Vogue Beauty

Kate Somerville Enzyme Scrub & Mask Review

2008-07-27T21:16:00.000-07:00

Created by Kate Somerville, the skincare guru to celebrities like Debra Messing, Geena Davis, Sandra Oh, Kate Walsh, etc, the Enzyme Scrub & Mask has the dual purpose to exfoliate and cleanse your pores to reveal dewy, flawless skin.

I received this product last year and has since added it to my list of favorites. I could feel the fruit enzymes dissolve, or was it wishful thinking, my backheads and clogged pores while the microbeads gently polish away all impurities on my face.

I used this scrub/mask consistently once a week, and after two months, everyone was commenting on how clear my complexion looked! I warn you, this can get really addictive. I splurge at times before an important event and use it as a hands and feet scrub. It works miracles.

Grab one today at Kate Somerville for $65: Enzyme Scrub & Mask.

Dr. Perricone Nutrient Face Fortifier Olive Oil Polyphenols Review

2008-07-28T00:10:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I used to smoke 1 pack a day back, behind my parents' back, when I first started high school to look "cool." Those years left me with fine lines around my lips and lots of regret.

Enter Dr. Perricone, MD, who is often consulted on everything skin related and featured in countless celebrities and fashion magazines. The Perricone specialist at Sephora recommended the Nutrient Face Fortifier to me even though it is usually reserved for slightly more matured skin - I was 19 then - but because I was combating fine lines, that made my problem, a slightly mature one :)

An excerpt from Dr. Perricone's website reveals "The polyphenols that are found abundantly in Olive Oil are extremely efficient and multifaceted antioxidants. Polyphenols are exceptionally stable and protective. The most powerful member of the polyphenols group is hydroxytyrosol. Extremely rare and effective in even small concentrations."

Despite containing olive oil, a major ingredient, this product is not greasy like I imagined it would be. Instead, the smooth texture wraps around my lips to nourish the damage years of smoking had caused and protects my skin from drying out.

Thanks to the concentrated doses of polyphenols, the lines around my lips are not as visible as before. And I am fortunate enough to stop smoking before it becomes too late for any doctor, no matter how saintly or famous, to save me!

Buy it today at Dr. Perricone for $90, Nutrient Face Fortifier.

Anthousa Cliff Rose and White Carnation Home Fragrance Review

2008-07-28T22:06:00.000-07:00

When Maria Christofilis, founder of Anthousa, went to Italy to be an apprentice to a perfumer, little did she realize she would go on to create room fragrances that would fill the home of many celebrities. Anthousa, means the perfect bloom in Greek, launched in 2004 and it was not long before it became a household name among the well-heeled.

Anthousa's collection of fragrance diffusers boosted a wide variety of spell-bounding scents to satisfy even the most discerning shoppers. Kate Bosworth counted on the White Tuberose scent to unwind after returning home from her hectic worldwide Superman Returns promotion. Mandy Moore, Kate Hudson, and Jennifer Garner are just a few of Maria's celebrities and models following.

My favorite from the collection, one that I use all year round in my bedroom, is the Cliff Rose and White Carnation scent. I love the soft white floral blend that lingers around the room all day long and the hint of rose hidden amongst it. Although the website says that it lasts for approximately 9 months, mine have, at times lasted for as long as 12 months.

Anthousa's home fragrance diffusers come in three size, Grand (495ml; $90; lasts 9 months); Demi (245ml; $65; lasts 6 months); and Petite (100ml; $35; lasts 3 months). I always buy them in Grand because it just makes more economical sense.

Try my favorite scent today at Anthousa: Cliff Rose and White Carnation.

Look of the Day: Leighton Meester

2008-07-29T02:44:00.001-07:00

(Picture from Just Jared.com)

Leighton Meester looked stunning at the premiere of The Sisterhood Of The Traveling Pants 2 so I was inspired to do a "look of the day" on her.

Here is how to get her look:

FACE:
Note: No products or color recommendation; please tailor to your skin type/color.
Step 1: Start with clean face, tone and moisturize, then apply a primer all over the face.
Step 2: Since her look is more of a freshed face look, I would recommend using a face tint as opposed to a foundation. Apply with fingers all over the face. Blend well to ensure no demarcation or spots.
Step 3: Use a concealer and go over areas that need more help, such as undereyes, blemishes, etc. Pat on and blend with gently.
Step 4: Set face with loose translucent powder using a big fluffy brush, focusing on T-zone.

CHEEKS:
Step 1: Apply Nars, Gilda (coral color) on the apples of the cheeks and blend out towards hairline.

EYES:
Step 1: Apply primer all over eyelid. I recommend Urban Decay Primer Potion (see review) to help eyeshadow adhere.
Step 2: Using a slightly darker colored eyebrow pencil, fill in sparse spots with light feathery stokes and brush to blend with an eyebrow brush. Apply brow gel to set brows. This is like hairspray for your brows and helps your brows stay in place all day long.
Step 3: Apply a neutral color all over lid. I recommend MAC's naked pigment.
Step 4: Apply a grayish eyeshadow (MAC Scene) from lashline to crease and blend.
Step 5: Using the same color, use an eyeliner brush and line the bottom of your eyes.
Step 6: Line the outer corners of your eyes with a gray eyeliner and smudge into the lash line. Go over your lash line with the gray shadow using your eyeliner brush to blend the colors.

LIPS:
Step 1: Line your lips with a pinkish-red liner like Pink 340 from Shu Uemura.
Step 2: Using your fingers, blot some lipstick (Shu Uemura Rouge Unlimited in OR 532) onto your lips, you do not want the look to be too "done" so do not use a brush.
Step 3: Apply a clear gloss over your lips.

Enjoy! Carry blotting paper to blot your face as-needed since no Gossip Girl should be caught with excessive shine! You can purchase this look online at Sephora and MAC.

Mason Pearson Boar Bristle & Nylon Hair Brush Review

2008-07-29T21:27:00.000-07:00

Mason Pearson is to brushes what Birkin is to handbags - ultimate, timeless luxury. Katherine Heigl, Marcia Cross, Anna Friel, Brooke Sheilds, Ginnifer Goodwin, and Jennifer Garner are just a few of the Hollywood celebrities who have enjoyed the "Birkin" touch on their gorgeous mane.

Growing up, I heard of this legendary brush, and have always wanted one. But on my $10/week allowance, this was an idea I dare not entertain. So when I finally started working, I scrimped and saved my tiny internship salary and did the once unthinkable: I bought a Mason Pearson Boar Bristle & Nylon Hair Brush! Now I finally have something in common with Victoria "Posh" Beckham. We both swear by our MP Brush! Although, I secretly wished we shared her husband, David Beckham, instead :)

Mason Pearson brushes are all handmade from pure boar bristle and you can definitely feel the difference when brushing your hair. I have never achieved such perfect blow-outs. The ends of my hair are smooth, straight and shiny; even strangers compliment how glossy my hair looks!

The best part? 6 years later, my brush is still going strong. I reasoned with many people that if I had amortized this brush, it would have paid for itself many times over, considering my old brushes never lasted more than a few months (note, blow-drying is my life!) And you wonder why this brush is a regular on the InStyle Best of Beauty Buys?

If you can afford it, why wait, go to Drugstore.com and start experiencing the smoothest, most voluminous or straightest blow-out you can every imagine. Mason Pearson Boar Bristle & Nylon Hairbrush, $126.

Sonya Dakar Drying Potion Review

2008-07-31T01:57:00.000-07:00

Ever wonder how celebrities like Drew Barrymore, Cameron Diaz, Gywneth Paltrow, Jessica Biel, Fergie, and Madonna always look so picture perfect on the red carpet while normal people like us combat zits? Look no further than the fairy godmother of skin, Sonya Dakar! If you are not among the lucky few who can score a facial with Ms. Dakar, worry not, Sonya Dakar Drying Potion, to the rescue.

The Drying Potion was named Best Zit Cream by the prestigious Allure magazine and lives up to its much hyped reputation. This is universally recognized in Hollywood as the last and only resort to banish those pesky blemishes before a red carpet event.

The formula consists of Dead Sea sulfur, lavender, chamomile, sage, peppermint and works wonder under the most extraordinary circumstances. I turn to this trust worthy lotion every time I notice a zit forming. I dab a bit of the potion on the problem spot, go to bed and wake up to a less noticeable bump. Granted it is going to take Harry Potter to make zits disappear completely but this comes as close to it as humanly possible.

Check it out at Sonya Dakar, Drying Potion: 0.5oz for $25; 1 oz for $45.

Lancome Oscillation Mascara Review

2008-07-31T21:21:00.000-07:00

Good things are worth the wait. Maybe I did not exactly wait, but I did have friends in really important places (J, I love you!) who hooked me up this morning with the first batch of Lancome's Oscillation Mascara before its official launch this Fall. I heard from many reliable sources, unless you are a model or celebrity or a VIP, this is the toughest find of the day!

This breakthrough vibrating mascara, a first for Lancome, does 7000 oscillations per minute to wrap each individual lash with an amazing coat of the most velvety smooth mascara imaginable - 360 degrees! You go figure!

What do I think of this revolutionary mascara? God sent! Combined this with my Revitalash'ed lashes (see post on Revitalash) I now have these amazing Kim Kardashian lashes - all at the press of a little button on my mascara wand! I have never achieved such separated, lengthened, thick, feathery lashes - like ever!

If you were not one of those lucky few who managed to grab/beg/steal an Oscillation, $34, today, sign up for the email notification at Sephora when the shipment comes in and be the first to experience what is arguably the best mascara Lancome has every launched: Oscillation. And Lancome is famous for their mascaras, think High Definicils.

Update: So many people asked me what I did to my face today and many more commented on my gorgeous lashes! Ladies, this mascara is definitely worth the wait! Lancome, the luxury mascara giant, did it again by setting an incredible bar!

Stila Backstage Beauty Eye Shadow Palette - The Front Row Look Review

2008-08-01T00:30:00.000-07:00

Stila is set to wow the crowd this fall with its limited edition, Marchesa-inspired Backstage Beauty Eye Shadow Palette that comes in a gorgeous faux leather (for all you animal lovers out there) wrapped with a rosette that can also be worn as a fashion accessory.

Included with this palette is a Kajal eyeliner and helps even the most novice makeup users perfect the simple smoky eyes look (think cat eyes!) or the nude makeup look. Stila - and MAC - is famous for how blendable their eyeshadows are and this palette is no exception! I love the versatility of the colors and they work well alone or with my other existing makeup collection! Definitely a purchase that will go the distance! The best part? They are highly pigmented and lasts all day!

Sign up to be a beauty insider today and grab this palette, $40: Backstage Beauty Eye Shadow Palette.

Bobbi Brown Mauve Face Palette Review

2008-08-02T22:12:00.000-07:00

This fall, Queen of everyday basic makeup, Bobbi Brown shows the world that basic does not mean boring with her limited-edition Mauve Face Palette. This alluring palette features the following new and exclusive shades: 3 lip colors (Dusty Mauve Creamy Lip Color - sheer shimmery brown; Mauve Lip Sheer - sheer dark brownish rose; and Vintage Mauve Lip Color - darkest color of the 3, red with brown undertone); 3 eye shadows (Navajo - Ivory Beige, Vintage - soft gray, and Chocolate - grayish brown); and a blush (Mauve - dark rose). Even if you are not a fan of her Nude Lip and Eye Palette, this is one that will win you over.

As with all things Bobbi Brown, what I love about this palette is it accomplishes everything she wanted it to be: wearable, blendable colors for everyday use with a nod to vintage. Gray is huge this fall with all major designers debuting accessories in various shades of it. This Mauve palette is a perfect compliment to fall's accessories.

I'll be the first to say that I am not a fan of her Nude Lip and Eye Palette because of the lack of pigments in the collection, but the Mauve makes up for it. The cool tones work well for any skin colors and all ethnicities. For my day look, I like to use the Navajo and Vintage, and to take it to a night look I blend Chocolate into my crease with liquid liner and plenty of mascara!

What do I think? You can always count on Bobbi Brown to create shades that work for women; especially, working professionals, and those who are afraid of colors. But if you are looking for intense colors and pigments, stick to MAC.

Check it out at Neiman Marcus, $55: Limited-Edition Bobbi Brown Mauve Face Palette.

Benefit Eye Bright Pencil Review

2008-08-03T18:07:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wonder why makeup artists, models, and celebrities swear by lining their eyes with a white pencil to make them look less tired yet it never worked for you? I finally figured out the trick! It is all about finding that perfect shade of color, and no, it is not white. Someone should have said pink. Yes, you hear me right. Benefit Eye Bright is the perfect color for the perk-me-up-look after a late night of studying, working, and partying.

I use it as a highlighter on my cheekbones, under my brow bones, apply to the inner corners of my eyes and line my eyes to brighten it, around my nostrils to minimize the shadow, and down the bridge of my nose to highlight! And for those special times when my dark circles are really bad, I layer this on top of my Cle De Peau concealer to brighten my eyes! The possibilities are endless; simply unleash your creativity.

This is a staple in Molly Sims makeup bag, and here is her tip: "If you line the insides of your eyes with this, it opens them up. Add mascara, and they look even bigger."

If you are unsure of how to use this magic pencil, check out this easy how-to by celebrity makeup artist, Carmindy, on YouTube. I swear, this pencil works on all skin tones, regardless if you are African-American, Latino, Asian, or Caucasian.

Buy it today at Benefit, $20: Eye Bright Pencil. This is one product you should not live without!

Sheer Cover Mineral Foundation and Concealer Review

2008-08-04T17:31:00.000-07:00

When Charmed hottie, Alyssa Milano endorsed Sheer Cover, I knew it was time for me to try it. I always wondered what her beauty secrets are to looking so flawless all the time - now the cat is finally out of the bag. Ms. Milano said the following about Sheer Cover on her blog, “I use Sheer Cover, a mineral makeup with sunscreen in it. It doesn’t clog your pores and you can sweat in it and it still stays in place.”

The kit comes with a face wash, moisturizer, concealer with two shades, and two mineral foundation for me to blend my own "perfect" shade. Sheer Cover is "100% natural infused with skin soothing botanicals, natural sun protection, and anti-oxidant green tea to help protect your skin from the visible signs of premature aging. It contains NO oils, perfumes, dyes or talcs, so it’s gentle and non-irritating – even for sensitive skin. It also helps filter the sun’s harmful rays with SPF 15."

Having tried Bare Minerals, Sheer Cover pales in comparison to the brand that started the mineral makeup hype. I like having SPF 15 in my foundation, but to truly cover my imperfections I needed to build my coverage up and ended up with a slightly more made up face when I wanted a "Sheer" cover look. Also, as I have combination skin, by midday (imagine how humid New York summers are) my shine was out of control. Alyssa, please teach me how to properly sweat, because my Sheer Cover did not stay in place. It took me some getting used to the texture of the concealer as it is on the waxier side. Granted, it covered my undereyes circles well, but the lighter color was too light, and the darker color was too yellow. Thank you, I shall stick to my Cle De Peau concealer because it works for me.

The face wash is nothing spectacular and the moisturizer, well, it smells and feels like sunscreen. Maybe that is what you get for the bargain price of $29.95. I ended up using it all over my body as a sunscreen. I know this is a brand that is heavily endorsed by celebrities like Alyssa Milano, Leeza Gibbons, etc. Sadly, it did not work for me. I have many friends who have purchased and enjoyed it, but I am not one of them.

Anyway, that is just my two cents, but please keep in mind that Sheer Cover is backed by an amazing 60 days money back guarantee, so if you are not completely satisfied you can return it (yes, even the empty bottles) for a full refund (less shipping and handling). Check it out at SheerCover.com, $29.95: Sheer Cover Face Kit.

Product of the Week: Sephora By OPI - On Stage

2008-08-21T23:40:00.000-07:00

You asked for it. You got it! What am I absolutely obsessed with this week? My favorite nail polish color - On Stage (Grey Plum) by Sephora By OPI. I carry it everywhere. Those models even begged me for it =) I had my nails done Monday, but being the klutz that I am, 3 of my nails have chipped. I will be going in first thing tomorrow to get it fixed! I LOVE LOVE LOVE On Stage! It is perfect for fall! And I am falling hard.. in love with it!

Burt's Bees Beeswax Lip Balm Review

2008-08-21T19:10:00.000-07:00

Not all cult products require you to bust your piggy bank to enjoy them and Burt's Bees Beeswax Lip Balm is a perfect example. Made from natural beeswax, this lip balm is the best seller from Burt's Bee line.

I have been a huge fan since I was a little girl! I love its bright yellow colored tube. It also comes in a tin and I currently have 2 of that. I always have at least 3 tubes handy because New York winter can be harsh and I count on this lip balm to soothe my cracked and chapped lips!

Another plus about this product is that it leaves a minty feel. I always look for this in lip balms because it helps me feel fresh! I like to dab a little lipstick (using my fingers) onto my lips after using the beeswax lip balm. The beeswax lip balm is also infused with vitamin E, peppermint, coconut oil, sunflower oil, and lanolin.

Fans of this lip balm includes Denise Richards, Demi Moore, Charlize Theron, and Brooke Shields!

Buy it today at most drugstores or online: $3 for 0.15oz (tube) or 0.30 (tin).

Note: If you are allergic to lanolin, then this is not the product for you.

Links of the Day: Beauty Gifts

2008-08-21T01:58:00.000-07:00

Bloomingdale's beauty department is having all sort of beauty offers. Check it out.

Clinique, Dior, Perricone, and La Prairie are offering free gifts with purchase at Nordstrom.

La Mer, Chanel, Jo Malone, and many other exclusive luxury brands are offering free gifts with purchase at Neiman Marcus.

Happy Thursday!

Look of the Day: Hayden Panettiere

2008-08-20T00:56:00.000-07:00

Photo: Just Jared

One thing for sure, Hayden Panettiere always has the most perfect makeup! If her makeup artist is reading this (yeah right!) please give me a call! As requested by a reader, here is the breakdown of Ms. Panettiere's (dress: Herve Leger) look when she attended The Whaleman Foundation benefit earlier this year. I heart her dress!

FACE:
Note: No products or color recommendation; please tailor to your skin type/color.
Step 1: Start with clean face.
Step 2: Apply a illuminating tinted moisturizer such as Laura Mercier's Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20-Illuminating with fingers all over face and neck for that luminous glow Hayden is known for. I would not recommend using a liquid foundation because the center piece of this look glowing skin!
Step 3: Apply concealer as needed: under eyes, conceal blemishes. Dust loose powder over to set concealer.
Step 4: Only apply loose translucent powder on T-zone since her makeup look is dewy/luminous and not matte, but we also need to control the shine.
Step 5: Highlight the bridge of your nose, forehead, chin, inner corners of eyes, slightly around the nose, and apples of cheeks with NARS, The Multiple in Copacabana. Blend. Start with a soft application and build as needed. Over highlighting is a big faux pas!

CHEEKS:
Step 1: Apply Shu Uemura, Amber 85 (neutral beige) on the apples of your cheeks and blend outwards.

EYES:
Step 1: Apply primer all over eyelid. I recommend Urban Decay Primer Potion (see review) to help eyeshadow adhere.
Step 2: Using eye brow powder and an eye brow brush, fill in sparse spots with light feathery stokes and brush to blend with an eyebrow brush. Apply brow gel to set brows. This is like hairspray for your brows and helps your brows stay in place all day long.
Step 3: Apply an ivory color all over lid. I recommend Dior's 5-Colour Eyeshadow - Beige Massai 705. The ivory color is the top right color in this palette.
Step 4: Using a blending brush, apply the brown/beige color from Beige Massai (bottom right) from the lash line to crease. Blend. Focus the color application on the outer corners of the crease and blend the color in to achieve depth.
Step 6: Line your upper lash line and lower water line with a black eye pencil like MAC's Eye Kohl in Smolder. Using an eyeliner brush like MAC's 209 Brush, go over the upper and lower lashline with a black eye shadow (MAC's Carbon) and smudge well into lash line and blend.
Step 7: Apply false eyelashes. I like to use MAC's 30 LASH, focusing on the outer half of the eyes.
Step 8: Apply loads and loads of mascara to top and bottom lashes! I am loving Lancome's Oscillation!

LIPS:
Step 1: Using a brush, apply NARS, The Multiple in Antibes on your lips.
Step 2: Apply NARS, Orgasm Lip Gloss to the center of your lower lip and blot.

You can purchase this look online at Sephora and MAC. If you would like more celebrities look, please let me know who and if you have a picture - even better! Just paste the link in the comments section.

SK-II Facial Essence Review

2008-08-11T21:06:00.000-07:00

SK-II is huge in Asia and loved by many Asian celebrities. I first found out about this collection 4 years ago when I was vacationing in Australia; coincidentally, Cate Blanchett the Great is now the ambassador for the brand.

Like most SK-II newbies, I started my voyage with SK-II with the Facial Essence. The Facial Essence contains more than 90% Pitera (SK-II signature ingredient) and works like a miracle to restore the skin's vitality and promote skin cells regeneration.

As I mentioned in my earlier posts, I used to have pretty bad pigmentation problems due to acne and have found the Facial Essence to work well at reducing those unsightly dark spots on my face. I liked it so much that before I left, I bought 2 more bottles of it to take back home. I noticed after 2-3 months that my skin was more balanced and supple.

This is a must-buy for anyone who wants to try SK-II. I used it like a toner after washing my face in lieu of my regular toner, except I skip saturating it in cotton pads since I do not want to waste any essence! The 2.6 oz retails for $85 at Saks and lasts for approximately 6 months.

Beauty Gifts: Macy's

2008-08-18T21:45:00.000-07:00

Now at Macy's. With any $29.50 Lancôme purchase. Choose Your Lancôme Signature Bag. Plus: Fall beauty begins with this fashion-forward collection of must-have beauty portables. Plus, FREE SHIPPING with your $50 Lancome purchase. Includes the following:

COLOR DESIGN Sensational Effects Eye Shadow Quartet in Positive, Floralesque, Moccachino and LezardNEW and alook card Showing Two Step-by-Step Eye Looks
COURBE VIRTUÔSE Mascara in Black
EFFACIL Gentle Eye Makeup Remover
LE ROUGE ABSOLU Reshaping & Replenishing Lipcolour (Full-Size) in Rose Petale
NEW! Magnifique Eau de Parfum
Offer good while supplies last. One gift per client, please.
RÉNERGIE Anti-Wrinkle and Firming Treatment

Just enter promotion code: LANCOME at checkout! Online and in-stores at all Macy's locations!

Jonathan Product Serious Volume Volumizing Shampoo/Conditioner Review

2008-08-17T20:29:00.000-07:00

I caught onto the vegan hype a year ago and was trying out all things vegan. Living in a big city like New York made it easy, as there are many hip vegan eateries all over the city and grocery stores that sell vegan produce.

When I heard about Jonathan Product's Serious Volume Volumizing Shampoo/Conditioner, I knew it was only natural for me to get it. This line is free of sulfate and washes hair with a sugar foam base.

Although I was told that this shampoo (8.4oz for $20 at Sephora) is highly concentrated and I would only need a little ("a little goes a long way), I found myself using a significant amount of shampoo to clean my hair the way I want to. Granted, that has been the curse of having thick hair, but I never had to use this much shampoo.

The other thing I did not like about this shampoo was that my hair would tangle up into a big web of mess after I shampoo due to the sugar foam base. Maybe sulfate wasnt such a bad thing after all. Needless to say, I did not purchase the shampoo after I finished it.

As for the conditioner? I did not like it either. The conditioner (8.4oz for $22 at Sephora) had a hard time untangling the mess created by the shampoo. Sometimes, drug store brands are better as proven in this case; also, they dont break your wallet! There is one thing that I love about this line. It smells so amazing - like sugar :)

Murad Energizing Pomegranate Lip Protector SPF 15 Review

2008-08-16T10:36:00.001-07:00

I bought the Energizing Pomegranate Lip Protector SPF 15 last week after reading about it as a best beauty buys in a magazine and I am loving it. Pomegranate is well-known for its high antioxidant content and this lip gloss is infused with doses of pomegranate extract.

What I like about it is that it is not sticky or too glossy, but protects my lips against chapping with a sheer tint of color. Just what I am looking for. I also like to layer it on top of my lipstick or use it alone for a natural look! Best part: it has SPF 15; something everyone should look for in a lip protector.

Buy it today at Sephora, $16.50: Energizing Pomegranate Lip Protector SPF 15. 10% of the retail purchase price will benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Boscia Fresh Blotting Linens Review

2008-08-16T01:04:00.000-07:00

An oily and shiny face is never in. To combat shine, I turn to Boscia Fresh Blotting Linens. I found them to be the most economical and it does an amazing job! Unlike powdered blotting paper, this blotting linen absorb oil without creating the cakey look. Boscia Blotting Linens is the size of a card holder and fits perfectly into any makeup case.

Buy it today at Sephora, $10 for 100 sheets: Boscia Fresh Blotting Linens. Comes in Original, Green Tea (pictured), and Lavender.

Clarisonic® Skincare Brush Review

2008-08-15T10:45:00.000-07:00

My skin has never been better since I started using Clarisonic Skincare Brush. I purchased this brush at the urging of those models and have been using it for the past 3 months.

I wanted to be sure I got my money's worth because $195 for a skincare brush is no small matter. This is the experiment I did for 1 month. I cleaned half my face with Clarisonic and the other half the regular way. What I noticed after 1 month was that the half that was cleaned by Clarisonic was brighter, healthier, and more luminous. That was all the proof I needed! I started using Clarisonic religiously on my entire face. The sonic frequency moves Clarisonic's soft, gentle brush back and forth at more than 300 times per second to give you the deepest possible clean.

A word of caution, I did a trial by using the sensitive brush. Initially, I did experience slightly more breakouts (for about 2 weeks) but I continued to use it as I was told that was normal. After the 3 weeks mark, the only thing I experienced was smoother, cleaner, and more healthy looking skin. I am not sure why that is, but I think my face just was not used to such a deep clean. The amazing part of this brush is that after I cleaned my face the regular way, I would go over it again with Clarisonic and Clarisonic would pick up dirt from what I thought was a clean face. Imagine my horror!

The following benefits are listed on the website:

6 times more makeup removal
Leaves skin feeling and looking younger and smoother
Cleanses so well that products absorb better
Gentle enough for twice daily use
Helps reduce oily areas, dry skin patches and blemishes
Helps reduce the appearance of visible pores
Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles

What I love, love about this brush is that it feels as if I am with my facialist everytime I use it. It has something to do with the sonic frequency that moves the brush back and forth at more than 300 times per second!! I think paying $195 for the brush can actually save me money in the long run because I no longer need to go for facials every two weeks! I do it once a month now because there is just not a need. I have friends who suffer from eczema and rosacea and they love that Clarisonic is gentle enough for them!

Set includes: A Clarisonic brush and charger, one sensitive brush head, a 1 oz Refreshing Gel Cleanser, 1 oz Nourishing Care Cleanser and a 1 oz Hydrogel Cleanser. Replace your Clarisonic brush head every three months and cleanser every two months, if used daily. The gray brush can even be used to apply shaving lubricant for a closer shave. I got mine in pink because that is my favorite color. Buy one today at Sephora, $195: Clarisonic Skincare Brush.

Beauty Gifts: Neiman Marcus

2008-08-14T14:57:00.000-07:00

The Estée Lauder Dream Event: Exclusively at Neiman Marcus

Your Free Gift with any Estée Lauder purchase of $55 or more. Enjoy a 7-day supply of Re-Nutriv Ultimate Youth Creme and Hydrating Creme Cleanser, the latest lip and eye colors, a 10-day supply of new Sumptuous Bold Volume™ Lifting Mascara, and a stylish black patent-trim tote and cosmetics bag. A dream gift, worth $150.00.

Your gift includes:
• Deluxe Gold Fluted Compact containing Estée Lauder Signature EyeShadow Duos in Rosenberry, Black Moon, Mocha, and Plum Sugar and Pure Color Long Lasting Lipstick in Rubellite, Autumn, and Sugar Honey.
• Full-size Pure Color Long Lasting Lipstick in Candy.
• New Sumptuous Bold Volume™ Lifting Mascara in Black (10-day supply).
• Re-Nutriv Ultimate Youth Crème, 7 milliliters.
• Re-Nutriv Intensive Hydrating Cream Cleanser, 30 milliliters.

Start shopping at Neiman Marcus.

Beauty Gifts: Bloomingdales

2008-08-14T13:35:00.001-07:00

Get a deluxe 5-piece gift with any foundation or moisturizer purchase of $32.50 or more. Choose between Warm and Cool tones. Go to Bloomingdales today.

Guerlain Meteorites Illuminating Pressed Powder Review

2008-08-14T10:09:00.000-07:00

The legendary Meteorites powder gave birth to a new illuminating pressed powder!!! This latest product from Guerlain comes from a line of cult favorites and is expected to be a best seller in no time. In fact, the most popular color, Beige Enlumineur, is already sold out at most stores. Lucky for me, mine is sitting pretty on my vanity table :)

Inspired from the classic Meteorites pearl, this pressed version like its predecessor leaves a faint scent as it washes over your face to give a healthy glow.

I did not think Guerlain can ever out-do the Meteorites pearl, but oops they did it again. The packaging for the pressed powder looks classier and prettier than the pearls - paper packaging never really worked for me. The best part, the pressed version makes it easier to pick up the powder with a fluffy brush. I love the subtle glow it gives to my complexion.

As noted on Sephora: Each compact contains an array of four complementary shades that create a luminous glow, the correcting color in the center can be used to conceal redness, cover blemishes, or tone down dark undereye circles. Swirl on the corresponding matte and pearlescent hues to touch up your look with a subtle iridescence.

This visually stunning pressed powder comes in three shades: Mythic Parfait (translucent glow), Rose Frais (rosy glow), and Beige Enlumineur (golden glow). Check it out at Sephora, $65: Guerlain Meteorites Illuminating Pressed Powder. I know it is on the slightly expensive end, but one compact lasts forever (1-2 years, depending on frequency of use). The hardest thing for me was using it for the first time, because it looks so pretty in the compact that all I wanted to do was to look at it!

Vogue Beauty Tips - How to get flawless complexion

2008-08-12T01:22:00.000-07:00

Here are a few tips to achieve that flawless complexion:

1. Never go to bed with makeup. Everyone knows this but some people still do it! Those models, see previous posts, swear by this no matter how tired they are, they never go to bed with makeup. Your skin needs to breath to regenerate itself overnight. Leaving makeup on clogs your pores and that is how those pesky pimples breed.

2. Drink water! Some say 8 glasses a day; some say half a gallon. Whatever it is, your body consists of 75% water so make sure you replenish any lost moisture. Drinking enough water also aids the body flush out waste and toxin. If you can substitute one of those glasses with green tea - even better as green tea is full of anti-oxidants.

3. Exfoliate regularly. Exfoliating helps to remove dead skin, unclog pores, reduce the appearance of pigmentation/wrinkles, and aid in the absorption of moisturizers.

4. Use a mask suitable for your skin type once a week. Exfoliating prior to mask application will allow for deeper penetration beneath the skin surface to thoroughly clean your pores and bring your skin back into balance. If you are short on cash, try out the famous aspirin mask. Crush 3-4 aspirin (uncoated) pills, mix a few drops of water to disintegrate the aspirin, then add a tablespoon of honey. Aspirin contains beta hydroxy acid. It helps dry out blemishes, decreases skin's oil production, and exfoliates the skin at the same time.

5. Get enough sleep. Sounds simple, but when I dont, I noticed my skin looked flaky and breakouts are more frequent. That is why I always shoot for at least 8 hours of sleep every night.

Hope it helps!