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Picture Perfect: NARS Light Reflecting Setting Powder
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For Spring 2013, NARS introduces an innovative new mineral setting powder, available in both loose and pressed formulas. Light Reflecting Setting Powder helps skin “shine through makeup,” enhancing the look of foundation and extending makeup wear – all without a trace of color.
Formulated with NARS’ exclusive “Light Reflecting Complex,” this translucent powder promises to fade fine lines, wrinkles, and pores creating visibly smooth skin. Vitamin E and glycerin help guard against dryness and provide a luminous soft matte finish. Ideal for touch-ups, regulating shine, and seamlessly setting foundation. Paraben-free. Fragrance-free. Non-Comedogenic.
This ultra-silky powder uses a form of silicone, mineral silica, to matify, blur and fill-in fine lines and pores. It feels amazing and creates super smooth skin. The finely-milled powder is stark white but leaves no chalky residue or “powdery” appearance. Infused with Photochromic Technology, Light Reflecting Setting Powder adjusts to new sources of light throughout the day. Great for flash photography, there us no reflection or flashback. It sets foundation beautifully and makes the face look luminous, smooth and just pretty.
Lip Lacquer: Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tars
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Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tars combine the longevity of a lipstick, with consistency of a gloss. 100% vegan and cruelty-free, OCC has created a truly innovative product.
Become your own alchemist with OCC Lip Tars. With 40 blendable shades, one is inspired to invent and create new colors of their own.
OCC Lip Tars contain an unprecedented amount of pigment and are very true to color. They have a very liquid consistency, which makes application difficult. For more precision, I suggest using a lip-brush.
Unlike traditional lipsticks, Lip Tars come packaged in a small squeeze tube. You only need a tiny bead of color for an application, so they last forever despite their small size. The product goes on very slick and moist and dries down to a satin finish. It feels lightweight and comfortable on the lips and is truly long-lasting. Formulated with Hemp Oil, Peppermint Oil and Vitamin E, OCC Lip Tars feel as good on the lips as they look.
Lacquer your lips in high-impact color with Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tars.
Tried & Tested: Josie Maran Argan Hot Oil Self-Heating Hair Treatment
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Josie Maran’s Argan Hot Oil Self-Heating Hair Treatment is food for the hair. This innovative hair treatment comes with an advanced self-heating mechanism that allows the miniature argan ampules to warm up under the hot water of your shower or by simply rubbing between the palms of your hands. The oil heats to the ideal temperature to penetrate hair strands and help seal in moisture.
Self-heats? Yes… exactly what I said.
Unlike the days of the VO5 Hot Oil Treatments where a scalding cup of water was needed to heat the tube of oil, these self-heat. Simply run one of the ampules under the hot water in your shower or rub vigorously between the palms of your hands, and the oil heats to the perfect temperature.
This expert treatment repairs and restores hair in just one minute. Its gentle formula is infused with Maran’s signature argan oil, which contains a large amount of vitamin E to reverse damage caused by heat and over-styling, leaving hair smoother, shinier, and healthier. It also contains bergamot, jojoba and soybean oil to restore dull, lackluster hair.
Suitable for all hair types and color-treated hair, this is an intense, nourishing treatment. In the shower, I leave the oil in my hair for longer that one minute and sometimes add one ampule to my hair before a day at the beach. It really does a great job of protecting my hair from the sun and saltwater. After the treatment, my hair is noticeably smoother and holds an incredible shine. The individual ampules are great for travel and are resealable, so those with shorter or thinner hair can get 2 or more uses.
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.
Festival Beauty Essentials
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Be prepared for hot and sticky situations with Glow-T’s Festival Beauty Essentials:
Tory Burch Double Zip Train Case: A great travel case with cool ikat design.
Supergoop! Sunscreen Swipes SPF 30 (21 count): These sunscreen wipes are individually packed, perfect for throwing in your bag. The pre-moistened towelettes are formulated to calm and soothe the skin while providing complete UV protection. Great for sensitive skin, these wipes can be used all over the body.
Coola SPF 30 Unscented Matte Finish Tint: This lightly tinted moisturizer delivers broad spectrum SPF 30 protection. Infused with antioxidants, shea butter, plankton, borage seed oil and evening primrose extract, this lotion will rejuvinate, hydrate and protect. The water-resistant formula and matte finish is great for long days in the sun.
Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm SPF 25: My favorite lip balm to date, this product is incrediably soothing and moisturizing – provides SPF 25 and lasts. Enriched with superior skin conditioners and antioxidants, this emollient balm relieves dry, chapped and irritated lips.
Donna Karen Cashmere Mist Deodorant: Keep dry and odor-free with Donna Karen’s Cashmere Mist Deodorant. Delicately scented with perfume, this advanced formula controls wetness and perspiration.
CleanWell All Natural Hand Sanitizing Spray: Thousands of people and porta-potties… hand sanitizer is a must. This all-natural formula is made with thyme oil that kills all germs and the portable spray makes it easy to carry everywhere.
Klorane Gentle Dry Shampoo (Travel Size): Extend time between washes with a dry shampoo. This gentle formula smells nice and absorbs oil and dirt – an instant refresher. Infused with oat milk, it also nourishes the hair while creating volume and texture.
Josie Maran Bear Naked Wipes: Remove makeup, dirt and oil quickly with these all-natural wipes. Formulated with aloe vera, cucumber, chamomile and vitamin E, the easy-access wipes cleanse and refresh the face and body. Bonus: When purchased, these biodegradable wipes support to protect the endangered Polar Bear.
RMS Cream Eyeshadow – Solar: Perfect for the desert princess, this cream eyeshadow reflects a sheer wash of gold. A great all-in-one eye product, it doubles as an eye cream to nourish and moisturize the eye area.
NARS Cream Blush – Cactus Flower: The name alone implies desert beauty. This bright coral/spicy pink cream blush can be used on both the cheeks and lips. A very subtle gold shimmer leaves the skin flushed, dewy and healthy.
Givenchy Phenomen’Eyes Waterproof Mascara: Waterproof mascara is a must-have. I assure you Givenchy’s will not budge or smudge. The spiked-ball wand takes a little to get used to but defines, separates and lengthens exquisitely. Tip: With your finger, smudge on the lashline for an instant liner effect that will last.
Laura Geller Balance-n-Bronze: A genius design, adding bronzer and foundation, all-in-one. The color-correcting foundation is sheer but never looks powdery. The baked bronzer is infused with layers of color to achieve the perfect sun-kissed shade. Swipe separately or swirl together to get a glowing, sun-goddess look.
Tried & Tested: Le Métier de Beauté Magic Lustre Creme
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Le Métier de Beauté (which translates to “the craft of beauty”) features stunning cosmetics and innovative products.
Become your very own alchemist with this line’s Magic Lustre Creme. This luxurious cream glaze is enriched in vitamin E and transforms any powder pigment into sheer stains and glosses for the cheeks, lips or eyes. Loose powder pigments can be difficult to work with, by adding a bit of Magic, the pigments metamorphoses into cream-based products. This makes application simple as well as enhancing color and texture.
Mix with multiple colors to find your perfect recipe or use on it’s own to create a dewy complexion.
Benefits of Coconut Oil: Organic Fiji Virgin Coconut Oil
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Coconut has an abundance of benefits and uses. Enriched in vitamins A, B, C and E, Coconut oil is a natural anti-oxidant that nourishes and repairs the skin and hair.
Coconut oil is one of the best natural nutrition for hair. It can easily penetrate into your hair restoring it’s protein content and provide incredible antioxidant properties. Coconut oil also contains a powerful antimicrobial called Lauric acid. Lauric Acid is a saturated fatty acid that fights bacteria and infection and has been used in the treatment of acne.
On the long list of benefits, Coconut oil is an amazing moisturizer. Organic Fiji Pineapple Coconut Organic Cold Press Coconut Oil for Face, Body & Hair is my favorite. This product is extremely nourishing and smells amazing. The tropical aroma of pineapple and coconut is relaxing and intoxicating. Slather it all over your hair and/or body and you will instantly be dreaming of your next vacation.
Correct & Protect: NIA24 Sun Damage Prevention 100% Mineral Sunscreen
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Due to the importance of sunscreen, I test a lot of them and am always on the hunt for a light, non-chalky version that is also beneficial to the skin.
NIA24 Sun Damage Prevention 100% Mineral Sunscreen receives high-marks for all search criteria. This sunscreen contains a blend of active sunscreens that help to protect the skin from UVA (aging) and UVB (burning) rays. It has a rating of PA+++, which is the highest grade of defense against aging rays.
NIA24 contains Pro-Niacin, a skin strengthening compound clinically shown to improve skin tone, texture and reduce hyper-pigmentation. It also contains ceramides, which promote vibrancy and mango butter to nourish the skin.
The super-absorbent formula feels weightless on the skin and does not leave it looking greasy. The advanced sheer formula leaves no white residue behind, is oil-free, non-comedogenic, dermatologist recommended and suitable for sensitive skin.
NIA24 Sun Damage Prevention 100% Mineral Sunscreen will correct, prevent and benefit.
Drugstore Find: Palmer’s Skin Therapy Oil
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Palmer’s Skin Therapy Oil is a multi-purpose moisturizer that improves the appearance of scars, uneven skin tone, stretch marks, aging, dry and damaged skin.
The oil formula is non-greasy and lightweight. The oil soaks into the skin immedietly and leaves the skin with a soft glow. Skin feels instantly hydrated and incrediably soft.
When I first tried this product, my initial thought was… average moisturizer/nothing special. After a weekend baking in the sun, I used this oil twice a day and noticed my skin was incredibly hydrated, radiant and dewy. Even a couple areas where I had failed applying sunscreen, healed almost instantly.
Palmer’s products use a Cocoa Butter Formula that smells reminiscent of sweet chocolate. The fragrance is a little potent but does not last on the skin.
This is a great summer moisturizer to replenish the skin from the sun’s harsh rays. Palmer’s Skin Therapy Oil is an inexpensive option for healthy skin.
Dynamic Duo: Per-fekt Cheek Perfection Gel Duo
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The Per-fekt Cheek Perfection Gel Duo uses two products to create radiant skin. The two different shades, Blushed and Bronzed, instantly enhance the cheeks appearance.
The formula consists of a gel-like texture that smooths beautifully over the skin to create a flawless canvas. Silicone-based, this silky gel reduces the appearance of redness and discoloration, enlarged pores, fine lines and shine. The formula also contains Niacin (Vitamin B3) which helps increase circulation, Caffeine, Vitamin A and E, antioxidants that protect from free radicals.
The Per-fekt Cheek Perfection Gel Duo provides both a bronzer and blush product. The colors of these products are quite intimidating. The bronzer is a dark green-based brown and the blusher, a deep rosy red. I prefer to mix the two products to create a warmer pink-flushed cheek. A drop of product is all that is needed for application, the gels are extremely pigmented but blend easily.
These products are not the simplest to apply, some precision and control is needed. I prefer applying the product with a brush because it renders more control. I use a dense contour brush (MAC 109), and stipple the product on the skin in circular motions.
The Cheek Perfection Duo can also be used on the body, try a little bronzer on the décollage for a sun-kissed appearance. When applied Per-fektly, these products are a great option for the cheeks, however, if not heedful it can end up a duo-disaster.
Tried & Tested: Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush
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Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush is a nutrient-rich, fade-free, long-wearing cheek product.
The main ingredient, Amazonian clay, minimizes oil on the skin to keep the product in place. Its nutrient-rich formula, infused with Vitamins A, C and E fights free-radicals and protects from premature aging.
The Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush comes in an assortment of eight shades. From baby pink to strawberry red, the colors are strong and pigmented. Some of the colors have a sparkly finish, while others take-on a more more matte finish. I have found that the matte finishes tend to be a bit chalky on the skin and prefer a more shimmery hue.
This blush is accurate in it’s 12-hour, long-wear promise. The color remained true throughout the day and survived in 75 degree heat.
Bright Eyes: Tarte EmphasEYES Inner Rim Brightener
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Tarte EmphasEYES Inner Rim Brightener is an eye pencil that instantly brightens and lightens. This creamy liner washes away any redness of the inner eye-rim and produces a “wide-awake” apperance.
This look can be done with any run-of-the-mill white eyeliner, however, Tarte’s unique version is a skintone shade that looks much more natural. This multi-tasking pencil can be used all over the eye area, as an inner-rim brightener, brow highlight, or use to illuminate the inner and outer corner of the eye.
If you are apprehensive to inner-rim application, even the most sensitive eyes will not have a problem with this pencil. All-natural ingredients like Beeswax, Vitamin A & E and Aloe Leaf Extract sooth and benefit the area.
Tarte EmphasEYES Inner Rim Brightener is a much-needed product for those with allergies, sensitive eyes or are just recovering from a late night. This little marvel makes a drastic difference.