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Kiehls and M*A*C Give Back

I would like to recognize Kiehl’s and M*A*C for their contribution to AIDS research today, on World AIDS Day.

Kiehls Mac

KIEHL’S LIMITED EDITION HAND CARE FOR A CURE

In proud support of World AIDS Day, Kiehl’s is launching a Limited Edition Hand Care for a Cure today with 100% of the net profits to benefit amfAR.  With new packaging for a limited release of their signature Ultimate Strength Hand Salve, it features a unique design of the symbolic red ribbon – worn internationally to increase public awareness of AIDS. Created out of red hand prints, this visual displays the many hands that AIDS has affected, as well as the many hands working together to find a cure.  This heavy-duty moisture treatment is a thick, rich formula offering all-day care and protection to hands. Featuring a blend of select ingredients that allows skin draw and absorb water from the air, this hand salve forms a protective barrier against moisture loss.

Limited Edition Hand Care for a Cure Suggested Retail Price: 2.5 fl. oz / $12.50, available on http://www.kiehls.com

About amfAR [from amfAR.com]:

Founded in 1985, amfAR is dedicated to ending the global AIDS epidemic through innovative research and has invested nearly $300 million in its mission and has awarded grants to more than 2,000 research teams worldwide. For additional information on amfAR, visit www.amfAR.org

M∙A∙C ‘S MIRACLES HAPPEN VIVA GLAM LIP KIT

As part of M∙A∙C’s continued commitment to AIDS research, they are donating every cent of the purchase of their Miracles Happen Viva Glam Lip Kit to the M∙A∙C AIDS Fund.  This compact features lip trio Viva Glam V and VI Lipsticks, and Viva Glam V Lip Gloss.  The set is part of their holiday collection, and truly is the gift that keeps on giving.

Miracles Happen Viva Glam Lip Kit Suggested Retail Price: $22.50, available on www.maccosmetics.com

About M∙A∙C AIDS Fund:

Established in 1994 by M·A·C Cosmetics, the M·A·C AIDS Fund supports men, women and children affected by HIV/AIDS globally. Introducing its first

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For the Girl Who Wants it All

Holiday blockbuster

If you’re looking for a gift for a makeup maven, or are one yourself, don’t miss out on these two limited edition palettes. From beginners to pros, if you’ve ever asked yourself, ‘I wonder if I can pull off wearing…,’ here’s your chance to find out. These two sets can be mixed and matched to create endless looks. So much fun! Lets face it, not every color is going to look great on you, but that’s half the battle when experimenting to find your perfect look. Once you’ve figured out your best looks, you can go back for the full size versions feeling more confident.

Sephora Brand’s Ultimate Blockbuster

Set Includes:

  • How-to Guide
  • 3 qty Blushes
  • 60 qty lip glosses
  • 2 qty Lip liners
  • 3 qty Eyeliners
  • 6 qty Cream Eyeliners
  • 84 qty Eyeshadows
  • 6 qty Matte Eyeshadows
  • 6 qty Sparkling Eyeshadows
  • Double-ended eyeshadow applicator/ eyeliner brush
  • Double-ended sponge-tipped applicator
  • Lip brush
  • Powder brush

Price: $48 ($400 value)

Tarte Treasure Chest

Set Includes:

  • 16 qty Full-Sized Shimmering  Eyeshadows
  • 16 qty Full-Sized Matte Eyeshadows
  • 16 qty Lipglosses
  • Mineral Powder Bronzer In Park Ave Princess
  • Pink Luminizer
  • 4 qty Powder Blushes

Price: $52 ($686 value)

A combination of all new colors and best sellers, these products have all been dermatologist tested and does not containparabens, petro-chemicals, phthalates, sulfates, GMOs, Triclosans, preservatives, gluten, talc, glycols, MEA/DEA/TEA, and formaldehyde donors.

Compact and beautifully packaged, this bejeweled kit, which includes a mirror that folds to be amazingly compact.  I’m slightly enamored.

For More information on both sets visit Sephora.com

Survive the Holidays – My Must Haves

With the winter and holidays right around the corner, this is generally that time of year our skin begins to experience some of their ramifications. Here are some of my must haves to stay stress free (or at least look like it!), while combating winter dryness this season.  They also make great gifts, if for no one else, then yourself, and they get extra points for their great packing.

Holdiay must haves

*These products are in the order of the post below (not in order of my favorites).

Survive Kit by This Works

This worksThe Survive Kit from This Works is a travel friendly 5 piece set That includes:

Turbo Balm – A preservative free balm, made from Cocoa Butter, Rose, and Monoi, works great on lips, cuticles, elbows, (basically any chapped area) to sooth dryness.

Quick Spritz – A cool hydrating spritz for the face and body blended from on palmrosa and rosewood to refresh the skin.

One for all – A roller ball with pure lavender and coconut oil, is a natural antiseptic that can be used when skin needs some soothing relief.  The calming smell can also help aid sleep.

Breathe in – Aromatherapy to the rescue.  This roller ball with frankincense and eucalyptus is useful for clearing the head, or when feeling run down.

Stay Cool Eye Serum – A soothing blend of aloe, arnica, and cucumber. Easy absorption into the skin — this helps me look revived and refreshed after a long night.

For more information click HERE

Skyn Iceland – Detox Kit for Stressed Skin

skyn icelandSkyn Iceland, the natural skincare company that specializes in counteracting the negative effects of stressed skin created the Detox Kit based on 4 of their signature products to help rebalance skin.

Glacial Face Wash with Biospheric Complex – This gentle, foaming cleanser helps relieves skin of impurities and leaves skin soft and refreshed. Key ingredients include white willow bark (helps prevent breakouts), icelandic kelp (to fight inflammation), and cylindrical seed oil (natural antioxidant that helps repair skin’s lipid barrier).

Arctic Face Mist with Biospheric Complex – A refreshing, toning mist, that helps instantly relieve irritated, uneven and inflamed skin. I love this product right after washing my face as well as for a pick me up throughout the day.  It’s impressive ingredient roster includes green tea antioxidants, white willow bark, witch hazel (to reduce size of pores), shea butter (hydrates dry skin), and yeast extract (to help calm inflammation).

The ANTIDOTE Quenching Daily Lotion with Biospheric Complex – This lightweight lotion goes on with a cooling sensation to moisturizes and hydrates skin; safe and recommended for acne prone skin. Contains Omega 2, 6, and 9 fatty acids, aloe vera, jojoba, and shea butter to moisturize the skin.  There is a mint derivative used to improve microcirculation to relieve redness, and meadow sweet extract to control oiliness and tighten pores. In addition, this product includes white willow bark, Icelandic kelp, and yeast extract (explained above).

Oxygen Infusion Night Cream with Biospheric Complex – This overnight moisturizing cream works with your natural renewal process to energize, and restore tone and texture. Powerful ingredients include anti-aging rice peptides to firm skin, antioxidants, Vitamins A, C, and E to improve elasticity and tone skin, as well as white willow bark and yeast extract.

Basically, a month supply of skincare (cleaner, lotion, mist, and night cream) that works to counteract stress and all the unpleasantness it can create.

For more information click HERE

(Malin+Goetz) Detox Mask

M&G detoxThis deep cleansing mask uses innovative, oxygenating cleansing agents, which immerse into pores to clean dirt and makeup, leaving your face clean and refreshed. On contact, it feels like shaving foam and tickles slightly as it works itself into your pores.  Leave it on for five minutes, then rinse off with a warm towel, and your skin feels instantly smoother. Contains green tea extract, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and soy protein, which help calm lines, and keep skin radiant and firm. 

For more information click HERE

Kiehl’s Imperial Body Balm

open kiehlsI have really dry skin this time of year, so if I could (afford it) I would bathe in this stuff.  I love the packaging, the way it smells — a special blend of amber and vanilla essences — and most importantly, the result.  This product deeply hydrates my skin all day without being greasy or messy.  The gorgeous yellow coloring comes from the natural ingredient, Sea Buckhorn Berry, which is able to survive harsh climates and is known for its healing and protective properties.

More about the Balm:

  • Inspired by old-world Russian herbal remedies
  • Deeply hydrates, regenerates, and comforts extremely dry, lackluster skin
  • Accelerates cell turnover with honey and fruit glycolic acids to immediately reveal a new skin softness and radiance
  • High levels of antioxidant-rich butters help protect skin from environmental damage

For more information click HERE

ReVersital 3-in1 MidcrodermaStick

reverDuring a recent trip to Warren Tricomi, the beauty shop in The Plaza Hotel, I was introduced to ReVersital 3-in1 MidcrodermaStick.  The representative demonstrated on my hand how this product cleanses, resurfaces, and moisturizes. 
 
Considering how amazing the skin on my hand felt, I knew I wanted to try and review this product.  After two weeks of using this product (3 times a week), my skin was glowing.  This is truly an extraordinary product and worth trying. 
 
I made the mistake of bringing it home on a recent trip to Boston where I was hoping to get my mother’s opinion (and gather data to see how it works for a more mature skin).   Generally the only products she gets excited about are Cosmedix or Dr. Haushka; however, after her first experience with the ReVersital she wouldn’t

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Booty Queen for Halloween

*My flash decided to censor my stuffed bra.
*My flash decided to censor my stuffed bra. Top by Nicole Romano, Blue Jean Denim Leggings by Mark. (worked great for stuffing my behind!), Shoes by Jeffrey Campbell

Oh Kim, why did we think Karaoke as a good idea?
Oh Kim, why did we think Karaoke as a good idea?
kim kard3 best
Look at those eyes! Ignore my hair (I was rained on)

Halloween is a fun time of year when you can really go outside your comfort zone and play dress up without any concern about looking too ridiculous or over-dressed.  This year, I decided to be Kim Kardashian.  It was very entertaining creating this costume considering it was my first ‘stuff my bra/butt experience.’  It also gave me an opportunity to test a lot of products.

Here’s a quick excerpt of the my Kim Kardashian look (more detailed review to come):

HAIR:

Redken Go Clean Shampoo and Finish Up Conditioner – Love it! This is part of Redken’s men’s line but it works really well on my hair.  Great lather, my hair comes out shiny and well, clean.  But yes, you’ll smell like a dude.  When men ask me for a list of products I recommend for them, this is always on the list (unless they have color treated hair).

Ken Paves Professional Styling Iron – Part of Ken Paves’ Travel line, is this lightweight straightener, which is fast becoming my everyday straightener – it’s that good.  Originally I was apprehensive about this product since I didn’t think ‘one heat setting fits all’ is viable for flat irons; however it gets very hot (up to 410 degrees F), which is what is really necessary for my curly hair.  Warning, if you generally use your flat iron on a low heat setting, this may not be the product for you.  Unless of course the heat settings automatically adjusts based on hair need, but either way there is no dial to manually control it.  I will investigate this further and report back.

Living Proof Straight Making No Frizz Styling Treatment – a great protective cream for when you’re using a flat iron or blow-drying your hair.  Helps fight frizz and only requires a small dollop to service your entire scalp.  It’s no wonder this line has been winning so many prestigious beauty awards!

Cutler Specialist Fly-Away Control Stick – This is my go to product for fly aways. Shaped like a deodorant stick, I just roll them over problematic areas and I’m all set for the entire evening.

John Frieda Luxurious Volume All-Out Hold Hairspray – This product fell a little flat.  It has great hold, but didn’t maintain the volume I was hoping for.

LIPS:

L’Oreal Infallible Plumping Lip Gloss in Plumped Pink and Plumped Red – It tingles a bit, and I definitely felt a little plumping action taking place, but having pretty full lips already, it wasn’t

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Birthday Makeup by Paul Labrecque

crop nars

In anticipation of my birthday this week, it triggered the usual, ‘What do I wear? How should I wear my makeup?’ freak-out.  Fortunately, I received a complimentary makeup application at Paul Labrecque Salon and Spa in the gift bag from Nicole Williams‘, Girl on Top book launch.  No time like the present to use it!

Considering the reputation of the salon, and the many beauty awards they’ve received (everyone from Vogue, and InStyle, to Allure Magazine), I plopped myself down on the chair and placed my complete trust in them.  I gave no guidelines on the application or makeup look, just a description of my outfit to my big event so the stylist could make sure they matched.

Without any hesitation, my lovely stylist Salome, who has been with the company for over 8 years, gave me a gorgeous bronzed glow, using product by NARS Cosmetics and Cle de Peau.

But see for yourself:

IMG_1894

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My birthday look:

EYES:

eye shut

NARS Duo Eyeshadow in Pandora, Kilimanjaro, and Isolde

Cle de Peau Intensifying Cream Eyeliner in #101

Cle de Peau Mascara in Volume in Black #101

FACE:

NARS Liquid Foundation in Sedona

NARS Face Powder in Mountain

NARS Concealer in Toffee

NARS Multiple Stick in Palm Beach

CHEEKS:

NARS Blush in Exhibit A

LIPS:

NARS Lipliner in Papau

NARS Lip Gloss in Turkish Delight and Stolen Kisses (NARS)
The staff was so great and warm, I had such a lovely experience and my makeup lasted all night, without any touch ups.

Thank you Salome and Paul Labrecque for making my day so special!

For more information onn Paul Labrecque Salon and Spa click HERE

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