Apply Sunscreen The Right Way
We all know that using sunscreen daily is necessary to protect our skin from the harmful sun rays which can cause cancer and premature aging. But the way sunscreen is applied is very important too as it impacts its effectiveness: only if you do it right you will get maximum protection. Here’s how:
Apply plenty
One of the biggest mistakes people make when using sunscreen is not applying enough. The recommended amount of sunscreen to use for an average person is an ounce (30ml) to cover the entire body. If you apply less, then your sunscreen won’t give you sufficient protection from the UV rays.
Apply all over the body
Sunscreen should be applied to all the areas of the body exposed to the sun, including those often-forgotten areas like ears, the back of knees, feet and nose. And don’t forget to use a lipbalm or lipstick with SPF on the lips.
Let it sink in
After application, let the sunscreen sink in for about half an hour before going out in the sun.
Reapply often:
Sunscreen contains special molecules that absorb UV rays, but these wear out over time, reducing the level of protection. In addition, sweating, swimming and also drying with towels can remove sunscreen from the skin’s surface. For these reasons, labels on sunscreen state to reapply “frequently”. But how frequently? Expert recommend to apply sunscreen every two hours. Sunscreen should also be applied just after swimming, sweating and drying with a towel.
3 comments June 4, 2009
Product Review: Helena Rubinstein All Mascaras! Complete Eye Make-up Remover
Name: All Mascaras! Complete Eye Makeup Remover
Brand: Helena Rubinstein
Size: 125ml
Price: €29.00
From Helena Rubinstein’s website:
All mascaras! instantly removes all types of make up through a gentle cleansing.
What I liked:
- removes all traces of makeup quickly and effectively
- gentle, doesn’t irritate eyes
- the packaging
What I didn’t like:
- the price
Every time I go shopping, I’m always drawn to the Helena Rubinstein counter. I like their simple yet modern packaging. Everything looks so elegant and sophisticated! But the products are very expensive so I always walk away empty-handed. I guess I’m too scared to fall in love with a product that I know I can’t afford to repurchase.
That’s exactly what happened with this makeup remover. I purchased it as part of a set containing also Glorious Mascara and a sample of Collagenist Eye Zoom with pro-Xfill eye cream for €27.99. I couldn’t resist the offer but I’m now wondering what I’ll do once the makeup remover runs out. It’s the best eye makeup remover that I have ever tried but I can’t neither afford nor justify spending so much for it *sighs*.
The makeup remover is bilayer. One layer contains cleansing oils and the other an aqueous solution. Therefore, you need to shake it well before every use. This is effective at removing all traces of makeup, including waterproof mascaras, with just a couple of wipes.
The remove is very gentle. It doesn’t irritate, sting or burn my eyes and would be suitable even for people with sensitive skin or those who wear contact lenses.
I like the packaging: simple but pretty. The light blue bottle has a gold and white screw cap. It is see-through so you can see how much product is left in it.
The main solvents used in the product are isododecane, which removes makeup and has a weightless feel on skin, and Cyclopentasiloxane. It is a silicone that has emollient properties. Like all silicones, it is easily spreadable and gives a silky & slippery feeling to the touch, but can cause mild skin and eye irritation.
Summary:
Overall, this is an excellent eye makeup remover. It removes all traces of makeup in just a couple of swipes and is very gentle on the eyes. However, it is very expensive.
Rating: 4.5/5
4 comments June 3, 2009
What is the Oil Cleansing Method (OCM)?
Many people rave about the Oil Cleansing Method. They say it makes their skin look radiant and blemish free. But what is it exactly? And how does it work?
What is the oil cleansing method (OCM)?
The Oil Cleansing method cleans skin using natural oils like olive oil, coconut oil, jojoba oil, castor oil etc. They differ from commercial cleansing oils as these are combined with chemicals to make them emulsify with water and rinse away.
The principle behind the OCM is simple: oil breaks down oil and the steam will open pores so that oil, dirt and other impurities can be removed more easily.
This method is not difficult to follow. All you need is a washcloth, some warm water and the right oils for your skin types. This is very important because if you use oils that aren’t suitable for your skin, you may not see the desired effects. So, if this method didn’t work for you the first time, just experiment with oils until you find a combination that’s suitable for your skin type.
How to clean your skin using the OCM
- Pour Olive Oil (about 8-10 drops) on the palm of your hand and Castor Oil in the other and rub them together. Castor Oil is a really good cleansing agent and has anti-inflammatory and healing properties but can be too dry for certain skin types. Olive Oil dilutes the consistency of Castor Oil and has antioxidant and moisturizing properties. You can use different natural oils if you prefer. Some people use only one oil.
- Massage the mixture on your dry face for a few minutes to remove makeup and other impurities. These oils take longer than commercial oils to work, so take your time.
- Get a facial washcloth and wet it with warm (not boiling!) water and place it on your face. The heat will soften the oils and remove them from your skin, leaving it feeling soft.
- Once cooled, wipe your face with the washcloth. Repeat twice.
- Tone and moisturize, as usual.
This method works well for me. When I use it, my skin looks glowy, soft and I have fewer blackheads. However, I prefer to use commercial cleansing oils as they are more convenient, for me at least. The OCM takes longer and I don’t always have the time to do it everyday.
In addition, I don’t like using a washcloth. If wet, it can harbour bacteria and although I always wash and let it air dry, I’m just not very comfortable with the idea of using it daily.
What do you think of the Oil Cleansing Method? Are you using it or planning to? Is your experience positive or didn’t it wok for you?
8 comments June 2, 2009
Product Review: LipFusion XL Lip Plumper
Name: LipFusion XL
Brand: Fusion Beauty
Size: 0.29oz/8.22g
Price: €50.00
From Lip Fusion’s website:
LipFusion XL is a non-injectable lip volumizing therapy that combines two times the pure active collagen of LipFusion’s original plumpers with hyaluronic acid (HA), in one high-performance topical nighttime treatment.
Patented dehydrated marine collagen-filling spheres™ penetrate skin’s surface on contact, then seek out body’s natural water, and rehydrate to instantly plump and smooth lips.
Patented dehydrated hyaluronic acid-filling spheres™ have a remarkable, sponge-like absorbency that captures the body’s natural water, causing spheres to swell a dramatic 50 times larger for maximum hydration and long term plumping effects.
Once LipFusion XL is applied, lips swell continually for hours to visibly “fill” lines, boost volume, and keep lips lusciously moist. Plumped pouts look and feel fuller, smoother, and full on sexier.
What I liked:
- slighly plumps
- hydrates
- isn’t drying
- long-lasting
What I didn’t like:
- not much collagen and Hyaluronic Acid in the product
- the scent
- the packaging
- the price
I’m not a fan of lip plumping products. I like my lips the way they are, not too thin and not big, and I don’t crave full lips like Angelina Jolie’s. Besides, most lip plumpers don’t really do much. They smell good and give a tingly, stingy feeling, but don’t really plump lips visibly. So, why did I get a €50 lip plumper, you’re probably asking? Well, I won it, together with a couple of other stuff, so once I had it in my hands I thought I may just as well try it.
LipFusion XL is not only a lip plumper, but a lip treatment as well. Just apply it at night before going to bed. Remember to exfoliate your lips first, though, so the ingredients can penetrate the skin more easily and do a better job. When I first swipe it on, I feel a slight tingle on the lips, which isn’t painful but still uncomfortable. It goes on smoothly, absorbs easily and isn’t sticky.
The first time I used it I woke up in the morning with lips that looked only slighly plumper and the effect lasted for most of the day. It only started to wear off in the evening.
And after using it religiously for a few months, my lips are very moisturized, and appear a bit plumper, although not much bigger than how my lips naturally are. When I stopped using it, it took a couple of days for the plumping effect to disappear.
But this is not a miracle product! If you have thin lips, don’t expect this to make them look angelina-esque. It won’t. The effects are slightly noticeable but not dramatic. It does however, a great job at hydrating lips, leaving them smooth, less chapped and isn’t drying at all.
The product comes in a simple square silver tube. Personally, I’m not too fond of it, esp since you can’t see how much product is left in it. It also attracts fingerprints easily. They’re everywhere!
I’ve heard many people say they like the scent of this product, but I hate it! It’s strong, kinda sweet and minty but I can’t stand it!
The company claims LipFusion XL plumps lips thanks to micro-injected collagen technology and Hyaluronic Acid. However, there isn’t much collagen in the product, and there is even less Hyaluronic Acid! Both ingredients, in fact, are listed towards the end of the ingredients list and after flavor. Flavor is an ingredient or a combination of ingredients used to impart a taste to cosmetics, esp those that could be ingested, like lip products. So, there is more flavor in the product than the ingredients that are supposed to plump your lips!
In addition, while Atelocollagen is an effective delivery agent for proteins, RNA and DNA, there is no proof that delivery of this ingredient into the skin can stimulate collagen production. In fact, when applied topically, collagen is too large to penetrate the skin layer. And although some companies claim to have discovered a nanotechnology that allows collagen to penetrate the skin, there is not much scientific evidence supporting the claim. However, atelocollagen has been proved to be an effective moisturizing ingredient.
Sodium Hyaluronate (Hyaluronic acid) attracts water from the atmosphere and binds it in the skin under both low and high humidity. This makes lips swell slightly, temporarily reducing the appearance of fine lines. It also provides a protective barrier on the skin.
Towards the end of the ingredients list, there’s Menthoxypropanediol. It is a synthetic derivative of menthol, but its effect are twice as strong. It is very used in lip plumping products because it irritates lips, thus making them swell and look plumper. I know the concentration of the ingredient in the product is very low but I was still surprised to see it in the list. I thought the product was supposed to work with collagen and Hyaluronic acid and not have irritating ingredients!
So, the concentrations of the above ingredients are very low, but the products still plumps lip slightly: how? Shine and moisturization give the illusion of fuller lips. The product is definitely very shiny and contains lots of emollients like Mineral Oil, Ethylhexyl Palmitate and Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil to name a few.
One of the first ingredients on the list is Mineral Oil (Paraffinum Liquidum), one of the moist effective moisturizing ingredient available. Ethylhexyl Palmitate is an emollient derived from palm oil. It is often used as a replacement to silicone. It gives skin a soft and smooth appearance and has a dry-slip feel similar to that of silicone. Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil is derived from the castor bean. It is an emollient that, when dry, forms a barrier on the lips that has water-binding properties. Castor Oil can also have a slightly sticky feel.
Summary:
Overall, I’m disappointed in this product. It does work and makes lips slightly plumper and fuller. The effects last for a while provided you use it every night. It also hydrates lips very well. However, I think the same effects could be achieved by using a chapstick and a lipgloss. After all, the product is full of moisturizing ingredients and there’s not much collagen or Hyaluronic Acid in it. If it would have been way cheaper I may have bought it, after all as an hydrating treatment it is good. But for what it does, I can’t really justify the high price tag.
Rating: 3.5/5
10 comments June 1, 2009
New Collection: Shu Uemura Eternal Gold Summer 2009
Shu Uemura Summer 2009 collection features shimmering golden hues that enhance glow and create a beautifully bronzed tan.
PRESSED EYESHADOW ($20.00)
Available in two new metallic shades, Gold #350 and Brown #850.
CREAM EYESHADOW ($30.00)
Available in two pearl shades: Pink and Brown 7A.
UV UNDER BASE SHIMMER ($35.00)
A weightless mousse makeup base with an ultra thin veil of shimmering pearls that helps to even out skintone and texture, reduce redness and minimize the appearance of pores. Use before makeup application to prepare the face for flawless makeup.
BRONZING POWDER ($38.00)
Get a sun kissed glow with these summer must have bronzers in light and warm tones. Available in Light, Medium and Dark.
NATURAL 50H GOAT BRUSH ($75.00)
Compact-sized brush angled for highlighting and contouring of the face area. Composed of two types of goat hair ideal for application of pressed powder. The diagonal shape of the brush is intended for multiple usage and the rounded mount is ideal for even application.
GLOW ON BLUSH ($21.00)
Available in Amber #83 and Pink #31.
GLOSS UNLIMITED ($22.00)
Available in #755N (Brown).
ROUGE UNLIMITED CRYSTAL SHINE ($23.00)
Available in #901 (Beige) and # 301 (Pink).
3 comments May 31, 2009
New Collection: Stila Indian Summer 2009
Stila Indian Summer Collection is infused with 24kt gold to create a youthful, glistening finish. I really like the Indian-inspired packaging, so pretty!
CHARMED PALETTE ($28.00)
Contains four shades: Brilliant Pink (intense pink), Golden Charm (intense yellow gold), Precious Coral (light coral), Radiant Sunset (mid-tone red) and Vintage Merlot (deep berry).
CONVERTIBLE COLOR DUO ($25.00)
Available in Marigold that features two golden hues.
LOOSE MINERAL BRONZING POWDER WITH 24 KARAT GOLD ($34.00)
This 100% natural finishing powder gives your skin a warm, natural bronzed glow skin with one simple dusting.
MANGO CRUSH LIP & CHEEK STAIN ($24.00)
Mango Crush Lip and Cheek Stain is infused with naturally staining mango extracts that react to your personal pH levels to create your perfect shade every time. Used as a sheer blush, or a lip tint and packaged in Stila’s iconic clickable pen, this revolutionary formula is easy to build and blend, and leaves your lips and cheeks with a fresh flush of youth.
24 KARAT LIP GLOSS ($22.00)
Infused with genuine 24kt gold, this non-sticky formula gives you a vibrant, glistening, gorgeous grin. Available in:
Vintage Merlot: deep berry
Brilliant Pink: intense pink
Golden Charm: intense yellow gold
Radiant Sunset: mid-tone red
Precious Coral: light coral
GOLDEN NOIR SMUDGE POT ($20.00)
Add a little sass to your sultry summer look with Smudge Pot in Golden Noire. This new twist on the cult favorite Smudge Pot sprinkles genuine 24kt gold flakes into the rich matte black base leaving eyes gilded and glam. Long revered for its skin revitalizing properties, this “touch of gold” helps minimize the appearance of fine lines and creates a rich, shimmering effect.
BRONZING TINTED MOISTURIZER SPF 15 ($32.00)
Stila’s bestselling Illuminating Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15 has been infused with genuine 24kt gold. It contains the perfect ratio of pigment to pearl, providing a beaming, flawless face in an instant
LASH VISOR WATERPROOF MASCARA ($20.00)
Stila’s Lash Visor Mascara has long been an industry favorite. It’s quick-drying, long-wearing; waterproof formula makes it the perfect do-it-all mascara. And now – it is even better! Stila has put this iconic formula in a bigger, metal component – so there is more mascara to love. It also has a new re-designed brush for thick, long, luxurious lashes that stay perfectly defined all day!
What do you think of the collection? Are you gonna get anything?
4 comments May 31, 2009
Know Your Ingredients: Walnut Oil
What it is
Walnut Oil is pressed from the nut of the walnut tree. It is high in linoleic acid and Omega 3 fatty acids.
What it does
Walnut Oil has antioxidant and emollient properties. It helps to regenerate and moisturize dry, damaged and mature skin. It is used to treat several skin problems including psoriasis and eczema.
Side effects
Walnut Oil can cause allergies, esp to people who are allergic to these nuts. It can also cause irritations.
May 30, 2009
Lancome launches Vibrating Mascara Primer + more beauty news
Lancome Launches Oscillation Powerbooster Vibrating Mascara Primer
After Oscillation, a vibrating mascara, Lancome has now launched Oscillation Powerbooster, a vibrating mascara primer.
The vibrating power primer is said to enhance lash thickness, density and appearance of length so that naturally occurring lash growth is more visible. The primer retails at a whoppings $39 and it’s available exclusively from Nordstrom.
Are you gonna check this out? I’m curious to try it but the high price tag has really put me off!
Nars Vintage 2009 Nail Polish
Nars has re-released some discounted nail polishes shades. They’re limited edition, so get yours while you can. The collection includes:
- Blue Lagoon: iridescent powder blue
- ChaChaCha: semi-sheer tangerine with gold reflections
- Hunger: hot orange red
- Tallulah: rich grape
- Zizi: clear with peach and gold glitter
Kiehl’s Recyling Program
Kiehl’s has just launched their new Recycle and Be Rewarded! program. When you run out of one of the company’s products, just take it to their nearest shop.
Not only you’ll be recycling, but you’ll also be given a reward card. They’ll put a stamp on it for each container you return. When you get to three, you’ll get a free Lip Balm #1. When you reach five, you can pick any item from the Official Kiehl’s Travel Collection. And once you returned 10, you get any $25 or less product of your choosing (excluding Flagship Exclusive Items or charitable ones) for free!
4 comments May 29, 2009
Website Review: The Makeup Mix Shop
Website: Makeup Mix Shop
In January, Toma, the beauty behind Makeup Masala blog, opened her own online store, called theMakeup Mix Shop.
Toma sells her own mineral makeup line, called Makeup Masala minerals, as well as other brands like NYX, Jesse’s Girl, Eco Tools and Coastal Scent to name just a few. The website also has a nice selection of jewellery and wallets. Most of the brands sold on the site are hard to find in Europe, so I was very excited I finally had a place to get them online. And I was also very curious to try Toma’s makeup line. So, I decided to order some stuff.
Buying online from The Makeup Mix Shop is very easy. You just need to create an account and follow the instructions. After selecting the items you want, you are taken to the payment page. The only payment option available for my order was paypal, which is actually my fave method for paying online as it quick and safe.
Toma ships worldwide and delivery charges aren’t very expensive at all! International p&p is $3.95 on orders up to $19.00, $5.95 on orders from $20.00 to $39.00, and free if you spend more than $40.00! In addition, The Makeup Mix shops often has lots of sales and discounts. There’s also a Customer Discount Loyalty Program, which entitles you to a discount if you spend more than $50.00 in a month. Please check the website for more details.
After making the order, I got a confirmation email. Half an hour later, I got another one stating that my order was being prepared to be shipped and, after a couple of hours, I got the last email saying that order had been shipped! The package took about two weeks to arrive. I was actually surprised it arrived so soon as packages from the States to Italy usually take longer to be delivered. Also, keep in mind that I ordered the items around Easter, so I probably would have got it sooner if postal offices hadn’t been closed for the holidays.
Everything was packaged very carefully. The pigments jars were put in a cute little bag and they arrived intact. Toma also included a sample of one of her mineral eyeshadows. I thought that was very nice of her. Thank you, Toma!
Summary:
Overall, my experience was very positive and I will definitely buy again from the website. Delivery is quick and not very expensive, the products are well packaged and Toma is a really sweet, professional and reliable lady. She was also so nice to add a sample as well.
Rating: 5/5
8 comments May 28, 2009
Inside Natasha Hamilton makeup bag
Natasha Hamilton shot to fame as part of British girl band Atomic Kitten. The singer is now working on her solo career and has also opened a restaurant called Hamilton’s in Liverpool. Here are the beauty products she can’t live without:
VERA WONG THE FRAGRANCE (£50.00)
A modern, floral bouquet that features notes of Bulgarian rose, calla lily, mandarin flower, gardenia, lotus, iris, white stephanotis, musks, white woods, and precious floral nectar. Natasha says: “I bought it last year when I got married because I read in a bridal magazine you should get a new wedding scent to always remind you of that day. Now, it teleports me back to my wedding morning.”
BOURJOIS VOLUME CLUBBING MASCARA (£7.95)
Double sided volumizing brush with product reservoir for a striking look. Natasha’s eyelashes are so fair that they are almost invisible so she always has mascara in her bag. She says that Volume Clubbing “has got a really thick wand but if you apply just one coat it’s fine and perfect for daytime. You can build it up later on and it doesn’t smudge or go bitty, it’s great for going from day to night.”
OPTREX EYEDEW SPARKLING EYE DROPS (£4.06)
Ideal for enhancing your eyes’ sparkle during the day, Eyedew Sparkling Eye Drops restore natural brightness to reveal beautiful, clear eyes. Natasha says these are essentials when she has a late night and an early shot as they make her look bright eyed instantly.
TIGI BED HEAD HEADBRUSH HAIR SPRAY (£13.05)
A lightweight aerosol supershine mist that gives hair a smooth and shiny look. Natasha says: “If my hair’s gone flat, this gives it a bit of oomph and a lovely shine. It smells great too.”
3 comments May 27, 2009
