My Hair is From Choleria. The InStyler Brought It Back.

If you haven't noticed, I am growing my hair out from a Rihanna-like short cut to a long Emily Robison-like long cut (I hope I don't get upset my hair isn't naturally wavy when I get there.) I blather about it constantly and am a wee bit obsessed with making it look fantastic during its awkward stages (I am actually not sure if I have gone through a non-awkward stage yet).

In my quest to have beautiful hair, I am trying a ton of products and styling tools to find out what works for me. I have found a flat iron that does a beautiful job, despite me being too uncoordinated to get the amazing results my stylist gives me.

(Super flat, courtesy of Bethany.)

But a flat iron isn't really something I am up for every day and I don't think I want super straight hair every single day. (I have a full face and feel like I can't pull off that look every single day.)

But I do have annoying hair. It is fairly straight on its own, which is handy. The top layers of my hair are shiny and pretty. The bottom layers of my hair are a different texture, and as my mother-in-law would say about things she doesn't like, are "from Choleria"*. In her mind, Choleria is a place where bad things come from. Ugly clothes, badly used makeup, icky interior decorating and things of a similar ilk, all come from the magically ugly land of Choleria.


Anyway. The underside of my hair is crinkly, rough and has a mind of it's own. While it isn't as textured as the hair shown in the infomercials for the InStyler, I was really curious to know if the InStyler could whip the underside of my hair into shape without making it flat-flat-flat, like my flat iron.

If you haven't been mesmerized by the infomercials, the InStyler is a heated styling tool that has three heat settings, which are designed to work on different types of hair. It has a heated barrel that rotates in one direction and a brush that smooths the hair and adds a ton of shine. After a little experimentation, I found that my hair works best on the medium setting. My inclination was to make it as hot as possible, but that only yielded limp hair.

(Power level two is all it takes. Reading the directions was really handy here.)

It is really easy to use. You pick your heat setting (based on the directions, not merely on what you assume, as I was all wrong), wait a few minutes and then section off your hair. You can use the InStyler to make your hair smooth and straight, create flips, add volume or turn hair under. If a curling iron and a flat iron had a baby that made shiny hair, this would be it. You then place the InStyler as close to the roots as possible and slowly pull it through a section of hair, being careful how you turn the InStyler as you finish each section - creating a flip, a wave, a bend or leaving hair straight. You have to go slower than you do if you are usually a flat iron user.

(Me not in NYC, but at home, after using my InStyler. I have more body then I do when I use the flat iron, but it still looks pretty and not Cholucious at all.)

I used this every day on my recent trip to NYC, where I was outside during a heat wave every day, all day. My hair felt incredibly smooth, the humidity didn't eat it alive and it looked styled, but not super-flat smooth. While I don't have the hair that infomercials are made of, this did do a nice job of taming my Cholucious (what things from Choleria are called in my family) underneath layers. And no, this can't get tangled in your hair. I consider myself to be a top-notch klutz and I couldn't get tangled if I tried. If you're curious, another blogger who does have hair infomercials are made of, got these results.

Have you tried the InStyler? Did it work for you? I know the reviews on this one are mixed, but it worked really well on my hair. Let me know what you think!

*This is a Yiddish expression that is potentially/totally being used incorrectly. You can't find it on a map. That's because in Yiddish it actually means to put a plague or a curse on someone, it's not a place. But not in my family. In my family, it's where ugly lives. Not that you asked, but since I digressed, my favorite made up Yiddish expression is hunta fliffel (masculine) or hunta madel (feminine), words Loxy uses every day to describe odd people. It's a super fun language that should make a full comeback, in my opinion.

This was sent to me for the purposes of review.

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Because You Hit a Rough Patch: A Hand Scrub You'll Need Now.

I have dry skin (as readers may remember from my constant complaints last winter). It's bad. It hurts. I swear my hands feel like if I bend my fingers, when I wake up in the morning, my skin will surely crack. (Sometimes it does. Eww.) I have developed the habit of reaching for a particular product I recently discovered before I reach for my toothbrush. Using it makes my hands feel as if I have dissolved some kind of weird gloves that were holding my hands hostage, turning them into soft, supple, movable, usable hands, no longer bound by my dry skin shackles. I know it sounds dramatic, but my fellow dry skin sisters (and brothers) know EXACTLY what I mean.

What did I find? Because You Hit A Rough Patch Moisture Retaining Hand and Body Scrub. It's the perfect balance of gritty grit that gets out the gunk, polishes off the dead skin and leaves your entire hand amazingly moisturized, smooth and grease-free. I'm not kidding when I say it literally feels like my hands are brand new.

(This scrub feels as good as it smells on my dry, sad hands.)

This scrub is made from natural oils, sugar and other emollient ingredients that make your hands feel like new. Here is how the company says it works:

Because Moisture Retaining Hand and Body Scrub is made from raw cane sugar and berry seed oils rich in essential Omega fatty acids which join forces to baby rough, flaky, scaly, and dehydrated skin to reveal a softness that's positively new-born. Ideal for all skin types but especially beneficial for reptile-like skin. 70% Organic.

I definitely have reptile-like hands and this works. Have you tried Because You Hit A Rough Patch? Let me know what you think! I adore this!

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

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LORAC Smoky Eye Baked Trios

I love a smoky eye more than anything. Changing the tones used or the amount of product can take a smoky eye from easy everyday to full out evening glam. Creating the perfect look requires finding the right shadows. For an eye shadow to work for any smoky eye look, it needs to be buildable, long-wearing, slightly shiny (but not too shiny!) and non-smudging.

My two new favorite smoky eye looks for fall are from LORAC. One is a gorgeous gray-based Baked Shadow Trio and the other is more blue/teal-based. Each Trio comes with three colors and looks and wears amazing.


The first one is called Evening Star. This Baked Shadow Trio comes with silver, gunmetal gray and rich smoke.


Each one of these shadows is soft enough to wear every day, but buildable for a sexy, smoky eye.
These baked shadows wear all day without fading or smudging and are ideal for throwing in your bag to glam up your look after a day at the office.

But my new favorite smoky eye look is from the Rock Star Baked Shadow Trio. This trio includes a teal, which is a little out of the ordinary for a smoky eye look. I love it.

While I love this grouping of colors in general, it would be amazing on fair-skinned, dark-haired beauties. The teal in this trio is soft enough to be barely noticeable as blue or can be layered to really stand out.

(The teal is the middle color, shown with one "layer" of shadow.)

Here is my Rock Star Trio look, toned down for work.

To glam it up for evening, I added my new favorite peach colored gloss, Intermix. This gloss makes lips look full, beautiful and perfect.

(Intermix in the light of my bathroom.)

(Rock Star and Intermix on the way out to dinner one evening.)

The super shiny finish lasts for a decent amount of time and makes the look go from day to night in a flash. I also added a quick swipe of Front Of The Line Pro liner in black. These trios make a smoky eye easy, no matter how much drama you are going for!


Products were sent for the purposes of review. LORAC does not test on animals.

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Prep Microdermabrasion Treatment by YBF

I am a fan of at home face peels, scrubs and masques. I love them. I love the feeling of fresh, clean, skin, free of impurities, dry skin and rough patches. It's hard to find the right exfoliator that is tough enough to make a difference, but gentle enough to not damage the skin.

I am currently trying out a skin care regimen from YBF and found an exfoliator/at-home microdermabrasion product I love so much, I had to tell you about it before I use the line and do the official review. Prep is a fine-grain manual (instead of chemical) Microdermabrasion treatment. It contains teeny, tiny little grains that exfoliate your skin in a way that is more satisfying than another granular scrub I have tried. It also contains peptides, botanicals and vitamins to treat your face after you have used it to exfoliate.

So many of these kinds of exfoliators have large, unevenly sized bits of pits or grains that actually tear your skin on a microscopic level. This scrub contains the opposite. It delivers itty-bitty bits that seem small enough to clean your pores, enough of them to evenly make your skin glow. These amazing little exfoliating grains come in a creamy, vitamin packed base, which make the application feel great and give beautiful, fast results.

(If you look, you can see the grains. They're tiny!)

This at-home microdermabrasion is serious stuff. If you have delicate skin, you'll be ok, just go slow and with very light pressure. If you have very sensitive or delicate skin, this might be too much for you. But if you can handle it, it gives instant, amazing results.

I actually did an experiment with Loxy's nose using this scrub. He has been battling oily skin, which is finally under control, but he is left with a ton of blackheads on his schnoz. I washed his nose with his usual cleanser and then exfoliated his nose using this scrub. I wish I had taken photographs, because the difference was amazing. Where it had been a virtual field of clogged pores, it was now free and clear of blackheads. I was quite honestly, shocked at the results.

If you are looking for an at-home microdermabrasion treatment to remove the dead skin cells and reveal fresher, younger skin, look no further. My skin looked clearer, fresher and younger after the first time I used it.This product doubles as a mask, so if you have a few minutes, leave it on after you have exfoliated. Your skin is open to all of the vitamins and peptides that Prep contains and you'll get a fantastic result. I have tried a ton of scrubs, exfoliators and at-home dermabrasion kits in the last few years. This one is definitely one of the best I have tried.

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

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Naturally Perfect. Fusion of Color Au Natural Color Collection

Sometimes a girl gets tired of the teal-green sheen or glossy, sparkly glitz that makes up the predominant eye shadows on display everywhere. It definitely happens to me. While I have perfected the art of needing to wear a bright purple and green eye combo to the grocery store, there are some days where you just want to look polished, natural and perfect. Like you were born with amazing lashes, slightly sculpted cheeks and a beautiful, bow shaped mouth.

When this mood strikes me, shimmer shadows won't due. Neither will high contrast matte shadows. The perfect fit for this mood, for me, is this different take on naked from Fusion of Color.



I love how my eyes look defined, very blue and polished. Three simple, matte shadows from Fusion of Color are the answer. The new 2010 Fall/Winter Collection includes three half size eye shadows, Moonbeam, Sunshine and In the Shade and Peaceful Blush. You'll also get sample sizes of the coordinating lipstick and lip gloss.

I love how this blush, Peaceful, makes my cheeks have the perfect amount of flush. It's an amazing natural color that isn't overly pink, brown or peach. Somehow it just blends into the skin, emphasizing what you already have. It's a unique color that doesn't look as unique in the pot, but adds the perfect amount of color to give you a fresh look.

This lip color sample that I am wearing is, High Strung, a cross between a gloss and a lip stick; a hydrating, real nude. Not a nude that is lighter than your lip color (on me, anyway), but one that is just slightly better than your lip color. It's an easy, weekend look for Fall!

Pick up the whole kit for $18.25. Natural never looked so naturally beautiful!

This was sent for me for the purposes of review. Fusion of Color does not test on animals.


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Fun Things I Forgot to Mention: September

Sometimes I go on shopping sprees and forget to tell you what I loved. I suppose happens when you are always on the prowl for new goodies...Anywho, here are my new discoveries that you should know about.

1. Herbal Essences Hello Hydration Shampoo and Conditioner. I am sure that this shampoo and conditioner is leaving a residue behind on my hair, similar to what Pantene is rumored to do. I don't care. It makes my hair feel totally different from anything else I use on a regular basis. My hair swings, gets stuck in my lip gloss (it's long enough to do that now!) and is so soft it is begging to be touched. I still alternate with my beloved Peter Lamas products, which are still making my hair grow at unprecedented rates. But every other shampoo and condition, it's this magical blue bottle for me.

2. Bare Escentuals Buxom Travel in Style with Monica Buxom Gloss and Athens Big and Healthy Lip Stick. I love Buxom. I love peach colored cosmetics. These two together create a beautiful bright peachy smile that lasts for a respectable amount of time. The color isn't so bright, isn't too much, but instead is politely bright, even for an outwardly shy gal like myself. I love how the color brightens up my whole complexion and just makes me look happy. You can't look bummed out in this color, it's impossible!

3. Lancome Oscillation Powerbooster and Lancome L'Extreme. This mascara and conditioner combination are amazing. The Powerbooster isn't making my lashes grow, but the combination of the two products makes my lashes look amazingly perfect for 12 hours. I can't believe I ever purchased the vibrating wand lash primer but I did, and it is amazing. It seems like such a gimmick. In all honesty, I went to the Lancome counter at two different stores a few times each to look at it, without being able to pull the trigger on the price tag. I was certain it was not worth the cash. Two months later, I still love it.

(SIDE NOTE:I was just reading the fine print on the website for this product and realized that despite the well worded copy that leaves the impression this causes lash growth, it in fact, does not do any such thing. It just makes it easier to see natural lash growth.)

The L'Extreme Mascara claims to attach fibers to each lash and maybe it does. I am not seeing too many fibers when I look at the wand by itself, but the end result is longer lashes. I don't get how this combo works so well for me, and I would never have believed it if I hadn't tried it.

4. This season is about the red and I have found yet another red lip gloss I adore. This one is from the True Color Collection from Estee Lauder, Wet Cranberry Shine. It's another red that makes your teeth whiter, your skin brighter and blue eyes pop. There are a myriad of great reds out there this season, but this is one of my favorites!

I bought all of these products with my own nickels.

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New Eau Thermale Avène Rétrinal

Avene is the creator of what is probably my favorite Retinol product. While I know it doesn't really work this way, every time I use it, I swear my skin looks instantly better overnight, almost like it is a magic eraser for aging. Since it isn't made of magic, here is what the company has to say about their recently launched retinol nighttime treatment:

" Eau Thermale Avène has formulated their Rétrinal+ Creams with Retinaldehyde, the immediate and closest precursor to retinoic acid. This revolutionary ingredient has been clinically proven to significantly reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles with little to no skin irritation. Retinaldehyde has also been shown to enhance firmness, hydration and radiance and is ideal for use by every skin type. "

I have been using this nighttime treatment from Avene on and off for the last few months and can always tell when I am using their Retinol products. My skin is always transformed very quickly. Their newest formulation, safe for the most sensitive skin, is available in two strengths - one for overnight treatment and one for intensive overnight treatment. I have been using the higher strength and can honestly say I have experienced zero irritation and have seen radiant results. Still need a good reason to try this? It now contains a photo-stable form of Vitamin E that helps to protect skin against future damage.

I love this! Have you tried Avene?

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

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New From Urban Decay! Urbanglow Cream Highlight

You may not know this about me, but one of my biggest weaknesses is cream highlighters. I love them. I have no idea how many I already own and that fact never gives me pause when I see a new must-have color. The good ones give you a light, natural glow and not a slash of shine.

Urban Decay is releasing a new line of cream highlighters, Urbanglow, and I can't wait until October 1, when they officially hit stores. Can't wait? Check them out and score one (or two) online here.

Here is how they are described by UD:
Packed with pearl powders, the weightless formula adds luminescence wherever you need it: Craft contours where there were none. Create sculpted cheek and brow bones. Look like you got a full night's sleep with a touch of Urbanglow in the inner corners of your eyes. Hide that hangover with a dewy, youthful glow. The non-greasy formula dries down instantly, and can be worn right on top of makeup. Each shade is subtle enough to work on any skin tone - just pick the effect you desire... a bit of iridescent innocence, or a touch of smoldering bronze. All are infinitely wearable and ridiculously flattering (kind of like you're standing by candlelight).

Here are the four colors:

(Shimmering Champagne)

(Wicked)

(Brown Sugar)

(Moon Shine)

Personally, I am fairly certain that Wicked and Shimmering Champagne are going to be living at my house very, very soon. Tempted?

Urban Decay does not test on animals.

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LORAC Evening Out Complexion Kit

Recently, I have been avoiding powders whenever possible. I feel like most of them are not finely milled enough to glide on to my face and not exaggerate fine lines. Plus, they tend to settle as the day goes on, blah, blah, powder and aging skin, blah.

However, I recently got the chance to check out LORAC's Evening Out Complexion Kit and am in LUERVE. I used the Evening Out Complexion Kit in Light, but it is available in three forgiving shades.


This gem comes with a mirror, a full-sized amazingly fine pressed powder,


two concealers,


a powder brush and concealer applicator. It's the Swiss Army Knife of compacts.


It is small enough to fit in your bag . It fits in the palm of your hand and is slightly thicker than an old ipod. It has everything you need to freshen your face during the day, or prep for perfect skin for an evening out.


I've been wearing it for a few weeks and I haven't had a problem with the powder settling into fine lines. In fact, I even got compliments on how "magazine perfect" my skin looked when I was shopping last week.

Do you love LORAC? I do! This compact is available in three shades- light, medium and tan. It's available for purchase online from LORAC, at Sephora or from the Q.

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


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Laura Geller Banish-n-Brighten Concealing Luminizer

I have a new favorite concealer. I don't have uber-dark shadows, but my under eye area, definitely needs a little prep. I have some discoloration and sun damage that I want gone. Depending on the morning, I have a little puffiness as well.

So what has earned its new permanent place on my vanity? Laura Geller's Banish-n Brighten Concealing Luminizer. This concealer is special for several reasons. But before we dive into the ingredients, let's talk about the applicator.

The metal applicator is made of a smooth special metal, called Palladium. What makes this medal so special is that is always feels cold to the touch. It doesn't just feel a little below room temperature, it feels chilly to the touch. It feels fantastic in the morning in a refreshing sort of way.

(Me with no concealer.)

So back to the ingredients. This concealing and luminizing formula contains Hesperidin Peptide Complex, which helps to strengthen delicate skin and defend against pesky free radicals. Chrysin Peptide Complex helps to brighten skin and reduce the appearance of dark circles. Licorice Extract also a skin brightener that actually helps to prevent puffiness. Finally, Phyto Squalane boosts cell regeneration while helping to retain the skin's moisture, which helps reduce the appearance of fine lines.

(Me wearing Banish-n-Brighten.)

The concealer itself feels as light as air, as if you are wearing nothing, If you have major circles or really bright/dark imperfections, this may not cover them perfectly on its own. However, if you are like me and only need a medium amount of help, this may be perfect! While I am not sure if this is just happening in my mind or not, I would swear that my under eye area looks better about 20-30 minutes after I apply it then when I first put it on. I didn't see any mention of this happening from Laura Geller, but even Loxy agrees that my eyes look better shortly after applying this luminizer than they do when first applied.

(Another picture of me, taken 20 minutes later, wearing Banish and Brighten. This is admittedly awesome lighting but the Banish-n-Brighten definitely makes a difference!)

Banish-n-Brighten Concealing Luminizer is available for $22 from QVC and LauraGeller.com. Thoughts? I am loving this one!


This was sent to me for the purpose of review. Laura Geller does not test on animals.

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Lumixyl Skin Brightening System

I recently had the chance to check out a gentle system that claims to reduce hyper-pigmentation, without the usual side effects of redness and irritated skin. It doesn't contain hydroquinone, won't increase your chance of sunburn and is safe for all skin types and skin tones.

Lumixyl is an 8-week system, that uses a series of glycolic acid treatments, a patent-pending lightening peptide cream, a facial wash and an SPF 30.

Here is how it works. Every day, you follow their regimen, using the supplied products according to their instructions.


Every two weeks, you increase the use of the glycolic acid, which helps turn over new, fresh skin for the lightening cream to brighten. Then you protect your skin with their amazing SPF cream. At the end of the treatment, your skin should be slightly more even, radiant and fresh looking, without the irritation that normally accompanies these treatments.

According to the directions, you should wash your face, apply the glycolic acid and follow up with the lightening cream. While the directions suggest two pumps of the lightening cream, one will get the job done and will allow you to complete the eight weeks (otherwise, you will run out of cream before the end of 8 weeks). The facial cleanser is nice and gentle enough to use to remove eye makeup. The glycolic acid acts how glycolic acid acts. It may burn or itch slightly, while it is on your skin, but that feeling subsides once the solution is removed. New skin is turned over immediately! The lightening cream sinks into your skin easily and does not irritate skin in the least. Finally, the SPF cream is great. Not only does it have a slight whitening effect on the skin, making your skin appear brighter immediately, but it is an amazing primer. Makeup will last longer with this SPF then with almost anything else I have found. And believe me, I have been looking!

So how did it work? I was pleased with the results. My melasma is deep and hard to treat and this did lighten my sun spots slightly. My skin didn't peel and was never irritated during the entire time I used the product. My sun spots are not gone entirely, but they are slightly lighter than they were. With continued use, I imagine they would continue to lighten.

A reader I know is also using Lumixyl and echos my sentiments. She is also seeing some lightening after a few weeks of use. She loves the SPF as much, if not more than I do, which is impressive! She also has somewhat more sensitive skin than I, and has not experienced any redness, irritation or peeling.

What have you tried to reduce sun damage? What has worked for you? If you've tried this, tell me what you think!

This was sent to me for the purpose of review. Lumixyl does not test on animals.

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From My Inbox: Smelly Belly Button?

Viagra spam aside, sometimes I just get funny things in my inbox. Now, sure as someone with a very deep set belly button, I do understand that sometimes smell can be an issue. However, soap and water does a fairly good job of correcting this problem. Or so I thought. I had no idea that there was an epidemic of stanky belly buttons that needed their own products. Apparently, they do. With this new information straight from my inbox, I give you The Navel Fresh Spray.

The Smelly Belly Button Solution®

Medali and Gold, the exclusive manufacturer of Chlorhexafresh®, is excited to announce the release of one of the most exciting cleansers to be developed in years. The Navel Fresh Spray™ is the only cleanser that targets the belly button. The navel is an often overlooked but essential part of our bodies health and well being, The Navel Fresh Spray™ cleanses the navel by combining Chlorhexafresh® and a blend of essential oils that are designed to freshen and cleanse the belly button. Available only on at the Medali and Gold website, www.MedaliandGold.com The Navel Fresh Spray™ will suprise and delight you.

Thoughts? According to the website, this will make your navel smell like heaven on a warm, summer night. Also, according to the FAQ's on their website, they will cancel your order if you spend over $199.99. Is that a normal thing I don't know about? That tidbit makes me wonder how secure it is to freshen your navel in this new fangled way. Hmmph.

ps- in case you were unclear, I am not suggesting you buy this product. That mention in the FAQ's about not ordering too much really makes Loxy and I think that it is a hinky scam. So don't buy it.

UPDATE! I received an email shortly after posting this from the President of product development at the company. He assured me that the reason for the cap on purchases is limited supply, as they are a new company. If I can recover the email itself, I will post it for you. However, my phone/gmail appears to have eaten it. Found it! Here it is:

Hi Loxy,

I'm the President of Medali and Gold and the developer of Chlorhexafresh and I want to thank you for letting everyone know about the Navel Fresh Spray. Smelly Belly Button is a common problem! The product is not a scam, in our testing stage there was a large demand for The Navel Fresh Spray but we only have a certain amount made. As we are rolling it out we wanted to make sure we could make it available to customers that wanted to be able to try it and then reorder as needed, rather than stock up and leave some other customers with out their needed belly button treatment. As soon as possible, we will take down that requirement of only $200.00 amount. Again, we thank you for attention.

Sincerely,

Dr. Alexis Gersten, Medali and Gold

President, Product Development

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The Best of the Summer : FACE

While these products have been around, my new obsession is with the face finishing anti-powder. Mally and Benefit have similar products that I have tried, but my favorite in this category (as of now) is Jouer's Essential Matte Touch.



Lately, blame the heat, my aging skin or how easily I grow bored, but lately I haven't wanted to bother with powder. I don't like how it often settles in my fine lines or looks cake-y after multiple uses. Sure, there are powders that I like, but I am a little more than bored with them.

My newest obsession? A new type of product (new to me, anywho) that gives your face a flawless finish without the powder. Imagine something similar to a post-makeup face primer, but in solid cake form.

I have discovered a few of them so far, but right now I am loving Jouer's Essential Matte Touch. It doesn't feel like a chunk of silicone, the way that similar products do. This skin perfector contains Willow Bark Extract to calm and firm skin as well as vitamins C, D and E. It's soothing and much less slippery in feeling than some of the others on the market. If the silicone makes you feel oily, this one won't! You can apply it with a sponge, brush or even your fingers and voila. Your skin looks amazing!

(My portable buffing brush. The retractable brush is a must have for this kind of use.)

Personally, I like to carry a portable buffing brush and touch up whenever needed. Call me crazy, but sponges just skeeve me out.

Your skin looks flawless, as if a soft filter has been applied, but without the residual settling into the fine lines you may get with powder. My pores are diminished more with this than, dare I say, almost anything else. While it looks whitish in the container, it applies completely clear and is suitable for all skin types. It doesn't build up and on my dry skin, never makes my skin feel oily or dirty. It's like a tiny, portable airbrush!

Essential Matte Touch from Jouer is available online and Henri Bendel. It is totally reasonably priced at $26.

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



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Best of Summer : EYES

This one is easy. All summer long, I have been OBSESSED with collecting all of the Buxom Stay There cream eye shadows. As of now (when I am writing this), I have all of them with the exception of Golden Retriever, a pretty bronze. My favorites have to be St. Bernard and Pug, but I can make the case of Shih Tzu and Chihuahua, too. (or Schnauzer and Black Lab.) I even picked up Poodle, the other color I thought I could live without, when it dawned on me a cream shadow named after a cat looked scaly on my lids. These shadows are definitely my pick for favorite cream shadows of the season.

For the last week or so, I have been seeing glimpses of a new CREAM eyeshadow collection from Buxom. First, Leslie posted snapshots of the characters (pooches!) on her Facebook page. Then an Allure Magazine blog gave a little more detail. I searched all over, hankering for more info on the shadows. Was it possible that Buxom was naming a line of shadows after the other love of my life, dogs?

Coming to a Sephora near you in August, Buxom is launching TEN cream eyeshadows that are waterproof, infused with Vitamin E and Aloe and stay put. Each shade is named after a pooch and promises to obey your stay command.

(click to enlarge)

(Top, L-R: Shih Tzu, Black Lab, Golden Retriever, Bulldog, Schnauzer, Chihuahua, St. Bernard, Pug, Mutt and Poodle)

These will launch in August at Sephora and will retail for $17. There is also a brush to go with these, and is the same price. These were not tested on animals and are paraben free. I can't wait to get my hands on these pooches! Thoughts? Check out my swatches here!



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