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October 31, 2006
Truly all day lipstick
Looking for lip color that REALLY stays on? I found it in CoverGirl Outlast ($9.99 at CVS). Once you put it on, this stuff stays on for hours. I can put it on in the morning and the color is still there for the evening - yes, even after eating (several times), drinking, napping, changing clothes and kissing lots of kids, this stuff doesn't go anywhere. To make it even better, it doesn't even dry out my lips like so many other so-called long-wearing types I've tried.
To put Outlast on, it's a two step process: Smooth on the lip color with a wand, let it set for a minute or so, and then slick on a clear gloss (included in the package). The color will stay on your lips, but you'll need to re-apply the gloss to make it shine. But that's it! You can leave home without your lipstick and just re-apply the gloss whenever you feel the need (and you can do that without a mirror, so it's super easy).
If you're like me and don't like to re-apply lipstick throughout the day, but still want to wear color, this is the one for you. And your significant other won't even have to worry about kissing you when you have it on... this one won't smudge off!
- Amy
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Posted by heather at 8:50 AM
October 28, 2006
Fifteen for Fall, part two
The wait is over! Here is the second part of my Fifteen for Fall. Enjoy!
Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Concentrate (1 oz for $85)
Honestly, I didn't expect a lot from this product. Many of these "repair" formulas tend to be too rich for my skin, and I don't end up seeing any real, noticeable improvements. Boy, was I wrong about this one! I was amazed and happy with the results of this product! The formula is lightweight and totally non-greasy, so it is easy to apply under your regular moisturizer. I used it for the recommended 21 consecutive days, and was utterly floored by how great my skin looked! Great clarity, even tone, and a noticeable difference in a few assorted little brown spots - it even helped to fade some leftover red marks from past breakouts! By far, this is my favorite new product I've tried. If you want one good splurge this season, make it this item from Estee Lauder.
MyChelle Fruit Enzyme Cleanser (2.25 oz for about $7)
After Heather's rave reviews of this line, I knew I had to try it! Since my skin tends to be oilier than hers, I choose the foaming Fruit Enzyme Cleanser. Not only does it smell utterly fantastic (like fresh pineapple and citrus), but it thoroughly removes makeup without over-drying my cranky skin. I love this cleanser, and cannot wait to try the whole darn line! I love the fact that I can feel secure in knowing this line is free of toxic chemicals and other nasties. Trust me, this MyChelle brand is worth checking out! I got mine at Whole Foods, but you can also purchase online!
Estee Lauder (Tom Ford Collection) The Face powder in Amber Nude ($50)
This pressed powder comes in a gorgeous, golden compact perfect for your little holiday bag. I love the color, a soft apricot with a touch of shimmer, and you use it just like regular powder. It is very finely-milled, and looks very pretty and luminous on my pale skin. I personally think it would work for all manner of light and medium tones. Stop by your Estee Lauder counter to give it a try!
Kerastase Oleo-Relax Smoothing Mask (5.1 oz for $34)
I have read both good and bad reviews for this product, but since I have had good luck with this line in the past, I decided to give it a try. For me, Oleo-Relax worked really beautifully! I have wavy hair that tends to frizz at the first sign of moisture, and I noticed that after I used this product (on a rainy day, no less) my hair was much more smooth and soft, and resisted frizz all day. While the smell is just so-so, the results were worth it.
Jonathan Product Beauty Water Shower Purification System ($95 for unit + 1 filter, $55 for replacement filter
)
Like a Brita for your shower! I cannot believe what a difference this product has made in my hair and skin. The filter lifts out chlorine, metals, and other toxic materials, leaving you with shiny bouncy hair that holds its color longer, and skin that feels much more moisturized and healthy. Installation is a breeze, so don't let the look of the contraption worry you. The filter will slow down your water flow just a bit (it pumps out 2.5 gallons/minute) but the results are well worth it. A filter lasts about 3-6 months, and honestly, I change mine only about every 5 months. It is like washing in Evian!
Ole Henriksen Pick Me Up Face Tonic (12oz for $30)
OK, this is not a "new" product for me... All of my longtime readers know that I have been singing the praises of Ole Henriksen for (literally) years now. This toner is still my all-time favorite, hands down, which is why I think it bears mentioning again. Non-drying, yet gently astringent and pore-minimizing, I use this every single day. It does not over-dry my skin, and my moisturizer seems to absorb more quickly when used after this toner. I even love the luscious, fruity scent!
Juice Beauty Green Apple Nutrient Mask (2oz for $35)
Juice Beauty consistently impresses me with their innovative, organic products. This mask is a new favorite! This product is a "gentler cousin" to their Green Apple Peel. You can use it up to 3 times a week on cleansed skin to nourish, brighten, and tone. I love how it makes my skin feel, and I feel good that the ingredients are natural and organic. I think it is perfect for any skin type, even sensitive or dry.
Nars Lipstick in Captiva ($23)
When fall rolls around, I try to pick one new lipstick out of my ho-hum comfort zone of beigey-pink-mauve. Captiva is a beautiful, sheer currant shade that really lights up my skin and looks "va-va-voom" without the high-maintenance hassle that goes along with a matte or more opaque color. Even if Captiva is not your perfect shade, try to pick something new and exciting for yourself from the extensive line Nars has to offer. Makeup should be fun, and while that soft pinky-brown you've been wearing for years is dependable, you need to move out of your comfort zone every once in awhile and have a little fun!
- Lisa
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Posted by heather at 7:49 PM
October 24, 2006
Mama Mio update
I promised to report back and I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but even after slathering my tummy and mid-section with Mama Mio's super-moisturizing Tummy Rub for nearly 8 months, I discovered (gasp!) a few new stretch marks after the delivery of baby number 3 this spring. Granted, this was my third, so perhaps my skin had taken all the stretching that it was meant to take, and I did have a major growth spurt at the end of my pregnancy... it was as if one week people weren't sure I was pregnant and the next my mom commented on how huge I was. So, even with all those super Essential Fatty Acid-rich oils which were nourishing my skin, I still got a few battle scars... imagine what it might have been had I not taken any preventative action!
Although I did come away with some stretch marks, I would still definitely give the Tummy Rub ($30 for 4.1 oz) and Super-rich Body Cream ($25 for 7 oz) as gifts to expectant friends. And I would use them again if there were a next time. They also offer cute kits for "Super Mammas Under Construction" including the Congratulations! Kit, which includes the Tummy Rub, Moisturizing Shower Cream and Super-Rich Body Cream for $50.
All Mama Mio products feature a yummy fragrance, dubbed Gravida, which is a blend of ten pregnancy-specific essential oils including mandarin, ylang-ylang, lavender, and lemon. Included in the ten is petitgrain oil to treat muscle tension, indigestion and low energy - anything battling those things sounds great to me. Perhaps that's why I enjoyed slathering myself everyday! The Super-rich Body Cream kept my skin soft and smooth, even during chilly weather and, as I mentioned in my first review, the Tummy Rub smoothed right into my skin without being too greasy. And I loved rubbing my belly every morning, thinking of who might be growing inside of me.
So, even with a few stretch marks, I'd say you should give the Mama Mio line a try. You'll certainly feel pampered in the process!
- Amy
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Posted by heather at 5:05 PM
October 18, 2006
Loving this new skin care routine
I just have to share, after months of battling with my hormone-raging pregnant face, that I have finally found a skin care rountine that makes me look like me again! The brand is MyChelle, and while I haven't tried everything from the line (yet), the products I use now are just terrific. I've picked up several at New Seasons Market here in Portland; you can find out more by visiting mychelleusa.com. The products are plant-based with no phthalates, parabens, propylene glycol, ureas, EDTA, fragrances or artificial colors, which is great for people with sensitive skin or just people who care about what goes into their skin.
I start every day with Honeydew Cleanser ($12.78 for 4.5oz through mychelleusa.com online ordering), a rich, non-foaming lotion cleanser that you apply to dry skin, massage in, and rinse. It's designed for normal, dry or mature skin, but since it's water soluble and removes makeup easily, I consider it a great find for any skin type that just prefers a suds-free clean. Since my face is acne-prone and also sensitive, I've had good luck layering MyChelle's The Perfect C Serum ($35.06 online) with Clear Skin Serum ($26.96 online) followed by a couple of spritzes of Fruit Enzyme Mist ($21.15 for 4.5oz online) before moisturizing. I love the detailed information on the website about each product and how to use it, so I know I only need two pumps of each serum, and in just what order to applying everything.
I've been using this system for about two months, and it is really working for me! I am blemish-free and the red marks I've had from previous breakouts are almost completely gone. I feel like my skin is getting the help it needs to heal and it's not irritated or inflammed. If I get an occasional blemish, I just stick to the system I've put in place and it clear up within a day or two. I can't remember the last time I had this much success with skin care!
For a special treat, I also have to mention the Incredible Pumpkin Peel ($21.42 online). This is one of the best fruit enzyme masks I've used, right u[ there with Juice Beauty Green Apple Peel, but a bit gentler. The pumpkin and fruit enzymes get rid of dead skin and help clear out pores, so your skin just glows. I have to be careful about too much exfoliating, so I use this about once or twice a month. It's a nice treat for a little spa facial at home.
To find out which MyChelle products are the best fit for you, check out their Suggested Skin Care Program guide.
- Heather
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Posted by heather at 9:36 AM
October 5, 2006
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
This is my cause, my passion, to help find a cure for breast cancer. My Nanny and Grammy Jean were both diagnosed with breast cancer, as well as numerous friends and fellow co-workers. It was the influx of diagnoses that led me two years ago to participate in the Susan G. Koman Breast Cancer 3-Day walk. It was the most inspiring moment in my 41 year old life, right up there with the birth of my three children. To see women of all ages and walks of life coming together in solidarity to help find a cure, well, it was just amazing, and led me to do the walk again this year (where my team raised 20k for the cure!).
I used to dread my annual mammogram, and would push it off for as long as I could, but after walking with women in all different stages of breast cancer and watching their courageous battles, I no longer fear the mammogram. Please, during this month (and every month), remember to do your self-exam, read up on how to lower your risk of breast cancer and help fund a cure.
You can even buy merchandise that supports breast cancer research. Lots of cosmetic companies have their pink products out for sale with proceeds going to various organizations. Philosophy has their Shower for a Cure available at QVC.com and other retail locations. Also on QVC, products from Tarte, Laura Geller, Ojon Hair Products, and L’Occitane are part of their Pink Ribbon Beauty. If you head over to Sephora.com, big name brands like Lorac, Clarins, Stila and Fusion Beauty are donating portions of their sales to different breast cancer groups. Estee Lauder has a great Pink Ribbon Collection that includes a pin, compact, lipstick and lip glosses. Estee Lauder proceeds go to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. And when you Shop for a Cure at Beauty.com
, Urban Decay, Paula Dorf, Phyto, Go Smile and Boscia are just a few of the companies donating proceeds toward breast cancer research.
What could be more fun for us beauty junkies? Not only will we look good with our new colors, but we’re helping to fund and find a cure. It’s October, THINK PINK!
- Marissa
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Posted by heather at 10:49 AM
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