Author: Lindsay

Kiehl’s Newest Philanthropy With DonorsChoose.org

Kiehl’s has done it again, parnering philanthropy with stellar skincare. And this time, customers get to decide where the funds go. How cool is that ?

Starting today, through April 15, a new Jumbo-sized Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate will be available at Kiehl’s stores, counters and on Kiehls.com with a specially designed sleeve. With every purchase, customers receive a $50 DonorsChoose.org gift code, found in the underside of each sleeve. Then, customers can visit www.DonorsChoose.org/Kiehls and redeem a gift code to apply $50 of Kiehl’s donation to the project of his or her choice.

I fell for Kiehl’s Powerful-Strength Line Reducing Concentrate last June when I was on the search for a Vitamin C serum. The best-selling product contains 10.5% Pure Vitamin C. This gem of an ingredient is one of our key tools in the fight against aging. Kiehl’s found that, over time, the formula had a “significant and progressive effect on ‘marionette lines’ around the mouth, ‘crow’s feet’ and sub-orbital wrinkles in the eye area as well as other facial lines and wrinkles. In addition, skin shows an improvement in texture, tone, and sallowness.” The formula was gentle on my skin and leaves a silky, soothing feeling. Read the full review here.

More about DonorChoose.org: public school teachers from across the country can post requests for their classroom, including computers, books, art supplies and other teaching materials. All projects on www.DonorsChoose.org/Kiehls will be science related, in a nod to Kiehl’s pharmaceutical and scientific heritage. In addition, all projects will also be from schools in the cities and towns in which Kiehl’s customers are located, so customers can search for and support their local teachers and students. Customers can search by location, school or subject to find projects and donate to those that most inspire them. Donors are then personally thanked with letters and photos from the teacher and students.

Nutrisystem Week 15

This week, I lost 2.4 pounds for a total weight loss of 26.2 pounds! It was a big week. Not only did I log a record weight loss, but I went for my first run in years. It feels good to be back! I ran for 37 minutes straight and cannot wait to do it again.

Those of you who have followed my journey know that my father and I inspired each other to try Nutrisystem. I wanted to share an update on his journey this week. He also in his 15th week of the program and, like me, has no plans to stop.

Dad (or Dad-o as I affectionally call him) has lost over 30 pounds from just before starting the program and down 28 since his initial weigh in. Both Dad and I tend to have a couple days where our weight stabilizes, but we have found eventually we get a breakthrough. Yesterday, he set a new low after being on a plateau for 6 days (must be a quirk of the way our bodies loose weight). He also recorded his measurements yesterday and this is impressive! Since starting waist is -4”, chest is -2”, hips are -4” and thigh is -2” – WOAH!

A note about Dad – he’s always been athletic and congnizant of his weight. For years, he has weighed daily and recorded in an excel spreadsheet. He reports: “It has been 8 ½ years since my weight was this low. The combination of the Program and how it has motivated me to exercise more consistently has resulted in a weekly weight loss for every one of the 15 weeks on the program with weekly declines of 0.7 to 2.8 pounds.” Guys… that includes Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Dad also inspires me with his grocery list – he eats an apple and banana every day with a lot of tomatoes and fresh or steamed vegetables mixed in. Frank’s Hot Sauce and Newman’s Own Lite dressings provide plenty of pep to the meals.

What Dad told me last weekend really is what hit home though. Those aches after a long car ride? Gone. He exercises or heads out to our farm every single day. He comments “the program provides just the right level of discipline and motivation to get me going every day without the dread I felt about exercise on occasion before [Nutrisystem].” You can obviously see why he inspires me. Way to go Dad! Cheers!

Check out last week’s Nutrisystem post here.

Want to lose weight and get healthy on Nutrisystem? Join today by calling 1-888-853-4689 or by visiting http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog.

Disclosure: As part of the Nutrisystem Nation Blogger Program, Nutrisystem has provided me with complementary meals in exchange for my honest thoughts on the Nutrisystem plan. The opinions expressed in my posts are strictly my own. No other compensation is being given.

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The Late Winter Eye in Five Steps

Sometimes, I get in a makeup rut. But sometimes that is only because it works so darn well for my mood, season, trends, etc. I’ve reached for these same five products so many times over the last couple of weeks, I had to share.

note: I know so many artists suggest applying foundation and concealer after eye makeup because of fallout. But for some reason, I just have a hard time evaluating when I don’t have a clean complexion. Plus, for this simple look, you don’t have too much risk for rogue eye makeup. So after foundation, concealer, tinted moisturizer and/or powder… here’s what’s next:

1. First, I use this to prep the eye and eliminate any redness in my eyelid.

2. I love eyeliner… a lot. And I use two different eyeliners because they do two very different things. First up, Dior Crayon Waterproof Eyeliner in Trinidad Black. I use this just like a Kohl eyeliner. I push the pigment into the base of my lashes on the under side. My technique is closing my eyes around the pencil and dragging it outwards. This takes practice but ensures even and quick application. Then I make sure to apply on my waterline on my lower lid.

3. I dug this gem out from my archives a couple weeks ago. I had forgotten how lovely it is! Using this brush, I apply Estée Lauder Pure Color Gelée Powder Eyeshadow Cyber Copper just up to my crease. That’s it! I’m all about simple when it comes to eyeshadow. If I am feeling motivated, I use this shade on my brow bones for a highlight.

4. And now for my second eyeliner. The NARS ‘Stylo’ Liquid Eyeliner in Carpates is a dream to use. The liquid stays put and the well designed pen allows for precision in both thick and thin lines. I place the pen just on the top of my lashes, right at the root, all the way across my lash line. If you are a cat eye fan, add a flick at the end.

5. Last but not least, mascara. I am a big believer in drugstore mascara mostly because I am vigilant in tossing a tube after three months. CoverGirl LashBlast Clump Crusher Mascara, Water Resistant in Very Black is my current favorite. I get loads of volume and length but induvidual lashes still look feathery and separated.

The final look:

Speaking of Dior, attention Dior fans and Tulsa readers: today marks the launch of Spotlight on Dior, a make-up collection designed to compliment Raf Simons’ first ready to wear line for Christian Dior.

The collection is available exclusively at Saks and features:

Diorshow Art Pen, a high precision, felt-tip eyeliner for creating the perfect catwalk eye
Dior Twin Set Eyeshadow Duo in Fishnet Black, shadow stick and blending powder in deep black
Diorshow Flash Corrector Pen, a correcting pen that removes makeup mishaps in a single swipe
Diorshow Mono Eyeshadows in shades of purple, orange, crimson, aqua and shimmering white
Dior 5-Couleurs Eyeshadow in Iridescent Leather
Dior Vernis in shades from from cool aqua to bold purple

Come celebrate the launch at Saks Fifth Avenue Tulsa on Saturday, March 16 from 10 to 5 pm. Enjoy wine and sweet treats and get Beauty advice from Regional Dior Artist, Erik Martinez. To book an appointment with Erik or learn more about the Spotlight on Dior Collection, please contact Amanda Viles, Saks Fifth Avenue Marketing Director at 9183.744.0200 ext. 203.

Kate Somerville ‘Body Glow’ Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 20

I savored every bit of winter. I loved the cozy weather and the tiny bit of snow we got. But, by next weekend, we are supposed to be in the 80s here. So I relent and welcome Spring with open arms. Time to stock up on shorts, tees, skirts and sandals!

But you know what that also means, right? Not to mention the handful of cocktail dresses I’ve donned lately, legs are in full view. Kate Somerville ‘Body Glow’ Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 20 not only adds that crucial sun protection but has the prettiest golden shimmer.

Not just that, it can improve the appearance of skin over time. The formula smoothes, protects and firms all at once. The SPF is powered by a new innovative SolarX Complex with broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection. Caffeine helps refine texture, improve tone, contour and firm the appearance of skin. Rosemary extract and other antioxidants help fight free radicals. And Mango butter packs a moisture punch.

The lotion has a subtle SPF scent. The thin texture leaves my skin soft and supple. I will certainly be keeping this stuff on hand while the weather heats up. It does everything and more you could ask of an everyday SPF.

Shop for it here.

AN EDITORIAL SAMPLE WAS PROVIDED BY THE COMPANY AND EVALUATED TO DETERMINE OUR OPINION OF THE PRODUCT IN THIS POST. PLEASE SEE THE DISCLOSURES PAGE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING OUR POLICIES FOR USING EDITORIAL SAMPLES.

Orla Kiely Now at Neiman Marcus

Have you noticed Neiman Marcus has brought in some new brands to their beauty department. I am particularly excited about this one for color cosmetics. But the home fragrance and bath & body brand that has me paying attention is Orla Kiely. The British designer inspired by vivid color, pattern, graphic control, texture, and rhythm makes clothes, accessories, and paper goods. But Neiman Marcus is focused on the fragrance line.

For the home, there are candles and diffusers in these delicious scents: Bluebell & Rosemary, Fig Tree, Sage & Cassis, Basil & Mint, Primrose & Bergamot and Geranium & Myrrh. These savory scents paired with whimsical packaging are perfect for spring, right? Neiman Marcus is also carrying a Geranium bath and body line with hand cream, soap bar, body lotion, shower gel and hand wash.

The candles are made of 100% vegetable wax, in a cream glass holder and come with a heat protection mat. This candle will burn up to 50 hours. I love diffusers because they are so low maintenance – just leave them and allow the scent to diffuse into the room. For a stronger scent, sticks can be turned around every two to three weeks. The Geranium bath and body line uses essential oils, including geranium, eucalyptus, and clary sage to refresh the mind and body. I can’t quit the hand lotion which has a permanent place at my desk.

Shop the collection:

mark. Make It Rich Lip Color Crayon

True confession here: I would much rather wear a neutral lip gloss than a bold lip any day. That being said, in the interest of blogging and all, I am constantly trying out the latest and greatest lip products with a pop of color. (And don’t put it past me to rock a bright pink lip for girls’ night out).

Of course, I went directly for mark’s make it rich in Naturally first (center). Its buttery texture and rich pigment had me sold. I thought “could this be the formula to get me going on bold lips?”. I had to track down some other shades and test them out STAT.

Fast forward a week and, as I sit here typing, I have Hot Sauce (far left) on my lips. Who knew that wearing this rich crimson could give me so much joy? The formula is super lightweight but ultra-hydrating. The color stays on without any bleeding. The cool-based red make my teeth look glimmering white (well, whiter…). The crayon design makes it super easy to draw on the color precisely. And I love the subtle, warm vanilla scent.

Royale, second from left, is a berry bordeaux, perfect for our last bit of winter days. I love the look of a deep, vampy lip on a cold day. Second from right is Hey Honey, which looks brown. But it is actually a very wearable, deep nude with a little copper. Lastly, far right is Peony, a fuchsia with a silverly shine (probably least wearable for me, but would look amazing on darker skin). Not pictured: Punch, a feminine pink.

You can purchase the make it rich lip crayons at shop.meetmark.com.