The Cosmetics Closet...All Things Beauty

My Favorite Beauty Web Sites

2008-05-31T19:49:00.003-04:00

I love to shop. Everyone who knows me knows that. Especially my husband...and his wallet. I've been doing a lot of online shopping recently. I've come across some web sites that you may or may not have heard heard. Here are some of my new faves..... Folica.com---I discovered this site years ago and keep going back. I just purchased a new flat iron(from solia) from them. The prices are good and the service is great. Right now they are having a summer clearance sale and are also giving away a travel heat proof pouch for your flat or curling iron with select purchases. Misikko.com---I discovered them last month after reading a review of FHI Heat Hot Sauce. They were listed as a place to buy from. I placed an order for a few things. Unfortunately the Hot Sauce was on backorder but the customer service was superb. They let me know right away about the backorder and were very easy and friendly to deal with. The prices are really good as well. They too are giving away a travel heat proof pouch for your flat or curling iron with select purchases. Skinbotanica.com---A friend turned me on to this site. It sells all natural and organic beauty products. They also have a vegan category. They carry great brands including Juice Beauty, Pharmacopia and Red Flower. The site is very user friendly and has a great selection. I purchased the Doll Face Mai Tai Firming Eye Gel.

Kat Von D for Sephora

2008-05-21T07:40:00.002-04:00

Kat Von D, the edgy tatto artist from TLC's LA Ink, has created a limited edition color collection exclusive to Sephora. The line includes a set of brushes, eyeshadows, eyeliner and lipstick. It's a pared down but very consistent, focused collection. The colors are very L.A. and very rocker chick. The packaging is sleek and sexy. And the names of the colors are very cool...Sinner, Lucifer and Turbo Lover just to name some. Although I don't know if I'll be purchasing anything from this line, I think it will be a success especially with anyone that likes a little darker, edgier, rock n roll look.

Pretty Pastel Nail Color

2008-05-20T16:36:00.011-04:00

It's a cold rainy day here in NJ. Not much like May at all. To take away the chill I put on my fuzzy slippers and sat down to paint my nails. I knew I wanted a pastel, cheery but chic shade. I looked through my way too large collection of polishes and found my latest purchase....O.P.I.'s Mod About You. It's a pretty dark pink pastel. Instant springtime in a bottle. Some other pastels that you may want to try to add a little spring are:

Lippman Collection Nail Lacquer in My Romance

($15 www.lippmancollection.com)

Creative Nail Design(CND) Nail Enamel in Turquoise Tint

($6 www.cnd.com)

Estee Laduer Pure Color Nail Lacquer in Peach Sorbet

($18 www.esteelauder.com)

China Glaze Nail Lacquer in Groovy Green

($2.99 www.head2toebeauty.com)

Tammy Fender Holistic Skin Care

2008-05-19T09:02:00.004-04:00

Friday while out to lunch with some of my girlfriends we got to talking about our skin care regimens. One girl is addicted to any product that contains vitamin C, a few others can't live without retinol. And then there's my friend Trish. Trish is the natural girl among us. She doesn't wear a lot of make up, is naturally beautiful, doesn't own a flat iron or a curling iron and has a body to die for from all the yoga and pilates she does. Anyway Trish says that she only uses Tammy Fender products. We were like Tammy Who? Turns out Tammy Fender is a holistic skin care line consisting of products that are custom blended and all organic. Tammy is well known in Hollywood and is based out of ritzy Palm Balm. Some of Trish's can't live without products from Tammy Fender are:

Roman Chamomile Tonic ($60)
Purifying Cleansing Gel in Rosemary & Tangerine ($50)

I ordered both of those over the weekend and can't wait for them to arrive. After looking at the website and reading the ingredients for the products I'm thinking my skin is going to love this. Big drawback though is the price. The products are a little on the pricey side which my wallet will not love. Anyway once I try them I'll review them. Until then check out the Tammy Fender website at www.tammyfender.com.

May's Winning Packaging

2008-05-13T08:50:00.005-04:00

It didn't take long to find 3 awesomely packaged products this month. These jumped right out at me.

Hard Candy Keepsake Heart Gloss
Lancome Color Design Cabana Bronze Compact
La Prairie Limited Edition Silver Rain Fragrance

Sensational Smelling Shampoos

2008-05-09T10:24:00.012-04:00

This morning I used one of my fav shampoos...Aveda's Shampure Shampoo. Of course I really like the way it makes my hair feel but I think what I like most of all is the scent. It's a very soothing aroma with the essence of flowers and plants. Here are some of my other favorite smelling shampoos:

Frederic Fekkai Apple Cider Clarifying Shampoo- So clean smelling and it really does smell like apple cider

Bliss Lemon & Sage Supershine Shampoo- The lemon and sage smell great together and the fragrance lingers on my hair so I can smell it throughout the day

Paul Mitchell Awapuhi Shampoo- Totally takes me back to being 17. I remember it smelling like watermelon then but now when I smell it it's more tropical

Bath and Body Works Signature Collection Moisturizing Shampoo Cherry Blossom- This smells really feminine and not too heavy

Perfect Perfume Bottles

2008-05-07T07:35:00.015-04:00

I was in the store recently and spotted Jennifer Lopez's new perfume Deseo. While I wasn't too excited by the scent I thought the bottle was beautiful. It reminds me of a jewel and the colors are really pretty. It got me looking at other perfume bottles. Here are some others that I think are special. All of these scents can be purchased at fine department stores such as Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus and Macys.

Princess by Vera Wang- It's cap is a crown. What more can I say?

Euphoria by Calvin Klein-Very modern and clean looking

Omnia Amethyste by Bvlgari- Extremely unique and beautifully colored

Palazzo by Fendi- Luxurious and rich looking

Black Orchid by Tom Ford- Sexy and sleek...plus I love all things Tom Ford

Great Gifts for Mom

2008-05-06T06:06:00.009-04:00

Mother's Day is quickly approaching. If you want to give mom something to pamper herself and make herself feel great I have some picks for you.

Help mom protect her skin from sun damage with Sephora's Sun Safety Kit ($25). This kit contains 11 travel ready sizes of great skin and sun products from brands such as Korres, Murad and Clarins. Plus 100% of the net profits (that's $21.55 from every kit sold) will benefit The Skin Cancer Foundation. Purchase at www.sephora.com

Give mom the gift of relaxation with L'OCCITANE Cherry Blossom Caressing Bath Pebbles ($22). Mom can relax in the tub with these delicately scented effervescent bubbles. Purchase at www.loccitane.com

For the mom who loves to garden try the Lush Garden Mum Gift Set ($18.95). This delicious smelling set contains a Lily Savon handmade soap and Lemonypackaging is made with recycled material and the band contains wildflower seeds for planting. Purchase at www.amazon.com

Give mom the gift of fragrance with the Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue Gift Set ($45). The set includes a 0.8 oz Eau de Toilette and a 1.7 oz Refreshing Body Gel in a signature box. With notes of Sicilian Citron, Bluebell and Granny Smith Apple this is a fragrance that will become a favorite. Purchase at www.sephora.com

Estee Lauder Partners with HSN

2008-05-02T08:04:00.003-04:00

According to Women's Wear Daily, the Beauty Bank division of Estee Lauder has created a makeup line exclusively for HSN. The brand, called Eyes By Design, is set for a July launch. Price points are expected to be in the range of $16.95 for an eye pencil to $69.95 for a makeup set. As the name might give away, all the products are for eyes. Applying eye makeup is the area most women feel least confident about. Watching how the products are applied on HSN in the comfort of their home and having the ability to call in and talk to an expert will be far less intimidating for some than navigating the makeup counter. I'll be tuning in to HSN in July. To read full article go to www.wwd.com

Glamour's Beauty Steals and Deals

2008-05-01T16:13:00.004-04:00

Glamour's beauty section of the June 2008 issue is packed with great tips and awesome products. It always is. What's different in this issue is that they are showcasing products that won't break your bank account. Some items you can buy for $15 or less. Here are some great beauty tips from the issue that use things you probably already own.

Use clear lip gloss as an under-brow highlighter or to smooth split ends
Add volume to flat hair by working a dab of alcohol free hand sanitizer into roots
Use your salicylic-acid acne cleanser to de-gunk makeup brushes
Use hair conditioner on your legs as shaving cream
Crush powder blush and mix with lip balm to achiever the dewy cheek look

Try Blue Liner Instead of Black

2008-04-30T07:59:00.003-04:00

I love eyeliner. The blacker the better. However every spring /summer I mix it up by wearing blue liner. It's a nice change that looks fresher and cleaner for these warmer months. I think blue liner really rocks when I have a bit of a tan. The blue really makes my eyes pop. Here are some of my favorite blue liners

Lancome Le Crayon Khol Eye Liner($23) in Le Bleu de Jim which is an awesome blue with a hint of green. Purchase at www.lancome-usa.com
Calvin Klein Eye Definition Defining Eye Pencil ($15) in True Navy which is a pretty metallic navy blue. Purchase at www.sephora.com
Korres Eyeliner Pencil ($16) in Sky Blue 13 which is a very vibrant blue. Purchase at www.sephora.com

L'Oreal Infallible Never Fail Lip Gloss

2008-04-28T08:28:00.001-04:00

I was at CVS on Friday and I decided to purchase L'Oreal's Never Fail Lip Gloss. Let me just say upfront I hated the Infallible Lip Colour as I felt it totally dried out my lips. It was long wearing though. Anyway I figured a gloss probably wouldn't dry out my lips and a long wearing gloss sounded like a pretty good idea. Friday night I decided to try it out. The color I purchased is Undeniable Mauve. I really liked the color and the feel of the gloss when I put it on. The applicator is great. So this is at like 5:00. By 7:00 I had one glass of wine. It stayed on my lips no problem though it really wasn't as shiny anymore. By 8:00 when I had finished my dinner it was completely gone from my lips. So much for the 6 hours of beautiful color and shine I was promised. Yet another disappointment from the Infallible collection. I will say while I will never buy the Lip Colour again I may buy the gloss because they did have a nice range of shades and it didn't feel bad on my lips. I will just know I need to reapply every 3 hours or so.

Bliss Steep Clean

2008-04-22T15:49:00.002-04:00

I miss working in Manhattan. I worked there for 9 years. Sure I loved the excitement of working in the greatest city in the world, the after work cocktails with friends at a cool downtown bar, the occasional celebrity siting and the pizza. All those things were great but the thing I loved the best was being so close to a Bliss Spa. I must say, me and two of my co workers were slightly obsessed with their facials and treatments. Ah the good old days! Fast forward to my more domestic life now in the suburbs. Not a Bliss Spa to be found. I decided to give the Bliss Steep Clean Mask ($54) a try. It's supposed to exfoliate, clear pores, brighten the skin and be a great alternative when you just can't make it in for a facial. I must say I was a doubter who is now a believer. I love this stuff! I've been using it once a week for a little over a month. My skin looks and feels great. It really comes through on unclogging my pores. While it's not quite the same as actually being at Bliss for one of their awesome facials, I highly recommend this product for when you just can't get to the spa. Purchase at www.blissworld.com

Bliss Blowout Sale

2008-04-18T15:09:00.003-04:00

Bliss is running a sale with discounts up to 80%. You have to hurry because it ends on Sunday 4/20. Some of my purchases are going to be the bliss steep clean body polish(reg $42 sale $8.40) and the malin+goetz scented candle in mojito (reg $48 sale $29). Happy Shopping!!!!

Ojon Restorative Hair Treatment

2008-04-16T07:49:00.006-04:00

I love the back story of Ojon. Ojon uses a rich palm nut oil extracted from the tropical Ojon tree in their products. For hundreds of years this tree was only known to the Miskito Indians, named Tawira, also known as "people of beautiful hair". Today partnering with the Miskito to harvest and extract the oil, Ojon has made 100% pure, natural ojon oil available to us all.

I've tried many Ojon products. I've always shied away from one of their most popular products though. I thought the Restorative Hair Treatment would be too heavy for my somewhat fine, straight hair. Enter my friend Sharon who has the exact same hair texture as I do. She ran into work on Monday saying that she had stumbled onto a "miracle mask" for the hair. She'd never heard of the brand but while visiting her sister for the weekend saw it in the shower, read the instructions and used it. And Loved It!

So of course I had to get my hands on it and use it right away. On Ojon's web site they descibe the product as "a unique, highly-concentrated hair rejuvenator that instantly hydrates and dramatically improves the condition of damaged, color-treated or processed hair, without weighing it down." I ditto that. It made my hair feel awesome and didn't weigh it down at all. The smell of this product is not the greatest but who cares...my hair looks and feels fabulous and isn't good hair what it's all about...

Purchase through Ojon at www.ojon.com or through QVC at www.qvc.com

April's Winning Packaging

2008-04-11T09:57:00.015-04:00

In a post earlier this month I told you about my obsession with beautiful and interesting packaging. Each month I will feature 3 products that I think have great packaging. They say you can't judge a book by its cover and that's true but the cover is often what draws you to a book. Same thing with packaging. I tend to gravitate first to the items that are cleverly and beautifully packaged. Here are some items that I think have fabulous packaging.

Bare Escentuals...Not for Me

2008-04-10T22:13:00.003-04:00

Ok so years ago after watching Bare Escentuals on QVC I ordered the bareMinerals foundation, the Mineral Veil and the brushes. I was so excited to try it. The transformations I was watching all looked great. Rosacea covered, zits hidden, magnificent glow to the skin and the makeup all looked very natural. Once I received and tried it all my excitement went away. I don't have horrible skin but I don't have flawless skin either. The foundation didn't cover enough for me. It just didn't do anything for my skin. The worst part was the "swirl, tap, buff" technique. There was powder in my sink and on my clothes. I just wasn't feeling the whole thing. So fast forward to a recent trip to Sephora whereI see the Get Started Kit ($60). Feeling ready to give this highly regarded mineral makeup another chance I purchased it. Well all I can say is the best predictor of the future is the past. All the same stuff I hated about it years ago I still hated. The only thing I liked from the set is the sample of bareVitamins Prime Time. This was a really nice primer. I know millions of people are fans of bareMinerals I just am not one of them. I'd love to hear some of your experiences with this product.

Nordstrom-Gift with Purchase

2008-04-07T16:04:00.004-04:00

I was on Nordstrom's website earlier and saw they were having the following GWP. I thought I'd pass the information along. It contains a nice mix of products and comes in a pink tote. Here are the details:

Receive the following samples including a pink tote with your $100 beauty or fragrance purchase:

Bare Escentuals® RareMinerals™ Facial Cleanser (0.05 oz.)

Bliss The Youth as We Know It Moisturizer (0.1 oz.)

Clarins Advanced Extra-Firming Eye Contour Serum (0.1 oz.)

DKNY Delicious Night Eau de Parfum Spray (0.05 oz.)

Donna Karan Cashmere Mist Body Lotion (0.2 oz.)

Erno Laszlo TranspHuse Topical sample

GoSMILE AM/PM Whitening Protection Toothpastes samples

Juicy Couture Royal Body Crème (0.25 oz.)

Kinerase® Cream with SPF 30 (0.1 oz.)

Lancôme Rénergie Double Performance Anti-Wrinkle and Firming Treatment (0.5 oz.)

Lancôme Rénergie Night—Night Treatment (0.5 oz.)

L'Occitane Shea Hand Cream (0.3 oz.)

Missoni Acqua Eau de Toilette Spray (0.07 oz.)

Narciso Rodriguez For Him eau de toilette spray (0.04 oz.)

Origins Modern Friction™ Nature's Gentle Dermabrasion (0.17 oz.)

philosophy hope in a jar eye & lip cream (0.25 oz.)

Prescriptives Lash Envy Volumizing Mascara (0.08 oz.)

Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer Light (0.5 oz.)

Offer good online only. One per person, while supply lasts.

Juice Beauty Green Apple Cleansing Gel

2008-04-03T09:05:00.007-04:00

Ok I'll admit it, I have not embraced a totally green/organic lifestyle. I recycle my plastic bottles and I don't litter. That's as far as I have taken it so far. I want to be better. I really do see the importance of this lifestyle to our health and our environment. So with that in mind I figured why not give some organic beauty products a try. So here's what happened. A few weeks ago I went to Sephora and asked which organic line I should try as my introduction to organic beauty. The salesgirl eagerly said her favorite line was Juice Beauty. She recommended the Green Apple Cleansing Gel ($26.00). So I left the store with that and about 20 other things I "needed". I've been using this cleanser for about 2 weeks now and I must say I am deeply impressed. Made with a base of fruit juices (all their products are) including apple, lemon and white grape this really got my face clean. I noticed my skin had a brightness to it, a glow. Plus it felt good using something produced with healthy ingredients. And their packaging is made from 100% recycled materials from the carton to the label. Juice Beauty is a win win for the user and for the environment. You can purchase Juice Beauty at www.juicebeauty.com, www.sephora.com or in Sephora stores.

Ingredient of the Month...Almond

2008-04-02T09:25:00.003-04:00

This month's featured beauty ingredient is almond. The almond has been recognized for its moisturizing properties since ancient Egypt. Almond milk and almond oil are used in many skin and hair treatments today. Many believe it has a medicinal use also, helping to ease muscular pain and treat mild skin inflammation. Listed below are some great products that contain either almond milk or almond oil.

L'occitane Almond Supple Skin Oil- A great way to moisturize your skin. I used this when I was pregnant to help prevent stretch marks. I can't prove this oil is the reason but I am stretch mark free.
Joey New York Pure Pores Crushed Almonds and Honey Scrub-I must admit I was skeptical at first. I've tried other almond scrubs that have literally cut my face. This one was soft and gentle but did a great job exfoliating.
Korres Almomd Proteins Leave-on-Conditioner- I used this product after a trip to the Bahamas. I had gotten my hair braided Bo Derek style. It was hard enough to get the braids out but once they were out the nightmare truly began. I had very long hair and it was so tangled and knotty from the braids it was impossible to comb. I showered then sprayed this conditioner on and the tangles came out with not much effort. I've been a fan ever since.

Chantecaille Protect Paradise Face Compact

2008-04-01T15:55:00.006-04:00

I have always been a sucker for packaging. I've been known to buy many a product simply because I loved the packaging...(more on that in future posts.) I'm finding myself being drawn the same way to powders, shadows etc. that have decorative embossing. I saw this product featured in the 2008 issue of Lucky Magazine. It is absolutely adorable. While the sheer pinky and coral hues look totally fresh, I must admit I will be buying it mostly because I love the design.

Not only does it look good it does good too. Five percent of the proceeds goes to marine conservation. Of course that helps justify the $90 price tag. You can pre order the Chantecaille Protect Paradise Face Compact on neimanmarcus.com.

Lancome's Juicy Tubes World Tour Collection

2008-03-31T16:21:00.007-04:00

I was perusing Lancome's web site today and came across the company's latest collaboration with a fashion designer. This time it's the Juicy Tubes World Tour Collection. The designer is Christopher Kane. He's an award winning London based designer who's been rocking the fashion world with his line since 2006. Juicy Tubes are among my favorite products and the World Tour collection really looks spectacular. Each limited edition tube has been decorated with a chic dress by Kane. The collection takes inspiration from cities across the globe that are known for fashion. There are 9 shades to choose from and with shades of neutral, pinks and reds it looks like there is definitely a shade for everyone.

How much do I love Vaseline? Let me Count the Ways

2008-03-28T18:00:00.007-04:00

So last night before bed I slathered Vaseline on my feet and slipped on a pair of socks. I do this once a week. Nothing gets my feet smoother. My husband happened to walk in on me last night right in the middle of slathering my left foot. The look of horror on his face was like he just witnessed a murder. I thought he'd seen all my "rituals" as he calls them but I guess I was wrong. After about 10 minutes of trying to explain, to no avail, the benefits of putting Vaseline on my feet I gave up. It did get me thinking though of just how many different uses there are for Vaseline in the realm of beauty. Here are just a sampling. I'd love to hear some of yours.

Put on your feet to smooth cracked, dry skin
Rub a little into your elbows for smooth skin
Use as a lip gloss over lipstick
Use alone to soothe chapped lips
Apply just a dab on cheekbones to get that dewy look
Use as a cuticle cream
Use to tame unruly eyebrows

Spring 2008 Make Up Trend: Pastels For The Eyes

2008-03-27T17:11:00.003-04:00

One of the hot trends this spring is pastel eyeshadow. Colors like light green, lilac, peach, pink and yellow are especially fresh. Wearing pastels may sound a little scary at first. Use a light hand when applying and add more to build the color as you get more comfortable with the look. I think you'll agree that these colors do a lot to open up the eye area. Plus they look fabulous with all those flirty spring fashions you're buying.

Sexy Spring Scents

2008-03-25T16:51:00.001-04:00

Many experts in the beauty industry say you must have a signature scent. I want to be that person with a signature scent. But it's not meant to be for me. I guess you can say I'm a fragrance floozy. Some of my favorites for Spring 08 are:

Daisy by Marc Jacobs-It smells fresh and feminine, subtle yet sexy. Perfect for Spring. Love the fabulous bottle too.
Supermodel by Victoria's Secret-Both fruity and floral. A playful scent that's sexy for day or night.
L, a L.A.M.B fragrance by Gwen Stefani-FreshPear, White Freesia, Rose and Jasmine Petals are just some of the notes in this beautiful fragrance. Great lasting power without being overbearing. Go to www.lambfragrance.com to get a free sample.

Ah...AHAVA

2008-03-25T14:11:00.003-04:00

I must admit I've never tried anything from this company before last week. Some friends went to Israel and knowing my obsession with hand cream brought me back AHAVA's Mineral Hand Cream. AHHHHH!!!! This hand cream has left my hands so incredibly smooth and soft. It's very rich so a little goes a long way. All of AHAVA's products are enriched with minerals from the Dead Sea. The mineral enriched waters of the Dead Sea are renowned for their healing and skin soothing properties. I can't wait to try some of their other products. If you're not planning a trip to Israel in the near future, do not fret. Just visit www.ahava.com to learn about and purchase their products.