Dermagenics contacted us at Latest Beauty to see if we would be interested in trying out their new Ultra Intensive Anti-Aging Moisturizer. It is an all-in-one moisturizer that eliminates the need for a separate day cream, night cream, under-eye cream, serums, etc…you know, all of the cute little bottles we have lining our vanity. Um, eliminate clutter, extra expenses and have awesome skin to boot? Yes, please. I am interested in trying out your new product.
Already, I love that the product has no discernible fragrance. I have always been sensitive to fragrances but for some reason that sensitivity has been heightened lately, so fragrance is a make-or-break factor these days. And when I put a dab of it on my hand (because I’ve already moisturized my face today) it really made my hand feel silky and soft. There is a definite textural difference from the area where I smoothed on the Dermagenics and the area that was only moisturized by the hand lotion I had applied about 30 minutes before receiving the package from Dermagenics. We’re off to a good start, Dermagenics and I.
I’m looking forward to giving this product a whirl and will keep you posted on how my skin is feeling and looking over the next few weeks!
I’m not the type of girl that wears a lot of makeup. Okay, who am I kidding? Normally, I’m just too lazy to put on makeup. But when I do, my routine is fairly simple: Bare Minerals foundation, a swipe of dark brown or black mac eyeshadow for eyeliner, Maybelline’s Full ‘N Soft mascara, and a dab of Vaseline. And that’s it. It takes a total of 5 minutes.
But today, in particular, I want to discuss the mascara, because I think Maybelline’s Full ‘N Soft is probably the best mascara on the market. Believe me, I’ve strayed over the years and I’ve tried plenty of other mascaras, everything from the ones that claim to curl your lashes to the ones that claim to double the length and volume of your lashes–and a few in between. Most of them went clumpy and didn’t fulfill their promises.
However, the Full N’ Soft mascara has never let me down and I’ve been using this mascara since middle school! My lashes always look flawless and clump-free. It’s nothing fancy–it’s not going to make your lashes longer or more voluminous or curl your lashes. But it does the job for darker, thicker lashes. (I personally use the waterproof version in “very black.”)
My older sister started adding botox and laser hair removal to her beauty regimen in her early 20s (she’s 26 now) and I always shuddered at the thought of injections and lasers, especially since my idea of makeup is putting on some eyeliner and swiping a bit of color on my lips. Typically, I’m too lazy to even put on makeup. But we’re only young for so long and beauty is fleeting, so it’s not that bad to be vain once in a while.
Recently, we had the opportunity to interview Ryan Bloch, President of Laser Cosmetica New York, and we asked him about several of the procedures he offers at his office.
Q: Can you first tell us a bit about Laser Cosmetica?
A: Laser Cosmetica was one of the first facilities to promote the concept of an exclusive focus on laser-based procedures and have grown to multiple locations in several cities, including New York, Miami, and Westchester. We’ve been around for almost nine years.
Q: What does the laser do?
A: It evens out skin tone and texture, and reduces pigmentation and wrinkles. To date, the results have been incredible.
Q: Is it possible to reduce cellulite?
A: Just about every woman thinks that they have cellulite. We use Accent radio frequency therapy to reduce cellulite. The device actually melts fat and helps people will lose weight.
Q: So, people have actually lost weight with these procedures?
A: Yes, our clients actually drop inches from their waist. We have achieved dramatic results for adults with many different body types. It works best with people who are in shape.
Q: Who would be an ideal candidate for skin tightening?
A: Skin tightening is particularly effective for the jowls and abdomen, as well as skin around the body. Some of the best candidates are people who have recently experienced massive weight reduction, women who are post pregnancy, and adults who want to counter the aging process. Skin tightening is restorative and brings your skin to previous pluck. You want your skin to snap back into place and that’s what this does.
Q: Is there a procedure that is particularly popular among middle-aged women?
A: I’d have to say wrinkle reduction using AffirmTM and our clients have seen dramatic improvements in their appearance thanks to this radical laser. Our wrinkle reduction laser is best laser that we own. (See more info here for wrinkle reduction procedures in their New York office)
Q: What about laser hair removal? Laser Cosmetica is well known for laser hair removal, but how safe is it, really?
A: Yes, we are among the most experienced providers of laser hair removal services in New York. We operate several lasers and can treat any type of skin. Lasers these days are safer than ever before and have greater effectiveness. The results have been great and one key feature is that there is no downtime.
Q: Do men come in for laser hair removal and other spa services?
A: Yes, men come in frequently. They make up approximately 30 percent of our clientele and the popularity of these services is growing with men.
(hmmm, quite interesting…)
So there you have it, ladies and gentleman. You are now more knowledgeable about laser cosmetic procedures. I’m particularly curious about reducing cellulite, but I know I can combat my cellulite with a clean diet and regular exercise! If you have any other pressing questions or comments, please leave them in our comments section, and we’ll try to respond promptly.
Are you familiar with the the Mexican celebration known as el Dia de los Muertos, a.k.a. the Day of the Dead? It’s a pretty big deal here in L.A. Basically, where Halloween is scary and spooky, Dia de los Muertos is happy and festive. People build altars and have picnics and processions in the cemetery to honor their deceased friends and relatives, and the iconography is colorful and fun, from calaveras face painting to sugar skulls. The aim is to remind people of their mortality while at the same time celebrating those who have passed on and demystifying death. It’s a fun alternative to Halloween, and one that is relatively underrated in mainstream American culture. That’s why I was so excited to see that, for their limited edition Halloween goodies this year, LUSH has focused on a Day of the Dead theme! Here’s what they have in store:
Calavera Ballistic Bath Bomb – A citrusy bath bomb full of lime oil and marigold petals, with colorful swirls of orange, pink and green.
Lady Catrina Soap – A sweet-scented soap with agave nectar and neroli oil, which comes from orange blossom flowers.
Calacas Shower Jelly – A wiggly, skull-shaped jelly with seaweed, aloe vera and lime oil.
What do you think of LUSH’s unconventional take on the season? Are you interested in any of these, or are you holding out for their Christmas goodies?
The way my skin feels and looks is always at the mercy of the changing seasons. Oily in the summer, and especially dry in the winter. No matter what, I’m constantly changing my routine, because sometimes, my daily dose of SPF and my trusty DDF Moisturizing Dew just isn’t going to cut it.
An amazing, yet little known, regimen for taking care of your skin, eliminating acne, and improving your skin as you age, is the medical facial. I had my first medical facial a couple of months ago at Rita’s Institute for Beautiful Skin located in sunny Santa Monica, and went in again recently. Both experiences were terrific, and I’m definitely going back in for a couple more trips to clean up my skin. Rita worked for Dr. Howard Murad for a number of years at the Murad Medical Group and Dr. Ava Shamban before opening up her own office. Her clientele includes A-list celebs, including model Marissa Miller. The medi-spa also has a loyal following…clients that move away make trips back to Los Angeles just to see Rita! See the Yelp reviews here and read for yourself!
One client writes, “There’s a real sense of clinical precision but with the luxury and ease of a spa.”
What is a Medical Facial?
Medical facials are designed by dermatologists and performed by estheticians. Most of the time, the products they use are only available in doctors’ offices, and not in regular spas.
The Process
I settled down under a warm comforter and Rita put lotion and heated gloves on my hands.
Rita first analyzes your skin before she does anything. Right away she could tell that I have a bad habit of picking at my skin. And I’ve promised to stop this terrible habit, but habits are hard to break! Then she explains to me the medical facial process and what exactly she’s going to do to my skin.
She begins the process by steaming my face for a few minutes to open up my pores.
Then she exfoliates the skin via chemical exfoliation, e.g. a glycolic acid peel.
Next comes the torturous part: the extractions. According to her website, “the core of her treatments involves a special technique she learned in Hungary where she precisely focuses on extraction angles which eliminates the formation of scars and red marks.” I must say that she is very thorough in her extractions.
After all the extractions, she puts some more stuff on my face, and then she zaps my skin with a wand, which gets rid of the bacteria. It feels a little weird.
After that she puts more stuff on my face, and I get pampered with a neck and shoulder massage.
Finally, she covers my face with dry ice to seal up my pores.
Voila! 55 minutes later, my skin has never felt cleaner. Rita sends me home with samples of SPF & facial cleanser for my skin.
Treatments start at $50. The European Cleansing Facial will set you back $170 and Rita’s Signature Treatment, $450.
I am one of the biggest advocates you will find of keeping skin healthy now so you don’t have to resort to surgery or needles later so you’ll look young. For me, that means washing my face every night, keeping my skin moisturized – face, neck and chest, – and wearing sunscreen, rain or shine. So a headline over at Yahoo definitely piqued my interest: 5 Surprising Ways You’re Ruining Your Skin. A few of the tips were not so surprising – getting enough rest and being a serious runner – were things I already knew about. But hearing about the dangers of tap water and steam rooms were interesting to learn about. But I would definitely add to the first tip about getting your prescriptions for your eyes up to date. The idea is that if you have to squint with your glasses or contacts, then you may be contributing to fine lines around your eyes. I would definitely add in the necessity for wearing sunglasses! Not only are you likely to squint less with shade for your eyes, but when you wear large frames like Jennifer Aniston’s in this picture, then you are protecting that delicate tissue around your eyes even further – if you have sunglasses with UV protection. You don’t have to get expensive sunglasses in order to have UV protection. Just make sure you read the description on the sunglasses carefully and always opt for 100% UV protection. It is better for your eyes, to help prevent cataracts, and it is better for your skin, to help prevent wrinkles.
After a brief flirtation with lip gloss, I’ve been moving back to my roots…in other words, lipstick. And while some ladies might prefer a shiny lipstick, I’ve always been a fan of matte. Unfortunately, matte lipstick isn’t always a pleasure to wear; it can be drying, settle into fine lines and generally feel heavy on the lips. That’s why I’m so happy to have found my official HG lip color: Revlon’s Matte Lipstick.
Basically, I love everything about this lipstick. First of all, it’s drugstore-cheap and easy to find. Even the packaging (one area in which drugstore brands often falter) is sophisticated and cool: A sleek black-and-silver tube with clear plastic on top so you can see the color inside. The lipstick has no discernible taste or smell, and once it’s on, it’s virtually weightless. It’s long-lasting and genuinely matte, and the colors are beautiful.
At the moment, I have three shades from this line: Nude Attitude (creamy beige), In the Red (true red) and Wine Not (burgundy). The only one that I have any issue with at all is Nude Attitude; it’s so light that it looks a little like I put concealer on my lips! Still haven’t really figured out how to make that one work for me, but it might look nice topped with a colored gloss or as part of an updated mod look with a strong eye. But In the Red and Wine Not are my go-to bold lip colors. In short, if you love matte lips, get thee to a drugstore and sample this line. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.
What are your current lip obsessions? Share in a comment!
Last week my friends threw an “end of summer” barbeque but it was pretty chilly here in SoCal that evening, so we all hung out inside their fabulous place instead of hanging by the pool. Oddly enough, this change of plans led to a beauty tip discovery. As someone was rooting around in the fridge for another beer, they noticed that there were bottles of nail polish lining the refrigerator door. This led to questions…
Guest: “Um. Why is there nail polish in your fridge?”
Friend: “I read in a beauty mag forever ago that it helps preserve the color and texture of the nail polish longer. So I’ve always kept it in my refrigerator.”
Friend’s Husband: “That’s why?? I just figured that it wasn’t an accident you put them there but decided it was better not to ask…”
Oh, husbands…
I had never heard of this nail polish preservation technique before! Have you?? I think I’m going to have to start storing my nail polish this way though because I definitely don’t use my bottles quickly enough. Seriously though, who does? That is another question…have you EVER gone through an entire bottle of nail polish before it went bad? I have trouble getting through the mini bottles before the color starts to separate. Maybe I should paint my nails more…
Leave a comment and let us know how you store your nail polish!
Ok, I admit I’m late to the party but….have you discovered E.L.F. makeup brushes yet?? I went to Target yesterday and was on the hunt for some affordable makeup brushes. I am doing my best friend’s makeup for her wedding in two weeks and I want to make sure she looks flawless. I needed to get a foundation brush and I also thought it would be a good idea to pick up some eyeshadow brushes for her eye makeup. I have some great ones from MAC that I used for my wedding but since I use them and wouldn’t have time to clean them properly between her application and mine, it is more sanitary to get some new brushes just for her. Since I’m mainly buying the brushes for a one-time-only affair, I’m not too worried about not getting top of the line brushes that are going to last forever. I just need some quality brushes that will apply makeup beautifully for this occasion.
I went ahead and picked up a few from the Sonia Kashuk line, since they are pretty great in their own right. And then I decided to wander through the makeup aisles, as I’m known to do. I can’t help myself – you never know what fun stuff you’ll find! And I’m extra glad I did because that is how I stumbled upon E.L.F. I didn’t realize Target carried this line and I thought I heard awhile back that they were going out of business. So I was very pleasantly surprised to see their products. And then I saw how much they cost…..ONE DOLLAR. Yep. A dollar a brush. And not for shabby, stiff, poor bristles. A dollar for soft, pliable, completely workable brushes. I am thrilled with the find and stocked up on what I needed. All for less than the cost of one brush from Sonia Kashuk’s line. Not to knock the SK brushes – those will certainly last longer and are great quality. But when you need a brush for a day, you can’t beat this. And if you are new to brushes and you want to experiment with applying your makeup with them, this is the perfect way to find what works for you – before investing bigger bucks in higher end products.
I don’t know about you, but I’ve always felt like I had two choices when it came to buying makeup: I could go low-end (i.e., drugstore) or I could go high-end (i.e., department stores/Sephora). Drugstore makeup is super affordable and easy to come by, but higher-end products are usually better quality and better for my skin – not to mention the invariably sexy packaging. Unfortunately, I’ve more or less resigned myself to buying drugstore makeup lately, with the occasional Sephora splurge here and there…and then I started thinking about beauty supple stores.
Of course, I’ve always been aware of beauty supply stores, and I’ve ducked in once or twice, but I had pretty much written them off as being primarily hair care. (Why did I think this? I have no idea.) But Sally, in particular, kept popping up on the blogs I read, from Nouveau Cheap’s guest post on an intriguing mint shampoo to RFC’s comparison of the Palladio Dual Wet&Dry Foundation to MAC StudioFix – in which she concluded that they were very close, but she liked the Palladio better!
So I ducked into my nearest Sally’s, and whoa! So much cheaper than a trip to Sephora, and everything I bought is awesome! Here’s what I hauled:
…plus the $5 I paid for a 1-year membership to the “Beauty Club”
I decided to take the plunge and get a club card because there are tons of discounts exclusive to club members listed on the website; plus, they gave me a $5 coupon good on any purchase during the month of October, so it’s like my membership was free!
As for the awesomeness of my purchases, I’m thinking of doing a series of individual reviews, because seriously, they’re all great. The Palladio powder foundation, in particular, is so much better than the Neutrogena Mineral Sheers I’ve been using – and it was about $5 cheaper!
In conclusion, if you haven’t ventured into a beauty supply store in years, I recommend you take the plunge. They have cosmetics, skincare and hair products far better than what you’ll find at most drugstores, but at a fraction of the price you can expect to pay at the mall. Love you, Sally! XOXO.
Just a quick post about how gorgeous Natalie Portman looked on the opening day of the Venice Film Festival. Her bold red dress by Rodarte was perfectly offset with her neutral makeup choices. I love the detail of the shoulders and the neckline on this dress. And this shade of red is what I’m going to be looking for when I start populating my fall wardrobe.
The one thing I’m not so crazy about is the clutch that is paired with the dress. Does it look like a makeup bag to anyone else? Now, don’t get me wrong, I’ve had a few makeup bags in my time that I thought could double as purses….but now I see how that doesn’t really work. I’m sure this is some gorgeous designer bag but it stands out to me as something that should have been left at the vanity.
Back to the gorgeousness though: the lightly lined eyes, with what looks like brown eyeliner to keep the look as natural as possible, is perfection. The application really makes her brown eyes look otherworldly. I am a big fan of MAC’s Stubborn Brown Powerpoint Eye Pencil to help achieve this defined yet delicate look. It looks like a touch of white shadow was dabbed underneath on the inside corner of her eye to really make her eyes pop.
I’m feeling inspired to shop for beautiful red shirts and dresses and bags. And I’m feeling inspired to play up my eyes and neutralize my lip color.
There were plenty of red carpet looks this week, between the Emmys and the Venice Film Festival:
I am a huge fan of a messy bun. Maybe it stems from my days of dance classes growing up or maybe it comes from not always taking the time to “do” my hair every morning. Whatever it is, most days you can find me with my hair in a bun. I have quite the assortment of bobby pins of all shapes, styles and colors….and now I don’t know what to do with them….
….Because I bought a Spin Pin. I am not exaggerating when I say I bought this on Tuesday and I haven’t worn my hair down since. And I had a dream last night that I couldn’t find my spin pin and I was frantic. When I found it, my mom had somehow twisted it so it didn’t work anymore and I was pretty upset. Don’t read too much into the dream, except that I’m clearly obsessing over this product.
The package comes with two spin pins but since my hair is so thin, I’ve only needed to use one to keep my bun in place. One pin! Normally I use five or 6 bobby pins and they fall out throughout the day and I have to constantly restyle. But with the Spin Pin I take my hair, twirl it into a bun and then take my Spin Pin and twist it up into the bun from the bottom like it’s a corkscrew. And I’m done. It is unbelievably simple and holds into place remarkably well. Women with thicker hair – I’m looking at you, Melissa – will probably need to use both pins but, still, I’m pretty sure you’re going to love it. Plus! You aren’t limited to just creating a “messy bun” – you can do several different up-dos with ease. I have several weddings to attend in the next few months…guess how I’m doing my hair….
Has anyone else tried the Spin Pin yet? Are you loving it as much as me? Or did it not work for you? I’m curious! Let us know with a comment…
The whole “stars without Photoshop” thing is really running rampant lately – but I think that just goes to show that magazines rely on digital airbrushing way, way too much. I understand that fashion mags want to create an air of “fantasy” for their readers, but there’s a difference between fantasy and complete fiction, and in many cases, that line has been crossed so many times that it can be downright jarring to see pictures of a celeb looking less than flawless. I submit, for your consideration, this unretouched picture of Jennifer Aniston, taken at a photo shoot several years ago, but just released today:
[Photo Removed]
Comments on these photos have ranged from “That’s where too much partying and not enough sunscreen will get ya!” to “She looks her age, but she’s also gorgeous.” In case you’re curious, here’s a Photoshopped pic from the same shoot:
Yes, she’s pretty either way, but the difference is really astounding. So what’s your take on these shots? Do you find Jen “au natural” surprisingly attractive, or just…surprising?
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Edit 8/20/10: We received a cease and desist email from someone at Management + Artists + Organization, who we suppose own the untouched photos, and they “demand” that we take them down due to unauthorized use. So there you have it. They also used about 16 asterisks in their email, so we’re not sure if we should take them seriously. In any case, we don’t want to be sued over a little blog post.
Did you ever want to experiment with different shades of makeup without the hassle of cleanup? Or you simply didn’t have time to explore the endless options? Well, now you can explore endless makeup and hair looks right from your computer! Yes, that’s right, your computer. Ladies, now, you can see how you look with a makeover, without actually getting a makeover. You can prevent a beauty fiasco before it happens.
For some reason, I have been obsessed with finding Revlon’s Lilac Pastelle, a creamy purple lip gloss. Unlike most glosses, which have at least a hint of shimmer, this one is absolutely shimmer-free – and, having seen pictures of it on the lips, it’s way more flattering than you might expect. (There’s also a Lilac Pastelle nail polish, if you’re into that matchy-matchy kind of thing.)
Another drugstore obsession: Sally Hansen’s Xtreme Wear polishes. I already own quite a few of these (in fact, I’m wearing Blue Me away, a vibrant blue creme, right now!) but the new shades that I’ve seen on a handful of blogs look pretty hard to resist – and, since they’re only $1.99 apiece, why fight it? There’s a glass-flecked deep crimson called Fireberry Red, a smoky purple/gray with delicate green shimmer called Mystic Lilac, and a glittery purple/silver combo called Purple Gala…sigh. Why haven’t I been able to find these yet?!
There they are…my current drugstore obsessions! Which affordable makeup or beauty products are you dying to get your hands on?
Summer may be winding down but that doesn’t mean that sunscreen is no longer on our radar. I’m a firm believer in wearing SPF everyday, whether I’m spending the day at the beach or not, so I’m always on the lookout for sunscreens that protect well and can live happily in the world of everyday and in the world of vacation. I actually just got back from a vacation in the Florida Keys and, lawd, let me tell you – it is HOT down there. The sun is a whole ‘nother level of intense and I was quite nervous that I was going to get scorched. Before I left mild LA, I picked up a new sunscreen to try out: Coppertone Sensitive Skin SPF 50. One of my biggest sunscreen-gripes is when you get wet or start to sweat and the sunscreen burns your eyes. The fact that it said on the bottle that it “Won’t sting eyes & skin” didn’t give me much comfort because I have tried others that promised the same thing – but still stung. I was planning on spending a lot of time lounging in the pool – I did not need anything to complicate that! Another sunscreen-gripe is if it is too greasy. I don’t need anything that is going to make me break out like I’m a teenager again. And it is hard to find a sunscreen that doesn’t fall into at least one of my gripes.
Well let me tell you: I LOVE THIS SUNSCREEN.
There were no oh-my-gosh-my-eyes! moments – totally did not sting. A little of this sunscreen goes a long way, so you get more bang for your buck. It does take a little while to fully rub it in but you know you are being well protected. Once you learn the right amount to apply for your face, then it isn’t greasy and totally wearable underneath makeup. It is my new go-to daily sunscreen. We ended up needing to buy a larger bottle so that my entire family could use it while we were on vacation – everyone agreed that it was pretty great. I’m keeping the small bottle in my purse in case I ever need to touch up throughout the day.
I am definitely of the philosophy that if we take good care of our skin now, we’ll have less problems to take care of down the line. And not just in terms of aging: I had to have a pre-cancerous spot on my nose removed last year and I’m still in my twenties. That was a wake up call! Needless to say, while I love the sun, I’m a little more cautious now – hats and sunscreen for everyone!
You’ve probably heard of Groupon, LivingSocial, Woot! and all of those a-deal-a-day sites in their respective niches. BloomSpot, is another one of those group deal websites. BloomSpot, however, caters to customers with an affinity for the finer things in life. According to their website, “BloomSpot is about enjoying a short lived special opportunity to enjoy yourself close to home.” They work with luxury brands, ranging from hoteliers and spas, to four star restaurants, to trendy fitness classes – all targeting the discerning recessionista.
If you’re in the Los Angeles area, you can purchase these services:
Combo Lash for $85 (a $175 value)
or
the Signature Eyelash Extensions for $175 (a $375 value)
Do you ever envy your friends that have naturally long, dark and perfectly curled lashes? Well, envy no more! Now, you can have long, think and luscious lashes yourself! Lashes are applied one by one on top of your real eyelashes – for a look that looks and feels completely natural. The process takes anywhere from 1-2 hours depending on where you get it done, and can last 6-8 weeks. 6-8 weeks!!!
A-list celebs get this done all the time (don’t think they’re all naturally gorgeous!). Beauty is an investment
This post was written by Latest Beauty contributor, Eli K.
Colgate-Palmolive just introduced a new Speed Stick deodorant that features the revolutionary Stainguard with Stain Defense Technology. This innovative line of antiperspirants and deodorants is formulated specifically to help eliminate yellow stains and residue build-up on clothing that deodorant use tends to cause. It’s also clinically proven to provide odor and wetness protection for 24 hours, which is a nice added bonus for those who sweat heavily throughout the day.
Yellow armpit stains have a number of causes, including sweat, stress, diet, detergents, and antiperspirant ingredients. When these factors combine, there might seem to be no stopping the yellow stains from forming. No matter how many times you wash your clothing, the yellow armpit stains will remain, and you’ll end up going through white T’s like toilet paper. By using its patent pending Stain Defense Technology formula, Staignguard improves adhesion and is designed to make sure these stains never occur in the first place
First off, let me say that I have been waiting for a product like this to come out for years. I’m the type of guy that loves to wear jeans and a white t-shirt. Call me simple, but I feel it’s classic American-man attire, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Obviously, nobody can pull off any manly appearance if they have embarrassing yellow stains under their armpits; yet that’s what most men like myself have to deal with. Every man wants to smell good; it’s undeniable that a fresh scented man will win over Mr. BO. But why should I have to sacrifice my favorite shirts for the sake of smelling good? Thanks to Speed Stick and the new Stainguard deodorant line, I don’t have to anymore.
I was very skeptical when I first starting using my Stainguard antiperspirant/deodorant stick. I got the “fresh” scent, and thought it smelled great, and that at least the deodorant aspect would be taken care of. It’s a solid stick, which I was on the fence about at first because I’m used to a gel stick, but the stick went on smoothly, without the reside that other solids leave behind. The antiperspirant worked great, but it was nothing new for Speed Stick. So at that point it was just another deodorant from a trusted brand – nothing new, nothing special.
After I started using it for a couple weeks was when I started thanking the Speed Stick team for making the Stainguard product line. I’m a pretty active guy, and I can honestly say this stick does what it claims to do. My white shirts would come out of the wash without the yellow stains and when I wear it there’s no residue left on my shirts. Bottom line: great scent, great protection, no compromise.
Disclosure: Samples of Lady Speed Stick with Stainguard and Men’s Speed Stick with Stainguard were provided to us by Colgate-Palolive’s public relations team. However, all views and opinions stated in this review belong to the author of the post and not influenced in any way. No other compensation was received.
Additional Note: Stainguard Technology is also avaialble on Lady Speed Stick antiperspirant, as well, for those of you ladies that worry about sweating while wearing white shirts!
I confess: I’m something of an eyeshadow novice. In fact, after eschewing the product for years in favor of my trusty old (and, admittedly, boring) black eyeliner/black mascara combo, I only started branching out into the world of shadows earlier this year. Sure, I’d swiped a wash of color on my lids from time to time, but I’m just now learning how to use multiple colors at once, accent the crease, blend up to the brow bone, and so on. I’ve actually never used a mineral eyeshadow before, so forgive me if any part of this review is marred by user error or plain old ignorance.
Lily Lolo is a UK-based brand of mineral makeup, and LB recently received a few adorable little pots of their loose powder eyeshadow for review. The shades I tried, both part of the new Summer Essential line, were Vanilla Shimmer (described as “a softly shimmering pinky-beige”) and Moonlight (“a rich, luxurious and glistening chocolate brown”). Vanilla Shimmer is recommended as a base color or for highlights, while Moonlight is intended to add depth or function as an eyeliner. I wouldn’t have chosen either of these colors for myself, as I tend to prefer shades that are dark and/or bold, but they both looked perfectly lovely in their pots and swatched on the back of my hand. These shadows are smooth and light as silk, and the shimmer is soft yet noticeable – sounds great, right?
Unfortunately, I’m going to have to give them a thumbs down overall because they had virtually no staying power whatsoever! Now the website claims that these shadows have “strong colour pigment to give long lasting wear,” but my experience was exactly the opposite. The colors looked nice when I first brushed them on, but when I attempted to blend at all, they simply faded away. (I tried this on my hand as well, and they really do seem to vanish on me after just one or two swipes!) I was unable to create any sort of look with these shadows, which is too bad, because they really did look pretty in the pot. However, I didn’t use a primer or base, so I suppose that could make all the difference, or this could just be the nature of mineral shadows.
In conclusion, Lily Lolo seems like an intriguing new brand, and I would be interested in trying some of their other products, but these shadows were not my bag, baby. What do you think of mineral eyeshadows? Do you have any brands that you swear by?
Fans of Elizabeth Gilbert’s bestselling memoir Eat, Pray, Love – which has been adapted into a movie starring Julia Roberts and Javier Bardem, in theaters August 13th – should be pleased to hear about the latest fragrance offering from Fresh: A trio of scents inspired by the three countries that give the book (and film) its name.
“Eat” was inspired by the delicious wines and desserts of Italy, with notes including lemon, basil, cannoli (!) and caramel, balanced by Italian liqueurs like Prosecco and Limoncello.
“Pray” calls to mind the heady spiritualism of India in a scent that is reminiscent of incense and spices with its notes of amber, patchouli, jasmine, cardamom and more.
“Love” evokes the romantic tropical landscape of Indonesia with notes like bergamot, mango blossom, sandalwood and red currant.
Each scent will sell for $32 individually, or you can purchase a trio of travel-sized candles for $45. What do you think of this inventive tie-in? I haven’t read the book, but I’m definitely interested in sniffing these out; they both look and sound divine!
Dermagenics contacted us at Latest Beauty to see if we would be interested in trying out their new Ultra Intensive Anti-Aging Moisturizer. It is an all-in-one moisturizer that eliminates the need for a separate day cream, night cream, under-eye cream, serums, etc…you know, all of the cute little bottles we have lining our vanity. Um, eliminate clutter, extra expenses and have awesome skin to boot? Yes, please. I am interested in trying out your new product.
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For some reason, I have been obsessed with finding Revlon’s 
