Home      About Me      Beauty Reviews      Subscription Boxes      Beauty Events      Fitness      Food      Bridal Series     TotalBeauty.com     

Friday, May 29, 2009

Everyday Minerals Haul

If you didn't catch my previous post on Reasons I Adore Everyday Minerals (EDM), check it out here. They have a great forum where EDM lovers go to ask questions and learn and share their common interest- EDM. I recently made a few sample kit orders to find my right foundation shade. I thought I had found my perfect shade until I read a post from someone who suggested a shade that I had completely overlooked! Although I found this out after my purchase of a Super Custom Kit (12 full-size items), I am looking forward to trying another sample kit to try that new shade.

Since I am always scouting other people's blogs for PICTURES, I am returning the favor here with a picture of my haul:

This haul includes:
6 brushes (2 flat-top, two long handled kabuki, a foptic, and an eye kabuki),
two pressed palettes in Fairly Light and Summer Bronzer,
a blush in Apple, a base,
a concealer in Multi-Tasking and
a bronzer in a Kaolin clay formula.

There was also a special going, the Guessing Game special, and I got a purple cellulose sponge and three mini blushes (the bottom 3 on the left). In addition, I added a sample kit along with my order (the bottom 5 sample jars on the right).

To celebrate my friend's wedding this weekend (Congratulations w!), here is an Everyday Minerals compact with 4 summer-y shades which would be gorgeous for any bride. There are new eye color compacts out in more colors, read here.


Source: Everydayminerals.com since I do not own this compact yet. I am saving up to include this in my next haul!




Check out more blogs @ TotalBeauty.com

Quiz: Is Your Eye Cream Really Working?

TotalBeauty.com
Quiz: Is Your Eye Cream a Rip-Off?

Pinpoint the right ingredients for dark circles, puffiness and wrinkles


Whether you're ready to dump your current eye treatment or still testing the water, take this quiz to find out what product will work best for your eye issues.

Take the quiz


Check out more blogs @ TotalBeauty.com

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Top 10 Best-Skin Cities

TotalBeauty.com
The Top 10 Best-Skin Cities

These towns all have perfect conditions for smooth, clear, wrinkle-free skin


In a perfect world, we'd all have flawless-looking skin. In reality, few of us are that lucky. However, some of you are fortunate enough to live where the conditions are ideal for skin. We looked at pollution levels, amount of sunshine, tanning beds per capita, humidity, number of smokers, stress, diet and more to find the places best suited for your skin. Check them out, maybe it's time to relocate?

See cities


Check out more blogs @ TotalBeauty.com

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Product Review: Flip Video Camcorder

This is the first part of my Technology Beauty Series, where I will be reviewing tech gadgets that I am using to enhance my beauty blogging experience. Enjoy! :)


When I attended the Degree Women fragrance collection event in April, hosted by Degree and TotalBeauty, I was surprised with a wonderful gift for bloggers. They gave each of us a Flip Video Ultra Series Camcorder in Pink. It's an adorable gadget to record mini video clips (up to 60 minutes) that is easy to carry around and is so useful to take video clips of anything. You can also capture still picture from the video using their built-in software, so it's like a camera as well.




This is the back of the camcorder, which will be facing you when you record. Although the screen is a bit tiny, you're still able to see what you can capture. There's only a few buttons that are really needed when you use this- Record (which is the red button- can it be any easier?), Play (on the left) and Delete (the trash can sign). You can also zoom in and out (Up and Down keys) while you record. The functionality of this camcorder is basic so anyone can use this, even a child, I bet.





If you lose/misplace cables easily, then you will love this feature the Flip Video Camcorder has. As you can see from the picture, no extra cable is required to plug the device into your computer. This makes it easy to plug-in without the hassle of finding the right cable/wires/etc.


Looking at their website, www.theflip.com, they also have this camcorder in UltraHD, Mino and MinoHD. With the Mino series, you can custom create your own design or use one of their photos from the gallery for the exterior of the camcorder.

This is a great product to carry with when you're going out to events, such as the Degree Women fragrance collection event, and want to capture the special moments.


Check out more blogs @ TotalBeauty.com

Monday, May 25, 2009

Win $5,000 for Sephora Sweepstakes

TotalBeauty.com
Last Week to Enter the Sephora Shopping Spree Sweepstakes!

Hurry! The contest ends May 31, so get your entries in before it's too late


Any beauty junkie worth her mascara would love to win $5,000 to spend at Sephora, right? Well TotalBeauty.com is making that dream a reality for one lucky reader. All you have to do is sign up for their newsletters and/or write product reviews - it couldn't be easier! But hurry, because the contest ends May 31 (you can write reviews each day until the end of the contest for more entries). Good luck!

See celebrities


Check out more blogs @ TotalBeauty.com

Friday, May 22, 2009

Mario Badescu- Memorial Day free shipping



Stock up on your Mario Badescu favorites this weekend with their Free Shipping special on orders over $30. See my picks here and Martha Stewart's picks here.

Check out more blogs @ TotalBeauty.com

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Reasons I Adore Everyday Minerals

Here are just a few reasons why I adore Everyday Minerals.


First, they offer a free sample kit to new customers. See mine here It gives you the chance to try their products and find your "color" before committing to any of their full-size products.


Second, they have on-going specials, whether it be a discount or freebies with your purchase. Recently, they offered a 5% discount for Mother's Day, a free lip balm with your purchase of $15 and a Guessing Game. This means that the more you order, the more prizes you will get. Based on the forums, it seems like the minimal order (less than $10) will get you a cellulose sponge, worth $2. Larger orders, like their personal custom kit- worth $34- will get you the sponge and a few other eye shadow samples. Update: Current special is a $5 Foptic brush (original price: $10)

This takes me to the third reason- they offer CUSTOM KITS!! You can put in any 6 full-size items for $34 or 12 full-size items for $50. A full-size item can cost between $6-12 and with a 12-item kit, it comes out to a little more than $4 each. What a bargain! You can also put in brushes which are about $10 a pop..

And the last reason why I am raving about them is their BRUSHES!! They have the most softest bristled brushes ever, including their famous FLAT TOP BRUSHES!

So how do you keep track of all their amazing color choices? Use this swatch list, excludes their numerous eye colors:
(From left to right: Cheeks, Base, Concealer/Face)



Check out more blogs @ TotalBeauty.com

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

SELF Workout in the Park 2009- Updates



I went to this year's SELF Workout in the Park, like I said I would in my earlier post (read here). It was just as fun and crowded as I expected since it was similar to last year's event. This time, I was only there for two hours but I had a good workout- urban rebounding, see below, and scored some nice goodies, which I will post pictures later.

I am overall very pleased that I spent a Saturday morning/early afternoon at the Central Park because 1) it is gorgeous and 2) it is great to see so many people motivated to work out and stay healthy! They also limited the number of tickets to the event, so it wasn't as crowded as last year. I was able to stand in line and actually get somewhere. There were noticeably fewer sponsors and giveaways this year and they actually had a booth where they were selling food/snacks/sandwiches. That was pretty empty since people were snacking on their free Smart Food snacks and protein bars.





The picture on the left is of the main stage, where the main aerobic workouts were. You can see the huge crowd in front of the stage, which did not leave much room for the booths that were on the opposite side of the stage. The picture you see on the right is a booth that was on the right side of the stage, there weren't too many people interested in this one as you can see I was able to take a good photo without any problem. There was a long line next to this since they were having a "Spin the Wheel" contest.





This is another picture of the main stage but the view is from the entrance. It's hard to see but there are some dancers right now on stage and I believe this is for the third segment called Rock Bottom, an intense lower body workout. The other picture on the right is of mini trampolines. This is a spectacular workout for the class, Urban Rebounding. It's a non-impact, cardio workout where you're basically bouncing up and down on the trampoline and doing some kicks and jumping jacks moves for 20 minutes! My lower abs definitely felt it the next couple of days.

I'm looking forward to next year's SELF Workout in the Park!!

Check out more blogs @ TotalBeauty.com

Sunday, May 17, 2009

How-to: Wear Bright Eyeshadow

TotalBeauty.com
Real-Woman Tutorial: How to Wear Bright Eyeshadow

Yes, you can wear teal shadow without looking garish -- just follow these steps


This tutorial is designed to show you step-by-step how to wear bright colored eyeshadow (which is doable even if you have small or Asian eyes). Brightly colored eyes can dress up a look when paired with a neutral or nude face, or accessorize an entire outfit. Just make sure you know how to wear it before rocking it in the office.

See how-to


Check out more blogs @ TotalBeauty.com

Friday, May 15, 2009

Thursday, May 14, 2009

Favorite Blushes

TotalBeauty.com
Readers' Favorite Blushes

Was Nars Orgasm blush no. 1? Or did another blush beat it? Find out!


A good blush gives a lit-from-within, healthy-looking glow, something we all strive for with our makeup. A bad blush gives a streaky, sparkly, clownish look -- not attractive. Luckily, TotalBeauty.com readers have tried tons of blushes, and here we share their favorites. Give them a try, they guarantee you wont look like you're auditioning for the circus.

See blushes

No. 19: Paula Dorf Cheek Color, $21

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 9


It "was perfect for that just-in-from-the-cold flush" and the blushes "last all day."

No. 18: Clinique Soft-Pressed Powder Blusher, $18.50

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 9


Readers say this blush is "very natural looking... it's nearly impossible to make yourself look clownish with it."

No. 17: Revlon Powder Blush, $9.79

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 9.1


This blush's greatest asset: its staying power. "I apply it at 5 a.m. and it still looks great at 8 p.m.," one reader says.

Want to see what's no. 1? Click here!


Check out more blogs @ TotalBeauty.com

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Physicians Formula Organic wear® 100% Natural Origin Mascara- Try Free!




Physicians Formula is giving you the chance to try their new Organic wear® 100% Natural Origin Mascara for Free! Yes, you read that right- Free!! (up to a $9.95 value) In order to qualify, you have to find the packaging with a free rebate sticker on it.

According to their website, this mascara is:

* Revolutionary 100% Natural Origin formula contains the purest ingredients and provides 5x Lash Boosting for lash length, volume & definition naturally.
* 100% Recyclable Eco-Brush defines each lash with ultra-soft plastic bristles.
* 100% Free of Harsh Chemicals, Synthetic Preservatives, Parabens, Clumping, Smudging, Flaking, Fibers & Dyes.

I tried this mascara and I have to say that I am in love with this! I wear this for more than 14 hours (my schedule is so hectic now with long days/nights) and by the time I come home, I only see a speck of the mascara under my eyes. I am so impressed that this product lasts so long- I usually see a smeared line/panda eyes or something under my eyes. But, this stays! Removal of this mascara is also very easy and doesn't require anything more than baby oil.

My lashes are noticeably darker and defined and makes my eyes pop. :) (Tip: On my upper lashes only, I use one coat from the root of the lashes to the tip from the bottom and then on the top to make sure my lashes are well-coated.)

Again, since this mascara is not made of harsh chemicals, I can wear this knowing it is good for my lashes and won't cause any irritation. It contains Tapioca starch for natural volume and organic beeswax, which works wonderfully. I can reapply the mascara without it looking too clumpy. The brush itself is 100% recyclable! Since mascaras are recommended to be used within 6 months of opening, I am determined to use this every day I leave the house AND find another one. I have checked several drugstores the past two weeks if they carry this mascara but sadly, they do not.


To learn more about other Physicians Formula Organic Wear products, including their bronzer, eyeliner, blush/bronzer compact, etc.. read here.

Get the rebate here
Check out more blogs @ TotalBeauty.com

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Walgreen's SaturDate with Yes to Carrots on May 16



Have a SaturDate at your local Walgreens' Beauty department to try Yes To Carrots products, including their wonderful Yes to Cucumbers Soothing Eye Gel. (see my review here)


Check out more blogs @ TotalBeauty.com

Friday, May 08, 2009

Quiz: What lip color suits you?

TotalBeauty.com
What's Your Ideal Glam Lip Color?

Take this quiz to find out which lipstick shade reflects your personal taste


Soft on the inside yet bold on the outside, highly pigmented lip colors can speak volumes about your personality -- before you've uttered a word. Find out which shade of the beauty editor- and consumer-favorite MAX Factor Vivid Impact Lipcolor you should be wearing.

Take the quiz


Check out more blogs @ TotalBeauty.com

Tuesday, May 05, 2009

Degree for Women- Fine Fragrance Collection



Thanks to TotalBeauty.com, I had the chance to go to a wonderful event hosted by Degree Women for their unveiling of their Fine Fragrance Collection. Special guest, Lindsay Price, Lipstick Jungle & 90210, was there to show her support and to tell us that she, too, believed in having luxury items at an affordable cost.


The event was held in Dylan's Candy Bar in New York City, and it was such a well-organized and fun event! I got to meet other local beauty bloggers, have some delicious food and drinks and try out the three different scents from the Fragrance collection. My favorite part of the night was to chat with fabulous, Lindsay. She was so sweet and told me some of her beauty tips and must-haves including using a lipstain!


The Degree Women Fine Fragrance Collection includes:
* Delicious Bliss- a citrus-y scent with scents from apple, peach, raspberries and hints of magnolia and hyacinth (my FAVORITE one of all)
* Classic Romance- a blend of floral scents from rose and peony, also with a hint of citrus and bergamot (my second fave because it has citrus!)
* Sexy Intrigue- a more seductive fragrance with jasmine, rose and vanilla. This one also smells good..


These scents come in body mists and deodorants and the reason they have these scents paired together is for you to layer them on to carry a "fragrance impression." Not only will you be wearing the scented deodorant but the body mist will also help the scent stay on you longer. Of course, you can you wear them separately but would you know how a deodorant with its own scent and a perfumed lotion/spray in another scent mix together? You can surely ask someone close to you.. The two different scents could work against each other and you would end up smelling entirely different.


For exclusive pictures at the event...



Beauty and All That


Experience Perfume Unbottled @ http://degreewomen.com

(Disclaimer: I received this product from this company's PR agency to test, try and share my thoughts with my readers.)

Check out more blogs @ TotalBeauty.com

Saturday, May 02, 2009

Dylan's Candy Bar- Doll-lightful Barbie Event



On Sunday, May 3, Dylan's Candy Bar invites you to their Doll-lightful Barbie event in select locations. They will showcase their new Barbie Loves Dylan's candy, give you the opportunity to take photos, have games & activities, as well as prizes and raffles!

If you're lucky to be living near the New York City, Orlando, Houston or Garden City in NY locations, then don't miss out. I went to Dylan's Candy Bar for the first time a few weeks ago and it was such a treat to go there. (No pun intended)

For more information...

go to the official site: http://www.dylanscandybar.com/parties-and-events_doll-lightful-barbie-event/

Check out more blogs @ TotalBeauty.com

Friday, May 01, 2009

Beauty and All That- Summer Giveaway

You have probably seen other beauty blogs' do contests and giveaways. I was thinking of having one this summer (starting around the end of May) Would you be interested? Please comment below if you are. Thanks!
Check out more blogs @ TotalBeauty.com

Must-have Mother's Day Gifts from Total Beauty

TotalBeauty.com
13 Must-Have Mother's Day Gifts

Every mom will be thrilled if she gets one of these made-for-her beauty kits


Sure, you could give your mom flowers and a card for Mother's Day, but how boring is that? Instead, give her one of these beauty product gifts perfectly suited for her. And, bonus: Almost all these gifts are available online, so the ideal gift for your mom is just a few clicks away.

See gifts


Check out more blogs @ TotalBeauty.com
created at TagCrowd.com