Elemental Herbology Cell Food

Vitamins, soy protein, and pomegranate extract infuse this milky serum so it can easily penetrate and repair stressed-out, under-nourished skin. Their unique blend of ingredients also help with skin pigmentation issues as well as fine lines. It's lightweight enough to wear under any moisturizer and good for all skin types, from dry to acne-prone.

Sometimes I dread trying new products on my skin just because it often leads to breakouts due to the sheer volume of different products I try, but I think the name alone drew me in. Well, that and the scent. I don't like heavy or perfume-y scented skincare, and this smells almost neutral. It has replaced a lotion antioxidant I was using daily, but was sometimes too heavy with a moisturizer especially under makeup.

Cell Food isn't the only star in the collection, resting comfortably within Elemental Herbology's slick lineup of skin and body care I'd tout 'Natural Chic' where technology brings the very best out of vitamins, flowers, and fruit extracts.

$68, Space NK Apothecary both in store and online

Elemental Herbology Cell Food

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Mountain Ocean Skin Trip Lotion

Boulder based Mountain Ocean has been churning our their cult classic Skin Trip lotion for over 30 years by hand in small batches. It's vegetable based with coconut oil and a short list of ingredients that contain only the best things for your skin- after all Whole Foods wouldn't shelf them otherwise.

If you like anything coconut scented, you have to get this. Light, milky, crisp, yet soft is how I'd describe the scent of this perfectly blended formula that sinks into your skin to wrap it in lightweight total moisture. You can't over-do it since it never turns greasy and the scent is subtle.

Once you love the lotion, you'll do what I did and buy the bar soap too. The lather is insane and smells just as good.

$9, Amazon.com, Whole Foods,

Mountain Ocean Skin Trip Lotion

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Line High/ Low: Bobbi Brown

Every line has a few signature items, the ones for which they're known and others try and duplicate. Similarly, each line has a few items that aren't that great and are eventually phased out or re-formulated. Here's my Line High/ Low for Bobbi Brown.


Highs:














Their Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner is their hands down best formulated item out of the line. It wears as indicated and the color selection is perfectly complete. These are must-haves in makeup artist's kits and something I personally wear all the time.
































If you have yet to find a perfect foundation, go for their Foundation Stick which also doubles as a concealer. Adjust the coverage exactly they way you like it, adding more where you need it and less where you don't. All skin types can use the stick except for very oily, and the 17 shades offered have you covered no matter what your skin tone.



























Rarely talked about and totally underrated is their Lash Glamour mascara. What makes it unique is the gel formula (traditional mascaras are cream) that can be used over any mascara to give a glossy false lash look, or of course used on its own.


Lows:



























I'll never understand the Shimmer Bricks. Even using a light-handed approach can leave you with shimmer overload, especially outside in daylight. Adding a pink shade to the equation (versus a bronzer) adds another challenge since a shimmery pink face doesn't seem like a desired effect.


























Now I love their Eye Shadow colors as much as I love the new packaging for the custom palettes. I guess the only problem is the shadow formulas themselves. Creasing varies from color to color, and so does intensity. Some shades glide on easily, while others make you work harder than you care to trying to create depth.

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Cle de peau Eye Color Quad #14

One of the prettiest palettes for eyes I've seen in a while, Cle de peau's #14 Eye Color Quad hits all the right notes with an array of silvery gunmetals from light to deep that shimmer and shine on your lids.

Cle de peau is known for their richly pigmented shadows with a built-in primer and crease-resisting formula. Shimmering greys are so hard to find especially in shades this perfect that look more sexy and not like the tin man as seen in some outright silvers. It's the look of the new smokey eye, where a charcoal might be too dark and difficult to pull off, shades of grey can be arranged with other colors and go well on all skin tones.

You might find the price tag jolting at first, but this palette is one you'll use often and wonder how you did without it.

$75, Select Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, and Nordstrom

Cle de peau Eye Color Quad #14

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Smashbox Photo Finish Lid Primer

I love Shadow Insurance, and went through a few tubes of it, but my loyalty was recently tested with Smashbox's Photo Finish Lid Primer.

I missed the ease of a wand and a thicker, more matte creme. It rids your lids of any redness and preps it for a crease-free shadow experience. The new formula, available only through Sephora, boasts a patented delivery system which ensures all ingredients are absorbed into the skin for maximum benefits. Oily lids will find it matte enough to keep shadows in place, and dry or more mature lids will love the soft focus pearls which reduce the appearance of fine lines.

Smashbox Photo Finish Lid Primer

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CellCeuticals

If you watch the show Keeping up with the Kardashians, then you just saw Bruce Jenner's corrective surgery to fix his somewhat over-processed look caused by a botched plastic surgery years ago. His overhaul was performed by Dr.Garth Fisher, M.D., F.A.C.S. who is known for producing surgical miracles even on the toughest
corrective surgeries.

So the moral of the story is that Dr. Fisher knows skin. Naturally would the transition into skin care guru be a perfect next step. He didn't just mail-in the formulations either, he developed some pretty ground-breaking knock-out products to tackle tough wrinkles based on 15 years of DNA research. In fact, he claims the products to be 300% more effective than the best department store brands with a guarantee of visible results in just 2 weeks.

Below are a few videos from the company- one a product overview and the other an interview from the man himself, Dr. Fisher.








CellCeuticals

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NVEY ECO Organic Powder Blush

NVEY ECO does the seemingly impossible by combing organic ingredients into a beautiful, fun cosmetic line. Aside from featuring skin-loving ingredients, the product performs as well as professional lines and the collection itself is solid. I was just in a natural grocery store today checking out their cosmetic collections which appeared to me to be cheap looking makeup in cheap looking packaging for a whole lotta cash. Touting yourself 'natural' or 'good for skin' doesn't mean we'll overspend on something that doesn't work and looks so thrown together we're not even excited to bring it home.

Sleek, mirrored compacts house NVEY ECO's Organic Powder Blushes made with coconut and jojoba oils along with vitamin e and corn silk for easy application and blending. You'll find one or several of their 8 shades perfect for everyday wear. Today I'm wearing 954 Apricot, a matte coral that brings a nice glow to my cheeks.

$29, EcoNveyBeauty.com, Sephora.com, DermStore.com, SaffronRouge.com

NVEY ECO Organic Powder Blush

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The New Stila

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Stila Cosmetics has been saved! I'm so glad that Lynn Tilton, a private equity maven with 75 companies in her portfolio, is the new CEO of one of my best loved lines. Her new vision will bring Stila to the next level and right into the hands of women who haven't yet tried the line for themselves. Look for infomercials that will include Sarah Lucero, Stila's Global Director of Education, who I had the opportunity to meet in NY for Fashion Week last February.

The best part of their new beginning is the upcoming mass line, Simply Stila which will feature goodies for under $10.

Stila is welcoming back their customers by offering a free 24kt Luxe Lip Gloss with any $25 purchase for a limited time.

Stila

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Pomega5 Pomegranate Cleansing Bar

The smell of Pomega's Pomegranate Cleansing Bar was the sole reason the product almost didn't make it past my desk into my bathroom for me to try. Within hours of freeing the soap from its wrapper, my office was filled with the sweet smell of lemongrass, pomegranate, and lavender which made me so happy I wanted to keep it in there as a makeshift flameless candle bar (note to self- invent that).

My hope that the scent wasn't the best thing about this bar was soon realized when a lathery foam emerged from just a few sweeps of the bar between my hands. Dense suds washed my skin leaving it so completely cleansed that I didn't need a toner. That intoxicating scent is so refreshing first thing in the morning, it's sure to wake up your skin as well as your senses.

Pomega5 Pomegranate Cleansing Bar

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Wei East

If you're a fan of the Home Shopping Network, then you know all too well about Wei East, a big time skin care line that just seems to keep growing. Wei East offers a complete line of skin care for every need imaginable combining Chinese wisdom with Western technology making them the largest Chinese skin care company in the US. Drawing from more than 100 herbs, they've managed to slowly build into 10 product categories including my favorite, White Lotus.

Besides the fact that it smells heavenly, I love how indulgent the products feel on your skin. Their White Lotus Cleansing Cream creates a cushion on your skin gently melting away dirt and makeup without stripping away needed moisture.

Another sure thing is their Daylight Perfection Cream, the very definition of a moisturizer suitable for all skin types. I couldn't stop touching my face after it quickly dissolved into my skin, giving it a radiance that begs to be left makeup free.

Try some of their most popular items and do some good at the same time. Wei's son Alex was helped by the Autism Treatment Center of America when he was diagnosed with Autism. He wanted to thank them by donating 100% of the purchase price of his WE Bring the Hope Collection featuring his best selling items, to both the Autism Treatment Center as well as Autism Speaks. It's a huge value- for $70 you receive $300 worth of products.

A fantastic, well priced line from a company eager to give back? Count me in.

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Latisse Week 2

Here are my week 2 results for Latisse.

The first photo is a baseline photo, which wasn't very clear (sorry), followed by 2 photos after using it for a week, and 2 photos from 2 weeks of use.

I can see a big difference this week in length and thickness, but not as much in darkness. My lashes are getting so long, I might just use it twice a week to maintain since they're hitting my sunglasses now! I'll use it for another straight week to see what happens though. I didn't think it would work so well so quickly.




























Starting point
































































Both photos from week 1. Same session, just one photo using a flash.





























































Week 2, the most recent photos.

Latisse

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Clinique All About Eyes Concealer

Clinique's wildly popular All About Eyes eye cream is now blended into a creamy concealer to disguise dark circles, and treat dryness and puffiness at the same time. It's a brilliant tube of makeup and skincare all rolled into one.

If you wake up puffy, but aren't big on extra steps, this 2-in-1 provides skin care quality ingredients to reduce the puff with a great coverage concealer that hides dark circles in a moisturizing base.

$15.50, 7 Shades, Clinique.com, Sephora.com, various department stores worldwide.

Clinique All About Eyes Concealer

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Chanel Soleil Tan De Chanel

I use bronzer daily. You probably wouldn't even notice that I'm wearing it because I use it on my neck, rarely on my face. Since your neck is typically shielded and sees little sun, it's probably more fair than your face making for a shade discrepancy between the two. Just a little bronzer on the neck can deepen it to the same shade as your face for a more natural, even look.

Warn on the face, bronzer can add warmth and a healthy glow if you know where to place it. Sweep it down the bridge of the nose, along the top of the forehead, and around the frame of the face for the most natural look. Remember it's a bronzer, not a blush- save the cheeks for a bolder flash of color, maybe a pink tone to stand out against the warmth of the bronzer.

Soleil Tan De Chanel is just the bronzer for the task since it's both oil-free and hydrating meaning it looks good on all skin types, and the silky power glides on and blends seamlessly into the skin for a perfectly blended look. Choose from 4 shades depending on your skin tone, all of which look natural and wear well without smudging onto clothing or turing orangey throughout the day.

$50, 4 Shades, Chanel.com, Nordstrom, Macy's, Dillard's, Neiman Marcus, and other department stores worldwide.

Chanel Soleil Tan De Chanel

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Panoxyl Bar 10%

My dermatologist probably dreads when I come in just because I love to pick her brain about what she recommends for different skin scenarios. Given that summer is right around the corner, she had been recommending her clients buy Panoxy Bar 10%, a benzoyl peroxide soap-free wash for the treatment of body breakouts made worse by heat.

She explained breakouts on your chest and back need a little different treatment than your face, and this bar's effective yet gentle approach usually solves the problem.

You buy the bar without a prescription, but it's usually found behind the pharmacy and sells for right around $5.

Panoxl Bar 10%

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Aveda Sun Care Kit

Aveda's Sun Care trio offers protection and recovery for your hair this summer so it doesn't pay the price for too much fun in the sun.

Sun Care Protective Hair Veil is a super sunscreen that will help preserve your color and keep it from fading- it's also just what I've been looking for since my scalp where my hair parts is often burned. Just a few sprays gives your hair a pretty shine from vitamin e, organic shea butter, and palm oil, and offers UV protection for a longer amount of time than the sun shines in the day- so you're completely covered. 

3.4oz $26, Aveda.com, Aveda Stores Nationwide

Sun Care Hair and Body Cleanser is a true all-in-one that you can tote to the pool or on vacation since it gently removes all traces of salt and chlorine in the hair, and also acts as a moisturizing body wash. Even if your activities don't include the outdoors, give it a shot for an effective weekly clarifier that removes all product build-up without stripping color.

8.5oz, $20, Aveda.com, Aveda Stores Nationwide

Sun Care After-Sun Hair Masque gives the benefits of a leave-in conditioner without the time commitment. A blend of organic oils, vitamins, and anti-oxidants strengthen the hair and leave it so soft in just 2 minutes when used in the shower in place of your daily conditioner.

4.2oz, $26, Aveda.com, Aveda Stores Nationwide

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How to Spot Melanoma

I can't tell you how many times I've told someone whose makeup I was applying that they needed to have a mole checked out. They usually say that it's changed over time, or maybe started to itch- all signs of trouble- all ignored.

Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer and although scary, it's a lot less of a threat when detected early. I've posted a few bits of information so you know what to look for on yourself and others. I just had an exam today- which took about 10 minutes to inspect my scalp, bottoms of my feet, and everywhere in between. Make it a part of your wellness visits every year, and don't forget your sunscreen.












































More information on Melanoma

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Sephora Color Play Palette

For $22 you won't find a better deal. The Sephora Color Play Palette contains;

- 36 eyeshadows
- 12 lip glosses
- 3 blushes
- bronzer
- 3 applicators

Basically $120 worth of makeup with colors you'll actually use. A dream for makeup junkies, or the perfect all-in-one starter kit.

Sephora Color Play Palette

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St. Ives Renewing Collagen Elastin Body Polish

Tis the season for skirts, sundresses, shorts, and skin. Whether you're baring your legs in celebration of the spring sun, or if you're looking to shed flakey winter skin for an even self-tanning application, this sugar scrub has got you covered.

Sunflower Oil is the base of this freshly scented scrub mixed with collagen and elastin. I like it because the consistency is dense and holds up to water for a deep pre-shave exfoliation. The smaller sized sugar granules don't scratch or irritate skin at all, so massage it well into dry skin for the ultimate at-home spa experience.

$8, Drugstore.com, Various Drugstore Locations

St. Ives Renewing Collagen Elastin Body Polish

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Kevyn Aucoin The Sensual Skin Enhancer

A multi-tasking skin perfecter that gets skin glowing like a runway model is how I'd describe Kevyn Aucoin's Sensual Skin Enhancer. Only a pin sized amount is needed to spot treat discolorations both as a concealer and foundation. More and more, I'm seeing these smaller sized 2-in-1 concealer/ foundations simply because foundation isn't being warn all over the face anymore.

The more modern approach to perfect looking skin is easy to achieve with this enhancer because of its weight- thick enough to first conceal redness or discolorations, but still able to smooth it around as a foundation for places where you need a little more. As a rule, your foundation should be applied in the center of the face as needed, and completely gone by the time it hits your jaw line. Just cover what needs it and let the rest go. Why wear it all over your face if you don't have to? Leaving as much skin as you can uncovered is fresh, youthful, and always modern.

$45, 15 Shades, KevynAucoin.com Sephora.com

Kevyn Aucoin The Sensual Skin Enhancer

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In My Professional Opinion HOB Feature

A big thank you to Melissa Street, a fellow makeup artist and beauty blogger, for her fantastic write up which highlights my favorite products I've used over the years along with a few shots from my professional portfolio.

You can find it Here

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