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Home > BEAUTY
Category Archives: BEAUTY
HOLIDAY HAIR
Thursday, December 29th, 2011
Dress You Up In My Love: Skirt Embarrassment at the Holiday Party
Saturday, December 17th, 2011
Dudes, enough with the argyle sweaters. Every holiday party lately looks like an argyle explosion. Blame the Banana Republic clearance rack. A perfectly-tailored suit is always a nice choice. Werk a bow tie to catch ‘em by surprise. Steam or iron — wrinkles ain’t cute at a formal function ya’ll.
Ladies, many of you will gravitate towards some variation on the ubiquitous sparkle. I’m not placing an outright fatwa on sparkle because when used appropriately it can be a powerful way to amp an ensemble. However, keep in mind shine accentuates. If your body ain’t right, a full sequined look will not only add bulk, but draw attention to every lump. Use sparkle sparingly.
Select a look that errs on the side of classic and conservative. Think Betty Draper not JWoww. If a fleeting thought enters your head that your dress is too short, your cleavage too deep, or your pants too tight, honor that voice, and for the love of Jesus on his birthday change your fucking clothes. Better to dress comfortably and appropriately than look like you suffer from the worst faux pas of all – poor judgment. 
Also, I’m sick of this pretty princess curling iron shit. Try a new ‘do this year. This look is so over.
Kevyn Aucoin The Radiant Reflection
Monday, December 5th, 2011
You bitches know I love a good stick foundation. Usually, I’m loyal to Bobbi Brown without deviation, but an online coupon deal lured me to try Kevyn Aucoin’s The Radiant Reflection Solid Foundation. I’m a fan of Aucoin’s Sensual Skin Enhancer for its intense coverage, so I looked forward to seeing what this brand could do in a convenient stick format. 
It pains me to report The Radiant Reflection is a serious disappointment. First, the colors are all named after six different supermodels:
Shalom 
Amber, 
Linda,
Christy, 
Yasmeen, 
Beverly.
The limited range makes finding the right shade challenging. 
Some reviews complained of an odor; there are always some folks bitching about fragrance within the sensitive crowd. I am not among them. I have preferences, but am not wholeheartedly fragrance-resistant. I mention this because I’m about to concur that this product does have a funky smell. If otherwise the foundation performed beautifully, maybe the artificial smell would be less noticeable, but alas that is not the case. 
Ultimately, the formula fails for lack of creaminess and blendability. It applies with a cooling sensation, but then hovers on the skin without ever really sinking in to vanishing perfection. This product takes work to look natural, and life is filled with enough work. Back to Bobbi Brown, $4 savings per stick and foundation that melts into the skin providing flawless unspookable coverage.
Clarisonic Mia: the 4th and final report
Thursday, November 17th, 2011
After a month of faithful use, my affection for the Clarisonic Mia has only grown. It is worth a spot on your Kwanzaa/Chanukah/X-mas list this year, especially if you have been struggling with skin flare-ups this fall.
Different brands offer different brushes. I can’t speak to the efficacy of any other model than the Mia. As far as it is concerned, the device feels substantial and well built. The charging mechanism is space conscious and travel friendly. As for Clarisonic’s claim that regular use of the Mia improves the absorption of skin care products? Without any empirical proof, I concur. 
The Mia turns twice a day face cleaning into a mini-spa experience. Addictive and effective, after a month with the Mia my face is better for it and yours will be too. 
iS Clinical Active Serum
Monday, November 14th, 2011
In this week’s quest for clearer skin, I bring you iS Clinical Active Serum, a product that – GASP and clutch your anus – actually delivers results. 
iS Clinical Active Serum markets itself as a “multi-purpose formula designed to generate rapid and dramatic improvements in skin quality… diminish the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven pigmentation, smooth texture, and is anti-acneic.” Apart from making up the word “acneic,” the serum more or less keeps its promises. 
Made of extracts of sugar cane (glycolic), bilberry (lactic), willow bark (salicylic) , and mushroom (kojic) with a kick of menthol for tingle, not sure exactly what it is about this serum, but I saw dramatic improvements in skin texture after a few uses. It reduces inflammation, fades healing spots, and brightens overall. The cooling effect makes me a little nostalgic for Sea Breeze. 
If you are looking to give iS Clinical Active Serum a try, shop around. There is a wide variance in pricing across retailers, and it comes in a few different size bottles. Do your research and you can find a respectable deal. This effective serum is well worth the splurge. 
Clarisonic Mia: week three report
Thursday, November 10th, 2011
Three weeks into the Clarisonic experiment, I can really see the difference in my skin. The Mia is truly justifying the investment. My troublesome skin is beginning to clear when nothing else seemed to help. I credit this device.
Regarding my skeeves, Annie recommended spritzing alcohol on the brush head to freshen it. For more major cleanings, the brush head should be removed and left to dry. 
Don’t forget to spend some time along the neck and hairline; these often neglected areas need attention. You can even give the ears a once around. 
I’m starting to see what all the fuss is about. 
Clarisonic Mia: week two report
Thursday, November 3rd, 2011
For the past fourteen days I’ve faithfully used the Clarisonic Mia twice a day. I’ve experimented with different face washes with decent results. I particularly like the way the vibrating brush converts non-foamy cleansers into more effective make-up removers.
The Clarisonic Mia runs through a minute cycle and automatically shuts off. One interval isn’t enough, and I almost always go twice around. 
It does have an addictive quality, and I can see how this product has a cult following. The buffing action leaves skin smooth and soft. Though I wouldn’t consider the results drastic.
I’m already getting skeeved by the brush. You have to be extra vigilant about keeping it clean, or it really defeats the purpose, doesn’t it? 
Clarisonic Mia: week one report
Thursday, October 27th, 2011
After struggling with persistent skin issues recently, a trustworthy and glowy-faced friend recommended the Clarisonic face brush. Having owned the “Classic” and “Mia,” she recommended the less expensive and more portable Mia, arguing the expanded features of the Classic cannot justify the added cost.
A week ago, I received my very own Mia. Clarisonic claims the vibrating and rotating brush removes six times more makeup than traditional cleansing. I concur with this claim; my face passes the white towel test after using the Clarisonic. Without question, skin is cleaner and makeup is thoroughly and gently eradicated. The mild humming exfoliation feels like a mini facial massage. The brush works with virtually any cleanser and the waterproof design makes it shower-friendly.
After the first few uses, smoother skin emerges and texture noticeably improves. Makeup glides on skin. Breakouts have improved, but this isn’t a magic machine.
Consider the following drawbacks. The initial investment is around $120. The replacement heads are pricey (2/$40). And who needs another gadget that requires an outlet to charge? It is easy to over do it and cause irritation. Twice a day might be too much for some, even with the sensitive brush.
I look forward to experiencing what the Mia has to offer in week two, and I promise to share it with all of you. xox, DC