Archive for the ‘Find It’ Category

A new you starts at home

November 17th, 2010 Crystal

I’ve always been obsessed with doing things myself, especially when it comes to beauty.  To save money, I paint my own nails, often dye my own hair, and sometimes even make my own skincare masks.  There’s just something that feels so MacGyver-y about using ingredients you already have lying around the house to beautify yourself.  That’s why I love this new recipe from Kami McBride’s new book, Herbal Kitchen. And let’s get real – detox is an important step in the beautification process.  :)

Gentle Detox Bath Tea

8 qts. water
1 c. basil (fresh or dried)
1/2 c. burdock (fresh or dried)
1/4 c. fresh ginger, sliced

Place all ingredients in a large pot. Bring to a boil; turn off heat and let sit for one hour. Strain herbs from water. Reheat liquid and pour into bath water.

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Posted in Everyday Beauty, Find It, Home Remedies Tags: , , , , No Comments »

To splurge or not to splurge…

September 21st, 2010 Crystal

Once upon a time, I was a tomboy.  And like any other tomboy, when I finally decided to start wearing makeup, it wasn’t pretty. With all the options available, it’s difficult to know which products work best.  Luckily, professional makeup artist Jessica Lauren is here to help.  Here are here picks for products that really work.

Splurge: Dior 5 Couleur Eye Shadow

Using the right combination of the five colors, this shadow is ideal for any occasion: casual or formal, any time of the day.  “The colors that come in the palate are rich and go on smooth, making it easy to create gorgeous eyes,” she says.  Jessica recommends using a combination of the lighter tones with a hint of a darker shade to create a natural daytime look.  She suggests accentuating the eyes for the evening by using darker shades to thicken the crease.  “Although some eye shadows from drugstores can be bought for under $10, this investment is well worth it,” promises Jessica.  Currently available at Bloomingdales for $58

Save: Cover Girl Perfect Point Plus Eyeliner

When it comes to eyeliner, consumers seek brands that provide easy application and long term staying power to last throughout the day, informs Jessica.  “Unlike other high-end cosmetics, there is not too much of a difference between expensive eyeliners and more affordable ones.  I find Cover Girl’s Perfect Point Plus Eyeliner to be one of my favorites as it stays in place all day and has a smudger on the opposite end of the point to create a great smokey look,” she says.  Currently available at Walgreens $4.99

Splurge: Bobbi Brown Shimmer Wash Eye Shadows

Sheer eye shadows, like this one, are a makeup bag-must-have! Their gentle radiance brightens the eyes but can also be used as an illuminator on the cheek bones to add pizzazz to any look.  “Bobbi Brown’s Shimmer Wash shadows are ageless and compliment every woman’s look,” says Jessica.  Currently available at Nordstrom for $20

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Posted in Everyday Beauty, Find It Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , 1 Comment »

Current Cravings – July 2010

July 14th, 2010 Crystal

Summertime is here, and I’m more than ready for the vibrant makeup and glowing skin.  And thankfully, our favorite cosmetic lines are happy to oblige.  Check out my current cravings for July 2010!

1) Jurlique Herbal Recovery Eye Cream – What good is a golden glow if your eyes look tired and old? Enter Jurlique’s Herbal Recovery Eye Cream.  This high-performance eye cream with potent botanicals and Australian native flower extracts helps brighten, de-puff, and refresh the delicate eye area, all while protecting against free radicals and environmental aggressors.

Where to find it: The Herbal Recovery Eye Cream can be purchased for $40 at Sephora or Jurlique.com.

2) DDF’s Blemish Foaming Cleanser - Summer skin is hot enough, so why not try something refreshing and cool? DDF’s Blemish Foaming Cleanser helps fade post-inflammatory red spots while minimizing future blemishes. A blend of salicylic acid, azelaic acid, red clover, and golden seal extract delivers clear, healthy results.

Where to find it: Pick up DDF’s Blemish Foaming Cleanser at Sephora for $32.

3) Tarte’s LipSurgence Natural Matte Lip Stain - The last thing a girl needs is her makeup melting in the summer heat, so put those old lip sticks away.! Instead, try Tarte’s LipSurgence Natural Matte Lip Stain.  Each of the matte shades boasts the high-pigment concentration we love from matte lipsticks, but unlike drying lipsticks, these stains are infused with a High-Performance Natural LipSurgence technology, which is clinically proven to increase moisture content by an astonishing 6000% after 28 days. This proprietary blend effectively increases skin’s water content for a ‘plumped up’ appearance. The result is naturally fuller, healthier lips without any irritation or stinging.

Where to find it: Find it at Sephora or tartecosmetics.com for $24.

4) SEPHORA by OPI Havana Nights Mini Collection – Enter the sophisticated glamour of the Havana with OPI’s new Havana Nights Mini Collection.  This long-lasting, chip-resistant polish ensures flawless results with each application, and its green ingredient list excludes DBP, toluene, and formaldehyde.  Shades include Read My Palm, Rumba Romance, Caliente Coral, and Teal We Meet Again.

Where to find it: Only at Sephora for $18.

5) bareMinerals Flawless Definition Mascara – Long, lushious lashes have always been a necessity for me.  And bareMinerals new Flawless Definition Mascara looks like a winner to me!  This 100% pure mascara accentuates and separates each lash for a flawless and well-defined finishing touch to your eyes. The seriously tapered wand lengthens, darkens, and lifts for all-around beautiful lashes. Infused with 100% pure bareMinerals, antioxidants, and natural extracts, the smudge-free, paraben-free mascara conditions, fortifies, and protects lashes all day long.

Where to find it: At your local Bare Escentuals boutique, Ulta, or Sephora for $18.

Posted in Everyday Beauty, Find It Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , No Comments »

L’Oreal Let Me Down This Time

June 28th, 2010 Crystal

I’m a huge fan of L’Oreal mascaras (like you didn’t know), so when I saw that they were coming out with a new Telescopic Mascara with a Givenchy-esque wand, I had to try it.  I love the way the original Telescopic makes my lashes look (long and dark!), so I assumed the new one would be just as good.  Boy, was I wrong.  The new Telescopic Explosion mascara has the same great formula, but the wand is practically useless. It clumps my lashes together, making me look more show girl than California girl. 

L’Oreal claims that the globe shaped brush is:
Precise: to get right into the corners capturing even the shortest lashes.
Spherical: to use from any angle for longer-looking lashes.
Precise: to seek out every lash for a fanned out effect.

But in reality, it’s trash.  From now on, I’ll stick to their tried and true formulas (L’Oreal Telescopic or Lash Out mascaras), or hey, maybe I’ll jump ship to Cover Girl. 

Where to find it: Your local drugstore (Walgreens, CVS, or Duane Reade), or big box store (Walmart, K-Mart or Target) for around $10.

Posted in Find It, Reviews Tags: , , , , , , , , 1 Comment »

St. Ives Naturally Clear Green Tea Scrub

June 28th, 2010 Crystal

I used to hate St. Ives products.  Their apricot scrub is way too harsh on my skin, leaving it dry and raw-feeling.  But their new Naturally Clear Green Tea Scrub is a whole other story.  Formulated without parabens or phthalates, this scrub helps keep your skin clean without drying it out or irritating sensitive skin.  The green tea soothes your skin, reduces redness, and protect your skin from unfriendly environmental factors and free radicals.  I’ve been using it for over a month now, and I’m in love.  I love that it has just 1% salicylic acid (just enough to fight acne without drying my skin out).  It’s even gentle enough to use every day.  All in all, I’d recommend it to anyone who needs a skin pick-me-up, or a cheap alternative to more expensive exfoliators.

Where to find it: Pick up St. Ives Naturally Clear Green Tea Scrub at your local Walgreens, Duane Reade, or CVS, or at your local big box store (such as Walmart or Target) for around $6.

Posted in Find It, Reviews Tags: , , , , , , 3 Comments »
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