Coconut Oil - It's not just for cooking....

Wait...I don't think I've actually ever used it for cooking but the point is - this tropical mound of saturated fat just happens to be fantastic for your skin! My favorite way to apply is slathering it on arms and legs before the shower, rinse it off and then shave your legs for the best. shave. ever.  And at just $10 at Trader Joe's, it's a deal at twice the price!

Introducing Generation Q by Illamasqua

As a brand that's notorious for keeping us guessing, Illamasqua brings us Generation Q for Fall/Winter 2012.  The collection deviates from the outlandish colors typical of the brand and but so in such a way that still manages to challenge the status quo of the beauty industry.  

Through nail varnishes with a rubber-like finish to a highlighter with an iridescent, almost angelic, glow, the brand incorporates various textures and shades to still provide the industry's only antidote to the homogenized vision of the beauty industry.  Generation Q is a celebration of ageless beauty that plays with wearable colors in varying degrees of absurdity for finishes and textures.  As Director of New Product Development, David Horne, puts it, "whenever you see something sensible, it's a nod that something's coming; it's the calm before the storm."  If that is the case, I can't wait for next season!

The collection includes: an eye shadow/liner palette, a deep raspberry pink lipstick (Magnetism), rainbow beige and blueberry violet colored Intense Lipglosses (Opulent and Boost), shimmering black and raspberry nail varnishes (Creator and Charisma), a compact highlighter with an iridescent finish (Gleam in Aurora), dusky rose pink shimmer powder blush (Allure) and antiqued gold Precision Ink eyeliner (Wisdom).  Available beginning September 6th at Sephora stores nationwide.

THREE SWIPES AND YOU'RE OUT (THE DOOR)

It's a rare occasion when I have a few extra minutes to spare in the morning so I'm dedicating this post to efficiency.  Getting out the door in fifteen minutes or less is possible with a few key products:

Jemma Kidd makes a fantastic Glossstick which is part lipstick, part gloss with 100% shine and staying power.  It has a slight vanilla smell, very reminiscent of the Bonne Bell lip smackers I used to tote around in fifth grade while singing Ace of Base's "The Sign."  Returning back to this decade though, this is a great 2-in-1 product.  After all, who doesn't love double duty beauty?!

For those who prefer to apply makeup once in the morning (without a midday touch-up), this pencil's for you.  Jemma Kidd's Define Stay Put Eyeliner has Vitamin E for hydration (read: no cake-y liner) and jojoba wax for intense colour and high blendability to create a dramatic smokey eye or a more demure thin line.

Last but obviously not least is Jemma Kidd's Bronze Perfection Natural Skin bronzer which has a matte finish so it's very natural looking and it helps to reduce shine with added cornstarch.  Many bronzers out there have a bit of shimmer, which is great for an evening look but not so desirable during the daytime.  This bronzer is dark enough that you only need a swipe or two and the end result is a healthy glow without the skin damage.


Disclosure: products were provided to me to test. 

Coming Soon ... Dr. Dennis Gross Glow Pads for Body

I'm excited - are you!?

Product Review: Talika Eyebrow Lipocils and Lash Conditioning Cleanser

I first tried Talika products when I received a sample of the gentle eye scrub (which was fantastic, by the way) in a gift bag about a year ago.  Ever since then, I consider the brand to be eye experts.

I have to say that I am not great at remembering to apply something every day in order to see results but I did my best with the Eyebrow Lipocils and I did notice that my brows did appear fuller after continued use.  According to Talika's website, the plant extract-based gel naturally stimulates eyebrow growth, making them thicker and healthier.  I also loved the applicator wand and the convenient mirror located on the packaging.

I also got the chance to try the Lash Conditioning Cleanser which is a great all-around makeup remover.  I love the pump applicator and the non-greasy gel took my waterproof black eyeliner off with one sweep of a cotton ball.  I also liked that it had no scent and my eyes (which are very sensitive) had no reaction post-application.  It contains Cornflower extract to soften as well as silk proteins for an-depth treatment to improve lash structure.  I would definitely recommend these two products and am anxious to try others in the line.   

The Eyebrow Lipocils treatment retails for $42 and the Lash Conditioning Cleanser retails for $25. Both are available on www.Talika.com.  

Disclosure: samples were provided to me to test

Tina Fey (30) Rocked at The SAG Awards - Get Her Look Here!

Gita Bass for Votre Vu created Best Actress in a Comedy Nominee Tina Fey's classic look for the 2012 SAG Awards tonight, using Votre Vu Skincare and Makeup.


"We were inspired by Tina's black strapless Versace gown. We wanted her look to be equally classic and sexy," says Gita.

Gita started by spritzing the face with Votre Vu Amour D’Ore Multi-Vitamin Oil for Face, Body and Hair. "It adds long-lasting hydration, primes for makeup and gives the complexion a gorgeous glow," she says. Next, she applied Votre Vu Tragic Magic Rescue Creme to soothe and eliminate any redness.

To create the appearance of a smooth and bright eye area, Gita patted on Votre Vu Tout le Monde Antioxidant Eye Gelee and layered Votre Vu SpecialEyes Intensive Eye Treatment on top. She then brushed on Votre Vu WonderBrows in Eva to add definition to Tina's natural arch.

Next, she used Votre Vu Sensational Eyes Eye Primer in Medium on the lids as a budge-proof eye makeup base. To prep her lips for color, Gita dabbed on the moisturizing Votre Vu Champagne Kisses Volume Enhancing Lip Balm.

Since Tina's look shows a bit of skin, Gita generously applied the nourishing Votre Vu Snapdragon Antioxidant-Rich Citrus Body Drench all over. She followed up by spritizing Votre Vu Amour D’Ore Multi-Vitamin Oil for Face, Body and Hair on her decolletage and shoulders for an added sheen.

Finally, to set the look and create a radiant finish, Gita dusted on Votre Vu Mineral Powder in Light. "I also made Tina put the powder in her clutch so she can do touch-ups throughout the night" said Gita.

Get The Look: Parker Posey at Sundance

Kelsey Deenihan for Votre Vu created the look of Parker Posey for the premiere of “Price Check” at the Sundance Film Festival.  Below she tells you how she created the look: 

"Below freezing temperatures is never good for ANYONE'S skin. We get red around the nose, chapped lips, and our skin becomes very dehydrated. Before starting Parker's makeup this morning I had to take my time and replenish the skin's moisture and nourish it with products that would last her all day.

Today I really wanted to make sure I had Parker's skin hydrated and protected for a full day out in the elements, and fully prepared to wear makeup for a long day of press.

I started off by toning Parkers skin with Votre Vu’s Fleur Blanc Tonic. I used a cotton round and moistened it with tonic and wiped it across the face and neck. This refreshing first step leaves the skin silky soft and ready for the following Votre Vu skincare."

Personally, I really like Parker's "au natural" look here.  I would even go so far as to say it's a "best in show."

La Fresh Giveaway - Winner Announcement

Congratulations to EIEIO30! You're the winner of the La Fresh giveaway. Please DM me with your email address.  Thanks to everyone who entered! I'll post another giveaway soon so please check back :)

Beautisol Self Tanner

You're probably sick of me reviewing self tanners at this point but I feel it is my duty to review as many as possible so I can provide as many opinions on self tanner brands as humanly possible.  This time I decided to try Beautisol self tanner because I read somewhere that it has no scent.  It does have a scent however it's definitely not as bad as other brands.  I got a few samples to test that came with really helpful "how-to" cards that contain tips and tricks for the perfect glow - very helpful for self tanner newbies.

Beautisol claims to have the most natural resulting color on the market "due to an innovative DHA that also prevents oxidative stress" (DHA is the ingredient in self tanners that makes your skin change color by oxidizing with the air within a few hours of contact with your skin. Very similar to how an apple browns once you bite into it and the flesh comes in contact with the air)

I do agree that the self tanner produced a very natural color and I loved that it appeared almost immediately.

The Dark Self-Tanning Lotion for Body retails for $39 - buy it here

The Face Self Tanner retails for $26 - buy it here

Disclosure: samples were provided to me to test

La Fresh Eco-Beauty Wipes + GIVEAWAY!

La Fresh Eco-Beauty wipes are the on-the-go beauty wipes that remove makeup, nail polish, dirt and grime with just one swipe! These refreshing wipes are travel essentials whether you're going to Hong Kong, Miami or just a quick trip to Whole Foods.

My favorite is the Instant Body Soother - it has a great peppermint scent and works wonders to de-grime post- plane, train or car ride.  It leaves no residue and is 100% biodegradable!

The wipes are available in full size pouches for daily use in addition to single packets and there's quite a variety to choose from!


Travel wipes selection:
• Anti-Bacterial
• Shoe Shine
• Lens Cleaning
• Deodorant for Men
• Hydrating Lotion
• Makeup Remover
• Nail Polish Remover
• Deodorant for Women
• Eyes & Lips Makeup Remover
• Feminine Hygiene
• SPF 30 Sunscreen
• DEET-FREE Insect Repellent
• Wet & Dry Dual Action Screen Cleaning

Want to enter to win your a trial pack of La Fresh wipes? Leave a comment below telling me why you'd like to win! A winner will be chosen on Monday, January 23.

Disclosure: samples were provided to me to test

Tocca Graciella - A True Pleasure for the Senses

Graciella is Tocca's most recent fragrance launch that "pays homage to the unparalleled beauty and sophistication of Grace Kelly."  I must admit that I'm extremely picky when it comes to fragrance. I don't like anything too sweet nor too musky.  Graciella was the perfect combination of a fresh, perfect-for-daytime scent that has subtle undertones of a musk that makes it just a tiny bit sexy.  I have to say that I just love this fragrance. It's become my daily go-to and the bottle looks stunning on my dresser.

About the fragrance:
Top Notes: Bitter Orange, Asian Pear, Watery Apricot
Middle Notes: Casablanca Lily, Ylang Ylang from Comoros Islands, Karma Fleur, Rose de Mai
Bottom NOtes: Creamy Iris, Cashmere Musk, Benzoin from Laos

Retails for $68 and is available at Sephora and www.tocca.com

Disclosure: samples were provided to me to test

SMASHBOX HALO HYDRATING PERFECTING BRONZER

I think what I love most about Smashbox's Halo Hydrating Perfecting Bronzer (aside from the golden glow) is the packaging. You can twist the top so and "shave off" however much you want so you get a perfect, even application every time. It's also great for travel! You never really have to worry about cracking or breaking and although I've only had it for about a week or so, a little goes a long way.  It just gives the most gorgeous bronze color that's not too matte but has very little, if any, shimmer.  It is perfect if you want a natural look and it doesn't feel or look cake-y, which is oh-so-important.  As Travis from Clueless would say, "two very enthusiastic thumbs up!"  It costs $39 and is available here!

Disclosure: samples were provided to me to test

Fluorescent Makeup!

Yet another cool thing I just discovered on thefancy.com - blacklight makeup! 

Vincent Longo La Riviera Sun Bronzer - Love at First Swipe!

I am a huge fan of bronzers and have probably tried most of them out there.  I have fair to medium skin so I'm always on the lookout for something not too dark and with not a lot of shimmer.  I recently tried Vincent Longo's La Riviera Sun Bronzer in Golden Glow and instantly fell in love.  It was truly the perfect color bronzer with just a tiny bit of sheen.  I love how it provided enough coverage but didn't make it look like I was wearing makeup. Not to mention the smell! I wasn't really expecting the bronzer to even have a scent but this one was like a breath of fresh, fragrant air - like I was on a beach!

I also loved how beautiful it was - Vincent Longo is known for great packaging and this bronzer is created by "pressing several shades together in a unique dispersion pattern."

The bronzer is available in four shades: Beauty Sin, Golden Glow, Copper Kiss and Cassata.  It retails for $32 and is available here!

Disclosure: This product was  provided to me from Vincent Longo to test.

Great Headband (and it can be found in your local drugstore!)

I just was randomly looking for a good plain black headband and stumbled across everyone's go-to headband brand - Goody.  As I was looking on the website, I found these amazingly cute satin headbands (and extremely reminiscent of the $10 American Apparel headbands).  While the AA headbands are certainly not a bank breaker, you really can't go wrong with these at roughly $3.99.