Hooked On Beauty

Cosmopolitan's Kisses for the Troops

noreply@blogger.com (Hooked On Beauty) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 18:45:00 +0000

Hurray to Cosmopolitan Magazine for celebrating Veteran's Day the way a girly mag should. If you live in NYC, you're in for a treat, check out their 12-hour schedule to 'collect kisses' HERE and be a part of the fun!

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Laura Mercier Baked Eye Color Palette and Petite Eye Palette

noreply@blogger.com (Hooked On Beauty) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 20:49:00 +0000

Tis the season to get new makeup! Even pre-Thanksgiving you'll find that most cosmetic lines have their Holiday '09 value sets out on the counters looking for new homes for a fraction of what they'd sell for separately.

Laura Mercier's eye palettes were just too cute to pass up, here are the ones that I nabbed.

Mercier's Baked Eye Colour Palette has the best 5 shades to grace an eye palette for maximum wearability. They're all limited shades, meaning they aren't already part of their shadow collection, and best of all- they're wet/dry. With the recently re-formulation of LM's shadows came the implicit instructions not to wet them, but these are H2o friendly for optional heightened drama. Expect a hint of shimmer and a grittier texture that gives bold, blendable color- especially wet. I found the standout shade to be Mink (pictured in the middle), a rusty brownish shade that makes eyes completely pop with sultry romance.

You'll also love the double ended brush that's included, one side for dry use and the other for wet.

$48, 5 Shades and Double Ended Brush Included, Limited Edition, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, Bloomingdale's, Sephora

Available in both Warm and Cool, LM's Petite Eye Palette offers their most flattering shadows in each category to give you a complete wardrobe of color for the storage-challenged, and the jet-setter alike. Priced for both gift-giving and gift-keeping, you'll find this little mirrored palette gives you the right amount of shadows to hold you over until next year's money-saving sets are out.

$28, 4 Shades, Warm and Cool Palette Options, Limited Edition, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, Bloomingdale's, Sephora

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Intelligent Nutrients Anti-Aging Skin Care Collection

noreply@blogger.com (Hooked On Beauty) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 01:03:00 +0000

Horst Rechlbacker is considered by many to be the Godfather of hi-tech hippie beauty, meaning plant-based science that stands unchallenged in its approachable efficacy ever since he founded Aveda in 1978. After Estee Lauder bought Aveda, and his time there was complete, he moved on to a new revolution by creating Intelligent Nutrients, an innovative powerhouse that others will surely soon follow.

Of course Intelligent Nutrients (IN) has some of the best hair care available (I use and love it) insofar as plant-based technology is concerned, but I was pleasantly surprised when their skin care line proved to be just as stellar.

Before you fold open each carton, you'll find a wealth of responsible choices IN has made in an effort to bring you the safest products possible. They use minimal, recyclable packaging, renewable energy sources, USDA certified organic food ingredients (many grown on Rechlbacker's own farm in Wisconsin), they're against animal testing, and never used silicones, petrochemicals, or parabens.

Great. I get it- the products are safe, natural, (even edible!) but the question still remains; how do they perform?

Better than you could ever imagine.

IN has formulated a range for the skin that's so fantastic and well-tolerated, it's essentially a one-size-fits all. Known skin nourishing ingredients like Acai, Argan, Antioxidants, Fatty Acids, and Plant Sterols heal, protect, and calm the skin at a cellular level to reduce inflammation (a huge cause of skin aging) and allow the products to do exactly what they claim.

If you've always used an SLS laden cleanser that foams like crazy and leaves your skin feeling squeaky clean, IN's Anti-Aging Cleanser might take a little getting used to. It's a non-foaming cleanser with a firm, cushy consistency that completely cleanses the skin while keeping your moisture barrier fully in tact and ready to absorb the mist, serum and moisture.

My skin drinks up the water-based Anti-Aging Mist with its Seed Meal Complex that almost instantly banishes all traces of redness from my reactive skin that often shows up after cleansing.

All skins from oily to very dry will love the Anti-Aging Serum that lightly laces skin with Antioxidants, Acai, Argan Oil, and their own Intellimune Seed Oil Complex that softens wrinkles, evens out redness and texture, and increases radiance, firmness, and elasticity. I was using it at night only (my skin is more combination) but I like the way it makes my skin look awake and refreshed which helps me to use less foundation, so now I use it in the morning.

If ever there were a moisturizer that worked well on all skins, this is it. Anti-Aging Moisture is a creamy light lotion that sinks right into your skin like your face has been thirsty for it (which might be a fitting term since its second ingredient is organic apple juice). Their signature oil and antioxidant blends make it effective for optimal skin health, but the softness and calmness it creates will make it an instant classic.

$35- $60, IntelligentNutrients.com and Select Salons Nationwide

Intelligent Nutrients Anti-Aging Skin Care Collection

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Happy 2 Year Blog-iversary to me!

noreply@blogger.com (Hooked On Beauty) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 22:11:00 +0000

This was my first ever review written 2 years ago today. I remember thinking that maybe a few of my friends might check my little blog and see what I like from time to time. Never did I imagine that I would have a voice so big that readers from all over the globe would check in daily to see what I have to say. Most of all, I didn't think this forum would bring me such fantastic opportunities that continue to come my way.

I was able to chat about beauty products in 3 different states as a TV Beauty Expert, even reporting live from the Fox Studios in NYC where I was covering Fashion Week.

I got to meet interesting people like Jeremy Bloom while waiting in the Greenroom at Fox.

I did Trista Sutter's makeup for her cover on Women's World Magazine, and OK Magazine.

I met and interviewed Ted Gibson backstage at the Lela Rose show at Fashion Week NY.

I snapped photos of designers (from top) Lela Rose, Thakoon Panichgul (Thakoon), Pamela Rowland (with her daughter and Amanda Bynes), and Max Azria.

Then there were the celebs all running around backstage for the shows that I was able to capture.

I got my very own column for ShoeStringMag.com.

I was the makeup artist for Austin Scarlett's runway show for his wedding gown collection here at the Ritz Carlton Denver.

Then there was Nickelback. I was the makeup artist for Chad Kroeger for an interview he had when they were playing here in Denver.

And the best part of all is that I was able to share it with you.

Thank you for reading, commenting, suggesting, and supporting something I love to do.

Carissa

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Orly in Mirror Mirror

noreply@blogger.com (Hooked On Beauty) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 20:31:00 +0000

I always keep my nails short, it's casual and modern, but it's also practical when my job is putting my hands in people's faces- having claws coming toward their eyes to blend eye concealer probably isn't the best idea.

Shorter nails also have more options when it comes to wearing bold colors. As a rule, the longer the nails, the more muted the polish should be- it starts to look a little witchy.

I typically shy away from polishing my nails since it always chips so quickly, but I've found that Orly polishes last the longest on my fingers and this color- Mirror Mirror has been my fall go-to.

It's a creamy, sparkle-free gray that's chic without being too young. Surprisingly, the gray goes with everything I wear and people go crazy over it. I have strangers ask me what color it is every time I have it on, and it lasts for well over a week without any signs of chipping or dulling.

I think it's only part of a seasonal color story, so if you want it, you should get it soon.

$7.50, OrlyBeauty.com Sally Beauty Stores, Ulta Beauty Stores Nationwide

Orly Mirror Mirror

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Latisse; Is it safe? What does continued use look like? How long does a bottle last?

noreply@blogger.com (Hooked On Beauty) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 18:23:00 +0000

Of all the questions I'm asked, the most common one is about Latisse- well, maybe not directly, it's usually more like, "Are you wearing false lashes," or "What mascara do you use?" Of course I'm not wearing false lashes, and the mascara has little to do with the overall appearance of my lashes, it's simply the growth from Latisse that they're (always) noticing.

Questions that follow the revelation that I'm using Latisse are usually based on concerns surrounding the FDA's stern warnings to Latisse the quit misleading consumers on its safety. I've read the warnings as well as the marketing, and I have to say that Latisse isn't misleading consumers on its safety claims.

So is it safe?

We know that its main ingredient was first used to treat glaucoma, and the side effects of that treatment were lash darkening and growth. During the course of that treatment, patients irises would sometimes darken from a light color to brown which is permanent and irreversible- but the treatment solution for glaucoma was put directly into the eyes versus very sparingly along the lash line like directed for Latisse users.

Could it happen? Yes. Is it likely? No.

Anything is possible, but from my understanding you'd have to get quite a lot of the solution into your eyes repeatedly in larger quantities for this to take place.

I use it, I trust it, I like it. I do have some minor itching from time to time after I apply it, but it's so minor that I didn't even take note of it until I read that it was a possible side effect.

What does continued use look like?

Like they say with the hair on your head, hair length could be largely predetermined by genetics. Some people just can't get their hair to grow no mater what they try. My lashes grew to a certain point, then plateaued- same with thickness, so don't worry about growing lashes so out of control they reach circus proportions. I saw a big improvement really quickly, and now I'm at a maintenance phase to keep what was created.

How long does a bottle last?

The bottle I bought in March just offered its final drop last night, so about 8-9 months. Although they're specific about its application, I've found that just 1 drop into the bottle's cap makes a little pool of liquid easily absorbed by the brush which is enough for both eyes, so I use about half of what's suggested with the same great result.

Bottom line:

It works. It's worked for me and countless other women, but talk to your doctor to see get their take on it and see if it's right for you.

Latisse

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Gaston Photography Shoot Part 2

noreply@blogger.com (Hooked On Beauty) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 23:39:00 +0000

The term 'smokey' doesn't begin to describe the look I created for Logan. I wanted something young and fresh with a little edge, maybe more like smudgy and undone.

Here's how to get the look;

I layered the medium tone from Smashbox EYELIGHTS in Smokebox with Laura Mercier's Metallic Créme Eye Color in gold on top of black shadow to create a rich, chrome-like effect.

After using black liner to rim the entire eye on the top and bottom, I took a mascara wand and pressed it right into her lid and under her eyes. I also used the mascara wand from Estee Lauder's TurboLash in Gold Effects under her eyes to press in bits of random gold. I did it on the top lashes and lid as well. Now, I'm not talking about using the mascara wand to just the lashes, but on the actual skin- that's what I used under her eyes, mascara right off the wands!

I wanted a really shimmery gold body effect, so I took a body gloss and pressed it into her neck, arms, and declote then I used a big fluffy brush to dust Estee Lauder's Opulent Shimmer Powder over top so certain sections caught heavier shimmer than others and it wouldn't look uniform. I also used the shimmer powder (which is fantastic, really fine, pretty, wearable shimmer) over her lipstick, I just used my fingers to press the powder over the center of her lips so they would catch the light without using gloss.

A look this bold needed a big, full lash, so I used Ardell Strip Lashes in 120 for a look filled with drama. I curled her lashes into the false ones once the glue dried so it would look more natural and then I added about 4 coats of mascara.

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Pretty Cheap for ShoestringMag.com; DIY or Buy

noreply@blogger.com (Hooked On Beauty) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:52:00 +0000

In my latest article for ShoestringMag.com, I tackle DIY or Buy using a few products that achieve the same end whether you make or buy them, whichever your budget (and motivation) affords you.

You'll find it HERE.

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Gaston Photography Shoot Part 1

noreply@blogger.com (Hooked On Beauty) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 05:26:00 +0000

Today I got to shoot 2 beautiful girls with a fantastic photographer, David Gaston of Gaston Photography.

Here's part 1 and how to get the look;

Since Carla has the luxury of having basically perfect skin *sigh* I didn't want to take too much away from that. I used my latest professional makeup obsession, Graftobian Hi Def Glamour Creme Palette, pressing the color into her skin with a dampened sponge so it covered any discolorations while still allowing her skin to show through. I'll have a full review of that line here in a few weeks, trust me- you'll love it.

I really wanted something to bring out her hazel eyes, so I chose the one and only Bobbi Brown eye shadow I carry in my kit at all times; Forest. This metallic deep olive is the perfect cure for a brown shadow rut because it looks fantastic on everyone, but gives that depth you can't create with neutrals alone.

Adding a flash of gloss to your lids is gorgeous for photos, but not much else. If you're looking to duplicate, use Aquaphor or Vaseline pressed into your lids over the top of shadows. The clock starts to tick immediately once you apply, and then the creasing begins and the color starts to deteriorate so act fast.

Coral cheeks and lips are unexpectedly chic and a nice departure from the ho hum nudes that would usually accompany a look like this one. Smashbox's Reign Fusion Blush in Regal is probably my favorite peachy blush to date, a precise blend of shimmer and matte in a delicate peach that suits all skins.

Enjoy a few more snaps, part 2 tomorrow.

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Veet Hair Removal Gel Cream for Sensitive Skin

noreply@blogger.com (Hooked On Beauty) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:35:00 +0000

In the latest edition of 'Carissa Shares too Much,' I'd like to announce that I regularly shave or wax my arms. It's not that they're overly hairy, or even that I'm opposed to a little arm fur, it's just something I started doing that haunts me if I don't continue it regularly.

Since this experience has made me into an official hair-removal guru, I understand that shaving leaves a weird ~~manly~~ stubble, and waxing ~~hurts like hell~~ takes too long, so I've now switched to Veet Hair Removal Gel Cream for Sensitive Skin. In a matter of 5 minutes, this sweetly scented cream dissolves hair that's easily scraped away with a plastic scraper (included), then rinsed clean revealing smooth hair-free skin. It lasts about as long as waxing does, but grows in really soft and undetectable.

For unwanted body hair, Veet is the easiest solution I've seen thus far.

Veet Hair Removal Gel Cream for Sensitive Skin

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L'Oreal EverPure UV Protectant Spray

noreply@blogger.com (Hooked On Beauty) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 23:45:00 +0000

Keep that expensive color in tact longer, and visits to the salon fewer by using EverPure UV Protectant Spray by L'Oreal. Just a fine mist in the morning on wet or dry hair will shield your strands from harsh uv rays responsible for dulling, breakage, or worse.

Sun damage adds up slowly, hundreds of days worth of sun exposure breaks down the best of our skin, which is why we wear SPF in our facial care through our moisturizer or makeup. We often don't think of UV protection for the hair to protect our color, but EverPure makes it so easy. Not only does the UV spray protect color and create a lot of shine, but it protects our scalp as well, an exposed and neglected target for painful burns and even skin cancer.

L'Oreal EverPure UV Protectant Spray

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Line High/ Low: M.A.C Cosmetics

noreply@blogger.com (Hooked On Beauty) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:09:00 +0000

Although M.A.C is probably my very least favorite line overall, I can't deny its popularity. They've successfully marketed themselves as a makeup line for professionals by professionals, but I believe only the latter to be true. I do carry some M.A.C in my kit, but I find the line overall to be clumsy, adolescent, and impervious to the beauty needs of real women.

That said, I've pulled out what I believe to be their best offerings as well as their worst.

High:

Tinted Lipglass is probably M.A.C's main gateway drug - you start with buying the gloss, then once you're hooked, you become strung out on foundations and eye liners. Lipglass is a simple, traditional gloss in every way from the sponge tipped applicator to its tacky feeling, and your options seem endless with 36 dazzling shades.

M.A.C's most intense colors come from their Pigments , a healthy does of loose color that comes in a jar and allows for easy blending and intensity that goes from 0-60 with a sweep of a brush. I like the neutral beigy and pinky ones which I use on the lid over cream shadows to make them really pop, and I've also blended them with different lip glosses for pretty customized shades.

M.A.C's Interactive Brush Finder helps to finally make the most confusing part of makeup a little easier. Clicking over each brush photo launches a drop-down box of information on how best to use the brush.

Low:

I know I've already reviewed their Studio Fix Powder, but simply calling it overrated was being kind. Its heavy, opaque coverage has long been a favorite of drag performers who use it to easily cover their 5 o'clock shadows. Yes it serves a purpose, but probably not on you.

Do I have M.A.C Eye Shadows in my kit? Yes. Are they my 1st choice to use? No. Do I use them on myself? Never.

Yes, they do have what looks to be a broad shade range (many of the colors are redundant), but I find them to be surprisingly low in pigment and a bit chalky. I found long ago that the shadows didn't look good on women past the age of 35ish since the harsh finish gave life to every imperfection. There are a few shades I do like and use, but I layer them with other products like creme shadows to get the look I want.

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Women's Health; Beauty tips

noreply@blogger.com (Hooked On Beauty) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:05:00 +0000

Women's Health Magazine has some great tips using beauty boosters that will give your winter skin some much needed help.

You can find the tips HERE.

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Josie Maran; Argan Oil, Eye Shadow, Fingerpaints

noreply@blogger.com (Hooked On Beauty) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 23:36:00 +0000

The popularity of Moroccan Oil has brought argan oil into the limelight, which is odd because women have been using argan oil for centuries on their, hair, skin, nails, babies, and even food. Yup, they eat it. And why wouldn't they? It's high in vitamin e, essential fatty acids, and holds up to oxidation better than olive oil.

Even better, argan oil (the authentic stuff) is only made by women . Berber women from west Morocco work by hand to break down the nuts from the argan tree into an raw oil, the purest and most coveted form typically used in skincare. This oil is a one-size-fits-all treatment for the skin, known to benefit dryness, acne, psoriasis, eczema, and wrinkles.

Pre Moroccan Oil madness, Josie Maran learned first hand through her travels how argan oil could directly benefit the skin and decided to put it in her line of cosmetics as well as offer it on its own, the way she's long been using it.

She even offers a 100% organic Argan Oil (that's its 1 and only ingredient), and now a new Argan Oil Moisturizing Stick .

Now on to the goods.

She touts her line 'beauty without baggage' formulated with natural, organic, paraben-free ingredients that are free of toxins, petrochemicals, and other skin irritants. Not that you'd notice, her chic packaging would never give away the fact that she's a tree-hugger in disguise, and neither would the makeup's performance.

Her 20 shades of velvety wet/dry shadows give a strong performance with a glide and blendability you'd expect from a professional line, and her pale pink metallic packaging with generously sized mirrors inside are among the cutest I've seen.

Often attempted, but rarely well-executed are her Fingerpaints which make creating her Luminous Face look a snap. These highlighting quads have such a sheer, glowy look to them, you can't over-do it or get it wrong.

I could go on..

Explore Josie Maran for yourself and find your new beauty go-to in a sea of beauty bliss.

Josie Maran

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Per-fékt Eye Perfection Gel

noreply@blogger.com (Hooked On Beauty) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 03:37:00 +0000

Companies that stick with what they do well are a big favorite of mine. Per-féct is dedicated to a singular mission; giving skin the illusion of perfection. Bringing their product line to a total of three, their Eye Perfection Gel sits alongside their best selling skin and body gels which all act as a soft-focus filters to blur out fine lines and skin imperfections creating the best looking skin possible.

This ultra-concentrated (the formulas aren't diluted with water) gel-mousse is applied using the cooling palladium tip that feels like a massage for tired eyes. Good old fashioned cucumber soothes puffy eyes, but peptides, ceramides, hyaluronic microspheres, and other magic-working wonders blur out fine lines giving them a much softer appearance, while a glaze of pretty color lightly coats the skin so well you might just skip the concealer.

.30oz, $45, 4 Shades, PerfektBeauty.com, Sephora

Per-fékt Eye Perfection Gel

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Good Day Colorado Appearance Live From NYC Fashion Week

noreply@blogger.com (Hooked On Beauty) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 21:49:00 +0000

Yes, this is from February 09' when I headed to New York to see the shows. I've posted a ton about fashion week while I was there, but this video seemed to slip through the cracks and never was posted.

This segment was live from the Fox studios in Rockefeller Center right in the heart of NYC where I was sitting in the middle of their newsroom for a segment that aired here for Fox 31 Denver.

Lela Rose was the show I'd gone to the day prior when I arrived which was great because I got to show Stila's exclusive kit that I picked up backstage. They retail these limited edition kits after Fashion Week that contain every essential needed to re-create the runway look that the pros were using on all of the models.

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Eve Lom TLC Radiance Cream

noreply@blogger.com (Hooked On Beauty) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 23:28:00 +0000

Smoking, city air, not enough sleep, and stress can all lead to skin that looks less than alive. Radiance is often one of the first qualities we lose in our skin as early as our mid 20's and it's not an easy thing to diagnose. Maybe we notice dullness, or think that it's time for a change in our makeup, but as soon a a bit of radiance is added back into the skin- it's immediately noticed.

For almost 30 years, Eve Lom has been one of the world's most sought after facialists eventually developing one classic after another which includes a Cleanser that Vogue referred to as "the best cleanser in the world."

With care and consideration, a new skin moisturizer has emerged joining the Eve Lom collection for the specific purpose of bringing a radiant glow back into dull skin. TLC Radiance Cream has the feel of a lightweight lotion with the delicate scent of rose along with powerful antioxidants that boost the look of radiant, youthful skin. Used daily, you might start to notice that you use less and less foundation since covering up your newfound brightness just doesn't make sense.

1.6oz, $85, Space.NK.Apothecary, EveLom.com

Eve Lom TLC Radiance Cream

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Jane Iredale ChocohoLICKs

noreply@blogger.com (Hooked On Beauty) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 02:10:00 +0000

You might buy them for a gift, but you won't want to give them all away. Jane Iredale has created the perfect solid lip gloss set for those with a sweet tooth that are way too cute to not keep (at least one) for yourself.

ChocohoLICKs 4 glosses mimic a box of real chocolate candies with strawberry cream, truffle, chocolate orange, and carmel, they're the exact scent replica of their namesakes. Coco and coffee seed extracts provide the lip licking flavor of real treats, while avocado and jojoba oil give hours of intense hydration.

I love the idea of a solid gloss- it's the feel of complete moisture and the look of a sexy, shiny gloss all sweetly packaged in crimped paper cups just like real chocolates.

Jane Iredale Chocoholicks

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Lashes 101 With Revlon Fantasy Lengths

noreply@blogger.com (Hooked On Beauty) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 01:27:00 +0000

It's here! The Super Bowl of false lashes, Halloween. It's a time when women finally face their fear of gluing their eyes shut for the sake of a unique finishing touch to their costumes. Revlon has a new line of lashes, Fantasy Lengths, that offer something for Halloween and beyond.

Flirty, fun, but not over-the-top, their Blue Shadow lashes give a wispy effect using blue and blonde natural hairs. Apply a fine line of glue (included) then wait about 15 seconds until the glue becomes tacky, tilt your head back and look at the mirror down your nose so your eyes close slightly and apply the lashes as close to your lash line as low as you can get them. Slightly curl your lashes once the glue is dry to blend them with the false ones for the most natural look. You can apply mascara, but since these are colored you'll just lessen their effect. Either apply mascara before, or use a blue one after to keep the look uniform.

$4.75 Drugstores or online HERE

Notice what's missing from the package? Glue. Their new self adhesive technology gives you an easier mess-free experience with the same long wear, even in water. Hold the lashes up to your eyes to measure them first, then trim them (if needed) to a length slightly shorter than your lash line. Their no-glue required lineup features glam-in-a-box lashes to make eyes pop for weddings and special occasions where a camera is in order.

$4.75 Drugstores Nationwide or buy HERE

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Perricone MD Advanced Face Firming Activator

noreply@blogger.com (Hooked On Beauty) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 23:47:00 +0000

As we mature, so does our skin and even the best skin can't avoid certain inevitable changes like a loss in firmness and radiance along with a few new wrinkles along the way.

Perricone MD has long been on the forefront of breakthrough technology creating products that make a marked difference in your skin that you can see. His Advanced Face Firming Activator is a best selling treatment for the skin you use in the morning for a more radiant complexion.

Alpa Lipoic Acid (its 4th ingredient) has huge benefits including cellular protection (as an antioxidant), reducing fine lines, and refining skin texture among others. Together with ALA, is his patented DMAE to correct loss of firmness and elasticity. Sodium Hyaluronate provides a moisture content so dense that this light lotion might be enough moisture for daytime.

Those who use Perricone MD are faithful to the line because of what it does for the skin, and they understand this technology isn't cheap- but to them, it's well worth it.

2oz, $120, PerriconeMD.com Sephora

Perricone MD Advanced Face Firming Activator

Oh- and while we're on the subject of Perricone, check out their crazy 100% money back guarantee on Cold Plasma, their newest in skin technology. If you don't see a difference in your skin you get your money back with 45 days?! Pretty confident...

Cold Plasma

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Ben Nye at Makeup Mania

noreply@blogger.com (Hooked On Beauty) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 23:45:00 +0000

Makeup Mania is quickly becoming the place for makeup lovers to find hard-to-get, top-quality lines here in Denver (and at their NY location).

Last time I was at Makeup Mania, I picked up some La Femme eye shadows and told you all about how they're an amazing steal at $2.50 a pop.

That same day, I also picked up some Ben Nye.

Their Primary Creme Colors have every color you can imagine that can be used for just about anything. The bottom row are creme blushes, I got two of them.

Carnation Pink and Sandy Rose I believe. They're so creamy and easy to blend into the skin and they last a ton longer than powder blushes alone. For photography, layer a creme under a powder for best results.

Ben Nye's shadows are legendary, they use such a finely milled powder they're almost creamy to the touch. They grab onto the lids locking in rich, bold colors.

You don't have to live in Denver or NY to get La Femme and Ben Nye, they do a ton of online ordering. Click HERE to see these collections plus many more.

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My Latest Obsession- Moisturizing Eye Gels: Kanebo Sensai, Erno Laszlo

noreply@blogger.com (Hooked On Beauty) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 17:30:00 +0000

I can't get enough of these dense in moisture, yet light in weight eye gels. They absorb right away leaving a feeling of firmness and the look of rested eyes giving makeup the ability to glide beautifully overtop. If creams for the eyes feel heavy, or don't completely absorb at times, I might have just the solution for you.

Hydrachange Eye Essence from Kanebo Sensai is a clear, non-sticky formula with a weight somewhere in between a gel and an oil. Just a touch under the eyes wakes up the skin and provides hours worth of moisture and circulation benefits both under makeup during the day as well as overnight.

$130, 0.50oz, BergdorfGoodman.com Neiman Marcus

Kanebo Sensai Hydrachange Eye Essence

If your eyes are the last part of you to wake up in the morning, Erno Laszlo's Antioxidant Complex for Eyes will ease puffiness, provide moisture, improve elasticity, and protect skin with a healthy dose of antioxidants- all in a thick, cooling gel.

$50, 0.5oz ErnoLaszlo.com Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman

Erno Laszlo Antioxidant Complex for Eyes

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Companies Supporting Breast Cancer Awareness Month

noreply@blogger.com (Hooked On Beauty) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 19:13:00 +0000

Proceeds from these products will benefit Breast Cancer Research;

Bobbi Brown

Estee Lauder

Smashbox

Darphin

Elemis

Philosophy

Aveda

three custom color specialists

Tweezerman

Eve Pearl

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MAKE UP FOR EVER Mist & Fix

noreply@blogger.com (Hooked On Beauty) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 18:17:00 +0000

When it comes to makeup application, I always try to use as little powder to set the foundation as possible. Too much powder looks heavy on the skin, and isn't very modern looking. The more you can see skin showing through, the fresher (and younger) you'll look.

MAKE UP FOR EVER has an alternative to powder when it comes to setting makeup, it's undetectable on the skin and creates a barrier between the makeup and external factors like pollution and heat that take away your makeup's ability to last.

I just mist the face completely (even eyes to help shadow stay) from about 10 inches out and press the liquid into the skin with my fingers or a sponge. Doing so sets and keeps the makeup looking fresh for an entire day. No fading, no streaking, no separating, it just holds your foundation perfectly in place. It can be used everyday or just for weddings, special events, photo shoots, or when you really need your makeup to last.

$28, 4.22oz, Sephora and Sephora.com

MAKE UP FOR EVER Mist & Fix

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Eat Your Way to Better Skin; Borba & Glowelle

noreply@blogger.com (Hooked On Beauty) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 03:58:00 +0000

Pomegranate, oatmeal, white tea, flaxseed. We've heard about these so called 'superfoods' and their many health benefits, but one very important benefit we don't hear of as often is just as important; skin health.

The Vtamins and antioxidants in our foods are always advancing the overall look and health of our skin every time we eat them. It's just that easy. Now, because none of us eat 100% perfectly all of the time, these healthful ingredients are coming to us now in the fun, easy, and creative ways.

Since Borba introduced its drinkable skin care, they've partnered up with different companies adding their patented blend of skin nutrients to lipsticks, skincare, laundry detergent, and now cookies.

Borba and DeLuscious, a cookie giant in L.A and on the web, have created cookies that combine together antioxidants, vitamins, and essential fatty acids with a signature cookie that's chewy and irresistible.

DeLuscious 1/2 Dozen Powered by BORBA Cookies $25

Glowelle has become hugely popular with women since their 50 calories a piece take along packets have replaced the usual afternoon sodas. These sweet and nutritious energy and skin boosters are loaded with good-for-you nutrition that rivals sugary drinks with empty calories.

Glowelle

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