Some things are just better bigger – this is one of them. Product Review:
I’m in bliss…literally. Being a huge fan of luxurious body butters and body lotions by bliss you can imagine my delight at finding a super sized version in vanilla and bergamot – two of my favourite scents.
Already familiar with their original lemon sage (which gained a huge following as it was the #1 body cream for over a decade and used to be available only at Blissspa locations) this was a delightful purchase from Nordstrom’s. It’s completely moisturizing with a very familiar & pleasant fragrance(this aromatic moisture mix has amber, lemon, bergamot, myrrh and musk, putting the ‘thrilla’ back in vanilla) which means it can be used in place of a light fragrance. Made without parabens. I found that mixing this with a little bit of lavender lotion creates a signature scent.
It all goes back to the womb. Have you ever met a baby with bad skin?
Babies are born with a high level of
episilk
hyaluronic acid, which keeps their dewy skin plump and smooth. Unfortunately, the amount of hyaluronic acid in skin diminishes with age, most significantly after age 40.
First off, don’t let the word “acid” fool you. Hyaluronic acid isn’t harsh or skin-stripping at all. In fact, it’s the exact opposite – a powerful humectant (aka moisture-binding ingredient) that keeps skin plump and hydrated which in turn means younger looking skin.
First off, let’s not mislead anyone here – disappointingly there is no “fountain of youth” magic skin cream or lotion fix that is available on the market despite various claims. The idea of remaining ageless has appealed to mankind since the dawn of time, but most of us realize this is a pipe dream. However, maintaining a youthful complexion and improving the appearance of our skin is not beyond our reach. In fact, one of the best kept secrets for naturally ageless skin is using hyaluronic acid (also known as sodium hyaluronate) serum.
WHY?
Don’t get too excited but Hyaluronic Acid (HA) is known for its ability to bind up to 1000 times its weight in water. Imagine that? When applied to your skin, hyaluronic acid serum actually helps the cells in your skin absorb and retain moisture. This helps to give you that supple glow that’s been missing. Unlike collagen, Hyaluronic Acid is able to penetrate the skin’s upper layers to improve and benefit the skin when applied topically. HA is a major component of skin, where it benefits tissue repair and protection. When applied in an HA cream or serum, hyaluronic acid forms an air permeable layer and penetrates into the dermis, thus boosting the elasticity and hydration of the skin. The protective barrier on the skin locks in moisture, thus giving it a more youthful appearance.
As you age, the body’s HA production naturally decreases, leaving the skin dry and that’s where wrinkles start to form. Replenishing the body’s natural HA allows skin to retain moisture and provides volume, form and lift.
PRODUCT REVIEW: I received a new (to me) HA serum called “episilk” to try out and this is what the company has to say about it:
Episilk™ PHA Serum is an intensely hydrating serum that rejuvenates skin from the inside out. It improves the tone and appearance of skin by enhancing the skin’s ability to retain moisture. Its light, non-oily texture soothes skin leaving it fresh and soft while smoothing fine lines and wrinkles. PHA Serum renews your skin’s suppleness and elasticity.
The Episilk Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum contains just two ingredients (de-ionized water and HA), which means that the acid isn’t subject to degradation from other ingredients and also allows a higher concentration of active ingredient for your money. Approx. price $59.95
How to use it: Apply twice a day to wet face or put a small amount on the back or side of your hand, and mix with an equal amount of water. This serum is very concentrated and adding a very small amount of water will help activate it for best results.
What I have to say:
Who am I to argue with all the beneficial research, claims and hype surrounding HA, and with only two powerful ingredients it can’t get much better. The fact that I received this product gratis doesn’t mean that I have to report back that I like it but after having tried it for only a few days (so far) my skin feels great and looks more hydrated. It feels similar to a previous one I tried (MyChelle Hydrating Serum, Ultra Hyaluronic) that had many more ingredients – not necessarily a bad thing but for this you want the purest form available. The company also has other types of serums.
How I use it:
First I spritz on my own face spray (étoile – hydrating facial essence)that has EXOTIC FLORAL WATERS and THEN USE ONE PUMP OF THE SERUM. You can also use it on your Décolletage (area on your upper chest that MANY WOMEN MISS). At night (especially in dry season) I always use a bit of FACE OIL over top of any serum.
Urban Decay 24/7Concealer Versus L’Oreal True MatchColor Concealer
Two cover-up pencils – Two prices – Too alike?
Not that I’m trying to hide anything except for everylittle flaw on my face…but last week I posted about my favourite (the best) under eye concealer and now I want to mention two incredible cover sticks for general use. You know those little spots here and there on my our faces that need to be dealt with. Not every freckle (because we shouldn’t make everything disappear – it’s who we are) but a zit or red spot or little discoloration we want to be gone.
The Similarities:
Both are creamy and blendable.Anything that comes in pencil/stick form is usually more convenient, I find. The ease of keeping a pencil for touch-ups is much better than having to pull out a pot concealer and brush. The shades in each that match my skintone produces almost exactly the same results.
Both offer customized coverage from the tiniest of blemishes to larger areas of imperfections. The tip of the crayons allow for precise application, while the side of the crayons can easily canvas a larger area of skin. At first I purchased the Urban Decay pencil and loved it, but then I switched for this new one from L’Oreal for half the price. Here are my thoughts:
The Differences:
Urban Decay 24/7 Concealer Pencil – tried this at Sephora and loved the creamy texture and smooth coverage. However, once I bought it, I went through it quickly and it made a mess in my non urban decay pencil sharpener. Why should we always have to buy a specific sharpener for a product – can’t a generic one do? It does not sharpen smooth and breaks off certain pieces so you’ll never get the tip as precise as it first started out. But the top goes back on much more securely than L’Oreal so you can take it with you everywhere. Does it stay on for 24 hours as advertised? No, at least not for me. If you care about packaging then this one is nicer. Available in 8 natural shades. ($18 USD / $22 CDN).
L’Oreal True Match™ Super-Blendable Crayon Concealer – Their moto is “conceal it all – big to small.” The innovative formula provides sheer to full coverage that blends easily and won’t look cakey. For a drugstore concealer, this is probably the best I’ve tried so far. It provided an almost perfect color match as the Urban Decay stick and of course the convenient chubby pencil is great. The main drawback is that once you take the top off, it does not seem to go back on tight enough whereas there is never a problem with Urban Decay. This is no big deal if you don’t mind keeping it at home but it might get messy if you travel with it. Available in 6 natural shades. $8.95
They’re both wonderful products however….
Based on this information, which one would you choose?
FOR YOUR EYES ONLY – another beauty product review
Clé de Peau Beauté – a perennial favorite of makeup artists, models, celebrities and non celebs.
Creamy and light reflecting, this legendary cover-up is “sly like a fox and strong like an ox,” says L.A. Matthew VanLeeuwen, who works with Salma Hayek and Minka Kelly.
The balm like texture diffuses both undereye circles and blemishes but won’t leave tacky traces of its hard work.
Amada uses Ivory. Neiman Marcus
USD $70 CDN $105
Too pricey? That depends, as it will last you at least one year and it doesn’t settle into fine lines. I’ve had mine now for almost two years, but it still goes on nice & creamy so I don’t feel the need to trade it in for a new one just yet. If you warm the concealer a bit between your fingers it tends to blend easier. Also, I only use it on the inner corners of my eyes. There is good reason why this one is a cultfavorite. I haven’t come across a better one yet. You’ll just have to go to the makeup counter and decide for yourself if the price is worth it. In Canada you can find it at Holt Renfrew.
*Available in four shades: Ivory, Ocher, Beige and Honey
InStyle Magazine named it “the best” concealer” for 2013 as well as Allure Magazine Hall of Fame award.
Chanel Rouge Coco Shine in CanotierNARS sheer lipsitck in Cruising
It has always been difficult to find the perfect shade of nude lipstick, maybe even more so than searching for the perfect Red. I like a nude lip that doesn’t completely wash you out, still looks natural & closely resembles the color of your skin tone – only slightly enhanced. I don’t mean plain old beige either, they come in a variety of shades to pick from. Personally, I find ones that have a lot of pigment are the best – like those from *NARS.
Samplings of some Makeup Artist Favourites are found on this page.
Dior Rouge Lip Color in Beige Indecise
What to look for: Two shades up from your natural skintone is a good start.Fair skins look best wearing shades with more pigment like a peachy/pink and darker skin, with more brown. Use some makeup artist wizardry and dab on some concealer to tone down a naturally pink lip (Angelina Jolie uses this trick all the time), fill in your lips with a nude lip pencil (like Mac Spice) first or use Benefit Lip Plump (which is like a foundation for your lips) before applying lipstick. Don’t go too matte.
Tom Ford Lip Color in Sable Smoke
Be VEIN: A key to understanding undertones is essential to finding a nude lipstick that won’t wash the rest of you out. A quick and easy way to figure it out is to look at the veins that show through the thin skin on the inside of your wrist: if they look blue, you have cool undertones and if they take on a slightly greenish hue, you’re warm. Not sure which way you go? You most likely have neutral undertones. I believe mine to be blue/green.
Choosing a color for your skin tone:
For fair or pale skin: With lighter skin tones, avoid beige lipsticks, which will wash you out. Instead, look to soft pinks and peaches or pale apricot as your base shade.
For the golden girls: If you have lots of golden undertones in your skin, go for creamy, caramel-toned nudes and warm beiges. Avoid anything too cool, like grays or silver-toned shades.
For olive tones: If you have olive skin, you’re a lucky gal. Just about any nude shade will look great on you from beige to bronze to pinks. I love olives but I hate olive girls.
Tom Ford Lip Color in Blush Nude
For skin with yellow undertones: Think light, creamy-toned beiges like latte or mocha.
For dark-toned skin: Go for chocolate tones such as rich golden browns and coffees.
For the rest of your FACE – a pop of pink or peach blush plus bronzer keeps the face vibrant.
On another note: *I found “the best” toned-down earthy/muted brick red lipstick (goes on smooth & a bit sheer) from NARS – called Gipsy.
Product Review: Weleda Skin Food has been proven as a secret weapon against dry skin.
What the product claims to do:
It’s a unique, ultra-rich whole-body cream that deeply hydrates, restores and protects your skin. This product helps maintain skin’s natural balance thanks to its potent plant extracts. It moisturizes and soothes skin all over the body, especially dry areas like knees, elbows and feet. I’ve even used it on my face at times.
What I liked about this product:
Loved the indulgent moisture this deeply hydrating natural cream (there’s a lotion too) provides and the smell.
I would recommend this product for:
women who are natural product junkies. It feels great knowing that your lotion is made up of safe ingredients! Also, anyone who needs a deep hydrating formula for their dry skin.
What’s in it?
Stubborn dryness on elbows, hands and feet are moisturized and conditioned with the essential fatty acids and vitamin E in organic sunflower seed oil. Organic pansy is known for its mild antiseptic properties that calm dry irritation. Soothing rosemary leaf extract’s mild antiseptic properties and the anti-inflammatory properties of organic calendula flower extract gently nourish and care for your skin. Deeply moisturized and protected, your skin looks soft and supple with a healthy glow. It’s your recommended daily allowance of radiance, and it’s just what you and your skin are craving. Key Ingredient Pansy (Viola Tricolor) Extract
But is it really POSH enough for her?
She may be a well-known devotee of facials made from sheep placenta and gold flakes and be the proud owner of one of the largest Hermes bag collections, but VictoriaBeckham has proven she’s a down-to-earth girl at heart with her latest revelation. The former Spice Girl, known for her immaculate style and beauty look, has revealed one of her secret beauty weapons; Skin Food by Weleda.
Adele, Alexa Chung, Rihanna, Peaches (and cream?) Geldof, Helena Christiensen, and Erin O’Connor are also fans of the bargain beauty product.
Adele explained her reason for using the product. She said: ‘Because I wear a lot of makeup when I’m working, I like to use Skin Food by Weleda because it makes my skin feel really replenished.’ This part taken from the Daily Mail U.K.
because people like to know who else, besides me is using the products I recommend.
Anthelios 50 Primer – La Roche-Posay. This in the “best thing” I’ve bought in a long time.
What it is:
An anti-aging face primer with SPF 50protection. It goes on so smoothly and feels like cashmere. Great base for makeup or even if you don’t wear any. It means not having to wear a face cream or lotion with SPF as you put this on after your day cream.
What it’s used for:
La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50 Daily Anti-Aging Primer provides high UVA and UVB protectionto prevent skin damage while giving you a smoother, more refined complexion. The non-greasy and fragrance-free formula leaves your skin feeling smooth and silky. Formulated for all skin types.
I’m using this right now and in the summer I’ll switch it for La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50 Mineral Tinted Ultra Light Sunscreen (with SPF 50) and use a regular primer.
Having said that, no sunscreen is a substitute for avoiding the most intense sun of the day and wearing appropriate clothing. Always wear fashionable sunglasses of course.
CNN had this to say: Beach goers and others enjoying fun in the sun will soon have a new option for blocking the sun’s harmful rays. A new sunscreen, Anthelios, offers BETTER cancer protection. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Anthelios SX, an over-the-counter sunscreen that offers protection from both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation. Anthelios offers various advantages to traditional sunscreens. Most sunscreens sold in the United States mainly block UVB rays, which helps prevent sunburn and other types of skin damage. But Anthelios offers better protection from deeper penetrating UVA rays, according to the manufacturer. This may help reduce the risk of various types of skin cancer — including melanoma and basal and squamous cell carcinomas. Better UVA protection also may reduce sun-related skin wrinkling. But the added protection may come at a cost. Products sold in Canada cost about twice as much as traditional sunscreens — or even more. From Mayo Clinic – Special to CNN.com
RELAX Ladies. After all the reporting on eye makeup product reviews I’ve been telling you about for ages we’re now being given permission to put down the mascara wands. No really.
naturally beautiful
It’s officially a trend. How do you feel about that?
When it comes to wearing makeup they say “less is more,” which was obviously the philosophy this year at Paris Fashion Week. Many models took the runway wearing little to no makeup, showing off fresh, natural faces instead of complexions caked with layers of foundation, blush, bronzer, and everything in between. A refreshing breather.
Fashion Week runways aren’t usually where we pick up low-maintenance beauty tricks, but this season has been ripe with easygoing inspiration. Nowhere was this more apparent than at the Spring 2014 Balmain show during Paris Fashion Week. Top models like Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Georgia May Jagger (albeit young and naturally gorgeous) sauntered down the runway wearing little more than a dab of concealer.
Clockwise from upper left: Alexander McQueen, Balmain, Isabel Marant, Valentino – for Elle.com
The Natural:
The runways continued to make a case for just how cutting-edge minimal beauty can be—and there might be logic to support the claim. During the fall 2013 shows, when we began seeing the bare complexion, makeup artist James Kaliardos said he imagined it would be the way women looked in the future. At that time, he added, our society would be so advanced that we would have all the know-how and technology needed at our fingertips to look our best without the extra embellishment cosmetics provided. But I think that the ritual of applying makeup would be lost.
even with no eye makeup Cameron’s blue eyes are stunning.
So, I’ve decided to embrace this trend and get ready for Spring makeup Break especially after seeing the photos of famous people braving the look. If they can do it – so can I. While there are probably quite a few women who will go with this trend wholeheartedly and hope that it’s here to say — I’m sorry, but I just can’t bring myself to get on board with it every single day – just on occasion.
Kate Winslet for Vanity Fair. Photo: Chuck CloseJulia Roberts – for Vanity Fair. Photo Chuck CloseScarlett Johansson for Vanity Fair. Photo: Chuck Close
Scarlett Johansson
There’s always a Flip Side (see below) to everything:
So don’t ignore my makeup product reviews totally – they’ll still come in handy.
What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet – Romeo and Juliet ( Juliet argues that the names of things do not matter, only what things “are”).
Product Review – Dr. Hauschka Rose Day Cream
I’ve used the cleansing milk and now I’m addicted to this product. It smells like……roses!
Soothes and protects
A rich, luxurious daily moisturizer. Soothing roseingredients nurture and renew sensitive, dry and weather-damaged skin. Protects skin against dryness and soothes red, irritated skin and couperose.
Protects the delicate outer layer of the skin against dryness and irritation
Avocado oil with extracts of rose petal and rose hip soothe and renew red, irritated, sensitive skin
Seals in moisture to help prevent dryness
Thirty rose flowers go into each tube of Rose Day Cream.
Used as directed, Rose Day Cream lasts approximatley 3 months
Dr. Hauschka has been in existence since 1967 and has gained an impressive celebrity following, including Julia Roberts, Madonna, Gwyneth Paltrow, Cameron Diaz, Jack Nicholson, and now The Girl who would be King.
Hollywood Tips you want to know:
Actress Julia Roberts, plagued like many of her colleagues by stressed skin due to having to constantly apply and remove make-up, discovered Dr. Hauschka’s Rose Cream in her make-up artist’s cosmetics case. She swears by the cream because it stimulates the skin’s own resources and does not cause allergies. When Julia Roberts was asked, yet again, at a press conference what was behind her radiant complexion, she whispered into the microphone: ”Dr. Hauschka.” And soon Cate Blanchett was bathing in Dr. Hauschka’s lavender bath oil, Madonna underwent a two-hour Dr. Hauschka treatment in the chic New York Sanctuary Spa, and the whole world wanted the rose cream. At Sephora in New York, it is to be found right next to the Kiehl products.
The special thing: Most of the medicinal plants used are not only grown under strict organic conditions in the company’s own garden, they are also processed according to an 80-year-old recipe which respects nature’s rhythm: light and dark, movement and rest, heat and cold.
Shhhhh….Here is a short list (so I’m told) of who uses what:
Stars that love the entire Dr.Hauschka line include:
Annette Bening
Elle Macpherson
Julia Roberts
Maggie Gyllenhaal
Naomi Watts
Rebecca Romijn
Robert Downey Jr
Other celebs covet particular products. They include:
Celebrity / Product
Amy Poehler – Lavender Body Oil
Brad Pitt – Lip Care Stick
Chloe Sevigny – Neem Hair Oil
Jennifer Aniston – Moisturizing Day Cream
Katie Holmes – Cleansing Cream / Facial Toner
Keri Russell – Neem Hair Oil
Kerry Washington – Rejuvenating Mask
Kirsten Dunst – Blackthorn Body Oil
Madonna – Rose Day Cream / Facial Toner
Martha Stewart – Regenerating ProductsNicole Ritchie – Neem Hair OilNicole Kidman – Neem Hair Oil / Rose Day Cream
Nora Ephron – Lemon Bath
Rachel Hunter – Normalizing Day Oil
Rachel McAdams – Rose Day Cream
Rosie O’Donnell – Rose Day Cream
Vivienne Tam (designer) – Revitalizing Eye Cream
How About You – Have you tried any of these products? If so, which do you personally recommend?
ARE YOU ONE OF THOSE who right after carefully applying lipstick run out the door only to find out later (when catching yourself in the mirror) that your lipstick has run all over your mouth? Not so attractive right?
The simple solution: A CRAYON.
I’m always skeptical about these new products (some work well – others a waste of money) but ended up buying one at Shopper’s Drug Mart for only $14.99 and it seems to work very well for darker shades especially…you know, the ones you definitely don’t want to run. And it’s very easy to apply.
This indispensable Secret Lip Liner is new in Canada, first introduced in New Zealand and quickly expanding around the world. No Bleeding Lips™ Secret Lip Liner stops lipstick and lip gloss from bleeding & feathering, and creates a sheer defined lip shape.
The No Bleeding Lips™ Secret Lip Liner offers a super-glide formula that is soft & creamy ensuring even product deposit around the lips.
It’s waterproof and long-lasting (5+ hours), non-transferable and smudge-proof so you can wear your lipstick & lip gloss with confidence.
Goes with any shade of lipstick or gloss (as it’s clear), especially bright and bold colors, creating a sheer defined shape.
The Huffington Post has this to say:
The Downfalls: There are none. It works — really, really well. The only catch is if you don’t wear lipstick a lot, it may not be worth buying. If you’re a lipstick lover, you will become obsessed with this product.
Can’t say I’m absolutely obsessed with it but it is useful and worth buying. Just don’t try to get more of the product out by winding it too much – it will not go back.
Being a huge fan of luxurious body butters and body lotions by bliss you can imagine my delight at finding a super sized version in vanilla and bergamot – two of my favourite scents.
Girl Who Would be KING on Life, Style and INSPIRATION. 
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