Category: Beauty

IT Cosmetics Hello Lashes disappoints

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I was turned off by It Cosmetics after trying its opaque yellow-tinged loose powder Bye Bye Pores, which I described as the most god-awful product that I’ve ever tried.  Marcia at beautyinfozone.com (see 6 beauty sites to follow) likes the product and applies it with a fan brush, which would provide a more diffused application.

Hellos Lashes mascara from It Cosmetics
Hello Lashes mascara from It Cosmetics

In fact, it was because of the raves of Marcia and Lisa at BIZ that I decided to take a second look at It Cosmetics.  BIZ listed It Cosmetics’ Hello Lashes mascara among its top 10 mascaras and published other articles on Hello Lashes.  What clinched the deal for me was that Paula Begoun’s Beautypedia team named Hello Lashes among its 10 Best Products of 2013:

If you’ve been disappointed in the past about mascaras claiming to make regular lashes look like falsies, then this mascara will change your mind. Hello Lashes doesn’t flake or smudge and is water-resistant, with an innovative brush that can reach all lashes (even those baby lashes on the lower lash line!). The end result is a mascara that exceeds expectations in volume, length, and separation.

Here is how It Cosmetics describes Hello Lashes:

Developed with leading plastic surgeons, Hello Lashes 5-in-1 Treatment Mascara revolutionizes and takes the place of five products–volumizing mascara, conditioning lash primer, lash-enhancing serum, lash tint, and a lash comb/curler! Hello Lashes offers the blackest of black color that lasts and doesn’t flake or fade. The triple-brush lengthens, curls, and separates lashes while the innovative Magic Wand lash ball detailer tip is designed to reach every last inner and outer corner lash. Utilizes technology to infuse a blend of lash-enhancing and conditioning ingredients, including peptides, collagen, proteins, acai, jojoba, green tea, and vitamins A, C, E, and B5. Paraben, fragrance, phthalate, and sulfate free. Made in the USA.

I have to say that I was disappointed with Hello Lashes. As a volumizing mascara, Hello Lashes doesn’t compare to L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Mascara, which is still my favorite volumizing mascara. BTW makeup artist Sam Fine recommends L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Mascara as a less expensive alternative to Chanel.

You may buy Hello Lashes for USD $24.00 through the It Cosmetics website.   One thing that I do like about shopping the It Cosmetics website is that there is a relatively low threshold (USD $25.00) for free shipping, so you might want to add another product to qualify for free shipping.  Hello Lashes is also available from www.aswechange.com (for the menopausal :-), qvc.com, beauty.com (no affiliate links), ulta.com, and select Ulta stores.

The Beauty Station – Makeup Organizer and iPad/iPhone Dock in one

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This must be the ultimate in multi-tasking!  Imagine putting on your face and using your iPad or iPhone at the same time!

The Beauty Station
The Beauty Station

Here is how the Beauty Station is described:

The Beauty Station is a complete makeup organizer, display center, and universal docking station for iPhone, iPad & most phones & tablets. Display and viewing space for over 30 makeup products, including the [detachable] hand mirror [at right] and multiple mobile devices. The Beauty Station is chiseled and handcrafted from natural, eco friendly bamboo. The surface is glazed with a protective, stain-resistant sealant.

The Beauty Station by iSkelter costs US $89.00.   You may purchase it from Grand St.

The Style Page on @thebeautybrains podcast

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Hello all,

I was delighted to record a segment for The Beauty Brains podcast: listen to me discuss “pore-minimizing” products about 36:19 into the podcast.

Of course, you’ll want to listen to the entire podcast, in which The Beauty Brains discuss the efficacy of  anti-aging ingredients:  Which anti-aging ingredients REALLY work? The Beauty Brains Show episode 21.

DHC Premium Lipstick GE delivers color and emollient benefits

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DHC. Quick – what do you think of? Its mail order catalog? Its Deep Cleansing Oil?

DHC is rolling out a new collection of color cosmetics this month. Take a look! The new collection includes 6 shades of Premium Lipstick GE, 4 shades of Face Color Palette EX blush, BB Mineral Powder, and Q10 Moisture Care Face Powder.

I’ve swatched the lipsticks on my arm (thanks to Mr. Style Page for the staging and post-processing).

DHC Premium Lipstick GE swatches
DHC Premium Lipstick GE swatches

From L to R:

  • Rich Raspberry (RS107)
  • First Blush (RS105)
  • Bold Persimmon (OR112)
  • Rose Gold (BE111)
  • Velvety Red (RD109)
  • Petal Pink (PK102)

There are no wash-out nudes or vampish dark shades among them: just simply complexion-flattering shades  There’s a slight but appealing sheen to the lipstick, which is apparent when applied to the lips.  DHC Premium Lipstick GE keeps your lips soft and supple with emollient ingredients such as macadamia, olive, and rice bran oils. If that doesn’t prove the power of makeup, I don’t know what does.

DHC Premium Lipstick GE costs $19 per tube and may be purchased via catalog or DHCcare.com.

Disclaimer: DHC Premium Lipstick GE and other cosmetics in DHC’s new collection were provided by PR.

Pixi Glow Tonic restores your skin’s glow

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Pixi Glow Tonic is a bestseller in the UK and now has been brought stateside.

Pixi Glow Tonic
Pixi Glow Tonic

What is Pixi Glow Tonic? It’s a toner that contains a low concentration (5%) glycolic acid solution to exfoliate the skin and give it glow. I swear by alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) like glycolic acid to keep my complexion looking smooth. Also, AHAs improve the application of moisturizers, serums, and makeup.

Ingredients: Deionized water, Aloe Vera, Witch Hazel, Horse Chestnut Extracts, Propylene Glycol, Glycolic Acid and Ammonium Glycolate, Hexylene Glycol, Glucose, Fructose, Sucrose, Urea Dextrin, Alanine, Glutamic Acid, Hexylnicotinate, Ginseng Extract, Potassium Alum, Diazolidinyl Urea, Biotin, pixi Natural Fragrant Oil.

Active ingredients: Glycolic Acid-5%, partially neutralized by Ammonium Hydroxide.

Pixi ascribes these benefits to other ingredients:

  • Aloe Vera soothes and hydrates
  • Witch Hazel refines and tightens
  • Glucose and fructose brighten: I knew that there was a positive use for fructose 🙂
  • Ginseng extract is an antioxidant and improves circulation and energizes

There is fragrance in Pixi Glow Tonic, but it’s at the bottom of the ingredient list. It reminds me of fresh-cut meadow flowers.

I’ve incorporated Pixi Glow Tonic in my skin care regimen. I use it twice a week.

To use: follow up your cleansing regimen with Pixi Glow Tonic. First pat skin dry, then apply Pixi Glow Tonic on dry skin with a cotton pad. I use DHC Silky Cotton, which are silk-wrapped cotton pads – also a favorite of the beautyinfozone.com blog (see 6 #beauty sites to follow).

I rate Pixi Glow Tonic 4 (very good) out of 5 points.

Pixi Glow Tonic cost $29.00 for 250 ml/8.5 fl. oz. You may buy Pixi Glow Tonic at pixibeauty.com. It is not available from target.com.

Disclosure: Pixi Glow Tonic was provided to me as a PR sample.

Target’s Beauty Department to Go Upscale: Will It Catch On With Shoppers? | Fashionista

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Fashionista.com has a feature about Target’s introducing higher end skin care at its stores: Target’s Beauty Department to Go Upscale: Will It Catch On With Shoppers? | Fashionista.

Target introduces high end skin care
Target introduces high end skin care

Call me skeptical, but several years ago, Target introduced skin and body care brands from all around the world.  After a lot of fanfare, shelf space for these products gradually diminished and ultimately, Target discontinued the brands.

As for me, I hope that the new concept will succeed.  One of the brands to be introduced is 29 by Lydia Mondavi.  I felt honored when Lydia Mondavi called me from the floor the day her 29 Cosmetics line was launched at Neiman Marcus in San Francisco.  Congratulations, Lydia, on the expansion of your brand.

An incredible season for makeup launches

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Jane Cosmetics is among the many makeup launches this season
Jane Cosmetics is among the many makeup launches this season

This has been an incredible season for makeup launches:

But wait, there’s more! 🙂  In the near future, we can expect new makeup lines from:

Also expect new collaborations from Jason Wu for Lancôme and Bobbi Brown and Katie Holmes (the Bobbi & Katie collection).

Whew!  So many launches, so little time! 🙂

Sensai Designing Duo Bronzing Powder

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This Designing Duo Bronzing Powder by Sensai by Kanebo is a two-color graduating bronzing powder with 24K gold and pearl.

Sensai Designing Duo Bronzing Powder
Sensai Designing Duo Bronzing Powder

At $45, it’s on the lower end of Sensai’s product line: some high-end products retail as high as $740!  Sensai may be purchased through Bergdorf Goodman and Neiman Marcus.

In Japan, Sensai’s parent company Kanebo has cosmetics lines at various price points, from mass-market to luxury.