It's that time of year again! Blustery winds, sweaters, a (faux) fur throw in front of a crackling fire, warm cocoa - all is good in the world! With the colder, drier air now, my makeup will actually stay put, unlike during the warmer months, so there's a lot more freedom to be creative with colors and textures.
You already know the marketing "drill," the colors always get darker as the mercury drops - rich wine, plum, green and gold are festive and beautiful for day or night, but really, the colors are very similar each season. The real changes, however, come in the textures, attributes, and chemistry of all the new products.
One of the things I'm most excited about this year is that lipstick is really the "it" product this season. And, while this gal loves her gloss, a perfectly-applied red lip with a more matte finish is so striking and sexy - especially with a fuller eyebrow. The total look is a fresh, modern spin on the makeup of the 40's and 50's. This winter is your chance to be as pretty as a pin-up. Look at old pictures of Betty Page, Elizabeth Taylor, Lauren Bacall, and Rita Hayworth to get inspired. If you love color, you are going to have a great time this season!
I've had the wonderful opportunity to try a pile of product lately - so much for hair, face, and body! So, without further ado, please enjoy part one of Cosmetic Connection's 2007 Cold Weather Product Report!
Where to begin? Let's start at the top, with your sexy mop! My hair and scalp seem to go through pretty dramatic changes with the seasons. Since I tend to be oily during the warmer months, everything usually normalizes nicely when it gets cooler. However, as I get older, I definitely notice that my skin and hair tend to get drier when we're in the really bitter months. So, I like to use moisturizing products that don't weigh down my wavy, slightly fizzy tresses, but still keep them manageable and under control.
I love Chi Silk Infusion, an alcohol-free, lightweight liquid with silk proteins that combines really well with other products. It adds softness and shine, but not hold. So, depending on the look you're going for, it can be easily combined with a variety of other styling products. I like to mix it with the legendary Phyto Phytodefrisant Botanical Hair Relaxing Balm
if I'm looking for smooth and straight, or Paul Mitchell Super Sculpt styling glaze (yes, it is totally old school, but it still one if the best medium-hold styling liquids ever created!) if I want to coax waves or curls.
Although the Chi line was created specifically for hair that is heat styled (with a dryer, flatiron, or curling iron) it is just dandy for hair that is air-dried, too. A really versatile item I use almost every time I wash my hair!
Also, if you have not had a chance to do so already, be sure to pick up Sonia Kashuk Bristle Hair Brush from Target. It was profiled in Allure in the last month or so, and for the paltry price of $15, I knew it was worth a try. What an excellent brush! It easily compares with the $60-$80 brushes from Mason-Pearson of similar type. My thick, shoulder length tresses look smooth and shiny after just a few strokes. Be sure to grab one before they disappear - they are the deal of the season!
Just like my hair care, I also change my body care routine as it gets colder. I definitely need more moisture on my legs and arms, but I also battle acne on my back, so I use a separate cleanser keep those breakouts at bay.
For my back or upper arms, where body acne can be most prevalent, I've found nothing better than the super-fabulous Bionic Blast Body Wash from Benefit Cosmetics. With microbeads to exfoliate, and 2% salicylic acid to dry existing acne and prevent new breakouts, this is seriously powerful stuff. For best results, I like to let the lather sit for about a minute before rinsing, but my skin is fairly oily; if your skin is very sensitive, it might be too drying. Use it 1-3 times per week, as needed, especially effective when used with a shower puff.
For the rest of my bod, I am absolutely loving the Principessa line. Created by Trish Lucarino, these "beauty products for the urban princess," are unabashedly girly-pink, yummy, and decadent. Very fun for the suburban mom, as well (okay, that is first time I've said that aloud since my daughter was born! Whoa, deep breath!).
The signature "Piccolo" scent is soft, sweet, and sexy, not overpowering or cloying. I especially like the Amore Afterglow Salt Scrub, Fresh Fiore Shower Cream, and Cattiva Diva Hand Lotion. With its cheerful pink packaging, this line is especially well-suited to gift-giving - just be sure to keep at least one item for yourself.
I was also quite impressed by Von Natur, a fantastic line of cruelty-free, toxin-free, vegan products. I can't stop using their Complete Body Lotion on myself, and my 6-month-old little lady, Ava Rose. Filled with aloe, essential oils, and shea butter, this lotion is very lightweight, and completely non-sticky but moisturizes very effectively. The scent is light and fresh, and the ingredients are so skin-calming; I use it for a calming, after-bath massage on my daughter. I was worried the slight, minty component of the lotion would be too stimulating before bed, but Ava doesn't mind it, at all. And, considering I'm usually so tired that I could fall asleep at this desk I'm writing from, the scent doesn't bother me, either :)
They also have a unique product that bears mentioning: Complete Hair and Body Conditioner. The same natural oils and butters as the Complete Body Lotion, but the twist is twofold: The formula is designed for hair and skin, and it contains charcoal, giving it a unique gray appearance. Designed to absorb impurities, you can apply a light layer of this conditioner head to toe. Rinse it from the skin first, but allow it to sit in your hair for a few extra minutes. With its fresh, slightly minty scent and cool feel, it is easy to get addicted to this product. Be sure to pick up the Complete Hair and Body Wash, too! These great multi-taskers make life so much easier - who doesn't love hair and skin care in one bottle?
That concludes part one of the Cold Weather Product Report. Be sure to watch for part two, which includes facial skin care products and all that gorgeous holiday makeup!
- Lisa
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