Moonstruck in Jersey's Blog

September 7, 2012

Bear Naked

Filed under: Beauty — moonstruckinjersey @ 8:36 AM

Today I would like to write about something that is just simple and useful.

From:  http:/www.sephora.com– 30 wipes at $12.00

Bear Naked Wipes remove makeup and impurities from face and eyes with a blend of aloe vera, chamomile, cucumber and vitamin E.  The wipes are free of fragrance, parabens and petrochemicals.  The wipes are soft, biodegradable and gentle on eyes and skin.

In support of the National Resources Defense Council’s Polar Bear SOS initiative, a portion of the proceeds from every package sold will go to protect the endangered animals.

Quick Take:

I have to admit that I purchased these for the first time because I liked that fact that the company was donating to save the polar bears.  I also liked that the product is natural.  I  did test to see if the wipes actually removed makeup and eye makeup, I wear a lot of eye makeup, and they do exactly that and very well.  I did not have to scrub my eyes out of their sockets to get the eyeliner and mascara off!  Having said that, I don’t use them to remove makeup at the end of the day.  My favorite way to use them is when putting on makeup.

I have posted numerous times that I like to use my hands and fingers when applying makeup, except for blush.  I do know about sponges and brushes and actually own many of them and occasionally use them, but I am literally hands on. So, I use a wipe every morning to remove the foundation off my hands and to clean my fingers as I am applying different color shadows.

I use gel liners and they dry down quickly, but if I make a mistake I press a cotton swab into the cloth to moisten the swab slightly and just gently wipe it away.  I use a cloth to clean the liner brush when I am finished so the next day it isn’t crunchy.  On the occasion that I use an eye shadow brush, I clean that as well so the next time I need it there is no residue of another color.

We all have our quirky habits when it comes to beauty and these wipes work well with mine.  Good for the skin and the planet.  Big recommend.

Peace

September 1, 2012

hourglass Opaque Rouge Liquid Lipstick

Filed under: Beauty,Quick Takes — moonstruckinjersey @ 8:43 AM

From:  http://www.sephora.com– $28.00

What it is:

A richly pigmented and silky smooth matte lip color that delivers 14 hours of continuous wear without flaking or dryness.

What it does:

The proprietary blend of advanced polymers in this liquid lipstick delivers intense, vibrant color with exceptional longevity. Skin-conditioning emollients, antioxidant fruit extracts, cili fruit, goji berry, and vitamins A, C and E help to protect the lips throughout the day.

What it is formulated WITHOUT:
– Parabens
– Sulfates
– Synthetic Fragrances
– Synthetic Dyes
– Phthalates
– GMOs
– Triclosan

Suggested Usage

  • Lips must be bare to ensure optimal coverage.
  • Apply and allow to set for one minute.

Quick Take:

This is the first product that I have purchased from hourglass and it is a new addition to the line.  I love a red lip so I chose Icon which is a true and vibrant blue red.  Looks like an old Hollywood red.

Applys very easily without dragging.  It has a creamy texture and feels moisturizing on the lips.  When it dries down it does not feel thick or cakey. No bad smell or taste – things that are important to me as I am very sensitive to scent.  This is a matte finish so if you want to add gloss make sure it is completely dry.

A little of this lipstick goes a long way. I found that after about 6 hours of wearing, it started to fade, but in an even vs blotchy way.  I reapplied after about 8 hours of wear, which I was very happy with as I have had long wearing glosses and lipsticks that need to be applied within an hour.

I love, love, love this lipstick and think Icon is brilliant.  Did I mention I love?  I know this will be one of my go to colors for Fall and Winter 2012.  Big recommend.

Peace

August 21, 2012

The Q

Filed under: Beauty — moonstruckinjersey @ 8:39 AM

You almost always see http://www.qvc.com in my posts.  I don’t watch QVC 24 hours a day, but I do check .com quite often.  The Q has one of the best beauty departments around.  Many, many high end quality products.

Many companies introduce new products on the Q and you can purchase only there for a specific time period, but it is not only about brands of skincare, makeup and tools.  It’s about the configuration of products that vendors offer only for Q customers.  This usually means a less then retail price tag, which is a great way to try pricey items.

On many of these more expensive items QVC offers easy payments which means you can take anywhere between 2 to 5 months, depending on their offer,  to make equal monthly payments instead of paying at one time.  Like lay-a-way except you already have the product.

The best thing is the 30 day return policy on absolutely anything you purchase even if, for example, the jar of moisturizer is completely empty.  Once September arrives, you have until January 31st to return your purchases.  QVC’s way of making holiday shopping more convenient. On some products they offer 60 days or 90 days to make the return if necessary.

QVC makes trying new beauty products easy because f you don’t like it, return it.  No questions asked.

Quality Value Convenience

Check it out.

Peace

August 20, 2012

Maybelline Super Stay 10 Hour Stain Gloss

Filed under: Beauty,Quick Takes — moonstruckinjersey @ 8:29 AM

Kept seeing this advertised in style magazines and I was intrigued, so decided to give it a try.  Nice price compared to department store brands.

From:  http://www.ulta.com  – $8.99

Description

Meet the first-ever stain gloss. Maybelline’s Super Stay 10 Hour Stain Gloss stays vibrant & shiny, yet transparent, and won’t fade. The weightless formula glides on wet & smooth, and feels fresh & fabulous all day.

  • 10 hour wear
  • Vibrant color & lasting shine
  • Weightless feel

Quick Take

I love a great gloss and one with staying power is even better and I enjoy using my collection, but this gloss will not be part of it.

Horrible, horrible, horrible.

This gloss smells like a sick-y sweet gum and tastes nasty.  It is sticky, tacky and not very shiny.  It stains here and there, but not the whole lip. I applied, and it took a while to dry down and it dried spotty and felt like it pulled every drop of moisture from my lips. Had a coffee and it was time to reapply.  It was that way the whole day.  If I got an hour out of it, that was a long time.

I purchased Ruby Indulgence because I always love a red and the color was very pretty.  The only other positive thing I can say was that I liked the shape of the applicator.

This gloss isn’t even something I will put in my “give away” bag.  The bargain was not a bargain.

Peace

August 13, 2012

Indulge In A Great Shower Gel

Filed under: Beauty — moonstruckinjersey @ 8:01 AM
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If I could, I would try almost every beauty product on the market, but since I , like most people, have very little disposable income; well, you get it.

Given that, every once in a while I like to explore products that are not $100.00 for a sample size.  Right now I am obsessed with shower gels.  This is what you will find in my shower now.

fresh Citron de Vigne Shower Gel

What it is:

A refreshing, foaming gel with vitamins C and E that gently cleanses and invigorates the skin.

What it does:
This Bath & Shower Gel contains moisturizing shea butter to nourish dry skin and antioxidant-rich vitamins to soothe and soften. It is infused with an effervescent citrus scent inspired by France’s Champagne region.

What it is formulated WITHOUT:
– Parabens
– Sulfates
– Synthetic Dyes
– Phthalates
– GMOs
– Triclosan

The smell is very subtle, not sweet or perfume-y, and does exactly what it says.  Sephora, 10 oz for $18.50.

Korres Basil Lemon Shower Gel

What it is:

A creamy foam shower gel with hydrating ingredients.

What it does:
These beautifully scented, creamy shower gels provide a moisturizing effect and help maintain the natural moisture level of the skin. They contain emollients and humectants that provide a lasting moisturizing effect and help to maintain the natural moisture level of the skin.

What it is formulated WITHOUT:
– Parabens
– Synthetic Dyes
– Petrochemicals
– Phthalates
– GMOs
– Triclosan

There is nothing that does not taste or smell good with basil and lemon, so to be able to shower with this scent is just perfect.  Your skin will feel moisturized and the scent does not linger, so there is no interfering with your trade mark perfume.   Sephora, 13.53 oz for $19.50.

Shikai Shower Gel

These shower gels moisturize as they clean so your skin feels soft and smooth all day. The exclusive formulas combine natural colloidal oatmeal, rich emollients and gentle cleansers. The oatmeal binds moisture to the skin soothing it and leaving it itch-free. Use as a body wash in a shower or tub.  Rich in aloe vera & colloidal oatmeal. Gentle, soap-free formulas. Smell does not linger. Whole Foods, 12 oz for $8.50.

Nubian Heritage Coconut & Papaya Shower Gel

Coconut & Papaya Body WashSweet-scented and nutrient-rich, the Nubian Heritage Coconut & Papaya Collection pays homage to the bounty of natural tropical ingredients. The coconut palm has touched all aspects of daily life for millions of tropical communities. Since the 1st Century B.C., the coconut tree has provided shelter, transportation and, more importantly, food. Coconut Oil, high in vitamins, minerals and fatty acids, is an excellent skin softener and protector. Papaya contains papain, a naturally occurring enzyme, used for centuries to gently dissolve dead skin cells, loosen pore blockage and stimulate circulation.Benefits: Antioxidant-rich Coconut Oil is easily absorbed into the skin to protect the skin against damage by preventing free radical formation. Coconut Oil also strengthens connective tissues to prevent sagging, wrinkles and blemishes, and helps reduce skin inflammation. Papaya enzyme exfoliates, stimulates circulation and firms skin. Shea Butter and anti-inflammatory Comfrey Root extract promote healing.Usage: all skin typesNatural Aroma: sweet, tropical.  Soap free.

Anything with coconut is just good for you and, again, the smell is amazing and does not linger. Whole Foods, 13 oz for $10.99.

Bagno Di Vita

A fresh, revitalizing, foaming bath and shower gel. Gently frees deep-down impurities while moisturizing skin helps create a more even textured appearance.
What it does
  • Natural botanicals of thyme, comfrey, chamomile and cornflower help soften and condition the skin
  • Hazel, Sweet Almond, and Olive Oils offer an aromatherapeutic bathing experience
  • Formulated with our Acqua di Vita® Complex, which provides intense hydration
How to Use
  • Use daily in shower or bath.
  • Apply all over body with hands, sponge, or washcloth.
  • As a special treatment: Pour under tap to create a rich, foaming bubble bath to de-stress and relax.

This is a little pricey, but once in a while I do indulge as this product smells like you are at a spa and being pampered. Borghese, 16 oz for $33.50.

Give one or all a try, variety is a good thing.

Peace

August 9, 2012

Clarisonic

Filed under: Beauty — moonstruckinjersey @ 8:30 AM
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I wrote a post a while ago about a cleanser, Eve Lom, that I love and use at least four times a week.  I had mentioned that I also use something else to cleanse and the Clarisonic is it.

Clarisonic is a waterproof, rechargeable skin cleansing system. It is a patented sonic technology that gently removes the impurities traditional cleansing methods leave behind.  It cleans pores, loosening dirt, makeup and oil as it reduces the appearance of pores and wrinkles.  Clarisonic cleansing is proven to remove six times more makeup then traditional manual cleansing with finger pads, allowing for serums and moisturizers to absorb better.  It is so gentle that it can be used twice a day.

To use the Clarisonic, charge for 24 hours prior to first use. Then remove your eye makeup.  I skip this step as I just wet my face and use Purity Made Simple by Philosophy which I put all over my face and eyes (use with your favorite cleanser ) – DO NOT USE the Clarisonic on your eyes.

Wet the brush head, press on/off button and gently massage the face in small circular motions, beginning on the forehead and moving to the nose, chin and cheeks.  Hold the brush head flush to your skin, but don’t press too hard or you will impede the motion of the brush and not get the full benefit of the Clarisonic.  The Clarisonic will let you know when the cleansing minute is up.  The brush head should be replaced every three to four months.

Rinse and pat dry and your skin is now ready for your favorite skincare products.

I purchased the Clarisonic Face and Body over five years ago and this uses a cradle to charge.  It is about 7” long and came with sensitive, normal and body brush heads.  I use the normal brush and when I need to replace, that is what I purchase.  I have never used the Clarsonic on my body except for the decollete so I really can’t speak to how it works.  This brush has low, normal and high power settings.

I love the way my face feels after I use the Clarisonic.  It is clean without being stripped, feels very smooth and looks dewy.  All good for this girl!  As I mentioned before, I am 60 years old and I have no wrinkles and I really believe that the Clarisonic is part of the reason why.  It is like having a facial at home everyday and that is not a bad thing for your face.

I loved it so much that last December I purchased another, Clarisonic Mia 2, which is a little under 6” inches long.  It comes with a link charger, which saves room on the vanity, and a travel case.  This brush has two speeds, low and normal.

I use the Clarisonic every morning in the shower and my makeup practically puts itself on as my skin is just so clean and smooth.

No matter what else you use on your skin, this is the starting place.  I highly encourage you to give it a try and I know you will be hooked like so many other people.

Yes, it is an investment, but I am positive you will start saving money immediately as you will be using much less of your favorite skincare line to produce the results that you are looking for.  Nothing works if your skin is not really clean.

Try it!

Peace

QVC.com – Clarisonic Plus for Face and Body – @225.00

Sephora – Clarisonic Mia 2 – @149.00

August 8, 2012

Splendore

Filed under: Beauty — moonstruckinjersey @ 8:01 AM
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Borghese has been in the beauty industry for a very long time, but I don’t think it is a line that comes quickly to mind.

The website posts that it is “Built on a heritage that dates back to the 14th century when people first sought the healing waters of the Tuscan Earth, Borghese was the first to respect the synergy between health and nature, luxury and science. With our exclusive Acqua di VitaT Living Water Complex, sourced from the famed thermal springs, we developed nourishing re-energizing skincare therapies far ahead of the market surge in organic treatments…and we continue to take a leadership position in introducing new anti-aging, proactive ingredients into our newest treatment stars – formulations that are again, influencing skincare products market-wide.”

I feel that it is old school, but I do like a few of their products. Today I would just like to write a few lines about Splendore.

Splendore gives “your body a flawless look with lightweight, moisturizing shimmer lotion.  the subtle shimmer brightens and flatters any skin tone leaving gorgeous radiance.  Minor skin imperfections are camouflaged and skin tone appears more even.”   It also has a light tint, much like a tinted moisturizer for the face.

The shimmer is actually created by light diffusing mica; so, it really is a shimmer not glitter.

I have used this product every Summer for, well, I can’t remember how long.  I have not done sun in thirteen years and five years ago I was diagnosed with melanoma.  I get a little sun when I walk my dogs and that is it. Really.

I do not use faux tanning products.  I think I have tried them all, but they smell, they stain, they streak, they turn orange and I don’t care how inexpensive or expensive the brand is or who applies it to your body, it still looks like it is out of the bottle. Faux is just that, fake.

Splendore does a great job of making my legs and arms look sun kissed and the shimmer is beautiful in the light and awesome in lowlights.  Compliments always abound and no sun damage.

Give it a try.

Peace

http://www.borghese.com – $36.00

August 1, 2012

Smileactives Teeth Whitening Pen Duo

Filed under: Beauty — moonstruckinjersey @ 10:21 AM
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Every once in a while I find a product that makes me want to smile!  Smileactives Teeth Whitening Pen Duo does just that.

We all want white teeth and for heavy duty whitening you might want to see your dentist for custom made trays, but for an effective and convenient way to whiten, this pen is the way to go.

“ Some participants in the clinical trial saw results in as little as two days.  Full results will take longer depending on the type of teeth staining you have.  In a clinical trial, after just three weeks of use, the pen whitened teeth an average of five shades, with some participants seeing up to 10 shades of whitening.”

The gel dries onto the teeth so there is not need for strips or trays.  Each pen lasts about 3 weeks when used twice daily.  Nothing else required.

To use the pen:  take of the cap and twist the opposite end until a drop of gel is visible, with a brand new pen, it will take several twists to see the gel.  Apply a thin layer of gel on the upper and lower teeth and allow to dry for a few seconds.  Recap the pen and you are done.

Do not eat or drink anything for at least 20 minutes.

I have been using Smileactives for the last 6 months and I love, love, love the system!  Did I mention I love this pen?

I saw results using twice a day in just two days; so, I started using it the max of 4 times per day for the first pen only.  This got me exactly where I wanted to be.  I now use two pens approximately per month at 2 times daily and I love how my teeth look – white, but natural, which is exactly what I was looking for.  Also, I had no sensitivity, which was always a problem for me with the OTC strips.

Another plus for me was that I could speak, which is almost impossible with whitening strips, so you absolutely can use the pen at your convenience and no one knows.

Love, love, love!

I hope you will too!

Peace

QVC.com – $27.50

July 30, 2012

Concealers

Filed under: Beauty — moonstruckinjersey @ 9:25 AM
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I have been on the hunt forever to find THE concealer.  Everything that I had tried was less then perfect for me.  It was always a texture thing as concealers always seem to be thick and dry.

Then a few years ago I found YSL’s Touche Eclat and I was amazed.  Touche Eclat is actually a highlighter and it worked beautifully on the eyelids, brow arches, nasal labial lines and in the corner of the eyes where there is always a shadow.  It is a very creamy, light formula so it was easy to camouflage shadows under the eye without tugging at the skin.  If you put it over the upper lip line, it makes your lips look plumper. It works! It was my one and only for a long time.

Obviously, you know I am leading up to the fact the I have found another highlighter/concealer that I love as well.  The cool thing is that it is made by the woman who developed the formula for YSL so many years ago.  She has left YSL and has her own company, BY Terry, and has revamped the original formula.  By Terry Touche Veloutee Highlighting Concealer is not only a highlighter, but a true concealer and Terry has added hydrating microspheres ( a little anti aging is good) to smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.  It blends well into the skin, but I do feel that the texture of Touche Veloutee is denser then Touche Eclat.

“A few strokes of this beautifully textured concealer, infused with nourishing botanicals and soft-focus pigments, creates a candlelit-like look.  Soft-focus powders conceal dark shadows and disguise imperfections and the mark of tiredness, all the while protecting the delicate eye contour area.  Five matte reflective prisms combine with hydrating microspheres to smooth the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines and hide dark spots, redness and imperfections under a long lasting film cover.” – QVC.com

I use both products.  I use Touche Eclat as my highlighter and Touche Veloutee as my concealer.  Each one is a different shade, but you can really use any shade the products offer as they are very forgiving.

The pen type delivery systems on both these products makes them super easy to use.  I love them as they do exactly what they say they will, without being thick and drying, and they make your skin look beautifully illuminated.  The best thing is that they both make you look as if you had a great night’s sleep, which as we all know, is the best make up.

Peace

  • Touche Eclat on yslbeautyus.com – $40.00
  • Touche Veloutee Highlighting Concealer on qvc.com – $58.00

July 28, 2012

Quick Tip

Filed under: Beauty — moonstruckinjersey @ 11:38 AM

Just a quick tip for today.

After your wash your hair, DO NOT dry your hair with a towel.  Wrap your hair in an old T shirt.  Towels give you frizzy hair!

Enough said.

Peace

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