Friday, May 9, 2008

Weekly Beauty Digest

























Product Girl
is giving away 4 goodie bags from the upcoming Sex and the City movie! Check out Product Girl for more information.


StyleBell shows you how to make some serious waves with your flat iron.


Beauty Anonymous reveals the jelly pinkness of the Tracy Reese for Sally Hansen Spring 2008 Salon Collection !


Raging Rouge announces the MAX Factor May Makeover giveaway. Over $750 of MAX Factor products will be divided up between TEN winners on May 17th. Good luck!


SugarShock Beauty has a newfound love for foundation: the makeup artist- and Madge-approved Face Atelier Ultra Foundation.


The Muse whispers in your ear about Benefit's Newest Cheek Stain for Summer! Pssttttt! Enjoy the first ever images, product photos, and swatches from a link available at Musings!

This mascara ended A Touch of Blusher's mascara search...


Beauty411 reviews Soaptopia, a bath line that promised to be "100% junk free"! Check it out!


Beauty Blogging Junkie schools you on how to avoid snaggy, dry lips.

Looking for skin care products that deliver results? Read The Makeup Divas review of the Somma Institute Skin Care Line.

Beauty and Fashion Tech is giving away two sets of John Frieda Lustrous Touch Shampoo and Conditioner. One for blonde hair and one for brunette.

At Girl Gloss, you can win a set of seven Classic Badger Balm Lip Balms.

Beauty Junkie in SF is on her way to a flawless face with the help of a new
high-tech skincare system.

The Beauty of Life brings you the highs and lows from the celebs' beauty looks at the Costume Institute Gala.

Beauty Banter dishes on the new Spring Hair Style and actress Shiri Appleby models the look!

Need a nail intervention but can't afford regular trips to the salon? Glossypink goes there to get great nails.

What makes you feel your most beautiful? Toya at The Life of A Ladybug wants to know!

Kitiya from Mischo Beauty helps you determine if you’re a candidate for microdermabrasion!

A reader at makeup loves me claims to have gone up one cup size by using victoria's secret bust enhancer!

Makeup Moxie finds Complexion Perfection when she reviews the foundation and concealer duo compact by Global Goddess.

Face Candy reviews NARS Orgasm Multiple, Lip Gloss and Nail Polish.

The Muse whispers in your ear about Benefit's new cheek stain and has a link to swatches!.

Karen from Makeup and Beauty Blog Gets a Surprise Stage Makeup Makeover with Kryolan Professional Makeup.

Pursebuzz.com does a step by step tutorial on how to create that extra dramatic smokey eye look as seen on Gwen and Fergie and everyone on the red carpet.

What has a delectable chocolate fragrance when you smooth it on that morphs into a fresh, powdery scent once it sinks in? Spoiled Pretty tells you what it is and why you need to try it!

Cybelesays gets to the Shea of Things with their picks of the best Shea Butter products out there.

Thursday, May 8, 2008

Somme Institute Molecular Dispersion Therapy 5 Regimen

These days, many womens' skin seems to be suffering an identity crisis--oily yet dry, breakouts overlapping with wrinkles--you get the picture.

The Somme Institute has developed an advanced regimen to address these concerns along with sun damage and uneven skin tone and texture.

Powered by Molecular Dispersion Technology 5 (MDT5), a cocktail of vitamins A, C, E, D, B3 and B5 that penetrate the inner skin layers, this complete regimen brings the thoroughness of a spa treatment to your bathroom. This potent mix of vitamins has been specially formulated so as not to oxidize or lose its potency when exposed to air or light.

The Somme regimen includes Nourishing Cleanser, Transport Pads, Serum, A-Bomb, Eye and Double Defense Day Moisture.

The cleanser works best when used to prep the skin for the regimen and makeup has been removed beforehand. The pads are saturated with tingle-inducing alpha and beta hydroxy acids to power through dull skin cells and unclog pores. The non-greasy, quick-absorbing serum is bursting with Vitamin C--a crucial ingredient for erasing sun damage and evening skin tone. Key ingredients Vitamin A and E in the A-Bomb speed cell turnover to keep skin looking new and healthy. Smooth on a drop of the wonderfully rich eye cream to ward off circles, lines and darkness. Hydrate skin and protect it from future damage with the day moisturizer, which combines anti-oxidants with SPF 30+.

This program helped keep my skin clear of breakouts, lightened discoloration from blemishes and the eye cream kept any fine lines from creeping up on me. For those with more mature skin, working to combat aging skin and sun damage, I think these power-packed products would be most beneficial.

Wednesday, May 7, 2008

Jergens Natural Glow Express


Memorial Day is just around the corner, and that means pools across the nation are about to open. There will be cookouts and poolside parties a plenty, and that means tank tops, jean skirts and bikinis (queue screeching horror music).

Thankfully, Jergens Natural Glow Express helps ease the anxiety of dealing with limbs, mid sections and backsides that haven't seen the sun since Labor Day.

This self-tanning lotion gives a touch of color after just one use, and after a few days, skin looks like it's been sun French-kissed. The beautiful, brown color looks like an even, natural tan.

The cream rubs in easily, never shows up streaky and is completely free of the tell-tale self-tanner reek (unlike its predecessor, Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer, which works well, but stinks to high heaven). In fact, this cream actually smells good--it has a slightly coconuty, beachy smell.

Plus, it's enriched with Mango Butter and Vitamin E, so skin feels hydrated and supple.

As with all self-tanners, use sparingly on the elbows, knees and ankles, and wash your hands after use. But, be sure to apply a touch of lotion on the backs of your hands and rub them together, so that there won't be a line of demarcation between wrists and hands (don't forget to fade color down onto the tops of your feet, either).

Tuesday, May 6, 2008

Kiss Everyday French Nail Kit in Capable


I know what your thinking: "Press-on nails? Are you for real, Glossy?"

Yes, I'm for real, and you've got to try these nails to know what I'm talking about!

Kiss Everyday French Nail Kit in Capable are perfect for anyone who shuns acrylic nails (way too thick) but needs major help in the nail department. The Kiss nails resemble silk wraps, which are thin and look like real nails.

But, instead of dropping $40 every couple weeks and spending upwards of an hour chatting with the nail tech, Kiss takes nails from yikes to a Perfect 10 in under ten minutes for under $5.

There are a lot of different Kiss nail styles, but I go with the "Capable"--a peachy looking nail with just a sliver of a French tip, and the "Real Short" length, which means you can change your contacts without losing an eyeball.

These nails can be worn for up to ten days, and while you might need to replace one or two along the way, they go the distance.

Friends will think you've had your nails done professionally in a salon, and whether or not you fess up is up to you! (In fact, it was a friend's nails I was admiring who let me in on the secret!)

When picking out your nail size from the kit, go with the size smaller if you're in between sizes (the fit should be a little tight), and hold the nail down firmly for a few seconds after applying it. A too-big nail doesn't look as natural.

Monday, May 5, 2008

Farouk CHI Volumizer Flat Iron 3/4"















To straighten or not to straighten--that's always the great debate. Taking a flat-iron to my naturally wavy hair usually results in poker straight strands that hang flat against my head a la Cher.
And you know how I feel about volume.

But alas, the seemingly eternal question has now been answered with this hot little red number above, the Farouk CHI Volumizer Flat Iron 3/4". That's right--it's a straightener that volumizes!

The 3/4" curved plates really let you get close to the roots--a feat that is impossible with larger plated hair straighteners. The smooth ceramic plates glide over hair, straightening even long hair quickly and efficiently. The adjustable temperature lets you control the amount of heat needed for your hair type.

This flat iron makes my hair straight and sleek, but gives it body and movement at the same time. My hair looks thick and full, with no semblance of Cher. I wouldn't exactly say it gives lift to my long hair at the roots, but it does let you straighten out any kinks close to the scalp, and I imagine it would do a better job on bangs and shorter 'dos.

The curved plates also give the option of creating flips or curls--creating the flips is easy; the curling takes a bit more skill.

Chi flat irons are available at Misikko.

Thursday, May 1, 2008

Weekly Beauty Digest

































Spoiled Pretty is giving away $1,400 worth of beauty products to one lucky bride-to-be. And if you're a future wedding belle from the Philadelphia area, we've got something for you too. Enter right away - contest ends May 4th.

Found out how The Daily Cookie gets her flawless face with Clinique!

SugarShock Beauty has fallen in love with Greek natural beauty line Korres's new Body Butters, which come in a pump-tube, so it's super-easy moisturizing for us time-pressed gals.

Raging Rouge tests dozens and dozens of pink lipsticks and glosses, and narrows the field down to the best pink lip colors of Spring 2008.

Beauty Anonymous shows you new colors of the DiorKiss Lip Gloss Line!

StyleBell uncovers simple and easy tips to help manage and control curly hair.

A Touch of Blusher reviews ck Calvin Klein's new mineral-based loose powder.

Product Girl is giving away 2 pairs of Tweezerman's Animal Print Slant tweezers!

Find out what Beauty Blogging Junkie recommends for achieving shimmery shoulders for summer.

Karen from Makeup and Beauty Blog interviews MAC Cosmetics Senior Makeup Artist Jennifer Karsten and gets the skinny on how it's like to work with Kanye West.

The Makeup Divas reviews Bath and Body WorksHello Sugar! shimmering body lotion.

The Muse reviews Etude House's Spring Collection from Korea!

The Beauty of Life no longer has to suffer from lash envy with the Dior Black Lash Kit.

Toya from The Life of A Ladybug got sucked in by Darac Beauty's Sifted Blur Powder and TorQuam brush! She doesn't want you to get sucked in, too!

Kyle at Face Candy gives you a peek at her favorite Makeup Minis.

Don't know why you should be rocking the sunscreen every day? Beauty411 reminds us that May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month!

makeup loves me introduces you to a non-chocolate truffle that she is confident you will still love!

Beauty Banter dishes on the top concealers on the market! Everything you need to know about covering-up and having a glowing complexion!

Glossypink reveals an essential warm-weather item to give your skin its sexiest glow ever!

Pursebuzz.com shows you how to create long lasting curls with just a few products. It's called the Wavy Waves.

Cybelesays introduces us to a new line of mineral makeup.

Kitiya from Mischo Beauty loves REN’s Mayblossom and Konjac Balancing Moisturiser and tells you why!

Bare Minerals All-Over Face Color in Pure Radiance


Bare Minerals All-Over Face Color in Pure Radiance--the name pretty much says it all. This luminous, golden peach powder looks like love captured and bottled; it just radiates purity and beauty.

A dusting of this fine powder gives skin a dreamy glow and imparts just a hint of color to the skin.

Not only do luminizers like this product give skin a healthy look, their light-reflecting properties minimize complexion imperfections.

Simply apply it as you would your highlighter--over the cheekbones, down the bridge of the nose, and a tap on the forehead and chin.

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

NARS Body Glow


If this was a single-phrase post, it would read: NARS Body Glow--run out and buy this product immediately!

An encounter with this liquid oil bronzer is sure to bring out your inner Brazilian beauty. This body bronzer may look like molten metal in the bottle, but it shows up on the skin as a subtly shimmery, sexy sheen. The tan-toned glow looks natural and healthy.

Although this product is oil-based, it doesn't leave an oily film, but absorbs beautifully, leaving skin softened and lightly moisturized.

The Monoi de Tahiti oil fragrance is so unreal it deserves its own paragraph.
This intoxicating tropical sweet (but not too sweet) floral will transport you to paradise, with a few admirers in tow.

Resist the urge to totally bathe yourself in this product. You can still put it on head to toe, but use a very controlled amount, massage it in well and let it set for a few minutes before getting dressed.

Monday, April 28, 2008

I've Been Tagged!

Last week, Monique from the fabulous Beauty Girl Musings tagged me. You are supposed to list 6 quirks about yourself. It took me an entire week, but I finally came up with 6 quirks. Here they are:

1. I am by no means a Type-A personality, but my lipstick is alphabetized. I would never find the tube I was looking for otherwise!

2. I'm not a germaphobe at all, but I will avoid sharing lip products and hairbrushes at all costs.

3. I'm addicted to The Tudors and just love historical fiction in general. Historians say King Henry VIII was a good-looking guy in his younger years, but somehow I doubt he had anything on Jonathan Rhys-Meyers.

4. I never use an eyelash curler, and I even have the Shu! I know--blasphemy in the beauty community. But by the time I'm done with all my coats, I don't notice a difference whether or not I've used the curler, and my lashes look sufficiently upturned anyway.

5. I always use the exclamation, "Man Alive!" It's just second nature at this point.

6. I don't own any orange clothing. It's the only color I don't like, but yet I love orange-toned makeup (blush and lipgloss that is, not foundation).

Now here are the rules:

1. link the person who tagged you.
2. mention the rules in your blog.
3. tell about 6 unspectacular quirks of yours.
4. tag 6 random bloggers by linking them at the end of your post.
5. leave a comment on each of the tagged blogger's blogs letting them know they've been tagged.
6. once your post is up, notify the person who tagged you.

I'm tagging Girl-Woman-Beauty-Brains-Blog, Makeup2Beauty, Sugarshock, Savvy Skin, Product Girl and Ms. New Beauty.

Friday, April 25, 2008

Weekly Beauty Digest


Can't figure out those false lashes? The Daily Cookie gives her step-by-step on how to apply lashes in a breeze!

A Touch of Blusher loves the Golden Dior pendant.

StyleBell uncovers the Top 5 Flat Irons that work best with curly hair.

Beauty Anonymous invites you to the springtime nail colors of OPI 2008 Beyond Chic Collection .

15 Minute Beauty Fanatic check out Kiehl's Vital Sun Sunscreen and decides it has great broad UV spectrum coverage!

Beauty and Fashion Tech creates a great look using items from the new Sally Hansen Natural Beauty Cosmetic Line.

Product Girl asks What's in Your Bag? Check back daily for a new beauty blogger's bag each day!

The Muse gives her first impressions of the coveted MAC DressCamp Collection!

Beauty411 shares her review of Klean Bath + Body's Blue Hawaii Sugar Body Polish, which smells like a tropical island and exfoliates your skin, too!

Forget virgin daiquiris, The Beauty of Life is all about the gorgeous polishes from the new Extra Virgin Collection from Dashing Diva!

Need some luxury in your life? Beauty Junkie in SF finds her current high-end beauty favorites.

Want to take your hair from Flat To Fabulous? Then check out what The Makeup Divas recommends.

Win a gift set packed with Ferro Cosmetics mineral makeup goodies at Bionic Beauty!

Karen from Makeup and Beauty Blog discovers Chanel's Leopard lipstick, a coral color that makes her go rrrrrraooow!

SugarShock Beauty has found a ticket to paradise with the tropically dreamy Lavanila Laboratories' Vanilla Coconut Fragrance.

Beauty Banter discovers a healthy, inexpensive, sun and streak-free way to get your bronzed glow!

Toya of The Life of A Ladybug asks "What's your 'thing' right now?"

Beauty Blogging Junkie recommends these product picks for the most relaxing bath ever.

Makeup Junkie finds a new best friend in Chi's Pink Flat Iron!

Glossypink shares her Holy Grail lipgloss!

Kitiya of Mischo Beauty has a reader who shares her favorite organic conditioner!

Beauty and Personal Grooming shares a few homemade antiwrinkle creams.

Makeup Moxie reviews Oscar Blandi Dry Shampoo Spray.

Thursday, April 24, 2008

MAC Lipglass in Nymphette


Every once in a while, a beauty lover finds that special product that is worthy enough to be elevated to "Holy Grail" status. Beauty junkies bestow this honor on products that are tried and true-- a no-fail go-to product that will always have a permanent place in their makeup bag.

MAC Lipglass in Nymphette is my HG lipgloss. It was my first MAC product back in the day and one of the few glosses I've ever managed to finish and repurchase regularly.

A transparent pink with suspended fine gold flecks and a finish that is perfectly smooth and glassy, this gloss finishes any look beautifully. Nymphette glazes lips in lasting shimmer and shine, with pout-enhancing dimension. The combination of gold and pink is always a hit (hence the NARS Orgasm craze), and the vanilla scent is perfect.

Pair this gloss with some bronzer, jet black mascara and some surf spray for a summery look that has instant sex appeal.

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Fresh Sake Hair Cream


Sake may be rough on the liver, but it's glorious on the hair. Fresh Sake Hair Cream defines hair and controls frizz, sans any greasiness or stiffness.

Infused with a sharp citrus scent, the cream smells uniquely good. Jojoba, olive and grapeseed oil moisturize hair along with persimmon and sunflower extract. Proteins and amino acids from the sake strengthen hair. A special anti-inflammatory root extract, gotu-kola, promotes healthy hair lipid formation.

This cream can be used on wet or dry hair to add texture, hydration and shine to straight or curly styles. I'm loving the definition and frizz control it gives me, without weighing my hair down.

Lately my routine has been to work a quarter-sized amount of the cream through my damp hair, then in the morning spritz with my dream curls and finish with another smaller dollop of cream for further definition. Using the right amount on my damp hair was a bit of trial and error--it's better to err on the side of less cream.

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Benefit Miss Popularity


Now I don't know if illuminated skin will make you popular, but it sure does punch up a look. But despite the fact that I'll forever be dedicated to the power of illuminating powders, Benefit Miss Popularity precision highlighter wasn't on my running list of must-have products...

...until I did a swatch test on my hand at Sephora. Once the lights hit the golden white shimmer, the dazzle was out of control. This little baby was coming home with me.

This highlighter can be used anywhere on the face, but I mainly use it to highlight the inner corners of my eyes. This no-fail trick makes eyes look wide and bright. It does require a little blending after it's dotted on, but a pat of the pinky is all it takes.

Miss Popularity travels well too--even though it's a loose powder, the wand and well packaging keeps it from spilling everywhere. The built-in applicator is super convenient too, and now there's no excuse for not having luminous skin, even on the go.

Physicians Formula Organic Wear Bronzer Contest

































Today, starting at 12 noon, Physicians Formula is giving away 1,000 Organic Wear Bronzers in order to help make our world a little greener with makeup that’s good for the earth and for us too!

Click here for your chance to win!

*link will be activated at noon.

Good luck!

Friday, April 18, 2008

Weekly Beauty Digest


15 Minute Beauty Fanatic finds a great new gel eyeliner!

makeup loves me is helping you get ready for wedding season, by giving away 10 sets of french manicure fake nails!

StyleBell tries the CHI 44 Iron Guard Thermal Protecting Spray and loves it!

A Touch of Blusher is putting gold on the lips.

The Makeup Divas reviews and falls in love with La Mer foundations and powder.

Beauty Anonymous loves the natural-looking makeup from Physicians Formula Matte Collection Quad Eye Shadow.

Girl Gloss loves the all natural classic flavored lip balms from the Badger Company.

Beauty411 reviews Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cleanser and Toner and has the 411 on the upcoming Kiehl's Earth Day promotion!

Find out why the Muse is loving Givenchy's Perfect Again! Corrector Palette!

Cybelesays helps you get stick straight hair with this 6" Powerhouse.

Stylish Opinion finds cosmetic bags that are actually eco friendly.

The Beauty Blog Network welcomes and interviews it's newest member, Beauty 411.

Elke reviews the "Gilette Venus". Is it worth the hype?

The Beauty of Life smiles pretty after discovering the tartly terrific Lemonade Smile Toothpaste by GoSMILE!

Karen from Makeup and Beauty Blog checks out Goldrush, Dior's newest summer makeup collection, and gives you pictures and swatches!

Want lashes as sharp and precise as hi-def TV? SugarShock Beauty gives you the lowdown on Cargo's blu-ray Mascara.

The Daily Cookie digs shu uemura's new Rouge Unlimited Crystal Shine lip colors - check out why!

Beauty Blogging Junkie knows you'll love this news: no need to drop $300 on a T3 Hair Dryer anymore. The brand has come out with a $119 version that works JUST AS WELL but takes just a bit longer to dry.

Mischo Beauty shares her recommendations for an at-home skincare regimen to maintain the health of your skin in-between facials.

Kia of Yummy411 tries out MAC's Mineralize Skinfinish Loose Foundation.

The Beauty Bug reviews the best exfoliating cleansers that all leave your skin soft, retexturized, and glowing!

Beauty Junkie in SF discovers great things come in small packages.

Beauty Banter asks super hot Rock Mistress Alison Sudol of A Fine Frenzy to dish on her favorite skin products for a pore-free complexion!

Glossypink has found an amazing sunscreen that doubles as a makeup primer!

SPINLASH - the mascara with a rotating brush - promises to simultaneously separate, shape, coat, lengthen and volumize eyelashes. Does it deliver? Spoiled Pretty finds out!

Toya interviews her first beauty lover of color - Angie! Do you want to be interviewed, too?

Pursebuzz.com teams up with Beauty from the Earth for a fantastic contest. The winner will win 10 jars of multipurpose mineral makeup of your choice! Click here to enter. Good luck!!!

Makeup Moxie craves a luxe tropical vacay after trying Elizabeth Arden Mediterranean Breeze Body Shimmer

Thursday, April 17, 2008

Maybelline Moisture Extreme Lipcolor















Whenever I pop into the drugstore and there's a Buy-One-Get-One Free sale, I'm in trouble. I mean, how can you turn down free makeup? You just can't.

I picked up a couple Maybelline Moisture Extreme Lipcolor lipsticks on a BOGO sale, and they are fabulous for the price.

Everything from the watermelon scent, to the burst of moisture for lips, the SPF 15 and the wide array of colors makes this a great springtime lipstick.

The formula goes on smooth and slick, giving a good dose of color that feels light on the lips. Like most semi-sheer, glossy lipsticks, it won't stay put for hours, but it can be reapplied in a snap--without drying out your pucker.