Bobbi Brown's Cabana Corals Collection Spring 2010

Coral is a beautiful, warm color. As a person with freckles and red hair and warm skin, coral is one of my most flattering colors. But for some, coral looks too bright, too orange, too "warm" to wear without looking gaudy.





Bobbi Brown has just created a collection called "Cabana Corals" for Spring 2010 that lets everyone wear coral. She has re-imagined them with modern formulas and modern tones that range from pink-ish coral, to nude coral, to true coral (so there's at least one you'll love).





I got a chance to try a few of the products from this collection, which includes:





Two new Shimmer Bricks featuring five stripes of super-perle pigments to wear separately on cheeks, eyes and even dotted on lips, or swiped together for one glowing shade. shades The new shades are: Pink Quartz and Nectar, $38.00 each





For cheeks, there's a new Pot Rouge called California Coral that you can dab on lips as well as on your cheeks, for a pretty, multi-tasking product, $22.00





For lips, Bobbi Brown introduces three semi-opaque, Metallic Lip Colors: Coral Reef; Coral Glaze – Limited Edition and Calypso Glaze, $22.00





... two moistly-matte, full coverage, Classic Lipsticks: Cape Coral – Limited Edition and Guava, $22.00





.... and three Shimmer Lip Glosses : Sunset Beach – Limited Edition, Coral Sand, and
Golden Nectar, $20.00





I tried "Coral Reef," a metallic lip color that has moisturizing, high-shine, and light-reflective pearls, in a medium coverage lip product. The color is pink with a nod to coral, so cool toned complexions still can wear it, easily. It's not a heavy metallic like the ones from Winter. This one is shimmery, and elegant, but light enough for daytime wear even when the weather warms up.





I also got a chance to test of the "Coral Sand" Shimmer Lip Gloss. These glosses not only look good for a casual day, you can wear them layered over other lip colors for more shine and dimension. Even better, they have aloe extract to soothe, Vitamins C and E for anti-oxidant protection, and jojoba and avocado oils to keep your lips soft, even when the air is dry.






Coral was seen all over the Fall 2010 runways, too. It is a nice change from red and pink, and if you get it now, you'll be way ahead of the curve, come Fall. Coral looks great with a tan, and warms up even sallow skin. Way to go, Bobbi!

Visit your favorite Bobbi Brown Makeup Counter, or visit the Bobbi Brown Web Site

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Copyright ©Alison Blackman Dunham. All rights reserved. The Advice Sisters is a registered United States trademark. No content may be used or copied with written permission. If you want to use my work, please obtain it legally: Email: advicesisters-at-advicesisters-dot-net Subscribe to this blog by email or in a feed reader (See the right hand column of this blog). Follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/advicesisters
or Facebook http://www.facebook.com/alisonblackman
I use provided samples for most of my reviews. Learn more in the "A Note About Compensation" section of my What Works Beauty, Cosmetics and Fashion review column: http://www.advicesisters.net/whatworkscol3.html

Bobble Your Water. Help Save Money & the Planet

These days, even the health conscious are wondering what expenses they can cut. But for many, pure, bottled water is a necessity, not a luxury. If you drink a lot of bottled water, or like to carry bottled water with you when you're "out and about," it can cost you quite a bundle.

Enter the Bobble bottle. The lightweight, clear plastic, colorful topped bottle is not any old bottle. This one has it's own filtration system that filters water as you drink. The Bobble bottle will filter the equivalent of at least 300 water bottles, with a carbon filter that is a proven, powerful chemical absorbent. As water passes over the filter, the negative ions of contaminants are drawn to the carbon granules, where they remain. The filtered water has a cleaner, crisper taste and meets or exceeds NSF International Standard 42, the standard that governs public and private drinking water. To make things more fun, the filter top comes in six different colors ( photo above) so everyone in the family can have their own.

Instead of paying for individual bottles of Spring water, you can use water from the tap, as the filter is designed to remove chlorine and organic contaminants from municipal tap water. The result is clean, budget minded, portable water that not only tastes good, it is good for you, and the planet. And a Bobble bottle costs just $9.95!

According to the press literature I read, Americans spend over $15 billion every year to satisfy their thirst for bottled water. But most plastic bottles are discarded, ending up in landfills, in oceans and on sidewalks. Bobble is re-useable, so less plastic ends up in being trashed, and less plastic needs to be created. In fact, the Bobble bottle is made from recycled plastic and is free of BPA, Phthalates and PVC.

There seems to be absolutely no downside to the Bobble. Fill it before you leave home, and re-fill it the next time you are near a sink, saving the need to buy bottled water on the run when you're thirsty. It's also the perfect travel companion in the airport these days (bring it empty through security, then fill it with drinking fountain water, and the impurities will be filtered out).

The only thing that I didn't like (and this is true of all water bottles with filtration during the first few uses) is that initially, it takes a while to get the water through the carbon filter. At first use, you need to fill the Bobble with water and squeeze it through one time; this gets rid of any loose carbon. But you'll have to work a little harder to get the water through the filter than a bottle without a filter. However, the longer you Bobble, the easier it is to get the water through the filter and into your mouth. The filter should be replaced every two months or after filtering approximately 40 gallons, or 150 liters, of water.

This is a great gift idea (mother's day and father's day is coming up and a Bobble makes an unusual gift. It's also a fun way to get the rest of your family to drink more water. Little things like this can make a big difference in your health and well being. I love Bobble!

Bobble launched March 1st, in multiple retail outlets, including Bed Bath & Beyond, JC Penney, Barnes & Noble, Wegmans, and Whole Foods. There will be other outlets in the months ahead, but you can also purchase it online, on the Bobble Web Site..

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Copyright ©Alison Blackman Dunham. All rights reserved. The Advice Sisters is a registered United States trademark. No content may be used or copied with written permission. If you want to use my work, please obtain it legally: Email: advicesisters-at-advicesisters-dot-net Subscribe to this blog by email or in a feed reader (See the right hand column of this blog). Follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/advicesisters
or Facebook http://www.facebook.com/alisonblackman I use provided samples for most of my reviews. Learn more in the "A Note About Compensation" section of my What Works Beauty, Cosmetics and Fashion review column: http://www.advicesisters.net/whatworkscol3.html

HerCut Has HairCare Just Right for You

Recently, I had a chance to try a trio of hair care & styling products that made me really think about my hair in an entirely different way. HerCut is the first hair care collection developed to help you keep your hair cut looking the way it was meant to be, from the first day at the salon, to the next time you're ready to get it cut again.

Kyan Douglas, Photo by Alison Blackman

Brand Ambassador and Emmy Award-winner Kyan Douglas met with me and some other beauty editors to explain how the products work, and why they're different. Kyan told us that hair stylists learn five basic, essential hair styles during their training: : the bob, the pixi, long layers, the blunt cut, and the shag. “No matter what your hair type, your stylist uses the same techniques to create your signature style. Maintaining that look is about using products tailored to the cut, not the hair itself. For the first time, HerCut offers products that bring out the best in every cut, giving you flawless style long after you leave the salon," explained Kyan.

What makes HerCut different is that there are five different (heat activated) “catalysts” that work on a molecular level to help your hair behave as it was meant to, conformimng to the cut. The catalysts are customized to meet the specific needs of every cut (i.e., weighted, forward motion for bobs and controlled separation for shags) to maximize every style regardless of hair type.Each of the five fundamental styles has its own customized heat-activated catalyst that promotes the right behavior for the corresponding cut. Here's a basic breakdown:

THE BOB: This is an angular style that has forward-flowing, clean geometric lines that help to delicately define the shape of the face. The Bob Catalyst utilizes patent-pending Tumbling Polymer Technology to anchor the ends of the cut, weighting hair to encourage forward momentum and showcasing the clean, precise exterior of the bob.

THE PIXIE: This is the most versatile cut, according to Kayan, because you can wear it spiked, smooth, or touseled. The Pixie Catalyst utilizes patent-pending D3 Polymer Technology to create a strong yet flexible mesh that loosely connects hair, providing versatile hold that allows you to shape, contour and texture with total control. Although there is no "HisCut yet, guys are most likely to use The Pixie catalyst for their hair right now.

THE SHAG: The shag is a heavily layered cut with multi-dimensional texture and playful movement. The Shag Catalyst utilizes patent-pending Ionicon Polymer Technology that creates separation and weight dispersion through negatively charged macromolecules that repel each other and create controlled separation. It sounds technical, but the results can be remarkable!

THE BLUNT CUT: Like the bob, this is a precision cut is typified by an even, unified length from root to end. You've got to get it right if you want those beautiful, clean lines and blunt edges that give the blunt cut a sleek silhouette. Blunt Catalyst employs patent-pending Compress-Ion Polymer Technology to form a crystal-clear matrix around each hair fiber and compress it, while forming bridges between hair fibers to ensure that they move in unison and always appear freshly cut.

LONG LAYERS: This is such a popular cut, but it can be tricky to maintain at home. In order to help the layers stay connected with falling flat, and creating body at the crown, a girl needs a little help! It arrrives in the form of the Long Layers Catalyst, utilizing patent-pending Spring Polymer Technology that creates flexible connections between layers via coil shaped molecules, fostering delicately bouncy hair that moves together.

To maximize the effects of the catalysts in catering to each fundamental style, HerCut also has a collection of sulfate- and paraben-free shampoos and conditioners. They are:

Shampoos:

Normal-Oily Shampoo: Designed for straight to wavy cuts, this daily shampoo maximizes true color vibrancy while strengthening the roots to support the weight of the cut and maintain its intended cut.

Normal-Dry Shampoo: Developed to make all cuts look their best with use every other day, this shampoo protects color while supporting the shape of every cut.

Dry Hair Shampoo: Designed for twice-a-week use, this shampoo for all cuts nourishes and protects color to bring out the best in every cut.

Conditioners:

Light Conditioner: Developed for fine hair and/or single-processed hair, this color-protecting conditioner weightlessly improves fiber elasticity to support every haircut shape, absorbing immediately and rinsing without leaving residue.

Medium Conditioner: Developed for medium hair texture that’s single processed and medium hair textures with highlights or lowlights, this nourishing, smoothing conditioner infuses hair with healthy moisture, absorbing instantly and protecting color.

Deep Conditioner: Developed for coarse, damaged or chemically treated hair, this deep conditioner instantly softens, smoothes and repairs, weightlessly improving elasticity and absorbing instantly to protect color and support hair shape.

This is a personalized line of products, but it's not too difficult to know what kind of cut you have, and what kind of shampoo and conditioner suits your hair. They are also safe for colored hair (thank heavens)! I tried the Normal to Oily Shampoo and Deep Conditioner, since my hair is dry on the ends, oily at the roots. The Shampoo was lovely, with lots of lather and a clean rinse. The conditioner felt rich and thick on my hair, leaving it silky when I rinsed it out.

But the real magic is in the catalysts. Instead of my usual heat styling products, I used the herCut Long Layers catalyst. After a few pushes of the dual-chambered pump bottle, I got a little bit of both parts of the catalyst, warmed them together in the palms of my hands, and then smoothed the mixture on my hair from ends to roots (usually it's from roots to ends, but this product is the other way around). You are supposed to comb the product through for best results. Then, I simply styled my hair as usual. But, as luck would have it, I realized that I was late for an event, and in order to get there on time I'd have to rush my usual, more careful blow-out. I figured my hair would look horrible, but to my surprise, it looked good. I didn't even really need to finish the style with a flat iron as I'd normally do. Three days later, my hair looks almost perfect and there is still "lift" at the roots. That's pretty amazing!

I was still dubious. So I did an experiment. I asked the PR company to send me a different catalyst, this time, the one for blunt cut hair, just to see if it would make a difference. I used the HerCut shampoo and conditioner as before. My hair looked ok, but not as swing-y and smooth as when I used the long layers catalyst. So I tried the long layers catalyst without the shampoo and conditioner. My hair wasn't as soft and shiny, but it still looked great. I learned that the right catalyst makes all the difference, and a good shampoo and conditioner is always a wonderful thing.

The down side, if you consider it as such, is that this new technology doesn't come at a bargain price. The catalysts are $28.00 each, and the 10 fl. oz. plastic flip-top bottles of the Shampoos and Conditioners, are $22.00 each. But when you figure how much you've invested in a great cut, or if you generally have to have a pro handle your blow-outs, you may decide that doing it yourself with HerCut is well, well worth the investment. You may also find that you have to wash and style your hair a little bit less frequently...and that is priceless!

WHERE TO FIND IT: These products are available now at Sephora stores nationwide, sephora.com and on QVC. For more information be sure to visit the HerCut Web Site.

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Copyright ©Alison Blackman Dunham. All rights reserved. The Advice Sisters is a registered United States trademark. No content may be used or copied with written permission. If you want to use my work, please obtain it legally: Email: advicesisters-at-advicesisters-dot-net Subscribe to this blog by email or in a feed reader (See the right hand column of this blog). Follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/advicesisters or Facebook http://www.facebook.com/alisonblackman
I use provided samples for most of my reviews. Learn more in the "A Note About Compensation" section of my What Works Beauty, Cosmetics and Fashion review column: http://www.advicesisters.net/whatworkscol3.html
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版权所有©艾莉森布莱克曼邓纳姆。保留所有权利。姐妹的意见是注册美国商标。没有内容可以使用或复制的书面permission.If您要使用我的工作，请，在- advicesisters，获得它在法律上：电子邮箱：advicesisters点网。我用我的评论提供了样本。学习中的“阿注更多关于补偿”一节中，如果你喜欢这个博客我的作品是什么美容，化妆品和时装评论专栏：http://www.advicesisters.net/whatworkscol3.html，同意通过电子邮件或在读者（见选项右侧栏）

Copyright © Alison Blackman Dunham. Todos los derechos reservados. Las Hermanas de Asesoramiento es una marca registrada Estados Unidos. Ningún contenido puede ser usado o copiado con el escrito permission.If desea utilizar mi trabajo, por favor obtener legalmente: Email: advicesisters-en-advicesisters-punto-net. Yo uso siempre muestras para mis comentarios. Obtenga más información en la nota "Una acerca de la compensación" de mi lo que funciona Belleza, Cosméticos y columna de opinión de moda: http://www.advicesisters.net/whatworkscol3.html Si te gusta este blog, suscribirse a él por correo electrónico o en un lector (véase la columna de la derecha para las opciones)

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Copyright © Alison Blackman Dunham. Tous droits réservés. Les Sœurs Advice est une marque déposée des États-Unis. Aucun contenu mai être utilisés ou copiés avec écrit permission.If vous voulez utiliser mon travail, s'il vous plaît obtenez-le en toute légalité: Email: advicesisters-at-advicesisters-dot-net. J'utilise fourni des échantillons pour mes commentaires. En savoir plus dans la "Note sur la rémunération" section de mon What Works beauté, Cosmétiques & Fashion Column: http://www.advicesisters.net/whatworkscol3.html Si vous aimez ce blog, vous y abonner par email ou dans une lecteur (voir colonne de droite pour les options)

حقوق النشر محفوظة © أليسون بلاكمان دنهام. جميع الحقوق محفوظة. راهبات مشورة هي علامة تجارية مسجلة للولايات المتحدة. قد لا يكون مضمون استخدام أو نسخ خطية مع permission.If كنت تريد استخدام عملي ، يرجى الحصول عليها من الناحية القانونية : البريد الإلكتروني : advicesisters المعرضات للadvicesisters - دوت صافي. أنا استخدم قدمت عينات لمشاركاتي. تعلم المزيد في "ملاحظة حول التعويضات" مقطع من بلدي ما يعمل الجمال ومستحضرات التجميل موضة واستعراض العمود : http://www.advicesisters.net/whatworkscol3.html إذا كنت مثل هذا بلوق ، والاشتراك بها عن طريق البريد الإلكتروني أو في القارئ (انظر العمود الأيمن لخيارات)

New and Definitely Nifty: Colgate® Pro Clinical Toothpaste

Not long ago I attended a launch for a trio of new toothpastes from Colgate called Colgate® Pro Clinical Toothpaste. The public relations people were there, but they also brought along three experts who worked on the products. What was really great about this is that they were able to really answer my questions in technical detail as well as explain how these products are different.

So, What Makes Colgate® Pro Clinical Toothpastes, different?

For starters, they are for an audience that is often ignored when it comes to specific beauty needs: the over-40 woman. She's a consumer who very much cares about health and beauty, and she will spend a little more to get products that help her not just combat the signs of aging on her face or hair, but also on her body, and her teeth.

When Colgate was thinking about the development of toothpaste that would be directed to this audience, they actually went to dentists, and asked: "what do you hear from your patients about their dental concerns? What are they saying?"

Based on that, Colgate® scientists began to create this new line of toothpastes that are specially designed to meet the diverse needs of these health and beauty seekers. The end result of all their work are three toothpastes that utilize ingredients to provide consumers with targeted benefits — such as removing surface
stains, polishing teeth, and fortifying enamel. The products they created are good for daily use. you can choose the one that targets the issue of most concern to you: Daily Whitening, Daily Cleaning or Daily Renewal for Enamel, but you can also use more than one in a rotation.

What's in the tubes? The soft-sided tubes stand on their caps, which are also the way to open the tube (keeping the ingredients fresh). Each of the products have specific ingredients and functions. We learned that due to the chemistry of the various ingredients, they couldn't put all of the attributes into one single product.

Colgate® PROCLINICAL™ removes surface stains. This Daily Whitening contains ProLuminex™ crystals — Colgate's® highest level of high-performance whitening silica that is clinically proven to whiten teeth by removing surface stains and help keep them off. We were shown a chart showing the improvement the test subjects saw from the ingredients in the Daily Whitening formula after just three weeks, and even more significantly, in six weeks.

Colgate® PROCLINICAL™ Daily Renewal for Enamel helps to protect the enamel of your teeth, which can get weaker (or have small dents or fissures) as you age or if just from grinding teeth or daily wear. It contains a ProMinerals™ complex, comprised of
1,500 ppm of fluoride, the highest level of fluoride available in a daily toothpaste without a prescription. While this product can't undo damage, it can help to fortify enamel, and helps protect your teeth from food acids.

The final product, Colgate® PROCLINICAL™ Daily Cleaning, isn't quite reaady for the shelves yet, but we got a sneak peek at this one, too. It is designed to give your teeth that "smooth & clean" feeling you have when your dentist has just cleaned your teeth. This toothpaste contains Prophy Silica™ micro-buffers — an ingredient similar to what dentists use when they're polishing your teeth. While it is a gentle abrasive, it also has stain fighting technology, too.


If this sounds good to you (and it certainly sounded pretty cool to me), the good news is that the first two products are already available at mass retailers , grocery and drug stores nationwide and in some online outlets as well. The PROCLINICAL™ toothpastes have have a suggested retail price of $3.99 (Mass) and $4.49 (Food/Drug).


*11/5/11: Do you like this blog review?  Daily reviews of products and services are now featured on the Advice Sisters website. Please visit www.advicesisters.net for daily content

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Copyright ©Alison Blackman Dunham. All rights reserved. The Advice Sisters is a registered United States trademark. No content may be used or copied with written permission. If you want to use my work, please obtain it legally: Email: advicesisters-at-advicesisters-dot-net Subscribe to this blog by email or in a feed reader (See the right hand column of this blog). Follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/advicesisters or Facebook http://www.facebook.com/alisonblackman
I use provided samples for most of my reviews. Learn more in the "A Note About Compensation" section of my What Works Beauty, Cosmetics and Fashion review column: http://www.advicesisters.net/whatworkscol3.html

Is It True What You Read in the Tabloids? Tabloid Beauty by M.A.C. Cosmetics

It is true what you read in the tabloids? There's always a little grain of truth. But there's more than just a grain in the new, M·A·C Cosmetics Tabloid Beauty collection! Anyone can make a claim, but not everyone can back it up. These products are a collection of M·A·C faves, each with claims that the company has clinically tested and proven. And each claim is displayed proudly on each package. These are high performance products that are "must-haves" for your makeup bag. Here's a quick rundown on this collection:









PRO LONGWEAR LIPCOLOUR - A dual-ended wand with opaque lip color on one end, shimmery clear gloss that shines and hydrates on the other. Non-transfer fixed, with no feathering for a full 8 hour day. Bet you can't choose just one!
Suggested Retail Price $21.00 U.S./$25.00 CDN



clingpeach - Shimmering peach
commitment - Rich reddened-brown
durashell - Soft pink with gold pearl
For Keeps Rose-plum with iridescence
lasting lust - Smouldering red
loyal - Warm beige-brown
Passion- Preserved Subdued brick red
Perennial Rose Dusty pink with gold pearl
Stuck on You Berry-red with gold pearl
Unchanging - Soft, neutral lilac-pink

PRO LONGWEAR LUSTRE LIPCOLOUR - bascially the same deal as the one above, but with a sexy, clear, shimmery top coat
Suggested Retail Price $21.00 U.S./$25.00 CDN


Jazz-Y-razz - Dirty plum with pearl
Lishious - Soft peach with gold pearl
Night rose - Rich plum with gold pearl
Boss Brown - Chocolate bronze with pearl
Betwixt - Rich copper-red with pearl
Sappho - Fine wine



PLUSH LASH MASCARA - 12% increase in fullness, 125% increase in curl!
Suggested retail Price $13.00 U.S./$15.50 CDN
M.A.C. makes great mascaras. This one has a large brush and a formula that offers an 112% increase in fullness, 125% increase in curl!
Plushblack --true black , Brownette - chocolate brown


PENULTIMATE EYE LINER - Extremely long-wearing – 12 hours! This liner lasts like a magic marker--until you take it off. Get True Black
Suggested retail Price $16.50 U.S./$20.00 CDN


PREP + PRIME LINE FILLER - Improves firmness, visible lifting, visibly diminishes lines in eight weeks! I didn't try it for eight weeks, but it did make my foundation look even smoother.
Suggested retail Price $19.50 U.S./$23.50 CDN


PREP + PRIME SKIN REFINED ZONE - Immediately reduces the appearance of visible pores over time, reduces clogged pores by 25%, shrinking the appearance of pore size by almost two-thirds! 26% improvement in smoothness and skintone, 24% reduction in sebum, 32% reduction in the appearance of pore size! This is an excellent product that keeps skin matte--I saw it used backstage more than once during Fashion Week.
Suggested retail Price $19.50 U.S./$23.50 CDN

I love the outer packaging: bright colors with "Tabloid" lettering.You don't have to wait to get these- they're in M.A.C.'s permanent collection (yay!) and available now at all M·A·C locations, 1.800.588.0070 - http://www.maccosmetics.com/

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Copyright ©Alison Blackman Dunham. All rights reserved. The Advice Sisters is a registered United States trademark. No content may be used or copied with written permission. If you want to use my work, please obtain it legally: Email: advicesisters-at-advicesisters-dot-net Subscribe to this blog by email or in a feed reader (See the right hand column of this blog). Follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/advicesisters or Facebook http://www.facebook.com/alisonblackman
I use provided samples for most of my reviews. Learn more in the "A Note About Compensation" section of my What Works Beauty, Cosmetics and Fashion review column: http://www.advicesisters.net/whatworkscol3.html

New Today- Advice Sisters What Works Beauty, Cosmetics & Fashion Review Column for Spring 2010

It was definitely Winter outside, while I was writing most of the reviews in the BRAND NEW, ADVICE SISTERS WHAT WORKS BEAUTY, COSMETICS & FASHION REVIEW COLUMN: http://www.advicesisters.net/whatworkscol3.html But recently, I saw the green tips of crocuses coming up, even as the snow fell on them. It reminded me that Spring is almost here. This early Spring (March/April) What Works Beauty, Cosmetics & Fashion review column gives you an idea of the colors and trends you'll find right now, or very soon, in all your favorite stores. When the seasons change, it gives you a new opportunity to refresh you mind, spirit, and body.

Some of these reviews have links to a larger review (many with photos and videos) that appeared first on the Advice Sisters Blog http://www.advicesisters.net/advicesistersblog.html .

Please share your favorites on Twitter and other social networking media. You can find me on Twitter @advicesisters and Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/alisonblackman

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Copyright ©Alison Blackman Dunham. All rights reserved. The Advice Sisters is a registered United States trademark. No content may be used or copied with written permission. If you want to use my work, please obtain it legally: Email: advicesisters-at-advicesisters-dot-net Subscribe to this blog by email or in a feed reader (See the right hand column of this blog). Follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/advicesisters or Facebook http://www.facebook.com/alisonblackman
I use provided samples for most of my reviews. Learn more in the "A Note About Compensation" section of my What Works Beauty, Cosmetics and Fashion review column: http://www.advicesisters.net/whatworkscol3.html

Love Me Compacts and Love Potion Present Great Gift Opportunities

Back at holiday time in 2008, The Advice Sisters reviewed a unique product called Poo-Pourri that eliminated odors in the toilet not by spraying the air, but by deodorizing the water in the toilet bowl before you "do your business." The odor neutralizer in Poo Pourri dissolves smells, so the next person using the toilet won't be experience what you left behind (bad pun intended).


Now Suzy Batiz of Poo-Pourri fame has come up with a sister company that creates scents in an entirely different frame of reference: Love Me Compacts. These are lovely, solid perfume scents that you wear on your body. They are presented in beautifully illustrated, slim, cardboard compacts. Inside each compact are three round pots of solid scent to use individually, or in combinations to create your very own signature fragrance. The idea of combining fragrances isn't new, but it's the first time I've seen the concept taken to a portable level with three scents packaged together. All of the fragrances are unique, and there are four different compacts (so 12 scents in all) representing the four elements: Earth, Air, Fire and Water. Each compact is $24.95. What's great about these is that they're so lightweight, and pretty to look at, and of course, solid scents are not going to leak or spill in your purse or luggage. What makes these compacts more unusual is that they're not the usual, commercial, fruity florals. There are a lot of white florals like jasmine and honeysuckle, and incense-y notes like patchouli, vanilla, and coconut. These are not to my personal liking, but they're plenty popular. And, once you rub just a tiny bit of any one of these into your skin, or layer them, they'll last a long while.

Love Me In the Garden features the "Earth scents" named: Earth, Whisper & Sweetness. What they’re made of is night blooming jasmine, spicy and woody notes of vanilla musk, and floral notes of honeysuckle, jasmine and clean, fresh-cut grass. Together, they have the smell of a head shop in the 1960's, but when you rub them into your skin they take on a creamy sweetness of a bride’s bouquet.

Love Me in the Rain is a compact featuring a large lotus flower in the middle, flowing onto either side. These are "Water scents" named: Inspiration, Rain & Fun. The three actual fragrances have notes of blue lotus, rich tuberose, fresh rain, earthy patchouli, and sweet honey, plus candy, citrus and caramelized vanillas. Patchouli on it's own is not so pleasing, but blended with these other notes, it makes a smoky, incense-y blend that is sexy and empowering.

Love me On A Hot Tin Roof contains the "Fire Scents" named: Wild, Radiant & Sun. The actual notes including tropical blends of ginger, lavendaceous pikake, sage, splashes of mandarin, lemon, grapefruit, and minty vanilla, and amber notes. This trio is much fruitier than the other three, and I think I like this one the best because it's an all-season for all reasons, grouping of scents.

Love Me Under the Stars contains "Air Scents" named: Midnight, Coconut Moon & Laughter. If These are notes of ginger, melon, citrus, coconut, amber, woody, white musks, and warm floral sandalwoods with red rose, violet and freesia. It smells like a spicy fruit cocktail!

All of the compacts use beautiful, jewel-toned illustrations with gold accents that remind me of the illustrated fairy tale books I loved as a child. Inside, there's a little booklet telling you how to use the scents. Any or all of these would make a lovely gift perfect (Mother's Day is coming) or great gifts for your bridal party. And for yourself, of course.

But for those who are fans of tote-able rollerballs, (and I’m definitely in that category, too), there is Love, Me....Potion $16.95. This pretty roller ball with gorgeously decorated hard-sided cardboard packaging tube, is a perfume oil inspired by Pusanga, the famed love potion of the Amazon (Pusanga is made from flowers and plants renowned to attract to the people who wear it, things they really want). Inside each tube is a glass roller ball bottle, containing a 1/3 oz. fragrance with notes of rose, floral, amber, and sandalwood, blended into 100% jojoba oil. The packaging also includes a "secret" parchment scroll that describes the inspiration for the love potion, as well as a description of what what the magic of a love potion, is.

The scent is very significant (think: strong) and the key note is a pretty rose. If you love romantic, rose scents, this is definitely the one for you! I think it would be a lovely gift for Mother's Day or for a bridal shower. I dabbed one fingertip on the top of the rollerball--and the scent remained strong for hours. Just use a little, so you don't blow everyone away with the scent! Your "magic" should be subtle! The product uses a 100% natural base including beeswax and shea butter. There are no coloring agents, no parabens, no alcohol, no preservatives.

Visit the Love Me Scents Web Site for more information, and to order

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Copyright ©Alison Blackman Dunham. All rights reserved. The Advice Sisters is a registered United States trademark. No content may be used or copied with written permission. If you want to use my work, please obtain it legally: Email: advicesisters-at-advicesisters-dot-net Subscribe to this blog by email or in a feed reader (See the right hand column of this blog). Follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/advicesisters or Facebook http://www.facebook.com/alisonblackman I use provided samples for most of my reviews. Learn more in the "A Note About Compensation" section of my What Works Beauty, Cosmetics and Fashion review column: http://www.advicesisters.net/whatworkscol3.html

Degree Women Nature Effects - I Smell A Hit!

For the past week or so, I've been getting "sensory experience" missives from Degree about their newest line of deodorants called Nature Effects. The thing that has been so intriguing, and fun, about this is that I am still not quite sure what the product will be like. I'm just getting "clues," like in a treasure hunt, from Degree. It has to be the most fun I've had finding out about a product, ever!

Each missive comes with something that gives you a clue about what the product will contain and what makes it special. These deodorants are creating quite a buzz!

So what is this all about? Three deodorants by Degree have been designed just like fine fragrances, by an experienced, professional "nose." In this case, fragrance expert Ann Gotlieb. The scents are inspired by nature (hence the name "Nature Effects"). The cool thing is that some of the "notes" (ingredients) in the products are fragrance ingredients that are known to fight odor (aws well as smell good), No contradiction in terms, the ingredients include honeysuckle & tea tree oil; pink pepper and olive leaf; and orange flower and cranberry.

The Degree Women Nature Effects offer 24-hour wetness and odor protection and each has a matching Body Mist to work together to keep you dry and odor free. The collection is available nationally at mass market retailers with an Srp. of $3.99 for the deodorant, and $3.99 for the body mist.

According to Degree, a whopping 81% of women find that using products infused with nature, improves their moods, and 78% say that products with fragrances inspired by nature makes them feel happier. Their study apparently also unearthed the fact that 77% of women say that using nature-inspired scents make them feel like they have been transported to a stress-free place.

I can't really speak to those findings...yet. If this is true, I smell a hit for Degree (pun intended).

I'm expecting a few more missives and clues to arrive from Degree pretty soon, And, when I finally get the product, I'll definitely tell you if I feel like it's mood-altering. At the very least, I expect good things.

Want to know more? So do I (and I'll divulge it as I get more information). For now, you cam visit www.DegreeWomen.com to learn about other Degree products.

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Copyright ©Alison Blackman Dunham. All rights reserved. The Advice Sisters is a registered United States trademark. No content may be used or copied with written permission. If you want to use my work, please obtain it legally: Email: advicesisters-at-advicesisters-dot-net Subscribe to this blog by email or in a feed reader (See the right hand column of this blog). Follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/advicesisters or Facebook http://www.facebook.com/alisonblackman
I use provided samples for most of my reviews. Learn more in the "A Note About Compensation" section of my What Works Beauty, Cosmetics and Fashion review column: http://www.advicesisters.net/whatworkscol3.html

Ferragamo's Incanto Bloom Enchants Chic Fashionistas

Incanto Bloom Eau de Toilette, Ferragamo's newest fragrance

Models holding Incanto Bloom at launch


I like anything tied up in a bow like a precious gift, so it's no wonder I've always been in love with Ferragamo's iconic vera bow. And it's no wonder that Ferragamo's latest fragrance, Incanto Bloom, charms me with it's packaging as well as it's pretty, floral scent. Inside the pristine, white outer packaging with pink and black accents, Incanto Bloom emerges to delight you; a slim, opalescent white, oval bottle dusted with delicate whisps of black and pink dandelion "blooms," and a diffuser topper that is a modern version of Ferragamo's vera bow, re-imagined in black and white plastic. So totally fresh and cute you might love it just for the visual appeal it offers!




Luciano Bertinelli



As Luciano Bertinelli, CEO of Ferragamo Perfumes explained, Ferragamo has always appealed to women of all ages. Incanto Bloom is the newest in a line of Incanto scents (Incanto Dream, Incanto Charms, Incanto Shine, Incanto Heaven, Incanto Bliss). But this one is specifically being directed towards younger chic-ettes. Incanto Bloom launched right before Fashion Week began in New York City a new weeks ago. The new fragrance (plus a few bath and body items), hit shelves exclusively at Bloomingdales.




Sophie Labbe explains the olfactory pyramid to editors


Sophie Labbe, the "nose" behind the scent explained that Incanto Bloom is envisioned as a scent for a young, urban woman who loves fashion, and who wants the latest in chic. She also broke down the major notes:

The fragrance opens with Moroccan grapefruit flowers, along with freesia for a floral fruity undertone. The heart (or middle notes) include tea rose accord along with champaca. This rose is a crisp, fresh rose, without too much powdery-ness. The drydown features cashmere woods and a pinch of musk, both of which blend with the fruits and florals to make them softer and more sophisticated.



At the launch, I kept hearing that the fragrance was aimed at a chic, younger woman. But for those of you past 20-something and still full of chic-ness, I have news: Ferragamo will have a hit on it's hands with the younger set, this light, pretty and girly product that young women will covet, will also be considered as a good warm weather scent for those "past a certain age," as well.

Consider it a scent you can share with mom. Mother's Day is coming. Buy it for her, and then make sure she shares!

Incanto Bloom by Ferragamo is exclusively at Bloomingdales, and http://www.bloomingdales.com/

Eau de Toilette Spray 1.0 oz. $45.00

Eau de Toilette Spray 1.7 oz. $62.00

Eau de Toilette Spray 3.4 oz. $82.00

*bath & shower products also available

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Copyright ©Alison Blackman Dunham. All rights reserved. Photos by Alison Blackman. The Advice Sisters is a registered United States trademark. No content may be used or copied with written permission. If you want to use my work, please obtain it legally: Email: advicesisters-at-advicesisters-dot-net Subscribe to this blog by email or in a feed reader (See the right hand column of this blog). Follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/advicesisters
or Facebook http://www.facebook.com/alisonblackman I use provided samples for most of my reviews. Learn more in the "A Note About Compensation" section of my What Works Beauty, Cosmetics and Fashion review column: http://www.advicesisters.net/whatworkscol3.html

Academy of Art University Runway Show Fashion Week Fall 2010

Fashion Week is over, but the reports keep coming. Here's my take on the Academy of Art University Runway Show. Please feel free to leave your COMMENTS (the comments section is at the bottom of this post almost at the very end).

Young talent is like a pirate's booty, you never know what treasures you'll find.

On Saturday, February 13th, six young designers from the Academy of Art University, known for its fashion forward runway shows, showcased the talents of six (very lucky) graduating seniors from the School of Fashion: Hyo Sun (Nicky) An, Sabah Mansoor Husain, Bethany Meuleners, Steven Oo, Marina Solomatnikova, and Naomi Sutton.

The variety of styles was delightful, the results, somewhat uneven. But all were original, and interesting. For me, stand-outs included the richly "fringed" and draped designs by Hyo Sun ‘Nicky’ huge nubby knits that were pure fantasy (lovely to look at but maybe not that pratical unless you lived in a very cold climate), and an impressive bunch of beautifully tailored dresses.

The one collection I thought was very well presented, but perhaps not very appealing to actually wear out in public, was the modern interpretation of Victorian dress, by Naomi Sutton. Her collection was a group of delicate, ivory dresses (some of which honestly appeared to be fashioned from lace curtains), some worn with "Amish-esque" black hats. There were some designs also just too eerily reminiscent of christening gowns. They were beautiful to look at, but too austere, or child-like, for most women to wear unless they really wanted to turn heads and raise eyebrows. But then I read later on that one of Ms. Sutton's designs was slated for a pop culture magazine spread. So much for my take on things!


knitted fantasy by Steven Oo

gorgeous drape-y fringe and a great look coming and going, by Hyo Sun ‘Nicky’

Modern "Victorian" by Naomi Sutton.

a stunning coat by Marina Solomatnikova

Here is my unedited video of the finale --I hope you like it!

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Copyright ©Alison Blackman Dunham. All rights reserved. All photos and video by Alison Blackman. The Advice Sisters is a registered United States trademark. No content may be used or copied with written permission. If you want to use my work, please obtain it legally: Email: advicesisters-at-advicesisters-dot-net Subscribe to this blog by email or in a feed reader (See the right hand column of this blog). Follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/advicesisters or Facebook http://www.facebook.com/alisonblackman
I use provided samples for most of my reviews. Learn more in the "A Note About Compensation" section of my What Works Beauty, Cosmetics and Fashion review column: http://www.advicesisters.net/whatworkscol3.html
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版权所有©艾莉森布莱克曼邓纳姆。保留所有权利。姐妹的意见是注册美国商标。没有内容可以使用或复制的书面permission.If您要使用我的工作，请，在- advicesisters，获得它在法律上：电子邮箱：advicesisters点网。我用我的评论提供了样本。学习中的“阿注更多关于补偿”一节中，如果你喜欢这个博客我的作品是什么美容，化妆品和时装评论专栏：http://www.advicesisters.net/whatworkscol3.html，同意通过电子邮件或在读者（见选项右侧栏）

Copyright © Alison Blackman Dunham. Todos los derechos reservados. Las Hermanas de Asesoramiento es una marca registrada Estados Unidos. Ningún contenido puede ser usado o copiado con el escrito permission.If desea utilizar mi trabajo, por favor obtener legalmente: Email: advicesisters-en-advicesisters-punto-net. Yo uso siempre muestras para mis comentarios. Obtenga más información en la nota "Una acerca de la compensación" de mi lo que funciona Belleza, Cosméticos y columna de opinión de moda: http://www.advicesisters.net/whatworkscol3.html Si te gusta este blog, suscribirse a él por correo electrónico o en un lector (véase la columna de la derecha para las opciones)

कॉपीराइट © Alison Blackman Dunham. सभी अधिकार सुरक्षित. सलाह बहनों एक संयुक्त राज्य अमेरिका पंजीकृत ट्रेडमार्क है. कोई सामग्री या इस्तेमाल किया जा सकता है permission.If आपको-advicesisters-पर अपने काम, यह कानूनी रूप से प्राप्त करने का उपयोग करें: ईमेल: advicesisters कृपया चाहते डॉट नेट लिखा के साथ नकल. मैं अपनी समीक्षा के लिए नमूने प्रदान का उपयोग करें. जानें मुआवजा के बारे में "एक नोट में और मेरा क्या काम करता है सौंदर्य, प्रसाधन सामग्री और फैशन की समीक्षा कॉलम: http://www.advicesisters.net/whatworkscol3.html की" यदि आपको इस ब्लॉग की तरह अनुभाग में, या एक ईमेल में यह द्वारा की सदस्यता लें रीडर (विकल्प के लिए सही हाथ स्तम्भ देखें)

Copyright © Alison Blackman Dunham. Tous droits réservés. Les Sœurs Advice est une marque déposée des États-Unis. Aucun contenu mai être utilisés ou copiés avec écrit permission.If vous voulez utiliser mon travail, s'il vous plaît obtenez-le en toute légalité: Email: advicesisters-at-advicesisters-dot-net. J'utilise fourni des échantillons pour mes commentaires. En savoir plus dans la "Note sur la rémunération" section de mon What Works beauté, Cosmétiques & Fashion Column: http://www.advicesisters.net/whatworkscol3.html Si vous aimez ce blog, vous y abonner par email ou dans une lecteur (voir colonne de droite pour les options)

حقوق النشر محفوظة © أليسون بلاكمان دنهام. جميع الحقوق محفوظة. راهبات مشورة هي علامة تجارية مسجلة للولايات المتحدة. قد لا يكون مضمون استخدام أو نسخ خطية مع permission.If كنت تريد استخدام عملي ، يرجى الحصول عليها من الناحية القانونية : البريد الإلكتروني : advicesisters المعرضات للadvicesisters - دوت صافي. أنا استخدم قدمت عينات لمشاركاتي. تعلم المزيد في "ملاحظة حول التعويضات" مقطع من بلدي ما يعمل الجمال ومستحضرات التجميل موضة واستعراض العمود : http://www.advicesisters.net/whatworkscol3.html إذا كنت مثل هذا بلوق ، والاشتراك بها عن طريق البريد الإلكتروني أو في القارئ (انظر العمود الأيمن لخيارات)

Creative Nail Design at The Blonds- Claws, Crystals, and more - NYFW Fall 2010

Of all the shows I saw during Fashion Week, the one I knew would be the most eye-catching and memorable was the one at the Altman Building for The Blonds. In some shows, you might not notice the nails so much, but in a runway show where "Jungle Goddess" is the theme and theatrics are what bring out fans and celebrities alike, nails, really matter.

Creative Nail Design nail techs made custom nails for The Blonds, and these had a big part in creating amazing looks on the runway. I had a chance to visit backstage at The Blonds, and get the scoop on the nail looks. Kristina Estabrooks was the lead for this show (see and hear her describe the looks in detail on my video further down in this post)

Unlike many runway shows where the girls all get the same nail treatment, there were many different sets of nail looks for The Blonds. Although Creative Nail Design used press-on nails, many of the looks were created on site at the Altman Building. And, as you'll hear Kristina say on the video (below), when it comes to The Blonds, there are often last minute changes (for this show, girly pink nails were added at the last minute, just for starters).

Creative Nail Design crafted all the nails on press-on bases, using a lot of Red (Scarlet Letter polish) and Black Jack (black polish). But they also used some unique items to make the looks, pop! You might not be able to re-create these complicated looks at home, but you can "get the look" by adding decorations to your nails while the polish is wet such as sugar crystals, coffee grounds, or crystals (and then cover or seal the look with a top coat such as CNDs Super Shine-E)

For The Blonds, we were treated to nails with red pave crystals and crushed glass, nails with sequins, nails with swirls of silver and gold chrome polish over or under another polish. There were also bona-fide "talons" (polished with CND's Brilliant White polish, applied at the last moments before the model walked the runway). For Philippe Blond, there was one special set of white nails encrusted with all pave crystals...but that's not all!

Two sets of nails were done by Anna Nelson, winner of Creative Nail Design's Art Nail Contest Winner. Her prize was a trip to Fashion Week, and I also met her backstage at the Twinkle show. Nelson was part of the CND team at The Blonds, as well. Her nails were created by swirling metallic polish on or over another layer of wet nail polish, to create one of a kind designs on the nails.

I had planned to talk to Creative Nail Design's Jan Arnold, but I missed her. However, I did get a chance to get Creative Nail Design's Kristina Estabrooks to explain the nail look a bit more on the (unedited) video, below. I hope you like it!

Creative Nail Design's Christina Estabrooks details the nails, for The Blonds Fall 2010 runway show.

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Copyright ©Alison Blackman Dunham. All rights reserved. The Advice Sisters is a registered United States trademark. No content may be used or copied with written permission. If you want to use my work, please obtain it legally: Email: advicesisters-at-advicesisters-dot-net Subscribe to this blog by email or in a feed reader (See the right hand column of this blog). Follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/advicesisters

or Facebook http://www.facebook.com/alisonblackman

I use provided samples for most of my reviews. Learn more in the "A Note About Compensation" section of my What Works Beauty, Cosmetics and Fashion review column: http://www.advicesisters.net/whatworkscol3.html

版权所有©艾莉森布莱克曼邓纳姆。保留所有权利。姐妹的意见是注册美国商标。没有内容可以使用或复制的书面permission.If您要使用我的工作，请，在- advicesisters，获得它在法律上：电子邮箱：advicesisters点网。我用我的评论提供了样本。学习中的“阿注更多关于补偿”一节中，如果你喜欢这个博客我的作品是什么美容，化妆品和时装评论专栏：http://www.advicesisters.net/whatworkscol3.html，同意通过电子邮件或在读者（见选项右侧栏）

Copyright © Alison Blackman Dunham. Todos los derechos reservados. Las Hermanas de Asesoramiento es una marca registrada Estados Unidos. Ningún contenido puede ser usado o copiado con el escrito permission.If desea utilizar mi trabajo, por favor obtener legalmente: Email: advicesisters-en-advicesisters-punto-net. Yo uso siempre muestras para mis comentarios. Obtenga más información en la nota "Una acerca de la compensación" de mi lo que funciona Belleza, Cosméticos y columna de opinión de moda: http://www.advicesisters.net/whatworkscol3.html Si te gusta este blog, suscribirse a él por correo electrónico o en un lector (véase la columna de la derecha para las opciones) कॉपीराइट

© Alison Blackman Dunham. सभी अधिकार सुरक्षित. सलाह बहनों एक संयुक्त राज्य अमेरिका पंजीकृत ट्रेडमार्क है. कोई सामग्री या इस्तेमाल किया जा सकता है permission.If आपको-advicesisters-पर अपने काम, यह कानूनी रूप से प्राप्त करने का उपयोग करें: ईमेल: advicesisters कृपया चाहते डॉट नेट लिखा के साथ नकल. मैं अपनी समीक्षा के लिए नमूने प्रदान का उपयोग करें. जानें मुआवजा के बारे में "एक नोट में और मेरा क्या काम करता है सौंदर्य, प्रसाधन सामग्री और फैशन की समीक्षा कॉलम: http://www.advicesisters.net/whatworkscol3.html की" यदि आपको इस ब्लॉग की तरह अनुभाग में, या एक ईमेल में यह द्वारा की सदस्यता लें रीडर (विकल्प के लिए सही हाथ स्तम्भ देखें)

Copyright © Alison Blackman Dunham. Tous droits réservés. Les Sœurs Advice est une marque déposée des États-Unis. Aucun contenu mai être utilisés ou copiés avec écrit permission.If vous voulez utiliser mon travail, s'il vous plaît obtenez-le en toute légalité: Email: advicesisters-at-advicesisters-dot-net. J'utilise fourni des échantillons pour mes commentaires. En savoir plus dans la "Note sur la rémunération" section de mon What Works beauté, Cosmétiques & Fashion Column: http://www.advicesisters.net/whatworkscol3.html Si vous aimez ce blog, vous y abonner par email ou dans une lecteur (voir colonne de droite pour les options)

حقوق النشر محفوظة © أليسون بلاكمان دنهام. جميع الحقوق محفوظة. راهبات مشورة هي علامة تجارية مسجلة للولايات المتحدة. قد لا يكون مضمون استخدام أو نسخ خطية مع permission.If كنت تريد استخدام عملي ، يرجى الحصول عليها من الناحية القانونية : البريد الإلكتروني : advicesisters المعرضات للadvicesisters - دوت صافي. أنا استخدم قدمت عينات لمشاركاتي. تعلم المزيد في "ملاحظة حول التعويضات" مقطع من بلدي ما يعمل الجمال ومستحضرات التجميل موضة واستعراض العمود : http://www.advicesisters.net/whatworkscol3.html إذا كنت مثل هذا بلوق ، والاشتراك بها عن طريق البريد الإلكتروني أو في القارئ (انظر العمود الأيمن لخيارات)

Juvederm XC is a Dermal Filler that Offers you GAIN, With NO Pain!

before

after

Do I look better? I want you to think that I have just gotten a lot of rest, or maybe, a new hairstyle, but it wouldn't be the truth. The real reason the "after" looks better (and younger) is thanks to Juvederm XC, an injectible gel known as a "dermal filler." I have often said I'm against invasive procedures. Too much "work" on a mature face just makes it look "altered," but not necessarily better. But dermal fillers like Juvederm can take years off your face within minutes, without resorting to drastic or seriously invasive measures. I'm all for that!

There are several different types of dermal fillers, and it is really up to your doctor to decide which ones, and how much, you would need to make a pleasant difference, or a dramatic one. No one's skin is quite like yours. Your skin history, including your age, skin texture, and even the amount of time you've spent baking the in sun, have to be considered. So leave that to the pros. The most commonly used fillers are: Restylane, Juvederm, Perlane and Radiesse. They all have the same goal: to reduce expression lines and wrinkles, and they all fill (or plump up) the lines in your face. Restylane, Juvederm and Perlane are hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers. HA is a natural sugar compound that can provide additional volume and fullness to your skin and won't cause allergic reactions. When HA is injected, the HA molecules cause the dermis layer of your skin tissue, to swell, plumping up the skin. Another filler, Radiesse, works differently.

The thing about dermal fillers that has kept some people from trying them is, simply, fear of pain. These injections used to hurt. Ask anyone who tried them (before Juvederm XC) and they'll tell you that while they loved the results, they dreaded the needles. Still, dermal fillers have very quickly risen to be the #2 cosmetic procedure after BOTOX. Usually ice and/or a numbing cream can be applied, and some doctors mixed the lidocaine into their syringes. That helped, but it also took more time, and also tended to loosen the consistency of the product.

That's so last year! At a luncheon I attended for Juvederm XC, I was told that Juvuderm has now found a way to include lidocaine right in the syringe holding the product, so there is no pain with within seconds after injecting it.

Seeing is believing, and believe me, I saw the proof. First, we got to see a woman volunteer receive Juvederm XC right in front of our eyes. As she sat in front of us, we even got to see her skin through a close up lens of a video camera as the procedure was being done. We all squirmed a bit, as it looked scary to see the needle enter her skin, but she didn't even flinch -- she sat there as if nothing was being done at all!


That was impressive, and we could all see the immediate results. But could I believe that everyone would get the same results, with no pain?

That, I had to experience for myself.

So I tried Juvuderm XC, even though I had reservations, and I'm not that great with pain. But I was definitely in expert hands. The doctor who administered the Juvuderm XC was Charles Boyd, M.D., M.B.A., F.A.C.S.. a facial and plastic reconstructive surgeon from Detroit, MI. who has been using Juvuderm, on his patients for years. Dr. Boyd has an easy manner, but I was still pretty nervous. He offered me squeeze balls that I gratefully accepted. But when the time came for the first injection, all I felt when he injected the Juvederm XC on the first half of my face, was the tiniest little prick of my skin. By the time he was doing the other side, I'd handed back the squeeze balls. From my personal experience, I have to report that I've had routine blood tests that hurt a lot worse than Juvederm XC.

It was totally amazing!!!

And more amazing were the immediate results, that you can see in the photos in this blog post. I had the opportunity to watch a number of other Editors after getting their injections. All were pleased with the results, none were agitated or in pain, and everyone was excited. When I walked out, I too, got lots of positive comments. But I did this to report to my readers, and to see what it would do for me. So my opinion, counted the most. When I finally looked at myself in the bathroom mirror, I really couldn't believe the instant improvement. I looked like myself, but with smoother skin. The "parentheses" on either sides of my face (the "Nasolabial folds") that make you look older, were not completely gone, but enough so they were no longer glaring at me. Had I not been smiling in the photos, you'd see the dramatic difference even more. I looked refreshed, in less time than it takes me to get a latte when there's a small line!


...and NO, it didn't hurt at all. I didn't feel anything!!! I saw only minor redness (quickly covered up with light foundation). A few hours later I did feel a bit of soreness around the injection sites that lasted about 24 hours. That's it. However, some people might experience itching, redness and/or bruising or swelling lasting up to a week.

The great news is that this is an instant result, and you can go right back to whatever you were doing, without any down time. The product degrades (or dissolves) slowly, and so results can last up to a year. Busy women (and men) who don't have the time or frankly, the finances, to have filler injected every three to six months, now have another reason to try Juvederm XC.

But it's not inexpensive. The cost per syringe (and you may need up to three, depending upon the depth and placement of your lines), varies depending upon where you live and who your doctor is, but the average cost is about $600 per syringe. However, Dr. Amy Weschler who was also on the panel, told us that it appears if you use Juvederm and need more than one syringe of filler the first time, you may have residual effects from those injections. That means the next time, you may actually need less.

When I first started writing online, these types of instant, fountain-of-youth procedures were nearly non-existent, or so expensive the average person couldn't dream of using them. But today there are plenty of options to "be the best you" at any age. If you're thinking you might like to try it, you can get more information, including more technical information, on the Official Juvederm Web Site. And, if you have any questions for me personally about my experience, please leave them in the comments section of this post! When my Juvuderm XC wears off, I'll be back for more!



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Copyright ©Alison Blackman Dunham. All rights reserved. The Advice Sisters is a registered United States trademark. No content may be used or copied with written permission. If you want to use my work, please obtain it legally: Email: advicesisters-at-advicesisters-dot-net Subscribe to this blog by email or in a feed reader (See the right hand column of this blog). Follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/advicesisters
or Facebook http://www.facebook.com/alisonblackman
I use provided samples for most of my reviews. Learn more in the "A Note About Compensation" section of my What Works Beauty, Cosmetics and Fashion review column: http://www.advicesisters.net/whatworkscol3.html

Smashbox Beauty in Bloom Glambox- What a Girl Wants...and Needs!

There is nothing better to perk up your spirits that great, new makeup. Beauty in Bloom "Glambox" by Smashbox is a limited edition box of beauty (the products literally come boxed in a cardboard cube) with all the items you need to make your newday & night looks, "blossom." Kits like this are not only great because the colors are coordinated for you (no false guessing) and there are how-to instructions so you can really re-create the look you want. But they're also a great value. If you purchased these items separately, they would run you much more!





What's in this Beauty in Bloom, GlamBox?



Simple answer: a lot:

For the eyes, there is a stunning, Beauty in Bloom Shadow Palette, with three wheels of luxe, silky, powder shadow featuring light, medium and dark shades (dark for liner/smoky eye). For this season, it's earthy browns and taupes that reign. You'll get matte, and shimmer formulas, in warm and cool tones, so there will always be something new, for you. For instance, you can isntantly update your smoky eye look by layering one of the more metallic, shimmery shadowsl over a creamier one. You will also get a color booklet with your GlamBox that tells you exactly what to use, where. Add a finishing fringe of inky black, Bionic Mascara.





For cheeks, there's Blossom Baked Cheek Highlighter in "Blossom." This slim, hard-sided compact holds a virtual checkerboard of pink, peach and neutral shimmery strips to swipe together and create a gorgeous, sheer, luminous, coral shimmer. Use the included (and very good) Fan Brush #22 to get just the right application.





For lips, there's a compact containing Lip Tech Gloss in "Posey." The color is a "satin" matte that coats lips with a nude/pink tint. Although the color is solid and in a compact, there's a silicone "spatula" applicator hidden right under the lip product in it's own, little well, so you don't have to dip your fingers and get them coated with color. Lip Tech Gloss has Vitamin E and emollients to protect lips and keep them from looking or feeling dry. Bring the color to life with a swipe of vanilla scented, silky, shiny, nude/pink with gold shimmer, Lip Enhacing Gloss, in "Petal."



The Smashbox Beauty in Bloom Glambox is all a girl wants and needs for now through Spring...but you'd better hurry and get your own limited edition Glambox before they're all gone!

Visit the Smashbox web site to learn more and to order

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Copyright ©Alison Blackman Dunham. All rights reserved. The Advice Sisters is a registered United States trademark. No content may be used or copied with written permission. If you want to use my work, please obtain it legally: Email: advicesisters-at-advicesisters-dot-net Subscribe to this blog by email or in a feed reader (See the right hand column of this blog). Follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/advicesisters
or Facebook http://www.facebook.com/alisonblackman
I use provided samples for most of my reviews. Learn more in the "A Note About Compensation" section of my What Works Beauty, Cosmetics and Fashion review column: http://www.advicesisters.net/whatworkscol3.html

Lumene ExCELLent Future For Anti-Aging

If there's one thing that I have learned from experiencing hundreds of skin care products in the last couple of years, it is that good skincare doesn't always have to cost a fortune. When it comes luxe creams, you don't always get what you pay for, but you always pay for what you get. That includes great packaging and some of the latest and greatest technological advances in skin care.

That being said, there are some "drugstore" brands that have forged ahead with their own, high-tech ingredients. While Lumene, for example, has been providing anti-aging solutions to women in Scandinavia, for 35 years, they have recently developed a line of angi-aging skincare products called ExCELLent Future that uses natural stem cell technology, to stand down wrinkles and other signs of aging. Lumene is available in CVS drugstores. Stem cell technology really hasn't shown up in a lot of modestly priced products so this is exciting.

The four products in the Lumene ExCELLent Future line, contain "Applexcell," , a combination of modern apple stem cell extract and ancient arctic white peat. The press literature I received with the products says that "with regular use" a clinical study found that 100% of women saw a reduction in wrinkle appearance. It bothers me that I couldn't get more details about this study, because 100% results in an amazing claim. I don’t know who conducted the study, or for how long women used the products, nor do I know what the condition of the subject's skin was. And I dont' know how long it takes to see results with these products. Lumene also lists ingredients, but I can't tell what the "natural" ones are from the other 10-20% that aren't. For me, that doesn't matter, but if you are a customer who feels "natural" is very important, getting that information is key.

I did try all four Lumeme EcCELLENT Future products, and here's what I do know:



Lumene ExCELLent Future Deep Repairing Serum $29.00 1 fl. oz. is the heavy hitter of serums, This serum helps prevent and postpone damage that is hidden under the skin surface and reduce the depth of already existing wrinkles. You can use it under any other Lumene cream. It is soothing and non greasy, and absorbs quickly. Excellent Future Deep Repairing Day Cream. It has over 90% natural ingredients.


ExCELLent Future Deep Repairing Cream $29.99 1.7 fl. oz is a rich, cream that absorbs quickly and leaves skin feeling moisturized. I have to say that initially, it felt a bit too emollient, but within minutes my skin felt soft and even refreshed. It is a nice day cream to keep skin hydrated, without greasy shine-through. It has over 85% natural ingredients.

ExCELLent Future Deep Repairing Night Cream $29.99 1.7 fl. oz. helps while you sleep. It has 80% natural ingredients with no synthetic colorants and it features moisturizing shea butter and other emollient oils to hydrate skin at night when the skin needs to work harder to repair itself. Blueberry seed oil, a unique arctic ingredient, is also rich in antioxidants to nurture and protect skin. It is very rich, but no annoyingly so. When I tried this cream, my face felt soft and smooth as the sun rose.

For eyes, there’s Deep Repairing Eye Cream $24.99 .5 fl. oz. It has over 90% natural ingredients and non synthetic colorants or perfumes. It has almond oil to protect the skin around your eyes and hyhydrate it, and it also has Vitamins A, B and E to hep moisturize and prevent inflammation and puffiness in the eye area. I have used other eye creams that are good, but I'm adding this one to my "Like It!" list.

All four of these items will cost $120.00 plus tax. At first that seems like a lot, but in actuality, when you are thinking about high tech skin care, this quartet is less than the cost one of just one of many products featuring stem cell technology. In the long run, carefully selecting products that work best for your skin, and that you will use properly and regularly, will have more effect than anything else. This company offers many products in different categories and the ones I have tried have all been good. You might find that another Lumene line is just as good, or better, depending upon your skin's requirements.

When it comes to Lumene ExCELLent Future, if you decide this type of anti-aging with natural stem cells are right for you, keep your expectations reasonable and you'll be very pleased with the products. Your skin will benefit, although you might not turn back the hands of time from 50 to 20. Keep in mind that not every product will work for every person , but if you’re seeking something fairly new that can possibly help your skin stay more youthful for longer, and if you are seeking products with mostly natural ingredients, you can't go wrong with Lumene ExCELLent Future. These emollient, non greasy, and fast absorbing products do feel nice and they will hydrate your face. If they help you reduce or eliminate wrinkles too, hooray! At this price, I'd say that are definitely worth a try.

*please come back to this post and leave your comments on the products. For more information, check the CVS Web Site.


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Copyright ©Alison Blackman Dunham. All rights reserved. The Advice Sisters is a registered United States trademark. No content may be used or copied with written permission. If you want to use my work, please obtain it legally: Email: advicesisters-at-advicesisters-dot-net Subscribe to this blog by email or in a feed reader (See the right hand column of this blog). Follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/advicesisters or Facebook http://www.facebook.com/alisonblackman I use provided samples for most of my reviews. Learn more in the "A Note About Compensation" section of my What Works Beauty, Cosmetics and Fashion review column: http://www.advicesisters.net/whatworkscol3.html