- Who doesn't love FREE beauty loot? Mama Fashionista and Use Me! Products are giving away a styling product worth $25 to one lucky reader!
- Looking for easy summer makeup? Retrodiva checks out the lastest from Anastasia Beverly Hills: the See and Be Seen Kit. Find out which products she's super crazy about.
- Olympic Skater Nancy Kerrigan wore her designs at the Olympics, and so have a gazillion brides, but now Vera Wang has created a brand new collection that we can all afford. It's for your FACE, not your body. Alison Blackman of the Advice Sisters takes a first look at the Simply Vera by Vera Wang makeup collection.
- Not sure how to use a palette full of polka dots? Brooke from BlushingNoir shows you how to use MAC Powder to the People from Beth Ditto from your eyes to your cheeks!
- Jessika aka polish insomniac hates brown polish... until a new polish from the land down under changed her mind!
- Ro reviews Milani Infinite Liquid Eye Liners and shares why they've become a permanent part of her beauty routine.
- Miss L from Beauty by Miss L shows her favorite eye brush set and tells why she likes it.
- Confessions of a Sarcastic Mom highlights some great browns from Milani.
- The Lacquered Lady tries out Yes to Blueberries Brightening Facial Wipes.
- Lola from Lola's Secret Blog is embarrassed to confess that she was confounded by the Hakuhodo Mizubake Brush for the longest time- that is until she tried it for the first time. This may just be one of the greatest foundation and liquid blush brushes ever made!
- Blushing Basics may have turned 31 but MAC sent her a birthday gift to make her smile. Come check out some pics of the new Heavenly Creatures Collection out July 5th.
- The FabZilla tests products from Sircuit Skin Cosmeceuticals specifically targeting her greasy face: pomegranate acai at-home peel and sulfate-free facial wash. Yay or nay?
- Polarbelle has a bright new reason to smile thanks to the Smile Brilliant LED system.
- The Pink Sith thinks she may have found her childhood holy grail lip color and it just might be the new Chanel Fall 2012 Rouge Allure Extrait de Gloss in Troublant.
- The Body Shop launches a new and cruelty-free makeup line with Model/Activist Lily Cole. Pammy Blogs Beauty checks out this super cute collection!
- My Newest Addiction Beauty Blog gets Color Minded with Bumble and Bumble.
- Cosmetically Challenged takes you to California with swatches from the California Gleamin' Collection by Sation.
- Beauty Info Zone reviewed two winners: Reviva Labs Willard Water and Collagen Fibre Eye Pads. Find out not only why they are so loved but see how you can win these two items for yourself.
- Beauty and Fashion Tech looks at 10 Things That Will Ruin Your Complexion.
- Girl Gloss has a Make Up For Ever Rouge Artist Naturale Lipstick Review.
- Hot weather skin woes? BeautyTidbits has got you covered with tips to Summerize your Skincare.
- Nothing goes together better during summer than a tan and bright colors. Curls N Pearls has you covered with perfect turquoise jewelry to sport this summer.
- Grab a sneak peak of the latest Sigma Beauty Expert Brow Design Kit to be released on July 23rd!
- Need tools for perfect brows? Head to Spontaneous Chick for the billion dollar brows giveaway.
- Phyrra is in love with the cult product inspired by beauty balm creams, Illamasqua Skin Base!
- Oh So Lacquered reviews two super cute polishes from a new indie brand called F4. But be warned, these polishes might make you hungry!
- Wendy from Painted Ladies reviews the Smashbox Photo Finish Color Correcting Foundation Primer ... in haiku.
- Get your nails ready for summer! Take a look at Geniabeme'ssummer inspired gradient nails!
- BB Cream. What is it and why would you want it? Emily Hudspeth, hair & makeup shares her favorite and why you will love it.
- As a devotee to dark statement lips, the Stepford Witch tries out Tom Ford Lipstick in Black Orchid.
- See what Janelle from Glamorous Mama thinks of her first purchase from Jewelmint!
- Gia of Bottles and Bottles of Polish shares her favorite lip products of all time- NARS, MAC, Aquafina and more!
- Mina loves Pacifica Color Quench All Natural Moisture Lip Tint! Check out her review and swatches of the new shade Sugared Fig at Fabulous Awesomeness.
- Looking for the quintessential bronzer? The Beauty Professor sings the praises (and provides plenty of swatches!) of Rouge Bunny Rouge Bronzing Glow Powder in Netherway Cove.
- Ashley from Peek.Ponder.Publish shares a simple flower nail design created with a bobby pin! Check out this cute mani.
- Do you remember the first time you purchased a nondrugstore polish? BeautyJudy shares her first OPI, Route Beer Float! Swatches and sentimentalism in this week's "Stash Attack!"
Saturday, June 30, 2012
Beauty Blog Coalition Weekly Roundup for the Week Ending 6/29/12
Here are our topic picks for your reading pleasure! Have a lovely weekend!
MALIN+GOETZ Grapefruit Face Cleanser Review
Malin+Goetz is one of those brands that makes top quality products in no-frills packaging. So far I have really liked all of their products- most notably their delightful Mojito Lip Balm (reviewed here).
The Grapefruit Face Cleanser was a very refreshing surprise- I expected it to be harsh and stripping on my combination skin, but it was not.
"Our foaming cleansing gel synthesizes natural grapefruit extract with amino acid-based cleansing agents. Unlike traditionally harsh detergents that can be drying, stripping and irritating, this formula gently and thoroughly purifies and hydrates to ph balance all skin types, especially sensitive. Rinses residue free, eliminating the need for a toner. Perfect make-up removal. Natural fragrance and color. Easily integrated into daily maintenance and prevention regimen."
Additional claims:
0.5% Grapefruit Extract. All Skin Types.
Amino Acid Hydration Technology - FC-100-08.
+ #1 best seller, for all skin types
+ Gentle enough for dry, sensitive or rosacea-prone skin
+ Removes make-up, alternative to oil-based/milk cleansers
+ Natural antibacterial grapefruit helps prevent blemishes
"Grapefruit Face Cleanser contains glycerin, natural grapefruit extracts and sodium pca hydrate. Grapefruit extracts in this cleanser has cleansing, exfoliating properties while glycerin, sodium PCA and amino acids hydrate and soothe skin."
It does not contain: Parabens, silicones, synthetic dyes, waxes, harsh detergents, dyes and synthetic perfumes. NO ANIMAL TESTING.
My experience with Grapefruit Face Cleanser: I have been using this cleanser with my Clarisonic in the mornings only for a few weeks, and I must say that the combination of the cleanser and the Clarisonic works wonders. Grapefruit is a natural exfoliator- so between the cleanser and the device I find that my skin and pores are cleaned thoroughly without being stripped of their natural oils. My skin neither feels squeaky clean, nor does it feel tight and uncomfortable after use. I did not find the smell of the grapefruit to be overwhelming, nor did I find it too harsh as I expected it to be. My skin simply felt deliciously fresh and clean. That said, I have decidedly combination skin with an active T-zone, and while I think this is well suited for combination and oilier skin types I have serious questions as to whether people with drier or sensitive skin types will find this product too astringent. I suspect that the exfoliating effects of the grapefruit extract may be too active for those with dry and/or sensitive skin (at least for use on a daily basis). I would suggest trying a sample before committing to the purchase of the full-sized product- if you find that you are interested in this cleanser (but are uncertain as to whether or not it's a good match for your skin).
Overall assessment: I'm quite pleased with this cleanser- it works wonders on my combination skin. I'm left with clean supple skin that is not stripped, tight, or uncomfortable. However, I am not sure that it is suited for all skin types as they claim. I think that this product may be a touch too active with its exfoliating properties to be a suitable daily cleanser for those with dry skin or sensitive skin. You will have to judge for yourself, but I would try a sample first. It may, however, be a perfect "treatment" cleanser for those with drier skin- to be used on occasion, rather than on a daily basis.
$30.00 8 oz. from Malin+Goetz, Barneys New York, Bloomingdale's.
Stock images from Main+Goetz
The Grapefruit Face Cleanser was a very refreshing surprise- I expected it to be harsh and stripping on my combination skin, but it was not.
"Our foaming cleansing gel synthesizes natural grapefruit extract with amino acid-based cleansing agents. Unlike traditionally harsh detergents that can be drying, stripping and irritating, this formula gently and thoroughly purifies and hydrates to ph balance all skin types, especially sensitive. Rinses residue free, eliminating the need for a toner. Perfect make-up removal. Natural fragrance and color. Easily integrated into daily maintenance and prevention regimen."
Additional claims:
0.5% Grapefruit Extract. All Skin Types.
Amino Acid Hydration Technology - FC-100-08.
+ #1 best seller, for all skin types
+ Gentle enough for dry, sensitive or rosacea-prone skin
+ Removes make-up, alternative to oil-based/milk cleansers
+ Natural antibacterial grapefruit helps prevent blemishes
"Grapefruit Face Cleanser contains glycerin, natural grapefruit extracts and sodium pca hydrate. Grapefruit extracts in this cleanser has cleansing, exfoliating properties while glycerin, sodium PCA and amino acids hydrate and soothe skin."
It does not contain: Parabens, silicones, synthetic dyes, waxes, harsh detergents, dyes and synthetic perfumes. NO ANIMAL TESTING.
My experience with Grapefruit Face Cleanser: I have been using this cleanser with my Clarisonic in the mornings only for a few weeks, and I must say that the combination of the cleanser and the Clarisonic works wonders. Grapefruit is a natural exfoliator- so between the cleanser and the device I find that my skin and pores are cleaned thoroughly without being stripped of their natural oils. My skin neither feels squeaky clean, nor does it feel tight and uncomfortable after use. I did not find the smell of the grapefruit to be overwhelming, nor did I find it too harsh as I expected it to be. My skin simply felt deliciously fresh and clean. That said, I have decidedly combination skin with an active T-zone, and while I think this is well suited for combination and oilier skin types I have serious questions as to whether people with drier or sensitive skin types will find this product too astringent. I suspect that the exfoliating effects of the grapefruit extract may be too active for those with dry and/or sensitive skin (at least for use on a daily basis). I would suggest trying a sample before committing to the purchase of the full-sized product- if you find that you are interested in this cleanser (but are uncertain as to whether or not it's a good match for your skin).
Overall assessment: I'm quite pleased with this cleanser- it works wonders on my combination skin. I'm left with clean supple skin that is not stripped, tight, or uncomfortable. However, I am not sure that it is suited for all skin types as they claim. I think that this product may be a touch too active with its exfoliating properties to be a suitable daily cleanser for those with dry skin or sensitive skin. You will have to judge for yourself, but I would try a sample first. It may, however, be a perfect "treatment" cleanser for those with drier skin- to be used on occasion, rather than on a daily basis.
$30.00 8 oz. from Malin+Goetz, Barneys New York, Bloomingdale's.
Stock images from Main+Goetz
Friday, June 29, 2012
Shannon's Soaps- Lilacs Soap Review
I love lilacs. I love the way they look, the way they smell, the way their delicate fragrance wafts through the air to greet you. They are just the most divine flowers, and I get an unbelievable amount of pleasure looking at mine whenever they are in bloom. As a result of my deep and abiding love for this lovely flower it should come as no surprise that I have a penchant for lovely lilac scented body products. My newest lilac love is Lilacs Soap from Shannon's Soaps- this handmade soap is rich and creamy, and it effectively moisturizes your skin while cleaning it. All of the glorious oils in this soap prevent it from stripping the skin and leaving it dried out. One of the most satisfying things about this gorgeous creamy soap is the lovely and delicate scent of lilacs. Once the bar is wet- the fragrance is released, and it really rouses the senses! I keep this bar in my shower and it makes my entire bathroom smell of lilacs for a while. I have even found that this bar to be wonderful for shaving-- however those with more sensitive skin should probably opt for a fragrance free variety for shaving, or try out Shannon's Soaps Shaving Soap which I plan to try.
Overall assessment: This is a fabulous handmade soap with a delicious scent, and a reasonable price. I LOVE IT!!$4.00 4.3 oz. from Shannon's Soaps
PR samples provided, but as always the opinions expressed in this review are categorically my own.
Sun Through the Clouds
My husband, who has been an avid surfer his entire life, wakes up at what I consider to be unreasonably early hours to hit the water. One morning while driving to the beach he captured this miraculous picture of the sun poking through the clouds. What is really surprising, albeit rather dangerous, is the fact that he captured this while driving (on his iPhone and through the sunroof). While I would hardly promote his methodology, I have to confess that the results are stunning.
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Chic Swimwear from Barneys
Christian Louboutin Flats with an Attitude! Pigalle Spike Flats with Justine Spike Stud Hobo!
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