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April 26, 2006
Anybody ever hear of Julie Hewett? You soon will.
Julie Hewett is a make-up artist from Hollywood who came out with her own make-up line, through necessity. (She was the make up artist on Pearl Harbor and needed a red lipstick.) A little boutique in my area (Hidden Beauty) just started selling her products and of course I had to pick them up. Then I received some additional products to review and guess what ladies? If you're looking for some cool products that your friends and co-workers won't have yet, these are for you!
I really love her Cheekie and Shimmy products. The Cheekies are cheek and lip creams that go on sheer but can be layered for more color. I have Vampie, Peachie and Jami . Vampie is my favorite, a sheer red plum that I love on my lips as a quick stain. Peachie is perfect for this time of year, and I even wear it on my eyes. Jami is a sheer pinky color that gives a healthy flush to the cheeks. The Shimmys are highlighters to wear anywhere you would like to shine. I've worn them on my lips, eyes, cheeks, and shoulders. There are three colors: Pinkie, Goldie and Cleo. Both the Cheekie and Shimmy products come in round jars so you're going to use these products for a pretty long time before you have to replace them!
I also have Julie's lipstick in Biba, a sheer nude. She is, however, known for her Red Noir lipsticks. There are nine great shades so everyone can find a shade that flatters. I have to go back to Hidden Beauty to get Film Noir, a blackberry red that is sheer but rich at the same time. These lipsticks smell fruity; there is orange blossom oil and rosebud oil for fragrance. Creamy, moisturizing, and great staying power for lipsticks!
Julie is making an appearance at Hidden Beauty this weekend. I hope to get over there to meet the artist who created such practical, fun cosmetics! I'll report back after I meet her! To view her products and order online, check out juliehewett.net.
- Marissa
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Posted by heather at 8:58 AM
April 25, 2006
Look like you've been on vacation
Ah, spring break. While a lot of families go away, I'm staying here in town since my boys have sporting events. But I'm going to look like I went away, since I've been using Clarins Liquid Bronze
. I've put it on once a day for the last 5 days, and people have started to comment that I'm looking a little tan or the one that I like the best is that I'm looking rested! If I were in the sun, this is the color that I would be. It's the most natural self-tanner I've ever used, doesn't smell bad, and didn't make me break out. Play it smart this spring and summer, wear a moisturizer with an SPF, stay out of the sun, if possible, and self-tan with Clarins Liquid Bronze 4.2 oz
.
- Marissa
Posted by heather at 9:29 AM
April 24, 2006
A walk down memory lane with Aveda
Recently, I went to the Aveda store to buy a new lipstick and went overboard, buying travel sizes of the Botanical Kinetics moisturizer, exfoliant and toner. I totally impulse-bought these items because of their smell and the memory they evoked. When I first moved up north, I went to a salon that sold the Aveda products and it was pretty much the first time that I used "real" skincare products. I remember getting a facial and buying the products, going home and displaying them on my bathroom countertop. The green glass bottles just brought back a memory that I wanted to recreate: those good old days when I was happy to use the same product, day after day, week after week. Now, I guess I'm jaded and always feel like there is a newer, better, quicker-to-work product just waiting for me to try. I've been using my Aveda daily and you know what, I like it! I like that lavender herby smell. The Aveda products are basic, they get the job done and remind me of the carefree good ol' days! For an Aveda store or salon near you, log onto aveda.com.
- Marissa
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Posted by heather at 9:25 AM
April 21, 2006
Judith's latest finds
For years I never even bothered to look at foundations at the drugstore, because the colors were never right. Recently, however, the tides have turned and you don't have to look very far to find reasonably priced foundations at your favorite drugstore or discount store. One plus of buying drugstore products is that, in exchange for the lack of testers, the big chains such as CVS, Rite Aid and Walgreens offer full no-questions asked returns!
Not too long ago, I raved about Cover Girl Advanced Radiance Age-Defying Liquid Makeup. Just in time for warm weather, Cover Girl has introduced Advanced Radiance Age-Defying Sheer Moisturizing Makeup. If you like a lighter foundation in warm weather, as I do, this one is for you! With more coverage than a tinted moisturizer, it is wonderful at smoothing out your skintone without looking heavily made up. The light refracting formula blends perfectly into my skin. I chose Fair to Light for $10.99 at CVS. You can order a free sample on covergirl.com.
One more foundation review and I promise to move on to another topic! Revlon Colorstay Active Light Makeup For the Face is a super lightweight foundation that glides on and stays put! If you suffer from melting makeup in warm weather, this is defintely one to try! It's not greasy, not drying, with a smooth natural coverage that is perfect for a long day. I often put in 10 hour days and my face stays fresh all day with this product! It's also a good choice if you like to wear makeup at the gym (it's sweatproof!). I chose the color Nude. Available at your local drugstore or discount store, or at drugstore.com
for $12.99.
To go under all of these great foundations, I've discovered Paula's Choice Skin Recovery Super Antioxidant Concentrate ($21.95 for a 1 oz. tube). It goes over my regular moisturizer and acts like a makeup primer, smoothing out my skin and making my face a perfectly smooth canvas for my foundation. For normal to very dry skin, it reminds me a bit of Elizabeth Arden's Ceramide capsules, feeling oily as you squeeze it from the tube, but not oily on your face. With a combination of Retinol, Vitamin E and various plant oils, it is non-irritating and does a good job of protecting your face from the elements. I must admit I've never been a big fan of Paula Begoun's products, mostly because I don't think she objectively reviews products that are not her own, while she promotes her own line of cosmetics and skincare, but this one is great! This product has become part of my regular beauty routine.
Happy Shopping!
-Judith
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Posted by heather at 10:02 AM
April 17, 2006
Refreshing skin care from Skyn Iceland
Even though I strive for calm, do yoga at least twice a week, and eat a healthy diet, my skin often shows the inevitable day-to-day stresses that come from just living. I've tried countless skin care programs, usually with mixed results, but this one from Skyn Iceland is actually designed to help stressed out skin find some relief. I started off with the basic regime: Glacial Face Wash, the ANTIDOTE Quenching Daily Lotion, and Oxygen Infusion Night Cream.
Normally I would shy away from a foaming cleanser, but I was determined to whip my irritated, broken out, bumpy and generally unhappy skin into shape. Glacial Face Wash ($30 for 5.95oz) is a super-concentrated foaming cleanser that feels minty and refreshing, and leaves the skin with that squeaky-clean finish. Right off the bat I wondered if my typically normal-to-dry skin could handle it twice a day, and my instinct was correct: once a day is all my skin can handle. After cleansing in the morning, I smooth on several pumps of the ANTIDOTE Quenching Daily Lotion ($45 for 1.76oz). Talk about cool and refreshing! Look out if you are at all sensitive - this lotion is a serious skin awakener! I would definitely say that if my skin, in its stressed state, had any oily intentions, these two products are already knocking that out. When I am ready to put on makeup, my skin is matte and smooth. Sometimes this is a good thing, but I do notice that if my skin is feeling particularly sensitive, I need a little more comfort and moisture before my makeup or my skin gets dry, flaky patches by mid-day. If you are oily, though, you will appreciate this lotion.
At night, it's the Glacial Wash again (watch the eyes!), and then follow with Oxygen Infusion Night Cream ($75 for 1.98oz jar). I quickly discovered to be sparing with this cream or I end up with little balls of it sort of flaking off, but if I apply just a pea-sized amount it soaks in nicely and leaves a lovely healthy glow.
All of the Skyn Iceland products contain something they call Biospheric Complex, a blend of plant oils, extracts and glacial water that add beneficial fatty acids and antioxidants to the skin. There is definitely a healthy dose of science happening here, too, as these products are not exactly "natural" and include a laundry list of skin care buzzword ingredients like alpha linoleic acid, copper sulfate, glycosphingolipids (try saying that three times fast!) - you get the idea. Skyn Iceland has even included a short glossary of the plant-based ingredients on their website.
After using the products day and night for about a week and a half, my skin is no longer bumpy and some of the breakouts have calmed, but I can still see some work that needs to happen in my very stress-prone areas (chin and lower cheeks). I plan to stick with it, maybe add a couple of other products from the line, and see how I'm doing in a few weeks.
Being the locally-focused girl that I am, I recommend picking up Skyn Iceland products from Portland-based b-glowing.com.
- Heather
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Posted by heather at 10:12 AM
April 15, 2006
Get Glowing the "Natural" Way
With all the self-tanning options available today, it's hard to know exactly which formula to choose! Lately, I've been exploring some different options, and have found some really nice formulas.
Self-tanner is a tricky proposition when you have skin as pale as mine - most regular formulas can make fair skin look 'dirty' or streaky - not to mention they get a little too dark, and I have no interest whatsoever in looking like a cross between Paris Hilton and a Peking Duck. Consequently, I was delighted when the more 'buildable' self-tanners came onto the market. They have a much lower level of DHA (the active tanning ingredient) which results in a practically goof-proof formula. Just apply like your regular moisturizer, paying a little extra attention to make sure it is both thinly and evenly applied. Don't slather it on, though, or you will find yourself with very light 'tiger stripes.' Be sure to give ample drying time before you getting dressed, or applying makeup. I usually wait about 15 minutes, and have never had any problems.
Many of you have inquired as to why these formulas do not contain an SPF, and I think I have an answer for you. It is recommended that you DO NOT apply self tanner before an activity that will make you perspire a lot, like working out or lounging by the pool, because it can really change the way the chemical reacts with you skin, and make the color look a bit "off." I suspect that is what causes the orange look that many people complain about. Personally, I've never had a problem with it.
I do have to mention that whatever formula you use, there is a bit of a "stink factor." The smell certainly isn't terrible, but it is present in any self-tanner, and will probably affect those who are "scent-sitive." I just use a bit more perfume on the days I use self-tanner in the morning (something like Clean, or anything with a citrus edge tends to counteract the smell really well), or I apply at night before bed, and shower in the morning. All in all, it is a very small price to pay for a sun-kissed glow without the damage that goes with traditional tanning!
For the face, I've tried two formulas: Neutrogena Build-A-Tan for Faces Sunless Tanning SPF 15, and Jergens Natural Glow Face Moisturizer, Fair
. The Neutrogena formula yields results a bit darker than the Jergens, but only slightly. Both formulas are oil-free, but I did find the Neutogena formula to be a bit heavier on my skin, and I did have some minor breakout issues while using it. I also found that the Neutrogena formula had a stronger smell. I read some customer reviews of this item, and many said that they felt it was a little "orange," but it looked golden and pretty on my funny face.
The Jergens Natural Glow worked a little better for me. The lotion is really lightweight and easy to apply, and it didn't cause any breakouts. The color was very pretty. While the Neutrogena is a fine product, I prefer Jergens Natural glow, and will definitely buy it again!
Both of these products are under $10, and are available at drugstore.com.
For body, I tried Neutrogena Build-a-Tan for body, Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer, Fair Skin Tones
, and L'Oreal Sunless Sublime Glow Daily Moisturizer, Fair Skin Tones
. While all three provide very easy application and nice color (again, the Neutrogena formula is just a touch darker, but I didn't find any of them to look orange-y on me), the clear winner is the L'Oreal Sunless Sublime Glow
because it smells much better than the other two. It is even enriched with vitamin E, mango butter, and sweet almond oil, so it moisturizes nicely. There is also a little bit of "micro-pearl" (yet another creative way to describe mica) added to give the skin a soft shimmer, and camouflage little nasties like spider veins, scars, or stretch marks. It isn't overly sparkly, just understated and pretty.
With all three formulas, there is a slight touch of stickiness, but it isn't a deal breaker. Again, "evenly" and "thinly" should be your watchwords.
All products are under $10, and available from drugstore.com.
Now, there's no excuse for traditional tanning! Leave the damage behind, and use a one of these "natural glow" products for a sun-kissed look, all while protecting and pampering you face and body.
- Lisa
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Posted by heather at 8:10 AM
April 7, 2006
Double Duty Beauty
Don't you wish that you had more space in your cosmetic closet? Don't even get me started! Every beauty junkie wishes that she had an extra shelf or two (or, ahem, six) to fill with her favorite products. However, there are a few products out there that are excellent multi-taskers - if you need the space as badly as all of us here at Cosmetic Connection, check out these goodies that provide double-duty beauty! Not only do they free up space at home, they are excellent for travel, when suitcase space is at a real premium.
Cleanse + Condition + Shave
One of my favorite "new to me" product finds is Grassroots Get It Together 2-in-1 Shampoo and Conditioner. However, this item is really a triple duty powerhouse. Not only does it cleanse and condition hair really nicely, without weighing it down like many 2-in-1 products - thanks to high quality ingredients like wheat protein, aloe, and rosemary extract. It is also lathers up to be one of the best shave creams EVER. It works especially well for "bikini area" shaving (yes, it is almost that time of year again!) but is also wonderful for legs and underarms. That extra bit of conditioner really softens hair, and helps you get a VERY close shave. It also happens to smell absolutely delicious - a mixture of apple, mint, and ambrette that I just can't get enough of. The square plastic bottle also makes it easy for travel. You can find the Grassroots line at Kohl's.
Moisturize + Heal
No medicine cabinet should be without Jing Jang Moisturizer Creme. I use it almost every day for something. Jing Jang soothes, moisturizes, protects and heals skin: an all-natural herbal remedy that provides relief for a host of nasty skin irritations - everything from chapped lips to razor burn, acne to heat rash, and bruises to vaginal soreness (yes, really). And, Jing Jang is 100% organic. I finally had to get my husband his own jar because he kept swiping mine. You can but Jing Jang at Beauty.com
.
Skin Moisturizer + Hair Styling Balm
Fresh Orange-Chocolate Shea Butter is a sweet deal, in more ways than one! Dark cocoa extract blended with Italian orange peel provide the luscious fragrance in this moisturizing shea butter. A "hard" balm to start with, it becomes more fluid when you work it with your palms. In the beginning, I used it for lip balm, and as a concentrated moisturizer for especially dry bits like knees and elbows. It was not until a business trip that I forgot my normal hair texturizing paste (Jonathan Product Dirt Texturizing Paste
) that I tried it to calm fly-aways and winter static. I really liked it! The secret is to use a very small amount. I also like the fact that it conditions hair. I can definitely tell a difference in my hair's shine and softness, even after I wash it out! You can purchase Fresh at Beauty.com
.
Cleanser + Toner
Philosophy Purity Made Simple isn't a "true" cleanser and toner, but my skin feels so perfectly clean after I use it, you would swear that it has a split personality! This has been one of my favorite facial cleansers for going on two years now, and I have re-bought it several times. Labeled a "liquid crystal cleanser," it emulsifies slightly as opposed to lathering like soap. It does an amazing job of removing makeup effortlessly and completely, without making me feel tight or dry. I also like the fact that when you rinse it off (I use a washcloth) it feels like you've used a toner! My skin is smooth and glowing, and even breakouts seem to heal faster when I use it every day. I am amazed that such a seemingly-simple product is one of the best cleansers I've ever used! You can purchase Philosophy at Sephora.com
.
Remember, we love to hear your input at Cosmetic Connection. If you have a favorite multi-taking beauty item, just send us an email and tell us about it!
- Lisa
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Posted by heather at 7:24 AM
April 6, 2006
Seven days of Lily Lambert: Day 7!
I hope you've enjoyed this look at Lily Lambert perfumes! Today is the last day, closing with No. 66. What fun this has been! I can't remember the last time I wore this much perfume!
Today's scent, No. 66, is a mix of elements of some of the others I've tried. It's light and clean, reminding me of freshly washed laundry that was hung to dry outside (does anyone do that anymore?), but it also has a bit of an earthy element. On me, the scent is noticeable but not over-powering. All in all, a nice, everyday, can't-go-wrong choice.
Thanks for coming along on this scent adventure with me! You can find Lily Lambert perfumes online at b-glowing.com.
- Heather
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Posted by heather at 4:56 PM
Yet another new mineral makeup
I've been enjoying using mineral powder foundation so much that every time I see a new brand in a store, I can't resist trying it. It's amazing to me how different the brands can be! The other day while doing my grocery shopping at New Seasons Market here in Portland, I spotted Larenim, a new-to-me mineral makeup brand. The display showed foundation powder, eye shadows, blush, and loose concealer powder. I opted to stick with foundation ($24.99), since it's the element of my makeup routine that I am most picky about. I have pretty fair skin, especially pre-summer, so I chose shade 1c, a light cool shade. There are 16 shades and an oil-control finishing powder, so hopefully something for everyone.
Upon trying the foundation this morning, the first thing I noticed is how light and airy the powder is. It seemed to float onto my skin, blending in as if my skin just naturally looks that good. The color is a great match for me, and it doesn't look powdery, cakey, or shiny - just a natural finish. Larenim is more of a natural, slightly matte finish rather than shiny or glowing like some other brands.
So far, so good. I think I'll take a look at the blush colors next time; "charmed" looks like the kind of pink I would like.
- Heather
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Posted by heather at 9:36 AM
April 5, 2006
Seven days of Lily Lambert: Day 6
Only two Lily Lambert perfumes left, and today's scent, No. 77, wasn't as remarkable to me as some of the others. While I like the lightly floral but mostly fruity scent, it just didn't last on me. I felt like I had to keep applying more so I could smell it, which just isn't practical. Maybe with someone else's body chemistry it would last longer or have a more pronounced fragrance, but I was left a bit underwhelmed.
Tomorrow is the last one!
Heather
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Posted by heather at 9:19 AM
April 4, 2006
Seven days of Lily Lambert: Day 5
Today was another blind grab, quick selection as I was running out the door this morning. Of the three remaining scents I have to try from the Lily Lambert Perfumer collection, No. 33 is super-musky with a hint of sage and vanilla. This smells sexy and lusty to me, rich and full, a notice-me fragrance. A little goes a long way, and I think in the future I would probably choose No. 33 to wear on a night out, rather than a day of errands and carpooling.
Only two left!
Heather
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Posted by heather at 10:20 AM
Marissa finds a kindred spirit at Urban Decay
"Product Whore." Is that not the best name? It certainly fits me to a tee. But I can't take the credit for it - it's on the business card of Tammy from Urban Decay! Not only am I really enjoying their products but every time I put on their 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil or their Surreal Skin Mineral Makeup, I have to smile because I think of Tammy's card.
If you think Urban Decay is for the younger generation, let me tell you that I'm at the very tail end of the baby boomers (really tail end, okay) and I love their stuff. The 24/7 eye pencils go on so smooth, they don't crinkle up when you're lining your top eye lid, and the color stays on for a very long time. Plus, the colors are great. If you are in your 40's, don't be afraid of color - remember that 40 is the new 30, and at 30 we were wearing color. Electric is a loud turquoise blue that when smudged looks so good and just makes your eyes pop. Plus, it's one of the "in" colors this season. Lust is a bright purple that looks good with brown and taupe eye shadows.
The Surreal Skin Mineral Makeup is a must for anyone who loves this type of makeup but can't stand the swirl, swirl, tap, tap project it takes to put mineral makeup on. (Or maybe it's tap, tap, swirl, swirl and that's why it never looks right on me...) Anyway, this comes in a jar with a built-in sponge on top and all you do is glide this over your face. The initial deposit is minimal, so you might need to build if you are looking for heavier coverage. Or, you can take the lid off and use it as a loose powder. I really like the glow I get from this makeup. Surreal Skin comes in a liquid form too. The coverage is light, but you can layer. The bottle for the liquid makeup is a genie's bottle, with the top screwing up so the liquid can pour out. It's really cute and I like the fact that I'm not digging my fingers into the bottle.
If you think you're too old for Urban Decay, think again. If this product whore can wear them, you can, too! Go ahead, have some fun! :)
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Posted by heather at 6:45 AM
April 3, 2006
Seven days of Lily Lambert: Day 4
After a bit of a break over the weekend, I am back to my sampling today from Lily Lambert Perfumer with No. 11. This one caught my eye (literally) because it's blue - not sure why - and it tempted me with its rich floral scent that reminds me of a lush, blooming garden. I can smell gardenia and honeysuckle right away (I love those flowers!), and I love that the scent is lush enough to last without fading.
Check back tomorrow for the scent I choose next...
Heather
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Posted by heather at 9:30 AM
April 1, 2006
Marissa's dirty little secret
Normally, during Lent, I give up chocolate and buying cosmetics. My husband always says I'll be rich and thin! However, this year has been wicked stressful and I'm sorry to say I fell off the wagon. Actually, I fell off even before I got on - the week before Lent began I started buying what I thought I would need over the next few weeks. I bought more than I needed, felt guilty, and ended up returning some of it. But the day I returned it happened to be Ash Wednesday, the "give it up day"! So, in my mind, I figured if I was returning or exchanging product, that's not really the same as buying, since I already spent the money right, right? And did I tell you that I went to Merle Norman the night before Ash Wednesday to pick up a few spring items? There I was driving to get to the store before they closed at 7. They were having a GWP and I thought I would miss it if I didn't pick up my product before the end of Lent. In my cosmetic gorge I did pick up some great new products. The new double-sided lip glosses from Merle Norman are pretty nice as is their new spring palette. I found the perfect shade of foundation there, and I do mean perfect, but the vitamin C in it made my skin itch. I bought it in a different formulation, and you can't tell I have it on, it matches so beautifully. They really do have a best selection of foundation shades.
So, now Barneys opens in all its glory and I'm into Lent... what's a girl to do? I shopped, of course. My favorite perfume, L'Artistan in Mimosa is so springy, I spray it everywhere. And since I can't buy it at Saks, I had to buy it at Barneys. The cosmetics line By Terry has never been in the Boston area, so I had to see it for myself, up close and personal! Great stuff, love the lipsticks, the color selection and the rose smell. The only problem is the lippy lid doesn’t stay on - big no no for me, as it got all over my purse. But since it's a great color, I will forgive. They do have the prettiest lip gloss in #1, which is a shimmery pale, pale, rose. It looks so elegant on your naked lips or over top of lipstick. Oh, and did I mention that Shu Uemura has a counter there too? All the great write-ups you read about Shu Uemura are true. First, they're not as expensive as other brands (right in the MAC range), the lipsticks are beautiful, and the blushes are so soft and shimmery. Love the line. If you get a chance, try to see their product in person. The websites do not do the color selection justice. I also bought their lash extension mascara and their khaki eye pencil which I wear every day.
Finally (well, not really but now I'm embarrassed that I bought all this stuff), I was talking to my sister and she told me that her Mary Kay rep was over and gave her some new colors to try and she loved them. That was all I needed to hear, because if my sister loves something, I usually love it too! So, I called my friend Diane and she ordered me a few products. The most fun product is their spring palette: three eye shadows, two lippys and a cream blush. Great colors and they stay forever. I did order the 3-1 cleanser, but both times I used it my face broke out, so I think I'll stick with my Kanebo. And if you like lip glosses, check out the Mary Kay glosses. For $13, the color selection is good, the gloss isn't goopy and the shine/shimmer is just enough to be able to wear in the day and not look garish.
So now that you know my dirty little secret, don't judge me too harshly. I still haven't had a piece of chocolate since Ash Wednesday!
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Posted by heather at 9:08 AM
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