Blog Archives
Perfect Polish: Watermelon by Essie
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I just bought my fourth bottle of Watermelon by Essie. Never in my life have I finished a bottle of nail polish – now four! Watermelon is the polish I always come back to, year after year. Best for warmer weather, Watermelon is cheerful, youthful and flattering on the skin. It can appear many different colors – bright pink, red and almost neon, depending on the light.
Watermelon applies opaque in one coat. I always use two coats for both manicure and pedicure. I find Essie nail polishes super easy to apply. The thin brush promotes control and ease.
If you are looking for a great spring/summer shade that is refreshing and juicy, try Watermelon by Essie.
Spring Sun: Illamasqua Cream Blusher in Zygomatic
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Illamasqua Cream Blushers. The most pigmented, creamy and long-lasting cream-based product I have used.
For my first purchase I decided to go a bit conservative. This was extremely difficult as there are so many tempting colors. I wanted a color I could wear everyday that would give a natural dewiness. Enter Zygomatic. A “naked pink brown” as described by Illamasqua. Subtle yet on the skin it creates the perfect pinkish tan glow like you have soaked up a little Spring sun.
This product blends beautifully and creates a healthy dewy finish. Use alone or as primer for your powder blushes. This will create even longer staying power.
Lastly… If you are thinking about trying an Illamasqua Cream Blusher – go to your nearest Sephora – as the color swatches on the websites are inaccurate.
Earth Tones: Dolce & Gabbana Stromboli Eyeshadow Quad
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Nothing reflects Fall like smoldering earth tones. My new favorite eyeshadow quad, Dolce & Gabbana Smooth Eye Color Quad in #130 Stromboli.
The eyeshadow quad consists of a light gold, a burnt sienna, a warm chocolate and a metallic charcoal. There are so many color combinations possible and each one compliments the other.
The texture of the finely-milled eyeshadows are creamy and buttery. Extremely pigmented and blend-able, so I recommend using a light hand when applying. These eyeshadows wear about six-eight hours before fading.
To get a smoldering earth tone eye look:
Apply the dark metallic charcoal close to the lash line and beneath the eye line. Then, blend the burnt sienna and warm chocolate hues in the crease for definition. Lastly, add the light gold to inner corner for a highlight.
Keratin Infusion: Inova Professional
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Keratin is a type of fibrous protein that makes-up part of your hair, skin and nails. We are constantly depleting the keratin in our hair through chemical processing, heat, environmental factors and age. All of these factors can break-down the keratin creating weak, damaged hair. New innovations in hair care have found that product rich in keratin can help secure stronger and healthier hair.
Inova Professional specializes in keratin-packed products and treatments. They specialize in frizzy, unruly and unmanageable hair. I have never used products containing keratin until now and am not sure why I waited so long.
The Silk Keratin Smooth Protection Sulfate Free Shampoo is a wonderfully rich shampoo. Creamy and thick, you would never guess this product is sulfate-free. It gently cleanses the hair and removes build-up, infusing the hair with strengthening keratin, nourishing coconut oil and vitamin-c. Hair rinses feeling smoother and conditioned for increased manageability and shine.
The Silk Keratin Smooth Hydration Conditioner infuses hair with strengthening keratin to help rebuild the hair and silk proteins to seal the hair cuticle. The result is hair that is instantly smoothed of frizz, detangled and increasingly shiny.
The Silk Keratin Miracle Mask is a weekly treatment you can use at home. Formulated with white carnation oil, avocado oil, silk protein and keratin protein, it repairs split ends and other symptoms of dry, weak, and damaged hair. One of the best hair masks I have ever used – you will notice a difference the instance you apply and rinse. Hair feels coated and protected, but not weighed down. After styling, hair is noticeably smooth and silky and remains that way until next wash.
Formulated for all hair types, but is ideal for chemically treated or thermo-reconditioned hair, Inova Professional products are a ‘treatment’ for the hair. Yes, they smell wonderful and feel luxurious, but all of that aside – I feel and notice a difference in my hair. After 1-2 uses, I noticed smooth and silky locks. After 5-10 uses, I have noticed stronger, healthier hair.
About Inova Professional:
Inova Professional was founded by Daniel Babishov and Simon Aminov, two NYC salon owners and senior hair stylists. With over 40 years of combined experience, they both specialize in unruly, curly, frizzy hair. After many years of seeing clients’ hair become increasingly unmanageable and frizzy due to color processing, relaxing, and various other chemical processes, they wanted to develop a treatment that would not only salvage their clients’ hair, but also act as a conditioning treatment to keep hair healthy and shiny. Their goal was to develop a solution for unmanageable hair, as well as a cohesive hair-care system for clients to prolong it’s long-lasting results.
With this goal in mind they developed the Pure Keratin Hair Smoothing Treatment, a revolutionary hair smoothing technology designed primarily to eliminate frizz and secondarily to straighten hair. The Pure Keratin Hair Smoothing Treatment is formulated with keratin and collagen proteins, as well as mineral oil and cacao extract to rebuild and strengthen the hair where it has been damaged, as well as protect and smooth the hair.
Inspired by this treatment, they also developed a line of Silk Keratin retail hair-care products to be used in conjunction with the treatment, or on their own. All of the Inova Professional products are developed with our signature keratin complex and other essential ingredients.
Four Favorites: Red Lipstick
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As the seasons change, the reach for a red lipstick grows closer. Unfortunately, many women are scared of scarlet. I believe there is a simple adjustment period or rite of passage, when wearing a bright lip. Just like anything else, to diverge from our comfort zone is an uncomfortable feeling. Try this: When home alone, cleaning house, reading a book, watching television – apply your bright lip and test-drive for the day. Let your eyes adjust to the unfamiliar look and I promise it won’t be so shocking next time.
Tips on Application: HOW TO: PERFECT RED LIPS
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Chanel Rouge Coco in Gabrielle: My all-time favorite. A bright blue-based red with glossy sheen. The Rouge Cocos’ are extremely moisturizing and allow you to wear both a sheer or heavy red lip.
NARS Semi Matte Lipstick in Jungle Red: NARS best-seller, Jungle Red is bright and bold. If you want to commit to a “Gwen Stefani/Rita Hayworth” red lip – this one’s for you.
YSL Rouge Volupt in #18 Red Taboo: Cool-toned red with a hint of raspberry. The Rouge Volupt lipsticks are comfortable and light on the lips. Extremely pigmented, long-lasting, uber-creamy and incredibly glossy.
Tom Ford Lip Color in Scarlet Rouge: The classic brick red. For those still uncomfortable wearing the bright lip – this is your training wheels. Deep and luxurious – the color is beautiful and sophisticated – the formula is hydrating and long-lasting.
Five Favorites: Lip Treatments
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The product on everybody’s lips… Lip Treatments.
Moisturizing lip conditioners are some of my favorite products. Essential for getting rid of dry, chapped lips, these treatments care and protect all-year-round. Slather them on day/night, in-flight, in-car… anytime. My current five favorites are:
Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream: Full Post Review: HERE
Homeoplasmine Cream: One of my French pharmacy favorites, this multi-purpose ointment soothes, protects and moisturizes the lips/skin. The homeopathic cream was originally created to heal the nasal passages from colds, allergies, and treat skin irritations. However, it is amazing on dry lips as it literally heals them before your eyes. I love the non-greasy consistency and the natural matte finish. Great for travel, this cream will quench jet-lagged lips/skin and the aluminum casing ensures the product will last forever. Unfortunately, it is very difficult to find in the US. Sorry.
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Lip Therapy: Brings the healing power of First Aid Beauty’s best-selling Ultra Repair Cream to moisturize, nourish, and protect your lips. This long-lasting, petroleum-free and paraben-free formula will prevent dryness and heal parched lips. On its own, it has a subtle, semi-matte finish. Use this healthy lip balm under lipstick to keep lips hydrated, smooth and soft.
Eco Lips Renew Rejuvenating Lip Balm: Formulated with argan oil, vitamin E and antioxidants this lip balm aids in cell renewal and anti-aging. The organic lip conditioner improves skin texture almost immediately and the petroleum-free formula locks in moisture. The bold Orange Spice flavor is a treat on the lips and kind of addicting.
NUXE Rêve de Miel Ultra-Nourishing Lip Balm: – Used by many makeup artists as a lip prep, this soothing lip conditioner soaks into lips and dries perfectly matte. The richly concentrated balm contains honey, plant oils, shea butter and grapefruit essence to help nourish, repair, soothe and protect the lips. The incredibly creamy, smooth texture glides on the lips effortlessly and smells of sweet citrus.
GLOW-T AWARDS: Kerstin Florian Sunless Tan
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BEST MOISTURIZING SELF-TANNER: Kerstin Florian Sunless Tan
Kerstin Florian Sunless Tan is an innovative product that provides easy application, natural color, consistency, moisture and a pleasant aroma.
The uber moisturizing formula is enriched with Sweet Almond Oil and Shea Butter to deeply hydrate and smooth the skin for a radiant, streak-free appearance. Ginko Biloba and Echinacea extracts help to condition the skin, fight free radicals and promote healthy cell regeneration.
The active ingredient in most self-tanners is dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which reacts with the outer layer of the skin to create a bronzed tone. Kerstin Florian Sunless Tan uses a natural sunless tanning ingredient derived from a vegetable source. It reacts with amino acids in the top layer of the skin to produce the golden appearance.
Selected by SELF Magazine as the “Best New Self-Tanning Product of the Year,” Kerstin Florian Sunless Tan is thick and creamy and smells subtly like a bouquet of flowers. The initial color is light but builds to a beautiful sun-kissed glow. It feels very lux on the skin and feels and smells like a spa treatment.
Neutral Duo: NARS Kalahari
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NARS Eyeshadow Duos are long-wearing and crease-resistant. They are beautifully pigmented and creamy to the touch. The Duos are available in a myriad of colors and textures and are always interestingly and uniquely paired.
While scouring NARS Eyeshadows, it is easy to focus primarily on the unusual bright colors. The neutral duos have a hard time competing. NARS Eyeshadow Duo in Kalahari is a great neutral option. It contains two very wearable color combinations, a shimmering bronze with peach undertones and a warm brown with taupe undertones.
Kalahari is available in NARS’ permanent collection. Worn together or alone, these shades are richly pigmented and can be applied sheer or built-up for a more dramatic effect. Used wet, these shadows also double as eyeliners.
Kalahari will flatter any eye color. The warm tones look amazing on dark and light skin tone and will reflect beautifully in the summer sun.
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.
Glow-T Gift Guide: Bath & Body
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Glow-T’s Gift Guide continues with bath & body. Give the gift of relaxation with creamy, bubbly bath products. Pamper loved ones with luxurious holiday bath sets that aid in relaxation. From mood-changing natural oils to decadent bath bubbles and balms, here are a few gift ideas for an at-home spa experience.
Space NK ~ Rodial REHAB Bath & Body Gift Set: $60.00
BeautyHabit ~ Kai Bubbles & Light Gift Set: $49.00
BeautyBar ~ Elemental Herbology Botanical Bathing Infusions Gift Set: $42.00
Sephora ~ L’Occitane Best of L’Occitane Set: $75.00
Nordstrom ~ Laura Mercier Almond Coconut Milk Body & Bath Trio: $60.00
Tried & Tested: Urban Decay Super-Saturated High Gloss Lip Color
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Urban Decay Super-Saturated High Gloss Lip Color
With party season around the corner, every girl needs a powerful lip color in their arsenal. The Super-Saturated High Gloss Lip Color’s by Urban Decay deliver high-impact color with a punch.
Like having a lipstick and lip gloss in one, these chubby pencils provide vibrant, rich color with a glossy finish. The product is long-wearing, and the opaque color continuously looks presentable without feathering. The Lip Color’s are super creamy, hydrating and convertible.
Currently available in five shades: F-Bomb (bright red cream), Punch Drunk (bright orange cream), Adrenaline (bright fuchsia sparkle), Crush (hot pink), and Big Bang (bright pink with sparkle).
Of all the shades, I am currently loving F-Bomb and Crush, the creamier versions. The sparkle shades feel a little gritty on the lips and are a bit troublesome with application. All-in-all, the Super-Saturated High Gloss Lip Color’s by Urban Decay are a great lip product to have on-hand during party season.
Liner Longevity: Stila Smudge Stick
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Stila Smudge Stick Waterproof Liner
If you are looking for eye liner with staying-power, look no further. Stila Smudge Stick Waterproof Eye Liners are long-lasting, waterproof and do not budge.
Available in eight shades, these eyeliners are vibrantly pigmented and easy to apply. The texture is creamy and smooth as they glide onto the lids. The colors are intense and vivacious, with some that contain shimmer – others matte.
At IMATS (International Makeup Artists Tradeshow) this weekend, I swatched every color on my hand. Throughout the day, after testing other products and wiping them off, these eyeliners survived. Driving home (picture), the Stila Smudge Stick Waterproof Eye Liners edured the entire day.
Exotic Eyes: Estée Lauder’s Island Oasis Eye Shadow Palette
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Estée Lauder’s Island Oasis Eye Shadow Palette
Estée Lauder’s Island Oasis Eye Shadow Palette screams summer beauty. The palette provides six beautiful shades that reflect sandy beaches and crystal blue water.
The richly pigmented shades are very luxurious and creamy. They apply with a sheer metallic finish but can be intensified by building the color. The palette is arranged with both cool and warm tones; a dusty green, glittery gold, mediterranean blue, rose gold, deep red bronze and shimmering stone. These shadows can be worn together in a multiple of different looks or applied alone for a single pop of color.
Palettes are perfect for summer travel, so many options packed easily away in a makeup bag. They provide the consumer with color-choices they would not usually buy which motivates experimentation. However used, this palette will provide the sensation of an exotic vacation.
Punch of Color: Deborah Lippmann: Girls Just Want to Have Fun
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Deborah Lippmann
Deborah Lippmann, Girls Just Want to Have Fun, nail lacquer is a creamy coral/pink-colored varnish required for summer sandals. Named after the popular Cyndi Lauper tune, released in 1983, Lippmann developed this shade from 80’s inspiration.
Deborah Lippmann nail lacquers are innovative and on trend each season. The formula is velvety and creamy and applies like a dream. The colors are pigmented and intense, in which one to two coats is all that is needed. The performance of these nail lacquers are adequate, manicure lasts about five days.
This vibrant nail polish compliments all skintones. The coral/pink-hue accentuates the skin instantly, fabricating a sun-kissed glow. The bold punch of color in Deborah Lippmann Girls Just Want to Have Fun nail laquer is universally flattering and essential for Summer 2011.
Prime Time: Stila Prime Pot
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Stila Prime Pot
Stila Prime Pot is a waterproof eye shadow primer that extends the life of eye makeup. When applied, this primer smooths and conceals the lid area of any flaws to create the perfect blank canvas for eye makeup. The inventive polymers in this product cling to eye shadow to prevent creasing and keep excess oil at bay.
This creamy primer is easy to apply and only the smallest amount is needed. Although this product is waterproof, it can be removed gently and without struggle.
Stila Prime Pot is available in two colors, Taffy: soft beige pink and Caramel: warm tawny beige. Both colors are matte and should match all skintones.
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