Archive for April, 2011

Enter the Beautiful Mom Giveaway at SkinCareRx to win a $250 SkinCareRx Gift Card, and give your mom the products she’s been wishing for (and get a little something for yourself as well). All you have to do to enter is post a comment on the “Be A Beautiful Mom” page explaining why your mom deserves the $250 Gift Card.

Be sure to fill out your email when posting the comment so that you can be contacted with your prize! The deadline for entries is May 5th. The winner will be announced May 6th, and runner ups will get prizes too.

Urban Decay has partnered with Universal Pictures to promote ‘Bridesmaids’ in theatres May 13. Kristen Wiig leads the cast as Annie, a maid of honor whose life unravels as she leads her best friend, Lillian (Maya Rudolph), and a group of colorful bridesmaids (Rose Byrne, Melissa McCarthy, Wendi McLendon-Covey and Ellie Kemper) on a wild ride down the road to matrimony. With so many bride-zillas, it’s a wonder more people don’t run for the hills when asked to participate in the nuptials of someone near and dear. Well, just in case you notice a transformation in your Mrs.-to-be, dodge her s**t list by giving her Urban Bride, a gorgeously packaged, gift-ready box holding Urban Decay’s best-selling beautifiers.

Perfect for a bride, bridesmaid, mother-in-law and anyone else who’s making an appearance in the wedding photos, its contents SET THE BAR REALLY HIGH for products designed to WORK OVERTIME. Leave nothing to chance, prime face and eyes for the camera, make lips more luscious and set your look so it lasts until the final guest leaves.

Wrapped in pearlized white paper and embossed with a foil lace/flowers/dripping chains design motif, the words “Urban Bride” are featured languidly on the lid as a nod to 19th-century romanticism. Open the box to reveal the products in a removable tray graced with lush watercolor roses. Displaying vibrant sweeps of color, this keepsake box can be used to store anything from makeup and jewelry, to photos and personal mementos.

WHAT’S INCLUDED:

• Razor Sharp Ultra-Definition Finishing Powder – (3.75 g mini) diffuses lines for a flawless airbrushed look, and the translucent shade suits all skin tones. The photographer and the DJ can flash their brightest lights her way because she’ll still look AMAZING.
• Eyeshadow Primer Potion – (Full Size) ensures her eyeshadow stays vibrant, true and CREASE-FREE throughout the ceremony, pictures, dancing and well-after her garter comes off.
• Supercurl Curling Mascara – boosts, separates and conditions lashes, while its supersculpting polymers hold the curl. Even if she throws a tirade at some point, no one will be able to hate her with those lashes.
• Lip Junkie Lip Gloss in Midnight Cowboy – (Travel Size 3.6 ml) gives her all the shine she wants without any tacky stickiness. This soft, cushiony-textured gloss endures, and the sheer nude sparkle of Midnight Cowboy can be worn alone or over any shade of lipstick.
• All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray – (15 ml spray bottle; perfect for her purse!) is a weightless mist that sets makeup for 16 hours. It utilizes temperature control technology to prevent makeup from melting off when it’s hot and humid outside or from becoming dehydrated when it’s cold and dry.
• Marshmallow Sparkling Lickable Body Powder – (Travel Size 10g) a glistening, edible body powder to highlight her shoulders and décolletage beautifully, as well as treat her other half to a little dessert too!

Urban Bride will be available on May 1st, and will retail for $42 – Available at ULTA and select Macy’s. Or, online at ulta.com, Sephora.com and urbandecay.com.

Okay, in all honesty, I didn’t really seek out sunscreen and SPF in my products until recently.  I just didn’t think about it, and never truly paid attention.  I did quit tanning about seven (7) years ago and I stay out of the sun for the most part, but I never put any effort or thought into sunscreen.  Now that I do, I found the following article on Shine from Yahoo! quite intriguing.

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You’ve been following the rules when it comes to sunscreen for how long now? At this point, you’re a diligent daily sunscreen wearer, and you know to reapply every few hours when you’re at the beach or pool. (Sorry, no magical stay-all-day sunscreen on the market yet!) But, hey, it’s 2011—some of the old thinking no longer applies. So update your sun-safety habits, and keep your skin healthy long-term with these thoroughly modern strategies.

Old rule: Apply a broad-spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen with SPF 15 a half-hour before leaving the house.
New rule: Sunscreen alone is not enough: Wear an SPF 15 (at least) plus an antioxidant-enriched moisturizer.

“It’s no longer just about UV damage,” says Fredric Brandt, MD, a dermatologist in New York City and Miami. “The sun also generates free radicals that break down your collagen and elastin fibers.” Anti-oxidants in ingredients like soy, green tea, and vitamin C prevent free radicals from attacking, and they boost your protection level, too. Use a souped-up sunscreen that contains the powerful antioxidant idebenone. Or make sure your daily moisturizer has antioxidants in it so you’re covered from the start, then apply sunscreen as usual.

If you’re going to the beach, go higher than SPF 15, Dr. Brandt says. Most people don’t apply enough, so they may end up getting a protection level of 7 out of their 15. But if you’re slathering on 70? You’ll probably get at least a 30, so you’re good.

Old rule: Throw on a T-shirt or cover-up when you’re in direct sunlight.
New rule: If you’re not into sun-protective clothing, wear dark colors and tightly woven fabrics at peak hours.

You can’t get away with any ol’ thing (donning a breezy sarong is like wearing nothing at all). Fabrics have UPF ratings that measure their level of UV protection; a 30 is necessary to be awarded the Skin Cancer Foundation’s Seal of Recommendation. (FYI: A plain white tee comes in under 10.) If you’re up for a quick extra step, check out SunGuard Sun Protection, a clear dye you can add to your laundry for an immediate UPF 30 that will last through 20 washings.

Old rule: Use a teaspoon of sunscreen for your face, a shot-glass-worth for your body.
New rule: Layer on your protection to make sure you’re covered.

Because nobody actually measures out their dose, here’s how to stay safe. First, err on the side of over-applying. (It can’t hurt!) Pay attention to commonly missed spots like your neck, chest, and the backs of your hands, particularly when you’re driving. “Most people don’t realize that the neck and the V of the chest are directly exposed to sunlight due to the angle of the windshield, which offers no protection from UVA rays,” says Alysa Herman, MD, a Miami dermatologist specializing in skin cancer treatment. “The backs of hands also get a lot of damage from holding the steering wheel.”

A nonstick spray-on sunscreen is an easy way to cover all those spots without getting your hands tacky. To max out your face coverage, apply a sunscreen lotion and follow up by dusting on a powder-based mineral blocker. It has the added benefit of de-slicking post-sunscreen shine. A skin-win!

Old rule: A little sun is healthy—20 minutes three times a week allows your body to produce vitamin D.
New rule: It’s not smart to go out-of-doors unprotected.

Here’s the deal: Your body does need vitamin D to keep bones healthy and support your immune system, but supplements are the safest way to get your dose of D—without the scary side effects of sun exposure. “Even a little bit of sun causes cellular damage that can lead to aging and cancer,” says Francesca Fusco, MD, a dermatologist in New York City. Have your doctor check your D level; if it’s low, discuss taking a daily supplement containing 400 to 1,000 IU.

Old rule: Never, ever use tanning beds.
New rule: Still, never, ever use tanning beds.

Using a tanning bed increases your risk for melanoma by up to 75%, according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer. And 90 percent of the signs of aging (wrinkles, brown spots) are caused by UV radiation, the Skin Cancer Foundation reports. (The tan fades; its skin-damaging effects don’t.)

But there’s one tan that is safe: the kind you slather on. According to a study in Archives of Dermatology, when women are taught to use self-tanners, they spend less time in the sun because they aren’t longing to bake for the tan. Try one that gives a gradual tint and helps fade existing sun spots. Now that’s a healthy glow!

SOURCE

Product: 4 of 5
Packaging: 5 of 5
Quality: 4 of 5
Price: 4 of 5
Overall: 4 of 5
Would I repurchase? Most likely so

::: The Product :::
M.A.C. Pro Longwear SPF 10 Foundation was released in mid- to late-2010 along with the Pro Longwear Concealer. The foundation retails for $29.50USD and can be purchased at M.A.C. Freestanding and Pro Stores, as well as M.A.C. counters in major department stores.

The foundation is considered to be a long-wearing and lasts up to 15 hours no matter what the weather conditions are ~ even if it’s hot and humid. The formula is a lightweight and creamy, and is supposed to control oil to keep skin flawless and fresh while looking natural.

M.A.C. Pro Longwear SPF 10 Foundation comes in approximately 18 shades ranging from NC15 to NC50 and NW20 to NW50. The packaging is a clear pump bottle with a black cap (similar to those on pigments and M.A.C. skin care), and contains approximately 1 fl. oz. (30mL) of product.

::: Ingredients :::
Active: Titanium Dioxide 4.7%; Inactive Ingredients: Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Butylene Glycol, Trimethyl Pentaphenyl Trisiloxane, Phenyl Trimethicone, Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, Magnesium Sulfate, Tribehenin, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Bis-PEG/PPG-14/14 Dimethicone, Tocopherol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Dimethicone, Phenyl Methicone, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Methicone, Tetramethyl Hexaphenyl Tetrasiloxane, Glycerin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Silica, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Laureth-7, Hexyl Laurate, Xanthan Gum, Cellulose Gum, Propylene Carbonate, Alumina, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Dimethicone Silylate, Phenoxyethanol, Sorbic Acid, Chlorphenesin
May Contain: Mica, Iron Oxides, Titanium Dioxide

::: My Experience :::
I just recently jumped back on the liquid foundation bandwagon, so I tested out A LOT of foundations trying to see what worked best for my skin type and perfecting color matches. MAC is normally the easiest brand to get a color match in for me, and I base my color in other brands upon my MAC color (NC37 – NC40).

I prefer a light-to-medium coverage with a natural matte finish. Sometimes I think my version of matte is different from others because I didn’t at all find Revlon ColorStay matte, but it’s often considered as such in the makeup world. M.A.C. Studio Fix Fluid was okay, but it seemed to cling to the few dry patches I had on my face. I also tried out Studio Sculpt, but it was too heavy and glowy for me. I ended up getting a sample of Pro Longwear in NC35 since this foundation runs dark, and you normally need to go down a shade.

I was very impressed with the coverage and lasting power of M.A.C. Pro Longwear! My face looked as fresh at 10pm as it did when I applied my foundation at 6:30am. I did have to blot at least once (maybe twice), but there was little to no transferring of the foundation. I kept a natural matte face, and didn’t at all look like I was wearing makeup. I was sold, and ended up going back to purchase a bottle.

However, the counter manager recommended trying out NC40 because he felt I looked a bit “too yellow” in the NC35, which I kind of thought but wasn’t sure. To test this theory, we put NC35 on one side of my face, and NC40 on the other. I was wearing Studio Fix Fluid in NC37 (a perfect match), so we were able to compare all three shades actually. It ended up being the counter manager was right and NC35 was too yellow, therefore looking too pale. I now happily own M.A.C. Pro Longwear in NC40 and it’s a dead-on perfect shade!

::: Overall :::
I definitely recommend this for those with normal-to-combo skin – Unfortunately, I can’t speak for its performance on dry skin. But, be prepared to blot at some point during the day! I would get a sample from your local M.A.C. to make sure you get a proper color match too. I would recommend wearing a little more SPF coverage though as SPF 10 really isn’t sufficient depending on the time of year.

Disclosure: This product was purchased by me at my local M.A.C. Counter. For more information, please view my Disclosure Policy.

A few weeks ago I was browsing YouTube for a foundation review, and came across a YouTuber who was wearing a sideways cross necklace like Taylor wears on The Rachel Zoe Project. I asked her where she purchased it, and she referred me to an Etsy seller.

While I was browsing, I saw some disc necklaces the seller had, and realized I wanted a personalized necklace. I had seen other Etsy sellers with hand stamped jewelry, and in my searches I came across SeeSpace… And I think a new obsession has begun!

SeeSpace is run by Natalie Marshall, who has to be one of the biggest sweethearts I’ve come across lately! Natalie’s store features sterling silver charms of various sizes, necklaces, and earrings – and if you don’t like something listed that’s pre-made, you can always place a custom order! Oh, and free shipping is available for orders $25 and up with code “FREESHIP25.”

One of my favorite phrases is “Live Well, Laugh Often, Love Much,” which is a phrase I try to live by as much as possible. I asked Natalie about taking a 16″ necklace with a 3/4″ disc personalized to say “Live Laugh Love” with a bird sitting on “Laugh.” The whole process, from my initial contact with Natalie until receiving my necklace was all of 9 days… And most of that was working on getting the design set before the work began (have I ever mentioned I can be indecisive?).

Let me tell you ~ Not only did Natalie exceed my expectations, but I’m over the moon happy! So happy that I’m already working on another custom order and I JUST got my necklace today LOL! My necklace came in a hand stamped muslin bag featuring what looks like a “Tree of Life,” and a business card with a code for 10% off my next purchase.

I highly recommend checking out SeeSpace and looking at all of the goodies Natalie has to offer! With Mother’s Day coming up, I’m sure you’ll be able to find the perfect something for the special mom in your life ~ be it your own mother, your sister, friend or even yourself!

Disclosure: This necklace was purchased by me from SeeSpace on Etsy. My opinion is solely my own, 100% honest, and has not been influenced in any way by the seller. For more information, please view my Disclosure Policy.

Out with the old – in with the new! In honor of Earth Day from April 20, 2011 – April 27, 2011 (11:59PM EST) Zoya Nail Polish will exchange* your old, out-of-style, unwanted nail color and replenish your nail polish supply with fresh Zoya fashion colors. All you pay is $4.00 per bottle for shipping and processing. Choose from over 300 formaldehyde, toluene, camphor and dibutyl phthalate (DBP) free, long-lasting, award winning, healthy colors to replace your old color! Zoya will properly dispose of your old polish.

Here’s all you need to do!
1. Go to Zoya.com and pick out the polishes you would like and add them to your cart. You must select at least 6 bottles and no more than 24 bottles of polish (Salons accounts minimum 12 maximum 48 bottles.)
2. Apply the code: EARTHZOYA
3. Your order value will be adjusted to reflect the promotion
4. SUBMIT your order!
Then Zoya will ship out your NEW polish! YEA!

Once you get your order (Here is where the exchanging* happens)
Ship back the equivalent number of bottles to the ones you received to the return address below. (ie. If you got 6 bottles of Zoya – you would send us 6 NON-ZOYA polishes)

Include a copy of your order receipt and ship to the following address (please check with you carrier on the proper way to ship nail polish)

To clarify the exchange: You do not have to send us the exact amount of bottles that you are ordering. You can send any quantity up to that amount. You can also donate. If you decide you don’t want to do either, it’s ok “Offer is not contingent on customer returning polish” we will still love you and send you the Zoya polishes We’ll just send you on a guilt trip for a while

Art of Beauty, Inc.
c/o Polish Exchange
5060 Taylor Rd, Unit D
Cleveland, Ohio, 44128, USA

Once we receive your polish we do the rest! It’s that simple!

IMPORTANT!
The bottles you send in cannot be Zoya, Qtica or Nocti polishes (but they can be any other brand).

We are using the honor code here folks! We want to make sure you get your Zoya Nail Polish! We send you the polish first then you send your old polish back to us! If you do choose to send us your old polish we promise to properly dispose of it according to EPA guidelines. This offer is only good for 1 week so hurry – Don’t Wait!

Source

I didn’t fall off the face of the Earth, so no worries there! I’ve just been in my own little world – mostly watching YouTube videos for inspiration on makeup and looking at colleges for my MBA.

I received my Bachelor degree while attending school completely online, and so I’ve been looking at MBA programs offered 100% online. Luckily I found out about AACSB accredited schools, so the AACSB and Get Educated websites have been my friends a lot lately. I do believe I have finally decided on a college – I just need to take either my GRE or GMAT and get accepted. This needs to happen ASAP because I need to apply by July 1st to be accepted and start the Fall 2011 semester on August 23. WISH ME LUCK!

Something else I’ve been doing is scouring Etsy in search of the perfect necklace. I finally found it, and it’s being custom made for me soon! I can’t wait to get it so I can show everyone! I wanted something personal – something that was “me.” I originally wanted a sideways cross necklace, but I realize how popular those are. While I do like them and find them very trendy, I just don’t feel like being a follower right now… So, why not get something personalized for little ol’ me?

That’s really about it… But at least now you know why I’ve been absent. I had planned on posting NOTDs again, but of course you know what happened? Yep! I broke two nails straight down to nothingness… Talk about pain! They’re growing out rather quickly (thank goodness!), so I should be posting some NOTDs soon… Oh, and maybe an FOTD so I can show off my new haircut

No. 10: Wet n Wild Rock Solid Nail Lacquer, $2.99 TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 8.2
Why: Readers gush about this polish calling it a “hidden gem,” because it dries “super fast,” “looks great” and “the color in the bottle is very true to the color on your nails.” One reader loves “the bottle with the crystal on top!” While another says it has “pretty colors, pretty packaging, pretty price, [and is a] pretty good deal.” Another reader demands, “Save your money and buy more shades.”

No. 9: Avon Nailwear Nail Enamel, $3.49
TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 8.4
Why: Readers love how this polish “lasts and lasts!” and it “won’t chip or come off if my hand is in water.” Another reader says it stays on “up to 10 days.” People also love the “really cute colors” saying, “this nail polish is excellent,” because “it’s long lasting.” One reader likes how “this nail polish delivers and it’s at a reasonable price.” As a nail tech, one reader thinks “this polish is just as good as any professional one. I have many different brands and colors of nail polish, but Avon I have found is the best. I tell all my friends that this is the best nail polish especially for the price, you can’t beat it.”

No. 8: Maybelline New York Express Finish 60 Second Nail Color, $3.99
TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 8.6
Why: One reader likes this polish because “1) yes, it dries quickly, 2) they have colors that I like, 3) I can find them at almost every grocery store/pharmacy, and 4) great price.” Readers enjoy the colors saying it has “good pigmentation,” “great color selection,” and they “got lots of compliments.” One woman digs the quick-drying feature saying, “I love this nail polish so much. I used to hate painting my nails because I could never sit still long enough to let them dry smudge-free. But once I found this product I was hooked!”

No. 7: Revlon Nail Enamel, $4.49 TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 8.6
Why: People who love Revlon products also love the nail polish because “Revlon polish is rich, the color is vibrant and I really like how sheer they are.” Many love the red color especially because “it’s rich and passionate.” One reader says, “The colors are pretty and no testing on animals. What else can you ask for?” Another likes how there is “no yellowing either,” saying that it’s her “all-time fave.” Another color favorite of many is Autumn Berry because it is “warm, sexy and rich,” and “is a particularly great winter color — everyone asks what it is.”

No. 6: CoverGirl CG Boundless Color Nail Polish, $4 TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 8.8
Why: One reader who has “always been a fan of bright standout nails” says, “I have like 50 hot pink shades and this is the one I normally grab when wanting hot pink. Beautiful!” Readers love how this is “an inexpensive nail polish that lasts just as long as the costly alternatives.” Another agrees saying, “the polish is as good as what you would find in a nail salon.” People also love the “gorgeous colors,” saying they have a “fabulous color selection” that is “much more lasting and shiny than most other nail polish brands.” One reader professes, “I love to use this on my toes.”

No. 5: Lippmann Collection Nail Lacquer, $15 TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 8.8
Why: Readers agree that Lippman’s nail lacquers are “polishes to pine for.” Their favorite attributes? The formula, which “allows it to be applied thinly (no goop!) and the bottle/ brush design, [which] prevents the application process from getting messy”. One reader agreed saying, “each bottle ‘keeps’ for a long time without getting thick or gloopy.” Another loves it because it “doesn’t have formaldehyde in it, which is great for the environment” and “it has anti-fungal qualities to it so I can share with my friends or at the nail salon.” Another user assures us, “If you can get past the sticker shock, you’ll be treated to high-quality nail polish housed in a beautiful regency-style bottle.” Speaking of the bottle, “my other polishes live in a drawer in my bathroom, but these babies are on display,” says a reader.

No. 4: Essie Nail Polish, $8 TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 8.8
Why: One reader says, “As a high school student I usually found it difficult to part with my allowance, but Essie was a coveted product for which I would scrimp and save.” One reader says, “The best part of Essie is the super shiny finish that you achieve without a top coat. The long wear is a bonus.” Another reader thinks it is “perfect for office wear,” because it “lasts through hours of typing.” After discovering Essie, readers say, “OPI isn’t the only game in town.” And one even says, “I just bought my first bottle of Essie a few weeks ago, and had just said goodbye to OPI.”

No. 3: Rimmel London 60 Seconds Vinyl Stars, $1.99 TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 9.1
Why: People love how this nail polish “really does dry in 60 seconds. WOW.” Another says that the nail polish is “pretty, and did dry by the time I started painting the other hand.” One reader says that this polish is the “total package,” because it “comes in a variety of colors … dries fast … and only costs $1.99! I love it.” Readers also love how it “stays on a long time,” and assert that you “can’t beat this price.”

No. 2: OPI Nail Lacquer Classics, $5.99 TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 9.6
Why: Readers think “OPI has it nailed!” One person says, “I’m a polish whore … and own about 50 bottles (that’s after clearing out a bunch). That said, I am an OPI fan.” Readers swear this polish is “unlike any other type” because the “color goes on smoothly,” “is vibrant,” and “rich and deep and lasts forever.” Even a reader’s “dad complimented the color.” Tons of our readers love the OPI Designer Series, because “I love glitter. I love OPI. OPI + glitter = more to love.” Another reader says, “they are dazzling when under lights” and even give a “holographic-like effect.” One reader says, “Generally, anything sparkly wins me over instantly, and OPI really outdid themselves with the Designer Series. Every color is rich [and] sparkly.” “When I wear this polish people constantly ask where I got my nails done and can’t believe I did them myself,” says a reader.

No. 1: China Glaze Nail Lacquer with Hardeners, $5.00 TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 9.6
Why: Readers love how China Glaze “comes in a kagillion different, beautiful colors and effects.” One “self professed nail polish addict” says, “this is my absolute favorite brand of polish” because “they last, are bright and beautiful and unique.” The fave color among many readers is the coveted, For Audrey, “a Tiffany (robin’s egg) blue,” saying “it’s the prettiest color I’ve ever owned, and the only way I can wear blue on my nails without feeling silly.”

Do any of these surprise you, or is there anything you’re surprised didn’t make the list? I honestly would’ve expected to see Zoya on the list. Or even Sally Hansen!

Source

A few months ago I was running low on dinner ideas, and I kinda threw quesadillas out there as an option. My husband’s interest was there, so on the way home from work I picked up a few things I figured I could use to make the quesadillas. What ensued was me creating a recipe that my husband gets addicted too for weeks at a time before he finally come down from a “quesadilla-high.” Enjoy, and feel free to modify to your liking as needed

Ingredients
1 lb. chicken cutlets
1 packet McCormick GrillMates Mexican Fiesta Seasoning
1 package Knorr’s Spanish Rice
Sour cream
Tortilla shells
Cheese (Mexican, Taco, cheddar, whatever you like!)
Cooking spray

Directions
1. Mix up marinade (1/4 cup oil, 2 TBSP apple cider vinegar and 2 TBSP water), and allow meat to marinate meat for 30 minutes.
2. Broil chicken until done.
3. While chicken is broiling, make rice according to package directions.
4. Allow meat to sit to let juices settle, then cut into strips.
5. Heat up skillet to about medium heat (you might need to adjust the heat accordingly while you’re cooking)
6. Take one tortilla shell, cover half by layering cheese, chicken and then rice. Fold over to close.
7. Spray skillet with cooking spray, and place in tortilla. Brown on one side, then flip over.
8. Top quesadilla with sour cream, and enjoy!

As I said, you can edit this recipe however you need to. Add chiles to the rice, try it with steak meat and a steak marinade. You can even bake these in the oven instead of cooking them on the stovetop. Let me know how you like them!

Picture Courtesy of Sacramento Scoop