Author: Lindsay

Drugstore Favorites for the Fall

I’ve been trolling the beauty section of my local drug store and want to report on some of my current favorites. I’m keeping in mind the fall trends and drier air. Not to mention the big holiday parties we have coming up. Not included in the round up was the obligatory candy corn I stocked up on yesterday. Why is that stuff so good?

CoverGirl & Olay Tone Rehab 2-in-1 Foundation: I’ve been really impressed with this foundation. It has medium coverage with a matte finish, without requiring a ton of product. I love the addition of skin care, so you are working to improve the appearance of your skin. It plays especially well with my drier skin.

Visine Maximum Redness Relief Eye Drops: At first I was skeptical of this red carpet staple. But I am so glad I picked some up at the store. I used it recently before a big event and my eyes were clear and bright. I needed less eye makeup and I appeared more awake. I probably wouldn’t use this in my daily rotation, but I now consider this a “must have” for big nights out.

Olay Age Defying Instant Hydration Serum: Olay is definitely a forerunner in the skin care game along side so many luxury contenders. This hydrating primer would be a perfect moisturizer for someone with oilier skin. I use it as a primer – it has very similar consistancy to Smashbox Hydrating Primer. And I keep it at my desk to treat dry spots throughout the day.

Bio-Oil Scar Treatment: While marketed as a scar treatment, Bio-Oil also makes for a great body oil. While I do use this on some older scars, hoping to see some improvement, I’ve found it makes for a great moisturizer post shower. It has a baby powder scent with a smooth, non-greasy finish.

Essie Miss Fancy Pants: Essie did it again with their fall collection. While the bolder colors are also fabulous, I love this grey taupe for an understated elegance. If you want something more festive, try Stylenomics.

 
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CARGO Cosmetics Blushes, Highlighters and Concealer

While I was attending NYFW, I was invited to stop by Birchbox Sample Stop for a beauty pit stop. The pop-up was right across the street from Milk Studios and a true makeover oasis. Not only did I stock up on some samples to help me make it through the rest of the week…. but I was treated with a mani and a makeup makeover from Cargo Cosmetics.

While I have heard of the brand, I hadn’t experienced many of their products. I was about to be plesantly blown away. My makeup looked natural and lasted the rest of the afternoon and evening. The fomrulas were lightweight but pigmented with beautiful, neutral colors. While I wanted to basically take home everything, a couple products jumped out: blushes and highlighters.

The Contour Palette in Malibu  is a dummy proof all in one. But you can also expect beautiful finishes and shades. The artist taught me to use one side of a blush brush for contour (below your cheekbones, on your hairline, and below jawbones). Then flip the brush over, pick up some of the cheek shade, and press into apples of the cheeks. Then, use the end of the blush brush to pick up highlighter – apply on brow bones and cheek bones. This palette also comes in Monaco if you want slightly warmer shades.

The Cargo Beach Blush in Tenerife is a canister of four shades packaged together. While beautiful, I don’t think you can use them individually (except as maybe eyeshadow). But when you see the blended color, you won’t want to use anything else. This iconic product is a perfect marriage of bronzer and blush. I apply it as an all over color on my cheeks, forehead, nose and below my jaw bone. It warms up the face with a balanced, energetic finish. Tenerife is matte, but I also like Echo Beach for a shimmer finish. There are six different shades so no matter your complexion or style, you’re sure to find one that works.

Last, but certainly not least, is the Jetlag Concealer. These pen/highlighting concealers are ubiquitous. I know… but this version has some super-powered skin care. The coverage is on the heavier side compared to other pens, with a slightly matte finish. After application, there is a little cooling effect as it nourishes and repairs the skin. Long term use (according to clinical testing) shows a reduction in puffiness and dark circles after 28 days.

White Lupin Extract reduces puffiness and dark circles in the eye area. Citrulline, a unique mineral extracted from watermelon rind, plays an essential role in the function of filaggrin (essential component of your skin/epidermis), a critical part of the skin’s own moisturizing complex. And peptides and flavanoid reinforce thin, fragile and transparent under-eye skin.

Jetlag and the Contour palette are made in Canada. The Beach Blush is made in Italy. Shop my Cargo Cosmetics favorites using the widget below:

Kate Somerville Oil Free Serums

Anti-aging products tend to cater more towards dry skin that isn’t prone to breakouts. Somehow, the nourishing, oil-based feel has a corner on wrinkle-fighting serums. But I know plenty of people who desire anti-wrinkle and hydration serum but don’t want the nasty oil. Kate Somerville to the rescue. Two of her newest serums are oil-free, but still satisfy the needed moisture and anti-aging needs of those with acne-prone or oily skin.

Kate Somerville Quench Hydrating Face Serum is one of my all time favorite products. It gives a glow and makes my skin feel rejuvenated. Now it comes in a lightweight, water-based, shine-free formula that’s perfect for oily skin. Kate Somerville Quench Oil Free Hydrating Face Serum locks in hydration using Plumeria Flower Extract and Dynamic Moisture Complex™. Matrixyl 6, a peptide, fight against expression lines and wrinkles. Collagen builds firmness. And you get an immediate tightening effect.

Kate Somerville CytoCell P299 Anti-Wrinkle Serum uses P299™, a scientifically advanced stem technology polypeptide, to diminish the look of wrinkles and help fight the signs of aging by activating the natural renewal process that strengthens skin. This serum also helps with hydration by using hyaluronic acid and marine algae extracts, all while being oil-free.

These both can be used morning and night. I love the way Quench Oil-free looks under makeup. And CytoCell P299 is a powerhouse anti-aging fighter. I’ve been working this into my nighttime routine. Don’t forget to use this on your neck too!

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Victoria’s Secret Seduction Dark Orchid GIVEAWAY

Victoria’s Secret beauty isn’t the “frothy confection” it used to be (Revenge fans, see what I did there?). Back in the day, VS Beauty was a collection of sweet, pink and glitter. But today, they offer sophisticated fragrance and some real winners in the makeup department. I already have raved about their body oil (see post here). And now I am swooning over Victoria’s Secret Seduction Dark Orchid.

I’ve been using Dark Orchid perfume, body spray and lotion for a week. The chilly weather was a perfect excuse to test drive a sultry, richer fragrance. Dark Orchid is a blend of Midnight Orchid, Crushed Plum and Oud Wood – making it a kind of provocative, darker scent. Details on the fragrance notes:

  • Top notes: Crème de cassis, blood orange, crushed plum, pineapple blossom, bergamot, yuzu zest
  • Middle notes: Jasmine, red ginger orchid, dark red calla lilies, midnight orchid, muguet petals
  • Dry-down notes: Smooth warm amber, oud wood, tonka beans, amber crystals, cashmere woods, creamy musk

Because of the high drama, I love the option of the fragrance mist (aka body spray). It has a less intense feel. The lotion is hydrating and absorbs quickly, leaving behind just a hint of Dark Orchid. And the Eau de Parfume, in a beautiful square bottle, is intense but not heady. You better bet I will be hunting down the candle.

I’m so happy to share this collection with my readers. Three lucky winners will receive the entire fragrance set. Open to residents in US, Canada and London. Enter using the widget below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Breast Cancer Awareness Month – Beauty for a Cause

You know I love beauty with a cause – look good AND feel good. This month is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and I selected some of my favorite products that are donating a portion of proceeds to the fight for a cure and supporting patients.

1. Estée Lauder Evelyn Lauder and Elizabeth Hurley Dream Lip Collection: This set includes Pure Color Long Lasting Lipstick in Candy and Pure Color Gloss in Pink Innocence along with a pink snakeskin-printed clutch. I love Pink Innocence for an easy hydrating gloss and this edition comes in an adorable pot with a patterned lid. For each purchase of the Evelyn Lauder Dream Lip Collection, Estée Lauder will donate 20% of the suggested retail price to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

2. Shiseido Lacquer Rouge in Disco: Shiseido has partnered with Cosmetic Executive Women (CEW) to support their philanthropic arm, Cancer and Careers. By donating $5 for every Lacquer Rouge in Disco sold throughout the month of October, Shiseido will give back to the non-profit organization dedicated to supporting working women living with cancer. Lacquer Rouge is a liquid lipstick that has insane shine. Disco is an eye-poping, totally fun bright pink. The color has great staying power and doesn’t leave lips dry.

3. Clinique Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm in Pumped Up Pink: These enormously popular balms are crazy nourishing. The the wash of color is perfect for those who want a more subtle look. The Chubby Stick comes with a pretty pink carrying case with a heart-shaped charm puller with Pink Ribbon. $3.00 from this purchase will be donated to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

4. Youngblood Crushed Mineral Blush: A portion of the proceeds of sales from 3 shades of Crushed Mineral Blush (Dusty Pink, Sherbet, and Tulip all pink of course!) are going to be donated to Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation. I’ve been using Dusty Pink (a brownish pink) and Tulip (baby doll pink) – both have a satin finish. The powder blends beautifully and gives a natural flush. It is a very natural look, but can be layered for more pop.

Well-Kept

So many times when people ask me about a sudden acne outbreak, it is along their jaw line. And more often than not, it is from a dirty phone. Gross. But such an easy problem to fix. By keeping your phone clean, you can lessen those outbreaks without using a single skin care product. And now, with the establishment of Well-Kept, you can do it so stylishly!

Founder, Neeley Kolsch, is a Florida native with a design and business background. Her career kept her chained to technology, and just noticed gross smugdes and those sneaky blemishes. Wanting a stylish solution, Well-Kept was born. The wipes can be used on cell phones and a variety of personal electronics and lenses. The sleek package has a reliable closure so there is no drying out. The adorable packaging will make you want to pull them out to clean your phone (not to mention easy to find in a giant purse).

Available at staywellkept.com.