beauty product reviews – Page 2 – Girl Who Would be KING on Life, Style and INSPIRATION.

What’s better than SEX? – mascara magic product review

In the beauty cabinet. We’re talking about mascara.

Wow; if the names alone don’t get you then the new crop of lengthening, thickening and now false lash extending mascara will. I’m comparing a product called ‘Better than False Lashes’ to a product called ‘Better than Sex’ – both from “Too Faced” which is a great line. I was curious & wanted to try both so I went into Sephora mascaraless, tried one on my left eyelashes & the other on my right eyelashes. It was the only way to really compare.

One thing I did not do was curl the lashes first which is always better. Also the little brushes they give you for sampling aren’t up to par – but still you get the idea.

First, Better than Sex Mascara is really not Better than real Sex…..

& hopefully you don’t really believe that although it is a very nice thickening mascara. Let me say that L’Oréal Voluminous for about $25 less is almost as nice. But we do tend to get caught up with names (orgasm blush anyone?) It does work though. The sales person (who will go nameless to protect the guilty) was wearing Voluminous while directing me to ‘Better Than’ which should give you a hint.

The winner – Better Than: I’ve never worn false eyelashes or have ever had lash extensions but know many women who have. They look fantastic but I can’t be bothered applying fake lashes that I’ll most likely rub off. The ‘better than false eyelashes’ (but how would I really know) seemed like a good alternative.

The three step program comes in a kit which includes a black mascara that acts as your base and top coat and a small tube full of tiny white nylon (teddy bear like) fibers that stick to your own lashes. First, you apply the base coat which goes on easy like any everyday black mascara. Next, the magic happens. You apply 1-2 coats of the nylon fibers which are also applied like a mascara & they adhere to your lashes making them feel thicker and longer (although they’re white until you apply the top coat). Last, you apply another coat… or two of the black mascara and then you really see longer, thicker lashes. Best part – no glue required!

INSTANT (well, almost) GLAMOUR!

**See next week’s review of rapidlash – eyelash renewal serum.

FUN

Beauty with Benefits – Cuticle Care 101

Well girls….our job is never done!

Last week I posted about the latest trends in nail polish because when most people think of nail care they think of nail polish, or fingernail problems like peeling, chipping, and cracking. But your cuticles also contribute to nail health and a neat appearance. Uncared-for cuticles are prone to hangnails and dryness, while badly cut or bitten cuticles put the skin around the fingers at a risk of infection. My cuticles have always been troublesome until recently, now that I’ve found the perfect solution – see below for product reviews.

By following these cuticle-care guidelines, you can prevent cuticle disasters & help maximize your manicure’s good looks at the same time.

Moisturize

No matter how well you think you moisturize your hands, your cuticles are especially thirsty for hydration. They’re soaked and dried every time you wash your hands, they’re exposed to chemicals when you clean or work without gloves. If you’re not already rubbing a good quality moisturizer (see below) into your nails and fingertips every day, start doing it. If you do moisturize, and you still get hangnails or dryness, start to do it twice.

Never cut your cuticles

Your cuticles perform a valuable job: protecting the roots of your nails from invasion by harmful bacteria. If you cut them away, they won’t be able to do their job. Same if you cut them poorly. Instead, push the cuticles back with a non-metal tool, such as a rosewood stick. However, bear in mind…

Don’t Push Back Dry Cuticles. Cuticles are not only easier to nudge back when they’re moist, it’s also safer. Pushing on a wet, flexible cuticle is much less likely to lead to tears or other damage. Try pushing back your cuticles right after you get out of the shower, or soak your fingertips for a short time in a bowl of warm water.

Push Back Cuticles Like a Pro. There are three steps to the push-back: One, apply a cuticle remover (balm works better than an oil or cream – see below). Two, use an orange stick to gently push back your nice moist cuticles. Finally, move the orange stick in tiny circles at the base of the nail to remove any clinging dead skin that’s there. Repeat the last step as necessary.

Trim Hangnails Carefully. While it’s not a good idea to cut your cuticles, it’s fine to cut your hangnails. Just go about it with caution: again, you’re trying to avoid causing infection. Use a sharp cuticle nipper (I recommend Tweezerman) that you’ve cleaned with alcohol or peroxide beforehand, and apply antibacterial ointment to the cut areas immediately afterwards—especially if you slip up and draw blood (ouch!).

Choose Nail Care Products Wisely. Acetone-based nail polish removers and polishes and treatments with formaldehyde, including formaldehyde resins, are just as bad for your cuticles as they are for your nails. Dump any nail polishes or nail treatment products made before the end of 2007, which are likely to contain formaldehyde, and look for removers that are labeled acetone-free. Both of these chemicals, in addition to being toxic, cause dryness and irritation of cuticle skin.

I love a nice cuticle oil like this from Island Girl - from Hawaii ABC shop. — This floral scented cuticle oil from **Island** **Girl** is best for finishing off your manicure with a swipe after polish. Available at **ABC** stores – Hawaii + Las Vegas.

It’s simple: healthy cuticles look better than unhealthy ones. And healthy cuticles help keep nails healthy too. My TOP picks:

This 20% shea butter and cream from L'Occitane is great. — Don’t forget the hands. This 20% shea butter in a tube from **L’Occitane** is one of the best hand creams ever invented.

The one in the blue jar is called BALMshell & it works best of all. Infused with healing essential oils my nails have never been healthier, seriously!

It’s a NEW miracle 3 in 1 beauty balm that works equally well to help soften around the eyes + lips. Available only online at http://www.getspoilednow.com

FUN

Beauty – Body Butters

Natural, Nourishing, Moisturizing & Addictive Body Butters

If you like Scents…..

Pacifica’s Body Butter uses luxuriously smelling signature blends made with essential and natural oils – 100% vegan and gluten-free.

I received three of them as part of a Christmas package & now I need more. I love the Indian Coconut, Tuscan Blood Orange and Island Vanilla but there are several more exotic flavors.

Born out of a creative passion and a healthy, surfer lifestyle, Pacifica brings inspired fragrances together with the best natural ingredients to create perfect products to live with and love. With a deep respect for nature, culture, and life, Pacifica lead Perfumer and Founder, Brook Harvey-Taylor, believes that sublime fragrance and indulgent products are a right, not a privilege. This grassroots mission has lead Pacifica to develop distinctive fragrances & luxurious, eco-friendly products at a great value. Vegan and free of sulfates, mineral oil, parabens, phthalates, and propylene glycol, Pacifica is a brand you can feel good about indulging in every day.

Available at Sephora

For a beautifully silky & relaxing body lotion this is my all time FAVORITE: DREAM SILK COMFORT CREAM from earththerapeutics.com

Especially for at night before bed as it slips on like a cozy pair of silk pajamas. Made with infusions of valerian root and lavender which calms, comforts, soothes and relaxes for a deep restful sleep.

I first encountered this lotion in a yoga class when the instructor came around rubbing it into each and everyone’s temples during Shavasana. I was immediately hooked – sometimes it only takes one try.

Do you have a favorite?