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Beauty Networks

Posts for June 2009

I am not a "powder your nose" kinda girl

June 29, 2009 12:50 pm · Posted by oldergirlbeauty
Let's get this straight, right up front. I am not a mineral makeup girl - but not for lack of trying. A few years ago, one of the first things I ordered from QVC was a starter kit from Bare Escentuals. I got it, apparently didn't use it right (I think I didn't buff it enough, but whatevs), hated it because it looked funny on and itched like the dickens, and sent it back. So, many years go by. Mineral makeup has become all the rage. I figure that I must have done something wrong, I clearly am missing out on something, and I need to be convinced to try it again.Enter Ms. Robyn on twitter. (*You guys know how I love me some twitter folk.) Robyn runs an independent business called "Purely Cosmetics", and that is exactly what it is - purely milled cosmetics that doesn't contain "bismuth, talc, micronized minerals, or other skin irritants". We got to chatting and after she found out a bit more about my skin, she was generous enough to send me out some products to try, including some color products, along with the foundation.

Well, bad news first. I am still not a mineral makeup girl. *BUT*, this is not for a lack of trying and helping on the wonderful Robyn's part. First, we found a combo of foundations for my color. Which was great, and even buffed in fab. However, it itched. *sigh* Luckily, she had included some of her Silk & Pearl Powder Primer. This primer went on silky smooth and made a great base for the foundation. It also cut the itching down tremendously. But, it was still there a smidge, which was just a smidge too much for me. Boo.

However, her color products are amazing and don't cause me a lick of trouble. I use her Nearly Nude eyeshadow as a base very often and love her Hint of Pink blush as a great pop of sun on my cheeks. Her bronzer is a bit much for me, but I gave it to my bestie who swears by it. (*She has hit the bottom of her jar and continues to swirl in hope some more magically appears some morning. Ha.) I know that she has also added a new finishing powder called Diamond Powder Perfect Finish that has been used by Hollywood Make-up Artist, Melissa Street in HD and it filmed amazing.

And if I haven't used enough positive adjectives, let me talk about her customer service. It is just superb and far superior to the big brands in all ways and shapes. She is willing to help online via twitter, via email and ships your order almost instantaneously - you get your products just stupid fast. I cannot say enough about this lady and her company, except to say that she is passionate about her products and her business and you can tell it instantly when you speak with her.

Her prices are comparable to other brands, and she creates special palettes/colors, too. In addition, she also has other products she believes in, that are not by her, in her store. So, be sure to wander all over her site to see all the great things she has available today.
Tagged with: purely cosmetics

That Cotton Candy just isn't for me...

June 28, 2009 6:14 pm · Posted by oldergirlbeauty
There was a time, a few years ago, that I started wearing O.P.I.'s "Espresso My Style" and I just loved it. It was when I started my quest for a great brown nailpolish, but was quite a change from my lack of polish wearing I used to do. Anyway, I had a boss, who, ever so politely, told me, "You need to stop wearing that color - it's just too dark for you.". Well, that's just too damn bad, because I liked it and kept wearing it, much to her chagrin. (*I'm such a rebel.)

Now, I fully embrace the fact that I am not a fluffy pink nail polish kind of girl. That doesn't mean I am goth, by any means. (*I am way to much of a pale, freckled, redhead for that to ever work - besides the whole "not wanting to be goth" thing.), or that I don't like a bright pop of color every once in a while. That just means that I love Fall/Winter color collections more than Spring/Summer collections. And, to distract me from this horrid triple digit weather, Duri has released their info on their Fall/Winter '09 "Rags to Riches" color collection to give me something to look forward to:

They are releasing 12 new colors, with great names, in two separate launches - one in September and one in November:

Launching September 2009:
(513) Million Dollar Baby, (515) Penny Saved is a Penny Earned, (517) Money Don’t Make Me, (519) Social Ladder, (520) Party Like a Rock Star, (524) Rags to Riches

Launching November 2009:
(514) Silver Spoon, (516) Dress to Impress, (518) Slumdog Millionaire, (521) Trophy Wife, (522) Formula for Success, (523) Luxury Time

You'll be able to pick these up for $5/ea and you can order them from their website or by calling them at 1-800-724-2216 .
Tagged with: nail polish, Fall/Winter, Duri

Recipe for your own fabulousness

June 28, 2009 4:56 pm · Posted by oldergirlbeauty
Yeah, I'm not sure if that word exists, but, it means what it means. The latest thing to come around, and help a girl like me, who might or might not have a problem with too many lip products in their purse at one time, is mix your own color glosses.

First up is the L'Oréal HiP Color Presso. This dual-chamber gloss allows for you to dispense a single color or both colors mixed in whatever ratio you want. However, you have to press down on each side simultaneously to get both colors out at the same time. AFTER you have figured out how to open the darn thing. Seriously. It took me several minutes messing with it to figure out how to pop the lid open, and then it broke off. Ugh. So, yeah, downside to that one. Now, it must be said that the glosses themselves are not bad, it's just the delivery system that fails. Oh, and it retails for $13, which is a bit much for a drugstore gloss, to me, esp one that's such a pain to use.


Next up we have Avon's SpectraColor Lipstick. This is also a dual-chamber package, but in a round, contained tube, with a selector dial on the bottom. This selector allows you to choose between 7 different shades of color, ranging from the individual light color, 5 shades of mixture and the dark individual color. Once you have selected which color you want, you click the bottom of the tube and it is dispensed thru a vented, slanted top. But, be warned, when it comes out, it looks like a greasy mess, but it is not. It is just a glossy finish "lipstick". I say that with quotes, because I found this to wear so much more like a lipgloss than a lipstick. While it can be buildable, it still has that lipgloss feel to it.

I really like the ideas behind both of these. And, while I prefer the delivery system of the SpectraColor, I like the flavor (yes, flavor) of the Color Presso. But, Avon's price point of $9.50 (on sale for $7.99 right now) makes a world of difference to me. Either way, at least we are starting to have options of different colors in one container to keep in our little pocketbook (yes, I said pocketbook because I am old) as we go from day to night, instead of toting around all of our favorites.

All packed and ready to go

June 22, 2009 8:18 am · Posted by oldergirlbeauty
I am the *worst* packer. I mean, really. I overpack and then *still* forget things. Like, when I went to NYC, I took *2* suitcases for 5 days. Really, who does that? Or, I procrastinate packing, and then shove things in a bag - a mish mash of things I need and don't need. Like, when Nate was born (3 weeks early) I hadn't packed a thing for going to the hospital, even tho they had told us in class THAT WEEK, to pack a bag "because you never know what's going to happen". Duh. So, yeah, we were packing a bag as we were walking out the door to the hospital (*seriously, it was like a scene from "She's Having a Baby". Betcha can't guess how much stuff I actually used that was in the bag? Ha.

Luckily, this summer I don't have to worry about forgetting anything for my skin when I travel, because SkinCareRx.com has put together a great kit (in a nifty bag) to keep me taken care of skin care wise. I just keep this packed and I can throw it in my overnight bag if I go anywhere, and not have to worry I forgot something at home. Now, all the bags are a bit different, but the original kit comes with deluxe sample sizes of:

• Babor Body wash
• Babor Body lotion
• Comptoir Sud Pacitque fragrance
• DermaNew Firming Eye Cream
• MD Formulations facial cleanser
• Belli Foot Relief Cream
• DDF wrinkle Resist plus pore minimizer
• DDF protect and correct
• Dermaquest C-Lipoic Cleanser
• Dermalogica Shave kit
• Decleor Tonifying lotion
• Obagi SPF35

This kit can be purchased for $15 (and has a $90+ retail value) when you make a purchase of $100 or more at SkinCareRx.com. They carry all kinds of brands, like Obagi, Jane Iredale and iS Clinical (*which I am trying out and will update you guys on at a later date). But, one of the neat things about the site is that they have employed several estheticians to help their customers pick out the right products for their skin care needs. So, if you have any questions about what to get, they can help get you fixed up. But, this bag is only while supplies last, so get going so you can be prepared, too.

It's HiP to be square...or straight and pointy.

June 17, 2009 11:41 am · Posted by oldergirlbeauty
Tail end of last year I heard about kohl being used as an eyeliner in commercial products, specifically from Guerlain . So, I went and checked them out and passed as soon as I saw the $34 price tag, esp since I had no idea how to use it. (*Loose powder is not my friend.)

Luckily, I went to Walgreen's and came across the L'oreal HiP Kohl Eyeliner, and it was only $11.99 - big diff from the $34 for the Guerlain. I figured it was worth that to try and see what all the raves for kohl were all about. First I needed to learn what to do with it, as you *can* use it to line your lids, but it tends to drop powder everywhere and not really have much staying power. However, if you use it on the waterlines, it can make a difference in making your eyes pop for a night out.

I turned to youtube for a tutorial on how to apply the Kohl in a way called "tightlining", where you line your upper water line, and you can line your lower water line at the same time, too:

(*Yes, I know she is demo'ing with the Guerlain, but it's the same process as the HiP has the same type applicator wand).

With this demo, I was able to apply it first try. I thought it was beginners luck, but I have been able to do it sucessfully since, so it really was helpful to see someone else apply it first.

Now, I have been using the Burgundy color the longest, but I have also tried the Navy and Gold now. The Navy really makes the whites of my eyes brighten, but the Gold just wasn't as bright as I would have thought and seemed kind of flat on me. But, all three of these just last and last for hours on end. In fact, if for some reason I fall asleep wearing this, I wake up in the morning looking like I am going to do the walk of shame home, even if that walk is only from my bed to the bathroom. It's still there, and doesn't disappear like so many liners do when applied to the waterline.

You can get these at any CVS, Walgreen's, or anywhere L'oreal HiP is avail. But, I would wait for a BOGO sale at the drugstores and pick up a coupla colors. Since you won't wear these for everyday, they will last you a long time.
Tagged with: eyeliner, L'Oreal, hip, kohl

MAC Cosmetics at The Makeup Show - NYC

June 16, 2009 8:02 am · Posted by oldergirlbeauty
MAC Cosmetics was definitely representing at The Makeup Show - NYC. I took this pic early in the morning, because for the rest of the day, it was at least 5 people deep to get to the counter.

Not only did they have a booth, they also did a keynote session over "Trends", given by VP of Makeup Artistry, Gordon Espinet.
In addition to talking with his hands, Gordon has the most melodic accent. (*I swear, he could have been reading a physics book and I would have sat thru it, just to hear him speak.) He gave a great presentation talking about what was happening in makeup on the runways from around the world. One slide in particular caught my attention:
Now, in this slide you are supposed to pay attention to the gorg reverse smokey-eye. But, I was immediately drawn to this lovely lady's freckles. That you can see. That are not masked by foundation. And I swooned. Audibly. I turned to the delightful Ms. Heather Park, MAC's Manager of Global Communications, who was attending the presentation with us and asked ever so sweetly - okay, gasped forcibly, to please see if she could find out what was used to get that beautiful finish. (*She was kind enough to get back with me after the show and let me know she had found out that it was Studio Sculpt Foundation applied with a damp 187 brush for an almost airbrushed finish. I thought for *certain* it was going to be Mineralize Skinfinish.)

*On Heather's recommendation that I would get similar results, I was able to try the Face and Body Foundation. Oh lawd, did the Angels sing when I put this on. Not even playing. It disappeared, along with my redness around my nose and cheeks. And still left my pretty freckles shine thru, without looking cakey or masked.

If you want to try any of these foundations to get this no makeup look, or to try that reverse smokey-eye, MAC is having a Friends & Family 25% off sale (online only) right now thru June 18th - just use code SUMO at checkout.

Total Beauty Weekly Web Tour

June 12, 2009 10:34 am · Posted by oldergirlbeauty
Total Beauty Web Tour

The Informed Makeup Maven talks Kissable Couture, Genie and gives away Diorshow, MAC, Stila and Maybelline!

Beauty Junkies Unite shares an easy guide to sexy summer legs!

Can you lose weight by eating cookies? eye4style invesigates The Cookie Diet. Nom, nom!

Beauty Anonymous reviews Shiseido's Maquillage Face Creator 3D!

My Makeup Blog answers one reader's question and gives tips and tricks on monolid eye makeup. Come and take a look!

Makeup Files wants to know: What is your nighttime skincare routine?

Meilily discusses cosmetics ingredients: are they harmful, safe, or who knows?

addicted to lipstick gives us the rundown for the top 2009 Celebrity summer hairstyles.

Beautè Noire is giving away free Max Factor makeup!

Need to eliminate frizz in your curly hair? StyleBell has the answer with the Redken How-To on Creating Curl Perfection!

Monique at Beauty Girl Musings reviews 3Lab "M" Cream-- read what she thinks about it here!

Alison of the Advice Sistershas found a lip gloss (yes! a lip gloss!) that can actually help you lose weight!.

Boutique Flair reviews this summer's must-have fragrance for women. Find out what it is HERE!

Amy at LA Pretty is still glowing from her facial at Arcona in Santa Monica. Now you can get your own glow on as readers have a chance to win an Arcona Travel Kit (valued at $87!) plus a copy of Eco-Beautiful, a guide to natural beauty!

The Makeup Divas are giving away one pair of Current/Elliot The Boyfriend Jean valued at $229! So pop on over and enter today!

Beautiful With Brains celebrates its first birthday! Celebrate with us by entering our birthday giveway!

image and style news gives us the hair report on the summer haircolor trends for 2009 and the hottest haircuts for 2009.

Beauty in Real Life is having another giveaway, this time 3 lucky readers will each receive a Zannclip - and they get to pick the size and color. Click here to enter!!

Enter Face Candy's MAC Style Warrior Giveaway.

Read why Mineral Makeup is the Best Makeup for Acne at Mineral Makeup Reviews.

Suzanne at RN Guide to Skin Care tells you everything you need to know about Hyaluronic Acid Skin Care.

The Beauty Blog reviews Avon Anew Concealer (also known as Anew Age-Transforming Concealer SPF 15).

Fabulous Over Forty talks to Barneys Beauty Guru for your best makeup looks.

The Beauty Alchemistpreviews the newYSL Fall 09 Makeup

Intense At It Best....Next Level Eye Color Loreal High Intensity Pigments Eyeliner!!.

Paula at Older Girl Beauty Blog gives us her opinion on the new Maybelline Pulse Perfection vibrating mascara.

Hot Beauty Health shows you 10 natural solutions to preserve your youth and beauty.

Butterflydiary has pictures and a full report from herJohnson's Body Care Cause party!.

CoverFX at The Makeup Show - NYC

June 11, 2009 1:25 pm · Posted by oldergirlbeauty
Before I went to The Makeup Show I had been chatting with the super Melissa from CoverFX, and she mentioned that I needed to make sure and see her coworker, Wanda, who would be representing CoverFX at the show. You better believe that I did! In addition to getting to meet her, I got to watch while she did a makeover on the wonderful Sarah, from StyleItOnline.com.


Also, I got to do "Da Bump" with Celebrity Makeup Artist and CoverFX Pro Artist, Nathan Johnson. Once again my "vast" knowledge of makeup artist giants came in handy (*sarcasm) as I had no idea this fun guy is who he is, ie. Project Runway MUA, multitude of tv show work and off-Broadway shows, too. Gawd. So, yeah, I didn't really get any deep info from him except he and I could rock out dancing all night long. Which, really, sometimes is more important to me than what TM to wear. Ha.

*Thanks to Melissa I was able to try SkinTintFX tinted moisturizer. I gotta admit, it scared me when I first got it, because it looked *SO* dark when it came out of the bottle, I thought there was NO WAY this was going to work on me.
Boy was I wrong. This TM glides on so easily and the color is so sheer, it isn't too dark at all. Just gives me a hint of sun color, without looking orange or muddy. It is also so light that it doesn't make my face look matted down or heavy, which is a huge plus for me. And, unlike other mineral products, this doesn't make my face itchy when I wear it. So nice.

Stupid *may* be too harsh of a word...

June 10, 2009 11:21 am · Posted by oldergirlbeauty
...but "poorly designed" is just too nice to say. Not even going to beat around the bush on this one - I don't care for the new Maybelline New York Pulse Perfection™ by Define-A-Lash® Vibrating Mascara. And it all has to do with the design of the off/on button.
As you can see from the picture, the button is on the end of the cap. The button does not turn on and stay on, you have to continue to hold it down for it to pulse. Unfortunately, to do that, you have to use the tips of your fingers to hold the cap, and press down the button at the same time. This makes it unwieldy to hold and apply the mascara, in my opinion. In fact, I think a demonstration might be in order. I was so disturbed by this product that I felt it deserved a video. Yes, yes I did:

So, yeah, I can't even comment on the actual mascara part, as I was too distracted by the application. It may be really good. *shrug*. It is supposed to be released nationwide in July, '09, but it looks like Wal-Mart is doing a soft launch of it now for $12.50.
Tagged with: video, mascara, walmart, maybelline

Smashbox Cosmetics at The Makeup Show - NYC

June 10, 2009 8:26 am · Posted by oldergirlbeauty
Lori Taylor, Smashbox's Professional Artistry Relations Manager, was being Pro and showing off all of the great Smashbox products in their booth at The Makeup Show - NYC. I swear, you can NOT stump this lady - which is really great.

In fact, she is so good at it, that she gave a presentation at the show over what she called "Needed Basics".
Seriously, she knows what she's talking about and even if you think you had everything, it's great to hear about something you might have missed. Now, as much as it was compelling to watch Lori tell us the basics, it's hard not to ignore these FIERCE shoes she was wearing:
She told me that she had comfy shoes under her table she was putting on after her presentation, so she wouldn't be rocking these babies all day long. I woulda done the same thing. Oh wait, I wore Chucks. I couldn't have managed those in the *first* place. Ha.

*My fav Smashbox product is the Waterproof Shadow Liner in Hollywood, which is a bronzey color, that when put on with the Smashbox #30 brush is like a great smudgey liner in a second. But, I gotta say, I got a Fusion Soft Lights in Sunset from Lori, and I have used it almost every day since. I don't do bronzers, but this has a soft yellow in it that I use on top of my cheeks and it gives me a gorg glow. Love it!