1/1/09
By Kim Myers
This is not about cosmetics or anything even close. This is a true Christmas miracle that happened to me and my family over the holidays. I thought it would be inspirational for the New Year and maybe provide faith for those who may not believe.
On December 5th my husband, my mom, our three sons, and I went to N.Y.C. for the weekend. This date is the second anniversary of my father’s death which was ironic. That evening my husband was at the hotel sick and my mom and I had the kids walking around and looking at all the window decorations. My mom was taking pictures of the store windows when she realized she had lost her purse. We immediately went back into the department store we had been in. It was 9:00 p.m. so the store had closed but, they let us in to look for her purse. My oldest son Blair (11) and I sat by the front door of the store while mom, my middle son Brecklin (9) and youngest Brennan (4) followed her onto the escalator. No one was in the store except a few employees and security personnel. After approximately 30-35 minutes my mom came back down and we were already heading out the door and across the street when I looked back and asked her "where is Brennan?" He is the 4 year old. Mom said she thought he was with me and I told her he followed her and Brecklin onto the escalator. Immediately, we turned around heading to the store where, right in front stood a traffic policeman and my mom grabbed him by the shoulders and exclaimed "we’ve lost a child!" The officer said "we’ve got him". He looked straight at me and said "you’re the mother aren’t you?" and I said yes. I just fell onto him and we just held each other. Amazingly, I was quite calm other than all the whistles going off inside my head of what could have happened. I was a police officer for 7 years so I knew all the consequences, but the entire time which wasn’t much, I had faith that he would be found. The officer said a German tourist couple found my son outside crossing the busiest intersection in N.Y.C. during this time of year. People were literally walking side by side. We found Brennan in the back of a police van eating a huge pretzel and drinking Gatorade. He wasn’t upset in the least. The officer, whose nickname was "Obie," said Brennan just kept giving him the "thumbs up" every time he asked him a question.
If that wasn’t enough of a miracle, when we arrived back at the hotel my husband said a call came in and someone had found my mom’s purse on the street at that same intersection. All money, credit cards, and contents were still intact. The people who found it wouldn’t even accept a reward. They said "we are just that kind of people". I believe they were Polish.
I saw "Obie", Nate O’Bleamis, working a different intersection a couple days later and once again we hugged and talked and had our picture taken with him. These were just a couple of things that happened to us while there but we prayed constantly and God answered our prayers. We encountered a couple other "un-cool" situations and prayed and just as soon as we asked, we received. It is just amazing what can happen when you have faith.
My mom actually wrote something up about this to send to the news channel but, she couldn’t ever get it to go through. The next week while going through my emails I saw where she saved what she wrote so I brushed it up a bit and sent it to our local NBC news affiliate. The reporter contacted me the very next day and they came out to do a story on us. They called it "The Christmas Miracle". The very first thing you see in the interview is my son Brennan and I praying like we do at night and thanking God for his safe return. I told the reporter what I really wanted people to get if nothing else is "if you have faith then you have everything". I can even vouch for blind faith on many occasions. She had a couple of tears come to her eyes. I didn’t tell anyone about the news story but, the people who did see it responded and told me that was exactly what they got from the story which made me very happy because I knew it made them happy. Hopefully, many people will be inspired and Believe, Believe, Believe! Jesus is with us. He is in everything around us and we can certainly feel His presence. Invite Him into your New Year! Kim Myers
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
More Exotic Parfum Sets for Christmas
Once again another luxury exclusive gift is here. This one is a bit on the pricey side ($240) but, considering you get all essential oils, it may not be a poor purchase as oils last longer than the actual perfume itself. "Balm Balm Seven Eau de Parfum Gift Set" consists of seven different parfum oils with combination cards for mixing or you may get creative and come up with your own little brew. The seven oils are ylang ylang, spearmint, rose geranium, petitgrain, mandarin, lavender, and bergamot. These are all single note essential oils. These can be worn by both men and women. With any purchase of Balm Balm products a free "Rose Geranium" lip balm is received. Each fragrance oil can be purchased separately also.
Here are just a few "types" of scents you can create when mixing certain oils:
Simplicity – one single note
Outrageous – all notes worn together
Artsy – ylang ylang, petitgrain, and rose geranium
Studious – spearmint, lavender, and bergamot
Masculine – petitgrain, bergamot, and spearmint
Feminine – rose geranium and lavender
Fun – bergamot and mandarin
Bold – ylang ylang, petitgrain, and bergamot
Sexy – ylang ylang and rose geranium
Innocent – lavender, mandarin, and bergamot
Romantic – rose geranium, and mandarin
Refreshing – bergamot and spearmint
Simplicity – one single note
Outrageous – all notes worn together
Artsy – ylang ylang, petitgrain, and rose geranium
Studious – spearmint, lavender, and bergamot
Masculine – petitgrain, bergamot, and spearmint
Feminine – rose geranium and lavender
Fun – bergamot and mandarin
Bold – ylang ylang, petitgrain, and bergamot
Sexy – ylang ylang and rose geranium
Innocent – lavender, mandarin, and bergamot
Romantic – rose geranium, and mandarin
Refreshing – bergamot and spearmint
Another neat little gift is "Tsi-La Organics Eau de Parfum Mini Collection" ($95). This set comes with four perfumes, "Kesu"(amber, incense, jasmine, lime), "Fleur Sauvage(tuberose, jasmine, neroli, bergamot)", "Ilang Ilang(sugared citrus fruits, vanilla orchids), and "Kizes(Sicilian bergamot, citron, elderflower, tuberose, jasmine, orange flower, candied citrus, creamy flowers)". Each of these scents can also be purchased separately too.
Both of the above sets can be purchased at beautyhabit.com or call (800) 377-8771.
Kim Myers @ wahuhi@comcast.net
Monday, December 22, 2008
Top 3 Wonderful Winter Fragrances
Winter is my favorite time of year for fragrance. Scents seem to last longer on the skin and it seems more appropriate to wear the stronger ones. Here are my top 3 picks for winter. These are the ones I love wearing now and the good thing about all of them is they are very long-lasting.
1. My favorite still year after year next to Angelique Encens by Creed is “Neiges Lise Watier” or “Snow Water” (1993). This is Canada’s #1 perfume and it’s easy to understand why. The notes don’t seem like “winter” notes but in their own way they are so soft and relaxing. “Neiges” is a clean white soft floral. It is powdery and very feminine. Notes consist of white flowers, hyacinth, lily of the valley, jasmine, magnolia, orange blossom, and musk. Wearing this makes me think of the color white and snow, wanting snow, and wanting to be snowed in. It’s a good scent for winter and the warmer months too.
2. “L’Instant” de Guerlain” (2003) runs a close second. I absolutely love wearing this. People around me seem to like it and always ask about it. Top notes are rosewood, lilac, bergamot, and mandarin. Mid-notes consists of magnolia, iris, citrus, honey, lemon and orange blossoms and base notes are benzoin, vanilla, and clean white amber. I think the mix of honey and amber really set this one off. This fragrance, while wearing, might make you ask someone “come sit beside me”, “come close”, “I’ll comfort you”, or “I’ll take care of you”. There is definitely something about L’Instant that just seems to make your worries go away. Of course, it’s hard to go wrong at the House of Guerlain.
3. “Frapin 1270” is the most unusual of all 3 scents because it is a bit stronger yet smooth in a good way. 1270 is the year the Frapin family established itself in the Cognac region of France and where they still remain today. Frapin can only be described as an equivalent to a dry, rich, velvety, smooth cognac, although it contains no cognac. Its notes are reminiscent of the vineyard grasses, the wine warehouses, the smell of damp earth in the cellars, the wood of new casks, and the humus where cognacs are stored. It can also be compared to an aged sugary fruit cake with notes of exotic woods, spice, raisin, vine flowers, pepper, candied orange, nut, hazelnut, prune, cocoa, coffee, white honey, vanilla, and amber. Luckily, this one is unisex so you guys and gals can share a bottle. I can guarantee this will soon become a classic indeed. This is one that if on a piece of clothing such as a coat and another person put that coat on they’d never want to take it off. Better yet, have the person you want to wear it and just don’t let go.
Kim Myers
1. My favorite still year after year next to Angelique Encens by Creed is “Neiges Lise Watier” or “Snow Water” (1993). This is Canada’s #1 perfume and it’s easy to understand why. The notes don’t seem like “winter” notes but in their own way they are so soft and relaxing. “Neiges” is a clean white soft floral. It is powdery and very feminine. Notes consist of white flowers, hyacinth, lily of the valley, jasmine, magnolia, orange blossom, and musk. Wearing this makes me think of the color white and snow, wanting snow, and wanting to be snowed in. It’s a good scent for winter and the warmer months too.
2. “L’Instant” de Guerlain” (2003) runs a close second. I absolutely love wearing this. People around me seem to like it and always ask about it. Top notes are rosewood, lilac, bergamot, and mandarin. Mid-notes consists of magnolia, iris, citrus, honey, lemon and orange blossoms and base notes are benzoin, vanilla, and clean white amber. I think the mix of honey and amber really set this one off. This fragrance, while wearing, might make you ask someone “come sit beside me”, “come close”, “I’ll comfort you”, or “I’ll take care of you”. There is definitely something about L’Instant that just seems to make your worries go away. Of course, it’s hard to go wrong at the House of Guerlain.
3. “Frapin 1270” is the most unusual of all 3 scents because it is a bit stronger yet smooth in a good way. 1270 is the year the Frapin family established itself in the Cognac region of France and where they still remain today. Frapin can only be described as an equivalent to a dry, rich, velvety, smooth cognac, although it contains no cognac. Its notes are reminiscent of the vineyard grasses, the wine warehouses, the smell of damp earth in the cellars, the wood of new casks, and the humus where cognacs are stored. It can also be compared to an aged sugary fruit cake with notes of exotic woods, spice, raisin, vine flowers, pepper, candied orange, nut, hazelnut, prune, cocoa, coffee, white honey, vanilla, and amber. Luckily, this one is unisex so you guys and gals can share a bottle. I can guarantee this will soon become a classic indeed. This is one that if on a piece of clothing such as a coat and another person put that coat on they’d never want to take it off. Better yet, have the person you want to wear it and just don’t let go.
Kim Myers
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Presenting HARAJUKU LOVERS Fragrance in Collector Bottles- Dec. 11, 2008
By Kim Myers
Harajuku (Japanese) meaning: 1. A style and attitude of Japanese girls from Harajuku, Tokyo. 2. Anything goes: outrageous, layered, and eye-catching.
These are the new little gals out inspired by the albums of Gwen Stefani, lyrics and all. If you are an avid collector of exotic perfume bottles then you can’t miss out on these. They are delightful and cute. "G", aka "Gwen" is The Leader of the Pack with her white corseted top and little blue miniskirt. She is so cool with fragrance notes of fresh coconut, jasmine and cotton woods. "Love" is Sweet Stuff with her striped mini-dress and street-chic red kicks. Her scent is unforgettable with notes of pink pomelo, rose, and creamy vanilla orchid. It is the most distinct fragrance of the set. "Lil" Angel is Sassy, Sexy, and Cool and she’s got your back when you’re in a pinch. She’s ready to kick butt. She’s the little guardian with her schoolgirl outfit and notes of sweet citrus floral, pineapple, candied violet, and lollipop accord. How could you not like her? Next is "Music" the Tough Cookie who is charismatic and tells it like it is. She wears her smocked sailor outfit and black lace-up boxing boots. Her scent range is sparkling and yummy with pear, sweet pea, and sleek wood. Lastly, is "Baby" who is Girlie and Sweet. Her style is "bring on the boys", I can handle them in the palm of my hand. She has everyone stuttering over notes of powdery florals with white rose, orange flower, and white musk. She is pure baby in a bottle.
These little doll- like figures range in price from $25 to $45 and also come in a perfume solid set for $60. They are beautiful to have on display and will have everyone asking about them. Try to collect all five. "Love" is my favorite, followed by "Baby". They can be purchased at sephora.com, Nordstrom, and other fine department stores. Hurry, they are selling like hot cakes.
Harajuku (Japanese) meaning: 1. A style and attitude of Japanese girls from Harajuku, Tokyo. 2. Anything goes: outrageous, layered, and eye-catching.
These are the new little gals out inspired by the albums of Gwen Stefani, lyrics and all. If you are an avid collector of exotic perfume bottles then you can’t miss out on these. They are delightful and cute. "G", aka "Gwen" is The Leader of the Pack with her white corseted top and little blue miniskirt. She is so cool with fragrance notes of fresh coconut, jasmine and cotton woods. "Love" is Sweet Stuff with her striped mini-dress and street-chic red kicks. Her scent is unforgettable with notes of pink pomelo, rose, and creamy vanilla orchid. It is the most distinct fragrance of the set. "Lil" Angel is Sassy, Sexy, and Cool and she’s got your back when you’re in a pinch. She’s ready to kick butt. She’s the little guardian with her schoolgirl outfit and notes of sweet citrus floral, pineapple, candied violet, and lollipop accord. How could you not like her? Next is "Music" the Tough Cookie who is charismatic and tells it like it is. She wears her smocked sailor outfit and black lace-up boxing boots. Her scent range is sparkling and yummy with pear, sweet pea, and sleek wood. Lastly, is "Baby" who is Girlie and Sweet. Her style is "bring on the boys", I can handle them in the palm of my hand. She has everyone stuttering over notes of powdery florals with white rose, orange flower, and white musk. She is pure baby in a bottle.
These little doll- like figures range in price from $25 to $45 and also come in a perfume solid set for $60. They are beautiful to have on display and will have everyone asking about them. Try to collect all five. "Love" is my favorite, followed by "Baby". They can be purchased at sephora.com, Nordstrom, and other fine department stores. Hurry, they are selling like hot cakes.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Luxury Gift Sets for Christmas
By Kim Myers
This column is for the "big spender" who doesn’t mind playing Santa Claus. These sets are $100 or over. There were many sets to choose from, but these were narrowed down accordingly. So here they are. The nice thing about sets is not only does "one" person receive pleasure from it because it’s so lavish, but also each item in the set can be used as separate gifts or stocking stuffers for many others. Therefore, you get your spending out of the way in one shot and sometimes for males/females at the same time.
1. One of the coolest lipstick sets I’ve found especially if you are a "red" girl and can pull it off is the "Noir" collection by Julie Hewett ($100). Hewett was the makeup artist on the set of the movie Pearl Harbor. She wanted lipsticks that were similar to the colors of the period and also waterproof for the climate and underwater scenes. The set contains 6 shades of noir reds from "Nude", which is a neutral light golden shimmer red, "Femme", "Belle", "Coco", which is kind of a reddish brown tone for anyone afraid to wear red, "Rouge", which is an orange/red, and "Sin", which is a darker aubergine color that can be used as a stain or deepened for full effect. All lipsticks are heavily pigmented and long-wearing. The colors are remarkable, but if there is a color you don’t like, it can be exchanged for another color on her website. Just write the color you want to exchange for the color you’d rather have in the "comments" box (juliehewett.net or 818-559-7488).
2. If you’ve never experienced "Lush" products, you don’t know what you’re missing. These are all natural, some vegan, and smell heavenly. They use many essential oils and the company has a variety of unusual bath and body products. For Christmas, I like the "Merry Christmas Holiday Gift Set" (139.95). This is a huge set containing the following bath and body products: Christmas Party bath bomb; Jingle Spells bath bomb; Lush Pud bath bomb; Mr. Butterball vanilla tonic bath bomb; Twinkle Star bath bomb; Witches Ball bubble bar; Candy Cane solid bubble bath; Christmas Kisses bubble bar; Marzibain bubble bar (an almond favorite); Frothy the Snowman (he’s coated in real coconut) bubble bar; Snow Fairy Shower Gel; Angel’s Delight Moon; Snowcake Soap (clean and wintery fresh); Christmas Cake Soap; A Gold Star bubble bar; Chocolate Santa bath bomb; Christmas Morning bubble bar; Let Them Eat Cake lip balm; Strawberry Santa shower jelly; and "Snowdrops" bath bomb. I can’t even begin to give the scent ingredients in each product, but they are all different and surprising. They look like you could eat them, but don’t because it would be the equivalent of eating soap. The bubble bars, bath bombs, and shower jellies are used in the bath. You can even wash your hair with the shower jellies(lush.com or 888-733-5874)
3. Now that we’ve covered cosmetics and bath and body, you guessed it, perfume time. "Bond No.9" N.Y.C. has an exclusive boxed set of their most popular fragrances called "The Bon Bon Box". The box contains 18 different 6ml purse sprays for ($260). The purse sprays alone are ($45) each. This is one of those gifts that can be split for both guys and gals because all but approximately three of them are unisex. The different scents are grouped in areas of N.Y.C. like Uptown, Midtown, and Downtown if you’ve been there and can picture that description. The actual fragrances themselves depict a certain location in the former three areas. The original bottled fragrances are a creative work of art. They are imaginative and are great for collectors. Here are the following 18 eccentric fragrances in the Bon Bon box: Bryant Park, Chelsea Flowers, The Scent of Peace, Chinatown, Riverside Drive, Eau De New York, Bleecker Street, West Side, Nuits De Noho, Wall Street (great for men), Eau De Noho, Little Italy (think Coney Island and caramel), Park Avenue, Andy Warhol’s Silver Factory (also great for men and very distinctive), Madison Soiree, So New York, Hamptons, and West Broadway. I wish it contained New Haarlem (spiked w/a little bit of coffee) and Saks 5th Avenue for Her. This is not a bad value considering you’d be paying nearly $810 if each were bought separately. Considering the full sized bottle is quite pricey, this will allow you to pick your favorite Bond #9 signature scent. You may also wish to create your very own scent box to accommodate your personality. Go to the Bond website to obtain the fragrance notes (bondno9.com, Saks 5th Ave., and fragrancesandmore.biz.
Next week there will be one more luxury item for the holidays. It would even be good for New Years too so take notes.
This column is for the "big spender" who doesn’t mind playing Santa Claus. These sets are $100 or over. There were many sets to choose from, but these were narrowed down accordingly. So here they are. The nice thing about sets is not only does "one" person receive pleasure from it because it’s so lavish, but also each item in the set can be used as separate gifts or stocking stuffers for many others. Therefore, you get your spending out of the way in one shot and sometimes for males/females at the same time.
1. One of the coolest lipstick sets I’ve found especially if you are a "red" girl and can pull it off is the "Noir" collection by Julie Hewett ($100). Hewett was the makeup artist on the set of the movie Pearl Harbor. She wanted lipsticks that were similar to the colors of the period and also waterproof for the climate and underwater scenes. The set contains 6 shades of noir reds from "Nude", which is a neutral light golden shimmer red, "Femme", "Belle", "Coco", which is kind of a reddish brown tone for anyone afraid to wear red, "Rouge", which is an orange/red, and "Sin", which is a darker aubergine color that can be used as a stain or deepened for full effect. All lipsticks are heavily pigmented and long-wearing. The colors are remarkable, but if there is a color you don’t like, it can be exchanged for another color on her website. Just write the color you want to exchange for the color you’d rather have in the "comments" box (juliehewett.net or 818-559-7488).
2. If you’ve never experienced "Lush" products, you don’t know what you’re missing. These are all natural, some vegan, and smell heavenly. They use many essential oils and the company has a variety of unusual bath and body products. For Christmas, I like the "Merry Christmas Holiday Gift Set" (139.95). This is a huge set containing the following bath and body products: Christmas Party bath bomb; Jingle Spells bath bomb; Lush Pud bath bomb; Mr. Butterball vanilla tonic bath bomb; Twinkle Star bath bomb; Witches Ball bubble bar; Candy Cane solid bubble bath; Christmas Kisses bubble bar; Marzibain bubble bar (an almond favorite); Frothy the Snowman (he’s coated in real coconut) bubble bar; Snow Fairy Shower Gel; Angel’s Delight Moon; Snowcake Soap (clean and wintery fresh); Christmas Cake Soap; A Gold Star bubble bar; Chocolate Santa bath bomb; Christmas Morning bubble bar; Let Them Eat Cake lip balm; Strawberry Santa shower jelly; and "Snowdrops" bath bomb. I can’t even begin to give the scent ingredients in each product, but they are all different and surprising. They look like you could eat them, but don’t because it would be the equivalent of eating soap. The bubble bars, bath bombs, and shower jellies are used in the bath. You can even wash your hair with the shower jellies(lush.com or 888-733-5874)
3. Now that we’ve covered cosmetics and bath and body, you guessed it, perfume time. "Bond No.9" N.Y.C. has an exclusive boxed set of their most popular fragrances called "The Bon Bon Box". The box contains 18 different 6ml purse sprays for ($260). The purse sprays alone are ($45) each. This is one of those gifts that can be split for both guys and gals because all but approximately three of them are unisex. The different scents are grouped in areas of N.Y.C. like Uptown, Midtown, and Downtown if you’ve been there and can picture that description. The actual fragrances themselves depict a certain location in the former three areas. The original bottled fragrances are a creative work of art. They are imaginative and are great for collectors. Here are the following 18 eccentric fragrances in the Bon Bon box: Bryant Park, Chelsea Flowers, The Scent of Peace, Chinatown, Riverside Drive, Eau De New York, Bleecker Street, West Side, Nuits De Noho, Wall Street (great for men), Eau De Noho, Little Italy (think Coney Island and caramel), Park Avenue, Andy Warhol’s Silver Factory (also great for men and very distinctive), Madison Soiree, So New York, Hamptons, and West Broadway. I wish it contained New Haarlem (spiked w/a little bit of coffee) and Saks 5th Avenue for Her. This is not a bad value considering you’d be paying nearly $810 if each were bought separately. Considering the full sized bottle is quite pricey, this will allow you to pick your favorite Bond #9 signature scent. You may also wish to create your very own scent box to accommodate your personality. Go to the Bond website to obtain the fragrance notes (bondno9.com, Saks 5th Ave., and fragrancesandmore.biz.
Next week there will be one more luxury item for the holidays. It would even be good for New Years too so take notes.
Friday, November 28, 2008
Great Gift Sets for Christmas
Last weeks focus was bath and body sets and some perfume sets that are nice for gift giving. This weeks’ focus will be on cosmetics sets and skin care. Who can’t resist a lot of color Christmas morning? Here are a few ideas.
1. "Stila Shine On Gift of Glaze" is the perfect set of lip glazes that are in a twist up tube which is perfect for sanitary application. Four of their most popular shades are included such as vanilla (pearl nude), brown sugar (shimmer nude), grapefruit (frosty pink), and apricot (melon) along with two new colors gumdrop (bright pink) and raisin (shimmering golden plum). The Golden Raisin is a beautiful color and for $28 this is a good buy to get six colors in a variety of hues(sephora.com, ulta.com).
2. "Stila Eyes and Shine Smudge Pot Trio Gel Eyeliner" are three neutral colors consisting of black, bronze, and gray. These are smudge-proof and glide on easily with an eyeliner brush which accompanies the trio $32(sephora.com, ulta.com).
3. "Jane Iredale Crayon Box Lip Pencils" are great for a full lip color or for lining the lips. Her products are known for being "natural". The shades are Naughty, Tasty, Luscious, Juicy, and Tempting $55(beauty.com, janeiredaledirect.com).
4. "Sephora Shimmer Lip Gloss Set" is great for stocking stuffers and keeping a few for yourself. They are ten tubes of glossy colors ranging from nude shimmers to bright pinks $28(sephora.com).
5. "Clarins Line Prevention Starter Collection Kit" is an all-purpose kit which contains line prevention multi-active day cream, line prevention multi-active night cream, Beauty Flash Balm, gentle foaming cleanser, and instant eye makeup remover. Clarins is one of the best skin care lines on the market in my opinion. Most of their products contain derivatives of natural plant extracts and smell very herbal and spa-like $37(sephora.com, dept. stores).
6. "The Lash Stash" by Sephora is a kit of mini mascaras you can try to see which one is best for you. This set is great and contains the following: Smashbox Bionic Mascara; Sephora Brand Atomic Volume; Vincent Longo The Curl Mascara; Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes, 4-in1; Too Faced Lash Injection Pin Point; Makeup For Ever Smoky Lash; Urban Decay Big Fatty; Duwop Lash Venom; Korres Deep Colour Mascara; and Cargo Texas Lash. I have this set and it is well worth the $35 investment. You’ll have mascara for over a year with this set but, get it now because it is a limited edition(sephora.com).
7. "Carol’s Daughter Reminisce" is a set of three roller ball perfume oils that are exotic and wonderfully scentworthy. There’s Amandeep, The Goddess Flower, Roses and Honey, and Amaretto Truffle for $36. This little set is totally upscale and can only be found at carolsdaughter.com.
8. "Makeup For Ever Aqua Eyes Collection" $35 is a smudge-proof, waterproof, collage of mini eye pencils that are well worth their weight. The actual pencil will last quite a long time. The colors are metallic bronze, metallic purple, light turquoise, matte black, and iridescent navy blue. These can also double as an eye shadow if applied and smudged immediately afterwards. The shades are rich with pigment(sephora.com, makeupforever.com).
9. "Makeup For Ever High Definition Powder Kit" is a small jar containing what looks to be a white powder but, actually compliments all skin tones. If you’ve never used high definition makeup or powder before, please try the ones by this brand. You won’t be sorry. You’ll come away looking completely natural without cakiness and buildup. The powder is made of pure refined silica which softens and mattifies the skin therefore, enhancing the appearance. It really works in hiding fine lines and wrinkles because it doesn’t settle into the skin like ordinary powders. This set also comes with its own kabuki blush for application $49(sephora.com).
Next week I’ll provide some luxury gift items for those of you who are big spenders and want to make a statement with somebody. These will be some exclusive gifts they’ll never forget.
Kim Myers-wahuhi@comcast.net
1. "Stila Shine On Gift of Glaze" is the perfect set of lip glazes that are in a twist up tube which is perfect for sanitary application. Four of their most popular shades are included such as vanilla (pearl nude), brown sugar (shimmer nude), grapefruit (frosty pink), and apricot (melon) along with two new colors gumdrop (bright pink) and raisin (shimmering golden plum). The Golden Raisin is a beautiful color and for $28 this is a good buy to get six colors in a variety of hues(sephora.com, ulta.com).
2. "Stila Eyes and Shine Smudge Pot Trio Gel Eyeliner" are three neutral colors consisting of black, bronze, and gray. These are smudge-proof and glide on easily with an eyeliner brush which accompanies the trio $32(sephora.com, ulta.com).
3. "Jane Iredale Crayon Box Lip Pencils" are great for a full lip color or for lining the lips. Her products are known for being "natural". The shades are Naughty, Tasty, Luscious, Juicy, and Tempting $55(beauty.com, janeiredaledirect.com).
4. "Sephora Shimmer Lip Gloss Set" is great for stocking stuffers and keeping a few for yourself. They are ten tubes of glossy colors ranging from nude shimmers to bright pinks $28(sephora.com).
5. "Clarins Line Prevention Starter Collection Kit" is an all-purpose kit which contains line prevention multi-active day cream, line prevention multi-active night cream, Beauty Flash Balm, gentle foaming cleanser, and instant eye makeup remover. Clarins is one of the best skin care lines on the market in my opinion. Most of their products contain derivatives of natural plant extracts and smell very herbal and spa-like $37(sephora.com, dept. stores).
6. "The Lash Stash" by Sephora is a kit of mini mascaras you can try to see which one is best for you. This set is great and contains the following: Smashbox Bionic Mascara; Sephora Brand Atomic Volume; Vincent Longo The Curl Mascara; Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes, 4-in1; Too Faced Lash Injection Pin Point; Makeup For Ever Smoky Lash; Urban Decay Big Fatty; Duwop Lash Venom; Korres Deep Colour Mascara; and Cargo Texas Lash. I have this set and it is well worth the $35 investment. You’ll have mascara for over a year with this set but, get it now because it is a limited edition(sephora.com).
7. "Carol’s Daughter Reminisce" is a set of three roller ball perfume oils that are exotic and wonderfully scentworthy. There’s Amandeep, The Goddess Flower, Roses and Honey, and Amaretto Truffle for $36. This little set is totally upscale and can only be found at carolsdaughter.com.
8. "Makeup For Ever Aqua Eyes Collection" $35 is a smudge-proof, waterproof, collage of mini eye pencils that are well worth their weight. The actual pencil will last quite a long time. The colors are metallic bronze, metallic purple, light turquoise, matte black, and iridescent navy blue. These can also double as an eye shadow if applied and smudged immediately afterwards. The shades are rich with pigment(sephora.com, makeupforever.com).
9. "Makeup For Ever High Definition Powder Kit" is a small jar containing what looks to be a white powder but, actually compliments all skin tones. If you’ve never used high definition makeup or powder before, please try the ones by this brand. You won’t be sorry. You’ll come away looking completely natural without cakiness and buildup. The powder is made of pure refined silica which softens and mattifies the skin therefore, enhancing the appearance. It really works in hiding fine lines and wrinkles because it doesn’t settle into the skin like ordinary powders. This set also comes with its own kabuki blush for application $49(sephora.com).
Next week I’ll provide some luxury gift items for those of you who are big spenders and want to make a statement with somebody. These will be some exclusive gifts they’ll never forget.
Kim Myers-wahuhi@comcast.net
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Great Gift Sets for Christmas
By: Kim Myers
Over the next few weeks, I’m going to focus on some great gift ideas that are incorporated into sets. These are some of my favorites that, mostly, I’ve tried and used myself so therefore, I can vouch for their authenticity. Since they are combined into sets, the prices are a better value than if you chose to buy the item individually.
1. Carol’s Daughter "For the Love of Almond Cookie Gift Set" ($45) contains an Eau de Toilette and Body Souffle in the Almond Cookie scent that consists of sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon. This is so long-lasting on the skin and the products are made from natural ingredients. The smell is indescribable. It’s a bit like spicy marzipan (hsn.com or 800-284-3100).
2. Carol’s Daughter "Shea Souffle Trio Gift Set" ($35) contains three body creams in Almond Cookie, Ocean, and Mango Me’lange. These soufflés are light, fluffy, and very moisturizing for the body (sephora.com).
3. "Clean Winter Holiday Gift Set" ($48.95) by Clean Fragrances is a wonderful limited edition set made exclusively for the holidays and comes with 2.14 oz EDP and Body Lotion in a jar. Like
all the Clean fragrances this one is just as fresh and crisp as the rest. It starts out with a soapy eucalyptus scent and dries down soft and powdery fresh(hsn.com).
4. "Clean Coffret Set" ($65) consists of the same soapy, sudsy, just out of the shower scents as the entire line. You get four EDP in Clean Original, Warm Cotton, Ultimate Clean, and Shower Fresh. Each and every one leaves your skin smelling fresh and clean. You’ll probably receive comments on how nice you smell (sephora.com, cleanfragrances.com).
5. "Philosophy 3 in 1 Bubble Bath, Shower Gel, and Shampoos" ($30 -$35) are always a hit year round. During the holidays there are always limited edition sets. My favorite one this year is "Celebrate" which contains Pink Bubbly, Lavender Bubbly, and Pomegranate Bubbly. This is for those wine/champagne lovers in the family. Other sets are "Cookie Exchange" which contains Oatmeal Raisin, Sugar Cookie, Snickerdoodle, and Chocolate Chip. For those of you who have a constant sweet tooth, this one is awesome. I love the Snickerdoodle. "Holiday Cookbook" contains Red Velvet Cake (Hubby’s favorite), Cinnamon Buns, Spicy Pear Cobbler, Pumpkin Spice Muffin, Gingerbread, and Double Rich Cocoa and "Just Because" is for the chocolate lover and contains Milk Chocolate, White Chocolate, and Dark Chocolate. Remember, these can be split up as teacher’s gifts, stocking stuffers, etc. There are many more choices online (sephora.com, philosophy.com).
6. "Laura Mercier Souffle Sampler Set" ($50) body crèmes come in a variety such as French Vanilla, Crème Brul’ee, and Almond Coconut Milk. The last two are to die for. You feel as if you could just eat them (sephora.com, lauramercier.com).
7. "Aquolina Pink Sugar Luxury Gift Set" ($95) includes perfumed massage oil, an EDT spray, hair perfume, body mousse, and body scrub. This is an excellent set for Pink Sugar lovers. Imagine layering a product on your skin that’s notes consists of bergamot, Sicilian orange, raspberry, fig leaves, lily of the valley, licorice, strawberry, red fruits, cotton candy, vanilla, caramel, musk, wood, and powder. This scent is heavenly and has its own cult following. Its male counterpart "Blue Sugar" ($35) smells just as great. I gave this to my nephew for Christmas one year because he loves it. He said he got so many compliments on the sample I gave him so I decided he needed the full size bottle. Ladies, your guy will probably love it too. I do. To just give you an idea, Blue Sugar’s notes are caramelized sugar, vanilla, cedar, tonka bean, licorice, patchouli, lavender, coriander, bergamot, mandarin, and anise. I’m loving it. It’s a fun and energetic smooth fragrance, yet surprisingly quite masculine (sephora.com, some dept. stores).
Next week, be sure to tune in for more great gift sets. There will be some totally terrific makeup and skin care too.
Over the next few weeks, I’m going to focus on some great gift ideas that are incorporated into sets. These are some of my favorites that, mostly, I’ve tried and used myself so therefore, I can vouch for their authenticity. Since they are combined into sets, the prices are a better value than if you chose to buy the item individually.
1. Carol’s Daughter "For the Love of Almond Cookie Gift Set" ($45) contains an Eau de Toilette and Body Souffle in the Almond Cookie scent that consists of sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon. This is so long-lasting on the skin and the products are made from natural ingredients. The smell is indescribable. It’s a bit like spicy marzipan (hsn.com or 800-284-3100).
2. Carol’s Daughter "Shea Souffle Trio Gift Set" ($35) contains three body creams in Almond Cookie, Ocean, and Mango Me’lange. These soufflés are light, fluffy, and very moisturizing for the body (sephora.com).
3. "Clean Winter Holiday Gift Set" ($48.95) by Clean Fragrances is a wonderful limited edition set made exclusively for the holidays and comes with 2.14 oz EDP and Body Lotion in a jar. Like
all the Clean fragrances this one is just as fresh and crisp as the rest. It starts out with a soapy eucalyptus scent and dries down soft and powdery fresh(hsn.com).
4. "Clean Coffret Set" ($65) consists of the same soapy, sudsy, just out of the shower scents as the entire line. You get four EDP in Clean Original, Warm Cotton, Ultimate Clean, and Shower Fresh. Each and every one leaves your skin smelling fresh and clean. You’ll probably receive comments on how nice you smell (sephora.com, cleanfragrances.com).
5. "Philosophy 3 in 1 Bubble Bath, Shower Gel, and Shampoos" ($30 -$35) are always a hit year round. During the holidays there are always limited edition sets. My favorite one this year is "Celebrate" which contains Pink Bubbly, Lavender Bubbly, and Pomegranate Bubbly. This is for those wine/champagne lovers in the family. Other sets are "Cookie Exchange" which contains Oatmeal Raisin, Sugar Cookie, Snickerdoodle, and Chocolate Chip. For those of you who have a constant sweet tooth, this one is awesome. I love the Snickerdoodle. "Holiday Cookbook" contains Red Velvet Cake (Hubby’s favorite), Cinnamon Buns, Spicy Pear Cobbler, Pumpkin Spice Muffin, Gingerbread, and Double Rich Cocoa and "Just Because" is for the chocolate lover and contains Milk Chocolate, White Chocolate, and Dark Chocolate. Remember, these can be split up as teacher’s gifts, stocking stuffers, etc. There are many more choices online (sephora.com, philosophy.com).
6. "Laura Mercier Souffle Sampler Set" ($50) body crèmes come in a variety such as French Vanilla, Crème Brul’ee, and Almond Coconut Milk. The last two are to die for. You feel as if you could just eat them (sephora.com, lauramercier.com).
7. "Aquolina Pink Sugar Luxury Gift Set" ($95) includes perfumed massage oil, an EDT spray, hair perfume, body mousse, and body scrub. This is an excellent set for Pink Sugar lovers. Imagine layering a product on your skin that’s notes consists of bergamot, Sicilian orange, raspberry, fig leaves, lily of the valley, licorice, strawberry, red fruits, cotton candy, vanilla, caramel, musk, wood, and powder. This scent is heavenly and has its own cult following. Its male counterpart "Blue Sugar" ($35) smells just as great. I gave this to my nephew for Christmas one year because he loves it. He said he got so many compliments on the sample I gave him so I decided he needed the full size bottle. Ladies, your guy will probably love it too. I do. To just give you an idea, Blue Sugar’s notes are caramelized sugar, vanilla, cedar, tonka bean, licorice, patchouli, lavender, coriander, bergamot, mandarin, and anise. I’m loving it. It’s a fun and energetic smooth fragrance, yet surprisingly quite masculine (sephora.com, some dept. stores).
Next week, be sure to tune in for more great gift sets. There will be some totally terrific makeup and skin care too.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
My Favorite Fall Fragrances
By: Kim Myers
Autumn is probably my favorite time of year or at least it runs a close tie to winter. The colors are beautiful and the ingredients used in baking seem to smell more wonderful than any other time. I suppose that’s why some of these scents are my "faves" because they contain some of these spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla. These are some comforting fragrances. Mind, these may not be my all time favorites, but they are the ones I’ve been wearing this season and among my "stash" these are the best.
Autumn is probably my favorite time of year or at least it runs a close tie to winter. The colors are beautiful and the ingredients used in baking seem to smell more wonderful than any other time. I suppose that’s why some of these scents are my "faves" because they contain some of these spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla. These are some comforting fragrances. Mind, these may not be my all time favorites, but they are the ones I’ve been wearing this season and among my "stash" these are the best.
1. "Almond Cookie" by Carol’s Daughter is my absolute must-have this season. This one will take you right into winter. The Eau de Toilette Spray smells wonderful accompanied by the Shea Souffle in Almond Cookie. The Shea Souffle moisturizes the skin just like a butter or a cream would, yet it goes on lighter. The scent of Almond Cookie is a very sweet, warm, spicy Oriental. It dries down a bit powdery on my skin which is nice. Carol’s Daughter products contain mostly natural ingredients therefore, they don’t have an extremely long shelf –life. Lisa Price, the founder, started mixing ingredients up in her own kitchen and thus the line was founded. Almond Cookie consists of bitter almond, vanilla, and sandalwood. The scent also comes in Sea Salt Body Scrub, Body Cleansing Gel, and Bath Oil which is rich with fruit and nut oils that leave skin soft and scented. If you like sweets without the calories then this is the one (sephora.com, hsn.com).
2. For the evening I like Marilyn Miglin’s 112 because it is so sultry and steamy it literally warms up a room. This perfume is very long-lasting on my skin especially when layered with the shower gel and body cream. It also comes in body lotion, hand lotion, soap, and a scent diffuser with a glass decanter for the home ambiance. Top notes of this scent are Italian jasmine and lush ylang ylang. Mid-notes are orange flower absolute, tuberose and white lily, and dry notes are patchouli, East Indian sandalwood, and vanilla absolute. There are many other notes too, but are lengthy, hence the name 112. This one is for a strong woman who is not afraid to wear a bold heady perfume. Just a tiny spray will do. Look for special priced sets on hsn.com or you can go to marilynmiglin.com if you want to purchase ala carte.
3. Finally, Omnia, by Bvlgari launched in 2003 is my "comfort scent". It reminds me of a being in a coffee café house and reading a book. It is a woody/floral, spicy Oriental combination with top notes of masala tea, cinnamon, nutmeg, and Indian almond and bottom notes of chocolate, Indian wood, and sandalwood. It’s quite earthy. Wearing it makes me think of drinking a warm milky chai tea with a tiny hint of chocolate. As I mentioned before, pure COMFORT in a bottle (fragrancenet.com, scentiments.com, fragrance outlets, fine dept. stores).
All of the above fragrances will take you right into winter, but of course there will be some cozy winter favorites by then. Email Me! wahuhi@comcast.net
Monday, November 10, 2008
Seven Sins You Give Your Skin
By Kim Myers
Each day there are more pollutants invading our environment, therefore causing free radicals, thus causing the skin to age at a quicker pace. We can drink and eat foods with anti-oxidants, wear sunscreen, and even special serums/cosmetics that help provide boundaries between skin and these pollutants. It is difficult to completely avoid pollution because it is in the air we breathe and the food we eat, but you can assist in fighting them by increasing the amount of fresh fruit and vegetables by choosing organically grown produce when possible.
Each day there are more pollutants invading our environment, therefore causing free radicals, thus causing the skin to age at a quicker pace. We can drink and eat foods with anti-oxidants, wear sunscreen, and even special serums/cosmetics that help provide boundaries between skin and these pollutants. It is difficult to completely avoid pollution because it is in the air we breathe and the food we eat, but you can assist in fighting them by increasing the amount of fresh fruit and vegetables by choosing organically grown produce when possible.
Smoking is another bad choice people make not only causing skin damage, but also damage to lungs, internal organs, throat, gums, heart, and other areas. Smoking is bad, bad, bad. It is probably one of the most damaging things you can do to your skin next to getting in the sun. The nicotine in cigarettes causes skin to look gray, sallow, and sickly yellow. Smoking also attacks the fibers in the skin and breaks down collagen and elastin. This can make a person look much older than they are. Remember, smoking not only gives you bad breath, but those little "cancer sticks" are just no good for you. QUIT NOW. JUST DO IT.
The sun is probably the most damaging of all the deadly skin sins. If a person wore sunscreen their entire life and always protected themselves with proper clothing, they wouldn’t have wrinkles on their skin until approximately 60 years of age. Just an interesting little factoid. When skin is exposed to the sun, ultraviolet light produces molecules called free radicals which cause the destruction of the skin’s cells. This process can occur in as little as 3 minutes. Can you believe that? If you’re going to be in the sun for just going out and in an SPF 15 should be suitable, but if you’re headed to the beach or you know you’ll be out in the sun for awhile, an SPF 30 or above should be worn and reapplied. Remember to apply generously too and that means 2 to 3 ounces per your body. Plus, it is a good idea to stay out of the sun during peak hours from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.
Alcohol is another little gem that can dilate blood vessels and can lead to broken veins and high pinkish/red color. Alcohol reduces the firmness and elasticity of the skin. Studies have shown that just 2 drinks a day can dehydrate the skin enough to make wrinkles more prominent. Alcohol eliminates vitamin C, a very important nutrient the body needs to function. It is advised to aim for three alcohol-free days a week and drink 2 glasses of water for every glass of alcohol. Or even better, just don’t drink any alcohol. I must admit though, I yield to at least three glasses of red wine a week because of the benefits it provides for my heart since I’m allergic to aspirin. Next week we’ll discuss the three remaining "skin sins" and the harm they exhibit on the body. Some information taken from "The Complete Beauty Book" by Helen Foster.
Please email if you have any questions at wahuhi@comcast.net.
It’s Nail Time for the Edgy Rocker Chick Blues and Purples
By Kim Myers
No matter what age we are, don’t we sometimes just want to go out for an edgier, spunkier, look. We just get bored with what we have and think "Gee, I gotta do something a little different". Now is the perfect time since blue nail color is all the rage. You don’t just have to pick any blue either.
No matter what age we are, don’t we sometimes just want to go out for an edgier, spunkier, look. We just get bored with what we have and think "Gee, I gotta do something a little different". Now is the perfect time since blue nail color is all the rage. You don’t just have to pick any blue either.
The blues range from hard out black/ blue to purple/blue and then there are your brighter, more artistic serene blues. Whatever your taste may be there is one for you. Back in the 1990’s Chanel started the craze with their infamous color "Vamp" which instantly sold out in stores nationwide. My husband actually went on a trip to Mexico from Florida and picked me up a bottle in Texas at the time because it was sold out everywhere. It was the deepest shade of dark purple without being almost black. The craze lasted for several years and Chanel even came out with different versions of the color. The colors I’ll describe today aren’t pitch gothic vampire black though, but some may be almost. Read and you’ll find out.
The first five mentioned will be by OPI. We all know this company has a cult following because you just can’t beat their polishes. "Siberian Nights" is about the deepest eggplant purple I’ve found yet. It’s very similar to Chanels’ Vamp except I believe the wearability is better and it cost much less. "Ink" is another groovy deep purple with almost a tinge of blue and has a bit of sparkle too. "Yoga-Ta Get This Blue" from their India collection is a deep unusual whimsical blue similar to Cerulean with a hint of shimmer. I really like this one. "Fantasy" is from their designer series and actually has crushed diamond dust therefore, making it a few bucks more, but still affordable. This is a little deeper blue, not quite navy, with a bit of shimmer. This one has a more dignified approach. "My Private Jet" is very exposed from the rest. It’s a little bit purple with hints of brown and other iridescent colors. When you look at the bottle it looks as if there are 100’s of colors packed into one.
Essie, also known for their great nail products has a color called "Over the Top". It’s a bit different than the others because you could say it still has that very smoky look seemingly like gunmetal gray with a bit of soft black inclusive with a tiny hint of shimmer. Gray is also another top color at the moment and will be addressed in a future issue.
Sally Hansen has a fairly good range of nail colors and you can’t beat the price when they’re on sale for $1.00. Even when they aren’t on sale they are very affordable and they do last. My favorite blue is from the Hard As Nails Xtreme Wear line. "Blue" is like a royal blue but, a bit brighter with shimmer. It really is a pretty one for summer and winter. A person could get really creative with this one. I get many people asking me about "blue" when wearing it. If you don’t want to invest much money in a color you aren’t sure about, this would be the way to go in order to try something a little different and new. Who knows, you might love it.
Mary Kay Welcomes Autumn
By Kim Myers
The Mary Kay "look" book has arrived for fall and there are so many options to choose from within its pages. These products make great gifts for Christmas and keep you "looking good" throughout the holidays. One of my favorite Mary Kay products is the "Nourishing Body Lotion" that comes in two different fragrances. I enjoy using the "red tea & fig" on the body and then lightly spraying Bvlgari’s "Rouge T’he" (red tea) eau parfum over the lotion. The two make for a soothing combination. "Lotus and Bamboo" is a very fresh scent. This is nice just to wear alone, or I layer it with Demeter’s "Bamboo" cologne. Of course, both fragrances come in the accompanying "Body Spritzers".
There are four great Eau de Toilette’s to choose from in Exotic Passionfruit, Simply Cotton, Sparkling Honeysuckle, and my favorite Warm Amber. Warm Amber is rich and comforting in the cooler weather. Simply Cotton is a close second with a very clean, fresh scent. It is so nice to have this after a bath and just jump under clean sheets wearing a crisp scent. Probably my favorite cosmetic right now from Mary Kay is their limited edition "All Things Glamorous Color Collection". The compact and powder brush are sold separately, but otherwise the kit includes a flattering highlighter mineral shimmer powder in "Canary Diamond" (a beautiful gold shimmery powder), lip gloss in "Gold Sequins", and your choice of lipstick in either "Berry Luxe", "Couture Pink", or "Champagne". Champagne will give a paler look to your lips, while, Couture Pink is more neutral and adds more color, and Berry Luxe provides a bolder look. All can be given just a smithering of Gold Sequins lip gloss on the middle of the bottom lip to give a fuller effect to the lips. My favorite two lipsticks from her line for this time of year are "Apple Berry" and "Amber Suede". These look great accompanied by "Eyesicles Eye Color" in Vanilla and Island Bronze.
For skincare, don’t forget the "Satin Lips Lip Balm" and "Timewise Age-Fighting Lip Primer". Lips tend to become chapped during the cooler months and these two products get the job done by smoothing while also fighting lines and wrinkles.
Please email me if you have any questions wahuhi@comcast.net.
The Mary Kay "look" book has arrived for fall and there are so many options to choose from within its pages. These products make great gifts for Christmas and keep you "looking good" throughout the holidays. One of my favorite Mary Kay products is the "Nourishing Body Lotion" that comes in two different fragrances. I enjoy using the "red tea & fig" on the body and then lightly spraying Bvlgari’s "Rouge T’he" (red tea) eau parfum over the lotion. The two make for a soothing combination. "Lotus and Bamboo" is a very fresh scent. This is nice just to wear alone, or I layer it with Demeter’s "Bamboo" cologne. Of course, both fragrances come in the accompanying "Body Spritzers".
There are four great Eau de Toilette’s to choose from in Exotic Passionfruit, Simply Cotton, Sparkling Honeysuckle, and my favorite Warm Amber. Warm Amber is rich and comforting in the cooler weather. Simply Cotton is a close second with a very clean, fresh scent. It is so nice to have this after a bath and just jump under clean sheets wearing a crisp scent. Probably my favorite cosmetic right now from Mary Kay is their limited edition "All Things Glamorous Color Collection". The compact and powder brush are sold separately, but otherwise the kit includes a flattering highlighter mineral shimmer powder in "Canary Diamond" (a beautiful gold shimmery powder), lip gloss in "Gold Sequins", and your choice of lipstick in either "Berry Luxe", "Couture Pink", or "Champagne". Champagne will give a paler look to your lips, while, Couture Pink is more neutral and adds more color, and Berry Luxe provides a bolder look. All can be given just a smithering of Gold Sequins lip gloss on the middle of the bottom lip to give a fuller effect to the lips. My favorite two lipsticks from her line for this time of year are "Apple Berry" and "Amber Suede". These look great accompanied by "Eyesicles Eye Color" in Vanilla and Island Bronze.
For skincare, don’t forget the "Satin Lips Lip Balm" and "Timewise Age-Fighting Lip Primer". Lips tend to become chapped during the cooler months and these two products get the job done by smoothing while also fighting lines and wrinkles.
Please email me if you have any questions wahuhi@comcast.net.
Buy Your Beauty for Breast Cancer Awareness
By: Kim Myers
The month of October is finally upon us and as many know this is National Breast Cancer Awareness month. Over 40,000 women, and the number seems to be growing, die each year from this deadly disease. Probably most of us know someone, or of someone, affected by this type of cancer. I’ve personally known three women who’ve had double mastectomies, two of whom have survived. My friend’s wife, Pam, was one of the unfortunate who lost a long battle with the disease. They were married after she’d gotten cancer and were the love of each other’s lives. They had two children together, both of whom are still very young. My friend also has five other children from his first marriage. He tells me each year he and all the children celebrate Pam’s birthday by writing little notes on balloons and then releasing them into the air in hopes they’ll reach their mother in Heaven.
The month of October is finally upon us and as many know this is National Breast Cancer Awareness month. Over 40,000 women, and the number seems to be growing, die each year from this deadly disease. Probably most of us know someone, or of someone, affected by this type of cancer. I’ve personally known three women who’ve had double mastectomies, two of whom have survived. My friend’s wife, Pam, was one of the unfortunate who lost a long battle with the disease. They were married after she’d gotten cancer and were the love of each other’s lives. They had two children together, both of whom are still very young. My friend also has five other children from his first marriage. He tells me each year he and all the children celebrate Pam’s birthday by writing little notes on balloons and then releasing them into the air in hopes they’ll reach their mother in Heaven.
After my own father passed away, my friend suggested that I let my three young sons honor him in this way with the balloon letters and I thought is was a wonderful gesture and advice. Pam was a wonderful person and you knew she was a friend to all as soon as you met her. In honor of Pam and all those coping with breast cancer, many cosmetics companies now donate proceeds of their sales on specific products during the month of October. This would be a good month to do some cosmetics shopping and help someone in the process.
Estee Lauder probably provided the path for many with her "Pink Ribbon" beauty products. Some counters may vary with promotions but, some purchases might include "High Gloss" lipshine in "Pink Ribbon" which is a semi-sheer gloss with a hint of shine, "Pure Color Crystal Lipstick" in "Elizabeth Pink", and "Bronze Goddess" gold jeweled compact and brush set. Sephora has "Super Shimmer" lip gloss in "Forever Pink".
Christian Dior has the coveted "Couture Palette" in "Beaming Pink" for face and lips. Smashbox has "Blushing Pink Fusion Soft Lights" for the face and eyes. This is a beautiful palette with shades ranging from pale pink to glowing pink all the way to very light bronze.
Philosophy carries "Shower for the Cure" Pink Ribbon shower gel that also doubles as a shampoo or bubble bath and "She Colors My Day" which is a foaming green bubble bath to celebrate the bond between mothers and daughters. 100% proceeds of both products are donated to the Women’s Cancer Research Fund which is awesome.
Annick Goutal "Rose Absolue" perfume is a pure rose fragrance combining rare roses from the East and West such as Bulgarian, Turkish, Damask, May, Egyptian, and Moroccan rose. 30% of sales during the month of October are donated to Breast Cancer Research in honor of Annick Goutal herself, who passed away from breast cancer.
Also, look for brands in the drugstores that donate proceeds. There are many including the "pink pack" Chapstick, Revlon, and Essie nail products usually always carry a "Pink Ribbon" color every year. Be sure to invest in reputable brands that are known to have donated in the past such as Estee Lauder, Clinique, Avon, Revlon, Sephora, and numerous other companies. Of course this is not only limited to cosmetics. There are so many items on the market that participate. I noticed a t-shirt while at work one day and purchased it because 100% of the sale went to breast cancer research. I wanted the shirt that said "smart" across the front but, it would only have fit a 10 year- old so I had to get the only one left which said "beautiful". I was reluctant to wear it at first, but then I decided to live by my own words. Every person is beautiful that wants to be. God makes no mistakes. Only people do. Please be sure to get your mammogram if you are at risk or the recommended age. Above mentioned products can be purchased at department stores, sephora.com, Avon representative, perfume.com, fragrancenet.com.
Kim Myers wahuhi@comcast.net
Black Amethyst-The New Signature Fragrance of Bath and Body Works
By: Kim Myers
The Bath and Body Works store has many "Sensual Exotics" in fragrance. Among them are Warm Sugar Vanilla, Brown Sugar and Fig, Midnight Pomegranate, Sensual Amber, and Japanese Cherry Blossom. Well, a new fragrance has been added to that collection called "Black Amethyst". This is a quite glamorous and modern scent that contains top notes of Bergamot Italian Oprur, juicy Mandarin, zesty orange, waterfruits, and crisp melon, mid-notes of lily of the valley, and magnolia blossom, sheer gardenia, tuberose, freesia, peony petals, and camellia, and base notes of patchouli, sandalwood, vetiver, vanilla, and musk.
The Bath and Body Works store has many "Sensual Exotics" in fragrance. Among them are Warm Sugar Vanilla, Brown Sugar and Fig, Midnight Pomegranate, Sensual Amber, and Japanese Cherry Blossom. Well, a new fragrance has been added to that collection called "Black Amethyst". This is a quite glamorous and modern scent that contains top notes of Bergamot Italian Oprur, juicy Mandarin, zesty orange, waterfruits, and crisp melon, mid-notes of lily of the valley, and magnolia blossom, sheer gardenia, tuberose, freesia, peony petals, and camellia, and base notes of patchouli, sandalwood, vetiver, vanilla, and musk.
The Eau de Toilette is a really nice and long-lasting fragrance throughout the day’s wear. For only $26.50 that’s a steal. On my on skin it smells like a combination of Sensual Amber, Brown Sugar Fig, and Warm Vanilla Sugar. Don’t ask me why. Layered with the Body Butter, which is so emollient, it is a great combination. Of course if you want to go the cheaper route, you can stick with the shower gel, body lotion, body splash, bubble bath, and creamy body wash. One of my favorite "Black Amethyst" products is the "Oil to Cream Warming Wash". This is a really super product for the shower or bath and is so luxurious. This is probably top of the line for me.
The "Black Amethyst" fragrance also comes in hand cream, anti-bacterial gentle foaming hand soap and moisturizing soap and anti-bacterial cleansing soap. For your home the scent is sold in "home fragrance oil" which is nice when burned over a tea light, concentrated room spray, for a quickie surprise guest, real essence scented candle (on sale $15.00), and my personal favorite, the wallflowers which come two to a packet and once you have an adapter, it can be plugged into any outlet in your home. The scent is strong enough to not be overwhelming. Plus, any "Black Amethyst" item purchased, you receive a free black amethyst lip lacquer which is very appealing. Be sure to visit B&B Works today. When I went, all the perfumes were already sold out. It has become a very popular fragrance.
Please email me with any request or questions at wahuhi@comcast.net.
Must-Have Essentials from the Drugstore
By: Kim Myers
Ok folks, these are some of the gotta-haves on the list of self-preservation. I could name numerous others, but I’ll stick with just a few basics that I’ll never be without. We’ll start with the face. As the old saying goes "never go to bed with your makeup on". "Pond’s Exfoliating Clean Sweep" cucumber cleansing towelettes are great for on the go or if you want your face washed in a jiffy. This is a super one because on one side of the towel there is an exfoliating textured cloth and the other is smooth so the face can be wiped clean. The cucumber, aloe, and green tea provide gentle cleansing and the packs are re-sealable. Clean and Clear also has this item, but in a formula for acne-prone sensitive skin. One side is textured and the other is smooth.
Ok folks, these are some of the gotta-haves on the list of self-preservation. I could name numerous others, but I’ll stick with just a few basics that I’ll never be without. We’ll start with the face. As the old saying goes "never go to bed with your makeup on". "Pond’s Exfoliating Clean Sweep" cucumber cleansing towelettes are great for on the go or if you want your face washed in a jiffy. This is a super one because on one side of the towel there is an exfoliating textured cloth and the other is smooth so the face can be wiped clean. The cucumber, aloe, and green tea provide gentle cleansing and the packs are re-sealable. Clean and Clear also has this item, but in a formula for acne-prone sensitive skin. One side is textured and the other is smooth.
For years "Cover Girl" clean eye and lip makeup remover has been a staple in my cosmetics wardrobe. Its milky- like texture can be applied with a fingertip or a cotton ball.
Always use sunscreen on your face and body. I like "Oil of Olay" spf 20 gentle moisturizer if I’m not out in the sun long. For longer periods, "Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock spf 55" with helioplex can’t be beat. This gives an ultra-light and clean feel and it’s also recommended #1 by dermatologists. Always, always, use balm on your lips. "Carmex" lip balm or "Chapstick" will do. If outdoors, one containing a sunscreen should be applied.
For teeth whitening, my favorite is "Listerine Whitening Quick Dissolving Strips". These are applied directly onto the upper and lower teeth and the film with whitener dissolves within approximately 10 minutes. The taste is pleasant too, unlike some of the others. This is the easiest I’ve found yet and believe me, there have been many. Follow up with "Listerine Whitening Mouth Rinse" and you are set to go.
I won’t dwell on hair too much here, but "John Frieda Luminous Color Glaze" should be in everyone’s shower. This is a clear shine/glosser that can be applied on dry or wet hair depending on your preference. Frieda also provides color formulated shine boosters, but I prefer the clear. For some reason, I can no longer find my precious "Sally Hansen Hand Brightener" with spf so now I mix her "Age Correct Retinol Hand Cream" containing collagen and grape seed with "Neutrogena’s Age Shield Hand Cream spf 30" with helioplex. Now you have the spf and the younger/brighter looking hands. When you find yourself without a body lotion, try "Vaseline Cocoa Butter" vitalizing gel body oil. This works as a moisturizer which contains Brazilian nut and almond oils and can also be used as a massage oil. It looks great on the skin when outside because it gives a luminous "glow". It is extremely soft and radiant. The scent is a bonus too.
Last, I’ll skip the self- tanner for now and go straight to a problem many of us deal with on a daily basis, cellulite. For the last 2 years I’ve used "Nivea Good-Bye Cellulite" smoothing gel-cream mostly during the summer and I can see that my pale skin appears slightly smoother. It uses the skins own L-carnitine which is naturally found in the skin. According to Nivea, this "supports the conversion of fat into energy". It certainly doesn’t replace fitness training though. When it’s available in the two packs get it because it’s a bargain.
Email Kim Myers at wahuhi@comcast.net for any questions.
At-Home Facial for Sensitive Skin
By: Kim Myers
Having sensitive skin is a very tricky and unique area. Many people are unable to use products that most of us can use because they may be more prone to breakouts, etc. If you are one of those individuals who have sensitive skin, try using products containing less than 10 ingredients. This is when natural and organic products come in handy. Two great companies for these types of products are "Arbonne" and "Jane Iredale". With sensitive skin, it’s best to alternate products every few weeks, therefore if you find a couple brands your skin can tolerate, it would be worth the investment.
Having sensitive skin is a very tricky and unique area. Many people are unable to use products that most of us can use because they may be more prone to breakouts, etc. If you are one of those individuals who have sensitive skin, try using products containing less than 10 ingredients. This is when natural and organic products come in handy. Two great companies for these types of products are "Arbonne" and "Jane Iredale". With sensitive skin, it’s best to alternate products every few weeks, therefore if you find a couple brands your skin can tolerate, it would be worth the investment.
Here is a list of your 5 key products to have available for sensitive skin:
facial wipes
eye makeup remover
a light moisturizer
chemical-free sunscreen
hydrocortisone cream (anything over 1% must be prescribed).
facial wipes
eye makeup remover
a light moisturizer
chemical-free sunscreen
hydrocortisone cream (anything over 1% must be prescribed).
Use these ingredients to make your own soothing facial mask at home:
1 cup natural yogurt
½ cup oatmeal
Blend the oatmeal and yogurt together. Mix well and apply to skin for approximately 10 minutes and then rinse off with warm water.
1 cup natural yogurt
½ cup oatmeal
Blend the oatmeal and yogurt together. Mix well and apply to skin for approximately 10 minutes and then rinse off with warm water.
Note: Try to avoid using products that contain fragrances, especially ones that go on the facial area.
Have a question email me at wahuhi@comcast.net
At-Home Remedies for Combination Skin
By: Kim Myers
Combination skin is probably the most pronounced skin type. This skin may be oily in the t-zone which is the forehead, nose, and down to the chin, but may be dry in other areas such as the cheekbones. Believie it or not, this skin type requires a little extra attention, especially when applying hair products and moisturizers.
Here are you five must-have items:
Cleansing bars (Clinique)
Pore Strips (Biore or Joey New York blackhead minimizer gel)
Exfoliating Scrub (all brands)
Oil-free moisturizer (Neutrogena)
Eye cream (Arbonne)
These are your ingredients for your facial mask:
1 rose
1 tbsp rosewater
1 tbsp natural yoghurt
1 tbsp honey
First wash your rose petals in some water and soak them for a few minutes. Crush them in a bowl. Add rosewater, yoghurt, and honey and mix well. Apply to the skin approximately 5 minutes and rinse with warm water.
Tip: Don’t treat your whole face the same way. The t-zone requires twice daily cleansing while cheeks may only need once daily cleansing. Don’t use leave in hair conditioners. These may block pores on the forehead and cause skin to be oily. Use rich moistuizers around your eyes, but not your facial area.
These tips come from "The Complete Beauty Book" by Helen Foster.
Combination skin is probably the most pronounced skin type. This skin may be oily in the t-zone which is the forehead, nose, and down to the chin, but may be dry in other areas such as the cheekbones. Believie it or not, this skin type requires a little extra attention, especially when applying hair products and moisturizers.
Here are you five must-have items:
Cleansing bars (Clinique)
Pore Strips (Biore or Joey New York blackhead minimizer gel)
Exfoliating Scrub (all brands)
Oil-free moisturizer (Neutrogena)
Eye cream (Arbonne)
These are your ingredients for your facial mask:
1 rose
1 tbsp rosewater
1 tbsp natural yoghurt
1 tbsp honey
First wash your rose petals in some water and soak them for a few minutes. Crush them in a bowl. Add rosewater, yoghurt, and honey and mix well. Apply to the skin approximately 5 minutes and rinse with warm water.
Tip: Don’t treat your whole face the same way. The t-zone requires twice daily cleansing while cheeks may only need once daily cleansing. Don’t use leave in hair conditioners. These may block pores on the forehead and cause skin to be oily. Use rich moistuizers around your eyes, but not your facial area.
These tips come from "The Complete Beauty Book" by Helen Foster.
Tips for the MakeUp Gal 7/24/08
By: Kim Myers
When many of us are buying or shopping for cosmetics, we have no idea what to look for or what colors go best with our skin or hair color. Here are some examples. Over the next two weeks the focus will be on various looks and what colors look most natural on those features. As a note, I think any person can wear just about any color cosmetic as long as it is applied in a naturally flattering atmosphere. These are just examples of what would be helpful in making decisions.
Blonde or Light Brown Hair with Cool Skin Tones: Examples (Gwyneth Paltrow, Claudia Schiffer, Gwen Stefani)
Best Eye Colors: slate grays, sky or icy blues, lilacs and plums, navy or gray mascara tend to look more natural than black. I can say this with authority because I’ve used many a navy color for mascara and it really makes the whites of the eyes stand out.
Best Blushers: rose pink, icy rose or pink.
Best Lipsticks: sugary/icy pinks, lilacs, heathers, light rose, or pinky browns.
Biggest mistake: wearing too many pale colors at once, therefore giving the face a washed out look.
Blonde or Light Brown Hair with Warm Skin Tones: Examples (Jennifer Aniston, Kate Moss, Sienna Miller)
Best Eye Colors: warm browns, shimmery golds and greens, pale yellows or peaches.
Best Blushers: apricot or tawny brown.
Best Lipsticks: golden brown, corals, peachy pinks, or bronzes
Biggest mistake: avoid blues, purples, and pinks that make you look washed out and enhance any darkness beneath the eyes.
Red Hair with Pale Skin Tone: Examples (Nicole Kidman, Julianne Moore, Lindsey Lohan) Best Eye Colors: peach, orange, khaki, light green, and bronze.
Best Blushers: light tawny pinks, light apricots/peaches.
Best Lipsticks: orange reds, heather pinks, terra-cotta browns, apricots.
Biggest Mistake: not wearing mascara because most redheads have very pale eyelashes (it’s best to wear brown mascara for a more natural look) and enhance brows with brow color because many redheads appear to not have any brows.
Some of the above information was taken from "The Complete Beauty Book" by Helen Foster.
When many of us are buying or shopping for cosmetics, we have no idea what to look for or what colors go best with our skin or hair color. Here are some examples. Over the next two weeks the focus will be on various looks and what colors look most natural on those features. As a note, I think any person can wear just about any color cosmetic as long as it is applied in a naturally flattering atmosphere. These are just examples of what would be helpful in making decisions.
Blonde or Light Brown Hair with Cool Skin Tones: Examples (Gwyneth Paltrow, Claudia Schiffer, Gwen Stefani)
Best Eye Colors: slate grays, sky or icy blues, lilacs and plums, navy or gray mascara tend to look more natural than black. I can say this with authority because I’ve used many a navy color for mascara and it really makes the whites of the eyes stand out.
Best Blushers: rose pink, icy rose or pink.
Best Lipsticks: sugary/icy pinks, lilacs, heathers, light rose, or pinky browns.
Biggest mistake: wearing too many pale colors at once, therefore giving the face a washed out look.
Blonde or Light Brown Hair with Warm Skin Tones: Examples (Jennifer Aniston, Kate Moss, Sienna Miller)
Best Eye Colors: warm browns, shimmery golds and greens, pale yellows or peaches.
Best Blushers: apricot or tawny brown.
Best Lipsticks: golden brown, corals, peachy pinks, or bronzes
Biggest mistake: avoid blues, purples, and pinks that make you look washed out and enhance any darkness beneath the eyes.
Red Hair with Pale Skin Tone: Examples (Nicole Kidman, Julianne Moore, Lindsey Lohan) Best Eye Colors: peach, orange, khaki, light green, and bronze.
Best Blushers: light tawny pinks, light apricots/peaches.
Best Lipsticks: orange reds, heather pinks, terra-cotta browns, apricots.
Biggest Mistake: not wearing mascara because most redheads have very pale eyelashes (it’s best to wear brown mascara for a more natural look) and enhance brows with brow color because many redheads appear to not have any brows.
Some of the above information was taken from "The Complete Beauty Book" by Helen Foster.
Friday, November 7, 2008
At Home Solutions for Straight and Wavy Hair 7/17/08
By: Kim Myers
As stated in a previous article, wavy hair, like curly hair should not be rubbed dry when wet. Instead, blot or pat with a towel until slightly damp and let the hair dry naturally. Blow dryers cause extreme frizz on curly and wavy hair unless the correct products and styling tools are used. Your top five products to have available for wavy hair are voluminizing shampoo, leave-in conditioner, mousse, specially designed spray gel for wavy/curly hair, and shine serum. In order to introduce gloss and moisture to wavy hair, try this treatment at home.
You probably already have the ingredients:
1/2 ripe banana
1/2 avocado
1 heaping tsp. of plain yogurt
1 tbsp. olive oil
Mash these together and apply the mixture to your hair, especially honing in on the ends. Wrap hair in a towel and leave in for 20 minutes before rinsing out.
For straight hair, believe it or not, you are lucky. Straight hair has more light reflection and tends to have more shine without having to add several products.
Your five key products are:
a thickening shampoo, spray conditioner, mousse or thickening gel, shine serum, and a paddle brush.
To cut down on oil production, here is your home remedy:
1 large jug of peppermint tea w/2 tea bags Tea tree oil.
Make the pepperming tea and let cool. Add ten drops of tea tree oil and pour over the head as you would for your final rinse.
These suggestions are taken from "The Complete Beauty Book" by Helen Foster.
As stated in a previous article, wavy hair, like curly hair should not be rubbed dry when wet. Instead, blot or pat with a towel until slightly damp and let the hair dry naturally. Blow dryers cause extreme frizz on curly and wavy hair unless the correct products and styling tools are used. Your top five products to have available for wavy hair are voluminizing shampoo, leave-in conditioner, mousse, specially designed spray gel for wavy/curly hair, and shine serum. In order to introduce gloss and moisture to wavy hair, try this treatment at home.
You probably already have the ingredients:
1/2 ripe banana
1/2 avocado
1 heaping tsp. of plain yogurt
1 tbsp. olive oil
Mash these together and apply the mixture to your hair, especially honing in on the ends. Wrap hair in a towel and leave in for 20 minutes before rinsing out.
For straight hair, believe it or not, you are lucky. Straight hair has more light reflection and tends to have more shine without having to add several products.
Your five key products are:
a thickening shampoo, spray conditioner, mousse or thickening gel, shine serum, and a paddle brush.
To cut down on oil production, here is your home remedy:
1 large jug of peppermint tea w/2 tea bags Tea tree oil.
Make the pepperming tea and let cool. Add ten drops of tea tree oil and pour over the head as you would for your final rinse.
These suggestions are taken from "The Complete Beauty Book" by Helen Foster.
Home Remedies for your Hair
By: Kim Myers
There are four types of hair we’ll focus on in this article, processed/treated, curly, wavy, and straight. Instead of picking up some expensive product from the store, you may want to try an alternative approach at home. You may already have some of the ingredients.
For processed/treated hair try this at home treatment. This contains essential nutrients based mostly on dairy products that will help restore processed hair to its natural lustre.
Mix these together in a blender:
1 egg
2 tbsp cream cheese
2 tbsp cream
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp water
1/4 grapefruit
Leave the mixture on hair approximately five minutes and then rinse with cool water. Allow to dry naturally.
For curly hair (this is my hair to an extreme) you need something really rich and emmolient. The ingredients need to be moisturizing and produce shine and gloss to hair that otherwise, is not ordinarily glossy. This really works too because I’ve used it and love both these ingredients, not only for the hair but for dry skin too.
1/2 cup olive oil
10 drops lavender essential oil
Heat olive oil until just warm, not hot, and then add lavender oil. Make sure the temperature is lukewarm and apply to the hair. Wrap your hair in a towel or turban for approximately 20 to 30 minutes to allow for absorption. Wash with a gentle shampoo. This process may need to be repeated a couple times until hair is at a point that is well conditioned.
Next week home recipes for wavy and straight hair will be provided. If you have a home remedies you’d like to share, I’d love to hear from you. These tips come from "The Beauty Book" by Helen Foster. Kim Myers wahuhi@comcast.net
There are four types of hair we’ll focus on in this article, processed/treated, curly, wavy, and straight. Instead of picking up some expensive product from the store, you may want to try an alternative approach at home. You may already have some of the ingredients.
For processed/treated hair try this at home treatment. This contains essential nutrients based mostly on dairy products that will help restore processed hair to its natural lustre.
Mix these together in a blender:
1 egg
2 tbsp cream cheese
2 tbsp cream
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp water
1/4 grapefruit
Leave the mixture on hair approximately five minutes and then rinse with cool water. Allow to dry naturally.
For curly hair (this is my hair to an extreme) you need something really rich and emmolient. The ingredients need to be moisturizing and produce shine and gloss to hair that otherwise, is not ordinarily glossy. This really works too because I’ve used it and love both these ingredients, not only for the hair but for dry skin too.
1/2 cup olive oil
10 drops lavender essential oil
Heat olive oil until just warm, not hot, and then add lavender oil. Make sure the temperature is lukewarm and apply to the hair. Wrap your hair in a towel or turban for approximately 20 to 30 minutes to allow for absorption. Wash with a gentle shampoo. This process may need to be repeated a couple times until hair is at a point that is well conditioned.
Next week home recipes for wavy and straight hair will be provided. If you have a home remedies you’d like to share, I’d love to hear from you. These tips come from "The Beauty Book" by Helen Foster. Kim Myers wahuhi@comcast.net
What You’ll Need for Sun Safety 6/26/08
By: Kim Myers
For the past few weeks, Sephora offered a kit containing several brands of travel/trial sized products that were completely devoted to sun safety. As a matter of fact, 100% of the net profits made from the purchase of the kits benefited The Skin Cancer Foundation. The kit cannot be purchased any longer at this time, but I’m going to provide you with some of the items sold that should be your must-haves for the summer if you intend to be outside or even driving because the sun is always there no matter if it is cloudy or not.
Here is a list of the following items:
1. Murad Firming Bronzer SPF 15 for face and body. Murad is famous for its age-proof skincare. This bronzer can be removed with soap and water. It provides a luminous healthy glow.
2. Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Cream with SPF 55 for face. This sunscreen provides a higher level of protection from the sun and is extremely water resistant. It is still advised to reapply after being in the sun for up to 80 minutes.
3. Clarins Sun Wrinkle Control Cream Ultra Protection SPF 30 for sun-sensitive skin. Clarins has always provided plant- derived products for the skin and is well known for its sun protection products.
4. Doctors Dermatologic Formula (DDF) Daily Protective Moisturizer SPF 15. This product is fragrance-free and glides on the skin smoothly which is perfect to go underneath foundation.
5. Cosmedicine Medi-Matte Oil Control Lotion Skin Protectant Sunscreen SPF 20. This is great for those with oily prone skin and wearers should especially focus on the t-zone, forehead, and chin.
6. Korres Sunscreen Face Cream Watermelon Sun Protection SPF 30. Korres has brought to the front some of my favorite products. Korres products are made in Greece and this one is especially luscious with its light watermelon scent.
7. Peter Thomas Roth Max Sheer All Day Moisture Defense Lotion with SPF 30. This is also fragrance-free and contains ceramides, gingko biloba, anti-oxidants, vitamins A and E, and Parsol 1789, which is becoming quite popular in newer sunscreens of the day. The lotion is sheer and light, yet it still provides plenty of moisture for the face.
8. Smashbox Photo Finish UVA/UVB SPF 15 Foundation Primer. This is another likable one. I used to wear the regular foundation primer and I’m so glad they finally came out with one containing a sunscreen. Of course a foundation primer acts mainly to allow for smoother application of foundation/base. I would still wear a sunscreen or a moisturizer containing sunscreen in addition to this product.
9. Juice Beauty Green Apple Moisturizer SPF 15 revitalizing sunscreen with brightening and refining hydroxy acids. This one smells so yummy and with the skin brightening effects, you can’t go wrong.
10. mdskincare by Dr. Dennis Gross Powerful Sun Protection SPF 30 Sunscreen Packettes. These little babies are great for putting in your purse or beach bag and applying on-the-go. There are different levels of protection such as SPF 45 Cream, SPF 30 Lotion, SPF 30 Packettes, SPF 30 portable lotion, and SPF 25 Lip Balm.
11. Tarte 24-7 Lip Sheer in "Thursday", a sheer rose, SPF 15. These are vitamin E enhanced sheer lip tints that come in 9 different shades.
Always keep in mind:
Apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes prior to going out in the sun.
Wear a wide brimmed hat and UV blocking sunglasses.
Reapply sunscreen at least every 2 hours or more if you’re in constant contact with water and always apply enough which is approximately 2 tablespoons or more to all areas that will be exposed. (I even advise to apply on areas not exposed such as if you have your back or behind covered, still apply there. It can’t hurt.)
Just remember, sunscreen is to be applied externally. And if you want to play it even safer, try staying in the shade.
All products can be purchased at sephora.com and/or department stores.
For the past few weeks, Sephora offered a kit containing several brands of travel/trial sized products that were completely devoted to sun safety. As a matter of fact, 100% of the net profits made from the purchase of the kits benefited The Skin Cancer Foundation. The kit cannot be purchased any longer at this time, but I’m going to provide you with some of the items sold that should be your must-haves for the summer if you intend to be outside or even driving because the sun is always there no matter if it is cloudy or not.
Here is a list of the following items:
1. Murad Firming Bronzer SPF 15 for face and body. Murad is famous for its age-proof skincare. This bronzer can be removed with soap and water. It provides a luminous healthy glow.
2. Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Cream with SPF 55 for face. This sunscreen provides a higher level of protection from the sun and is extremely water resistant. It is still advised to reapply after being in the sun for up to 80 minutes.
3. Clarins Sun Wrinkle Control Cream Ultra Protection SPF 30 for sun-sensitive skin. Clarins has always provided plant- derived products for the skin and is well known for its sun protection products.
4. Doctors Dermatologic Formula (DDF) Daily Protective Moisturizer SPF 15. This product is fragrance-free and glides on the skin smoothly which is perfect to go underneath foundation.
5. Cosmedicine Medi-Matte Oil Control Lotion Skin Protectant Sunscreen SPF 20. This is great for those with oily prone skin and wearers should especially focus on the t-zone, forehead, and chin.
6. Korres Sunscreen Face Cream Watermelon Sun Protection SPF 30. Korres has brought to the front some of my favorite products. Korres products are made in Greece and this one is especially luscious with its light watermelon scent.
7. Peter Thomas Roth Max Sheer All Day Moisture Defense Lotion with SPF 30. This is also fragrance-free and contains ceramides, gingko biloba, anti-oxidants, vitamins A and E, and Parsol 1789, which is becoming quite popular in newer sunscreens of the day. The lotion is sheer and light, yet it still provides plenty of moisture for the face.
8. Smashbox Photo Finish UVA/UVB SPF 15 Foundation Primer. This is another likable one. I used to wear the regular foundation primer and I’m so glad they finally came out with one containing a sunscreen. Of course a foundation primer acts mainly to allow for smoother application of foundation/base. I would still wear a sunscreen or a moisturizer containing sunscreen in addition to this product.
9. Juice Beauty Green Apple Moisturizer SPF 15 revitalizing sunscreen with brightening and refining hydroxy acids. This one smells so yummy and with the skin brightening effects, you can’t go wrong.
10. mdskincare by Dr. Dennis Gross Powerful Sun Protection SPF 30 Sunscreen Packettes. These little babies are great for putting in your purse or beach bag and applying on-the-go. There are different levels of protection such as SPF 45 Cream, SPF 30 Lotion, SPF 30 Packettes, SPF 30 portable lotion, and SPF 25 Lip Balm.
11. Tarte 24-7 Lip Sheer in "Thursday", a sheer rose, SPF 15. These are vitamin E enhanced sheer lip tints that come in 9 different shades.
Always keep in mind:
Apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes prior to going out in the sun.
Wear a wide brimmed hat and UV blocking sunglasses.
Reapply sunscreen at least every 2 hours or more if you’re in constant contact with water and always apply enough which is approximately 2 tablespoons or more to all areas that will be exposed. (I even advise to apply on areas not exposed such as if you have your back or behind covered, still apply there. It can’t hurt.)
Just remember, sunscreen is to be applied externally. And if you want to play it even safer, try staying in the shade.
All products can be purchased at sephora.com and/or department stores.
Drugstore Brands
By: Kim Myers
This week drugstore brands will focus on Milani Cosmetics. This is one of those lesser known brands that differentiates itself by standing out due to its vivid colors for skin of every nationality.
The Milani brand is coveted by makeup artists everywhere once a product is found to their liking they just can’t live without. One of my favorite products of Milani is the "Runway Eyes" eye shadow which can be applied wet or dry. Applied wet the shadow is intensified and if applied dry a softer look is revealed. This eye shadow is often compared to the higher end brand by Vincent Longo. The shades are almost identical in color when applied side by side and the consistency is coincidentally similar too. It almost seems as though it could have come from the same recipe. You probably pay about $18 more for Longo though. Some really sweet colors to work with in the Runway Eyes collection are #11 Beach Sand, my favorite, which is a high frost overlay sandy beige; #05 Girls Luv Pink, a high frost overlay light baby pink; #01 Lily White, a high frost overlay iridescent snow; and #03 Bronze Doll, a high frost overlay basic rusty bronze.
An overlay is when a product is lightly sprayed on top creating a shimmer or frost, but once this has been removed, underneath is just the basic color or a slightly lesser shimmer.
Another product by Milani is Powder Mosaics Blush which is a multi-hued blusher containing various tones in the same range of colors. My favorite is "Touch O’ Sun" because it can be used as a blush or a bronzer.
Milani also makes some serious colored nail polish. There are some really nice ones, but I just love 23A "Ruby Jewels", because it rules. It’s a beautiful ruby/cranberry color full of pizzazz and lots of glimmer. This color is a surefire winner.
Be sure to check out Milani Cosmetics in CVS, Walmart, Kmart, or other drugstores. They are usually located on the end caps of the cosmetics isles. Sometimes the brand can be found in grocery chains also.
This week drugstore brands will focus on Milani Cosmetics. This is one of those lesser known brands that differentiates itself by standing out due to its vivid colors for skin of every nationality.
The Milani brand is coveted by makeup artists everywhere once a product is found to their liking they just can’t live without. One of my favorite products of Milani is the "Runway Eyes" eye shadow which can be applied wet or dry. Applied wet the shadow is intensified and if applied dry a softer look is revealed. This eye shadow is often compared to the higher end brand by Vincent Longo. The shades are almost identical in color when applied side by side and the consistency is coincidentally similar too. It almost seems as though it could have come from the same recipe. You probably pay about $18 more for Longo though. Some really sweet colors to work with in the Runway Eyes collection are #11 Beach Sand, my favorite, which is a high frost overlay sandy beige; #05 Girls Luv Pink, a high frost overlay light baby pink; #01 Lily White, a high frost overlay iridescent snow; and #03 Bronze Doll, a high frost overlay basic rusty bronze.
An overlay is when a product is lightly sprayed on top creating a shimmer or frost, but once this has been removed, underneath is just the basic color or a slightly lesser shimmer.
Another product by Milani is Powder Mosaics Blush which is a multi-hued blusher containing various tones in the same range of colors. My favorite is "Touch O’ Sun" because it can be used as a blush or a bronzer.
Milani also makes some serious colored nail polish. There are some really nice ones, but I just love 23A "Ruby Jewels", because it rules. It’s a beautiful ruby/cranberry color full of pizzazz and lots of glimmer. This color is a surefire winner.
Be sure to check out Milani Cosmetics in CVS, Walmart, Kmart, or other drugstores. They are usually located on the end caps of the cosmetics isles. Sometimes the brand can be found in grocery chains also.
Don't Leave the Drugstore Without Us, cont. 6/12/08
By: Kim Myers
Our focus today is on Maybelline Cosmetics, a much beloved company by many for numerous years and for good reason. This company has always had good standing and faithful clients and of course, the prices are on the affordable side.
Some of my favorite products are from the Dream Mousse Line. Their Dream Mousse Bronzers come in "Glistening Sand" for fairer skin and "Sun Glow" for deeper skin.
Dream Mouse Blush is another favorite. It provides a wash for the cheeks but can be buildable to accommodate your needs. Its blending ability is flawless. "Rosy Cheeks" is a sweet mauve pink and "Peach Satin" is a pretty peachy apricot.
I love Dream Matte Mousse Makeup. This foundation is a creamy soufflé once applied to the skin and then it dries to a smooth powdery finish. I love "Nude", level #4 for summer and I’m fair-skinned.
Define-A-Lash Mascara is a nice choice if you want your lashes individually defined and it also gives volume at the same time. It comes in Brown and Black.
In a previous article, I mentioned how shiny Volume XL Seduction Lip Plumper is. I was comparing it to the looks of the girls on America’s Next Top Model. Well, these glosses are super shiny and they contain a tingling plumping agent. "#105 Born With It"(lt. neutral pink), "#110 Pouty Passion"(shimmery pink mauve), and "#605 Seductively Nude"(sheer nude) are three awesome colors.
Shine Seduction Glossy Lipcolor is another great gloss. This one is also in a twist up pen like the former XL so it makes for an easier application. Some choice colors are "#120 Blissful Blush", "#210 Mauve Dream", and "#220 Purple Hex".
If you prefer your glosses in a tube, then Shiny-Licious is for you. These are some glam glosses that are comparable to some department store brands and believe me, I know. I like "Crushed Candy" (an extra lt. shimmer pink), "Pink Sorbet"(clear pale pink slightly peach), "Lolly-Pink"(an iridescent peachy-pink), "Raiz-n-razzle"(a glimmering plum raisin which I just love), "Chocolate Cherry"(creamy cherry brown), "Carmelia"(neutral metallic beige brown), and "Cinnamon Apple"(shimmer cranberry red for the red lovers).
Another asset these possess are the felt tip applicators instead of the regular plastic ones that most tubes offer. This makes dispensation a little easier.
Next week will be more drugstore finds. I’d like to hear your feedback even if it’s just a sentence or two especially from those of you who sell cosmetics from your home. These are some I don’t get to try very often and I’d love to get some product feedback on some of your favorites and bestsellers. Kim Myers at wahuhi@comcast.net
Our focus today is on Maybelline Cosmetics, a much beloved company by many for numerous years and for good reason. This company has always had good standing and faithful clients and of course, the prices are on the affordable side.
Some of my favorite products are from the Dream Mousse Line. Their Dream Mousse Bronzers come in "Glistening Sand" for fairer skin and "Sun Glow" for deeper skin.
Dream Mouse Blush is another favorite. It provides a wash for the cheeks but can be buildable to accommodate your needs. Its blending ability is flawless. "Rosy Cheeks" is a sweet mauve pink and "Peach Satin" is a pretty peachy apricot.
I love Dream Matte Mousse Makeup. This foundation is a creamy soufflé once applied to the skin and then it dries to a smooth powdery finish. I love "Nude", level #4 for summer and I’m fair-skinned.
Define-A-Lash Mascara is a nice choice if you want your lashes individually defined and it also gives volume at the same time. It comes in Brown and Black.
In a previous article, I mentioned how shiny Volume XL Seduction Lip Plumper is. I was comparing it to the looks of the girls on America’s Next Top Model. Well, these glosses are super shiny and they contain a tingling plumping agent. "#105 Born With It"(lt. neutral pink), "#110 Pouty Passion"(shimmery pink mauve), and "#605 Seductively Nude"(sheer nude) are three awesome colors.
Shine Seduction Glossy Lipcolor is another great gloss. This one is also in a twist up pen like the former XL so it makes for an easier application. Some choice colors are "#120 Blissful Blush", "#210 Mauve Dream", and "#220 Purple Hex".
If you prefer your glosses in a tube, then Shiny-Licious is for you. These are some glam glosses that are comparable to some department store brands and believe me, I know. I like "Crushed Candy" (an extra lt. shimmer pink), "Pink Sorbet"(clear pale pink slightly peach), "Lolly-Pink"(an iridescent peachy-pink), "Raiz-n-razzle"(a glimmering plum raisin which I just love), "Chocolate Cherry"(creamy cherry brown), "Carmelia"(neutral metallic beige brown), and "Cinnamon Apple"(shimmer cranberry red for the red lovers).
Another asset these possess are the felt tip applicators instead of the regular plastic ones that most tubes offer. This makes dispensation a little easier.
Next week will be more drugstore finds. I’d like to hear your feedback even if it’s just a sentence or two especially from those of you who sell cosmetics from your home. These are some I don’t get to try very often and I’d love to get some product feedback on some of your favorites and bestsellers. Kim Myers at wahuhi@comcast.net
Please Don't Leave the Drugstore Without Us 5/22/08
By: Kim Myers
Here’s our third article on drugstore brands. The goodies are out there people, you just have to know where to look.
Revlon has been around forever producing fine quality cosmetics and there are some pieces I don’t know how I’d do without. One is the "Makeup Eraser Pen" that takes care of all the little boo boos such as mascara scrapes, lip liner runs, and everything else under the sun. This is a must-have product. Another I take every where I go is Revlon’s "New Complexion Corrective Powder" which gives a brightening boost to the skin with its yellowish hue. Look for it under "Even Out #02". I love Revlon’s "Mix & Mingle Lip Gloss" in Caramelt. This is a three color- hued gloss that is sensuous on the lips giving them a fat supple look. "Glimmer Gloss Nail Enamel" in Grape Shimmer is a great iridescent sparkly color when used as a top coat or alone.
Loreal Paris also gives us some extremely good products. Their newest "HIP" cosmetics are highly pigmented and provide caboodles of color. I love to work with the "Cream Shadow Paints" which come with a brush and a little mixing pot if you want to mix the colors. I like "Lofty", a nude matte peach, "Secretive", a matte neutral bone shade, and "Nervy", a cool mushroom color that goes with any skin tone. They are all compatible with different skin tones. "Colour Riche" lip gloss goes on smooth and leaves lips looking shiny, but natural. Two colors worth mentioning are "Rich Rose" which is a creamy non shimmer rose that’s pretty on darker skin and "Rich Pink", a creamy neutral rose pink peach shade that works with lighter skin. These are glossy but not goopy. One Loreal product I’ve used for years is "Crayon Petite Automatic Lip Liner". I think I’ve used every color of these like the browns, the rose/berries, the pinks, the corals, and the nudes. My current color is "Velvet Wines". This is a deep rich liner that goes well with deeper wine and dark berry colored lipsticks.
Tune in next week for some comparisons of your favorite drugstore brands with more expensive department store brands. You don’t want to miss this one.
Here’s our third article on drugstore brands. The goodies are out there people, you just have to know where to look.
Revlon has been around forever producing fine quality cosmetics and there are some pieces I don’t know how I’d do without. One is the "Makeup Eraser Pen" that takes care of all the little boo boos such as mascara scrapes, lip liner runs, and everything else under the sun. This is a must-have product. Another I take every where I go is Revlon’s "New Complexion Corrective Powder" which gives a brightening boost to the skin with its yellowish hue. Look for it under "Even Out #02". I love Revlon’s "Mix & Mingle Lip Gloss" in Caramelt. This is a three color- hued gloss that is sensuous on the lips giving them a fat supple look. "Glimmer Gloss Nail Enamel" in Grape Shimmer is a great iridescent sparkly color when used as a top coat or alone.
Loreal Paris also gives us some extremely good products. Their newest "HIP" cosmetics are highly pigmented and provide caboodles of color. I love to work with the "Cream Shadow Paints" which come with a brush and a little mixing pot if you want to mix the colors. I like "Lofty", a nude matte peach, "Secretive", a matte neutral bone shade, and "Nervy", a cool mushroom color that goes with any skin tone. They are all compatible with different skin tones. "Colour Riche" lip gloss goes on smooth and leaves lips looking shiny, but natural. Two colors worth mentioning are "Rich Rose" which is a creamy non shimmer rose that’s pretty on darker skin and "Rich Pink", a creamy neutral rose pink peach shade that works with lighter skin. These are glossy but not goopy. One Loreal product I’ve used for years is "Crayon Petite Automatic Lip Liner". I think I’ve used every color of these like the browns, the rose/berries, the pinks, the corals, and the nudes. My current color is "Velvet Wines". This is a deep rich liner that goes well with deeper wine and dark berry colored lipsticks.
Tune in next week for some comparisons of your favorite drugstore brands with more expensive department store brands. You don’t want to miss this one.
Seven Sins You Give Your Skin 11/06/08
Tips from the Makeup Gal
Stress can be a major factor in the process of aging our skin. It can also cause breakouts/acne. Stress causes blood flow to be directed away from the surface of the skin. This can cause a grayish or sallow color to the skin. Skincare products are difficult to combat this situation unless the stress issue is addressed first and foremost. The skin needs to be calm and relaxed so that it can absorb products more easily. Exercising will help to trigger the chemicals that can stimulate a more relaxing environment. Also, try lavender oil or chamomile and listen to relaxing music to reduce stress.
Exercise helps skin by increasing the oxygen in the blood, therefore reducing the amount of toxins building in your system. Lack of Exercise does not help the body to tolerate stress as much as a daily exercise routine. Daily exercise will help with sleep. Try something that increases your heart rate and makes you breathe faster and do this at least three times a week for 30 minutes a day. There are many possibilities such as aerobics, swimming, cycling, running, walking fast, dancing, etc. Be sure to check with your physician to see if it is safe for you to start a program though.
Lack of Sleep can create major skin problems. Undereye puffiness and darkness are two that really stand out. These are a dead giveaway for lack of sleep. At night the skin repairs itself while you’re sleeping by producing new cells and replacing collagen and elastin resulting from damage done throughout the day. The skin adheres better to treatments at night so this is a good time to use serums and night creams. It is great to get at least 8 hours of sleep at night but, some people can function on lesser hours. When I was a police officer, I asked one of our teachers at the academy, who also was a psychologist, how I could function on only 4 hours of sleep a night because that was all I was able to sleep. He stated that some people’s bodies adjusted to this and it was just part of their physical makeup and it was nothing to worry about. Since then though, I’ve become a major insomniac. Some things that may help with sleep are the following; taking a bath with a water temperature of 100 to 106 degrees, if you can stand it, which produces sleep hormones: adding lavender, chamomile, or melissa oils to the bath water which will add to the benefits (unless you are pregnant): warm milky drinks such as chamomile tea with a little milk and honey: and if necessary taking herbal supplements such as valerian or passionflower, but I’d be weary of these if you are taking other medications. Definitely, check with you doctor due to contraindications with other medicines. I cannot take melatonin because of an extreme allergic reaction (that happens the next day) and plus it still keeps me awake all night. You never know how your body will react to certain drugs.
If you are having major issues with your skin, it is best to go to a dermatologist because they specialize in skin problems and their diagnostic abilities will be more accurate. Otherwise, stay away from the seven deadly sins of the skin.
Some portions of this article were retrieved from "The Complete Beauty Book" by Helen Foster.
Stress can be a major factor in the process of aging our skin. It can also cause breakouts/acne. Stress causes blood flow to be directed away from the surface of the skin. This can cause a grayish or sallow color to the skin. Skincare products are difficult to combat this situation unless the stress issue is addressed first and foremost. The skin needs to be calm and relaxed so that it can absorb products more easily. Exercising will help to trigger the chemicals that can stimulate a more relaxing environment. Also, try lavender oil or chamomile and listen to relaxing music to reduce stress.
Exercise helps skin by increasing the oxygen in the blood, therefore reducing the amount of toxins building in your system. Lack of Exercise does not help the body to tolerate stress as much as a daily exercise routine. Daily exercise will help with sleep. Try something that increases your heart rate and makes you breathe faster and do this at least three times a week for 30 minutes a day. There are many possibilities such as aerobics, swimming, cycling, running, walking fast, dancing, etc. Be sure to check with your physician to see if it is safe for you to start a program though.
Lack of Sleep can create major skin problems. Undereye puffiness and darkness are two that really stand out. These are a dead giveaway for lack of sleep. At night the skin repairs itself while you’re sleeping by producing new cells and replacing collagen and elastin resulting from damage done throughout the day. The skin adheres better to treatments at night so this is a good time to use serums and night creams. It is great to get at least 8 hours of sleep at night but, some people can function on lesser hours. When I was a police officer, I asked one of our teachers at the academy, who also was a psychologist, how I could function on only 4 hours of sleep a night because that was all I was able to sleep. He stated that some people’s bodies adjusted to this and it was just part of their physical makeup and it was nothing to worry about. Since then though, I’ve become a major insomniac. Some things that may help with sleep are the following; taking a bath with a water temperature of 100 to 106 degrees, if you can stand it, which produces sleep hormones: adding lavender, chamomile, or melissa oils to the bath water which will add to the benefits (unless you are pregnant): warm milky drinks such as chamomile tea with a little milk and honey: and if necessary taking herbal supplements such as valerian or passionflower, but I’d be weary of these if you are taking other medications. Definitely, check with you doctor due to contraindications with other medicines. I cannot take melatonin because of an extreme allergic reaction (that happens the next day) and plus it still keeps me awake all night. You never know how your body will react to certain drugs.
If you are having major issues with your skin, it is best to go to a dermatologist because they specialize in skin problems and their diagnostic abilities will be more accurate. Otherwise, stay away from the seven deadly sins of the skin.
Some portions of this article were retrieved from "The Complete Beauty Book" by Helen Foster.
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