Beauty Blog » Makeup & Cosmetics

Liquid eyeliner is fun.  I’ve always worn it (not on a daily basis) but when the occasion is right or the outfit calls for it, I will put it on.  The benefit of wearing it is that liquid eyeliner can be dramatic without all the fuss of smudging regular pencil liner onto your lids, putting it on the inner rim, etc.  Really, it should only be worn on the top lid, some may disagree.  There are many cosmetic companies that make liquid versions, but when it comes to this product in particular, I’ve always gone with the more inexpensive brands that I find at the drugstore.  I guess for a while I was using it so frequently that I felt it wouldn’t make sense to spend $20 on one tube that would be gone shortly.  So, I started trying out different types from the drugstore and found that Almay makes a great liquid liner at a great price of $7.49 roughly.

Almay Liquid Eyeliner in Black: $6.30

This liner is fantastic!  I used it for several months and found that it goes on easy and washes off with soap and water…come on..who doesn’t love that factor?!  When applying, just pull the eyelid taut and with a steady hand, slide a thin line of the liquid across the base of your eyelid, closest to your lashes as possible.  Let dry for a sec and your done.  Mistakes will almost always be made so have a q-tip handy to clean up.

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more affordable liquid eyeliner.

I do love when cosmetic companies issue out some neatly packaged new color palette that basically has the right amount of everything you’ll need for three or four months, even longer sometimes.  I used to indulge frequently in seasonal beauty palettes because not only do they boast great new colors in one set, (along with fancy makeup brushes and pint size lip glosses) but they are also reasonably priced for getting all of that product.  Right now if I were to shell out for one, it would be this Tarte Spring Greening Reusable Straw Palette ($20).

The packaging on this is so cute and summery!  It is a sustainable and reusable straw palette that is filled with a bamboo eyeshadow brush, six new shades of mineral eyeshadow and three lip glosses.  The tray inside is made of post consumer waste and can either be recycled when you’re done using the shadows. The products themselves are all paraben free and the lip glosses are infused with acai, pomegranate, and gogi berry.

Use coupon code 3SJ9HQ at checkout at Sephora.com and get FREE SHIPPING on orders over $25.

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more makeup and cosmetics.

There was a time where I wore liquid face makeup on a regular basis.  Then I would switch it up and wear powder, or an all-in-one type of cream.  I’ve tried many formulas and shades and more recently just gave up and stopped wearing any face makeup.  I guess I just got lazy, but when I do use it, I opt for liquid and I use it sparingly, only dabbing some on my cheeks and nose.  I was stuck on L’Oreal’s True Match with an SPF 15…I love this stuff, but now if I were to go back I would try something different.  The trick with foundation is of course finding a shade that matches your skin tone.  This can be difficult.  If you stock up on your goods at the beauty counter, then a makeup specialist can guide you in the proper direction.  If you are cruising the aisles at your local drugstore, you have to use your best judgment in choosing the best shade for yourself.  This summer, I would recommend going with a tinted moisturizer.  Stila makes a good one with sunscreen in it…

Stila Sheer Color Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15: $34

By choosing a tinted moisturizer, you lower your chances of picking a shade that is way off since the pigmentation is less concentrated.  For those of you who need more coverage, there are of course a slew of other options, but as a former beauty consultant myself…this is my top recommendation.

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more tinted moisturizers.
Discounts on Stila Cosmetics.

I really try not to buy “cheap” mascara.  I hate calling them cheap, but drugstore mascaras $10 and under fall into this category for me.  Of course, what girl doesn’t like buying the good stuff like Clinique, Dior, and Lancome?  But lately, I’ve not only needed to make a few sacrifices when it comes to splurges but taking the time to go to the make up counter at the mall is kind of a hassle.  So, I picked up a cheapie at my local drugstore the other night and I was totally impressed with what I found.  L’Oreal has created a new formula for the lashes, Bare Naturale Mascara…

The new mineral enriched formula is specifically geared towards lengthening and is made with 86% natural orgin-ingredients like jojoba oil, vitamin E and aloe vera.  This mascara is totally eco-friendly and paraben free, plus it only cost me about $10.

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more mascara.
Discounts on L’Oreal cosmetics.

“Less is more” is a pretty good motto to stick to when considering your summer wardrobe.  It should also be something to live by when it comes to your makeup products and what you’ll be using on your face in the warmer months.  My skin gets really dry during the summer, especially on my face.  It also needs some serious exfoliating almost every other day after being in the sun and slathering layers of sunscreen on for protection (this sometimes clogs the pores too.)  Picking a nutrient rich moisturizer is a good idea for the summer, if you have an oilier complexion then go for something lighter.  The regular face exfoliation will keep your skin glowing and moisturizer will glide on.  Many think and are used to heavier, grainy scrubs but a dermatologist informed me that these may actually end up causing damage to your skin and pores because they are too abrasive.  A great, natural exfoliating tool that has always worked wonders for me are these small little cellulose facial sponges.

Eco Tools Cellulose Facial Sponges: $5.99

Use these with your normal face cleanser for gentle exfoliation.  Your skin will feel extra fresh and soft afterward so don’t layer on heavy foundation, instead moisturize and keep it simple with blush.  Those with drier complexions may want to go for a cream blush for a dewier look, the opposite applies for oily girls…I would stick with powder.  If you do opt for cream, definitely go with the Stila Convertible Color Compact $25, sephora.com

This stuff is the ultimate all-in-one product.  Peony and Petunia were my favorite shades, and all I would ever need to do is dab a bit on my cheeks with my fingertips and also dab a little on my lips, sometimes topping with a clear lip gloss for extra shine.  I would finish with mascara and that’s the extent of my summer beauty routine…keeping it simple never felt so good!

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more facial sponges.

The Good and the Bad Tan: Elizabeth Hurley and Donatella Versace
Photo: Taken from best-spray-tanguide.com

With every star worth his/her salt embracing the tanned look, it has become an undeniable summer requirement.  And now that we are all aware of the inherent dangers of sun tanning, self tanners are more popular than ever.  All self-tanners are not created equal.  There is that dreaded orange hue that some leave behind.  Some have positively made women swear off them due to their nasty smell.  Some are messy to apply…the list is long.

We have compiled here a list of some of the most popular self tanners in today’s beauty market to address the needs of different women:

1) Bare Escentuals Faux Tan: $22 - The Bare Escentuals Faux Tan has been a top performer the past few years and has accumulated quite a number of dedicated fans.  Women love it as it is hydrating and does not clog pores.  Best of all, its built in color lets you see where the product goes to avoid mess ups.

2) Liz Earle Sun Shade Botanical Self Tan Spray: $31 - This British product is great for girls who crave for more natural products without harsh chemicals.  It has been receiving rave reviews from many editors in the business.

3) Peter Thomas Roth Natural Looking Self Tanner: $28 - As the name suggests, it delivers a streak free natural looking glow which is completely fragrance free and enriched with botanicals and moisturizers.

4) Neutrogena Sun Fresh Sunless Foam: $9.99 - For a lady on the go, this fast absorbing foam that promises to dry in 5 minutes might just do the trick.  Has a pleasant grape fruit and nectarine scent.

5) Clarins Delicious Self Tanning Cream: $42 -If you are a girly girl and love the luxury of rich chocolate pudding like texture and scent on your skin, you will like this.Its caramel color makes it mistake proof while delivering an even honey glow.

6)  Dove Energy Glow Body Lotion: $15.19 - For women who don’t want to transition overnight into dark brown from pale white, Dove’s gradual tanning is the answer.  For subtle results and a natural gradation, this is the way to go.  Some ladies who want more intense results mix in the Dove lotion with their regular tanner for in between maintenance.

7)  L’Oreal Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Towelettes: $ 8.99 - Perfect for summer travel. Quick, convenient and best of all no mess!

8)  St. Tropez Whipped Bronze Mousse: $34.99 - This instant 60 second self tanning mousse is an all time favorite for its great color and staying power.  This is also a good idea for men due to its neutral herbal scent and non sticky application that makes for easier application over body hair.

Of course for the greatest of self-tanners to work, be sure to adhere to all the self tanning wisdom like:

1)  Set aside enough time. Rushing could lead to goof ups.
2)  Shower and shave before hand.
3)  The most important rule of self tanning remains exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate before application.
4)  Don’t forget to wear snug gloves to avoid tell tale orange palms.  At the end, take it off to apply product to back of hand and wash off the palms quickly.
5)  A wet cotton ball could be very handy to wipe out excess product that tends to build up near hairline and eyebrows.
6)  Wait 4-6 hours before swimming or showering and wear loose fitting dark colored clothing for the rest of the day to prevent any color transfer.

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more tanning supplies.

Bold colors will be big for the remainder of spring…usually summer palettes fade into lighter, shimmery shades to compliment the suntan you’ve gotten on your face.  I like bold colors for the face, its fun to do a little risk taking when it comes to makeup and current trends.   You’ll make yourself the freshest in the bunch. I will admit that I’m not one usually drawn to blue eyeshadow, at all, but blue eyeshadow and nude lips are a new look meant to go together.

The secret to this look is to not coat your eyelid with blue shadow, but instead smudge on some navy eyeliner, and then top that with a bright blue shadow like Revlon’s Venetian Blue ($4.99), keeping it on the center of the lids, not the entire lid.  This will keep it from looking like a bad 80’s makeover.

Revlon Matte Eyeshadow in Venetian Blue: $4.99

MAC’s Eye Kohl in Blooz would be good to start with, it will go on smoothly. Don’t spend a lot on the shadow, Revlon will do the trick with its matte formula. If you accidentally over-do it on the eyeshadow, pat lightly with your ring finger to even it out…this usually works for me.

MAC Eye Kohl in Blooz: $13.55

Now for the lips…a good shade of nude or light pink will do for this.  Benefit Cosmetics has created a new line of Full-Finish lipstick for Spring ‘09. Try the “Ladies Choice” shade.

Benefit Full Finish Lipstick in Ladies Choice: $18

Combining the bright blue eyes with neutral lips is perfect.  The lipstick balances out the boldness of the eyes and will actually have you looking quite chic.  I don’t know if I would wear this look in the daytime, but it would certainly make for an excellent “night out” look when you want to be a bit more adventuresome with your beauty regiment.

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more blue eyeshadow and blue eyeliner.
Discounts on MAC cosmetics and Benefit cosmetics.

1 . Philosophy ‘Shelter’ Tinted SPF 30 Sunblock: $20

This antioxidant-rich, broad-spectrum sun protection moisturizer tops as an absolute summer must have for it not only provides basic moisturization, but also incorporates anti-aging benefits of peptides and protects us from the harmful effects of the sun with SPF 30. Wait there’s more- it even provides sheer coverage with a universally flattering tint that compliments most skin types.

2. Nars Monoi Body Glow II and South Beach Multiple Set: $49

Who does not crave for that sensuous Jennifer Lopez glow? The South Beach Multiple set helps you achieve that bronze goddess look by giving your eyes, cheeks, and lips a sun kissed radiance while the Minoi Body glow lends a luminous sheen to the whole body to achieve that perfectly stylish summer chic.

3. Sugar Lip Treatment SPF 15: $22.50

Remember, lips need SPF too!  Sugar Lip Treatment SPF 15 blends reparative oils and waxes together with real sugar for an intensely moisturizing sun protection.  Sweet and tart blackcurrant oil cushions the lips with essential plumping fatty acids, while antioxidant grapeseed polyphenols and vitamins A, C and E provide extra protection.

4. Bare Escentuals Perfect Bronze 100% Natural Lip Trio: $ 30

This all natural paraben free lip trio is all you need to give your pucker that sexy, bronze pout.  The lip liner, gloss and lipcolor set come pre-matched for you in a creamy, moisturizing formula that is sure to help you pack a punch in your summer look.

5. Guerlain ‘Le 2 de Guerlain’ Waterproof Mascara: $35

Summer definitely calls for a water proof mascara.  Who better to deliver it than the legendary Guerlain?  It comes with two brushes: the main brush provides volume, length and curls the lashes, while the mini-brush helps to precisely define all small lashes and lower lashes.  It contains polymers to first surround the lash with a flexible coating by encasing natural waxes and then a humid resin a humid resin, to form a setting film over the first coating as it dries to protect curl and maintain hold .

6. MAC ‘Fix+ Rose’ Mist: $17

This rose water mist formulated from spring water, rich in added minerals hydrates and conditions the skin.  It is the perfect finishing touch for your summer makeup.  Smells great.  Feels so refreshing against the skin.  A real summer pick me up!

7. Matte Cover FX Oil Absorbing Powder: $22

While we love the seductive summer heat, we can certainly do without the oil and grease that make our faces look shiny and our makeup blotchy.  The sweat and dirt of summer days require this mineral rich oil absorbing pressed powder compact to absorb the oil and deliver an evenly matte appearance..

8. Frederic Fekkai Summer Hair Marine Clean Detox Shampoo: $23

We all know that the sun can do a number on the hair.  Add to it all the chloride in the pool and the salt water in the beach-you definitely need extra help!  Frederic Fekkai Marine Summer Hair Marine Clean Detox Shampoo contains marine botanicals to moisturize and gently detoxify chlorine, residue and other impurities. The Aqua Nutrients infuse deep hydration into sun-exposed, moisture-thirsty hair, and the UV shield helps prevent fading.  Moreover the summery smell just gets you into the mood.

9. Blot Away! Oil Absorbing Sheets, $2.99 on sale!

These troopers from Avon at just under $3.00 are the handiest things you could ever have in your handbag during those long hot perspiring summer days.  These portable, disposable compact blotting papers that come in sets of 50 help you blot away oil and sweat through out the day without messing with your makeup.

10. Marc Jacobs Splash - Lemon: $68

Have you put away your winter perfume yet?  It is time to get into the spirit with Marc Jacobs Splash in Lemon.  It promises to capture the essence of summer with the fresh, crisp scent of sun-drenched citrus.  Even its yellowy sparkling tint is reminiscent of the warm, sensuous days of summer.

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more tinted sunblock, SPF lip treatment and waterproof mascara
Buy absorbing face powder, detox shampoo and Marc Jacobs fragrances.
Discounts on NARS beauty products and Bare Escentuals products,

Lancome recently introduced its new Juicy Tubes Pure for all you gloss gurus out there.  Inspired by Elettra Wiedemann, a socialite, environmentalist, and Lancome spokesperson–not to mention she is a model as well as the daughter of actress Isabella Rosselini–Lancome has launched Juicy Tubes Pure Premium Unique Raw Elements, a ten piece collection that includes a new formula of the gloss made with ninety five percent natural ingredients and one hundred percent natural flavors certified by EcoCert without sacrificing one bit of the original sparkle and high intensity shine.  The new formula includes natural oils and shea butter emollient, it is also paraben free.  Being a Lancome first, the carton the glosses come in is 100% recyclable.  Okay, these are all great baby steps for the French company!  Unfortunately the eco-friendly glosses are only temporary since they are limited edition.  Shades include Sweet Soy, Ginger Root, Bare Honey, Lavendar Zen, and Rose Water…names to make Mother Nature proud.

Limited Edition Juicy Tubes PURE: $18, lancome-usa.com

Since we’re on the topic of green glosses, here are few others that may tickle your fancy:

Burt’s Bees Super Shiny Natural Lip Gloss ($6.29) is made with almond oil, simultaneously making your lips luscious, juicy and really moisturized.  Burt’s Bees are pros at this stuff.  They’ve been making natural, eco-conscious personal care products since 1984. The Super Shiny gloss is flavored with natural citrus oils and comes in four different colors including Pucker Berry, Sweet Pink, Zesty Red, and Nectar Nude.

Smashbox has created O-GLOSS, lipgloss with Goji Berry-C Complex ($22).  The naturally pink hued lip gloss is made with ginkgo biloba, pomegranate seed antioxidants, marine botanicals, moisturizing avocado oil and an exclusive formula of Goji Berry-C Complex.

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more Lancome lip gloss and Burt’s Bees lip gloss.
Discounts on Smashbox lip gloss.

We are all aware of the bad effects of phthalates in hairsprays, lead in lipsticks, parabens in moisturizers, and countless other toxic chemicals in skin care and makeup lines that are harmful to the human body. Non-profit health organizations like The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics have worked diligently to urge the cosmetic market to make full disclosures of ingredients, conduct pre-market safety tests and move away from harmful chemicals.  Many leading brands have come up with their versions of eco-friendly lines.  But we have to remember that since there is no government regulated authority to certify organic or natural products, there is no guarantee that the product line is 100% natural and safe.  Here are eight promising eco-friendly skin care and makeup lines that I found recently that are worth looking into:

1) KaiaHouse.com

An online beauty retailer who carries products that are safe, animal and environmental friendly.  It consults with the Environmental Working Group to verify the safety of every ingredient that goes into the products.  Kaiahouse has a wide assortment of makeup, hair care, skin care, anti-aging and vegan products. Every bottle of its “Save Your World” product saves an acre of rain forest in one year.  Another noteworthy product is “Speak Freely for Humanity” Vanilla lip balm (pictured above), every purchase of which contributes $1 to humanitarian organizations such as the Carter Center to help war and human rights victims around the world.

2)  CosmeticsDatabase.com is a safety guide to cosmetics and personal care products compiled by researchers at the Environmental Working Group.  It has a searchable database of cosmetic and skin care lines with scores of 1 to 10 for product safety and levels of toxicity. So we can either type in the name of the product we are interested in and verify it’s safety level it or simply search for a safe product line from the listed categories for hair, skin, nail etc.

3)  TeensTurningGreen.com is a non-profit organization that educates young women to make healthy choices and commit to a healthy environment.

A division of the org called Teens for Safe Cosmetics works to bring about greener alternatives in cosmetics.  They have been vociferously active in trying to ban the presence of lead in lipsticks which is associated with learning disabilities, miscarriages, low IQ and behavioral problems.  Teens Turning Green collection of safe cosmetics consisting of facial masks, body butters, cleansers, toning mists etc is sold at Whole Foods Market (http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/).

4)  Kahina-GivingBeauty.com

Kahina Giving Beauty is a line of natural skin care whose main ingredient is argan oil, derived from the Argania Spinosa tree indigenous to Morocco.  Argan oil has come into wide prominence recently for its anti-aging properties due to high content of antioxidants, essential fatty acids, carotenoids, ferulic acid, sterols, polyphenols, and vitamin E.  Argan oil is even suggested to protect against skin cancer and improve the appearance of some skin disorders such as eczema and psoriasis.  The ingredients of the Kahina line come from women’s cooperatives from around the world and 25% of the profits go toward initiatives that improve the lives of the women. The line includes serum, cleanser, lotion and plain argan oil which is said to be the secret weapon of Moroccan women to reverse signs of aging.

5)  100PercentPure.com

As the name suggests , 100% pure is a line of skin care and makeup derived from 100% pure, vegan ingredients without addition of any synthetic chemicals, chemical preservatives, artificial fragrances, artificial colors, harsh detergents or unhealthy toxins.  Their exhaustive collection includes tinted moisturizer with SPF 20, lengthening and conditioning mascara, caffeine eye cream, pure peach pigmented concealer to name a few and can be found at ULTA , Skin-One (with free shipping) or its website.

6)  JosieMaranCosmetics.com

This line of pure, gentle but effective makeup founded by the well known model Josie Maran, claims to be different from other earth friendly lines in the sophistication and luxury that it delivers.  It comes complete with bio-degradable packaging and is talc, paraben and petrochemical free.  You can check out this collection at Sephora and Barneys.

7) IAmaPeacekeeper.com

Peacemaker Causemetics ‘s line of eco and health friendly cosmetics was founded in 2002 and has been featured in numerous magazines like Marie Claire, Teen Vogue and The Oprah Magazine.  It is the first cosmetics line that donates 100% of its profits after taxes to women’s health and human rights advocacy organizations.  Shipping is free on all their orders.

8)  JuiceBeauty.com

Juice Beauty, offers organic beauty solutions created from an antioxidant rich organic juice base backed by age-defying technology.  All its ingredients are 95% certified organic and are procured from sustainable and organic farms from around the globe.  It offers a wide array of products including it’s best selling Apple Nutrient Eye Cream and SPF 30 Mineral Light Moisturizer. Featured in Allure, Vogue Japan, Elle and other top Magazines, Juice Beauty can be ordered online from the website or can be found at Sephora.

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more organic makeup and organic skincare.