Thursday, February 28, 2013

vbeauté Lip Spread Anti-Age Tinting Lip Gloss Review & Swatches


vbeauté is, without question, a fantastic skincare line that makes high quality very effective products. I have tried every single product that they make, and can honestly say without hesitation that this is an amazing luxury line.

Lip Spread Anti-Age Tinting Lip Gloss is a wonderful lip gloss that protects the lips while simultaneously hydrating them. The formula is concentrated- therefore a little goes a long way. It is unbelievably comfortable on the lips, is hydrating, has anti-aging ingredients, and is completely non-sticky. I find that I am able to get several hours of wear out of the gloss itself, but it leaves a lovely stain behind that lasts for another 3-4 hours on me. That said, I tend to reapply lip glosses to retain the shine. I love the fact that your own body chemistry dictates the color of this gloss-- making it a bit like a mood ring for the lips. On me Lip Spread is a lovely shade of pink- as shown in my arm swatch below. As a huge fan of pink lip glosses, I was elated by the shade.

 Who wants soft, perfectly tinted, luscious lips? We all do! Lip Spread Anti-Age Tinting Lip Gloss delivers silky smooth, lightweight moisture while imparting your lips with an anti-aging gloss. Formulated with self-adjusting vBotanicals that react with your lip chemistry to create your very own afterglow. The formulation also keeps your lips feeling soothed and hydrated, while working to correct and prevent environmental damage. 

vStep: "Apply throughout the day for a unique tint to match your skin tone. Spread across the lips using the slanted applicator, pressing lips together to ensure even coverage."

bBenefits: "Antioxidant Hydration Correction Prevention Tinting Paraben free Fragrance free Gluten free Nut free Oat free."

vComplex: "is a potent Swiss cellular concentrate based on Swiss Alpine Rose Botanical Technology (ARBT), an age-antagonist that helps the skin naturally prevent the cycle of aging. Specific to each formulation, vComplex is designed specifically to stop signs of aging in their tracks… at any age. Alpine Rose Botanical Technology (Antioxidant) vBotanicals (Tinting) BioCellular Peptide (Correction, Prevention) Sweet Cherry (Hydration) Pomegranate (Hydration)."

For my overview and assessment of the whole line with links to individual reviews click here. For my It Kit review click here.
According to Julie Macklowe (Founder and Owner of vbeauté), 

"...I do love Lip Spread and wear it every day. Since I’m slightly addicted to lip gloss, I made sure that ours had all the right elements. Lip Spread actually goes on clear, but changes to a lovely pink color after you apply it. It has vBotanicals that react with the natural pigments in your skin, and bring out a color that is all your own. The gloss actually looks different on everybody."

Macklowe posits that, "staying true to our focus on anti-aging products, Lip Spread has our BioCellular Peptide to get rid of those unwanted lines and wrinkles. Not to mention, Cherry and Pomegranate fruit extracts keep your smile looking silky smooth by hydrating your lips. Most importantly, the gloss feels lightweight and isn’t sticky—I didn’t want a gloss that my hair would stick to!"
"Apply throughout the day for a unique tint to match your skin tone. Spread across the lips using the slanted applicator, pressing lips together to ensure even coverage."
 The gloss turns a lovely shade of pink when combined with my body chemistry.
 I was delighted that even once the gloss wore away, that it left behind a gorgeous stain!
Ingredients: Octyldodecano, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Hydrogenated Styrenen/Isoprene Copolymer, Hexyldecanol, Butylene Glycol, Hydroxystearic Acid, Citric Acid, Punica Granatum Sterols, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil, Prunus A Vjum (Sweet Cherry) Fruit Extract, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-di-t-butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Glycerin, Nicotiana Sylvestris Leaf Cell Culture, Red 27, Red 28 lake.

Overall assessment: I am a lip gloss fanatic, and Lip Spread now ranks among my favorites! It is non-sticky, comfortable to wear, has anti-aging benefits, and is hydrating. I also really love that it turns into the perfect shade of pink on my lips, and doubles as a lip stain.

$28.00 10 ml 0.34 fl oz Available from vbeauté and Bergdorf Goodman.
PR sample sent for my consideration. All views expressed are categorically my own. Stock image courtesy of vbeauté.

Cusp Ancient Greek Sandals for Those Who Want to Keep up with Mercury!

Giambologna. Mercury
I love these whimsical sandals, and they may be necessary for those trying to keep up with Mercury.
They are available from Cusp. Images from Cusp.

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

B. Kamins Nia-Stem Eye Cream Kx- Review

B. Kamins Nia-Stem Eye Cream Kx is a lovely and deeply hydrating eye cream that is as effective as it is pleasant to use. The texture is light, creamy, and emollient- and yet it absorbs into the delicate skin around the eyes quickly leaving behind soft, supple, and hydrated skin. It has a lifting and brightening effect that diminishes the appearance of fine lines, and leaves the skin silky smooth. Any under eye puffiness is radically reduced, and dark circles are considerably diminished. While I rarely suffer from under eye puffiness (unless I am sick, profoundly sleep deprived, or very stressed), I am prone to dark circles. I was delighted to see that this eye cream reduced the appearance of my dark circles, and I was elated that it did not give me any milia. Richer eye creams most often give me milia, but this cream is neither too rich, nor does it produce the much-dreaded milia in my under eye area. It is also very concentrated- therefore only the smallest amount is needed.

This moisturizing eye cream formulated with niacin and plant stem cells increases the skin’s aging defences to prevent future fine lines and wrinkles. This formulation is also designed to help minimize the appearance of under eye puffiness, dark circles and existing lines and wrinkles. The eye area immediately becomes tighter, lighter, and brighter. 

B. Kamins Nia-Stem Eye Cream KX tightens, tones and hydrates the skin around the eyes. Hyaluronic acid fills in fine lines and crow's feet for smoother, younger-looking eyes. Bio-Maple Compound helps diminish puffiness and dark circles while wheat germ oil moisturizes.
Benefits/Results:
• Niacin and plant stem cell stimulate cell metabolism
• Initiates repair and reduces skin reactivity
• Detoxifies the skin cells to exude bright, even-toned, young-looking skin
Ingredients:
Overall assessment: Eye creams are quite often problematic for me- either they are too light and do nothing, or they are too rich- which is generally a recipe for disaster since more often than not they end up giving me milia. Nia-Stem Eye Cream Kx diminishes fine lines, reduces the appearance of dark circles and under eye puffiness, and leaves the skin hydrated, lifted, and luminous. Not only does this delightful eye cream deliver on the promises made, but it does so effectively and efficiently. This is an excellent eye cream, and it earns an A+ in my book!

0.5 fl.oz  $90.00 from B. Kamins and Dermstore. (Affiliate link)
PR sample sent for consideration, but all views expressed are categorically my own.

By Request: How I Currently Store My Eyeshadows

After having received requests to post pictures of my lip products & storage, and then my blushes & storage- I suspected that it was just a matter of time before someone asked to see how I store my stash of eyeshadows. Well, that day came sooner than I suspected- so here you are! As was the case for both my lip product and cheek product stashes- this does not reflect the entirety of my collection. I have a bin and two drawers filled with products that need to be photographed, swatched, and reviewed- therefore those eyeshadows have yet to land in this drawer.

The top picture differs from the bottom in that I left the three palettes stacked where I normally store them (a MAC Pro Palette, a Trish McEvoy Palette [contains Chantecaille, MUFE, RBR & Trish Mc Evoy eyeshadows], and an Anastasia Beverly Hills Palette).
The back right compartment contains MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Creams. Next to it you will find a few MAC Quads and a Maybelline Color Tattoo. The far right compartment is solely MAC Paint Pots, and beneath that are Bobbi Brown Gel Eyeliners. To the right in the gap between the wooden box and the side of the drawer I have MAC Pigment samples and a Prestige Cosmetics Mineral Eye Shadow Trio.

The bamboo box on the left side contains Burberry Eyeshadow singles, Chanel Quads, NARS duos and singles, a Le Métier de Beauté eyeshadow palette, a Mia BelleZZa duo, and a Giorgio Armani single.

The bamboo box on the right is the special land of Rouge Bunny Rouge and as such it gets a separate zip code altogether!

In the front, where there is a gap between the drawer and the bamboo storage boxes I have a mish-mash   of single eyeshadows from: Bobbi Brown, Kevyn Aucoin, Laura Mercier, Hourglass, Prestige Cosmetics, MAC, La Prairie, and a few other strays. I also keep my eye/lip pencil sharpener there since it is easy to find.

I actually purged a good number of eyeshadows that I simply wasn't using- therefore what you are seeing is actually a more sensible stash compared to what I once had. I also reduced some of the clutter by depotting a lot of singles, and I buy refill pans whenever possible.

Truth be told, I could live without most of what is in this drawer, but the contents of the two bamboo boxes definitely make my heart go pitter-patter!

How do you store your eyeshadows?

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

A Gorgeous Birthday Gift That I Had to Share!

My lovely and very generous friend Nicolle sent me such an amazing birthday gift that I had to share it with you! It is a swoon-worthy gift that is sure to make every makeup magpie lightheaded! What truly made my jaw drop was the fact that she chose the two things from the new Chantecaille collection that I wanted more than anything else: the Lip Chic in Daphne & Luminous Gloss in Pink Melon! They are the most exquisite colors! They are delightful alone, but sublime together. The Savon Passion Flower & Coconut soap smells heavenly, and the Lollia hand cream is amazing. Nicolle even got me a sample of the Kiehl's eye cream that I had been wanting to try! For me, the most meaningful part of any gift is the card, and she hit a home run there! Thanks again, Nicolle- I am still grinning ear to ear! xoxox

Monday, February 25, 2013

Lola's Secret Beauty Blog Exclusive SpaceNK Gift With Purchase- A Look Inside!

I am so excited about my partnership with SpaceNK for the Spring Color Launch. They were so kind to offer an exclusive Gift with Purchase for Lola's Secret Beauty Blog readers- which was such a gracious gesture. The supplies are very limited- therefore you will want to act fast.
Each cosmetic bag is a By Terry exclusive that it is filled with By Terry samples, and a full size By Terry eyeshadow!  The bag itself is a really lovely raspberry pink!
You must spend a minimum of $150.00 (at least one By Terry or Hourglass product), and they will ship it free of charge to any US address.
My top pick product is the new By Terry Hyaluronic Sheer Rouge Lipsticks, and I swatched all 10 of them for you here!
To redeem this lovely gift, call SpaceNK at (310) 985-6305 (this location only). This offer expires at the end of the day on March 2, 2013, or while supplies last. If you are interested call ASAP! Tell them that I sent you, and that you are a Lola's Secret Beauty Blog Subscriber!

Beauty Blog Coalition Weekly Roundup: February 25, 2013


  • Confessions of a Sarcastic Mom: Destany tries out the Milani COLORstatement lipsticks in pinks and corals!
  • Blushing Noir: Are you a Betty or a Veronica? Check out the Caramel Sundae EOTD from MAC Archie's Girls and see!
  • TheFabZilla: Win a set of posture-correcting lingerie ($89 value) from Braologie. 2 Winners. Open international. Ends 3/5/13.
  • Emily Hudspeth, hair design and makeup artist d: Aqua & Red Stylized Bridal Shoot. Portfolio Image Building for Stylists
  • Endless Summer: Elena reviews and swatches new Guerlain Maxi Lash Mascara.
  • Sweet Tart Beauty : Emmy over at Sweet Tart Beauty reviews Prescriptives new innovative online custom blend video chat
  • Beauty Professor: How many lipsticks can should one girl carry? Find out what's in the Beauty Professor's purse!
  • Painted Ladies: Painted Ladies has an exclusive Tarina Tarantino Beauty giveaway! Enter to win an Emerald Pretty Eyeshadow Palette.
  • Lola's Secret Beauty Blog: Winter parched skin need an extra boost? If so, Lola's Secret Beauty Blog recommends Dermaquest Advanced B5 Serum for your cold weather skincare blues!
  • Mama Fashionista: Get Red Ruby Groovy with gud!
  • The Lacquered Lady: Accidentally put on too much blush? The Lacquered Lady shares some quick tips to fix the problem!
  • Polarbelle: Polarbelle finds a non-irritating retinol 4 piece system from Pevonia Spa Clinica. Check it out!!
  • D.G.S.Beauty: Barry M's Dazzle Dust will have you wanting some in your makeup collection.
  • Beauty Info Zone: Do you like being outside but worry about your beauty? Vault lip products solves that problem in a beautiful way.
  • Pammy Blogs Beauty: Emani Mineral Makeup review and Starter Kit Giveaway!!!
  • BeautyTidbits: Check out the review of Nuvosa Anti-Aging Skin Care Treatment Collection over at BeautyTidbits
  • Project Swatch: Emi from Project Swatch goes on a weekend trip - take a look inside her travel makeup bag!
  • Midnight Manicures: Swatches and Review of the new Milani Ultrafine Liquid Eye Liners. One vinyl and four sparkly long-lasting colors!
  • Peppermint Lips Beauty Blog: ELF Studio Baked Blush in Peachy Cheeky Review & Swatches!
  • Scottish Beauty Blog: Where did you have your best ever spa treatment? Sarah from Scottish Beauty Blog's was at the Lush Spa in Edinburgh. It was called the Good Hour but it ought to be called the Best Hour.
  • Sunday, February 24, 2013

    By Terry Hyaluronic Sheer Rouge Lipsticks- NEW! ALL 10 SHADES SWATCHED!!


    The synergy of a lipstick and a balm for an ultra-luminous smile
    By Terry's new red balm with hyaluronic acid treats lips and adorns them in glossy-plumping shine. Bringing added volume, lips are left soft and supple with an ultra-glamorous glossy finish.
    Key Benefits:
    • A plumping and hydra-filler formula
    • Fills in wrinkles and fine lines
    • Moisturizes lips & plumps up the mouth
    • Protects lips from UV rays
    • Adorns lips in an ultra-comfortable sheer shade
    This gorgeous new By Terry lipstick formula comes in 10 shades:

    #1- Nudissimo
    #2- Mango Tango
    #3- Baby Bloom
    #4- Princess in Rose
    #5- Dragon Pink
    #6- Party Girl
    #7- Bang Bang
    #8- Hot Spot
    #9- Dare to Bare
    #10- Berry Bloom

    So far I have only purchased #4- Princess in Rose, but will definitely get more because this formula is phenomenal! This is best in class in the realm of the new hybrid lipsticks that are like a balm, a gloss and a lipstick combined in one amazing formula!
    #1- Nudissimo, #2- Mango Tango, #3- Baby Bloom, #4- Princess in Rose, #5- Dragon Pink
    These are all swatched quite heavily. The formula is buildable, but can be sheered out as well.
    #6- Party Girl, #7- Bang Bang, #8- Hot Spot, #9- Dare to Bare, #10- Berry Bloom
    Ingredients from #4- Princess in Rose
    $35.00 each I purchased mine from SpaceNK. (Affiliate link)

    Kate the Driveller, from Drivel about Frivol (incidentally one of my very favorite beauty blogs), reviewed the By Terry Hyaluronic Sheer Rouge Lipsticks- and is not a fan of the formula. Click here to read her review.

    By Request: How I Currently Store My Blushes

    When I published my By Request: How I Currently Store My Lip Product Stash, my friend Gummy asked for me to reveal my blush stash- and I cannot deny her- so here it is. This top photo is meant to contextualize my storage system- it is an original 1920s built-in cabinet with drawers in my master bathroom. I had two black wooden boxes with dividers, and they fit in the drawer side by side with a little bit of space to spare, but with plenty of space left in the back of the drawer. There are a few other blushes floating around, and my Le Métier de Beauté Créme Fresh Tints for Lip & Cheek are stored with my lip products.
    Left Box Top to Bottom:
    Top: Mia BelleZZa & Prestige Blushes
    Center: Chanel Joues Contraste Blushes
    Bottom: Milani, MAC & Burberry Blushes

    Right Box Top to Bottom:
    Top: Trish Mc Evoy & Bobbi Brown Mini Palettes
    Center: Rouge Bunny Rouge, NARS & Sunday Riley
    Bottom: Susan Thompson Liquid Blushes & Youngblood Crushed Mineral Blushes

    How do you store your blush collection?

    The Beauty Blogazons Weekly Roundup: February 23, 2013

    Saturday, February 23, 2013

    Lola's Secret Beauty Blog Partners with SpaceNK Exclusive Gift With Purchase for Subscribers!

    It is with glee that I was able to partner with SpaceNK for the launch of the By Terry Spring Collection. I am even more thrilled that SpaceNK has created a very special Gift With Purchase exclusively for Lola's Secret Beauty Blog Subscribers, but quantities are limited so you will need to act fast.
    With your purchase of $150.00 you will receive a very special By Terry makeup bag and it will contain a full size By Terry product. Once those supplies have sold out they will be gone for good.

    Some of the divine products from By Terry:
    Some of the gorgeous products from Hourglass that will be used during the makeovers on 3/2/13:
    Some of the Elemental Herbology Products that will be used for the facials on 3/2/13:
    The Gift With Purchase- I'm thrilled that this is an exclusive gift for Lola's Secret Beauty Blog!!! It includes a gorgeous raspberry By Terry makeup bag, a full size eyeshadow, and By Terry samples!
    Among my current top picks are the brand new By Terry Hyaluronic Sheer Rouge Lipsticks! There are 10 colors, and I swatched all of them for you!
    #1- Nudissimo, #2- Mango Tango, #3- Baby Bloom, #4 Princess in Rose, #5- Dragon Pink

    #6- Party Girl, #7- Bang Bang, #8- Hot Spot. #9- Dare to Bare, #10- Berry Bloom
    Details: This offer is not available online- you must call SpaceNK at (310) 985-6305 at the Santa Monica location ONLY!

    1) You must spend $150.00, and at least one item must be from By Terry or Hourglass (or both, if you so choose). At least one item has to be makeup (lipsticks, eyeshadows etc.). You may spend the balance on anything else at SpaceNK.

    2) The actual event will take place on Saturday, March 2nd. I will update will all of the details after my meeting tomorrow. Pre-selling is strongly encouraged because of limited number of gifts available.

    3) You must be a Lola's Secret Beauty Blog subscriber.

    4) You do not need to go to SpaceNK in order to partake. They can send you your purchases and GWP, and once you make the GWP minimum the shipping will be free (for the US Only- they are checking whether they can extend this to Canada).

    5) You should consider becoming an N.dulge Member (it is free of charge, and the rewards are fantastic). Click here to read about membership.

    On Saturday March 2:

    1) There will be an Hourglass makeup artist at SpaceNK giving lovely makeovers. Make an appointment in advance! It will be booking up fast!

    2) There will be Elemental Herbology Facials given all day in the Spa room by an aesthetician- it will be the ultimate in pampering. There is a $50.00 pre-booking fee that is redeemable in products (any products from SpaceNK!).

    To pre-order and/or book an appointment call SpaceNK at (310) 985-6305 and tell them that I sent you.  Be sure to tell them that you are a Lola's Secret Beauty Blog subscriber.

    A very special thank you to Lisa from GWP Addict for including this special Gift With Purchase on her phenomenal blog. If you aren't a subscriber of her blog- then I urge you to become one!!

    The Beauty Spotlight Team Sends London MakeUp Girl to a Desert Island...What Will She Bring?


    It's London MakeUp Girl's turn to visit the Beauty Spotlight Desert Island, and she thought this would be easy peasy lemon squeezy as she likes a minimalist routine.

    It actually turned out to be difficult difficult lemon difficult. Read on to find out what made the trip...
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