NEW Philosophy renewed hope in a jar

By Deanna .P 

2 oz $52.00

renew hope in a jar was formulated by Philosophy to work on the skin throughout the night while we sleep.  The moisturizer is supposed to help with cell renewal & will also fight dullness, roughness, &  dehydration. 

It is interesting to note that the Hope line debuted domestically in 2014 & was launched globally in 2015.  This gives me great confidence in this product since Philosophy has been in existence since 1996. 

The formula has a miracle ingredient named MYRAMAZE which is a natural plant that is known as the resurrection plant.   94% of woman who used this felt their skin looked noticeably improved from the night before, upon awakening.   The directions said the product should be applied in the evening. I put it on every night for a couple of weeks & was happy with the results.  My skin felt softer & looked healthier.   I will continue to use in the hopes of getting even better results in the weeks to come.

For more information on this product, click here:

http://www.philosophy.com/renewed-hope-in-a-jar-night.html? cgi =C112

NEW Philosophy take a deep breath eye

By Deanna P 

oxygenating eye gel cream

0.5 oz $42.00

As we age, the skin underneath our eyes is one of the first things to show the noticeable signs of aging.  There are a lot of eye creams on the market, but it is important to find the one that works best for you. Philosophy a beloved brand on the market since 1996, has a great product line that includes eye care.   Their Philosophy is “we believe every woman deserves to have radiantly beautiful impeccably smooth and healthy-looking skin through products that deliver real life results.”   I have to agree with their assessment & tried their eye cream in the hopes of getting positive results.  take a deep breath eye works to help smooth, brighten, & revitalizes the skin underneath the eyes.  The cream is refreshing cool & easy to apply.  The directions say to apply a moderate amount 2x daily in the morning & evening.In a study 83% of woman saw a brighter well rested eye after 8 weeks of daily use.  I am on week 2 & there is a definite difference. Under my eyes is looking brighter & the fine lines seem to be diminishing. I credit the results on the ingredients which include barley leaf extract, caffeine & a peptide blend to name a few of them.   I will continue use of this product in the hopes that under my eyes get even more improved after continued use.

Here is more information on the product

Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask

Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask

Size 3.4 FL OZ/ 100 ML$26.00 Size 1.7 FL OZ/ 50 ML $17.00

Origins has been around since the 1990’s.  An interesting fact about the brand is its two tree logo stands for yin and yang. The trees visually represent the brands belief, Powered by Nature. Proven by Science.This neat charcoal mask recommended for dry, normal & oily skin works to mainly clear pores.  The bamboo charcoal works like a magnet does, to attract  & get out the pore cloggers that attach themselves to our faces daily. The main ingredient charcoal, found in China, is known as the “black diamond”.   It is created from Bamboo ash & draws out skin’s impurities.  Charcoal has been used by the Chinese since 1486 during the Ming Dynasty.After one use of this product, my face felt cleaner, & more radiant than it had in months.   My pores seemed to be much smaller & my skin was soft to the touch. I have to admit I loved the long history of the product’s key ingredient & was super impressed on how many years charcoal has helped to treat the skin. I likened the experience with it to a do it yourself facial at home.   An actual spa treatment in the comfort of your own home for a fraction of the price, was what I believe this mask’s intent was.

For more information & to try more products by Origins, check out:

https://www.origins.com/product/15346/11588/skincare/treat/face-masks/Clear-Improvement/Active-Charcoal-Mask-to-Clear-Pores

 

Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion

Christine .Q

“Always remember that the future comes one day at a time.”

And always remember, so do wrinkles. 

 

That is why I'm obsessed with Sunscreen and products with sunscreen. I don't believe in avoiding the sun. I am not a vampire, I like the Vitamin D boost, and I like being outside. Wear a hat where applicable and apply sunscreen everywhereMy personal everyday sunscreen is Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion WetForce Broad Spectrum SPF 50+. It's light weight, has a fresh scent, and is the perfect primer for foundation. It makes your skin smooth, poreless, and doesn't leave that funny white cast a lot of sunscreens do. It's not only a great daily sunscreen, but it's excellent for those who lead an active lifestyle like myself. I walk/bike 2 miles to work. I play tennis, box, spin, bootcamp, hike, swim, you name it, I sweat it and this seriously lasts longer than anything I've tried.But with any great sunscreen, you have to reapply especially if you're active. Cheers to starting off summer right! Hope it's full of sunny days!

Tom Ford Traceless Foundation Review

By: Christine .Q

I've always been in love with Tom Ford, the man. There's something about him that oozes extreme sex appeal and his aesthetic is unmatched. From his clothes to the direction of A Single Man, nothing is ever understated or overstated and everything is deliberate. You know Tom Ford when you see Tom Ford. What I love most about him is he presents a very powerful image of women. Powerful, in charge, sometimes intimidating, and always naturally beautiful. This is the type of woman I strive to be. His line of make up is him right down to the timeless details of the packaging. A beautiful shiny brown shell with gold trimming. But what's in it has change my look and whether it's in my head or not, communicates the woman I am inside out. 

His traceless foundations is my favorite of all time. I've spent hundreds of dollars ($80/bottle) on this foundation and it is worth every penny. It goes on smooth, gives an exceptional glow, and lightweight. It lasts all day and is perfect for summer or winter. It's like my skin but 10x better. I usually top it off with a dusting of La Mer The Powder which surprisingly is a good deal ($65/for a GIANT jar that will last you years) for a luxury brand. The powder is translucent and I've seen it on every skin color out there so it's pretty universal. I'm all about mixing high and low when it comes to make up, but these two are  items are my two can't live out when it comes to my make up routine and would recommend to anyone. 

Intraceuticals Opulence brightening wand review

​By Deanna .P 

Intraceuticals Opulence brightening wand 4ml Retail: $49.00

 The Intraceuticals Opulence brightening  wand is every aging woman’s dream.   My only hope is that it is a magical wand & when I apply it to my face, the aging spots vanish into thin air.   It is a highly concentrated cream that works to target uneven pigmentation.  I feel as though I have a new brown spot forming on my face every day so I was game to apply it 2x daily in hopes that my problem spots would indeed disapper.  The cream also promises to protect skin against enviromental damage & even your skin tone.  The three main ingredients  include Water/Aqua/Eau, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, & Methyl Gluceth-20.I am on my 3rd day of using it & I have shown some definite improvement that I feel in time, could make the final result miraculous.For more information & other products by intraceuticals, check out:http://intraceuticals.com/news/intraceuticals-correction-wands

Wen Fig Cleansing Conditioner 16oz.

​Wen Fig Cleansing Conditioner 16oz.

by Deanna P ​

I eat figs & consider them healthy, nourishing, & great for my body. So when Wen creator Chaz Dean introduced Wen Fig Cleansing Conditioner to his ever growing line of products, I was very excited to try it, as I felt it would be great for my hair.

Wen Fig CC is recoomended for dry damaged or frizzy hair & helps to deeply moisturize, clean & detangle the hair without weighing it down.

I tried the product & not only loved the smell, but I was very impressed with the look & feel of my hair after the first wash. I was a little concerned as It does not lather so I was not sure what the final results would be. I am happy to report it looked shiny healthy, & gorgeous!

Some of the ingredients are water, rosemary leaf extract, wild Cherry fruit extract, fig extractm chamomile extract, & marigold extract. Health in a bottle. My hair definitely reacted to it perfectly. See before & after pics below.

For more info on this product & more products by WEN: http://chazdean.com

The Price is $32.00 for 16oz.

Tony Moly I’m Real Tea Tree Face Mask

Article by Deanna P

My skin is not as healthy & even toned as I age & it is a little disheartening to see the changes.  I love trying new thing to hopefully make my skin look & feel better.  I received a single packet of Tony Moly I’m Real Tea Tree Face Mask.  It was very easy to use as it all it required for me to do was clean my face & take it out of the packet & leave on my skin for 20-30 minutes.  Upon removing, rub the excess oil into my face.  Some of the key ingredient include:

Water,  Hydrogenated Castor Oil,  Musa Sapientum (Banana) Fruit Extract l, Illicium Verum (Anise) Fruit Extract,, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil.

Tony Moly is a Global Korean beauty brand whose name translates to Nice & Trendy.  They have a plethora of adorable products.  They are all reasonably priced as the mask I tried retailed for $4.00

My overall experience was very good.  I liked the smell, the texture & the ease of use. My skin definitely was improved.  It looked a little healthier & it definitely felt softer & smoother.  No miracle as I still looked my age, but definitely would use this product again. 

For more info. & to see other masks & products, by this brand, Click Here:

http://www.tonymolyus.com/mask-patch/face.html

Tarteistclay paint liner & brush

Smokey eye with Tarteist liner as base for smokey eye layer with Pandora matte black eyeshadow. 

Better view of my makeup to the right Tedrick Lamar | Makeup artist who created my makeup look.  

Okay, I am really weird about gel liner not because I don't like them but because I honestly hate wasting my money. I can't began to emphasis enough the amount of black eyeliners I own that are now dried out.

I've heard different feedback in regards to this eyeliner and honestly the feedback I heard wasn't so great.   "The consistency is too fluid" or even "it's too black". I say the beauty of makeup is different things work for different people and that's what I look for in a gel liner. This is encouraged me to go out and formulate my own opinion. 

So I will mention this again the consistency reminds you of liquid initially and a little product goes a very long way. Deciding what you want to use it for prior ( which I call a makeup game plan) is best because it does dry a little quick when using what you need. However if you are over using the product you will find very long dry times. 

During my day time look I used it as a very dramatic cat eye that can be seen through my eyeglasses. Transforming from day to night having someone do my smoky eye for the first ever in life. I came with suggestions 

:( I suggested using this a base for my smoky eye and this was perfect because of the richness in texture. This liner is extremely black. Ideal for smokey eye base I'm a little obsessed to add a hidden gem to my smokey eye routine.  

5 Best Activated Charcoal Mask

5 Best Activated Charcoal Mask

I am on an Activated Charcoal kick, In my previous informative I spoke about benefits when using charcoal mask on the skin. Since I also did a DIY post here are my recommendations for women on the go who don't have time to concoct the mask yourself at home here are my 5 top rated. 

1.

Boscia Black Mask 34.00

An innovative peel-off mask that helps boost skin clarity and minimize the appearance of pores. Removes dirt and impurities, absorbs excess oil and reveals a healthy, glowing complexion. 

2.

YouthMud 69.00

This mud mask leaves skin noticeably radiant and glowing. It works with the body's natural moisturizing collagen to provide gentle resurfacing exfoliation and helps to leave skin smoother, brighter, and softer. While providing tighter skin texture and tighter pores, it provides a more youthful appearance and absorbs impurities without removing natural oils. 

3.

Yes to Charcoal 

Yes to Tomatoes Detoxifying Charcoal Mud Mask is an all natural rich and creamy treatment. This mask is formulated to assist in cleaning up and reducing the severity of acne by helping rid skin of impurities. Key Ingredients include Detoxifying Charcoal helps draw out skin's impurities, Salicylic Acid penetrates pores to clear up acne and prevent future breakouts, Botanical blend of Tomato, Aloe, Watermelon, Pumpkin and Chamomile extracts for extra skin conditioning.

 

4.

Freeman Facial Polish 4.99

City Smoke, debris, it's a wonder skin can breathe! This unique mask and scrub works double time to detox skin. First, naturally purifying Activated Charcoal helps absorb oil and impurities without over-drying. Then, Black Sugar helps exfoliate away dulling skin cells for softness and clarity. Perfect for all skin types.

5.

Origins Clear Improvement 34.00

When environmental toxins, dirt, and debris get under your skin, its waste-filtering system gets jammed, pores get clogged, and skin looks cloudy. Nature's complexion clean-up crew gets to the bottom of skin's overcast condition and clears the way for it to act its best. 

NYX Ombre Blush Review

NYX Ombre Blush

It took me a while to write this review. Curious to see how my skin reacts to the product. Breaking out from products plays a big factor in my review process. The price is an amazing price point and after a few weeks of use. The product didn't break me out. The texture is very smooth however is VERY pigmented so you don't need a lot of product. This product is ombre graduating from light to dark. Generally I utilize the softer ton on the apples of my cheeks and the darker shade on my jawline or if it has shimmer I use it as a highlight. Feel free to mix the both tones together and use them as your traditional blush.

 

I was so impressed by my initial purchase with the first blush that I thereafter ordered the orange. This wont be my last purchase. Great buy!

http://www.nyxcosmetics.com/ombre-blush/NYX_318.html?cgid=blush

Apartment Violet : Candles. Skincare. Body

I have an obsession with candles, I could never own too many. This is a home staple for me. I try various brands this one I like because its homemade. I Love the smell of it. I love that it has a natural sent and it doesn't smell to fragrant. In celebration of women below is a an article from the creator Apartment Violet about her homemade business. Violet Apartment doesn't stop at just candles there is skincare and body care . The all over body balm is one of my favorite products for travel or to carry in your purse. I use this balm for lips face body and for cuticles. 

Apartment Violet : Candles. Skincare. Body

My name is Cindy Recile and I am the creator and owner of Apartment Violet a Candle, Skincare, and Art shop. 

Since I was younger, creating art and substance that represented and belonged to me was always important and essential. My brain has always been hungry to learn different skills in artistry and I am always researching and perfecting different channels in creative growth. Apartment Violet represents the harvest of a refined artisan practice with humble beginnings and attentive passion. 

For years I have worked in the beauty industry in different retail stores in New York City. I have always had a strong interest in Skincare and Fragrance, but popular items in that category had a very BRANDED feel with high price points not flexible for everyone’s budget. I wanted to create a product that was more relatable and with sensible pricing while still providing luxury and quality.
I think that consumers of 2016 are demanding more competitive pricing and the focus on designer names are fading. I have seen a surge of market interest in Local business, Underground Brands, Artisan crafts, homemade products focusing on organic and eco-friendly ingredients. Consumers are searching for products that are unique, bespoke, and have their own story. 

I represent one of many local artisans in New York City that strive to create a unique experience with quality products produced in small batches. There is no machine’s creating my line. Each individual candle and skincare item has been hand poured with a lot of time, precision, and passion invested. 

Apartment Violet features high quality scents that stand out from the rest with a budget friendly price point. Our shop is perfect for gifts, home decor, or simply if you are looking to self-indulge. My products are eco-friendly with a natural base. Each candle creation evokes scents that stem from memories in my personal experience, from the warm cozy tones of Georgia Peach in my Sundays Candle to the sheer green tranquility of Blue Spruce and Grass in our Day Off Candle. Our candle names have personality and our product will bring you to an elevated atmosphere. 

My skincare collection has been a staple ingredient that I have used for years to combat imbalanced skin and a promote a healthy glow. I am a big fan of multi-use and my balm functions great for face, body, and hair. 

Apartment Violet’s journey has started off as a late night project in my kitchen to some wonderfully created products. Check us out online now at www.aptviolet.com and learn more about our story and brand.

Wave Pool | Floss Gloss

5 stars, This is the BEST teal if you are looking for the perfect Tiffany blue.  Also you can anticipate very rich in pigment. No need for 3 layers of coats. The shiny finish is stunning on all complexions and compliments every skintone. The small bottle packs tons of power and product. This is the time to primp poolside with Wave Pool. 

Boscia Skincare Review

You’re never too old to become younger – Mae West.

When selecting my skincare, I always start with the intent to actually try it. We are all guilty of buying something cosmetic trying it 3 days and complaining when it doesn’t work.

Skin takes a little time to adjust to new products. Skin also takes time to stop the way it reacts from the former products you’ve been using.

My skincare routine has been much more mild and my skin has been amazing as a result. Skin naturally repairs it self so don’t be too abrasive and interfere with the process. I don’t use a Clarisonic anymore and believe it or not with consistency my skin is in the best shape it’s ever been.  I am not saying to throw your hard earned money in the trash. This is my personal preference and I am extremely happy with the results.

I use the mask one a week or before I am headed to a special occasion.  The cleanser I use night and day as well as the moisturizer.

See below my current system:

Luminizing Black Mask $ 34 US

http://www.sephora.com/luminizing-black-mask-P266800?skuId=1269455

Detoxifying Black Cleanser $ 28 US:

http://www.boscia.com/shop/product_detail.php?products_id=146

Revitalizing Black Hydration Gel $ 34 US:

http://www.boscia.com/shop/product_detail.php?products_id=140

Maliboob Job | Floss Gloss

There is no Mystery Here; I am always on the hunt for a good polish.  My brand of choice is normally Floss Gloss.  I am never disappointed. The wide color variety I easily find colors that suit my needs. The color pay off is intense. The polish doesn’t chip and it dries down very fast. Everything you can ask for. 

Looking for Neon colors to experiment for spring. I tried Maliboob Job, which is a new addition to the Floss Gloss color catalog. This bright florescent pink is absolutely amazing and looks great but different on all complexions. Inspired by a mix of the iconic and elusive Los Angeles billboard babe, Angelyne, plus a little attitude and determination of a young Anna Nicole Smith.  All that wrapped up in a mansion deluxe set in the Malibu hills

The bottles are small but normally last me up to 5 polishes with hands and toes.  The vintage gold top looks amazing on any vanity. 

Maiboob Job: $8 US

Metallic Lipsticks & Wild Child Eyeshadow Palette | NYX & BH Cosmetics

Metallic Lipsticks

I can’t began to emphasis how happy I am that metallic lipsticks are making a comeback.  Beauty trends repeat themselves. 90’s metallic shades please stay for good.  In search of some new metallic lipstick, I’ve snagged a few shades from NYX. The lipsticks were very reasonable in price $5.99.

I am a firm believer that we get what we pay for. When spending 6 bucks on lipsticks we shouldn’t have unrealistic expectations.

Right to left:

• NYX Undertone
• NYX Immortal
• NYX Silver Shimmer

Wild Child Palette

Attempting to scout out an eye shadow palette that would pair perfectly with my lipstick. In order to recreate the super matchy 90’s look. (Don’t ask me what I was thinking lol) I stumbled across the BH wild child palette. The palette came with a beautiful make-up bag along with a crease blending brush.  Swatching the palette I was impressed but when it came to wearing it I was extremely disappointed.  This is awesome for mixing with shadows with a more concentrated consistency.

Limbo | Colour Pop

Looking for a good lip color but on a budget, let's start here. I try all products before writing any reviews. I give them a little wear, this is really important for me. Several times I've been in search for a direct answer on if I should buy a product and how it functions, I'm not given a direct answer or I don't believe what I'm reading. Working in the cosmetic industry makes me super apprehensive.

I am always in search of a good Nia Long brown lipstick. I am stuck in the 90's makeup routing and don't want to grow up. Needless to say I hoarder most brown lipsticks and probably own everyone that exists. Since I have this obsession, I am way more conscious of the amount of money I spend on lipstick, in order to avoid spending too much money on a lipstick that I will only wear once or twice.

I stumbled across Limbo from Colour Pop and instantly fell in love. Most good quality lipstick ranges anywhere from $15-$20, this one costs roughly $6 and I still consider this a good quality lipstick. Quality isn't always in what you pay but how much you love it. I am partnering this liquid lipstick with a matte lip color from Colour pop called Taurus. These will be my two favorite browns for February and March. I normally switch every two months. 

Colour Pop Limbo $6