Kiss and Make-Up

Beauty Product of the Week:

asklydia@hotmail.com (Lydia) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 13:00:00 +0000

What is it? LypSyl Lip Balm "has been the first choice of European lip care users for generations. The brand originated in Sweden over 100 years ago, with a name derived from Swedish to communicate the soothing and natural benefits of beeswax. For the American market, the product has been reformulated with pure Swedish beeswax and an advanced blend of natural and therapeutic ingredients.

Made with pure Swedish beeswax, LypMedication with Eucalyptus. Helps soothe, moisturize & protect your lips naturally with over 100 years in Swedish Lipcare, LypSyl knows to bring out your natural beauty. Contains:

Minty Flavor: Refreshes
Coconut Oil: Moisturizes
Organic Shea Butter: Heals & Protects
Vitamins A&E: Softens & Heals"

Available at drugstore.com and other drugstores for less than $3.50.

What did you think? Like a lot of you, if I need lip balm, I reach for Burt's Bees. I guess I'm a creature of habit.

LypSyl is hitting the American market and I've been testing out a tube lately. And so far? I like what I'm seeing from the product. Here's the good:

the packaging is super cute. There's a little bee on the side that you use to slide the product up. I know it's gimmicky but I think it's super cute. I also like that the tube isn't perfectly round. I don't know how many times my Burt's Bees has rolled off my nightstand. With it's slightly flat sides, rolling is not a problem.
the product goes on easily. It coats well and feels great. My lips feel moisturized, not sticky or gunked up with thick balm.
the flavor is good. It's not as strong as Burt's Bees, which is fine with me.
the moisturizing benefit lasts and lasts. Love that!

Here's my one minor complaint: you use the bee to slide the product up. However, I find that the product is either too high or not high enough. It's probably user error, and again, the complaint is minor. Also, since the tube is more oval-y than round, it takes a few tries to get comfortable applying it.

The final verdict? The product is super cute and the formula matches the cuteness. I give it a big thumbs up and think that LypSyl is a great change from the usual Burt's Bees. Since Christmas is coming, this is a perfect stocking stuffer idea!

Disclosure: A press sample was provided.

Wizard of Ooh and Ahz!

asklydia@hotmail.com (Lydia) — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 13:00:00 +0000

Just in time for the holidays--a time when you're searching for fun gifts you to treat your friends (or yourself)--China Glaze is relaunching their popular Wizard of Ooh and Ahz line of nail polishes.

The original hit the market back in 2001, but the new for '09 colors are pure glittery fun. Here's the list of colors:

Ruby Pumps: An all time red glitter favorite!
Cowardly Lyin’: Gold frost with specks of gold micro glitter.
The Ten Man: Silver frost with specks of micro silver glitter.
Dorothy Who?: Blue polish with massive amounts of silver and blue glitter!
C-C-Courage: Purple Frost with specks of purple micro glitter.
Good Witch: Pink Frost with specks of pink micro glitter.

The colors are lovely; shiny, glittery and fun! My favorites? Ruby Pumps, Dorothy Who?, and C-C-Courage.

China Glaze colors may change from season to season, but their formula remains the same longwearing lacquer with hardeners. Designed with the professional in mind, their 220-strand brush is great for ease of application. Best of all, their non-thickening formula provides even coverage. China Glaze nail lacquers are available through salons and professional beauty supply stores nationwide.

Check out their website for more info.

Disclosure: A sample was provided.

Meet the Brand: Raw Minerals

asklydia@hotmail.com (Lydia) — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 13:00:00 +0000

Quick: Raise your hand if you've switched from liquid foundation to mineral foundation.

I switched over when I started this blog oh-so many years ago. And so far, I've been pretty darn loyal to two mineral brands: Bare Escentuals and Pur Minerals. The market is flooded with mineral foundations and lately I've been trying out products from RAWMinerals.

Let's learn about this brand:

RAWMinerals makes a full line of mineral foundations, an active veil containing SPF, mineral glow (similar to BE's warmth), lip color, eye color, and brushes. Their products contain active botanical ingredients derived from plants to fight wrinkles, even out skin tone, and revitalize firmness. Their stuff is free from parabens and other nasty chemicals, and the company is serious about using sustainable ingredients.

It's easy to root for a company that makes products from good-for-you ingredients and that has an environmentally conscious business philosophy.

But how are the products? I've been trying out their "Discovery Kit" that comes with 2 Mineral Foundation Shades, Mineral Glow, Active Veil SPF 18 and 3 Artistry Brushes.

I blend the two shades of foundation together and I get pretty decent coverage. Their products don't feel heavy and I almost forgot I was wearing anything, which is nice. I found the mineral glow to be a little difficult to blend correctly with the accompanying brushes, but since I prefer blush anyway, I was't too upset by this. The active veil does a nice job of finishing the look, though I don't think it really helps keep shine down for a long period of time.

All in all, I find that I use RAWMinerals interchangably with my other mineral foundation products. It seems very comparable to similar products from Bare Escentuals and Pur Minerals.

My only negatives are:

The foundation doesn't contain SPF (though the active veil does!)
The makeup brushes didn't rock my world, but I'm a creature of habit and it takes alot to get me to change my brushes!
I'm not sure if it was the foundation or the veil, but one of the products seems to have a little extra sparkle to it, and I'm not a big fan of glittery products. I'm not saying that I look like a vampire from Twilight, but there is the tiniest bit of sparkle that doesn't thrill me.

My final say: I think RAWMinerals offers a decent product that's easy to use, flattering, and that has its corporate heart in the right place. If you're interested in switching to minerals, I'd recommend their Discovery Kit with very few reservations.

Oh! And they even have a deal for you, my fabulous readers. When you order online, enter code DISCOVERY50 and get 50% off your order. Nice!

Disclosure: A press sample was provided.

Cyber Monday is Upon Us!

asklydia@hotmail.com (Lydia) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 13:00:00 +0000

Well, we've all survived the Thanksgiving holiday and Black Friday. That means today is CYBER MONDAY! Yes, instead of doing our work, we're spending company time, using your speedy corporate internet connection to place online orders and shop the easy way: via computer.

There are tons of Cyber Monday deals out there (and deals being offered throughout much of December), so go to your favorite sites to see what's what. Just be sure to take your time, read all the fine print, enter promotional codes properly, and double check your purchases, what you're being charged for, and look over your shipping/billing addresses to be certain they're right before you hit "place order." With great deals, it's easy to get caught up in the frenzy and make a costly mistake.

A BIT ABOUT ME...
I've been insanely busy lately. I've written thousands of words over the weekend to get to the finish line for National Novel Writing Month and I'm proud to say that for the second year in a row, I am a NaNoWriMo winner and have hit the 50K word count mark. I'm exhausted. I'm sick of looking at my laptop, and I'm not relishing the thought of typing anything at the moment.

I'm also starting my week back by dealing with our auditors at work. Yippee. Today is going to bite on so many levels. I swear, I need to find away to quit my day job so I can focus on doing what I really want: writing and blogging.

Posts may be spotty this week because I'm feeling more than spent.

COMING ATTRACTIONS...
I still have tons to tell you about, especially now that the holidays and prime shopping season are upon us. Here are some things to look forward to in the coming days:

Raw Minerals mineral foundation overview and review
New products from Lumene
Awesome new bags and brushes from my fave, ecoTOOLs
Burt's Bees, watch out! There's a new bee-inspired lip balm on the market
Ecofriendly soaps will keep you and the earth clean and beautiful
PurMinerals is ready for the holidays
Head to Oz with nail polish Dorothy would love
...and much, much more!

Happy Day Before Black Friday!

asklydia@hotmail.com (Lydia) — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 13:00:00 +0000

Happy Thanksgiving! I hope all my U.S. readers have a pleasant Turkey Day today and enjoy spending time with their friends and family. There is much to be thankful for so be sure to take a moment to reflect on all the good things life has to offer. A positive attitude sure can make you more beautiful!

As soon as the Thanksgiving meal is woofed down, stores across the country will be opening at the crack of dawn, offering the big deals of the season. We keep hearing that the economy is in the toilet, so I wonder if Black Friday will be a big damn deal this year or not. How many of you are planning to brave the crowds to get some shopping done tomorrow? I've done it in the past, but I have no interest in losing a minute of my much needed beauty sleep to stand in line with thousands of people to buy stuff I probably don't need. Besides, I am about 75% done with my holiday shopping, and getting up early to buy half price socks doesn't excite me much.

Now, for all of you who are planning a Black Friday shopping extravaganza, here are some tips to make your shopping experience more successful:

Get plenty of rest. All that tryptophan and alcohol you consume on Thanksgiving may make you sleepy. If you're planning on getting up super early to shop, adjust your bedtime so you get as many hours of good, solid rest as possible. You might also want to lighten up on how much you're eating today. No one wants to shop with a food hangover!
Dress comfortably. I always find malls and shops a bit over heated, so I often leave my coat in my car and dress in layers. Comfortable shoes are a must! If you need to try anything on (not that you'd be buying a gift for yourself tomorrow!) try to limit the amount of makeup you have on--no one wants to buy clothes marked up with other people's lipstick or foundation!
Leave your purse at home. Yikes! I know how hard this one is, but when you're buying tons of stuff and you have to carry a lot of bags, the last thing you need is to lug around a purse full of junk as well. Try to limit yourself to the essentials: your credit card(s), ID, cash, keys, and maybe a lip gloss. If you're smart, you can fit all this in your pockets, making the purse unnecessary. Remember: Black Friday is about deal hunting, not looking beautiful.
Plan your attack. Make a list before you leave with all the gifts you need to buy, how much you want to spend, and what stores you want to go to. Doing so will keep you focused, keep you from overspending, and will make sure you don't forget someone. Plus, you can skip stores you don't need to go to to avoid mindless buying.
Be careful. Make sure you know where all your stuff is and be sure to keep receipts. Also, stash your purchases in the trunk of your car so they are not visible to any annoying car prowlers. Don't leave stuff scattered all over your car--you'll just be inviting someone to rip you off, and there's nothing fun about that. One more thing: keep your receipts with you at all times. If someone breaks into your car and steals your stuff, you might need those receipts to deal with insurance, the police, and your creditors.
Be nice and have a little patience. Before you start screaming about a line or start to vent on a salesperson, stop and breath. A little kindness goes a long way--think of it as good karma. Besides, Santa is watching after all and you don't want to be on the Naughty List.

Now, have fun and shop well. Go stimulate our economy! Or wait and shop at work on Cyber Monday...whatever!

At Home Spa Tips for Skin, Hair and Nails

asklydia@hotmail.com (Lydia) — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 13:00:00 +0000

If only we all had the time and budget to indulge in the luxury and relaxation that going to a spa offers. Spending four figures on a full day of beauty treatments may not be realistic for most of us, but sometimes, a few truly pampering at home tricks can be even better. After all… the service is free and you don’t have to go anywhere!

Skin
Dr. Nina Naidu, board certified plastic surgeon and founder of Anokha, says that she frequently uses the home remedies that her mother taught her, many of which provided the impetus behind her South-Asian-inspired product line. “I raid the dairy aisle for some of the best fresh skincare treats imaginable,” says Dr. Naidu. Some of her favorite skin treatments come from the kitchen:

There is truly nothing more luxurious than cold yogurt for the face. It is an excellent cleanser that will not rob skin of its natural moisture and it will not irritate sensitive skin. Both milk and heavy cream also make great non-stripping cleansers for the face as well.
Milk baths are an indulgence that everyone should be enjoying. Just pour a cup right into your bath water and let the milk proteins work their magic.
Put one to two drops of pure almond oil in water for a fantastic non-comedogenic moisturizer.
My favorite simple yet incredibly luxurious toner is easy to make by boiling a few rose petals in water. Next time someone sends you flowers, snip a few petals for your at-home spa needs!

Hair
“There are many wonderful essential oils for the scalp that we use for so many purposes from adding luster and shine, to fortifying the scalp and hair, to offering astringent or anti-bacterial properties,” says Dickey, celebrity hair stylist & founder of Hair Rules. “That’s why we offer several special essential oil “Ting” treatments at the salon for the hair and scalp. Here are a few of Dickey’s favorite essential oils for at home hair and scalp spa treatments:

Almond oil is a wonderful moisturizer and scalp soother. Not only does it contain protein and important minerals, but it acts like you own sebum, encouraging moisture retention.
Eucalyptus oil has significant antiseptic and anti-bacterial qualities. Its active germicidal agents prevent infection, and it leaves your scalp feeling cool, tingly and soothed.
Comfrey is a powerful healing herb. It can aid in destroying bacteria and healing cuts and abrasions. It contains a natural hormone called allantoin which is known for its cell-restorative properties and may also serve as a natural retardant for hair loss.

Nails
“Nail and hand care needs always make for perfect at-home spa treatments,” says Shari Gottesman, founder of Perfect Formula. “It is so easy to do things to care for these workhorse body parts that are inexpensive, effective and incredibly pampering all at the same time.” Shari’s top at-home spa tips for hands and nails:

Drop your bottle of cuticle oil into a glass of hot water for a few minutes before applying to maximize penetration and effectiveness. It’s the cuticle version of a hot oil treatment!
Nothing beats a warm foot soak with some Epsom salt. It is such a great thing to do for foot health, and it makes it so much easier to buff away the dead skin. Epsom salt is detoxifying, it soothes aches, reduces swelling and is exfoliating. It is literally the perfect gift for tired, unhappy feet!
Mix some olive oil and sugar for a luxurious and wholesome DIY exfoliating hand treatment.

Get Your Yum on at Sephora!

asklydia@hotmail.com (Lydia) — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 13:00:00 +0000

This Thanksgiving, satisfy your cravings without an ounce of guilt! From creamy lotions to hydrating cleaners and luscious lip shines, Sephora offers an array of skincare essentials that will have you glowing at your fabulous feast.

Check out these sumptuous deals:

Sephora Sweet Candy Gloss Trio ($18 a $21 Value) – Better on your lips than on your hips, this set of hydrating lip glosses will leave your lips soft and deliciously irresistible. Choose from delectable flavors like Guava Passion, Tropical Jasmine, and Apple Pomegranate.

Sephora BODY Super Supreme Body Butter To Go ($15) – This rich, hydrating body balm literally melts into the skin for a one-of-a-kind experience. Made with shea butter, it moisturizes, nourishes, protects, and leaves skin silky and smooth.

Philosophy The Gingerbread Man™ Foaming Bubble Bath and Shower Gel ($16) – Pamper yourself with this ultra-rich, moisturizing shower gel that’s decadent, creamy, and perfect for daily use.

Philosophy Pumpkin Spice™ Muffin Flavored Lip Shine ($12) – Pumpkin, spice, and everything nice collide in this luscious indulgence, which works to hydrate and soothe while offering a high-gloss shine with lots of flavor.

Pacifica Tuscan Blood Orange Spray Perfume Set ($24) – This set of natural spray perfume, signature soy candle and customized box of matches is a delight to your sense with its addictive Tuscan Blood Orange scent! Spritz it on, light it up and enjoy.

*Holiday News Alert* Beginning November 18th, just in time for the holidays, Sephora Claus is taking over Sephora’s Twitter (www.twitter.com/sephora), giving away beauty products everyday for 31 days until December 18th. For beauty buffs who would like to enter, simply tweet on Twitter an @Sephora message and tag your wish with a #sephoraclaus “hashtag.”

Plus, you can “share” your wish on Facebook and receive one of three deluxe samples, including YSL Black Mascara, Philosophy Inner Grace Body Lotion or Mini NARS Duo Lipgloss. To get your glamorous goodie, enter any of these gift with purchase codes: WISHME, Claus, or Clause.

For more Sephora Clause details, visit www.Sephoraclause.com. You must be 18 or older and a US citizen to win. Prizes must be found on Sephora.com and less than $150.

Pumpkin's Not Just for Pie

asklydia@hotmail.com (Lydia) — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 13:00:00 +0000

Thanksgiving is just days away. This year, my parents flew back to the East Coast, leaving just me, my hubby, my sister and my nephew here in Washington to celebrate. Instead of having turkey and all the trimmings, we're having tacos! (And margaritas!!) But we're sticking to a little bit of tradition: we're having pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting for dessert (yum!).

I am not a fan of Thanksgiving. But the one thing I do like is all the spice and pumpkins. Did you know that pumpkin is an aphrodisiac? It is! And it's also good for your skin. So have your pie and eat it to with these pumpkin skin care products:

The Body Deli’s Pumpkin Spice Botanical Butter Scrub: This is a healthy and delicious scrub that features the turmeric, a herbaceous perennial plant of the ginger family. Tumeric is often used in Indian cooking, but is also extremely beneficial in skincare products because it gives the skin a natural glow and keeps harmful bacteria away from the body. The scrub also features cardamom, allspice & clove, cinnamon & ginger and raw certified pumpkin. Full of herbs and spice! Detox and decongest!

Peter Thomas Roth Pumpkin Enzyme Peel: This is a detoxifying peel for your face and neck.Utilizing pumpkin enzymes to easily and gently dissolve dead surface skin cells, this deep exfoliator stimulates cellular turnover, to reveal radiant skin that is supple and naturally hydrated. Age-fighting anti-oxidants and vitamin A help protect, nourish, and repair skin. Plus it has a delicious, irresistible pumpkin scent.

Philosophy Pumpkin Spice Muffin Shampoo, Shower Gel & Bubble Bath: Leave it to Philosophy to have a yummy pumpkin product like this! The ultra-rich formula cleanses skin and leaves it feeling soft and hydrated. Not only is the warm, gooey smell of pumpkin spice muffin appealing to the senses—according to scientific research, this aroma has been found to arouse men and women. It's a smell that's so irresistible, you'll lather, rinse, and definitely want to repeat.

And, if you're a DIY girl, try making this pumpkin mask (the recipe is from Bethenny Frankel, one of the Real Housewives of New York):

2 cups canned pumpkin
4 tablespoons Greek yogurt
4 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

Combine ingredients. Smooth onto face. Rest for 10 minutes, then rinse off mask.

It's Time to Get Shopping!

asklydia@hotmail.com (Lydia) — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 17:29:00 +0000

As your tireless beauty blogger, it is one of my duties to let you know of great deals. Here's one from Boots:

UK’s number one beauty brand, Boots, sold at Target and drugstore.com is offering discounts and great gift-with-purchase deals this holiday season. Before you make your way in, register online as a Boots club member to receive exclusive offers and additional savings.

Now through November 25^th

BUY ONE GET ONE 50% OFF all Boots Cosmetics on Drugstore.com

Now through November 28^th

FREE set of Boots No7 4-in-1 Quick Thinking Wipes when you purchase a bottle of Boots No7 Protect & Perfect Intense Beauty Serum (online only)
$1.00 OFF coupon on all Boots products (in-stores only, print coupon online)
10 - 15% Off Select Boots Mediterranean & Amazon Forest bath & body (online & in-stores)
10% off all Boots Expert products(in-stores)
10% off all Boots Time Dimensions products (online & in-stores)

And if fragrance purchases are in your future, here are some more deals to check out:

Collection Items

Price/ Value

Retail Availability

Mariah Carey’s Forever

3.3 fl oz Eau De Parfum Spray

3.3 oz Body Lotion

Deluxe Mini Parfum

$68.00 (a $158.00 value)

Available at department stores such as Macy’s

X Rocawear Holiday Gift Set

& Gift With Purchase

Eau de Toilette Spray 3.4 fl. oz

All Over Body Shampoo 3.4 fl. oz

Deodorant 2.6 oz.

**Gift with Purchase – Rocawear Duffle Bag**

$70.00 (a $93 value)

Receive a Rocawear duffle bag with your purchase of $65 or more

Available at department stores such as Macy’s, Belk and Dillard’s.

9IX Rocawear Holiday Gift Set

& Gift With Purchase

Eau de Toilette Spray 3.4 fl. oz

Shower Gel 3.4 fl. oz

Deodorant 2.6 oz.

**Gift with Purchase – Rocawear Duffle Bag**

$70.00 (a $118 value)

Receive a Rocawear duffle bag with your purchase of $65 or more

Available at department stores such as Macy’s, Belk and Dillard’s.

Badgley Mischka Couture Holiday Gift Set

Eau de Parfum Spray 3.4 fl. oz/100ml

Parfum Elixir 0.5 fl. oz/15ml

Leather Beauty Case

$100 (a $138 value)

Available exclusively in the Neiman Marcus Direct catalog

fantasy BRITNEY SPEARS™ Holiday Gift Set

3.3oz EDP Spray

3.3oz Body Soufflé

0.33oz Mini Replica EDP Spray

$48.00

(a $83.00 value)

Macy’s

(beginning September through 2009 holiday season)

BRITNEY SPEARS™ believe Holiday Gift Set

1.0oz EDP Spray

3.3oz Body Soufflé

$25.00

(a $50.00 value)

Kohl’s

(beginning September through 2009 holiday season)

Britney Spears Greatest Hits Holiday Gift Set

.33oz Believe EDP

.33oz Midnight Fantasy EDP

.33oz Curious EDP

.33oz Fantasy EDP

$35.00

(a $46.00 value)

Macy’s

(beginning September through 2009 holiday season)

Beauty Product of the Week: Smoothing Face Polish

asklydia@hotmail.com (Lydia) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:00:00 +0000

What is it? Boots Botanics Smoothing Face Polish is a "creamy exfoliating face polish that is gentle enough to use every day, removing impurities and dead skin cells. Leaves skin naturally soft, smooth and radiant." Available at drugstore.com and at Target (wherever Boots products are sold) for less than $9.00.

What did you think? When I think back about my beauty history, I can easily remember that one of the first fancy-schmancy products I used was Clinique's Exfoliating Scrub. I started using it back in the late 80s and I still love it. I mention this because Smoothing Face Polish from Boots reminds me of my Clinique fave.

The Boots polish has a faint almond scent that I really like. If you're not a fan of almondy aromas, you may not agree. But for me, almond is almost always better than vanilla. The exfoliators in this polish are very gentle, but they do an excellent job of softening my skin without stripping away too much oil.

Boots has a bunch of certified organic products under their Botanics line, but so far this is my favorite. I really can use it every day without worrying about irritation or over-drying.

The final verdict? It's a winner! It's gentle but it does soften and smooth skin, so thumbs up!

Disclosure: A press sample was provided.

Who Are You Wearing?

asklydia@hotmail.com (Lydia) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 13:00:00 +0000

Here's a question for you: does a perfume's brand matter to you?

Here's why I'm asking. My sister and I were walking around Ulta, sampling perfumes. I noticed that I gravitate towards classics scents by Chanel, Dior, etc. She was a little less discriminating and sniffed all kinds of products. And the two she kept going back to were fragrances by Gwen Stefani and Ed Hardy. Now, I can support her getting a Gwen Stefani perfume but Ed Hardy? Eek. I think we all have bad associations with Ed Hardy thanks to that douchebag Jon Gosselin.

Anyway...I digress. My point is this: if you just smelled a perfume without knowing who it was by, you'd probably be more honest about what you like and don't like. And you might be surprised with who you might end up wearing.

The other day I received some fragrances to try, notably Forever by Mariah Carey and With Love by Hilary Duff. Normally I would never give these scents the time of day. But I stopped and checked them out. And I have good things to say about both.

Forever by Mariah Carey is a bit too girly for me, but it wasn't unpleasant. It wasn't as strong as I thought it would be and there's something a little musky mixed in with the floral scent. What I love, love, love about Forever is the bottle. Seriously, it's packaged beautifully. The bottle would look great on a vanity.

With Love by Hilary Duff shocked me. I was expecting something ultra-feminine, something flowery and way too girly for me. But instead it reminded me of one of my all-time favorites, Dune by Christian Dior. I likey! And the bottle is pretty which is a bonus.

Bottom line: Don't judge a perfume by it's maker! If you have an open mind, you might just be surprised at what you end up liking.

Disclosure: A press sample of Forever and With Love was provided.

How Do You Know?

asklydia@hotmail.com (Lydia) — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 13:00:00 +0000

I try out a lot of products. And most products I use claim that they'll improve my skin, reduce wrinkles, even out my skin tone, etc. But here's the big question: How in the world do you know if a product is working? Here are some of my tips for testing out your products:

A picture is worth a thousand words. If you're trying out a product that promises visible results, the best thing to do is to take a picture of your skin before you start a regimen. After using the product for a few weeks, take another picture and compare the two. Notice any changes? For the better or worse?
Trust your feelings. After you use a product, how does your skin feel? Does it feel smoother, softer, move even? Or just the same? Is your skin overly tight? If so, the good oils in your skin might be getting stripped away. Too greasy? Maybe you're not using the right formula for your skin.
Seek professional help. If you have a serious skin issue, see a dermatologist and follow their advice. Schedule a follow-up appointment to assess your skin's needs over time and to make sure that what you're doing is actually helping.
Give it time. You should expect to commit to your new product for a few weeks--at least 6 or so--for maximum benefits. When it comes to skin care products, unless you have an instant, negative reaction, you should give the product time to work.

Feel free to add your own thoughts in the comments!

Mirror, Mirror

asklydia@hotmail.com (Lydia) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:00:00 +0000

One beauty product tool we all need and probably rarely think about is a good mirror. The folks over at brushlove have launched a line of Stina Spectra handheld and desktop mirrors. I've been trying them out, and here's what I like about this line:

They're bright and easy to find, so if you stash them in a crammed drawer, and overflowing train case, etc., they're going to be easy to spot
They're small but not too small. They can be easily folded up to reduce space so you can throw them in your overnight bag or large-ish purse. But they're not so small that you can't see you're entire face.
You can hold them or place them on a table top. The handles fold back so they can rest easily, giving you hands-free makeup application (perfect for applying fake lashes!). Or, if you prefer holding your mirror, you can do so easily.
They provide just enough magnification so you can see those stray hairs you need to pluck easily but without all the distortion from a 10x magnifier.
They're priced right. The round mirror and square mirror cost $9.98 each; the bright green rectangle will set you back $10.98.

These mirrors are available from brushlove.com and if you buy any product on their website (except for Mason Pearson products), you'll can save 40% on your order. Just enter blog40 when you check out. This deal is good until 11/25/09.

Disclosure: A press sample was provided.

Fantasy Lengths Winners!

asklydia@hotmail.com (Lydia) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 13:01:00 +0000

Congrats to NormaJean and vrtish55! You two are my Revlon Fantasy Lengths winners. Be on the lookout for an email from me in the very near future.

And for the rest of you, please see below for a review of these fake lashes. You may want to pick a set up for yourself!

Beauty Product of the Week: Fantasy Lengths

asklydia@hotmail.com (Lydia) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 13:00:00 +0000

What is it? Revlon's Fantasy Lengths fake eyelashes promise to "glamorize your eyes! Instantly get beautiful sexy lashes in a snap with Revlon Fantasy Lengths Maximum Wear Glue On eyelashes." Available wherever Revlon products are sold in a number of styles for about $5.50.

What did you think? I gave a set to my sister's friend and co-work (they're science nerds who work at a blood center) and asked her to send me a review. Here's what Lindsey had to say about this product:

As far as my lash critique credentials are concerned -I want to be fantastically better with them- I have purchased a few pairs of those Halloween fantasy lashes, that never worked. A few of the old school Ardell brand full eye lashes and of course a MAC lash extension.

So far the MAC lashes have been my favorite, as well as the DUO glue that they come with. I dabbled with the 1/3 lash, which is the tiny 1/4inch lash that fits at the outer edge of the lash to give you more of the almond bedroom eye... and love the result! But no one would ever know that I had them on.

The same goes for the Revlon lashes...other than getting them to stick to my inner eye all day (due to my eyelids getting shiny), which i just pinch back into place throughout the day I think they are quite fab. The glue dries quick and the lashes even feel light and not bristly like some of the fluffy dense lashes can be.

SO! In my weakened morning state I opened the package, probably the most difficult step in this whole process, and of course read the awkward directions. The directions say to put the glue on the back of your hand and then use a q-tip to apply the glue to the lashes.... um, no thanks.
I started with my right eye. At first I put a dollop of glue on the plastic package and ran the lash through it after a few seconds of drying time. This method worked and the lash went on very nicely. For the second lash I went old school and applied the glue directly to the lash from the itty bitty tiny glue nub they gave you. I also blew on the lash to speed the drying process - this glue does dry rather quick which was a plus. I am not sure if it was my application method or, my awkward lack of skill but, the first lash (glue to the container and lash drug through it) stayed on much better all day. The right hand lash I also placed more towards my inner eye and maybe that was why it stuck better?

I took note of how my lashes looked ahead of time... long but not impressive. I put some of my BareEssential Big tease on my real lashes - just to layer pigment on them so i could see them better before i started... applied the lashes and was rather impressed with just the initial result. They looked like my lashes just longer and with many more of them sprouting out of my lids. After that i then used my MAC fluidline eye pot in blacktrack and lining brush to go over the lash line and combine my real lashes with the base of the the fakies. It would have been a pretty doe eyes day if i stopped there but because i have very severe issues with mascara and LOVE LOVE it i had to be bad and then at the base wiggled in some MAC zoom fast black lash and dabbed at the outer tips with the tip of the brush to add a lil extra va-va-voom. STILL I look like I just have amazingly long and pretty lashes that I was naturally blessed with.

I likey - but I'm wondering just how long this glue nub will end up lasting me before it dries out or leaks from the not so tight lid.

The final verdict? Overall I am impressed with what Revlon has offered up. And, if I could easily find a way to get both eyes on quickly and not be frustrated with the process every morning i would convert and maybe ease of the mascara wand. I'm sure that the cost is lower than that of MAC or other brands I would find at Sephora and that if need be i could find Revlon a coupon to help with cost.

Thanks, Lindsey for the great review! Sounds like the Revlon lashes are a great alternative for more expensive ones. Nice budget saver!

Don't Forget to Enter!

asklydia@hotmail.com (Lydia) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 13:01:00 +0000

It's your last chance to enter, so do it now! I'm giving away two sets of fake lashes from Revlon (plus a little extra something-something to my winners). Click here to enter!

I'll be posting a review of these babies tomorrow (thanks to my sister's friend, Lindsey) but here's a peek: She loved them and you're going to want to make sure you enter.

Do it now!

Ch-Ch-Ch Changes!

asklydia@hotmail.com (Lydia) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 13:00:00 +0000

I did it. I bite the bullet, gave in to my pre-meditated insanity, and had my stylist chop off my hair.

And why not?

As I told her (the wonderful Carsyn at the Mill Creek Split Ends Salon), what's the worst that can happen? The worst case scenario would be having my head shaved, but that didn't happen. No. Instead I got a crazy hair cut that is going to be super easy to maintain and that can be fancy or trendy.

I haven't had super short hair since I was in high school. It's an adjustment, but I don't hate it. In fact, I think it's kind of fun. Here's my new do...sorry for the bad iPhone photo. I look a little crazy, but that's ok. Crazy suits me!

Pretty, Pretty for the Holidays

asklydia@hotmail.com (Lydia) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 13:00:00 +0000

Halloween's now just a memory, so it's now "not too early" to start thinking about the holidays--especially when we get to look at beautiful lines of products. And speaking of beautiful, check out what NARS is offering up this holiday season.

Toasting the year and its 15^th anniversary, NARS is celebrating with red-hot holiday-packaged gifting that boast a variety of products. Below are the highlights:

15^th ANNIVERSARY PALETTES- $75.00 each

NARS introduces two palettes to celebrate 15 years of color innovation.

Everlasting Love contains intense eye hues to create the perfect smoky eye and Wild at Heart featuring bold lip shades for a deeply pigmented pout.

PLEIN ETÈ MINI MULTIPLE SET– $45.00

An exclusive set of mini Multiples boasting three best-selling shades.

DROP DEAD GORGEOUS MINI NAIL KIT- $30.00

The perfect gift for any stocking, this miniature collection includes four glamorously festive shades: Arabesque, Chinatown, Candy Darling and Saratoga

D. LOVELY LIP GLOSS DUO SET- $45.00

Four smaller versions of the successful Duo Lip Gloss in a variety of mix and match shades: Misbehave/All Night Long, Pillow Talk/Sandpiper, Orgasm/Chihuahua, and Greek Holiday/Stolen Kisses.

The Holiday 2009 gift sets and palettes are currently available at narscosmetics.com and the Plein Etè Mini Multiple Set is available exclusively at Sephora

I love NARS products. They have rich, dynamic shades and high quality products. Their packaging even feels good! As for their holiday line: wow! You could almost close your eyes and pick--they all look great!

New Uses for Beauty Tools!

asklydia@hotmail.com (Lydia) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 13:00:00 +0000

Life happens. And so do fashion and beauty blunders. 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. The good folks over at Ms. Manicure have some lessons in how to fix fashion fiascos with these multi-functional nail products:

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!

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!

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.

New Bare Escentuals Today on QVC

asklydia@hotmail.com (Lydia) — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 17:14:00 +0000

I just got this message, so I'm a little late for the first showing. However, I thought you might be interested in hearing about this. Bare Escentuals is launching a brand new line today on QVC. It's called Beautiful in Pearls. The line blends the depth and texture reminiscent of fine pearls into cosmetics and each shade in the collection matches a hue of pearls on the “Beautiful in Pearls” necklace created by Honora.

Again, it airs November 7th at noon, 4pm and 10pm ET or you can shop online at Bare Escentuals on QVC.

I'll try to track down more info on this line and will get it to you soon. Until then, head over to QVC and check it out if you're a Bare Escentuals fan!

Decisions, Decisions!

asklydia@hotmail.com (Lydia) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 13:00:00 +0000

I've had a wild thought race through my mind lately: What if I chop off my hair?

I'm not entirely sure what my problem is, but I am growing increasingly tired of my long, boring hair. I know I need to cut it. After all, it's just hanging there, looking overly blonde and lacking any real style. But here's the thing I'm trying to figure out: How short do I want to go?

Part of me says GO FOR IT! Cut it off and go crazy. If I did, here are two looks I'm digging.

Then part of me says sure, cut it, but don't do anything rash. Get a nice, easy to care for mid-length 'do. Kind of like this.

I'm so confused!

I had short hair--really short, like boy short--when I was younger. I was in my last year of high school and wanted a new look. I kept my super short locks for awhile, but then my hair grew out and I've been at various lengths of medium to long hair ever since.

My hubby's hair is insanely long. It's almost always longer than mine no matter how long I let my locks grow out. He doesn't care what I do with my hair, and in my opinion he shouldn't really have a say anyway.

I was in the salon last month getting my hair colored and this woman came in saying she wanted something easy to take care of, that her kids wouldn't pull at, but something that made her look pretty. Then she said, "But my husband doesn't like short hair, so it has to be at my shoulders." I felt like telling her that it's her hair, not her husband's and that she should cut it anyway she wanted.

Anyway, I pose this to you: how do you feel about drastic makeovers? And how much weight should a spouse or partner's opinion have in deciding your style?

Beat the Winter Blahs

asklydia@hotmail.com (Lydia) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:00:00 +0000

I've lived on the West Coast for 10 years now. When I first moved out here, I used to laugh at the locals who complained about the "cold" when it was 50 degrees out and felt it necessary to bundle up under layer after layer of heavy winter clothes as soon as September became a memory.

My how things have changed. In my 10 years here, I have found that I, too, am a weather wimp. And now that Daylight Saving Time has come to an end--and Halloween is just a haunting memory--I find myself dreading the winter and all that comes with it: cold weather, possible snow, dry skin, chapped lips, static-filled hair.

Well, the good folks over at Women's Health (and in their book Age Erasers for Women) have some tips for all of us as we get ready for upcoming (or already here!) winter weather. Here you go--be sure to add your thoughts by leaving a comment!

Skin

Not only does dry skin cause a lackluster complexion, it also keeps hydrating lotion from keeping your skin moist. Get rid of excess dry skin with a body wash with exfoliant and also a gentle exfoliating face wash.
Because dry skin causes fine lines to be more visible, make sure you’re using a thicker face lotion with firming benefits.

Makeup

Winter is the time to forget the foundation which tends to settle into dry areas on skin giving your complexion a patchy look. Instead, camouflage dark circles with a light-diffusing concealer.
The skin around your eyes is delicate and prone to dryness and windburn. Try using a sheer indigo blue or emerald eye shadow to downplay redness, and apply with a damp brush to help it stay put longer.

Hair

Because the minerals in tap water and detergents in shampoo can cause your scalp to itch and flake, now is the time to skip the shampoo. Try a dry shampoo on your roots which will absorb the extra oil and you can comb out in the morning.
Inflate your drab winter hair by adding volumizing mousse to your styling routine.

Body

If you’ve been considering laser hair removal, now is the time to do it. Because your hair and skin will have more contrast as your summer glow is gone, the treatment will be more effective.
During the holiday season, cosmetics counters are crammed full of gift sets that go on sale afterwards. This gives you the perfect excuse to find those fragrances you’ve been meaning to test.

Check out all the blah-beating beauty tips here

Fake It With Revlon!

asklydia@hotmail.com (Lydia) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 13:00:00 +0000

Just a few weeks ago I was researching fake eyelashes in response to a question from a reader. As luck would have it, I found out that Revlon has recently put out several new false eyelashes, available in drugstores. And even better, they sent over a few sets for me to try.

I'm having a friend of my sister test a set and I'll be getting a report back from her soon. But in the meantime, let me tell you a little bit about what Revlon has to offer. There are several styles of glue-on eyelashes available for those who prefer to use glue. For those who want something a little easier to apply, Revlon’s self-adhesive eyelashes are perfect! They require no messy glue, are very easy to apply, and are latex-free, which means they’re gentle on the eyes. Styles range from natural to glamorous, so you can choose the eyelash that completes the look you’re going for. What's even better is that they'll only set you back about $5.50.

But wait! Do YOU want to try out Revlon's Fantasy Lengths lashes? Well, now's your chance to do so for free! Leave me a comment (be sure to include a way for me to get a hold of you!) and two lucky readers will get a set of lashes to try out. Good luck! Please be sure to enter by next Wednesday, November 11th. Winners will be announced on November 12th.

Disclosure: Press samples were provided and will be offered up for the contest.

A Note About November

asklydia@hotmail.com (Lydia) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 13:00:00 +0000

It's Monday: A new week. It's also a new month...November. November has become a funny month for me. It's a miserably dark month, but it's also my writing month.

Like thousands of otherwise sane people, I take part in NaNoWriMo--National Novel Writing Month. In the 30 days of November, I have to start and finish a novel of at least 50,000 words. I did this challenge last year and blew past my 50K goal with no problem. This year, I fear things may be different. I'm in a funny head-space lately, and I'm not particularly organized for my 50K word journey.

So...if there is a longer lag between posts here at Kiss and Makeup this month, I apologize in advance. I'm going to be glued to my laptop (if things are going well!) or I'll be pulling my hair out, agonizing over my budding novel. But I'm going to do my damnedest not to neglect the wonderful world of beauty blogging. Bare with me...things will be back to normal (whatever THAT is!) by December 1st. And who knows? Maybe you won't even notice my stress here. Ha!

Anyway, keep stopping by because I do have plenty to write about. I've been trying out tons of new products and (I hate to say this) Christmas is coming, so there's a lot of great beauty stuff headed our way!

Wish me luck--I'm off to slay word count dragons!

Skin Care 101: Acne-Prone Skin

asklydia@hotmail.com (Lydia) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 12:00:00 +0000

Note: All week this week I'll be featuring tips on how to deal with different skin types. Info from Allure and many other sources. If you have anything to add--a favorite product or great hint--please be sure to leave a comment!

Acne prone skin isn't just for teenagers. No matter how old you are, acne flare ups can be painful and can make you feel less than beautiful. There are thousands of anti-acne products on the market. Here are some tips in treating your skin.

Wash your face morning and night. Look for products that are specific for fighting acne. Cleansers containing 2% salicylic acid will keep your pores clear.
Treat your skin. After washing, let your skin dry completely. Then apply a salicylic acid treatment to your entire face once a day.
Moisturize...even though you think you shouldn't. Be sure to use a moisturizer that is labeled as "non-comedogenic"--this means it won't clog your pores. And since anti-acne treatments cause sun sensitivity, be sure to use products containing at least SPF 30. Every day.
Treat zits at night. Products with 2.5% benzoyl peroxide will reduce acne causing bacterias. Don't do crazy things like dotting toothpaste on your pimples--that won't help. Instead use products designed to zap your zits.
Avoid abrasive products. Grainy exfoliators can rupture your pimples which may make them last longer. This can also lead to some scarring. Instead, use a mask with sulfur once a week to soften skin and shrink your pimples or use a more gentle exfoliant.
Use the right kinds of makeup. Look for foundations and other cosmetics that are non-comedogenic. Mineral makeups are especially good.
Don't pick your zits! Again, doing so could lead to scarring and further infection.
See a doctor if your acne is very bad or not easily treated. There are plenty of prescription products (like Retin-A) that can help you.
Be sun safe. See #3 for why.

Products to try:

Benefit Boo Boo Zap!, $20 (targeted zip-zapper that is gentle enough to use during the day)
Clinique Acne Solutions Clear Skin System, $32.50 (starter kit with cleanser, gentle exfoliator, and moisturizer, all designed to fight acne)
Dermadoctor Ain't Misbehavin Intensive Skin Correcting Sulfur Mask with Phytosphingosine, $45
Bare Escentuals Rare Minerals Blemish Therapy, $28 (contains sulfur and helps heal, seal, and prevent blemishes)