When I made the decision to go mostly natural it was for many reasons. After moving from NYC to the South I joined up with many friends who were of the natural persuasion and quite honestly their influence is what sparked the change. Hanging out with lovely divas who for the most part only do it naturally will eventually break even a stubborn head strong Latina as myself down.
One of the first positive changes that I noticed was that my skin was in better shape. I no longer suffered from the occasional MAC foundation breakout and... surprisingly a laugh line that had been creeping into my world completely disappeared. I can't give credit to the disappearance of the hated mucco bucco fold crease to any particular cream or product because it disappeared gradually over time. One thing is that years later it's still remains gone. I had actually stopped smiling when I first noticed it. Now I'm back to smiling at leisure.
In any event over time since my awareness of natural cosmetics and their existence and benefits has increased as has my interest in them so much so that I wanted to share an article with everyone that I recently came across. This piece gives excellent data on just why it's worth it to look into transitioning into natural cosmetics.
Sources - WebMD - Washingtonpost
A new study was published by WebMD regarding commonly used skin moisturizers and skin cancer. Unexpected result that astonished researchers suggests that these moisturizers promote skin cancer in mice, and may not be as safe as they are thought to be for human use.
These moisturizing creams helped skin cancer spread and tumors grow in mice exposed to UV radiation, researchers at Rutgers University study. “This was unexpected. We really did not expect to see the tumor-promoting activity of these creams,” Conney tells WebMD. “These creams we tested have tumorigenic [tumor-causing capability] activities,” said lead researcher Allan H. Conney, from the university’s Susan Lehman Cullman Laboratory for Cancer Research.
Almost every house has at lease one type of moisturizer, and we used them almost daily. I am glad that the study revealed the name of the moisturizers that were used.
Researchers rubbed moisturizers into the animal’s skin five days a week for about 17 weeks, and these are the results. WebMD
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- Dermabase increased the total number of tumors by 69%.
- Dermovan increased the total number of tumors by 95%.
- Eucerin increased the total number of tumors by 24%.
- Vanicream increased the total number of tumors by 58%.
“The multimillion-dollar question is, what about humans?” Conney asks. “The answer is, we don’t know. Our study raises a red flag and points out the need for epidemiologists to take a look at people who use moisturizing creams. And the companies that market these products should take a look at animal models and see if their products promote tumors.”
How many mineral makeup companies have I tried? I’m a makeup lover so any company that sparks my interest or runs a great sale will usually get my business at least once. One thing that I will admit that attracts me is beautiful packaging and if it’s an on line company a beautiful website. That said my list of companies under my belt are:
BE – I used their entire line of mineral makeup for some time. I still have quite a few eye shadows, all over face radiant enhancers, blushes, and their famous warmth.
Monave – Used and love their foundation, eye shadows, and blushes. I’m still a Monave fan and whenever they run a sale I’m in.
Pur Minerals – I like their compact foundations. It’s portable and long lasting. The Bismuth in this formulation doesn’t irritate my skin and the convenience of the compact makes this a foundation that I return to and will keep in supply
Cory’s – I’ve tried their foundations and other products but I’m neither a fan or hater of Cory’s. The formula is a little heavy for my needs and I’ve never found a great match for my complexion.
U Glo Girl – I’ve tried their foundation and lucked up with a good match on my first try. Nice finish.
Pure Luxe – I love this company’s eye shadows and blushes. The colors and finishes are beautiful and when paired with a sale equate to great values. The lip glosses not so much.
Milan Minerals –I’ve used the foundations, gel liners, gelle drops, blushes, lip glosses, soaps, perfume dupes. Great company with excellent products and with the sales one of the best values.
Aromaleigh- I’ve used the eye shadows, blushes, and lip glosses.
Meow – Great packaging value and nice eye shadows but I’ve never been fortunate enough to find my foundation match in this line and I’ve tried many times.
Barefaced Minerals – I’ve tried this company’s foundations, glimmers, and multi purpose colors. Excellent quality! Beautiful finishes! If you’ve never tried this company’s products and their having a sale you really owe it to yourself to give them a try. Rhonda the owner is great to purchase from and her personable CS is genuine. A very nice person that makes you happy that you’ve given your business to her.
Earthen Glow Minerals – I love their foundations – the 3 formulas that I’ve used. I love the eye shadows, blushes, lip glosses, and Bath and Body products. Everything that I’ve bought from this company is excellent in quality and their CS is top notch. The owners are genuinely kind and personable people who like others mentioned make you glad that you’ve given them your business.
L.A. Minerals – I’ve tried the foundation and I will say that the finish was beautiful! Unfortunately I’m allergic to an ingredient in their base so this one is a pass for me.
Dayna’s Minerals – I’ve tried the foundations, blushes, finishing powders, and eye shadows complements of a friend of mine who also happens to be friends with the owner. While the foundation contains an ingredient that disagrees with my skin (allergy) making them a no go for me I do like the eye shadows and the company has great value pricing.
Val’s – though no longer in business I really liked this company’s foundations, eye shadows, and blushes. She also had great bargains on discontinued items.
Mad Minerals – The foundation isn’t a winner for me but the multi purpose colors, gel liners, and bargain bin items are. Great sales and beautiful assortment of multi purpose pigments.
Lure – The body scrubs were good but the foundations were problematic for me. The yellows weren’t yellow enough for my skin tone.
LaurEss – I’ve tried 2 of their foundation formulas and like both.
Everyday Minerals – Foundations, blushes, finishing powders, eye shadows. I’ve tried it all with this company including all 3 formulas of foundations. They’re one of the best values around and have great starter kits. They were a great transition for me when moving away from BE’s foundation though their foundation tends to create a cast on my skin and separate as the day wears.
Oceanmist – I’ve tried their foundation, blush, eye shadow, and finishing powders. Of all their products I like their foundation best but in time it tends to dry my skin out.
Southern Magnolia Minerals – I love their finishing powder and several of their eye shadows. I never was able to find a foundation match but love the CS of this company. Barbara the owner is top notch genuinely kind and personable.
Prescriptives – I’ve tried their foundation (many other non mineral products too) and it’s pretty good quality. Overpriced but good quality.
MAC – I’ve tried their foundation (why not I use so many other things MAC). Overpriced but good.
Lumiere – A great company with very good foundations. I find that I have to switch between their formulas over time but I know them well enough to recognize when it’s time to change. I love several of their eye shadows and blushes.
Joppa – I’ve tried their foundation and blushes. A little off for my coloring and the formula disagreed with my skin type.
Signature – I really like their foundation, eye shadows, and blushes. Great value introductory packages.
Buff’d – I’ve tried their foundation, blushes, and finishing powders. I never found a foundation that suited my complexion.
Mineral Boutique – I’ve tried their foundations, blushes, and finishing powders. Left too much of a whitening cast on my skin in bright daylight.
Aubrey Nicole – I’ve tried their foundations, blushes, eye shadows, and finishing powders. The foundation formula is very good, I like the coverage but it doesn’t photograph all to well on my skin or complement my skin tone in bright sunlight. A cast. This company does offer great value for those with lighter complexions.
Coastal scents – The foundation wasn’t a good match but was good quality. The pigments are excellent.
TKB trading – excellent pigments.
Herbs of Grace – nice pigments
Jlynne’s – nice eye shadows
Fyrinnae – I’ve tried their foundations, primers, and eye shadows. The foundation was a little too powdery and dry but applied well. It left a cast though in bright lighting. The primers and eye shadows are excellent.
There are others that I’ve shopped with on line but I can’t recall. In the past I was a major impulse buyer and that was at a time when I could least afford to impulse buy. Since marrying my income has grown markedly and surprisingly I’m more selective with my spending. That is my on line spending because when shopping or browsing locally or while on vacation I tend to succumb to temptation more readily. Examples of this are:
Ulta's mineral eye shadows and foundations. The foundation was obviously wrong for me and was a take back. That is an advantage of in person shopping. Being one who can't resist stuff right up close in my face I’m inclined to resort back to my impulse buying ways. Of course when you go into Ulta or Sephora they make sure that everything is beautifully showcased under bright lights. So I can’t think of a trip to either Ulta or Sephora that I didn’t walk away without making some sort of purchase. OK I confess. Walmart has these cute prepackaged kits of Maybelline's mineral makeup. Maybelline right? I can't even wear their traditional makeup but... the packaging was so cute that I figured it would be good to have in a pinch. I bought it. Ok. One more confession. I totally lost my mind a few months ago late one night after winning a bet made with my husband on not being able to go in public or live in private without makeup for an entire month. We do a of socializing and many of the wives that are affiliated with his team directly or indirectly are stunners. So imagine how difficult it is to grin and schmuck among the gorgeous with not one stitch of makeup on. I’m far from a natural beauty so believe me when I tell you it wasn’t easy. But the win was worth the pain and win I did! I’m still gloating over the victory. Moving on. So late one night I jumped on line and began replenishing my supply. The first add that I saw on a forum was that Drugstore.com was having a sale. I still can’t believe that I did this but I did. I jumped immediately all over everything that I could mineral and non and bought it from them. The only mineral products were Neutrogena’s foundation, Physician’s Formula, and 1 set from another drugstore brand mineral company. These actually were ok, especially the eye shadows.
As for:
Physician's formula - too chalky on my dark skin. A send back
Neutrogena - the dispenser doesn't work!!!! A send back
Cover Girl - Queen Latifah has sold me on Cover Girl but.... I'm off that kick because the Queen isn't doing CG's mineral makeup and neither am I after it caused the itchies with my skin.
Ok. so as soon as I kick myself off the Cover Girl kick here comes Halle day and night on TV looking more beautiful than imaginable wearing what? Revlon mineral everything. Foundation, blush, lip gloss. So what could I do but go out and buy some for myself. I really like the mineral lip glosses by Revlon. The foundation is ok. The blush ok too.
I know that none of these Drug store company mineral cosmetics are legitimate mineral makeup by purist’s standards but when shopping either late at night they can be very alluring.
Companies who will always have my business based upon my experience with the quality and consistency of both their products and service:
Earthen Glow Minerals
Barefaced Minerals
Pure Luxe
Fyrinnae
Passion is when you feel strongly about someone or something. This creates an intense attraction to the object of passion. Many of my friends have a shared passion of mine for football and other sports. Some for shopping, clothing, and jewelry. Others, and this includes several on Vox, share a passion for makeup, skin care, and bath fragrances, and soaps. When I like something eh it's ok, I'm not too passionate about it but when I encounter a product that I genuinely love well then surprisingly passion is evoked.
I recently found myself on the opposing end of another person's opinion who shares my passion for makeup and other toiletry related things. Basically I adored, was floored, and completely wowed over a product and she was not but I will admit that I believe her to have a more discriminating nose than myself. The product that I'm speaking of was something as simple as a Sugar Scrub and a Body Butter. It was the actual fragrance that I honestly fell in love with. The scrub did what most are designed to do and I did appreciate the Butter more than most as it was very moisturizing and rapidly absorbed into my skin with no sticky after feel. It also left my skin moisturized from morning to evening, something that so few Body Butters actually seem to do.
These were, as best as I can remember, the only bath products that I have used from beginning to finish and within a week of receiving the first order I had placed another for the same product and was telling everyone about it from New York to California, to Atlanta to Puerto Rico! I kid you not I honestly looked forward to using these items when I was away from them. I would think of the fragrance and thus they literally brought me comfort and pleasure on many levels. (Believe me I know that this sounds weird but it's true). The fragrance I found intensely soothing and often returned to it through the day. I even went as far as contacting the maker of this product to request the exact scents - of course I was denied. I then contacted them again to request that they make a body scent and candle from the fragrance for me personally as it was only available in the form of a Body Scrub and Body Butter. This is all true. In hindsight, at the time I was going through an emotional over haul in my personal life so.... looking back was the scent all that? Well yes to me it was and still is and I'm waiting now for yet another refill of the very same product.
So our passion about a hobby, in this case I refer to makeup and toiletries causes us to sample, shop, blog, sample, shop, and blog. It's also caused us to form groups on line in the form of forums, boards, groups, and blogs and to share and exchange tips, ideas, sales, experiences, and opinions with one another. Our passion for these things is what has brought us together (though I sit here in Chicago and live in New York and Atlanta and you are... wherever that may be globally ) here on Vox through enjoying one another's blogs and through the makeup and skin care groups that we belong to. We still have cultivated friendships with one another and have shared other pieces of our lives with one another such as our other hobbies, travels, families etc. I'm glad that I've met all of you and look forward to learning, sharing, and experiencing more of you and our shared passion in the future.
I went to a huge costume ball. Flew into town for this bash cause every year it's a huge blast and the cash prizes are big. Anyway I went as catgirl this year since batman is so hot this year. It worked out pretty well. There's a big cash prize for the best costume and though I didn't win a friend of mine did so hurray to her - You Go Girl!!!! (((Miss Nola)))
MY LOOK IS:
EGMINERALS FOUNDATION - COVER ME in LOLLIE
EGMINERALS LIPPIE IN THE CASCADES
EGMINERALS LINER - SAKURA JIMA
LASHES - ARPEL - 2 PAIR ON EACH EYE
EGMINERALS GLOW - STARDUST (APPLIES CLEAR!)
EGMINERALS - TEXAS TEA ON LIDS!
LOVE THIS COLOR IT'S A SPARLKE BLACK THAT IS GORGEOUS FOILED.
AND
EGMINERALS VENETIAN SUNSET ON THE MID LID
Also, a big rave review for EGMinerals eye shadows from a makeup artist I love because of her raw style but she is super talented. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LnV8K9IM9I0&feature=channel
Whether you like love or hate mineral makeup check EGMINERALS website out because they honestly have a lot to offer and the quality and prices are excellent. Skincare, cosmetics, and bath and body all with 20% off and the lowest shipping in the US and Internationally. Also, the customer service is above excellent. This company aims to please and deliver excellence and they are!
The Olive Gel Cream is forget about it for removing makeup and after using it you don't need moisturizer! It is made from pure virgin olive oil and is ideal for using as the oil cleansing method. Also most convenient since it's not liquid. Another must try item from EGMinerals is their primers! The eye gel primer and cream eye shadow base primers. The blushes are to die for too.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xB1Hqq9jKBk&feature=related
Here's another review of a lover of their gel primers.
Taken from MSN (Allure Magazine)
THE TEN COMMANDMENTS
We've distilled thousands of makeup-artist interviews down to ten essential points:
1. Skip concealer beyond the middle of the undereye—it exaggerates wrinkles.
2. Dab creamy cover-up on the inner corners of the eyes, by the bridge of the nose. This is the area that's darkest, and ironically, also the one most women forget.
3. Press loose powder on the T-zone with a puff, paying special attention to the patch between the brows (which can look shinier because of waxing).
4. Curl lashes before applying mascara. It makes fringe look longer and eyes look bigger.
5. Dab the gunky blob of excess mascara from the tip of the wand onto a tissue; otherwise, it'll leave a smudge or a splotch.
6. If you have undereye circles, apply mascara to the top lashes only (on the bottom lashes, it can make dark circles look worse).
7. Apply an extra few coats of mascara to the outer corners of the lashes to make eyes look elongated.
8. Don't line your lips with anything but a pencil that matches your natural lip color. Or skip it entirely.
9. When in doubt, choose a pinkish-brown lipstick, and never apply it beyond the natural lip line or to the corners of your mouth—unless you want to look like the Joker.
10. Before you go out, check your teeth, and rub off that lipstick.
Taken from
Allure Magazine Article (MSN)
Confessions of a Beauty Editor
Over the years, we at Allure have grilled hundreds of experts and tried thousands of products. We now reveal our untold secrets.
Add page to favoritesBy Robyn FormanOn a recent Saturday, Allure beauty editor Diana Byrne sank happily in-to a pedicure chair at her neighborhood salon, ready for an hour of tabloid enlightenment. "Unfortunately, the friend I was with told the owner what I did for a living, and she spent the next hour peppering me with questions about the latest makeup, the newest anti-agers, and how she should cut her hair. So much for relaxation and the current state of Brad, Angelina and the kids."
Don't get us wrong—neither Byrne nor any of us at Allure are complaining about a job that pays us to sample makeup colors, consult with leading dermatologists (slipping in a question about our own skin problems), and tote home enough shampoo and conditioner to fill a two-car garage. We've learned not to moan about having to endure three massages in as many days. And even though we pour our on-the-job experiences into each story, we've been holding back on you. It is now confession time: We reveal the tricks and secrets that we apply to our own exfoliated and hydrated selves.
SKIN
OUR MONEY'S ON RETINOIDS
We try every new anti-aging product, from the rice fields of Japan to the labs of Long Island. But the cream that earn a permanent place in our medicine cabinets all have one thing in common: retinoids, the family of vitamin a derivitives including retinol, Retin-A and Renova. "I've looked at more close-up before-and-after pictures than I ever thought possible," says Allure beauty editor Kirstin Perrotta. "The one family of ingredients that reduces wrinkles and firms skin is retinoids. They're consistently recommended by dermatologists and plastic surgeons because they've repeatedly proven in studies to work." And while it's true that some women may experience redness and flaking from retinol and its cousins, the ingredients are now available in such a wide range of formulas and strengths that even Allure's most sensitive-skinned editors are believers.
WE KNOW THERE'S A LOT MORE TO A PRODUCT THAN A PRETTY FACE
Fancy packaging and fancier price tags don't always sway beauty editors, because companies frequently send us new products to sample in generic laboratory containers. "Being a beauty editor makes you blind to price, which can be either good or bad," says Linda Wells, Allure editor in chief. "Years ago, one editor wanted us to recommend pasting Creme de la Mer all over the legs and feet because it's such a great moisturizer. She obviously wasn't paying for it." That editor aside, we've found that the best products come in all kinds of tubs and tubes, and at wildly different prices. "I've tried shmancy shampoos laced with truffles or packaged in gorgeous glass containers," says Perrotta, "and I'm proud to say that my absolute favorite, after years of testing, is ThermaSilk, which sells for $3.79 for a big bottle."
WE WON'T STEP OUTSIDE WITHOUT APPLYING SUNSCREEN— EVEN IN THE DEAD OF WINTER
"It doesn't matter how much money someone spends on Retin-A or photofacials. If she doesn't apply sunscreen every day, she'll look like a raisin when she's in her 50s—maybe even her 40s," Perrotta says. Most of us freely admit that vanity is our primary motivation for slathering on the SPF 30 (with UVA and UVB protection) each morning. But that doesn't mean we aren't keenly aware of the other, more sobering reasons to do so. "We did an article on a woman with melanoma, and she died right before the issue hit the newsstands," Perrotta remembers. "She was only 32. I haven't skipped sunscreen since."
ONLY COPY MACHINES NEED TONER
The pitch from facialists and publicists usually goes like this: Toner removes the soap and dirt that face-washing leaves behind. But we don't see the logic in a product that can be made superfluous simply by rinsing your face a few more times. "I understand why people get sucked into buying these—the black shadow on the cotton ball and the clean, tingly feeling they leave behind," Byrne says. "But I promise you, they aren't necessary at all."
WE SOMETIMES SKIP EYE CREAM
Those tiny pots of cream or gel may feel cool and silky, but they're not a skin-care staple for everyone. Most regular old face lotions can be used safely around the eyes as long as your skin is not sensitive or prone to puffiness. That said, sticking to staples can be pretty dull. "I like to use a separate eye cream because it feels more luxurious," Byrne says.
ENHANCING THE SKIN
Wake up fast. Beauty shoots typically begin at the crack of dawn, when no woman is ready for her close-up. "Puffy, tired skin is the bane of my existence," says Strong. To combat that sleepy look, Strong soaks a washcloth in ice water, wrings it out, lays it on the model's skin for a few minutes, and repeats this process several times. "It instantly reduces puffiness," he says. Tammy Fender, an aesthetician in West Palm Beach, suggests her model clients soak cold compresses in her Roman Chamomile Tonic and leave them on the skin for 15 minutes. Not only does this take down puffiness, it also gets rid of redness, she says.
Use eye drops. Since models often get red-eyed from squinting in the studios' bright lights, Buckle uses Naphcon-A Allergy Relief Eye Drops antihistamine eye drops to make their eyes look fresh. Wendy W. Lee, assistant professor of ophthalmic plastic, orbital surgery and oncology at the Bascomb Palmer Eye Institute at University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, says that doing this is safe for occasional use for red or itchy eyes, although everyone should read the package insert because there are some conditions, such as glaucoma, associated with a warning.
Don't spackle. "The model in the skin-care ad should look naturally luminous—not made up," says makeup artist Tyrone Traylor, who has worked on ads for Garnier skin care. He creates a sheer base by dotting the center of the model's forehead with a single dab of foundation, then blends outward using a foundation brush. "The model gets more coverage where she needs it—in the T-zone and cheeks—and less where she doesn't," he says.
Go easy on the powder. "Young-looking skin has a nice sheen," says Buckle. To ensure Stone's skin looks dewy, Buckle refuses to pile on the face powder. "I use blotting papers or translucent powder to take down shine wherever there's too much reflection," he says.
PERFECTING THE BODY
Shed dry skin. Before a shoot, Miriam Azoulay, the makeup artist on Jergens Natural Glow ads, will ask the model to give herself a good scrubbing from the shoulders down. "Getting rid of dead skin with a fresh loofah—especially on the knees and elbows—helps even out the skin tone," she says. To "provide double the exfoliation," Azoulay squirts St. Ives Apricot Scrub on the loofah.
Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. To make sure the model looks like a glowing vision of health from head to toe, makeup artist Polly Osmond, whose work has appeared in Olay ads, massages drugstore baby oil into the model's body. Since traditional baby oil can be too greasy in real life, Osmond suggests a less slippery alternative, such as baby-oil gel or Palmer's Cocoa Butter.
Cover up. "Any part of the model's body that's exposed in the ad has to look perfect," says Strong, who uses foundation to camouflage spots and even out discoloration. "But putting products on the model's body becomes a nightmare for the art department, because it usually stains the white couch and the model's white clothes," says Strong. (Those stains are typically retouched.) For that reason alone, Giordano loves M.A.C. Face and Body Foundation. "It doesn't rub off onto fabric," she says—convenient for those who aren't on photo shoots as well.
HAIR
WE'VE FOUND THE PERFECT HAIRCUT. WELL, AT LEAST FOR NOW
"What I've learned from talking to nine billion stylists is that the most flattering cut—on virtually any hair texture—is a little shaggy and layered. For someone like me, with thick, bushy hair, that means shoulder-length with a few long layers in front," Perrotta says. There should be no elaborate layering in back: It's too Carol Brady on straight hair and too puff-inducing for curls. That also means no layers (above eye-length) on short hair or above the earlobes on long hair. And by long hair, we mean a style that falls no more than a few inches below your collarbone. "If you aren't expected at fifth-period calculus, your hair should not hang lower than your breasts," Byrne says. "It looks like you're trying too hard to reclaim your youth." Sorry, Demi.
WE'RE LAZY, AND WE CHEAT
"I never wash my hair more than three times a week, on the advice of every hairstylist I've ever met," Perrotta says. She goes shampoo-free for up to three days thanks to a few tricks (and some mighty dry hair—do not attempt this if your hair is even slightly oily). "I never load up on styling products like anti-frizz serums or silicone sprays—using more than a dime-size amount only leads to a dirty mess. I wear a pair of sunglasses as a headband to lift my hair when it's flat at the roots. And I always sleep with the upper layers in a little ponytail on top of my head to give my hair extra volume in the morning."
THERE REALLY IS A PERFECT GROWN-UP PONYTAIL
You thought they were all the same, but Byrne has the polished ponytail down to a simple formula. "The secret is positioning it slightly higher on the back of the head. That way, when you brush back the hair on the sides, you're doing it on an upward diagonal," she says. "It's like an instant face-lift." She also adds a tiny dab of shine cream to the ends—"otherwise, it just looks like a gym ponytail."
MAKEUP
IT TAKES A LOT OF MAKEUP TO LOOK THIS NATURAL
"People always say, 'Beauty editors don't wear makeup,' but the truth is that we've just picked up enough tricks over the years to make it look a little more convincing," Byrne says. Wells has her routine down to a time-saving system: tinted moisturizer, undereye concealer, blush, brown eye shadow, lash curler, mascara, lip balm on the way to work, and gloss or pink-brown lipstick after she's arrived. "Understated color is better than microdermabrasion at shaving off a few years," Perrotta says. "We've tested every make-up shade, and although it's fun to wear red lipstick or purple eye shadow occasionally, they can make you look older than you actually are."
FOR EVENING, WE ALWAYS DRESS UP OUR EYES
"There's wine to drink, dinner to eat, and people to talk to—you don't want to spend the evening in the bathroom touching up your lipstick," Perrotta says. We've learned to emphasize the eyes by lining the inner rim and the outer lash line with black pencil, then smearing it slightly with a Q-tip, and following with a quick streak of shimmery neutral shadow from lash line to crease. The final—and key—ingredient is layer after layer of mascara. "I just keep going and going," Perrotta says. "Try wedging the wand into the bottom lashes—it darkens them without making a spidery mess."
THERE REALLY IS A WAY TO MAKE SELF-TANNER LOOK BELIEVABLE
"No one tans evenly over their whole face—most people initially get darker on the parts the sun hits first," Byrne says. "The trick is to apply self-tanner the way you would bronzer: Take a small drop and dab it very sparingly on your forehead, the bridge of nose, and over the cheekbones, and use whatever's left on your chin." To avoid blotches and streaks, exfoliate skin first, and allow a half hour for moisturizer to sink in fully before applying self-tanning cream on top.
BODY
SOME OF US ARE DIRTY GIRLS…
Our showers may be lined with a king's ransom of products, but it turns out many beauty editors don't use soap from head to toe. Perrotta confesses an aversion to it: "A dermatologist once told me to wash only the parts you really need to in the shower, because many cleansers, no matter how moisturizing they say they are, ultimately dry the skin. Plus, you end up taking a shorter shower this way, which also keeps skin from drying out."
...AND SOME OF US ARE ALMOST OBSESSIVELY CLEAN
There are exceptions to all this filthy behavior—our squeaky-clean editor in chief says she simply cannot function unless she showers each morning with her Olay unscented body wash and shaves with her Mach 3 razor. "At night, I don't care how many glasses of wine I've had, how late it is, or how overcome I am with the flu, I always wash my face," Wells says. "I recently had food poisoning in Milan during the fashion shows, but I forced myself to wash and moisturize my face before I lay down on the bathroom tiles to sleep." (Hello, Howard Hughes.)
WE'RE WAXED, MANICURED, AND CAREFULLY PEDICURED—EVEN IN THE DEAD OF WINTER
"When my nails are painted and my feet are smooth, I feel as if everything in the world is in order, even when it isn't," Wells says. "And you can work while you're sitting in the pedicure chair." Waxing upkeep has a similar psychological boost, with one added incentive: "Take it from someone who's tried stopping," Perrotta says. "It's a thousand times more painful when you start waxing again."
WHEN WE DON'T HAVE TIME FOR THE SPA, WE IMPROVISE
"I don't have the patience to go to a spa and get a real pedicure every two weeks," Perrotta says. "So I do it myself at home. When I take a shower at night and scrub my feet, I paint on a deep red polish. I don't do a good job at all—I just slap it on. I let it dry and go to bed. In my morning shower, after my feet are all wet, all I have to do is reach down and gently scrape the polish off my skin. My feet look almost as good as if I'd spent an hour and a half getting them peppermint scrubbed and painted at a salon."
WE DON'T WEAR FRENCH MANICURES OR PEDICURES—EVER
"I don't care if you reverse the colors or do it with Crayola brights, a French manicure looks cheap," says Allure beauty features editor Amy Keller, who, like most beauty editors, keeps her nails short and paints them either the palest nude shade or a dark, vampy red.
WE KNOW HOW TO MAKE FRAGRANCE LAST WITHOUT FUMIGATING EVERYONE ON THE ELEVATOR
We don't just try to look nice all the time; we try to smell nice all the time, too. Wells reports that she even smoothed on scented body lotion in the midst of labor with each of her two sons. Under less stressful circumstances, she sprays perfume on the backs of her wrists, knees, and neck. "I never rub, because we ran a story saying that rubbing crushes the molecules of the fragrance and ruins the scent." Perrotta spritzes only the inner elbows and behind the knees, "since they stay a little moist. A cosmetics chemist once told me fragrance lasts better in humidity."
OUR TRAVEL BAGS DESERVE AN ENGINEERING AWARD
"I put a checklist on top of my toiletry bag so I can see what I'm missing. And I pack liquids like shampoo in small plastic travel bottles stored in Ziploc bags," says Wells, who prevents leaks by taking off the top, squeezing until the liquid reaches the lip, and holding the squeeze as she replaces the cap. "On overnight flights I also take a separate small kit on the plane, containing lip balm, thick moisturizer, a spray bottle of Evian, a toothbrush, toothpaste, two Olay cleansing cloths, lavender essential-oil spray, breath mints, two extra pairs of contact lenses, eyeglasses, a few Advil, and a few Ambien."
WE WOULDN'T DREAM OF PLUCKING OUR OWN EYEBROWS
Beauty editors would no sooner attempt to shape their own arches than do their own cardiac bypass surgery. "As difficult as it may be, wait between grooming appointments, and let the pro do the tweezing," Wells says. One wrong pluck, and you could have a bald patch for weeks, if not months.
CELLULITE IS A BUMPY ROAD WITH NO EXIT IN SIGHT
If there were a product or treatment that could get rid of cellulite completely, then no rich or powerful women would have it," Perrotta says. "And neither would I!" The caffeine and other active ingredients in these gels and creams don't actually get rid of the bumps; they just make orange-peel skin look a bit smoother—and even that lasts only as long as you keep applying them. After years of dashed hopes, we've struck on one viable alternative: concealment. "Get an airbrush self-tanning treatment, and ask them to spray your butt and upper thighs a litter darker, which really disguises it," Perrotta says.
Earthen Glow Minerals
FACE -Liquid Foundation in Medium Golden (EGMINERALS)
PRIMER - Oily Skin Trans (EGMINERALS)
LIPS - Spring in Grant Park (EGMINERALS)
EYES - Lined in Sakura Jima (EGMINERALS)
Harlem Brownstone Eye Shadow (EGMINERALS)
As my love affair with Earthen Glow Minerals continues I have not only found my perfect foundation matches in both their Youthful Glow and Cover Me formulas but also in their Liquid Foundation. Youthful Glow is a beautiful medium coverage mineral foundation that gives one a slight glow - hence the name Youthful Glow! Coverage with this beautiful foundation is easily built upon by layers without giving a chalky heavy look if one desires a heavier look. This is part of the beauty of this foundations texture. Cover Me is definitely heavier for those desiring a full bodied finish but by no means is it chalky or stiff in appearance. One layer of Cover Me is intense enough to cover practically any flaw or imperfection while still allowing you to present a beautiful natural appearance. The liquid foundation is comparable to any standard liquid foundation as far as coverage in concerned ( medium in coverage and matte in finish) but has the added benefit of being a mineral natural based foundation which is what sets it above traditional foundations.
Being a Latina with medium warm/golden coloring finding an ideal mineral foundation without mixing two or more colors together has not been the norm in my experience. I've settled with many "almosts" and "just a little offs" that this had actually become the norm. Finally with EGMINERALS I've found a company that not only had perfect matches for my complexion in their inventory but assured me that if they weren't able to match my complexion with what they had in stock they would be more than willing to custom make a foundation for me at no additional cost! So to say that I am in love with this company is an understatement. Every exchange that I have made with them has left me falling deeper and deeper in love with them.
EGMINERAL'S Lip colors are natural, long lasting, beautifully textured, and they give an enormous variety of color, delivery, and intensity options. They have palettes both pigmented and sheer, glossy, and matte. They have wands, brush tubes, pots, and squeeze tubes. I haven't nearly tried them all but being a lip gloss maniac I'm well on my way and loving the journey.
Their eye shadows are super pigmented and very long lasting with every imaginable finish, color, and intensity. The same applies for their blushes. As if this weren't enough for anyone looking for excellent quality natural makeup at more than reasonable prices EGMINERAL'S also carries an excellent line of natural skincare, soaps and bath and body that is second to none. I've been using several products from the skincare line and based on the performance of these I can honestly say that EGMINERALS is a natural skincare company whose products deliver results. If you've ever used premium quality soaps for facial or body care and have appreciated the difference then by all means check out EGMINERALS huge assortment of natural soaps for both facial and body care.
Before ending I have to give the biggest raving review for their Traditional body scrub and Shea Body Butter in GLAZE. I'm truly lost for words on how to adequately describe how luscious and delicious this duo smells! Hints of butter, vanilla, and perhaps a slight fruit scent - not sure but whatever the combination is it definitely comes together to make the most sensational product I've tried in a very long time. The Shea Body Butter is just that. Almost pure Shea Butter so for those with dry taught skin, please try this one. I promise you that you will not be disappointed.
I know that lot's of voxers sampled Egminerals a few months ago when China Doll asked. What's crazy is I wasn't one that she asked but there's always a work around so I did gain the opportunity to test samples before the company lauched. I simply contacted China Doll's mother - hahaha. True story. I got in. Late but in.
Since sampling only allowed me a few eye shadows and foundations, which I completely fell in love with I was eagerly waiting for their opening. It came and so did I. Since then I've been a frequent shopper and hope to see them start a coupon program or something for frequent shoppers because with such a huge assortment of solid perfumes (I love these!) Body Scrubs and soaps (love them all and my list grows everyday.
I went Sephoring with my mother on Sunday and checked out several lines and the scents and I really prefer all that I've bought from EGMinerals. I will say that something that caught my eye is Carol's Daughter now has a line of beautiful bar soaps and not only did they catch my eye but I shelled out $12 and some for a bar. Got it home and prefer my soaps from EGMinerals that cost me less than half!
Must tries are the foundations, eye shadows, blushes, and finishing glows. I don't do glow but the finish of Tahiti Sweetie and Satin Doll are wow!!! Also must tries are the lipglosses, I really love the lip pots. These are super pigments in a pot with a matte finish so they really last. The lip squeezie and brush glosses have me sold on pigment, texture, and quality.
The Youthful Glow foundation is so perfect on my complexion and I love the finish so much that I decided to do a rare thing. A close up photo with minimal makeup all by Earthen Glow Minerals.
Foundation - Earthen Glow Minerals (Jocelyn)
Eyeliner - Earthen Glow Minerals cream liner (Sakura Jima)
Lips - Earthen Glow Minerals Bel Aire
1.Earthen glow minerals
Not only have I found the perfect foundation in 2 formulas, light and medium to heavy but I love the finish and the color in both formulas are perfect. Couldn't ask for more. I'm also waiting on more lip colors but so far I love the few that I've bought. San Diego Coppered, Bel Aire, and Kingston are used everyday and I finally found lasting color in a mineral lip color. Also to love are the huge selection of excellent eye shadows, cream liners, and blushes. I'm also a big fan of their skincare and Bath and Body.
2. Bare Faced Minerals
I only put this company at second because I'm addicted to the above companie's skincare and huge bath and body but BFM's quality is really second to none.
3. Monave
I love the foundation, many of the eye shadows and lip colors.
4. Everyday Minerals
If you're looking for an inexpensive line for quality synthetic brushes this is the place to go.
5. Pure Luxe
I love their eye shadows, cream eraser, and blushes.
Pictures of my pressed mineral foundations, blushes, and more eyeshadows. I pressed these with alcohol and the foundation I added a little jojoba oil to it to ensure that it would hold together in my purse.
This time I took the energy and time to actually press them after receiving a few comments about how "ewww" from Ice Cookies the unpressed ones looked.
To Ice Cookies... Miha I never said that they were for show only for use by me.
Some time ago I pressed what must have measured up to 1 pound of minerals. Most of them were samples that otherwise I wouldn't have used. By the time a few hours had passed I got tired and just stopped pressing them and only combined them with alcohol and added them to the compact. They weren't pretty but I figured that I'd use them only for myself so being 1. lazy 2. tired and 3. pulled at by my son I just let it go. Well actually after several weeks of using them they are holding together just fine.
Recent Comments
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ManhattanLatin said:
[this is good]Vox keeps freezing on me and knocking me off but I was looking at your photos of your makeup! I... read more
on Ah mi dios!!!! -
Canadian Goddess said:
Glad to see you posting girl -- doing great too. Keeping busy which is a good thing IMO. Have a... read more
on Ah mi dios!!!! -
ManhattanLatin said:
I completely agree with you on the educating yourself about what you're putting in and on your body and how... read more
on Ah mi dios!!!! -
on Ah mi dios!!!!