MAC's official description is plummy pink with multidimensional pearl. I find it to be more pink with gold pearl. My swatch next to the picture isn't too easy to see but gives you an idea. This is sheer like most Mineralizes, but packs good pigment and most will be able to use it as a blush. That's what I plan on doing. Think of it as a shimmery golden pink with hints of plum.
Friday, June 29, 2012
MAC Star Wonder Mineralize Skinfinish from Heavenly Creatures
MAC's official description is plummy pink with multidimensional pearl. I find it to be more pink with gold pearl. My swatch next to the picture isn't too easy to see but gives you an idea. This is sheer like most Mineralizes, but packs good pigment and most will be able to use it as a blush. That's what I plan on doing. Think of it as a shimmery golden pink with hints of plum.
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Bobbi Brown Treatment Lip Shine SPF 15- Miami Collection
These lippies make a return in the Miami collection and even better this time, are sheerer, slightly shimmery and in 4 perfect for summer colors.
They still have the cocoa and shea butter formula, along with jojoba , apricot kernel and avocado oils for serious moisture as well as peptides and Vitamin C. The formula means they are not super long lasting, but that's the norm with most moisturizing lipsticks.
The 4 new colors are as shown: Sunset Beach, Peach Sorbet, Orchid Pink and Pink Seashell.
Being a bronze and peach person , especially in summer, Sunset and Peach Sorbet are my favorites with Sunset being one of the lipsticks I reach for often. Sunset is a medium, shimmery bronze and just gives a nice golden glow. In other words, it's all me. Peach Sorbet is a light peach that warms you up a little.
The searing sun we've had lately has made the moisture from these welcome too. With the added SPF we need , they are a win win.
Find them now at all Bobbi Brown outlets for $ 23.00 . They are LE.
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Bombay Express De Chanel & Diwali Nail Polish Available Now
Bombay Express De Chanel , the makeup collection inspired by the most recent
Metiers d' Art show, Paris- Bombay, is now available exclusively at www.chanel.com
The collection includes new nail polish Diwali, describes as a mix of pale gold and silver.
Show photo: style.com
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Melvita Moisture Replenishing Facial Gel
Melvita is a top French organic beauty company and most products are EcoCert certified. Honey plays a big role in much of their line ( they even have delicious honey hard candies) as the company was founded by a beekeeper in 1983.
New though, is a line based on rose,one of my favorite things. They have have made the Rose Nectar Collection using a blend of many of the rose's extracts including rose hip oil and rose enfleurage.
All this means it's rather nice for your skin and a bonus, it smells lovely too.
I tried the Moisture Replenishing Facial Gel as it's geared towards normal to combo skin and that's me. It's a nice lightweight, refreshing formula that is exactly what it says- a gel cream. It looks like cream , goes on like gel. It has rice powder to help mattify with rose floral water ( long known to be very good for skin) and rose seed milk for moisture.
It comes in a nice pump container to keep out contamination and is meant to be a day cream.
The Replenishing Facial Gel has 99 % of ingredients as natural origin , 36 % from organic farming and is ECOCERT certified. Retail is $ 37.00
Overall, Melvita seems to be a nicely priced, and nicely done natural skincare line . Within the Rose Nectar line there are cleansers- creamy and micellar, as well as night cream and drier skin day cream.
Find them at www.usa.melvita.com and at their US stores in San Franciso, Newport Beach, CA and Seattle.
Monday, June 25, 2012
My Tweets in Allure Magazine

So here is my bit . I almost always read the mail sections in mags. I hope you do. You never know who might turn up. Also a pic of the article itself if you missed it.
Sunday, June 24, 2012
Perricone MD Vitamin C Ester 15
I like Vitamin C products in general, and if you get a good one they do work on brightening and lightening. They are great for summer and after sun exposure to help repair any damage and add antioxidants . Newest is Perricone MD Vitamin C Ester 15 and it is a good one.
You get 4 tubes of the product, which is great since Vitamin C is not stable when exposed to light and these individual tubes keep the light and air out ensuring long term stability.
I got one tube to test and while the company states that each tube would last a week, I'm well into week 2 with mine with a nice bit left. I don't use it on my T Zone so that may be part of it but it seems to me there is more than a week's worth in the tube and that's great.
In my test period I've been quite happy. There hasn't been a huge difference but a subtle one. And I know that brightening takes time, a good bit of time. But my skin has more clarity and glow and some spots have been beaten back a little. It's got a lot of firming action going on too. Firming you can see.
The formula is nice and creamy but not heavy, with light moisture. Just enough for my oily skin but if you are dry you might need to layer night cream over it. It sinks in fast and you do not need a lot.
According to Perricone MD, the chief ingredient, Vitamin C Ester , comes in at 15 % which is the "highest concentration in any anti- aging treatment ." They also tell us " Vitamin C Ester is a fusion of Vitamin C with a fatty acid derived from palm oil."
I'd be happy to use this all summer with it's just right feel and high Vitamin C percentage.
Perricone MD Vitamin C Ester 15 is $ 120.00 for 4 10 ml tubes and available at www.sephora.com
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Lia Sophia Empress Necklace
I didn't get to try it on as it was in a case , but all these months later, I still want it. I did manage to snap a not so great pic.
You can check it out at www.liasophia.com for $ 98.00
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Simply Vera Wang Skin Illuminating Tinted Moisturizer
I now have my own to really test drive and I continue to be impressed. The quality here is tops, but it is, like Flirt and American Beauty at Kohl's, made by Estee Lauder. Those other lines are good and there is no skimping here in the several products I've tried. Simply Vera Cosmetics are comparable to higher end brands but exclusive to Kohl's .
The Skin Illuminating Tinted Moisturizer is thicker than many tinted moisturizers I've tried before and gives you slightly more than light coverage. It also helps to perfect skin . You get skin that looks better, is smoothed and is well moisturized. Coverage is good for a TM and is buildable. So it's easily worn on it's own or can be a great base for foundation. It also lasts quite well. Today's test run happened in 95 degree heat and it stayed put in areas that were not the T Zone most of the day. (Remember I am oily ).
The moisture content here is pretty high. It doesn't feel sticky on skin nor is it greasy in any way but you know the moisture is there. Ingredients include Jojoba Seed Oil and Sodium Hyaluronate So this is better for normal to dry skin. Those types will suck up the moisture and love the finish. The only thing missing here, is SPF, typically used in TMs.
The shade shown is 101 which is the lightest. It's not super pale but goes on lighter than it looks. My friend is ghost white and she uses this shade and it works on me and I am semi- pale.
Retail is $ 39.50 so it is priced in the same ballpark as many high end brands. Being at Kohl's though, means you can use any coupons you have. If you get a 20 or 30% coupon, it's eligible on cosmetics. www.kohls.com
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Physicians Formula Mineral Wear Airbrushed Pressed Powder SPF 30
I love powders and a powder with SPF is a must. Despite this I have never tried any of Physicians Formula ones in the past. I have used others that I loved , these were all sheer and invisible basically. Nothing wrong with that but for variety and because I love the finish powder gives you, this new one is a total win because it leaves behind a perfected , flawless finish. It looks so good. I didn't expect that.
Over makeup, it perfects , smooths and gives light coverage , on bare skin it has a little coverage and a nice , slightly more than sheer finish. So it can be worn either way. I use it over my makeup in the AM to perfect and add an extra layer of SPF and again later in the day if I need a touch up . When it's hot you, or at least I, usually have some makeup melt and this makes up for the SPF loss over the day as well as a retoucher .
The compact comes with a flat kabuki brush in the lower compartment but I prefer a pouf or my larger kabuki buffing brush.
Mineral Wear feels super light on skin , doesn't feel or look cakey and is talc free with 15% Titanium Dioxide and 10% Zinc Oxide for solid sun protection .
Physicians Formula Mineral Wear Airbrushing Pressed Powder SPF 30 comes in 3 shades: Translucent, Creamy Natural and Natural Beige. Mine shown is Translucent ( It looks darker in the compact than it goes on. )
Retail is $ 13.95
Ruffian Manicure Spectator
In my super quick test, I can say it stuck really well but came off easily.
I haven't worn press on nails in forever and a day but I think these will be very, very fun. Oh and they come in a nice box too. There are 2 layers of nails, 24 in all.
Monday, June 18, 2012
Dior Fall 2012 Golden Jungle /Golden Jungle Palette
It's time for fall collections, I know , I know. But seasonally that's how it is. Dior is always one of the most anticipated I think, and each season they give us a fabulous new palette to ogle.
This Fall it's Golden Jungle, the palette #002 and the collection. The palette is a beauty with a trio of eyeshadows and a lipgloss in the Dior heavy silver case.
The three shadows are matte ( deep brown) , pearl ( medium brown) and iridescent ( ivory ). The sparkle sheen on the ivory section is an overspray. The lipgloss is a golden beige and sheer with slight shimmer.
The jungle motif is a long standing one within Dior's history and this , according to Dior , is a modern take on it . Works for me. I love leopard , don't you ?
The whole collection revolves around golds and bronzes including eye palettes and nail lacquers.
Look for Golden Jungle on counter most likely in late August.
The full list including various store availability:
-Dior Golden Jungle Palette in Golden Browns #002 $70.00
-Dior 5-Couleurs Designer in Khaki Design #308 $59.00
-Dior 5-Couleurs Eyeshadow in Golden Savannah #774 (Not at Sephora) $59.00
-Dior Addict Lipstick in Wild #646 (Not at Sephora) $30.00
-Dior Addict Lipstick in Daring #962 (Not at Sephora) $30.00
-Dior Vernis in Golden Light #207 (Not at Sephora) $23.00
-Dior Vernis in Amazonia #605 $23.00
-Dior Vernis in Bengale #615 (Neiman Marcus Exclusive) $23.00
Sunday, June 17, 2012
Grandoe Smart Dogs Uplift Summer Flip Flops/Slippers
Grandoe calls these new Uplift from Smart Dogs slippers but I prefer flip flops.
These go outside with a durable bottom, one that is made to to abosrb shock as you walk, so they are more than a basic slipper. They do have a high comfort factor though. The sole is pretty flat but cushioned and has that little gel pad at the heel for extra comfort.
They also have a mesh footbed that's antibacterial and keeps air around your feet for cooling.
I have been wearing mine constantly . They've been comfy for every day wear around the house and outside. They are cute if not the most fashionable, but I like the padding that keeps my feet feeling good. And I love the black / pink blend. They run true to size and the straps will stretch a little but not too much.
Uplift comes in 4 colorways in neon/ neoprene , sizes 6-10 and are $ 45 at www.smartdogscomfort.com . Thru July 31st use code SUMMER12 and get 15 % off.
Friday, June 15, 2012
Laura Mercier Cinema Noir Fall 2012 Nail Lacquers
Cinema Noir is the Laura Mercier Fall Line. There are 3 neutral nail lacquers as part of the look.
Colors are Cocoa Suede, Organza and Nude Silk. They will be available in July for $ 18.00
Colors are Cocoa Suede, Organza and Nude Silk. They will be available in July for $ 18.00
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Erno Laszlo Blue Firmarine SPF 30
With the summer sun beating down we need to always think SPF with our skincare.Whether it's under our skin products or included it should be there.
Erno Laszlo, in addition to their amazing Blue Firmarine Gel ( a summer staple for me, if you have oily skin you need to check it out, previous review here), has Blue Firmarine SPF 30 Day Cream.
The SPF 30 makes this a great summer choice. It's got the softest lush feel when you apply it and is moisturizing but not heavy. It just glides into skin and has Spirulina Maxima , a fresh water micro algae, loaded with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants to help firm, smooth and hydrate skin.
As mentioned in my earlier reviews, there is also the gorgeous packaging. This is one jar that can be decorative without even needing to be a great product. Nice that it's both.
$ 195.00 at www.ernolaszlo.com
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
The Oily Skin Beat The Summer Heat Round Up
I also , as I've mentioned a few hundred times , can melt most makeup, mainly eye makeup. I've frustrated more than one makeup artist who rattle off the list of long wear products and throw up their hands when I say, nope, doesn't work. Take Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes Cream Shadow, which they use on underwater performers in France. On me it lasts maybe an hour. I do have better luck with other products you'll see those below.
Mattyfying/Oil free SPF- There are more choice than you might think and have high SPF . Shiseido's new Urban Environment Oil Free UV Protector mattes, feels invisible on skin and holds up well. Skinceutical's Physical Fusion also is light on skin but with a tiny bit more slip than Shiseido. It uses physical blockers and is water/sweat resistant. Clarins UV Plus HP has a little moisture but does fine on me even in the T Zone so it's very minimal moisture. If your skin is the oiliest, then this may or may not work. Chanel UV Essentiel - this has oil in it but it mattes, is light and has not broken me out or made me get extra shine. And La Roche Posay Anthelios Mineral 50, which is super sheer, mattes and is water resistant.
SPF for touch ups- This is where you need powder sunscreen. You can dust it on over your makeup to make up for what's been sweated/oiled off without messing things up more . Most are light and don't add cakiness. Peter Thomas Roth's Instant Mineral SPF 30 is totally invisible on and Physicians Formula has a new Mineral Wear Airbrushed Pressed Powder SPF 30 that gives light coverage and a flawless finish. It fills in pores and has antioxidants along with that high SPF and comes in translucent ( shown) and 2 shades. Different powders but excellent sun protection depending on your needs.
Matte Foundations- This year has seen a boon in new matte foundations. We needed that. Coupled with a few great long wear ones from a year or two ago and there are many choices that will keep your skin looking shine free but not overdone, caked nor will they settle into lines. These leave skin fresh but fully covered and feel light as air in most cases. Hourglass Immaculate Liquid Powder , Lancome Teint Idole Ultra 24 Hr, YSL Teint Resist Long Wear , Dior Diorskin Forever ( especially the powder version) are my top favorites.
Eye Shadow- MAC pigments , MAC Fluidlines, Sephora Flashy Eyeliner Waterproof Make Up For Ever Aqua liquid liner, MAC Paints and Sephora Jumbo Liner 12 Hr Waterproof are the products that do not budge on me, and get past my makeup melt most of the time. Maybelline Color Tattoo and new Smashbox 15hr Limitless Eye Shadow and Urban Decay 24/7 pencils do well too.
Mascara- Cover Girl ( any, they are all truly smudgeproof), MAC's new Extended Play and Opulash, L'Oreal Double Extend Beauty Tubes are ones I use year round not just in summer. Mostly waterproof is what you need but these are what I've tested on me that are budge proof.
Anti-aging Night Serums/Gels- If you're oily you want light moisture and you want anti- aging but without heavy creams that will only make you greasier. Two favorites are Erno Laszlo Blue Firmarine Night Gel which tightens skin, feels cool and uses Spirulina Maxima for collagen building and Yes To Blueberries Intensive Skin Repair Serum. Lightweight but packed with antioxidants.
That's my rather exhaustive list. Feel free to weigh in with your tips.
Beach image: Palm Beach, Barbuda via Travel &Leisure
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Total Beauty's June Box
It will include 5 deluxe samples from Murad, Zents and Skindinavia. Two bonus products are fragrance vials from Zents and a $15 Sole Society gift card.
If you want to buy or get a reminder email when it's available click over here:
www.TotalBeauty.com/Collection
Also you can hit up their Facebook page for a chance to win a free ultra beauty box .
Monday, June 11, 2012
MAC Ruffian Nails & Lips
Here are the official images of the MAC x Ruffian Collection. Included is Ruffian Red, which was a very limited release a few years back. You can see a pic of my original lippie in this post. Also is a brand new MAC product- press on manicures. Cannot wait to try these. I haven't used press on nails since high school and I have a feeling these might be a little different.
Ruffian will be online only from June 18th to July 16th .
Lipsticks $ 14.50
-Ruffian Naked - pale peachy nude
-Ruffian Gold- gold glitter metallic
-Ruffian Red- rich blue red
Nails $ 25.00
-Spectator
-Demilune
-Demoiselle
Smashbox Limitless 15 Hour Wear Cream Eyeshadow
I've talked many times about my eye makeup melt, so if something claims what these do I am all in to try them. The good news is they've worked really well. I have super oily eyelids and to put these to the acid test as I like to call it, I wore Riches today outside this weekend while I did various things in the yard. In 95 degree heat. I used no foundation as a base or any primer and after a couple hours , there was still a good bit of shadow left. 4 hours later , still there. Yes it had faded a little , but this wasn't what I would call normal wear. Normally I wouldn't and you might not be either, wearing them for outside activities , so the long wear claim here is good. I can't say it'll be 15 hours, but then again few could say that despite their names.
The formula is creamy but not mushy soft and they blend easily. Cream shadows are among the easiest to use and are summer perfect.
Limitless Shadows come in 12 shades ranging from purples to neutrals.
$ 19 at www.smashbox.com and www.sephora.com
Sunday, June 10, 2012
L'Oreal Healthy Look Hair Color Census & Coupon
L'Oreal in conjunction with their Healthy Look Creme Gloss hair color has a fun new promotion. They want to know all about your hair and are taking a "hair census". You get to stand up for your shade (I'm red , but natural ). After you take the census you'll be able to get a coupon for the haircolor as well.
There is also a contest to win a year's worth of free haircolor if you upload before and after pics.
Here are all the details per L'Oreal :
· Taking the Hair
Color Census – Stand up for
your shade by answering a short series of questions. In the coming months,
L’Oréal Paris will reveal the findings and set the record straight! Find out
which hair color group is deemed to be the wildest, the most trust-worthy and
what else (besides at-home hair color!) everyone wishes could be achieved in 10
minutes …
· Enhancing Your
Facebook Page – Just like natural
hair color can always use a little boost, so can our Facebook photos! Add some
glamour to your “social” life thanks to tools for creating customized cover
photos, wallpaper and poster images, including editing options for adding a
touch of sparkle and cool quotes/artwork to celebrate your hair shade (i.e.
Life is Better Blonde).
· Experiencing Shade
Inspiration AND Entering to Win – Upload “Before
& After” images of your Healthy Look Crème Gloss Color experience for a
chance to win a year’s worth of FREE hair color. Plus, check out the “Who’s
Turned It Up?” image gallery for hair color inspiration and find the Healthy
Look Crème Gloss shade that’s right for you. Bonus: a downloadable $2-off coupon is the perfect excuse to get coloring.
Saturday, June 9, 2012
Bath and Body Works for Dad Gift Set
Featuring 3 full size shower gels in a dopp kit bag , it's $ 25.00.
Here's my previous look at some of the men's line .
PS- word is that the semi annual sale hits June 13th.
Friday, June 8, 2012
Curations by Stefani Greenfield Fragrance
It will make it's debut on HSN June 19th and have a special launch price of $ 48.00 for a 1.7 oz bottle. After the launch it will be $ 54.00
I haven't tried the scent yet so can't give my impressions but the note list is:
Top: Apricot Blossom, Mandarin, Carnation
Middle: Freesia, Neroli, Iris
Bottom: Patchouli, Sandalwood , Amber
There is also Blackcurrant mentioned in the description but not the note list. According to Curations: "Bright notes of apricot blossom and mandarin sparkle with the richness of black currant." And " A voluptuous heart of hypnotic florals where rose, freesia, neroli and iris intermingle.
What's most interesting to me is the carnation. You don't see too many fragrances with that , which tends to add a spicy note. Carnation along with the Iris gives this some potential.
www.HSN.com
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Father's Day Fragrance Guide
Father's Day is not too far away , and while I wonder how did we get to be almost in mid June already, I thought it was a good time to highlight some great new men's fragrances along with a couple old favorites. Dad needs to smell good too , right ? And the theory is, if you give, they will wear it.
Dolce and Gabbana The One Sport - A companion to DG's The One this is a light herbal scent with rosemary and cardamom along with sequoia wood, patchouli and musk . It starts off fresh and ends up as a deeper musky fragrance with the patchouli being fairly predominant and a hint of the cool cardamom. This one gets bonus points for coming in the harder to find After Shave as well as After Shave Balm and Deodorant. Makes it easy to put together a nice grooming and fragrance gift for dad. At Sephora, Macys and more.
The One Sport Eau de Toilette 30ml $45
The One Sport After Shave Lotion 100ml $49
Lacoste - Eau de Lacoste L.12.12 Rouge - A new addition to the L.12.12 collection Rouge is zesty with a citrusy opening that blooms with light spices and then a little bit of sweetness that must come from the iced tea, which I found really nice. Other notes include Madagascan black pepper, Indian ginger and Guatemalan cardamom .
If your guy/Dad loves Lacoste there are 3 other "colors" in this line , Blanc, Bleu and Vert with the Blanc being another favorite that's as crisp ands fresh as it's name implies. Both Blanc and Rouge are what you'd expect of a sporty brand like Lacoste- refreshing, light and not overdone.
$62 at sephora
Ralph Lauren Polo Double Black- My dad is a Polo guy, not the game, the scent. While I have introduced him to many more that he likes a lot , the original Polo will always be a top choice. Most men I think gravitate towards Ralph Lauren frags and my favorite is Double Black. It's an odd name but a great scent. Woodsy and rich with an espresso note that gives it a smoky feel and blends beautifully with the cardamom. Vetiver and nutmeg are also in there to make it feel like a rich chai. This one is very masculine and more of an a evening scent .
2.5 oz is $58 at Sephora , Macys , www.polo.com
Chanel Bleu de Chanel- While this doesn't get a lot of love from perfumistas, this is another older one that my Dad loves. He has it in the after shave and reminds me often that the bottle is getting low. It's very light with a lot of vetiver , cedar and a little citrus. My previous review here . Available at all Chanel counters.
Will you be buying the Dad in your life fragrance ? What are your favorites?
Will you be buying the Dad in your life fragrance ? What are your favorites?
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