Brow Builder: It Cosmetics Brow Power

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IT Cosmetics Brow Power Universal Eyebrow Pencil is no ordinary pencil. This ultra-fine, high-definition, long-wearing, automatic eyebrow pencil adjusts to your specific brow color and supports healthy hair growth.

The super-skinny tip draws the tiniest of lines, allowing you to easily mimic the look of natural brow hairs. The spooly-end brushes and polishes the brows, perfecting the look. How can one pencil be universally flattering? By using softer strokes to match lighter hair, including blonde and silver and pressing a bit harder for darker hair, including medium brown to black.

The crayon-like texture goes on very lightly, so you can layer for the particular look you are going for – whether it’s natural or a bold “statement” brow. The formula is smudge-proof, waterproof and filled with good-for-you ingredients like panthenol, Vitamins A, C, and E. It also contains GrowLuxe technology, which is formulated with Saw Palmetto, Nettle Flower Extract, Horsetail Flower Extract, Green Tea Extract and Grapeseed Extract – promoting healthy hair growth. The American Cancer Society approved Brow Power as being safe for ultra-sensitive skin; this plus the GrowLuxe formula makes this pencil perfect for those who have lost their brows due to chemotherapy. In fact, for every Brow Power pencil sold, IT Cosmetics donates one pencil to the Look Good, Feel Better Program which helps women with cancer regain their confidence in their physical appearance.

Amazing? Yes.

Clutter-Free Cosmetics: UNII Palette

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Say goodbye to makeup clutter! The UNII Palette neatly stores all your favorite cosmetics in one purse-friendly palette.

This innovative and re-usable makeup case eliminates clutter and allows users to consolidate their makeup into one multi-brand palette. Each UNII Palette comes with a matching movable thumb grip and a sheet of adhesive writable labels. Depot your favorite pans of eyeshadows, blushes, face powders, and gather brushes, eyeliners, lipliners and simply pop them into your UNII Palette. Many makeup brands sell refill options –  see which ones: HERE.

The palette is magnetized so makeup stays securely in place, but can be moved and organized to your liking. Available in six vibrant shades: Honeysuckle, Turquoise, Pear, Lavender, Crystal and Midnight – users can create the ultimate personalized palette. Arrange makeup for day, evening, color or trend. Keep one at home and one in your bag. With a large full sized mirror and durable casing, the UNII Palette is designed to use on-the-go.

If you are unfamiliar with how to “depot” your cosmetics – don’t worry UNII Cosmetics has you covered. Check out there How-To video HERE.

Q&A: Jouer National Makeup Stylist – Neil Scibelli

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Yin and Yang, “shadow and light”, is an ancient Chinese philosophy used to describe how polar opposites or seemingly contrary forces are interconnected. Jouer Cosmetics has found this balance with two exceptional and  exceptionally different products, Luminizing Moisture Tint and Matte Moisture Tint.

Jouer’s best-selling Luminizing Moisture Tint contains light-diffusing minerals that give skin a soft, healthy glow. This product is formulated with powerful antioxidants like ginseng and ginko biloba leaf extract to improve the skin and SPF 20 to protect it. Jouer’s Luminizing Moisture Tint provides the perfect amount of “glow.” Sometimes products that claim a “luminizing” or “dewy” finish, just end up making you look sweaty. This product perfects the look of healthy skin.

Allure recently gave Luminizing Moisture Tint it’s coveted “Best in Beauty” seal.

The counter part to a glowing complexion is found with Jouer’s new Matte Moisture Tint. This is the first matte-formula I have used that does not make my face flat. The lightweight formula blurs imperfections, moisturizes the skin and provides a velvety, soft focus finish – that looks amazing on the skin. Enriched with Vitamins A, C and E, this formula delivers rich antioxidants to the skin. The oil-free formula absorbs oil and reduces shine throughout the day.

As a special treat, Jouer’s National Makeup Stylist – Neil Scibelli has provided all the answers needed on using, applying and selecting cream-based products.

Jouer National Makeup Stylist, Neil Scibelli, for Glow-T.com

Q: What are the benefits of using cream-based products?

A: Cream based products have the ability to leave a more dewy finish to the skin. A lot of cream based products have built in moisturizers, so I recommend them to women with dry skin.

Q: Can all skin-types use them?

A: Yes, all skin types can use cream based products. There are different categories of cream products, so choosing the right one for your skin type is key.

Q: How to pick the right colors for your skin tone?

A: I usually test a small amount of product on the lower jaw line area- to match the skin tone. I like matching the neck color.

Q: Should you use fingers or brushes to apply these products? If brushes…what are the best to use?

A: Fingers are a user-friendly way to apply cream products (like a tinted moisturizer), for those who are on the go.  From a makeup artist standpoint, I recommend using a foundation brush for applying cream products; it creates a more even, flawless finish.

Q: How to apply?

A: I put a dime size amount on the top part of my hand, and dip into it with a foundation brush to apply. This way, you have control as to how much your picking up with your brush. You don’t want to end up with too much product directly on your face, so its a good way to build your coverage up. Apply from the center, moving the product outward.

Q: Any tips or tricks?

A: To prevent a cream product from looking streaky, I recommend patting the formula into the skin. It ensures coverage, without moving the product around too much.

Q: How to make cream-based products last?

A: You can set it with a translucent powder, to lock the product in place. This helps with setting the product, and also absorbs shine in the t-zone area.

Q: Favorite cream-based products?

A: Allure’s award winning product from Jouer Cosmetics, Luminizing Moisture Tint. For a more oily skin type, try the new Matte Moisture Tint also by Jouer. They leave the most incredible natural glow to the skin. They’re both oil-free and ideal for daily wear.

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About Neil Scibelli:

Born and raised in New York, Neil Scibelli has established himself as one of today’s leading fashion and celebrity makeup artists. Growing up alongside his grandfather, an oil painter, Neil began blending colors at the young age of five.  Over the years, his passion for painting developed into a keen interest in makeup artistry.

While absorbing all of New York City’s cultural influences and style, makeup artistry was a natural calling for Neil. He studied his craft while training under world-renowned makeup companies including Yves Saint Laurent, Laura Mercier and Kevyn Aucoin. Neil has also assisted some of the industry’s top artists, such as Kate Lee and Mally Roncal.

A combination of talent, dedication and ambition allowed Neil to successfully turn his years of training into a full-time career. His work is mainly focused in fashion, television, music videos, and red-carpet appearances, with loyal celebrity clients in all genres.

Neil has keyed numerous fashion shows and presentations, including his re-occurring work with stylist Brad Goreski and the Kate Spade company.  Other recent projects include his signature glamming for model/actress Molly Sims, assisting on Beyonce’s music video ‘Party’, and grooming for recording artist John Legend.

In 2008, Neil joined the Jouer Cosmetics team as a freelance makeup artist.  Jouer promoted Neil to the role of National Makeup Stylist in 2011; a position he currently holds.

Tips & Tricks: Perfect Summer Glow

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I have spent the last couple months aggressively testing the best self-tanning products on the market. From sprays to mousse, wipes to lotions, I have discovered some great formulas and techniques. (Reviews to follow)

Along the way, I have picked up some tips and tricks to get the perfect summer glow:

PREP:

☀ Do a patch test: Skin may be sensitive to DHA (a sugar derivative) or other ingredients in the product.

☀ Wax 24 hours in advance. Shave 12 hours in advance.

☀ Exfoliate! To get the smoothest, streak-free color possible, apply self-tanner immediately after exfoliating. The outer layer of the epidermis, which is what the self-tanner interacts with, is composed of dead skin cells that last only 7 to 10 days before they shed. You want to make sure you have an even layer of dead skin cells so that they all tan and slough off together. If you don’t properly exfoliate some of the skin will begin peeling in a day or two, which can result in a splotchy tan job.

☀ Apply a light body lotion to dry areas such as knees, elbows and heels. Body lotion will prevent the tanner from saturating these areas.

☀ Choose your favorite self-tanning formula: Aerosols are easy to apply and dry very fast. Mousse has quick-drying power and gives you more control. Wipes are great for on-the-go. Lotions are the most hydrating and will generally last the longest.

APPLICATION:

☀ 99% of the time you will end up with a streaky or uneven tan because of lack of product. Always work with enough product so you are able to glide it over the skin freely. Your skin will only absorb a certain amount of product so it is better to follow the “more is better” rule.

☀ With many application methods to choose from: gloves, mitts, brushes… I believe the best device is your hands. To prevent tan-palms, do not wait until the end to wash your hands. Scrub hands after each section of the body is completed.

☀ Apply product section by section. Always start at the bottom, so you won’t crease the color as you bend over. Start with feet: Apply product to a cotton round and blend on the tops of feet, toes and ankle area. This is my biggest problem area and have found this technique to be the best.

☀ Continue to apply over the shin and calf of a leg. Then apply tanner to your thigh from front to back, using the excess to cover your knee. Repeat on your other leg. For the final step, apply tanner to your hips, stomach and torso, following with your shoulders and arms.

☀ For application to the back area – your best bet is have someone do it for you. Otherwise, use an aerosol formula for an easier reach.

☀ Hands – same technique as feet. After applying product to the body. Wash hands vigorously. Add product to a cotton round and smooth over the backs of hands and lightly on the fingers, blending down onto the wrist area.

☀ An easy way to soften or slow down the absorption of self-tanner on areas that tend to grab a lot of product such as the elbows, knees and heels is to use a dry wash cloth to gently buff these areas after application. It will pick up some of the excess self-tanner and prevent them from getting too dark.

☀ Ever notice that areas like sunspots, melasma or old scars tend to get darker and more noticeable when you’ve slathered on self-tanner? Once you apply self-tanner to the area, take a slightly damp Q-Tip and gently wipe off the self-tanner from the areas where the dark spots are most prevalent. If it still grabs to the spot – try dipping Q-Tip into some rubbing alcohol. This will minimize the chance of the area getting darker and create a more even tone to the skin.

☀ Wait at least 15 minutes before dressing.

EXTENDING YOUR TAN:

☀ Moisturize! Try to moisturize the skin a couple times a day.

☀ Try a gradual tanner. This will not only extend your tan but will even it out as well.

Fine Functionality: Sonia Kashuk Luxe – Agent Provocateur Train Case

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Sonia Kashuk Luxe - Agent Provocateur Train Case

In the market for a new makeup travel bag, I stumbled upon the Sonia Kashuk Luxe – Agent Provocateur Train Case.

Available exclusively at Target.com, the Sonia Kashuk LUXE Collection contains an assortment of stylish one-of-a-kind travel and beauty accessories. From brush sets to beauty clutches, each item looks chic and classic.

When I received the train case, I was blown away by the size. I was not expecting the massiveness of this train case and apparently neglected to view the description box:

Dimensions: 9.5 ” H x 18.5 ” W x 12.5 ” D.

This train case features an inner zip pocket and removable foam modular trays, customizable for your specific makeup collection. One can section off space for bottles, tubes, compacts, brushes… any beauty need.

The Sonia Kashuk Luxe – Agent Provocateur Train Case is perfect for a lengthly trip or to simply display on the bathroom counter. Stylish and functional this train case can be purchased for $34.99 at Target.com.