New Blushes for Spring

Pretty New Blushes for Spring

These fresh-off-the-beauty-press colors will awaken winter cheeks and give you a lovely spring glow

This is a TotalBeauty.com face makeup article The easiest way to polish up your look and get an instant glow is by adding a dash of blush and, just in the nick of time, a wide array of hot new pinks, peaches, shimmery oranges, and deep plums are ready and waiting to do the job. Get colors

Banana Republic's New Scent- WildBloom

Spring is almost here! And while we wait, let's celebrate with Banana Republic's newest scent coming out called Wildbloom! (In stores on Thursday, February 3!) I normally wouldn't associate BR with fragrances, but rather their wear-to-work clothing, accessories and jewelry, but I am definitely glad they are branching out. Wildbloom is such a free-spirited scent it makes me want to go out and run across the meadows (if only I could on top of all this snow..)

This scent is perfect for the Spring because of the combination of citrus, floral and woods-y notes. If you must know, it contains pink grapefruit, guava, kumquat, Hawaiian Pikake, Blue Orchid, Sandalwood, Pink suede, radiant musk and a few other notes. To be perfectly honest, I immediately picked up the sandalwood (have a few fragrances already with that base note) and definitely the pink grapefruit! The citrus combo of guava, kumquat & grapefruit makes this deliciously irresistible. I can't wait to rock this at work and maybe do a somersault or two. ;)

WARNING: This WILL put you in a good mood for spring!

Don't forget to join the twitter #wildbloom party! Follow @BananaRepublic for more details!


(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

Physicians Formula New Drugstore Products Part 2- Shimmer Strips & Eyeliner Trio

If you missed my Physicians Formula - Happy Booster & Jumbo Lash Mascara Part 1, check it out here.

I checked out RiteAid recently and was psyched to see more NEW Physicians Formula products hit the shelves. There were the Talc-Free Mineral Wear products (perhaps this is replacing the OrganicsWear?) and the Shimmer Strips eyeshadows and eyeliners trio! I only had $15 in my pocket so I treated myself the eyeliners trio.. funny thing is I already have the same colors in a gel eyeliner-form, but I really wanted to try these anyway.




On top, are the Shimmer Strips Custom Eye Enhancing Shadows & Liners palettes for Blue and Hazel eyes. The packaging looks new with a cute "Eye Candy" on the lower right hand corner but I don't see anything new about the actual colors. I don't have old shimmer strips eyeshadows since I already have tons of eye shadows.

On the bottom are the Enhance & Define Eyeliner Trios! There was only one left for the Brown Eyes, which I snatched right away, because I love purple! The others have the same matching pencil color for the same eye color for Blue & Green and a pink eyeliner for Hazel eyes. They all have the Black eyeliner and a neutral one too. For about $11-12, you get three eyeliners that are advertised to last for "24 hours," it's a nice deal. They glide pretty smoothly but I will test these out this week to see how long they actually last..


Check out more blogs @ TotalBeauty.com

Physicians Formula New Drugstore Products Part 1- Happy Booster & Jumbo Lash Mascara

Physicians Formula is one of my favorite drugstore brands, especially their OrganicWear line. (However, it looks like they are discontinuing it or something because I don't see it on their website.) I was excited to see at my local drugstore some new products- their Happy Booster blush/bronzer/powder and Organic Wear Jumbo Lash mascara.

First, the Happy Booster palettes are perfect for upcoming Valentine's Day! The hearts are so cute and they are infused with plant extracts that are supposed to make you in a "Happy mood." I didn't try this but thought the concept was cute. The translucent shade is probably my favorite because it looks the most natural. The blush is rosy and the different color combos are great when blended together for a natural finish. The packaging still doesn't look that great and the brush looks scratchy like the OrganicWear powders. I prefer my super soft brushes from EcoTools. :)

I saw the Jumbo Lash mascaras and immediately picked one up. Why? Because it had the "TRY ME FREE" label and they work! I have already tried their OrganicWear mascara (Free after rebate too) when it first came out in Spring 2009, so I was excited to see this Jumbo Lash update- same formula (I hope) but larger wand!! See my review here on the old OrganicWear mascara.

If you missed my earlier post on my Drugstore Finds this January, see ALL the pictures here.

Don't miss Part 2 of my Physicians Formula new products finds... coming soon!

Check out more blogs @ TotalBeauty.com

SUPER by Dr. Perricone Limited-Edition Skin Nutrition Kit

i received an email regarding SUPER by Dr. Perricone's newest product release and thought it was so incredibly cute-- i just had to share!

this Skin Nutrition Kit comes in a retro lunch box (yes, it's made of metal so you can reuse it however you'd like!) and offers users the perfect taste of good-for-skin products. if you're looking to get your skin off to a good start in 2011, consider Skin Nutrition. it contains daily allowances of antioxidants and vital nutrients, all in three full-sized SUPER products: Face & Eye Cleanser, Detox Elixir and Hyper Hydrator.

Face and Eye Cleanser is loaded with antioxidant acai, a powerful amazonian berry and defends against damage-causing free radicals. to quench your skin's thirst, refreshing Detox Elixir refines pores, hydrates and detoxifies. finally, Hyper Hydrator is a daily moisturizer that absorbs quickly to nourish depleted, dry skin with the help of essential nutrients from coconut water.

the limited-edition SUPER Skin Nutrition is available nationwide at Sephora and sephora.com beginning this friday, january 13, 2011, for a limited time only.

xo
info and image courtesy of the brand's PR company.

Want Perfect Lips? Try COVERGIRL's Lip Perfection line

I got a sneak peek of COVERGIRL's Lip Perfection line, including lip pencils and lipsticks, which will officially launch in your local retailers in January 2011, which by the time this is posted, you can probably find at your local drugstore. (It's also available for sale on COVERGIRL's website.) These products are perfect shades for the winter time and provide enough moisture when your lips need it most!
I was sent a few goodies from the line to try a range of shades. Overall, I found them to be long-lasting, semi-moisturizing and the shades to be very pigmented. The packaging was also very sleek- something I didn't expect from drugstore brands. I personally haven't worn a lot of drugstore brand lipsticks (except Sally Hansen & Carmindy's line before they discontinued the lipsticks..) recently, but I am very pleased with this modern look.

COVERGIRL's slogan for their Lip Perfection line boasts 7 days to soft, smooth, beautiful lips vs. bare lips. In this weather, bare lips is not acceptable! Take care of them with at least wearing some kind of lip butter to protect it from the cold/wind. Like I said the lipsticks were very moisturizing and had nice reflectors, making it shiny. The lipliners had a matte finished look but are also very creamy so you can essentially wear the lipliners as lipsticks if you choose to do so.

Here are some of the colors that I tried..

The Lip Perfection lipsticks shown here are Darling (a pretty angelic pink) & Captivate (a darker brown/red hue). Both lipsticks are a bit shimmery than I thought but they are quite pretty. Again the packaging is super sleek and pretty. If you can find your perfect shade, it makes even prettier to carry with! Overall, I found these colors to pretty opaque. I'm used to wearing lots of lip butters and tinted lip shades that go on super smooth. So when I tried these lipsticks without a lipbutter, I didn't find them as smooth and creamy on my lips. It didn't help that my lips were already dry, but I do recommend wearing a base. After I did, the lipsticks were super!

The lip pencils shown here are Radiant, Passion and Smoky. They are my new fave items for 2011, especially Smoky. A gorgeous nude color to wear everyday. These are more matte and are very very rich in color. These are quite moisturizing which is great. The color Passion (middle) is a bright red for those who dare to sport the bright red lips this season.

Here are the swatches, from left to right (Passion, Smoky, Captivate, Darling & Radiant)
Sorry my camera was a bit out of focus I realized here, but you get the idea ;)


My personal favorites? Smoky lip liner of course! Also Captivate is a great winter shade. It's reddish/brownish hue is incredible gorgeous with the right amount of shimmer! I've already seen these at my local drugstore, so check yours out today!

(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

COVERGIRL NatureLuxe products in January 2011

One of my very first lipsticks was purchased by my mother. She bought me a bright fuschia colored lipstick from COVERGIRL and I wore it to a 6th grade event. Back then, I thought it was the most hideous color- it was too bright- but it was moisturizing though. Yet looking back at my old pictures, I realize the color isn't so bad because it stood out and brightened my face. Since then, I have dabbled here and there with other COVERGIRL products- hello LashBlast! While browsing on their website the other day, I was interested to see Taylor Swift on the site. She's the new face of their new luxury makeup line- NatureLuxe. Available in mass-market retailers starting in January, there are only two products in the line- Silk Foundation and a Gloss Balm.

For more details...
Both products contain SPF and are formulated to give you a lightweight, luxurious feel. The foundation contains jojoba and rose hip and the gloss balm contains hints of mango (yum) and shea butter. Unfortunately, I am allergic to SPF (I can only use natural SPF Products such as Titanium Dioxide) but if they didn't have it, I would be all over this line!!

Check out the COVERGIRL NatureLuxe website here.

Read more reviews on COVERGIRL beauty products here.

Check out more blogs @ TotalBeauty.com

beauty basics: Goodie Statements Collection

think about the things that never go out of style: the LBD, a fabulous trench coat, a pencil skirt-- there's obviously more to this list, but you get the idea. all of these items provide your wardrobe with classic and elegant touches year after year, which makes them essential. with that idea in mind, Goody has created their Statements Collection so your hairstyle will always be on trend, no matter what's currently trendy.



the Goody Statements Collection aims to keep a timeless style, even as seasons and trends change. with these hair accessories, it's easy to add luster to your locks with something like the Tortoise Buckle Headband. if you're looking to bring some prep to your style, the Mini Tortoise Claw Clips or Rectangle Tortoise Barrettes are fabulous picks, not to mention gorgeous!

find the Goody Statements Collection now at Target.

xo

dental beauty: Flossbox

keeping teeth and gums healthy is essential to having a fabulous, bright smile. while many of us (me included) don't really enjoy flossing, i have been introduced to something that makes it a little more glamorous.

meet Flossbox.



this little goodie houses a gentle floss that is comparable to the current brand i actually use, Glide. but Flossbox has a mirror-- more reason to take it with you or keep at home (i like to hold it just under my nose and look down into it to apply mascara-- no pesky smudges on my lids!). i love the design-- sleek and stylish, perfect for even a small evening clutch or your back pocket!


the brand's PR company was kind enough to personalize some for me (so sweet!)-- cute, right?

ok, so flossing isn't really glamorous, but it needs to be done, beauties! you can find Flossbox at your local drugstore, and if want your own customized Flossbox, click here.

xo
pics taken by me :). product sent to me for review consideration.

New Multi-Tasking Products from Jillian Dempsey for Avon

to the joy of many multi-tasking-loving beauty mavens, Jillian Dempsey, Avon Global Creative Color Director and hollywood makeup artist, has created an exclusive line of color products for the busy woman on the go. with these products, any look can go from a sleek, professional look for day, to a sultry, smokey eye for night, to fabulous, lush lashes that are gorgeous, thick and voluminous looking (and look great anytime).

the bonus-- you can do it with just three products!

crazy to believe, i know, but i've tried them firsthand, and my product-obsessed self has been convinced that less is more (at least for some occasions, LOL!)

take a closer look at these beauties...



the Jillian Dempsey for Avon Professional Multi Pencil is my favorite! the double-ended pencil includes a soft eyeshadow on one end (blendable and great when you're in a hurry) and a gorgeous cream lip and cheek color on the other (the texture is perfect and creates a pretty finish). they come in three shade duos:

Raspberry Radiance – berry lip color with a satin finish paired with a shimmery champagne shadow.
Sugar Plum – neutral mauve lip color with a creme finish paired with a shimmery pink shadow (pictured).
Twice the Spice – deep plum lip color with a soft shimmer with a soft shimmer brown eyeshadow.




on one end of the Jillian Dempsey for Avon Professional Duo Eye Enhancer you'll find a creamy, liquid eyeshadow-- the formula goes on with a wand, and has to be blended, but wears well once applied-- and on the other, a perfectly coordinated luxurious liquid eyeliner. the liner glides on smoothly and wears great throughout the day, but i found it took a bit longer to dry than i had hoped. available in 4 duos: White/Jet Black, Shell Pink/ Warm Brown, Gold/Jet Black and Bronze/Warm Brown (pictured).




Jillian Dempsey for Avon Professional Lash Booster is designed to be applied between coats of mascara. it's a goof-proof gel that contains custom fibers that cling to lashes, helping to create a dramatic lash look. available in Black and Brown (pictured). this alternative (or in addition) to a lash primer really gives my my mascara a boost. this beauty girl loves to have fab looking lashes! :)

all of these products are available now through your local Avon representative. visit avon.com for more info.

xo
products featured sent to me for review consideration; pics taken by me :)

Covergirl & Olay Simply Ageless Serum Primer

Covergirl and Olay have outdone themselves by creating a fabulous product, the new Simply Ageless Serum Primer. it's an anti-aging serum. it's a primer. it's a brilliant light moisturizer that i simply can't get enough of.

i was first introduced to this beauty by Molly R. Stern at the CoverGirl Lounge event in los angeles back in may. she used it to prep Rashida Jones' skin for the gorgeous look she ultimately created. Molly herself, a makeup maven, admitted that she wasn't too thrilled with the idea of a primer-- she never used them before (good moisturization of the skin works just as well as a primer in most cases, fyi)-- but after using it, and seeing the results it gave, she became a fan.

i, on the other hand, was beyond thrilled to know that CG was stepping it up and adding this to their Simply Ageless line! i couldn't wait to try it myself.

i've been using it for a couple of months now, and i adore it!

it's made with Olay Regenerist ingredients, of course, so my skin doesn't just get prepped for foundation, but is also given an anti-aging treatment every time i use it (multi-tasker alert!). i love its delicate consistency and the way it quickly smooths over my skin without a hint of oil. it doesn't leave my skin matte, but rather looking fresh, pretty and lightly moisturized. i don't have any serious wrinkles, so i don't know how it would be in treating them, but i do know i like the way my skin has been looking since using this.

hope you'll give it a try! look for it soon in your local drugstore.

xo
product featured given to me by representatives of the CoverGirl brand at an event mention in this post.

Christina Hendricks Wears New NARS Pure Matte Lipstick to Mad Men Premiere

Mad Men star Christina Hendricks looked as gorgeous as ever when she made an appearance at last week's season 4 premiere event (did you watch the show last night? the episode didn't disappoint!).

to create her look, makeup aritst Vanessa Scali worked with NARS Cosmetics. one of the stand-out products used was the new NARS Pure Matte Lipstick --"Christina's sultry Dolce & Gabbana dress inspired a softer version of the 'La Dolce Vita' makeup look," says Vanessa. "we kept it modern by using Bangkok Pure Matte Lipstick, which is a soft matte rose color for her lips."

Christina's overall look was achieved using the following NARS products:

on her face:

Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base
Skin Smoothing Face Prep
Sheer Glow Foundation
DouceurBlush

on her eyes:

Black Moon Eyeliner Pencil
Coconut Grove Single Eyeshadow
Cayenne Cream Eyeshadow
Skorpios Soft Touch Shadow Pencil
Larger Than Life Volumizing Mascara


on her lips:

Bangkok Pure Matte Lipstick (available september 1; for a similar effect, try Catfight Lipstick)

xo
info and image courtesy of NARS

Everyday Minerals- Colllections Spring/Summer

In the past couple of months, Everyday Minerals have come out with several collections (ie: value sets, assortment of their products in a gift set). There are several that I have come close to getting, but I turn around to see so many products sitting on my vanity that I still need to use and I don't check out. :(

Even though EDM is very different than where it was a year ago, there is still something about it that makes me want to check out what new products they have! They all contain at least 10 items for about $34 (except for the Utopia Blooms which is $29) so everything is a great deal.

The Josh Flagg Million Dollar Makeup Kit (PROS: new eye shadow colours- all in FULL SIZE CONS: Don't like the All-smiles blush and not sure about all the shadow colors)

Utopia Blooms- 25 Eyeshadow Kit (PROS: 25 different samples of eye shadows CONS: I have about half of them already)

On The Reef, Coral Collection- (PROS: I don't have any of the colours and they contain great neutral shades CONS: none :) )

Naked Natural Collection- (PROS: Contains their new blush/bronze combo CONS: Have some of the colors already)

Check out more blogs @ TotalBeauty.com

Juice Beauty ColorCare Makeup Collection

Juice Beauty debuted their new ColorCare Makeup Correction line this month. You can pre-order on the Juice Beauty website now and it will arrive/mailed by May 1st.

Their first products in their makeup line include the following:
- Correcting Concealer
- Perfecting Foundation
- Refining Finishing Powder
- Blemish Clearing Powder (not surprised they have this since they have great acne products!)

They only have a few basic colors, but I am excited to check out the rest of the makeup line as they continue to show more products this year! Juice Beauty lips and cheek colors will be out in May 2010, followed by their Eye makeup in August 2010.

Anyone else Juice Beauty fans?



Check out more blogs @ TotalBeauty.com

Drugstore Pictures of New Products

Hey readers! Sorry I have been a bit MIA this month- at least it feels like I have not been contributing as much as I would like to. I blame it on the bad weather. :) However, It doesn't mean I haven't been on the hunt to find good content for you guys! In fact, it has my been personal quest to visit drugstores more frequently to see what new products are out there.

Enjoy and let me know what you like!

Wet N' Wild- Their new Color Icon line includes (from top to bottom) trio eyeshadows,6 eyeshadow palettes in shimmer and matte shades, lipsticks, and nail polishes. (Not shown here are the single eyeshadows) All products range from about $1.99 to $4.99 at this store.

Piggy Paint! Cute, adorable nailpolishes in basic colors. It's something a tween would use, but these products do not contain any toxic chemicals and is water-based. This drugstore did not list the price, but I found online they cost about $9!! Quite expensive, especially if I can get OPI bottle for that amount.. Check out the Flower Collection OPI by Sephora for Spring. :)

I know this is not a drugstore, but I couldn't help posting this! It's the new Bath & Body Works Sandalwood Fig products that I reviewed just a couple of weeks ago. Check out my exclusive sneak peek and review here.

Wet 'n Wild Beauty Benefits cosmetics.. Saw these mineralized products and couldn't resist. What do you think of these?

To see MORE drugstore pictures, including N.Y.C. Cosmetics, Physicians Formula, and Maybelline...

N.Y.C. Cosmetics- They are selling eyeshadow palettes specific to YOUR eyecolor. (Similar to the Physicians Formula Shimmer Pops)

Maybelline Fashion Flash cosmetics, selling some of their popular eyeshadow quads, eyeliners, and nail polishes (which are almost all-gone except 1)

Physician's Formula Healthy Wear SPF50

Check out more blogs @ TotalBeauty.com

Physicians Formula Bamboo Wear

Source: www.physiciansformula.com

This Spring, Physicians Formula debuts their Bamboo Wear collection. (Check out the Shimmer Strips collection here.)

The Bamboo Wear makeup and accessories line includes refillable powders in a sustainable Bamboo compact case with mirror and brush. There is also a huge kabuki brush (they call it Bambuki, hehe.) Although this line is a bit limited- it's just the basics- the concept is great. Instead of buying new products with new cases all the time, why not just buy the refillables and REUSE the compact?

My local drugstore is carrying these products, so I had to check them out. They are offering the cases for Free (with rebate), so hurry now to get yours!

My thoughts- First, this compact case is definitely based on their OrganicWear compacts concept (using 93% less plastic than traditional compacts). Also designed to eliminate waste, this is made of bamboo instead and more sturdy for reuse. They also improved the brushes- this one is softer and not as scratchy.

Dilemma- Looking at the ingredients of the powder and bronzer refills, I am a bit disappointed. I suppose I am used to the OrganicWear products which are 100% free of harsh chemicals and all that good stuff, so I'm biased. So, my solution would be to use the powders from the OrganicWear line, but that would be wasting the compact that already comes with it. So, what to do?

Physicians Formula... if you're reading this, please make refills of your OrganicWear line for the Bamboo Wear case, please!

Overall- I like the concept of refillables for this line, but would really like to see the powders be organic! For now, I am the happy owner of the compact and will keep looking out for more Physicians Formulas products!



(Disclaimer: This post contains an affiliate link.)
Check out more blogs @ TotalBeauty.com

Physicians Formula Shimmer Strips collection

I dropped by my local drugstore and saw something new from Physicians Formula. They have some great stuff coming out- and I can't wait to get my hands on them! The Shimmer Strips collection include custom colors made specifically for YOUR eye color! How awesome is that?

I saw their Shimmer Strips Custom Eye Enhancing Mascara Duo- one side is a dark,black color and the other side is a colorful, playful color for a dramatic look! Depending on your eye color, you choose which mascara works for you. (Blue eyes- blue mascara, Green eyes-green mascara, Hazel- light purple, Brown- dark purple.) Unfortunately for me, my color was not available, but I wouldn't mind picking up another color just for fun!

Another great plus about this product- You can get this for FREE! (Use the rebate here!)


Shimmer Strips Eyeshadow!



(Disclaimer: This post contains an affiliate link.)
Check out more blogs @ TotalBeauty.com

Introducing Yes to Baby Carrots!

How cute is this?!? Yes to Baby Carrots, an extension of Yes to Carrots line, carries products specific to your little loved ones. Products include: - Baby Lotion - Bubble Bath - Diaper Cream - Natural Sunscreen (available in the Spring) - Shampoo + Bodywash

All are 100% Natural and paraben-free! Even those these are for babies, I'm excited to use some of them myself- not the diaper cream of course (haha)- but the Natural Sunscreen! :)

Check out more blogs @ TotalBeauty.com

Everyday Minerals- Spring 2010 Zoo Collection and Dupe Eyeshadow

The new Everyday Minerals Spring collection is here.. check it out! This is their "Going to the Zoo" inspiration.. as you can tell the names are fitting with the "Zoo" theme! What do you think of their new colors?

I do like the combination of three main eyeshadows- definitely would wear these together. However, I noticed their "Sea Horse" color looked very familiar- it's a COMPLETE DUPE of another shade, called Movie Night. So I checked out the ingredients, and lo and behold, they're the same! The only difference is that Sea Horse contains the newly added ingredient Lauroyl Lysine.

See for yourself..

Sea Horse. Mica (CI 77019), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxide (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499), Lauroyl Lysine.

Movie Night-Mica (CI 77019), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxide (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499).

All images are from Everyday Mineral's website for display and educational purposes.

So, the reason why that I am letting you know is because I noticed that a few other shades were also similar and had very similar ingredients. I noticed I tend to buy similar colors all the time, so I want everyone else to know to look at their ingredients! Pictures can be deceiving sometimes. Other dupes I found...

Include, JUNIPER and IN THE GARDEN. Also, First Love (a relatively new eyeshadow) is the same or very similar to SILVER MEDAL (a holiday shadow). There may be more but I haven't found them yet...

Check out the Holiday 2009 Colors here.


Check out more blogs @ TotalBeauty.com