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.
Make Up For Ever Waterproof Line
12 years ago
Summer is almost upon us, which means outdoor activities, fun in the sun and smudged makeup due to perspiration. To combat that type of disasters, Make Up For Ever has a line of waterproof cosmetics.
The product I tried was Aqua Eyes:
This best-selling eyeliner has become a favorite among all women who fear the dreaded raccoon eyes. Formulated to glide on effortlessly and withstand the most extreme conditions, it stays put on eyelids without melting for precise application and intense color throughout the day.
The first time I used it was in the afternoon, sunny and 80 degrees outside. I applied nice thick lines on my upper and lower lids, sprayed on sunscreen, put on a breezy cowboy-type hat and out I went to do minor errands. I walked around my neighborhood for 45 minutes or so, by the time I got back home I was sweating, not dainty lady-like perspiration, I was sweating! Checked my eyes and was pleasantly surprised that my eyeliner was not all over the place. I love it!
Since then I’ve used it at night smudging it a little to create a smoky eyes look and have even used it as inner-lid eyeliner. It’s very easy to take off at the end of the day and it didn’t feel heavy on my eyelids. Aqua Eyes comes in 25 different colors and from my personal experience I can totally recommend it.
Aqua Cream is a colorful addition to our award-winning Aqua range. These versatile, long-lasting, waterproof colors can be worn on the eyes, lips, and cheeks. They’re completely smudge-proof, tear-proof, and waterproof, and they won’t crease, run, or transfer. Aqua Cream gives intense payoff with a highly pigmented formula that ensures the colorful, pearly hues show up on skin while the soft, silky texture glides on effortlessly.
Designed for the water ballet, this foundation works great on the legs and arms to give a nice tan effect.
Designed to cover major imperfections like scars, hyper-pigmentation, major discoloration, burns, and tattoos. This light and creamy concealer contains a high concentration of pigments that stay put, making it perfect for use on the face, as well as the body.
Aqua Lip Waterproof Lipliner Pencil
Glides on with vitamin E and jojoba wax that makes the application easier and more comfortable on the lips.
Easy to apply, Aqua Cream Liner gives an intense, precise finish. The unique formula provides intense color and long-lasting water resistance thanks to silicone powder and emollients. Though designed to be budge-proof, this moisturizing liner protects skin and employs Derma Sensitive to prevent irritation.
Pure Ice Vinyl Remix
12 years ago
Bari Cosmetics has introduced a new twist on crackle nail polish with Pure Ice Vinyl Remix.
The DJ inspired Nail Polish collection that allows you to do Art in Motion
The innovative feature in this nail polish collection is that each polish, once applied, will dry, crackle and reveal a different color (green, pink, blue, purple, etc).
For better results use two or more colors, for my nails I’m using Rave (orange) and Emcee Me (yellow) colors.
After you applied the base coat, apply two coats of the Platinum Magic Base Coat (white). You can apply the Vinyl Remix polish in any design you want, for example, I used Rave on one side on my nail and left the rest white, so now I have three different colors in my nails.
For this look I used Rave as a cross and added Emcee Me in the white areas
Pure Ice Vinyl Remix is available at Walmart, the nail polish duo comes with a very cute nail file. Because this is an affordable brand it will be easy to buy several colors and go wild with the designs.
You can add a top coat to protect the polish, which will make it last for 3 – 5 days without chipping or leave it as is for a matte look.
And now here are a few more nail design ideas:
Give Sometime Blue
12 years ago
One of thee best gifts a bride-2-be can score is an “Emergency kit” containing travel size must-haves and the folks at (Classy Bride) have thought of everything a girl could need!
Undoubtedly someone will ask for a lint brush, deodorant, bandages, emery board, Q-tips, a needle, or hair spray among other quick fixes for such an important event. “While you hope & pray such emergencies won’t crop up, ...they do and being prepared will ssssssh the BRIDE.”
Seriously, by having this nearby you can remedy any mishaps and your friends will love you for life. On a day of jitters its crucial to be organized, this babe houses’ 3 smaller bags within the candy stripper cosmetic zipper pouch.
For $56.00, the Bride and her entourage can have a peace of mind, knowing that every little detail has been thought of, from the rooter to the tooter.
So the next time you get a SAVE-THE-DATE Bridal Shower invitation, google (Classy Bride Emergency Kits), it’s truly the perfect bridal gift to give, and yes…“it’s something blue!”
Ciate Caviar Manicure
12 years ago
I have to admit this was completely an impulse purchase, didn’t wait to see reviews or give it a test drive, I saw, I bought and I loved! This is the new Ciate Caviar Manicure.
Created in London, this one-of-a-kind nail art innovation brings avant-garde catwalk nail styling to your fingertips. Featuring pearlescent beads for a 3-D effect, this kit includes everything you need to express yourself with your hands and become an instant nail connoisseur.
I couldn’t wait to try the polish, and so far I’m very happy with the results. It’s easy to put on, first step is the base coat, one coat of the nail polish and the fun starts with the second coat. One nail at a time, put on the second coat and carefully pour the beads on top of the nail, similar to how you would do glittering. The beads need to be gently patted down and once you’re done with all your nails, you will need to let them dry for 15 – 20 minutes. As an added protection for the beads I added a very thin top coat to the tips of my nails.
As I mentioned before, when I bought Ciate the Sephora site had no customer reviews, since then this product has been having mixed reviews, people either love it or hate it. And since the polish costs $25, when people hate it, they really hate it! The biggest complaint is that the beads fall off very easily, at least in my case I haven’t noticed that problem and I haven’t been able to stop touching my beads. The thing to be careful while adding the beads is to have a uniform layer of them, avoid small mounds that won’t adhere properly to the polish.
The beads can feel weird on the nail, like they’re thicker and so far the only thing I’ve done differently is wash the dishes using gloves, other than that it’s been business as usual with my nails…..except I’m showing them off with everyone I meet.
I’ll be posting an update 3 days from now to let you know how my manicure is looking. In the meantime…here are a few more pics of my Caviar Manicure.
~ UPDATE ~
The pic below was taken 72 hours after I put on the caviar manicure, as you can see several of the micro-beads had fallen off. I took the pic Saturday afternoon and was going out for the evening, so all I did was add color to the spaces using a toothpick dipped in Ciate nail polish and that gave it a uniform look again. I did not attempt to re-attach more beads though.
Even though I did try to be careful with my nails, I wasn’t paranoid about them. When I finally took them off I did notice some damage to my nails, so I let them rest for a day and applied moisturizing oil on them. Here are a few additional tips:
- Add at least two coats of a base coat to protect your nails.
- When you apply the coat of micro-beads, make sure you pat down gently but firmly and create a uniform layer
- Give yourself time to do nothing after the manicure so the nails dry (watch TV, read or take a cat nap)
- When it’s time to take them off, press a cotton ball soaked with nail polish remover on top of the nail for several seconds before removing the beads, this will help the nail polish below the beads soften and will be easier to remove. Doing it this way will also cause less damage to your nails.
One more thing, be prepared to have your nails touched by people. They can’t help themselves! It’s human nature to see something different and want to touch it. Even though the Caviar Manicure is higher maintenance than what I’m used to, I will definitely be using it for my weekends!
Thank You very much for your comments, it always makes our day to know people are reading us!
5 Step DIY Beauty Therapy Treatment
12 years ago
I don’t know about you, but I’m looking forward to a weekend of relaxing at home. I’ll be giving my skin some R&R after many late nights, long car rides and flights over the past few weeks. Below is the beauty routine I tend to follow at home. If you want to become less of a DIY-er and more of an at-home-expert, I recommend you consider beauty therapy courses.
1. Always start with a clean slate. Wash your face with a gentle facial cleanser, not soap. I begin with a dry face. In a circular motion I rub the cleanser until it becomes a bit dry (about one minute). Then, I get my fingertips wet and continue rubbing in a circular motion for another minute. Next I rinse with warm water, using a wash cloth to make sure all the cleanser residue wipes off.
2. Facial steaming is great for skin, but it’s so boring. Buck up, and do the stem though, you’ll feel the difference! Add green tea, mint or rosemary to a pot of water on the stovetop. Once boiling, decrease the heat and bend over the pot for five minutes. Put a towel over your head to trap more heat int. Steaming is a great way to open pores and remove embedded dirt. It also hydrates skin. Added bonus, facial steaming is great for treating the common cold and bronchitis!
3. The best time to do a mask is after steaming. I usually go for a DIY calming mask, though there are tons of great options out there, how stuff works has a great article on 5 cheap, yet effective DIY masks. Ingredients needs for my calming mask:
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt
- 1/2 cup oats
- 2 tablespoon honey
- 1 cucumber
Mix everything in the blender, then leave on your face for 15 minutes.
4. Next, tone your face. Toners are great for removing excess oil, makeup and excess reside. I use this after the mask to make sure the mask has been completely removed. Pick the right toner for your skin-type.
5. Finally, finish the facial off with moisturizer. No matter what skin type you have, you need moisturizer to help improve your skin texture. Choose a moisturizer that is right for your skin type.
Anti-Aging Serums
12 years ago
Anti-aging serums are a great way to help your skin look and feel better. Serums are meant to be used in combination with moisturizers, a serum is specifically designed to give you a concentrated dose of anti-aging ingredients.
Serums have a sort of oily or gel consistency, a little goes a long way, but you will need a moisturizer afterwards since your face might feel tight once the serum is absorbed in your skin.
The following are a few that I’ve tried and it is amazing how my skin feels after using them. In this case, I don’t have a favorite since I loved them all, now the hard part will be to decide which one to use.
Ole Henriksen Truth Serum
A high-potency vitamin C complex that prevents and corrects signs of aging while promoting brightness.
This amazing ten-percent vitamin C skin booster and antiaging treatment firms and smoothes, delivering more radiant skin. The weightless, fast-absorbing, oil-free formula penetrates to deep layers of the skin, offering instant and long-term hydration, nourishment, and antioxidant protection against environmental aggressors.
Origins Plantscription Anti-Aging Serum
A concentrated antiaging serum for visible anti-wrinkle results.
Although it’s not a prescription, in just four weeks the natural plant ingredients in this serum noticeably reduce wrinkle length and depth without the irritation. It visibly helps repair the vertical fret lines between your eyes, the stubborn furrows across your forehead, and the deepening frownies that frame your mouth. Youthful bounce is revived. Skin is firmer, smoother, more lifted-looking. And with continued use, results improve.
Philosophy When Hope is Not Enough Replenishing Serum
A replenishing facial treatment infused with healthy omega-3, -6, and -9.
Philosophy’s When Hope Is Not Enough Replenishing Serum nourishes your skin with essential fatty acids omega-3 and -6 and unsaturated omega-9 to help stimulate the skin’s natural process of renewal and regeneration while maintaining its suppleness and elasticity.
Steps for Straight and Shiny Hair
12 years ago
Even though I love Spring showers, the humidity always does a number on my frizzy semi-wavy hair, so when I want a straight style regardless of the weather these are the products I use:
Shampoo / Conditioner
The ones that I use depend on the weather, when the humidity is low and I know I won’t have frizz problems I use Pantene Straightening Shampoo and Conditioner.
Now when I need the big guns I go with Living Proof Frizz, this is one of my favorite brands!
Styling Products
Once my hair is dry and ready to be styled the only product I use is Living Proof Frizz Styling Cream, it’s fantastic! I love the scent, it does not weigh the hair down and performance is enhanced by heat styling.
To style my hair I use a ceramic straightener, but my wish list contains ghd stylers. Gotta break the piggy bank for that one!
Once it’s straight I give it a little shine with Paul Mitchell’s Super Skinny Serum, this is one of those products I’ve used for the last decade.
Finally I use a tad bit of Anti-Frizz hairspray especially on the crown since I end up with a few fly-aways. I’ve tried different brands but the one I keep going back to is Garnier Fructis Anti-Humidity Spray.
My hair will stay straight and shiny for the next 2 – 3 days in spite of the weather! When I sleep I use a bandana to keep it from tangling and I may pass the styler through my hair just to keep the look. And that’s it!
Weekend Getaway Beauty & Personal Care Essentials
12 years ago
If you’re like me, you always forget one or two essential beauty or personal care items whenever you go out of town. It’s something I’ve gotten used to; and so has my husband, who frequently has to drive me to a drug store to pick up whatever I’ve forgotten. As I’m getting geared up for a few weekend trips in April I’ve decided to share my must have items for weekend getaways.
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1. Supergoop! SPF 30+ Everyday Lotion ($22) is moisturizing, paraben-free, and water and sweat resistant. The 3oz tube is enough to last you over a month, and will keep your skin soft, moisturized, hydrated, and protected from harmful UV rays.
2. No matter where you’re travelling, powder is essential. I always pack my Powder FX Mineral Powder Foundation by Cover FX ($35). It’s enriched with oil absorbing qualities which does the trick in all sorts of climates.
3. Cargo Bronzer ($29) comes in a variety of natural looking colors with slight iridescence. While travelling I use this bronzer for my cheeks and eyes, and avoid packing eye shadows altogether.
4. Cenoire Eluo Sonic Toothbrush ($29) is a great travel electric toothbrush at an affordable price. I take this toothbrush with me everywhere in case I’m in need of a quick clean.
5. Maybelline New York Full ‘N Soft Waterproof Mascara ($6) is a perfect lash enhancing essential. Whether you’re in humid weather, out in the cold, or playing in water all day, your mascara should stay put!
6. Dry shampoo is a part of my regular routine. I use it every other day (yes, I naturally have really greasy hair). I love to take Clean Dry Shampoo ($18) with me on vacations because I never know how many days will pass without hair washing. The best thing about Clean brand is it’s perfectly sized for airplanes at 2.9 oz.
7. For a quick, yet thorough face cleanse I go for Ole Henriksen Truth To Go Cleansing Wipes (pack of 30 wipes for $15). Cleansing wipes are the easiest way to remove dirt, grime and makeup on the go.
8. Don’t forget your tweezers, you never know when an unwanted hair will appear. I bring my Tweezerman Slant Tweezer ($22) on every trip. I don’t actually use the tweezers that often while on vacation, but the few times I have needed to tweeze, I was relieved my tweezer was packed.
9. Coach Poppy & Poppy Flower Rollerball Duo ($22) is perfect for travelling, especially if you like to alternate scents based on your mood. The duo roller offer two fun fragrances at an affordable price point.
10. Sally Hansen Color Quick Nail Pen ($8). Sally Hansen color pens come in a handful of basic colors, work well, and are affordable. When applied, the color dries quickly and there’s no mess! What more could you ask for. If you’re looking to splurge on a high-end nail pen, opt for Yves Saint Laurent’s Nail Lacquer Pen Brush ($26).