StyleVise Blog

After hearing a StyleVise member and friend highly recommend COVERGIRL LashBlast Volume Blasting mascara, I decided to give it a try myself.

The mascara definitely lives up to its promise of volumizing each and every lash. It thickens and separates each lash and doesn’t clump or smudge. I also really like that it washes away with only water, making it quick and easy for me to prepare my face for bed at night. Available in four shades and waterproof, this mascara is very affordable (approx. $7) – even priced lower than some other drugstore mascaras.

Not to mention, this mascara has won the Editor’s Choice Award by Allure Magazine and, according to the April 2010 issue of the magazine, is the #1 mascara launch in recent history.* It was also was voted Best of BellaSugar in 2009.

After wearing it for at least a month now, I’d say it’s definitely one of the best drugstore mascaras I’ve used and even out performs some of the other high-end mascara brands I’ve tried. It has clearly become a drugstore favorite since its launch in 2007. Do you have a favorite drugstore mascara?

*Based on volume and dollar share of top 10 cosmetic launches in past five years according to independent survey.

While I was on my way to work this morning, I reached in my bag to find some type of lip balm and pulled out my L’Oreal Paris Colour Riche Lip Gloss. As I was applying it, I was reminded as to how much I like it. In fact, it’s been my go-to lip gloss on many occasions the past few months.

I purchased this lip gloss on a whim last November. I was in New York City for work and had  lost one of my favorite lip glosses, which isn’t all that surprising given I tend to “misplace” these types of things quite frequently. It wasn’t until after dinner the same day, when I was headed back to my hotel, that I realized I had no lip gloss and was going to the Today Show the next morning to meet Kathie Lee and Hoda backstage.

Given it was late at night, my options were limited. I walked into the nearest DUANEreade to merely see what they had to offer and walked out with L’Oreal Paris Colour Riche Lip Gloss in Soft Nude. Like I said, I purchased it on a whim and didn’t know what to expect. But it was just what I was looking for. I love it! And it was the finishing touch I needed for the special occasion the next morning. In addition to meeting Kathie Lee and Hoda, I also met the lead singer of Train as they performed “Hey Soul Sister” live on the show. Check out the video clip here.

What I love most about this lip gloss is that it’s:

• Without scent or taste
• Infused with Omega 3 and protective Vitamin E, keeping my my lips soft, moisturized and shiny
• Creamy, but not sticky!
• Very sheer, with just a hint of color. I most often wear it alone for a natural (but sophisticated) everyday look, but also layer it on top of lipstick for a night out
• Available at drugstores
• Only $5.99 (and is often on sale for less!)

I would definitely purchase this lip gloss again! Now, you’re probably wondering what I was doing at the Today Show with Hoda and Kathie Lee…

Two of my girlfriends and I made a trip to Sephora yesterday. The primary purpose of the trip was to pick up some BareMinerals foundation because one of my girlfriends had ran out. But after chatting with two wonderful Sephora makeup artists (thanks Gina and Jan!), we all left with a Sephora bag in hand.

Two of us bought the Smashbox Eye Shadow Trio in Headshot ($28) after trying it on in the store. According to Gina, it’s Smashbox’s best-selling eye shadow trio. It contains dusty pink, soft ivory and soft brown shades (see photo). Formulated to be long-wearing and hypoallergenic, it blends easily and is crease resistant. This color combination makes for a very soft and natural every day look (but can also be applied more heavily for a smoky eye at night). Next time, I hope to try the NARS Eye Shadow (if I can find a combination palette to experiment with as Sephora didn’t have one) or Dior 5-Colour Eyeshadow in Earth Reflection. None of us girls really wanted to shell out $60 for eye shadow today.

The other day, I bought four bottles of Sally Hansen Hard as Nails Xtreme Wear nail polish without ever trying it. How could I not? Each bottle was only $1.29 at Walgreens (down from only $2.59 originally), and I fell in love with the colors. I bought four shades of the polish (see photo): Sun Kissed, Plum Powder, Emerald City and Gunmetal.

With little time left to paint my nails dark, wintery colors, I experimented with Gunmetal first (see photo to the right). When I first started painting my nails, I was skeptical as to how they’d turn out. The nail polish didn’t apply as easily as I expected, but I bared with it. Three coats later (not including the topcoat),  I was very happy with the final result. The color was vibrant, and the polish was even and smooth. The polish lasted almost five days before showing any signs of chipping (the photo was taken four days into my manicure) and was very easy to remove. I’d say it’s definitely a budget-friendly polish worth grabbing.

This week, I’m wearing Emerald City on my nails (a great winter/spring polish) and Plum Powder on my toes (which can be worn year round). As for Sun Kissed, I’m saving it for spring/summer.

A week ago, Good Morning America aired a segment investigating counterfeit perfumes. The investigation found that many knockoff versions of your favorite fragrances are made with dangerous and disgusting substances like “urine, antifreeze and bacteria,” according to Valerie Salembier, senior VP and publisher of Harper’s Bazaar, who has been studying counterfeit luxury goods for more than six years now. It gets worse. According to the investigation, money spent on fake fragrances often ends up in the hands of organizations that support terrorism, drug cartels and child labor. Basically, buying counterfeit fragrances from street vendors, online or even the mall is risky. You don’t know where your money is going and, given that the product is applied to many sensitive areas of your body, you subject yourself to health risks (e.g. Contact Dermatitis). Check out the investigation below:

It’s often that I hear of women purchasing knockoff handbags from street vendors or kiosks. Although the fake fragrance market is nearly $7 million and rapidly growing (up from $1.2 million in 2007!), I haven’t heard as much talk of women buying them? Have you tried a knockoff version of your favorite fragrance for a cost savings? Keep in mind, by no means are we passing judgment. We’d love to know!

Click over to Harper Bazaar Magazine to  learn how you can spot a fake scent – from its color to its label to where you bought it.

I have used the same brand of foundation for the past two years (maybe even longer). But when I woke up to find the bottle empty three weeks ago, I didn’t rush to a nearby department store to purchase it again. I decided it was time to try something new, or at least explore what’s available.

I had initially planned on engaging in some “foundation sampling” at Nordstrom and Sephora after my usual Saturday grocery shopping (and of course sampling) at Costco. But it didn’t quite work exactly as I thought it would.

Last weekend, I bought new foundation, and I never made it to Nordstrom or Sephora. So what happened? In short, I was hurriedly running a few errands before catching my flight to Sweden. That’s when I saw the Bare Escentuals store out of the corner of my eye.

I had heard positive reviews of Bare Escentuals mineral makeup from a few people. Not to mention, many celebs swear by it, including Paris Hilton, Nicky Hilton, Sandra Bullock, Julia Roberts and Madonna, and it has won numerous awards. In 2009 alone, it was awarded:

• Glammy Beauty Award for Best Dept/Specialty Store Foundation by Glamour
• Editor’s and Reader’s Choice Awards for Best Foundation by Allure
• Cosmo Beauty Award for Best Foundation by Cosmopolitan
• Best Mineral Foundation by InStyle
• Best of Sephora for Best Foundation

Despite all its awards and rave reviews, I had never had much interest in trying a powder-based foundation. I’ve always preferred liquid foundation, mostly because I like the “creamy” feeling of it.  However, I underestimated the “creaminess” of bareMinerals SPF Foundation.

When I walked into the Bare Escentuals store, I was asked if I would like to try anything. I said, “Well, sure, but I really have only ten minutes because I’m headed to the airport.” In fewer than five minutes, I was sold. I walked out with a get started kit for $60 ($174 value). By the way, this same kit sells for 995 SEK (approx. $150) in Stockholm, Sweden!

Below is my recollection of what happened in those five minutes:

Step 1: I applied a light moisturizer to my face.

Step 2: I put a 1/2 pump of Prime Time, a preservative-free foundation primer, on the tip of my index finger. I touched (not rubbed) both my index fingers together. Then I rubbed the primer into my skin in circular motions until it was absorbed all over my face.

Step 3: After determining the shade best for my skin color, I applied the bareMinerals SPF 15 Foundation using the simple to follow “Swirl, Tap, Buff” technique (demonstrated here).

Step 4: On top of the foundation, I applied a sheer layer of Mineral Veil with a brush. It is intended to absorb oils, minimize fine lines and keep your complexion fresh all day.

Step 5: Following the Mineral Veil, I applied the bareMinerals Warmth All-Over Face Color (similar to a bronzing powder) using the same “Swirl, Tap, Buff” technique as in Step 3 for a healthy sun-kissed glow. However, rather than applying it all over the face like the foundation, I only buffed the Warmth to the high points of my face where the sun naturally touches. Starting at my forehead, I made a T shape on my face with the brush.

The package I purchased included two shades of the bareMinerals SPF 15 Foundation, Mineral Veil, Warmth All-Over Face Color, as well as three brushes to separately apply each and a brush conditioning shampoo to prolong the life of the brushes. At home, I most often skip Step 4 (the application of the Mineral Veil), given I don’t have oily skin and am usually in a hurry. But some recommend starting with an application of the Mineral Veil before applying bareMinerals SPF 15 Foundation for those with oilier complexions, living in humid climates or using heavy moisturizers.

I should also mention that I didn’t buy the moisturizer I applied to my face in Step 1. However, I highly recommend purchasing The Prime Time ($21) that I referenced in Step 2. It is not included in the starter kit but smoothes your skin before applying the foundation, combating wrinkles, dryness, fine lines, enlarged pores and uneven textures, and extends the wear of the foundation. It also has anti-aging properties (i.e. plant extracts, antioxidants and Vitamins C and E).

Lastly, I don’t feel blush is really necessary after applying the Warmth? However, ask the makeup artist for a blush sample so you can experiment with it at home and decide for yourself.

Remember, a little goes a long way with mineral makeup. Because the minerals are finely ground and made without talc and other fillers, colors are more concentrated, making a mineral powder as powerful as cover-up, foundation, powder and sunscreen in one. As such, apply it very lightly. You can always apply more.

This past week, Bare Escentuals announced that it will expand its range of foundations to include five new shades in February (bringing the total number of shades available to 20). So next time you’re out and about shopping, stop in a Bare Escentuals store, Nordstrom or Sephora and give it a try – even if it’s just for fun.

I love the look and feeling of it on my skin. It looks so natural…as if I’m not wearing makeup. And dermatologists agree that it is much better for your skin than chemical-based products given it acts as a built-in waterproof SPF and is anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, non-bacterial so it doesn’t clog pores.

What are your thoughts? Has the bareMinerals foundation won over your heart? Or is there another mineral makeup brand of foundation you prefer over bareMinerals?

Elixir has been chosen as the Readers’ Choice in the 2009 Top of the Town Edition of 5280 Magazine for ‘best massage.’

It was also the top massage winner in 2008 as well. They must be doing something right! Click here and see for yourself!

The spa is located at 1518 Wazee Street in Denver’s Lodo.  Congratulations!

BellaSugar shares which drugstore mascaras are the most affordable and work the best. Click here to read the seven that scored the highest based on product reviews of 625 mascaras.

I haven’t tried each of the highest scoring mascaras, but I have to disagree with #2 on the list – L’Oreal’s Double Extend Lash Extension Effect Mascara. This mascara uses “tube technology.” It says it “does not clump or smudge and only requires water to remove.”

I have tried this mascara. Although it did lengthen my lashes, I found it somewhat difficult to remove with water. I didn’t like the “tube technology” either. I felt as if I were pulling out my eye lashes each time I tried to remove it. This probably wouldn’t make my list as a top-rated mascara. However, I am a fan of many L’Oreal products, so maybe it’s just me…