Sunday, May 25, 2008

I stumbled in to Macy's Friday afternoon and I met the loveliest pale pink plumper. My friends, meet Dior's latest, Lip Maximizer.

This collagen lip plumper is like no other; not only is it hydrating, but it feels fresh, as opposed to hot and its flavor is vanilla mint, which I love!

Lip Maximizer is a treatment, as well as a plumper so it is recommended that it be applied throughout the day, as well as before bed. Lip Maximizer helps to stimulate collagen production in your lips and I was told that within 15 days I would notice a great difference (ooh la la)!

You can get yourself a great pucker too for about $30 at http://Macys.com and http://Sephora.com. I mean it is Memorial Day weekend, what better reason to treat yourself?!

Saturday, May 24, 2008

Face Wash

I ran out of my face wash recently and recalled my dermatologist recommends Purpose Gentle Cleansing Wash from Johnson & Johnson, so I figured I'd give it a shot. I have been using it for about a week now and I am absolutely loving it. My mascara comes right off (the main thing I want my face wash to accomplish) and because Purpose is soap free and oil free my skin does not feel dry or irritated. It's also non-comedogenic so it will not clog my pores or leave residue on my skin, like typical soap does. My favorite thing about this product is one pump gives you a handful of creamy lather and you do not need more than that to cleanse your face and neck. I picked up my Purpose at CVS for $6.99, but I found it on Drugstore.com for $6.49 - I mean how can you go wrong, it is reasonably priced and completely effective and gentle!

Monday, May 19, 2008

Eye cream


I mingled with a Chanel makeup artist during my most recent visit to Barneys and she introduced me to Sublimage Eye, and sent me home with samples. She said the miracle ingredient, Planifolia PFA, developed by a Chanel research team, is the latest in capturing a youthful appearance (hmmm?) The main ingredient is a precious green fruit from Madagascar called Vanilla Panifolia. This fruit only blooms from September to November, so there is a very short window to taking possession of what Chanel claims is the key ingredient to powerful anti-aging.

I have to say this cream is incredibly rich and nourishing, and especially in my morning rush, putting cream on and makeup only moments later, I need quick moisture and absorption. The thing I like most about this product is that I can apply concealer under my eyes within minutes of application and I do not end up with makeup in my creases, or visible dryness under my eyes post makeup (the worst). I also gave a sample to my Mom who has always claimed a rich under eye cream makes all the difference in showing someone's age and she is loving it; Mom said she noticed a difference immediately! Her eyes appeared revitalized and softer, and she said her crow's feet appeared much less obvious.

Mom is in her 60s and I am in my 30s and we love this eye cream! My eyes look brighter and my circles less dark, and for Mom, her wrinkles moisturized, regenerated and less obvious. We are radiant haha, isn't Chanel grande?! http://neimanmarcus.com $175 for 0.5 oz. (ouch, I know, but your eyes show the first signs of aging, so if necessary, buy a less expensive face cream and invest in Sublimage Eye!)

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Nail polish remover


Okay, genious just entered the room. I know I recently mentioned Lippmann Collection products, but I have to tell you about this brilliant LC product too! The Stripper to go, for go go girls (let's start with the name - genIOUs) is nail polish remover in finger mitt form. One box includes six individually wrapped lavender scented finger mitts (1 mitt handles all ten nails) and it'll cost you $8 a box - completely worth it, go on! http://lippmanncollection.com

Monday, May 12, 2008

Eyelash curler


My plan to move back to New York City is coming to fruition and with the date quickly nearing, the stress has gifted me with quite grotesque bags under my eyes (ack!) Under such exciting, yet cruel circumstances, one would think concealer is a gal's best friend; for me, my shu uemura Eyelash Curler is my absolute saving grace! Besides, most every makeup artist and celeb swears by this iconic tool (and you know, only the best for me!!)

I have tried many curlers and sue uemura's is engineered like no other. It is easy to use and the silicon pad stays in place, which ensures safety and ease alongside optimum curl (friends, you do not need to be afraid). This tool suits any eye shape and creates the perfect amount of pressure on your lashes to create curl beyond no other ... which I am telling you will brighten any tired or stressed eyes!

Ideally, your curler should be replaced every 6 months and its pad should be replaced every 3 months (one replacement pad comes with your purchase). It is also suggested that you clean your curler before each use. I usually wipe it off with a tissue, but I'm sure witch hazel or alcohol would be ideal. Also, I use my curler before I apply mascara in the morning, and then throughout the day over my mascara (once or twice) to help wake up and refresh my look!

I usually scoot in to a Sephora for my curler, but you can also buy shu eumura's curler on their website http: shueumura-usa.com or at Nordstrom. The price ranges between $17 and $19.

Tuesday, May 6, 2008

Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencils


I was recently in NYC running around like a lunatic trying to find the right and bright lipstick to suit the perfect night out! I searched high and low and finally discovered Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencils. There are so many brilliant colors, but the one I chose is a rich berry color called Damned. The minute I put it on (attention shifted) and the bags under my eyes seemed to disappear .. voila my plan worked!!

The pencils are jumbo, which makes them super easy to work with, the formula lasts for hours and they are enriched with vitamin E. I will say, for evening wear these pencils are perfect, but for day time (at least the bright colored pencils) are a bit less practical. The color is matte and very dry, so though the color lasts, when reapplying (and layering) the color, my lips appear chapped and the color less smooth. Regardless, these pencils are at the top of my list for evening wear and the color choices are phenomenal. As well, a makeup artist friend of mine suggested Belle de Jour and claims it is THE perfect neutral lip!!

You can purchase Velvet Matte Lip Pencils at Sephora for $24 each.

Monday, May 5, 2008

Teeth Whitening


I was out to dinner with my friend Julie a couple of weekends ago and noticed her smile; her teeth are so white, bright and beautiful. I must add that Julie would be gorgeous with yellow teeth, so with white teeth she is an absolute knock out!! This outing prompted me to see what is out there, which lead me to a friend who used to work at Sephora. We talked about how whitening strips often lead to sensitivity, which is exactly why I have avoided whitening in the past. Katie handed me GoSmile Advanced Formula B1 ampoules and said, "it works, give it a shot!"

I have used several treatments and I agree with Katie, this product is phenomenal. My teeth are not aching and my smile is brighter. It is super easy, as well and you have no messy gels or strips to deal with! You simply crack open an ampoule and there is a sponge which the product absorbs in to. You then sponge the product on to your teeth for 2 minutes, more or less on each tooth, depending on the need. No fuss, no mess, it's brilliant! The treatment is meant to be applied in the morning and at night for 10 days straight and you can purchase it at http://sephora.com, http://beauty.com and http://makeup.com for $89. If that is too pricey for you, you can also try the touch up ampoules - 30 ampoules for $39. These are more for on the go purposes to touch up and refresh your breath and smile. A way to erase coffee or wine stains in the moment, at the office, after dinner, etc. I am putting my order in today .. go on, give it a shot. Your smile is worth a million bucks .. or at least $89!

Thursday, May 1, 2008

Body Exfoliator


A friend of mine recently introduced me to a line called Belli out of Issaquah, Washington. Belli was created in 2002 by a physician for expectant and new Mothers, inspired by his own wife and child. The products are allergy tested, free of artificial dyes and parabens, and every ingredient is teratology screened, to exclude anything linked to birth defects, or other problems discovered around pregnancy. Belli products soothe and nurture Mothers and are safe for nursing babies. As well, the packaging is quite beautiful, simple and sleek.

Though Belli may be marketed towards the Mother, the good news is it can be used by all (yay)! I have a very common skin condition on my upper arms (little red bumps) called Keratosis Pilaris. It will never go away, but when I frequently use a gentle exfoliator the condition relaxes and improves. Belli's exfoliator improved my skin's texture (after one use) and though some exfoliators irritate the skin on my arms, this product did not (zero itch post scrub)! Its formula includes anti-oxidants and anti-inflammatory ingredients such as green tea, ginseng and peppermint oil, which I found very therapeutic (and relaxing) on both my skin and my senses.

My favorite thing about this scrub is it is not messy (love the tube, as opposed to a jar or pot); the scrub is clean (bright white) and feels similar to a microdermabrasion scrub unlike the typical body scrubs on the market. It quickly sloughed off my dead skin cells and left me feeling silky soft, and happy as a clam! The line also includes serums, creams, face and body wash, and an eye brightening cream, which I've read spectacular things about ...

Read up and check it out - Belli can be purchased on their website http://belliskincare.com for $24, or if in this declining market you are looking to save a few bucks, go right over to http://drugstore.com where you can purchase the exfoliator for a very worthwhile $19.20 (20% off)!