Palacinka Beauty Blog

Drugstore Buy of the Week - St. Ives Naturally Clear Green Tea Cleanser

noreply@blogger.com (Palacinka Beauty) — Fri, 25 May 2012 11:00:00 +0000

This week's drugstore buy is perfect for those of you with oily, acne prone skin as well as combination (men too!).

Naturally Clear Green Tea Cleanser St.Ives is not only inexpensive, but a wonderful cleanser that sweeps away makeup effortlessly and without irritation, helps clear present acne, calms and tones skin and keeps the "oilies" at bay.

The green cleanser has a liquid-gel hybrid consistency which felt so soft and smooth on my skin - I really loved massaging it in as I used it. It lathers nicely and has a fresh green tea/floral scent. It also contains some salicylic acid which helps with the acne clearing part.

After rinsing, my skin felt fresh, toned, but not tight and I could see that was not irritated or dried out in my drier areas like my cheeks. It's also very concentrated and not much is needed to cleanse, so it's an even better bargain because this will last several months - even using 2x day. Yay! - RLB

Go-->Naturally Clear Green Tea Cleanser for Unisex By St.Ives, 6.75 Ounce

*This product was provided courtesy of St.Ives for reviewing purposes.

Beauty Find - Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream

noreply@blogger.com (Palacinka Beauty) — Thu, 24 May 2012 11:00:00 +0000

I've recently starting writing about some of the BB (Beauty Balm) Creams that I've discovered, but none of them have come from the Drugstore isle - until now .

Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream has everything you would want in one, plus, the range has a darker shade which works well for those of you with more deep brown tones.

Like many other BB Creams, Dream Fresh provides quite a few benefits like: coverage, SPF 30, hydration, sheer tint and skin brightening.

The first thing I noticed was how lightweight, yet concentrated the cream was. Less than a pea's worth was needed to cover my entire face. It worked well applying with my hands as well as a foundation brush.

This is a BB Cream that gives a glowing finish with enough coverage to make it comparable to a medium coverage tinted moisturizer. If you like the feeling of "no makeup" but something that does give your skin some enhanced coverage, then this may be the BB Cream for you!

I found it gave me a nice amount of everyday coverage, glowy (not shiny) finish, hydration and did diffuse minor discolorations/under eye circles, so there was no need for concealer on most days. Because it adds lightweight hydration, this could be used with a hydrating primer if you have very dry skin, but otherwise I found it to be perfect for normal/combination skin.

This is a great product for hot summer days coming, and if you like a more natural look, but still with a bit of polish. The shade I used was Deep Sheer Tint (it looked more orange than my complexion out of the tube) but once I applied it to my skin it was a perfect match since it's designed to adjust to your skin tone. There are 5 shades in all to choose from. You're going to love this one! - RLB

Go-->Available in drug and mass merchant stores in July

*This product was provided courtesy of Maybelline for reviewing purposes.

Beauty Find - Omorovicza Copper Peel

noreply@blogger.com (Palacinka Beauty) — Wed, 23 May 2012 11:00:00 +0000

If you want to experience a luxurious little miracle with your skin (in under 5 minutes) then you'll want to keep reading about my experience with Omorovicza Copper Peel.

The peel combines Copper gluconate to purify the skin and regulate the production of sebum, sodium bicarbonate and lactic acid to refine and smooth the skin to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and their Mineral Cosmetology, to smooth the complexion, encouraging collagen production for immediate radiance.

There are two components to the peel, the aqua blue copper peel paste and the lactic acid activator, which are both housed in individual plastic ampoules.

It was super easy to use. I simply applied the copper peel paste (about 1/2 tube*), next I applied the activator (also about 1/2 tube) and then I massaged in a circular motion for 2 minutes. To finish, I rinsed off with warm water and the results were fantastic. The very first time I used it I could immediately see how much softer, smoother and more glowing my skin was. It works wonders for clogged pores and especially the t zone area for me.

It didn't sting or irritate my skin. I now use about 1-2 times a week and my skin has never looked better. Because it's such an easy mask to do, it's perfect for perking up skin in the morning before work or a flight, as well as before going out at night for a bit of an extra glow before applying makeup. - RLB

*Note: Since you cannot put the cap back on the plastic tubes, I recommend putting the unused portions of the tubes in very small zip lock bags until your next use to avoid leakage and drying out.

Go-->Omorovicza Copper Peel

*This product was provided courtesy of Omorovicza for reviewing purposes.

Men's Fragrance Find - Dolce & Gabanna The One Sport

noreply@blogger.com (Palacinka Beauty) — Tue, 22 May 2012 11:00:00 +0000

Dolce & Gabbana The One Sport the third, and newest Dolce & Gabbana The One Flanker was created for the "sportier" man who wants a fresh - but not overpowering scent.

It lingers subtly throughout the day after a sport session, workout, etc. The One Sport Spray is understated and very crisp. It retains some of the notes from the original, but the sport version has a more "watery, oceanic" feel overall - and in particular in the opening notes.

It's fresh and very light, but still has an elegance to it that also makes it ideal for everyday wear e.g. after working out and returning to the office or out to dinner, etc. The dry down is a bit more spicy but still light, with notes of heart of cardamom and Sequoia wood as well as Patchouli and musk.

This makes a fantastic gift for the active man in your life or for that active Dad for Father's Day next month! - RLB

Fragrance Notes:

Top notes: aquatic notes, rosemary

Heart: cardamom, sequoia

Base: patchouli, musk

Go-->Dolce & Gabbana The One Sport size:3.3 oz concentration: Eau de Toilette formulation:Spray

*This product was provided courtesy of Dolce & Gabbana for reviewing purposes.

Tom Ford's Giant Bronzer For a Faux Glow That'll Last a Lifetime!

noreply@blogger.com (Palacinka Beauty) — Mon, 21 May 2012 11:00:00 +0000

This guest post is courtesy of Thefind

...Don't hold me to that "last a lifetime" bit, but seriously – this bronzer compact is so big, even the most avid fake-bakers will have a hard time getting through it by the end of the summer season! Tom Ford's extra-large Terracotta Bronzing Powder palette is more like its own clutch than your typical throw-it-in-your-purse sized compact, but that's part of its appeal. Of course, a bigger a surface area makes room for a super-sized brush, so it's perfect for bronzing your whole body for a luxurious all-over glow, mastering a more even facial faux-tan, or just serving as a seriously stunning vanity topper. Considering it's Tom Ford – and a limited-edition, super-sized item – naturally it's a bit pricey at £65 from Harrod's (that's approximately $104.34 for us American ladies!), but it hardly skimps on product. While the powder itself looks dark in the compact, it applies with a sheer, luxurious finish with just the right amount of golden shimmer without verging on glittery! -

Alexandra Gambardella Announcing the launch of Glimpse by TheFind – a new socially-curated shopping experience!

Drugstore Buy of the Week - Clear Scalp and Hair Therapy, Ultra Shea

noreply@blogger.com (Palacinka Beauty) — Fri, 18 May 2012 11:00:00 +0000

Last week I tweeted while at the launch event for Clear Scalp and Hair Therapy that they had just unveiled one of my fave models, Heidi Klum as their spokespersons.

Well, there's a lot more to report about this line. Clear Scalp and Hair Therapy actually has a main line and then two more lines extension - one for men, and another, called Ultra Shea. Ultra Shea was developed to care for the scalp AND hair care needs of women with both relaxed and natural (and very curly hair).
Celebrity hairstylist (and a true pleasure to speak to!), Oscar James, is one of the hairstylists tapped by the Clear brand to represent the line.

James has tons of experience to draw upon since he had a track record of working in the industry for over 15 years. In that time, he has amassed a client list of supermodels and celebrities such as Iman, Vanessa Williams, Tyra Banks, Halle Berry, Beyonce and more. His work can be seen on many magazine covers and editorial pages. The entire line, including the Ultra Shea, is based around the idea that 99 percent of hair health comes from the scalp. He worked with the Clear team to create a line of products using this as a basis for hair that was naturally drier, chemically processed and have drier scalp symptoms.

While the main range’s five different shampoo and conditioner duos target different scalp concerns, including color damage, daily maintenance, volume, weakness, and dryness, the Ultra Shea line has 4 key products which address scalp health, dryness, hair breakage, shine, all while avoiding heavy buildup.

I tested some of the products from the line for which Oscar also showed all of us the final results with on a hair model at the event.

I started with the Clear Scalp and Hair Therapy Cleanse & Nourish Shampoo, Ultra Shea The product was lightweight, silky in feel, freshly scented and cleansed well, all while actually making my scalp also more hydrated (It's formulated with Nutrium 10™ Moisture Lock system, a rich blend of shea butter and natural oils, including vitamin E, sunflower, coconut, almond, soybean, argan, and palm).

The shampoo made my hair soft and smooth and stayed feeling that way after rinsing. Next up was the Clear Scalp and Hair Therapy Smooth & Nourish Conditioner, Ultra Shea which also was creamy, thick and had a whipped like texture. It also had a very fresh, light scent and I could also feel the difference not only in the softness of my hair, but also my scalp after rinsing. The conditioner left no sticky, greasy residue or a heavy feel on my hair.

The third product is the Clear Scalp and Hair Therapy Nourishing Scalp & Hair Oil, Ultra Shea which can be used in a variety of ways - it can be massaged into the scalp for additional hydration and hair shine which is perfect for braided/natural/kinky hair types, used just on the ends along with a heat styling which is great for curly or relaxed hair, or just used a final shine after blowing or letting air dry.

What I loved about the oil was how moisturizing it was, but not greasy in the least, since it absorbed into my hair instantly. It didn't feel heavy or weigh the hair down, and also had that nice scent.

This is a great line that fills a niche in the drugstore ethnic hair care needs and should be a staple for those of you with relaxed, natural or very curly hair that tends to be dry/prone to breakage with a dry scalp. And all at a great price of around $5.99 each! - RLB

Go--> Clear Scalp and Hair Therapy Cleanse & Nourish Shampoo, Ultra Shea
Go--> Clear Scalp and Hair Therapy Smooth & Nourish Conditioner, Ultra Shea
Go-->Clear Scalp and Hair Therapy Nourishing Scalp & Hair Oil, Ultra Shea

*These products were provided courtesy of Clear Hair for reviewing purposes.

15 Smart Beauty Tricks for Spring

noreply@blogger.com (Palacinka Beauty) — Thu, 17 May 2012 15:00:00 +0000

This guest post is by Karen Tina Harrison for Completely You

Who wants to be high-maintenance? “Women today are too busy for labor-intensive, fussy beauty looks that are time-consuming and complicated,” says celebrity makeup artist Pat McGrath. This season, these smart and thrifty beauty tricks help you economize while you glamorize.

Extend your color between salon sessions. Brunettes can banish annoying gray roots with a flick of waterproof mascara. Use brown mascara instead of black -- unless your locks are raven.
Hydrate skin with “natural oils like grape seed, jojoba and sweet almond. Apply them head-to-toe to keep your skin soft and smooth,” says Janice Cox, author of Natural Beauty at Home. Uses include bath oil, body lotion, eye makeup remover, cuticle cream and hair gloss.
Augment your beauty with a perfect smoky-eye look cost-free by repurposing your darkest powder shadow. Mix in a few drops of water to create a creamy consistency; line lids with a brush or sponge-tip applicator. A second coat adds emphasis.
Designer gift-ribbons make fashionable, fun hair accessories. Try wrapping a ribbon around a ponytail, plaiting into braids or tying on as a hair band (best anchored with bobby pins).
Work some homemade body glitter when you’re showing decolletage. Apply rich lotion to your skin, and then pat or brush on a subtle sprinkle of sheer, sparkly eye shadow.
Save nail polish. We all hate throwing away a half-full bottle of nail color that has thickened. Stop! Add a bit of polish thinner to renew the texture. (A small bottle of thinner will last for years.) Another smart beauty trick: Store your lacquer in the fridge to keep it fresher, says Jin Soon Choi of Jin Soon Natural Hand and Foot Spa in New York City.
Max out on your hair conditioner and leave it on for more than a minute. Shave your legs, wash your body and do your other shower stuff, then rinse out conditioner. The result: a shiny finish that lasts for days.
A seemingly used lipstick is actually still viable. There’s about a third of the fill deep in the tube, in fact. Scoop it out with a toothpick, slim lip brush or cotton swab. Apply as is or mix with a dot of petroleum jelly to form lip gloss.
For a new lease on your fragrance life, try mixing. Haul out the perfumes you’re tired of, and then make like a scientist: beauty division. Use a small funnel to experiment and mix two, or even three, scents.
Get a sexy wavy-hair look without a visit to the salon. Mist your hair and make six to eight braids, starting high on your scalp. Either sleep in them or blow-dry, finger-comb and spray. You’ll have more waves than a surfing tournament.
The fragrance strips that come in magazines and store catalogues make sense as sachets. Cut them out, fold back to expose the scented side, and fasten with tape. Stash in your drawers, luggage and shoes.
If you use foundation, you don’t have to spring for concealer. Drip one drop of foundation onto a flat, nonabsorbent surface, such as your countertop. Let it evaporate and thicken for five minutes, then dab on a la concealer.
You don’t need to pony up for blush, either. Lipstick makes an excellent cream blush if you use a light touch with a non-frosted rose or peach shade.
Give your hands and feet a home spa treatment every week or two, says Choi. Before bedtime, scrub your hands using a loofah and scrub cream. Then coat your hands and feet in body lotion or petroleum jelly, pull on cotton socks or gloves and let your digits soften. Hottubworks.com offers top quality hot tub covers and spa covers.
Get whiter teeth painlessly and procedure-free. Look for naturally whitening toothpaste that is accepted by the American Dental Association. Some brands can remove 80 percent of tooth stains in just two weeks. Nothing beats a flawless smile!

Got more beauty tips? Share them below!

More on how to get beautiful white teeth on the cheap from our sponsor

Karen Tina Harrison was the beauty director of Sassy Magazine, and has consulted for a variety of beauty companies. She covers lifestyle topics for publications including The New York Times, Glamour and About.com.

Beauty Find - Maybelline The Mega Plush by Volum’ Express Mascara

noreply@blogger.com (Palacinka Beauty) — Thu, 17 May 2012 11:00:00 +0000

The Maybelline Volum' Express Mascara series are fantastic products at very wallet friendly prices. Their latest gem, The Mega Plush by Volum’ Express Mascara, will officially hit stores next month (but you may see it on shelves now in certain areas). But I’ve got your sneak peek right here!

This mascara is the first gel-mousse formula and believe me it DOES make a big difference. I loved how smooth and soft the mascara felt on my lashes when I applied it. I found that it gave me great volume, length and very pretty separation - but still looked natural. There's also a nice volume at the base of the lashes. The brush is tapered on both ends with fullness in the middle I would say in terms of lash effect this gives a perfect day time glamour enhancement, but it's not for a extremely long/lush finish.

It's a non-clumpy formula that doesn't flake run or make the lashes hard or crunchy after it dries. As a matter of fact, after drying my lashes were soft and flexible and very lightweight. Because it's a flexible wand with nylon bristles there's a bit of bounce when applying it, but still has enough structure in the wand to allow for reaching inner/outer corners as well as bottom lashes. The tube and brush design also dispensed the perfect amount of mascara for each coat so I never had to wipe or clean the brush before applying.

The pretty blue/pink packaging is also pretty cute too! - RLB

Go-->Available now in selected drugstore and mass merchants such as Target. It will officially launch nationwide in June.

*This product was provided courtesy of Maybelline for reviewing purposes.

Wake up More Beautiful: 5 Bedtime Beauty Tips

noreply@blogger.com (Palacinka Beauty) — Wed, 16 May 2012 11:00:00 +0000

This guest post is by Elena Donovan Mauer for Completely You

The past few weeks, I’ve written about a bunch of common beauty mistakes we make -- in the morning, in the shower, with our makeup and throughout the day. And now here’s my last post in this beauty tips series, taking you -- appropriately -- to the end of the day. Here’s what to do every night to ensure you wake up beautiful.

Bedtime Beauty Tip No. 1: Always wash up.
I’m guilty of skipping this step -- and I’ve got to stop! Sweat, dirt, makeup, the day’s grimeys … all of that sits on our face at night, clogging our pores and aging our skin. So use a gentle facial cleanser and lukewarm water before going to bed, and follow up with a mild toner. (I will too. Pinky swear.)

Bedtime Beauty Tip No. 2: Never sleep with your hair in a ponytail.
No matter how exhausted you are, it’s important not to leave your hair elastics in, because they can cause breakage. If you want to avoid morning tangles, try sleeping on a satin pillowcase. It’s easier on both your hair and your face.

Bedtime Beauty Tip No. 3: Brush and floss every night.
If you skip the dental care at night, you’re not just in for a huge lecture at your next dental cleaning; you might actually be making yourself look older too. Brushing removes stains between and around your teeth, and you’ve got to floss too: Poor gum care can cause your gums to recede, making your teeth look longer -- and you older!

Bedtime Beauty Tip No. 4: Let your feet breathe.
Keeping your feet in socks may keep them feeling toasty, but it also creates a moist environment where foot fungus can breed. Yikes!

Bedtime Beauty Tip No. 5: Get your beauty sleep.I know you really want to stay up to catch “Chelsea Lately” tonight, but beauty sleep is no myth. Your skin needs time to heal and restore and get its glow back on.

Got more bedtime beauty tips and tricks? Share them below or tweet me @Completely_You

Photo: @iStockphoto.com/chrisgramly

Elena Donovan Mauer is Completely You’s beauty and lifestyle blogger. She has written for Self, The Knot and iVillage, and is the co-author of two books on relationships, The Good Girl's Guide to Living in Sin and Have Sex Like You Just Met ... No Matter How Long You've Been Together.

Stick Blushes For The Perfect Flush On The Go!

noreply@blogger.com (Palacinka Beauty) — Tue, 15 May 2012 11:00:00 +0000

This guest post is courtesy of Thefind

I never used to be much of a blush girl; my morning routine back in my acne-ridden high school years usually consisted mainly of just trying to cover up all my natural rosiness and unsightly redness with plenty of foundation. Now that I can actually afford to let my skin breathe by taking it easy on the coverup, I'm all about accentuating my skin tone with the right bronzers and blushes, and I often find myself feeling naked if I forget and leave the house without some color on my cheeks! Luckily, some of our favorite blushes – both high-end brands and their more accessible lookalikes – are making the perfect summer flush even easier to achieve for the busy gal, in the form of stick blushes.

Forget the fluffy brushes and fragile compact powders (not to mention the effort required to apply and blend seamlessly) – these cream and gel-based formulas sweep on easily by allowing you to apply directly onto the skin or with your fingers for a lightweight, summer-friendly finish! Pictured above: Shiseido Accentuating Color Stick, Charlotte Ronson Double-Ended Blush & Bronzer Cream Stick, NYX Stick Blush, Bonne Bell Blush 'n Go Cheek Stick, and NARS The Multiple Blush. - Alexandra Gambardella

TheFind is excited to announce the launch of Glimpse by TheFind – a new socially-curated shopping experience!

Mother's Day Beauty Find - Lancome Color Design Pink Safari Palette

noreply@blogger.com (Palacinka Beauty) — Fri, 11 May 2012 11:00:00 +0000

If your Mother, (or a friend/relative who is a mom) is a real makeup fan, gift her this Lancome Color Design Pink Safari Palette and she'll be happy all Spring/Summer long!

All the shades are beautiful, very pigmented and creamy with three having just a touch or sparkle (top row) , and the other three a bit more (bottom row). The six shades range from subtle beige and champagne to golden pink, orange, bronze-y rose and rich copper.

The flattering colors in this Summer 2012 collection are inspired by the desert sun and some of the best shades I've seen from Lancome recently. With the selection of shades it's very easy to create both and day and night looks. The shadows work both wet and dry, so with an angled eyeshadow brush the deepest shade can double as a liner.

The finish on the shadows is beautiful - a luminous, pearly glow. Once applied the shadows stay in place for most of the day/night (primer will improve the wear if needed). - RLB

Go-->Available at Lancome Counters nationwide and Lancome.com

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

Beauty Find - Kate Somerville Moisture Milk Cleanser

noreply@blogger.com (Palacinka Beauty) — Thu, 10 May 2012 11:00:00 +0000

It takes a product like the new Kate Somerville Moisture Milk Cleanser to remind me every so often that not all cleansers are alike - not by a long shot.

I am in love with this cleanser because not only was it extremely effective in cleansing my face and removing all traces of makeup, it was also gentle and toning for my skin.

As the name implies, it has a creamy, smooth slightly thick texture and it melted immediately into my skin creating a bit of an oily base before becoming creamy and sudsy with continued massaging of my skin while cleansing.

As with all of Kate's products, there are a lot of very powerful and effective ingredients in this - natural plant extracts, as well as Orange peel which naturally works to cleanse exfoliate and brighten the complexion. I also loved the natural and soft orange scent of the cleanser as I removed my makeup in the evenings especially.

I removed the cleanser it in either of two ways: wiping off with a cloth (which is how it is designed to work) or by rinsing off with water. For those with very dry skin the wiping off method will be most hydrating to finish with. My skin looked fresh, healthy and glowing afterwards - with no irritation, dryness or residue.

This is a cleanser that's concentrated and effective enough to justify the cost and you'll enjoy using daily. - RLB

Go-->http://www.katesomerville.com/kateceuticals-moisture-milk-cleanser/

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

Reader Giveaway! - Cover Girl 24HR Lash Blast Mascara

noreply@blogger.com (Palacinka Beauty) — Wed, 09 May 2012 15:00:00 +0000

Congratulations to our winners: Stephanie H., Jennifer N. and Patricia V. !

We are offering 3 of our Palacinka Beauty Blog readers one of the best long wearing/volumizing mascara's on the market - Cover Girl 24 Hour Last Blast Mascara.

The latest from the LashBlast collection, this mascara which has gotten raves reviews from makeup artists like Pat McGrath for it's ability to create bold, intense volume and a blast of lush, volumized lashes that last up to 24 Hours!

LashBlast 24HR gives you "look at me" lashes that will get you noticed around the clock! - RLB

To Enter:

1. Simply send an e-mail to: palacinkabeauty@gmail.com with "Lashblast 24" in the subject line.

2. Include your: Name, Address, Telephone

That's It! Entries will be accepted until the deadline, Friday May 11, 2012 at 12Midnight EST.

Rules: One entry per person please. Open only to US residents.

My DIY Beauty Adventures: Oatmeal Mask

noreply@blogger.com (Palacinka Beauty) — Wed, 09 May 2012 11:00:00 +0000

This guest post is by Marisa Belger for Completely You

When I gave birth to my son four years ago, he not only kick-started my days as a genuine adult, but he launched me into a new skin care category. After a lifetime of coasting by with blissfully normal skin -- not too parched, not too greasy, rarely a pimple, nary a wrinkle -- I was now officially dry.

This was not your average epidermal dehydration. My skin was arid -- a desert landscape. I searched desperately for the balm that would soothe my thirsty face, quickly discovering that the usual lotions and creams would not cut it. I looked for potions primarily composed of oil -- the greasier, the better. My skin hungrily sucked up avocado oil, coconut oil and olive oil. I’d wake up, agitated and anxious, from dreams in which I’d been caught raiding the refrigerator butter compartment, swiping sticks across my forehead and under-eye area, leaving buttery fingerprints all over the kitchen.

After a few years of this, I discovered the facial mask. I was elated to add this step to my moisturizing regimen. Hydrating masks, applied diligently once or twice a week, played a key role in taming the dryness that threatened to take me over. Buying these masks was easy … and expensive. My skin care budget was already embarrassingly high (soft and supple skin doesn’t come cheap), so I recently decided to take matters into my own hands … and into my own pantry.

I started with oatmeal. Skin care aficionados know that oats are supremely moisturizing and incredibly gentle. Oats do much more than fill hungry bellies. Empowered by DIY pride, I set about making my own oatmeal and honey mask. I experimented with an oatmeal mask for three weeks, applying a mask each week. The result? Softer, smoother skin that’s no longer insatiably thirsty. And it’s practically free!

Here’s how to do it:

1. Start with rolled oats. The quick or instant kind can’t stand up to manipulation.
2. Quickly blast oats in a food processor or blender to get oat flour that can be easily combined with other ingredients.
3. Add a couple of tablespoons of honey to 1/2 cup of oat flour. Honey, a natural antioxidant, is supremely sticky and supremely soothing. Stir in some water to thin. You can also add lemon, which brightens the skin. (Try this recipe.)
4. Use enough liquid. Your mask should be able to be spread easily around the nooks and crannies of your face.
5. Leave your mask on for 15 minutes, and then gently remove it with warm water. Pat dry and follow with your favorite moisturizer.
6. Tweak your recipe for summer. For a more cooling mask, substitute 4 tablespoons of plain yogurt for the honey. Yogurt has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits. Regular topical use can help you achieve that coveted natural glow.

Just be sure to warn the UPS deliveryman before opening the door mid-mask.

Want more? Check out this recipe for a hydrating banana oatmeal mask and let me know how it all turns out.

Marisa Belger Marisa Belger is Completely You’s beauty and lifestyle blogger. She penned the natural beauty and sustainable living column “GreenDAY” for TODAYShow.com, and her work has appeared in Travel + Leisure Family, Natural Health and Prevention.

Pantene Pro-V Restore Beautiful Lengths Smoothing Balm

noreply@blogger.com (Palacinka Beauty) — Tue, 08 May 2012 11:00:00 +0000

Pantene Pro-V Restore Beautiful Lengths Smoothing Hair Balm is one of those genius hair products that come along every so often that you didn't exactly know you needed until you tried it.

This balm first of all, is quite versatile: it works equally well with naturally straight, curly, wavy and chemically straightened/relaxed hair alike. It also does quite well with several problems many of us face with our hair at one time or another.

It first and foremost helps prevent hair breakage so your hair can actually grow to it's best potential/length. It also works very well to keep both fly aways and frizz to a minimum - all day.

You can use this balm on both damp and dry hair. On damp/wet hair it serves as a bit of a leave in conditioner as well as detangler. The texture is very thick and creamy but it melts into/spreads along with hair very easily and is very lightweight in feel once it's absorbed into the hair. This allows it to never weigh hair down or create a lot of build up. Hair can either be heat styled afterwards (works well with heat protectant spay) or left to be air-dried. After blow-drying in particular, I found the hair to be silky smooth, shiny with a lot of movement (and great scent too!) and very healthy looking.

This is also a great product is you're looking for more of a conditioning pomade for slicking hair back or creating ponytails/updos. If you're using it this way you can experiment with it on dry or damp hair. It provides a beautiful shine and softness, and also gives hair control without becoming dry or sticky. It's pretty concentrated so only a full pump is needed for short to medium hair (or two/three) for longer/very thick hair. If you need this strictly for a hair treatment to prevent additional hair breakage, you can use it before bed as well as during the day just on the ends and you will notice much less hair in your comb/brush with daily useAs always with Pantene, the price for this great product is amazing too! This is one to stock up on. - RLB

Go-->Pantene Pro-V Restore Beautiful Lengths Smoothing Hair Balm

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

Look Fabulous in 10 Minutes -- or Less

noreply@blogger.com (Palacinka Beauty) — Mon, 07 May 2012 11:00:00 +0000

This guest post is by Anne Marie O’Connor for Completely You

In today’s zip-zip world, slicking on some gloss and getting out the door in less than an hour seems like a miracle -- never mind having to primp for a party. In actuality, all you need to get fete-fabulous is a few minutes, some key wardrobe pieces and a couple of hair and makeup tricks up your sleeve -- no on-call glam squad required.

Faux Fur
A jacket or sweater trimmed with fake fur adds instant glam to any outfit, says Founding Editor Julie Chen of ThePleat.com. Wear one over a simple day dress or a body-hugging cocktail sheath for a classic party-perfect look. In a pinch, wrap a faux fur scarf around your shoulders. Avoid holiday overload by pairing it with lightly textured pieces. “The key is not to mix with sequins or beading. The fur is the statement, so keep the rest simple,” says Chen.

Sparkly Scarves
A scarf is an inexpensive way to infuse color and French sophistication, says Desiree Marr, co-founder of ThePleat.com. For a little p.m. pizzazz, choose a scarf with some sequins or beading. Drape it over a basic shift or a white T-shirt and jeans combo, she says. And scarves aren’t just neckwear anymore: Wrap one around your waist to punctuate a plain black dress or belt it through the loops on a pair of wide-legged pants.

Oversized Jewelry
Last season’s oversized jewelry trend is here to stay. “There are so many great statement necklaces, chunky cuffs and big cocktail rings in all price ranges,” says Chen. Just slip on a couple of pieces with an all-black ensemble, and you’ll be ready to go from office to cocktail party in 10 seconds flat. “And the best part is one size fits all,” Chen says.

Smoldering Eyes
Getting glam eyes takes only two simple steps, says New York-based makeup artist Quinn Murphy, who’s worked with America Ferrera and Adriana Lima. Make your peepers really pop by curling your lashes. “Be sure to get every lash into the curler -- especially those on the outer corners,” he says. With a creamy pencil, trace along the top lash line and lightly smudge to create the illusion of fuller lashes and “done” eyes.

High Ponytail
A high ponytail is a classic look that works on any type of hair, says Creative Director Kevin Lee of the Kenneth Salon in New York City. “It’s a great look for business to evening,” he notes. Tease at the crown for some big-night sophistication, or wrap the tail under itself to create a chic chignon.

Simple Smile
Flash your pearly whites and you’ll look more beautiful in seconds. Red lipstick amps up glamour and makes your smile appear shinier, says Riku Campo, a Los Angeles-based makeup artist and author of Best in Beauty. Choose cool-toned reds with words like “cherry” or “cranberry” in the name. “A semi-matte formula adds just the right amount of color and shine,” he says.

Anne Marie O’Connor has been writing and editing for 13 years. She has covered health, beauty, fashion and lifestyle for such national titles as SHAPE, Fitness, InStyle, Allure and Glamour. This is her first contribution to Completely You.

Neutrogena All-in-1 Acne Control Treatment

noreply@blogger.com (Palacinka Beauty) — Fri, 04 May 2012 11:00:00 +0000

Neutrogena All-in-1 Acne Control Treatment is a very impressive acne treatment that addresses 3 important problems many of us have when it comes to acne. It works to fight blemishes you have currently have, prevent new ones from forming and help lighten dark marks left form previous acne breakouts.

I was able to test it in a small area when I occasionally get breakouts and I was very impressed to see that over time, none formed. I used it 2x day for a few weeks and then reduced to 1x day after cleansing.

I loved the lightweight texture and how easily the white cream absorbed into my skin and dried to an invisible finish. This way I was able to wear it under makeup without having to worry about any white, chalky tell tale signs that sometimes occur with acne treatments.

What's also very nice about this treatment is that it never over dried my skin, keeping it instead very soft and smooth and never irritated my skin. By the way, early on, when I first started testing the product and used it on an actual blemish, this treatment dried it and faded it away within 2 days - fantastic! - RLB

Go-->Neutrogena All-in-1 Acne Control Treatment, 1 Ounce

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

Pretty Peach Polishes: Spring's Answer to Nude Lacquer?

noreply@blogger.com (Palacinka Beauty) — Thu, 03 May 2012 11:00:00 +0000

This guest post is courtesy of Thefind

Nude nail polish has made such an impact on the world of beauty trends, it's actually become one of the few polish hues that has stuck around longer than the usual 3-week-turnaround... and that's a big deal! After all, avid fashionistas change their nail color just about as often as they change their underwear (okay, maybe not quite), and it can be near impossible to stay on top of what shades will be in style next. As a result, barely-there nude hues have easily become the go-to for the gals who like to stay stylish but don't have the determination to keep track of the whacky one-off shades that are hot one day and stale the next week.

However, peach nails are having quite the moment as spring's answer to the nude nail – it's pretty, neutral, and flattering, but with a little more pastel-infused punch that keeps things festive and on-trend for the sunnier seasons ahead. The options are nearly endless, so to save you the trouble of finding the perfect peach hue to try this week (and maybe the next, too!), I've rounded up 5 of my favorites – take your pick from the polishes shown above! Pictured above: American Apparel Nail Polish in Dance, Essie in A Crewed Interest, Julep Nail Vernis in Hayden, OPI Dulce de Leche, and Illamasqua Nail Varnish in Purity. - Alexandra Gambardella

Beauty Find - Hourglass Nº 28 Primer Serum

noreply@blogger.com (Palacinka Beauty) — Wed, 02 May 2012 11:00:00 +0000

Hourglass Nº 28 Primer Serum

Most of you wouldn't associate oil with a primer, but the genius new product Hourglass No. 28 Primer Serum manages to combine a facial oil with a serum that is an amazing primer and skincare product in one.

The name is derived from the 28 essential and plant oils, along with 4 vitamins contained in the formula.

I have combination skin (more oily in the t zone), and just one pump of the serum completely balanced out the more oily and dry parts of my face. The texture is quite unique - it feels like a thick oil when it's first pumped into your hand, but once it's applied it feels like absolute heaven.

The serum sank into my skin immediately and made it feel like silk. My skin tone was soft, supple and it gave me a virtually pore-less look with a beautiful glow.

It was the perfect layer before I added a BB Balm, foundation or tinted moisturizer and helped my makeup look fresh and stay in place all day into the night. It's very concentrated so only one pump is needed, making this a good beauty investment. I also loved using it at night after cleansing and using my other skincare treatments - that's how amazing it felt.

I also have to mention the fragrance of this product . It is simply beautiful - a mix of sweet, delicate florals, gentle citrus and grassy notes that is very noticeable upon application, but faded away quickly, never leaving me overwhelmed.

This is going to be another new product I've discovered in 2012 that will become a staple in my skincare and makeup routine! -RLB

Go-->Hourglass No. 28 Primer Serum 1 oz

Long Hair Gets a Helping Hand From Kérastase's Cristalliste Collection!

noreply@blogger.com (Palacinka Beauty) — Tue, 01 May 2012 11:00:00 +0000

This guest post is courtesy of Thefind

It's okay, I can admit it – I know I'm a hairstylist's worst nightmare. I'm one of those clients who waltzes into a haircut appointment, almost unwilling to part with any significant length of her hair, even though it's fried with at least 3 inches worth of tortured split ends. I know it's ridiculous, and I do want healthy hair, but I also want long hair... and unfortunately both those things together are rarely found in nature, especially when you have a close relationship with your flat iron.

That is, until the hair experts at Kérastase released their brand-new Cristalliste collection, designed just for girls like me who want to keep their hair's luscious length without carting around the dull, frizzy "baggage" that often comes with it. The 5-piece collection covers all our haircare bases – from cleansing to conditioning and finally, protecting – infusing the brand's innovative "Liquid Light Complex" to keep hair luminous, lightweight, and healthy, from root to tip. Of course, this won't completely eliminate the need for regular micro-trims, so this haircut-phobe will just have to suck it up for the sake of gorgeously long hair!

- Alexandra Gambardella

4 Things You're Doing Wrong With Your Makeup

noreply@blogger.com (Palacinka Beauty) — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 11:30:00 +0000

This guest post is by Elena Donovan Mauer for Completely You

1. You don’t check the mirror.
Most of us ladies make frequent bathroom trips during the day. Even if you’re in a rush to get back to work (or whatever it is you’ve got going on), take a few extra moments to check your makeup. Lipstick on teeth, wayward eye shadow, and raccoon eyes are easy to fix, but you won’t know you have them if you don’t take a close look. Keep a few makeup basics in your purse or desk drawer so you have the tools you need to make touch-ups every few hours.

2. You reapply powder without blotting the oil away.
If your skin gets oily, blotting papers are essential. Always use one to blot away shine before reapplying powder. That’s because when powder mixes with the oils on your face, it can get really cakey. Blotting wicks it away and gets your skin prepped for a little powder. (Hey, without the shine, you may not even need the powder!)

3. You touch your face.
Whenever you touch your face, you transmit bacteria and oil, which can cause breakouts and skin irritation. So keep your fingers away from your skin as much as possible. Also, remember that using the same phone over and over can do the same thing, so periodically give your phone a good cleaning with an antibacterial wipe.

4. You pick, pop or nibble.
Some bad habits can really ruin your look. Hair-chewing can cause split, broken ends. Nail-biting can ruin your manicure. Popping pimples can make your skin look a mess and even cause scarring. So take the first step: Admit you have a bad habit, and train yourself to quit it! Need some help? Read more about how I broke my nail-biting habit.

Celebrity Fragrance Find - Madonna Truth or Dare

noreply@blogger.com (Palacinka Beauty) — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 11:30:00 +0000

Madonna Truth or Dare Fragrance

Whether or not you're a Madonna fan, I think you'll be a bit surprised by this scent.

In many ways this is a very sophisticated floral fragrance, but with that little dark "edge" that makes it a Madonna project.

The floral notes are big in Truth or Dare - Tuberose and Gardenia, and if you're a white floral fan this is going to be right up your alley.

But what gives Truth or Dare its edge to me is the lighter, drier nature of the florals and the hint of sweetness from the vanilla note that gives it some warmth.

The dry down is a bit more masculine and slightly musky with more oriental amber notes and a bit of "saltiness" which I always love in a scent. (This could be a unisex scent for sure).

All in all, this is a true fragrance lovers perfume and one that will delight you in its complexity, but also it's sensuality and polish.

As far as the packaging, I personally love the opaque white bottle and gold cap with studded detailing around the outer edges. It really stands out among all the perfume packaging on shelves right now - and will look lovely on your vanity. - RLB

Go--> Available exclusively at Macys and Macys.com

Fragrance Notes:

Gardenia, Tuberose and Neroli, with Jasmine, Benzoin tears, White lily petals, Vanilla absolute, Caramelized amber, and Sensual musk

Fragrance Find - Michael Kors Suede

noreply@blogger.com (Palacinka Beauty) — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 11:30:00 +0000

Michael Kors Suede

Michael Kors' previous scents have been big on the florals, the glitz, the "big" presence...

The newest, Michael Kors Suede 1.7 oz was inspired by the sexiness of clean bare skin (not necessarily the fabric suede), and while it does share the headiness of his other scents, it also has smooth and mellow essence that I really enjoyed.

If you like floral scents, this fragrance certainly has it, but with nice touches of citrus spread throughout. On my skin, the Tuberose and Gardenia notes stood out from the first spritz of the scent and for most of the day, but on and off the orange flower and mandarin notes came into play with the florals in a nice way.

I really enjoyed the creamy, warm and smooth dry down with the touches of sandalwood and plumeria. This scent has a very long lasting power on me. I would say easily 8+ hours. This is another Kors scent that does announce itself when you walk into a room, but if you like your fragrance to make a statement that's sophisticated and sexy, while also having some restraint to it, this is the scent for you. It lends itself well to a lunch date, shopping as well as outdoor evening parties and gatherings. - RLB

Go-->Michael Kors Suede

Fragrance Notes:

Top Notes: Mandarin, Orange Flower, Waterlily, Violet Leaves

Middle Notes: Jasmine Sambac, Tuberose, Michelia, Gardenia

Base Notes: Creamy Sandalwood, Plumeria, Sensual Musks, Cashmere Woods

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

5 Morning Beauty Mistakes

noreply@blogger.com (Palacinka Beauty) — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 11:30:00 +0000

This guest post is by Elena Donovan Mauer for Completely You

So you’ve resisted the urge to hit snooze and you’re up (yay!). But some things you’re doing in the morning are making you look like you belong back under the covers. These common beauty mistakes are huge no-no’s.

1. Skipping SPF.

OK, so sun damage might not affect you today or tomorrow. But years from now, you don’t want to be mourning your formerly lovely skin. We all know that sun damage can happen from spending time in the sun, but plenty of people only use SPF when they’re going to spend a day at the beach or the park. But since damage can be cumulative, you should be wearing SPF 30 or higher every day. Look for a sunscreen that’s made with titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, since those are less likely to irritate your skin.

2. Applying pink or purple eye shadow.

These hues seem like they’ll brighten up your look, but their pink cast can actually bring out any redness in your eyes and make you look a little ill.

3. Overdoing the coffee.

Sure, you want to feel awake. But coffee is also dehydrating in high doses, and if you’re dried out, it will really show in your skin. A huge jolt of caffeine will also wear off quickly, leaving you sluggish in the morning. So, if you really need a caffeine boost, stick to a small amount of coffee -- just a cup. Or better yet, sip some green tea!

4. Not hydrating.

Did you have your morning glass of water? Me neither! But I should have since there’s no better way to boost your skin’s tone, texture and general dewiness than by hydrating with some H2O. Squeeze in some lemon for collagen-building vitamin C. Read more about the benefits of lemon water here.

5. Skipping breakfast -- or having the wrong one.

Running out the door without eating is bad for your energy level and your metabolism. If you’re tired and sluggish, there’s no amount of mascara that’s going to make you look good! You also don’t want to eat those sugary cereals, since sugar can inflame the skin and may even cause wrinkles! So be sure to eat something healthy -- plenty of fiber and protein, like yogurt with fruit and granola -- before you get going.

What’s the morning ritual you never miss? Share below or tweet me @Completely_You

Photo: @iStockphoto.com/skynesher

A Sweet Sprinkle-Effect Manicure, Courtesy of Ciaté!

noreply@blogger.com (Palacinka Beauty) — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 11:00:00 +0000

This guest post is courtesy of Thefind

Ever since becoming quite the Pinterest enthusiast, I've developed an obsession with pinning all sorts of awesome nail designs. And while I'm mostly far too lazy (not to mention not nearly dextrous enough) to recreate all my creative findings on my own nails, I still can't help but to click through to cool tutorials to see how the Pinterest pros pull it off. That said, I've still always wondered how certain nail art prodigies manage to create that awesome "sprinkle" effect on their nails. Do they actually pour sprinkles on their nails after slathering them in a healthy coat of lacquer? Dip them in the spill-over after a particularly messy baking frenzy? Well, our friends at London-based Ciaté have the answer, and it's certainly much easier (and much more glamorous) than raiding your pantry!

The just-released Caviar Manicure kits, available now at Sephora for $25 a pop, provide a 2-part process to achieve the editorial-worthy effect you see in the picture above (though I'd recommend sticking to just your nails - not your lips)! Available in rainbow, black, and white, this awesome nail art manicure lasts just 48 hours... but that's 2 days of envious glances, rad-looking nails, and of course, your own collection of uploaded Pinterest pins that will definitely get you a few dozen more followers... am I right?

- Alexandra Gambardella