Lubriderm Brings Back the Gator!

Remember the Alligator featured in so many Lubriderm ads? I loved him, and it turns out the company is bringing him back very soon! I was able to get a little sneak peek. Is it just me, or does the Alligator have a little attitude?



Lubriderm

Length and Volume in 1 Step: CoverGirl Lash Blast Fusion Mascara

I've been doing mascara reviews with my before, after and after a day of wear photos. You've seen my admittedly average lashes look long, volumized and curled. Sometimes things smudge like crazy or refuse to come off even with a great makeup remover.

You likely know that I want it all- easy to apply mascara that gives me that amazing look, maintains the curl all day long, won't smudge or flake off and is easy to remove. The mascaras that can do this go into my "Holy Grail" category. If you take a peek there you'll see that very few have met all of these criteria. In fact, it's been 2 years since I've tagged a mascara as Holy Grail (that was Max Factor's Volume Couture- You can't buy it in the US any more). 2 years of pretty good, but not amazing mascara. I was forced to layer lengthening and volumizing mascaras. Until today.

Maximum Lash: Will it Work for Me?

I think we all remember the eye lash conditioner drama of 2008, in which one prominent eye lash conditioner company was forced to reformulate their product and remove a glaucoma medicine (which they didn't have the rights to use) from their product.

Since then, there's been a huge explosion of eye lash conditioners on the market. While none make the "claim" that your eye lashes will grow, they usually claim something along the lines of longer, fuller looking lashes. And then they show you images of amazing befores and afters. Which can be yours for $100 or more.

In the past I have tried to do a similar series (with the reformulated product of the above well known company), but got side tracked and I was inconsistent with use of the conditioner. My own fault. But, I get asked a lot by friends and family if any of these products work, and I feel horrible recommending a product that costs over $100. It was time to retest a product (and actually remember to use it!), so that's where Maximum Lash comes in.

Maximum Lash makes the same claims of other lash conditioners. They will help to strengthen, fortify and enhance your lashes. Lashes will appear healthier, longer and stronger. All in 4 to 6 weeks of use! Their formula contains ingredients such as Biotin (proven to improve both nail and hair growth and strength in clinical studies when taken orally), Copper Peptides, Vitamins and a prostaglandin analogue (I'm not sure what that does for the lashes, but it's there). Most of this is similar to other companies. Maximum Lash is safe for contact users (like me), and since it is water based you can use it if you have eye lash extensions and it won't interfere with using false eyelashes. What really sets it apart is that the 3 month supply tube is half the price of other companies.

Living Proof Hold Hairspray: Hairspray to Survive Seattle

Lately I've been curling my hair quite a bit. Big bouncy curls, ones that seem to last all day with the aid of volumizing products and hair spray. But, once it starts raining the curls have deflated, turning my hair into flat, sad looking waves with the gross feel of too much product.

So, when Living Proof came out with a new hairspray, I knew I had to try it. Their anti-frizz technology has definitely made styling my hair into straight styles faster and easier (not to mention made the results much better). Their new hairspray boasts flexible hold and a "humidity-blocking technology PolyfluoroEster" which they say allows hair to move, feel soft and last all day.

Smell-free Sunless Tanning: It Is Available!

Updated 4/28/2010: I'm republishing this post as an update! Antidote has changed their name to Beautisol and I have a new discount code to share with everyone. The product itself has not been changed, thank goodness! Just some pretty new packaging and a great new website! Check out the packages under weddings, they have amazing deals to get your whole wedding party tan, I was amazed.


I have to admit that I'm afraid of sunless tanning. As a pale, Irish girl, I tend to turn orange or an unnaturally dark color that just doesn't look right. I'm not patient enough to apply sunless tanner correctly and I usually don't wait long enough before I get dressed. Yes, most of these issues are my fault, but you can still see why it took about 6 weeks before I tried out this new sunless tanner that had been sent to me.

Beautisol was created by Sinead, the Self Tanning Queen (check out her site). She's a licensed aesthetician and had a big on-line presence already in Self Tanners before she decided to create her own line. They started with what most of use see as the worst part of self-tanners: the smell! They worked with a fragrance house in Europe who created a special ingredient to counteract the smell of DHA (the active ingredient in all self tanners). This special technology is called Smell Right, which you have to admit really gets the point across. They also created an amazing body scrub to go with it!

How did they do? Find out more after the jump.

Some Cool Links

Recently I told you about the great 50 Little Luxuries Contest that Darphin is holding in celebration of their new face cream, Hydraskin Essential, which I've heard described as an incredibly moisturizing cream for only $50 (amazing when you consider most brands in their "range" are competing to come out with the most expensive cream).

I heard from a birdie at Darphin that a lot of the entries in this contest were 15 Minute Beauty Fanatic readers (yay!), which is great! They've come out with their finalists, and you should run over there to vote for them!


Total Beauty is one of my favorite beauty sites. They have a huge number of product reviews on-line, and luckily they've just come out with a Total Beauty iPhone App to make all of those reviews portable and accessible! No more standing around Sephora without a clue what to buy...


Talk about great benefits to shopping...

Goodshop.com works with 1,400 stores including 1-800-Flowers, Bloomingdales, Bliss, SpaFinder, and Sephora to donate a percentage of each purchase to the charity of your choice. Just pick where you want the money to go, then follow the link to the store from Goodshop to earn credit.


Purple Lab is holding a great contest in celebration of their new cosmetic collection. Until May 1st, use Purple Lab's favorite brands on Closet Couture to create an outfit inspired by the new line. The top 3 outfits win Purple Lab products.

Enter now


I saw this featured on my local news tonight, and now I'm sharing it with everyone!

Groupon is a great new website that introduces you to local merchants. Sign up for free, and every day they'll send you an offer for that day's Groupon. Recent ones in my area included $125 of salon services for $45, half off at local bakeries, etc. You buy the groupon, and if enough people buy it (there is a threshold that they need to pass), then your credit card is charged and you can print off the groupon to use.

I love that this supports area businesses, and you can get some pretty amazing deals. They feature a lot of cities and are adding more all the time, check to see if your area is one of them!


This one is really for your stylist. Matrix is holding a contest for them to submit their unique, personalized mannequin by simply mailing in or uploading images of their design to MannequinMania.com and give them the chance to win up to $25,000!

The Grand Prize winner will be visited at their hometowns by stylist icon Tabatha Coffey of “Tabatha’s Salon Takeover” and the Mannequin Mania video crew for an interview and a day of style as Tabatha joins them at their salon or beauty school.


Total Beauty runs my ad network

Carmindy's Tip of the Day: Perfect Blush

Apply blush almost at the end of your full makeup application. Chances are you will see you only need a light sheer sweep of color to bring life to your cheeks.

Use the two-finger rule to find the best place to apply blush. Lay your index and middle finger side by side vertically next to your nose. You want to leave that much skin free of blush when approaching the nose. Place the same fingers horizontally under your eye. Keep that area clear as well.

Don't forget to enter to win Carmindy's new book!

Clarins Sale Today on Gilt!

I am a big fan of Clarins, and I can't even believe it, but there's going to be a Clarins Sale on Gilt today! It starts at noon, and has amazing deals like this suns set for $33. The after sun lotion included in the set alone retails for $36.

I know what I'll be doing at noon, what about you?

Update
Apparently there was some confusion, the sale isn't actually until tomorrow. So, I"m setting a reminder for myself in my iPhone calendar (LOVE!), and researching the skin care items a bit more. More time to plot purchases!

Gilt

Protect Your Hands! Miss Oops Butter Hands

Hands are an interesting thing. We use them all the time, but they are pretty much always left out of the anti-aging thing or sunscreen application. When I lived in So Cal it was always interesting to spot the women that had obviously spent a lot of money on plastic surgery to look younger, and then had super old looking hands. Sunspots, lax skin.... the hands almost always gave them away.

So, as part of my growing old gracefully (aka- no plastic surgery), but fighting to look young (aka- using topical products that work), I've decided I should sunscreen my hands. Particularly in the car, where your hands get a ton of sun exposure sitting there on your steering wheel.

Keeping that in mind, I was happy to see that Miss Oops had a hand cream with SPF 30. Perfect for keeping my hands feeling and looking great! I was excited to try it out.

Sunscreen 101: What are Sunscreens and How Do They Work?

As a companion piece to my new weekly Anti-Aging 101 series on Mondays, I've decided to make Tuesdays Sunscreen 101 days. Obviously there is a lot less to talk about with sunscreens in terms of technology, and there aren't the wide array of active ingredients that you'll find with anti-aging products. Which means only a few weeks of "how things work" posts, and then I'll be concentrating fully on Tuesday sunscreen product reviews.

So, most of these posts you've seen before, but I will be updating them a bit. This week I'll go over what sunscreens are and how they work. Next week I'll discuss proper use of sunscreens and how to pick one that works for you. Watch for a new sunscreen review every Tuesday, and perhaps even more often if I have a lot to review.

Carmindy's Tip of the Day: More Dramatic Lashes

To create your own lash plumpers, apply mascara and, while your lashes are still wet, dust them with loose powder and then reapply more black mascara.

For a more dramatic, thicker mascara look, hold the wand vertically and brush back and forth.

Don't forget to enter to win Carmindy's new book!

Anti-Aging 101: Photoaging, AKA: Why You Shouldn't Tan!

Remember this exciting picture from last week, where I showed you what ages us? Yes, I know, you were impressed with my mad Photoshop skills. Well, this week we'll discuss one of these items: The sun. (For those of you wondering about the DNA Helix, just go look at your mom and grandma to get an idea of how you'll age. If you have a strong jaw and prominent cheekbones then you'll age even better.)

I think it should be obvious that smoking ages you. I might post about this at some point, but for now we're going to concentrate on one of my favorite topics.

Anyways... Read on to know why you shouldn't forget your sunscreen. As if avoiding things like Cancer aren't enough and you need a reason related to vanity.

A Drugstore Find: Did Maybelline Dupe the Smashbox Primer?

Smashbox's Photo Finish Foundation Primer is a cult classic. This silicone primer applies smoothly to skin, allows foundation to appear much more smooth without settling into lines or pores, and can even prolong wear. Millions of women swear by it for a reason. Truthfully, I only use it when I'm having problems with a foundation, but I have it in my makeup drawer and repurchase it when I'm running low.

But, it is a tad expensive and requires a trip to Sephora or ULTA to obtain. Luckily, Maybelline recently released their Instant Age Rewind Primer.

Carmindy's Tip of the Day: Fun and Flirty Party Makeup

To create a fun and easy look for going out, concentrate on your eye liner! Line the upper lash line with one fun shade like teal. Then smudge the lower lashes with a different color like amethyst. Keep the rest of your makeup neutral.

Don't forget to enter to win Carmindy's new book!

A Few More Great Links....

I had to share these stories with you as well, from a few of my friends!

Teri from Beautiful Makeup Search loved the new John Frieda Root Awakening hair styling products so much that she is giving away five sets of them.

If you're looking for new skin care, Nancy from Beauty411 shares her thoughts on the new Neutrogena Clinical™ line.

Wonder what nail colors Princess Fiona or even Shrek might be sporting? Check out the new Shrek Forever After Collection on All Lacquered Up!

Carmindy's Tip of the Day: Perfect Liquid Eyeliner!

Avoid perfection panic when applying pencil or liquid eyeliner. For better control, sweep it on in small strokes, like you're connecting little dashes.

Create a stencil for the liquid liner- apply pencil liner first, trace over it with the liquid.

Never use liquid liner under the lower lash line, it is always too harsh.

Don't forget to enter to win Carmindy's new book!

Beauty Blog Network Weekend Reads

StyleBell found afrobeat inspiration in the hair styles of the cast of FELA On Broadway!

Beauty Anonymous reviews Lunasol Lip Palette EX01 from Skin Modeling Eyes Starter Kit!

The Makeup Divas is having another giveaway! Enter to win Elizabeth Arden's New Spring Fragrance Pretty Eau de Cologne Splash.

Elke shares the latest video makeup tutorials from Eco Beauty.

Beauty and Fashion Tech looks at a variety of sulfate free shampoo from both the drugstore and the salon.

The Makeup Blogger reviews the nourishing new summer kit, The Argan Naturally Sunkissed Bronzing Collection by Josie Maran.


I'm a member of the BBN!

Carmindy's Tip of the Day: Easy Smoky Eye

To get the perfect smoky eye look, you must ceate a gradation of color. Start by applying the darkest shadow shade on the lid. Place a medium shade in the crease and under the lower lash line. Finish with a pop of highlight shadow under the brow and on the inner corners of the eyes.

Make your smoky eye more chic and sophisticated. Mix shades of gray and black with purple, green, silver, plum or blue.

Avoid "ash-fall" during your smoky application. Fold a tissue and place it under the lower lashes. Excess shadow falls on to the tissue, not your skin.

Don't forget to enter to win Carmindy's new book!

Carmindy's Tip of the Day: Faking a Sun Kissed Look

Apply bronzer to your temples, along the sides of your face and under your cheekbones. Finish with a pop of bright pink blush on the apples of your cheeks!

Don't forget to enter to win Carmindy's new book!

Charging You Up All Night: Neutrogena Clinical's Night Facial Lifting Wrinkle Treatment

You know I couldn't try out Johnson and Johnson's new biolectricity products without trying out a Neutrogena product (yes, I admit, I kinda love that brand), or ignore that most of us like a little more heavy duty anti-aging product at night.

Carmindy's Tip of the Day: Perfect Foundation Application

Applying foundation with your fingers or a brush will create a little heavier application. If you want a lighter look use a non-latex makeup sponge.

Blend your application on with "sweeping" motions, use a "stippling" motion in areas that need a little more coverage.

Focus on the center of your face where most women have uneven areas, such as around the eyes, nose and mouth.

Finish with a light application of highlighter down the center of your nose, the top of your cheek bones and across your forehead!

Don't forget to enter to win Carmindy's new book!

Can You Paint on Your Face? L'Oreal's True Match Roller Foundation

I have to admit that I've been endlessly fascinated by the commercials for this product. The girls stands there and just rolls on perfect skin, even down onto her neck. It looks amazing, even without blending. I knew that I had to try it out! If foundation really could be that easy (not to mention fast), it would be a holy grail worthy product.

So, I hightailed it over to my local Walmart, since they have the best selection from the mass market brands. Not to mention a few sky lights over the beauty area, I figured that would be a big help in selecting the correct shade.

I am really not that great at picking out a foundation shade in a store without testers, and I was pretty nervous that I'd get the wrong one. True, a L'Oreal foundation isn't as expensive as say, MAC, but it's still not exactly cheap. To help you pick out a shade, my L'Oreal display had a clear plastic sheet with little squares of color. The idea is that you hold his over your inner wrist and the shade that "disappears" is the one you pick. Truthfully, this has always made me a tad worried. How many of us have a different shade of skin on our face from our wrist? I'm willing to bet quite a few. But, given my lack of outdoor time and consistent sunscreen use, I decided to follow the directions. I was between C1 and C2, but the Roller foundation comes as C1-C2 anyways. So, that's the shade I brought home. It was a perfect match!

ROC Brilliance Eye Beautifier: Shock Some Collagen Back Into Your Skin!

In today's edition of bioelectricity skin care reviews, I bring you a great eye cream. I've already shared the science behind Johnson & Johnson's new bioelectricity Anti-Aging products.

I have to admit that eye creams are something that I've been finding to be more and more important lately. While I don't have any crow's feet yet, I have to admit that I'm becoming obsessed with keeping them away. I apply eye cream twice a day. I use sunscreen every day. If there's even a chance of squinting when I'm outside, I put on giant sunglasses (ok, that is nothing new, I hate squinting because it gives me a headache).

Earth Day Shopping!

I initially had not planned to cover Earth Day, but I received so many notices of great deals or proceeds going to charities that I decided I had to share after all. Here's what interested me the most.


Pangea Organics is offering 25% off all of their products through April 30th. In addition, 5% of all sales through their website will go towards The Jane Goodall Institute.



For today only, with a $100 purchase customers get a free Clean Slate Experience Kit. As well, there's free shipping on any order over $50 until May 5th.



Starting today you can visit Aveeno's Facebook Page to download their new Sustainability Guide Widget.

It looks pretty cool! The widget includes:
• An “Eco-quiz” which calculates your everyday consumption to determine how eco-friendly you are
• Customized tips and solutions for living a more sustainable lifestyle
• An interactive recycling game designed to excite and educate you about recycling
• Never-before-seen footage from TerraCycle™, the AVEENO® Brand’s partner organization who gives new life to old products. The footage highlights the ‘upcycling’ process and showcases how empty AVEENO® Brand Product Tubes are recreated into eco-friendly household items and accessories that will be available for purchase at major retailers nationwide within the coming year.



Don't forget about the Kiehl's Limited Edition Acai Toning Mist bottles that were just released!

Kiehl’s collaborated with actress Julianne Moore, musician Pharrell Williams, artist Jeff Koons and pro-surfer Malia Jones to create special labels. 100% of net proceeds (amounting to $200,000) will be raised worldwide to benefit Rainforest Alliance, which is dedicated to sustaining biodiversity and ensuring sustainable livelihoods, with this collection.



HauteLook is celebrating Earth Day today with a huge number of eco-friendly brands and sales!

The lineup of sales today includes:
• Organicare: USDA-certified organic skincare from a company that’s 100% carbon neutral
• Jonano: organic designer clothing for women
• EcoSkin: contemporary designs for women made from environmentally-sustainable luxury fabrics
• miYim: organic, inspired toys for kids
• Sustainable Kids: organic children’s apparel and a free, post-paid donation box for a school in Haiti
• SIGG and SIGG for Kids: the original reusable (and virtually unbreakable) aluminum bottle



Belabumbum, a lingerie line is having a great Earth Day promo. 10% off of your order and 10% of the proceeds will be donated to Bette Midler's foundation, The New York Restoration Project.



Jurlique is offering 25% off orders placed on-line and will donate a portion of all sales to help support local botanical gardens in New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. For those that purchase in their Jurlique Concept Store and Spa located at 477 Madison Avenue you will get a ticket to the New York Botanical Garden!



Pure and Natural has partnered with the World Wildlife Fund to make an annual donation of at least $100,000. Look for their products at mass market retailers in your area.



Gilt Groupe is also hold a lot of eco themed sales today. The sales will be from Loomstate, Matt & Nat, Leigh & Luca, Dr. Hauschka and EDUN. A portion of proceeds benefiting the National Audubon Society and The Nature Conservancy.



Alison Raffaele will be donating 10% of all on-line sales to the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), "The Earth's Best Defense", from April 1 through April 30, 2010.