Palacinka Beauty Blog

Drugstore Buy of the Week - Gilette Venus + Olay Exfoliating Razor Kit, Sugarberry Scent (Plus Chrissy Teigen Bridal Shower sneak peek!)

noreply@blogger.com (Palacinka Beauty) — Fri, 24 May 2013 12:00:00 +0000

Why should the men have all the amazing shaving technology?

Now with Gillette Venus + Olay Exfoliating 5-blade razor, we ladies can get a smooth shave, moisturize our skin and experience a yummy Sugarberry scent while we're shaving!

Around both edges of the razor are Olay moisture bar strips. The combination of the thin razors and the moisturize bars meant that I had no dragging, pulling or discomfort while I shaved. As a matter of fact, it's so smooth, I had to check my skin a few times to see if the hair was actually being removed (and it was).

The Sugarberry scent (a bit like a strawberry/raspberry combination) contained in the gel around the razor is a nice bonus. It lingered a bit as I was shaving in the shower, but was very light and not too sweet or overwhelming. The Sugarberry is also present when the package is opened, but it's just the perfect little lift.

The razor also did a great job of moisturizing my skin and making it smooth to the touch when I was done - no razor bumps! If you're using on your legs in particular, this shape of the razor head and handle is perfect for maneuvering around the legs, calves, etc. I found that shaving cream was not really necessary, but it worked well with it as well.

And...speaking of legs - last week I also was invited to the Gillette Venus Bridal shower for model Chrissy Teigen (shown left), who is engaged to superstar singer, John Legend. Chrissy told us that she is obsessed with exfoliation, and she loves Venus’ 5-blade technology and built-in shave gel with the Olay Moisture Bars because it gently exfoliates and smooths the skin for the closest shave.

She's got legs for days - and yes the were smooth and perfect! - RLB

Go-->Gillette Venus + Olay Exfoliating Razor Kit with Cartridge, Sugarberry Scent, 1 kit

*This product was provided courtesy of Gillette Venus PR for reviewing purposes.

*Images provided by Gillette Venus PR

Natural Beauty Find - LaVanilla The Healthy Deodorant, Fresh Vanilla Lemon

noreply@blogger.com (Palacinka Beauty) — Wed, 22 May 2013 15:00:00 +0000

Have you given up on finding a natural deodorant that both smells great AND works to stop bad odors?

LAVANILA The Healthy Deodorant Fresh Vanilla Lemon is a fantastic option, and just in time for summer. This creamy stick deodorant goes on slightly wet, and dries to a fine dry powder. (Note: For best results I covered my entire underarm area well, but took care not to use TOO much, (as it can leave some white residue on clothes if you do, but this does come off easily).

The Fresh Vanilla Lemon scent is subtle, but uplifting and perfect for warmer weather. The combination of vanilla with lemon is sweet/tarte, but in a very clean, fresh way - think an "airy" version of lemonade. Since this is a deodorant, it does not prevent perspiration, but it does effectively block odor.

LAVANILA also carries this line of deodorants in small travel sizes, so that is an option to take with you in your makeup bag if you need to touch up on very hot days. - RLB

Go-->LAVANILA The Healthy Deodorant Fresh Vanilla Lemon 2 oz

*This product was provided courtesy of LAVANILLA PR for reviewing purposes.

2013 Billboard Music Awards Inspired Nail Art!

noreply@blogger.com (Palacinka Beauty) — Wed, 22 May 2013 12:00:00 +0000

Our friends at the hot L.A. and Tokyo-based MARS the Salon have given us great tips to share with you on how to create two nail art looks inspired by the recent 2013 Billboard Music Awards red carpet. - RLB

You can create a nail look that take a cue from Selena Gomez's sleek white gown which made a statement with pops of neon color.

- File your nails into desired shape.

- Apply nude or white polish as base coat. Using a precision brush, start at the base of the nail and draw straight lines to form a “V” shape with desired neon color.

- Alternate “V” shape from starting at the base of the nail to starting mid-nail.

- Apply top coat for added shine.

Miley’s head-to-toe checkered jumpsuit look definitely turned heads on the blue carpet. These nails have all the same fun details!

- To create this look file your nails into desired shape.

- Using white nail polish, draw a “half moon” shape at the base of the nail and fill in color to the top.

- Using a precision brush, apply gold litter polish along the dividing “half moon” shape. (Add gold rhinestones for added wow factor!)

- Use precision brush to draw horizontal and vertical lines on white section of the nail, alternating between gold glitter and black polish.

- Apply top coat for added shine.

*Images provided courtesy of MARS the salon.

Budget Beauty Find - mark Nailed It Trend Marrakesh Mini Nail Lacquers

noreply@blogger.com (Palacinka Beauty) — Tue, 21 May 2013 12:00:00 +0000

mark is taking us on a Moroccan adventure this summer with their latest Nailed It duos!

The limited edition Marrakesh Mini Nail Lacquers duo is such a pretty departure from the normal pinks, oranges and reds that tend to dominate the summer nail polish landscape this time of year.

Saffron (pictured on the right, above) is a true, shimmery opaque pale gold with two coats. Mint Tea (pictured on the left, above) is a stunning shimmery pale green with two coats.

The formula is creamy and easy to coat the nail beds with the short brushes. I got about 4 days of wear with a top coat before chipping.

As you can see from the second picture, the shades on the nails are shimmery but soft, so they act as a new alternative to a traditional pastel. Since they are mini sized (0.09 fl. oz. each), these are also what you'll want to throw in your weekend bag when you go out of town this summer.

I loved using the Mint on my fingers and the saffron on my toes, and also mixing one coat of mint tea with a coat of saffron over it for a golden-green effect. Let your imagination take over with these. Plus they're only $7! - RLB

Go-->Nailed It Trend Marrakesh Mini Nail Lacquers

*This product was provided courtesy of mark Cosmetics PR for reviewing purposes.

Stila's New Lip Pencils Pop in the Sun and Glow in the Dark!

noreply@blogger.com (Palacinka Beauty) — Mon, 20 May 2013 12:00:00 +0000

This guest post is courtesy of Thefind

Sometimes, I get the feeling that I was born a decade or so too late. I have an unexplainable love for 90s club music, I still regularly marathon all 11 seasons of "Beverly Hills, 90210," and I love me some 90s neons. Luckily, modern trends and beauty brands are intent on celebrating the inner raver girl in me (and others) who never truly got to come out to play when the 90s were in full force. Stila's After Glow Lip Pencils are a prime example.

Not only is the color palette totally electro-tastic and perfect for the summer season ahead, but Stila's creamy, buildable pencils are also glow-in-the-dark! Enriched with fluorescent pigments that help amplify their pigments, After Glow pencils pop in the sun and even glow under blacklight! Even if you don't have plans to hit the club scene any time soon, 90s gals can't help but be drawn to these super-saturated, moisturizing pencils! - Alexandra Gambardella

Drugstore Buy of the Week - Sally Hansen Complete Manicure, Mermaid Collection

noreply@blogger.com (Palacinka Beauty) — Fri, 17 May 2013 12:00:00 +0000

Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure, one of my favorite nail polish lines (mass or luxury), is back for summer 2013 with not one, not two but three incredible blue nail colors for summer.

Jaded, (shown left), is a beautiful light blue with touches of green. It has a pearl-ly effect and two coats gives it a shiny, iridescent feel.

Jungle Jem, (shown center), is a deep teal green with a cream finish and no shimmer. This is a sophisticated shade that's perfect for those of you who lean toward darker shades and want to lighten up a bit for summer.

Mermaid's Tail, (shown right), is for all you glitter polish addicts! This deep blue has multi-sized chunky glitter in teal and aqua. The effect is stunning when it hits the light during day time. With this formula, it's thick and creamy like the others, but in order to pack an even amount of glitter on nails, it's best to "press/pat" the polish on to the nail slowly with the brush.

Since these beauties contain base AND top coat already, once they dry - that's it. They last for over 5 days and keep their beautiful shine before any chipping on average. Other great features - a perfect cap with rubber around the ring that allows for easy openings, a wide, perfectly shaped brush which coats the entire nail bed quickly and easily, and of course the price (about $6).

If you can't decide between all three, rest assured that the trio also makes a very nice set to play with for nail art. You can try modern "French" nails with the light blue and mermaid on the tips, or do an ombre starting with the dark glitter on the thumbs and then adding the lighter blues on the other fingers. Of course these also make fun pedicures with great open toe heels. There are a lot of possibilities here! - RLB

Go--> Available at most drugstores and mass merchants nationwide.

*These products were provided courtesy of Sally Hansen PR for reviewing purposes.

Beauty Find - Dolce and GabbanaTrue Monica Collection

noreply@blogger.com (Palacinka Beauty) — Thu, 16 May 2013 12:00:00 +0000

Monica Bellucci is not only stunning, but an amazing actress known for her ability to transform into completely different beauty looks in the roles the takes on.

But Monica's signature look, especially on the red carpet, is smoldering smoky eyes and a soft, but defined lip.

That's why the latest Dolce and Gabbana collection, True Monica, is such a delight. For summer, Dolce and Gabbana decided to feature a more neutral/pink color palette that is flattering and very versatile at the same time.

True Monica features three lipsticks, an eye palette, an eyeliner shade, and a nail lacquer, created by genius creative-advisor to the brand, Pat McGrath.

My favorite lipstick, Gentle Monica (shown above), is the darkest new one, which is a dusty pink with a touch of brown which makes it work for a neutral/nude lip. The lipstick is very lightweight, but has a creamy smooth texture and a semi matte finish.

The Eyeshadow palette in Smoky is another gem in the collection. The four colors work with all skin tones and any kind of look you want to put together. There are two matte shades and two shimmers.

You can use the black (matte) /toasty-brown (fine shimmer) shades for lining or shadows and the champagne (matte) /oyster pink (fine shimmer) for highlighting or blending with the deeper shades. The textures are all creamy and very easy to blend and line with.

On any given day I reached for this glam quartet to create a simple or more sophisticated smoky eye look.

The Nail Lacquer in Gentle Monica is a slightly deeper version of the lip color and a beautiful update on a traditional pale pink nail. It's a cream (no shimmer) finish and as always, the formula is smooth, med-thick and streak free. One coat gives full opaque color, and two will add that extra dimension and shine. - RLB

Go-->Dolce and Gabbana Monica True Monica Collection

*These products were provided courtesy of Dolce & Gabbana PR for reviewing purposes.

Beauty Find - Napoleon Perdis Auto-Pilot Foundation Primer

noreply@blogger.com (Palacinka Beauty) — Thu, 16 May 2013 12:00:00 +0000

Napoleon Perdis Auto-Pilot Foundation Primer has been know as one of Napoleon's "hero" products in his line for years - there are people who absolutely swear by it.

And now I know why.

I finally got around to trying this great primer and although you'll see it's a bit more expensive than most primers - it's a perfect one for drier and more mature skins.

It's a creamy, silky white formula that goes on clear and contains vitamins, minerals and chamomile. This primer really did make a difference in how long my foundation stayed looking fresh, while making the drier parts of my skin feel nicely hydrated all day. It has a nice, light scent that dissipates quickly and it absorbs just as fast.

Even though I also applied a thin layer to my t-zone, it didn't cause any clogged pores or increase shine/oily breakthroughs. It really does it's job of giving the skin's surface a smooth, even surface for foundations/tinted moisturizers/bb or cc creams to go on smoothly and evenly. It also just felt so amazing and soothing going on! It was also an excellent eyelid primer for powder and cream shadows, by the way.

If you have combination skin, like me, then this will last you a bit longer, as you can apply just a thin layer on your drier areas if you choose. For very dry/mature skin about dime-sized amount is what's needed, so this will last most people at least a year or so, if not more.

If you need your makeup to LAST all day/into the night and you want to skin to feel pampered, this is the primer for you - go ahead and make the investment. - RLB

Go-->Napoleon Perdis Auto Pilot Pre-Foundation Primer, 1 ea *This stores carries the original (white tube) packaging, not the updated gold tube.

*This product was provided courtesy of Napoleon Perdis PR for reviewing purposes.

Beauty Find - Kiehls Skin Rescuer Stress-Minimizing Daily Hydrator

noreply@blogger.com (Palacinka Beauty) — Wed, 15 May 2013 15:00:00 +0000

Is your skin living a stressful life? If you have fine lines, dullness, redness, blotchiness, this may just be a sign that your environment is stressing out your skin!

Kiehl's Skin Rescuer Stress-Minimizing Daily Hydrator has been specifically formulated for dealing with stressed skin and contains ingredients which help the skin surface react to the aggressors in our daily environment.

Basically, when we are stressed, our skin reacts - and not well. Kiehl's hydrator has been formulated to calm and hydrate the skin, while also limiting the inflammatory response that results in skin irritation.

It seems that stress is actually responsible for 70-90% of skin aliments. Skin becomes stressed when the skin surface reacts to external aggressors - dryness, redness, blotchiness, dull appearance and pronounced lines could all be signs of skin stress. Kiehl's Hydrator contains ingredients like Rose Gallica Extract to limit the impact that stress has on the skin as well and Mannose, Squalane and a blend of unique ceramides to protect the skin barrier from future reactions. And to treat, calm and hydrate the skin, there is Chamomile Extract, Glycerin and Shea Butter.

So all of these ingredients sound great - how did they perform, you ask?

My skin felt and looked amazing after using am and pm. It was softer, smoother and had a really healthy, toned glow. The lotion felt silky and creamy going on, but absorbed very quickly with no greasy or oily feel or residue. My skin was hydrated on my drier areas and stayed that way even when I was in cold, dry air for the majority of the day. I also found it worked very well underneath makeup in lieu of or with a primer to keep my makeup also looking fresh and slightly "dewy" all day.

This hydrator is also perfect for those of you who battle blotchy, red cheeks/nose when dry or under stress, as it smooths and regulates skins tone for a much more improved look.

This is a great all-around hydrating product for a weekend get away and also a great unisex product for men and women! - RLB

Go--> Kiehls Skin Rescuer Stress-Minimizing Daily Hydrator

*This product was provided courtesy of Kiehl's PR for reviewing purposes

Beauty Find - Patyka BIOKALIFTIN Smoothing Revitalizing Toner

noreply@blogger.com (Palacinka Beauty) — Wed, 15 May 2013 12:00:00 +0000

Are you a regular toner user? If not, is it because you think, (or have heard) a toner doesn't really add any skin benefits and is a waste of time/money?

Well, I've found over the years, that a toner that has effective, proven ingredients combined with a gentle formula, can be worth it's weight in gold. Many skin care experts say that toners offer a final cleanse to the skin as well as clearing the skin for products (serums, lotions, etc.) to penetrate more effectively.

Patyka PATYKA BIOKALIFTIN Smoothing Revitalizing Toner is one of those toners that I say is not only a pure joy to use - but extremely effective for the skin.

It may also make you rethink any "I don't need a toner" stance you may have.

This toner, as it's name suggests, helps to smooth and bring a glow to the skin. It does that with the help of a healthy dose of hyaluronic acid in combination with botanical extracts like Orange Water, Oat and Mallow. This toner left my skin glowing, and healthy looking after applying with cotton pads after cleansing, both am and pm. The consistency is clear and water- like, and the fragrance is almost addicting! It's a combination of floral and slightly citrus notes, and very fresh and relaxing. This was one of the main features that drew me to using it each and every day. I also loved keeping it in the refrigerator for the instantly cooling effect around my eye area, but either room temperature or cold, it was smooth and soft going on my skin.

Patyka is a French luxury natural beauty brand that I've loved for several years, and is now in the US. Their packaging and design are luxurious, elegant and calming at the same time - it simply doesn't look or feel like anything else on the market to me, including other French skin care lines. The is a product that's a wonderful introduction to the Patyka line - you won't regret the investment! - RLB

Go-->;Patyka PATYKA BIOKALIFTIN Smoothing Revitalizing Toner - 5 fl oz

*This product was provided courtesy of Patyka PR for reviewing purposes.

Hair Care Find - Marchesa Parfum D'Extase Hair Mist

noreply@blogger.com (Palacinka Beauty) — Tue, 14 May 2013 12:00:00 +0000

Last Fall I shared with you how much I loved the glamorous fashion line, Marchesa's debut fragrance* MARCHESA PARFUM D'EXTASE Eau de Parfum.

That's why I was thrilled when I learned they had just created a new product in the line, the Hair Mist.

Everything that makes the Eau de Parfum fantastic - the warmth and sophisticated floral touches without the common sweetness, is here in the hair mist. It's just a touch lighter than the fragrance, which made it perfect for layering together the Parfum without feeling overwhelmed (or that I was overwhelming other people in a room!). There are just a few tweaks in the fragrance notes, but overall, the effect is very similar to that of the Parfum.

It left my hair soft without drying it out, making it hard/sticky or weighing hair down later in the day. With it's slim bottle, it's also easy to take with you to the office or for travel to refresh any time. It's still a very concentrated scent, so just a mist or two is all that's needed to refresh the hair and have the lovely scent last throughout the day. - RLB

*Click for my MARCHESA PARFUM D'EXTASE Eau de Parfum review.

Fragrance Notes:

Iris Flower, Freesia, Black Current, Young Violet Leaves, Lotus Flower, Night Blooming Jasmine, Bulgarian Rose Water, Orange Blossom, Iris Root, Ambrox, Captive Musks.

Go-->Marchesa Parfum D'Extase Hair Mist

*This product was provided courtesy of Marchesa PR for reviewing purposes.

Bed Head Mega Whip Provides Lightweight Texture Through Summer's Stickiest Weather

noreply@blogger.com (Palacinka Beauty) — Mon, 13 May 2013 12:00:00 +0000

This guest post is courtesy of Thefind

Got an insatiable sweet tooth? Well, unfortunately Bed Head's new Candy Fixations colllection isn't a recommended way to get your sugar fix, but it will give you the piece-y definition your hair has always craved! As the weather heats up, summer humidity is getting ready to work a number on your hair (which is even more of a drag when you actually go through the trouble of styling it in the morning!).

But the latest addition to TIGI's Bed Head collection won't let a wet hot summer get you down (or frizz you up)! Mega Whip gives lightweight, frizz-free definition and texture – whether you're rocking hair that's straight, curly, or wavy – without that heavy, stiff, or crunchy feeling. Moldable enough to re-shape and re-style as needed, with plenty of movement, Mega Whip is bound to be your hair savior – this summer and beyond! - Alexandra Gambardella

Impulse Buy of the Week - Yves St. Laurent Rouge Volupte Shine, Pink in Devotion

noreply@blogger.com (Palacinka Beauty) — Fri, 10 May 2013 12:00:00 +0000

Are you ready to trade up to tinted lip balm's big sister?

The beautiful gold Yves Saint Laurent tube tells you immediately that this is something worth holding. But more than that you should treat yourself to Rouge Volupte Shine , because it's ultra moisturizing -and now in one of the best pinks they've ever made, 6 Pink in Devotion.

The texture of this is featherweight - but oh so creamy and soft on the lips. With just a few swipes of Pink In Devotion, a flattering, slightly blue-based fuchsia pink just popped off my skin - making me smile instantly. The formula is also very moisturizing, which combined with the fact that the color still adheres well to the lips, is fabulous. The finish is shiny with just a faint layer of shimmer, which can be seen when the majority of the pink wears away. There is a scent, like with most of the YSL lip products, which is slightly fruity/melon, but dissipates fairly quickly if that's a concern for you.

The great benefit this lipstick has is that it's not sheer - there's a very nice level of pigment in it. But it's also not quite a full coverage product. This is perfect for summer months and on more laid back weekends when you want simple face makeup and a nice lip that doesn't need a lot of work during the day to maintain.

It never felt sticky and left a nice stain on my lips even after the majority of the shine had worn off after eating/drinking (and kept my lips moist the whole time!). For a color touch up, a quick swipe of the lipstick and my favorite new pink was back in full force. - RLB

Go-->Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Volupte Shine 6 Pink in Devotion

Beauty Find - The Pierre Hardy for NARS Collection

noreply@blogger.com (Palacinka Beauty) — Thu, 09 May 2013 15:00:00 +0000

The shoe designing genius that is Pierre Hardy has collaborated with NARS Cosmetics on one of their most beautiful collections yet!

There are graphic blushes and beautiful nail polish "duos" (like a pair of shoes complete with a box and "duster bag") that have exquisite packaging, design and color palettes.

Let's talk about two of my favorites from the collection...

The Boys Don't Cry blush (shown, above) is a stunner - isn't' it?

This blush is now 1 of my favorites when I need a quick pop of color. It's a very pigmented, vibrant coral red shade with a matte finish. The gold pattern you see is simply an over spray, so I found a bit of the gold blended in with the color to give my cheeks a bit of shimmer, but when I continued to blend, it became matte.

There are touches of red when the color was blended on my cheeks, which was very flattering. I also loved the soft, smooth texture which makes it extremely easy to blend. Since it's so pigmented, if you have a heavier hand, note you only need to dab the top of your brush into the pan to get more than enough color - even for darker skin tones.

The staying power was also fantastic - basically all day after applying it in the early morning. The OTHER great thing about this blush is the size - it larger than the classic NARS blushes - by more than double (.16oz vs .45oz). The other light peach blush shade in the collection is called Rotonde.

The Nail Polish Duos are also a fantastic idea. Two colors that you can play with for nail art - or simply switch up between you fingers and toes! There are six sets of nail polishes in all to choose from.

The packaging is inspired by Pierre's Hardy's own shoe boxes - they come in a little white box with the bottles facing in opposite directions (like shoes!), as well as that mini dust bag I mentioned earlier.

Vertebra, one of the Duo's is also in that Coral family like the Boys Don't' Cry blush - and was right up my ally.

The two shades are simply named "left" and "right". The left one is a medium pink/coral cream and the right one a beautiful dusty rose with a fair bit of brown - enough so that it made a very interesting, modern twist on "nude" for my nails/skin tone as it mimicked some of the brownness and undertones in my actual skin.

The textures of both polishes are creamy and medium weight. Two coats gave me a nice opaque, shiny finish with no streaking or patchiness. With top coat these polishes lasted a good 4-5 days before any chipping/wear.

By the way, NARS polishes retail for $19.00, and the set is $29.00, so it's also a fantastic deal and perfect for gift giving - or splitting with a girlfriend! - RLB

Go--> Pierre Hardy for NARS Collection

*These products were provided courtesy of NARS PR for reviewing purposes.

Fragrance Find - Strange Invisible Perfumes, The Rose with the Broken Neck

noreply@blogger.com (Palacinka Beauty) — Thu, 09 May 2013 12:00:00 +0000

Botanical perfumer Alexandra Balahoutis was inspired to create a new limited edition perfume for her Strange Invisible Perfumes line by a song.

And that song is: "The Rose With The Broken Neck" by Jack White and Danger Mouse*.

I've found that many of my favorite beauty products, product colors and fragrances often have names with make you wonder, smile, frown...or raise an eyebrow, but you always remember them.

This is one of those for me. But what is most striking about this scent is not the name nor the inspiration behind it.

It's how beautiful a rose scent this is.

If you're already a big rose fragrance fan - then this is the treat you need in your life. But this works even if you're not specifically a rose fan. The Rose With The Broken Neck is a very unique scent which has an intricate yet sensual development which makes it one that stayed with me.

The opening of the scent is a rose for certain - but one paired with a slightly sharp cognac note along with a bit of citrus from the Vetiver. As these two notes warmed up on my skin, the beautiful vanilla and spice came through, while still not overtaking the rose in any way. It remained warm, but still fairly light so it was never overbearing during the day. The dry down brought more of those cognac notes in and a slightly more pronounced rose, which was just so pleasant to have surrounding me.

I would say I got about 6 hours of wear before having to touch it up a bit, and it's a scent that tends to stay fairly close to the body, so it's doesn't announce itself in the room before you.

This is a true perfume lovers scent you'll never forget - like it's name. - RLB

Fragrance Notes:

rose, vanilla, nutmeg, palo santo, vetiver and white cognac

Go-->The Rose with the Broken Neck

This product was provided courtesy of Strange Invisible Perfumes PR for reviewing purposes.

*(Click below to listen to the mellow, haunting, trippy song, "The Rose With The Broken Neck" by Jack White and Danger Mouse that inspired the scent)

Beauty Innovation - You Smell Paper Soap

noreply@blogger.com (Palacinka Beauty) — Wed, 08 May 2013 15:00:00 +0000

Don't love the idea of washing your hands with the generic, drying bathroom soap in the office/airport/club/gym?

Why not bring your own!

Now you can with these ingenious (an amazing smelling!) sheet paper soaps from You Smell Soap company (How does the name grab you? I happen to love the wit!).

The sheets are housed in a thin case about the size of a business card. All you have to do it place a sheet in your dry hand, then add water and lather! Unlike some paper soaps

I've tried in the past, the lather in these sheets is creamy and thick and smells like a fresh juicy LEMON. The soap is also not super drying like some hand soaps can be. The actual sheets are paper thin and silky smooth.

The sheet simply dissolves into your hands and then you can rinse. Tip: Make sure you don't take out a sheet with WET hands as it will cause the sheets to stick together.

Another great plus? By stashing one of these in your bag, you'll get a nice lemon scent in with you all day when you reach in for something.

These soaps are made without parabens or phthalates, and also contains Allantoin, which protects skin from irritation, (these are safe for sensitive skin) and also make it feel soft, smooth, and healthy.

Brilliant! Order a pack or two for yourself and for some quick, easy beauty gifts for friends/family. - RLB

Each packet comes with 25 sheets.

Go-->You Smell Paper Soap, Lemon Verbena

*These products were provided courtesy of You Smell Soap PR for reviewing purposes.

Get The Look - Kerry Washington 2013 MET Ball

noreply@blogger.com (Palacinka Beauty) — Wed, 08 May 2013 12:00:00 +0000

I loved how actress Kerry Washington represented the recent 2013 MET Ball's theme of "Punk" by wearing a Vera Wang dress with a classic shape - and punk twist.

We got all the details on Kerry's beauty look from celebrity makeup artist, Carola Gonzalez, who was inspired with the stunning violets and black shades in the dress to create a bold, smoky eye. - RLB

Here's how Carola created the look using tarte cosmetics:

Complexion:

To begin, Carola prepped Kerry’s skin with tarte’s clean slate™ poreless 12-hr perfecting primer
Then she applied tarte’s Amazonian clay waterproof concealer in tan followed by tarte’s maracuja miracle 12-hour foundation in deep to even out Kerry’s complexion

Cheeks:

For the perfect pop of rosy color, Carola dusted tarte’s Amazonian clay 12-hour blush in natural beauty on the apples of her cheeks

Eyes:

To create a dramatic smoky eye, Carola used the purple and silver shadows from tarte’s beauty & the box Amazonian clay eyeshadow quad in envoke the smoke
Then she lined Kerry’s top and bottom lashlines with Aqualillies for tarte Amazonian clay waterproof liner in black to give her a punk edge
She finished by lining the lower inner rims with tarte’s lights, camera, lashes™ waterproof inner rim liner (out in July)
For extra definition she applied five coats of tarte’s lights, camera, lashes™ 4-in-1 mascara

Lips:

To complete her look, she swiped tarte’s glamazon™ pure performance 12-hour lipstick in pure over her lips

Hair Care Find - Miss Jessie's Pillow Soft Curls

noreply@blogger.com (Palacinka Beauty) — Tue, 07 May 2013 15:00:00 +0000

Curly haired curls know that one of the great things (and sometimes frustrating) is that curls can literally look different day to day (sometimes even within one day depending on the weather!).

Miss Jessie's is one of my go-to brands and one of recommend to all my readers and friends with naturally curly hair - no matter what type of curls they have.*

I was very excited by this new product from their line, Pillow Soft Curls, which is for when you want your curls to be "bigger and softer - but without any frizz".

One of the most interesting features of the product is the scent. It's a "fabric softener" fragrance. Now I happen to love fragrances that are like detergent/soap, so this may be a deal breaker for some of you, but the performance of the product is such that, I would give it a go even if you think you won't like the smell.

First, there are a few steps that must be followed in order to get the most out of the product and have your curls look their best. This product works very well on curls that are loose to medium 2B-3B* naturally. Starting with just a pea sized amount, work it into freshly washed/damp hair (not dry!). If you have very thick/long hair, then you can add more, lightly. This cream is very concentrated, so overusing it will result in crunchy or even frizzy hair, so please use a light touch (It also means you'll have this huge tube for a long time!). Please also note this in not a "anti-frizz" product, so you may want to also add a bit of a product to protect against frizz if you're in a very high humidity situation.

When hair is dry, curls are fluffy and springy, and much "rounder" and expanded in size, but without any frizz or weight from the product. Curls are soft and very smooth. The fragrance does linger during the day, but as I said, it's a really lovely, relaxing, freshly laundered sheets scent that worked for me, and my little "sporty spice" who loved how nice it made her 3A/B* curls look. - RLB

*Please refer to this great chart from our friends at NaturallyCurly on the curl classification system. http://www.naturallycurly.com/hair-types

Go--> Miss Jessie's Pillow Soft Curls

*This product was provided courtesy of Miss Jessie's PR for reviewing purposes.

Beauty Find - Laura Mercier Hydra Tint, SPF15

noreply@blogger.com (Palacinka Beauty) — Tue, 07 May 2013 13:30:00 +0000

It's very rare I fall in love with a tinted lip balm within the first few swipes, but
Laura Mercier HydraTint SPF 15 did exactly that for me.

My go to shade was Mocha Tint (shown, above), a sheer brown, with a bit of red. The balms have a light mint/orange flavor which I loved for a little pick me up. I also loved how creamy and smooth (but not oily) the balm was on my lips. It glided on like a dream.

The tint provided a great amount of moisture for me and kept dry lips at bay. The hint of color was just perfect. Three was enough pigment that the color showed through my lips, but the finish was light and slightly dewy, not overly shiny. While the shade did wear off after eating/drinking, I loved to dab a bit more on during the day to refreshen the color. However, since it really is a tint, even without any touchups, a good amount of the color did stay on my lips. It never bled or flaked during the day.

The shape and side of the tube and color bullet are also very nicely done. It's practically goof-proof to apply (with or without a mirror), so when you rushing out of the door in the morning, grab one of these to be perfectly put together in an instant!

Another great color when you want a true pop of classic color is the Laura Mercier HydraTint SPF 15 Crimson Tint (a natural, neutral sheer red, shown left. It is not as pink looking as this photo appears). This looks great on darker skin tones and would also set off fair skin tones without being too overbearing. If you're looking for an easy-to-wear red lip color by the way, this is the one.

The added sun protection also makes this a perfect color solution for summer and travel. It has both UVA/UVB and a SPF of 15. - RLB

Go-->Laura Mercier HydraTint SPF 15 Mocha Tint 1.2 oz
Go-->Laura Mercier HydraTint SPF 15 Crimson Tint 1.2 oz

*These products were provided courtesy of Laura Mercier PR for reviewing purposes.

Get The Look - Solange Knowles 2013 MET Ball

noreply@blogger.com (Palacinka Beauty) — Tue, 07 May 2013 11:40:00 +0000

Solange Knowles knocked it out of the park with this 60s-glam-meets-ethnic print look for the 2013 MET Ball last night in New York City.

The look was created by celebrity makeup artist Benjamin Puckey for NARS Cosmetics.

Puckey gave us the scoop on his beauty inspiration for the look.

"I really focused on a strong eye with punk influences for Solange’s look. The smoky eye gave an edge to the whole look, which is very much what she’s into right now – a smoky eye with lots of lash. We felt it complemented the dress so well because of the black and blue print and chose a nude lip to keep the focus on the eye." says Puckey. - RLB

Here are the Key NARS products used:

(From left to right) Ubangi Eye Paint (NEW for Fall 2013: Available September 1; for now try Dark Rite Soft Touch Shadow Pencil) | Brumes Duo Eyeshadow

Het Loo Satin Lip Pencil

All products, except where noted, are available at narscosmetics.com.

Bliss Helps Us Tell Facial Hair to "Fuzz Off"

noreply@blogger.com (Palacinka Beauty) — Mon, 06 May 2013 12:00:00 +0000

This guest post is courtesy of Thefind

My one-quarter Italian heritage has manifested itself through my undying love of food, the tendency to talk with my hands, a mouthful of a last name, and more than my fair share of unwanted body hair. For the most part, I've been able to keep that last part under control (at least said body hair is mostly blonde), but not without a considerable amount of hard work, patience, and lots of time set aside for shaving. Considering I have an extremely low pain tolerance, permanent methods of hair removal have made me wary of most laser procedures and waxing parlors, but bad experiences experimenting with hair removal creams and bleaching kits in the past have also made me cower from most pain-free alternatives, too!

However, now that I'm older, wiser, and just plain exhausted with the extra effort required to groom myself, Bliss' new "Fuzz Off" Facial Hair Removal cream has me curious about giving depilatory creams another try. The one-step, fresh-scented cream won't burn your nostrils like other hair removal creams, and the textured tip makes gentle fuzz removal seem and feel like a total cinch. After all, Bliss products have spared me from plenty of expensive spa trips in the past, so the fact that they're a trusted brand makes me feel better about diving back into the experimentation pool! Have you tried Bliss' new Fuzz Off cream? Let us know your thoughts in the comments! - Alexandra Gambardella

Drugstore Buy of the Week - L’Oreal Color Riche Balm Versailles Romance Collection, Sundays by the Seine

noreply@blogger.com (Palacinka Beauty) — Fri, 03 May 2013 12:00:00 +0000

L'Oreal Color Riche Balms have always been a favorite of many of my fellow beauty blogger/beauty editor buddies, but it wasn't until I spotted this L’Oreal Color Riche Balm Versailles Romance collection in my local drugstore that I was COMPELLED to have one.

Two as a matter of fact....

As you can see, the collection is a very pretty take on spring pastels, with balms and their matching shaded cases in, as shown from left to right in the display: Pink-Rose 946 Provence Romance, Butter Yellow (949 Bijoux Bijoux Bijoux), Baby Blue (945 Sundays by the Seine, shown a the top closed, and to the left, open) Coral-Peach (948 Laze In The Maze), Pale Baby Pink 950 Come To My Window and Sheer Violet 947 Legally Regal. Sundays by the Seine was my first, and then I later went back and picked up Bijoux ,Bijoux, Bijoux and Provence Romance.

While only the 2 pinks/coral/violet actually leave a sheer color on the lips, the texture and finish of these balms are fantastic all around. Note: The Yellow and Blue have a clear, but dewy finish - and they are so CUTE!

They felt incredible going on my lips. As a matter of fact, they are some of the smoothest, buttery soft (but not greasy!) balms I've every tried.

I was also impressed with the continuous moisture on my lips throughout the day. It was never heavy or sticky, and the actual colored shades leave the perfect light sheer amount of color on your lips. They are scented with a lovely, subtle Carmel blend and I also liked how sophisticated the tube packaging looks.

I've been carrying mine every day since I picked them up and love pulling them out of my bag and watching fellow beauty lovers ask me what they are! - RLB

Go> Available for a limited time in most national drugstores - Hurry and get yours...

*Image credit, RL Baranja

Fragrance Find - Laundry by Shelli Segal Perfume

noreply@blogger.com (Palacinka Beauty) — Thu, 02 May 2013 12:00:00 +0000

Los Angeles based fashion brand Laundry by Shelli Segal is known for their great dresses which are sexy yet still work for the office and after work fun. They've recently launched their debut fragrance is it's the prefect expression of the brand - and a great choice for spring/summer.

The fragrance, created by perfumer Clement Gavarry, was inspired by a fun scent that took it's cue from a "cocktail" infused with fresh mandarin, plum and guava.

While this is categorized as a floral chypre, my first impression upon applying it was very fruity - but light and sparking. It really did give me a nice impression of the plum and guava in particular, were very prominent on my skin. This makes it a great choice for those of you who lean more towards sweeter, fruiter scents, especially in warmer weather.

However, what really made me take notice was how this scent developed over the course of the day. After the initial hour or so, the fruitiness quieted down quite a bit, and the beautiful light florals (orange blossom, peony) took over. It was almost as if the sent completely changed on me, and I loved the direction it took. The floral notes stayed with me quite a while more during the day.

Then the dry down was yet another nice surprise.

It became very woodsy and warm with the sandalwood, amber and musk notes, but it remained very soft and almost "creamy" in feel. Again, it was as if the scent changed completely yet again. The dry down was absolutely amazing and had a staying power that took me into the early evening.

If you're looking for a fun fruity - floral - that develops into something even more interesting and sensual, this is the fragrance for you. - RLB

Fragrance Notes:

Top: mandarin, plum, guava leaf,

Middle: peony, orange blossom, osmanthus,

bottom: sandalwood, patchouli amber and musk.

Go--> LordandTaylor.com, Boscov’s and over 50 duty free airport boutiques across the country.

*This product was provided courtesy of Shelli Segal Laundry PR for reviewing purposes.

Nail Polish Find - Paul and Joe Nail Enamel in Rio (035)

noreply@blogger.com (Palacinka Beauty) — Wed, 01 May 2013 12:00:00 +0000

I've long admired the unique products and colors that French fashion brand Paul and Joe have created over the years (those cat-shaped lipstick/cream blush heads are hands down one of my all time favorites!)

This year, as part of their Summer 2013 Collection they have added 4 new nail colors that you'll love.

My favorite in the collection is one that will look great on fingertips - or toes, Rio (#035). This is a very rich, very shiny orange toned red with a touch of coral (it's brighter than the photos shown). It's a perfect way to transition from red nails into a lighter, but equally as high impact of a color for spring/summer.

The polish is very creamy and smooth, but 2 coats were needed to match the shade in the bottle. The lasting power of the polish, in conjunction with a top coat was very good - at least 4-5 days before any chipping at all.

And that bottle design! So cute, so beautiful and retro all at the same time - it just makes me smile every time I use it...you'll want to collect more shades just to see them all together on your shelf/vanity/drawer. - RLB

Go--> These will be available in the US May 1st. Online locations to purchase will be updated.

*Product Photo courtesy of Selfridges.com

Nail Polish Find - Deborah Lippmann Candy Shop Nail Polish

noreply@blogger.com (Palacinka Beauty) — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 12:00:00 +0000

If this polish doesn't say FUN! I don't what does....

Candy Show is a (sheer) pink with really large, multi-shaped, large, chunky glitter which gives the amazing effect of a donut or cupcake with sprinkles.

I found the best way to apply this is to "press" the polish on to my nails during each coat, rather than brush it on - and then let dry completely before adding the next one. The polish has a nice texture and is smoother than it would appear given the level of glitter. If you apply 3 coats the pink will be opaque.

This is perfect when you just want something fun and different, and it's perfect for young girls/teens for a cute (and crazy!) school look.

Note: This polish takes a bit of effort to remove the traditional way. I highly recommend this video to learn a great trick for easily removing glitter nail polish. - RLB

Go-->Deborah Lippmann Candy Shop Nail Polish