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May 31, 2006
Hot Vegas beauty
The first part of May, my husband and I took a much-needed vacation to fabulous Las Vegas to celebrate our wedding anniversary. I had never been to Vegas before, and immediately fell in love with this kinetic desert oasis. There's no question we will be going back sometime soon! During the day, we relaxed, went to the pool, or generally walked around all day, but at night, we went out to dinner, or a show, and hung out on the strip until all hours. Lots of fun and activity meant lots of dressing up, and a full face of makeup after 6pm every evening! It was so fun to put on a glam face, because I don't often do it when I am at home! I took full advantage of all the great color cosmetics that made their way into my suitcase.
During our stay, I quickly found out how much a different climate can impact your beauty routine and the products you use. My normally wavy, fluffy coif turned smooth and well behaved even when I let it air dry (low humidity is a good thing!). My somewhat oily skin quickly turned normal-to-dry, not to mention that the skin on the rest of my body dried out immediately - very different than the moist Midwest. It was a great excuse to do a little shopping, and pick up some new goodies :) Consequently, I've put a list together of 10 great vacation beauty products. Maybe you'll find a winner for your own getaway.
Bare Escentuals i.d. bareMinerals All-Over Face Color in Warmth ($20)
With a fair amount of practice, I have really gotten the hang of loose mineral makeup and face color. I wasn't sure about this color, because it looked pretty dark in the container, but applied lightly and judiciously (with a big, fluffy brush) it made my face look sun-kissed and pretty. If I did get a little heavy-handed, I just dusted a bit of loose powder (I am using Bare Escentuals Mineral Veil right now) over my face and it blended it into the parts that were too dark. Warmth has a bit of shimmer, but it does not look "sparkly." In fact, I think a woman of any age could use this product for a healthy outdoor glow. The natural SPF 15 this formula provides is an added bonus!
Estee Lauder Pure White Linen fragrance Eau De Parfum (1.7 oz for $45, or 3.4 oz for $65)
When I received a bottle of this for review, I almost didn't even bother to open it. While the classic White Linen fragrance is forever imprinted in the "nostalgia" part of my brain, I tend to choose a very different type of fragrance for myself, and never thought this new interpretation would appeal to me. I stand corrected! An infusion of fresh fruits (like grapefruit, mandarin orange, and pear), spices (like ginger and cardamom), and flowers (jasmine, red tulip, and rose) make Pure White Linen fresh, clean, and quite modern. I wore it almost every day, and found it very crisp and uplifting. My husband liked it, too!
Olay Daily Facials Night Cleansing Cloths ($7)
Who wants the hassle of taking cleanser, toner, and exfoliator on vacation? That precious suitcase-space is much better saved for another pair of shoes! I like really like these "just add water" cloths; they lather really well, and easily remove all that extra makeup I was wearing without over-drying. And, they are perfectly-packable - just place a few in a Ziploc bag - no worries about spilled product on your clothes. My only word of caution would be to those whose skin is normally very dry - these might be a little aggressive for you, so tread lightly.
CO Bigelow Dr. Hiosous Quince Hand Lotion ($15 for 4oz, at Bath and Body Works)
In the desert heat, it only takes a short time for hands to become dry and rough, and this lotion is a real skin-saver. Quince and carrot seed extracts provide a protective barrier to dry hands (and feet - apply before bed for the softest "peds") without being greasy or heavy. It even lasts through a couple of hand washings! While there is no added fragrance, the quince fruit smells bright and citrus-y. My mom and I stockpile this hand lotion; I personally have a few at my home, one in my purse, and one at work!
Creme de la Mer (1 oz for $110)
Instead of spending that $100 in the casino, drop that cash on this rich, healing moisturizer. Yes, it is very expensive, and yes, (I think) it is worth every penny. No matter how many high-falutin' brands I try, this is one they are all judged against. I have been using the original formula for years and I love it! Remember, you only need a VERY small amount of this cream - too much might cause a breakout. A tiny, pea-sized dab is all I need for my whole face. Press between fingers to "warm," and then apply by gently pressing fingers against your face. I also use it as eye cream. A perfect multi-tasker that will make skin appear fresh and rested while calming redness and healing any little breakouts!
Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Baked ($15)
Hands down, one of the best eyeliners I have found to date. I absolutely love this new formula! Velvety-smooth and silky, this formula stays soft and creamy for blending (for about 30 seconds), and then dries down to a long-lasting finish that just lasts and lasts. Created with 50% moisturizing ingredients, this waterproof formula offers very long-lasting color that applies with tugging or skipping. While I do miss their discontinued eyeliner shade in Alley Cat, Baked is a warmer variation on light brown that comes fairly close. Made with jojoba oil, vitamin E and cottonseed oil, these pencils condition skin and stay put!
Neutrogena Fresh Cooling Body Mist Sunblock, SPF 30 (5oz for $12)
This spray sunscreen makes application so simple, there's no excuse to "forget" your sunscreen. In the desert, you need a broad spectrum UVA/UVB, high SPF sunscreen. This spray is simple to apply (without help, but hopefully you have some lovely companion who will assist you!). The spray nozzle works at any angle, so getting your back and shoulders is a breeze. It will not clog pores and has a fresh, cool feeling when applied. I will be using this one all summer!
Estee Lauder High Gloss lip gloss in Bronze (will be $16, at counters in June)
I know I already mentioned this one in my seasonal color report, but I really like this color a lot! I have been living in this sparking brown shade since I first tried this product. It works so well with my warm brown hair and green eyes - not to mention the moisturizing qualities really helped my lips stay soft and smooth in the dry desert heat.
Alterna Caviar Anti-Aging Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner (approx. $24 each)
OK, so technically these are two products, but I'm counting them as one :) I received a sample of the shampoo from beautysak.com a while ago, and really liked how silky it made my hair feel (not to mention I really like the smell!). Enriched with caviar, these products are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, which supposedly help to fight "the signs of aging." Mmmm. I'm not sure exactly what that means, but I am sure about the fact that this duo moisturizes and protects my colored tresses, and makes them shiny and less frizzy. They make a volumizing formula, too.
Simply Divine Botanicals Creme De Rose Heavenly Facial Moisturizer (2oz for $39.95)
Ever since I tried the Black Velvet Foaming Cleanser, I am hooked on this small line of natural and organic skin care products. Consequently, I had to try their "first born" product. This cream is suitable for normal to dry, mature and sensitive skin, but it has not clogged my pores since I have been back in a "moister" climate. Personally, I've been using it as a neck and, ahem, decolletage cream (those areas need moisture to stay resilient - don't neglect them!). It smells so nice, and really moisturizes those sensitive areas. With ingredients like organic whole-leaf aloe vera, sweet almond oil, and real Bulgarian rosewater, it smells and feels lovely on skin.
I hope you enjoy some of these great products on your own summer getaway! Now get out there and enjoy the beautiful weather!
- Lisa
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Posted by heather at 8:58 AM
May 21, 2006
Warm weather finds
We are still getting some cool nights here in the Midwest, but warm, sunshine-filled days are here to say. I love spring and summer, but as the days get hotter I seek simplicity in my product routine. I have found some great new items to make looking great in the heat easier than ever! So, without further adieu, here is my annual warm weather color report.
Estee Lauder has some items I'm really excited about this season. EL has been a favorite of mine for years because of their quality products and beautiful seasonal color collections. I really look forward to their new items, and always pick up a couple of new goodies each season.
For spring 2006, we get their take on "Mediterranean Colors", a collection of lush, feminine hues that focus on papaya and berry shades for lips and cheeks, with accents of green, ivory, and beautiful browns. If I close my eyes (and have a rum drink or two!), I can almost feel the warm, ocean breezes and taste the tropical fruit!
For lips, Pure Color Crystal Lipstick ($22) is a forever-staple in my cosmetic bags. The colors are beautiful and moisturizing, and have a hint of fig scent that smells so delicious. For day, I love the new, sheer shades of Ripe Papaya and Sweet Lychee. They look great with a neutral work look, and add a bright pop of color that still manages to be subtle and pretty. For evening, the richness of Red Apple makes for a sophisticated mouth that is the center of attention. All you need is a swipe of barely-there nude cream shadow (try Benefit Cosmetics cream shadow in Naughty Feather, $14) and Estee Lauder More Than Mascara Moisture-Binding Formula ($21) in Rich Black. Normally, I won't spend so much on mascara when there are such great, inexpensive brands at my local drugstore, but this tube reminded me of why it is a nice splurge every once in a while. This mascara moisturizes lashes, and has excellent pigment that offers subtle thickness and length that is perfect for work. I also like its traditional, full brush; it coats lashes evenly and completely without gunking them up.
For eyes, try EL's silky, richly pigmented Eye Shadow Quad in Charming Pink ($37). The only negative aspect of purchasing a multiple-color eyeshadow compact is you typically get one color that you will never use, and while that also holds true for this one, I like the other colors enough that it makes up for it. Charming Pink contains three beautiful pastels (soft shades of pink, mint, and butter) and one crazy shade of bright fuchsia that will never touch my own lids. If my skin was darker, it would probably look great, but my pale skin does not do well with bright pink around the eyes!
In June, Estee Lauder will debut its newest lip gloss, High Gloss Lip Gloss ($16). Considering my well-known lip color addiction, I was very fortunate to get to try this new item before it hits the Estee Lauder counters. I love luxury lip gloss, and this one is especially nice. It is really shiny, with no stickiness at all, and the colors are just fantastic. I especially like Jewel (sheer brownish-burgundy), Bronze (shimmering golden brown) and Rose (pinky-gold). The slant-tip applicator is great for keeping applications easy and mess-free.
During the summer, I am always looking for a multi-tasking day moisturizer that contains sunscreen. Estee Lauder DayWear Plus Multi-Protection Anti-Oxidant Lotion SPF 30 (1.7 oz for $38) has a host of hydrators and anti-oxidants like South African Red Tea, White Tea, White Birch, and an Estee Lauder exclusive called Eukarion that promises to activate skin's own defenses against free-radicals, and the damage they cause. Aside from the complicated, scientific mumbo-jumbo, I found this lotion to be a great, lightweight moisturizer that made my skin look smooth and glowing, without breaking it out. I have been using it daily, and my skin has responded beautifully. I also like the fresh cucumber scent! The lotion comes in different formulas, depending on your skin type. I personally chose normal/combination for my skin's cranky, split personality.
Once again, Benefit Cosmetics has put out the cutest seasonal color palettes! The Benefit "Beauty Salon" has created three adorable palettes in shades of nude, pink, and peach. Each mirrored palette contains one eye shadow, one cheek cream, and one shimmering lip gloss that will work with a variety of skin tones. Heel's Low, Hair High is a collection of wearable nude shades, I Can't Hair a Word You're Saying contains a pretty collection of petal pinks, and Look Me Up and Comb Me Over is soft, peachy perfection. Each palette is a mere $22, and will delight any makeup maven. Perfect for yourself, or gifting to a fellow cosmetic junkie!
In my opinion, Neutrogena has really become one of the best drugstore lines available. I love their newest products, and I tend to linger in their aisle at my local Walgreen's. I adore their new Mineral Sheers Powder Foundation (about $11) because it provides coverage without being overly-shimmer-y like some brands, and the pure mineral formulation means no break-outs! The fact that the brush is included is ultra-convenient, which means it goes with me on all my business trips. MoistureShine Lip Soother Cooling Hydragel ($6) is a perfect everyday lip protector because it has just a hint of color, yummy fruity flavor, and SPF 20 to protect my kisser from sunburn.
I also love Neutrogena hair products, and have been using their Triple Moisture Silk Touch Leave-In Cream (about $7) almost every day. On days I am just going to be around the house, I rub a small amount into my damp hair and let dry naturally. While it does not give much hold per se, it does keep frizz under control and makes my hair shiny and soft. On days I need a bit more control, I mix it with another new favorite: Aquage Illuminating Gelade (4 oz for $14). This product is a cross between a gel and pomade, so it gives super control and shine without being sticky or too greasy - it really is a great combination! You can apply, scrunch, and let hair dry naturally for soft waves and texture.
When it comes to washing my face during the warmer months, I need something that will keep oil at bay, but not dry or over-strip my skin. A new favorite facial cleanser of mine is Simply Divine Botanicals Black Velvet Foaming Facial Wash (4oz for $20). While it looks a little scary in the bottle (it is a dark brown with little bits), it cleanses beautifully with 100% organic aloe, oils of avocado & jojoba, and a host of essential oils and extracts. I find it does a great job of speeding the healing of blemishes, as well as making my pores appear a little smaller. It also smells lovely without the addition of any synthetic perfumes or fragrances. I also like using it when the acne on my back flares up! The only downside is that it can be a little messy in a light-colored shower because of the dark brown color :)
With all of these great new items, it looks like it is going to be a beautiful summer! Pare down your beauty routine with these great new products, and get out there and enjoy the beautiful weather!
- Lisa
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Posted by heather at 3:35 PM
May 20, 2006
Multi-tasking is my life
Why aren't there 25 hours in a day? I swear, that extra hour could go so far! Since there are only 24, I have started multi-tasking my beauty routines with other chores. Blah! I know, the beauty routines should be their own separate ritual, but hey, no time, no lookin' good! Here’s how a recent Saturday went...
Up at 5:30am. I'm training for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer 3-Day Walk, which is 60 mile walk over 3 days. I was out the door with my teammates by 6am and I put on self-tanner before I left. Why waste the time just walking, right? I can walk, chat and tan all at the same time! My self-tanner of choice for my body right now is Clarins Self-Tanning Instant Gel. I like it because it dries quickly, doesn't smell too bad, and is rather forgiving if you're a little sloppy on your application! And of course, I didn't forget my Clarins Liquid Bronze for the face. I came home from my training walk and really needed to switch my 3-year-old's drawers from winter clothes to spring and summer. How boring, right? Well, I started out by painting my toe nails in Chanel Shanghai Red Nail Color (two coats and you're good for two weeks). It's one of my favorite toe colors! Then I put on some masks: Borghese Fango Active Mud for Hair and Scalp, and Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel Mask on my face. The mud makes my hair so shiny and soft and lasts for about a week, even with washing it every day. If you haven't heard of Elemis, you will soon, it's predicted to be the next "it" in skincare. It's being written up in magazines and getting lots of great press. I left the hair conditioner and mask on for 20 minutes, switched the drawers and then hopped in the shower. Woo-hoo! I looked great, and got some housework done too! You can buy Chanel products at most local department stores or online at gloss.com. Shop for Borghese products online at borghese.com where you can also find a list of stores in your area. And check out all Elemis products on their website elemis.com. Happy shopping, and remember, you can multi-task while shopping online!
- Marissa
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Posted by heather at 3:29 PM
May 9, 2006
My Julie Hewett make-over
Hi gals! I promised I would report back after I had my makeover with Julie Hewitt and her staff of makeup artists. Let me start by saying that she is the most down to earth makeup artist you will ever meet. There was no diva there on Saturday, just a truly genuine person who wanted to help you bring out your best features. Here's how the day went...
I had one hour to get there, have my makeover, and get to the baseball field for my son's game. That's a tall order, but they pulled it off beautifully. Hidden Beauty, where Julie was appearing, is this great little cosmetics boutique, but when I say little, I mean little. They use their space really, really well and have a ton of product, but there is not a lot of room on the floor to do makeovers. That said, they were doing 5 makeovers at a time and not once did I feel crowded. It was more intimate than scrunched together. And it was great to see what the other women looked like. Everyone looked totally natural, only better. That to me is the highest compliment you can give someone. We didn't look ready for the red carpet, but you know what, we weren't going on the red carpet either! What I liked is that Julie came around while the artists were doing our makeup and made suggestions and showed us how to take our look from day to night with a stronger lipstick or a shimmy. She introduced herself to every person there and really spent a few minutes with us and talked about the colors they were using and what she thought might work, too. Julie suggested I try a little Cleo Shimmy for nighttime in the crease of my eyes, and it looked so glam. Cleo is this bronze Shimmy, but bronze doesn't really do it justice. It's just a great color (and, yep, I got it!).
We started with the Creme Foundation in Anouk which looked really natural. The feel was like wearing a tinted moisturizer. Next came Jami on my cheeks and it gave a beautiful flush, like I was already at the ball field! (I wear Jami on my lips too when I want a natural look.) My eyes are rather deep set so we needed to bring them out with light colors. Lillies in the Snow and Rue Burgundy were the eye shadows of choice with Dahlia eye pencil slightly lining my eyes. Julie's rose-scented mascara graced my lashes and my eyes were set. Now, my lips, first lined with #11, a pretty rose, and filled in with Nude Noir, nude with a red undertone. This is a great day look, and if you are afraid of reds, Nude is the perfect choice to get you started. For nighttime, we went to Coco Noir, a brick red. I thought I would go with Film Noir, which is a blackberry red, but Coco really was the perfect choice. All the Noir lipsticks are heavily pigmented, so if you're going straight from the tube, you're going to have A LOT of color. Use a lip brush for the stronger colors. Coco went great with my hair and coloring and made my teeth look whiter. I wore Coco to work on Monday and I didn't have to reapply my lippy till after 3pm - the color wore to a stain. Perfect!
When I was ready to leave, I didn't do a thing to my new look. Now, I don't know about you, but most of the makeovers I've had always involved washing something off my face as soon as I left or couldn't be seen from the makeup counter!
Click onto her website and see if you can find her products in your area. Also, when you pick up this month's Allure magazine, you'll see two of her products featured on page 76. If you are looking for multi-purpose makeup, this is the line for you. And if you like being the first to discover new artists, you had better hurry because she's soon going to be a household name. And just remember where you first heard about her - from Cosmetic Connection! :)
- Marissa
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Posted by heather at 7:19 PM
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