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.
Illamasqua Nail Varnish
12 years ago
I fell in love with Illamasqua ever since I discovered their amazing Lipstick. Illamasqua is known for their intense and very bold make-up and when I noticed their Nail Varnish collection I just had to try it.
Leave your mark with bold, rich, vibrant colors that stand out. The formula is hard wearing and chip resistant and contains individual finishes from matte to high gloss. Apply two coats for high intensity and use with Illamasqua Nail Base Coat and Illamasqua Nail Top Coat for the perfect finish. Make a statement and talk with your hands!
The advertisement at Sephora promised a “rubber look” so I was intrigued. I used two coats of the color Vice (rich magenta/satin finish) with a base coat underneath. I wasn’t impressed with the matte look, and didn’t see it as looking rubber-like, so after two days I added a top coat which made the color pop and look very lovely.
The varnish itself is thick, covers well and doesn’t chip easily. The thing is, I can get the same quality from OPI, ORLY and Nails, Inc. at a lower cost (Illamasqua is $14, the others are $9.50 or less). So in this case, I would recommend to try it before you buy and decide for yourself.
As I was researching for this post I also saw on Illamasqua’s site a Handmade Toxic Claw.
Individually crafted, each original piece is a miniature work of art that transforms your look. Designed to be worn on either thumb, customise your Toxic Claws with Illamasqua Nail Varnish for a versatile and truly unique finish. False nails will never be the same again!
Not sure what to say about this one, except it’s sure to be noticed!
Three Little Wonders by Ole Henriksen
12 years ago
For the last week I’ve been using samples of the Three Little Wonders by Ole Henriksen. The trio of products are formulated to moisturize your face and neck, as well as provide anti-aging and re-texturizing benefits.
Twice a day you are to use the Truth Serum Collagen Booster, which is a high-potency vitamin C complex that prevents and corrects signs of aging while promoting brightness. The serum feels like a light gel which absorbs very quickly on the face and neck.
In the AM, after the Truth Serum, apply Sheer Transformation. This cream is also very light-weight, you might be tempted to think it’s too light, but let it absorb and you’ll notice your skin won’t be tight or feel dry. Sheer Transformation helps fade skin discoloration, nourishes and re-texturizes the complexion.
In the PM, after the Truth Serum, apply the Invigorating Night Gel. Over time this light-weight gel stimulates cell turnover, exposing a younger, firmer-looking complexion. This product is in the form of a gel, thicker than the serum, very similar to hair gel. Some people have found it sticky, in my case I liked the way it was quickly absorbed by my skin. I did notice the stickiness when I applied a thicker layer. It’s not what you would expect from a night cream, but it works!
After one week of using these products, I have noticed a difference. My skin feels a lot softer and I’m considering switching to the Three Little Wonders when my current face cream is finished.
The trio costs $70, which is a lower price than buying them separately. My suggestion as always is to try a sample first before committing to a purchase, and even though the bottles are only 1 ounce, a little does go a long way.
Alien by Thierry Mugler
12 years ago
I rarely review perfumes because they’re too subjective, a great scent can smell awful applied on my body and be amazing on someone else. But I just had to make a comment about the sample I found on Vogue. It’s for Alien by Thierry Mugler.
It’s a spray packet, you lift the tab, push it back down and a small spray comes out of it. I loved it! OK I loved the packaging, not the scent.
Even though the perfume is not for me, I just can’t throw away the sample. I’ll be passing it on to a friend of mine.
China Glaze Hunger Games / Capitol Colours
12 years ago
Brand new colors from China Glaze, will come to stores early March just before the release of The Hunger Games. The new collection is called Capitol Colours and each polish is a representation of a certain aspect of the story. You’ll be able to find the collection at Sally Beauty Supply and ULTA Beauty.
In my case, I think Electrify and Smoke & Ashes will be perfect for my collection!
Agro
Dress Me Up
Electrify
Fast Track
Foie Gras
Harvest Moon
Hook & Line
Luxe & Lush
Mahogany Magic
Riveting
Smoke & Ashes
Stone Cold
Urban Decay Naked2
12 years ago
A big hit for Urban Decay has been its collection of neutral eyeshadows called Naked Palette.
This palette can be called anything except boring, with 12 gorgeous neutrals that work on any skin color. The palette includes glittery, shimmery and matte textures.
Now the most anticipated sequel will soon be available, named Naked2.
This collection features 12 new neutral colors that range from pale and deep, to matte and sparkly.
Naked2 is currently available only online through Sephora.com and is expected to be available in stores by the end of January. They expect the palette to be in very high demand, so either order it online or call your local Sephora consultant to verify dates.
Balancing Neons and Nudes
12 years ago
I’ve been a loyal supporter of Bobbi Brown Cosmetics for many reasons. The make-up is subtle and simultaneously fun, there is a variety of beautiful, versatile colors, and the overall “Bobbi look” is natural and fresh. Considering I wear little make-up and always strive for a more conservative and undone look, Bobbie always delivers. This season, she is featuring her Neons and Nudes Collection, the perfect blend of subtlety and brightness for the winter season. How simple yet genius, right? We all know the fashion rule, “Bright here, neutral there,” and we stick to it for obvious reasons. The beauty of this new collection is balance: balancing brightness and neutrality for a glowing, natural look. While the new collection offers a nude eye palette, an ink liner, a lip gloss in Citrus, Cosmic Pink, and Ultra Violet, an eye shadow in Blue Bell and Ultra Violet, a lipstick in Atomic Orange, Neon Pink, and Uber Beige, I am most impressed with the blush in Nude Pink and Nude Peach. The colors are incredible and offer just the right amount of color for a radiant look–and they work with any skin tone. They complement bright lips and neutral eyes, as well as bring the whole face together. Whether you’re looking for a less-is-more look in the day or a festive, flirty look in the evening, this collection is simply the one!
StriVectin-TL Neck Tightening Cream
12 years ago
In the eternal fight against aging StriVectin is at the cutting edge with skin treatments formulated to dimishing deep wrinkles and stretch marks or give certain areas a little lift as it is in the case of StriVectin-TL Tightening Neck Cream.
A rich, luxuriously nourishing cream that delivers potent firming and moisturizing ingredients to the neck and jawline. StriVectin’s new three-tiered technology tightens on skin’s surface upon application. It provides immediate and long-term benefits, including hydrating, lifting, and firming properites. It also improves skin’s overall tone and elasticity.
According to the instructions StriVectin-TL should be used twice a day and after two weeks you will feel a noticeable improvement. In my case, I did notice a small improvement, but nothing that would amaze me, then again my neck does not sag too much….at least not yet.
The cream is thick but glides on very nicely with a slight and pleasant scent. From what I’ve seen in other people’s reviews some women absolutely loved it and I’m glad for them since the 1.7 fl. oz. jar costs $89.
StriVectin-TL has very high end ingredients such as Patented NIA-114 discovered in skin cancer prevention research which helps rebuild skin layers and is clinically proven to reduce visible signs of aging, wrinkles and stretch marks. Other ingredients include collagen, shea butter, cumingii leaf and others.
Because of the cost I suggest you ask for a sample first and then decide for yourself. This might be what the Doctor ordered, without having to go to one. Also check out their product line of anti-wrinkle and stretch marks creams.
DRY HAIR can look thirsty; so not cute!
12 years ago
Normally, I like to stay in my lane and rave Ooooh La-La about Cosmetics & Makeup but today’s review highlights my new “HAIR” obsession. When I say I’ve tried a gazillion products I mean it but the Andre Walker Hair Care line had me in the mirror doing a serious double-take.
Let’s get into the Who, What & Why…
Who – Andre Waker, hairstylist to the stars…one really big star by the name of (Oprah Winfrey)
What – I tried both the Total Keratin Obsession (TKO) Deep Conditioning Treatment Hair Mask and the “Q” Quench Essential Oil
Why – because my hair lacked serious luster & hydration
Let’s face it…our environment is rough! Our hair strands have a lot to fight off, from UV rays to environmental pollutants – all this causes breakage but when were equipped with products that offer high doses of Olive oil, Aloe, Morroccan Argan, Keratin, Vitamin E we can expect brilliant tresses. For us Naturalista’s (Non chemical wearing chicks, except for covering the grey lovelies) hair moisture loss is our number one battle so if this hair mask can restore & repair with a few uses – I said to myself, DUH!!
Here’s a pic so you can recognize it on shelves and for all you HSN.com Vampires:
Now the (TKO) conditioning treatment does what it says: CONDITIONS but you should get into the habit of applying on a “weekly” basis to see and feel the difference. As with other deep conditioners, when applied with a warm towel or shower cap to create that greenhouse effect, the penetration factor goes bananas and “DEEP”, hence the name.
Moving on, since I commonly wear “wash & go styles” I prefer pre-styling aides and the Q-oil fits the bill. It quenches my thirsty hair and has me looking polished something all us gals’ take delight IN.
Oh and PRO TIP I discovered, the Q-oil can be used for skin, bam you know all about that...as I title clearly suggest: “thirsty hair, thirsty skin ain’t cute!”
Go here for the entire low down: http://www.andrewalkerhair.com/