Posts Tagged ‘Beauty products’

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Beautyfix Product Spotlight: Bioelements Sleepwear

Tuesday, December 14th, 2010

By Jenna

Routine can be a word to describe our sleep regimen at night. You get dressed for bed, brush your teeth, wash your face, hydrate your skin (hopefully) then climb into bed. What many don’t know is that time spent in slumber land is the perfect time to use an anti-aging cream as a wrinkle treatment. While you sleep, your body is hard at work in rejuvenation mode and there’s no better time to infuse your skin with anti-aging products. This season Beautyfix has given you an amazing anti-aging cream to use at night from Bioelements.

Source: Flickr User peasap

Sleepwear from Bioelements is an overnight rejuvenation treatment designed to infuse your complexion with a complex of topical calcium, time released retinol, protein peptides and cranberry seed oil. This formula supplies antioxidants, boosts collagen and elastin production, improves moisture retention and combats fine lines and wrinkles. It’s also somewhat exfoliating so your skin is working overtime during the night to help you get clear skin.  After cleansing your skin at night, warm a small amount between your fingertips and apply to your face and neck.

We are always on the search of clear skin and the products that will help achieve that. This is as easy as slipping into a silk nightie. My skin is sensitive, and for the most part pretty clear, but I’m very concerned about aging and will do everything to prevent wrinkles and fine lines. After using this product for a couple weeks, I’ve definitely noticed a difference in my complexion. Instead of breaking out with a few pimples because of the usual holiday stress, I haven’t at all! Every morning after using Sleepwear, my skin is soft and glowing. My complexion has definitely evened out a bit over the past few weeks as well. Because of sensitivity, I’ve been using it about 2-3 times a week and my skin does get red upon application, and then fades away by the morning. This product has an amount of retinol, so if you’re in the same boat as I am with sensitive or sensitized skin, I would recommend only using a couple times a week. For everyone lucky enough not to have sensitive skin, feel free to use more often at night. In my book, this product is a keeper and I’ll continue to use in the future. Using this for a few weeks will have your skin baby soft.

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Working Overtime- Eye shadow can play almost every role in the makeup bag

Thursday, November 4th, 2010

Flickr user Jacklyn DL

As you might be able to tell from some of my other blog posts, I’m not exactly the biggest of beauty junkies. Don’t get me wrong, I do like makeup and feeling feminine but I simply detest spending time, energy and money on pampering. My makeup bag is pretty bare, not because I don’t need that much makeup, but because I have found my no-fail products that work double and sometimes triple duty- cutting down on clutter, cost and time. The MVP of my makeup bag? Eye shadow! There are so many different uses for eye shadow that with a few different shades and pigments, you could practically toss half of your beauty product arsenal! Read on to learn about them.

  1. Eyeliner- Eye shadow is a great substitute for actual eyeliner, plus there is a far greater selection of shades! Simply wet an angled or pointed brush, dip into your eye shadow and voila—custom eyeliner!
  2. Eyebrow pencil- Very similar to the previous tip, applying eyeliner, eye shadow may also be used as a great eyebrow pencil.
  3. Blush- Red and pink eye shadows are not the most popular shades, but if you happen to have a color that suites your skin tone (perhaps it came in an eye shadow palette with various colors) it can be a great blush.
  4. Lip gloss- Making lip gloss with eye shadow can be really fun and produce great results! Start with Vaseline on the back of your hand and start mixing in different shades of eye shadow until you create the perfect color
  5. Nail Polish- This use of eye shadow was news to me and I have yet to try it. However, one of my cosmetically gifted coworkers told me about this little trick and swears that it works wonderfully! Simply mix your favorite color of loose eye shadow with clear nail polish to create your desired shade. Try a vampy burgundy or purple, one of this winter’s hottest trends!

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Longer Lashes in the Blink of an Eye

Friday, September 17th, 2010

I, like most women, love the look of luscious, long eyelashes. (Wouldn’t we all love to walk around every day with Kim K’s stunning lashes?)  Although, due to clumsiness, laziness and lack of time, I rarely make an effort.  My unsteady hand generally results in mascara on my nose and eyeliner smudged on my lid and cheek (don’t even ask how it gets there, I have no clue). Fake eyelashes? Please, there is NO WAY I trust myself with eyelash adhesive around my eye region.  I toyed with the idea of trying a product such as Latisse or RapidLash—but I don’t want to deal with a prescription and both of these products contain Prostaglandin, which can alter the color of your eye. Even though I don’t have gorgeous blue or green peepers, I’m kind of partial to the boring brown eye color that I was given.

I recently decided to try Smartlash, a new eyelash enhancement which utilizes VisiLash Technology to create a gentle product that produces serious results. SmartLash is prescription-free formula that replaces harmful ingredients, such as Prostaglandin, with mild peptides to improve the look of lashes and brows without affecting the remaining eye area and skin. Although, what really sold me were the clinical results.

A 30-day independent clinical study yielded the following results:

  • 100% saw an increase in the appearance of eyelash length, fullness and thickness
  • Participants experienced up to a 68% increase in the appearance of lash length!
  • 100% said they feel like they need less mascara
  • 100% indicated superior performance compared to previously used eyelash enhancers

SmartLash is so incredibly easy to use. I just apply it to my lash line, as if I am applying eyeliner, twice a day and I’m done. I have only been using the product for about 4 days, so will check back in after a month and share my results!

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Blow Dryer Blues- Is the price tag always worth it?

Thursday, August 19th, 2010

flickr user rainpie

I have been without a blow dryer for over three months. This statement might shock you, as it did most of my co-workers, but it’s true. My last blow dryer (not the best hair dryer in the world but a trusty $29.99 drugstore brand) had a good run but ultimately went up in flames. Literally, flames…mid blow dry. I’m just not sure why I went all of three months without purchasing a new one. It could have been laziness, cheapness, or a subliminal nostalgia for my youth, when I was a competitive swimmer and had perpetually wet hair. Whatever the reason, I lived by way of air drying and declared a strike against purchasing a new blow dryer. I would even go as far as making a trip to the gym before a big meeting or event, specifically to use their hair dryers. Weird, I know.

Last weekend, I finally buckled. I had 45 minutes to shower and get ready for a wedding, which meant no time for a quick gym/borrowed blow dryer visit. Facing defeat, I made a visit to the beauty supply store by my house, where I stood in shock, taken aback by the overwhelming variety of blow dryers, features and technology. There were dozens of blow dryers, all boasting breakthrough science and revolutionary patents—and not one of them resembled my previous $29.99 model in any way, least of all in price. In a fit of pure frustration, I selected the cheapest (a mere $119!) blow dryer on display, paid, and left.

Grudgingly, I admit that my hair felt so much better after drying it with my new, expensive (relatively speaking) blow dryer. I began to wonder: is there some actual merit behind all the patenting and revolutionary technology?  Luckily, I have a wealth of knowledge at my fingertips, thanks to my extremely beauty-savvy coworkers (after all, our company is called Intelligent Beauty). For this particular question, I quizzed Jac, our non-official hair care expert.  She informed me that while it isn’t always the price tag that determines the best blow dryers, there are certainly key terms, technological aspects and features to look for when purchasing a blow dryer.

Here are some helpful tips:

  • Make sure your blow dryer is at least 1800 watts. This ensures adequate power to blow dry your hair. (Lower wattages = more time to dry, resulting in more heat damage to the hair.)
  • Ionic Technology is a fairly common phrase in the hair care world. It refers to a technology that generates negative ions that neutralize positive ions in the atmosphere. This process allows hair to dry faster, seals the cuticle, and reduces frizz, leaving hair smooth and shiny.
  • A ceramic hair dryer actually has a self-regulating system that senses if the dryer is getting too hot. The air flow is at the right temperature, and the coils are made out of ceramic as well.
  • Tourmaline blow dryers utilize a technology that speeds up the drying process by about 60%, which ultimately reduces damage caused by heat.
  • Another feature to look for in a good blow dryer: different temperature and speed settings, which allow you to adjust your preferences manually.

The moral of the story? There are several different options fitting for several different bank accounts.  The reigning king of the blow drying world is the T3 Featherweight Luxe, which actually nourishes the hair. For a more budget-friendly blow dryer, opt for something along the lines of the Conair Tourmaline Ceramic Ionic Styler. Just make sure your blow dryer has at least one of the features listed above. It all comes down to amount of time spent drying—less time, less heat, the better the blow dryer!

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Summer Makeup Palettes – Go Bold!

Wednesday, July 21st, 2010

By Tasha Reiko Brown

Summer Color Palette - Bright Lips

Summer is here! As the days get brighter, so should your makeup palette.  Take a cue from the recent runways ….go bold.!  Choose a bold lip or bright eye — think shimmer, sheer textures and fun!

The key to a brighter palette for summer is knowing which colors to choose for your skin tone.  A good rule of thumb is the darker your skin tone, the brighter the colors you will be able to pull off.  Darker complexions can wear bright colors with ease without going overboard.   Think jewel tones, and for the adventurous, neons.  If you keep the texture sheer, the whole rainbow is yours to play with. Light to medium skin tones should try deep pastels to get their pop of color.  Keep in mind to only choose one feature to highlight.  Choose either bold lips or a bright eye but never both.

For lips, pick up pink and berry shades.  Save the nudes to balance your smoky eyes at the office holiday party.  CARGO lipstick in CeCe is a great summer berry shade.  Bonus points: the package is eco-friendly.  Skip matte textures and use satin or sheer lipsticks.  Glosses are always my number one pick for summer!  The shine makes lips look fresh and you can always find one with a lot of pigment to rival lipstick.  Check out Clearly Pretty from Tricia Sawyer Beauty. It looks like clear gloss in the tube, but turns your lips the perfect color for your own skin tone. For waterproofing at the beach, choose a lip and cheek stain.  You’ll get long lasting, easy-to-apply color.

For summer fun with eyes, choose either a bright shadow or an adventurous liner.  My favorites for summer are bright cream shadows.   Try a royal purple for darker skin tones and a bright lavender for medium skin tones.  Mascara is a must for all seasons but at the beach try a waterproof formula from your favorite brand.  Add ice cream, sand, and enjoy!

ABOUT TASHA REIKO BROWN:

Tasha is a Los Angeles-based makeup artist whose work can regularly be seen on the red carpet and on your favorite magazine covers. She is a member of the Beautyfix Panel of experts. Check out Tasha’s Portfolio here.

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Beautyfix Must Have Beauty Product: RAW Natural Minerals Active Veil

Tuesday, June 22nd, 2010

The Beautyfix Summer Season for 2010 is finally here! It feels like the last season’s kit was here long ago and the anticipation has been building up. If you’re one of our fabulous members make sure to check your email and select your kit! This season’s must have beauty product is RAW Natural Beauty’s Active Veil. This item you’ll be loving throughout the summer and be very lucky to have it in your kit. Here’s some beauty tips and tricks on what it does and how to use the must have beauty product.

Active veil SPF 18 is an ultra light formula designed to be worn over your foundation or mineral foundation. If you aren’t keen on wearing a base, you can lightly dust this over your face as the last step in your beauty routine. It’s formulated with nourishing and natural minerals and diffuses light with shimmer particles to give you a radiant glow. Not only does it provide SPF 18, but it’s used as a finishing touch to your makeup routine and help set your makeup.

How to apply RAW Natural Beauty’s Active Veil:

Step 1 – Open the container

Step 2 – Lightly shake the jar so a small amount appears at the top, but make sure that it’s enough to cover your face, neck and décolleté. (Your chest)

Step 3 – Using a makeup brush, touch brush into powder and apply to your entire face, neck and décolleté.

Side note – Remember, if you’re sweating or in water during the day, you’ll need to re-apply to be able to get the amount of protection you need from the SPF. Plus it doesn’t hurt to re-apply Active Veil SPF 18 throughout the day anyway to get rid of shine and add a healthy glow to your skin.

What it feels like: I’ve been incorporating RAW Natural Beauty’s Active Veil into my routine for quite a while now and I love it. It sets into my skin perfectly and it’s great for any skin color because it disappears when you apply it. The amount of shimmer in it is perfect. It’s enough to reflect light and add and shimmering glow to your skin for any occasion or time of day. I love that it’s light and it doesn’t overpower the other steps in my makeup routine. Overall it’s become a staple in my beauty regimen and we’re sure that you’ll love it too.

What do you think of Active Veil?

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Minx Manicure for Must-Have Metallic Nails

Thursday, June 17th, 2010

By Liz W

Kim Cattrall with Minx nails

“Photo of Kim Cattrall with Minx. Although I did not do her nails for this Sex and the City, I enjoyed working with her on the first movie!”

 Metallic nails are at an all-time popularity high right now, and recently, there have been women walking around with such smooth and flawless manis and pedis, it almost looks like they have foil nails! This new trend in nail art has been all over the glamorous hands of Hollywood for the past year, and now it is available to everyone!

Beautyfix Panelist Michelle Saunders has been loving Minx nails since she discovered them last year. Here is what she has to say about the Minx Manicure:

“Let me tell you about Minx Nail Coverings. Every so often something is created in the nail industry that is truly innovative and gets me asking, “Why didn’t I think of that?” Minx co-founders Janice Jordan and Dawn Lynch-Goodwin created this revolutionary product and I started using it in 2009.

Minx nails deliver the most unique nail art to your fingertips and is applied by a professional manicurist who is trained. The artwork is designed graphically so anything can be transferred to a Minx covering. The product itself is a pre-cut covering that sticks to the nail after the adhesive has been heated with a heat lamp.

Minx Nails

Photo of Michelle wearing Minx Nails - Grey with silver fishnet
Zoe Salanda Minx Nails

Zoe Salanda with Minx Nails

A pro is that these coverings last longer than just an old fashioned polish – up to two weeks on hands and up to 6 weeks on toes! My favorite is the chrome in gold lighting and <a href=”grey with silver fishnet (the ones I have on in the photo). They are eye-catching and beautiful and I see why celebrities were the first to use them. But today, anyone can have them applied – you just have to find a Minx Nail Salon in your area that can put them on.
Go to minxnails.com for salon locations and be sure to peek at the design gallery.

Cost can be anywhere from $55-$85. I applied the gold lightning minx to Zoe Saldana, star of the movie Avatar for the April, 2010 cover of Glamour. Happy Minxing!” – Michelle>

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The Bronzed And The Beautiful: Get Gisele’s Glow

Tuesday, June 15th, 2010

Source: Flickr User Jingdianmeinv

If you haven’t noticed my enthusiasm for summer in my recent blog posts, then you aren’t reading the Beautyfix blog enough. ;) One of the best things of summer is getting that summer glow. The best way to achieve this is with an amazing bronzer and it’s one of the season’s must have beauty products. Here’s how to use the best face bronzer to get an overall sun kissed glow for summer time. Bronzer can also be used to create shadow, slim your face and get that unforgettable glow like Gisele’s.

You can create an amazing healthy, glowing look by using bronzing powder. There are many available that you can pick up but here are a few favorites:

Too Faced The Bronzed and The Beautiful provides 3 amazing bronzers in one kit for an affordable price. Perfect for any season, especially summer and caters to any skin tone. Its’ easy to get the “I just got back from the Caribbean glow with Sun Bunny, Snow Bunny and Bronzer in Pink Leopard, accompanied with its own super soft kabuki bronzing brush. Not only does it come with all three, but it comes in a mirrored compact perfect for on the go. Simple glaze your cheeks, neck, collarbone and lightly dust your face and you’re all set with a gorgeous glow.

Always avoid bronzers that are too orange. This will cause your natural looking glow to look like you’ve spent a little too much time in the tanning salon. For this I suggest using Redpoint’s Rejuvenating Bronzing Silk or Laura Gellar’s Balance N Bronze. These will provide an irresistible glow without any harsh lines that will blend perfect with any skin tone. Laura Gellar’s Balance N Bronze is a multi-hued baked powder enriched with vitamin E that will provide an illuminating glow that will even out your skin tone instead of disturbing your skin. It’s important to use a bronzing powder rather than a liquid on oily or acne prone skin. This way it absorbs oil, creates an even skin tone and is better for the health of your skin.

For mature or dry skin a liquid bronzer is recommended. These formulas tend to be lighter in weight and won’t sink in to any fine lines or wrinkles, making your skin look younger. Stila’s Sun Gel and Cargo’s Multi Mix bronzer are prime examples of what a great liquid bronzer can do. Not only are they great for the face but they are multi-functioning and can be used on other areas of the body as well. When using a liquid bronzer, you’ll need to use a smaller amount for your face. This prevents it from the color being too dark, and you can regulate exactly how glowing you want to be.

Another simple trick that I love to add after applying bronzer, is sweeping my cheeks with a little bit of shimmer. My absolute favorite product for this is Jane Iredale’s 24 Karat Gold Dust Powder. It’s completely amazing and has real 24 karat golf flakes in it! (Hint: You may have received it in a past Beautyfix.)While providing a gorgeous shimmer and color to my skin it’s also perfectly reflected in any light and it’s very affordable.  You can use it as a body duster, bronzer, eye shadow or lip color. If you’re looking for an all around product this is it and it won’t leave you disappointed. Watch this video to learn some tips on using the 24 Karat Gold Dust Powder from Jane Iredale herself here!

Any of these great products will give you a youthful, golden fresh look for any occasion. Instead of shying away from getting the beach bunny look, give it a shot. You’ll have people fooled into thinking you just got back from a luxurious, tropical vacation.

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Sun Protection 101: Play It Safe With Facial Sunscreen

Thursday, May 6th, 2010

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month so we are going to help spread the word this month in a series o f articles focused on one of our favorite subjects – sun protection! The weather is starting to get warmer and summer is just around the corner, so it’s perfect timing to start thinking seriously about sun block. Of course, we advocate wearing sunscreen every day of the year, regardless of season, but now is the time when it becomes more crucial as we spend more time outdoors and the sun’s rays are getting stronger. While I can talk for days about why wearing sun block and makeup with sun protection in it is important, we’ll focus on targeted areas and what functional products will do the job. One of the must-have products during the summer is facial sunscreen. Let’s face it; your face is your money maker and you don’t want to be seen looking like a shriveled fig. Sun damage causes premature aging and can make you look more than 10 years older than you really are. I don’t know about you, but I will do whatever it takes to protect my skin from the sun’s harmful rays, but that doesn’t mean I have to stay completely out of the sun. These sun protective cosmetics are easy to use, easy to remember and will do the job phenomenally well when you need it.

Starting with the first step of your skin routine, use an SPF moisturizer. This will help give you a great base before makeup, keep your skin hydrated and offer the protection that it needs all in one cream. I love iQ Derma’s Life Without Wrinkles Day Cream SPF 25 Moisturizer. It is very lightweight and doesn’t make your makeup ball up and flake off. It’s the perfect base with added protection. If you don’t normally use a moisturizer before you apply your makeup, there’s also foundation with SPF available. SPF foundation is another great way to utilize your normal makeup routine while incorporating sun care.

So your makeup is done and you’ve got your face well protected for the day. Sun protection doesn’t stop there. What most people don’t realize is that for an SPF to be effective, it has to be re-applied! There is also a universal misconception of what the Sun Protection Factor actually means. Sun Protection Factor is a measure of how much protection you get from UVB rays (the rays that cause sunburn). So, if you wear SPF 15, it will take 15 times longer for you to burn than if you didn’t wear any sun block. SPF does not account for protection against UVA rays, which are the nasty rays most associated with the visible signs of aging and also skin cancer. Learn more about UV rays from the Skin Cancer Foundation.

Here are some factors that influence the efficacy of your SPF:

  • Your skin type
  • The amount applied and how often you re-apply
  • Activities that you engage in (i.e. swimming leads to a loss of sunscreen)
  • The amount of sunscreen your skin has actually absorbed.

Source: Flickr User dipster1

This is why it’s so important to re-apply throughout the day. If you aren’t sun bathing and aren’t in need of SPF lotion every 2 hours –Let’s be honest, I’m not rubbing oily SPF on my face every 20 minutes- then I highly recommend a SPF mineral makeup brush. This multi-functioning product is easy to use and very effective. I use Colorescience’s Sunforgettable Brush SPF 30 while I’m on the go and keep it in my purse so it’s always available. At the same time of providing my skin with SPF, it also takes away shine and offers mineral coverage when I need it. Not only is it a fabulous multi-functioning product, but it’s recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation. If you want something a little smaller, you can also use their smaller Sunforgettable Orb which you can choose in your next Beautyfix kit!

I’m truly a believer that sunscreen should be worn year round with no exceptions – (unless it’s night-time.) Your skin is your largest organ and is your body’s first level of defense against the sun’s rays. There is NO excuse not to take care of it. This means, be dedicated to taking care of it. Moisturize, protect and don’t bake in the sun until you’re burnt. And ladies please, if the new tanning tax wasn’t enough, no tanning beds! The last thing you want is to be in a doctor’s office waiting for your melanoma to be cut out. If you aren’t protecting your skin, then you should stay out of the sun or at home.

P.S. I’ve talked about your face but don’t forget to protect your lips also! Coola’s Liplux is awesome!

What are you sun care favorites?

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Makeup Application Tips: Interview Dos and Don’ts

Thursday, April 8th, 2010

By Liz W

dressing for a job interview

flickr.com user gcoldironjr2003

Getting ready for a job interview can be stressful, and being prepared is key to having a smooth experience. Most people focus on the potential questions they may be asked during the interview and spend time rehearsing the best possible answers to those questions. That’s a great start, but it’s also important to do your research and find out exactly what type of environment you are about to walk into. Looking the part will give you added confidence and will show your potential employer that you’re the right fit for the job. In addition to what you wear, it’s important to consider your makeup look. We have put together a few makeup application tips to help you look your best.

The most important thing to remember when it comes to job interview makeup is to look conservative and appropriate, no matter what the job is that you are interviewing for (unless, of course, you’re trying to get a job at a night club). Generally, even if you are applying for a job at a really edgy place, you don’t want to look unprofessional with tons of heavy eyeliner and super dark lips. Keep your makeup natural and make sure you look clean and polished.

Start with a clean face and use a light foundation or tinted moisturizer to even out your complexion. Then apply a subtle blush to the apples of your cheeks to brighten up your face, making you look energized and healthy. Finish your face with an oil controlling powder to ensure that your makeup stays put and your skin doesn’t get shiny. You can also set your makeup with Skindinavia’s Makeup Finishing Spray – it’s genius for keeping your makeup on all day long.

For your eyes, stick with neutral shades of eyeshadow, and the more matte the better. Serious job interviews are not the place for green eyeliner and glitter. Sweep a shade that is a tad lighter than your natural skin tone over your lids, and then blend a darker shadow from the same color family in your creases to open up your eyes. Julie Hewett Los Angeles created the perfect job interview makeup palette exclusively for Beautyfix members. After applying your shadows, thinly line the top lid with dark brown or black liner, like Rosie Jane Eye Define in Beech Tree and either use a small amount of that liner for your lower lids, or use the same eyeshadow you did for your crease and use a liner brush to apply it to the lower lash line.

To complete the look use a natural, non glittery lipstick or lip gloss, and avoid dark or day glow shades that could intimidate or distract your interviewer.

In order to make the best impression, dress to impress, and wear a tasteful outfit that fits in with the company’s daily dress code.  Looking attractive is key, but looking sexy could be a turn off in a professional setting, so opt for higher necklines and lower hemlines to ensure you are taken seriously.

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