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.

Thermal Intelligence, at it’s best!

It’s not everyday a hairspray spritz stops me in my tracks but White Sands Holding Spray holds curls firmly and could care less what’s in the air, “including humidity”.  
Usually, I’m fixated on the makeup world only but after using this hair spray on various clients in various settings, I’m going gaga over this purple bottle!
 
“Whether I’m working with fine or course textures, this spray locks in the desired look while adding luster, shine and lift – 3 in one, can you really ask for more without sounding like ——- a princess”.  The one Pro tip I must share, spray your hair strands then use your heating tool (i.e. curling iron), don’t worry about the crackle sound, that’s normal. Now, there are tons of non-aerosol thermal sprays on the shelves but this is one to reach for!
PRICE: $19.99 Shop White Sands, I DO! 

Philosophy’s The Microdelivery Exfoliating Wash Review

After the summer months my skin felt rough, even though I used sunblock, my face was tanned and my usual skin care routine did not work as well. I tried a sample of Philoshophy’s The Microdelivery Exfoliating Wash and decided to buy the full size.

 

A mild, exfoliating facial cleanser.
Designed to effectively cleanse the skin while providing resurfacing benefits. Gentle enough to use daily, this unique formula is sulfate-free and formulated with ingredients designed to replenish and protect the skin with topical antioxidants as it helps condition the skin and retain its moisture level.

The cleanser has a light gel consistency with a sandy feel to it. It is very gentle on my skin and my face didn’t feel dry or tingly, and it doesn’t feel harsh like a scrub would. In the morning or at night it is a great way to cleanse the skin and get it ready for the next step on the skin care process.

I will admit I do not use the Exfoliating Wash every day because I’m lazy and prefer to use cleansing cloths. It took my skin several weeks to feel smooth again, so I assume that if I had used the Exfoliating Wash every day, the results would have been quicker. It is best to shake the bottle before using the product to get the micro beads well distributed in the gel.

Don’t call it a bronzer!

Want chiseled cheeks without making it obvious?  Then I highly recommend the Kevyn Aucoin Sculpting Powder.  Don’t call it a bronzer because it’s far more.  This contour palette shade ( in Medium) is universal; it’s truly for the blonde and the non-blonde.  It’s for the person that wants to un-blush yet sculpt stronger cheekbones, or minimize their chin or nose area.

Too often, other cosmetic brands swear their contour powder gives the perfect results but when it comes down to it, too much of a red undertone is revealed causing more attention to your nose or chin then you probably ever wanted.  “There you are, gazing into mirror wondering, what went wrong?”

KA beauty got it right, this powder is completely matteno shimmer, no glitter, no gold, no organge (just the perfect hue) to sweep toward temples, contrasting to give the halo barely there nude on your skin!  Despite the pigment saturation, when applying to your nose/chin don’t get nervous – this product glides on lightly so you can’t overdue it unless you want to – plainly stated, it is downright full-proof!

Trust me, blending with the proper angled brush (not a sponge or the mini brush packed inside) will give even the layperson confidence to contour…. (Tanning Mom) you stay away!!

Price point: $42 us dollars (a must have makeup bag goodie)

 

Top Ten As Seen on TV Fashion and Beauty Gifts

For guys and gals who stay on top of all the latest fashions and beauty products, you’ll want to shop As Seen On TV’s store for the most popular trends.  From Side Sleeper Pro, which helps you improve posture and restfulness so you get the most out of your beauty sleep to Trendy Top, the discreet layering piece that every fashionable gal needs in her wardrobe, you’ll find the best selection for health, fashion and beauty at As Seen on TV, where there’s something for everyone on your shopping list!

  1. Beauty is pain is a thing of the past (at least for your feet) with Strutz Cushioned Arch Supports!  Strutz lets your girlfriends strut their stuff even in high heels and guys strut in the manliest of boots.  It’s a win win!
  2. Put the spring in their step with  Miracle Socks that massage as you move. Like Botox for legs, these socks relieve symptoms of spider and varicose veins.  Using graduated compression, they also give revitalizing benefits – soothing, massaging and energizing tired legs and feet.  Discreet and perfect for everyday use with any shoes, they reduce swelling and enhance circulation.
  3. Shimmer Glitter tattoos dazzle! Waterproof and easily removable with baby oil, they last for just seven days — a gift your tattoo commitment phobic friends and family can enjoy!
  4. With Twist and Clip, it’s just that easy to pull your hair together in a cinch for all day and night style.
  5. Give the beauty enthusiast the gift of a salon experience in the comfort of his or her home with Pedi Spin.
  6. For the man who likes to stay perfectly groomed between barbershop visits, give him the MicroTouch Max, so that he can touch up any time with precision.  Gentle for those sensitive areas and power for the toughest spots, he’ll be pleased.
  7.  Every fashionista needs a Bedazzler to take an ensemble from dull to dazzling.  From rhinestones, stars, to studs, the Bedazzler transforms hats, shirts, scarves to belts with customized bling.
  8. Give the gift of comfortable fit with Stretch Genie.  Shoes and gloves never have to be too tight!
  9. Palm Sized Wallet: The perfect gift for the already organized or the aspiring organizer!
  10. Trendy Top is perfect for ladies who want to achieve the layered look and stay active without any wardrobe malfunctioning!

Kate Somerville True Lash

A very important part of putting on makeup is taking it off at the end of the day. My normal routine is to use face wipes for face and neck and a special oil mixture I make for the eyes. I recently tried a sample of Kate Somerville’s True Lash, lash enhancing eye makeup remover.

This double-action formula gently wipes away makeup, even waterproof types. Its SymLash226 Complex strengthens and promotes lash growth to create stronger, noticeably fuller lashes. This formula also rejuvenates the appearance of the eye area by reducing the appearance of puffiness, smoothing out fine lines, and providing deep hydration that softens the skin.

The first time I used it I made a mess! I closed my eyes, applied a generous amount to each eye, making sure there was plenty of cream on the lashes, opened my eyes and saw I had raccoon eyes! The mascara and liquid eyeliner immediately dissolved and it took me several cotton balls to clear the mess leaving my eyes without a trace of makeup. Now I apply a small amount and it works just as well, without making a mess.

True Lash also claims to help with lash enhancement and reduce puffiness. I haven’t noticed a difference in that sense, but my eyes do feel refreshed and moisturized, a nice feeling after a long day of staring at the computer

 

 

Inspired Nails – Nail Art Decals

One more post about nails and then I’ll move on, promise!

I’m subscribed to a site called Bellechic.com its a great online boutique that showcases one artisan at a time. Many of the products can be found at websites such as Etsy.com, but at Bellechic you get the items on sale! Thanks to this website I discovered Inspired Nails, they have the coolest nail decals at great prices!

 

 

Since this was the first time I used Inspired Nails decals, I decided to go for the safe option and ordered a few of the Halloween black & clear accent decals to try them out. This is what I got in the mail.

 

 

In this case, the background nail polish color can be anything as long as its in a neutral or light color to give contrast to the black & clear accent decal. I choose Special Effects Holographic Glitter by Nails, Inc as the background.

The application was very easy, the instructions were clear and they even sent a few extras so I could practice. So far I’ve had them on for three days and they haven’t peeled off.

 

 

 

 

Inspired Nails also offers full nail decals with beautiful works of art, I plan to let my nails grow a little more and try one of them. Will be very hard to choose! They also offer full coverage nails which can be applied with glue or adhesive tape, French tips, toe tip and the full nail decal.

This is very affordable nail art that will look very expensive!

Nail Polish with Special Effects

A few weeks ago I posted about the new nail polish colors for Fall, as I was doing my research and after a quick trip to Sephora, I saw so fun nail polish colors that I ended up buying almost all of them and now I want to share them with you!

 

Nails Inc. Magnetic Nail Polish

When Magnetic Polish was first introduced I liked it so much I bought two out of the three colors they introduced (Magnetic Polish by Nails, Inc.) and even made a video about it. While the original magnet style is still available, the new ones promise a Fishnet and Star style.

In both cases I wasn’t impressed with the results, on the photo above you can barely see the star effect and that took several tries. The Fishnet was even worse. In this case, I wouldn’t recommend it, but if you buy them, keep the receipt!

 

Special Effects Sprinkles by Nails, Inc.

This one I liked, the Sprinkles are glitter in two different colors with a light base color. In this case I bought the blue one and in the following photo you can see several ways I’m wearing it. On the index finger I added one coat over a neutral background. On my middle finger I added one coat over a dark background. My ring finger has two coats of Sprinkles, while the pinkie has one coat.

 

Special Effects Mirror Metallic by Nails, Inc

This is my favorite! The Mirror effect is so versatile! During the holiday season its reminiscent of shiny Christmas tree spheres and during the summer its a fun light color.

 

Ciate Velvet Manicure

I previously wrote about Ciate’s Caviar Manicure, which I still love, though I only use it for special occasions. When it comes to the Velvet Manicure, I’m not sure how to feel about it.

Online it received bad to mediocre reviews, but decided to try it anyway. Overall I liked the effect, though I deviated from the instructions and instead of sprinkling the velvet over my nails I dipped my nails inside the little jar to give them a better coat. The effect lasted 4 days and maybe more, but I took it off to try out the other polishes I mentioned above.

While I was testing the Velvet Manicure, I did my normal daily routine and even washed dishes without gloves, never noticed the velvet falling all over the place. One thing I did notice was that, like velvet, my nails were a magnet for lint!

What makes me feel iffy about it? Nobody noticed it!! What’s the point of spending almost $20 on something nobody notices? What people could see was a matte dark nail polish color, I had to make them admire my nails! It was the complete opposite reaction I received with the Caviar Manicure.

But I can’t complain too much, since I decided to keep it.

 

 

Nail Polish Trends – Fall 2012

While I truly enjoyed the fun neon colors I used during the summer, I’m looking forward to the jeweled-toned colors that are coming up for Fall. Neutral and shimmering colors can be found in the new collections, but the prevalent colors are warm with several tones in red and orange.

Germany Collection by OPI

12 colors total in OPI Germany Collection:
– Berlin There Done That (flat dark gray)
– Danke-Shiny Red (shiny red)
– Deutsch You Want Me Baby (shiny burt red orange)
– Don’t Pretzel My Buttons (flat warm cream)
– Don’t Talk Bach To Me (flat mustard green)
– Every Month Is Oktoberfest (shiny deep red brown)
– German-icure by OPI ( shiny deep wine red)
– My Very First Knockwurst (flat light gray)
– Nein! Nein! Nein! OK Fine! (flat dark black purple)
– Schnapps Out Of It! (flat rusty brown)
– Suzi & The 7 Dusseldorfs (shiny purple)
– Unfor-greta-bly Blue (shiny colbalt blue)

Spice Market – Sephora by OPI

(4 piece mini polish collection)

– I Think I Cayenne (opaque metallic red-orange)
– Have You Met Rose, Mary? (deep-rose red shimmer)
– Justa’ Pinch Of Glitter (silver/charcoal glitter)
– S-Age Is Just A Number (duochrome gold)

 

Nails, Inc. Fall Winter Collection

(6 piece mini polish collection)

– Sloane Gardens (unique navy glitter)
– Chester Street (delicate pearl)
– Bruton Mews (deep forest green)
– Richmond Terrace (rich glossy plum)
– Jermyn Street (classic taupe)
– Chelsea Bridge Road (tomato red)

 

Electronica by Orly

– Preamp
– Shockwave
– Synchro
– Decoded

 

 

Fired Up by Orly

– Glow Taupe creme
– Flare Pale gold shimmer
– Flicker Rust duo chrome shimmer
– Ignite Red creme
– Smolder Deep wine shimmer
– Rapture Chocolate brown creme

 

 

 

 

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