Russian Navy

Nail trend colors for Fall 2010 are here, why don’t you try Navy?

Although many, many things in my life seem to fall through the cracks, I really try to keep my feet and toes looking somewhat decent with a pedicure every two weeks.  One of my girlfriends has been wearing a very dark, somewhat purplish, navy blue shade called “Russian Navy” from Opi all summer. When I came upon it at the salon last week, I decided that it was my turn to go navy!

While my toes were being lacquered up, a very sweet, 70-ish year old lady was having her toes done too, and chose a very conservative peach, pinky color, and glanced at my feet and enthusiastically said, “Oh, I like that color! But, I always go for the same shade because you cannot take those risks at my age!”

“Oh you should, you really should!” I replied.

You know, going bold with your nail color is an excellent way to get a little expressive in a very temporary way.

Here’s a challenge, have some fun and take your nails sometime soon to the navy (navy blue), or possibly to turquoise, lime green, sky blue, or whatever… the possibilities are a whole lot of fun!

I love using a pre-foundation primer, but for some reason the silicone in many of them congest my skin. The very smart cosmetic company tarte recently released a silicone-free primer ReCreate, which contains skin nurturing Jojoba and Sunflower Oil as well as Vitamin E. This primer is a great way to prep your skin and add some additional moisture without the worry of breakouts.

Want to win one?

It’s been a while since I’ve written real content here on Mythbuster Beauty, and there has been a really DARN good reason why.

In short, my life took a detour. Nobody died, just things got rearranged – a divorce, starting back at full-time work, and a move. And, I am still here and still passionate about the beauty industry. Along with these changes, my anxiety and stress levels have soared, and my skin has definitely taken a hit. I started breaking out more and more, and the anxiety triggered some of my prior, picking habits. I have been getting super discouraged about it, having not just one or two, but continual breakouts around my jaw and chin and cheeks. This type of breakout is generally termed “hormonal” or “adult acne,” and although I have read a TON about the treatments of acne, wasn’t finding relief. Read the rest of this entry »

Wende Zomnir, co- founder of Urban Decay, allows her 7-year-old son Crash to apply false eye lashes to her lids to demonstrate a point.

If Crash can do it, so can you. Oh really? I am always nervous about wearing false eyelashes, mainly because my timid self is afraid of them looking “false.” I also imagine a co-worker being polite, but doesn’t want to point out that one of my eyelashes is flapping half way off every time I blink while having a conversation with them.

Urban Decay offers several varieties of false lashes that look very chic (tease seems way cool – it might be worth the risk!) Any of you use false eyelashes? And if you do, any tricks or tips you could share?

We often hear the benefits of using Vitamin C and E in skin care, but do we honestly know why?

One of my favorite skin care sites, SkinCareRx.com recently added some very well researched content articles on several ingredients and skin care conditions. Here is a little excerpt from their Vitamin C page:

“Vitamin C is an antioxidant which protects skin from the sun and neutralizes free radicals. It effectively promotes collagen production and tones and tightens the skin to help repair the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It has also been proven to reduce skin discoloration due to sun damage, aging, and acne scarring. Vitamin C is very unstable and can easily oxidize, making the compound ineffective, so it’s important to pay attention to expiration dates on products.”

Vitamin E is another highly praised antioxidant ingredient, and when used topically can hydrate and heal the skin, as well as reduce the scars left by acne.

In honor of Vitamin C & E, Mythbuster Beauty is giving away two SkinMedica Vitamin C & E Complex (Retail Value of $90). I have enjoyed using this complex because it leaves my skin feeling smooth and protected. The Vitamin C is suspended in silicone to prevent the dreaded oxidation (read quote above), and enjoy the extra hydration of the Vitamin E, as well as the added Bisabolol which is an anti-inflammatory.

And with this contest, there is a question. On the SkinCareRx.com Vitamin C page, which form of Vitamin C is found in SkinMedica’s C & E Complex?

As much as I hate to admit it, I often choose to pick up dinner on my way home from work for the family. I know this is not the most economically or nutritionally sound choice, however, I have found a couple of local take out joints that offer yummy vegetarian dishes that don’t cost too much. (and if you have any great, easy veggie recipes to share – please send them along)!

Just like great take out, I often crave the trip to the spa for a super relaxing facial or skin care treatment, but cringe at the thought of the price tag associated with this luxury. I just discovered the best at-home microdermabrasion device, and after trying it out, was really wow-ed! I used the blue disks which are the finest gradient, and lightly went over my face and the back of my hands. The results? Super smooth, polished skin.

A very easy-does-it approach and watching the instructional DVD is highly recommended. The Personal Microderm is a serious skin care tool, and if you are a fan of microdermabrasion, this device can give you comparable results without the repeat spa visit pricetag – a must try!

Mythbuster Beauty is giving away one Personal Microderm System (retail value of $179). Be sure to enter and get some fantastic “take out” skin care for yourself!

Do you know what yesterday was? If you said “Thursday” then you get partial credit and a warning that nobody likes a smart aleck What “it”was in my neck of the woods was the counter launch for MAC’s To The Beach collection.

I went in about a week ago asking about the collection, since Karla at TNBTTGSY swatched them and made me want them SO BAD. Seriously, she swatches like nobody’s business. Anyhow, I was just dying for some of the collection and I hopped in to see if it was out yet. It wasn’t on the counter but my gal Jessica let me sift through the spanking new testers and pre-order what I wanted. You can bet your buns I went straight down after work yesterday to pick up my new babies. Good thing too, 3 of the 5 items I picked were already gone and the store had only been open for 3 hours! This is a really fun , not too bright(imho) collection and I will get tons of use out of my purchases.

For a full selection of swatches visit Karlas posts here and here. And click through at the end for my pictures as well

I nabbed Sweet & Punchy and Humid($14.50), two gorgeous shadows and Float on By($14.50), which is a beautiful dark green/turquoise eye pencil. Since no purchase is complete without lip color I also grabbed Lipglass in Splashing($14), a pretty pink, and a lipstick in Funbathing($14), a bronzed plum color. Funbathing is almost exactly a more sheer version of my favorite lipstick ever, MAC’s O. It’s a perfect way to wear my favorite color through summer and I’m so tickled that I just might have to go buy another one before it sells out. I highly suggest you run to your nearest MAC counter ASAP and give this collection a whirl, I love it. And hurry, some of these products are already sold out online! Read the rest of this entry »

Or, Ingredients Matter.

I had my first serious reaction to eye makeup about a week ago. The thing is, it was ultimately my fault.
I have in my possession some mineral shadows that contain dyes. While these aren’t strictly “mineral” shadows, the range of color offered from these dyes gives me some of the variety I crave. I am aware that many D&C dyes and other synthetic colors can be a problem, particularly in the eye area, but I decided to use the product anyway.
This isn’t a new concept for me. Writing here and researching certain common ingredients has led to an increased awareness on my part about the possible hazards of cosmetics. Knowing this I make my choices accordingly. I know the hubbub about parabens, and I understand it, but I will still purchase products with parabens. However, I have issues with ingredients like bismuth and dimethicone, and try to avoid them as much as possible. I have a responsibility to myself and the other women in my life to weigh risks and benefits and decide what is most important. These are personal decisions, and I won’t ever fault anyone for purchasing strictly organic products OR for not giving a damn and purchasing whatever they feel like. If you have the information you need then, well, you’re a grown up and you are entitled to do whatever you please. Read the rest of this entry »

Has anybody here NOT heard of Beautyfix yet? This is a really awesome service that sends out a bag of beauty goodies each season right to your door. Yep, 4 times a year you get a treasure trove of deluxe sample and/or full size products shipped straight to you. You can pick your products or just be surprised with their recommendations, it’s up to you. Normally all these treats are $49.99 a box, but if you use the code BFIX1 you can nab it for only $19.99, including shipping. This is a super fun and totally inexpensive way to try new products and pamper yourself. And with the promo code it’s almost too good to pass up!
(via Raging Rouge)

Who took advantage of the Urban Decay Friends and Family deal this time around? *raises hand* Ooh, ooh, I did! There were some new spring goodies available and of course I added a couple of them to my basket as well.

The two things I just had to add were the new makeup setting sprays by Skindinavia. There are 3 formulas available, but I just grabbed two to try out, the De Slick spray and the All Nighter formula. With my active job and the stuffy air in our work space, makeup has a tendency to slide right off of my oily/combination skin. I’m always on the lookout for anything to help keep my face in place, especially if it means I don’t have to touch up my makeup every hour or two and pile on powder. Read the rest of this entry »