Red Hot Lips for the Holidays

It’s not rocket science. It’s a proven fact. Red lips are sexy and hot. Ask any guy. And especially with all the red dresses making their debut appearances for the company holiday parties, red lips are the perfect accessory. Now I would be lying if I said that Dita Von Teese doesn’t have the red lips down to a perfect science. She’s always on point and she looks fabulous with her dark red lips.

If you’re looking for the perfect set that settle all your red lip needs for the holiday, you must check out Korres Lip for the Cure in Radiant Red. This kit is perfect because it has everything you need to achieve the perfect lips. 2 lipliners depending on your skin tone (or you can use both!) and a deep red lipstick, that will leave everyone asking where you got it. Plus can you really beat the price tag of just under $20? I didn’t think so. And did I mention that 10% of the proceeds go to the support of Breast Cancer Coalition Fund? Double whammy.

Check out these celebs who rock the red lips the best:

Mixed Chicks Hair Care…. a great find for everyone!

I ran into the found of Mixed Chicks, Kim, at my gym. I overheard her talking about her company so I asked her about it. First of all, Kim is wonderful and beautiful and has this hair care company that she told me about. Of course, I was dying to try it. After all, Halle Berry raves about this stuff! A couple weeks later, I got some hair products in the mail. Now, let me begin with saying that Mixed Chicks is typically made for people of mixed descent who have frizzy and unmanageable hair. I have straight, thin hair. So I gave some of the products to my cousin who has got very tight curls and my boyfriend whose hair looks like a brillo pad, to say the least. I did use some and I’m hooked, so this stuff, while made for curly haired people, is also great for people with thin – straight hair!

I tried the shampoo and deep conditioner. Let me say, I have stopped using all the organic product that I’ve sworn by in the past because this takes the cake. Why? The shampoo is super lathery and is a great deep clean. Plus, I love the smell- it smells like a fancy hair salon. Yes, that’s the best I can come up with!

The deep conditioner is a wonder. My hair is really long and usually I have to use TONS of conditioner to detangle and still my hair comes out in knots. This deep conditioner is so strong that you only need a dime size – literally – I am not kidding. It detangles and smells great. My own beef with this is that I wish it came in a squeeze bottle. I hate having to unscrew the tub every time.

I gave the leave in conditioner to my cousin as well as a sample set which included both of the above and the hair silk serum. She loves it all, and notes that the leave in conditioner is a bit thick, so you really have to work it in, but works wonders, nonetheless. And LADIES, the HIS MIX is perfect for your man. Same great smell as the Mixed Chicks for you. The best part is that you can use it too when you’re at his house!

Do Yourself a Favor, Don’t Share Makeup

Makeup isn’t cheap – especially for the high quality kinds, and we all know that we’re on a tight budget. But please remember to refrain from sharing makeup – ESPECIALLY stuff that you use on your eyes  and lips. Why?

1. Eye make up has the highest risk of contamination with possible irritation and eye infections. Since our eyes are so sensitive, it does not take much bacteria to cause an eye infection. What a horrible way to get pink eye!

2. Lip gloss is also another bad offender. Because it comes in contact with your saliva, it’s easy to share lip infections like cold sores.

3. If you have shared makeup, remember to clean all your brushes (you should be doing this once a week, anyway) and keep the containers on your makeup closed tightly to prevent more germs from getting in. Makeup usually has some preservatives that help with germs, but this is not 100%, so be safe.

And last but not least, here are some safety tips to keep your makeup clean:

• Keep makeup containers closed tight when not in use.
• Keep makeup out of the sunlight to avoid destroying the preservatives.
• Don’t use eye cosmetics if you have an eye infection such as conjunctivitis (pink eye), and throw away any makeup you were using when you first discovered the infection.
• Never add any liquid to a product unless the instructions tell you to.
• Throw away any makeup if the color changes or an odor develops. Preservatives can degrade over time and may not be able to fight bacteria

 

8 Great Holiday Gifts For Under $20

The holidays are here (my favorite time of year) and with the holidays comes gift giving. Now, I love giving gifts but I also have to face the fact that we’re in a recession, so spending $50 bucks on a friend isn’t really realistic. Plus, you have coworkers and such. So I’ve compiled a list of the best gifts to give for under $20.

1. Lip Saver Roll by Korres ($15.60 with discount code)- This roll of Lip balm is nothing like you’re used to. I hate those annoying lip balms that smell bad, dry out your lips and come off easily. This is a real treat – since it’s made with shea butters, it offers hydration, a light tint and some shine to your lips. Not to mention the great scent -Remember too, Korres products are all natural, so you can be assured that this product is quality. Anyway, you can never have too many lip butters! (Also enter the keyword URBAN for a special 20% off discount until the end of November!)

2. Totally Bamboo Pineapple Cutting Board and Spreader ($18 for both) – This is for the friend or family member who love to entertain, or just loves to cook. This adorable Pineapple Cutting Board is only $15 and spreader is only $3! What a bargain. It’s great to serve cheese or fruit or for cutting smaller items. This is not only a great holiday gift, but also something that’s good to keep on hand for when you need a quick hostess gift or housewarming present. Also, did you know that Bamboo is 16% harder than maple so the board will last longer. It also has anti-microbial properties to repel bacteria. You get all of this while helping to keep the world green!

3. Frozen Hot Chocolate Mix From Serendipity ($16) – Who doesn’t love hot chocolate during the winter months? Well, this is a new spin – FROZEN Hot Chocolate! It’s absolutely amazing – ask anyone who’s visited the restaurant in New York. This rich, creamy hot chocolate beats anything you can get in the store and you can make it hot or cold. You decide!

4. 88 Piece Makeup Palette by Coastal Scents ($18.95) – Nope, that’s not a type. You do really get 88 super pigmented eyeshadow colors. What else could a girl need? Each color is about a dime size, but since they are super pigmented, you only need a touch of it. Great to travel with and will last a lifetime. Not to mention you can use them wet or dry.

5. Lambie Ballerina Slippers and Shea Butter Socks ($20 for both) – Pamper your feet this holiday season with Lambie Ballerina Slippers and a pair of Shea Butter Socks. These socks have shea butter infused in them to keep your feel silky and smooth, then wear the slippers around the house for even a softer luxurious feel while hanging out buy the fire or cookin’ up a yummy holiday meal!

6. Try me Shea by L’Occitane ($15) – With winter comes dryness and we all know that nothing is less sexy than dry, cracked skin. Which is why ‘Try Me Shea‘ is the perfect holiday gift. This luxurious gift bag comes with shower cream, lotion, hand cream, shampoo, conditioner, face soap and a travel pouch. Say buh-bye to dryness and hello Shea butter!

7. Aunt Sadie’s Holiday Candles ($18) - There is nothing that reminds me of a holiday more so than the fresh scented aroma of baking gingerbread cookies and cinnamon spice. Well, with Aunt Sadie’s Holiday Candles, you can replicate the smell to make your house smell great all holiday season!

8. Knitted Beret from Gap ($19.50) – Stay warm while doing your holiday shopping with a cute knitted beret from Gap. It’s stylish, warm and under $20. This makes a great gift for the friend who lives in cold weather or just loves to be outfitted from head to toe. Comes in 4 great colors.

Well that just about completes this year’s holiday gift guide for under $20. Is there something I missed or something that you’d love to receive for under $20? Leave it in the comments!

Homeopathic Beauty by Korres

If you’re an organic, all-natural makeup junkie like me, or just want something that won’t irritate your skin, then look no further. Korres‘ beauty products are all natural and they are among the most environmentally friendly and skin compatible products available on the beauty market these days. It’s nice to know that some companies actually care about what you put on your face! They have all natural extracts with antioxidants that are proven to transform your skin. Don’t believe me? Try it yourself. All their stuff is available at Sephora.

If you’re not sure what to try out, here are a few of my favorites:

Monoi Oil Bronzing Powder: I LOVE LOVE LOVE this product. Not only does it lightly hydrate your skin so it doesn’t appear all flaky and dry, it provides a light shimmer to give you that sunkissed glow.

Pomegranate Cleaning and Makeup Removing Pads: How convenient are these makeup removers? It makes taking off makeup so easy and fun. Not to mention they offer antioxidant protection and smell delicious!

Wild Rose Foundation: This foundation is light, provides a dewy look yet gives the coverage that you need. The best part about it is that is has SPF 20 so you don’t need to be thinking about putting on sunscreen. It also has your daily dose of Vitamin C!

Stars – They’re Fat, Just Like Us!

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder …. of Photoshop!

Can you imagine what the Hollywood-filled tabloids and magazines would be without Photoshop? Let’s just say that I hope they’re paying their graphics designers a pretty penny or two, to turn these normal flawed looking human beings into hot celebs. They ain’t like that, they’re just like us – yes, they grocery shop and fill their car with gas, they also have cellulite, fat and pimples. Ahh. Doesn’t that make you feel that much better about yourself? Still don’t believe me, well these pictures don’t lie.

Spaaaahhhh Week in NYC

One of the best things about NYC – besides the subways, dunkin donuts, Times Square, Central Park, East Village, Hot Dog Stands – is that they have Spa Week every year and all New Yorkers embrace it. It’s basically a week where a bunch of reputable spas around the city charge a mere $50 bucks for their top of the line treatments. You only pay $50 and get over a hundred dollars worth of relaxation.

I love Spa week because I really can’t afford to go on a regular basis, but for $50 bucks – what the heck! Plus they offer everything from Acupuncture, Facials, Swedish Massages and a ton more. For more information, check out this site Spaweek Guide which offers tips on how to spa, questions you might have if you’re a first timer and a list of places that are participating. Ahhhhhhhh…..

Origins Plantidote Mega Mushroom Face Serum – Is it any good?

I am one of the millions of people who suffer from eczema. It’s not too bad at times, but I always get flare ups in the face. Because of this, I’ve taken a liking to all natural skin care products. The lady at the Origins counter swore by this stuff from Dr. Andrew Weil. It’s a face serum that’s made specifically to combat inflammation from a blend of Hypsizygus ulmarius, Cordyceps and Reishi Mushrooms, Ginger, Turmeric and Holy Basil. It’s not cheap as it’s $66  for 1.7 fl. oz.

HAS ANYONE TRIED THIS? I would LOVE LOVE LOVE some feedback!

Ped Egg – for better or worse?

Last winter my mom bought me a Ped Egg and since I was wearing boots most of the time, I did not need it. Come summer, I’ve been walking the hell out of my feet. I used this for the first time a few weeks ago and it’s amazing. Last night I even used it on my boyfriend and he loved it. I know, you’re thinking that the grater-ish bottom looks like it hurts, but it feel really good actually. Try it out for yourself!

i love me some lipstick! ;X

I’m not a lipstick wearing gal. Mostly for the fact that I don’t like getting lipstick on  my food, drinks and in my mouth. I wanted to find a deep red lipstick that I could wear when I go out and I automatically thought M.A.C because it’ s my favorite makeup line. This lipstick is the perfect color and I noticed that it also supports HIV and AIDS.

Does anyone have have any good suggestions on colors and lipsticks that don’t fade easily?

Unique Body Products: Uniquely Emu

I have been using emu oil for abour 10 months now as an all over body oil. Like I said earlier, I have very dry (eczema) skin. I researched all of emu oil’s healing properties and how it is more easiily absorbed into human skin because of its likeness. Emu oil, however is pretty expensive so I was buying the cheapest I could find. It was doing an adequate job, but for my skin I wanted to see its healing properties. I finally splurged and purchased 2 8oz bottles from Uniquely Emu for around $75. Uniquely Emu’s oil is AEA certified (Certified by the American Emu Assosication) to ensure you get the best possible products.

Right off the bat, I notied the oils thick cloudy consistency. It’s not thin like oil that melts and rolls off your hand, creating a messy situation. This oil is thick and stays put until you rub it. I was amazed by this high quality product and convinced that AEA oil is definitely well worth the extra bucks. Not only does this help with skin inflammation,  but it keeps skin soft and smooth. And I can certainly attest to that, seeing as my skin soaks up regular oils after about 10 minutes.

I then came back to the site and ordered a few more products – reviews below. Overall, I am not amazed by only the high quality of the product, but the customer service can’t be beat. Their customer representative, Susan went above and beyond what regular customer service people do to help their customers. She wrote out very nice, helpful and details emails that were very tailored to me as a customer and sincere. I cannot express how excited to receive the rest of the products in the mail and how grateful that I was investing my skin in a company that has such great products and values.

If you have a history of eczema, psoriasis or just very dry and flaky skin, I really urge you to buy natural products that contain emu oil. I swear by it and guarantee you will see results. And unlike me, try to splurge and get the best kind, like Uniquely Emu. Your skin will thank you!

Facial Moisturizer - This product is by far the thickest and creamiest face cream that  I’ve ever tried. About a few years ago I’d given up on a facial moisturizer because they just didn’t moisturize enough. They were thin and left my skin feeling parched. This is by far the best for you if you have dry sensitive skin.

Shampoo and Conditioner - I’ve use both the shampoo and conditioner and to tell you the truth I like the shampoo better. Both are very creamy and looked like some kind of whipped dessert. They smell delicious and are a great consistency. The shampoo gave great lather and you didn’t have to use much so it lasts a long time. The conditioner however wasn’t very slipper so I did use a lot to get to all of my head since my hair tangles easy.

Bar Soap - I’m usually not a bar soap kinda gal, but I figured, what the hell – I’ll try it. I was actually surprised that this bar soap lathered so well and was very creamy. After soaping up, your skin feels slippery and very soft. However the longer I was in the shower scrubbing my skin, eventually all the sliminess rubbed off and my skin felt squeaky clean. This is good for people who love that feeling, but I tend to like my skin a little slippery, as if I took a shower in soft water, so maybe next time, I won’t scrub so much afterwards.

Bath Bombs are da bomb!

I’ve written about Lush in the past, regarding their Dream Cream, which I absolutely love. But they do make other great organic handmade bath products. My boyfriend just bought me a bath bomb. These are amazing – they come in a wide array of scents, colors and uses and they are pretty much all meant to soothe, soften and relax your skin and yourself. This is perfect end to a stressful day, or if you live in NYC or somewhere with comparable cold dry weather, these will refresh you skin and overall health.

What’s your FAVORITE mascara?

Mascara is probably one of most important things in my makeup collection. My eyelashes are no more than 1.5 centimeters long at the most and my eyes don’t shine on their own. Therefore I resort to mascara.

There are so many brands on the market now and I’ve gone through about half of them, but needless to say, I think I’ve found the my favorite.. well my 2 favorites.

1. Diorshow by DIOR. $24 at Sephora.

2. BADGal Lash by Benefit. $19 for the full size of $9 for the travel size (this is good for you if you don’t use mascara often.

*I also will note that I usually use a Clinique’s lash primer, just for the extra conditioning and to make sure my lashes don’t fall out too soon. hehe.

Clean your make-up brushes!

The other day I was waiting to go to a party and I was walking around union square and slipped into their sephora to buy an the eybrow kit, Brow Zings from Benefit (this is the best kit every, BTW). I started talking to the very helpful sales person and I ended up spending $150!

I didn’t know that you had to clean your makeup brushes every week! My makeup brushes were like 6 years old and every cleaned, but 2 times, hehe. So I vowed to be clean and bacteria free and bought this kit. It’s a great buy at only $44 bucks and you get the essentials. All I needed to by to accompany this was an eyeliner brush for $12. What a bargain. I urge you to clean your brushes often and if it’s been too long, just toss them. It’s not work the eye bacteria. EWW.

Emu Oil and your skin.

For all of you who live in very dry climates and sometimes feel that regular lotions and creams just aren’t cutting it for you (or if you have a dry skin condition like psoriasis, eczema or aging skin, muscle joints, etc), then here’s a tip! EMU OIL! Why emu oil? Its been used for thousands of years because of its anti-inflammatory properties and essential fatty acids.

I researched some products containing Emu Oil and here are my top finds:

Melie’s Salve: This product is really great. It’s 100% natural and preservative free and contains emu oil as its main ingredient. After using this product for a week, I’ve noticed that the red spots in my skin slowly faded and it left a smooth appearance. Also it’s fragrance free, which I love and it spreads easily and doesn’t leave skin feeling greasy. This is a fantastic product and it’s a good price also! ($6.50 for a 2oz jar!)

Pampered Diva Gifts: I love this line because all the products are handmade and au natural. This is a major plus when I buy my products because if you ever read ingredients that contain alcohol, it usually drys out skin.

The emu lotion is great for people who want the added benefits of emu oil without the greasyness. I have the strawberry-kiwi flavor and it smells great and is very fragrant!

The Mango Papaya body butter is a bit more heavy and stays on longer but leave skin feeling silky and smooth. Not to mention it moisturizes way better than regular body butters. This is probably due to the fact that the ingredients are all natural and there are no added alcohols. The thing I love about this product is that you don’t need much to moisturize and it leaves skin feeling very elastic, even after washing hands.

If you’ve got a product (natural) that you think is great for eczema, send it my way and I’ll test it out! Email me!

Lush’s Dream Cream

I absolutely love this Dream Cream from Lush. (Well, I love everything except for the price – it’s $22 bucks a pop!) It is VERY mosturizing and contains great ingredients, including Camomile Oil, Tea Tree Oil, Cocoa Butter and more. After a few days it leaves dry skin feeling great, especially those rough spots on elbows and hands. It’s also recommended for people with sore skin or eczema – which is why I use it – it’s all natural. (And it smells great!)

*If you’re hesitant about dropping the big bucks on such a small tub of lotion, you can visit a store and get a free sample to try out!

is La Mer really worth the price?

I see Le Mer products all over New York and when I’m not seeing this expensive beauty and cosmetics line, I’m reading about it in magazines. Ok, so sure Gwenyth Paltrow, Rachel Bilson and Paris Hilton uses this… but let’s all face it. They can afford it! So this is my question to you – is it really worth the price? $125 for 1 oz of face cream???

Then I read about the Cosmetics Restriction Diet in the NY Times and it basically said that a person only needs a good cleanser and a facial sunscreen – all that can be purchased for under $30 at your local drugstore.

What do you think?

Dry, Chapped, Irritated Skin Therapy!

Maybe you live in city with dry, horrible, relentless weather, like I do in New York City. Maybe you have a skin disorder such as eczema, like I do. Well I’ve done a bunch of research and I’ve come across both of these creams. I don’t really like to use the generic Aveeno or Cetaphil lotions that you find in the stores because I don’t think they have the essential minerals and ingredients that someone like me needs.

Has anyone tried either or both of these? If so, I want your reviews!!! They are both pricey – about $25-$35 bucks for a jar.

YuBe:

Ingredients: Glycerin, Water, Isopropyl Myristate, Stearic Acid, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Triethanolamine, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Glycyrrhetinic Acid, Camphor, Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Hydrogenated coco-glycerides, Stearyl Alcohol, Polysorbate 80, EDTA, Methylparaben

Egyptian Magic:

Ingredients: olive oil, bees wax, honey, bee pollen, royal jelly, pre propolis, Divine love

believe?.. what?

Speaking of fabulous perfumes, I’d like to say WHAT THE F*#%?  Who wants to buy something by Britney Spears called Believe? I guess it you like to smell like a dirty whore. I love Britney Spears – even through her white trash phase, but I would not buy anything  from her, by her (except her music) that would make me smell like her. OK, so maybe I’ll attract white trash guys… yay. And I know what you’re thinking – that just because it’s her name doesn’t mean it smells like, but I like to believe that…

Daisy Daisy!

’tis the season for giving and receiving…. and what better than to receive a bright, new, fresh floral scented perfume… DAISY by Marc Jacobs. This is the best perfume ever! No I don’t own it, but that’s just because it’s been sold off shelves.. but more power to you if you can get your hands on it! try it and i bet you’ll love it!