cosmetics

Lessons of a Lipstick Queen: Finding and Developing the Great Idea That Can Change Your Life

admin — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 00:16:00 +0000

Hello! This book is a call to your inner lipstick queen! Truthfully, I’m not much of a makeup person. At most my cosmetics collection includes lip balm for daytime and mascara for a night on the town. Yet, there was something about the provocative title that compelled me to read this book. Do we all have a lipstick queen deep inside us, just as we have inner children? If so, our inner lipstick queen deserves to come out and play on occasion.

Enter stage left: Poppy King's Lessons of a Lipstick Queen. King’s book is a delightful and animated guide on how to recognize and pursue your passions. The book itself brings the reader through King’s own amazing experiences as she follows the trail created while searching for the perfect shade of lipstick.

At seventeen, King was quite young when she first set out on her quest, but she was bold enough not to second guess herself (as I might have done at forty). While she notes it is important to release your inhibitions, King doesn’t over-emphasize the fact that she has a fearless spirit and highlights the importance of restraint. She points out the value to be had from times of trouble and loss, mostly sharing those moments as temporary experiences she learned from.

King shares the lessons she learned during the life cycles of her entrepreneurial pursuits in a user friendly way that inspires the reader to ponder the possibilities their own lives may hold. For example, Lesson two: Take very seriously any sentence starting with “I wish.” Sage advice, and I concur. Wishing isn’t only for Polly Anna or Dorothy. Wishing is good for your health, so to speak.

King reminds us to consider the possibilities that lie outside of our comfort zones and to recognize that everyone experiences pain and loss, but we also have the option to get back up. While she writes of her passion, she also notes the vital support of her family and friends. Even more importantly, she reminds us that it is only through one’s planning, preparation, and hard work that goals are ultimately accomplished.

Unlike many other how to guides this book does not offer a simple solution (like if you do A, B, and C, you will be a millionaire). On the contrary, King provides the reader with fifty-eight distinct yet interrelated lessons on how to pursue one’s passion, brave rough waters, and keep one’s chin up. Sounds like a tall order? Indeed, but if you’re game, this is the book to help guide you through the process.

Written by: Susan G. Reyes Vasquez, September 13th 2009

Earthy Cosmetics and Eco-Friendly Applicators

admin — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 09:34:00 +0000

By NVEY

NVEY is an Australian cosmetics manufacturer. Apparently you say NVEY as "nah-VĀ," and after repeated uses, I say it's "Ō-kā," or definitely exceptionally good, in terms of durability and vibrancy. The organic line claims six years of testing and forty-six years of cumulative cosmetics experience. Application is smooth and even, not flaky or powdery, and the spectrum available includes a bracing lime green and rich eggplant, and some shimmers, in addition to a refined range of tans, taupes, and pinks. Ingredients include natural beeswax and rose absolute, and vitamins, and they also exclude an impressive array of potentially harmful substances.

However, if you're going to be health-conscious and environmentally aware enough to use organic cosmetics, it might occur to you that packaging and application are issues. All those extra boxes, some of which are wrapped in cellophane, or foam sponges on little plastic sticks accumulating in landfills. Fortunately, there are natural-materials reusable cosmetic applicators available from Ecotools: individual applicators, eye shading and foundation brushes, cleansing sponges, an eyebrow grooming kit, and—my favorite—a Kabuki brush with "cruelty free" taklon bristles (“no plastics were harmed in the making of this brush”). The Kabuki is of a large professional caliber—"I'm ready for my close-up, Mr. DeMille"—and fun to use. The wooden stems of the brushes are even unpainted, eliminating an unnecessary use of potentially toxic chemicals. Inasmuch that femininity is construct, the freedom to play with a wider range of costumes—including make-up—is one of the few advantages available to women in our culture. It's nice to have the right toys—or tools—if you choose to use the paintbox.

Written by: Erika Mikkalo, June 4th 2009

Chocolate Body Treats

admin — Tue, 19 May 2009 23:56:00 +0000

By Coco-Zen

Buddhism instructs us that suffering is caused by desire. Alright, I have established that I desire chocolate. I can consume it copiously and repeatedly. With utter abandon, and complete abandonment of moderation and concern for my health. I can consume chocolate indoors, outdoors, in the kitchen, from the nightstand, at the theater; while trudging down the sidewalk, operating a motor vehicle, or taking the train. In the park, at work, at play, in celebration and commiseration. While I prefer fine dark chocolates, I will occasionally compromise my standards to include “Whatever is in front of me.”

Coco-Zen, a woman-owned company, invites us to "Experience oneness with chocolate," and while I would be delighted to apply this injunction via their truffles, they also offer a variety of chocolate personal care products: a chocolate lip gloss, edible lip scrub, a salt everything-else scrub, lotion, and soap. The soap is well-scented, but does not lather, and the aroma does not linger—a positive, given the temptation to nibble your cuticles afterwards. The gloss applies well and does not have a greasy or tacky film. The scrub? My biceps now smell like bon bons. Did the Buddha eat chocolate? I must meditate upon this as I smack my newly exfoliated lips in contemplation of all the temptations that there are to transcend. Pain ends when craving ends, when you escape want. I wish that I could recall precisely how the Enlightened One proposed this achievement, but for now, I wouldn't mind a piece of chocolate.

Written by: Erika Mikkalo, May 19th 2009

Dr. Hauschka Cosmetics

admin — Mon, 18 May 2009 10:20:00 +0000

By Dr. Hauschka Cosmetics

Everyone's gone "green," but some have been doing it earlier than others. Dr. Hauschka Skin Care has provided holistic skin products for over four decades, and the original Dr. Hauschka was a Viennese chemist who sought to manufacture naturally healthy potions as early as the establishment of his laboratory in 1935. He used rose petals, and WALA Heilmittel (WALA is an acronym of warmth, air, light and ash, and "heilmittel" means "remedy") utilizes organic plant substances to this day. Apparently the plant of the month is the birch. While the birch is attractive in all seasons, I would personally prefer that my skin not peel off like the tree's canoe-ready bark, and it is a relief to know that there are both lotions and decorative cosmetics that will help me achieve this end.

I've always favored eye pencils over eyeliner, but the Dr. Hauschka liquid goes on smoothly and with control, so I may be converted. Also, less pressure is necessary, and it might be wiser to poke about the edge of one's eyes with a small brush instead of a stick. The "Stone" Colour series offers subtle shades reminiscent of agates and sand. However, subtlety may not to be a virtue to some: in 1936, the company Volupte introduced two lipsticks. One favored a refined, light, approach, and was advocated by Mademoiselle magazine as an accent for those who wore pastels and pearls, while the other was more dark and was suggested for women who wore more dramatic clothing. "Hussy" outsold "Lady" at a rate of five to one. The black mascara is a classic for hussies and ladies, and does appear to be more non-clumping and quicker-drying than my previous brand: two positives. Repeated applications have lasted well with indoor and outdoor exposure, including some vigorous Internet surfing and movie watching. I'll let you know how these pretty paints adhere in the garden.

Written by: Erika Mikkalo, May 18th 2009

Aromaleigh Make-Up

admin — Sun, 03 May 2009 16:55:00 +0000

By Aromaleigh

When Bette Davis was entering her later years, she said something to the effect of, “I will not retire while I’ve still got my legs and my make-up box.” Bette, like a lot of us gals, knew the importance of quality make-up and what role it can play in our everyday lives. I savor my ten minute make-up sessions because it’s one of a few moments each day that I can actually be alone with my thoughts and prepare myself for what may come. Plus, experimenting with different looks and playing with bright colors and textures make me happy.

After receiving my sample package from Aromaleigh, I woke up every morning with a newfound sense of adventure and wonder because I not only got to have my alone time, but I also gained a chance to feel different everyday. They create, in essence, the make-up of my dreams because of their dedication to distinctive, desirable products. I’ve tried all kinds of make-up over the years, everything from the likes of Wet ‘n’ Wild to Estee Lauder, and I’ve never come across a company like Aromaleigh that speaks so directly to feminine creativity and expression. It’s honestly the best make-up I’ve ever put on my face.

Aromaleigh is a web-based, woman-run company from South Carolina. Their vast catalog consists of foundation, blush, lipstick, perfume, eyeliner, many different kinds of eye shadow, and more. As part of the mineral make-up revolution, Aromaleigh also knows how important it is to concoct their delightful delicacies with the finest, most eco-friendly ingredients available. None of their products are tested on animals, and you can read the ingredient lists online. Not only that, but their colorful baubles just feel good to wear. The “Divine Intervention” eye shadow sang symphonies off my face and never faded throughout my twelve-hour day.

I first discovered the company when a wonderful friend gave me samples of their vivacious silver frost “lily pad” eye shadow and rockin’ sonic coral “shadow of love.” Despite having very sensitive skin, all of Aromaleigh’s products work well with my complexion, and they don’t really fade or smudge. Thus far, I’ve tried items from their Bete Noir, Eyes Lustre, and Gothic Lolita collections. I honestly can’t articulate how many different colors, sparkles, and shades Aromaleigh boasts. They wield all the colors of the rainbow throughout their various collections and possess fun, frisky names like “Lush Memoir” (Gothic Lolita collection), “Darcelle” (Bete Noir collection), and “Space Oddity” (Sonic Cosmetic Collection). They mix and match colors like nobody’s business, and their new limited edition Orchid collection is practically mouth-watering. For eye shadows, they have mattes, frosts, sparkles, and all-encompassing combinations. The brightest of yellows and whites are at your disposal as are the darkest of blues, purples, and blacks. I’ve only tried lip products from the Gothic Lolita collection, but out of the four I tried (Melancholia, Pinafore, Wallflower, and Lollipop), none of them felt sticky or heavy and provided deep, lasting shades that “popped” off my fair skin.

At the risk of sounding like an infomercial, the best part about Aromaleigh is their reasonable prices. Most of their eye shadows range in price from $6-8, and you can buy samples (which last a long, long time) of many of their products for under $1.50. Like a lot of independent companies, Aromaleigh seems to rely on steady customers to keep their company afloat. Therefore, they offer weekly coupons and deals on select products. Plus, there’s free shipping for all sample orders, and they even throw in three random samples with every sale so you can try different things from different collections.

Above all, Aromaleigh truly cares about what they’re peddling. There’s a lot of craft, caress, and chutzpah placed in every treasured stroke of color and spark of glitter. You’ll get a lot for your money and feel marvelous while doing it. Whether you’re Bette Davis with blue eye shadow and brown mascara or someone like me who enjoys sparkling like a holiday with lilac purple and sea foam green, I’m sure Aromaleigh has a cosmetic soul mate in store for you.

Written by: Sara Freeman, May 3rd 2009

Picture Perfect Face Primer

admin — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 10:37:00 +0000

By Zana Cosmetics

Oily skin is often revered as one’s personal fountain of youth with an ability to slow down aging, but for those who were born with this physical trait, it’s a nightmare that stares at you right in the face. Instead of glowing and glistening, oil oozes from pores, causing pimples to make frequent visits, while rosy cheeks appear slippery and dirty. Not even the finest powders can combat the greasy mess, and at the end of the day, your many hours of carefully applying makeup for a fresh face results in a gloppy gunk. No matter how many times you scrub, wash, or tone, genetics can’t be defeated. Fortunately, you can now find an easier way to let your personality, not your face, shine through. Zana’s Picture Perfect Face Primer is the number one tool you need to look flawless and naturally gorgeous, all thanks to a little help from Mother Nature.

Zana Cosmetics is a new collection that provides promising results to women who want to enhance their features without looking overdone, a must for those who also have to battle oil just to feel fabulous. While they offer a basic line of lipsticks and eye shadows that create “sultry, sexy” looks, they aren’t your typical tubes of Revlon or Maybelline. All Zana products are mineral based and non-comedogenic, which means they don’t clog pores.

In addition, their formulas are created with vitamins and antioxidants, ensuring to be gentle on even the most sensitive skin types. Sure, it sounds like another product riding the eco-trend train, but if women must wear makeup to both look and feel amazing, at least they should use products that will heal their skin, not drown it in toxins. The Picture Perfect Face Primer is made with natural ingredients, such as avocado, rosemary, and hibiscus, which all hydrate and soothe. There’s no fragrance or color, just a transparent gel that comes out with a gentle squeeze from an easy to carry bottle. However, does The Picture Perfect Face Primer make you ready for your close-up, or like Mother Nature, is it unpredictable and even disastrous?

The Picture Perfect Face Primer is a brilliant product that will have you saying cheese in seconds. Unlike other primers made with thick silicone, this lightweight gel is silky smooth and immediately absorbed by skin without leaving a sticky residue. It’s so feathery soft that it feels like you’re wearing nothing, but all you need is a little drop to gently rub on your face before applying makeup. From morning until night, foundation stays in place, appearing as if it was just applied. Not only will you hear compliments for having radiant skin, but on lazy days, you could go all natural without concealer, blush, or mascara. You’ll feel like an earth mother with lustrous skin that requires little primping. Isn’t that the top beauty secret that both fashionistas and everyday women want to discover?

As with all the latest beauty fads, The Picture Perfect Face Primer does have a flaw. Like Avon, Zana cannot be purchased from a store, but instead from a Zana Cosmetics representative. However, since Zana is new, expect a hard time trying to find someone close to home that has even heard of the collection. You could become a rep and “be invited to VIP parties to showcase new product launches, makeup trends, and application demos,” but who really wants to go through all that for a face gel? Zana Cosmetics does provide an income to its reps, as well as scholarships, but those who prefer shopping online or in beauty boutiques may be turned off altogether. However, the look of perfect skin is priceless to many oily skinned girls, so the hunt may indeed be worth it.

For skin that‘s rarely slick, add The Picture Perfect Face Primer to your beauty regimen, and you’ll finally be able to enjoy standing out in a crowd.

Written by: Stephanie Nolasco, April 28th 2009

Cocoa Butter Body Cream: Vanilla Mocha

admin — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 23:58:00 +0000

By Alaffia

I love my organs! My kidneys are awesome. As bad as I have been to my liver, it has never let me down. My heart is a hard-working love machine. Although, I must say, my absolute favorite organ has to be my skin, and the best part is that I have lots of it!

My skin has been so good to me, I am certainly grateful that, even after years of long baby oil tanning sessions, it still appears mildly even-colored, and I haven’t attained that proverbial fried-pork-rind look. Still, something tells me that I should start taking better care of it, and that something is my brain, the organ that keeps the others alive, so I probably should listen.

As much as I like slathering my epidermis in an artificially perfumed mixture of aluminum starch octenylsuccinate, dimethiconol, threonine, and propylparaben, it might finally be time for me to start being able to pronounce whatever it is that is going into my still not-so-enlarged pores. And that’s why I’m really excited about Alaffia's Vanilla Mocha-scented Cocoa Butter Body Cream. With a little more than cocoa, shea butter, and vanilla extract, Alaffia has made a magical frosting that leaves my skin soft, not greasy, and smelling so much like a birthday cake that I am afraid to stay in a yoga pose for too long for fear that my classmates will take a bite out of me.

Alaffia is a Fair Trade co-op based partly in Olympia, WA, and partly in Togo, Africa (hometown of founder Olowo-n’djo Tchala). Togo provides the most basic of Alaffia's ingredients: shea butter. The West African members of the cooperative benefit by applying their knowledge of traditionally handcrafting the shea butter to make a fair wage, and since shea trees grow wild and are a renewable resource, it is also ecologically safe for their community. I also think it is important to mention that ten percent of all sales go directly to community enhancement projects in both West Africa and the state of Washington.

Besides the body cream, Alaffia creates lotions, soaps, shampoos, conditioners, and other products—all of which are available on their website at alaffia.com. Now, if someone can come up with a better product-benefit combination of having eco-friendly, soft legs and raising AIDS awareness while providing medical and school supplies to African communities, please let me know!

Written by: Laura Koffler, March 19th 2009

Loose Mineral Foundation/Concealer

admin — Tue, 03 Jul 2007 00:18:00 +0000

Jenulence

I have a great deal of fun with makeup. Playing with different looks is a creative outlet for me, and I really enjoy trying different cosmetics. I like using foundation, but I have sensitive skin, so it can be hit or miss finding a brand that doesn't make my face burn. So I was excited to try this product by Jenulence, which is hypo-allergenic, all-natural and cruelty-free.

This loose powder foundation/concealer is very light and feels great; perfect for anyone with skin sensitivities. It also provides nice coverage while giving a very natural look. My face doesn't look buried under several orange layers, as I've found with many brands. It can be applied either wet or dry – I applied a wet layer first, to cover any inconsistencies, and then dusted on a final dry layer to finish it off. The result was very flattering – and didn't make my face burn at all!

Written by: Beeb Ashcroft, July 2nd 2007