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Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Beauty and All That September 2009 Posts

Here are the September 2009 posts that you can see on Beauty and All That @ http://igknowidea.blogspot.com

Original posts by Beauty and All That
* Sephora OPI Nail Colors for Fall 2009
* My Sephora Trip
* Fashion's Night Out - September 10, 2009
* Pilates for Pink October 4, 2009
* LeSportsac Sample Sale September 15-17, 2009
* Burt's Bees Natural Acne Solutions Review
* Yes to Carrots Summer House Parties
* Pür Minerals- Makeup Foundation and Chisel Brush
* Foot Petals- Saving Your Feet One Step At A Time!
* Vote for the HLMN Hot 100 Beauty Finalists
* L'Oreal Paris Telescopic Explosion Mascara Review

Lovely TotalBeauty.com posts
* 8 Classic Beauty Products You Still Worship
* 13 Best Drugstore Body Lotions
* Seven Ingredients to Prevent Aging Skin
* Fall's 2009 Hairstyles
* 13 Best Face Concealers
* Top 10 Emmy Awards Looks You Can Wear


Check out more blogs @ TotalBeauty.com

L'Oreal Paris Telescopic Explosion Mascara Review

Want defined and lengthened lashes that look absolutely gorgeous? Then, try the new L'Oreal Paris Telescopic Explosion Mascara!


What makes this mascara truly unique is their brush! It combed my lashes individually and along with the formulation of the mascara, this new product made my eyes stand out. It is great to use to make yourself look awake- think 8 A.M. meetings on Monday mornings. It does take some time to learn how to use the wand right though. I had to give myself an extra 5-10 minutes to complete the application. (Had to be super careful!)

I like that the mascara stays put and lasts long. It hardly gave me raccoon eyes or flakes at the end of the day.



Here is a closeup picture of the spherical brush wand. It takes some time to get the hang of using this brush because of its different shape. (Since we have adapted to using the traditional longer brushes for sweeping mascara from the base of our lash to the tip.)

Practice makes perfect!


I recommend that you get yourself this if you're looking to try something new and you want to define your lashes with this spherical wand. (But only if you have extra time to spare in the morning with your routine and/or the patience to re-learn how to apply mascara.) Once you learn to use the wand, the pay-off is amazing!

(Disclaimer: I received this product from a third-party to test, try and share my thoughts with my readers.)



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Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Vote for the HLMN Hot 100 Beauty Finalists

Hi Beauty and All That Readers/Subscribers/Friends!

Please take a minute to vote for my blog, Beauty And All That, to be part of the Hot 100 Beauty Finalists by HLMN (HyperLuxe Media Network).

All you need is an email address and you can submit your vote here:
http://hot100.thehlmn.net/2009/09/hlmn-hot-100-beauty-finalists.html

Thanks! :)

Comment below to let me know what you would like to see on this blog!


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Sunday, September 27, 2009

Foot Petals- Saving Your Feet One Step At A Time!

Do you have a love/hate relationship with your favorite shoe? Love them because they're so darn pretty but hate them because they make your feet hurt?

If so, then let me tell you about my secret to keeping my feet comfortable-
I use Foot Petals.

One of the first products I ever tried from Foot Petals is their famous Tip Toes foot cushions. I found this during a trip at my local Nordstroms and haven't stopped using them since! They are flower shaped cushions that are placed on the balls of your feet to prevent any calluses, aka hard skin. Since I have wide feet, it's hard to find nice shoes that are made a bit wider, so it is important for me to make my feet as comfortable as possible! These Tip Toes are a life saver! (and feet-saver!) :)



I recently came across a newer Foot Petals accessory called Perfect Polish. What this sleek polish pen does is it helps hide scratches and other unpleasant marks on your favorite shoe. The tips of my shoes usually get scratched, so the Perfect Polish is the perfect way to hide them. You twist the pen to get the polish to come out. It is best to practice on a piece of paper to set the right amount of Carnuba Wax-based polish on your shoe.

When I used this on my favorite brown heels, the application took less than 15 seconds and another 15-30 seconds for a thin coat to dry completely. It was quick, easy, and incredibly convenient to carry. It's great to have this in your purse so you can touch up on the go!



Source:www.footpetals.com

One product I haven't tried yet, but is on my wishlist is their Amazing Arches cushions. Since I've also flat feet, (I know, I'm just made to use Foot Petals for life) I need all the support I can get in the arches. I realized that because my ballet flats do not provide any support at all, it is important for me to use these, so I can walk comfortably during the day.


To check out their Stilleto Stylish Kit,





This kit offers all their great products in one packaging! It includes my favorite- Tip Toes, Killer Kushionz, Strappy Strips, Sole Stoppers (one of my new favorites to prevent any slip-ups!), and more! It's a fabulous gift for your stylish friend, a bride-to-be for their big wedding day, and whoever you know that wears stilettos everyday!

Read more reviews of Foot Petals products at TotalBeauty.com!

(Disclaimer: I received this product to test, try and share my thoughts with my readers. I have, however, been using Foot Petals before these products were sent to me, so I've always been a fan. :)

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Saturday, September 26, 2009

Top 10 Emmy Awards Looks You Can Wear

TotalBeauty.com
Top 10 Emmy Awards Looks You Can Wear Now

Not a celebrity? Doesn't matter! We share how to make red carpet hair and makeup looks wearable for every day


Sure, it would be nice to walk the red carpet like Heidi Klum, Kim Kardashian or Drew Barrymore, but most of us will never get the chance. However, that doesn't mean we can't have red carpet-worthy style every day, right? That's why we pulled together easy-to-do tips from celebrity hair and makeup artists for our favorite Emmy Awards looks.

See looks


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Friday, September 25, 2009

13 Best Face Concealers

TotalBeauty.com
The 13 Best Face Concealers

If there's anything worth investing in for flawless skin, it's one of these secret weapons


Bags, blemishes, redness? These consumer-favorite concealers go above and beyond to keep your skin looking flawless. See which products scored close to a perfect 10!

See concealers

No. 13: Yves Saint Laurent Beauty Touche Eclat, $40

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 8.3


"Practical, versatile and downright effective at blasting shadows [and] small blemishes ..."

No. 12: Stila Illuminating Concealer, $22

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 8.5


From "absolute God-send" to "a great investment," readers are thrilled with this light concealer ...

No. 11: Bare Escentuals i.d. bareMinerals Multi-Tasking Face, $18

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 9.1


This mineral makeup wonder does "an excellent job of covering blemishes, dark circles, and brown spots ..."

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


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Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Pür Minerals- Makeup Foundation and Chisel Brush

I've been using Mineral Makeup for over five years and probably will be using it for the rest of my life. It just feels lighter and more natural on my sensitive skin and also gives me more control of the coverage. If I need more, I just buff on more mineral powder and doesn't feel heavier, which is a plus! Who needs to feel cakey?

So, I recently came across another minerals makeup product that I had to try- Pür Minerals 4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Foundation. I actually found out about this company last year through Allure Magazine. Their 4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Makeup foundation won the 2008 Allure Best of Beauty Award in the “Best Natural Selection.”- what an honor! After trying this out, they deserve to win this award.


Coverage & Finishing: What I like most about the Pür Minerals Pressed Foundation is that the formulation combines 4 steps into 1. I like to do my makeup in less than 15 minutes, if possible, so I like to use products that will save me time! Instead of having to use a concealer or a finishing powder separately, I just use this one product. I received the right amount of coverage for my face overall, and I was also able to build the intensity when used directly to conceal blemishes and my under-eye circles. The finishing is also amazing; my skin looked polished and healthy.




Chisel Brush: This compact foundation is used alongside with their Chisel brush, made of a sturdy see-through plastic handle that can actually stand upright. All my other brushes just flop to the side when I place them in my brush holder.

The width of the bristles on the brush is just the right size to evenly swirl across the compact. After getting the powder onto my brush, I gently buff into my skin.

Tip:
To remove excess powder that may appear on the top layer of the pressed foundation, dab a brush in short quick motions to let the bristles get the remaining powder. This can be used for a final touch up of your face.


Above is a swatch of their shade Porcelain. My face is darker so I need to wear the Light shade instead.

To watch a video on how to apply the 4-in-1 foundation compact,



Active Ingredients: Titanium Dioxide 8%; Inactive Ingredients: Mica, Boron Nitride, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Bismuth Oxychloride, Zinc Stearate, Magnesium Silicate, Magnesium Carbonate, Silica, Shea Butter (Butyrospermum Parkii), Tocopheryl Acetate, Iron Oxides

I can't wait to try out their Holiday Collection!

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



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Monday, September 21, 2009

Yes to Carrots Summer House Parties


This summer, Yes to Carrots, had another round of "House Parties" for their customers. I signed up to participate to introduce the wonderful products Yes to Carrots had to offer. Some of the items I have tried include:
* Yes to Carrots Lip Glosses and Lip Tints
* Yes to Cucumbers Soothing Eye Gel
* Yes to Carrots Night Moisturizing Cream.



In preparation for these house parties, I learned how to crochet amigurumi carrot dolls for decoration and favors. Thanks to the pattern I found at Joann.com, I was able to make these in a cinch! (I made about ~20 carrots, each varying in size and shape.. haha) For more details, check out my Crafty and All That blog.


The Party- To keep my guests' tummies happy and healthy, I served baby carrots and celery sticks with home-made hummus and Trader Joe's Salsa, as well as tortilla chips and Snack Mix. We also watched Kung-Fu Panda while chatting, catching up and sharing beauty tips.


At-home manicure spa- Yes to Carrots gave us a Feel the C Pampering Spa Manicure jar, C through the Dry Spell Body Butter, Eye and Face Makeup Remover, and C the Difference Mud Masks to try. The manicure spa was a hit! We each had a teaspoon of the product, which we massaged into our hands and cuticles. After we were done, our hands felt softer than ever! Everyone also enjoyed the creamy Body Butter afterwards.

To check out the goodie bags,




Sample Goodie Bags- Yes to Carrots was generous to give each of my guests party favors as well. Each bag had samples of favorites include Yes to Tomatoes Facial Wash, Yes to Cucumbers Hand Cream, and Yes to Carrots Body Butter and Night Moisturizing Cream. There was a Lip Butter, my favorite YTC product, and a headband to keep your hair out of your face while you put on the Exfoliating Mud Mask.





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Friday, September 18, 2009

Fall's 2009 Hairstyles

TotalBeauty.com
Find Out How to Wear Fall's Hottest Hairstyle

Follow these how-tos and tips to get your most playful hairstyle ever


Eli Thomas, owner of Thomas Chance Hairdressing in Santa Monica, Calif. shows you how to transform medium-length straight hair into a fun, tousled style (a la Hayden Panettiere, Blake Lively and Jennifer Aniston). With just a few key styling items, you'll be set!

See the how-to


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Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Seven Ingredients to Prevent Aging Skin

TotalBeauty.com
Seven Ingredients That Can Transform Aging Skin

These expert-recommended super hero products can fight skin cancer and stop time


Every year a new batch of buzz ingredients appears in skin care products, promising to stop time and reverse damage ... but which ones really work miracles? We consulted clinical skin care experts to find out which ingredients they believe in the most. See why these skin savers made the list -- and where to find them.

See ingredients


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Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Burt's Bees Natural Acne Solutions Review


At the end of August, I started using products from the Burt's Bees Natural Acne Solutions line. I was in need of a new cleanser because I did not feel like what I was using really cleaned my oily skin, especially in the hot, humid weather. I also had some breakouts and needed to get rid of them!

The Burt's Bees Natural Acne products contain the Purifying Gel Cleanser, Targeted Spot Treatment (both of which I purchased), a Pore Refining Scrub and a Daily Moisturizing Lotion.

Burt's Bees Natural Acne Purifying Gel Cleanser
Purifying Gel Cleanser- This clear, lightly yellow cleanser really did its job. It removed all the dirt, oil and grime on my face, leaving it clean and refreshed. It was a bit more liquid-y than I thought it would be, but it actually made it easier to massage into my face. It also has a light scent that is not overpowering. A small dime size is enough to lather on your face, so I will be using this 5 oz. bottle for another 4-5 months. Great deal for its affordable price of only $10!
burts bees targeted spot treatment picture
Targeted Spot Treatment- I have found this treatment to reduce the size of stubborn acne, so it works. It takes some though, so don't expect miracles overnight. With continued use, I have seen my skin clearing up with the combined usage of the gel cleanser. The spot treatment's packaging makes it a bit hard to figure out how to use. I basically cover the top with my finger and turn it upside down. Then, I quickly pat the liquid onto troubled spots. It has a strong smell, so I advise to use this at night time only.


To see what ingredients really make these products work and get FREE SAMPLES and COUPONS,

Featured Ingredients- They both contain natural salicylic acid, derived from its key natural ingredients, such as Willow Bark Extract. The Cleanser contains Beet Root Extract and Evening Primrose Extract and the Spot Treatment contains Parsley Extract and Tea Tree Extract. (All natural!)

I can't wait to try the Scrub and Moisturizer!

Get your samples and coupons at the Burt's Bees Natural Acne Products and Treatments site.

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Monday, September 14, 2009

LeSportsac Sample Sale September 15-17, 2009



The LeSportsac Sample Sale in New York is back again this fall. Here are the important details:

VIP Sale: September 15, 2009 Tues 3pm - 10pm
Public Sale: September 16-17, 2009 Wed - Thurs 8am - 9pm

Location: The Metropolitan Pavilion
123 West 18 Street, 4 Floor

What kind of merchandise: Handbags, totes, weekenders, backpacks, messenger bags, computer bags, garment bags, toiletry kits , cosmetic cases, wallets. From LeSportsac Classics, tokidoki, Mens/Guys, Artist in Residence and Store Exclusives. Current and past collections. Quantities limited.

Discount: 50 to 90 percent off.
Types of Payment Accepted: Mastercard, Visa, American Express, Discover & cash.

They are offering a VIP of a VIP opportunity for you to shop one hour before the VIP sale (which is at 2pm on Sepember 15.) If you are interested, you can purchase this shopping pass at www.BagsBags.com for $25 for you to shop an hour before everyone else (the VIPs) or to skip the line and go straight in any time on Tuesday.

Personally, I would save the $25 and spend it towards a bag.. :)


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Sunday, September 13, 2009

Pilates for Pink October 4, 2009

*Update- I'm on my way there now! Will I see u? :)



Shape Magazine's Pilates for Pink is back again this year! Read about Pilates for Pink 2008.

This Pilates event is to help support and raise awareness of breast cancer. Join Shape Magazine at this event in Union Square park, New York City, to get fit with Pilates. This year there are 15 classes, taught by certified Pilates instructors, including Classical Pilates Mat, Pilates Synergy, and more!

Purchase a $25 ticket which includes registration for a 40-minute Pilates class, a swag bag filled with sponsored goodies and a Pilates mat @ https://www.pilatesforpinkevents.com/


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Tuesday, September 08, 2009

Fashion's Night Out - September 10, 2009

What is Fashion's Night Out? It's a Global Celebration of Fashion!

I'll be out in New York City to check out my fave designers and stores to get insider style tips and goodies!



Go to: FashionNightOut.com for a detailed list of over 700 retailers and designers you can go to and meet on Thursday, September 10 at your nearby city.


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My Sephora Trip

This past weekend, I took a trip to my regular Sephora store. Notice the title of this article does not say "My Sephora Haul," but rather "My Sephora Trip." While I did not purchase anything while I was there, I had so much fun browsing at Sephora, eyeing and testing swatches of a few products I am interested in getting (online.)
After watching makeup guru, Juicystar07, on YouTube rave about the Kat Von D palettes, I knew I had to check them out and see how pigmented the eyeshadows were. Boy, was Blair aka juicystar07 right! They were unbelievably gorgeous and her favorite palette, Beethoven, is also my favorite (even though I do not own it... yet.) For $34, you get 8 gorgeous eye colors in a neat little black palette with mirror and brushes.


Next, I checked out the Sephora by OPI nail collection so I could see the colors that were on my wishlist. The "In the Shadows" shade was a lot darker and browner that the picture showed. Also, "Caffeine Fix" is a bit more burgundy red than the purple it looks on the website. I did like the "Metro Chic" color which I may have to get as well. They didn't have the matte colors so I wasn't able to test those out.



Finally, I noticed that ck Calvin Klein makeup were all on sale for 50% off. There was not much of a selection left, obviously, except for a few eyeshadows. They do have a good amount of eyeshadows ($8 for single, $11 for duo shadows, like above) on sale on Sephora's website, so check that out if you are interested. I also saw a cute nailpolish set above, called the Splendid Glam Mini Nail Enamel Collection for $12.50

Source for all pictures, courtesy of Sephora. Thank you!

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Thursday, September 03, 2009

13 Best Drugstore Body Lotions

TotalBeauty.com
The 13 Best Drugstore Body Lotions

Skimp on money, not moisture with products from Vaseline, Neutrogena, Aveeno and more


Think you need some fancy sounding (and fancy priced) body lotion to soothe your dry skin? Think again. All of these products gave TotalBeauty.com readers silky smooth skin minus any greasy feeling -- and none of them cost more than $10!

See lotions

No. 13: Giovanni Hydrate Body Lotion, $8.95

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 9.1


"I have very sensitive skin and this is the best scented lotion I have ever found ..."

No. 12: Jergens Shea Butter Skin Enriching Cream, $3.81

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 9.1


"This body cream will transform your dull, dry skin into radiantly soft skin almost instantly ..."

No. 11: Dove Pro Age Body Cream Oil, $2.95

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 9.1


This "sinks right in and gives your skin a nice glow like you have been to the spa ..."

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


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Wednesday, September 02, 2009

8 Classic Beauty Products You Still Worship

TotalBeauty.com
8 Classic Beauty Products You Still Worship

TotalBeauty.com readers prove you can never go wrong with these timeless makeup, hairstyle and skin care buys


Whether it was your first grown-up purchase or a secret passed down through generations, some classic beauty formulas just can't be beat. Read on to see which oldies but goodies fans continue to adore. Did your favorite make the list?

See products


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Tuesday, September 01, 2009

Sephora OPI Nail Colors for Fall 2009

Dark nails is one of the trends for this Fall, as well as purples. Below, are some colors that I am eyeing from the Sephora by OPI Nail Colour collection. (See the pattern here?)

opi fall nail color
opi fall nail color
opi fall nail color
In The Shadows
Caffeine Fix
On Stage

Matte nails are also another trend and Sephora/OPI is offering Matte nail polish! Here are the three colors that are available. Will you be wearing this trend?

Domestic Goddess
Metro Chic
(One of their popular colors!)
What's a Tire Jack?


I am also liking the France and Espana collection from the regular OPI collection. They offer a great selection in deep red, purples and even almost black with hints of dark green, dark purple, and wine colors. They are so gorgeous! Spruce up this Holiday wearing similar colors from Borghese nail lacquer, get more details here.

Sephora's Testers- If you're not sure what color would look good on you, I would recommend going to a Sephora store because they have testers! So you can try out their amazing nail polish remover and of course the Sephora By OPI nail colors above and have fun with it. Or you could always go to the website to see their swatches.

OPI's website- I recently checked out the OPI website and they have this great tool where you can see what the colors will look on your hand. On your screen you will see a hand (and you can control the color of the skin) and complete swatches of the nail collection. It's perfect to see how your hand will look if you're wearing the color. Very helpful application if you're not sure of which color you want. Read reviews on OPI products.

My nail history- I usually like to have my nails short and I don't wear nail polish very often. I used to buy the Wet 'n Wild and Brucci brands at drugstores back in the day and sneak off in the bathroom to paint them. I even used to mix my colors (blue and silver was my favorite combo)! I remember the smell of the paint was horrible - can't even imagine the fumes I must have inhaled, which was why I had to paint in the bathroom, near the window.. So the smell of it made me stop using it for a while, until brands got smarter and realized you could make nail polish without the chemicals! :)

Upcoming: A nail polish review on OPI and SULA (nail polish formulated to easily peel off- no joke!)

Check out Holiday nail polishes with Borghese

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