Kim's Beauty Blog

The (Year Round) Importance of Sunscreen!

2016-12-20T22:45:00.000-05:00

Most people now know that too much sun exposure is bad! But at the same time..... the sun is not the enemy and a small amount of exposure to the sun is healthy and necessary to get adequate vitamin D!

Turns out in most areas 10 minutes in the direct sunlight is enough to reach adequate vitamin D levels! So what is an outdoors lover to do?! SUNSCREEN! Responsible sun exposure is key, which includes AVOIDING sunscreens with dangerous, deceptive or ineffective ingredients and choosing sun barriers when needed instead (clothing + shade). In situations when you don't want to cover up, like in intense heat, or beach days when you know you will be getting sun, a safe sunscreen is absolutely necessary.

This is ESPECIALLY important for ACNE-PRONE skin and for protection AGAINST PHOTODAMAGE. Overexposure can damage the skin’s fragile oils and make photodamage, acne and irritation WORSE, so even if you hate sunscreen, get some safe stuff for your beautiful face.

Sunscreens that provide a physical protection from the sun (zinc based) also are providing a physical barrier or protection for your skin from the outside world as well. I have read several articles about the benefits of zinc based sunscreens for rosacea. As a sufferer of rosacea myself, I have found a significant improvement to my skin since I started using zinc based sunscreen. This is a good motivator to use sunscreen year round (which you should be doing anyway!) Sunscreens also work as a good primer for makeup!

Here’s what’s fascinating: I always thought that the “safest” kinds of sun protection, besides clothes and shade, were “sunblocks” – white, creamy, zinc-based lotions that don’t totally rub in.

Turns out, those aren’t ACTUALLY sunblocks at all. No lotion or stick product can be called “sunblock” any more, because “sunBLOCK” suggests something that doesn’t need to be reapplied. And you should ALWAYS reapply any sun protection product.

Your choices are really between chemical sunscreens (not good) and physical zinc-based sunscreens, which are safer, but you need to choose wisely.

Most chemical-based sunscreens on the market (anything WITHOUT zinc oxide - these use “-benzone” ingredients like avobenzone and oxybenzone – avoid!), which includes Neutrogena, Coppertone and Banana Boat, not only basically lie about their SPF (anything over 50 is pretty much hooey, as SPF maxes out between 30 and 50).... but even worse... the chemicals in these sunscreens often contain ingredients that may become MORE dangerous when exposed to UV light!

The safest sunscreen you can use is a physical (zinc-based)sunscreen. (Titanium dioxide is also considered a physical sunscreen but might also undergo changes during light expose so stick to zinc-oxide only!) Please NEVER use spray sunscreens, which have both separation and inhalation risks.

Beautycounter’s sunscreen was created with the entire family in mind, this lightweight, water-resistant sunscreen is formulated with non-nano zinc oxide to blend seamlessly into skin without leaving white streaks, protecting you against both UVA and UVB rays. Aloe helps hydrate skin, while antioxidant-rich green tea and blood orange extracts fight free radicals. This is my favorite for adult skin. (I have sensitive, occasionally acne-prone skin that I’m trying to protect from photodamage as much as possible). BeautyCounter has two stick sunscreens (smaller one for face, larger for body) a liquid sunscreen (what I use everyday) SPF lip balm, and Dew Skin Tinted Moisturizer.

Here is more info from the BeautyCounter blog!

"Who knew that trying to keep our families safer could be so dangerous? We’ve been educated to protect our skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays during outdoor summer activies. What we didn’t know as consumers is that sun protection is oftentimes veiled behind false claims. Many chemical-based sunscreens aren’t actually blocking dangerous UVA and UVB rays at all. In fact, they contain chemicals to simply prevent a burn so that we’re mistakenly led to think that we’re being protected. No burn, no problem, right? Wrong.

The Environmental Working Group, a consumer protection agency and one of our Trusted Non-Profits, has released their incredibly well-researched Sun Safety Campaign that rights the ship for many sunscreen myths that the general consumer deserves access to. Sections of the report include “The Problem with High SPF“, “Nanoparticles in Sunscreen“, and “Getting Enough Vitamin D“.
It was such a labor of love for us to launch Protect All Over. Our formulas are made with broad spectrum, mineral blocking, non-nano zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to create a physical barrier from UVA and UVB rays – no toxic chemicals. We think this is the safest protection under the sun. The EWG thinks so, too: Protect has been selected as one of 2014’s safest sunscreens. Read on for an ingredient-by-ingredient look at some of the super-hero ingredients we love in Protect."

So remember to take care of your family and youself and stay protected from the sun!

Check out BeautyCounter products here!

Everything you need to know about Charcoal!

2016-12-06T22:17:00.000-05:00

Everything You Need to Know About Charcoal Soap!

There has been a wave of products with charcoal lately! I've seen soaps, masks, those pore strips, you name it! And for good reason, charcoal is amazing! Charcoal is great for acne, psoriasis, rosacea, and eczema. It's used in the medical field for detoxification, and works similarly on the skin. Charcoal boasts beauty benefits for skin by drawing oil, dirt and other harmful substances from clogged pores due to its adsorption powers. It can hold up to a 100 times its weight in impurities.

The key ingredients in the BeautyCounter charcoal cleansing bar are Charcoal Powder (drawing detoxifying), Coconut Oil (bacteria fighting), Witch Hazel ( astringent/bacteria fighting), and Green Tea ( bacteria fighting and energizing). The other beauty of this product is that is contains coconut oil and sunflower oil making it soothing to the skin

The Charcoal Cleansing Bar detoxifies and absorbs impurities in your skin without drying it out, resulting in a smoother, brighter complexion. Made with antioxidant-rich, organic green tea and hydrating organic coconut oil, the gentle formula can be used daily on your face and body.

This product is not only great for the face but also your back, the back of your arms where many people struggle with keratosis pilaris, as well as and diaper rash.

Here are BeautyCounter's list of 7 reasons you should try the Charcoal Cleansing Bar!

If the idea of cleansing your face with charcoal sounds a little counterintuitive, we’re here to clear up (pun intended) any doubts. Our new Charcoal Face Bar works to clarify and detoxify your skin without drying it out. Read on for seven reasons this charcoal soap is the product you never knew you needed—until now.

1. Safety first: Soaps are often made with harsh surfactants such as sulfates that are overly drying and irritating to the skin. In addition, soaps may contain parabens as well as synthetic dyes, antioxidants, and fragrances that can act as hormone-disrupting chemicals. Our face bar doesn’t come with any of that.

2. Charcoal has gained a lot of attention lately as a buzzy skincare ingredient. Our bar contains a special type of charcoal powder called Binchotan, which helps to thoroughly cleanse skin and draw out dirt, oil, and impurities.

3. The fear with any deeply cleansing, detoxifying product is that it will also dry out your skin. Thanks to hydrating organic coconut and sunflower seed oils, our formula doesn’t.

4. Other noteworthy ingredients include antioxidant-rich organic green tea extract as well as organic witch hazel, an astringent that works to refine pores and balance skin.

5. Our formula works well for all skin types—not simply combination skin—and for men, women, and teens. It’s gentle enough to use daily on both your face and body.

6. Nothing looks cooler on your bathroom counter than a bar of black soap (plus, it’s a great conversation starter).

7. It’s designed to help give you a smoother, brighter, healthier-looking complexion—and who doesn’t want that?

Check it out here!

Megs Wedding Makeup

2016-11-27T20:38:00.000-05:00

Megan's Wedding Makeup!

My sister informed me about two weeks ahead of time, that she wanted ME to do her makeup for her wedding! Cue instant panic and freakouts on my part! Megan generally wears minimal makeup, and had felt to overdone and "pageanty" at the trials she had gone to. While I understood what she meant, I was very nervous to undertake such a massive responsibility for her wedding (and without significant time to practice since she lives in Ohio and I live in New Jersey)

We were able to practice a few days before the wedding and get a feel of what Megan wanted, which was basically to look like herself but better! She wanted a bit of shimmer on her eyes, as well as the color purple, and a nude lip.

Below are listed ALL the products I used. I'm sure many will be surprised as to how many products are used for such a natural look!

Before makeup-

I used BeautyCounter Skin balancing facial oil - I find this moisturizes and balances oil production preventing late day shininess, I don't think I reapplied powder to Megan at all.

Primer - I used Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer which I have found to be the best photographed primer I have ever used. It smooths out skin and minimizes pores and fine lines.

Foundation - Mac Face and Body foundation in C3 on the face. - I really like this because its light and natural looking and also photographs well.

Concealer - I used BeautyCounter Concealer pen in light under eyes and around the nose. I love this concealer because it is just the right amount of color and highlight to diminish under eye darkness without caking in any fine lines (not that Megan has any of course). * this item is not included in the picture because I gave the concealer to Megan and am awaiting another to come in!

Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer in Cannelle - heavier concealer used on any discoloration

Contour - Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Cream Kit.

I used the peach shade for highlight under Megan's eyes, up cheekbone, down nose, and on cupids bow. I used the lightest of the dark shades for under cheekbone, under jawline and down sides of nose.

Bronzer - Nars Laguna bronzer on cheekbones, chin, and hairline.

Blush - Nars Deep Throat (peach with shimmer) on apple of cheek

Highlight - Nars liquid Illuminator in Hot sand (Peach Champagne) on cheekbone

Highlight - Nars The Multiple in Copacabana (glistening pearl) on cheekbone,cupids bow.

Bronzer - Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in Radiant light (golden beige) - used over what previously mentioned just adds a bit if shimmer.
Highlight - Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in Luminous light (champagne pearl)

Powder Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk powder in Shade 4 and set with Mac Fix+ spray. (this is in the black powder container because it cracked and I transferred it into that container, I am not sure if you can still buy this powder but its a beautiful powder that photographs so well)

On lips -

Liner- MAC Cremestick Liner in Beurre (plum/pinkish)

Lipstick - Burberry Lip Cover in Tulip Pink # 27 (rosey beige)

Lip Gloss - Nars Baby Doll lip gloss (shimmering candy pink) LOVE THIS!

Eyebrows -
Brow Pencil - Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wix in Taupe
Brow color/highlight - Becca Shadow & Light Brow Contour Mousse in Cocoa - I used this highlight color below the brow.
Benefit Gimme Brow Voluminous Fiber Gel in Light - this gives brows thicker appearance.

On Eyes -

Primer - Urban Decay Primer Potion to start (great primer keeps eye shadow on and crease-free all day)

Eyeshadows -
Nars Single Eyeshadow in Ashes to Ashes (shimmering violet based brown) used all over lid and crease
Nars Duo Eyeshadow in Bellisima (shimmering beige/grey-brown) - used the darker shade in crease
Nars Dual Intensity Eye Shadow in Himalia (shimmering topaz)- used on center of lid for shimmer
Nars Single Eyeshadow in Lulu (bright eggplant) in outer corner of eye and in crease
Nars Single Eyeshadow in Night Bird (dark grey with violent/plum shimmer)- Smudged as liner on top eyelid and outer bottom.
Nars Eye Paint (liner) in Tatar (black with purple shimmer) - Liner and winged out
Nars Audacious mascara
Eyeslashes from Target (cant remember make, but bought most natural looking ones I saw)
Nars The Multiple in Copacabana on inner corner of eye.

I will add more pictures as I receive them from the photographer!

*I do want to add a little disclaimer to explain to anyone that has seen my posts about my love of BeautyCounter products. I do use Beauty Counter products (skincare and makeup) everyday. I exclusively use their skincare. I use their foundation and concealer every day. I am still expanding my collection of Beauty Counter color makeup. I had considered using their products on Megan for her wedding, but did not as I owned a limited amount of Beauty Counter makeup and only had a few days to practice. Since this makeup was for one day, i did not worry about the ingredients and focused on products I had used for years and could predict their wear and longevity. So while I know the primers and MAC products WORK. I would never use them regularly due to their ingredients. Hope that makes sense! I will always be honest about the products and how I feel about them. I do not doubt that the BeautyCounter products could have produced just as beautiful of a result, but since I did not have enough time to test them myself, I did not feel comfortable testing them on Megan for her wedding and photographs. As i get more Beauty Counter makeup I will post more about them!

Holiday Gift Ideas!

2016-11-21T21:01:00.001-05:00

BEAUTYCOUNTER Holiday!

Holiday shopping for your loved ones can often be a daunting task. If your significant other enjoys makeup or skincare products like I do, BeautyCounter has some awesome deals for the holidays. Below I shared my favorites!

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Makeup palettes are ALWAYS a good choice. They combine eye shadow, bronzer, blush and highlight all in one spot!

Winter Dream Palette
This palette mixes best sellers and new cool-toned shades for just the right balance of casual and glamorous. It’s the perfect one-stop-compact you can easily throw in your bag.
I find myself reaching for this palette often, and was even surprised that i liked the periwinkle shade which is very sheer and blends well with the navy shadow as liner.

Palette Includes:

Marine (true navy) — New
Bellflower (vibrant periwinkle) — New
Opal (opalescent pink) — New
Dove (dusty lavender) — New
Pinot (satiny plum) — New
Night (soft charcoal black)
Matte Bronzer No. 1 (medium tan)
Feather (opalescent sheen highlight) — New
Bloom (cool pink)

Winter Warmth Palette

One palette… Endless options. We’ve curated our most popular warm-toned shades, plus two new shades for eyes, cheeks and highlights. Mix, match, and take the guesswork out of creating beautiful looks.

The bronze and golds in this palette are gorgeous!

Palette includes:

Bronze (warm, golden metallic)
Malt (medium brown with a hint of sheen)
Goldleaf (rich, golden sheen) —New
Pearl (opalescent white)
Amethyst (warm purple)
Slate (grey sheen)
Tawny (warm tan with a hint of peach)
Feather (opalescent sheen highlight) — New
Whisper (soft peach with a hint of pink)

Luminous Nudes Gift Set

For a striking, yet understated look, go for nude lips this holiday season. Our best-selling Sheer Lipstick in Twig has met its match: New Lip Gloss in Bare Shimmer gives glistening sheen to accentuate any look. Jojoba esters and vitamin E are excellent for balancing and conditioning skin for the silkiest pout. Plus, it’s gift ready and wrapped in our exclusive holiday red box.

Set includes:

Sheer Lipstick in Twig
Lip Gloss in Bare Shimmer — New

Love & Luster Gift Set
Just in the time for the holidays, this wishlist-worthy collection of four Glosses includes two NEW festive colors — Blossom, a pearly pink, and Sunshine, a sparkly gold — to add high-wattage luster to any look. Made with carnauba wax, a Brazilian plant that promotes long-lasting shine and vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant with hydrating and skin-conditioning properties. Plus, it all comes beautifully wrapped in our exclusive holiday box.

Set includes:
- Lip Gloss in Ruby
- Lip Gloss in Dahlia
- Lip Gloss in Sunshine — New
- Lip Gloss in Blossom — New

Naughty to Nice Gift Set

Created without harsh ingredients that can be overly drying to skin, these little ‘lumps’ of coal are pretty much the best gift you can give your skin this season. Charcoal absorbs impurities and purifies congestion without drying out skin. Use these staples as part of your beauty routine for smoother, brighter, younger-looking skin in less than 15 minutes. This giftable duo comes in special holiday sizing and is packaged inside a limited edition red box.

Those products are two of my favorites!

Set includes:

Charcoal Cleansing Bar
Purifying Charcoal Mask

To see these items as well as many other great gift options click here!

My Favorite BeautyCounter Products - Balancing Facial Oil

2016-11-15T22:24:00.002-05:00

I’ve been using BeautyCounter products for several months now and LOVE LOVE LOVE them. My favorites are shown here and are: the Charcoal Cleansing Bar, Charcoal Mask, Balancing Facial Oil, and Sunscreen.

This past week I traveled to Ohio for my sister’s wedding (I was maid of honor!) and I had many people comment that my skin looked great and I agreed! I did my sister and my makeup for the wedding and used the facial oil on both of us before applying any makeup. I’ve found that using the right facial oil helps balance my own oil production and prevents me from getting oily or shiny throughout the day. I included a picture of my sister and I and I think it shows well the balance in our skin, giving a glow without being shiny (the picture was taken approximately 5 hours after makeup application)

The research-supported facts about what plant oils can do for skin is quite fascinating. They're not miracles, but the right plant oil (or, even better, a blend of oils) can make a significant difference for dry, flaky, or dehydrated skin. Facial oils are for anyone whose skin could use a boost of nourishing, smoothing rejuvenation, especially when seasonal cold or drier climates disturb your skin.

Facial oils are right for you if you struggle with occasional (think seasonal or climate-related dryness) or persistent dry, flaky, or dehydrated skin and your moisturizer just isn't doing enough no matter how enriched and emollient it is.

Instead of continually searching for a new moisturizer, you can easily add facial oil to your routine and see a striking difference. Your skin will feel smoother, softer, and more resilient, not to mention taking on a natural-looking glow.

The ingredients in the BeautyCounter Balancing Face Oil are:

Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Rosa Canina (Rosehip) Fruit Oil, Sclerocarya Birrea (Marula) Oil, Argania Spinosa (Argan) Kernel Oil*, Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, Hippophae Rhamnoides (Sea Buckthorn) Oil, Rosa Damascena (Rose) Flower Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil, Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Peel Oil, Cananga Odorata (Ylang Ylang) Flower Oil, Anthemis Nobilis (Chamomile) Flower Oil.

This oil has a fantastic ingredient lineup, with antioxidant-rich and emollient oils like rosehip, grapeseed, and sea buckthorn.

Rosehip oil is widely used in various skin care products. It helps fight the signs of aging and assists in diminishing photo aging.

Oral and topical applications of sea buckthorn oil both have benefits on skin problems. It promotes skin hydration, elasticity, and skin regeneration, and even helps treat and prevent acne.

Sea buckthorn oil may also be beneficial for rosacea, a chronic inflammatory condition that causes small red bumps on the face.

Research has shown that marula oil can improve hyper-pigmentation.

Ylang ylang oil has been proven to help regulate the production of sebum, an oily substance secreted by the sebaceous glands, to protect your hair and skin from drying out. It has many cosmetic uses, including: maintaining skin moisture, clearing and healing acne, as well as antimicrobial properties that can help reduce skin irritation and redness.

Chamomile oil can help calm or treat acne, rashes, eczema, wounds, dermatitis, and dry and itchy skin

You would use the facial oil under your moisturizer or on its own. I adore this face oil and used it day and night. I use three drops after washing morning and night. In the morning I follow it with sunscreen and I use it alone at night.

Those still afraid of breakouts, listen up: “Oils can help stabilize and regulate the overproduction of sebum, and actually help get rid of acne,” says France born facialist Isabelle Bellis, It’s essential not to “over-exfoliate,” she says, adding that an appropriate oil will balance out “your skin’s ecosystem and protect it from the external environment.” (Vogue, April 2016)

I started using facial oils several years ago and had never found one I was sold on. The balancing face oil changed that. I am curious to try the other two oils, hydrating and soothing, but have so enjoyed the balancing face oil that I have yet to do so.

The difference between the oils are the last ingredients listed. The added ingredients that make the Balancing Face oil are Ylang Ylang and Chamomile

The Hydrating Face Oil also has Jasmine Oil. Jasmine Oil is traditionally used to restore skin, the essential oils and botanical extracts of jasmine increase skin’s elasticity and help balance moisture in the skin to naturally reduce dryness. Jasmine oil is a cicatrizer, meaning it helps fade scars left in the wake of acne, skin wounds, eruptions, and stretch marks.
The Soothing Face Oil also has Calendula Oil which has great anti-inflammatory and healing properties. It helps soothe sore, inflamed, and itchy skin conditions.

If you feel your skin could use that extra boost especially in this coming winter, consider trying a BeautyCounter Face Oil!

www.beautycounter.com/kimberlybrown

BeautyCounter OBSESSED!

2016-10-30T21:38:00.001-04:00

I am so excited to share this amazing company that I LOVE.

For those that know me, you know I have always been very into fitness and health. I’ve always been active, always belonging to a gym, running, talking Pilates reformer classes, and in the past few years have become one of those crazy CrossFit people! I have always felt that your body is the only thing you truly own in life. I try to take care of myself the best I can. While fitness has always been important to me I have only more recently taken care with what I eat. In 2013 I went “paleo”, eating only meat, eggs, vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds. I saw significant health benefits (and positive changes to my cholesterol even eating eggs every day). While I still eat mostly paleo, I have definitely become slightly more easygoing and include some dairy, and gluten free carbs (and lets be serious, if an amazing dessert in front of me I am going to eat it!) I have always found fitness and health so interesting, I found myself reading journal articles about health especially in regards to health issues that have seemed to be increasing in my lifetime: dementia, Alzheimer’s, autism as well as so many other health issues. While I do not claim that I know any certain answers, all the reading did lead me to eating paleo. I do believe many modern day heath issues have to do with so many of the artificial foods we eat nowadays. I make the vast majority of the food I eat myself from real whole food ingredients.

It was only this year that I had a lightbulb moment….. I take so much care with my food and fitness, but I really never thought about the products I use on my body’s largest organ, my skin!

I have always been a self-proclaimed makeup/beauty junkie. I LOVE makeup. My OBSESSION started at age 18 when I went to NYC and had my makeup done by a Nars makeup artist named Gianni. It was pure art on my face! I have always enjoyed buying and wearing all kids of makeup (with Nars being my number one since age 18!) Along with that I have also tried MANY different skin care brands, always looking for the next big thing, new ingredient, new product that claims to make you glow, reduce wrinkles, etc. I NEVER considered the ingredients in these products other than the claims the company made stating how great they were. When I had this lightbulb moment I realized I had no idea what was in any of these expensive products I had been buying.

I then heard about a company called Beauty Counter on a paleo podcast I listen to called Balanced Bites with Diane SanFilippo and Liz Wolfe. I had listened to this podcast since 2013 and neither person had EVER pushed a product, so when they both praised BeautyCounter for its all natural products, I listened. I also was starting to notice friends posting about their love for these products and this company! I looked into the company and was instantly impressed.

The mission of BeautyCounter is to get safer products into the hands of everyone. “Decades of research indicate that serious health issues (including but not limited to asthma, cancer, and infertility) are on the rise and are due in some part to our ongoing exposure to toxic chemicals—whether it’s in the shower, on our commute, while we eat lunch at a local restaurant, or when we clean our kitchens at home.

The United States has not passed a major federal law to regulate the safety of ingredients used in personal care products since 1938. Over the past two decades, the European Union has banned more than 1,300 chemicals in the product formulas of personal care products and restricted the levels of over 250 more in such products. The United States has only partially banned 11 to date.
BeautyCounter is committed to a health and safety standard that goes well beyond what’s required by U.S. law: They have banned the use of more than 1,500 questionable or harmful chemicals through their "Never List”—all while ensuring our products perform and that they’re as indulgent as any other luxe shampoo, lipstick, or oil in the market.”

This leads me to one of the most important parts of this post…. These products do PERFORM! started using the products as soon as they arrived and was OBSESSED! The first products I bought and fell in love with were the charcoal cleaning bar, charcoal mask, and facial oil! As I read about the products I just wanted to try more and more!

Once I used these products for a short time, and loved them, like any beauty junkie, I wanted more! I ordered a few makeup products and was so excited when they arrived! Again, I was blown away but the quality of these products. So when you add the amazing performance of these products to their high quality ingredients I absolutely fell in love!

I am so excited to share these amazing products! Consider making the switch! Below is my link that will take you to the BeautyCounter website that clearly shows the ingredients to all products. You can also click on the ingredients to go to a master list and explanation of ingredients. There are currently holiday sets available that are a great way to try out some smaller size products if you are interested!

I plan to try to restart this blog with the BeautyCounter products I am loving as well as any other products! My work schedule is crazy as always but I just love these products so much that I cant help but want to share them!

CLICK HERE!!!

Nars Makeover - Makeup Event at Blue Mercury

2014-11-01T19:50:00.001-04:00

Nars Event at Blue Mercury

I attended a beauty event at my local Blue Mercury today. I actually had made the appointment over a month ago when I found out a Nars artist would be coming in today. The town I live in has a Blue Mercury THREE blocks from where I live which is very dangerous for me. I try to limit my trips to events such as today or if I refill on something because otherwise I would be there way to often and buying ALL the Nars! I was excited to try out the new Dual Intensity Eyeshadows and see the Holiday gift sets. I was very impressed with the Dual Intensity eyeshadow and their consistency and staying power. These pictures are from 8 hours later.

The MUA used a cream pencil as a base which I did not think would last like this. My only experiance is with nars cream eyeshadows and they crease like crazy. I thought it was a really interesting blend of colors. I had always been intimidated by Pandora which is a duo eyeshadow that looks black/white. The black side blends out to the nice silvery/grey you see.

Here is what she used

Brightening serum on my face before anything
the Luminous Mouisturizer and replenish eye cream

for my makeup she used
Light Optimizing Primer
Alaska Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer - light with neutral balance of pink and yellow undertones
Vanilla Radiant Creamy concealer - tiny cast of pink for fair complexions

Eyes
Goddess soft touch pencil as a base - pink champagne
Callisto eyeshadow on my lid - Icy Pink Silver
Subra Dual Intensity Eyeshadow on bridge - Black Orchid
Pandora Duo (black side) to add dimension - Sheer White Shimmer/Matte Black (shows grey when blended)
Black Valley eye paint as liner - Black
Via Venuto Larger than Life Long Wear eyeliner on waterline - Black
Black volumizing mascara
Blondie eyeshadow for brows - neutral soft matte
Laguna Bronzer - diffused brown powder with golden shimmer
Orgasm blush - peach pink with golden shimmer
Copacabana liquid illuminator - glistening pearl

Biscayne Park Satin Lip Pencil - guava pink

Turkish Delight Lipgloss - pink sherbert

I really liked the new palette out for Christmas- the Laser cut eye/cheek/lip palette. It is beautiful! I figured I spent enough and could add this to my Christmas list!

A futuristic vision for eyes, cheeks, and lips in a tech-chic double layer compact. Enter a continuum of cutting-edge color, coded for endless beauty.
Set Includes:

3 shades of Hardwired Eyeshadow, a new formulation in limited edition shades, created exclusively for the NARS Laced with Edge Holiday Collection
Day Dream Blush
Laguna Bronzing Powder
Dolce Vita Lip Gloss

I would definitely consider Nars gift sets for any makeup lover!

I'm Back!

2013-01-13T10:36:00.001-05:00

Hello to any readers left to this blog! I took a little hiatus from blogging, but will be coming back soon with new blogs!

Here is whats coming
- current favorites
- new skin are! (Sunday Riley, Le metier de beaute, cle de peau)
- collection post
- Nars 2013 collection
- review of juice cleanse I am doing

any suggestions or requests?

Nars 2012 Collection is coming!

2012-04-06T10:48:00.000-04:00

I always love the spring/summer collections the most! I am more into the nartural look with maybe a few brights thrown in! This collection looks like its going to be amazing! It will be available online April 15th!

This is what Nars had to say about the collection,
"Summer brings with it a cocktail of warm earth tones and brazen shimmers. Eyes glisten in icy peach and matte apricot, or shine in iridescent orchid and blue. Lips are subtle in a glossy nude beige pink, or bold in a matte strawberry red. A delicate seashell pink lends nails a flattering hue for an overall look that's sizzling, sophisticated and -like so many summery moments - simply unforgettable."

This collection includes:
Blush, $27 - Liberté
Velvet Gloss Lip Pencil, $24 -Buenos Aires
Velvet Matte Lip Pencil, $24 -Never Say Never
Soft Touch Shadow Pencil, $24 -Calabria
Nail Polish, $17 -Trouville
Lipstick, $24 -Vendanges
Pure Matte Lipstick, $25 -Moscow
Trio Eyeshadow, $45 -Ramatuelle
Duo Eyeshadow, $33 -Marie Galante

I will definitely be picking up the eyeshadows, nail polish, and the velvet gloss pencils (love them!)
What are you interested in?

Burberry Makover!

2012-03-17T18:13:00.002-04:00

Happy St. Patricks Day everyone!
Sorry I've been MIA lately! Ive just been so busy I haven't been doing anything exciting with my makeup so I havent had much to share. Today I went to the Burberry counter today after seeing Sandra's post about Pale Barley eyeshadow. Oh boy did I end up getting more than that! I had one of those great makeup artists, that is so talented and knows exactly what you want! I had asked about Pale Barley and she put this look together with the following items.

(pardon my unruly brows)

Sheer Foundation in Trench No06
Fresh Glow illuminator- on eyelids and cheekbones
Nude Bronzer
Blossom #5 blush

Pale Barley eyeshadow No22
Rosewood eyeshadow No09
Midnight Brown eyeshadow (in outer corners) No21
Golden Brown eyeliner no 6 (she used this under my eye and in my waterline)
Midnight Brown eyeliner No02
black mascara
Tulip Pink No27 lipstick

I LOVED the golden eyeliner on my waterline! I have tried white and beige eyeliners and always thought it looked a little odd. The golden color takes away from any redness I have and just looks nice and soft and smokey! I bought all the eye products, the lipstick, and another brighter lipstick. The MUA was nice enough to give me samples of the foundation and fresh glow, which I may go back and get!

If anyone lives near Paramus definitely check out Araceli at the Burberry Counter!

HUGE NEWS! Urban Decay Naked Pallete 2!

2011-11-19T13:18:00.000-05:00

I just read online that Urban Decay will be coming out with a NEW naked palette! I have the first one (I was one of the lucky people that got it online before it sold out) and while I like it, I don't LOVE it. The shades are a little too glittery for me. I have to say thought, that even though I do not use it all that much, I still think its worth it for the money. You get a lot of eye shadows, all together in one convenient palette. I will definitely be checking out the new version when it comes out in February! How about you?

These are the eyeshadows

Foxy, Half Baked, Bootycall, Chopper, Tease, Snakebite, Suspect, Pistol, Verve, YDK, Busted, Blackout

and it looks like it comes with a mini lip gloss (I'd prefer the mini primer since the UD primer is so great)

Nars One Day Sale!

2011-11-08T12:52:00.002-05:00

I have Friday off so I am VERY tempted to go hit up this sale! What would YOU get?

Alpha Beta Glow Pads Review

2011-04-05T20:27:00.000-04:00

I'm sure many of you have heard of the well known Alpha Beta Daily FacePeel by Dr. Dennis, a gentle exfoliant that promises enhanced radiance and skin clarity, and it delivers! Well the "summer" version has just been released - the Alpha Beta Glow Pad!

What it is:
An exfoliating self-tanner with antiaging properties and vitamin D.

What it is formulated to do:
Alpha Beta Glow Pads provide a radiant, sun kissed glow year-round, without exposure to the sun's harmful UVA/UVB rays. Formulated with the sun vitamin, Active Vitamin D, these pads give the face believable, natural color.

Whats in it:
-Alpha & Beta Hydroxy Acids: Exfoliate dull dry skin and help minimize the appearance of dark spots and pores.
-Vitamin D: Helps relieve dry skin, itching and flaking; makes other vitamins work better.
-Soy Protein: Kick-starts collagen production and ensures a more natural hue for rich, long-lasting color.
-Encapsulated DHA: Provides time-released color.

What it is formulated WITHOUT:
- Parabens
- Sulfates
- Synthetic Dyes
- Petrochemicals
- Phthalates
- GMOs
- Triclosan

What else you need to know:
Microencapsulated DHA and soy proteins deliver odorless, streak free color deep into skin to prevent fading through surface exfoliation. Alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids penetrate the skin to exfoliate, tighten pores, eliminate blackheads, and help fade existing sunspots for an even, streak-free glow. Vitamin D is known for enhancing the benefits of other vitamins and antioxidants found in the formula. This product is gentle enough for all skin types, vegan, and cruelty-free

My Experience -
I heard it was coming out and went to Sephora looking for it, unfortunately its an online exclusive right now, so its not in stores. I am lucky enought to also live near a Blue Mercury, so I made my way there to pick it up! I also noticed it at Nordstrom (while purchasing a Chantecaille Sea Turtle Eyeshadow Palette! i have issues! review coming soon!)

Anyway! The first time I used it was when I got home from work on Thursday, which wasn't really such a great idea considering I then went to the gym, and took a shower when i got home. Had i really thought that one through, I probably should have waited til I got home, but turns out, my stupidity just proved how great the product is! I had a nice tan when I woke up the next morning, which was totally even and streak free, and not at all orange! The fact that I washed my face AFTER applying made me nervous that the next time I may be too dark or orange if I actually left it on all night, which is how I intended to use it! but no worries, I put it on at night last night, and today, i am just slightly tanner than last time. I got three separate comments at work today, asking what I had done differently today (two of the people seemed to think I had lightened my hair, I assume since in comparison to my new glowing tan, it looked lighter) but they all said i looked great, but couldn't put their finger on it! My skin also seems more even, and some leftover red marks from blemishes look faded.

I also love this product, because as someone with sensitive/combo/occasional breakout skin, I am generally nervous self tanners will break me out. The Alpa Beta Pads I know would be great for my skin since they exfoliate as well, and wont clog pores.

Where its available - sephora.com (not in stores yet)
Blue Mercury, Nordstrom, or anywhere that carries Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare!
Price: $32 for 20, which is pricey, but I used one wipe Thursday, and then one today, and have maintained the nice tan glow. So I would use AT MOST two a week, probably closer to once a week, so the product will definitely last me a long time.

I like it so much I'm thinking of surprising my sister by sending her some!

My Fitness Pal

2011-03-22T22:01:00.000-04:00

So most of my life, my weight has never been an issue at all. I generally ate what I wanted, and worked out if I felt like it. I actually did some swimwear modeling when I was around 21-22. I am now, dun dun dun...... 29 years old! Things do not work the same anymore!

for example, at my physical "prime" I looked like this....and survived on a diet of bagels, Auntie Anne's pretzels, ramen, pizza, and lots of beer.... and I didn't work out. If I ate that way now, I would be well over 200 lbs! A few years after this picture, I got into running, and ran about 15 miles a week. I think that counter acted any possible age related metabolism changes.

That brings me to current day. Ive had knee problems since last summer, which limits my running. I also have a newish boyfriend, who enjoys indulging my sweet tooth by bringing me desserts regularly (hes gotten better lately, bringing one or two things as opposed to a whole dessert tray)

Ive been very frustrated about my knee problems and limited running, mostly because I love running, but also because it allowed me to eat whatever I wanted. Now that I can only run about a mile at a time, I've had to start watching what I eat much more. Since I hurt my knee, and have been eating more desserts, I have definitely noticed that I have put on a few pounds. Since i cant increase my exercise (I am limited to what my physical therapist allows) I obviously need to adjust my diet.

And here is where My Fitness Pal comes in. I actually downloaded this app on my phone long ago, and never used it. A few weeks ago i figured I would check it out. You can use My Fitness Pal on your phone, or by visiting their website, myfitnesspal.com.

This app has nutritional information for EVERY food there is! Its all entered by other users. I searched for the McDonald's southwest salad, which is one of my favorites, and someone had already entered the nutritional information, for my modified version, which is without the tortilla strips, and half the dressing!

Ive been entering what I eat, and you can also enter your workouts, so for example if you aim to eat 1200 calories a day, but burn 300 at the gym, it shows that you can actually eat 1500 calories. Below I added a screen shot of my food for today.

I have steadily lost weight since doing this. Not tons, but about 1-2 lbs a week which puts me on track to be back to "fighting shape" by bikini season!

Mac Peacocky Collection

2011-01-11T23:12:00.000-05:00

So Ive been avoiding getting sucked into the large amount of Mac collections continually coming out because i was broke from Christmas present shopping! But when I was Tempalia gave these shadows an A+ rating (she NEVER gives A+ ratings) I knew I had to check them out. And boy am I glad I did. The texture of these shadows is perfection! I went straight to the nearest MAC counter after work on the day this came out. Heres pics of all the shadows, and lipglosses.

Mega Metal Eyeshadow = $19.50

Peek-at-You – Frosted yellow white
Dalliance – Light champagne
Prance – Frosted mauve pearl
Top of the Posh – Frosted white pink
Tweet Me – Gold bronze
Mating Call – Dirty frosted violet
Odalisque – Deep teal
Sexpectations – Metallic burgundy
Paparazz-she – Deep copper bronze
Ego – Forest green
Noir Plum – True purple with silver pearl
Dandizette – Navy with silver pearl
Spectacle of Yourself – Deep bronze
Centre Stage – Frosted chocolate brown
Unflappable – Frosted black with purple pearl

Kissable Lipcoloe $18

Enchantée – Light blue pink
Woo Me – Light pinky nude
So Vain – Muted dirty coral
Vanity Fair – Mid-tone blue pink
Exxxhibitionist – Red-toned coral
Strut Your Stuff – Bright true red
Scandelicious – Blue fuchsia
Peacocky – Sky blue with red pearl
Super – Muted neutral brown
Temper Tantra – Mid-tone reddish brown
Flaunting It – Grey mauve
Love Peck – Blackened blood red

So of the lipglosses I got Enchantée (Light blue pink), and Scandelicious (Blue fuchsia) They are both awesome! Enchantee is the perfect pale pink, and Scandelicious is a bright beautiful fuchsia pink!

As for eyeshadows I got Mating Call (Dirty frosted violet), Tweet Me (Gold Bronze), Unflappable (Frosted black with purple pearl), Prance (Frosted mauve pearl ), and Center Stage(Frosted chocolate brown)

It was so hard to limit myself to just those! Tweet Me is the only one Im not sure of, its a beautiful color but is a little to red/orange based, and I thought it made me look sick when I had it on my lid.

I've heard a lot of good things about Specktackle of Yourself, and I might be going back to check it out!

I will be posted swatches tomorrow!

MAC Stylishly Yours Winter 2011

2010-12-07T23:34:00.000-05:00

New Collection coming out December 26! I know I'm hoping for a MAC gift certificate for Christmas! haha I definitely want the new plum fluidline, the rest I will have to see in person!

Lipstick $14.50 U.S.
• Style Curve -Bright violet purple (Cremesheen) (Limited Edition)

• Something New -Creamy bright blue pink (Amplified Creme) (Limited Edition)

• Neon Orange -Bright clean orange (Amplified Creme) (Permanent at PRO)

• Cockney -Sheer yellow red with multi-dimensional pearl (Lustre) (Permanent now) (Repromote from Euristocrats, ’09)

Lipglass $14.50 U.S.

• Clear -Clear (Permanent)

Pigment $19.50 U.S.

• Madly Personal -Bright pink (Limited Edition)
• New Fixation -Bright fuchsia red with soft pearl (Frost) (Limited Edition)
• Follow Your Fancy -Bright coral with pearl (Frost) (Limited Edition)
• Violet -Violet with pink pearl (Frost) (Permanent)

Cream Colour Base $16.50 U.S.
• Tickle Me Pink -Poppy creamy bright pink (Limited Edition)
• Movie Star -Mid-toned blue red (Limited Edition)
• Madly Magenta -Magenta purple (Permanent at PRO)
• Virgin Isle -Clean, bright coral red (Permanent)

Fluidline $15.00 U.S.
• Dark Diversion -Blackened plum (Limited Edition)
• Blacktrack -Flat black (Permanent)

Beauty Powder $25.00 U.S.• Too Chic -Soft peachy cream with fine shimmer (Limited Edition)
• Play It -Proper Pastel soft pink with sparkles (Limited Edition)

Zoom Lash Mascara $14.00 U.S.• New Hue -Blackened burgundy

My Favorite Makeup Brushes

2010-11-23T10:47:00.000-05:00

These are my absolute favorite brushes.

First - Brushes for the face

Nars Loose Powder Brush - This is perfect for a light dusting of powder to set your foundation. Usually I would be using nars loose powder. Its the perfect denseness (is that a word?) for loose powder.

If I am buffing in a powder (like MSF natural) I used the Mac 183 brush. This is great for bare minerals as well, or even if you are buffing in a liquid foundation.

For blush I use the Nars blush brush, I used this in a circular motion when putting blush along my cheekbone.

For bronzer - Nars Bronzing Brush - I LOVE this one. its super dense and amazing for applying bronzer!

Nars Concealer brush - I honestly use my fingers most of the time for concealer, but if i am taking the time to do a really good job, this would be the brush I reach for.

For Eyes

The basic brush that I use the most

Mac 217, I use this for everything. Laying down shadow on the lid, crease work, you name it and this brush can do it.

mac 224 Brush - for larger blending areas, i might used i after using the 217

Nars Eye Contour Brush- this i used for smaller crease work, like if i am blending in a darker color in the outer V

Mac 219 Pencil Brush - This is very similar to the brush above, but i use this for highlighting on the brow and in the inner corners

Nars Smudge Brush- This is such an awesome brush! its perfect for when you are doing a smokey eye and want to smudge shadow as a liner, or ever to smudge your eyeliner you have already put on

Nars Push Eyeliner Brush - I use this everyday. I prefer to use powder as eyeliner, so this is essential. this is the best thin eyeliner brush I have ever tried, and i have tried a few. A lot of them have frayed over time, so they loose the sharp line. This one I have had FOREVER and its still in perfect shape. you can use it dry or if you want the thinnest line ever (the kind that you can barely see and looks like your lashes but better) this is for you!

Mac 266 Brow brush - one I don't use a ton, because i don't fill in my brows all that much, but is great when I do use it

I also got this mini brush set from the local CCO - its great for traveling. Also the 187 is what i use for my nars sheer glow foundation. its amazing! best foundation brush I have ever used. The other brushes are pretty good. I picked this set because it seemed to have a good variety for when i travel!

Mac 187

Mac 275

Mac 212

Mac 219

Mac 168

That is all ladies! what are your favorite brushes??

Fabulous Felines Haul, Review and Swatches

2010-10-04T23:38:00.000-04:00

Sorry Ive been MIA lately! I have a bunch to catch up on! I know this is a little late, but here's my Fabulous Feline Haul!

I wanted to get more but I am pretty broke so I had to limit my purchases to the following three items!!

Burmese Beauty Quad

Showstopper, Burmese Beauty, Skintone 2, Prized

This is a beautiful quad! the colors are dupe-able in my opinion, but not with things I have, hence why I bought it! Showstopper is just a dark midtone brown, maybe like Charcoal Brown, Burmese Beauty is like Club, Skintone 2 is a really pretty light golden color, and Prized is a perfect peachy neutral. Over all it can be used for a million different looks!

I will be posting looks using this quad soon so check back!

The other items I got were two pigments, Lithe and Bloodline.

Lithe is the perfect golden toned highlighting color, its a peach based gold and is just too gorgeous. You could used it on your eyes, or cheekbone as a highlight.

Bloodline is similar to moth brown, they both have that taupe-grey-purplish color that is beautiful!

What did you get from Fabulous Feline!!?

I would love to know what people got from Fabulous Felines and what they liked!

Nars Sale! 18% off

2010-10-04T11:00:00.001-04:00

Nars is currently having a promotion offering 18% of purchases of $75 or more!

here is the code!

09922CP

I ordered, Elsa Eyeshadow Duo, Masai Lipstick, a new eyelash curler (my shu uemura finally kicked it), and a foundation pump!

Urban Decay Naked Palette Review, Swatches and a EOTD

2010-08-28T00:26:00.001-04:00

So Ive had the palette for about a month now, I figured I would give myself some time to test it out before writing a review.

Its a great palette with 12 beautiful neutral colors. It also comes with a double ended eyeliner (black/brown) and a mini primer potion. For $44 that's a lot! My only complaint is that 10 out of the 12 eye shadows are pretty glittery. So I don't get as much use out of the palette as I would like, because I don't use it for work all that much. Its great for more fun, going out looks! (in my opinion) And as there always is with glitter, there is fallout under your eyes at times.

Here's the palette

And here are swatches of all the shadows

Virgin, Sin, Naked, Sidecar

Buck, Half Baked, Smog, Darkhorse

Toasted, Hustle, Creep, Gunmetal

as you can see they all have beautiful pigmentation! not a chalky one in the bunch!

One of my favorite looks so far is a goldish bronze combination - here it is!

(toasted and hustle are also a great combination!)

I used Virgin on inner corner and brow bone, Naked as wash all over, Half Baked on inner lid and under lower lashline, and smog in crease and under lower lashline.

beauty quiz!

2010-08-24T13:06:00.001-04:00

SKINCARE
-How many times do you wash your face daily?
Twice normally, if i work out in the middle of the day on the weekend maybe three times

-What skin type do you have? (dry,oily,combo)
I have combination skin, can be oily in t-zone, and dry on cheeks

-What is your current facial wash?
neostrata facial cleanser

-Do you exfoliate?
Yes!

-What brand do you use?
i use my clarisonic daily and do a Neostrata Peel about once a week

-What moisturizer do you use?
day - darphin redness relief recovery cream
night - Creme de la mer

-Do you have freckles?
yes! more after going camping

-Do you use eye cream?
I have a few i use, still trying to find an HG. ones i like - caudalie eye creme, nars eye creme

-Do you or did you have acne prone skin?
only since graduating college and working full time! I get the occasional zit on my chin.

-Did you ever have to use Pro-activ?
tried it once, didnt like it. It dried out my skin too much.

MAKE-UP
-What foundation do you use?
lately for the summer I have been using Mac Face and Body foundation, i like that its very sheer and natural looking

-How about concealer?
cle de deau - Its AMAZING!

-Do you know your undertone color?
yes , its yellowish, nc 20-30 depending on my tan for mac, and punjab in nars

-What do you think of fake eyelashes?
I think they are great for a more dramatic look. I have used them a few times when going out in NYC, they are HARD to do though!

-Did you know that you are supposed to change your mascara every 3 months?
3 seems ridiculous. I go with 6

-What brand of mascara do you use?
nars larger than life volumizing, or shu uemura basic - both are amazing

-Sephora or MAC?
neither really. i supposed if i HAD to pick I would go with sephora since they carry nars. but i prefer neiman marcus or some other department store. my neiman marcus used to carry shu uemura so they were my favorite, but now I might go with Saks.

-Do you have a MAC Pro-card?
No.

-What makeup tools do you use in make up application?
a variation of mac and nars brushes, and my fingers

-Do you use make-up base/primer for the eyes?
yes i used to use UDPP, now i am using nars eyeshadow primer

-For the face?
I occasionally use clarins perfect touch, usually I dont use one at all

-What is your favorite eyeshadow (color or shade)?
bellisima - nars,

-Do you use pencil or liquid eyeliner?
i usually use eyeshadow as a liner, like nars thunderball or mac typographic

-How often do you poke your eyes with an eyeliner pencil?
never since i use a brush with shadow!

-What do you think of pigment eyeshadows?
some are gorgeous ( blue brown is a favorite) but i dont use them that often, and i hate the new packaging!

-Do you use mineral makeup?
no. bare minerals didnt agree with me. I loved Merle Normal mineral makeup but they dont have a large color range

-What is your favorite lipstick?
mac - danse. of course its LE!

-How about lipgloss?
nars - sweet revenge, sweet dreams, and chihuahua
mac - pinkocrazy chromeglass!

-What is your favorite blush to use?
deep throat by nars
glissade by mac

-Do you buy your makeup on ebay?
no, too many fakes

-Do you like drugstore makeup?
not really. Ive tried a few revlon lipsticks that weren't bad though.

-Do you go to CCO's? (cosmetic company outlets)
yes! i have been to the one near the beach in NJ and Woodbury commons. love them!

-Did you ever consider taking make-up classes?
I went to a Mac seminar once, but they asked me to be the model, so I couldn't really see what they were doing! didn't learn much

-Are you clumsy in putting on makeup?
i think I'm pretty good! I sometimes get mascara on my eyelids though. always annoying!

-Name a makeup crime that you hate?
face darker than neck!

-Do you like colorful shades of makeup (lipstick,eyeshadow) or neutral ones?
Neutrals!

-Which celebrity always has great make up?
Scarlett johansen, I also always love Whitney ports simple makeup

-If you could leave the house using just ONE make up item,what would you use?
mascara

-Could you ever leave the house without any makeup on?
yes I do regularly

-Do you think you look good even without any makeup on?
haha i think i look ok!

-In your opinion, what is the BEST makeup line?
Nars, without a doubt

-What do you think of Makeup?
its fun!

I tag you all! Take the quiz yourself and post it in your blogs/videos!

Massive Sale

2010-08-17T02:14:00.000-04:00

Hey Ladies! I am back from vacation and will be getting into the swing of posting again! I still have some unpacking to do, but i will try to post some of the new stuff I got this week! in the mean time heres the link to a sale of a lot of stuff I HAVENT been using. Hopefully it will find a lovely home with someone else!
Theres lots of Mac, some LE stuff (Stereo Rose), Nars, YSL, Shu Uemura, Chanel, Dior, skincare, and a new Lilash!

Link to my sale!

Darphin Skincare Review

2010-08-05T00:33:00.000-04:00

So I started using the Darphin Line about 2 months ago. I have fallen in love with it!

Here's what I have been using!

The Intral line is specifically for redness and sensitivity, which is perfect for me!

This is the INTRAL Redness Relief Soothing Serum

Website Description:

This high potency soothing Darphin serum dedicated to sensitive skin prone to irritations helps diminish the appearance of redness and quiets the appearance of irritations as it softens skin.

Key Ingredients:
Calm Complex*, Grape Extract, Resveratrol, Glycosaminoglycanes (MDI Complex), Glycerine
*Chamomile, Hawthorne and Peony Extracts, D-Panthenol, Polysaccharide

A staff person at Blue Mercury put this on my face when I was there one day. I didn't think much of it, and went out with my girl friends that night. When I went to the bathroom and saw myself in the mirror while washing my hands, I was amazed! My skin was much less red than normal! And this was the only thing I had don't differently. It was a warm day, and I was drinking, so normally I would be very red ( i guess its the Irish in me!) but I wasn't! So i went back and purchased it, and the next product.

INTRAL Redness Relief Recovery Cream

Website Description:
This ultra-light soothing Darphin cream for sensitive skin with redness, helps repair and strengthen skin's natural barrier to enable better protection against irritants and external aggressors that may cause visible redness. Delicately, naturally green-hued formula instantly camouflages blotchiness.

Ingredients:
*Calm Complex: Chamomile reduces skin sensitivity, Hawthorn Extract helps protect capillaries, Panthenol rebuilds and repairs the skin barrier, Peony Extract acts as an anti-irritant and anti-oxidant, Polysaccharides reduce irritation.
Other Key Ingredients: Wheat Bran Extract, Lipid Complex, Vitamin E, Green-hued Mica

So once I went back and read the ingredients of the Serum I realized that I did know my skin did well with Chamomile and Reservatol. So then when I read the ingredients of this, the cream, I was even more excited because my skin also does well with Vitamin E, and the Green hued Mica intrigued me. I have tried many products with a green hue to them, and they have all made me look like a martian freak. This is the perfect luminous cream with a touch of a barely there green color. Its perfect and counteracts redness. The mica also provides a glow that diffuses any skin imperfections. This is an absolute favorite for me! I have actually added a drop of foundation to this to make my own tinted moisturizer, which for the summer has been great!

Organic Chamomile Aromatic Care

Website Description:

This organic, aromatic, soothing essence of well-being quiets and comforts skin prone to blotchiness and irritation, while detoxifying and hydrating. Apply Darphin Chamomile Aromatic Care in the evening and follow with your appropriate Darphin Cream.

Ingredients:
Organic Chamomile and Sage Essential Oils, Organic Lemon Balm, Organic Jojoba and Calendula Oils, Organic Aloe Vera Extract

This was the next product I bought ( a few days after the previous two) I liked the first two soo much, I had to go back and look at more! This you use at night under a moisturizer. I have recently gotten into oils at night, because I have realized that my skin over produces oil due to dehydration. I used to think I just had oily skin. If I moisturize properly, my skin doesn't produce nearly as much oil! So this is great. I also use Caudalie Purifying Oil, which I stick to when I have a break out. As I said before I love Chamomile extract, and I also know I like Jojoba, and when I saw Aloe Vera, I figured I couldn't go wrong with this!

This is a fabulous product for calming your skin. it hydrates without breaking out, and I can tell a difference the next morning when I wake up. My skin is less red, less bumpy, and just thicker, healthier looking (if that makes sense, if your skin has ever looked thin and unhealthy you know what I am talking about)

I use this in combination with this next product

INTRAL Soothing Cream

Website Description:
This exceptionally gentle, non-irritating, comforting Darphin cream, particularly recommended for intolerant skin that is sensitive and easily irritated. Respects skin's vulnerability as it replenishes skin with essential moisture and helps protect against environmental aggressions.

Ingredients:
*Calm Complex: Chamomile reduces skin sensitivity, Hawthorn Extract helps protect capillaries, Panthenol rebuilds and repairs the skin barrier, Peony Extract acts as an anti-irritant and anti-oxidant, Polysaccharides reduce irritation.
Other Key Ingredients: Bisabolol, Orchid Extract, Vitamin E

This was described to me as the cream that cannot possibly irritate ANYONE. Which I found to be a pretty amazing claim, but was willing to try it out, as my skin is very easily irritated. I have to agree! When I use this. My skin is better the next day ( I used it mostly at night, as I really like the green Mica of the Recovery Cream for the day) The texture is perfect. It makes you feel like you have moisturized the PERFECT amount! Its also a great cream to use after a peel or any other facial treatment.

So that's pretty much it. I am pretty sure the Darphin Intral Line will be my HG (holy grail) from now on. If you have rosacea/red/irritated/sensitive skin, this is for you! Unfortunately the one down side is the price. Its up there! But the products have lasted me a very long time so far, because you do not have to use large amounts of any of the products at a time.

How to Be Happy!

2010-07-29T10:00:00.001-04:00

How to be Happy!

1. Be your own BFF!
Enjoy your own company. Embrace everything about you! Without a doubt, it’s the most important step towards being a happy person.

2. Smile, Giggle, or Chuckle
Smiling releases serotonin in the brain, which instantaneously gives your mood a lift.

3. Sing Out Loud!
Shut the doors and the windows, or take a ride in the car, put on your favorite song, and belt it out!

4. Indulge in Dark Chocolate
Savor a small piece and watch your mood improve.

5. Expect a Miracle
Believe that something wonderful will happen for you today. The universe is waiting to shower good fortune upon you.

6. Laugh at Your Shortcomings
We all make mistakes; none of us is perfect. Forgive your imperfections, accept your faults, and laugh.

7. Sleep, Baby, Sleep
Seven or eight hours each night should increase your energy and decrease moodiness.

8. Count Your Blessings Daily
Gratitude, being thankful, is one of the key ingredients for living a happy life. Make gratitude a habit and happiness will be yours.

9. Wake Up Early!
Start the day off on a happy foot, with a happy thought. The morning hours are full of spiritual energy and prana (life force).

10. Let the Sun Shine In
20 minutes of sunlight per day improves mood and wards of Seasonal Affection Disorder (SAD).

11. Say "Good Job!"
Give yourself permission to pat yourself on the back. Recognize your accomplishments and positive qualities.

12. Catch Happiness from Others
Remembering that happiness is contagious, surround yourself with happy, positive people who share your values, goals, and dreams.

13. Grow a Garden
Watching plants grow and thrive under your care is thrilling!

14. Pencil in 'Quiet' Time
Each and every day sit awhile, without television, without magazines, without the Internet. Just be!

15. Exercise!
Studies have shown that exercise releases endorphins in the brain, which in turn cause us to have what is commonly know as a "natural high" or a "runners high".
Exercising can improve the way you perceive your physical condition, athletic abilities and body image. Enhanced self-esteem is another benefit.

16. Look to the Future
Set goals and then make plans to succeed and take action. Pursuing something we value always makes us happy.

17. Accept What You Cannot Change
Don't waste your precious time, energy, or thoughts on something that is beyond your control. Let it go.

18. Change what you can!
If something in your life makes you unhappy that you CAN change. Do it! don't sit around complaining about something you have every way of fixing, spend that time being proactive!

19. Take a Cat Nap
A 10-minute nap is all it takes to rejuvenate your spirit and get the happiness to flow.

20. Love Everything
Love who you are. Love what you are doing. Love the person you're with. Love your friends and your enemies, too. Love! Love! Love!

21. Focus on the positive
If you look for positive things in your life and around you... you will find them. If you look for the negative.. well you'll find that too... so DONT!

Nars Favorites Haul, Review, and Swatches!

2010-07-28T23:08:00.000-04:00

So about two months ago, there was a coupon code for Nars for 20% off! At the time there was nothing new out, but I was just itching to get a few things for 20% off! So I got a few things that I needed back-ups of. So these are all products I have had before and used up! So I obviously really like them all!

Swatches below!

First up, Copacabana Multiple.

This was probably one of my first purchases, 10 years ago when I discovered Nars. Its described as a glistening pearl, which I think is the perfect description. Its a great cream highlighter for cheekbones, brow bones, and anywhere else you want to highlight! I also like to wear it over my eyelids and smoke out a powder liner into it. It creates a great semi smokey eye with a pearlescent sheen- almost wet looking. I think it looks awesome!

Galaxy Girl Lipstick

This is described as a baby doll pink with flecks of gold. Its very sheer, and leaves a slight pinkish tint, with the slightest golden glow. This also is an item I started purchasing about ten years ago! Sometimes I layer Baby Doll lip lacquer on top for more of a pink punch.

Belle Du Jour Lipstick

This is described as an "innocent nude beige." This is a more recent purchase, and I didn't use to wear nude lips as much. Its probably my favorite nude lipstick. I feel like a lot are too light and make it look like your lips match your face. Belle Du Jour just neutralizes your lip color and doesn't make you look washed out.

Night Flight Eyeshadow

This is one of the Night series, which are almost all black eye shadows, with another color glitter thrown in. Night Flight is described as a black with blue cobalt pearls. This is my favorite of the night series, and I used it as eyeliner regularly. I prefer using powders as eyeliners as I think they look more natural, since you can smudge them into your lash line more so than a pencil. They are also easier ( I think) to wing out, or smudge, to accomplish many different looks.

I recommend the entire Night series! They are great!

(one warning - they seem to crumble easier than other shadows, may have to do with the mixture of the "pearl" glimmer in it. Be very careful as it will make a MESS of your makeup if Night Series Eyeshadow breaks inside it!)

I also purchased Scopios and Aigle Noir Soft Eyeshadow Pencil

I havent had a chance to play with them, but they are gorgeous colors.

Here are swatches!

from left to right

Aigle Noir Soft Touch Eyeshadow Pencil

Scorpios Soft Touch Eyeshadow Pencil

Night Flight Eyeshadow

Belle Du Jour Lipstick

Galaxy Girl Lipstick

Copacabana Multiple