Momma Mia!

Clarisonic

The hottest gift to give - Mia, Mia 2, Aria, Plus, Opal

Let's start off with the basics. Clarisonic comes to us from the same people who made the Sonicare Toothbrush. Each of these devices will do for your skin what Sonicare did for your teeth. There are tons of benefits and specialty sets for those of you wanting to dramatically tackle acne. I also have customers who use this product as a pre- and post-shave regime. They claim it helps them get a closer shave and helps a lot with ingrown hairs. 

These are all the different colors of the Mia. It has one speed, a one year warranty, and in the box it comes with it's charger and a trial size cleanser; but you can use any cleanser you already have. $119

The Sonic Skin Cleansing System uses a patented sonic frequency of more than 300 movements per second to clean, soften and smooth skin. In just 60 seconds, the brush gently, yet thoroughly removes 6X more makeup and 2X more dirt and oil than manual cleansing alone. Removing these impurities has been shown to allow a 61% better absorption of Vitamin C, and better prepares skin for other products. 

This is the Mia 2. It has two speed, a two year warranty and comes with everything that was in the Mia (In this pictures it comes with an extra traveling case). This is probably the most popular at our location. I recommend the Mia 2 because of the lower speed; that helps especially with people who want extra help getting ride of blackheads/whiteheads around the curves of their nose and in their t-zone. It also has a pulsating timer to tell you when to move areas on your face. $149

This is the Aria. This was made for people "on the go". It's got a few more added features, like the informative battery life and the usb charger and the three different speeds. $199

This is the Plus. It has a larger head, three speeds, a different charging stand, and comes with an extra head and cleanser. But, the reason why the plus is so awesome is because that extra head was made for your body! Now, I always get the question, "Can't I just use my Mia for my body?" The answer is... you probably COULD but (1) You are going to wear out your brushes much faster and cost you more money (2) The body brush was made specifically for areas like your heels, elbows, knees and hands. I always tell customers to trust the technology. $225

I had a Venezuelan lady who was 65 come into the store and literally pulled up her shirt and pants to show us her skin (Not all the way thank goodness). Her skin truly looked like someone else's who was twenty years younger!

This is the Opal. This tool is made to take years off of your eyes! IMMEDIATELY it reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. This is my next "to be purchased" item.  Here, take a gander 

Just not a personal note, I've had my Mia for about three years. I've never had a problem with it, even when I consistently use it in the shower. I can definitely say I'm never going back to a washcloth and hands. My skin feels so much better and I know that my skin is absorbing the products I want it too. 

<3 B

So Urban

Urban Decay

This line of cosmetics shot up on the scene around 15 years ago declaring "Bold Colors for All" and they are now the largest independently owned color cosmetics company in the United States. 

If you haven't already bought their eyeliners or shadows you might need to go get your eyes tested because you are missing out on a world vibrant color. It might look intimidating; but here are some looks that can be put together from subtle to outrageous. 

Staples: Perversion (liquid or pencil) & the Naked Palette

Beauty bloggers and video journalists love this line. It's a new generation makeup. Make sure to use their primer 'potion' and these colors will last all day. 

<3 B

Oceanic Skincare

Sue Devitt

As promised - here is one of my favorite skin care lines out there. Like I tell many of my customers - it's the the closest thing to organic skincare; but it actually works!

Let's start with a few of my favorite things:

This little number is called Microquatic™ Prime Target Intensive Eye Treatment, but my team commonly refers to it as The Magic Wand or Liquid Caffeine. Bippidy, Boppidy, BOO - and it instantly tightens and firms the eye area, eliminating the appearance of dark circles and increases circulation with dramatically reduces puffiness. 

The website claims, "Amino Peptides hydrate and regenerate damaged skin while Orchid Extract, a natural moisturizer, fights against free radicals, promotes healthy radiance, protects eye vitality with antioxidants and reparative properties." 

Every time we get a new shipment in, we sell out in under one week. I am not kidding. Because it's one of those purchases that is a miracle find; every person that comes to me with issues with puffiness, or just wants a little pick me up - consider it sold. 

This little gem makes your face feel flawless! The Oxygen Infusion Masque has self-foaming molecules that remove impurities while hydrating with blue algae (actually derived from the ocean), soy protein, and chamomile extracts which reduces redness and irritation. Instead of rinsing it off, I found that I'd rather take a small, plastic spatula and "scrape" it off my face. It almost feels like I'm shaving my entire face--which is rather comical when you do it for somebody else in a busy department store. 

Now, I could go on and on about how her makeup covers everything from the lightest lights to the darkest darks, or how her compact powders feel lightweight but still has great coverage, or how her soy protein and blue algae primers keep hydrating and make a smooth makeup application look easy - or you could just give them a try! 

Happy Hunting!

<3

Home Remedy #1

Salt

If you're not close enough to the ocean to take a dip, or are severely concerned about all the pollution clogging our shores - here's a home remedy that will make you AND your skin feel fabulous. 

Here's some love from our friends over at eHow:

Detoxifies and Stimulates the Skin

• Salts help to draw out toxins, microscopic dirt, and pollutants that get into our skin's pores over time. As it cleanses the skin, it also stimulates skin cells in normal metabolic detoxifying and cleansing processes. The salt in salt water exfoliates the outer surface of the skin, removing dead skin cells and revealing the fresh new cells underneath, which leaves the skin glowing. Salt water leaves you with skin that is softer.

Reduces Skin Irritation

• Salt is full of minerals that the body needs in all its normal regulatory processes. Magnesium, for example, helps in the metabolism of skin cells and helps the skin to fight allergies. As salts open the pores and draw out toxins, they relieve the irritation and itching caused by skin rashes and insect bites, small cuts and scrapes, and scaly, dry skin. You will probably notice that your skin's outer surface feels dry but clean after a dip in the salt. That is because salt does draw out the moisture, but it also draws out the nasty stuff. It does not disturb the skin's natural barrier, however, and it does help restore overall mineral balance, which helps the skin to maintain proper moisture.

  
  

  Feel a bit strange washing your face with super grainy salt? There's an answer for that - Baking Soda. Ever looked at the ingredients in the stuff? Correction; there's only one ingredient! Salt. Baking soda has super fine particles and a tiny bit mixed with water covers your entire face. Another benefit - it's CRAZY CHEAP! A whole pound of baking soda at Walmart costs $.68, and that's not even the generic version. 

  I recommend this for almost everybody - but I especially recommend it for those of you with oily skin. One small warning though, it does have a tendency to sting if you've got cuts or open wounds on your face.

  SAY GOODBYE TO BUYING SALT SCRUBS FOREVER

  

  
  

  
  

Oh Really!?!

You Bought THAT?!?

Every once in a while people waste their money. I know right? Who would do that?!? Hopefully this post will help you remember to take your brain along with your wallet. 

Wasteful Product of the Month:  Eyebrow Gel

Let's take a look at Benefit Cosmetics and their 'speed brow'. It costs $16 for a 3 GRAM or .10 oz supply! Current silver prices are around $32 an oz....so if you do the math; you're paying $160 for 1 oz of this stuff! You're better off investing in precious metals than you are buying 'speed brow gel'. 

But that's not the real reason this little wonder gets my goat; because lots of cosmetic products fall under the same category. The real reason why this product makes me cringe is that its purpose is straightening and setting your brows - SO GO GET THE HAIR GEL, MOUSSE, or HAIRSPRAY THAT YOU ALREADY HAVE,  and put some on a fine-toothed comb, or unused mascara wand. IT DOES THE SAME THING!!!

You can thank me later when you start laughing at the ads on QVC, HSN, or in-person at your local department store. 

Go Red or Go Home

Go Red or Go Home

Top Picks: Red Lips

Personally, I don't want my lips to scream "I'M WEARING RED LIPSTICK!" - I'd rather havethem say, "Hey, this is the bold, seductress me and you and I both know I look good!"

So here are my top four picks for red lipstick:

1. So I had to update this post when I read in article in Good Housekeeping about red lipstick. One of their top picks was from Mac and I had to try it. It's called Russian Red and it's phenomenal. Staying power was great, it didn't bleed, beautiful matte finish; plus $15 it isn't a bad price AT ALL. Caution though - Mac is known for it's bold colors; so if you REALLY don't want your lips to scream "I'M WEARING RED" - then this is not for you. 

1. An instant classic the moment it arrived at the Lancome counter - Rouge In Love is the family and 181N Rouge Saint Honore is the name. I'm pretty sure crayola called and wanted it's red back because this IS NOT red-orange or red-purple - this is red in it's truest form. It's super light-weight, but still has a good wear-time and goes on very smoothly. 

http://www.lancome-usa.com/Rouge-In-Love/100021,default,pd.html?dwvar_100021_color=106M%20Jolis%20Matins&start=3&cgid=makeup-lipstick&srule=Most%20Popular_9%2e20

1. Be Legendary Lipstick - Do I need to say anything else? Now this is a darker red, almost leaning towards 'red delicious apple' color. This is a great lipstick that moisturizes well and has a great - not too shiny or matte, finish. Smashbox named the whole line after this color. Yea, it's that good. Legendary by Smashbox

http://www.smashbox.com/product/6126/21023/Lips/Lipstick/BE-LEGENDARY-LIPSTICK/index.tmpl

1. Sue Devitt. Ever heard of her? Here's a brief introduction. Her line of cosmetics is the closest thing to natural skin-care that you are going to find outside of Whole Foods. I'm a huge fan of the skin-care line (which I will be blogging about later); but here's a lovely introduction with her lipstick. It's called Balanced Sheer Lipstick in Northern Lights (color). Now this lipstick is SUPER sheer - not saying that it doesn't have lovely pigmentation, but I would put this right above a tinted moisturizing chapstick. It's going to soften your lips and keep them hydrated. Or, if you need just a bit more than sheer, try 'Phinda' or 'Great Austrailian Bight' in her Balanced Matte Lipstick. It's one downfall, in my opinion, is that it doesn't last as long as my other two top picks. 

P.S. All of the proceeds from her Matte Lipstick New York goes to the Red Cross to help the victims on the U.S. east coast from Hurricane Sandy. (It's a neutral tan color)

http://www.suedevittbeauty.com/products/Balanced-Sheer-Lipstick.html

Go Bold

Go Bold

Stila Long Wear Liquid Lip Color

Whenever somebody asks me for a lip color that stays on, Stila is my go-to brand. Not only do they have gorgeous colors - but they go great on all skin/lip types. That's right all my dark cocoa's and non-flavored snow-cones; these are going to look ultra-fabulous on YOU to!

Specifically, I wanted to highlight their color "Fiery". This is a very true red color. 

On the box: This long-lasting lip color formula glides on lips and stays put, delivering hours of intense moisture and rich, stunning, bold color with a matte, creamy finish. 

The weightless liquid moves with your lips to prevent color from transferring, feathering or bleeding and creates captivatingly kissable lips. 

Enriched with ultra-conditioning Vitamin E and avocado oil, Long Wear Liquid Lip Color hydrates and seals in moisture so your lips look and feel irresistibly soft all day. 

Now, this isn't a gloss and it isn't a stick - so expect a matte finish. I highly suggest if you want a glossy look to wait to put on your favorite clear overtop AFTER this dries. It can be somewhat tricky putting on because you've got to color in the lines; but if you're smooth with your skill and have the patience to wait for about a minute or two, this color has unmatched staying power. 

http://www.stilacosmetics.com/product/long-wear-liquid-lip-color.do?sortby=ourPicks

Micellar Cleansing Water

A Product Worthy Of A First Post

Lancome Micellar Cleansing Water

I know what you're thinking - a cleansing water? Really? Well ladies and gentlemen, YOU are in for a BIG surprise. 

In my opinion - this product is Lancome's best kept secret. They don't advertise it anymore, nor do they give samples of it away in GWP (Gift With Purchase), nor will ANY Lancome employee mention it when they talk to you about make-up removers. Why? Because this product is so multi-dementional that it would hinder the sales of some of their other products. Salespeople only sell it to people who ask for it by name. 

On the Bottle: "In one step, this refreshing cleansing water with Micellar Technology and soothing Rose de France lifts and removes impurities and even waterproof, long-lasting face, eye and lid makeup. Skin is purified, toned, and revitalized."

I've used this product for a little over a week now. It's safe on sensitive skin and doesn't have that "super-powered chemical" feel. It literally just feels like water on a cotton swab; but it takes off ALL makeup in a breeze. Plus it leaves my face feeling fresh and clean; and in the morning, I swear my face feels softer - and who doesn't want to feel softer skin?!?

It comes in two sizes - 6.8 oz ($37) and 13.5 ($48) Lancome does their pricing for most of their products this way (Bulk is cheaper). Eleven dollars more for almost double to quantity. DO IT.

http://www.lancome-usa.com/Eau-Fraiche-Douceur/1000199,default,pd.html?start=7&cgid=skincare-cleansers-toners

By the way - if you want to know what 'Micellar' actually means, here's a link to a page by terriss.com that explains it very well and in language everyone can understand:

http://www.terriss.com/images/products/Introduction%20to%20NEF%20Cleanser%20Technology.pdf

Happy Cleansing!

Introduction

A little about me - I've been working in sales/retail for at least five years and I found my passion for the skincare/cosmetics/hair care field. Currently I work for a large department store in the United States and I always get the question - "Does this stuff really work?" followed, quickly, by "How much is it?"

While more money doesn't always equate to a better product, the best answer that I can give to anyone searching this vast, vanity-driven market is to make their own priority list and find out what works best for your skin/hair/complexion. For example, I have fair skin that shows every little imperfection my body, genetics, and the environment can throw at it. So, for me, it's important that I keep acne, blackheads, wrinkles, and fine lines from either occurring or re-occurring. Hence, I prefer to spend more money on preventative products and treatments than have to dish out to cover up. 

In this blog I will test and review products and post pictures of the attempts, misfires, and successes. My sole purpose in creating this blog is to help making the finding of their products a little (or a lot!) easier. We are going to cover everything from all-natural, make-at-home-remedies to high-end retailed cosmetics.