TheShadesOfU.com

Top 20 Earth-Friendly Beauty Gifts

noreply@blogger.com (The Shades Of U) — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 22:26:00 +0000

The hottest skin care, makeup and hair care on every green chick's holiday wish list

Why not try something a little different this season and look for eco-friendly gifts? Any of the products in this round-up will fit the bill -- they're all eco-friendly and tested and approved by (notoriously picky) TotalBeauty.com readers.

See products

OPI Feet Nail Strengthener and Nicole by OPI Love Your Life: An Unusual Combination

noreply@blogger.com (The Shades Of U) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 23:18:00 +0000

I just tried this unusual combination of Nicole by OPI Love Your Life over OPI Feet Nail Strengthener. I didn't even know that the latter was for the piggies - I just thought it was a nice color when I pulled it from my nail polish stash- I didn't know it would look nice as a base for Love Your Life. The latter is a pink-tinged white base with pink micro-glitter and super cute heart-shaped glitters mixed into it. So adorable! I layered it over OPI Feet and it was actually a good mix. What really impressed me was the staying power- this was my manicure for 6 straight days with nary a chip! Impressive! I didn't know if it was the OPI Feet or Love Your Life that really latched on to the nail to make it chip-free, but whatever it was, the combination was amazing.

Introducing In Bloom Fragrance By Reese Witherspoon For Avon

noreply@blogger.com (The Shades Of U) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:45:00 +0000

Avon introduces In Bloom, the first fragrance developed in partnership with Reese Witherspoon. Alluring and mysterious, In Bloom by Reese Witherspoon is for the multi-faceted woman who’s down to earth yet glamorous, elegant, authentic and confident.

The fragrance is an invitation to experience the sensual side of a woman. Precious and exquisite, the scent combines a delicate femininity with a seductive allure and a mysterious beauty.

"In developing In Bloom, I found myself drawn to the scents of my childhood in Tennessee,” explains Reese Witherspoon. “We had a great big Magnolia tree in the back yard, and it's that beautiful white blossom that inspired the perfume. In Bloom is indicative of where I am in my life today. I'm feeling very strong and independent, and so happy, so full of life. The fragrance truly captures that feeling¬¬—it's very sensual, very romantic and alluring.”

The Fragrance:
In Bloom is a Floral Oriental Woody fragrance that sparkles with a provocative blend of feminine floral notes:

TEMPTING TOP NOTES
Georgia Peach Tea Leaves, Crisp Greens

INTOXICATING HEART NOTES
Star Gardenia, Magical Magnolias, Night Blooming Jasmine

SEDUCING BACKGROUND NOTES
Enveloping Cashmere Woods, Hypnotic Florals, Amber Wood Crystals

Packaging:
The golden hue of In Bloom glows through a delicate, rounded glass bottle topped with a flower in full bloom.

The Limited Edition Parfum:
The fragrance will also be available as a limited edition Parfum that features a lavishly sensual and concentrated mix of blooming flowers. It is housed in a special gift box, featuring a bottle charm of Reese’s monogram.

The In Bloom by Reese Witherspoon Fragrance Collection
In Bloom by Reese Witherspoon Eau de Parfum ($34.00, 1.7 fl. oz.)
In Bloom by Reese Witherspoon Limited Edition Parfum ($59.00, 1 fl. oz.)
In Bloom by Reese Witherspoon Body Mist ($15.00, 3.4 fl. oz.)
In Bloom by Reese Witherspoon Body Lotion ($15.00, 7 fl. oz.)
In Bloom by Reese Witherspoon Shower Gel ($15.00, 7 fl. oz.)

Availability:
In Bloom by Reese Witherspoon exclusively for Avon will be available beginning in November 2009 through Avon Representatives nationwide. To find an Avon Representative call 1-800-FOR-AVON or visit www.avon.com.

Best and Worst of Wen

noreply@blogger.com (The Shades Of U) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:43:00 +0000

Best and Worst of Wen

Wondering if Wen products really work or if it's all hype? See what the buzz is about

You've probably seen a Wen infomercial, or if not, you may have heard of it. The all-natural brand was created by celebrity hair stylist Chaz Dean, and is "a new approach to the way you cleanse your hair." TotalBeauty.com readers share their six favorite Wen products, as well as two they won't be reordering.

See products

The Worst: No. 2: Wen Lavender Cleansing Conditioner, $28

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 5.9

"I could not do anything with my hair. It would not hold style or shape ..."

No. 1: Wen Sweet Almond Mint Texture Balm, $26

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 4.4

"You have to be very careful otherwise your hair will stick together and get an almost greasy look to it ..."

The Best: No. 6: Wen Tea Tree Cleansing Conditioner, $28

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 7.3

It "takes away dandruff, cleanses and conditions hair, strengthens hair [and] moisturizes" all in one ...

Want to see the rest of the best? Click here!

Lilacs and Purples Using MAC Sorceress Eye Shadow Palette

noreply@blogger.com (The Shades Of U) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 22:28:00 +0000

Here is a quick look using my MAC Sorceress eyeshadow palette. I love lavenders and purples so I really had to get this one. Here is a quick step-by-step. All eye products MAC unless otherwise specified.

Apply Beige-ing shadestick all over lid and browbone and lower lashline. Using a fluffy shader brush, apply Fresco Rose paint pot on lid.

Using a stiff shader brush, apply Magnetized on lid.

Using the 224 brush, apply Hold My Gaze on crease.

Using the Sonia Kashuk blender brush, apply Hypnotizing on crease.

Using the same blender brush, apply Edge of Dark on outer V. Blend with the 224.

Using the same blender brush, apply Altered State on the crease and outer V. Blend with the 224.

Apply more Altered State and Edge of Dark to contour the crease.

Using Stila Brush No. 5, apply White Rabbit on browbone to highlight.

Apply L'Oreal Lineur Intense in Black liquid liner on upper lashline. Rim eyes (waterline and tightline) using Urban Decay 24/7 glide-on liner pencil in Zero. Using the 219, apply Magnetized on inner to mid lower lashline and Altered State on outer lower lashline. Apply Red Cherry falsies #15. Apply mascara.

15 Ways to Shop Smarter this Holiday Season

noreply@blogger.com (The Shades Of U) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:33:00 +0000

15 Ways to Shop Smarter this Holiday Season

Savvy ways to help you slash through the shopping stress

Mall rats, maybe. Online scavengers, for sure. We asked the experts (aka: real women, like you, who love to shop) to dish and divulge their biggest, best-kept secrets for tackling the tough-to-manage deed of holiday shopping. Whether it's for your mate, coworker, mom or kid's teacher, these tricks and tips will keep you merry and bright (rather than Grinch-ish bitter) as you get ready to gift give.

See tips

L’Oréal Paris Infallible Never Fail Plumping Gloss: Leighton Meester's Secret

noreply@blogger.com (The Shades Of U) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 23:30:00 +0000

L'Oreal Paris Infallible Never Fail Pumping Lipgloss is Leighton Meester’s secret behind her gorgeous red lips.

“L'Oréal Paris’ Infallible Plumping Lipgloss in Plumped Red gives me that extra little color and boost when I really want my lips to pop." -Leighton Meester.

Here are some words about the product from the company who made it:

L’Oréal Paris Infallible Never Fail Plumping Gloss

First Lipgloss Ever to Plump and Shine in Only One Step… and Last Six Hours!

L’Oréal Paris’ Infallible Never Fail Lipgloss redefined expectations of longwear lipgloss, and we’re doing it again! Infallible Never Fail Plumping Lipgloss is the first ever one-step plumping lipgloss that lasts for six hours of wear.

Technology
The same Infallible Lipgloss technology that provides six hours of wear in a one-step formula provideslong wear, shine and now plumping in one simple swipe of gloss.

The immediate plumping action of Infallible Never Fail Plumping Gloss comes from actives that result in lips that appear plumper with more volume, immediately. Formula with Lip-Infusing Emollients, including Vitamin E, wrap the lips in comfort, leaving them feeling ultra soft, soothed and moisturized. The Ultra-Resistant Shine-Fix, made with a patent-pending shine polymer developed by L’Oréal Research Labs, creates a supple film on top of the pigment to keep colour in place with incredible shine, lasting for hours and hours.

Colour
For fashionable, glossy lips, L’Oréal Paris offers eight shades, ranging from light pinks and roses to reds, mauves and rich browns. Conveniently packaged in a sleek vial that showcases the product’s lustrous shades, women can easily identify their preferred shade.

Benefits:
• Formula with actives plump lips immediately so they appear fuller with more volume
• Six hours of extraordinary wear and glass-smooth shine
• One-step application
• Available in eight plumping shades

Available in 8 high-shine, longwear shades:
Plumped Pink
Plumped Mauve
Plumped Rose
Plumped Plum
Plumped Red
Plumped Tawny
Plumped Coral
Plumped Brown

Availabilty:
L’Oréal Paris Infallible Never Fail Plumping Gloss is available June 2008 at www.lorealparis.com and also at chain drug, food and mass market retailers nationwide for a suggested retail price of $9.99.

DevaCurl’s Cure for Rocking Gorgeous Winter Curls

noreply@blogger.com (The Shades Of U) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:37:00 +0000

As temperatures drop, humidity decreases and the days get darker, it’s safe to say that winter is looming in the not so distant future. Need some hair help? Checkout these winter hair tips from Curly Girl Guru, Lorraine Massey of DevaCurl:

When weather changes it’s easy to mistake a simple dry scalp for actual dandruff. Remember that your scalp is actually your skin and therefore has completely different needs than your hair. Try an instant remedy for both: DevaCurl No-Poo.

This botanically infused, 100% sulfate-free, no lather cleanser provides maximum cleansing and hydration while maintaining the moisture balance of the hair AND the scalp. Simply massage scalp well — the friction alone exfoliates and moistens.
No-Poo heals dry scalps while protecting your precious locks.

Sometimes the only way to stay warm is to wear a hat but many women fear the dreaded “hat head”, or even worse, unruly frizz. According to Massey, hats do not cause frizz, just flatness! Try this simple tip: Before putting on a hat, lightly wet hair at the root with either water or DevaCurl Set it Free and then lift the area with a few clips placed at the roots. This keeps the hair at scalp lifted long after you take off your hat! Remove clips, bend forward and fluff from underneath at the roots. With this great tip you can have your hats and your fullness too!

GOT CURLS? If you are thirsty you drink water. If your curls are dry, they are clearly thirsty for hydration. Quench their thirst with DevaCurl One Condition. This ultra creamy daily conditioner keep curls shiny and manageable while providing maximum hydration for all curl types. Gentle enough to use daily and can also be used as a leave-in conditioner.

Wooly Scarves and collars on coats can cause knotting & dry frayed ends. This is because of the constant movement & friction of hair rubbing against drier fabrics. Give curls some extra TLC by combining a mixture of DevaCurl One Condition and Heaven In Hair, then add a few drops of MirrorCurls, and leave-in over night. You may even want to consider a little snip on your ends before winter sets in. One of the worst things curly girls can do to their curls while they’re drying is to touch them! Remember, curls that dry together, stay together! Take a palm full of DevaCare Arc AnGEL or DevaCurl AnGEL, a pinch DevaCurl Set Up & Above and a splash of DevaCurl Set it Free to lock in moisture, set curls and prevent frizz. If it’s too cold to go out with wet hair, try the DevaFuser. This innovative hand-shape design fits easily underneath curls and uses 60-degree airflow to dry hair from the inside out. Conventional diffusers only allowed the hair to be dried on the surface, creating frizz on the top and leaving hair wet underneath. The DevaFuser gently dries the hair without creating frizz or disturbing the natural curl formation.

Neutrals Using MAC Smoke and Mirrors Eye Shadow Palette

noreply@blogger.com (The Shades Of U) — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 22:28:00 +0000

Here's a quick look using my new MAC eyeshadow palette in Smoke and Mirrors. I've already featured a review and some swatches on this product, so I created a look using the pretty colors in the palette. It's pretty simple though, so don't expect anything flamboyant.

I also used my favorite brown gel liner, Graphic Brown.

I also used my Fab-racadabra Bronze Face Kit for this look. I love this palette!

Here's a step-by-step. All MAC products unless otherwise noted. ~~Sorry no face pics!~~ I have FOTD pic after the jump.

Apply Bare Canvas paint all over lid and browbone. Apply Perky paint pot on lid using a fluffy shader brush. Using a stiff shader brush (239 or Loew Cornell Maxine's Mop 3/8"), apply Spell No. 9 on lid. Using Sonia Kashuk blender brush, apply Wide Eyed Wonder on crease.

Using the same blender brush, apply Black Magique on crease and outer V. Blend with Wide Eyed Wonder using the 224 brush.

Using the Sonia Kashuk blender brush, apply Smoke and Mirrors to mix with Black Magique.

Add more Black Magique using the blender brush when necessary. Blend with the 224.

Using the Stila No. 5 brush, apply Fire In Her Eyes to highlight. Using the Sonia Kashuk bent eyeliner brush, apply Graphic Brown fluidline on upper lashline.

Apply Red Cherry false lashes no. 15. Using the Coastal Scents small taklon brush tip, apply Fire In Her Eyes on inner lower lashline and Black Magique on outer lower lashline. Rim eyes (waterline and tightline) using Urban Decay 24/7 liner in Zero. Apply mascara.

FACE:
Dr. Denese SPF30 Tinted Defense Day Cream
Earthen Glow mineral foundation in Yuan Yuan
Dreamworld creme topping (finishing powder) in Butter (clay and silica formula)
MAC Golden powder to contour
MAC Sunbasque blush
MAC iridescent shimmer in Buffed and Polished on cheekbones

LIPS:
MAC lipliner in Whirl
MAC mattene lipstick in Composure
MAC lipglass in Mouthwatering

Add Sophistication with a Rich New Hair Color

noreply@blogger.com (The Shades Of U) — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:25:00 +0000

Add Sophistication with a Rich New Hair Color

Check out these easy-to-follow instructions to add a gorgeous chocolate hue to your hair this fall

Choosing rich, autumnal shades can make dull faded hair (like TotalBeauty.com reader Kerstin had) look healthy, says colorist Marco Pelusi of Marco Pelusi Hair Studio in West Hollywood, Calif. Just stick with warm shades and follow these helpful hints to get a gorgeous new color in minutes.

See makeover

MAC Magic Mirth and Mischief Eye and Face Palettes Haul

noreply@blogger.com (The Shades Of U) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 17:37:00 +0000

I've finally had the time to create a look featuring some of my favorite palettes from the MAC Holiday Magic, Mirth and Mischief eye and face kits. Two of my favorite eye palettes are the Smoke and Mirrors and Sorceress palettes. They have beautiful color combinations and the hues are rich.

As I said in my MAC Magic Mirth and Mischief Review and Swatches, I loved the pigmentation of the shadows in the palettes. Smoke and Mirrors colors are neutral but very wearable, and you can layer the colors if you want increased depth or definition. I really believe this is the perfect palette to bring with you to a cruise or for a weekend getaway, or just to tote around in your purse, because all the needed colors are here, from a light neutral eye to a smokey, sultry eye look for a night out in town. When I went to my Nordstrom MAC counter to purchase this, the MA said that I was in luck because this palette got sold out weeks before, and they just received a new shipment that very day I visited the counter. It just shows that it wasn't just me who fell in love with this palette.

Sorceress is another winner for me. I loved the lavender, blue purple, frosted soft white highlighter, the gorgeous charcoal, the cool green grey, and the frosted greyed mauve in this palette. I love purples so this is a must-have for me. I can have so much fun thinking of eyeshadow combinations using this palette. I made a look using this palette, so watch out for it.

My favorite face kit - Fab-racadabra Bronze Face Kit. I love it because it has its own bronzer, blush and highlighter in one beautiful compact. Golden is a muted gold tan with gold pearl, the bronzer of the bunch. It is beautiful to warm the complexion and also to contour the cheekbone area. Buffed and Polished is a frosty bronzed gold which is an iridescent powder, which I use to highlight the cheekbone or appleas of the cheeks. Very beautiful highlighter. Sunbasque is a gilded peach with pearl, a sheertone shimmer which is part of the permanent line. I got it nonetheless because I used to have one but swapped it away, and I had swapper's remorse after I did. This is one beautiful combination of colors, and I love using this again and again.

I prefer Fab-racadabra over Hocus Focus because the colors are more suitable to my warm complexion, and the highlighter in Fab-racadabra is absolutely gorgeous.

Next entry: an eye look using Smoke and Mirrors palette. Stay tuned.

Enter For Your Chance To Win a $10,000 Sephora Shopping Spree

noreply@blogger.com (The Shades Of U) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 17:36:00 +0000

Enter for your chance to win a $10,000 Sephora Shopping Spree!

How much stuff could you buy with a $10,000 Sephora Shopping Spree?

Where do we start?! How about 416 DiorShow Mascaras. Or 41 ghd flat irons. Or 51 Clarisonic Skin Care Brushes. The better question is what couldn't you buy? Answer: Nothing! Enter for your chance to win by writing product reviews on TotalBeauty.com or signing up for TotalBeauty.com's newsletters, it's so easy! Find out more here.

See how to win

Are These Celebrities Lying About Their Age?

noreply@blogger.com (The Shades Of U) — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 07:22:00 +0000

Are These Celebrities Lying About Their Age?

Take this quiz to see if you can decipher the true ages of these A-listers

Almost every actor in Hollywood lies about their age at some point in their career, it's practically part of the job description. So when it comes to knowing a celebs' true age, it can be a bit tricky -- especially with the fondness they have for plastic surgery, Botox, fillers and more! Take this quiz to see if the numbers you've heard these celebs say match up with their actual ages.

Take the quiz

Celebrity Hairstyle and Makeup How-Tos

noreply@blogger.com (The Shades Of U) — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 00:29:00 +0000

Celebrity Hairstyle and Makeup How-Tos

Need a new look for all those upcoming holiday parties? You came to the right place

You're never too old (or young) for a great hairstyle and gorgeous makeup, right? That's why we put together these how-tos (obviously!). Whatever events you've got coming up, one of these celebrity hairstyles or makeup looks will work perfectly.

See looks

My Fabulous Mexican Riviera Cruise

noreply@blogger.com (The Shades Of U) — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 05:35:00 +0000

I'm baaaaccckkk!! You might be wondering where I've gone to - well, the title says it all. I just had a fabulous 6-day 5-night Mexican Riviera cruise with family and friends on board the wonderful Radiance of the Seas. It was my first cruise, and as they all say, once you experience cruising, you wouldn't want to travel by any other means. We were hooked! The crew made us feel as pampered as you can possibly feel, and everything right down to the nitty gritty was absolutely perfect. The ship was not just a floating hotel, it was a floating city, with all fun things you can possibly think of right there on board. We were already planning our next cruise while we were still on one!

The most amazing part is that we were with friends who had kids, and we had our 6-year-old in tow as well, and yet they enjoyed the cruise as much as we did! They were very excited to be brought to Ocean Adventure, a daycare-nightcare-activity center for kids where you can drop them off while you go party somewhere else on the ship. You could pick them up as late as 2 a.m. because they have little mattresses where they kids can sleep while waiting for their parents. However, I didn't want to leave my son there too late, so I would always pick him up at 10 p.m., and my husband and I would take turns with him while the other goes off enjoying the rest of the night with friends.

Anyways, let the pictures do the talking!

Ensenada, Baja, Mexico

No need for prescription, ladies and gents

our ship

beautiful Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

My son and his friend mesmerized by the waves

My favorite picture of my son - he loved the water so much that he just laid on the beach by himself - wrong position because his head was toward the ocean, but funny nonetheless!

Mexican mangoes dipped in chili, which I dare say is almost as good as Philippine mangoes

What can be more blissful than a massage by the beach?

FOTD: no makeup, all sunscreen

And our fabulous life aboard the ship:

Breakfast overlooking the ocean: omelette cooked to your liking, smoked salmon and swiss cheese on toast with coffee

Golden Sea Bass – Pan Seared fillet, Spanish sofrito, black olive polenta and fried capers

my escargot drenched in garlic sauce: sooo good!!

mini cake trio: chocolate cake, cheesecake and sponge cake dipped in Grand Marnier

Fisherman’s Plate – A broiled lobster tail and garlicky shrimp with broccoli florets

creamy asparagus soup garnished with crunchy almonds - divine!

Penne Tarantina – tossed in chunky tomato-garlic sauce, with mussels, shrimp and scallops

my juicy NY strip steak

Slow Roasted Aged Prime Rib – cut thick served with baked potato

broiled alaskan salmon with Chef's choice of vegetables

one of the best key lime pies I've tried

cream of pumpkin

my son's favorite: creamy spinach dip served with warm tortilla chips

Choco-chino trio: white chocolate mousse, chocolate cake and chocolate mousse

Creme brulee

good food 24 hours a day

our amazing waiters, assistant waiters and head waiters

our favorite Pinay server, Grace

Our amazing waiter served crispy pata for our table without us even asking for it! Yummy!

How cute are these animal towels that are delivered to your room every night?

After the talent show for the kids, the Kids Adventure director got slimed

formal night

Top 10 Celebrity Hair Icons

noreply@blogger.com (The Shades Of U) — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 05:24:00 +0000

Top 10 Celebrity Hair Icons

Female stars have been defined by their hairstyles for decades. Here are the top 10 hair icons in recent memory

Starting before movies, television, photography or even electricity, hairstyles have defined female celebrities and vice versa. We take a moment to pay homage to the top 10 most iconic celebrity hairstyles in recent history, including a few from right now.

See icons

Spice up Blah Hair with a Red Hot Shade

noreply@blogger.com (The Shades Of U) — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 05:24:00 +0000

Spice up Blah Hair with a Red Hot Shade

Looking for low-maintenance change, follow these easy at-home color steps

Auburn tones reflect seasonal changes and aren't as daunting as going full-on red. The key? Ending up with an even shade. Los Angeles colorist Marco Pelusi reveals his tricks of the trade through a fabulous color makeover on TotalBeauty.com reader Mary. See how you can use his technique to avoid an at-home hair color mishap.

See makeover

Best Holiday Gifts for Your Budget

noreply@blogger.com (The Shades Of U) — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 05:21:00 +0000

Best Holiday Gifts for Your Budget

Whether you have $20 to spend or $100, we've got beautiful gift ideas for everyone on your list this year

Mom, check. Husband, check. Sister, check. With these 20 gift ideas, you'll have everyone crossed off your list by early December. Pretty nice, huh? Check out this guide of our 20 favorite gifts to give this season, no matter how fat -- or thin -- your wallet might be.

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The Cure for Dry Winter Skin

noreply@blogger.com (The Shades Of U) — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 05:20:00 +0000

The Cure for Dry Winter Skin

Find out which top hand hydrators our testers found desk drawer-worthy

We spend hundreds on youth-enhancing face lotions -- but when's the last time your hands got some love? "Hands show aging more than the face," says Los Angeles-based dermatologist Dr. Howard Murad. Good point. So we had 10 testers review hand creams for two weeks. Which ones offered the best hydration -- and which were just greasy? Find out in the ratings.

See products

Hot Celebrity Hairstyle Trend: Twists

noreply@blogger.com (The Shades Of U) — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 05:19:00 +0000

Hot Celebrity Hairstyle Trend: Twists

From tight knots to loose coils, these hairstyles put a new twist on practical elegance

"The Twist" is more than just a popular 60s dance. It's also a look practically anyone can wear. So check out this celebrity hairstyle that's fun to sport and so easy to copy.

See hairstyles

Best and Worst Chanel Products

noreply@blogger.com (The Shades Of U) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 23:42:00 +0000

Best and Worst Chanel Products

See which items from this luxe brand are worth the splurge and which one product you shouldn't spend a dollar on

Just because a product comes with the name Chanel, does that mean it's worth the hefty price tag? We set out to discover the truth by asking TotalBeauty.com readers to share their skin care product reviews, mascara reviews and more to help you decide which products from the designer brand you should invest in.

See products

Top 12 Products for Oily Skin

noreply@blogger.com (The Shades Of U) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 06:02:00 +0000

Top 12 Products for Oily Skin

Stop grease and shine with oil-controlling makeup and skin care

If you have oily skin, you know it can be tough to prevent mid-day shine and keep grease at bay. Here, our fellow oily skin readers share feedback on the products that keep them looking matte all day.

See products

Gone For A Few...

noreply@blogger.com (The Shades Of U) — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 06:00:00 +0000

Yes, I will be missing in action for a few days here on The Shades Of U. I don't know if I will be able to blog during that time frame, but I will be back with lots more reviews, looks, and most importantly, Holiday giveaways for y'all! In the meantime, do browse the blog; you can use the Search function located on the right side bar, or check out the labels (or tags) also located on the right side bar. I am pretty sure you will find some article, review, or look that you have not read or seen before.

So sit back, relax, browse the blog and enjoy the pics, and I will be back before you know it!

Hanksin Control BB Cream Review

noreply@blogger.com (The Shades Of U) — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 05:17:00 +0000

I was able to try another brand of BB (or blemish balm) cream, Hanskin Control Skin. I've heard a lot of good reviews about this product, so I snagged one on eBay.

Disclaimer:I will not be doing a review on its skincare claims because I have not used this product long enough to make a conclusion on this. I will be doing a review simply based on the finish, texture, coverage and staying power of the BB cream as a tinted moisturizer/foundation.

I liked the consistency of this bb cream. It's neither too runny nor too thick, and it is has a slight sheen even unblended on the skin.

On the package, it says that it "is made from natural material and is gentle to the skin. Continued use will smooth and moisturize your skin revealing bright and firm, healthy skin."

When blended, it morphs into this beautiful radiant finish that gives skin a dewy look. I am particularly happy with the fact that it is neither too yellow, too light, nor too dark, unlike other BB creams I've tried. This brand is one of the better matches for my skintone.

As with my other BB creams, I apply this as follows: I place a small amount on the back of my hand, take my Coastal Scents's kabuki-on-a-stick brush, and apply the product on my face in circular, buffing motions till it is blended seamlessly. I apply another light layer as needed. I top off with a very light layer of mineral foundation, just enough to set the BB cream, then a light dusting of translucent powder to help in oil control.

(A look using Hanskin BB cream and the rest of the review after the jump)

I used a small amount of DreamWorld mineral foundation in Theia over Hanskin Control Skin BB cream.

Upside:

1. Very affordable compared to high end or department store tinted moisturizers; I bought it on Ebay for $35 including shipping for a 43.5 g of product, and you only need to use a dime size amount for each application. You can apply more if needed, but in light layers.

2. Makes skin look luminous and radiant.

3. Can be used as a tinted moisturizer or a makeup base.

4. Perfect shade for my skintone.

Downside:

1. As with most BB creams, if you have sensitive skin, you might break out using this product. This didn't break me out, though, and this is one of the few ones that didn't.

2. Only comes in one shade.

This product also earns a thumbs up from The Shades Of U. I love the radiant finish it gives, and the supposed skin benefits ain't that bad as well.

Banish Beauty Blunders Care Of Ms. Manicure Products

noreply@blogger.com (The Shades Of U) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 22:55:00 +0000

We’ve all been guilty of having a major beauty blunder at least once or twice in our lives. We leave the house with too much blush on, deodorant stains on our black t-shirts, fake eyelashes dangling from our perfectly made-up faces – the list goes on and on. Forgo common disasters and refine your inner recessionista by thinking outside the box with your beauty products. Let Ms. Manicure give you a lesson in how to fix fashion fiascos with these multi-functional nail products.

Knit-Pick Your Sweaters

Don’t worry about hand washing your favorite sweaters anymore. Solve your pilling problems with Ms. Pedicure’s Rock ‘n Sole ($1.99). By rubbing this dry pumice stone over sweaters, the little fuzzies that cause so much distress will be gone. Make sure to lay the clothing on a flat surface before gently stroking the fabric with the stone. Keep the stone clean and dry for future use!

Loose Lashes

Scared your eyelashes might fall off into your dinner plate a la the last date you went on? Give them extra security by applying them with the tweezers from Ms. Manicure‘s Handy Dandy Mani kit ($9.99). First, let lash glue sit for 30 to 60 seconds prior to using. Then, pick up individual lashes with tweezers, dip the ends in glue and securely apply them to the base of the eyelid. Make sure to coat them with mascara afterwards for extra protection!

Save Suede

Spill something on your new suede boots? You might not have to head for the shoe store for another pair just yet. Grab an emery board, like Ms. Manicure’s Call Your Buff ($2.99), and lightly rub the stain. Use the soft, buffer side of this four-sided board to ensure that your boots don’t get damaged in the process. Then, hold the shoe over steam from a boiling pot (or teakettle) on the stove to completely remove it. This works for suede clothing as well!

For a list of retailers and to check out other recession-friendly products, visit www.msmanicure.com and www.mspedicure.com.