Best of Summer : HAIR

This summer, I discovered something that is actually making my hair grow faster than usual. As of today, my hair is a solid two inches past my ears and almost pony tail worthy. These products have made a real, amazing difference in my hair and are worth every penny. If you missed it the first time, check out the details on Peter Lamas, who is now available in Duane Reade, as well as online.

Impatient with trying to grow my hair to bombshell lengths, I recently sought help from Peter Lamas, a renowned hairstylist and creator of the Chinese Herbs line. His impressive clientele includes the likes of Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn and Jacqueline Kennedy.

(My hair, at the end of April.)

(My hair now, at the end of May.)

Peter's line, Chinese Herbs, helps stimulate the scalp to grow thicker, healthier hair. But can a shampoo and conditioner really make a difference for me as I try to grow my hair longer and faster? According to my research, hair grows about a half inch (on average) per month. So after 32 days of using Chinese Herbs, how much growth did I see?

Before I tell you, I have to explain that typical results with Chinese Herbs are usually apparent after two to three months, but users can often see results much faster than that. My hair normally grows slightly more than a half of an inch per month. I usually have to color my hair every three to four weeks to keep up with new growth.

In the month I used Chinese Herbs, my hair grew about 7/8 of an inch. (Yes, I pulled out hair and measured!). That is fast! So fast in fact, my hairdresser jokingly mocked that if my hair is growing too fast for me to financially keep up with coloring it, I should stop using the Chinese Herbs! For the record, I am using only the Shampoo, Conditioner, Styling Cream and Revitalizing Mist. I am not using the Serum.

(My hair growth after 32 days using Chinese Herbs. Now let's pretend you never saw that color hair coming out of ME, ok? Thanks.)

As I was seeing such amazing results I wanted to chat with Peter to find out exactly how the Chinese Herbs line works. Here's a portion of our chat:

GR: So far, I am seeing some pretty amazing results after using the Chinese Herbs Shampoo, Conditioner and Spray for a few weeks. I understand it is stimulating the scalp, but I'm already seeing results! How does it work?

PL: Chinese Herbs products are based on the known results that Chinese medicine has yielded for centuries. We combined smart science with natural ingredients to help create a product that gives men and women thicker, stronger, more beautiful hair. The fact that your hair is growing faster is a side effect of having a healthy, stimulated scalp. You need both smart science and natural, proven ingredients. Nature can't do it alone. Together, the two can produce amazing, beautiful hair.

GR: What makes Chinese Herbs different from other scalp stimulating products?

PL: Simply put, the formula we have created acts similar to the way that the cholesterol- lowering drugs work. It breaks up the sebum that is clogging your follicle, allowing your hair to grow in a healthy manner - revitalized, strong and beautiful. Our hair ages like our bodies do and this formula is like serious skin care for your hair.

GR: What is one thing women can do to improve the quality of their hair?

PL: Never, and I mean ever, wrap a towel around wet hair. Hair becomes like barbed wire, sticking to itself. When you brush through your hair after removing the towel, you literally rip and tear strands of your hair. It is one of the most damaging things women do without realizing it.

GR: With so many products on the market, what inspired you to create something using Chinese Medicine instead of some of the current chemical ingredients showing up everywhere?

PL: I had watched environmental factors play a detrimental role in the lives of many women, including my own mother. We have to be very careful of the products we use. Some ingredients, like parabens, are still approved for use, despite the building evidence they may in fact be harmful. I want to help women be their most beautiful self; healthy, strong and vibrant. I create products to safely do just that.

(photo courtesy of The Court Yard Hounds & Sony Music)

I can't believe how fast my hair has grown. At this rate, it should hit my shoulders by Thanksgiving. I think my new hairspiration is going to be Emily Robison from the Court Yard Hounds. I have no clue how you deal with that much hair, but since it's growing this fast, I might just get there and be forced to learn! Have you tried any of Peter Lamas' products? Tell me in the comments!

Products were sent to me for the purposes of review.



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Best of Summer : CHEEKS

I am on a hectic shoot all week, with little to no time to write, (or even tweet!) so I thought I would look back at my favorites from the past season. First up is a new discovery for me, Dalton. My favorite cheek product of the summer (and possibly the year, so far) has to be the H2 Glow Natural Highlighting Cream. This cream stays where you put it and looks radiant. Really, really radiant. It's like super model highlighter that doesn't fade as soon as you put it on. Here's a look at my favorite cheek sculpting product of the season.


I recently discovered Dalton Color Cosmetics when I was researching bronzers. Most of the bronzers I am finding for the summer are either very shimmery or very matte brown. Both are fine, depending on the situation, but neither could work to help me fill in the uneven color on my décolleté from when I had an earlier mishap with sprayable sunscreen. Everything I had was either too dark brown or just too shiny to fill in the uneven area.

Dalton's Golden Pearl Bronzer (it comes with an amazing Puki brush) is different. This bronzer is more of a natural tan color. The color you get when you are actually outside and get some color. I don't know about you, but I don't tan with a reflective sheen. (Although it might be interesting if I could do that.) I also don't tan in a plain brown color. This bronzer looks completely natural on the face or body (so many can't do both).

The Puki brush, part powder brush, part kabuki brush, helps to ensure a smooth application, without blotches or streaks. I like to use a smaller brush on my face and use the larger brush to bronze my décolleté, arms and legs. It does come in two colors - light to medium and medium to dark, so hopefully one will work for you. This is definitely one of the more natural looking bronzers I have tried and is honestly pretty goof-proof. The only down side is that it isn't water proof. I haven't had any streaking or transfer issues, so it seems fairly resistant. I love the color it gives your skin - totally believable!

I am also loving their H2Glow Natural Highlighter Cream. I have been looking for new highlighters that not only leave a bit of dewy goodness on your skin, but actually stay fresh and dewy looking throughout the day. Most highlighters lose their sheen shortly after you put them on. This cream is slightly different. While it comes in a pan and is applied with a sponge or fingers (I like fingers, personally), it is much tackier than your normal cream. In fact, when you first apply it, the cream is definitely on the sticky side. After you apply it, it settles down into a smooth finish that doesn't budge. Because of that, I suggest applying it as the very last touch to your face. Otherwise, any blush or powder will cling to it. Once it settles down, it doesn't look like you are wearing a highlighter on your face. Instead, it looks like a natural radiance that isn't oily looking. And it lasts for hours! I put it on at 7:00am and as of 2:12pm (when I am writing this), it looks exactly the same! You have to love that!


Here is my Dalton FOTD, including the Brightening Wand I can't be without.

(In the car, in between meetings.)

(Another Dalton FOTD. I love the highlighters! )

Today I am wearing the Golden Pearl Bronzer all over my neck, chest and legs. I look believably bronze and it only took a few minutes this morning. I didn't have to exfoliate or wait for my skin to dry. Just a few quick swipes with the Puki brush and I was golden!

These products are available through QVC. What bronzer are you gravitating to this summer? Have you tried anything from Dalton before? Let me know!


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Maybelline Color Sensational Lip Stain

Maybelline recently jumped in the lip stain game with their Color Sensational Lip Stain. I want to like lip stains and almost never do. They are either drying or turn my lips bright pink or burgundy (I feel like a broken record saying that). I couldn't help picking up the least pink Lip Stain Maybelline had to offer and seeing if it could improve my perception of lip stains.


I am happy to report that this one turned a berry/brick-like color on me, which is, in all fairness, different from bright pink. The color I selected was Rich Toffee, so brick isn't that far off. I just wished it wasn't a red or berry color. I guess makeup companies just can't make stains in a non-pink/red color. The technology must not exist, right? I also wished the color was more even on my lips. Adding more "coats" just added a deeper brick-like color.


It isn't overly drying on my lips, which is an improvement, but my lips still look thirsty, which isn't so good. These stains were created (based on what I got from the ads) so that they are supposed to be stains that give you a lighter bit of color, without being so, well stain-y. I suppose the color I tried was definitely less stain-y than others I have tried, but I still don't love it. There is an upside, however. It looks amazing under my new favorite lip gloss from Estee Lauder, True Color in Passion Fruit Shimmer.

Have you tried this one? What did you think?

I bought this myself. Maybelline does test on animals.

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InviCible Scars Advanced Scar Therapy

When I was recently asked if I had any interest in trying out a new scar treatment, I thought to myself, sure. Loxy has the perfect scar to use in a test! Loxy got this scar when he had a cancerous mole removed about a year ago. The scar is about an inch long and is slightly noticeable. He did use an OTC product after the procedure to aid in reducing the scar, which helped a little. After a few months of using that OTC treatment, his scar looked like this.

(Taken before InviCible was used)

I asked Loxy to try using a new scar treatment, InviCible, twice per day for the next month or so. He diligently did this, even adding it to his Sparkpeople daily to do list so he wouldn't let me/us down. Here is a bit about InviCible, before we get to the afters.


InviCible can be used to treat scars, burns, acne, stretch marks and hyper-pigmentation. According to the company, "InviCible Scars combines proven skin care technology, a patent-pending blend of naturally-derived collagen boosters, intensive moisturizers, pigment lighteners and essential fatty acids - along with the safest form of silicone gel - to help speed the healing process, smooth skin texture and even out skin tone. Equally as important, InviCible Scars DOES NOT contain one ingredient that’s controversial, inconclusive, superfluous or harmful, including D4 and D5 silicones, commonly found in existing scar treatments. The anhydrous formula (formulated without water) is both preservative- (paraben) and fragrance-free, so it’s hypo-allergenic and 100% non-irritating."

So how did it work? After 45 days, here are the results on Loxy's face.

(Taken 45 days after the first picture. Used InviCible twice per day.)

Not too bad, it is only still slightly visible. The scar itself has flattened out and isn't as obvious as it was before using InviCible. InviCible is available online, as well as select physicians' offices and medi-spas. It retails for $82. Click here to do a trial of InviCible for slightly less.

This product was sent to me for the purposes of review. InviCible does not test on animals.

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Make Up For Ever New Rouge Artist Intense Lipstick

Make Up For Ever recently launched 50, yes 50, new, bold lipstick colors as part of their Rouge Artist Intense Lipstick Collection. This collection comes in three finishes - pearly, satin and matte - and includes everything from nude to berry to red, and even a few specialty colors you aren't likely to see elsewhere.

What makes these colors worth checking out is the colorful pop these will add to your pucker. Each lipstick contains 50% more pigment than a traditional lipstick, while including lip-hydrating goodness to keep your lips soft.


I tried two colors, a red (44 - shown above) and a berry (34 - shown below). WOW. These colors are strong, beautiful and last forever.

I am not exaggerating or kidding when I say I got a full, hydrating 4 hours of perfect wear from each of these colors, including eating breakfast.

(Wearing 34, a bright raspberry pink)

(Wearing 44, a deep, perfect crimson.)

If selecting the right lip color makes you nervous, Make Up For Ever has taken the guess work out of selecting the perfect shade for you. Based on your skin tone and hair color, their simple color wheel (available online or in Sephora) tells you what shades are guaranteed to compliment your look.

Each Rouge Artist Intense Lipstick is available from Sephora for $19. With so many colors to choose from, you can't go wrong! Are you bold enough to embrace this kind of color this fall or are you sticking to a nude gloss and a smokey eye? Personally, I'm loving a bit of both!

Product was provided for the purposes of review. Make Up For Ever does not test on animals.

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America The Beautiful? What Does Beauty Mean To You?

By guest blogger, Anne Houseman of Beauty Xpose

The other day, I turned to my good friend and said, “You know, I’m seriously thinking about getting Botox.” I was fairly serious. I am also 30.

After that fleeting moment of insecurity, however, I decided that just because I am starting to see real signs of aging doesn’t necessarily mean I need to instantly go shoot a toxic paralytic substance in my forehead. It also doesn’t mean I should be running out and trying every anti-aging cream possible (though I do this anyways for you readers). But more importantly, it does not mean I’m not beautiful.

So why is it that in today’s society, the word “beauty” only describes one’s external appearance? Why is it that middle school girls and 30+ women alike feel pressured to buy firming creams, anti-wrinkle serums and “age-defying” makeup…or makeup at all? Why do so many feel ugly if they don’t? Or worse — even if they do?

That’s exactly what the documentary “America the Beautiful,” (the collector’s edition is now available on DVD), aims to find out.

Directed by Darryl Roberts, who admits to losing the love of his life because he thought there might be someone more attractive waiting around the corner, the film depicts the ugly reality about beauty in modern American culture. While women and girls of all ages strive for ultimate “perfection,” the reality is that today’s ideal of beauty is unattainable for pretty much everyone — even celebrities and models, whose images have been heavily photoshopped in the ads we see every day.

Filmmaker Darryl Roberts and Gerren Taylor

Roberts underscores his point by chronicling the trials of a young, aspiring model, Gerren Taylor, who quickly shot to fame as a coveted Fashion Week runway model for Marc Jacobs and Tommy Hilfiger, no doubt due to her smooth chocolate complexion, mile-long limbs, seductive stare and her confident stride on the catwalk. The thing was — Gerren was 12 years old. Alas, as she grew older (15!), the fickle fashion industry spit out Gerren as quickly as it had embraced her, and she begins to see herself as ugly and obese.

The film addresses that the motivation from the fashion and beauty industries isn’t necessarily about being cruel. It isn’t about making people feel ugly on purpose — that’s just an unfortunate little side effect. What it’s really all about is making a buck. ”America the Beautiful” postulates that as long as people feel they need to look just like an airbrushed model in order to be considered a beautiful person, they will keep buying the products the ads tout, and the beauty brands will keep producing them. Rinse and repeat.

While the film certainly resonates with any viewer — male or female — it does not suggest that we all run out and stop wearing makeup and the latest fashions. What it does do is put our laser-focused definition of beauty under the microscope. It allows us to see the inner workings of what goes on behind the scenes — what motivates our purchase decisions and feelings about our own beauty — so that we can reexamine these views and decide for ourselves what we choose to define as beautiful.

As a five-foot-tall-on-a-good-day “curvy” woman, I’ve always known that modeling wasn’t in my future. Did it bother me as a child and a teenager? Sure. A lot. But now, as an adult, I turn to makeup and fashion as a fun, artistic outlet — one that lets me experiment with different looks and retain that whimsical feeling I had as a child playing “dress up.” But I can also see beyond the pretty paint and glitz and appreciate the beauty of the fine lines around an old woman’s eyes created after years upon years of happy memories.

Obviously, I still have my moments (though I’m glad I didn’t impulsively run to get Botox). But perhaps if I had seen “America the Beautiful” as a teenager, I’d have arrived to this place of moderate self-acceptance much sooner. Now, please excuse me while I go whiten my teeth.

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Longing for Super Shiny & Strong Nails?

Last year was all about the matte polish. This summer, I am leaning towards wanting super shiny and sometimes very colorful nails. The usual drug store suspects weren't adding that super shine I was looking for. Then at the end of the nail aisle, I spotted the line of Borghese nail products. I haven't tried their products previously, but when a friend mentioned liking them, I decided to give them a whirl.

According to the company, each Borghese product contains something called Acqua di Vita® Complex, which is exclusive to Borghese. "Acqua di Vita® Complex, with essential minerals and amino acids, provide deep hydration and help restore delicate moisture balance. The complex contains minerals such as magnesium, potassium and calcium, as well as hydrolyzed collagen and hyaluronic acid." I tried Brillante, Magnetico and Presto.


Magnetico is a super sticky base coat that locks polish on to the nail. Like with other more expensive base coats, I was really happy with how this extended my manicure. Sure, I saw slight wear on my texting nails after several days, but only slight wear at the tips. No chips. This product is toluene-, DBP- and formaldehyde-free and helps create a moisture barrier that helps keep nails healthier and hydrated. Since I have been using this, I am finding that my nails are not as prone to cracking and peeling as they usually are, despite my cuticles remaining rough. (Normally, when my cuticles head south, so do my nails. That is surprisingly not the case at the moment.)

Presto is a fast drying top coat that cures nails on the surface in less than 60 seconds. I tested Presto to see if it lived up to its fast drying claims, and to my surprise, it did! In less than 60 seconds, my nails were dry enough to reach into a purse or start eating dinner. This product is also toluene-, DBP- and formaldehyde-free.


Brillante is a top coat that gives amazing, long-lasting shine to any nail color. Not only is this product also toluene-, DBP- and formaldehyde-free, it is also formulated with Hydrolyzed Soy Protein to attract and maintain moisture and with Micronized Gemstones to add brilliance.

This is how shiny my nails were after three days. They look almost wet - I dig it! Check out Borghese nail products at Ulta, Walgreens, CVS and Rite Aid. What is your favorite top coat for shine? Tell me in the comments!

Products were sent to me for the purposes of review. Borghese does not test on animals.

Subscribe and never miss a thing! Disclosure/Disclaimer Statement. Makeup, beauty, skincare reviews & more! Copyright 2009-2010, Gouldylox Reviews. All Rights Reserved.

Youthful Trends Caffeinated Primer

In my search for the perfect primer, I was excited to try out Youthful Trends Caffeinated Primer. It's made with all natural ingredients and contains good for your skin ingredients like cucumber, which make it also smell delightful and fresh.

This primer is the consistency of water (it's the first ingredient listed). If most primers feel too heavy on your skin, this one is worth checking out, as it is very, very light. Youthful Trends Caffeinated Primer claims to be able to prolong the wear of your makeup, reduce sweating, plump skin and help shield skin from UV rays.

So how did it hold up? To be honest? A lot better than I had expected. The first noticeable difference with this primer is that it actually helped hydrate my skin, making it look slightly plumper and more firm. My skin is normally very dry and this helped keep me hydrated, without succumbing to having that icky, humidity induced mucky skin. I can't say it reduced sweating, only because I didn't really try to sweat. I'm not a sweat-er, as those who know me personally will enthusiastically agree. As for the UV claims, independent tests (not done by the company) have shown that the topical application of caffeine can help to protect skin from UV rays. So if you are like me, and looking for every way to protect your skin from the aging rays of the sun, this may be the primer for you.

Youthful Trends Caffeinated Primer is available online and retails for $30. However, Gouldylox Readers can save 25% site wide by using checkout code SHEBLOG. Have you tried this? What did you think? Tell me in the comments!

This product was sent to me for the purposes of review. Youthful Trends does not test on animals.


Subscribe and never miss a thing! Disclosure/Disclaimer Statement. Makeup, beauty, skincare reviews & more! Copyright 2009-2010, Gouldylox Reviews. All Rights Reserved.

Win Longer Lashes from Marini Lash!

I have tried several products to grow lashes and only a few have actually made a difference in the length of my lashes. One of them, Marini Lash, is now available in a mini-size, which lasts for about 2 months (instead of the larger size, which lasts for 6 months). Check out my results here from when I tested this last year.

Jan Marini was one of the original innovators of lash growth products and now imitators have sprouted everywhere. Marini Lash does not contain any of the ingredients in Latisse that may cause unwanted side effects. If you have been hesitant to try a lash growth product because of potential side effects, Marini Lash may be the answer to your short lashes! Check out these before and after pics from the company:


I have one of the new Marini Lash Mini's to give away! To enter to win, just leave me a comment telling me what makes you feel beautiful. Be sure to log in or leave your email in the comment so I can contact you in the event you beat the odds.

Want extra chances? Subscribe to Gouldylox Reviews, follow me through Google (on the right!), leave a comment on our Facebook page or Tweet about this contest (be sure to include @Gouldylox in your tweet). This contest is open for 14 days to residents of the US and a winner will be selected by random.org on August 25th. While you wait to win, check out the other contests on FreeGretchen.com. Good luck! CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED and the winner has been notified. Thanks for entering!

Product was submitted for review and giveaway. According to Beautypedia, the animal testing status of Jan Marini is currently unknown.

Subscribe and never miss a thing! Disclosure/Disclaimer Statement. Makeup, beauty, skincare reviews & more! Copyright 2009-2010, Gouldylox Reviews. All Rights Reserved.

New Stila Long Wearing Liquid Lip color

Stila recently launched their fall line, which includes a whole host of new goodies. I got a chance to check out their new Long Wear Liquid Lip Color products in store.

These aren't quite lip sticks and they aren't quite glosses. They come in the lip gloss packaging, but deliver color that looks like a semi-matte lip stick and feels like a thick, creamy gloss. And dries like a lip stick. It's confusing. They are available in six shades and claim to wear for 24 hours. Twenty-four hours? Ok, Stila, settle down in the claims department. Twenty-four hours can't be right, can it? Why I'd eat my own eyeballs if that happened*.

(Shown from top to bottom are: Muse, Coral, Petal, Patina, Caprice, Fiery)

Here are the colors swatched on my arm. I swatched them in store, but then took this picture at home, about an hour later. In that hour, the colors didn't budge or smear. The slight smudge on the last color is my fault. (I tried to make it look nicer after I had applied it and it had set for a few minutes. The color itself didn't move.)

After swatching them on my arm, I went back the next day to try one out and see how it wore. I tried Muse.


Here is what it looked like when I applied it.

Here is what it looked like after it dried down completely. It got to be a more intense shade - it's ok, but I liked the original color better. At first, it didn't dry down completely and remained slightly tacky for the first 20 minutes or so. Here is what my evening included.

- I ate an Auntie Anne's Pretzel and drank a soda through a straw. The lip color stayed true, despite the deliciously buttery pretzel.

- I conducted therapy dogs testing for 3 hours, with no air conditioning. I am sure I chewed on my lips, as it was a stressful environment, thanks to not having AC.

- I drank 2 bottles of Diet Mountain Dew, without a straw.

I applied the color at 5:45pm. When I got home at 10:15 pm, this is what the lip color looked like:

There is still a hint of color, and after all I had put my pucker through that night, I wouldn't have expected any color to remain. I didn't get 24 hours out of it, but I definitely got a solid four hours.

Have you tried this? Did you like how the texture looked? It's definitely different. It's worth checking out if you are looking for a long wearing lip color.

*I'm not actually going to eat my own eyes if I am wrong. I will gladly apologize, but I will not resort to self-cannibalistic measures.

I just tried this in the store. I didn't buy it and they didn't send it. Stila doesn't test on animals.

Subscribe and never miss a thing! Disclosure/Disclaimer Statement. Makeup, beauty, skincare reviews & more! Copyright 2009-2010, Gouldylox Reviews. All Rights Reserved.

FOTD: St. Bernard, Schnauzer and Shih Tzu

I am in love with the new pups from Buxom. Stay-There cream shadows are an unusual type of cream eye shadow. Part spongy consistency, part brilliant, long lasting color, these are unlike any other cream shadow on the market. My new favorite look involves using three of the brighter Stay-There colors: St. Bernard, Schnauzer and Shih Tzu.

I started by using the BE Brightening Eye Shadow Primer, to give the colors a base to stick to, as well as a slight highlight color above the crease. I then applied Shih Tzu to the corner of my eye, from lash line to crease as well as along the tear duct and 1/3 of my lower lash line. Next I applied St. Bernard in the middle of my eye and along the middle of the lower lash line. Finally, I added Schnauzer to the crease and to the lower lash line, making sure my stripes of color match up.


I specifically didn't blend the colors - I wanted to leave them as distinct shades.

What is your favorite way to wear these new pups? Tell me! I've collected almost all of them and love finding new ways to wear them!

I purchased St. Bernard and Schnauzer. Shih Tzu was sent for review. BE/Buxom does not test on animals.


Subscribe and never miss a thing! Disclosure/Disclaimer Statement. Makeup, beauty, skincare reviews & more! Copyright 2009-2010, Gouldylox Reviews. All Rights Reserved.

Get A Natural Glow (Without the Sun Damage)

by guest blogger, Anne Houseman of Beauty Xpose

It’s already August — where has the time gone? In the thick of these hazy, lazy days, why not capture the essence of nature’s sizzle by getting your own glow on? Just whip up a spicy recipe filled with sex, sun (-less bronzing) and shoes. Follow these three easy steps, and don’t be surprised when you earn your new nickname — caliente!

Get Your Glow On (1 Serving)

1. Get Some Nookie.

Nothing gets your heart pumping like a good old fashioned roll in the hay. But you can make your experience even more enjoyable by adding a dollop of new K-Y YOURS+MINE Kissable Sensations™ (SRP $19.99) into the mix.

Paired as a set of tubes flavored in decadent chocolate (for her) and sweet strawberry (for him), these hypoallergenic liquids are designed to heighten foreplay by encouraging kissing and licking in all the right places. And they really do taste great without a nasty chemical aftertaste. The best part? They’re not sticky AT ALL, so you don’t feel like a gloppy mess during the action.

Take it from us — after spicing up the bedroom with these liquid pleasure boosters, your cheeks will be flushed and everyone will want to know your saucy little secret.

2. Fake your Flush.

Okay, so we’re all using sun protection at the beach, right? That doesn’t mean you have to look like a vampire sucked your neck the night before (hopefully a sexy one, though, if it does happen). Add an instant warm flush to your face with a dusting of Laura Geller Balance-n-Bronze.

This handy 2-in-1 compact ($35) has one side filled with Laura Geller Balance-n-Brighten, a baked color-correcting foundation, and the other with Bronze-n-Brighten, a baked color-correcting bronzer. Just buff in the Balance-n-Brighten side to even out any imperfections and then sweep on the Bronze-n-Brighten to create contour and depth for that perfect glowing look.

Bonus: Maximize coverage and gain a hint of shimmer by prepping skin with Laura Geller Spackle Tinted Under Makeup Primer in Champagne, which goes on smooth and light — not oily.

3. Hunt Down a Sexy Pair of Sandals.

You know that rush you get when you buy the perfect pair of designer sandals on a deep discount sale? Exhilarating! Double that (gold) rush by snagging a gorgeous metallic pair, like these KORS by Michael Kors “Twinkle” embellished sandals, on sale now at Bloomingdale’s for only $58.50.

With a comfy fit, a solid, leather construction and a look that can go from the pool to the pub, you will literally glow from head to toe!

Photos: K-Y; Laura Geller; KORS
Disclaimer: K-Y and Laura Geller products furnished complimentary for review. Anne purchased the KORS sandals herself and is still glowing from her decision.

Subscribe and never miss a thing! Disclosure/Disclaimer Statement. Makeup, beauty, skincare reviews & more! Copyright 2009-2010, Gouldylox Reviews. All Rights Reserved.

Shiseido Fall 2010 Collection: Must Have Colors!

Shiseido's new fall collection launches this week, bringing global, travel-inspired colors back for fall. The new line includes seven beautiful eye shadow trios, a long wearing liquid liner, and creamy new lipsticks.

Here is what Shiseido says about their Luminizing Satin Eye Colors Fall 2010 collection:
Shiseido Makeup Luminizing Satin Eye Color tri-color palettes collection, inspired by Dick Page’s travels around the globe, are the newest additions to the. The seven Trios consist of naturally contrasting and highlighting shades that brighten eyes. The luxurious powder spreads evenly onto eyelids, providing the exact texture and color desired. Each shade can be worn together or separately for a wide variety of looks and effects. The seven unique palettes were inspired by moments taken from landscapes around the world and casual sights seen during Dick's travels.

I got the chance to check out five of the new color palettes in advance. I received so many compliments on my shadow when I wore these palettes, from strangers on the street to my toughest eye shadow critic, my sister-in-law Abz. What was really amazing was that the colors stayed true for 10+ hours. It was seriously amazing that the colors didn't crease or fade for hours in the heat and humidity. These shadows wore better than almost anything powder-based in my collection. I did wear them with a primer (several primers, actually), but I always wear an eye shadow primer. These shadows are amazing, and lasted longer with and without a primer.

(GD804)

(Wearing the GD804 collection, which is also the palette showcased online.)

(BR307)

(Wearing BR307 with the liquid liner)

(PK403)

(Wearing PK403 with the liquid liner)

(YE406)

(GY901)

This photo was taken at 10:15pm, about 14 hours after I had applied the shadows. I didn't add to or touch up any of these colors. They lasted through a full, stressful day of work and then a few hours of therapy dog evaluations, in a room with no AC. Even the highlighter color stayed true. It's not perfect, but it's not too bad for 14 hours later!

(GR305)

The other two palettes are equally gorgeous!

(OR302)

I especially love the idea of the burnt sienna and gray together - so unexpected!

The new Automatic Fine Eye Liner, available in brown or black, is noteworthy for two reasons.

First, it has a click bottom, similar to a pen, that allows for the perfect amount of product to be dispensed. Unlike similar liquid liners, the pen tip is very flexible to the base. This allows for more control for fine and thick lines, without "snagging" the almost always inevitable stiff bristles near the base of the brush.

And here is a quick look at the two lip colors I previewed.

Tawny (above) is described as a dusky pinkish brown, but it goes slightly redder on me. It's a nice natural color, especially for evening.

For everyday, Blush (above) is a nice choice. It's a subdued, natural pink - like my own lip color, but slightly better.

This collection is definitely worth picking up. It's gorgeous and the products wear amazingly well! Check it out at Shiseido counters nationwide or online.

This product was sent to me for the purposes of review. Shiseido does test on animals.

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