Recently in Face Category

It matters not how long you've been married or dating, when it comes to date night (especially on Valentine's Day) you've got to pull out all the stops!  Make Up Forever makes it easy and fun to get all dolled up with just a few essentials (for less than $100!).  A pouty red lip (Aqua lips #8C and lipstick 205), smoldering eyes (Aqua Eyes #0L), flushed pink cheeks (sculpting blush #8) and a set of flirty lashes (Faux Lash Alexandra #110).  I love the Aqua eyes eyeliner for rimming the inside edge of the upper eyes, it makes the fake lashes blend in better.  And hello-- nothing is sexier than red hot lips-- but line them after applying your lipstick!  Lastly, I love a very pink and very flushed cheek-- smile and apply in circular motion on the apples of your cheeks to get that youthful cherub look.  All at Sephora.com 

I gotta thank Beauty Snob Tina for giving so much praise to Kanebo Sensai in the past and thus turning my attention to their wonderful line of products! This month, just in time for Valentine's Day, the Japanese prestige skincare company is expanding into color! Their new treatment makeup line consists of 22 eye, lip, and cheek buys. Of note is their 38˚C Mascara ($25, haven't tried it but it supposedly only comes-off in water above 38˚C). They've also got Eye Shadow Palettes ($50) with four sheer, layerable shades and a Cheek Blush palette ($45), that are worth checking-out. Best of all, to fete their new line, Bergdorf Goodman is offering complimentary 45 minute customized purifying facials, featuring the Kanebo Saho skincare technique of double cleansing, double moisturizing and double application to help bring-out your skin's natural glow! The only catch - you'll have to indulge yourself by buying $200 worth of Kanebo product.

Clarins is to skincare what beauty is to Audrey Hepburn -- they just go hand-in-hand for me! Lucky for us Clarins has two very exciting launches coming-up for spring. First they have High Definition Body Lift ($65, officially launching in March). It's their 5th generation cellulite control cream. Like many us know from repeated experience cellulite creams don't really work in getting rid of cellulite -- as I found out when I had my bad experience with Shiseido Body Creator. What a good cellulite cream can do however is tighten and smooth your skin...well at least make it feel like it's tight and smooth for a little while after you apply it! That's exactly what Clarins High Definition Body Lift does. As far as cellulite fighters go this is the best I've tried and it's covered by three patents so there's definitely some new formulations going on (plus it has that wonderful signature Clarins fresh smell!). It's also non-sticky, lightweight, and non-oily so it's not only moisturizing, but quickly absorbs into your skin so there's no need to wait before dressing. Clarins is also coming-out with Bright Plus HP Intensive Brightening Botanical System ($155, officially launching in April). It's a 21 day system that you use at night. It has two parts, one for age control and one for brightening. It's a great way to kick-off a spring beauty routine and get rid of your winter skin...ahh can't wait for the warm weather to start-up again!

It is very difficult to achieve the flawless face that you see on the runways and in glossies.  I have about 10 bottles of foundation in my make up stash right now but have yet to find the perfect fool proof make up for photo shoots and television appearances (I always look like a grease ball!). Until I received a sample of M·A·C Studio Sculpt Foundation.

Creamy but not oily, it glides on the skin flawlessly-- without the weird caking in pores/lines. I tried it on my wrist first and when I saw how easily it blended in, I smeared it all over my face. You will not believe how easy and smooth this foundation is! Once again, M·A·C has shattered expectations for foundation performance with its debut of Studio Sculpt SPF 15 Foundation. The gel-based cream formula is the final result of an extensive collaboration between M·A·C's Product Development experts and PRO team of makeup artists.

Backstage at fashion week provides the perfect testing ground for M·A·C's new products and our artists, working tirelessly at countless fashion shows, were eager for a foolproof makeup they could apply quickly and easily. Studio Sculpt is the answer to their prayers. It glides on smoothly and blends effortlessly for a flawless satiny finish--even when additional layers are needed for extra coverage.

The water-resistant blend leaves complexions perfectly even-toned and hydrated, while providing all-important broad-spectrum sun protection. Try it for yourself when it hits M·A·C stores and online on Feb. 7th. (Jump for more details!)

How many products claim to make your skin healthy as well as prevent common signs of aging? Yeah, can't be helped but I'm a bit of a skeptic. Seems like a lot to ask from a few products, but I am impressed by the Freeze 24/7 Daily Essentials Skincare System. I am hooked, I must admit, after using this for a week. There are three steps to this skincare system: Cleanse, Exfoliate, and Hydrate. You begin by using the Skin Glace Daily Detoxifying Cleanser and Mask. You would not think that this gentle and thin cleanser would be so powerful in actually removing your every day make up so thoroughly, but it does. You then go on to the IceCrystals Anti-Aging Prep and Polish, which I absolutely LOVE! This exfoliate has tiny crystals that you massage over your face that instantly give you the tingling sensation that let's you know things are working. Once you rinse and dry your face you will instantly notice the deep cleaning that leaves your face so soft and pure. The IceCream Double Scoop Intensive Anti-Aging Moisturizer completes this mini facial experience by rejuvenating the cells. You will go to sleep a very happy girl knowing that a lot was accomplished! After only a week, I have noticed my skin healthier, brighter and smoother. Freeze 24/7 Daily Essentials Skincare System, $150, also available at Henri Bendel, Fred Segal and Saks Fifth Avenue (in store only).

If sticky gooey black sap from the depth of the ocean doesn't sound appealing to you what about velvety rich skin? I received a sample of this goo from Givenchy and was hesitant to use it at first-- it's not the most appealing of color, texture or smell but vanity won out. After using it for a week, my skin had a velvety texture but my finger nails did not fare as well. They had a gray/black tint to them! I didn't want to stop using this so I did what any beauty obsessed snob would have done-- I made it work and bought surgical gloves in order to apply it.

The reason for the dark color is the Vital Black Algae Sap Concentrate-- an ingredient found in the depths of the ocean rich in vital fatty acids. This rare black algae extract been shown to protect skin cells' DNA from light-induced aging and wrinkles, and repair itself to form smoother, younger skin. Just make sure you wash your hands immediately after applying! Givenchy Le Soin Noir 1.7 oz $360 At Sephora.com Gimmick or miracle ingredient? Have you tried this?

I can't get enough of Jane Iredale mineral make up! I stopped by the Cooper Spa again last week to play with more stuff and found a few more can't live without items.
 

First up is the "Lip Drink"-- my hubby and son have taken it from me for their golf outings so I need to get another one. It's SPF 15 so I am relieved they're using it.  It has the slightest hint of lemon and herbs and makes lips smooth, immediately. Jane Iredale LipDrink Lip Balm SPF 15 for $11.60. This has replaced my Fresh sugar lip balm. And hello, it's half the price! Delish!

Next up is the 24kt Gold Dust for $12-- if you already have the Cotton Candy blush you know that the real flecks of gold give you a flawless sheen like not other.  This may be used all over your body and you won't glitter like the Strip, I promise-- it's subtle!  This will flatter any skin tone no matter how light/dark your complexion is! Jane Iredale 24-Karat Gold Dust

Lastly, the Eye Highlighter pencil that I now keep in my bag to perk me up mid day.  I don't drink coffee nor tea (caffeine intolerance) so I depend on my products to give me that zing and zip at 5pm.  I use this all over my face actually, it lightens hollow areas and gives me a youth like fullness. Use the white tip on the cupid bow of your lips and on the inner corners of the eyes. You'll see what I mean! Jane Iredale Eye Highlighter Pencil, White/Pink $15

Cheap fun but amazing results!

Update: release is in Feb. Apologies for the error in date! The eagerly anticipated Hello Kitty collaboration from MAC arrives at stores today. There is a "Mild" Kitty collection of muted shades and a "Wild" Kitty collection of bold and neon hues. Choose your poison and your Hello Kitty tote/make up bags/accessories along with a 14" Hello Kitty plush doll so you can overdose in Kitty style. I am a bit old to be playing with Hello Kitty (don't ask why there is a pink Hello Kitty beach cruiser in my garage!) but a glittery lip gloss or two will keep me young and happy. The icon adored by millions will arrive at MAC counters today with its limited edition collection of color, finishes, glitter, and shine! Or check out MAC Cosmetics online.

What do you think?  Is it normal for grown women like me to love Hello Kitty?

The only thing I get from the sun is burns! And while seeing stars like Anne Hathaway and Nicole Kidman embrace their pale skin does make me feel a little bit better about my skin tone I can't help but think everything looks better with a tan. Plus with this chilly weather I've been even more ghost-like than my usual self! I've written about various tanning products I've tried in the past and I'm a fan of spray tan places like Sundara ($78, full body; $30 face only) -- though you have to be careful with them because the 3-4 hours after you get the spray done are crucial since the color is still fragile. When it's cold if you put too many layers on after, the tan may smudge, but if the weather is hot you risk sweating and the color coming off as well! It's way easier to tan at home since you don't have to worry about the weather or immediately covering your body with clothing. I tried-out Lavera Sunless Self Tanning Lotion on my arms and legs last week and was pretty happy with the results. It's made with organic soy extracts and unlike other tanning lotions it only takes 1-2 hours for you to see visible results. So you're basically building your tan because you can always add more to get a richer, darker color or just add a little bit each day to maintain the color you already have. Plus, unlike most tanners, the smell is actually pleasant (non-invasive floral) and it's moisturizing (there's aloe in the lotion). A side tip that I learned at Sundara is to avoided any moisturizers with milk (like a fave of mine L'Occitane Amande Firming & Smoothing Milk Concentrate), because they're bad for your faux-tan!

I've never used anything from Burt's Bee despite passing a huge display at Bed, Bath and Beyond at some point pretty much every week so when I received Burt's Bees Radiance Healthy Glow Kit ($15.99) I was excited to try out the different products. The kit comes with a LOT to play with! Its got: Mini Exfoliating Body Bar, Exfoliating Body Wash, Mini Body Lotion, Day Creme, Night Creme, Eye Creme (packette), and Full Size Lip Shimmer. Each product contains Royal Jelly which is packed with 134 nutrients, including 17 amino acids, and vitamins A, C, D and K, as well as multiple B-vitamins. I tried the Body Lotion (a slight shimmer), Body Wash (just the right amount of foam), and the Body Bar (is it just me or have solid soaps almost gone extinct!). The line kind of makes me think of Yes to Carrots because its got this earthy, natural feel to it and both lines definitely have a handful of products that can convert Sephora Snobs into Frugal ones:) Have you tried Burt's Bee? I've heard their Lip Balm is wonderful as well -- share your thoughts!