Luminizing Lotions - A Trick of the Trade & Treat for the Face!

Although Halloween has come and gone, it's never too late for a little trick-and-treating of the beauty kind.  So, I thought that I would provide my readers with a beauty trick of mine that I personally think of as a pretty awesome treat!  :)  When I first heard about illuminizing lotions, I was definitely intrigued to find out what they were all about.  I mean, realistically, the name alone should tell me ALL that I needed to know.  However, my first experience using one of these lotions was an EPIC FAIL!  I remember taking the cap off, squirting a pretty sizeable amount into the palm of my hand and rubbing the "lotion" onto my face....BIG mistake!  To my horror, I looked like a Glo-worm.  I was literally luminescent and glowing but not in a good way!  lol  And because I used such a large amount, it took about 2-3 washes for my skin to look like normal again. I had thoughts of returning the product to the store but decided not to and it sat in my bathroom for a week or two before my "A-Ha" moment!

One day while getting ready for a night-on-the-town, I came across this luminizing lotion again and decided that I would give it another try.  Only this time, I decided that a) I would use a much MUCH smaller amount and b) I would try mixing it in with my tinted moisturizer. Ooh La La.....Magnifique!  The combination of my tinted moisturizer and the luminizing lotion helped to even out and brighten my skin, while giving me that J-Lo glow (which i'm sure all of you ladies are familiar with).   I was hooked and have incorporated this technique into my beauty routine and especially when I need an added boost for lackluster skin!

I currently use Revlon Age Defying Spa Face Illuminator in Gold Light.  Not only is this product reasonable, retailing for $13.99, but it works just as good as any of the illuminators that the higher-end brands have to offer.  Equipped with a brush applicator, this product comes in 3 shades:  Pink Light, Gold Light and Bronze Light and is formulated with an SPF 18.  In addition, it is oil-free so it won't clog your pores or cause breakouts (which is always a plus)!  I am usually able to find and purchase this illuminator at Walgreens but I must say that sometimes it can be hard to find.  I truly hope that Revlon is not thinking of discontinuing this product....I would be heartbroken!

Here are some other illuminators that I have used and come highly recommended by yours truly:

Artificial Light Luminizing Lotion by Smashbox


The gorgeous shimmer of this luminizing lotion softens the way light reflects off of the skin to add radiance and help hide wrinkles and imperfections.  Caution:  Use a very tiny amount of this product or you may experience the Glo-worm effect that I spoke about!  This Smashbox Luminizing Lotion is available in Diffuse ( luminous pearl), Glow (luminous bronze) and Flash (luminous peach). (Retails for $26; http://www.smashbox.com/)


Illuminator by Nars

This light-reflecting liquid glides on to refresh and enhance the complexion, creating a shimmering incandescence. Wear it alone, or pair it with makeup to transform your skin from ordinary to extraordinary. The Nars Illuminator is available in Copacabana (glistening pearl), Laguna (brown w/ golden shimmer), Orgasm (peachy pink w/shimmer) and Super Orgasm (peachy pink w/gold glitter). (Retails for $29, http://www.narscosmetics.com/)


In addition to using these illuminators on your face, don't forget that they can also be used on your shoulders, neck & decolletage for a sexy, chic look and added glow!

XOXO

~Tiaja

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer - Sheer Genius!

During my time as a cheerleader in the NFL, the use of foundation was a staple in my "game day" make-up routine.  However, I never liked the way that foundation made me look nor was I fond of the way it felt on my face.  No matter which brand I used, they all seemed heavy on my skin and I always looked too "done up" when wearing it.  I did not mind it so much while I was dancing on the field.  I figured I was far enough away from fans for them to notice.  But I cringed at scheduled appearances and/ or meet & greets, self-conscious that people would think that I had on WAY too much makeup.  There HAD to be a better way and it came in the form of Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer.  I love love love this product!  In fact, I keep a tube in my travel bag to ensure that I will never forget it while travelling or on vacation.  ;)


Oil-Free Formula in Walnut

Lightweight Flawless Coverage is what she promised and Laura Mercier definitely delivered with her Tinted Moisturizer.  I use her Oil-Free Formula with SPF 20 and it is exactly what I wanted and what my skin needed!  It's not too heavy and provides the ideal level of coverage, leaving skin even & radiant while protecting from harmful UV rays.  I apply about a dime-size of this product all over my face, dust on some powder and i'm set!  For a more dewey look or finish, this product alone does the trick.  And the good news is that the Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer comes in 9 different shades & two formulas: Regular (for normal skin) and Oil-Free (for acne prone, sensitive or oily/ combination skin), making it pretty easy to find a formula and a shade that works for you!

Still not convinced that you should use a tinted moisturizer over foundation?  Maybe this will help:

Advantages

• Light coverage, not a heavy look
• Most provide SPF protection
• A moisturizer and cosmetic all in one
• Easy and quick to apply
• Most last all day
• Available in a variety of shades to match every skin tone
• Two products in one is less expensive

Disadvantages

• Won't cover blemishes as well as foundation
• May not off enough coverage for some women
• May give a shiny appearance dependent upon the formula used

If a tinted moisturizer is what you are looking for, I HIGHLY recommend this product   After one use, my BFF was hooked....and she's not an easy sell! lol  It's with good reason that Laura Mercier's Tinted Moisturizer has received the following accolades:

• InStyle Best Beauty Buy - Best Tinted Moisturizer  (May 2011)
• Essence Best in Black Beauty  (March 2011)
• Allure Best of Beauty (September 2010) 

Visit your nearest Laura Mercier counter and see for yourself!  Or, for more product information, go to www.lauramercier.com/.

XOXO

~Tiaja

Achieve Nail Envy with Nailtiques!

I never had problems with my nails.  They always grew in long with a natural curve and pretty strong...I definitely did not need to put acrylic on them!  But what can I say, I was young and getting your nails "done" was the "in" thing to do and so I did it.  Not to mention, I thought they looked great!  I remember my mother's friend, Pam, and her signature red acrylic-treated nails with the square-rounded edges.  They were so classy to me and I begged my mother to get my nails done.  When she finally said "Yes", I was too excited!  And that began my relationship with w/ acrylic nails and the committment of getting them refilled EVERY two weeks.

After years of wearing artificial nails, I decided one day (some years back) to go au natural.  Well if you are familiar with this process, you know that once removed your nails are left paper thin, dry, brittle and full of little ridges!  My nail tech, bless her heart,  was able to salvage the length but there was nothing she could do about how weak my nails were....I don't think I made it home without breaking at least two.  I hated the condition that they were in and that began my search for a wonder treatment to make my nails healthy again!

After searching high and low for this 'wonder' treatment, I stumbled upon Nailtiques during a visit to The Beauty Center.  Nailtiques offers a variety of products and formulas for treatment and maintenance of your nails.  My treatment of choice was the Nailtiques After Articial Treatment Kit and it worked WONDERS! This kit is formulated to treat nails that are recovering from acrylics, gels and silk wraps which was exactly what I was searching for.  So I purchased the kit and left the store feeling excited about my find and anxious to see if this product would deliver the results that I so desperately wanted.  Once home, I began my treatment I M M E D I A T E L Y! 

Nailtiques After Artifical Treatment Kit

• Kit includes:  1/4 oz. Formula A, 1/4 oz. Formula B and 1/4 oz. Cuticle & Skin Gel.
• Benefits:  Naturally rebuilds damaged nails back to a healthy condition.
• Application:  Begin treatment with Formula A. Upon completion, graduate to Formula B. Apply the Cuticle & Skin Gel sparingly and regularly to dry areas of the skin and cuticles

After 4-weeks of religiously applying these products to my nails and cuticles, I began seeing a noticeable difference.  They appeared healthier, the ridges had grown out leaving a smooth surface and they were stronger than ever!  The Nailtiques After Artificial Treatment Kit did everything it promised and much much more....I was thoroughly pleased with my results.  And knowing what I know now, I would have easily spent in excess of the $20 retail price for this kit. 

Nailtiques....my nails THANK YOU! 

Also offered in their Nail Protein Formulas are the following:

• Formula 1 - Maintenance for Healthy, Flexible Nails.
• Formula 2 - Treatment for Soft, Peeling, Bitten, Weak or Thin Nails.
• Formula 3 - Care for Naturally Hard Nails
• Formula 2Plus - Treatment for Excessive Problem Nails

Nailtiques products can be purchase on their website, http://www.nailtiques.com/, The Beauty Center, &  Walgreens (stores & on-line).

XOXO

Let There Be Light - Eye Brighteners to the Rescue!

Blue Monday by Annie Lee

In a perfect world, we would get that recommended 8 hrs of sleep each night!  But 'life' happens & instead, the barking of the neighbors dog has kept you up all night OR that fussy two year old just would not stay put OR maybe you let your BFF talk you into going out on a 'school night'. All of which may leave you feeling like the woman in the "Blue Monday" portrait to the right.  But whatever the case may be, sleep deprivation is written on your face and the tell-tale sign is in your eyes!

Have no fear....It happens to the best of us and when I need to tackle a case of the 'late nights & early mornings', I reach for one (if not all) of these 3 products:

The Bright Eyes Recovery Gel by Elemis

After dabbing a little bit of this gel under my eye and orbital bone area, there is a cooling sensation and slight tingling that lets me know that it is working. The Bright Eyes Recovery Gel by Elemis is packed w/ Blue Cornflower water which helps to tighten and calm the skin; Chamomile and Mallow which serve as an anti-inflammatory and cooling agent; and Horsetail which helps the body to absorb calcium as well as repair the skin tissue. And I must say that I notice a difference within minutes! The skin under my eye appears more plump and less sunken in, eliminating the appearance of bags.  The 'effects' of this gel usually last for hours however, feel free to reapply as needed! Retails for $66 (0.3 oz) at Nordstom.


Touche Éclat' by Yves Saint Laurent

I have been using this product for years and in my opinion, it should be a staple in make-up bags around the world! Keep in mind, I use this solely as a highlighter and not a concealer. Two clicks of this wand and a few dabs to blend it in and you are good to go...The Eclat works wonders on tired looking eyes!  It is an excellent highlighter that awakens and brightens the eye area without looking cakey and sinking into fine lines.  It is not touted, "8 hours of sleep in a magic pen" for nothing. And it now comes in 8 different shades! Retails for $40 (0.1 oz) at Sephora or anywhere YSL Beauty products are sold.


Photo Op Under Eye Brightener by Smashbox

I generally use Photo Op Under Eye Brightener by Smashbox for touch-ups throughout the day.  Simply because it's light and provides me with an instant 'pick me up' for tired looking eyes!  It contains Vitamin E, red wine extracts, peptides and marine collagen which all aid in reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.  And the handy brush applicator makes it easy to use....just apply and blend using your fingers and Voilà!  Photo Op retails for $19 (0.24 oz) at Smashbox online, Sephora, Ulta, Nordstrom & other beauty retailers that sell Smashbox products.

After a long night or long flight, you can not go wrong with either of these products.  They do the job for me everytime!

XOXO

La Mer: Miracle Of Modern Creation!

From the elegant & unmistakeable green box to it's luxurious texture and fresh scent, La Mer is SIMPLY AMAZING!  I stumbled across this product by accident.  During a shopping trip, some years back, I was given a sample of the Creme del La Mer Moisturizing Cream.  I've been hooked ever since!  It took a while to get over the sticker shock ($135/ 1 oz jar) but the results and it's effectiveness was undeniable!

Life on the sidelines as a Professional NFL Cheerleader took a toll on my skin.  Dancing for 3.5 hours in the sun, wind, rain and/ or extreme cold with "game day" makeup had my skin in a state of schizophrenic shock!  One minute it was dry, the next oily and sometimes, it was both.  So, it was a pleasant surprise when I tried Creme de la Mer and my skin soaked it up like a sponge, which speaks volumes considering the richness of this cream!  I started to notice a difference almost immediately...my skin was soft, supple and GLOWING!  It felt like I had stumbled on a gold mine and I now knew what all the hype was about surrounding this product.  It is indeed a "Miracle in a Jar"!

The Story:

Forty years ago, aerospace physicist Dr. Max Huber set out to help heal the appearance of the scars he suffered in a lab accident.  Pioneering the use of sea kelp and bio-fermentation in skincare, he created Miracle Broth™ - the elixir known for its healing energies that powers the legendary Creme de la Mer.

It took twelve years and thousands of experiments to perfect, but the results were transformational.  Just as Huber hoped, his skin appeared dramatically renewed - softer, smoother, more supple and refined.

It has been 5 years since I first purchased Creme de la Mer and I am still in love with it.  A little goes a long way which is how I justify the price!  The 1 oz jar usually lasts me about 3-4 months depending on how I use it (naturally, this will differ from person to person).  I would definitely recommend that you 'test' it out before committing because this product may not be for you.  Some may argue that it's too rich for those with oily skin.  But have no fear, La Mer offers 4 different formulas in it's Moisture Collection:  Creme de la Mer, The Moisturizing Lotion, The Moisturizing Gel and The Oil Absorbing Lotion.   It shouldn't be too hard to find one that works for you!

Being the beauty addict that I am, I could not just stop with the moisturizer, I have also added The Cleansing Gel, The Eye Balm Intense and The Radiant Infusion to my beauty regime.  What can I say....I LOVE this stuff!  I notice a difference in my skin and the compliments on my complexion are proof that La Mer works.  Try it....I know you'll like it! ;)

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, $10 per Pink Ribbon Lip Balm ($45/ 0.32 oz) sold during the month of October will be donated to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation with a maximum of $30,000.  Although I have yet to use the Lip Balm, I have heard nothing but good things.  It has been named "Best Lip Balm for InStyle magazine's "Best Beauty Buys" (May 2011 issue) and Neiman Marcus Beauty Award Finalist Spring 2011! 


La Mer products can be purchased at Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom and their official website, http://www.cremedelamer.com/.

Thank me later!

XOXO

Breast Cancer Awareness Month - Think Pink!

In support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I have found a few products giving back to the cause!  Proceeds from each of these products will go to organizations helping to raise awareness and find a cure.

Hope In A Jar by Philosophy

Hope In a Jar Original Formula moisturizer for all skin types in a sparkling pink, limited edition packaging created to bring awareness to the breast cancer cause.  Philosophy will donate $5 from every limited edition pink Hope In A Jar purchase to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.  This one-time only, exclusive product will be available at ULTA for $38.

OPI Pink Shatter:  Pink of Hearts 2011

OPI launches the limited edition Pink Shatter:  Pink of Hearts Nail Lacquer to support Susan G. Komen for the cure in its promise to save lives and end breast cancer forever.  Each bottle of Pink Shatter: Pink of Hearts has a special pink-ribbon tag and pink cap to call attention to breast cancer awareness. OPI will also be making its annual donation of $25,000 to Komen for the Cure.  This limited edition polish can be found through the month of October at select salons and ULTA stores for $8.50.  You may also try Amazon online, where I found it for $4.55 but you'll need to HURRY!  ;)

Hanae Mori Eau de Collection No. 4

Hanae Mori Parfums presents No. 4, the latest in its Eau de Collection.  Debuting in October, the "brilliantly pink and floral" No. 4 includes a pink ribbon inside its sculptured glass cap.  Part of the proceeds from October sales benefits the nonprofit Breast Cancer Coalition Fund.  This fragrance can be purchased at Nordstom for $95.00 (3.4 oz)

Estee Lauder 'Pink Ribbon' Lucidity Translucent Pressed Powder Jeweled Metal Compact

The Estee Lauder Pink Ribbon Collection helps raise awareness that early detection saves lives.  This beautiful compact is filled and refillable with Lucidity Translucent Pressed Powder (small size refill). It includes a mirror inside and is boxed with a velvet pouch.  This lovely product can be found at Nordstrom for $55.

Clinique 'Great Skin, Great Cause' Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion

Make a dramatic difference. $10 from your purchase helps support the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Limited-edition Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion comes with a pink mini photo-frame key chain and a Breast Cancer Awareness charm.  You can purchase this product at Nordstrom & Macy's for $36

Dogeared 'Give Better - Wish for a Cure' Necklace  


The symbolic ribbon represents hope and awareness in a delicate handmade necklace.  Dogeared will donate a percentage of net profits for every necklace purchased toward fighting breast cancer, supporting groundbreaking efforts by top experts in cancer research.  This necklace can purchased at Nordstrom for $58.

Stila Positive and Pretty Palette


Created exclusively for Breast Cancer Awareness month, this palette will leave you looking and feeling beautiful from the inside out.  A portion of the proceeds from this will go to breast cancer research and the betterment of women living with  cancer.  The palette includes 4 eyeshadows, powder blush, highlighter/ bronzer and mirror and can only be purchased at www.stilacosmetics.com for only $14 ($62 value).

HAPPY SHOPPING!!

For more information on Breast Cancer and additional ways you can help,  please visit the following websites:

• National Breast Cancer Foundation - Official Site
• Susan G. Komen for the Cure
• Breast Cancer Research Foundation
• American Cancer Society
• Avon Walk for Breast Cancer
• NFL - Why Pink?

XOXO