Author: Lindsay

Bumble and bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil

When I say I am enthusiastic about a product, I really mean it. And this time I REALLY mean it. After trying the Bumble and bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil a couple of times, I can report my hair routine is transformed. I don’t ever dry my hair, and lately, it is always in a bun. The ends can get a little frizzy and dry – and, as a result, I don’t wear it down much. The new routine changed all that.

I start with a very little bit of the dry oil in my palms. After rubbing my palms together, I get the majority of the product on my ends. The oil isn’t greasy and doesn’t have an overwhelming scent. I take the remaining bit of product (very little) and work it through the whole length of my hair, especially in the back where frizz tends to occur. The result is smooth, healthy, shiny, air-dried hair. WOW.

The key to this oil is that is it supremely lightweight. The blend of six oils and two extracts can improve texture over time as well. Those who color their hair will applaud the UVA/UVB filters. And if you do dry your hair, it also offers heat protection. This formula detangles hair and helps strengthen hair against breakage. And lastly, it is clear so those of you with platnium or silver hair are safe!

This is truly a holy grail item. I purchased the Bumble and bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil myself at Sephora for $38.

Kate Somerville Daily Deflector Moisturizer Broad Spectrum Anti-Aging Sunscreen SPF 20

I’m sure I’ve preached enough that you already know you need SPF even if you are working in an office all day. But do you need the full out SPF 50+, creamy supercharged? Probably not. I prefer a light-weight, ultra-sheer SPF that layers well with my latest makeup obsession. Some favorites I have mentioned before are the La Mer ‘The SPF 30 UV Protecting Fluid’ and Kiehl’s Super Fluid UV Defense SPF 50+. But I am newly smitten with Kate Somerville’s Daily Deflector.

One reason Kate’s is a standout, it is really hydrates the skin. She uses a cutting-edge new delivery system, keeping the sunscreen on the surface of the skin, maximizing efficacy. The SPF doesn’t leave a whitish cast, but actually makes my skin look more radiant. Light-diffusing ingredients create a healthy glow.

The skin care ingredients dive deeper into the skin, fighting wrinkles and tightening. Matrixyl 3000 reduces the depth and volume of wrinkles. I’ve noticed a lot of improvement on those horizontal lines along my forehead. A naturally derived shitake mushroom-based skin tightener has immediate effects on sagging skin and is formulated to gradually strengthen skin’s connective tissue.

There is no excuse when you have a sun screen like this: anti-aging, hydrating and it smells so darn good.

 

Polish & Co. Nail Polish

Out of North Carolina, Polish & Co. is a new nail polish line with all the sass and beauty of a Southern Belle. Theresa Williamson is the founder and long-time nail industry expert. And her creativity in naming the shades after North Carolina lifestyle is just the beginning.

For fall, she came up with some serious rich and vampy shades that echo what we have already seen on the runways for Fall. I am loving “Eggplant Parmesan”; the perfect deep purpled burgundy, “Jeans 2 Tight” ; a dusky deep blue that mimics the color of a fall night sky or “Too Shy”; a muted nude taupe with the perfect amount of warmth for any neutral nail lover.

Below, I am wearing Code 9 and 5 O’Clock Shadow. Essie Set in Stones is on the tips as a kind of messy French manicure.

Theresa designed the polish for long wear on natural nails and the formula is 3 Free (without Formaldehyde, Toluene or DBP).

Available now for $12 in a selection of finer boutiques, internationally in Nassau, Bahamas and online at www.polishandco.com.

NARS Eyeliner Stylo

I am a huge fan of a budge-proof, tight line right at the lashes. And, in my opinion, a liquid pen is the best way to achieve one. I am currently obsessed with the new NARS version that hit shelves on August 1st. The pen is super-fine for total control. And the waterproof formula has great staying power. The inky colors are richly pigmented for the perfect line, whatever shape or size.

I like taking the pen, parallel to my eyes, and laying down the end along my lash line. I move from inner corner to outer and the result is a thin, even line. It makes lashes look longer and is a neat, natural effect. Your basic facewash isn’t going to do much for this liner. Sometimes (don’t tell) I just wash my face and leave the liner on. It doesn’t even smudge and I am ready for brunch in the AM. When I am feeling more virtuous, the Almay eye makeup remover gets the pigment off in a jiff.

I am loving the classic black, Carpates, but NARS Eyeliner Stylo also comes in three other shades:

  • Nuku Hiva – Brown
  • Atlantic – Navy
  • Koala – Grey

Some of my other favorite liners:

Julep Nail Care and Giveaway

Beauty subscription services have come on strong over the past year. Birchbox has long been a favorite, having introduced me to brands I would never have heard about otherwise. And beauty samples in the mail is definitely a treat. So it was about time for me to try out another popular service: Julep.

Julep is all about nail care. These boxes are a great way to build a high quality polish collection. You can do a style quiz to determine which introductory box you receive. Or you can just select what jumps out. I was drawn to the Classic With A Twist Julep Maven Box, featuring two polishes (Kate and Rose) and The Best Pedi Cream Ever. I’ve been thrilled with the Pedi Cream – it might even live up to its name. The formula contains exfoliating alpha hydroxy acids. It is unusually hydrating with shea butter and coconut oil. I’ve been using it nightly and have noticed it makes quite a difference.

Kate  is a soft white pearl. It requires a steady hand and three coats, but I love the look of white nails. Rose is juicy watermelon red crème that goes on beautifully. The color is opaque with perfect coverage after two coats. Julep Nail Color is “4-free” and does not contain formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, toluene, or DBP. The brush is an exclusive design – flat with micro-frayed brush hairs that makes application a breeze.

When you join Julep Mavens, you receive an introductory box. Then on the 20th of each month, you get an email with the newest offering. You can do nothing if you want the box, or simply log on and opt out between the 20th and 24th to skip the month. Use the code “MAVENINTRO” to get your introductory box for just a penny. The polishes are also currently carried in Sephora.

I am so glad to be able to share an introductory box with one of my readers! The giveaway is open to US and Canadian residents. Enter using the widget below:

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Mark Wet/Dry Eyeshadows

Mark recently reformulated their eyeshadows and I am excited to report: I love them! The real treat is how these guys are packaged. But more on that in a bit. The new shadows are highly pigmented and blend well. They are nimble – you can apply them either wet or dry. I tend to like a sheer look, so I apply the lighter shades over the lid. And then use a wet eyeliner brush with the darker matte shades as a liner.

Now the packaging. These shadows are sold in a metal pan to be placed in one of their Snap To It compacts. They make two Snap To It compacts – one for two shadows and one for four. You can easily switch out what shades you are currently wearing. I love the flexibility of creating your own duo. For instance, I am loving my unusual combination of satin taupe (minx) and navy (nightly) to be used wet for my eyeliner – not something you often packaged together!

You can find them on meetmark.com for $7 each.