Category: ‘beauty’

515 Ways Your Makeup Is Out To Get You

According to today’s Daily Mail, the price for beauty is much higher than some of us may have thought.revealed 515 chemicals

Research shows that during the average woman’s daily grooming process she puts about 515 harmful, synthetic chemicals onto her body. Yuck is right. This isn’t quite a revelation, but to have it put so bluntly is making our foundation and blush covered skin crawl.  Apparently, perfume is the biggest culprit – it contains a whopping 250 baddies and could be linked to kidney damage. Eeek.

josie maran cream blushkorres cherry full color lip gloss

While we definitely don’t advocate for spending your life worrying about every little product, an easy way to decrease risk without sacrificing quality is by using paraben-free makeup. Josie Maran’s cream blush and Korres’ luscious lip gloss have no parabens, sulfates or petro-chemicals and will provide you with a fresh-faced, natural look.

For more safe choices, check out our guides to the best in paraben-free beauty and eco-friendly shopping.

Take A Sneak Peek At The Victoria’s Secret Show

Heidi Klum at Victoria's Secret

Vogue UK reports on the Victoria’s Secret show, which was taped yesterday and airs December 1st (spoiler alert: Heidi had a baby month ago and she still looks incredible). The Cut also went behind the scenes during prep time.  Highlights from that include a designer noting the show doesn’t have to make sense, it just has to be fabulous. Based on the outfit above, we guess we’ll take it.

benefit benetint lip balmanastasia lash lifting mascara

Though massive amounts of white tulle with stems sticking up from it might fall outside our fashion purview, we still gleaned some perfectly sensible tips.  Pink lips and black mascara ruled the beauty – all glam and just what you’d expect to be adorning the VS “angels.”  To get the look, try Benefit Benetint Lip Balm, which stains your lips with a rosy hue while keeping them moisturized, so you’ll look luscious from the inside out.  Anastasia’s Lash-Lifting Mascara, meanwhile, does an incredible job of playing up your lashes while keeping them looking quite soft.

We love that such easy, basic makeup can achieve such a pretty look.  For more options to get the style, we’d recommend perusing the best in lip balms, mascara, and dry hair repair.

Liven Up Your Skin Care Regimen And Save Your Summer Luster

It’s getting to be that terrible time of year for skin – when, if you’re like me, you start to sport a dry, pasty look that even a lot of foundation and bronzer simply can’t undo. I went for a facial at Completely Bare to try to stave off losing all my fresh summer luster, and realized there’s no better time than now to get started on a new skin regimen.

completely cleanorigins get down deep pore clay cleanser

The first step was finding a rejuvenating cleanser – I liked Completely Bare’s Completely Clean as a daily face wash and Origins’ all-natural, creamy Get Down Deep-Pore Clay Cleanser for intermittent deep cleansing.

completely buff exfoliatorphilosophy on a clear day

As long as I can remember people have told me the importance of exfoliating, and just like eating vegetables when I was a kid, I never wanted to do it. Now that I’ve started, I’m a changed woman. Use Completely Buff Exfoliator followed by Philosophy’s On A Clear Day Oil-Free Moisturizer to get an instant glow and make makeup application much smoother.

If you’re looking to round out your skin care regimen even more, get in on our best skin care tips.  Be sure to take a look at our guides to the best eye cream, acne treatments and heavy moisturizers.

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Last Licks For Chanel’s Jade Polish, But You Better Be Ready To Pay

If you were hoping to get your hands on a bottle of Chanel’s jade nail polish, the “it’ lacquer of the moment, we’re sorry to say, the moment may have passed.

chanel jade nail polishessie mint candy apple

According to our sources at style.com, the completely sold out polish is now going for upward of $100 on eBay. Sheesh is right. The frenzy over this envy-worthy shade does not seem to be fading. Luckily, I happened to snag a bottle (at the regular, still over-priced price) and yes, it is as awesome as it looks. Long story short, the lady behind the Chanel counter at Bloomingdale’s offered to sell me her own (unused, don’t worry) bottle. I’m charming, what can I say.

If you’re in dire need of green nails, we suggest trying essie’s imitation Mint Candy Apple polish -  it’s a little lighter and slightly less shimmery. Or skip the green for a more seasonable tone, and go with Wicked, also from essie (it never gets old for me) or OPI’s stylish Pamplona Purple.

essie wickedopi purple

Want to beautify further? We’ve got all the supplies you need in our guides to the best eyeshadow, lip balm, and fragrances.

Erickson Beamon Enters The Handbag Ring

How’s this for crossover: jewelry designer Erickson Beamon has created a handbag, but it’s only available (starting today) at internet cosmetics giant beauty.com.

Erickson Beamon bag at beauty.com

The bag, in fact, is a freebie with any $100 purchase.  It comes stocked with thirteen samples, so we think this is a perfect time to try out a new conditioner, get a couple gifts, and maybe throw away that eye cream that’s too old to be effective any longer.

nuxe reve de miel lip balmtarte lights camera splashes waterproof mascara

May we recommend where to get started filling up this fun bag (after you’ve tested out all the luxe samples, of course)?  It’s getting cold and dry, so start with a deeply conditioning lip balm – the honey tone of this Nuxe Reve de Miel even matches the bag’s gold accents.  Then get glam lashes with Tarte’s Lights, Camera, Splashes waterproof mascara, which comes in such a sweet tube you’ll want to carry it around with you.

erickson beamon beauty necklaceerickson beamon gold leaf cuff

Of course, if you’re going to carry the bag, it’s probably best paired with Erickson Beamon’s original jewelry.  We’re partial to the simple, vintage look of the brand’s beauty necklace, juxtaposed with the incredible, ornate madness of Erickson Beamon’s gold leaf cuff.

For more picks to fill up your new bag, check out lip balms and the best mascara, and then don festive attire to show off the bag at its best (no one will ever guess it was a freebie).

How To Get Blake Lively’s Gossip-Worthy Coif

blake lively hair

Apparently, according to The New York Times and hairstylists across Manhattan, Blake Lively’s hair is the new “Rachel;” countless women have been requesting this Gossip Girl ‘do from their respective stylists. Now, we’re definitely jealous of Lively’s signature tresses, but take it from someone who actually got “the Rachel” oh so many years ago, not everyone is meant to have TV-star hair. I had to learn the hard way that Aniston’s stylish look was not meant for those of us blessed with curls. My suggestion is to stay away from the scissors and be a go-getter; here’s how to do the Serena ‘do yourself.

solano hairdryer

First things first: to get Blake’s powerful hair you’ll need a powerful hair dryer. Used by many a professional stylist, this Solano blow dryer got me through those tough post-Rachel years.

metropolis thermal brush

You’ll also need a top of the line round brush to create those luscious Lively curls – try Metropolis’ thermal hair brush, it actually features an antibacterial purification system (now that’s hi-tech) and removes odors from you coif.

Korres Bamboo Styling Creamfekkai brilliant glossing

Unfortunately, a good blow out does not a flawless hair-do make. Use Korres’ Bamboo Styling Cream for long-lasting waves and lots of volume, and try Brilliant Glossing Cream from Fekkai for some extra gorgeous shine.

Don’t forget to check out our guides to the best in celebrity hairstyles and dry hair repair for more hair care tips.

Throw Out Those Stinky Fashion Mags and Pick Your Signature Scent the Right Way

ScentSamples
What: Sephora’s Deluxe Fragrance Sampler ($50)

Why: If you currently want to find a new signature scent, you can either subscribe to a hundred fashion magazines and hope their potent scent strips introduce you to your new favorite fragrance, or let department store spritzers splash every bare inch of your skin and hope that something suits your fancy. Luckily, Sephora’s found a better way.

Sephora’s scent samplers are kind of genius. Pick up a deluxe collection of the makeup purveyor’s best sellers, test drive the 10 scents using the handy travel-sized atomizer, pick your perfect match, and cash in the included voucher for a full-sized bottle of your favorite. Using this system, there’s no way you’ll end up with a huge bottle of something that smelled fabulous in a magazine but stinks to high heaven on your skin. And if you gift this set (or the slightly more expensive Collector’s Edition sampler with seven mini bottles), you’ll be known as the friend with great scent sense—and not the girl who thoughtlessly picked up the first bottle of perfume she came across.

Get Yours: Sephora.com

Organize which scent to wear when with our guide to fragrances for all seasons, and then pair it off with the best mascara and concealer for an easily glamorous beauty regimen.

Freebie Friday: Win A Clarisonic Cleansing System And $50 To Spend At SkinStore.com

skinstore logo

What: Is it time to fine-tune your skincare regimen? SkinStore.com, with brands like PhilosophyLa Roche Posay, Stila, and bareMinerals, is the go-to spot for premium skin care, cosmetics, hair care, beauty tools, and more. Receive free shipping on orders over $49  and 10% off every day with SkinStore Friends & Family.

Why: SkinStore.com is giving one lucky winner a new Clarisonic Mia Sonic Cleansing System AND a $50 e-gift certificate.

Clarisonic is the dermatologists’ secret to silky, smooth, skin.  Now, the new Clarisonic Mia Sonic Cleansing System offers all the benefits of the classic Clarisonic, in a new, smaller size. It even includes a charger and cleanser.

clarasonic

For more information on special offers and news from SkinStore, follow them on Twitter, Facebook, or their email list.

How: To enter, just visit SkinStore.com, and tell us in the comments section which three products you would like to add to your skin care or beauty routine.

1. Post a comment below about the three SkinStore products you’d want to add to your beauty routine.

2. You must supply us with a valid email address and sign up for the SheFinds newsletter.

3. The contest starts now and entries must be date stamped by our server no later than Friday, November 13th 2009 at 11:59 AM Eastern Time to be eligible.

4. One winner will be selected during a random drawing. The winners will be contacted and must reply via email as instructed in the newsletter to claim the prize.

5. No prize substitutions.

6. You must be 18 years old or older to enter and a resident of the USA. Residents of the state of Florida are not eligible to enter; entries from the state of Florida are void.

7. No purchase necessary.

8. Void where prohibited.

9. Click click here for the full rules.

“From Our Lips” To Yours – Lady Gaga and Cyndi Lauper For The MAC AIDS Fund

Lady Gaga starring in upcoming MAC Viva Glam AIDS Fund campaign

MAC’s newest AIDS Fund campaign, “From Our Lips,” will feature Lady Gaga alongside Cyndi Lauper, reports WWD.  The ads will debut on February 25, and the MAC Viva Glam Gaga and Viva Glam Cyndi lipsticks will launch on March 18th.  We can’t wait to see just what lip color best fits a lipstick named for Her Gaga-ness.

mac viva glam lipstickMAC Viva Glam Lip Kit

Luckily for us, Viva Glam lipstick is already available in five shades.  Should you prefer a little more infrastructure, MAC’s Viva Glam Lip Kit features two of the lipstick colors plus a lipgloss, with 100 percent of the kit’s proceeds still being donated to the MAC AIDS Fund.

For more beneficial ways to outfit your person, look to paraben-free beauty, eco-friendly shoes and handbags, and reusable grocery tote bags.

Stay Out a Few Extra Hours – With This Handy Gadget, No One Will Be Able to Tell

GarnierEyeRoller

What: Garnier Nutritioniste Skin Renew Anti-Puff Eye Roller ($14)

Why:
I’m too young to get eye de-puffing surgery, too old to wear gobs of white eyeshadow on any occasion other than Halloween, and I happen to be super sensitive to most eye creams.

Thank goodness I found Garnier’s Anti-Puff Eye Roller. It’s easy to use – I just sweep the rollerball under my eyes before bed and after I wash my face in the morning – and it already seems to be working after just a week. Thanks to decongesting caffeine and hydrating vitamins, I look more alert, which makes me feel more chipper, which makes me want to stay out and actually earn those under-eye circles I’ll be zapping.  Considering it costs less than what I fork over to Starbucks in a week, I’m happy to pay to look as wide awake as I feel.

I’m not the only one making up for late nights with Garnier’s help. The eye roller has won accolades from Cosmetic Industry Women and is a 2009 Allure Best of Beauty winner, too.

Get Yours:
drugstore.com

After your undereye circles disappear, play up your eyes with mascara and a little eyeliner, and get ready to party.

Ombre Hair, In Case One Color Just Isn’t Enough

ombre hair trend on the streetombre hair

It’s bound to happen.  You’ll get sick of your blonde/brunette/redhead locks and need to have multiple shades adorning your head, but certainly not in boring old highlight form. Okay, maybe this isn’t bound to happen, but Refinery 29 has picked up on an interesting ombre hair trend, and we certainly wouldn’t want you to miss out on the best way to cop the look (if you must).

clairol xtreme fx bleach-out tool kitClairol Natural Instincts Suede Light Brown

For maximum shading and contrast, if you aren’t already, you’re going to need to go partly blond.  The Clairol Xtreme FX Bleach-Out Kit has the tools that make it easy to lighten all or part of your head as you see fit.  And then, to get the most fun out of this look, dye the ends of your hair with a semi-permanent color that will eventually fade to another shade.  This way you’ll get more than one color combination from your two-toned strategy.  We like the idea of starting off with Natural Instincts’ Suede Light Brown shade.

An ombre coif isn’t low-maintenance.  Do it up with mascara and eyeshadow and then style the look à la your favorite celeb.

The Numbers Are In – Americans Are Going Green

A new survey concludes that many U.S. consumers will soon convert to eco-friendly products, says WWD.  About 59% of shoppers are expected to make the switch in apparel, with even more (74%) converting in the health and beauty department.

Get a kick start on this trend with our guides to paraben-free beauty, eco-friendly underwear, and eco-friendly shoes and handbags to accessorize.  We’ve also compiled some of our favorite organic and eco-friendly clothing and products – click through to see a slideshow of some of the best (safe) duds and beauty products.