Friday, January 9, 2015

Cold, Winter Air Means Thick, Nourishing Eye Cream At Night

We have OILY skin, and even for us....that all changes quickly when snow, ice + bitter wind chills begin to appear. We live in the northeast by the way. Lows tonight expected around 10 degrees.

Lately our skin care routine has hovered around 4 simple steps:

1. Cleansing AM--Glycolic Acid soap bar
2. Daytime treatment--Vitamin C serum
3. Cleansing PM--Ivory soap
4. Nighttime treatment--Retin-A (prescription) 

Now that beauty routine looks tame enough, but since winter has arrived, we have noticed dry, scratchy, irritated eyes. The most likely culprits---too much retin-A and then too much Vit. C.

Even though these potent treatments are used at opposite times of the day, minor side effects can occur. Also---the harsh elements are causing the skin discomfort. Tight, red, itchy skin are COMMON during these weather conditions

So----a nice, thick hyaluronic eye cream at nighttime can CALM things down. But we will NOT use Retin-A around eyes when using hyaluronic acid.


One suggestion we have that is effective + fairly inexpensive

Mario Badescu Hyaluronic Eye Cream ($18, at ULTA).

How does this stuff work?

"Hyaluronic Acid formula helps lock in the skin's own natural moisture without the use of heavy, greasy oils. Absorbent, medium weight cream for use day or night. Aloe based formula makes this cream suitable for all skin types, even sensitive."

So when applying an eye cream, remember NOT to go too close to the lashes, but do put some on the eyelid, too. And go around the orbital bone as diagrammed here.


Winter has ONLY just begun for us. Hang in there.

Thursday, January 8, 2015

Mockingjay's Jennifer Lawrence Keeps Eye Makeup Put With Cool Aqua Seal

When it comes to the red carpet, Mockingjay star Jennifer Lawrence ALWAYS looks chic + polished and usually ends up on the Best Dressed lists.

And as far as her red carpet makeup looks, Katniss, again, appears flawless.



So----how do you keep your eyeliner + eye shadow from heading south + smudging up?

Do what JLaw does. Her makeup artist Ve Neill uses Makeup Forever Aqua Seal ($21, at Sephora).



Aqua Seal is a liquid converter that "transforms powder formulas and pencils into smudge-proof, long lasting makeup.".

In other words your makeup INSTANTLY turns water-proof. Aqua Seal's ..."lightweight, liquid texture intensifies pigments and shimmer for a dramatic, long lasting result." 

Eye makeup STAYS Put!

This is how Artist Neill uses the product for Jennifer:

He mixes Aqua Seal with her eye pencil. Its' that simple.

-Mix a few drops of Aqua Seal with product and apply immediately.
-Clean brushes after use to avoid hardening of bristles.

And all night long, you don't have to worry about 'slipping' liner + shadow.

Great beauty tip!

Wednesday, January 7, 2015

Shake Your Own Booty With JLo's New Tasty Shakes By Body Lab

Jennifer Lopez knows how to strike when the iron is HOT...and her timing is exquisite.


The new season of American Idol kicks off this evening on FOX. And JLo is also launching her own health + wellness brand called Body Lab. The megastar has her HBO Documentary "Dance Again" attracting fans too. She also peddled her new book "True Love" a couple of months ago. And now her new movie "The Boy Next Door."

So---it's JLo time---over + over, again.

Jennifer Lopez is NO fool. At 45 she is in amazing shape, so her own brand to whittle your way to a HOT JLo body makes dollars + sense.

Now you can shake your own booty and enjoy some of Body Lab's new healthy items like Jennifer's Tasty Shake Complete Whey Protein Complex ($23.93,1 lb. at, Amazon).

We love whey protein powder, but we don't think you can build much muscle with a small 15 grams protein per scoop here.

The good news---only 90 calories per drink. That's a filling shake and great as maybe a replacement meal.




We applaud JLo for trying to give women some healthy, tasty options.
.
And if this tasty shake could give us all such a sexy bottom without working out, etc., well, we would stock up on all these Body Lab products now!

Tuesday, January 6, 2015

When Cosmetic Lip Enhancement Goes Wrong In The Name Of Vanity.....

Wow.....Just wow.


Former teen mom star Farrah Abraham is praying this is ONLYtemporary. Apparently, her lip injections took on a life of their on, following a session at the derm's office for lip enhancement.

The mom to 4-year-old Sophia suggested on Twitter today that something went wrong during the injections, landing the former porn celeb in the emergency room. Farrah's hashtags read #botched. #California. #ER. #fix it.

Talk about a duck face---- like the way reality star Kim Kardashian + sisters often pose. Word to the wise......This is scary. And we are SURE that this has happened to other stars who demand instant, BIG lips. Allergic reactions CAN occur.

We have to admire Farrah's honesty here. She could have hidden the problem, er, if she stayed indoors until the major swelling subsided. She did come forward.

Of course, Twitter members are having fun poking fun at Farrah's expense.



So, what dermal filler caused the alleged reaction?

Farrah has stated before that she has tried collagen for a trout pout. A derm will make you take an allergy test for collagen BEFORE you receive the lip injections.

So, it was probably another filler that does not require testing, such as hyaluronic acid, perlane, juvederm, etc,, that might have caused this unbelievable reaction.

This reminds us of the time Kris Jenner came down with a huge swollen upper lip on a 2012 episode of Keeping Up with the Kardashians. Kris claimed that a food allergy had caused her upper lip to inflame during a family vacation in the Dominican Republic.

Er,...okay, if you say so, Kris.


So next time you see a celebrity with enviable, very full lips, just remember, it probably took a few needles to pump up the volume. And most of the time, these injections go smoothly + safely.

 Should you desire instant, big lips, make sure you go to a board-certified doctor who has experience in this area.

Monday, January 5, 2015

Keshia Knight-Pulliam First To Get Booted Off Apprentice: But Leaves In Style

Gotta LOVE "Celebrity Apprentice," but don't agree with Mr. Trump booting off classy Keshia Knight-Pulliam from the first, new episode last night.


Just wait, Kate--plus 8, you will have your day soon enough, sweetie.

The former Cosby kid, everyone's fave---little Rudy Huxtable, volunteered to be project manager selling pies with her all-female team. Unfortunately, the girls lost, and Donald Trump blamed Keshia for losing the charity task, because she refused to pull personal strings and contact Bill Cosby her TV dad to ask for a donation.


Having said all that, we couldn't get over how very pretty Keshia is. She has BIG, brown eyes with really long lashes.



And we did a little digging and found out her beauty secret. This is what she told BET.com:

"On a regular day, I really don't wear makeup. But I do have a few must-haves. I love Lancome Hypnose Drama Instant Full Body Volume Mascara," says Keshia.


We found a tube at Sephora for $27.50.

Great tip, Keshia.

Sunday, January 4, 2015

Palmer's New Cocoa Butter Formula Rapid Moisture Spray Lotion For Winter Smooth Skin

We happen to LOVE cocoa butter---expensive, cheap, thick, thin, lotion, cream, etc.

And now we are thrilled about cocoa butter experts Palmer's + their NEW cocoa butter in a can. That's right. In a can.

Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Rapid Moisture Spray Lotion. It's available just about everywhere. We found a 7 oz. can for only $5.88 at Walmart.


Just twist + spray. It's really lovely + light. NOT greasy and NOT tough to absorb.

Great when you are finished showering. Spritz and rub in. Smells dreamy, too, if you adore that chocolate-coconut-y cocoa butter scent.



Let's be honest. Winter ushers in dry, frigid temps for most of us, and battling dull, dry skin that is thirsting for hydration is a common, beauty challenge.

This new rapid moisture spray lotion is quick + convenient and absorbs PRONTO!

Cocoa butter happens to be HIGH in fatty acids, meaning it can penetrate deeper into the skin and hydrate from within. Cocoa butter can also be helpful for those with sensitive skin and conditions like eczema + psoriasis. It's a soothing formula.

Spray lotions aren't just for summer, either. This Palmer's cocoa butter spray lotion is a good, beauty budget buy for winter dry skin.

Saturday, January 3, 2015

Copy Taylor Swift's Baby Blue Winter Coat For $72 And Less!

We happen to LOVE the color baby blue. In fact, we believe it looks great with dark hair.

And it looks FAB with blonde hair, too, because Taylor Swift has been walking around icy cool New York City these days wearing a baby blue ASOS coat.

LOVE it! That girl has a lovely sense of style.

Copy the SAME look here for just $72, or get an even cheaper knock-off for $58

So, let's get busy, girls!

Here is Taylor all warm + cozy in an ASOS Boyfriend Coat (on SALE $72.01)! In sizes--4, 8, 10+ 14. Deep patch pockets, double-breasted, over-sized style.


Now here is that same ASOS coat with the model wearing it. Very nice!


And if you'd like a baby blue, cheaper version, then check out this pretty, boyfriend coat from Forever21--Oversized Boucle Coat ($57.80). Good price for a cool look. In Small. Medium. Large.


Maybe it's time to try on the baby blue coat trend. Taylor Swift can do NO wrong these days.

There are just so many black coats you can keep on wearing.

Baby blue, a seriously great budget buy!