Archive for November, 2008
Nov
30
Guerlain Holiday Collection 2008
Guerlain’s Holiday Collection was inspired by the beauty and colors of a butterfly.
This collection includes the following:
Limited-Edition Kiss Kiss Lipstick Butterfly
Available in 2 shades:
• Dazzling Butterfly: Sophisticated pink
• Delicate Butterfly: A delicate pearly white
Limited-Edition Kiss Kiss Gloss Butterfly
Available in:
• Charming Butterfly: pink
• Intriging Butterfly: violet
Eyeshadow Palette Collector
This new palette contains four shades: white, mauve, soft pink and violet. I really like the shades. A silvery pearl impression of butterfly is embossed in the center of the palette.
Limited-Edition Le 2 de Guerlain Butterfly Sparkle
On one side it contains black mascara that promises to add volume, length and curl to your lashes. On the other end you’ll find violet coloured mascara that you can apply with a mini brush.
Sublime Radiant Powder
This powder with silvery shimmer comes in a glamorous metallic glass bottle with a jeweled butterfly atomizer.
Meteorites Voyage
The iconic illuminating pressed powder come in refillable silver compact adorned with butterfly motif of Guerlain’s holiday collection. It contains varying hues of pink, beige and white to accentuate the eyes, cheeks or the entire face.
Related Posts:
Beauty Brand: Guerlain
Beauty Review: Happylogy Eye: Glowing Eye Care
Beauty Review: Guerlain Kiss Kiss Maxi Shine Lisptick
Guerlain’s New Makeup Collection Autumn 2008
Beauty Shopping: Guerlain’s Boutique in Paris, Champs Elyses
Get more information about Guerlain skin care and makeup or shop for Guerlain’s products online
Visit the original post at: Skin Care and Beauty
Nov
29
Ormonde Jayne Woman
A pleasant and surprising side effect of my third trimester of pregnancy is an embracing love of scents I normally would not like. I tried Ormonde Jayne Woman years ago, due to the generosity of a friend who owned it, and quickly dismissed it as “not me” moving on to explore other scents from the London Perfumery. How exciting that as I have fully experienced all ten scents from the lovely house in the last month (thank you Samantha and Sarah!), I have fallen completely for the one scent I thought I never would. It even qualifies as an amber scent with a resonating amber base note so I am keeping my promise to review amber fragrances this month.
Before I describe the fragrance, I must reference the philosophy of the house that created it. Ormonde Jayne’s creator, Linda Pilkington, opened her doors on November 30, 2002 in London’s old Bond Street after a lifelong love affair with scent. In creating the house, her goal was to “combine elements which [she considers] define true elegance: The quality of English craftsmanship, the art of French perfumery and the sensuality and natural harmony of the Orient.” In addition to this brilliant philosophy Ormonde Jayne uses only the finest quality oils and essences, sought throughout the world, in their perfumes, candles, bath oils and body treatments. This truly is a luxury fragrance line and I long for the day I can shop in the store.
Woman is a stately fragrance, exceptionally unique, unexpectedly warm and woodsy … and seductively violet. Its development is textbook marked by a definite personality to each stage. A seductive and warm scent, I am charmed by its curious and exceptional foundation: Black Hemlock absolute. In researching this note, I am surprised to find it is simply an evergreen tree indigenous to the western United States, with “wood much harder than Canadian hemlock.” Well, that puts it into perspective. Not really. I know nothing about evergreens other than how their scent mesmerizes me during the holiday season. Using this rare note speaks volumes for the originality of its creator.
With a spicy and green opening that lasts several minutes, the senses are awakened and primed for a fragrant voyage. When I first tested, I wanted the opening to define the fragrance and to last forever. The combination of cardamom, coriander and grass oil was simply heavenly to my nose - unlike most any other scent I had experienced. However, in experiencing this exhilarating stage, I was not aware of the beautiful base to come that would enthrall me even more. The heart of the fragrance dances on the skin featuring that gorgeous hemlock and the introduction of violet with jasmine. Woodsy and slightly masculine describes this phase and it is not my favorite, but pleasing enough. The hemlock outshines the flowers making the heart more resinous than one would expect. It is the dark, mysterious yet delicately sweet base that truly sets this fragrance apart as a gorgeous creation. Here, the violet note truly shines! Yet this violet differs from the many violets that have come before, lacking the candied quality of Guerlain L’Heure Bleue and others like it. This is grown-up and sophisticated violet, deep mahogany in color and Lauren Becall in character. For those with a green thumb, this scent reminds me of the color of angelface dark violet. No nonsense and stately, the amber and sandalwood that surround this violet give it depth. And I am in love.
I highly recommend Ormonde Jayne’s sample program. All eleven perfumes come housed in a velvet and satin pouch, with free shipping worldwide. Available online at www.ormondejayne.com.
Woman is available as Perfume, 50 mL for £112.00 or Eau de Parfum, 50 mL for £58.00. Be sure to investigate bath products and home scents as well, all at www.ormondejayne.com.
Visit the original post at: For The Love Of Perfume
Nov
26
Beauty Review: Guerlain Kiss Kiss Maxi Shine Lipstick
Packaging:
Guerlain’s packaging is always beautiful. And Kiss Kiss Maxi Shine lipstick is not an exception. It comes is a glamorous golden lipstick case which is simply a pleasure to hold in your hands.
Shade:
I am using 2 shades:
Pastel Shine (#660)- baby pink with light blue shimmering particles
Chocolate Shine (#643)- plum brown with white shimmer
Kiss Kiss Pastel Shine
Experience:
I am prone to dry chapped lips. That is why when I am looking for a perfect lipstick I don’t only look for the right color but also for the right texture. I want it not to dry my lips. And in my experience so many lipsticks do feel drying and make lips flake. I also like not to feel the lipstick on my lips at all. It shouldn’t be sticky or have a very intensive smell. In my opinion, moisturizing lipstick with SPF protection is perfect!
Kiss Kiss Maxi Shine lives up to all of my expectations and is perfect for me even though it doesn’t have that SPF protection. I have been using 2 colors for quite a while already and I will be buying Maxi Shine again.
Scent:
Very light with violet accord.
Stay-on Power:
It does last long! But don’t expect it to be there after dinner.
Texture and finish:
Kiss Kisss Maxi Shine has light, smooth and creamy texture… I like the fact that with Maxi Shine I hardly feel I am wearing a lipstick. It just feels like balm on your lips… This lipstick doesn’t dry out my lips at all, on the contrary, they feel comfortable and moisturized. I looked briefly at the ingredients and among the first are two powerful emollients Lanolin Oil and Castor Seed oil. Both are used to treat and to soothe dry skin and chapped lips.
With one layer applied, the color looks quite sheer but the good news is - it is buildable. You can increase its intensity by applying several layers.
I chose Pastel Beige (see photo above) for its excellent ability to create an illusion of fuller lips. The effect is great! Of course your lips won’t look twice the size but they will definitely look bigger and more luscious. I love Pastel Beige for its tender pink color and the sparkle. Pastel Beige makes a perfect day time lipstick.
Kiss Kiss Chocolate Shine
More of an evening-out variant is Kiss Kiss Chocolate Shine. However, volumizing effect seems less prominent with this one. That’s due to a dark shade. Otherwise, the color looks rich, deep and beautiful!
Shimmer:
Maxi Shine has beautiful shimmer but I know there are people who are not so fond of shimmer. (I, on the contrary, love it!) In my opinion, Maxi Shine is not too shimmery. The particles are really tiny and they don’t stand out. They just create this sparkling jewel effect. Love it!
Flash here makes the shimmer particles stand out. But in real life it doesn’t look so shimmeryRelated Posts:
Beauty Brand: Guerlain
Guerlain’s New Makeup Collection Autumn 2008
Beauty Shopping: Guerlain’s Boutique in Paris, Champs Elyses
Get more information about Guerlain skin care and makeup or shop for Guerlain’s products online
Visit the original post at: Skin Care and Beauty
Nov
24
Sea salt against stress and… cellulite
People say that life was born in the ocean. We don’t know if it is right, but we know that the gifts of sea can help you in the fight with stress and… cellulite. The main rich of the sea is salt. People get sea salt with the help of evaporation from sea water. That’s why sea salt contains all its qualities. Salt from Dead Sea is especially useful. Water in this sea is rich in magnesium, calcium, iodine, iron. Sea salt helps to take water and slags out from body and doesn’t dry the skin in this time. And one of the best salt’s qualities is to save from cellulite!
To improve the condition of skin, you need take sea salt bath 1-2 times a week. It is very easy to prepare such bath. Fill the bath with warm water and add 300 gram of sea salt. Sit in the bath for 10-15 minutes, and then take a warm shower. Such regular baths in combination with the next massage of “problem zones”, will improve tone of skin and smooth its relief. Also sea salt bath calms nerves, takes away exertion and tiredness and sates with iodine.
If you want to get rid of cellulite, but you have not enough time or possibility to sit in the bath, you can use sea salt scrub for body. You can prepare scrub by yourself easily. To prepare it, you need the glass of sea salt, 1 teaspoon aroma oil (lavender, peach, patchouli, rosemary for your choice) and 2 teaspoons olive oil. Mix everything carefully and leave for 20 minutes. Then mix again and put on the body with massage movements. Begin from legs and go up gradually. Add some water during a massage to improve effect of peeling. Then wash scrub and put anti-cellulite cream.
Visit the original post at: Beautiful Skin Blog
Nov
23
Beauty Talk: Sensitive Skin Products
As mentioned in the previous post. Correct selection of skin care products is very important for balancing your sensitive skin. Make sure the products you use do not contain the following:
1.fragrances
2.colorants
3.retinol
4.acids
5.alcohol
6.harsh ingredients (such as Alkyl/ Lauryl sulfates in cleansers)
7.common allergens, for example honey (unless you are sure you are not sensitive to this one)
Emulsifiers and chemical sunscreens are also sometimes mentioned among the sensitizing ingredients.
Nowadays most cosmetic brands offer special ranges for sensitive skin.
Keep in mind the following when choosing a product:
1.Look for products marked “sensitive skin” or read the description and see if it mentions if the product is suitable for sensitive skin.
2.Be careful with products containing aroma-oils or based on several plant extracts. In fact, the more active ingredients there are in a product, the more chances you have to develop sensitivity towards one of them.
3.It is definitely a plus if the product has been dermatologically tested but it does not guarantee that you won’t develop sensitivity to it.
4.Do not trust such words as “soothing” and “calming”. If the product is not marked “for sensitive skin”, such adjectives are used in relation to normal balanced skin. What is soothing for normal skin, may be not at all calming for sensitive. The most ridiculous thing I have come across is a “soothing scrub”. In my opinion, “Scrubbing” and “soothing” are antonyms. How can they be in one word combination.
5.Always ask for a sample before buying. Explain to the sales person that you have sensitive skin and you should have no problem getting one.
There are some products that cannot be sampled. For example, they come in ampoules. Inform sales representative that you have sensitive skin and inquire about a return policy on this product. Save the receipt! I had to return a product once. I first contacted the manufacturer who confirmed there would be no problem. With the note from manufacturer and the receipt I had no problem returning the product and getting reimbursed.
What ingredients to look for:
1.Choose SPF products based on mineral filters over chemical ones as the latter can cause redness/irritation.
2.For the daytime, choose moisturizers with non-irritating anti-oxidants, hyaluronic acid, collagen, squalen.
3.At night, use soothing and regenerating products. Look for such ingredients as allantoin, panthenol, calendula oil, bisabol, hydrolyzed wheat germ, Vitamin E.
And, remember, chemical composition of each person’s skin is very individual. That is why you may find that you are sensitive to some products developed specially for sensitive skin. So be prepared that you may have to try several skin care lines before you find the one that’s right for you.
Related posts:
Sensitive Skin
Sensitive Skin: Triggers and Causes
Read More:
Sensitive Skin Symptoms
Sensitive Skin Care
Feels like shopping? You can buy sensitive skin products online.
Visit the original post at: Skin Care and Beauty
Nov
21
Beauty Buzz: My Blend Anti-Jet Lag Relief Emergency Booster
Photo: MarieClair.com
You like traveling to far away places for vacation, or you often travel for business? Good news for you! You know how your skin turns pale, gray and lifeless after a long flight. Yes, it is partly due to the dry airplane air. However, Mark R. Rosekind, PhD, former head of NASA’a Fatigue Countermeasures Program, says the major reason for all the skin stress is that due to long-distance flights we get less deep delta sleep. This cuts down on the body’s repair time, as a result skin suffers and it immediately shows. Dr.Rosekind worked together with MyBlend to develop Anti-Jet Lag Relief Emergency Booster. This cream supplement contains two types of hyaluronic acid for maximum hydration and green coffee to improve circulation.
Source: Elle US, Dec. 2008
Visit the original post at: Skin Care and Beauty
Nov
18
Beauty Talk: Sensitive Skin - Triggers and Causes
Sensitive skin needs special care. If you neglect it, the recurrent or on-going inflammation will result either in a more serious condition like eczema/rosacea or age you at a much quicker pace. Besides all the redness, irritation and blotchiness associated with sensitive skin can be quite uncomfortable and embarrassing.
Your first step towards balancing your skin is to avoid or minimize sensitizing factors - things that trigger and aggravate sensitivity.
Avoid extreme temperatures or rapid temperature changes, as well as extreme weather conditions. Very hot or very cold temperature stresses and sensitizes skin. For example, it is recommended to avoid having long hot baths, saunas, solarium etc. Example at the other end of temperature gradient is winter sport such as skiing. This will also cause sensitive skin stress and damage to the protective barrier due to the cold and wind.
Due to the impaired barrier function UV light is especially damaging to sensitive skin. Avoid direct and long sun exposure and protect skin from UV light at every season.
Bring down your stress level. When you are stressed, your body releases hormones that accelerate inflammation and aging.
Minimize chemicals and allergens you come into contact with. Stop using fabric conditioners and softeners, air and closet fresheners. Always wash dishes in gloves. Make sure your house is well aired and clean: dust can cause allergies and related skin reactions.
Forget about cigarettes. Smoking not only dehydrates your skin, it also constricts capillaries, and limits oxygen and nutrients flow to the skin.
Skin’s beauty comes from within. That is why one of the key steps towards stabilizing your skin is reviewing and improving your diet. Exclude or at least minimize salty and spicy foods as well as alcohol and caffeine. These cause dilation and constriction of the capillary walls and will worsen sensitivity.
However, in case with coffee, quite the opposite effect is achieved by topical application of caffeine. It produces anti-inflammatory effect and was found to actually relieve skin redness.
Drink more water, eat more fruit and vegetables – vitamins and fiber will help to keep your skin healthy. There is no need to go into extremes, but if your sensitivity is really bad, you may consider excluding histamine containing foods: such as bananas, spinach, peas, cheese, shellfish, tinned tuna, chocolate, wine, cheese, citrus fruits, strawberries, tomatoes etc. Histamine containing foods trigger allergic reactions. Here is more information on histamine restricted diet.
Finally, what comes into direct contact with your skin daily is, of course, crucially important. Review your skin care products. They should not contain sensitizing ingredients such as fragrances, colorants, retinol, alcohol etc.
Details on ingredients to avoid and the ones to look for are coming in the next post.
Related posts:
Sensitive Skin
Read More:
Sensitive Skin Symptoms
Sensitive Skin Care
Feels like shopping? You can buy sensitive skin products online.
Visit the original post at: Skin Care and Beauty
Nov
16
Stop hair shedding and hair loss!
Last time more people notice hair falling out, thinning, or appearing in large amounts on their comb or brush. In this case you need care about your hair more carefully. Here you can find some original recipes for strengthening of different types of hair.
The mask for light hair. Mix 1 tablespoon colorless henna with 1 tablespoon of boiling water and add 1 tablespoon kefir, 2 stamped garlic bulbs, 1 teaspoon honey. Mix everything carefully and add beaten egg and mix again. Rub prepared mixture into hair’s roots and cover head with polyethylene and towel above. In 2 hours wash hair with warm water.
The mask for dark hair. Mix tobacco from one cigarette with ½ glass of strong tea and add 1 tablespoon any henna, 1 tablespoon clabber, a yolk and in 1 teaspoon cocoa, sea-buckthorn oil and vitamin A in oil. Mix everything carefully and warm on water bath. Then rub warm mixture into hair roots and cover head with polyethylene and towel above. Rinse hair with warm water in 2 hours.
Hair extract for dry hair. Mix in 1 tablespoon rosemary and camomile and pour it with ¾ glass of vodka in the bottle from dark glass. Keep extract in the dark place for 2 weeks. Then filter prepared extract and use twice a week. Rub extract into head skin with help old soft toothbrush, wetting toothbrush in the extract. Do not pour extract on the head! You shouldn’t wash off the extract.
Balsam for greasy hair. Mix vegetable oil and lemon juice in equal parts. Put prepared balsam on the head skin and hair before head washing for 15-20 minutes. Then wash head as usual. Rinse hair with herbal infusion.
To prepare herbal infusion, mix in 1 tablespoon sage and camomile and pour it with 1 liter boiling water. Keep to infuse and then filter.
Universal salt mask. Wash head and rub into wet hair kitchen salt during 10-15 minutes. Then wash hair with warm water. Usually 6 such procedures after head washing are enough to stop hair shedding.
Also you can use another variant of this procedure. After head washing put salt on the head skin. Cover head with polyethylene for 15 minutes and then wash hair with warm water.
Visit the original post at: Beautiful Skin Blog
Nov
16
Beauty Buzz: Customizable Lip Gloss
Another customizable product on the market was recently launched by Prescriptives! I do like the idea of customizable beauty products. I have already posted about Avon’s customizable dermabrasion, MyBlend skin care and Maybelline’s Custom Creations Foundation. Welcome this new idea: Custom Blend Lip Gloss.
Go to Prescriptives site to mix your very own lip gloss step by step.
First you choose a base shade. I went with Dark Coral
Proceed to step 2 and choose finish: glitter, chrome, gelly etc. I went with sheer sparkle… (Doesn’t my dark coral look kinda pink?)
At step 3 you have 9 options of a flavor and the 10th of no flavor. Melon was my choice.
Review your creation at step 4 and pay 26$ (My coral lip gloss definitely looks pink to me!)
Visit the original post at: Skin Care and Beauty
Nov
14
A Brief Note
Hello Dear Readers!
My sincere apologies for a lack of entries over the last few weeks. Closing in on the end of my pregnancy brings with it a “to do” list a mile long along with a jam-packed full-time work schedule in order to prepare for maternity leave. I have some wonderful samples to review, but finding the time to write them is proving challenging. My goal is to have one up by next Friday. So please tell me what you are wearing today. I plan to wear the new Intuition by Ralph Lauren. I liken it to warm and spicy yet soft cocoa powder, a perfect fall scent for a sensitive nose.
Have a wonderful day!
Visit the original post at: For The Love Of Perfume
Limited-Edition Kiss Kiss Gloss Butterfly
Eyeshadow Palette Collector
Limited-Edition Le 2 de Guerlain Butterfly Sparkle
Sublime Radiant Powder 
Meteorites Voyage
