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Ole Henriksen

Thursday, December 19, 2013

Beauty Deals and Gifts

I know we're down to the wire here, but you've got to get to an Ulta store, because they've got some great makeup sets at awesome prices that are perfect for a last-minute gift or an indulgent splurge for yourself.

Cargo Cosmetics is offering a Let's Meet in Paris Eye Shadow Palette - it's gorgeous and includes 12 metallic shades in the lovely brocade compact. But the best part? It's only 19 dollars!
Also included is a dual ended eyeshadow brush.

I love this palette and I love these colors. The holidays are the perfect time to add some shimmer to your eyelids.




Lorac is my new favorite brand for mascara. Lorac Pro is so awesome I wish everyone could experience it. The wand is sort of egg shaped and tapers at the end, making it easy to get the lashes in the corners of your eye. But the fact that you get amazing volume and length from a mascara that is Ophthalmologist approved, makes my eyes so happy. Normally, by the end of the day my eyes are watering non-stop because of my mascara. But not with the Lorac Pro! Rockin' Red Hot Lashes set is boxed with a Lorac Pro mascara and a pretty red eyelash curler. You also get a free gift. All for only $23 (I think I paid $25 for the mascara by itself, so I consider this a great deal!)

Smashbox also has an introductory set of their favorites: Eye Liner, Mascara, Primer, Lip Enhancing Gloss and a few more goodies that are well-loved from the brand. There are 6 products total in the kit and it's only $19 as well.

What a great way to try a new brand, or try several products at a low low price.

I also love Ulta because they have an amazing return policy - if you don't like it, take it back. No questions asked. Just hang on to your receipt!

Thursday, December 12, 2013

November Favorites and Unfavorites

Hey Everyone,

I know I'm late on this, but better that than never, right? I have a few favorites to share with you and one unfavorite. So, let's get started!

My first favorite is the Philip Kingsely One More Day Dry Shampoo:
 What could be better than not having to wash your hair every single day? Second day hair rules and Philip Kingsley's One More Day gives it to you with ease.
Just spray this delicious-smelling formula at the roots, let it sit for a few minutes and then brush through. You might see a little whitecast, but nothing a good brushing can't remove.

Goodbye, oil-slick, hello body!
 I'm also loving this EOS Winter Trio

With lips as chapped as mine tend to be in the fall and winter months, this is a life saver. I use it during the day and before I go to bed to soothe and moisturize my lips.

With fragrances like Sweet Mint, Limited Edition Vanilla Bean and Pomegranate Raspberry, there's enough to get you through the cold and chilly months.
 Lush Rose Jam Shower Gel

I've mentioned it before, but it bears repeating. This shower gel rocks! The great Lemon/Rose fragrance fills the shower with scent and it lingers beautifully on skin. This is limited edition, so you'll want to make sure you pick one up or order it before Christmas!
Makeup For Ever Midnight Glow Palette

This wintery snow inspired palette is a great mix of shimmers and matte colors - giving you options to create soft or smokey looks. Give lids a simple wash or color, or experiment with 2 or more colors for a cool, frosty look.


And my one Unfavorite:

I wanted to like this - I really did. I had heard great things about the Too-Faced Better Than False Lashes Mascara. But, it was not for me. I found it clumped, and my upper and lower lashes stuck together and it's hard to get off.

After removing it before bed I though I was fine, but I woke up the next morning seeing that my lashes were clumped together still and very coated.

I just couldn't get it right, despite the time and chances I gave it. What a bummer.

Know something I should add? Let me know on twitter @BeautybyBrett I'd love to hear from you!

Monday, October 7, 2013

September Favorites

Here are a few things I've discovered, rediscovered, or have just really been enjoying the last month. A little late, but better than never!

1. Dry Shampoo - such a time saver! I'm pretty much in for all dry shampoos I've tried, but current faves are Oscar Blandi and Keratin Complex. One's a powder formula that you shake on, the other is a spray. Both work nicely and smell good. Just make sure you brush well after applying to remove any white cast. Or, try Batiste's dry shampoo for dark hair. I'm pretty sure you can get all of these at Ulta shops or online.














2. Jordana's Twist and Shine Balm Stains - so cheap, so pretty. Available in so many colors at Walgreens, these balms leave a slight stain on lips. For a balm, they have a huge color payoff. (Not as much with the lightest shades, though) I love the amount of moisture they give lips. I've been loving Honey, but there's a Cranberry color I'd like to try this month.


3. Rose Jam shower gel from Lush. Oh my. It smells SO good. Like Roses, but better. A hint of lemon. Sweet, but not overly so. It's heaven in a bottle. And it moisturizes with argan oil. Not too heavy. Just right. And did I mention it smells awesome?! Sadly, it's limited edition, so you must go now to get yours. I believe it's available through Christmas and that's it. Stock up, everyone. It's that good.

Saturday, September 28, 2013

Fight Flaky Dry Skin

While the changing of the seasons from summer into fall feels great, it can be stressful to our skin. Sometimes moisturizer alone just doesn't cut it. If you've been noticing dry, flaky patches on your face (probably in the t-zone) don't worry. You're not alone! And, thankfully, it's a fairly easy fix. 

Here's what you'll need:

1. Your favorite facial cleanser
2. An exfoliating sponge like the one I found at CVS. 
3. A good moisturizer. (A night cream works well)


As you may have guessed, you're going to wash your face with your cleanser and rinse with warm water. Using your hands is fine for this step. 

Once your face is clean, wet your exfoliating sponge, add some cleanser to it and buff lightly in circles in your face. There's no need to be rough. You just want to go over the forehead, cheeks, nose and chin to increase the circulation and remove some dead skin cells. Avoid your eye area, as the skin there is the most delicate. 

Once you've rinsed and dried your face, apply your moisturizer. I prefer to do this in the evenings, so my face has a chance to rest and soak up the moisturizer before I put it through the paces with makeup again. 


You'll probably already notice a smoothness to your skin, but the next morning it will be even better. 

Try this once or twice a week, and say goodbye to patchy dry skin for good! Your makeup will look fresher and your skin will be radiant. 

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Holiday Nail Art With Dermelect

 I know it's a LITTLE early to be thinking about Christmas, Hanukkah or Winter in general. But these cute holiday nails just wouldn't wait, so stash this away until you need a little holiday cheer!
Moon Kissed
Phenom

I love Dermelect ME Peptide-infused polishes because not only do they look good, your nails actually benefit from using them. They have a pure protein peptide that helps strengthen nails, contain vitamins and lock moisture in. They're the anti-aging darlings of the nail world! And because the first coat bonds to the nail and the second coat fuses to the first, your manicure will last longer than other traditional polishes. You can pick them up on their website and have them shipped to your door. Right now each polish is $14, and they offer free shipping on orders of $50 or more.
Red-iculous

To get these fun looks you'll need the polishes and a striping or detailer brush. You can pick these up at a place like Sally's Beauty Supply very inexpensively. The brushes are the key to getting the lines of the Candy Cane and Snowflakes thin and precise.

Have fun and enjoy!





Thursday, September 19, 2013

Mascara Magic

I've searched high and low to find a mascara that does everything I want it to. It's harder than you might think. Some give volume, but look clumpy. Others give length, but not volume. I want both!

Volumizing Mascara
Late one night I was channel surfing and I stopped on QVC. Mally Roncal was on showing off her Mally Beauty line. Her models had amazing eyes. So I watched like a star-struck teenager. I wanted to try this bullet-proof mascara. I had to get my hands on it. And I did.

It truly is amazing. With one coat, my lashes have length and volume. No clumps. No teary eyes! (I have very sensitive eyes who tend to water profusely when they dislike the eye makeup I've chosen) No flaking off during the day onto your under eye (that is such an ugly look). Mally's Volumizing Mascara gets 5 stars from me! Once you try it, I know you will agree. (It also comes in a waterproof version, but I have not tried that, so I can't speak to whether it's as good as the original.)

You can purchase this from QVC here. Last time I checked it was a great deal - you get two tubes of mascara for $28, plus something like $5 shipping. Keep one for later, or bless a friend with beautiful lashes!

You can also buy Mally at the Ulta store online for $20 (but I honestly think the QVC deal is better, since you're getting two tubes for only $8 more.)

Thursday, September 12, 2013

Soapy Fun with Van der Hagen

I love these glycerin soaps from Van der Hagen. (www.vdhent.com) They're handmade, clean exceptionally well with lots of good for your skin ingredients and have fragrances suited for everyone (and even a fragrance free!)
They remind me of the beloved glycerin soaps from Bath & Body Works. How I loved those soaps! They are hard to find and pretty much retired now, so when I got the opportunity to try the Van der Hagan soaps, I was excited. Fruity is my favorite! It lathers great, smells amazing, like a juicy fresh mandarin with maybe a hint of mango. Heaven in a bar!

Get these for yourself or an awesome stocking stuffer. With the four scents, Fruity, Floral, Fresh and Free, there truly is a scent for everyone, even those with sensitive skin. 

You can pick a bar (or more) up at your local CVS or Walgreens or you can check out the list of online retailers on the Van der Hagen website.

Friday, August 9, 2013

Choosing a Fragrance

Il Bacio
It may sound simple, but it actually takes a little work to find the perfect fragrance for you. A fragrance is broken down into three components that together, make the accord or scent profile.

Top Notes (head) - are the notes you smell as you first spray the perfume. These notes last for only 10-20 minutes.

Middle Notes (heart) - appear 10-20 minutes in, just as the top notes are fading out. These notes will last approximately 3-6 hours on the skin.

Base Notes (dry down) - you'll begin to notice them a half hour in and these notes can stay with you for up to 24 hours.

Perfume is a very personal purchase. We have memories associated with certain fragrances which of course, will affect our choice. But we also have to consider our body chemistry and the fact that fragrances will change slightly once in contact with our skin, and fragrances smell different on each and every body.
Viva La Juicy

So - how do you go about choosing a perfume right for you?

Start with what you know - is there a certain perfume you have worn before or like on someone else? Start there. Chances are, you will probably choose a new fragrance in the same category as something you have worn (and liked) before.

I'll use an example of my own. Back in college, I wore a perfume called Il Bacio by Borghese. It falls into the fruity/floral categories with an oriental feel in the dry down. It was a scent I wore for years and probably the first fragrance that I really loved. I still wear it every once in awhile. I get complements on it almost every time I wear it.

More recently, I have worn Viva La Juicy by Juicy Couture -  believe I found it by browsing the fragrance counter and really enjoying it. It's also a floral with a gourmand base or dry down.

I've noticed that I gravitate to fragrances that begin bright and dry down more oriental or gourmand.

Here is a list from www.fragrantica.com that I found to be informative and helpful in deciphering the different groups of fragrances. The characters will help you when choosing a new fragrance. For example, if a fragrance is described as "outdoorsy and fresh" is ging to be an aromatic herbaceous scent. Where as something "warm and sensual" is likely to be a heavier oriental.

Aldehydic perfumes contain chemicals belonging to the aldehyde group. Character: pure and fresh. Example: Chanel N°5 (Chanel)

Aromatic perfumes are made of various herbs, e.g. rosemary, basil or thyme. Character: outdoorsy and fresh. Example: Aqua Allegoria Herba Fresca (Guerlain)

Aquatic perfumes will have a base of synthetic ingredients that evoke the sea, mountain air or fresh linen. Character: clean and modern. Example: L'Eau d'Issey" (Issey Miyake)
Citrus/fruity perfumes include bergamot, grapefruit, lemon, mandarin, sweet orange and fruits such as peach, red berries, watermelon, etc. Character: fresh and light. Example: Dior Addict 2 (Dior)

Floral perfumes contain flower extracts, such as rose, lily or jasmine. Character: sweet and delicate. Example: Pure Poison (Dior)

Green perfumes, formerly known as chypres, are made of bergamot, labdanum, patchouli and oakmoss. Character: woody and floral. Example: Coco Mademoiselle (Chanel) 

Gourmand perfumes contain notes like vanilla and tonka bean, chocolate or caramel. Character: sweet and edible. Example: Delices (Cartier)

Oriental perfumes have a base of amber, musks, vanilla and other exotic plants. Character: warm and sensual. Example: Dior Addict (Dior)

Woody perfumes are made of woods such as cedar, patchouli, sandalwood and vetiver. Character: earthy and masculine. Example: Mediterranean (Elizabeth Arden)
Once you have a place to start go explore the fragrance counter of your local department store or Ulta store. Pick 3-5 that you like and ask if they have a sample you can take home. If you decide to try one, make sure you just try one and try it on clean skin. One spritz on the inside of the wrist and elbow and that's it! You won't know for a couple of hours how it dries on your skin. Let the fragrance develop and you'll know if you're close to a new signature scent or not.


Friday, July 19, 2013

Care for your Head during Chemo and Radiation

When Philip Kingsley’s wife, Joan was diagnosed with cancer, he knew that he could not sit idly when her radiologist told her she would wreak havoc on her skin if she used any products with a fragrance. Philip Kingsley worked diligently to formulate a special scent free, color free shampoo and conditioner just for his wife, the No Scent No Colour Collection.



  


What began as a solution to support his partner in her time of need became a collection of products that is gentle enough for those suffering from a sensitive scalp or hair loss, as well as those undergoing radiotherapy.  The Philip Kingsley No Scent No Colour Shampoo and Conditioner cleanses and moisturizes even the most fragile hair, while its paraben free formula leaves hair soft and shiny.



Philip Kingsley No Scent No Colour Shampoo ($25)

·        Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate acts as a gentle cleanser

·        Lauryl Betaine is SLS free



Philip Kingsley No Scent No Colour Conditioner ($29)

·        Amino Silicone with Behentrimonium chloride is smoothing and detangling

·        Elastin is a natural conditioning agent to improve strength

·        For fine textured hair use sparingly on mid lengths and ends
  • For coarse and curly textured hair, use more generously from root to tip
  • Rinse well and follow with Scalp Toner


Philip Kingsley products are available at philipkingsley.com

Thursday, July 11, 2013

Summertime Dos and Don'ts

This is some great information with fun solutions to summer wardrobe conundrums. My friends at Fresh Produce and I have some super savvy advice when it comes to beating the heat, in style. You can thank us now...

1.    Don’t commit accessory blunders
Put those suede boots back in the closet! Make sure accessories are appropriate by paying attention to color, weight and style. Remember to keep it light, airy and fun. (Take the time to get a proper pedicure to start the season off right - take your manicurist your own polish and then touch ups at home will be easy!)
Do match your accessories to the season
Summer scarves like the Island Floral Scarf ($29) by Echo make great headbands to keep flyaway hairs at bay. They even dress up casual skirts or shorts when worn as a belt or sash.  Summer is also a great time for fun and whimsical accessories like the Silver Starfish Necklace ($24), Crystal Starfish Bracelet ($19), and the Blue fish Pendant Necklace ($24).
2.    Don’t let the heat determine your hemline
Hotter temperatures shouldn’t automatically mean less clothing. Let your summer outfit choices reflect your personality with color and patterns. If "daisy dukes" aren't for you, don't wear them! Try a pretty printed maxi dress or versatile and lightweight roll-up pants. (And this is where a nice faux glow will come in handy)

Do wear clothes that make you look and feel fabulous
If short shorts aren’t for you, try something that’s back in style this summer: the Bermuda short! The Gigi Pedal Pusher ($69) comes in an exclusive palette of bright colors and is a great active short for summer fun. Skorts are back on the “what to wear” list, too. The City Skort ($54) feels like casual wear, but looks like a great all-occasion summer skirt, making it our go-to choice this summer.  
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3.    Don’t let wardrobe malfunctions cramp your summer style
The biggest summer-fashion mishap on our list: the peak-a-boo bra strap. Too many summer tanks and dresses leave room for unwelcome strap appearances. (And while it may look good on models or actresses, trust me; no one at your kids camp or the grocery store is interested in what kind of bra you're wearing today.)
Do choose summer items with considerate details
Tanks like the Horizon Cowlneck Tank ($39) and Layering Tank ($34) are cute to prevent the dreaded “strap slide.” Even the flattering Dragonfly Impromptu Dress ($89) with its open back is cut to be “no fuss, all style.”

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4.    Don’t get a sunburn
Not only is sunburn the leading cause of skin cancer, but it also ages your skin. Never leave the house without your SPF and lightweight clothes that shield your skin. (See, it's not just me saying this! There are so many gels, lotions and sprays out there - no excuses!)
Do use clothing and accessories to protect your skin
A hat like the Ginger Poly Braid ($38) from Wallaroo has a wide brim to give you added protection from the sun. Plus, a loose-fitting top in a breathable, 100% cotton fabric blend is a great way to cover and protect shoulders. Both the Twin Peaks Top ($55) and Fringe Poncho ($59) have open sleeves and hang loosely, making each top the perfect, light layer to shield you from the sun’s rays.
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Monday, July 8, 2013

Get a Faux Glow

I dabble in self-tanning. I used to go to the tanning bed regularly, but it's awful for your skin. It ages you way too fast (hello wrinkles!), increases your chance for skin cancer and it's expensive to keep up with the lotions, creams, eye-wear and what-not. So I quit. And I got pale.

Let's face it. Everyone looks better with a little color. Your skin looks more toned, you can camouflage annoying things like spider and varicose veins and for me, at least, it improves my mood to have a little color when I look in the mirror, see pictures of myself or wear shorts or a skirt. You, too?

I was lucky enough to be able to try Tarte's Brazilliance self tanner and I have to admit, I really like it. It comes with its own mitt for application (I think that's becoming a new trend), but I tend to be really clumsy and messy with my legs, so I don't always use it.

Tarte's formula is nice for a few reasons. First and foremost, it's a dark gel formula, so you can see it on your skin and I find that's helpful in letting you know where you might have missed a spot. It's not fool-proof, but it does help. Second, while it doesn't claim to be, I think it falls somewhere between one of those gradual self tanners and a regular self tanner. You'll definitely see color with just one application - but I usually apply one, wait a couple of hours, and apply the second. Start with one, but don't be afraid to slather on a second coat if after a few hours you discover you'd like more color. Last, but not least, the formula is actually good for your skin. Infused with maracuja oil, vitamin C and doesn't smell awful. I can't lie, I still think it smells, but it's not the awful self tanner smell from the 90's. Maybe I just have a sensitive nose?

Here are some steps to make the process painless and easy.

1. Exfoliate/Shave. It will help your tan fade evenly and remove dead skin cells which may hold onto pigment more than they should.

2. Moisturize - if you have dry skin, and really don't most people have dry knees and elbows? (Don't forget your feet here - they get dry, too!) Choose something light - a daily moisturizer. You don't want to be greasy, just lightly hydrated.

3. Invest in a pair of latex gloves. (Or a box.) I like the mitt for smaller areas, but prefer to use my hands and fingers on my legs and I don't trust that all of it will wash off, so gloves are my best friend.

4. I apply a line of Brazilliance from my ankle to my knee and start by rubbing left to right, followed by up and down. This seems to be the best way to ensure there are no weird patchy places. Go easy on the places you know are dry - knees, elbows, etc. Same process for arms. It's intimidating at first, but just jump in there and go for it!

5. The formula dries pretty quickly - just give it a few minutes to complete drying and then go about your business. When you check on it in a few hours you can decide if you desire more color and can apply a second coat.

6. Enjoy your faux glow!


Want to get your own? You can pick up a tube of Brazilliance at www.tartecosmetics.com
for $37. Or you can snag one at Sephora or Ulta stores.

Sunday, July 7, 2013

Reviewing Starlooks Beauty Subscription Box

Sample Box from March
What can I say? I'm a lucky gal. I get to test and try lots of products that are new, or you may not have heard of yet and then report back and let you know what I think. You can think of me as giving you the inside scoop on beauty products far and wide!

So, naturally, I was excited when this package from Starlooks (the Starbox) showed up on my desk - I love new things and this was something I had never heard of before.

Lash Boost Mascara Primer
Now the concept is the same as some other monthly beauty subscription services - once a month you'll receive a box full of new products to try out, but unlike other services, these are all products from the Starlooks brand. You may be saying to yourself, "But, I've never HEARD of this brand...why should I try this out instead of something else?" Trust me, I said it too!

There are lots of other subscription services out there sending out brand name products - but don't forget, they're samples. With the Starbox, you get full-sized PRO quality makeup at a fraction of the cost. And the products chosen for each box are picked carefully so that you might use them together to create a specific "look".
Infinity Lipstick in Ageless

While not every product is perfect for every body - the products you DO fall in love with (like for me, the mascara primer- it has become a stable in my beauty routine) are available for purchase by themselves when you run out (or if you want to share with a friend!)

You can try one box at a time, or pick up boxes from months past (if they've not sold out) and try it yourself. Once you get it home, if there's a product you're unsure of how to use, check out http://looksbook.starlooks.com for tips and tricks and recommendations that can help. Starbox prices start at $15 per month, and individual items begin around $14.

It's a fun, inexpensive way to get top-quality products shipped right to you door, and an easy way to try something new.

Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Clean up for Summer with these marine-inspired products

How do I love H20+'s newest line of body care products in Sea Moss and Sea Salt? Let me count the ways...

1. The first thing you notice is the SMELL. It's amazingly light and fresh with the scent of water lily and marine accords. Heavenly!

2. All of the H20+ line is great for your skin - whether you're using the body wash to cleanse, the body scrub or skin smoother to exfoliate, soften or smooth, or the delicious body butter to moisturize and hydrate. They use ingredients like sea fennel, sea lettuce, black sand and mineral rich algae to pamper skin with things found in the sea.

3.The products work great together - wash, exfoliate and moisturize and all still light enough for you to include your favorite fragrance on top.


Definitely give these products a try - you won't regret it! They're available online at www.h20plus.com

Friday, June 14, 2013

Hair Protection Is A Must


Summer heat can wreak hell on your tresses. Protect them this summer with Philip Kingsley's Body and Shine Kit. Elasticizer, shampoo and conditioner work together to help hair stay healthy, moisturized, and healthy. Perfect for use at the beach or just during the summer months. 
Pack these little items in your bag and have great hair and a great trip! www.philipkingsley.com

Friday, March 22, 2013

Fake that beachy glow

It's that time of year again, We're not quite Pale, nor quite tan. Luckily I found a fake it that will make it seems as though you spent the week in the tropics.

Vani-T Bronzing gel for the new millennium will give your skin a nice subtle glow and a hint of color without looking fake or orangey. Because let's face it no one wants to look fake or orangey

Vani-T bronzing gel is amazing. Once your skin is prepped having been exfoliated and moisturized, you're ready to apply the vanity system.

The system includes a bronzing mitt which I highly suggest you use. This will keep application streak free and looking the best it can be. It will also keep your hands from turning crazy shades of orange.

I started on clean-shaven moisturized legs once I was ready to apply Varity I use the enclosed mitten at squirted a little Vani-T on the mitten and applied to my legs in circular motions. The lotion sinks into the skin quickly and does not leave a greasy film. Within hours my color had begun to develop. I was on my way to Being Tan!

One word of advice. You do have to be careful around the palms of your hands elbows and knees, as they tend to absorb color in the fastest amount of time. Moisturizing these troublespots ahead of time will greatly improve your results.









 
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