A great question came my way recently:

Hi Jen, I’m searching for a natural/organic SPF face day lotion. Is the Alison Raffaele primer moisturizing enough for a daytime use?  I don’t have dry skin; I’m oily T zone, acne prone on cheeks, and can have sun spots pop up if I’m not extra-over-zealous with my SPF in summer.

Also, I’m trying a new natural/organic skin care regimen by Sophyto and they recommended a more natural SPF lotion to go with. So here I am.

Recommend something for me MBB!
Jami aka Bionic Beauty

Gotcha Jami.  You need an SPF day lotion that blocks the suns rays without causing your skin to shine and makeup to slide off.  You would also prefer an organic sunscreen lotion. (more…)

Many of us would like to use Alpha Hydroxy Acids but cannot tolerate using Gylcolic Acid (the most commonly used and considered one of the harsher forms of AHA’s). So what do you do if you want the exfoliating and anti-aging benefits of using an AHA, but have sensitive skin?  I recently discovered a wonderful Gylcolic Acid alternative skincare line called NuCelle.   Not only does it incorporate the use of the a gentler Mandelic acid AHA, NuCelle has created a skincare line that responds beautifully with sensitive, dry, oily or acne prone skin.

The secret ingredient that will reveal your naturally beautiful skin is NuCelle’s almond-based Mandelic Acid. Physicians have long recognized the powers of this anti-bacterial alpha-hydroxy to treat common skin problems such as photo-aging, irregular pigmentation, and acne. (more…)

One of the biggest perks of reviewing beauty products is that you receive many products from wonderful companies (I know… any beauty obsessed girl’s dream!).  Although, I often find myself saying, “Too many skincare products and not enough face to try them all.”  This is especially true when we review skincare because I like to test a line for at least a month before writing up my review.   Luckily I have acquired some trusted, smart beauty review partners!   I am very pleased to introduce you to this particular new beauty reviewer.  She is one of my closest personal friends, my sister Monique.

The Somme Institute promotes “the biggest industry breakthrough” since the introduction of Alpha Hydroxy Acids in the advancement of skin rejuvenation. Somme Institute developed a new technology in skin care called MDT5 (Molecular Dispersion Technology). This formula boasts free radical fighting anti-oxidants, allowing 5 highly engineered essential vitamins (A, B3/B5, C and E) to penetrate the inner skin layers with high concentrations of polypeptides that target specific skin cell receptors.  (more…)

1. Like Mo or DecoDiva, you can express yourself in St. Patty’s Day fashion with beautiful green color on your eyelids!

2.  You can go green by buying eco-friendly skincare or haircare products:

Like trying one (or several) of Herbaria’s green soaps in:  Triple Mint Oatmeal “Just in time for refreshment in warmer weather, we invite you to enjoy the natural menthol tingle and scent packed into this new bar,” Lime Coconut Aloe, or Spearmint Orange!

(more…)

My wonderfully witty friends Tyna and Stef developed a fabulous website named We Heart This.  A site described as, “a daily dose of refuge; a place where you can discuss all the things that make your heart pound.“  Helping us to discover incredible beauty items, music, recipes, fashion and so much more!

This week, they are announcing a fabulous Arcona Skincare Giveaway and on Friday, they are posting an interview with Mythbuster Beauty, where I answer the burning questions that have yet to be quenched!

Such as…

• Have you been a make up addict all your life? Do you remember an early make up buying experience that got you hooked?
• You’re going to a promising cocktail party and are carrying a little clutch purse. You can only carry Three Beauty Items with you.  List them.
• You can pick front row center seats to any concert at any point in time. Whom are you seeing?

One thing for certain is Mythbuster Beauty big hearts Tyna and Stef!!!  Be sure to check out the giveaway and interview.

In honor of Valentine’s Day, here are seven hair and skincare products that I truly adore…  Big hearts, whistles and hugs!

• Morrocan Oil Hydrating Cream ($28.95 – BeautyChoice.com) - Meredith from http://www.dailydosecoffee.com/raved about Moroccan Oil’s Hair Masque, and although I love everything I have sampled from this line, I particularly became fond of their hydrating cream.  I use it as a leave-in conditioner, the argan oil smells a bit like baby oil, does not leave my hair feeling greasy or weighed down, and my hair looks and feels so wonderful while using it!

HYDRATING STYLING CREAM FOR ALL HAIR TYPES FROM THE MOROCCAN SERIES This leave- in styling cream eliminates frizz, adds definition and brilliant shine, while the pure argan oil conditions and hydrates the hair. An effective and versatile product for all hair types. Usage: apply a small amount of styling cream to damp or dry hair and style as usual.

• Jessicurl’s Too Shea! Extra Moisturizing Conditioner ($12.75) is just what my thick, dry and curly hair craves.  This conditioner is infused with Lemongrass, Nettle, Burdock, Kelp, Marshmallow Root, Horsetail, Basil, Bay Leaf, Oregano, Rosemary, Peppermint, Sage, and Thyme; Aloe Vera Juice, Shea Butter, Jojoba Oil, and Avocado Oil.  For finer haired individuals, Jessicurl’s Daily Aloeba Conditioner ($12.75) is a great choice as well.
• Baby Quasar and Baby Blue Photo Light Device - After consistent use this photo-rejuvenation device for six weeks, I noticed that the Baby Quasar significantly helped diminish my skin’s redness and increase my skin’s overall evenness and clarity.   I noticed more firmness and softened lines around my eyes, mouth and forehead.  I also noted that my pigmentation issues have improved and are less noticeable on my cheeks and chin. (more…)

Urban Decay has been nominated in 5 categories of the Golden Compact Awards:

• Brow Box
• 24/7 Concealer Pencil
• Lipstick
• Big Buddha Brush
• Book of Shadows
   

If you love any of the above listed Urban Decay products, they would appreciate your vote!   There are several other awesome nominated products in several different beauty categories.   Let your opinion be known! 
 
click here for more info on the golden compact awards:
http://www.goldencompactawards.com/
 
click here to vote:
http://www.goldencompactawards.com/2008/10/vote.html

Until the rest of 2008, you can receive 10% off your entire order at Jessicurl!

Jessicurl’s Too Shea! Extra Moisturizing Conditioner ($12.75) is just what my thick, dry and curly hair craves.  This conditioner is infused with Lemongrass, Nettle, Burdock, Kelp, Marshmallow Root, Horsetail, Basil, Bay Leaf, Oregano, Rosemary, Peppermint, Sage, and Thyme; Aloe Vera Juice, Shea Butter, Jojoba Oil, and Avocado Oil.  For finer haired individuals, Jessicurl’s Daily Aloeba Conditioner ($12.75) is a great choice as well.

My nine-year-old daughter Sarah recently asked while creating her holiday wish list, “Mom, what’s the name of that stuff that makes my hair feel so silky soft?”

I replied, “Jessicurl’s Too Shea Conditioner.  Why do you ask?”

Sarah grinned shyly, “Because that is what I want for Christmas.” (more…)

After reading a compelling review of Clinique’s Clarifying Makeup Clear Skin Formula from Kate at Megsmakeup.com, it led to my stopping by the Clinique counter.  After discussing the pros and cons of this particular foundation, the Clinique Beauty Advisor said that she thought the newly re-formulated Superfit Makeup would be a better match for my particular skintype (combination and almost 40 yr. old skin).  Clinique changed the formula to enable this foundation to wick away sweat and excess oil and eliminate the midday shine or the late day fadeout.  After the Clinique Advisor applied this to my face and I felt it on my skin, I was sold.

This foundation blends well into the skin and provides buildable medium coverage, but I have noticed two problems while using it.  While Superfit makeup works well on my drier cheek areas, it looks a bit too shiny on my forehead and chin.  This might be due to some added light diffusers or shimmer in the foundation.  The other issue was that the shade I purchased (Petal) appears orange-y on my skin, not a perfect match.  I have also read several reviews of the Superfit Makeup that are saying similar things.  I would expect this foundation to be perfect for individuals with warmer tones and drier skin, and I believe the Clarifying Makeup would have been a better match for me personally.  So many times finding a wonderful foundation that works for your specific skintype is a trial and error experience! (more…)