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Get a Natural Glow with Xen Tan

By our fashion and beauty intern Emma Hollomon

Xen Tan Self Tanner

I have tried many self-tanners and Xen Tan Products are definitely at the top of my list. I received a sample of the Scent Secure Gold Tinted Moisturizer ($35.00) to try out. because on my pale skin it blends in perfectly and with just one-application gives me a natural looking glow. It’s easy to apply with no offensive smell and the color never looked fake after I kept reapplying it all week.

The secret behind Xen Tan’s natural-looking self-tan is a time-release agent. The agent controls the amount of the sunless tan ingredient released on the skin during application. When released too quickly, DHA creates the unpleasant odors and trademark orange finish. XEN-TAN's time-release process leaves flawless and natural results never streaking. This is a must try product if you want a tan that looks completely natural while allowing you to build color gradually.

tags:  beauty product review, self tanner, xen tan
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posted on: 5/11/2013  |  talk to us
Tried and True Skincare Classic: Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips

By our fashion and beauty intern Emma Hollomon

Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips

With the many products out there aimed at unclogging pores and reducing the size of pores I am usually a bit skeptical. However I can confidently say that Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips are hands down one of the most effective products on the market. I have been using them for several years now and I’m always amazed at how effective these things are at removing oil from my pores. My face always feels clean and refreshed like I had just left the spa.

Biore's Deep Cleansing pore strips aren’t messy and are incredibly easy to use. They’re cloth like strips that are applied to a wet face then left for 15 minutes until dried like paper-mache. When dry, gently peel off the strip to reveal the oil that has been removed from your pores. You can find these at any drug store or on Amazon for half the price. These are a must have for you weekly beauty routine.

What is your tried-and-true skincare product?

tags:  beauty product review, biore deep cleansing pore strips, skincare
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posted on: 5/11/2013  |  talk to us
Gluten-Free Lipstick and Gloss by Red Apple Lipstick
Gluten-Free Lipstick and Gloss by Red Apple Lipstick

Looking for a gluten-free lipstick? I recently learned about a fabulous little makeup company making gluten-, paraben-, and allergen-free lipsticks and glosses. Red Apple Lipstick offers glosses and lipsticks in a multitude of shades. They glide on smooth, are longwearing, and stand up to your regular lipstick. If you have cut gluten out of your diet, these are the perfect lip colors to keep you on track.

Gluten-Free Lipstick and Gloss by Red Apple Lipstick

I was able to try out a gloss and lipstick and love the lightweight formulas. They don't feel waxy or heavy at all. While the pigments are light (both colors I received are on the lighter-side), I love wearing them layered on a daily basis.

Gluten-Free Lipstick and Gloss by Red Apple Lipstick

The glosses come in 14 fabulous shades so you can mix and match and layer with the many lipstick colors. Each lipstick is $17.50 and glosses range from $12.50-$18.50. Available at RedAppleLipstick.com.

tags:  beauty product reviews, lipstick, lipgloss, red apple lipstick, makeup, beauty
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posted on: 5/3/2013  |  talk to us
Get High Impact, Fade-Free Color With Revitalash’s Raven 12 Hour Eyeliner

By our fashion and beauty intern Emma Hollomon

Revitalash Raven 12 Hour Eyeliner

We've all been there, you leave the house on a humid summer day looking fresh as a daisy, but within a few hours, your eyeliner starts rebelling and migrates south. The good news is that beautiful eyes and sultry days don't have to be mutually exclusive. Revitalash’s Raven 12 Hour Eyeliner ($24.00) provides high-impact color that truly doesn’t fade. It’s a crème eyeliner with highly pigmented ultra- intense, long-lasting color. I put it on around 10:00 AM and didn’t even have to re-touch up my eyes as I was getting ready to head out for the evening. The easy-to-use mechanical pencil offers the precision and impact of liquid eyeliner in the convenience of a retractable pencil. I especially love how the built-in smudge sponge blends your precise line into a sultry, smoky eye. This eyeliner is great because unlike many other brands that go on jet black with one application, RevitaLash raven allows you to layer it, ultimately choosing how dark you want to shade your eye. This is a must have product that’s worth adding to your makeup routine!

Thanks Revitalash and LuckyFABB for this gift bag sample!

tags:  beauty product review, revitalash, eyeliner
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posted on: 4/29/2013  |  talk to us
Fashionably Conscious: LVX Vegan Nail Polish

By our fashion and beauty intern Emma Hollomon

LVX Vegan Nail Polish

I love switching up my nail color and was so excited to try LVX nail polish for the first time. The brand, which translates to “light” in Latin, fuses emerging runway trends with timeless color palettes. LVX’s unique color collections are meticulously selected from top colors of the season to complement your wardrobe perfectly.

LVX polishes are 100% vegan and “5 free”- meaning they don’t contain the five harsh and toxic chemicals - Formaldehyde, Formaldehyde Resin, DBP, Toluene, and Camphor – that are often found in other polishes that can damage and weaken nails over time.

LVX Vegan Nail Polish

I love how the polishes have an attractive top for display as well as an applicator underneath that's comfortable to hold and maneuver. In the picture I’m wearing the deep blue-green tone Prussian. To my surprise, the color didn’t chip all weekend with just one coat! With a wide range of opulent, rich colors and the staying power of this polish I would definitely recommend trying LVX!

LVX Nail Colors come in a variety of trendy colors and are $16 each. For more info and to shop, visit ShopLVX.com.

Thanks LVX and LuckyFABB for this gift bag sample!

tags:  nail color, trends, beauty product reviews, eco-friendly, vegan
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posted on: 4/22/2013  |  talk to us
Lighten Up: Even Skin Tone with Avon Anew Clinical Absolute Even Multi-Tone Skin Corrector
ANEW CLINICAL Absolute Even Multi-Tone Skin Corrector

When the folks at Avon reached out to me about trying a "spot corrector", I thought - this product is not for me. I am aging, but do not have any visable age spots yet. However, I read the product information more clearly and learned that Avon's ANEW CLINICAL Absolute Even Multi-Tone Skin Corrector not only evens out skin tone from dark spots, but post acne marks, red patches, sun spots and more. That applies to me!

ANEW CLINICAL Absolute Even Multi-Tone Skin Corrector

Example of the type of results you can get.

So, I tried it and have found that in the last couple weeks of using it, my skin has felt healthier and more moisturized. With my Swedish heritage, one of my skin issues is redness, so it's been nice to find something that calms those patches. I will definitely keep this product in mind if (who am I kididng, when) age spots begin to appear. If you have skin discolorations, acne scars, or any other issues that you want to even out or lighten, give Avon CLINICAL Absolute Even Multi-Tone Skin Corrector a try!

The formula is very gentle, even on my sensitive skin. It is made with DSX-7 technology, which basically means it combines two complimentary forms of Vitamin C in an effective skin serum.

For more information and to learn more, contact your Avon Representative. Call 1-800-FOR-AVON or visit Avon.com.

tags:  beauty product review, avon anew clinical, skin tone corrector
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posted on: 4/19/2013  |  talk to us
When A Lip Balm Goes Beyond: Sun Bum Flavored Lip Balms With SPF
Sun Bum Lip Balm SPF

When planning your suncare routine, do not overlook your lips. Delicae skin is a magnet for the sun's harmful UV rays. SUN BUM Flavored Lip Balms ($3.99) are a great way to get total sun protection without piling on sunscreen.

The flavored Lip Balms contain SPF 30+ sunscreen, plus added Aloe and Vitamin E. Apply once and you can be active all day long. Try out a variety of flavors like: Key Lime, Coconut, Pink Guava, Mango, Pomegranate and their most popular flavor, Banana. That's a lot more than your typical balm.

Sun Bum's philosophy is quality, safety, and performance. The company cares about spreading the message that sunscreen is essential. Formulas are anything but heavy, making the process of applying sunscreen easy and effortless.

Find Sun Bum Lip Balms at your local surf shop or Trustthebum.com.

tags:  beauty product reviews, sun balm, beauty, sunscreen
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posted on: 4/12/2013  |  talk to us
Beautiful Beauty Splurges: These Beauty Products Are Worth the Extra Pennies

From our Beauty & Style Editor, Theresa Johnston

As much as I love a beauty bargain, there are certain beauty necessities I never hesitate to splurge on. What are your favorite beauty splurges?

Shisiedo Eyelash Curler

Shiseido Eyelash Curler($19)
This may look like your average eyelash curler, but it's not. Its broad curve is specially designed to grab and curl every lash, and it virtually eliminates pinching. The rubber curler pads last forever.

Clinique Long Last Glosswear SPF 15 in Bamboo Pink &  Almost Lipstick in Black Honey

Clinique Long Last Glosswear SPF 15 in Bamboo Pink & Almost Lipstick in Black Honey ($15 each)
These two Clinique classics have been staples in my beauty arsenal for years.

I'm vigilant about sun protection and the SPF 15 in Clinique's Long Last Glosswear makes it easy and fun to protect my lips from UV damage. The Bamboo Pink is a flattering, pinky-nude with shimmer that compliments just about any makeup look.

There's not much I can add to what's already been said about Clinique's Almost Lipstick in Black Honey. Essentially, it's the perfect pop of sheer color that complements every skin tone. Yes, EVERY skin tone. If you don't have one of these in your makeup bag, get one as soon as you can!

The Healthy Deodorant by La Vanilla

The Healthy Deodorant by La Vanilla($18)
I know paying $18 dollars for a deodorant seems ridiculous but I'm willing to pay for four fabulous reasons: (1) it smells fantastic, (2) it is made with all-natural ingredients, (3) yellow staining on your white clothes is minimized, and (4) it actually works! Also, I know this may seem a little weird, but wearing it somehow makes my arm pits feel pretty. Yup, I'm sold. You might be wondering, do healthy deodorants really work? We think yes.

Butter London, Yummy Mummy

Butter London Nail Lacquer in Yummy Mummy($15)
This nude polish is gorgeous. It's a warm, soft beige with the barest touch of white-gold shimmer. Of course there are loads of cheaper polishes in similar colors lining the beauty asiles, but there's something special about this one. It's just so rich and beautiful, I simply must have it!

tags:  beauty, shopping, beauty product reviews, makeup
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posted on: 4/8/2013  |  talk to us
Beautiful Beauty Bargains: 4 Tips On Spending Less On Your Beauty Products

From our Beauty & Style Editor, Theresa Johnston

When it comes to cosmetics, I don't believe you need to pay a lot of money to get high quality and on-trend colors. If you compare the ingredients, there's virtually no difference between high-end and drug store makeup formulas. So if the quality and colors are good, why should you pay more? Here are four of my beauty bargain favorites. What are yours?

Rimmel Scandal Eyes Waterproof Kohl Eyeliner

Rimmel Scandal Eyes Waterproof Kohl Eyeliner ($4.49)
Recommended to me by my beauty bargain buddy, Deb, this eyeliner has the creamy softness of a pencil with the staying power of a gel. It takes few minutes to set (so don't move) but once it does, it won't budge! Also, the colors are gorgeous. I can't get enough of the "Brown" shade. It's the color of strong espresso with a delicate kiss of gold shimmer. It makes my blue eyes pop!

Color Burst Lip Butter by Revlon

Color Burst Lip Butter by Revlon ($6.49)
Ultra smooth and hydrating, this luxurious lip balm plus color burst moisturizes for hours. Comes in 20 amazing shades so there's literally something for everyone. I love the nude Creme Brulee color. It's is the perfect lip accompaniment for smokey eyes.

Maybelline Chic Naturals ExpertWear Eyeshadow Quads

Maybelline Chic Naturals ExpertWear Eyeshadow Quads $(5.99)
These foolproof color shadow quads from Maybelline come with handy application instructions (base, lid, crease, liner) pressed directly into the eye shadow. Skip the sponge applicators and invest in a couple of good makeup brushes for flawless application. I am never without the "Mocha Motion" color pallet.

CoverGirl LashBlast Fusion Water Resistant Mascara

CoverGirl LashBlast Fusion Water Resistant Mascara ($8.99)
I've tried oodles of other mascaras, but I always come back to this one. It lengthens, defines, and volumizes. The spiky rubber brush allows me to wiggle the formula between every single lash. The waterproof formula lasts all day and doesn't flake or smudge.

What are your favorite beauty bargains?
tags:  beauty products, shopping, saving money, beauty tips
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posted on: 4/7/2013  |  talk to us
5 Tips for Keeping Skin Healthy & Glowing
5 Tips for Keeping Skin Healthy & Glowing

It's never too early to start a good skin care regime. The effects of age, air pollution and toxins can start to affect your skin beginning in your early 20s. But many of the negative effects can be postponed with a good skin care regimen and the right products.

Here are 5 easy ways to keep skin looking youthful and healthy:

1) Cleanse Skin Nightly: Even though it may be tempting to go to sleep with that eye makeup on, it really pays to take the extra 5 minutes to cleanse skin. Use a gentle eye makeup remover and then cleanse facial and neck skin with Elizabeth Grant Biocollasis Complex Cleansing Mousse ($28). This light, foaming cleanser is gentle enough to use daily, yet effective enough to remove dirt. It contains Torricelumn, one of the main ingredients in many of the brand's formulas. This wonder-ingredient leaves skin smooth, supple and healthy. Wash with warm water and pat dry. Your skin will thank you in the morning.

2) Hydrate: It's no secret drinking plenty of water helps keep skin looking lush and youthful. Keep a 16-32 oz water bottle at your desk provides easy access to hydration. It doesn’t stop there: skin needs hydration not only from the water you drink, but also from a good moisturizer. Depending on your skin type, you will want to choose a moisturizer that is right for you. Dermalogica’s Active Moist ($58) is super light and leaves skin feeling extra hydrated.

3) Use Sunscreen: Good sun protection not only keeps skin youthful and healthier, but it also prevents age spots and fine lines. I recommend a daily sunscreen with SPF of 15 to 30, such as Murad's Oil Free Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 ($32). The oil-free formula goes on smoothly atop your favorite moisturizer, won't clog pores, and protects your skin no matter what your day brings.

4) Take Your Vitamins: We need daily vitamins and minerals to keep our body healthy. Vitamin C is a helpful ingredient in skin care products because it helps to support collagen and minimize the negative effects of oxygen radicals. Elizabeth Grant’s Vitamin C Concentrate Duo ($43.64) adds to your daily moisturizing routine with a smooth, lightweight formula. The overall result is toned and healthy facial and neck skin.

5) Get Your Beauty Sleep: This one goes without saying. You need sleep to regenerate skin cells, and to wake up feeling refreshed. Getting a solid 7 or 8 hours means you won't have bags under your eyes and you can go into that presentation with confidence, not yawns.

What are your favorite skin care tips?

This post was sponsored by ShopNBC.com. All opinions are 100% mine.
tags:  beauty product review, skincare, elizabeth grant, dermalogica, murad
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posted on: 3/20/2013  |  talk to us
Do Healthy Deodorants Really Work?
For years, I've gone back and forth between using all-natural and mainstream (full of chemicals) deodorants. You've probably seen the articles on scary links between deodorants with aluminum to diseases like cancer. The harsh ingredients normally found in deodorant (including aluminum, propylene glycol and parabens) absorb easily into thin underarm skin potentially seeping directly into the lymphatic system. (A healthy lymphatic system is essential to your immunity). I love the idea of using product with natural ingredients, especially when it comes to delicate skin areas. But the reality is many natural deodorants on the market have a tendency to fizzle when it comes to fighting odor and sweat.

Lavanila Healthy Deodorant

So what can you do? When I learned about Lavanila Laboratories Healthy Deodorant, I was intrigued, and skeptical. Was this just another natural deodorant that smelled good, but was sticky and unscented? But, being someone who has searched for effective natural beauty products for years, I definitely wanted to try it.

Lavanila Laboratories The Healthy Deodorant is not only made with natural ingredients, it actually delivers odor protection and keeps you dry. Choose from several signature essential oil blended scents. Anti-oxidant packed beta-glucan technology conditions, soothes and nourishes skin, all while fighting odor. I've found a healthy deodorant that really works, and am happy to no longer need mainstream brands.

$10 each. For more information and to shop, visit: Lavanila.com and find all the luscious scents here.

tags:  lavanila laboratories, healthy deodorant, beauty product reviews
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posted on: 3/10/2013  |  talk to us
Cool Blonde Brassiness with Lee Stafford's Hot Shots Treatments
Lee Stafford Hot Shots for Blondes

Perfect World: Personal stylist, unlimited wardrobe funds, monthly hair and beauty treatments.

Reality: Bare-minimum makeup routine, wardrobe budget, hair and beauty treatments when I remember to schedule.

Does this sound like you? It sounds like me! While we all can't have access to unlmited funds and personal stylists, there is a way to keep your hair bright, shiny and blonde between color treatments*.

Hot Shots for Blondes by Lee Stafford helps to eliminate brassy tones that affect blondes between color treatments. The celebrity stylist has created an awesome, natural treatment that tones down unwanted brassiness. After shampooing and before conditioning, simply apply the small 'shot' of purple-hued treatment. It warms the scalp as you massage it into your hair. Formulated for natural, coloured or highlighted hair, the treatment revives the coolness in your blonde hair, using it's Pro-Blonde complex. The formila contains tons of moisturizers leaving hair soft and bright.

I used 3 shots over the course of a week and a half (use every other time you shampoo), and found my hair was brighter and softer after. When I received the set to try out, timing was perfect because I wasn't due to get my hair colored for another few weeks. I will definitely buy this product to use again. It is way more affordable than most purple shampoos, smells great and is effective.

Here's how to use it:

- Shampoo hair with your normal color-safe shampoo.
- Massage hot shots for blondes into your scalp and leave on for 2 minutes. (Note: you will feel a warming sensation, which is from natural ingredients in the formula).
- Rinse and condition.
- Use blonde hotshots every other time you wash your hair.

Lee Stafford's Hot Shots for Blondes is available for $12 at Ulta.com.

*Lee Stafford also has a ton of amazing products for non-blondes here.

tags:  beauty product review, lee stafford, hot shots for blondes, beauty, hair treatments
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posted on: 2/2/2013  |  talk to us
Get Loose Beachy Waves With Ouidad
Get Loose Beachy Waves With Ouidad

Loose, beachy waves stole the scene at the 70th Annual Golden Globe Awards. Celebrities including Jennifer Lopez, Nicole Kidman, Jessica Alba and Amanda Seyfried all glowed in gorgeous gowns and loose waves. Morgan Willhite, Creative Director at the Ouidad, shares styling tips for achieving some of the looks from the Golden Globes!

Morgan's Tips:

*A styling primer, such as Ouidad's Curl Recovery Whipped Curls Daily Conditioner and Styling Primer, is key to achieve the Hollywood glamour loose wave look
*Wash your hair with a nourishing shampoo and conditioner to help repair damage and promote shine and then add a hair styling primer and a volumizer to damp hair
*For ideal volume, try the new Ouidad Play Curl Volumizing Styling Spray
*Separate hair into medium sized sections and dry and curl hair with styling tools (such as 1" velcro roller or hot rollers)
*Gently use your fingers to break up curls for volume
*Add a dime sized amount of the primer to the ends of hair to prevent frizz and flyaway's

Curl Recovery Whipped Curls Daily Conditioner and Styling Primer ($26): The sulfate free daily conditioner restores, softens and conditions curls. Hair is left softer and primed for styling.

Finish the look with Play Curl Volumizing Styling Spray ($22). Using a blend of wheat proteins, wheat amino acids and glycerin, hair is left moisturized and conditioned. Curls are defined instantly due to the unique polymer blend. The spray offers strong and soft hold, without weighing your hair down.

Find Ouidad products online at Ouidad.com and Ulta.com.

Bonus! Save $10 Off Any $60 Purchase at Ulta.com! Use code: 87370 at checkout.

How do you get your loose waves?

tags:  beauty, ouidad, hairstyles, golden globes
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posted on: 1/19/2013  |  talk to us
Golden Globes Beauty: 5 Essentials for a Red-Carpet Ready Look

From our Beauty & Style Editor, Theresa Johnston

Want to recreate the dazzling, effortless looks we ogled at the 2013 Golden Globe Awards last week? Here are 5 essentials for getting red-carpet-ready:

Jessica Chastain and Olehenriksen Face/Body Spa

Essential #1: Spa, Spa, and More Spa
Head to the spa early and often. To look and feel relaxed and confident like Jessica Chastain, splurge on a soothing massage or an Advanced Hydra-Dermabrasion Treatment at the Olehenriksen Face/Body Spa.

Murad Moisturizer

Essential #2: Glowing Skin from Head to Toe
Savvy celebs swear by Murad moisturizers. Here are some of their faves (clockwise from left ot right above): Emily Blunt - Perfecting Day Cream SPF 30; Jessica Lange - Rejuvenating Lift for Neck and Décolletê; Rachel Zoe - Hydro-Dynamic Ultimate Moisture.

Backless Dresses

Don't forget your back! Taylor Swift, Naomi Watts, and Julianna Margulies were all spotted in beautiful backless gowns this year. If you want to try this look but struggle with "bacne", reach for products like Osea Malibu's all-natural, marine-based Ocean Cleansing Mudd and Essential Corrective Complex to exfoliate, purify clogged pores, and calm redness.

Edgy Updo - Nina Dobrev

Edgy Updo - Julianne Hough

Essential #3: Ahh-Maaa-Zing Hair
Rock an edgy updo. Nina Dobrev and Julianne Hough's stunning twists on the classic updo were created by Riawna Capri from Nine Zero One Salon using UNITE boutique hair-care products.

Sleek Hair

Or go for Kerry Washington's chic-sleek look with Frizz-Ease hair smoothing and straightening products. Not brave enough to snip your hair to get Kerry's choppy bangs? Fake it with clip-in bang extensions from SHE by SO.CAP.USA.

Lancome Makeup

Essential #4: Magnificent Makeup
Also love Kerry Washington's smoky eyes and nude lips? Recreate the look with Lancôme makeup.

Sally Hansen Nail Polish

Essential #5: Glamorous Nails
Sally Hansen has your fingers and toes covered with luminous nude and gleaming metallic nail polishes.


What was your favorite Golden Globe look?

tags:  golden globes, celebrity style, beauty, shopping
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posted on: 1/19/2013  |  talk to us
Bring a bit of Summer to Winter Hair With Nexxus
In the middle of the winter, it is possible to feel the heat of summer (or at least keep your summer hairstyle). If you love loose, tousled waves you can get them in a few simple steps:

Nexxus Hair Products for Beachy Waves

Step One:
Preventing frizz starts in the shower. The Nexxus Frizz Defy Frizz Protection Shampoo ($9.99) and Nexxus Frizz Defy Frizz Protection Conditioner ($14.99) work together to prime damaged areas and evenly coat hair for effective hydration and a sleek style.

Step Two:
Now that hair is set up for frizz-free success, work the Nexxus Frizz Defy Frizz Protection Styling Crème ($11.99) through damp hair. Twist hair into a low bun and secure loosely. Try sleeping on the damp bun for a low maintenance morning.

Step Three:
In the morning undo the bun and run fingers through your hair to create loose, natural waves. If hair is still damp, finish drying it with a blow dryer. Set the style and help lock moisture out with Nexxus Frizz Defy Frizz Protection Hair Spray ($11.99). The natural hold spray instantly controls flyaways and static, reducing frizz by up to 87% all day long.

tags:  nexxus, anti-frizz, hairstyles, beauty product review, shampoo, conditioner
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posted on: 12/28/2012  |  talk to us
Improve Skin While You Sleep with Niki Saint Pierre's Intense Overnight Therapy Collection
Niki Saint Pierre Intense Overnight Therapy Collection

Let's face it. None of us are getting any younger. But there are things we can do to keep skin youthful. I haven't gone the botox route, and don't plan to. But I did learn about a line of botanical cosmeceuticals by Niki Saint Pierre that promises to reverse the visible signs of aging. I was able to try out a few items from the line to see what I thought.

The first thing that caught my attention was the fact that Niki Saint Pierre uses 100% active ingredients, vs. traditional serums that use more coloring and inactive ingredients. Each nightime oil works with the skin's natural renewal process overnight. Oils from the Daily Nutrients Collection offer anti-aging properties that help reverse the effects of stress, UV damage and toxin exposure. There is also a Radiant Skin Daily Nutrients formula that helps keep skin refreshed and vitalized, great for exhausted working moms like me!

And the collection also contains the Clear Skin Daily Nutrients which is ideal for my breakout-prone skin. The nightime dry oil detoxifies, brightens and firms skin while you sleep. (Quite frankly, any beauty product that works while you sleep is pure genious to me!)

Products in the Niki Saint Pierre collection range from $85-$175. All products are free of parabens, mineral oil, synthetic fragrances and coloring. For more information and to shop online, visit NikiSaintPierre.com.

tags:  nikki saint pierre, beauty treatments, anti-aging, skincare
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posted on: 12/23/2012  |  talk to us
Extreme Moisture Treatment for Hair: Philip Kingsley Elasticizer Pre Shampoo Treatment
New Years is right around the corner, and one of my resolutions is to keep my hair healthier in 2013. Monthly color and daily heat treatments can leave hair dull, lackluster, and in need of some TLC.

Philip Kingsley, known as a hair guru in the beauty industry, has developed a line of products designed for specific hair types. Depending on your hair texture, length and existing processing damage, you can select from a set of products that fit your hair type.

Philip Kingsley Elasticizer Pre Shampoo Treatment

Philip Kingsley Elasticizer Pre Shampoo Treatment ($47) is a magical multi-product, that leaves hair conditioned, protected and gorgeous. First formulated for the lovely Audrey Hepburn herself, the Elasticizer as won multiple awards and is beloved by celebrities and plain-janes alike.

Given that I color my hair multiple times per year, I know it is not at it's best. I also use heat styling products on a daily basis, only wreaking more havoc to my already fragile strands. I was sent the Elasticizer Extreme to try out, and have been using it weekly ever sense. (I did stop using it for 3 days before and 3 days after a recent partial foil, as the product recommends). Before shampooing, I simply dampen hair, arrange it in sections, and work the elasticizer in. I leave it in for about 20 minutes with my hair up in a shower cap. Face mask time! Then I hop in the shower, rinse thouroughly, and follow up with my regular shampoo and conditioner.

Speaking of shampoo...Philip Kingsley Pure Silver Shampoo ($23) is awesome for blonde hair. The formula is designed to brighten silver hair, and since it contains violet hues, it counteracts the brassiness and dullness that can come with blonde/bleached haircolor.

I also really like their Philip Kingsley Moisture Balancing Shampoo ($23) as an extra moisture boost during the week. I love mixing up my routine and switching shampoos and conditioners is a great way to do that.

For more info on Philip Kingsley and to shop products, visit PhilipKingley.com. Also learn more on their blog.

tags:  philip kingsley, hair, beauty, shampoo, elasticizer pre shampoo
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posted on: 12/22/2012  |  talk to us
Last-Minute Beauty Stocking Stuffers
You've got your gifts checked of and wrapped. Your holiday party outfit is picked out. The egg-nog is chilling in the fridge. Do you have stocking stuffers? You can never have too many - and now is the time to stock up on these last-minute beauty gifts she will love.

Party Polish Mini Set & Merry Mini GLIMMERSTICKS Eyeliner Set

These mini-makeup sets pack a lot of glamour! Avon Party Polish Mini Set & Merry Mini GLIMMERSTICKS Eyeliner Set are two of many holiday mini-sets perfect for any girl. (From $7)

Lumene Sensitive Touch Arctic Aqua Moisture Booster

A beauty-insider favorite, Sensitive Touch Arctic Aqua Moisture Booster by Lumene is a gel formula that improves skin’s hydration by up to 65%. It also helps even out fine lines and smooths skin. ($14.99)

Sun Bum Lip Moisturizer

Great for any age, SUN BUM Flavored Lip Balms have SPF 30+ sunscreen with added Aloe and Vitamin E that will protect and moisturize all day. ($3.99)

Murad Hydro Dynamic Eye Cream

A little goes a long way in this potent eye formula. Murad's Hydro-Dynamic® Ultimate Moisture for eyes penetrates the delicate skin around your eyes and leaves skin soft and moisturized.($60)

*****Bonus Stocking Stuffer*****

Necklace Saver

Tangles of necklaces no more with the Necklace Saver. Simply place your necklace into the open slot on the ‘saver’ made of organza fabric, clasp the necklace closed and tie ends together. Necklaces store easily and tangle-free in your jewelry drawer.

tags:  holiday, shopping, gifts, stocking stuffers, beauty
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posted on: 12/19/2012  |  talk to us
Brighten and Whiten Your Smile with NovaWhite
From our Beauty & Style Editor, Theresa Johnston

NovaWhite

Of course I love anything that stains my teeth: red wine, coffee, tea, and curry to name a few. So I'm constantly on the lookout for low-maintenance, inexpensive ways to keep my smile white. I recently had the opportunity to try a 22% NovawhiteGO at-home teeth whitening system. It's been several (red wine and coffee filled) months since I have done anything to brighten my smile, so my teeth were definitely overdue.

Using NovawhiteGO
NovawhiteGo was pretty easy to use. Prepping the boil-and-bite custom impression trays was a bit tricky but I followed the instructions exactly and was able to get the trays to fit reasonably well. Once complete, I spread a little less than one-half of a syringe on both the bottom and top trays. Then I put them in my mouth and wore them for 1 hour while I folded a basket of laundry and watched an episode of Fashion Police.

The Results?
Nice! After only an hour, my teeth were noticeably whiter. As for sensitivity, NovaWhite is really gentle and I felt very few of the sharp "zaps" I often experience with other teeth whitening systems.

It's official. I'm a NovaWhite fan! I will definitely be using NovaWhite to further whiten my teeth as well as maintain the results I achieved.

The 22% NovawhiteGO kit contains 2 boil-and-bite trays and 3 (1.2ml) syringes. It's available at NovaWhite.com for $54.

Note: I received a sample of NovaWhite for review purposes. All opinions are 100% mine.
tags:  beauty product review, nova white, teeth whitening
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posted on: 12/3/2012  |  talk to us
November Beauty Roundup
It's hard to believe Thanksgiving is coming up fast, and the holidays are right around the corner. With busy work and life schedules, it's often hard to take care of yourself, get enough sleep, eat right, etc. Here are a few favorite beauty and skin care products getting me through November.

Eye Cream Coffee Bean Caffeine

My job and family require an early wake-up call. And while ideally I'd have 7 hours of sleep each night, I average way less. I love a product that does double-duty, like Face Care's 100% Pure Coffee Bean Caffeine Eye Cream ($16.50). The .5 ounce tube packs a punch of caffeine that makes you instantly look and feel more awake. I wish they made this for the entire body! The formula includes caffeine, which has anti-inflammatory and circulation properties, plus tons of vitamins and antioxidents to help with anti-aging. And while it can't help with feeling tired on the inside, it certainly helps you look less tired. I'll take it!

OWN Skincare Firming Silk Concentrate

Natural skincare is always a bonus, and Own Products use ingredients like CLA, a derivative of the safflower plant, to fight signs of aging in all three layers of the skin. (CLA is like a natural version of retinol, but without the harsh side effects). Own's Firming Silk Concentrate has been like a little anti-aging lifesaver these days. It's a lightweight (waterless) serum, that you apply to damp skin after cleansing. (I make sure to apply to my neck as well as my face). It dries quickly, leaving skin feeling moisturized and firm. Rich Vitamin E and coconut oil leave a protective layer on skin that derivatives nourish and protect skin. The best part? Everything in the collection is under $25, making it an affordable, natural and effective skin care choice.

Hanayuki Hada Exfoliating Cleansing Gel by Gold Sakura

Admitedly the most unique facial cleanser I have ever tried, Hanayuki Hada Exfoliating Cleansing Gel by Gold Sakura ($44.50) employs a 'rolling action' to clean, tone and erase impurities. It does not suds up a ton, so the consistency is almost like a toner and cleanser mixed into one. In effect, your skin is not pulled or irritated during the cleansing process. The result? Smooth, soft skin and an ideal canvas for beginning your daily makeup routine. The formula contains botanical extracts such as Saxifraga Sarmentosa, Witch Hazel, Lemon, Melissa, Hops and Sage.

White Sands Infinity Hair Spray

Too many styling products can cause a buildup on hair, leaving it dull and dry. As a daily hot-tool user, I need a hairspray that will hold my style until the end of the day, but that also won't weigh it down. White Sands Infinity Finishing Spray ($21) does the job like a champ. It's been my latest hair product favorite, a trusty style-fixer that feels light to the touch (you can easily run fingers through your hair), yet stron enough to hold through intense morning meetings.

Note: I received the above products for review purposes. The opinions expressed are my own.

tags:  beauty product review, hanayuki hada, cleanser, good earth beauty, white sand hairspray
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posted on: 11/14/2012  |  talk to us
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