Tag: shine

Sally Hansen Triple Shine

I’ve been hooked on gel manicures for the last couple months and have come to really appreciate the shiny finish, not to mention the awesome staying power. But I wanted to give my nails a little break from the damaging gels so I’ve been back to regular polish the last couple of weeks. But I haven’t been missing the shine!

The new Triple Shine from Sally Hansen keeps a shiny finish for a solid couple of days. That’s huge for me when a regular manicure usually chips on me after a day or two. Thanks to the Ultimate Shield Complex, exclusive to Sally Hansen, polish stays on no matter how tough you are on nails. Especially handy since we are on our way to pool and pedicure weather! And the natural crushed pearl keeps color bold and glossy.

There are 29 awesome shades. I’ve been playing with the cheerful Kelp Out, Red Snapper, Vanity Flare, Dive In and Reef-Raf (from top to bottom in the above image). I think my favorite is Red Snapper as a classic and sophisticated red. But I can’t wait to use the more playful Kelp Out and Dive In during pool weather!

Find all 29 shades here and share in the fun on Sally Hansen’s Facebook and Twitter using hashtags #TripleShine, #Shineon and #TurnUpTheShine.

Sally Hansen sent me this product to try out but, as always, opinions are my own

Highlights from Youngblood Cosmetics Spring 2013

I applaud Youngblood for their truly distinctive and fresh Spring collection. From a daring eyeliner to a real God-send for those with oily skin, each addition fills a product need elegantly. I’ve been trying out three products: gel eyeliner, new lipstick and anti-mattifier. Here’s the roundup.

I can’t stop hearing about blue for the spring and I was hesitant at first. Well, I’ve come around to embrace this trend whole-heartedly – whether you go for subtle navy mascara or bold turquiose eyeliner, this look is ultimately wearable. The New Incredible Wear Gel Liner in Lagoon is for a look with more impact. I am a huge fan of gel liners as they are easy to apply and last ages. This one is no different and with safe natural ingredients, limiting irritation. The finish has a golden sheen and the iron oxide makes for a deep, rich pigment.

The new lipstick in Debalicious is a petal/bubblegum pink shade – could you get more Spring? I think not. The formula is packed with natural oils and Candelilla wax to soften and hydrate lips. While the finish is on the matte side, the formula glides on creamy. The shade will really pop on those with deeper skin tones, but is totally wearable on my light-medium complexion as well.

Attention those with shine issues: Anti-shine Mattifier is a unique and effective solution for oil control. The formula absorbs surface oil while Nigella and Pumpkin Seed oils purify and balance the skin. So your skin will be oil free throughout the day. I don’t mind the included sponge for application, but I think it is best applied with fingers to spots prone to oiliness.

All these goodies are now available on www.ybskin.com.

AN EDITORIAL SAMPLE WAS PROVIDED BY THE COMPANY AND EVALUATED TO DETERMINE OUR OPINION OF THE PRODUCT IN THIS POST. PLEASE SEE THE DISCLOSURES PAGE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING OUR POLICIES FOR USING EDITORIAL SAMPLES.

Brand Spotlight: Oscar Blandi

You’d think I’d won the lottery. I was positively giddy when I scored a travel size of Oscar Blandi Pronto Invisible Voluminizing Dry Shampoo back in September. I was already devoted to their Jasmine Oil Hair Serum. But people just raved about their dry shampoos. Alas, it did not disappoint I love the feather-light weight and instant volume is provided. It contains Vitamin E and wheat proteins to strengthen and protect the hair shaft. Plus, it did not show up one single bit on my dark brown hair.

I’m sure it doesn’t shock you that I had to dive deeper into the world of Oscar Blandi. The Naples native with family roots in haircare came to the United States 20 years ago to share old Italian methods. With a New York salon buzzing, he launched products in 2005. Today, stars like Jennifer Garner, Jessica Alba, Jessica Biel, Faith Hill and Kelly Ripa credit their hair to Oscar. After trying out some of his more notable products, I almost feel like the Italian has done my hair. My favorites:

Jasmine Oil Hair Serum: I ordered this eons ago from Birchbox just based on a fabulous scent. I couldn’t get enough of the Jasmine, Ylang Ylang and Eucalyptus. But I was also happy to find it provided a whallop of shine. I use just a very small bit mostly on ends to hydrate and tame fly-aways. It also makes for a great heat-protectant.

Oscar Blandi Pronto Invisible Voluminizing Dry Shampoo: As mentioned above, it adds instant volume, revives day old hair and is clear! No white residue on my dark hair. Side note: did you know Oscar Blandi makes three dry shampoos!? For more of a heavy duty oil absorption, try Oscar Blandi Pronto Dry Shampoo Powder on your strands while you sleep for an overnight refresh. It also helps combat dandruff. If you want a slightly more amped version of the Invisible, try Pronto Dry Shampoo Spray (this might be ideal for those with a slightly oilier scalp).

At Home Salon Glaze: To wrap up every hair color service at the salon, clients are treated to a shine enhancing, color-preserving glaze. Oscar wanted to share it with us who couldn’t make it to the salon and wanted the treatment at home. Thanks to my new found blowout skills, my hair has been a little dull and dry. So I couldn’t tear this open quick enough. The three minute treatment socks hair with moisture and nutrients. Natural plant emoillients help maintain vibrancy while Olive Oil & Macadamia Oil provide instant shine. Soy & Wheat proteins with Panthenol & Vitamin E add nutrition and healthy appearance. You can do the glaze weekly or add a bit to your conditioner for a daily shine boost.

Pronto Texture & Volume Spray: My hair prefers to be straight with zero volume. I got to the point where I didn’t fight it because nothing seemed to work. Well now… hold the phone. This Texture and Volume Spray added that much desired “undone” look to my straight blowout. For the first time, my hair actually held a decent curl. The natural mineral, zeolite, is the key to this volume and hold. Plus, a dose of keratin strengthens hair. The formula is very similar to a hair spray – dry and light-weight. It also comes in handy for extra hold in updos.

I’ll be keeping my eye out for the newest from Oscar Blandi: Dry Teasing Dust and Dry Sculpting Pomade. What can I say? I’m hooked! Shop my favorites here:

Willa Natural Skincare

Willa Natural Skincare is designed specifically for pre-teen and teenaged skin, but don’t think about stop reading if you don’t fall into those categories. Because, Willa makes some products that I find compelling and fabulous for my more mature and drier skin. And I am not alone – beauty editors from Lucky, Refinery 29 and Daily Candy agree.

Willa, a pre-teen herself, and her mother have been working for over three years to develop the line. Willa perceptively asked why she has to use her little sister’s “babyish” soap one evening. After an unsuccessful search for an age-appropriate alternative, Willa Natural Skincare was born. Willa’s mother, Christy Prunier, knew developing an early routine to prevent acne and sun damage was crucial.

The packaging is adorable – feminine and fun without being juvenile. I applaud the various SPF products. The color collection is so age appropriate but that doesn’t mean I don’t want to wear it all myself! Perfect subtle color for hot summer days. Some of my personal favorites from the line (all under $11):

be brillant natural body lotion contains aloe and chamomile, healing my skin without being tacky or sticky. It absorbs super fast and has a clean, refreshing scent.
start fresh foaming face wash has that voluminous, airy foam that makes my skin feel so very clean. But it is gentle, preventing the tight and dry feel. It contains anti-oxidant green tea leaf extract and hydrating Glycerin.
smile shine lip gloss is super moisturizing, packed with vitamins C & E, giving lips a sheer ultra-shine. I love the clever clip… no more searching a huge handbag when in desperate need of lip hydration.

The whole line has a conscious formula: Paraben and sulfate free, DEA and phthalate free and Not tested on animals. Made in the USA. Willa Natural Skincare is available at Target.