You know, I should own stock in Sephora. It’s my one stop shop for a variety of great cosmetics and I feel like a kid in a candy store when I’m there and to be completely honest, I’ve never even looked at their own brand of cosmetics until yesterday. Imagine that!

To get to the point, I went a bit nuts and bought ALOT of stuff which I still have yet to try and review but I wanted to talk about the Nano liners which I did have the chance to try last night.

First of all, the color range of these pencils is ridiculous. That’s what caught my eye in the first place and truly there is something for everyone. When I tried the Nano pencils on the back of my hand they seemed to be a slam dunk, especially the Midnight black pencil, it was like it just might be the the holy grail of black eyeliners- creamy, jet black and it has this unbelievable wet look- but it also raised a red flag. Eyeliners this creamy should blend out well, right? Hmm, not so much when I smudged with my finger after a few minutes but I figured they could be useful in my kit somehow so I got them anyway.

When I got home I knew I wanted to try them right away and see what these bad boys could do so my purchases weren’t in vain. What I found was this:

They work very well as rimmed liners, inside the eye and directly at the lash line. They don’t smudge well so you have to be precise. They also work ahh mazing when used for an eye shadow base, especially midnight black. It gives your shadow staying power and amps up the color. I think for the price, color and options you have for usage, it’s a sound investment!

I would definitely buy these pencils again!

Sephora Brand nano eyeliner $5.00

 We were lucky enought to be invited to a private unveiling of Benefit’s new ‘One Hot Minute’. This amazing new product is a hybrid loose powder, bronzer &luminizer. It goes on effortlessly, and  gives the skin a beautiful glow. Perfectly good for all complextions, and even comes with a handy brush. 

Will be available starting in July at Sephora.

by Casi Morris

Believe it or not, your skincare regimen cannot remain the same year-to-year…or even week-to-week.  Proper skincare that will extend the radiance of your complexion has to be a complete and strategic approach.  Every single day.

Skin texture, density, tone and clarity change not only during the various phases of life, but also as a result of lifestyle and geography.

And, while you can’t always change your hometown or social calendar, you can approach beauty from an educated perspective based on your birth year.  Well-developed products contain ingredients specifically targeted to address skin issues generally realized during these differing stages in life.

I.  Your Teens

During the teen years, skin is extremely acne-prone due to over production of sebum (oil) and raging hormones.

However, there are amazing products that not only help reduce oil, but also help eliminate blemishes and keep it all under control.

Salicylic Acid-based cleansers are a great choice, primarily because they don’t over-dry the skin, but they also thoroughly cleanse.  Furthermore, Salicylic Acid is actually a gentle exfoliant.  

 **Did you know: naturally-derived salicylic acid comes from the bark of a willow tree?

I am also a big fan of benzoyl peroxide-based emergency treatments.  This is a powerful form of acne medication, and an “on-the-spot” product formulated with it can in many cases rid blemishes very quickly.  By using a benzo-based product only on isolated break-out areas, it will not over-dry the skin, which is many times the primary complaint against this ingredient.

 Product recommendations:

1. Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Cleanser is an amazing salicylic acid-based cleanser that is both affordable and effective.

2. Derma Doctor’s Ain’t Misbehavin’ Medicated Emergency Acne Spot Treatment is a great choice because it contains a number of soothing extracts to calm the skin while also utilizing benzoyl peroxide to do some serious “zit zapping”.

An Additional Recommendation:  

The Acne or Detox Facial.  Typically performed with Glycolic or Salicylic Acid-based products, the acne facial both thoroughly cleanses and also removes impurities buried deep within pores.  While skin may immediately experience a few new breakouts, this is only temporary and part of the overall, long-term healing process.  This particular facial is offered at most spas.

II.   Your 20s

These are the years when the damage is actually done…..sun, alcohol, late nights….during your 20s, women feel invincible.  However, they actually have no idea that they are setting the stage for the wrinkles, sun damage, loss of firmness and dehydration they will begin to realize over the next few decades.  

Products that hydrate and infuse beneficial ingredients will help dramatically, because let’s face it….late nights and bad skin behavior happens.  Thus, correcting the early damage and beginning maintenance in the early 20s is critical.

The 20s are also the time to begin a skincare religion known as SPF.  UVA (aging) and UVB (burn) damage can be detrimental for young skin, even though most young women feel immune to the effects of sun damage. By starting a daily SPF regimen at this stage in life, a great deal of age-related damage can be avoided.

Product Recommendations:

1) Kumaara Daily Antioxidant Protection with SPF 15.  This lightweight, daily lotion will provide gentle moisture, UV protection and impart a healthy glow - all in one.  It’s also sheer enough to be worn underneath makeup…and isn’t sticky or smelly as with many SPF lotions.  Formulated with certified organic anti-oxidants, it’s a healthy way to protect and moisturize skin.

2) Another great product for gals in their 20s is a tinted moisturizer with SPF.  Shisedo’s The Skincare Tinted Moisture Protection SPF 20 is fabulous, as most young women don’t need or want a heavy foundation.  Therefore, a lightweight tinted moisturizer with SPF not only helps protect skin from UV damage, but also adds the necessary daily moisture young skin needs.  This particular version also contains a pore and oil control powder, as post-teen skin can still sometimes appear oily, especially if not fully-graduated from the acne phase.

3) For those late nights, check-out Skyn Iceland’s Hydro Cool Firming Gels.  An emergency treatment when you’ve really outdone yourself, these short-of-a-miracle eye pads will calm, soothe and de-puff dark circles you were convinced just might never leave!

An Additional Recommendation:  

A Vitamin C or Oxygenated Facial increases blood flow and enhances skin’s 02 level.  This imparts a fresh radiance and heightened, youthful glow. 

Visit:   HYPERLINK “http://www.blissworld.com” \t “_blank” www.blissworld.com and check-out the Oxygen Blast Facial.  With the Regenerating Vitamin A, C and E Oxygen Spray Add-on, it’s the perfect combination for the ultimate, youthful complexion.

 III. Your 30s

This is the time for maintenance - it’s all about taking care of skin in the here and now.  The 30s decade is critical because skin goes through a great deal of changes during this time period.  Significant life changes typically take place for most women during the 30s (marriage, childbirth, metabolic changes, stress, work promotions, work lay-offs, divorce)….let’s face it, the 30s are when life really happens!

 Accordingly, your skin (and body!) will reflect it all.

 Therefore, products that help maintain the status of your skin before those life “experiences” hit are key. Such products that include peptides (which help plump the skin and fill-in wrinkles) and skin rejuvenation ingredients (such as Hyaluronic Acid) also do some heavy-lifting for this phase in life.

Product Recommendations:

1. Nude Skincare’s Miracle Mask bills itself as the ultimate pre-party mask.  However, at this point in life, a quick fix and pick-me-up is the ideal treat for tired, over-stressed skin.  This mask contains a healthy dose of Oligopeptides for wrinkle smoothing and AHAs for exfoliation.  Plus, the entire line is paraben and phthalate-free, a huge plus for those who are pre (or post) pregnancy.

2. Women in their 30s are always on the go:  Touché Éclat Radiant Touch by YSL is a great quick fix.  A few quick strokes of this radiance booster (reminder: it’s not a concealer, rather a brightener) will temporarily help tired, sallow skin look refreshed and polished…in a flash!

IV. Your 40s and 50s

By the time women hit their 40s and 50s, they will have a good sense of how their skin is aging.  Some women will be doing so gracefully, while others (depending on lifestyle and heredity - yes, behavior counts!) will have pre-destined, not-so-graceful path.

Deep hydration is critical at this stage in skincare.  Most mature skin is parched and in desperate need of a double-dose of moisture, which can only be achieved by utilizing products with the richest ingredients.

Here are some great options for skincare that are both aggressive AND preventative, depending on the nature of how skin firmness and elasticity is progressing at this point in time.

Product recommendations:

1. The Neutrogena Visibly Firm with Active Copper line is a perfect choice for skin that is 40-50+ because this particular mineral does a fantastic job of firming, toning and lifting.  

**Note: Copper-based products are only intended for mature, dry skin, as this particular ingredient can exacerbate acne-prone skin.

2. Kumaara’s Overnight Repair Complex contains Syn-Ake (synthetic temple viper venom) which mimics Botox.  So, basically it’s an overnight face lift in a far which with continued use will help relax those pesky lines and wrinkles.  You will awake each morning looking a little more refreshed and renewed everyday!

2) Another top pick for its amazing revitalization properties: Dior’s L’or De Vie Anti-aging Line is a revolutionary blend of anti-oxidants derived from the Yquem wine vines that contain rich healing and wrinkle reduction properties - all backed by dramatic clinical results.  A skin care line this rich and luxurious is an absolute must for skin that is mature and in need of the most potent hydration possible.  The Dior line is ideal for improving the overall condition and appearance of 50+ skin.

Casi Morris is a seasoned cosmetic concept and product developer who has held posts atsome of the world’s largest beauty companies, as well as today’s most innovative boutiquebeauty brands.  In addition to her own blog, she is a contributor to a number of leading beauty sites and is currently serving as Sr. Director of Marketing and Product Development at Iconic Labs in Los Angeles, CA.

http://casimorris.typepad.com/ 

The new issue of Coco Eco Mag is out!

Cocoecomag.com

The first look we did was very natural and breezy so I kept the makeup really minimal. Of course, naturally, I used all green, organic products on Elizabeth. For this look I used Larenim’s Enchantress on the eyes, Christopher Drummond’s concealor and Finale finishing powder, Jane Iridale Julia lipstick and Sheer Honey blush.

For this look I pumped up the eyes using Jane Iridale’s Daytime eye shadow kit, for lips I use Crimson pencil and Carrie Lipstick also by Jane Iridale.

It’s Free, Green and Fabulous!!!

Christopherdrummond.com

Janeiridale.com

Larenim.com

by Casi Morris

It’s no secret that many of our favorite luxe beauty rituals are a thing of the past.  In this economy, $200 an ounce for face cream seems a tad excessive.

In all fairness, however, there are simply some items that I just can’t (or won’t) live without.  Chanel No.5 (my classic, go-to fragrance) and YSL Golden Gloss (I’m a gloss junkie and anything infused with 24K gold can’t be bad!) both come to mind.  It’s a fact of life…we’ve all got our faves that we just refuse to give up.

That realization acknowledged, there are a few tips and tricks that can help a gal save a buck to help make those splurge-worthy products and services seem not quite as painful.  By using the general household items below (which, by the way, you likely already have in-house),  you can be gorgeous….and financially savvy.

Quite the rare combo!

Coffee

Save the grounds from the morning pot o’ joe and rub it where the sun don’t shine.  For reals…not kidding.

The most effective cellulite gels and creams all contain caffeine as one of the primary ingredients for bump-blasting.  Therefore, make the most of raw caffeine by wrapping used coffee grounds in cheese cloth and then massage away with an exfoliant.  While it won’t permanently remove the “junk in the trunk”, it will help improve circulation and the immediate appearance of body imperfections.  Not a bad idea for leftovers.

Olive Oil

Most expensive conditioning treatments (yes, even the professional ones you receive at the salon) contain some amount of naturally-derived oils and emollients.  Thus, by creating your own, you can save cash - and time - by applying while you sleep. 

The perfect overnight hair treatment can be achieved by doing the following: 

Using a marinating brush, coat the entire length of your hair, from root to tip, concentrating in areas of damage or dryness. 

Wrap hair tightly (but comfortably) in plastic wrap.  This step is both twofold and critical, in that:

a) it will prevent any residue from migrating on your pillow case and;

b) it will also help maximize the intensity of the oil and further infuse the emollients.

The following morning, wash hair thoroughly.  Tresses should appear in better condition, with enhanced luster and brilliance.

Toothpaste

Zits happen - and, many times, overnight  - without warning.  When unprepared, or when not willing to pony up for a pricey acne cream or emergency facial, there is a tried and true bargain fix.

Apply a thin layer of white (non-tinted, non gel-based) toothpaste over the entire surface area of the blemish.  Leave on overnight (or as long as possible) to obtain the best results.  The blemish should appear less inflamed or “angry” as a result of the paste application.

One additional trick:  try aspirin!  Crush 2-3 aspirin tablets completely and mix with a small amount of hot water, stirring into a thick paste (similar to the consistency of toothpaste).  This cheap trick should also help reduce inflammation.

Cane Sugar

While there’s nothing quite like a luxurious body scrub and wrap, you can easily create the perfect exfoliant all by yourself. 

Take 2 parts brown cane sugar and mix with 1 part body lotion. Mix thoroughly, slather on and massage with a loofa - and, voila - your own at home sugar scrub.  Just like fresh makes…only cheaper!

Ice

This is a beauty secret first disclosed by the uber-fabulous Helen Gurley Brown, who in my opinion, was the one of the first true beauty pioneers, empowering women to embrace success, beauty and power.

Her trick to combat puffiness and dark circles is a revelation and one sworn to by many a socialite.

After a late night of over-indulgence (or any “bad” morning), fill a large bowl with ice and add water - take a deep breath and submerge head in the cold water.  Remain underwater for as long as comfortably possible, and then (obviously!) come up for air.  Repeat several times.  She suggested using a snorkel, but that just seems too complicated to me.  So, I’ll just stick with the dip and repeat. 

The shock of the frigid temperature on the skin will help minimize eye puffiness and do wonders to jump start a complexion on any rough morning.

Hopefully one of these ideas can help cut some costs from your beauty routine.  Or, at the very least, inspire some creativity in the kitchen.

Contributing Editor: Casi Morris

Casi Morris is a seasoned cosmetic concept and product developer who has held posts atsome of the world’s largest beauty companies, as well as today’s most innovative boutiquebeauty brands.  In addition to her own blog, she is a contributor to a number of leading beauty sites and is currently serving as Sr. Director of Marketing and Product Development at Iconic Labs in Los Angeles, CA.

http://casimorris.typepad.com/ 

This May, Bobbi introduces her Nautical Collection!  Featuring two new products, Sheer Color Lip Gloss and Sheer Color Cheek Tint, the collection is inspired by easy, natural summer beauty. Available in six shades, Bobbi’s new Sheer Color Cheek Tint gives cheeks a sheer tint of natural-looking color. The translucent, light-weight formula glides on smooth and blends evenly onto skin and comes in a swivel-up stick for convenient and easy application. Sheer Color Lip Gloss is the newest addition to Bobbi’s Lip Gloss collection, and is super sheer and has a see-through finish that makes it easy for any woman to wear. Available in four punchy shades, this is a limited edition item for summer.

Sheer Color Lip Gloss for $20.00.

Available at Sephora

Summer is here and Givenchy has a summer collection that will leave you looking like a fabulous socialite that spends her summers in St. Tropez. This radiant collection is filled with warm shades of bronze, copper and silver tones that give you a sun kissed gilded look. 

  Glow to Wear Satiny Body Enhancer 

Hands down favorite for me! This is the perfect final touch for your body when going out. This bronzer will leave your skin looking radiant  with a sun kissed glow! It contains a high concentration of mother-of-pearl to create a luminous sheen.($37)

Prismissime Mat & Glow SUN Face Powder 

This is a nine-colour face powder that contains matte and shimmery textures. ($53)

   Mister Bright SUN Touch of Light Pen 

Perfect for a little pick me up where ever your feeling a bit dull on the face and easy to tote around. ($32)

Prisme Again! Blush Glow

This powder blusher palette is perfect for looking like you just got finished doing….($43).

Prisme Again! Eyeshadow Quartet 

 This quad is perfect for having a luminous, glistening peepers! Love the colors too.

The shades are : (pale green shimmer/ silver shimmer/ pale blue shimmer/ gold shimmer)($50).

Pop Gloss Crystal Lip Gloss 

Beautiful colors and great consistency! It comes in 2 shades: Sun Coral, and Sun Rose ($23).

Vernis Please! in Silver and Gold

My two favorite nail polish colors right now.  I know it’s silly, but I saw Jillian Michael’s rocking gold on the biggest loser the other day and HAD to have it! ($15).

Available in May 2009 at Sephora