Black Sweet: April 2010

The Results of My Inner Rim Eyeliner Road Test

Jessica adds layers to give the cut a shape

I have been looking for months for a liner to actually stay on my inner rims for more than 4 hours. And when I say looking, I mean searching high and low and talking to makeup artists everywhere. The general consensus from the public is that Urban Decay has cornered the market on this specific type of liner. I have tried their liners and they are very nice. I have a bunch of them and I love them (especially Yeyo, for the inner corner of my eye).But something in them irritates my eye when used on the rim, causing it to water and ruin the look I was going for. I don't know what the specific cry-inducing ingredient is, but it is annoying. I can't wear them on the rims of my eyes, ever. It's not just UD, several liners cause my eyes to water more than usual (and some liquid liners with glitter burn my eyelid). I have no idea why this happens to me, but it has driven me to try everything on the market. And has hard as I try, I can't dry my upper eyelid rims and put a pigmented eye shadow on them, no matter how many people tell me that is the key. I want to be able to do this, but the klutz in me can't.After testing almost everything in Sephora (and Ulta, Target and Walgreens) I found two standout liners. One is in pencil form (easy) and one is in pigment form (not as easy). First, the pigment liner.L'Oreal Hip Kohl liner is amazing. It's not that hard to apply, especially after watching this video, and gives a perfect smokey look that lasts more than 8 hours. It's a loose pigment and flies in the face of my above statement, but it's the applicator makes the difference. It comes in several colors and is almost always on sale at one drugstore or another (Bionic Beauty has great roundups of upcoming sales each week!). I personally love the Navy color.The second liner is in the form of a pencil and is hitting the shelves this month at Sephora, Studio BeautyMix, Ulta and Stila Cosmetics online. Stila's new Smudge Stick Water Proof Liner comes in 8 colors ranging from gold to teal to intense black. I have only tried Stingray, the intense black, so far but I can tell you it didn't irritate my eyes at all and wore for more than 6 hours with no migrating, smudging or disappearing. It is a dark, deep, rich black. These liners are butter soft and waterproof. Some of the colors are slightly reflective which will make summer eyes pop even more. If I can get my hands on the other colors, I will swatch them for you asap!I am in
with these new Stila liners. Definitely check them out for summer!
Subscribe and never miss a thing! Disclosure/Disclaimer Statement.Makeup, beauty, skincare reviews & more! Copyright 2010, Gouldylox Reviews. All Rights Reserved.

Cruelty Free Favorites!

As the editor-in-chief of a cruelty-free beauty blog, people often ask me

which products are the best. Of course, that depends on your skin type,hair type and personal preferences. And, it's amazing how one product willFAIL for me and then someone else I know will LOVE it!That being said, I would like to share with you a few of my favoritecruelty-free products. I hope you'll love them as much as I do.1. Alba Pineapple Enzyme Facial Cleanser - This is thebest cleanser! For reference, I have sensitive, combination skin withfrequent breakouts. A good friend recommended this to me - she hasextremely sensitive skin (more sensitive than mine) and she also lovesAlba's facial cleanser. It has enzymes to remove dead skin and dirt, butit doesn't dry out your skin at all. It makes your skin feel super softwithout leaving any residue! You can buy it in drugstores - a definitemust-try!2. L'uvalla Balancing Day/Night Cream is a fairly thick cream that manages to goon smooth and leave NO greasy residue! It’s perfect for my combinationskin. It has essential oils (lotus flower, thyme, rosemary, clove, etc.)to treat acne and natural oils (such as argan oil and hazel seed oil) tonourish skin and heal acne.3. Dr. Hauschka’s Lip Care Stick – jojoba oil, sheabutter, almond oil, carrot extract and other natural ingredients combineto make this super luxe, non-sticky lip balm that gives you protectionwithout causing dependency (like lip balms that contain drying ingredientscan do).4. bareMinerals Matte mineral foundation gives me ashine-free finish (which lasts almost all day on my shiny areas),minimizes my pores, evens out my skin tone and protects my skin from sundamage (SPF 15). It is designed to be worn alone, but I usually layerover liquid foundation for more coverage.5. Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion is a cult favoritefor a reason. Put it on your eyelids, let dry and then apply your favoriteeyeshadow (M.A.C. is my fave). The primer creates a smooth base, makes thecolors pop and most importantly, keeps your eyeshadow from creasing! Itstay on all day - really! The only possible drawback is that you have lessopportunity to blend because the eyeshadow stays where you put it. So,just make sure you stay in the lines!Guest blog post by Jen Mathews, editor in chief of My Beauty Bunny, acruelty-free beauty blog for stylish ladies and gents.

What I Would Buy With A $100 Gift Card to Sephora

If you haven't noticed, I really like makeup. And while every day I see and learn something new, I have a pretty good sense of what is out there and what might work for people looking for a specific product. When Anne from Beauty Xpose asked me to help her mom Connie spend $100 at Sephora, I was thrilled to oblige. Anne shared a few of her mother's likes and dislikes, as well as what kind of makeup user she is. I know she likes things nice and neutral, wears her makeup in classic styles and is a Bare Escentuals fan (like myself). I was told she is perfectly happy with her skincare and is looking for makeup only. With summer right around the corner, and so many wonderful things to chose from, I had to wheedle down my list several time to keep it around $100.With thousands of things to pick from, I focused on products that would be a great choice for the upcoming months. That means easy looks that protect your skin and are simple enough to wear out to dinner, shopping or on vacation.

My first choice is Sephora Tinted Moisturizer ($21) - It's oil-free, packed with cell communicating peptides and provides SPF 20 UVA/UVB protection. Tinted moisturizers are great for summer because they don't feel as heavy on the skin as other foundations, take moments to apply and don't give you an overly made up look. I tried this in the store and was really pleased with how dewy and beautiful the coverage was. It reminded me of other much more expensive tinted moisturizers.

Clinique Color Surge Butter Shine Lipstick ($14) has been my go-to lip color this Spring. The texture of this gloss is amazing. It fills out fine lines and makes lips look luscious. For Connie, I would chose Adore You. However, I also love Baby Baby and Poppy Love. The only downside is it doesn't have an SPF, so if you are wearing this outside for longer periods of time, be sure to wear a lip balm with an SPF of at least 15.

For a long wearing, beautiful blush, I suggested MakeU p For Ever HD Microfinish Cream Blush ($25). These blushes are my new favorite cream blush. The colors are buildable, natural and give skin a healthy glow. You can't go wrong with any of them, but for Connie, I like #7 in One Too Many. It's a peachy beige that looks great on everyone. While purchasing the brush MUFE suggests for this blush is a nice treat, I have no problems applying this with my fingertips (or my stippling brush).

LORAC Front of the Line PRO Liquid Liner ($22) in brown. The pen applicators on these make it so easy to use, you'll wonder why you didn't already own it. It is the easiest liquid eye liner on the planet (along with a similar pen from Stila) and the brown color is a rich, warm brown, without glitter or sparkle. I wish they made this in colors besides Black and Brown! Be sure to pick up the PRO version of this liner. The version before the PRO is not easy to use and I think the applicator is too rough on the eyelid.

BE Flawless Radiance ($18) . This all-over face color adds sheen to highlight a cheekbone. Or use it at night on your collarbone and shoulders to go totally glam. It is a must-have for any Bare Escentuals fan and works seamlessly with any foundation. Flawless Radiance is like adding a tiny layer of gossamer wherever you apply it. Add it anywhere you want to highlight your skin; it looks natural and beautiful, without a ton of chunky sparkle.I didn't quite manage to leave room for tax, but did manage to total exactly $100.00. I can't wait to hear what she thinks of her new summer goodies. Are you looking for something new and not sure what to get? Tell me about it in the comments!

Growing My Hair : The End of April Update

For those of you following the extremely s l o w saga of my journey to find something to sprout hair quickly from my head, here is the update.When we last discussed this, I was taking vitamins from Phyto (which are really helping). My hair has gone from this:to this:in about four months. Not too shabby! But, it's not fast enough (I have no patience). I have been looking all over for something to really stimulate my scalp and get my hair growing faster, healthier and thicker. And I am still in search of better ways to style it to make the growing out phase not as painful. Some days are ok. Other days, I feel like I am wearing a hair helmet from the 80's. I am so painstakingly picky about my hair on a good day, the bad days have me itching to cut it off.So for the next several weeks, to encourage faster, better growth, I will be trying Chinese Herbs Stimulating Shampoo and Conditioner from Peter Lamas. This shampoo and conditioner is designed to make thinning hair grow; making it healthy along the way. While my hair isn't thinning, several people have told me that these kind of shampoos will help hair grow thicker, healthier and maybe a little faster, providing you can find one that actually works. I also have some Chinese Herbs Revitalizing Mist, which is a leave-in treatment that promotes healthy hair growth. I can certainly use any extra help I can get, especially since my hair is put through the ringer with the constant coloring and heat styling.I am also happy to report that Lamas products are vegan (no animal testing, no animal ingredients), paraben-free, sulphate free, with the majority incorporating plant-based, organic and certified organic ingredients. While being vegan or not vegan isn't specifically a dealbreaker for me personally, if these products live up to their claims, I will be much happier that they are vegan and paraben/sulfate-free. I have only used this system once, and maybe it's the change in 'poo, but my hair feels glorious. I think I was actually singing to Loxy (while dancing around our bedroom) about how amazing my hair felt after I blew it out.I have been taking your advice and trying to work headbands and barrettes into the mix, but not sure how to do this without looking like a pumpkin head. My favorite find so far is this beadazzled clip from La Papillon. I feel a little weird about wearing this hair accoutrement, maybe because it is a little out of character for me or maybe because I feel like it screams, "LOOK AT ME! I AM GROWING MY HAIR AND HAVE NO CLUE WHAT TO DO WITH IT!" (Am I the only one who feels this way?) I also cheated and trimmed my bangs a tiny bit. The amount trimmed is negligible, but they have a slightly different shape, which makes me feel better.If you have any other ideas on how to deal with growing out your hair, please let me know. Have you tried the Peter Lamas line? Let me know if you have! A little insider birdy told me that celebs like Kiefer Sutherland ditched their prescriptions for thinning hair in favor of Chinese Herbs from Peter Lamas. I'll be sure to let you know how it goes! And in the meantime, if you have any other ideas on something to do with my hair as it grows, please tell me!Peter Lamas products were sent to me for the purposes of review.Subscribe and never miss a thing! Disclosure/Disclaimer Statement. Makeup, beauty, skincare reviews & more! Copyright 2010, Gouldylox Reviews. All Rights Reserved.

Mally Evercolor Poreless Face Defender

I wrote about wanting to try Evercolor Poreless Face Defender by Mally Beauty a month or so ago. Having never seen it, twitter-pal Paula and I tried to figure out what it was. Our best guess was that it was similar to a primer that you applied after your makeup, so I tried a few different ways to make my own version of this new product. I was wait-listed for this on the Q and had nothing better to do...My idea, while good in theory, stunk in practice. But somehow, despite my wait-list time expiring, the Q shipped it to me anyway. Sweet! So what is it and how does it work?It comes in a square container with a pan and the product itself is clear. If you aren't careful when you get it, you may take a chunk out of it with your fingernail when you go to remove the top, so be careful. It doesn't come with a huge amount of product, but you only need a tiny amount, so it should last you a decent amount of time. This particular product came with a sponge, which totally flummoxed me. I didn't see Mally present this with a sponge when it was on the first time and I don't get how you would use it. It's a nice sponge, don't get me wrong, but I don't think you need it for this (I am sure Mally disagrees, btw).Basically, it's like an after-primer, or a face finisher. (Instead of a face powder, you would use this.) Imagine a semi-solid chunk of silicone based primer and you'll get the idea. To apply it, I like to gently swirl a kabuki brush (or any large, flat top soft brush) across the surface. Don't try to make dents in the product with the brush. It's all about getting a tiny bit on the tips of the brush. Then lightly "dust" it all over your face. You shouldn't be able to see this on the brush or the product on your face. Think of it as magically working - you won't see it go on.This is the equivalent of putting a soft filter on your face. All of your pores are hard to see and your blush, contouring or concealer is diffused. It wears fairly well, but I still have a problem with my face eating my blush (I always do - it has nothing to do with this.) Instead of touching up with a powder, I just use blotting papers, which I love, because I am not adding a bunch of gunk to my skin throughout the day. I really like this product - but remember a tiny bit goes a long way!What do you think? Have you tried this or are you really happy with your powder finisher?I bought this myself.Subscribe and never miss a thing! Disclosure/Disclaimer Statement.Makeup, beauty, skincare reviews & more! Copyright 2010, Gouldylox Reviews. All Rights Reserved.

You'll Thank Me In 10 Years: Beautisol Sunless Tanning

Last summer, I tried out several self-tanners and wrote about a few that worked. A bunch didn't do such a great job on me. Here's a recap (with a new twist!):It turns out I have an odd skin thing that prevents some self-tanners from actually working on my skin. Weird. If only my skin had some other super power, like banishing dryness or glowing non-stop, I would be really proud. Instead I am just a little embarrassed when I have to tell some really nice company that their awesome self-tanner was laughed at by my pasty legs.One company to reach out to me was Beautisol (formerly Antidote Skin). They take tanning very seriously. The owner of the company, Sinead Norenius, even contacted me directly to help me figure out why other tanners weren't working or why they were streaking long before she told me about her own line. The cool thing about Sinead? She never spoke ill about any of the other companies whose products I tested and liked (or didn't and never really wrote about). She just loves to tan, in the safest way possible.That is why she created the Beautisol line. This line is free of self-tanners that smell, that contain parabens and that ruin your manicure. Their self-tanning kits make tanning easy. Even for klutzes like me.Here is what you get in a Beautisol Sunless All Seasons Glow Self Tanning Kit:Rubber Gloves (so key and genius)Go Slough Yourself Scrub (use with caution, this is serious stuff)All Season Glow Self Tanning Lotion (one to two applications is all it takes)Sinead recommends using the Go Slough Yourself Scrub before tanning. I have to say I adore this scrub. That said, if you are a delicate little flower, GO EASY with this stuff. It is a serious scrub and the white, nicely scented lotion is deceiving. There are teeny little scrubbers in here that will work wonders.Afterwards, I decided to forgo any lotion and started to tan. The lotion is somewhat pigmented so you can see what you are doing. It doesn't have to look perfect - as long as you are covered, you will be good to go. Then wait a few minutes and get dressed. Voila! Several hours later, your tan will develop and you will look bronze and gorgeous. And there isn't a hint of nasty self-tanner smell! My tan lasted several days before it needed to be refreshed. If you aren't dark enough the first time, you can use this kit to build a natural looking tan over a few days.Just because the seasons change doesn't mean you have to lose all of that summer sun look. And with 6 full body applications in one kit, this sunless tanner is budget friendly. If you still aren't sure how to successfully apply sunless tanning lotion, check out the how to videos. It couldn't be easier!

(It's a back applicator - not a weird safety pin. Trust me!)

So wheres the twist? Now through May 31st, with the purchase of any self tanner, add the genius back applicator to your order for free! Just add it to your cart and enter the code GLFREEBA. No more asking your boyfriend or pals to make sure your back is even. Now's the time to get ready for warmer months - don't tan today and have to deal with ruined skin in a few years. Get the best of both worlds with Beautisol!This product was sent to me for the purposes of review.Subscribe and never miss a thing! Disclosure/Disclaimer Statement.Makeup, beauty, skincare reviews & more! Copyright 2010, Gouldylox Reviews. All Rights Reserved.

By Anne Houseman, of Beauty Xpose

(Celeb stylist, Jessica Tingley)
When it comes to hair, who doesn’t want to stay a cut above the rest? To find out the latest news about ‘dos, we turned to the mane master herself — LA hairstylist and Aveeno hair spokeswoman Jessica Tingley. As a master tress tamer, Tingly has worked hair magic on a slew of celebs, including Heidi Klum, Mandy Moore, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Kate Bosworth and Kerry Washington (just to name a few). Here, she gives us the breakdown on the hottest hair trends this season.

Color

While sun-kissed highlights are always in, according to Tingley, the hottest color look for Spring/Summer 2010 is rich, all-over color in hues like luxurious browns, deep honey and red. “Everyone has been highlighted within an inch of their life the last few years — at least their hair’s life!” she proclaims. “This is a great way to bring back shine and change up your look. I think it is extremely fresh right now. Eva Mendes and Julia Roberts are two beauties who have toned down the highlights lately.”

: Keep highlights warm this summer!

For those who would feel withdrawal without their annual summer highlights, Tingley has a good compromise. “For spring/summer, we all want to go for the gold,” she says. “Bringing a few lighter pieces around the face and along the part looks fresh and natural in warmer weather. Keep the look modern by keeping it minimal.”

So how do you know if you’re overdoing your highlights? Tingley says that if you see obvious regrowth (a nice way to say “roots”) after three to four weeks, you are straying too far away from your natural color. “Highlights are meant to highlight your own hair color,” she explains. “Think of how light your hair turned in summer as a child; that is a good barometer of how light you can get with highlights.”

Cut

: Long layers give the cut a shape

For ladies with long locks, Tingley says the best bet is to make sure they get a cut with a distinct shape. “Long hair needs shape and structure to look sophisticated and not high school girlish,” she explains. “Long hair looks up-to-the-minute right now with very long layers. We’re seeing a little less of the side-swept bangs and more of a SJP [Sarah Jessica-Parker] look with lots of volume and big waves.”

Cropped tops are also in this season, according to Tingley (just not the kind that bares your midriff). “Short hair is also making a huge comeback thanks to beauties like Ginnifer Goodwin and Carey Mulligan and their adorable gamine cuts,” she says. “Go for this look if you have delicate features and are not afraid to be very exposed — nothing to hide behind with this look.”

So what about (the) bob? While a classic, simple bob transcends all seasons, Tingley was emphatic when describing what NOT to do. “The Beckham bob is so over,” she says. “Crazy angles and razored edges will look more Kate Gosselin, and even she abandoned her signature cut for a softer style.”

Style

The temperature’s rising, and that means it’s time to shed your stiff styles for a more laid back look. “Who wants to have a structured do in the summer sun?” says Tingley. “Only for very special occasions would I go for a structured style in warm weather. Updos should be loose and easy going.”

: Effortless-looking style can be a snap!

Luckily, getting an “I-rolled-out-of-bed-looking-this-amazing” style at home only takes a minimal amount of effort. The trick, says Tingley, is just not to fight your natural hair too much.

For naturally-curly coifs, Tingley suggests looking for a product that will create a barrier against humidity, like Aveeno Nourish+ style smoothing shine creme (she is an Aveeno spokesperson, after all). To create smooth, individual curls, simply apply the product to damp hair, twist sections and allow it to air dry. For wavy manes, simply spray hair with a curl-enhancing product, use a diffuser when drying and clean up any unruly pieces with a few turns of a curling iron.

For ladies craving a simple, clean blowout a la Jennifer Aniston, Tingley lets us in on a celeb secret. “Many have tried the Brazilian Blow Out, a keratin treatment that straightens hair for four to six months. This salon treatment is not as harsh or permanent as previous relaxers. Ask around to find an experienced stylist that does it.”

For a more temporary straight solution, apply a smoothing serum to damp hair and blow dry in sections using a nozzle that points the air from root to ends, smoothing the cuticle layer as you go. Tingley warns not to move onto another section until the hair is completely dry. Once completely dry, lock in the style with a sweep of a flat iron.

Beautyland Tour : Week of 4/19

What a beauty-full week we had! Here are a few must-read posts from some of our favorite beauty bloggers.Kari at Fabulous Over Forty gave us a preview of Kate Somerville's new book, Complexion Perfection. In her book, Kate shares her own stories about the skin-care business, her struggles with eczema, and her eponymous skin care. Head over to Fabulous Over Forty to read more. Bet you'll want to read Kate's book!Kelly at Gouldylox Reviews has the fabulous Hana Professional Flat Iron from Missiko to give away! You have to see how good her hair looked after a trial run. Then enter, friends! This is the crème de la crème of flat irons.Gaia at The Non-Blonde told us why we have to try Ellis Faas Creamy Lips. Her to-die-for shade? Ellis Red (L101) - a "must try for red lip addicts." Gaia always finds the most tempting treats for us!KarlaSugar at The Next Best Thing to Going Shopping Yourself swatched Armani's Giorgio Armani Beauty powder blushers. Check them out. There's a lesson too. Colors come and go, so if you love one, buy it before it's gone!What have the gals at BeautyXposé been up to? Testing Ole Henriksen’s Anti-Aging Perfecting Mask. Sounds like 10 minutes of tingling can add up to smooth, soft skin.Lianne at The Makeup Girl has a new favorite eye cream: Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado. Sounds good enough to eat!Felicia, with a brand new site design at ThisThatBeauty, has been writing a series on hyperpigmentation. Who over 30 doesn't have a touch of that? Her latest installment on DERMAdoctor's Immaculate Conception is a must-read!Laurie at Product Girl shared her five NARS must-haves! She did the testing for you. Want to share your NARS favorites? Just leave a comment.It was Giorgio Armani Beauty week here at Best Things in Beauty, with an interview with Tim Quinn, Celebrity Face Designer, an introduction to the new Obsidian Mineral High Recovery Elixir, and a showcase of the line's summer makeup introductions. I'm smitten with Armani! Can you tell?Have fun out there in beautyland this weekend!Subscribe and never miss a thing! Disclosure/Disclaimer Statement. Makeup, beauty, skincare reviews & more! Copyright 2010, Gouldylox Reviews. All Rights Reserved.

Three New Habits For Better Hair and Skin

I am lucky that as a blogger, I get to try a lot of new products and find things that really work. My skin is pretty good, my hair is growing pretty quickly (although I wish it was faster) and I don't have anything to complain about (ok, give me a minute and I will think of something). That said, I've been trying to adopt new three habits to improve my hair and skin. One takes no effort, one is super silky and one is really hard.Since I am growing my hair, I am trying to take really good care of my longer locks. Having super short hair makes it really easy. I could color it all of the time, sleep on sandpaper (not that I did) or flat iron the bangs constantly and if I fried my hair, it would get cut off and grow back within two months. Now that it is longer and I am trying to avoid cutting it, I have been researching ways to be extra kind to my hair.HABIT 1:When I got my hair colored at the salon, I couldn't help but notice how silky smooth my hair was. That changed the second I washed my hair at home. I use a high end shampoo and conditioner, so I doubted that was the problem. But I wouldn't be surprised if hard water in my shower was the culprit.So I picked out a water softener and had a contractor install it. Truth be told, I probably could have installed it myself, but we have a contractor at the house often fixing never-ending issues stemming from a blizzard a few months ago. The first time I took a shower with the new water softener, I could tell a difference in the overall feeling of my hair. It felt soft and silky, just like after leaving the salon and not hard and crunchy like when I did it at home. The filter cost me about $20 (plus installation, if you don't do it yourself). After two weeks of use, it's made a big difference in my hair and my skin feels smoother and less dry as well.HABIT 2:In college, my roommates always wrapped their hair at night to keep it straight, and to help avoid damage caused by pillow cases. I often wondered how a pillow case could rough up your hair, until I really thought about it. When you lay on your hair while sleeping, your hair is pushed around under the weight of your head. Depending on the softness of your pillow, the hair may not be able to slide around easily, causing damage to the strands under the weight of your noggin. Is it tremendous amounts of damage? No, probably not. But I want my hair to be in the best possible condition and sleeping on a jersey knit pillow case could not be helping.I picked up a silk pillowcase on Amazon for cheap. I am hopeful this will help my hair continue to grow without breaking or getting "roughed up" in the process. Some people swear by this and there are even lines of silk pillow cases designed to keep you hair and skin in great shape. Do I buy into their claims? I'm not so sure. Do I believe the mechanics of sleeping on surface that causes less damage to delicate strands? You betcha!HABIT 3:Finally, the most difficult change I am trying to make in an attempt to make my skin look better (and improve my overall health) is changing what I drink on a daily basis. While this is the hardest change for me, it will probably make the biggest impact on my skin and health. For a few years, I have had a Diet Mt. Dew addiction. And when I say addiction, I am not kidding. On a regular work day, I could easily drink 8 cans of DMD. I know! I could also drink DMD right before going to bed and could sleep like a baby. But all of that caffeine couldn't possibly be good for me and everyone knows that drinking aspartame (or most artificial sweeteners in general) are really not good for you. Especially in those kind of quantities.But switching to something else poses a problem for me, or three.One: I love sweet things.Two: I don't care for water and resigning to drinking only water isn't going to work.Three: I don't want to switch from aspartame to sugar.So I needed to find something that is convenient, I can have anywhere, that doesn't contain caffeine or artificial sweeteners. The obvious things, like Crystal light packets you mix with water seem great, but are loaded with aspartame. Caffeine free diet sodas fall into the same category. Drinking plain iced tea usually has caffeine and it's not like I can brew my own everywhere I go.After lots of research, twittering and label reading, I finally think I may have found something that satisfies my sweet tooth, meets my requirements and is totally portable. But before I tell you what it is, I had to figure out a way to encourage me to actually drink it.I got a really great, large, reusable Tumbler that makes me smile and is actually encouraging me to drink more. For me, this Tumbler is the equivalent of buying new gym clothes to encourage going to the gym. I love how it looks, that it isn't a bottle and that it has a lid. Plus, because it's insulated, my drink stays really cold longer than a plain cup or bottle. I picked out a skull and cross bones girly-girl, but Haute Lava has them in all different styles and can special order whatever you fancy. (side note: I love Haute Lava. They have amazing customer service and carry the cutest things for babies and their mamas.) I accidentally left my tumbler at work the other day and actually turned the car around to get it. Sometimes things like a new cup (or set of sneakers) can push you towards making a real change. For me, my tumbler is helping!So what am I drinking? Curbing my Diet Mt. Dew habit is a serious problem. Finding something that I like to drink has been tough. Recently, I have been mixing two packets of Truvia (Stevia) with two packets of True Lemon to make a kind of makeshift lemonade. Since it is based on individual packets, it is totally portable. Since the sweetener is Stevia, it gets the approval of my holistic wellness guru (which almost never happens when I check food with her). I also had my guru check out the ingredients in True Lemon and that passed with flying colors as well. Sure, I could carry around liquid lemon concentrate or actual lemons, but that isn't convenient. This totally works for me. I am now down from 8 DMD's per day to a mere two. While some people will still look at two as poisoning my body, I am quite proud !Have you tried any of these tricks? What beauty tricks do you have? Tell me in the comments!Update! Since I started writing this post, True Lemon is now also available in True Orange (it's kind of Tang-y, though) and True Lemon is now also available with the Stevia mixed right in, under the name True Lemon Naturally Sweet. And, I am down to one DMD per day!I bought the pillow case and water softener. The Tumbler was a gift from a girlfriend (thank you!)Subscribe and never miss a thing! Disclosure/Disclaimer Statement.Makeup, beauty, skincare reviews & more! Copyright 2010, Gouldylox Reviews. All Rights Reserved.

My New Bedside Best Friend : Duette Luxe Lip Balm & Hand Creme

Extend the Time Between Salon Visits : Mimic Color

Since I have started getting my hair colored professionally, I am trying to avoid getting it done every three weeks, which is what my schedule is when I am the one mixing the color. But my hair grows really fast and it is all blond/gray (gasp!) and my roots show really quickly.So I have been trying a few products to see if there really is a reasonable way to extend the time between salon visits. Mimic Color is one product that might do the trick. Mimic Color is a wax based product that comes with a pot of color and two brushes (in a cute leather pouch). You apply it by using either the stiff angled brush (at the part) or the larger rounded brush (to cover larger areas).I used Mimic Color for two weeks. The color I used matched perfectly with my own hair color and the color lasted throughout the day, for the most part. I didn't see any flaking, which was great, but the color did fade a tiny bit in places by the end of the day. Either way, it looked completely natural and you couldn't detect I had any color product in my hair.It didn't change my hair in anyway, making it neither oily, stiff nor waxy. After I got the hang of applying the color, it only took three minutes or less for me to cover the hair at my part, my temples and the roots around my bangs. While I haven't tried it, people say you can even use it to create highlights or lowlights that stay put until you wash them out. I might have to pick up a separate color to try the highlight idea.I think this worked really well and would not hesitate to use it again. The beauty detective in me wonders if there is anything better available, so I am sure this won't be the last post on this kind of product you'll see in upcoming weeks. Here is how it looks on their model.

In the meantime, this definitely helps extend the time between salon visits. Want to try it for yourself? Mimic Color is available in four colors and retails for $30.00.I bought this product.Subscribe and never miss a thing! Disclosure/Disclaimer Statement.Makeup, beauty, skincare reviews & more! Copyright 2010, Gouldylox Reviews. All Rights Reserved.

Easy Eyes in 5 Minutes or Less: Laura Geller Moonshadow

Looking For New Hair Ideas: Hana Flat Iron Giveaway Courtesy of Misikko

As I am growing my hair, I am constantly looking for something new to do with it. The bangs are making me insane and I am running out of ideas, so if you have any, please give them to me. In the meantime, I got a flat iron in an attempt to do something new with my slightly longer locks. I turned to Erin, a friend of mine, who knows her way around a flat iron, to inspire me.I should say I am slightly flat iron challenged. I never know what temperature to use or how to do a really good job. But now I am in luck. The flat iron I have is apparently the Lexus of flat irons. It's the Hana 1" Professional flat iron. Not only is it a top seller at Misikko, a family run business, but it gets high praise across the web and from magazines like Marie Claire. Here's why it's worth paying the extra cash versus what you would pay for a flat iron at a drug store.It has 100% Ceramic plates. This means that heat is distributed evenly, without hot spots that scorch your hair. Very few flat irons can say that and the ones that can cost way more than the Hana Professional.The plates also contain Tourmaline, which produces ions that actually make your hair smoother and silkier than a flat iron without Tourmaline.You can style damp or dry hair. The plates are floating, which means it can style any texture of hair.It also has controllable temperature that ranges from 140-450 degrees.So with all of these great things, can a more expensive flat iron really make a difference? I turned to one of my friends who uses a flat iron daily to take it for a test drive. Erin has long, brown wavy hair that she flat irons daily. What did she think? "I was surprised it did such a better job than the flat iron I have been using. It made my hair straighter than my usual iron does and my hair feels incredible. It's silky and smooth today. Normally, it feels more coarse and dry - like it's straight, but damaged. I am really impressed. I didn't expect a more expensive flat iron to make that much of a difference, but it definitely did."Now if only Erin can give me some ideas on how to style my hair while it grows, I will be a happier girl. It turns out having really short hair for my entire adult life has left me with the hairstyling skills of a 5th grader. It's seriously a problem and I need ideas! (I'll be sure to update you if Erin actually gives me any ideas.)Want one of these fantastic irons for yourself? Misikko has an amazing package that comes with the Hana Professional Flat Iron, a flat iron heat resistant mat and travel pouch for $118.98 plus s/h (saving you 42%!). Misikko has great customer service and the best prices on other hair necessities like professional hair dryers , Chi Hair Straighteners and FHI Flat Irons.

(Win everything shown here: The Hana 1" Pro Flat Iron, Heat Resistant Mat, Leather Storage Pouch, Travel Pouch, Collectible Tin & Hana Shine Shield Serum)

Even better, win a Hana Professional Flat Iron from Misikko! To enter, just leave a comment below telling me why you need a new flat iron or give me an idea to lessen the pain of growing out my own hair. Be sure to log in or leave your email addy so I can get in touch if you win. Want extra chances? Subscribe to Gouldylox Reviews, leave a comment on our Facebook page or Tweet about this contest (be sure to include @Gouldylox in your tweet!). You can enter by leaving a comment or tweeting every day, so you'll have more chances to win! This contest is open for 10 days to residents of the US and Canada and a winner will be selected by random.org on April 29th. Good luck!Update! Here is my attempt at a reader suggestion (thanks Lindsay!). It's cute and didn't take me too long. My bangs still aren't cooperating, after I trimmed the bangs myself, but overall, it's cute! Keep those suggestions coming!THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED. THE WINNER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED BY EMAIL. THANKS FOR ENTERING AND CHECK BACK FOR MORE CONTESTS SOON!Subscribe and never miss a thing! Disclosure/Disclaimer Statement.Makeup, beauty, skincare reviews & more! Copyright 2010, Gouldylox Reviews. All Rights Reserved.

Easing Into Color with Aromaleigh

by Guest Blogger, Anne Houseman of Beauty Xpose

How about a look that’s gorgeous and glam, but still fairly “safe?” It’s super easy to get stuck in a neutral-brown rut, and many people are afraid of using color for their eye shadows, so why not ease into using two different color tones with a “vintage rose moss” look?

We recently had the pleasure of testing out some Aromaleigh mineral eye shadows, which yield a high color impact, yet ultimate blendability and staying power (with great prices to boot, since you can get generous samples for only $1, and full size shadows are $8!). With an incredible spectrum of colors to choose from, we picked these natural, mineral shades to create a soft, romantic look using hues of lavender, rose and moss:

AMARANTE – A warm, olive green with vivid blue shimmer

LISETTE – Romantic orchid violet with gold shimmer

JOLIE - Rich burgundy wine with bright violet shimmer

Calliope – A shimmering beige with subtle lilac tones

Littleflower – A heathery rose pink with a gray undertone (***NOTE: This shade retired on 2/6/10***)

So how do you recreate this look yourself?

Begin by dusting Lisette from the inside corner of your lid all the way to the outer corner. Then, rev up the color by dabbing a more concentrated amount of Jolie on the outer half of the lid. Next, give your eyes depth with a dash of understated green by introducing Amarante. Using the tip of an angled shadow brush, create a sideways “V.” Start by extending the shadow up from the outer corner of your eye upwards to a 45 degree angle, then change direction and go back toward the inside of your lid, following the crease of your eye. Finally, highlight your brow bone using Calliope, and brighten up the inside corner of your lid with Littleflower (or a similar light rose color).

To really make this look “pop” a little more (great for night!), we lined the upper lid with a black gel liner (Mac Fluidline works wonders) and added some Maybelline Volum’ Express waterproof mascara. If you want to downplay it for day, skip the gel liner and dab on Amarante toward the lash line as the “liner.”

Voila. Color without going crazy. Good luck, and let us know what you think!

Beautyland Wrap Up: Week of 4/12

Don't Waste Your Time Looking. I Found the Best At Home Masque: jeune d'âge Pumpkin Masque

Every time I hit Ulta with my Mom, I always force her to help me scour the shelves. My perpetual search? An exfoliating mask that actually does something. So many masks use crushed seed pits or fruit acids that aren't formulated to work at the pH level or container they are sold in. It's easy for so many products to dupe you and take your money, leaving your wallet lighter and you with no results.My pursuit for a reasonably priced masque that works is over. I shouldn't be surprised that jeune d'âge is the one who ended my quest for the perfect at home masque. I loved their anti-aging serum last summer (it's still one of my favorites!). Their attention to quality and results is amazing.So what makes this masque so wonderful? First of all, the smell is amazing. I know, I realize that smell isn't all that important when we are talking about finding something that works. But it smells so heavenly, like pumpkin pie. I don't care that Fall is the last thing I want to think about right now. I have been using this masque twice per week for a few weeks and every time I apply it, I am wowed by how good it actually smells.Secondly, it is formulated to work safely at home (a pro version is available for spas!). The main ingredient is pumpkin, which is like a superhero to skin. It does amazing things. Pumpkin is full of antioxidants, nutrients, Vitamins B, C and E and a protein that provides essential fatty acids. It's great for helping turn over new skin and for decreasing sun damage. It also contains 5% glycolic acid (which you can feel so you know it's working). Not sure what glycolic acid can do? It may reduce wrinkles, acne scarring, hyperpigmentation and improve many other skin conditions, including actinic keratosis, hyperkeratosis, and seborrheic keratosis. Glycolic acid reacts with the upper layer of the epidermis, weakening the binding properties of the lipids that hold the dead skin cells together. This removes dead skin cells and exposes the live skin cells.Finally, you don't have to parade around your house with an orange face for extended amounts of time. Five minutes is all it takes for this masque to get to work (Did I mention how amazing this smells?).It leaves my skin glowing and looking fresh. It's my go-to masque on Sundays to get ready for the week and my favorite pick-me-up skin booster on Wednesdays. You have to try this!Get it online at here. It retails for less than $24. You can't do better than this for the price and the quality. If you order by May 1st and use checkout code GOULDYLOX, you'll save an extra 20%!Product was sent to me for the purposes of review.Subscribe and never miss a thing! Disclosure/Disclaimer Statement.Makeup, beauty, skincare reviews & more! Copyright 2010, Gouldylox Reviews. All Rights Reserved.

Fighting Free Radicals: SAMPAR Urban Express Mousse

Do you ever have days where you come home and just can't wait to wash your face? Sometimes by the time I get home, the first thing I do is head for my Clarisonic to remove the ick on my skin. I'm not talking about taking off my makeup, I am talking about taking off the remains of the day. The bits that materialize because of humidity, smog or getting stuck behind that car that didn't pass its emissions test. Bleck. I can't be the only one who feels this way.I know pollutants in the air (along with other free radicals) can cause skin damage. If you aren't sure, a free radical is a when a molecule is split and left with uneven electrons. Free radicals are very unstable and glom on to other things (like your face) looking for their missing electron. But when the glomming free radical steals an electron and becomes whole, it makes another free radical. Apparently, they are just that selfish. Once it starts, it becomes a vicious cycle of electron theft and creates a chain reaction of molecule destruction. In the wake of this destruction, living cells are damaged. The result is that your skin doesn't look as good as it did before the free radicals invaded. Antioxidants and vitamins can help undo the damage these lonely molecules can cause when they "split" up from their other molecule friends. One way to correct and repair the free radical damage caused by the ick in the environment is to eat lots of fruits and vegetables. But I don't write about what to eat, so...Another way to combat free radicals is to use products with antioxidants and vitamins to help keep everyone (and by everyone, I mean molecules) on an even keel and balanced. SAMPAR created a facial cleanser designed to specifically to stop free radicals from damaging your face. SAMPAR's Urban Express Mousse is formulated to work with all skin types to revitalize skin and correct damage caused by the environment. SAMPAR's Urban Advance Complex claims to:

Redness, stinging, irritation and other signs of inflammation are instantly soothed.
Chlorine, nicotine and heavy metals found in polluted air are absorbed.
Toxins and free radicals generated by pollution are rapidly neutralized.

I used this cleanser for several weeks and here are my thoughts. I loved how it smelled. It has a faint floral smell, which I can't get enough of. After using it, any redness in my skin was quelled and my skin felt clean, soft and balanced. I do tend to use a lash enhancing makeup remover afterwards to get rid of mascara, but otherwise my skin feels thoroughly cleansed and fresh. It retails for $20, which is a steal for a gentle, effective, free radical fighting cleanser. If you're interested, SAMPAR created an entire line around their Urban Advance Complex. It's one of the top selling lines in France, so check it out!Are you concerned about environmental damage? Would you use products specifically to help stop damage caused by urban living? Tell me in the comments!This product was sent to me for the purposes of review.Photo by Jan Krcmar and myself.Subscribe and never miss a thing! Disclosure/Disclaimer Statement.Makeup, beauty, skincare reviews & more! Copyright 2010, Gouldylox Reviews. All Rights Reserved.

Black Sweet

Pages