Beauty Junkie in SF - Makeup, Skincare, Haircare, Body care and Fragrance Product Reviews

Yes to Carrots C Me Shine Lip Gloss

noreply@blogger.com (Beth) — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 18:12:00 +0000

One girl can never have too many lip glosses right?! I think so! Well, I've found yet another one to add to my arsenal. Best part is I can find it in a local drugstore. Yes to Carrots/Tomatoes/Cucumbers is actually a local company, based here in San Francisco, that specializes in Paraben-Free beauty and skin care products that combine the fresh, unadulterated goodness of organic fruits and vegetables with the purifying and moisturizing properties of minerals harvested from the Dead Sea.

Yes to Carrots C Me Shine Lip Gloss provides both shine and hydration along with a minty sensation. It feels like a soft lip balm, but gives a nice amount of color (depending on the shade) and lots of shine! I love the squeeze tube since its not messy and you can get exactly the amount of color you need. My only complaint on the packaging is the label is stuck on the tube, and after only one day, one corner at the bottom is coming off. So maybe they will improve the labeling, or maybe mine was just slightly defective. I really like the shade Carrot Shine for a neutral look, and Rose Shine for a more frosty pink look. The are made of 95% organic ingredients and I can actually understand each thing in them. Very comforting since I am sure I eat a lot of gloss throughout the day.

Gloss Lovely!

Smashbox Jet Set Waterproof Eyeliner

noreply@blogger.com (Beth) — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 19:00:00 +0000

I get stuck in makeup ruts all the time. Even though I have countless (literally, not worth counting how many) products to choose from, I end up using the same 4 things over and over. To mix it up a little, I spent an extra 5 minutes this morning on my eyes. I used Smashbox's Jet Set Waterproof Eyeliner in Navy Blue just on my upper eyelids to create a fun cat eye type look. I drew the line fairly thick and used a neutral powder shadow as a base, making the liner the main attraction. The blue (the picture is actually the Midnight Purple, which is also very pretty) is a fun change from your basic black, it REALLY makes my blue eyes pop. It may take a few more minutes than my usual dash of shimmery pink shadow, but it is way more fun. Best part is this stuff lasts and lasts. It doesn't smudge or travel to the top of my eyelid in the middle of the day.

Line Lovely!

Borghese Spa Set at BeautyTicket.com

noreply@blogger.com (Beth) — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 21:16:00 +0000

Borghese is a high end skin and body care line inspired by the minerals and heritage of the Tuscan countryside. At this point, I have no hope of hoping over to Italy anytime soon, so using these products is the closest I can get. Normally their products are super expensive, but my friends at BeautyTicket.com have this whole set for only $29.99!!!

The Living Water Spa Set includes:

* Active Mud for Face & Body (6.0 oz)
* Moisturizing Body Creme (6.0 oz)
* Gentle Foaming Gel for Bath & Shower (8.4 oz)
* Curaforte Moisture Intensifier (1.0 oz)
* Cura Da Vita Protettivo SPF 15 (1.0 oz)
* Splendide Mani Smoothing Hand Creme (2.5 oz)
* Acqua di Vita "Living Water" Complex
* Sea Sponge

St Ives Smoothing In-Shower Exfoliating Body Polish

noreply@blogger.com (Beth) — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 19:00:00 +0000

While moisturizing is key to maintaining sexy summer skin, exfoliating is just as vital. A good in-shower scrub is both time effective and easy to add to your routine. St. Ives also has one that is also cost effective!

Their Smoothing In-Shower Exfoliating Body Polish comes in a tub, which stores well in the shower. It has the consistency of paste or peanut butter. It is full of oils and sugar, making it a luscious scrub. I scope out a handful and kind of make a ball in my hand. Then I rub it all over, concentrating on my feet, knees, and elbows. Instead of instantly getting rinsed off, it slowly melts on my skin. When it does get rinsed off, it leaves a bit of a an oily residue, so my skin feels moisturized and softer. Be aware, if you leave it for awhile, it may look a little dried out, but a tiny bit of moisture in the shower revives it right away. For the price and results, this is my favorite scrub all summer.

Scrub lovely!

Pure Silk Moisturizing Shaving Cream

noreply@blogger.com (Beth) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 20:07:00 +0000

I spent the 4th of July weekend in sunny southern California. Because of the silly TSA rules against liquids, I didn't get to bring my new favorite shaving cream on the plane and boy did I need it. It was sundress weather all weekend long! Pure Silk Moisturizing Shave Cream is available in six supper yummy fun-scented formulas that contain skin conditioners and emollients to protect skin from the razor’s edge. Your legs will thank you for making them smooth and oh so touchable. Pure Silk Shave Cream Formulas include:

* Pure Silk Raspberry Mist
* Pure Silk Citrus Zest
* Pure Silk Melon Splash
* Pure Silk Plumeria (my current fav)
* Pure Silk Coconut & Oat Flour
* Pure Silk Peaches & Cream

Grab your beach bag, sundress and cocktail dress, because it doesn’t matter where you go, as long as you put your best leg forward! Pure Silk Moisturizing Shave Cream is available in drugstores and mass merchandise stores for a suggested retail price of $1.79- 9.5 oz can.Can't beat that! And it does come in a travel size of 2.5oz, so I need to find that before my next getaway trip...

Shave Lovely!

Weekend Beauty Reads from the BBN

noreply@blogger.com (Beth) — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 18:10:00 +0000

Elke's gotten lazy, but she doesn't mind, thanks to Ponds.

A Touch of Blusher reviews Lancôme's fall 2009 collection.

Beauty Anonymous brings you Nars fall 2009 makeup collection.

Beauty Junkie in SF reviews the TeenSpa Blemished Skin line from Pevonia Botanica. Its not just for teens!

The Makeup Divas reviews tarte Celebutante Moisturizing Dry Oil Shimmer Spray.

Enter for a chance to win Clear Remedy Acne System worth $165 at Beauty and Personal Grooming.

Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes! 4-in1 Natural Mascara

noreply@blogger.com (Beth) — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 14:00:00 +0000

My new favorite everyday mascara was a bit of a shock to be. I'll be the first to admit that packaging is very important to me. I have used other Tarte products in the past, and my biggest complaint was this funny faux patent leather quilted material! This mascara tube is twice as big as it would be without it and kind of ackward. But packaging aside, Lights, Camera, Lashes! 4-in-1 Natural Mascara is a great mascara! It goes on slightly dry (so it doesn't get everywhere and smudge) with a slight texture. It coats my lashes completely and really does all 4: lengthen, curl, volumize, and condition. It doesn't smudge off during the day (BIG for me) and comes off with just a little face wash and water, no crazy amounts of rubbing. Also, they use natural ingredients like carnauba wax, olive esters, and rice bran wax. So despite the fact that the packaging turned me off, I'm glad I finally tried this mascara out. It is definitely going in my regular pile.

Lash Lovely!

Celebrate the 4th with the American Grown Collection

noreply@blogger.com (Beth) — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 18:35:00 +0000

Bath & Body Works has a new, limited-edition American Grown collection to celebrate this patriotic season. It is comprised of hand washes and shower gels in big, bold, colorful bottles that are inspired by great American destinations. The scents include yummy Washington Apple, Napa Grape, Siesta Key Lemon, Savannah Mint and Montana Sky. Each product in the American Grown collection includes natural extracts grown on American soil. Now that is patriotic!

Soap Lovely!

Pevonia SpaTeen Skincare

noreply@blogger.com (Beth) — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 04:07:00 +0000

Even though I am no longer a teen, my skin seems to think I still deserve to look like one. I hate pimples more than anything, so I will try anything given to me as a potential solution.

Pevonia Botanica is a spa skincare line that has a set of products called SpaTeen Blemished Skincare. They are aimed at fighting blemishes on young skin, but really anyone can use them.

I tried out the regime of the cleanser, toner and moisturizer for awhile. I've never been much of a fan of toners, so that was quickly neglected. I liked the cleanser since it is more of a gentle scrub. My favorite overall though was the moisturizer. It is super gentle, smells nice (like citrus fruits), and goes on super smooth. It even has sun protection in it. I don't get shiny or oily at any point during the day, and my face feels fresh and clean. I also didn't use the blemish stick a ton, it was kind of hard to get the product out.

So I would for sure buy the moisturizer again... maybe someday I'll get to visit one of their spas too. Spa Bellaigo in Vegas... or Dreams Cancun Resort and Spa! Sounds like heaven right now.

Spa Lovely!

Weekend Beauty Reads from the BBN

noreply@blogger.com (Beth) — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 21:21:00 +0000

Decorative Diva share her thoughts on the SkinCareRx Travel Kit.

Elke finds, big hair with 7 hair items for $15.00.

A Touch of Blusher counts down the best summer 2009 makeup collections.

ThisThatBeauty is partnered with Diane von Furstenburg and giving away Limited Edition Lipstick "Foreign Affair".

Beauty Junkie in SF is giving away a POP beauty kit that will make everyone one say "HELLO GORGEOUS!". Enter Today!

Face Candy reviews Sonia Kashuk's coral themed Spring Treasures Collection.

The Makeup Divas reviews The Body Shop's HotBrights Collection.

Beauty Anonymous gives you a look into the latest haute couture-inspired makeup collection by Chanel.

Link Lovely!

mark Cosmetics: mark Mists!

noreply@blogger.com (Beth) — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 16:54:00 +0000

Treat yourself to a refreshing splash of scent this summer with new mark Mists! For $10 you can get a fun fresh, fruity splash, perfect for on the go scenting. Available in four scents: Luscious Mango, Very Watermelon, Just Peachy, and Tangerine Squeeze. Check them out at meetmark.com

Spritz Lovely!

CONTEST: Win a "Hello Gorgeous!" Kit for POP Beauty

noreply@blogger.com (Beth) — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 13:45:00 +0000

The nice people at beautyticket.com have provided me with a fun products for me to give away to you all. Enter below to win this huge makeup kit from POP Beauty. HELLO GORGEOUS includes:

36 eye shades
10 lip glosses
6 cheek shades
2 duo applicators

Update your makeup wardrobe 'London style' with these makeup essentials (plus easy-to-follow steps) from Pop Beauty. Once the makeup runs out, the silver case doubles as a jewelry box! Value of the whole thing is $48.

Look Good Feel Better with OPI Nail Lacquer

noreply@blogger.com (Beth) — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 14:00:00 +0000

Fabulous toes are a MUST this summer. So why not give back while you are getting pretty:

Look Good…Feel Better, a national public service program that helps women cope with appearance-related changes from cancer treatment, and OPI, the world leader in professional nail care, are both celebrating their 20th anniversaries this year. OPI launched its nail lacquers 20 years ago, the same year Look Good...Feel Better conducted its first workshop. To celebrate, the two organizations are launching a new summer promotion that truly makes a difference.

Look Good…Feel Better has served 650,000 women in the U.S. since the program’s inception in 1989 and has helped women improve their self esteem nationwide.
Look Good…Feel Better is available in 19 countries on six continents, and has served nearly one million women with cancer globally.
14,000 volunteers who donate their time to Look Good…Feel Better.

During July and August, OPI will contribute a portion of the proceeds of every bottle of its top-selling Bubble Bath (who doesn’t love Bubble Bath?) Nail Lacquer sold, with a minimum contribution of $25,000, to Look Good…Feel Better.

And we all know Bubble Bath is hot – in fact, personal stylist Rachel Zoe Tweeted about it as THE shade for summer manicures and pedicures. How can you argue with that?

The OPI Bubble Bath Nail Lacquer benefiting Look Good…Feel Better will be available in at least 10,000 participating salons and retail locations nationwide beginning this July.

Paint Lovely!

Crescent Row: A New Fragrance Collection By Benefit

noreply@blogger.com (Beth) — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 19:00:00 +0000

I am crazy about Benefit's new collection of fragrances, Crescent Row. The are inspired by a row of adorable houses in Bath, England that the daughters of the founder stumbled apon. Each scent is very unique and different, so one of them is sure to please you. I had a chance to try out all three, and although I liked Laugh with me LeeLee a lot, Something About Sophia won my heart! It is just the right mix of sweet, spicy, and gorgeous flowers. Here are the descriptions of each. Which one will be your next love?

Laugh with me LeeLee: a woody floral - a light blend of citrus, jasmine & lily blossoms, naturally light scent with a classic feminine style.

top notes: cassis, melon, citrus
middle notes: black violet, lily, jasmine
bottom notes: blonde wood, amber, santal

Something About Sophia: an oriental floral - a dream of oriental blossoms, mango & vanilla, an intriguing & mysterious scent with a free spirit.

top notes: mango, freesia
middle notes: sheer lily, jasmine sambac, peony petal
bottom notes: musk, white caramel, vanilla bean

My Place or Yours Gina: a woody oriental - an alluring affair of pink pepper, wild raspberry & patchouli, a seductively provocative scent with a "flaunt it if you've got it" attitude.

top notes: pink pepper, bergamot, tangerine
middle notes: peony, wild raspberry, white lily
bottom notes: patchouli, tonka bean, vanilla bean

They are available online at benefitcosmetics.com or at Sephora for $36 for 1oz. Spritz Lovely!

L'Oreal HIP High Intensity Pigments Kohl Eyeliner

noreply@blogger.com (Beth) — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 21:47:00 +0000

While I love new ways of putting on eyeliner, I'm not sure L'Oreal did such a great job on this one. Their latest edition to the HIP High Intensity Pigment Collection leave much to be desired. I like the concept of loose kohl eyeliner, but this one is way too messy. The wand is a bit on the rough side and I ended up getting powder all over. I thought the strength of the pigment was decent, but the messy factor was a bit of an issue for me. I liked the golden color for inner-eye highlighting, but the rough brush isn't very pleasant on the delicate skin. Next!

Paint Lovely!

12 Best and Worst Acne Products

noreply@blogger.com (Beth) — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 04:01:00 +0000

Here is a fun article by my friends at Total Beauty. Their readers rated their favorite and least favorite ance-fighting products.

12 Best & Worst Acne Products

Zits happen, so trust these unbiased reader reviews to tell you which acne products actually deliver

Sure, dealing with acne in your teens is cruel -- but in your 20s, 30s and 40s? That's just plain unfair. Here we uncover the top reader-tested acne-fighting products, as well as the products that did not deliver results, so you can save your time and money.

See products

The Best: No. 6: Clinique Acne Solutions Clarifying Lotion, $13.50

TotalBeauty.com average rating: 8.7*

Even those who have "tried everything and nothing worked" claim this product is "like a miracle..."

No. 5: The Body Shop Tea Tree Oil, $9

TotalBeauty.com average rating: 8.8*

"Just a dab with a Q-tip is all it takes for my pimples to be drastically reduced overnight..."

No. 4: Peter Thomas Roth Gentle Complexion Correction Pads, $36

TotalBeauty.com average rating: 8.9*

"The pads smell great, clear up acne, soften up lines and get your skin glowy..."

Want to see the rest of the best (and find out the worst)? Click here!

Fathers Day Gift Ideas fro Every Man Jack

noreply@blogger.com (Beth) — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 17:49:00 +0000

Every Man Jack has some great INEXPENSIVE gifts for your dad this coming Sunday... They are great products that he's sure to love and best part is, he had get replacements at the local Target. Both kits are a whopping $9.95!!!

Signature Shave Kit: Kit includes EMJ face wash, shave cream, and face lotion. All with their refreshing signature mint scent. Everything your dad needs to prep his skin, get a great shave, and keep it hydrated and healthy. Inside this kit their is also a toiletry bag to carry his bathroom and shower stuff on the road. Coconut-derived surfactants cleanse. Marine Extracts and Shea butter hydrate. Aloe + Vitamin E helps heal and protect.

Citrus Hair + Body Kit: The Every Man Jack hair and body kit has their 2-in-1 shampoo plus conditioner, body bar with wheat bran, and invigorating body wash. All with a refreshing citrus scent. Their is also a toiletry bag to carry his bathroom and shower stuff on the road.

Gift Dad Lovely!

Father's Day Gift Ideas from Kiehl's

noreply@blogger.com (Beth) — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 04:12:00 +0000

Need some ideas on what to get Dad this year? Show him you care with some super nice gifts from Kiehl's:

Men’s Travel Kit: Perfect for the traveling dad, this travel collection of men's favorites makes for the perfect companion on the go, packed in a small EVA travel bag, only $24.50 (A $36.50 value.)

* Ultimate Brushless Shave Cream-White Eagle, 2.5 oz.
* Facial Fuel Energizing Face Wash, 2.5 oz.
* Amino Acid Shampoo, 2.5 oz.
* Facial Fuel No-Shine Moisturizing Lip Balm
* Ultimate Strength Hand Salve deluxe sample

Energizing Starter Kit: Get Dad started with this classic collection of energizing men's products. The perfect regimen of products to cleanse, shave and energize, packed in a small EVA travel bag, only $28.50 (A $37.00 value.)

* Facial Fuel 2.5 oz.
* Facial Fuel Energizing Face Wash 2.5 oz.
* Ultimate Man Body Scrub Soap deluxe sample
* Ultimate Brushless Shave Cream-White Eagle, deluxe sample

Daily Energizing Kit: Only the best for Dad. This classic collection comes complete with Kiehl's best energizing men's products. Get him started on the perfect regimen, packed in a white corrugated box, $48.50 (a $66.00 value)

* Ultimate Brushless Shave Cream-White Eagle, 5 oz.
* Facial Fuel 2.5 oz.
* Ultimate Man Body Scrub Soap 7 oz.
* Facial Fuel Energizing Face Wash 8.4 oz.

If these gift sets don't seem to suit your Pops, you could also:

* Create a customized gift box: they will create it in-store, to your specifications. The price will vary, according to product selection.

* Or pick him out a new fragrance:

o Pour Homme 1987 Portable Essence Oil, $25. Pour Homme was blended especially for the pleasure of Kiehl’s male patrons and includes oils of Cistus, Patchouli, Fir Needle and Vetiver (a dried grassy root once thought in folklore to protect a wearer’s physical and financial safety). To this day, Pour Homme is instantly recognizable and remains a favorite among Kiehl’s customers for its complex concentration of woodsiness.

o Musk Eau de Toilette, $38.50. This modern version of our classic signature scent is based on the unique blend that is Kiehl's Musk. Our special Musk "recipe" begins with an initial creamy, fresh citrus burst of Bergamot Nectar and Orange Blossom...followed by a soft floral bouquet of Rose, Lily, Ylang-Ylang and Neroli. Finally, Original Musk Eau de Toilette dries down to a warm, sensual Oriental finish of Tonka Nut, White Patchouli and, of course, Musk...the soul of this distinctively modern scent

o Forest Rain Eau de Toilette, $38.50. Our fresh, yet spicy woodsy blend of Muguet, Vetiver, Citrus and Musk was inspired by the extensive essence collection of the original “Kiehl Pharmacy,” where 122 unique fragrant oils from the world over have been offered over the years.

All products are available at a Kiehl’s free-standing store near you or at Kiehls.com, and you can find a store in your area using the Store Locator at Kiehls.com

Gift Dad Lovely!

Father's Day Gift Ideas from Aveda

noreply@blogger.com (Beth) — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 04:17:00 +0000

Still trying to decide what to get Dad for Father’s Day? Not sure exactly what he needs to compliment his lifestyle? Whatever excites Dad, Aveda can help make sure you find the perfect gift for him this year. Aveda offers a variety of budget-friendly Father’s Day gifts that are sure to be a success:

The Gym-Rat Gift: Gift Dad with the highly-energized Rosemary Mint Set to take to the gym. Infused with peppermint and rosemary that naturally energize, Rosemary Mint Shampoo, Conditioner and Hand/Body Wash will leave him felling refreshed following the gym. Or if Dad prefers bar soap, swap the Hand/Body Wash with a Rosemary Mint Bath Bar. The bar invigorates with rosemary and peppermint that lingers long after rinsing.

Lovably Low-Maintenance: Does Dad’s entire grooming routine consist of shampoo and a lip balm? Give him an eco-friendly upgrade with Aveda Men Shampoo, and a few Aveda Lip Savers. Gentle enough for everyday use, Aveda Men Shampoo leaves hair soft and manly fresh. He will also love Aveda's cult favorite Lip Saver, which features cinnamon leaf, clove and anise oils that will keep his lips smooth, protected and soft.

The Ultimate Cut: Take his regular barbershop trip to the next level with a gift certificate for a hair cut at your nearest Aveda salon. Not only will he get a great cut (and maybe update his look), but he’ll enjoy Aveda’s complimentary offerings such as a scalp, head and neck massage and a yummy cup of Aveda Comforting Tea. Find your nearest Aveda salon here.

The Budget-Conscious Cut: Not looking to break the bank this Father’s Day but still want Dad looking well-groomed? Not to fear -- there’s an Aveda Institute nearby that offers the perfect gift for Dad. Institutes nationwide develop the finest artists in the salon and spa industry, and their services are just a fraction of the cost of salon prices. Men’s haircuts start at just $15. Grab Dad a piece of the Institute action with an Aveda Institute gift certificate. Find your nearest Aveda Institute here.

Free Gift Opportunity for YOU and DAD: Send a dad in your life a personalized Father’s Day e-card and enter to win gift sets from Aveda – featuring our top-selling collections – for you and him. Visit www.AvedaThanksMan.com

Gift Dad Lovely!

Weekend Beauty Reads from the BBN

noreply@blogger.com (Beth) — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 15:54:00 +0000

Elke shares her blush tips and application tricks.

Beauty Anonymous reviews Shiseido's Maquillage Face Creator 3D!

Felicia from ThisThatBeauty shares her current hair obsession and gives YOU a chance to win it!!!

A Touch of Blusher previews Lancôme's fall 2009 collection.

Summer is coming and you want your makeup to stay on, right? Cybelesays.com found an eye shadow that won't go anywhere until you move it.

Need to eliminate frizz in your curly hair? StyleBell has the answer with the Redken How-To on Creating Curl Perfection!

The Makeup Divas are giving away one pair of Current/Elliot The Boyfriend Jean valued at $229! So pop on over and enter today!

Beauty Junkie in SF has another tip for all those recessionista's out there: Homemade Pedicure Prep.

Beauty in Real Life is having another giveaway, this time 3 lucky readers will each receive a Zannclip - and they get to pick the size and color. !!

Kyle at Face Candy shows you how to make your own Mixing Medium using Glycerine.

Worse Shaving Products

noreply@blogger.com (Beth) — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 21:09:00 +0000

Here is an interesting article from my partners over at Total Beauty. I actually liked the Venus Vibrance back when I used it... I found the buzzing kinda fun. I do agree that the Intuition is kind of a waste, but I found its use: camping! When I was on a house boat all weekend, without any shaving cream to be had, this razor was perfect for doing a little touch up shaving job sitting on the side of the boat with some lake water! Maybe not so good for the fishes though...

Total Beauty Reader's Least Favorite Hair Removal Products

Saving up for laser hair removal would be better than wasting cash on these shaving and waxing products

Unless you're lucky enough to have gotten laser hair removal, you're stuck in a never-ending cycle of shaving and/or waxing. Even with good hair removal products the task is no fun, but when our readers used these products, it was terrible. See which products left them hairy and annoyed.

See products

No. 10: Schick Intuition, $10.99

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 6.5*

"Good idea, but you waste 3/4 of the product. The only part of the soap bar that gets used is the part right under the blades. The sides and top are wasted..."

No. 9: Gillette Venus Vibrance, $9.99

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 6.3*

"The battery does absolutely nothing to enhance this razor," one reader says. "I was looking for a closer and softer shave [and this] did neither..."

No. 8: no!no!, $250

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 5.6*

"I devoted so much time to using this for about 10 weeks, and the only difference it made is that it actually made MORE hair appear..."

Want to see what's the worst? Click here!

L'Oreal HIP High Intensity Pigments Color Presso Lip Gloss

noreply@blogger.com (Beth) — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 14:00:00 +0000

L'Oreal's HIP high intensity pigments collections has been out in drugstores for quite awhile. I've tried some of there eyeshadows and been mildly impressed. But the Color Presso lip glosses are really cool. First of all, I've never seen any gloss container like these, they are very innovative. The idea of have two shades you can mix together or wear alone isn't brand new, but the shape and style of the case is certainly unique. I guess the loop at the top means you can put it on your key chain... though I don't think I'll be doing that. The gloss itself is not sticky at all and quite moisturizing. They have a nice shimmer to them as well and come in a variety of shades that, combined or not,m are bound to please everyone. The have a subtle taste of cupcakes, but its not sickly sweet like some. All in all a great addition to L'Oreal's fun, colorful HIP line of products

Squeeze Lovely!

Homemade Pedicure Prep from a Pro

noreply@blogger.com (Beth) — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 19:00:00 +0000

It is that time of year when having beautiful, soft, well-groomed feet is very important. I know I don't always have time to get a professional pedicure every 2-3 weeks, so I end up doing it myself. Besides trimming up my toes and painting, I sometimes like to treat my feet to some extra care. Here is a fun, at-home treatment you can make with ingredients from your fridge! IT was developed by Skyy Hadley, the owner of As “U” Wish Nail Spa in Hoboken, NJ.

Light Cucumber Shell Mask

Take 2 whole cucumbers (one per foot), 2 tablespoons of lemon juice and 2 tablespoons of olive oil and mix in a blender until pureed. Put the mixture in a bowl and heat it up to a warm temperature. Place half of the mixture into one large Ziploc baggie and half in a second baggie. Slide your feet right into each baggie, rubbing the cucumber mask all over your feet. Leave on for 5-10 minutes then rinse with warm water. The cucumber is extra refreshing and reviving for tired toes, the lemon helps exfoliate, and the olive oil deeply moisturizes for super softness!

Sooth those toes lovely!

François Nars at Nordstrom in San Francisco Shopping Centre

noreply@blogger.com (Beth) — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 14:00:00 +0000

I was unfortunately out of town this last weekend, when François Nars, none other than the founder of Nars Cosmetics, made a a special personal appearance at Nordstrom San Francisco Centre this past Saturday.He was signing copies of his books X-Ray and Makeup Your Mind as well as the limited-edition NARS Loves San Francisco Set. X-Ray (1999), the wildly successful photography book and collector’s item, Makeup Your Mind (2001), the ultimate instructional makeup manual featuring the world's most recognizable models and the NARS Loves San Francisco Set.

It contains an assortment of four classic products resurrected from the archives by François Nars specifically for the women of San Francisco and re-named after iconic names in the city. I will be purchasing this set immediately!!!

POP Beauty Nail Glam Coupon Offer

noreply@blogger.com (Beth) — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 19:00:00 +0000

Thought I would pass this on to you lovely ladies at popbeauty.com:Save Lovely!