Palettes -Bobbi Brown - Stonewashed Nudes [DISCONTINUED]
Gail2 7/15/2007 11:15:00 PM
Millions of us do it up brown, and for good reason. Bobbi Brown is an expert at helping us look better in a very natural way. Her shades never shout, pop out at you, but are subtle and very flattering. Her new Stonewashed Nudes Palette is a boon for both blue eyes and brown eyes, fair and dark complexions. There are three Eye Shadows and four Shimmer Wash Eye Shadows all in tones of taupe, stone, and earth. (Didn't I say natural?) These come in a 1 ½" by 5 3/4" mirrored case accompanied by a dual-ended brush for shadow and lining. The darkest shade, what think is her Espresso shadow, is perfect for lining while the other tones brighten and highlight eyes. Forget those aging blue and green shadows, do think you'll be delighted with what this palette can do for you! My favorite (blue eyes) for day is the taupe shadow and a very light hand with the liner.
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Treatments -Nailtiques - Formula 2 - Nail Protein
Gail2 7/1/2007 3:44:00 PM
Formula 2 is what was suggested to me by a manicurist - hopefully to give some strength to my easy to break, thin nails. That it did. I carefully followed the instructions to first use it every night than reduce to every other night, then remove, and start again if necessary. So, I'm happy with the results but not with the use. First this product has a tendency to peel, which caused me to "touch up" even though the directions advised not use more than once a day. It is also very difficult to remove. The best success for me was to thoroughly dampen a cotton ball and then hold it on a nail for at least 45 seconds to soften the protein. Also, while the bottle is attractive the lid is a good one inch in diameter, which may be the reason why it detached itself from the brush portion after the second use. Ever try applying a nail polish or treatment by holding just the top part of the brush? So, i give this product an A- for results but a C- for attendant difficulties.
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Lip Gloss -Pout - Plump
Gail2 6/18/2007 4:05:00 PM
Love the innovative, adorable packing done by Pout. The eye shadow duo comes in a cute turquoise flip-top case topped with a pink bow, and the lip plump come in a bubbled bag! Couldn't resist! Yes, yes, I know. You can't tell a book by its cover. But, I'm here to tell you that the Pout Plump is every bit as good as it looks! My favorite shade of the moment is Caramel (it's also available in Original, which is a clear nude; Bubble gum, a cool pink; Mulberry; Pimento; and Gold Glitz). It has a yummy peppermint taste and, thank heavens, it doesn't sting the way some lip plumps do. I've read that the secret to Pout lump's success is Maxi-Lip, an ingredient that hydrates the lips and increases collagen. Thus, if Pout Plump is used over a period of time lip fullness will be increased up to 40%. Well, yes, time will tell. But I haven't been using Pout Plump long enough for time to tell me about lasting effects. What I do know is that after several weeks I couldn't be happier with this product - plumping, color, and hydration all in one! - Gail Cooke
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Lip Gloss -MAC - Plum Parfait -Petit Gloss
Gail2 5/18/2007 3:03:00 PM
True, it appears good enough to eat - maybe that's one reason why it feels and looks delicious on your lips. These yummy parfaits of gloss are "iced" with a compatible shade that can be used in your application or not - makes for a variety of shades from one pot. It's your choice - swirl a lip brush through both tones or use the basic gloss solo. Either way the feel of the gloss is light and not AT all sticky. MAC offers a tasty, tempting trio of shades in this Limited Edition Petit-Gloss and it's impossible to pick a favorite. Reminds me of standing in front of a candy counter, thinking, "I want one of those, and those, and those." "Glaze" is a clear, fresh pink with a softer pink design, while "Plum Parfait" is a rose pink with a plum design. "Millefeuille" is a sunny coral with a fuchsia design. Decisions, decision, decisions, I opt for all three.
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Blush -LORAC - Cheek Stamps
Gail2 5/18/2007 11:58:00 AM
While some keep a reminder list I have a mental "Why didn't they think of this sooner?" list. Right at the top is Lorac's Cheek Stamp. It's unbelievably easy to use with a built in sponge applicator (which, I might add, just fits the apple of my cheek). All you have to do is twist open the cap and pop some color on. Obviously, color can be heightened for evening should you wish. The blush is silken, super soft and looks very natural as a blush should. There's a tiny hint of shimmer to it that serves to brighten eyes. Plus, it's housed in a small chic silvertone jar that slips easily into purse or pocket. My current favorite is "Hibiscus," a lovely rose suitable for we fair skinned ones. Loud applause for Lorac! - Gail Cooke
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Lip Gloss -Pop Beauty - Sugar Shine
Gail2 3/20/2007 4:04:00 PM
Yum! POP introduces a gleaming, glistening lip gloss that looks great, tastes delish, and protects lips, too. The glosses are sheer yet offer full coverage whether applied oh soooo very carefully with a brush or subtly smudged with a finger. Whatever your application preference the gloss is radiant, long lasting, and tasty. A current fave is Heavenly - a soft, innocent natural rose with a touch of lilac that tastes like white chocolate. Other shades in POP's duo tin are Yummy, a golden peach teamed with an energetic pink tasting like carrot cake; Maxed, a forest violet paired with true sheer red with a sugar violet flavor; Divine, this toffee toned nude appears with a rust and tastes like mint; and Essential, a chic mauve is presented with raspberry and tastes like....well, raspberries, of course. There are two more shades that I haven't tried or seen, but I'm standing in line! - Gail Cooke
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Eye Shadow -Laura Mercier - Evolution of Eyes - Rainforest
Gail2 3/15/2007 2:46:00 PM
The night has a thousand eyes, and I do, too. Oh, alright, I do have a tendency to exaggerate but I certainly can have multi eye looks with this mirrored Evolution of Colour eye shadow palette from Laura Mercier. Ingenue, sophisticate, diva, whatever the whim of the moment can be accomplished with her palette of four complementary tones. My current favorite is Rainforest, a medley of greens that range from the tenderest pale green to a new spring leaf tone to sage to deep in the forest green. Laura's shadows are silky soft yet long lasting. They go on easily with brush or swab applicator. Speaking of which, I've found that I can use this applicator to make even more shades by simply stroking it across two or more of the colours. Now, it's easy being green.
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Other -Supersmile - Professional Whitening System
Gail2 3/15/2007 2:41:00 PM
After discovering Supersmile Professional Whitening system I'm glad to put on a happy face! Do believe I've tried all the teeth whiteners - from the pricey plastic tray crafted by my dentist that too soon lost its shape to the slippery little strips that quickly slide off. Now, with Supersmile it's no mess, no fuss and effective. I don't mean that it gave me a blinding Chiclet smile (thank goodness!). What it did was brighten and whiten the teeth of one who thoroughly and frequently enjoys coffee and red wine. It's a natural whiteness, very pleasing. Did I say no mess? Correct. The Supersmile Professional Whitening System comes with two tubes one is a toothpaste, the other is the accelerator. Simply combine an equal amount of each on a dry toothbrush then brush in small circles for two minutes. Do this twice a day. Then, while you may not be able to let a smile be your umbrella (really, what person in their right mind would want to do that anyway?), you will want to wear a happy face much more often.
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Lipstick -Cle de Peau - lipstick
Gail2 2/19/2007 7:27:00 PM
I'm tired, tired, tired of cold, snow, sleet and ice, thus the Cle de Peau lipstick #19 is as welcome as the flowers in May! It's a lovely peony pink with just a hint of subtle shimmer, perfect for the warm months ahead. Meanwhile, it goes on smoothly and has A+ staying power. Also, I love the tube, it's a sleek onyx column - handsome! This is my first Cle de Peau lipstick but it won't be my last! - Gail Cooke
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Crème -Giorgio Armani - SPF20 Shaping Designer Foundation
Gail2 1/26/2007 5:15:00 PM
Can't say enough good things about this Armani Shaping Cream Foundation. Just the smallest amount glides on (with sponge or fingers, although a brush works best for me) to leave your complexion with a luminous glow. It's sheer, buoyant, yet makes imperfections disappear. Now, how a foundation as light and weightless as this manages to do that I do not know - simply that it does. The consistency of the foundation is silky. Think of the weightlessness of a silk dress and you know how lovely this feels on your skin. Further, a morning application lasts until the stars come out. Now, if going out for the evening and applying fresh makeup I often want a more dramatic look so I'll add a touch more Foundation to intensify the color and complement the deeper shade of lipstick and blush I'll be wearing. There are so many ways to wear this Foundation from a bare, fresh almost nude look to heightened color. As if that weren't enough it comes with SPF 20 and we all know how important that is! Armani is amazing! - Gail Cooke
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Fragrances -Frederic Malle - Carnal Flower
Gail2 1/14/2007 11:13:00 PM
As the grandson of Serge Heftler, founder of Dior Perfumes, Frederic Malle learned early on a knowledge of and respect for the art of perfume making. When a very young man he served as a consultant for such prestigious houses as Hermes and Christian Lacroix. Today, he sees to his own Paris boutique. It is a glorious shop to visit - ultra modern in decor and showcasing eight perfumes created especially for him. They are, in my opinion, among the most beautiful fragrances in the world. Musc Ravageur, which is appropriate for both men and women, is a scent to which I often return. It entices with its top notes of Lavender and Bergamot. However, if had to choose just one and I certainly don't want to have just one - but, if I must it would be Carnal Flower. With just an initial waft of this seductive, unique scent I was won. It's rich in Tuberose Absolute, an intoxicating aroma. Created by perfumer Dominique Ripion it is infinitely seductive with added notes of Bergamot, Melon, Eucalyptus, Jasmine, and Orange Blossom. Carnal Flower is a warm, lush yet mysterious fragrance that seems to become a part of you as if it had bonded with your skin. Unlike any other tuberose fragrance (and there are many), this scent stands alone - perfection. - Gail Cooke
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Lip Gloss -Estee Lauder - High Gloss - Rose
Gail2 8/12/2006 12:10:00 PM
High praise for Estee Lauder's new High Gloss Lip Gloss! For this gloss-ophile who has seen more than her share of sticky, gummy, quick to smear glosses, this is the best. It glides on very smoothly with a slant-tipped applicator that means lip brushes aren't necessary. In other words, "Lip Brushes Need Not Apply Here." This gloss has a silky, soft feel yet provides high wattage gleam, glisten and shine. Plus it contains nourishing ingredients that make lips look plumper, fuller. There are 14 flattering shades ranging from Clear to Bronze to Flamingo to Amethyst (a lovely lilac). My current favorite is Rose, a fresh from the garden shade. Coral is super with a tan, and Berry perfect for those with medium to dark complexions. Clear worn over lipstick is the nth in glow. - Gail Cooke
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Lotions/ Creams -Laura Mercier - Almond Coconut Milk Souffle Body Creme
Gail2 8/12/2006 12:02:00 PM
Intended for those who want a richer moisturizer than Body Lotion, Souffle Body Cream is aptly named as it is souffle-like in texture. From Laura Mercier's Collection Gourmande, this cream offers optimal body moisturizing benefits and is delightfully scented, slightly more so than the Body Lotion. It glides on smoothly, a little going a long way in providing intense softening and nourishing effects without being heavy or greasy. The addition of earth minerals to the cream enhance the skin with a subtle sheen, while Liposomes tone and condition. Key ingredients include vitamins A, E, and F which work harmoniously with Oat Protein, Silk Protein and Sweet Almond Protein for skin nourishment and protection. Macadamia Nut Oil and the indispensable Shea Butter leave skin with a rich silkiness while Honey adds sweetness to the scent. Speaking of her latest fragrance Laura said, "This scent reminds me of a refreshing tropical drink blended with the freshest possible local fruits". True, indeed. Following a Honey Bath with this moisturizer is, well, luxurious to the nth degree.
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