La Mer The Radiant Concealer

This fall, La Mer unveils The Radiant Concealer SPF 25. This lightweight cream-to-powder concealer was formulated to instantly camouflage and ease imperfections. Tourmaline and malachite gemstones capture light energy to instantly conceal dark circles and blemishes. The Radiant Concealer SPF 25 optically erases imperfections to create a smooth even finish, while complementing the benefits of The Eye Balm and The Eye Concentrate - two additional La Mer products I adore.

A unique polymer mesh technology delivers buildable, diaphanous layers to create a crease-resistant flexible/breathable application. Skin stays naturally flawless all day. Helps protect skin with SPF 25.

The Max Huber Research Labs designed La Mer’s gemstone-infused Skincolor Collection to help capture light and transfer its energy to the skin, continuously enhancing the benefits of La Mer skincare. Precious marine and plant extracts help reduce the appearance of dark undereye circles, puffiness and pores. With use visible redness and discoloration are diminished as a soothing chamomile extract and an Asian mushroom called Viapure Poria continuously calm and soothe skin.

Available in three scientifically engineered translucent full coverage, skin-perfecting, radiance-enhancing hues: Ivory, Beige and Natural Warm, retails for $65. It will hit counters late August/early September at Saks, Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman and online at La Mer.

Jelly Pong Pong ~ Nude & Improved Eye Crayon

Jelly Pong Pong unveils their one swipe and go wonder - Nude & Improved - a soft eyeshadow base in a jumbo, easy-to-hold crayon.

The pride of the pack, this multifunctional crayon is an emollient eye shadow base and concealer in one. As a base, the superior formulation enables your eye shadow to obey, so that the colors stay all day long without fading or creasing. As concealer, it disguises blemishes, light scars and red veins effectively so your skin looks as flawless as you want it to be. Formulated with superior plant waxes which keeps eyes and skin smooth and lustrous.

Bonus : Contains castor seed oil and candelilla wax so it conceals and moisturizes skin at the same time. Jumbo size is comfortable to hold, while being extremely portable due to its short, compact handle.

Nude & Improved is available in three shades: Bare (soft tan), Naked (light flesh), and Au Naturel (red-based flesh) and retails for $25. Visit Jelly Pong Pong for more information and to purchase.

Smashbox New High Definition Concealer + Free Gift

Achieve a flawless high definition complextion with Smashbox's High Def line of complexion products. Beauty insiders and addicts alike have gone ga-ga over Smashbox High Definition Healthy FX Foundation (already a Best of Sephora nominee). Their revolutionary new High Definition Liquid Concealer is sure to be a hit as well.



The weightless concealer instantly smoothes skin and makes dark circles and imperfections virtually disappear. The good-for-your-skin formula includes cell-energizing ribose, soy, angelica extract and caffeine to reduce redness, dark circles and under eye puffiness. Soft focus pearls reflect light to minimize the appearance of fine lines and blemishes. The soft touch precision applicator provides the smoothest application for the most delicate skin areas. Provides buildable coverage with a natural finish. High Definition Liquid Concealer comes is five shades and retails for $18 a tube.





Pair the concealer with High Definition Healthy FX Foundation for a perfect complexion. Healthy FX is an oil-free, weightless formula packed with anti-aging, revitalizing, and firming ingredients that work overtime to provide cellular nutrition for skin. UVA/UVB SPF 15 offers sun protection, vitamin C fights free radicals, and new cell-energizing Ribose renews the appearance of skin. Our unique, patented bio-delivery system gives you time-released moisturization and firming benefits that last all day. Skin is refreshed and revitalized for a flawless future. Best of Sephora Award Nominee for Best Foundation. It is available in 13 fabulous shades and retails for $38.

Shop now and enjoy a Free Smashbox Travel Set, which includes Travel Photo Op Under Eye Brightener, Travel Bionic Mascara in Jet Black and a Mini Lip Enhancing Lip Gloss in the shade of Go. Click the image above to shop Smashbox and receive additional jumbo deluxe samples free with your order.

With your $65 order at Smashbox online, enter code: TRAVEL at checkout for the free gift set and free shipping as well. The offer ends 4/12/09.

DuWop Introduces Circle Block

DuWop Circle Block - A dynamic new duo that does away with dark circles.

DuWop Circle Block lets you say "sayonara" to dark circles for good. This revolutionary two-part system takes on dark circles, and other skin imperfections, by blocking them with a water-resistant treatment shield, then covering them with a pigment-rich, ultra-smooth concealer.

Circle Block's treatment shield has phenomenal staying power and is rich in antioxidants and vitamins A, E, and C that brighten skintone and combat inflammation. The complementary concealer moisturizes with glycerin and shea butter, and it offers optimal coverage, with a lightweight, natural finish. Both products are paraben-free and designed to stay put without settling into fine lines. Circle Block comes in shades of Light, Medium and Dark and retails for $28. It's available at DuWop.com and Sephora.

I just love DuWop! They're always coming out with unique products no one else has thought of yet. It was really their stuff that got me into the whole obsessive, addicting world of beauty to begin with. My bank account thanks you ... lol.

KANEBO: Sensai Brush Type Concealer

From luxury skincare and makeup company Kanebo comes SENSAI Brush Type Concealer. Available this month, SENSAI Brush Type Concealer is a treatment product as well as a cosmetic product. Want to know more? Read below ...

The NEW SENSAI Concealer by Kanebo, part of the new Foundation Series, is a revolutionary anti-aging brush-on foundation tool designed to flawlessly cover fine lines, under-eye circles, blemishes and discoloration while moisturizing and firming the skin.

SENSAI Concealer is enriched with Kanzo (licorice) Extract, a traditional medicinal herb taken from the root of the licorice plant and used to gently soothe blemishes and help prevent irritation. A second key component is Moistened Powder, a unique powder pre-moistened and coated with oil that helps to retain the natural oil in the skin. Silk Extract—prevents moisture loss and allows for a smooth application—and Weightless Glow Factor, is an exquisite, feather-like powder with thin, flat granules which provide smooth coverage and which cause light to reflect evenly off your face. The Concealer also now includes the exclusive Koishimaru Silk Extract which provides superior moisturizing to the skin. Koishimaru Silk was once only reserved for the Imperial Family of Japan, Kanebo was granted the rights to work with this precious fiber.

The NEW Foundation Series launching in August has been developed with the acclaimed japanese make-up artist Hisano Komine. Based in Paris, France since 1996 she has produced looks for fashion houses on runways in Paris and Milan and been featured in numerous fashion publications in Europe.

In addition to the new concealer, the line includes:

• Smoothing Water Make-Up Base deeply hydrates and smoothes the skin preparing it for foundation application. (SRP: $45)
• Fluid Finish Foundation, moisturizing foundation contains a high amount of water which enables it to provide a veil of moisture to the skin (9 shades). (SRP: $50)
• Loose Powder (translucent) finishes the look with extremely fine, feathery-light translucent powder with a delicate tint, appropriate for all skin tones. (SRP: $60)

The moisturizing ingredients quickly permeate the skin surface to gently moisturize and nourish; the Weightless Moist Glow Factor is distributed evenly, reflecting light uniformly to achieve radiance and the Moistened Powder is left behind on the skin surface to form a soft veil of oil and moisture.

What is Treatment Makeup? Moisturizing and cosmetic ingredients are applied to the skin in fine layers to achieve a soft dewy complexion and a flawless finish. Water and Silk are layered much the way a fine kimono is layered in Japan . Makeup products are infused with the skincare research, exclusive ingredients and knowledge Kanebo is renowned for.

Available in three shades – light, medium and dark – SENSAI Concealer is designed to work on a wide range of skin tones. Made for sophisticated women, who are always on the go, the SENSAI Concealer features a brush-on applicator with a pen-like design.

REVIEW: Ooh la la ... this creamy, blendable concealer is dispensed easily and softly with the ease of the click-pen brush. Not only are the concealing qualities superb but the skincare elements are truly effective. What results is a brightened under eye area and firmer toned, hydrated skin. There's no pull when patting the concealer into skin like with other concealers. Those who know my loyal love for Mary Kay Signature Concealer will be surprised to learn that as much as I hate to admit it, this may just be a tad better (certainly a tad, ahem, more pricey). You just can't deny the skincare benefits with this product. It's not just that the undereye skin simply appears brighter, more hydrated and healthier, it IS brighter, more hydrated and healthy. And even for my little comment above about the price, one may be surprised to learn it retails for just $33. That's not bad with the name of luxury renowned Kanebo-SENSAI behind it. If you're a fan of brush-type concealers or even if you've not given brush-type concealers a try, the new Kanebo SENSAI Brush Type Concealer is definitely sure to please!

SENSAI by Kanebo Concealer (SRP: $33.00) is available at select Saks Fifth Avenue stores, Bergdorf Goodman, Barney’s New York, and Takashimaya New York.

Laura Mercier: Undercover Pot

Laura Mercier introduces the Undercover Pot, three of her Flawless Face products in one convenient pot. This little creation combines these three award-winning LM products:

• Open the top lid to view the award-winning Secret Camouflage and Secret Concealer
• The unique Secret Camouflage formula is oil-free and stays in place all day long to cover blemishes, scars and imperfections
• Combat under-eye circles with the Secret Concealer - its emollient formula allows for a smooth application in the sensitive eye area
• Secret Concealer to be used on the under the eye area only
• Set your makeup with the Translucent Loose Setting Powder
• Translucent Loose Setting Powder is a lightweight, silky powder that adds a velvety finish to any makeup

Four shade/color combinations are available; sells for $34. Laura Mercier Undercover Pot is available online at Amazon Marketplace, Laura Mercier and select retailers.

Tarte Cosmetics: Limited Edition Complexion Collection

For the first time ever, Tarte is offering a limited-edition, complexion collection exclusively on sephora.com. Unlike products that simply hide the problem, Tarte's skinvigorating™ complexion collection helps treat the problem with healthy, natural ingredients while concealing it. This set is available in 4 shades: fair, light, medium and tan. All items in the collection are full sized and also individually available.

The result? A healthy, glowing complexion--because natural beauty is always in style!

This exclusive kit includes Tarte's Clean Slate Primer, Smooth Operator Foundation with SPF 20, The Eraser Smooth Concealer, Provocateur Pressed Mineral Powder with SPF 8, and a glam-on-the-go Kabuki Brush.

complexion collection ($54)

sephora.com exclusive skinvigorating™ set

($153 value)

This kit includes the following items in a purple, quilted bag:

clean slate primer (propylene glycol free, paraben free, preservative free, phthalarte free, dye free, sulfate free, mineral oil free, fragrance free, dermatologist tested)

• avocado oil
• safflower seed oil
• echinacea root extract
• hibiscus flower extract

the eraser smooth concealer (mineral oil free, phthalate free, naturally derived preservative, dermatologist tested)

• safflower seed oil
• arnica flower extract
• cucumber extract
• vitamins C&E

smooth operator foundation with SPF 20 (propylene glycol free, mineral oil free, phthalate free, sulfate free, fragrance free, synthetic dye free, dermatologist tested)

• chamomile extract
• vitamins A, C, & E
• mineral migments

provocateur pressed mineral powder with SPF 8 (paraben free, preservative free, propylene glycol free, mineral oil free, phthalate free, sulfate free, fragrance free, synthetic dye free, talc free)

• vitamins A & E
• mineral migments
• glam-on-the-go kabuki brush

Available in the following 4 shades

fair

• pressed powder - fair
• smooth operator SPF 20 foundation - facade
• The eraser smooth concealer - fair

light

• pressed powder - light
• smooth operator SPF 20 foundation - veil
• The eraser smooth concealer - bisque

medium

• pressed powder - medium
• smooth operator SPF 20 foundation - disguise
• The eraser smooth concealer - medium beige

dark

• pressed powder - tan
• smooth operator SPF 20 foundation - incognito
• The eraser smooth concealer - tan

Tarte's Limited Edition Complexion Collection is available exclusively at Sephora.com

REVIEW: Physician's Formula - How Green is Your Makeup?

Physician's Formula wants to know, "How green is your makeup?"

Theirs? 100% ... thanks to their new Organic wear™ line of cosmetics.

Here's how:

• The 1st 100% natural origin makeup line in the US with Certified Organic Ingredients
• 100% free of harsh chemicals
• 100% free of synthetic preservatives
• 100% cruelty free
• 100% free of parabens
• Eco-Conscious Packing (including paper compacts)
• Natural Goat Hair Brushes
• Eco-Blend of OganiSoy and Eco Olive ingredients conditions, fortifies and protects skin

The products:

A 100% natural origin loose powder, formulated with 10.6% certified organic ingredients, including safflower seed oil and jojoba seed oil to moisturize and corn starch to mattify the skin; mess-free container; goat hair kabuki brush; six shades - $ 13.95

A 100% natural origin concealer stick, formulated with 72.5% certified organic ingredients, including jojoba seed oil, sunflower seed oil and avocado oil to moisturize the skin; available in four shades including two color-corrective shades - $ 6.95

A 100% natural origin face powder, formulated with 15% certified organic ingredients, including jojoba seed oil to moisturize and corn starch to mattify the skin; goat hair brush included for application; available in nine shades - $ 13.95

A 100% natural origin tinted moisturizer, formulated with 80% certified organic ingredients, including jojoba seed oil, sunflower seed oil, avocado oil, and shea butter to moisturize the skin; infused with Organic Fruit Water to help nourish and restore skin’s moisture balance; SPF 15 naturally protects skin from environmental damage for a healthy-looking complexion; available in four shades - $ 9.95

A 100% natural liquid bronzer, formulated with 84% certified organic ingredients, including jojoba seed oil, sunflower seed oil, avocado oil, and shea butter to moisturize the skin; Lightweight liquid bronzer hydrates skin and delivers an all-over sheer, healthy, natural tan glow; infused with Organic Fruit Water to help nourish and restore skin’s moisture balance; available in three shades - $ 10.95

The line also includes a blush (in six shades - $ 11.95), a matte finishing/bronzing veil (in four shades - $ 13.95), and a natural powder bronzer. I've purchased the last of those items and offer a review below:

This is a great little product, and for more than just its eco-conscious variables. A 100% natural origin bronzer, formulated with 15% certified organic ingredients, including jojoba seed oil and corn starch to moisturize and mattify the skin. The finest Italian powder delivers a buildable natural tan glow. It includes a mirror and goat hair brush for application ease.

What I like:

• Comes in six shades easily blended into just about any skin color
• The compact features a goat hair brush similar in styling to the BeneFit powder box brushes (which I love as perfect shape/size for contouring and such)
• Includes a great little mirror on the underside of the compact which doubles as a "secret compartment" to hold the brush
• The top and bottom lids close with ease with a hidden magnet closure, which helps with portability (can carry it anywhere and product won't seep out, brush stays clean)
• The packaging all-around of this product is masterfully thought out and created
• I can purchase it, and very reasonably, at my corner drugstore - convenience and affordability
• The ingredients are not only flattering and effective in fulfilling their purpose, but good for the skin with the organic and natural elements churned right in

What I don't like:

• It's relatively "stinky"; wish it had a more pleasant aroma (but I can live with it)

source: Physician's Formula

BeneFit Erase Paste

NEW! BeneFit has introduced their camouflage product said to assist faces suffering from stress and fatigue. Oh really? How cool. This is a concentrated, creamy, blendable concealer, which brightens and hides imperfections in one fell swoop. Three shades are available, the jar is $26.

For more info and for purchasing: benefit

NEW in Stores for January

Hot New Beauty Products




Fekkai All-Day Hair Plump includes strand thickening humectants and damage repairing peptides, lightweight, leave-in $95 for 3.4 oz at neiman marcus

Too Faced FUZE Slenderize Guilt-Free Lip Gloss gives a shiny, pumped pout that helps curb the munchies with its appetite-thwarting, energy boosting active ingredients $18.50 at sephora ~ Anyone find this works yet? post comments below

Dior Capture Totale Foundation a serum formula makeup that performs double-duty evening out skin tone while boosting radiance and firming, smoothing the skin; SPF15 $75 at Dior counters

Estee Lauder Re-Nutriv Ultimate Youth Creme a new product to the company's super-luxe, age-defying arsenal combines an exclusive patent-pending Youth Molecule - a pumped up "more stable version" of the antioxidant, anti-irritant resveratrol - with a plethora of other exotic complexion perfectors, a whopping $250 at estee lauder (worth the price? let me know)

Maybelline New York Mineral Powder Makeup jumping on the mineral bandwagon is Maybelline NY with its complete collection of complexion enhancers, delivering sun protection and smooth finish in one, yet at a wallet-friendly price $8 - $10 at drugstores

photos: Nicola Kast

style.com for more information

Favorite Things 2007

As a new blogger I am delighted to participate in this year's "Favorite Things" and only wish I had reviews in my blog of all the items I'll name in the listing. I do, however, look forward to adding LOTS more and only hope that some find the ramblings as amusing and fun as I do. Oh, so much to say, so little time ... I look forward to comments, so please don't be shy! Would love to know what YOUR interests are, even when we disagree on products and such ... xo

Right, off to the list:

1. FRAGRANCE: Don't hold this against me, but I must rest with a tie for this category

For special occasions: Strange Invisible Perfumes ~ L'Invisible. Description of this fragrance is best given by its creator and so I will quote for your own imagery delight, "Oak moss and a bouquet of resins lay in the shade of ylang ylang and blood orange; coursing through its heart is a redolent fusion of hibiscus and vanilla that coils through dimly lit veils of Moroccan red rose and Sicilian lemon" L'Invisble is the namesake fragrance of SIP and is the aromatic incarnation of something that is material yet hidden from sight; inhabiting the french verb sentir, which means both to smell and to feel. Treat yourself to a bevy of sensual experiences simply by visiting the website.

For everyday and more: REN ~ Rosa Maya. Brought back in December after discontinuing the fragrance, the UK company deservedly received much appreciation for its return - yea!!! Rosa Maya honors the beguiling sensuality of the rose with its complex and intriguing fragrance having a fresh, floral, citrus top note; a heart of rose, slightest hint of jasmine, and osmanthus; and a sensual base of woods (sandalwood in particular), spices and musks. The fragrance is a Clean Product containing only natural and nature identical ingredients.

2. SHAMPOO & CONDITIONER: PureOlogy ~ NanoWorks.

A bit pricey, but so worth it for fabulously shiny, healthy, color-maintained locks. Rich, yet extra-mild, zero-sulfate, anti-aging haircare.

3. FACIAL CLEANSER: Philosophy ~ Purity Made Simple.

This is a liquid crystal cleansing emulsion and skin purifier that removes dirt, makeup, oil and debris in one step; gentle enough even for sensitive skin types.

4. FACIAL EXFOLIANT: Rodan + Fields ~ REVERSE Microdermabrasion Paste.

During 2007, I've tried many a varied exfoliators, microderm and peel products only to return to this product each and every time. Why? Quite simply, it works; it's gentle; it's effective! My almost 40 year old skin has never looked better.

5. FACIAL MASK: Alchimie Forever ~ Kantic Mask.

I love this line of skincare; if you've not tried Alchimie Forever, you should treat your skin to this luxury! The Kantic Mask, with its creamy texture and anti-oxidant rich ingredients of blueberries, wild pansies, oats, grapes and vitamin E, truly reduces redness, brightens and hydrates skin to a healthy, refreshing glow.

6. FACIAL SERUM: REN ~ Revivo Lift H11 Intensive Night Serum.

The ONLY product I've found to actually reduce and diminish lines and wrinkles for the long haul. You can actually see the results of this product upon first application. It's like my miracle wrinkle-reducer! [REN decribes this wonder as a concentrated bio active serum formulated to intensively restore skin's elasticity, firmness and vitality; patented hexapeptide liposomes together with native peptides smooth fine lines and wrinkles; myrrh resin firms, vitamin C brightens skin tone and hyaluronic acid boosts hydration]

7. FACIAL MOISTURIZER:

DAY: Clarins ~ Hydra-Matte Day Lotion.

Perfect for my combination skin, keeps oil at bay for the entire day yet replenishes and hydrates my skin to a smooth finish - love the botanicals.

NIGHT: Sisley Paris ~ Sisleya Global Anti-Age.

Decadent, but gentle enough that my combination skin can enjoy the rich benefits without clogging; renders the skin healthy.

8. FACIAL PRIMER: Thought long and hard on which I would actually name as my favorite for 2007, as I really, really love Smashbox Photo Finish, I'm going to go with this one, which I love equally as much, only because it is lesser known and I wish for people to really appreciate the benefits and effectiveness of this wonderful product that is healthy for the skin. Colorescience ~ Line Tamer Smoothing, Soothing, Skin Brightener.

I urge you to take a look at the ingredients and try it!

9. FOUNDATION: Giorgio Armani ~ Luminous Silk Foundation in #2.

With its varied shades, oil-free formula, lightweight, luminous texture, this is hands down the #1 foundation out there for a true air-brushed looking finish without all the mess and fuss. I get compliments on my skin every time I wear this!

10. CONCEALER: Mary Kay Signature Concealer.

This creamy product covers like nothing else I've used and is surprisingly blendable. At $9.50 a tube (which lasts 4ever), just can't beat it.

11. LOOSE POWDER: T. LeClerc ~ Banane.

A soft, pale yellow powder that reflects light in a most flattering way, illuminating fair to medium complexions with pink undertones, bestows a glow lightening up skin and diminishing imperfections, even redness and dark circles.

12. EYESHADOW: MAC

Satin Taupe - The epitome of neutral elegance and a crease definer extraordinaire; Vanilla Pigment - highlights a brow bone like no other as well as accentuates and brightens the eye when applied to the inner corner of the eye; Pink Opal Pigment - Flatters almost any eye color and has multiple applications as a shadow, definer, highlighter and more.

13. EYELINER: Lancome ~ Artliner in Blueberry.

I adore how easy these are to apply, for a cat-eye there is nothing better, and the shades the Artliners come in are gorge ... plus, they last all day.

14. MASCARA: Mirenesse ~ Secret Weapon.

You will not find another mascara like this one! Other similar, "tubing" mascaras are ok at lengthening, but this one also adds volume - lush lashes, no smudging, smear-proof, literally lasts all day (until you wash it off - with water).

15. BLUSH: NARS ~ The Multiple in Sumatra.

Surprise, surprise ... as I've gone on about this in a recent post, what more needs to be said. Perfect flush, great formula, long-lasting, mutiple purpose product - love it!

16. LIPSTICK: While my favorite lipstick for formula is MAC, I'm going with this LE fashion-inspired stick for fave of this year for the beautiful red color on the lips, creativity of its developer (Gucci Westman), and the designer who show-cased it.

Lancome ~ P.S. Kiss (Peter Som/LE).

17. LIP GLAZE: Stila ~ Lip Plumping Glaze in Vanilla Mint.

This is a fair plumper, but I adore the pen-click packaging, the texture, feel and look of the product on my lips and the pleasant vanilla mint taste, so this is my fave for 2007 - yippee!!!

Thanks so much, Annie, for organizing the faves!! Annie's blog is one of the best, as you all know, the beloved Blogdorf Goodman. Check out her faves and the other beauty bloggers who are sharing their faves this year:


15 Minute Beauty
Afrobella
All About The Pretty
All Lacquered Up
Beauty 411
Beauty Blogging Junkie
BeautyTalk
Beautiful Makeup Search
Beauty Hatchery
Beauty Jones
Blogdorf Goodman
Canadian Beauty
C'est Chic
Coquette
eBeautyDaily
For the Love of Beauty
Give Me Your Eyes I Need Sunshine
Get AMPed
Grayburn
HauteMommaStuff
Koneko's *Mostly* Beauty Diary
Makeup Bag
The Makeup Girl
Miss Whoever You Are
Legerdenez
Perfumista
Periodic Style
Platinum Blonde Life
Product Girl
Shop Diary
Slap of the Day
Steeping Beauty
The Beauty Alchemist
The Daily Obsession
The Life of a Ladybug
The Non-Blonde
Urbane Girl
Victoria's Own
We Love Beauty

And for the Best of 2007 in perfume/fragrance, see these lovely blogs:

Aromascope

Bois de Jasmin

Now Smell This

Perfume Posse

Perfume Smellin Things

Scentzilla