Up until now, Sunny from Mostly Sunny has never showed anyone the content of her bag. However, when Beauty Spotlight Team duty calls, she answers. Find out about her survival essentials, makeup bag, and bits and bobs on Mostly Sunny today!
Saturday, January 31, 2015
Friday, January 30, 2015
Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush in Radiant Magenta | Review
Purchased by Me (Affiliate Links)
I absolutely love Hourglass Cosmetics, and there is no question that they make some of my very favorite makeup. I am a huge fan of their Ambient Lighting Blushes, and continue to delight in the finish and ethereal glow that one effortlessly achieves with these beauties.
Hourglass describes their Ambient Lighting Blush as a "groundbreaking hybrid that combines the customized lighting effects of Ambient Lighting Powder with a spectrum of breathtakingly modern hues for seamless, soft-focus, and multidimensional color." I have used Ethereal Glow (reviewed here) for a year, and still reach for it all of the time. It is a gorgeous pale cool pink, and while it is just my type of color, I did want to add a darker pink blush to my collection from Hourglass. I chose Radiant Magenta, a stunning golden fuchsia blush combined with Radiant Light, because it is a lovely and infinitely wearable mid-tone pink with dimension.
Radiant Magenta is an exceptionally finely milled high quality blush that has an amazingly silky smooth texture. It neither settles into fine lines, nor does it emphasize pores, and it effortlessly glides across the skin depositing color evenly. It has beautiful pigmentation, and while the name might suggest a very dark and tricky to wear blush– it is, instead, an infinitely wearable shade. While it can be applied with intensity, it can likewise be sheered out for a very flattering natural flush of color. Once applied it faithfully remains in place all day on me.
According to Hourglass,
Discover a new way to blush: This groundbreaking hybrid combines the customized lighting effects of Ambient Lighting Powder with a spectrum of breathtakingly modern hues. The result is a natural radiant finish with seamless, soft-focus and buildable color.
Each handmade blush is formulated using an advanced miscelare technique to create the perfect balance of pigment and powder, and no two look alike. ("Miscelare" means “to mix” in Italian.) The six shades ranging from soft coral to cool pink are a wardrobe of captivating accent lights for cheeks. They deliver a radiant, natural finish and offer buildable color to imbue the entire complexion with an otherworldly glow.
Designed to be paired with Ambient Lighting Powder, the twin formulas share the same technology that enhances the appearance of the skin. Using them together creates a multidimensional luminescence that is not achieved by using a different product. This product is free of fragrance, nano-particle, talc, and gluten. It was not tested on animals.
•The hand-made powders are formulated using an advanced miscelare technique—which means “to mix” in Italian—creating the perfect balance of pigment and powder, and no two look alike.
•The cutting-edge formula means that its full potential is only displayed on application.
Radiant Magenta is described as a golden fuchsia blush combined with Radiant Light for a summer glow.
Left to Right: The fuchsia shade alone, Radiant Light alone and the two mixed together.
Varied lighting effects enable the glowing quality to be seen.
$35.00 for 0.15 oz from Hourglass, Nordstrom, Sephora, Barneys New York, Space NK US, Space NK UK (£28.00), Bergdorf Goodman and Net-A-Porter (Affiliate Links).
Purchased by Me. All views expressed are categorically my own.
Copyright © 2015 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.
Jasper in His Tree
Jasper is a very sweet kitty, and his attachment to me borders on an unmitigated obsession. He goes to great lengths to be near me whenever possible, and is an unflinchingly responsive and loving little boy. He loves to talk to me, and I thought that you might enjoy his sweet little voice as a nice way to end the work week!
Thursday, January 29, 2015
Empties Post Volume XXIX: January 2015 Edition
*Press Samples & Purchased by Me (Affiliate Links)
I must confess that I really didn't make any sort of concerted effort to finish up products in my current skincare rotation this month, and the things that I did finish had been very close to empty the month before. Nonetheless, I did manage to finish up 7 full size products and 4 sample packets. In January my greatest obsession was undoubtedly moisturizing my skin, and if these cold nights persist I will probably have a few moisturizer empties in February as well!
2) *Belli Pure & Pampered Body Wash (reviewed here): This is a wonderful body cleanser with a light lavender scent. It gently cleans, and leaves skin scrumptiously soft and hydrated!
3) J.R. Watkins Naturals Hand Soap in Aloe & Green Tea (reviewed here): I love J.R. Watkins, and they make my all-time favorite hand soaps. I continually purchase these in multiples! I love the Aloe & Green Tea scent, but am currently using the Lemon which is utterly luscious!
4) *Taya Amazon White Clay Thickening Shampoo (reviewed here): Taya makes really lovely haircare products, and their shampoo and conditioner are among my favorites from their line. The shampoo thoroughly cleanses without stripping, and the conditioner leaves hair tangle-free, soft and shiny!
5) Caudalie Divine Oil (reviewed here): As the name suggests, this is one divine oil! The moment that I finished my bottle I opened another! The scent is gloriously warm and rich, and it leaves skin soft silky and hydrated. I also use a small amount in my hair, and the results are amazing.
6) Spectrum Organic Coconut Oil: Spectrum makes amazing organic products, and I absolutely love their Organic Coconut Oil! While it is fantastic for cooking, I left this jar on my nightstand and used it each night from my scalp to my toes (not on my face). Organic Coconut Oil is a great way to moisturize the skin, and it is one of my absolutely favorite products to use on my feet before putting on fluffy socks. Since it has been cold at night, I have been layering it beneath a heavy cream.
7) *Shea Yeleen Shea Butter Soap in Lemongrass Peppermint (reviewed here): Shea Yeleen makes amazing products, and their earthy soaps are definitely a favorite. They clean the skin thoroughly without stripping, and skin is left soft and hydrated. I have been keeping a bar at my bathroom sink since it prevents my hands from drying out!
8) *Natracare Cleansing Make-Up Wipes for Sensitive Skin (reviewed here): These wipes are highly effective, unbelievably gentle, and well worth trying if you have sensitive skin and/or eyes!
What did you use up, toss out, give away, or return in January? Did you make any great new discoveries? Any duds to report?
Copyright © 2015 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved (Affiliate Links).
Wednesday, January 28, 2015
Aesop Parsley Seed Cleanser | Review
Purchased by Me (Affiliate Links)
The more products that I try from Aesop, the more smitten I am with the line. I adore their face oils, and now can add their Parsley Seed Cleanser to my favorite cleansers. This is a gentle cleanser that was made for all skin types, but that is particularly effective for combination or troubled skin types.
Aesop describes it as a, "clarifying gel thoroughly removes surface impurities and offers mild exfoliation from Lactic Acid. Ideal for maintaining immaculately clean skin in polluted urban environments." They further assert that it is, "gentle enough for all skin types and can be used throughout the year in all climates. The Lactic Acid in this formula has been included for its ability to gently remove dry and damaged layers of skin, improving the texture of the skin and making it feel softer and smoother."
I use Aesop Parsley Seed Cleanser either by itself, or with my Clarisonic, and the results are remarkable either way. It produces a creamy rich lather that has a delectable herbal scent. The Lactic Acid gently removes dead skin cells, and cleans pores, and leaves my skin soft and silky smooth. My skin, while thoroughly cleansed, is not left stripped or taut. While I love using it all by itself, the experience is sublime when used in conjunction with my Clarisonic. It's perfection on my normal to combination skin, and I can use it daily. That said, I think that people with drier skin would prefer using it once or twice a week, rather than daily.
I use Aesop Parsley Seed Cleanser either by itself, or with my Clarisonic, and the results are remarkable either way. It produces a creamy rich lather that has a delectable herbal scent. The Lactic Acid gently removes dead skin cells, and cleans pores, and leaves my skin soft and silky smooth. My skin, while thoroughly cleansed, is not left stripped or taut. While I love using it all by itself, the experience is sublime when used in conjunction with my Clarisonic. It's perfection on my normal to combination skin, and I can use it daily. That said, I think that people with drier skin would prefer using it once or twice a week, rather than daily.
Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Olive Oil PEG 7 Esters, Sodium PEG-7 Olive Oil Carboxylate, Coco-Betaine, Potassium Lactate, PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate, Sodium Citrate, Lactic Acid, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Glycerin, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Ribes Nigrum (Blackcurrant) Seed Oil, Ormenis Multicaulis Oil, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Oil, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Carum Petroselinum (Parsley) Seed Oil, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone, Linalool, d-Limonene.
$57.00 for 6.8 oz. from Barneys New York, Net-A-Porter, Amazon. Liberty London and David Jones (Affiliate Links).
Purchased by Me. All views expressed are categorically my own.
Copyright © 2015 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.
Tuesday, January 27, 2015
Aesop Fabulous Face Oil | Review
Purchased by Me (Affiliate Links)
According to Aesop,
Nine carefully selected botanicals deliver exceptional hydrating and fortifying benefits to detoxify, smooth and balance normal or patchy skin, with a non-greasy finish. Suited to all seasons, cities and skin types.
This much-adored facial oil works on all skin types, but is especially good to use if you have sensitive, congested and reactive skin. The juniper berries, jasmine and ylang ylang make this natural serum smell stunning, a lovely boost in the morning, for a facial massage or as a night treatment. Only a few drops are needed and when used daily with your regular moisturiser it softens, hydrates and detoxifies patchy skin and leaves a matte, non-greasy finish.
$57.00 for 0.9 oz. from Barneys New York, Amazon, Adore Beauty, Cult Beauty UK (£40.00), Cult Beauty Ltd, Fragrance Net and Aesop (Affiliate Links).
Purchased by Me. All views expressed are categorically my own.
Copyright © 2015 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.
Lola's Secret Beauty Blog is Now on tumblr!
Monday, January 26, 2015
BBC Week in Review
Sunday, January 25, 2015
The Beauty Blogazons Weekly Top Picks
- TheFabZilla: #TeamFail or #TeamWin ? TheFabZilla gets her hands on the new Hourglass Modernist Eyeshadow Palette (Graphite).
- Theadorable Beauty Blog: Do you like rainbows? Do you like gradients? What about a rainbow gradient.. on your nails!
- Lola's Secret Beauty Blog: Bite Beauty Lush Fruit Lip Gloss in Peachy and Rambutan are must-have pink & peach perfection for every occasion!
- Kizzy Online: Makeup Monday: all neutrals!Makeup Monday: all neutrals!
- Beauty on the Bayou: BRING OUT YOUR INNER MODEL - Model In A Bottle Makeup Setting Spray.
- Beauty by Miss L: My Beauty Resolutions for 2015.
- Color Me So Crazy: **Spolier Alert** #RedCoatTuesday for Pretty Little Liars.
- Never Say Die Beauty: Allison finally gets around to singing the praises of Urban Decay Naked Basics Eyeshadow Palette.
- beautyXposé: Don’t let the cold winter weather dry out your skin. Kristin shares some of her current favorite Winter moisturizers to keep you as smooth as a baby’s bottom.
- The Feminine Files: Lip color...are you more BOLD or NEUTRAL? I'll show you 2 great options from the Maybelline Color Sensational line!
- beautyfiends: Julia at beautyfiends is giving away the Rodan+Fields Multi-Function Eye Cream!
Saturday, January 24, 2015
The Beauty Spotlight Team's Top Picks for Your Weekend Reading Pleasure
What do you think of Marsala, the Pantone color of the year? Beauty Info Zone has some new ideas with KBShimmer polish and Purely Cosmetics blush. Let's learn about the indies.
Who says spring is all about soft washes of colors? Givenchy would politely disagree. Sunny from Mostly Sunny checks out some bright colorful pieces from the Color Creation collection. Would you like to have some color fun, too?
Ever wonder what is the secret to celebrities looking so young and line-less on the red carpet? I swear it is this stuff! Find out more about how much Pammy Blogs Beauty loves Kate Somerville's Dermal Quench Liquid Lift!
Looking for an eyeshadow palette that truly takes you from day to night? Prime Beauty shows you the Charlotte Tilbury Fallen Angel Palette which can be worn wet or dry!
Want to look like your face was airbrushed by angels? Well you will want to check out Perilously Pale's review of the new Guerlain Light Revealing Powder!
Thinking about picking up the Urban Decay Vice LTD palette on Jan. 25? Check out Phyrra's review and swatches!
What do you buy at The Body Shop? polish insomniac wants you to think nail polish with the Color Crush collection.
Is 15 Minute Beauty going Coco Loco? Better read to find out.
The Painted Rogue has stumbled into the fifth chamber of the dungeon by wearing Too Faced Fuchsia Melted Lipstick. Will she find her way out??
Friday, January 23, 2015
Tom Ford Ultra Shine Lip Gloss in Wet Violet 09 | Swatches and Review
Purchased by Me (Affiliate Links)
As I noted in my review for Tom Ford Ultra Shine Lip Gloss in Love Bruise, I know that many of you by far prefer lipsticks to lip glosses, but Tom Ford makes utterly amazing lip glosses that are well worth trying. These beauties boast superb pigmentation, semi-opaque to opaque coverage, long wear time, and are exceptionally comfortable on the lips.
According to Tom Ford Beauty, their Ultra Shine Lip Gloss is, "A high-shine, color-saturated gloss designed to achieve bold and glamorous lips. Its smooth and creamy texture has a high adherence and easy comfort. It can be worn alone or layered over Tom Ford lip color to add dimension to the lips."
The Ultra Shine Lip Gloss formula has a delightful vanilla scent that is not overpowering, and it does fade rather quickly upon application. The texture of the gloss is quite thick and rich, compared to other glosses, lending itself to opaque coverage– although it can be sheered out. The texture is almost a touch sticky, but not quite- just enough to assure that it adheres to the lips, and is long-wearing by typical lip gloss standards. It actually feels a bit more like a liquid lipstick than a lip gloss, and I find that I get several hours of wear out of a single application. The high shine finish is both lush and elegant, and not in the least bit overdone.
The formula is just superb, and the color is sublime. Wet Violet is gorgeous alone or on top of your favorite plummy to vampy lipsticks. It is a truly extraordinary addition to my collection.
As I previously noted,
The brush applicator does have a tendency to extract more gloss than I need for a single application- therefore I do try to minimize waste by scraping it against the side of the tube while removing the wand. The wand itself is quite long permitting you to scrape the last bits from the bottom of the tube unlike many lip glosses.
Of the vampy lip glosses that I have seen, this is unquestionably the most stunning.
Wet Violet is a breathtaking blue-based purple-kissed wine with subtle pink and violet shimmer.
Top to Bottom: Tom Ford Ultra Shine Lip Gloss in Love Bruise and Wet Violet
Ingredients:
$46.00 for .24 oz. from Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, Bloomingdale's, Saks Fifth Avenue, Selfridges (£33.00) and Harrods (£33.00) (Affiliate Links).
Thursday, January 22, 2015
Life, According to Delilah and Lucy
However, the couch is also a place of celebration, and there is nothing more exciting than the sound and sight of a familiar car gliding up the driveway. The satisfaction that these two gain from seeing one of their human family members emerge from a car is one of their great pleasures. They quickly disembark (pun intended) and make a swift run for the door to greet their people. Their sloppy kisses, big smiles and wagging tails make the end of a long day somehow feel perfect, as though all is right with the world.
Copyright © 2015 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.
Wednesday, January 21, 2015
Koh Gen Do Sale on Hautelook! Ends Saturday, January 24 at 8AM Pacific
PSA (Affiliate Links)
If you love Koh Gen Do, then you absolutely do not want to miss out on this truly amazing sale on Hautelook! The prices are incredible, and the selection is great, but things sell out quickly. I have shopped their KGD sale before, and got amazing things for unbelievable prices! It's definitely worth taking a look to see if there is anything that you want, or need to replenish! Happy Shopping!
Copyright © 2015 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.
Tom Ford Ultra Shine Lip Gloss in Love Bruise 05 | Review and Swatches
Purchased by Me (Affiliate Links)
I know that many of you by far prefer lipsticks to lip glosses, but Tom Ford makes to die for lip glosses that will even make those with an aversion to lip glosses take a second (or third) look. These luxurious twinkling gems boast superb pigmentation, semi-opaque to opaque coverage, long wear time, and are exceptionally comfortable on the lips.
According to Tom Ford Beauty, their Ultra Shine Lip Gloss is, "A high-shine, color-saturated gloss designed to achieve bold and glamorous lips. Its smooth and creamy texture has a high adherence and easy comfort. It can be worn alone or layered over Tom Ford lip color to add dimension to the lips."
I must confess that I am delighted by this beautiful gloss, and the formula is superb. It is so comfortable on the lips that I reach for it quite often, and the color is just extraordinary for the season. Love Bruise is gorgeous alone or on top of your favorite plummy lipsticks. It truly is a thing of beauty.
The brush applicator does have a tendency to extract more gloss than I need for a single application- therefore I do try to minimize waste by scraping it against the side of the tube while removing the wand. The wand itself is quite long permitting you to scrape the last bits from the bottom of the tube unlike many lip glosses.
Isn't Love Bruise gorgeous?!
As compared to Wet Violet
Top to Bottom: Tom Ford Ultra Shine Lip Gloss in Love Bruise and Wet Violet
$46.00 for .24 oz. from Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, Bloomingdale's, Saks Fifth Avenue, Selfridges (£33.00) and Harrods (£33.00) (Affiliate Links).
Tuesday, January 20, 2015
Marula By John Paul Selects Pure Marula Facial Oil | Review
Press Sample (Affiliate Links)
Marula By John Paul Selects Pure Marula Facial Oil contains 99% Marula Oil and 1% Essential Oil Fragrance Blend (Linalool, Limonene). It is an antioxidant rich anti-aging face oil that hydrates and protects the skin while leaving it soft smooth and supple. Marula Oil provides the skin with serious hydration, soothes irritated skin, lightly plumps fine lines, and offers skin a healthy dose of radiance.
Pure Marula Facial Oil has a light and fresh quasi-herbal scent that dissipates quickly upon application. The texture is light and emollient, but I found that it took a little massaging before it would fully sink into the skin. However, applying it to warm and slightly damp skin does make it sink in more quickly. It also works brilliantly well on cuticles and hair, and during my testing period I applied to my cuticles daily, and saw an amazing difference.
Product Claims:
Specially formulated for the face and neck, premium Marula Oil is a naturally soothing treatment that provides intense hydration, protection, and rejuvenation to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles for soft, radiant skin. It is suitable for all skin types and contains a high content of fatty acids, resulting in fast absorption to leave skin smooth with a matte finish. Clinically proven to contain a great deal of antioxidants and omega acids, it can be used alone as a highly effective anti-aging moisturizer, added to other facial products to boost their efficacy, soothe skin after facial treatments or sunburn, or used as a perfect makeup primer. The deliciously fresh scent that stems from a one percent essential oil blend and provides a total sensory experience upon application, then dissipates so it won’t fight your fragrance.
Light and hydrating, Pure Marula Facial Oil absorbs quickly into the skin without a greasy after feel providing immediate and long lasting hydration and improved skin elasticity. Pure Marula Oil by Marula Pure Beauty Oil is the only doctor endorsed, scientifically validated facial oil, with 60% more antioxidants than the leading Argan Oil.
100% Pure Marula Oil is completely virgin, wild harvested, hand-selected, and cold pressed with no added heat or chemicals ensuring that its beneficial properties are captured in every bottle. This superior facial oil leaves skin soft and plump with increased firmness for healthy, beautiful, age-defying radiance.
Multiple uses:
- Alone or as an anti-aging moisturizer
- A healing hydration boost after chemical peels, microdermabrasion and laser treatments
- An elasticity boost when added to your facial mask, cleanser, or moisturizer
- Primer -mix with your foundation for added moisture.
Marula By John Paul Selects suggests adding Pure Marula Facial Oil to other skincare and Beauty products in order to boost their efficacy, and I can attest to the wonders of this practice since I have been doing this with my facial oils for many years. Furthermore, when added to foundations and tinted moisturizers, skin is left delectably luminous.
Fair Trade product information:
In Fair Trade partnership, Marula is derived from wild-harvested, hand-selected Marula nuts by East African women, then cold pressed for the highest quality and purity. Marula is also completed sustainable—only the fallen fruit is collected. By using the fruit for jams, the nuts for Marula Oil, the shells for charcoal, and providing value to the wild stands of trees, the trees are protected. Proud member of the Fair Trade Association and Green America, it is doctor-endorsed, scientifically validated, and clinically proven.
$15.00 for 0.23 oz., $58.00 for 1 oz. and $78.00 for 1.69 oz. from Sephora, Amazon (Affiliate Links).
Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own.
Copyright © 2015 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.
Monday, January 19, 2015
Beautybox Five January 2015 | Unveiling and Review
Press Sample (Affiliate Links)
Each month BB5 creates a theme-based box, and this month is about celebrating the new year by embracing the new opportunities that it brings.
The five items selected range from makeup to cleansing products, and are a combination of deluxe samples and full size products.
2) Sally Hansen Salon Effects (Full Size. Retail $9.99): "Sally knows nails are the best accessory. Now, Sally makes it easy to get a salon effect any time, any place. It wears like nail polish because it IS nail polish. No dry time, so you’re ready to go." These easy to apply nail strips are said to last up to 10 days and can be easily removed with nail polish remover. They have 24 fun designs to choose from. #sallyhansen
3) Ultraflesh The Gold Standard Mascara in Blackout (Retail $21.00): I went looking to find more product information about this mascara, but it seems that the Ultraflesh website has been taken down, and their Facebook page hasn't been updated since 2011. I am not sure whether they are updating their website, or if they are no longer in business. Therefore, all I can tell you is that this mascara is supposed to give you "dramatic, thicker lashes…and dramatic results…." #fusionbeauty
4) Softsoap Nutri Serums Vitamin E Body Wash (Deluxe sample. Retail $8.00 for 15 oz.): "Leaves skin deeply hydrated and soft. Absorbs quickly as it cleans. Softening serum pearls and vitamin E for soft, healthy looking skin." #softsoap
5) Garnier Fructis Daily Care Fortifying Shampoo (Deluxe sample. Retail $3.99 for 13 oz.): "Get an extra boost of strength and energy from Daily Care Shampoo. Works deep to strengthen the hair and conditions the surface for a healthy shine. Gentle enough for everyday use." #garnier
Swatched Left to Right: Amber Bronze, Nude, Opal Black and Platinum Blue
You can win full size versions of the products offered this month by sharing your box on Instagram. Simply state which products are your favorites and use the hashtag #bb5fav and use their handle @beautybox5.
Get an extra box free with any subscription purchase. Use Code: FREEBOX1 (Valid for first-time subscribers only.)
About Beautybox Five: Beauty Box Five is a subscription-based, beauty sampling program that delivers a box filled with 5 cosmetic samples to your door every month. Aimed at introducing women to new cosmetic products and educating them on best practices, Beauty Box 5 scours the market to find the best products for your lifestyle.
Select the subscription plan that works best for you. Every month we will send you a mixture of carefully selected travel, deluxe and full-size samples. Their monthly plans begin at $12.00, but they offer a quarterly plan for $30.00 and a yearly plan for $99.00.
All members receive free shipping. Receive exclusive discounts from our partner brands.
Copyright © 2015 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.
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