorts of cute containers (that are easy enough to stash in the smallest of clutches), they are made of different paper (rice paper, organic flax seed, cotton and linen), and they even have different features (some contain a light powder or tint and even scents for a little aromatherapy).
If you’re worried about your face looking a bit oily in your photos this summer…take a minute to sponge up (blot) some of that shine! It’s easy and you have a lot of options!
Friend of Style Bust: Makeup Artist Tamra-Marie
14 years ago
Working in makeup artistry since 2000, San Francisco native Tamra-Marie Johnson has built an extensive background in the field of all things Beauty. After relocating to Los Angeles for three years to further expand her skills and industry knowledge, Tamra-Marie has recently returned to her roots in the Bay Area. (Welcome back!)
Tamra-Marie has trained with industry brands including some of Style Bust’s favorites such as NARS, MAC and Laura Mercier Cosmetics. Over the years, Tamra-Marie has painted and sculpted her way through retail makeup touching hundreds of faces. While living in Los Angeles, she showcased her creative talents in runway shows, commercials, fashion editorials, red carpet appearances and celebrity photo shoots.
Tamra-Marie describes her signature looks as: “fresh, clean and glamorous look, – sure, makeup is my art but it’s also about giving balance to the face accentuating your complexion and features. My beauty philosophy has always been ‘less is more,’ a radiant face with a hot pink lip gives the unexpected twist. On the runway, makeup may create an edgy feeling but in real life it can help promote confidence.”
To date, her clientele includes models, actors, brides, and the modern woman that wants a polished chic look… She is consistently requested because of her talents, industry experience and a client-first attitude.
In her spare time, you can find Tamra-Marie collaborating with photographers, traveling, shopping vintage boutiques, and uncovering just what’s the best darn mascara is on earth.
Visit Tamra-Marie.com to find out more about her services.