Downtown Cool: NARS 413 BLKR Street Exclusives

NARS 413 BLKR

413 BLKR Swatches

I feel like I'm down in West Village at 413 Bleeker at least once a month. Its sad and true. I take that back- its not sad.. its pretty freakin' cool. NARS at 413 is like my Cheers- they know my name, they know what I like and I know not to piss-off Carla ( j/k).
A while back I purchased the Pure Matte Lipcolor from the store and with my most recent purchases of both the Multiple and the Illuminator from the collection, I now feel like I'm thisclose to 413 BLKR domination in my everyday makeup bag.

What I like about the 413 BLKR Collection vs. the Orgasm collection is that each piece is a different and complementary color where the latter is the monochrome across the collection.

NARS 413 BLKR Illuminator

413 BLKR NARS Multiple

413 BLKR Pure Matte Lipstick

So how am I using these gems? Welcome to my weird weather caveat!
NYC summers are a swamp of humid grossness- thats the bad news. The better news is that because of the weather, I'm using coverage on my face as needed. Good news, I've been mixing 413 BLKR Illuminator + Caudalie moisturizer in the morning for a nice champagne tinted glow that doesn't feel like I'm wearing anything on my face and I'm putting concealer on in spots.
For some color on my cheeks and lips- I defer to the 413 BLKR Multiple as the burgundy color is pretty much a fail-safe for me, especially when trying to touch up after work.
The Pure Matte Color I reserve for the day and layer with the Multiple once it fades.
The collection also includes a Duo Eyeshadow, Blush, Larger than Life Lipgloss, and a Nail Polish that will be on my list. Also wondering allowed if the new Madison Ave will have exclusives?

413 BLKR Swatches: Top: Illuminator, Mid: Multiple, Bottom: Pure Matte Lipstick

The 413 BLKR collection is available online at narscosmetics.com
#NARSISST4LIFE

50 Grades of Shea- Part 4

Slip into something Shea we say! Here's 10 more to make your day!

Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse

 Fun fact: 98.1% of this oil is natural.

Bliss Vanilla+Bergamot Body Buff

Renee Furterer Karite Conditioning Mask

Everyday Shea Vanilla Mint Shampoo

Badger Cuticle Care

Tarte Cosmetics Rest Assured

Clarins Eye Contour Balm

REN Grapeseed, Jojoba and Shea Body Cream

REN Grapeseed, Jojoba and Shea Body Cream 

Mama Mio boob tube bust & neck firmer

Mama Mio claims to increase the texture of your bust, chest and neck in one week.

Proasco Shave Foam

50 Grades of Shea- part 3

Now on to part 3. We have treats from Greece, something for you and your pooch to share and some fun drugstore finds!

Korres Lip Butter

After researching this piece I revisited my Korres Lip Butter in Plum this week. Lip Butter is the perfect name for this lightly tinted piece because its smooth, the color lasts for 2-3 hours and its not sticky.

Kiehls Crème de Corps Soy Milk & Honey Body Polish

Kiehls Crème de Corps Soy Milk & Honey Body Polish

Suave Professionals Almond and Shea Shampoo and Conditioner

Suave Professionals Almond and Shea Shampoo and Conditioner

The Body Shop Jumbo Satsuma Body Butter

The Body Shop Jumbo Satsuma Body Butter

The Body Shop Jumbo Satsuma Body butter is made with Community Fair Trade Shea butter! Fair trade is great for all!

Covergirl Natureluxe Gloss Balm

Ilia Multi-Stick in Cheek To Cheek

Caudalie Vinosource Intense Moisture Rescue Cream

Bliss Fabulips Foaming Cleanser

"Shea butter and rice bran extract gently cleanses lips, lifting away impurities like food residue and makeup. " Sign me up!

Aveda green science firming face cream

Aveda's green science firming face cream has a blend of anti-oxidants, murumuru seed butter and organic shea butter to help revitalize skin.

Bungalow Woof Citrus Wipeout

Yes, for you and your pooch!

50 Grades of Shea - part 2

Hello there, In part 2 of the 50 Grades of Shea, we will learn that Karité is another word for Shea.

Here are another 10 favorites as we continue on in our series.. If you are looking for 50 Shades of Grey cosmetics.. sorry, its not here. But what we can offer are a slew of moisturizing body, hair, skin and beauty products to usher you into fall. Here we go!

Deborah Lippmann Rich Girl

Tokyo Milk Rose Shea Butter Soap

Cantu Shea Butter Leave in Conditioning Repair Cream

Kiss My Face Hot Spots SPF 30

Philip B African Shea Butter Shampoo

Sephora Collection Nano Eyeliner

Dr. Hauschka Quince Day Cream

If you have sensitive skin, fear not! Dr. Hauschka does a great job at soothing even the most irritable skin.

**Dr. Woods Pure Black Soap with Organic Shea Butter

Dare I say this is a Brooklyn favorite? Many of my friends seem to have this little-goes-a-long-way liquid soap. Plus, it seems like Black Soap is having a moment, cleansing without stripping natural oils. Dr. Woods just so happens to have the best of both gentle cleansing and the right amount of shea moisture

 Soap & Glory Hand Food Hand Cream

**Rene Furterer Karité

RF's Karité (Shea) is a wonderful line! I was saddened with Sephora decided to discontinue it in stores but the nourishment lives on.. on-line! Though you don't get to instantly touch the creamy-yet-light goodness in your hands. Take my word for it, its worth the UPS and USPS stalking to get your package.

Winter Skin Protection with Sebamed Q10 Protection Cream

So far I've had some success with Sebamed products ever since being introduced to them last year. A few months ago, I tried the Sebamed Age Defense Q10 Protection Cream, which is an anti-aging creame, in an unconventional yet effective way. Seeing as I'm not a candidate for wrinkles on my face just yet, I used the cream on my winter hands and feet pre-gloves and socks. Usually I tend to shed skin and experience dryness due to the winter weather sucking out most of the moisture in the air but the Q10 cream retains the moisture and smoothes both my hands and feet.

For all of you that would like to experience Sebamed, it will be available in CVS Stores and at CVS.com and Walgreens.com starting January 13^th!

Top Five Beauty Trends for 2012

As we move on from 2011, do you think that we can hold fast to the colors and trends that have dominated the past few months? Will there be a victor from the hodgepodge of trends that have cyclically surfaced every 3 to 5 years?

To date, The Lipstick Index tried and failed to predict sales and trends and judging by the past few years we now can safely say that the Nail Color Index can attribute to the influx of spending in the nail care sector, so much so that Nail Color sales were $328 million in 2010, dominating over other color cosmetics.

Will Nail Domination continue in 2012? Here are my top 5 most- unscientifically hypothesized ganders for what 2012 will bring for us color cosmetic enthusiasts.


1. Beauty for the Ages

We all can generalize and say that gloss is for the teens and tweens, lipsticks are from the young adult to professional crowd and that everyone else just doesn't exist.. just kidding. Well, it sure does seem that way- the oldest beauty ambassador on the roster is Ellen DeGeneris who is in her Mid- 50's, well done cosmetic companies! But what about 50 and over? MAC Cosmetics answered the call of " All Ages" ( coincidentally their tag line) and will release the MAC for Iris Aphel collection this month. Iris is almost a centurion and is still fashionable in every way. Another cosmetic venture, Fabulousat60.com a lifestyle website for Baby Boomers who can also get their beauty fix.


2. Natural is as Natural Does

Cosmeticeuticals are once again up for debate. Borba has tried it and new products are coming soon that will give you all the nutrients you need so that your inner health is reflected on the outside, and it will taste good! I guess it beats the one pill to cure everything but also poses a problem if you have to have a mixed cocktail to strengthen hair, reduce oiliness in skin and boost the immune system..


3. The Unpredictable Coveted Beauty Collaborations

One day next year, or if I'm lucky enough to go to Japan in the fall, I will be able to order a lipstick alongside my Cassis Macaron at Ladureé. I'm so excited that Ladureé is stepping into the world of color cosmetics! Judging by the quality of their Candles, Fragrances, Teas and Macarons, their cosmetic collection will be nothing short of amazing! Other completely left-field-but-totally-can't wait collections include: Pantone and Sephora. On another note, why doesn't MAC partner up with Sprinkles cupcakes for some lip colors or nail polishes or better yet one of my favorite NYC stores, Opening Ceremony!


4. Global Beauty Love!

Some color cosmetics companies are good at others with this one, its teaching the US consumers about what is effective and special about products that do well abroad. For example, The BB creams that were released here didn't go so well. Why? because the Makeup Artists were not really trained to tell you what they were and how do they work! 
I think that more companies need to explore the Global Embrace, educate don't imitate nor dominate. Another example, if you are inspired by Baja Mexico, do your research, make the campaign look amazing and show how to work the colors, textures and tones into the everyday or special occasion looks.


5. The end of the Glittery Nail Struggle


I've posted before on my struggle with glitter nail polish, soaking doesn't work, rubbing takes off the color, not the glitter, twisting causes scratching on my nail surface..its a useless battle that has me sitting the bench instead of participating in the glitter party. Can someone please re-develop a formula so that glitter nail polish can easily be taken off without the threat of harming yourself in the process?


That is all for 2012.


 

In the Gentlemen's corner: Jack Black's Double-Duty Face Moisturizer

 

Who says that ladies have all the fun when it comes to skincare? Since purchasing a Jack Black Skincare set for the BF for the holidays, I've been using his Jack Black Double-Duty Face Moisturizer when I forget to have facial moisturizer handy and it has been wonderful!

JB's Double Duty is really lightweight, not greasy and doesn't have a strong musky smell so its pleasant to wear.

Soothing Summer Skin with Sebamed Cleansing Shower Oil

While we are all excited about the high temperatures, beaches and sun bathing ( with SPF of course), I often find that caring for my skin post fun in the sun is daunting. It's tricky finding a way to get the hot and stickiness of you like... yesterday when it seems as though you are shrouded in a cloud of humidity and your skin is on the verge of peeling from sunburns.

Well say hello to Sebamed Cleansing Shower Oil, an ultra- mild , 100% soap-free skin conditioning gel that gets rid of the your sticky summer product goop without dryness or irritation. Sebamed product line is also free of parabens and adjusts to a pH of 5.5 to help maintain your moisture level.

For the past few weeks I've been pleasantly pleased with Sebamed Cleansing shower oil as its ultra soothing to my skin and post shower, I don't need to put on any body lotion ( which is amazing as my skin is super dry), I just put on my SPF and go!

Sebamed products are available at www.sebamedusa.com and drugstore.com


disclaimer: I received this products as a sample, my thoughts and opinions of this product are of my own.

DIY: 4 Homemade Household Beauty Remedies

What beauty lies within your cabinets and pantries? Here are 4 products that can help you from head to toe without even stepping out of the house.

Baking Soda
Purpose: Absorption and Exfoliation.

-Blemish treatment- Create a paste with a pinch of Baking Soda and a tiny bit of water and apply to your pimples for 15 minutes to minimize your breakout.
- Facial Scrub and/or Speedy Pedicure - Baking Soda can be used as an exfoliator for your face and your  feet when in a hurry. Scrub with a handful of baking soda and a cap full of water.
- Spill solver- Absorbs oils on clothing, just sprinkle a dime size amount onto your spill and rinse the affected area.


Lemons
Purpose: Lighten and Brighten.
 
In a previous post, I touched a bit on how Lemons are effective as an all natural deodorant but they can also be used to lighten your locks and nails.
- DIY Ombre Hair- use lemon to bleach the tips of your hair with this mixture: 1/4 cup of lemon juice, 1/2 cup of water and 1/4 cup of vinegar. Afterward, to condition your hair, use olive oil to protect your new color.
- Whiten your nails by rubbing lemons on the tips and follow-up with soaking in warm water for 15 minutes.
- Create a brightening facial with a mix of honey, lemon, oatmeal and water. All these mixed together can create a moisturizing and brightening mask. Recommended time to leave on, 15 minutes.

Apple Cider Vinegar
Purpose: Clarifying, Detangling and Dandruff-free.

- Detangler- A mix of 3/4 water to 1/4 Apple Cider Vinegar is my favorite post shampoo mix. Just this bit of ACV detangles my hair and gets rid of any post shampoo bubbles and product buildup. If the smell is too strong for you, when making your mixture, boil Rosemary , Lavender or Mint into the water to get rid of the sour smell.

Baby Powder
Purpose: Oil Absorbing.

- Dry Shampoo- Sprinkle a bit of Baby Powder onto sections of your hair that are full of product. Then take a Bristol brush and brush the powder out. This gets rid of some of the product but just make sure that you brush the remnants out or you will look like Beetle Juice ( for those with dark hair).


Read more about cleaning tips at Reader's Digest.ca

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post

Skincare Review: Egyptian Magic

Have you ever glossed over a product in a magazine and then completely forgot about it, only for it to pop-up time and time again?
Egyptian Magic is my... this thing. Most recently I read about it on Into the Gloss as model Caroline Trentini  swears by this product but I first heard about this way back when Naomi Campbell was interviewed as swearing by this too, so what's up with this "magic" or as the bf would say "schmutz"?

Egyptian Magic is described as a 100% all-natural ingredient product containing olive oil, royal jelly, beeswax, propolis, honey and beeswax that can be used for all-purpose needs.
You can use it to moisturize lips and your skin, treat bruises and skin conditions and you can even use it to condition frizzy hair.
The consistancy is like a balm ( I liken it to a Queen Helene Cocoa Butter stick) that melts upon contact with heat. Plus, a little goes a long way.
With the research, I justified putting down $32 for 8 oz of this wonder cream that I bought at a pharmacy in the West Village and I immidately put it to work.
*First challange, The Dude takes a spill on his bike and has a HUGE bruise on his thigh, he put on Egyptian magic before bed time and in the morning, some of the discoloration was gone, the black and blue moved into a dark greenish territory.. so far ok for bruises.
*One Saturday I was out of leave-in conditioner for my weekend hair buns and decided to put a bit in my hair, the results were an A! There was no stickiness nor greasiness, it calmed my hair down much like my beloved new leave-in conditioner ( up for review very soon!).
This is a leave-in to believe in!
*Next challange, Dry Skin. I just finished with my Sunday Beauty Self -Pedi Party and was all out of lotion, I took a less-than generous scoop of the Egyptian Magic and both of my feet were coated in glory. Yay!
* Last, a night cream. The challange- success! Even with my oily skin, this did well. It didn't create a slick but it was gentle enough to help calm the two blemishes on my cheeks all night.

Overall the experiments with Egyptian Magic have been worth it. My only gripe is, where to find it. True, it is available on Amazon but sometimes you just want to test or try it out before committing to purchase.
Anyway, I think its the bee's knees thus far!

Skincare on the go: Purederm Mask

Masked!

A lesson learned from skincare and time constraint, is that we must compromise! And if that means putting on my mask while cleaning the bathroom, checking email and doing research on products, then so be it!
When I was a teen, I was doing a beauty night but had to run an errand with my mom. I ended up going out at night with my Queen Helen Mint Julep mask on and completely forgot that it was on my face! Needless to say, I got tons of stares by drivers and their passengers. Another lesson, never wear a mask too long! After the hour journey, in washing my face, my skin was beyond dry, it was saharan desert.
Fast forward to a beauty party hosted by my friends Thy and Soda, a fete that included cookies, wine and Purederm masks that we picked up at Forever 21 for $1.80!
The peel-away aloe masks are made with cloth like fiber and have enough solution to instantly cool your skin and you only need 20 minutes for your skin to feel smooth. No messing with rinsing or worrying about covering your sink with clay or oatmeal.

You can find these at Forever21 stores. Unfortunately, they are not available on their website.