emi Remington AirWave Style System

Click Here

This is a nice blow dryer-not too big-not too small. Gets the job done. The AirWave system is interesting. After putting on the attachment, you slide sections of hair into the attachment, turn it on and the air whips and spins your hair into almost faux dreads. Odd but kind of cool. It would be time consuming if you had a bunch of hair. It's best for straight, fine haired gals.

Juice Beauty: SPF 8 Lip Moisturizer

Playful

Great lip balm, excellent color!

Taste- somewhere between apple juice & fruit punch, but in the best possible way!

I'm in love with this!!!

Juice Beauty wins again!

Oral B Advantage Floss Picks

Floss picks can be very harsh- hard plastic & cheap floss.

These are NOT like that!

The Oral B picks are a flexible plastic, so they won't snap in half.

The floss is good quality (Oral B), & doesn't shred all over.

I throw a couple in a plastic bag with my toothbrush when I travel.

Sephora Mini Travel Brush Set

I love Sephora.

I really do.

I have never been unsatisfied with any other purchase.

This one, however, sucked.

The set comes in a metallic-teal travel case, 5 brushes (one face, 4 eyes).

It would have been easier just to throw random brush hairs all over-- my face, the counter, the floor... I found a couple inside a pair of shoes, & not the ones I was wearing.

I have looked on the Sephora site & not found the set, so I am hoping they discontinued.

Has anyone else had any trouble with Sephora brushes???

skyn ICELAND: the Fundamentals Kit

The Fundamentals Kit contains:

Glacial Face Wash 

The Antidote Quenching Daily Lotion

Icelandic Relief Eye Cream

I've been using the system every night for the last 2 weeks.

• The Face Wash is awesome (especially when I use with my Clarisonic brush), cleans & cools without making my skin dry. It smells like soil and the ocean, which sounds weird but is oddly calming.
  
• The Lotion is good, cooling, & doesn't make me break out. It is not super-hydrating if you have serious dry or winter skin, but works well for us oily girls, & I bet it will be my go-to in the summer.
• The Eye Cream is lovely. It is like gelationized heavy cream, smooth & gentle. Does not burn my eyes or cause those oh-so-lovely lower lid bumps. I look more alert, and I think the dark circles have lightened!

The kit would/will be great for traveling as well!

Clarisonic Skin Care System

Okay, so I am very frugal. Thrifty. Cheap, even.

I believe that some things are worth an extra investment (lipstick), but many are fine when you spend less than $10 (sunscreen).

In this recession, can you think of a wiser way?

This said, the $195.00 price tag on the Clarisonic Skin Care System makes my stomach turn.

Knowing all this, believe me when I say it is WORTH it!

My skin has never been softer or happier!!!

And using the Clarisonic requires less cleanser than washing your face the old fashioned way-- you'll save on face wash and eliminate the expense of a separate exfoliator!

It even comes with 3 excellent cleansers:)

Plus, when you buy the PINK Clarisonic, the company will make a donation to the fight against breast cancer.

Save up your pennies for this one.

Boscia Green Tea Blotting Linens

Boscia scores again!

I love blotting sheets- they remove the grease but don't require me to wash my face 30 times a day (I've got VERY oily skin).

These have the added benefit of making my skin refreshed:)

Just pat yourself matte-- how's that for a catch phrase?

Boscia Willow Bark To Go

Bosica products are preservative-free & simply packaged.

This product's key ingredient is the Willow Bark, which is an anti-irritant. It stops your zits from being those angry, massive spectacles. The pen is really cool, it clicks when you turn the bottom, pushing some gel up to the applicator tip. The gel is cooling, feels nice, not sticky, and does not leave a shiny patch on your face.

Quite excellent, really. Worth the money to fight your blemishes!

Lancome RÉNERGIE MICROLIFT R.A.R.E.

Nice.

Did no harm, but I really didn't notice any change in my skin.

That's usually good enough for me, but I'd hate to pay $80.00 for 1.7 oz when I can get something from the drugstore for $10.00 that also does not interrupt the status quo.

Maybe the changes occur during the second week of use, but the sample package (free with Sephora.com order) only lasted a week.

Oh, it did have that Lancome smell. If that's something you are into, go forth & buy. I think it is a dated, old smell--the product version of mothballs.

Trish McEvoy MA Artist Today!

For you NYC lovlies, call Henri Bendel (212.904.7975) & get even more beautiful:

Bobbi Brown - Eye Shadows

Bobbi Brown
Bobbi Brights Eye Palette


This is the most fun I have had with eye shadows in a LONG time. Every day I try new colors and a new combination. There are 35 different eye shadows to try. All are infused with rich, bright, matte color. These colors are all new and exclusive to the palette. It is all neatly arranged in a slick, compact fold-out case with a full size mirror. Bobbi Brown continues to amaze me!

New York Streets Hair Culture Collection

New York Streets
Hair Culture Collection
Liquid Shine

You definitely do not need a lot of this serum to notice the shine. Just a dab will do. Adds a nice, subtle, non-greasy shine to your hair. Also keeps "fly aways" in check and protects from damage. My co-workers noticed the difference the first day I used it. Be careful not to use too much.

Somme Institute Face Regimen

Somme Institute
Twice-Daily Face Regimen


The Somme Institute has been creating and testing what works best for your face for over six years. They created and patented a skin technology they call MDT5 which they use in their products to produce amazing results. They have come up with six amazing products to help improve, rejuvenate, restore and nourish your face. The first step is a nourishing cleanser. This cleanser is gentle, non-foaming, and does not dry out your skin after use. Next, use the non-abrasive Transport pads. They exfoliate without being harsh. The first time I used it, my skin burned a little in certain spots. That feeling did not last long, and did not happen more than a few times. It unclogs pores and re hydrates the skin at the same time. After the Transport pads, you must apply the thick and rich serum. This lovely little bottle contains lots of vitamin C to boost collagen levels, eliminate brown spots and redness, and smooth fine lines. My face felt better after the first three steps, but of course there is more. The A-Bomb is a very lightweight, lemony smelling cream that I looked forward to putting on my face every day. It is fortified with vitamins to target problem areas of your face and neck. After nourishing, cleaning, and re hydrating your skin, it is time for defense. The next step is a Double Defense Day Moisturizer. This face lotion is waterproof and provides protection against the sun (SPF 30+). It can be used alone throughout the day if needed. Finally, there is EYE. EYE is a moisturizing cream designed to reduce dark circles, puffiness, and wrinkles around the eye. I can honestly say that after using these products for a couple of weeks, my skin looks and feels better. The redness and puffiness has been minimalized. I know it seems like a lot to do, but once you start using it, you won't want to stop. I can't believe how clear and fresh my skin looks. My suggestion would be to get the "mobile" kit. Great packaging makes it convenient to take along with you on vacation or to the gym.

EO Bubble Bath

EO
Bubble Bath
Nighty Night
Blue Chamomile & Lavender

Ever have a stressful day and just want to go to sleep, but know that your mind will be reeling? Try a foamy bath in EO's Nighty Nite Bubble Bath. I am not even joking when I say the calming smell will make you ready for bed. Not too long ago, I had a pretty stressful week and just needed to relax and get a good night's sleep. I decided to fill my bathtub with the blue chamomile & lavender smell of EO. The aroma filled my bathroom in the best way possible. After soaking in the bathtub for a bit, I got out and instantly fell into the most wonderful slumber. I have used it a couple if times since then, and every time it seems to have the same calming, relaxing effect on me. The other great part is that my skin felt smooth and soft after using this product. Try it and I promise you'll feel better in an instant.

Garnier Fructis Curl Sculpting Cream Gel

Garnier Fructis Style
Curl Sculpting Cream Gel
Bouncy Curls/Frizz Control

I usually use foams for my curly hair because some gels tend to make my curly hair "crunchy." The Curl Sculpting Cream Gel is definitely creamy and not like a gel at all. Smells like apples the instant you open the cap and the fruity smell makes my hair smell great. Goes on thick and smooth. I have been able to put some in and let my hair air dry without any problems. I have also used this gel when I straightened my hair and loved it. It takes away the frizziness of my normally curly hair. No crunchiness, plenty of curls, and no frizz. This is a great product to invest in.

Naturally Upper Canada Coarse Salt Scrub

Naturally Upper Canada
Coarse Salt Scrub
Cranberry Moro Orange

This scrub has the most WONDERFUL cranberry orange smell! It isn't harsh, but exfoliates well. My feet, knees and elbows felt softer and smoother after just a few uses. Exfoliates, nourishes, moisturizes, and smells great. What more could you want in a shower scrub?

Patyka 100% Organic Shea Butter

All Shea Butter!

Organic to boot.

Very nice, but it took me a few minutes to figure it out.

Little tub of solid Shea Butter, you need to scrape some out, then it melts in your hand & is ever-so softening!

I really like it for my legs!

Patyka Shower Scrub

Lime

Excellent, gentle scrub.

Didn't feel like using it was punishment, but left skin soft & glowy!

Even de-scaled my elbows.

The Lime smell is outstanding.

Real lime, not overpowering.

Heart Health Month! Heart Disease is the #1 Killer of Women!

February is Heart Health Month!!!

Your heart is important--take care of it, for goodness sake!

Being healthy contributes immensely to being beautiful, as well as to feeling beautiful, and it is the smart thing to do.

You know the drill: Eat right, Exercise (Hey, if I can work out, you certainly can!), get regular check-ups (dental, too). Spread the word & the good health! Don't waste all those anti-aging products by not growing old.

To that end, we are spotlighting some products that give back to the cause of Heart Health, and we will start reviewing exercise equipment.

Here are some wonderful products that will make you even lovelier inside & out:

-Perfumania's The Red Collection, a limited-edition fragrance collection. $5.00 from the sale of each The Red Collection will be donated to the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement.

-Bobbi Brown's limited-edition Lip Gloss Trio (in partnership with the Heart Truth campaign and its annual Red Dress Collection Fashion Show) The trio includes three of Bobbi’s favorite shades: Buff Lip Gloss, Pink Sugar Shimmer Lip Gloss, and Slopes Shimmer Lip Gloss (available exclusively in this set). Only 500 of these limited-edition palettes, which feature a specially designed package and the tagline “Listen to Your Heart,” will be available from www.bobbibrown.com for $40 each.

-Clairol Professional's branded Go Red For Women Clairol Professional products, colorists can contribute to the cause- twenty cents of each purchased product are donated to this charitable cause, contributing a total $140,000 donation. Also, pros should check out the “True Color From the Heart” contest this February.

Emmett Cooper Haircare Colour Support Wash (shampoo)

From BrownSquared:

My husband and I do everything together. Luckily, he is blonde, and I am brunette at the moment, so we were able to try both varieties of this product. 

He said: If you can get over the fact that this stuff is purple, it's a really great shampoo. I hate going to the salon, so I was pumped about having my highlights last a little longer. It not only made them stick around a while, but made them more noticeable. I'd use this again. And again. 

She said: The first few days I used the Brunette Shampoo, I had at least four women at work ask me if I colored my hair again. It gave my blonde-dyed-brown hair a color boost, which is awesome, since I'm addicted to constantly coloring my hair. I'd use this regularly to stretch out salon visits.

3 LAB Perfect Mask

Moved From Lotions & Potions:

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2008

3 LAB Perfect Mask

This mask promises to lift, firm, and brighten your skin, and it does just that. I found the process a bit uncomforatble though. You unfold the mask and lay it on your face then pat until centered. Easy enough, but its a bit heavy and unless you can lay still for 10 minutes it slips down quite a bit. I personally have to work these things in to my busy day so I would have prefered using a mask that allows me to go about my tasks. This mask made that dificult. On the upside, my skin did feel great after, and had a nice healthy glow.

Share The LOVE! Win something wonderful!!!

St. Valentine's Day is Saturday.

Flowers & candy? Not so much for us. Dinner reservations will be next to impossible. What would we really love? Something beautiful, of course! Whether a gift from a sig-ot, secret admirer, or yourself, here are a few recommendations for a lil'something-something to enhance your beauty & your rosy outlook:

the Clarisonic skin care system- like an electric toothbrush for your face! So good for your complexion.

Now in Pink!

Goddess Lights Parisian Nights: Face and

Body Shimmer Powder- subtle shimmer for a hint of come-hither!

Valentine's Slant Tweezers by Tweezerman- the best tweezers, cute new pattern! Sidenote: Michelle Obama's makeup artist, Ingrid Grimes-Myles, uses Tweezerman products. Yeah, they are that awesome.

Il Bacio - Borghese calls it "a fragrance that celebrates the joy of love with a fruity, floral, sensual essence."

For Valentine's Day, Borghese has a special gift set in a little red purse!

CONTEST: the first four commenters who tell us what they love will recieve Borghese's Il Bacio (The Kiss) Perfume!!!

Post your comment & send your contact info to brainybeautys@gmail.com.

Much love to Dynelle at Borghese for this opportunity.

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Rockstar

Click Here

The color is a purple-brown. Glides on smooth and stays creamy for a just a bit then dries and totally stays put. I usually get that line on my eyelid mimicking the liner but NEVER when I wear this. This is a great eye pencil. And it's waterproof. So lovely!

Color: Ransom
I agree! Glides on smoothly without a lot of effort. Ransom is a lovely shade of purple. Dark enough not to be too obvious. Love the fact that it is waterproof!