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.
Leave-In Conditioners
12 years ago
Now that summer is coming, it’s a good idea to start taking care of your hair with leave-in conditioners. The sun, heat and pool or ocean water can make your hair look dry and limp.
The following are a few leave-in conditioners I’ve personally tried out, they all left my hair easy to manage, soft to the touch, cut down on the frizz, did not weigh it down and left a very pleasant clean scent.
OuidadMoisture Lock™ Leave-In Conditioner instantly defines and hydrates curls while keeping frizz at bay. Inspired by skincare science, this haircare essential creates a “moisture foundation” by infusing hair with vital conditioning proteins.
This product works is designed for curly or wavy hair, Ouidad has a great selection of products to make curls rock!
Ojon Dry Recovery Revitalizing Moisture Mist
This lightweight mist has the hair-repairing power of Ojon oil, nature’s golden elixir, Blue Agave, lemongrass, and ginseng to instantly revitalize, rehydrate, and detangle hair. It tames frizz and flyaways and makes the perfect prep spray before a blow-out.
Ojon’s Moisture Mist is great for all types of hair, especially before you start your daily styling routine.
Phytomist Instant Hydrating Conditioner
With mist of this spray-on conditioner, color-treated hair’s moisture levels and brilliance are restored. Sunflower extract prevents color from fading by protecting hair against oxidation. Lotus flower hydrates and softens while red algae protects hair from environmental stresses.
While I’m a big fan of Phyto, for some people the smell might be too much. This is one product that’s better to try out first before purchasing. But if you do like the smell, you’ll be rewarded with great results!
Crackle and Pure Ice Duo
12 years ago
I always enjoy trying out new products and when it comes to nail polish, I get giddy with the anticipation. I recently checked out Pure Ice nail polish.
This brand is part of Bari Cosmetics, a company that brings us cosmetics that are not tested on animals as well as free of formaldehyde tolune, or DBP. I had a chance to try out their Winter Crackle & Pure Ice Duo (green with silver crackle) and the colors are just gorgeous!
First I put on a base coat and then 2 coats of the Metallic Green color, which looks awesome just by itself.
Then I added a thin layer of the Silver Crackle and a top coat.
The end result was a great looking color which lasted without any chipping for three days, and I’m sure it would have lasted longer, but I have ADD when it comes to nail polish and I wanted to try out a water marble techique. Which I did, using the green nail polish as one of the colors, it looks so cool!
You can purchase Pure Ice at Walmart and Walgreens or directly at Bari Cosmetics site. A high quality product at a very affordable price.
Coming soon Pure Ice will be launching Vinyl Remix:
DJ-Inspired collection from Pure Ice that has 6 matte duos. You can create different patterns by swirling your brush stroke. It’s a color remix!
Can’t wait to try it!
Nail Polish for Spring / Summer 2012
12 years ago
Here we are, yummy new colors ready for the season. The general trend is bright, neon colors, except for Orly which brings a very subtle pastel collection. Nothing glittery, but at least I spotted several darker colors for the goth girl in me!
Holland Collection
- Wooden shoe like to know
- Thanks a wind-million
- Pedal faster Suzi!
- Kiss me on my tulips
- Gouda Gouda two shoes
- I don’t give a Rotterdam!
- Vampsterdam
- Red light’s ahead…where?
- I have a herring problem
- A roll in the Hague
- Dutch ‘ya just love OPI?
- Did you ‘ear about Van Gogh?
Bohemian Brights Mini Nail Colour Set
- Let’s Hear It For the Free Spirit! (pink/orange shimmer)
- What Aura Gonna Wear? (bright pink)
- It’s Totally Karma (bright green)
- Neutral Beauty (camel)
- That’s What Fringe Is For (brown shimmer)
- Happy Earth Day To Me (olive)
Cool Romance
- Prelude to a kiss
- Faint of heart
- Jealous much?
- You’re blushing
- Artficial sweetener
- Steel your heart
Neon and Nude Collection
- Notting Hill Gate (pink neon)
- Portobello (coral neon)
- Westbourne Grove (orange neon)
- Porchester Square (muted mushroom)
- Jermyn Street (perfect taupe)
- Cadogan Square (classic camel)
FDA Report: Lead Levels on Lipstick Study
12 years ago
A new report came out from The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) concerning lead content on many brands of lipsticks currently on the market. This report is very troubling since it contains 400 different lipsticks from brands such as Maybelline, Cover Girl, NARS, Avon, L’Oreal, Burt’s Bees, and many others.
In spite of the findings the FDA does not consider the lead levels they found to be unsafe.
Is there a safety concern about the lead levels FDA found on lipsticks?
No. We have assessed the potential for harm to consumers from the use of lipstick containing lead at the levels found in both rounds of testing. Lipstick, as a product intended for topical use with limited absorption, is ingested only in very small quantities. We do not consider the lead levels we found in the lipsticks to be a safety concern. The lead levels we found are within the limits recommended by other public health authorities for lead in cosmetics, including lipstick.
What are FDA’s next steps for lead in lipstick?
Although we do not believe that the lead content found in our recent lipstick analyses poses a safety concern, we are evaluating whether there may be a need to recommend an upper limit for lead lipstick in order to further protect the health and welfare of consumers.
This issue is debated between different organizations, while the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics is pushing for limits on lead levels, the Personal Care Products Council – a trade group representing the cosmetics industry – agrees with the FDA that the lead levels are not threathening.
Lead is not an ingredient in the formulations, but can be unintentionally added by using color additives approved by the FDA that are mineral-based and may contain trace levels of lead that is naturally found in the soil, water and air.
Looking at the list, red shades are the most likely to contain traces of lead. These are the top 10 brands from the study:
- Maybelline Color Sensation in Pink Petal (Lead content: 7.19 ppm)
- L’Oreal Colour Riche in Volcanic (Lead content: 7.00 ppm)
- NARS Semi-Matte in Red Lizard (Lead content: 4.93 ppm)
- Cover Girl Queen Collection Vibrant Hues Color in Ruby Remix (Lead content: 4.92 ppm)
- NARS Semi-Matte in Funny Face (Lead content: 4.89)
- L’Oreal Colour Rich in Tickled Pink (Lead content: 4.45)
- L’Oreal Intensely Moisturizing Lipcolor in Heroic (Lead content: 4.41)
- Cover Girl Continuous Color in Warm Brick (Lead content: 4.28)
- Maybelline Color Sensational in Mauve Me (Lead content: 4.23)
- Stargazer lipstick in shade ”C” (Lead content: 4.12)
Click Here to look at the complete list and see if your lipstick is on it
I checked my own lipsticks against the list and I’m glad to say Illamasqua was not in it since I just love my red lipstick! Click here to check a previous review I made on Illamasqua.
Always Time to Dry
12 years ago
Washing your hair frequently not only strips it of its natural oils, but also, the process can be quite time consuming. Sometimes we truly just don’t have time to wash our hair, and well, other times, we’re just too tired and lazy. Alas, no more fretting about that oily hair, which hasn’t been washed in 2 or 3 or 3.5 days. Dry shampoo has become a savior, and trust me, once you use it, there’s no going back. If you have long hair and a lot of it, shampooing, conditioning, brushing, drying, and even putting product in your mane so that you don’t have to blow dry it, all take time and effort, and sometimes or most of the time, you’re simply not up for it. When was the last time you discussed the joy and pleasure of hair maintenance with someone? Probably never… While I have never washed my hair every day, lately I had found myself dreading washing my hair and needed to know what I could do to eliminate the dread AND the washing. I had once heard that baby powder cured oily strands, but after doing some research, I found it to be a bad idea. Not only is baby powder made with talc, which many people are allergic to, but also, baby powder has the tendency to clog the hair shaft preventing growth and leading to build-up. After eliminating that idea, I ventured to Sephora and began browsing the hair section. Since I always opt for natural products–organic if possible–I was immediately drawn to Klorane Gentle Dry Shampoo With Oat Extract (non-aerosol). While I had vaguely heard of dry shampoo, I had never thought much about it–I’m low-maintenance when it comes to hair and never ponder the idea of using any type of hair product. As I began reading the container, I was thrilled to find that the ingredients are as follows: Oryza Sativa (Rice) Starch (Oryza Sativa), Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Hectorite, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Flour (Avena Sativa), Kaolin, Silica, Cyclodextrin, Fragrance (Parfum). And while I stray from fragrances, the product is natural, and after smelling it, I realized the subtlety of the fragrance. I decided to try it, and now, I’m hooked. What more can one ask? It’s eco-friendly, inexpensive, it works amazingly well, bides you time until your next wash, and gives your strands a nice break from H2O. The next time you’re in a rush, you’re in a mode of lethargy, or you visited the gym on your lunch break and can’t wash your hair, you’ll be in pure luck with Klorane.
Klorane Gentle Dry Shampoo
Brighten Your Look With Creamy Caramel Colored Hair
12 years ago
Spring is upon us which means it’s time to update our look. One of my favorite ways to get ready for a new season is by modifying my hair color. Now, people who know me well know that the shade of my hair never changes dramatically. I like to think that Anna Wintour knows what’s going on, and if she can keep the same hair color for decades, I too like to think that my hair color never needs to change drastically. So I brighten with highlights and low lights every 3-4 months, and that’s about it!
For 2012, I’m really into the golden and caramel hair color trends. I think we’ve had enough seasons with the cool, ash colored (aka. mousy) hair. It’s time to warm things up a bit…golden, honey and caramel hair colors should make us all look a lot healthier if nothing else. If you prefer highlights and low lights over full color, like me, then maintenance should be minimal. You will be able to stretch out your salon visits like you did with your ombre look. Here are some of my favorite caramel colors on blondes you know.
If you prefer to do all over color at home, I’d recommend you try L’Oreal Feria in Caramel Kiss $9.99, Jon Frieda Dark Golden Blonde$10.12, or Garnier Nutrisse Medium Golden Blonde $7.99.
LUSH Fresh Handmade Cosmetics
12 years ago
A new store opened in San Diego’s Fashion Valley Mall, by chance I walked in with a friend and was immediately hooked on the products and the concept. LUSH began in England in the late ’70s, through many trials, tribulations and name changes they’ve continued with the dream which now translates to over 650 stores and several factories in over 40 countries.
So what is LUSH? It’s the ultimate beauty delicatessen. It’s such a fun shop, you can’t help but want to touch and smell everything. The products are either fruity or a natural combination of ingredients and scents; the attendants are very friendly and fun. We got a demonstration of a Bath Bomb, which is guaranteed to make you want to use your tub for a bath! Once the Bath Bomb dissolves, not only does it give an awesome scent, but it leaves the water feeling creamy and your skin feels moisturized, very luxurious. We also got a demonstration of a bubble bar and got to smell lots of lotions, I wanted to buy everything!
The prices are very affordable, with products as low as $5 and above. Even if you’re on a budget, you’ll be able to afford one or two things.
The more I learned about the company the more I respect it. LUSH leads the cosmetics industry in combating social and environmental issues by running public awareness campaigns in their shops and funding direct actions groups such as Sea Sheperd Conservation Society and Rainforest Action Network.
Other facts about LUSH, their products are:
100% Not tested on animals
100% Vegetarian
81% Vegan
69% Preservative-free
44% Unpackaged
Ethical, quality and affordable products…what’s not to love? For a store near you, check on Store Locator.
Spring 2012 Eyeshadows
12 years ago
Spring 2012 is shaping up to be a great season for makeup, especially if you like wearing pastel colored eyeshadow. Every makeup line from Maybeline to Dior, and Stila to Estee Lauder have Springtime appropriate pastel colors in their eyeshadow palettes this season. I’ll admit I already own many pastel and jewel tone eyeshadow, and it’s true I feel compelled to wear them during the Spring. This season is no different, we’re seeing a lot of updated “Easter egg” colors, tons of greens, and also some pretty nude eyeshadow colors. Many of this seasons purple, yellow and blue eyeshadow shades aren’t appropriate for the business casual workplace, but they are perfect for nights, weekends and making your standard tee shirt and jeans outfit POP!
Most drugstore and designer palette’s this season offer colors in medium pigmentation that are translucent, but not sheer. The shades have satiny, and in some cases glittery finishes instead of the matte finish we’ve scene in previous seasons. Of course, all eyeshadow will look it’s best if you start with a base layers of eyeshadow primer. I just bought my first eyeshadow primer a few months ago, and it’s done wonders for me (no more creases). Here is Ellie’s review of some of the most popular eyeshadow primers on the market.
Here are some of my favorite Spring 2012 eyeshadow colors:
Chanel Eclosion Quadra Eyeshadow ($58) has a relatively safe warm-neutral pallet for Spring 2012. Each color has a slightly different variation of shimmer. The colors are very similar to Chanel’s Dunes Quadra and Spices Quadra. If you already own either of these Chanel palletes, you probably don’t need to drop more money on this new Springtime palette.
Clarins Blue Sky Eye Quartet Mineral Palette ($40) is part of the Clarins Spring 2012 palette Colour Breeze. Blue sky has three blue shades, two of which are actually work appropriate because they are ‘washes of blue’, and a white shade. The blues contain flecks of glitter in silver and blue jewel tones to help enhance the shade. Be aware that without a primer, you will lose some of the eyeshadow flecks to your face.
Dior 5 Couleurs Garden Edition Couture Colour Eyeshadow Palettes ($59) apply with a fantastic creamy texture. The look is more frosty iridescent than shimmery, which is a finish unique to Dior this season. Best part, the color really lasts all day. With Dior it is true, you get what you pay for!
Estee Lauder Pure Color Topaz Mosaic Five Color Eyeshadow Palette ($45) was inspired by the warm, sun-bleached tones of the desert. The neutral bronze and shimmery copper tones make this palette another safe, and somewhat affordable bet for the season.
Lancome Roseraie Des Delices Eyeshadow Palettes ($49) are filled with soft pastel shades that evoke lush gardens, white lace sundresses and indulgent Ladurée macaroons. The two high-end palettes for the season come in candy-coloured quartettes: one with feminine roses and peaches, the other in refreshing greens like seafoam and turquoise.
MAC Cook Eyeshadow Palettes ($38) are available for a limited time at select MAC counters. Pictured: Call Me Bubbles and Colour Added. The Spring 2012 MAC Cook shades offer a similar assortment of colors as the other major players this season. Call Me Bubbles is very desert chic, with nice sheen. While Colour Added offers the alternative, risky colors of the season. Makeup wearers either love, or hate MAC; so it is importnat MAC offers every “HOT” shade each season to continue to speak to the customers that love them…and make sure they don’t go running off to a competitor.
Stila Jewel Eyeshadows ($20) come in eight new shimmery colors for Spring 2012. These colors work against the whole pastel palette, and bring in more of s New Mexico, or Mjoave feel. The colors are all appropicately named after stones. I bet you can easily pick out “Opal” and “Amethyst”.
If you’re on the market for some pastel and jewel tone eyeshadows, Spring 2012 is the perfect season for you. Find you favorite shades, and stock up. We all know how quickly color trends change!