Holy Grail: Estée Lauder’s Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex II

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Wake up to beautiful skin every day with Estée Lauder’s Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex II.

As a fan of the Advanced Night Repair “OG” – I couldn’t help but wonder… “If it ain’t broke… ” However, this upgrade not only repairs, brightens and hydrates the skin – it “purifies” the skin.

The new formula introduces Estee Lauder’s exclusive ChronoluxCB™ Technology. This technology delivers a  shot of hyaluronic (helps the skin to hang onto its water) and a big dose of antioxidants (helps to repair and protect against daily wear and tear), it also helps to break down what’s not needed, which is where the “purify” element begins to make sense.

You really do wake up to supple, fully hydrated skin. Skin looks rested, radiant and de-puffed.

The formula has been tested and proven to reduce lines and wrinkles, smooth, hydrate and strengthen skin and give you a younger, radiant more translucent glow.

How to use:
Step 1: Apply a drop on each fingertip of one hand.
Step 2: Touch fingertips of both hands together.
Step 3: Massage serum over face and neck, starting at the center, outward.

Holy Grail: FAIRYDROPS Scandal Queen Mascara

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Inspired by the desire to enhance her eyes both on and off camera, Japanese TV personality Aya Yasuda created FAIRYDROPS – a Japanese makeup line that features amazing mascaras.

Japan’s best-selling mascara was brought stateside to sample. The version, FAIRYDROPS Scandal Queen Mascara, is a do-it-all mascara that creates incredibly lush, doll-like lashes and my new HG.

The Brush: Unique in shape, the patented 3-sphere brush is placed on a curved wand that kisses the lash line. The brush catches every single, tiny lash creating perfect definition and length.

The Formula: The dense, fibrous formula does not clump or run. (which is interesting because there are a million tiny fibers). Formulated with a cocktail of moisturizing ingredients such as squalane, jojoba seed oil, panthenol, hydrolyzed collagen, and sodium hyaluronate, every lash is coated and accentuated. Available in one shade – black – the formula is water-resistant and wears all-day without a smudge. Then can be removed effortlessly with a little warm water. Magic!

The Result: The best and most creative mascara I have used. Replaces my previous holy grail, HERE. The fibrous wand does all the work for you. In just one coat – lashes are feathered perfectly, lengthened, defined and exactly how it is described – “doll-like.”

The Problem: This mascara has been discontinued and is no longer sold at Sephora, online. There are still a few at the stores but in limited supply, so get yours before it’s too late. (Also check your local Asian markets, Amazon and EBay)

 

Holy Grail: Omorovicza Thermal Cleansing Balm

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Heat things up with Omorovicza Thermal Cleansing Balm. This rich dark balm dissolves anything standing in it’s way. Enriched with vitamins and nutrients, this is the first cleanser I have used that feels more like a treatment than everyday essential.

Omorovicza, pronounced (omoro-veet-za) is a luxury skincare line derived from the healing waters of Hungary. The Thermal Cleansing Balm revitalizes skin with the use of Hungarian Moor Mud. This mud has been around for 2,000 years and used in Hungary’s thermal baths. Five years ago, Margaret and Stephen de Heinrich de Omorovicza began using this ancient healing resource in their skin care system. Rich in minerals and nutrients like calcium and magnesium carbonates, the balm draws out impurities from the pores and decongests the skin. Skin is left squeaky clean – sans ‘squeak,’ radiant and ultra-moisturzied.

To use, scoop a small dime-sized amount with the provided spatula (a little goes a long way). Warm the dark-colored balm up in your hands until the color fades a bit and start working in circular motions on your cheeks. The Thermal Cleansing Balm feels slightly warming on the skin and smells of orange blossom. The solid balm breaks down to an oil texture which creates a wonderful lubricant for a facial massage. Work the balm around your face and neck and gently on the eye area. If using the product at night time, simply wipe off with muslin cloth or washcloth – leaving the oils and minerals behind as a treatment for the skin. For additional pampering – use a heated muslin cloth or washcloth. When using for daytime, wash-off with water, as makeup will not stand a chance against the moisturizing oils.

I added Omorovicza Thermal Cleansing Balm to my Holy Grail list because like I said before, this product feels more like a treatment for the skin rather than a vehicle to cleanse the skin. This award-winning balm is gentle but effective and leaves the skin positively glowing and silky-smooth.

Awarded ‘Best Anti-Aging Cleanser’ by Harper’s Bazaar.

Awarded ‘Gentle Purifier’ by Glamour Magazine; “a glossy, rich balm that cleanses without stripping skin.”

Holy Grail: Kérastase Elixir Ultime Moringa Immortel

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From morraccan and macadamia to maracuja and marula, beauty oils have become very popular in the formulations of skincare and haircare products. New to the mix… Moringa Oil. Touted as the next big beauty oil, Moringa oil comes from the seeds of the Moringa oleifera tree, also known as the “Tree of Life.” Grown in the Himalayas, Moringa oil has been used for it’s many antioxidants and skin and hair rejuvenating properties.

Kérastase Grand Crus Oils are a range of fragrance-infused, custom-made oils for your specific hair needs. Formulated with the nourishing properties of cult favorite – Elixir Ultime, the Grand Crus Oils focus on specific hair types and conditions: Thé Impérial (pink-for color-treated hair), Moringa Immortel (green-for damaged hair) and Rose Millénaire (lavender-for fine hair).

Use the Grand Crus Oils as a pre-shampoo treatment for dry and coarse hair, as a prep before blow drying to protect, defrizz and add shine, as a styling serum to smooth out flyaways and dry ends, or pre-color treatment.

My favorite and holy grail product is the Immortal Moringa. Formulated with antioxidant-rich Moringa extract, vitamins A& C, calcium, iron and magnesium, this elixir nourishes dry and damaged hair. The lightweight oil leaves hair smooth, shiny and smells divine – woodsy and citrusy.

Holy Grail: Laura Mercier Tone Perfecting Eye Gel Creme

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Do you suffer from dark circles and/or puffy eyes? Welcome to the 80th percentile of planet Earth.

Most people think dark circles are a telltale sign of tiredness, or the unsightly evidence involving one too many margaritas. That is true to a certain extent, as fatigue makes skin dull, and drinking alcohol dehydrates and thins the skin. But the most likely culprit causing chronic dark circles, dermatologists say, is excess pigmentation in the skin and dilated blood vessels that sit close to the thin under-eye skin. Unfortunately, both of these perpetrators are hereditary and are just sitting there bathing in your gene pool.

Aside from surgery there are few options that can really penetrate pigment cells. But there are options to brighten and tighten the eye area, constricting blood vessels to minimize darkness and tissue swelling.

Laura Mercier Tone Perfecting Eye Gel Creme is just the relief you need to brighten and perfect the eye area. The lightweight gel reduces the appearance of dark circles and puffiness, giving the eye area a visibly brighter, more awakened look.

Tone Perfecting Eye Gel Creme is formulated with Oligopeptide-68, a peptide that is said to inhibit tyrosinase activity, melanin synthesis, and decrease the proteins involved in the pigmentation process. It also contains Ash Tree Bark extract, know to help the appearance of puffiness and Sodium Hyaluronate to smooth the skin.

According to Jeffrey Tasker, International Makeup Artist for Laura Mercier, Laura hired a doctor to formulate this eye cream for her own use. It worked so well, she decided to share it to the world by including it in her skin care line.

This is my holy grail daytime eye cream for one simple reason – effects are immediate. When I wake up with puffy, tired eyes I go directly to my refrigerator (where I keep my eye cream) and apply. The cold, soothing gel absorbs quickly into the skin and feels incredibly nourishing. Instantly my sleepy, puffy eyes are brighter and refreshed. Long term, this product promises to improve the tone and texture of the skin. I have not used long enough to notice these results, however, I believe I soon will.

Questions about Laura Mercier? 

Contact:

Christina D. Torres

Business Manager

Cosmetics, Laura Mercier

T: 949/610-1420

E: christina.d.torres@nordstrom.com

Holy Grail: Vitality Lip Flush 4-in-1 Anti-Aging Lipstick Stain

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An all-in-one phenomenon. Combine your favorite lip balm, lipstick, lip gloss and lip stain and you will have IT Cosmetics Vitality Lip Flush 4-in-1 Anti-Aging Lipstick Stain. 

IT Cosmetics by Jackie Kern stands for Innovative Technology Cosmetics. It is created with the help of leading plastic surgeons to infuse medical grade makeup with healing skin loving ingredients with cutting edge technology.

Unlike anything I have tried before, this lip product creates the most perfect stained lip.  The uber moisturizing formula glides on the lips seamlessly and resembles the feeling of a glossy lip balm. After application, lips are stained with a gorgeous “your lips but better” flush. This product comes in 3 different stains: Je Ne Sais Quoi (crystal pink), Love Story (mid-range pink) and Pretty Woman (berry).

This truly innovative lip product contains IT Cosmetics Hydra-Luxe™ Technology which features plum oil, cherry oil, shea butter, aloe, and jojoba that all work together to treat, hydrate, condition, and nourish your lips. It is also packed with anti-oxidants including acai, green tea, white tea, and vitamins A, C, and E to fight free-radicals and  minimize the appearance of lip lines and wrinkles.

IT Cosmetics Vitality Lip Flush 4-in-1 Anti-Aging Lipstick Stain is added to the Holy Grail list for two reasons: texture and color. It is the lip product I have always been looking but did not know existed. Until now.

Holy Grail: L’Occitane Almond Shower Oil

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Say good-bye to itchy skin and razor burn with L’Occitane’s Almond Shower Oil. This ultra-nourishing body wash gently cleanses while doubling as a moisturizing shaving foam.

When mixed with water,  L’Occitane Almond Shower Oil transforms from a soothing oil into lavish foam. The unique texture leaves a satin-like softness all over the body keeping moisture locked into the skin. Rich in almond oil, grape vine, rosemary and nourishing lipids, L’Occitane Almond Shower Oil is suitable for both men and women.

This shower oil is unique and like nothing I have ever tried. It is by far better than any shaving cream/gel available. A pea-sized amount is enough to use on the entire leg. It permits the closest shave possible and keeps skin soft and hydrated. It cleanses the skin without stripping it dry and the sweet almond scent will blanket the entire bathroom. L’Occitane Almond Shower Oil has graduated to my Holy Grail list of products.

Holy Grail: Urban Decay 24/7 Eye Pencil in Perversion

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Urban Decay 24/7 Eye Pencils are some of my favorite. They are creamy, intensely pigmented and have amazing staying power.

Perversion eye pencil was released as a limited-edition shade, but is now part of Urban Decay’s permanent collection. It is the richest and darkest black eye pencil, I have ever seen. With just one stroke, the matte black shade glides on smoothly and effortlessly.

The waterproof eyeliners are great for lining the waterline. My eyes are very sensitive to this technique and I rarely partake. However, the 24/7 eyeliners do not irritate my eyes as much as others. I think this is due to the fact that I only need one or two strokes of the pencil. The incredibly pigmented formula does all the work for me.

If you are looking for one black eyeliner that does it all, Perversion is it.

Holy Grail: Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray

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Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray

Oribe Texturizing Spray is an invisible dry hair spray that creates incredible volume and texture. Patented polymers absorb oil at the roots, creating volumptuous-styled hair for days.

Many reviews have categorized this spray as a dry shampoo. I would not recommend this product for purely this reason, it is so much more. One mist of this texturizing spray creates a dry-matte grip and massive body in the hair.  Yes… It will absorb oil but this product creates a dry and almost crispy hair texture, so a small amount is all that is needed.

Perfect for creating up-dos and trendy styles, braids, twists and/or messy buns. This spray is perfect for obtaining ‘beachy’ texture and instant second-day hair. This body-building spray dries to an invisible finish leaving no white residue and smells wonderfully citrusy with a hint of musk.

Oribe Texturizing Spray transcends flat hair to full hair. Try-on some texture today.

Holy Grail: Giorgio Armani Eyes To Kill Mascara

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Giorgio Armani Eyes To Kill Mascara is currently the best mascara I have ever used. Coming from a lunatic that has tested every imaginable mascara, this says a lot. As seen in Glow-T’s Best of 2011 post – I wanted to wait until I thoroughly tested this product to give an honest review. 

Giorgio Armani Eyes To Kill Mascara is all of your favorite lengthening/separating/volumizing mascaras rolled into one. The formula is smooth, weightless and incredibly pigmented. One coat is all that is needed for full/thick lashes, however, the build-able formula is capable of overly dramatic lashes without clumping (statement based on two thick coats). The wand’s handle is weighted, giving support for easy application. The brush is nothing special and on the larger size, but delivers intensely thick, black lashes.

The only criticism I have is the price. A $30 dollar mascara is hard to swallow with so many cheaper products on the market. In consideration, I purchased this mascara in the beginning of November and it is still going strong; no traces of dryness or emptiness.

Giorgio Armani Eyes To Kill Mascara is currently on my holy grail list. At this point, you would think I would never need to acknowledge another mascara again… You would think…

Holy Grail: Kiehl’s Creme de Corps

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Kiehls Creme de Corps

Kiehl’s was founded as an old-world apothecary in New York’s East Village over 150 years ago. Their products are made with the finest ingredients in unique formulations to assure high quality skincare products. Currently a subsidiary of French cosmetics giant L’Oreal, Kiehl’s can be found in department and flagship stores worldwide.

Creme de Corps body lotion is the brand’s best-selling product. Kiehl’s produces over 1,000,000 ounces of Creme de Corps each year. Used incessantly on models backstage to create glowing skin, this body lotion leaves skin soft, smooth and beautifully moisturized. The ultra-rich formula glides on seamlessly and absorbs quickly, leaving skin soft – not greasy. The unscented body lotion is formulated with rich butters, oils and beta carotene to provide all-day hydration.

By far, the best body lotion I have ever used. No matter how many products I try and test, Kiehl’s Creme de Corps is what I reach for the most.

Tip: Purchase Kiehl’s products at flagship stores, if possible. These stores are known for their generous sample supply. Don’t be afraid to ask.

Holy Grail Product: Giorgio Armani Master Corrector

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Giorgio Armani Master Corrector

Taming dark under-eye circles can be tricky –  it is a combination of heredity and genetics. The skin below the eyes is very thin and delicate. Veining and excess pigmentation in the skin appears more prominently, and darkness manifests. The easiest way to conceal this problem is to correct.

The Master Corrector by Giorgio Armani is a corrective concealer designed for specific complexion concerns. It is available in two color-balancing shades specific to under-eye area; #1 Pink (refreshes dull skin and diminishes yellow pigmentation) and #2 Orange (neutralizes any blue, purple and brown tones as well as freckles, dark spots and hyper-pigmentation).

The Master Corrector in #2 Orange effectively neutralizes all under-eye discoloration. The color is not a true orange, more of a beige/peach/salmon color. It blends seamlessly and the staying power of this corrector is exceptional. This shade will work on any skin-tone, and can be applied under concealer for additional coverage.

Banish dark circles easily and effectively with Giorgio Armani Master Corrector.