Glowology

Think of it as a summer school subject, for those who spent their hours in biology dreaming about vacation. Glowology is kind of like a science. The science of looking beautiful, revealing great skin and keeping up with Eco-Friendly status.

The only supplies needed are amazing products and skin that is seeking out nurture! Everyone gets and A+

After sampling a few goodies, it is clear that The Balm is a new staple in my life.

My knees will never quit thanking me. The Balm is enriched with organic Shea Butter and other lovely ingredients such as Lemon and Orange, Sunflower Oil, Salicylic Acid to soften rough areas and Bilberry - a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant that helps ward off pre-mature aging. Applying is over night to feet is the perfect in-between pedicure treatment. I like applying it to my knees after the shower.

Glowology's Heavenly Honey Wash and Sugar Mama Scrub compliment each other as well. 

The wash is formulated to gently clean sensitive skin and the Scrub somehow magically exfoliates sans the feeling of sand paper that seems to be the status-quo these days.

Basically, all you need to do to pass this class is Mama Scrub you legs, shave, Balm up your knees and head to the nearest beach!

Glowology can be found at www.Glowologyskincare.com

Loreal's Showering us with Spring goodies

Common brands that provide great results are few and far between. Loreal stands alone, always raising the bar by providing luxuriously affordable-products that everyone can afford. This spring there is a delightful array of goodies to keep you looking gorgeous.

Studio Secrets Professional Magic Perfection -

The first and most likely to cause an instant grin is this little jar of preparation.

It can be worn alone or under makeup, it's a base that fills lines and minimizes the appearance of pores. Soft light weight powders within the formula provide and instant mattte look.

I've used it both alone and with make up. My forehead was the test, because lately there have been some fine lines appearing that I'm not too please about. It worked wonders and filled in with out caking and lasted all day.

As far as color discrepancies are concerned, Loreal has three moisturizing formulas to keep your face all one hue! One to combat redness, one to illuminate and add warmth to light skin tones, and one that adds glow to mediums skin tone.

Age Perfection Hydra-Nurtition

Remember that forehead I mentioned? I've been slathering this on it.  This cream penetrates deeply to hydrate and moisturize, just a couple things on the list to fight aging. I enjoyed the silkiness of the cream, definitely non-gooey.

Concentrated Lash Boosting Serum and Double Extend Lash Boosting Mascara

Prior to applying mascara, the serum acts as a conditioner to protect lashes. This was my favorite. We underestimate the wear and tear caused by daily application from mascara. But who wants to by-step amazing lashes? I adore the idea of conditioning first, and the mascara went on smoother as well.

Go 360 Clean

OK, so I got a kick out of these! The cleansers feature the first ever Scrublet tool, containing 500 super soft and tiny bristles. It's reusable and there a cute storage spot for it on the cleansing bottle. It's not harsh like those disposable scrub pads and yet does a much better job cleaning out pores with out looking like your cat scratched you. I like popping the Scrublet in and out of its storage place, it's such a neat idea. And it's the perfect product for traveling too!

Colorist Secrets Shine Gloss

Sure you have colored your hair on your own at some point. But have you given yourself a shine enhancement? In ten minutes an amonia-free vibrant flow of tresses can be yours! 
The claim is that it lasts up to four weeks. It's been two weeks and my shine is still pronounced! If you don't try it now, definitely try it mid summer when your hair begins to feel the effects of sun, sand, and dryness.

If you are in the market for affordable beauty enhancing this spring (and I know you are) march down to CVS or Walgreens or Walmart or your local Supermarket or....you get the picture.

Erno Laszlo Firmarine Treatment Bar

What's all the fuss about?

LASZLO BLUE Firmarine Treatment Bar, is what it's about. It is a firming face soap for slightly dry to slightly oily skin.

The oceanesque bar contains Spirulina Maxima and Algae Extract to firm skin by helping cell renewal and improving skin’s texture. Vitamin C and E provide long lasting anti-oxidant protection, while glycerin, Soribtol and Palm Kernel help hydration and retain moisture by binding water to the skin.

I've been using it at night and can feel something happening. Not a tingle and not a tightness. It kind of feels like my skin just got a light work out and a stint in the sauna. The bar has a rather spring scent!

Another plus is that if you have to travel, throw it into a plastic baggy. That's all that is necessary to take it with you and then plop it back into your vanity when you return home.

Nordstrom, Saks, or Erno Laszlo's online shop have this Firmarine Treatment Bar waiting for you.

Beauty on the Go

Since there was a plethora of goodies to try, I decided to take them on vacation with me. It was the only way to do it right! NP and Pixi cosmetics are not just super fabulous and easy to access no matter where you happen to be (available at Target for under $35). They are innovative and the hues fit perfectly into any spring wardrobe. Each item was wonderful but I had to narrow it down.

These are my favorites from each line:

NP - Napoleon Pardis

Eye Primer

Basically if you hit the floor running every morning and need to bu sure your eye shadow stays put all day and night.....this is what you need. I don't usually mind if my eye makeup wears off during the day, because I do different eyes in the evening.

However, on vacation, I wanted to keep it simple but long lasting, and was extremely surprised with the results!

......shhhh don't try this at home: not that I condone falling asleep with makeup on - I'm just saying that it happened to me after a few cocktails. My eye shadow actually looked pretty damn good when I woke up. So ya, that's how great it is. Like I said though chicas, Don't try it at home. I'm 100% obsessed.

On the Double Pen

       Transform into a cat-eyed queen with this  wand of jubilation. The other end contains a coral cream blush. It's been living in my purse ever since! The coral is perfect.

        A great tip from Napoleon is to tilt your chin up to see the contour of your eyelid, and apply your pen as close to the lashe line as possible. For a deeper cat-eye, use an eyeliner pencil to mark with small dots where you want the liquid eyeliner to start and end. Close one eye and connect the dots. Finish by lining eyes with a pencil and add a few coats of mascara.

Glamorista Mascara - A thin brush that's on point with extending lashes. Self explanatory. Pretty Awesome. 'nuff said.

Romance Set - On the go. An array of colors for eyes, lips, and cheeks. I like the way it fits perfectly into my purse pocket and the texture of the outside of the set. Sweet packaging and even sweeter hues for application. The deep lavender shadows are complimentary to everything.

Pixie 

Flawless Primer - So I didn't know a product like this was available at an affordable price. I'm ashamed to admit I pay a redic amount of dough for my primer. Pixie's primer absorbed quickly and set the tone for the rest of my transformation from me to moi. It was not oily and filled my fine lines exactly as I expected. I'm still hooked on the fact that it's only a fraction of a fraction of what I paid for my last primer and works just as well!

Lux bronze palette - The bronzer gave me a nice glow. It offers a few shades so that sometimes you can use it as a blush and other times a bronzer. I like to use all the shades together and get well rested glow.

Just for fun I took this pic the other day while shopping. In case you're curious what the aisle that you should be shopping in looks like........

Elemis Travel Duo

That's right, we are talking Elemis once again. In honor of Earth Day today, Elemis introduced a limited edition Exotic Lime & Ginger Travel Duo set to benefit CARE's Climate Change Innovation Fund.

Elemis will donate $10 per sale (100% net proceeds!) to CARE's Fund.

Since Elemis is an Earth Conscious skin care brand to begin with, it was only natural for them to get on board.

The Exotic Lime  & Ginger Duo contains essential oils of Citrus and Ginger and is free of silicones, parabens and mineral oils. If you are an avid traveler then the size of these beauties will make your heart  flutter. They fit perfectly into that annoying Quart bag and most importantly they nourish the skin and smell amazing! 

The hand and body wash contains extracts of Thyme, Nettle and Chamomile in a deep cleansing Soya, Wheat and Milk Protein base. The lather was pleasing if I do say so myself. The Hand and Body lotion contains purifying peptide from Moringa Seeds, detoxifying Camphor Bush and skin-smoothing Paracress in a lipid rich Sesame Seed and Shea Butter base. This Dynamic Duo costs $20 and will be available for the rest of April 2010 exclusively at Elemis' online shop www.timetospa.com

Scents such as ginger and lime are definitely the kind that transform your shower into a mini spa visit makes for a delightful morning wake up call. At least that's how it made me feel.
In addition to the smell, the lotion is not greasy. I always feel the need to address the grease factor since so many lotions these days are better off being used to fix a squeaky door. Elemis' lotion quickly absorbed into my legs and arms and provided hours of softness and my hands were residue free  : )

Happy Birthday and other upcoming news

Due to the arrival of my inevitable  30th Birthday AnD  lovely trip to Cali, I've been under the radar, or under the web? Anyhoo just because I haven't been writing, does not mean I haven't been testing!

Lots of fun reviews coming up including:

Self Tanners, Exfoliators, Cosmetics for less and more. Please forgive me while i was doing this.....

 

   Being 30 on the West Coast

Tan Accelerator

Elemis - The name still rolls off my tongue so smoothly. Luxury level skin care at its best my friends! 

Even better, the British brand's new Tan Accelerator rolled into my suitcase on a recent trip and I'm spreading the word. It should pretty much become a staple in your beach bag this summer.

Tan Accelerator is a pre-tanning lotion with Glucose Tyrosinate (no that's not a dinosaur),  it's an amino acid precursor of melanin. You already know that melanin protects the skin, well the GT helps stimulate your skin by boosting skin's natural melanin production. 

Fair skin has nothing on this tube....Tan Accelerator increases the tanning power of pale skin - And for the olive to darker girls and guys, it still contains a low SPF so that there is some protection for those that tan easily like moi. It's active ingredients are the Glucose Tyrosinate, Macadamia Nut Oil, and Shea Butter. Anything with Shea Butter is truly amazing, isn't it?

The claim is that applying two weeks before sun exposure can help alleviate any first day redness that comes with many vacations. I waited until vacation and used it for 4 days on alternate legs and arms to see the difference. Aside from looking a little discolored the first couple days until each limb caught up, the results were quite pleasing in the end. Maybe I should come up with a new tactic for product reviews, I had to explain myself a couple of times. Ha! But that just goes to show how well it works.

My tan was definitely deeper. Also my legs are usually first to fade in color, but since my return, my stomach has actually faded first (and I did not use it on my stomach).

This sealed the deal for me!

It also doubled as moisturizer one evening when  my  body lotion went M.I.A.  I'm super psyched for a deeper tan this year and that it's really affordable, only 25 dollaroos.

Elemis's Tan Accelerator is available at Nordstom and Bergdorfs and online at www.timetospa.com

Goody Goody Gum Drops

Kookaburra sits in the old gum tree Eating all the gum drops he can see Stop, Kookaburra! 
Stop, Kookaburra!Leave some so my nails can look pretty!!!

That's right, Kookaburra is all up in my veins girls! I just get so giddy in the spring.

Looks like Orly is giddy too. Next month Orly will be releasing their sugarlicious spring colors straight from the Pantone color report, or maybe inspired by a candy shop. What ever it is, these hues are just in time for sandal season and Easter (my favorite holiday).

ORLY Nail Lacquers are free of DBP and all traces of harmful Toluene, Formaldehyde and Formaldehyde Resin to boot. Personally, I feel that they dry quicker then most polishes.

The love collection and the sweet collection will be available in April for $7.50 at www.orlybeauty.com.   

Some of Orly's hues: Turquoise  AmparoBlue   Violet   Aurora   Fusion Coral  Tomato Purée Pink Champagne 

 

My nails are dressed in Violet right now and will be showcasing it through Easter. I'm really digging Gumdrop as well. Orly polishes are equipped with an award winning grip cap. At first I didn't think much of it, but it really helps keep your hand still while polishing. I'm still not so great at applying.

Soooooo, I'm cheating this week, and will bring my Violet into the nail salon for my mani/pedi! Orly is also available at drug stores nationwide which means there is no excuse for still sporting dark wintry polish. Get hoppin so your nails can be ready for that Easter Egg Hunt so quickly approaching.  For more info visit www.orlybeauty.com

Keeping skin clean on a budget

 

Ok, so we all know the flava fav Clarisonic is one of my most cherished possessions.

It cleans skin so deeply to prepare it for night time routines or morning makeup. Even though the Clarisonic Mini is a bit less expensive, many have asked if there is comparable drug store find. 

Neutrogena's Wave is the answer. I use it at the gym since its would not be the end of the world if I lost it. 
Less then 20 bucks girls!!! Click here for more deets. It's available everywhere from CVS to Target and does a decent job (although it won't replace my Clarisonic any day!).  I recommend it for the budget bound babe.

Elemis Rose & Lavender Recovery Regime

A true leader in skin care, Elemis kicked it up a notch and launched the Rose & Lavender Recovery Regime last month.

Although the time has passed to snatch up the limited edition set, it's never too late to get devulge your senses and pamper your skin!

Elemis's detoxifying regimen is about an anti-oxidant treatment, a renewing exfoliator and decadent moisturizers. It is about recovering skin to your youthful origin and protecting it from future elements.

I rather enjoyed enhancing my skins vitality this week. What, with the sensual Rose Exfoliator and Pro-Collagen Marine Cream, I had those pesky fine lines put right in their place! Elemis Cellular Recovery Skin Bliss Capsules were my favorite, though. They can be used as a spot treatment or all over. For me it's all about the forehead.

The exfoliator wasn't too harsh and using the entire line has brought to light some wonderful results sans any irritation. 

GGZF's bottom line is.....results....and "is there a side effect?". The only side effect here was supple skin texture.

So girlfriends, get your Valentines Day booty down to Nordstrom to try it out.

There is still about two weeks to get that skin back into shape!

Stila stay all day liquid eyeliner

It's been a while since a Flava Fav came into play around here. In fact this could be the first one of 2010! Mmhmm that's right. Stila's stay all day liquid eyeliner is where it's at. 

The hype is how it stays on aLl DaY and won't sMuDge. The tip allows  precise application void of any mistakes.

Precision is the word that came to mind as I applied it! 

Sure I adore a smudge free all night lasting liner. But the what drew me in is Stila stay all day guided my shaky hand to create some very dramatic eyes - without drawing a line in the wrong place (which I often do and usually have to re-do my eyes before leaving the house).

Apparently it's already causing a stir, completely sold out on the Stila site. 

Sephora has plenty though, so get your but down there precisely right about now to get yours.

Erno Laszlo Total Skin Revitalizer For Eyes

Punxatony let us down again and dryness is at it's peak. Our Midwestern ground hog is not the only one concerned with shadows. 

What I'm asking is, are you forgetting to take care of your eyes completely? My sources lead me to believe that many GGZF readers neglect to hydrate their eyes as often as they forget their decollete.  Or, many gals are more concerned about the under eye circles that shadow over and sabotage their sexy gaze. So instead they reach for their concealer.

My obsession with eye creams and concealers remains status quo. I don't want dark circles and I sure as hell don't want scaly skin creeping under my lashes either! 

Guess what girls, concealer goes on way more smooth if your skin is hydrated.

Erno Laszlo has once again come out on top with a special concoction, Erno Laszlo Total Skin Revitalizer For Eyes. It keeps the delicate eye area hydrated by absorbing all the moisture you need and delivering it to the deepest cell layers while creating a delightful base layer for concealer application.

I've been using it daily and am quite pleased.

A+ on texture and A+ on results. 

For the deets, Visit the nearest Nordstrom or Erno Laszlo

Xen-Tan® Perfect Bronze

It's about that time. We are all pasty pale in the heart of winter. Perhaps I don't speak for everyone but this is the time when I'm tempted to fake and bake. While I can't promise you I won't, I can promise that XEN-TAN has an amazing face bronzer for a perfect compact tan in a zip.

 

It's not really a blush, the color blends in well and I really liked that it camouflaged my pale neck as well!

(lately I've noticed in some pictures that my face is tannish and my neck is horrifyingly in its natural state of winter.)

Actually I got carried away when I wore a halter the other night and spread it all the way down my arms. It's something my cosmetic case has digested and is not ready to let go anytime soon!

Xen-Tan® Perfect Bronze is transparent and creates a natural Finnish over makeup or alone. Visit www.xen-tan.com for more details and purchases.

Beauty Through Balance

Our neighbors up north often take the back seat when it comes to recognition for beauty products. However Ancient Secrets, a Canadian company founded in 1995 by Sherina Jamal, is dedicated to bringing forth powerful indigenous ingredients from different parts of the world and combining them with a scientific approach to create high quality result oriented skin care. 

The on going mission includes developing and providing superior skincare and education that will support healthy living and longevity.

Their Beauty Through Balance can be found in exclusive spas across the nation AND can now make their way into your at home spa aka your bathroom. 
Each time I try products, I have a preconceived notion on what the texture will be and I was off on all three of the ones I tried. Even though I was off, they were ON the mark! 

Green Tea Seaweed Salt Glow

What I thought it was going to be like: Visions of a gooey scrub naturally entered my thoughts. Even the best scrubs have a goo factor that conflicts with the tub.

What it was: To my delightful surprise, the salt glow was not gooey. In fact it was more like a powder. What happens, is... you combine it with a little bit of water on your wet skin to form your own paste! Part of the signature line (with a seaweed base) It is created with salt crystals, natural oils, green tea and fresh Pacific Seaweed. I used on my elbows and knees to slew off that wintry dryness.

Why I loved it: My elbows and knees were definitely softer. I liked that I was able to form it into my own paste so that no residue was left on the tub for me to slip on.

Seaweed Body Butter

What I thought it was going to be like: Again I thought it was going to be gooey. I love butters but then I have the urge to wash my hands six times after I use them

What it was: Not so. Also part of the signature series,It had the power of a thick butter but instead the lighter version that still included Cocoa and Shea Butter, was combined with seaweed and green tea sans the grease!

Why I loved it: I applied it to my freshly glowing elbows and knees. It was absorbed quickly and my hands didn't feel greasy after. That's a super plus to me. And the super softness of my rough spots lead me to think this could be a new staple in my routine...Yay!!!

Acai Body Emulsion

What I thought it was going to be like: I actually thought this was going to be kind of like a gel.

What it was: Part of the new Acai Series, this Emulsion is for targeting sun damaged areas. My target was my chest and neck.

It's a light fluffy lotion with anti-aging benefits from Acai extract, vitamin C, Olivate from pure olive oil and rainforest Capuacu butter.

Why I loved it: My chest felt silky after application and it was not like a gel at all. It was more like a whipped lotion of pure bliss.

I'm really impressed by this line because it's not only essential that products work, but when the clean up is minimal or non existant.....all the better!
For more information and to purchase, Visit Beauty Through Balance.

Spread the love

Bio-Ionic has changed our hair. Let's face it, we love them. I mean, if drying your hair without major damage isn't your thing then I guess your in the wrong place. 

The temptation of over frying your hair to Perfect the "come hither" style for V-Day has hopefully deflated. Nothing says "come hither" like scrappy strands and the scent of burnt tresses.

Over frying is unnecessary since Bio-Ionic is on the cutting edge of teChnolOgy. Always looking out for us, Bio-Ionic provides the most tools that cause the least amount of damage.

And....available for a limited time, it the ruby red “I ♥ Bio Ionic” NanoIonic™ FreeStyle™ Iron: it straightens, curls, creates sexy waves and.......fights enemies? Well sort of.

Bio-Ionic is offering this  limited edition iron that is seductive and fashionably coordinated with a matching pouch and brush.

 A portion of the proceeds will be going to "Until There's A Cure Foundation", a non-profit organization dedicated to raising funds and awareness to fight HIV/AIDS.

Justin in time for Valentines Day too! Get your sexy hair while feeling sexy. Who doesn't feel like a vixen when holding something as sensual as this? I liked how it did the job a bit faster then with other irons. The pouch was a plus as well, no worries about burning anything when laying the iron down. 

The Limited Edition Red “I ♥ Bio Ionic” NanoIonic™ FreeStyle™ Iron, Brush & Pouch is available at finer salons for a limited time. Trust me, you'll have your hair did before cupid can even get to his arrow. Visit Bioionic.com for more details.

Don't mouth off, Blast off your mouth!

New Year. New Dreams. New Products!!!

Kiss My Face, the much-loved brand of natural bath and body products has blasted a new item in their roster. Breath Blast Mouthrinse is a refreshingly tasty, healthy alternative to traditional mouthrinses-- a 100% natural, alcohol-free formula in four mouthwatering flavors -- Spearmint, Vanilla Mint, Spearmint with Fluoride and Orange Mint.

 

It's available in a full size bottle and a 2oz. travel size for those impromptu smooches. 

I loved the freshness that came sans the dry alcohol taste with traditional rinses. Even though other rinses like Listerwhohaha freshen breath, I always feel like a bad case of cotton mouth invades me. But Breath Blast seemed like something I could swish with anytime and still have a natural moistness.

You can get Breath Blast Mouthrinse anywhere natural goods are sold, and at Whole Foods.

Mascara Monday: Lancome HYPNÔSE WATERPROOF Custom Volume Mascara

This is what you need to be wearing tonight if you plan on watching It's a Wonderful Life (A Christmas MuSt SeE!).

It's Lancome's Hypnose Waterproof mascara that won't smudge as you cry each time an angel gets its wings.

Mascara Monday: Loreal Telescopic Explosion Mascara

No, Loreal is not leading a conspiracy in weapons of mass destruction. It's more like weapons of mass seduction that their after.

First of all they couldn't have picked a more beautiful woman to model for their ad. I heart Penelope Cruz.

Anyhoo, the Loreal's Telescopic Explosion Mascara is pretty fierce and def explodes your lashes into seductress ranks. What I like most is the small shape that gets those inner lashes with out poking your eye.

 
A great drug store find!!! Woot! The drug store are really carrying some great products these days!

Plump Lips and a Stuffed Turkey

Christmas mistletoe is most responsible for  smooches of the season. I say - why not get started on Thursday? You'll be kissing friends and family all day on Thanks Giving. It will be a great day to show off Erno LaszLo's TRANSpHUSE LIP pHIXATVIE. By the way, this would make a great stocking stuffer too!

This gem softens fine lines with dermaxyl peptide complex and plumps up the volume with marine filling spheres. It also contains optical diffusers to create a smooth look.

You know me and packaging...I love the tube and more importantly I love the smooth roller ball, and how not too much comes out on the roller at once.
Between this and pHORMULA 3-9, I'll be queen of the mistletoe next month!


Visit www.ernolaszlo.com for purchasing or your nearest and dearest Nordstom.

Mascara Monday: Shu Uemura

It's only natural that the company with the most coveted eye lash curler also makes a simply elegant yet flirtatious mascara.

Shu Uemura's Mascara Basic is pretty basic. It does not add three inches to your eyes or claim to thicken them up. What it does, though, is take your natural beauty and curl it up, add just the right coat for a flirtatious day look.

I rarely wear it in the evening because that is when I want the length and thickness. The way it takes the curl to the next level after using their eye lash curler is something else!!!! It's a good idea to keep one in your office desk.

Most department stores carry Shu Uemura and you can always purchase it online here. If you are ever strolling by 130 Newbury Street in Boston, stop into the Shu Uemura and experience the beauty first hand.