Estee Lauder Idealist Even Skintone Illuminator

Since adolescence, I've suffered with hyperpigmentation. Like many women of color, my blemishes leave dark marks in their wake - which can take weeks, months and even years to fade. For forever, I've used foundations and highlighters to hide these dark spots. But I've recently come to a point in my life where I'm tired of masking the problem. As a busy mom, I don't have the time or the energy it takes to put on a full face of makeup on a regular basis. Most days, I leave the house bare faced - save for some mascara and a couple swipes of gloss. Hyperpigmentation has undermined my self esteem for too long, so I decided it was time to heal, rather than conceal.

So last month, I added Estee Lauder Idealist Even Skintone Illuminator to my morning routine. And let me tell you...this additional step (which takes just 1 minute) has been life changing. First of all, the pearlescent serum imparts a radiant glow upon application - so even though the product actually takes about two weeks to start doing its thang, there are immediate perks.

And after just 10 days, I started to notice that my skin looked more even toned, luminous and smoother. The formula is lightweight and smells dreamy, so putting it on is a refreshing A.M. experience. And after a month, I am much more confident showing my bare skin to the world because my dark marks are starting to see the light.

I'm not usually the best at being consistent with skin care because, as you know, I test a lot of products. But this one is so simple and yields such amazing results that I actually look forward to putting it on. Because Idealist Even Skintone Illuminator targets the dark marks (as well as redness, acne marks, sun spots and other discolorations), you don't have to worry about it lightening the other areas of your face. And the oil-free formula is proven gentle and effective for all ethnicities. Just be sure to use an SPF product on your face every day, to prevent the marks from darkening up again.

I can't recommend Idealist Even Skintone Illuminator enough. It's become my holy grail - and if you buy it and try it, you'll understand why. I'm also anxious to try the Idealist Cooling Eye Illuminator.

*A sample was provided by the brand for review.

Blush Blast From The Past: Benefit CORALista

You know what’s almost as fun as a new beauty product? It’s when you re-discover an oldie but goodie that you forgot that you had.

For the past several weeks, NARS Blush in Torrid has been step 2 of my three step/minute makeup routine (step/minute 1 being Lancome Hypnose Drama Mascara and step/minute 3 being either Lancome Juicy Tubes 100% Natural Origin in Rose Pretty, Avon Glazewear Lip Gloss in Rave or Estee Lauder Pure Color Gloss Stick in Nude Almond topped with Make Up Forever Fascinating Lip Gloss in #10). But this morning, I decided to switch it up and go fishing in my bottomless basket o' blushes. What I came up with was Benefit CORALista Blush – and after sweeping it on my cheeks and admiring myself in the mirror, I can't believe I ever let CORALista slip my mind.

It imparts the most gorgeous, coral-pink glow that looks ab fab on a multitude of complexions. What I love most about CORALista is how effortless it looks; it applies like a dream and the blush actually looks like it's coming from within. Another reason to put CORALista on your shopping list? Coral happens to be the it blush shade right now (ladies, if don't know…you betta ask somebody ).

Oh, and did I mention that the blush – besides looking fantastic – smells fantastic too? It has this light floral scent that, while completely unnecessary, is totally genius. CORALista comes with an applicator brush, but for best results, I like to apply with my ecoTools blush brush.

My Favorite Fragrance Ad: Dior J'Adore

Is there a better fragrance ad than the Dior J'Adore commercial starring Charlize? I think not. No only did it prompt me to get reacquainted with J'Adore's fruity floral bouquet (we originally parted ways in college), I even downloaded Marvin Gaye's "A Funky Space Reincarnation" on my iPod...good stuff.

The commercial for Miss Dior Cherie (directed by Sophia Coppola) is another great one. Dior just does it better. One perfume ad I could do without (besides the Britney Spears ones - those go without saying), however, is the Estee Lauder Pleasures commercial. I cannot stand the way Gwyneth Paltrow pronounces "pleasures"...her accent just sounds so contrived; makes me wince every time she says it. My theory is that she's spent too much time viva la vida in London. Anyway...now, when it comes on TV, I brace myself for it. Too bad...great perfume, stinky ad.

What are your favorite fragrance ads?

Rihanna's 20/20 Frosty Nude Lip Look

On Friday night, I was among the 8.2 million people who watched Rihanna's 20/20 interview. But afterwards, while most people were thinking, "Wow...that Rihanna is so brave to publicly discuss such a horrifying personal tragedy" or "That jackass, Chris Brown, deserves whatever is coming to him" - I was thinking, "What products can I use to copy Rihanna's icy nude lip look?"

So I did what any self-respecting beauty junkie would do. I broke out my lip gloss/lipstick stash and played makeup mad scientist/mixologist. I found that creating Rihanna's 20/20 look is quite easy to do. All you need is a nude lipstick that is lighter than your complexion, and a silver gloss. Be sure to apply foundation to lips before trying this look, as the foundation will help cancel out any pink in your lips and let the lip color stand alone.

Here are some combos that I think would pass RiRi scrutiny:

1) Clinique Different Lipstick in Tenderheart + MAC Dazzleglass in She-Zam
2) MAC Lipstick in Modesty + MAC Dazzleglass in She-Zam
3) Estee Lauder Pure Color Gloss Stick in Nude Almond + MAC Dazzleglass in She-Zam
4) Julie Hewett Lipstick in Biba + MAC Dazzleglass in She-Zam
5) Victoria's Secret Sheer Gloss Stick in Exposed + MAC Dazzleglass in She-Zam
6) Benefit Full-Finish Lipstick in Lady's Choice + MAC Dazzleglass in She-Zam
7) Urban Decay Lipstick in Midnight Cowboy + MAC Dazzleglass in She-Zam
8) This is just to show what MAC Dazzleglass in She-Zam looks like on its own

Not satisfied with Rihanna's lippie recipe? Want to cop her cafe au lait nails too? Try OPI Barefoot in Barcelona.

Estee Lauder Pulling Plug On Prescriptives

The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. announced today that it would close the global wholesale distribution of its Prescriptives brand by January 31, 2010.

The brand plans to continue to sell online for United States shipping at prescriptives.com to help service consumers for replenishment of key products, while inventory lasts. Prescriptives products are currently sold in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland and Australia.

"We believe that the difficult decision relating to Prescriptives will allow us to redirect our resources to key strategic imperatives where we see the highest growth potential," said Fabrizio Freda, President and Chief Executive Officer, The Estée Lauder Companies.

For Prescriptives consumer support, toll free numbers have been set up in North America (1.877.819.2968, English, Spanish and French speaking), the United Kingdom (0800 088 4168) and the Republic of Ireland (1800 936 080).

Kim Kardashian's Sun Maid Summer Makeup Look

Looking for a summer look that sizzles? Well, look no further than Troy Jensen's blog.

Using Kim Kardashian's face as a canvas, the makeup maestro demonstrates how deliciously juicy shades of peach, coral, tan and tangerine can brighten up a tired-looking complexion.

"And when paired with beautiful, bronzy browns, you've got a combination that is nothing less than sizzling hot," Troy says.

To create this look, Troy used products from Estee Lauder, Smashbox, Dolce & Gabbana, Yves Saint Laurent, Shu Uemura, Dior, Make Up For Ever, Bourjois and Lancome.

For more of Kim Kardashian's beauty and makeup tips, click here.

Source

Lipstick That Thinks It's A Gloss: Estee Lauder Pure Color Gloss Stick

I’m a lipgloss junkie. So what’s the my favorite kind of lipstick? One that wears like a gloss, natch…which is why my lipstick du jour is Estee Lauder’s Pure Color Gloss Stick. The sheer color practically melts onto lips, and the formula is surprisingly hydrating.

Pure Color Gloss Sticks are a perfect product for color-shy gals, because the sheer shades are oh so flattering. But while I’m usually a staunch advocate for a pop of color on the pout, I must admit that I can’t get enough of Pure Color Gloss Stick in Nude Almond; it’s as if Estee Lauder made this shade just for me. Thanks, EL…I can cross “find the perfect nude lipstick for spring” off my to-do list.

Pictured: Estee Lauder Pure Color Gloss Stick in Wild Plum, Nude Almond, Orange Poppy and Pop Pink.

Kim Kardashian Vegas Magazine How-To Makeup Video: Part 2

In Part 2 of Kim Kardashian's Vegas Magazine How-To Makeup Video, Kim and makeup artist Mario Dedivanovic continues to apply Kim's eye makeup. In this segment, Mario uses the following products:

MAC Eye Kohl in Smolder
Smashbox Double-Ended Smudger Brush #20
billybBEAUTY Eyelash Curler
Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler
L’Oreal Voluminous Mascara in Carbon Black
Make Up For Ever Lift Concealer
Shu Uemura Pro Concealer
Estee lauder Loose Powder

If you missed part 1 of the how-to, click here. Stay tuned for part 3...

For more of Kim Kardashian's beauty and makeup tips, click here.

Source

Estée Lauder: Create Your Own Gift With Purchase

Estée Lauder Create Your Own Gift with any $39.50 Estée Lauder purchase...a gift designed by you, just for you. Exclusively at Bloomingdale's.

Choose your favorite lip and eye shades, warm or cool. Choose your cleanser. Choose your moisturizer (brightening, lifting, or protection). Choose your repair serum (pore minimizing, line correction or past UV damage). Plus the luminous new fragrance every woman wears her way, Estée Lauder Sensuous. And a chic sueded cosmetic bag.

A $100 value, while supplies last.

The Internet Gods Hate Me

As you know, I have been blogging from New York Fashion Week. But of all misfortunes to befall me at such a fortunate time, my laptop decided to up and quit on me. Geek Squad isn't proving so geeky after all...and they offered no solutions to my computer conundrum.

I have been working myself into a tizzy trying to figure out a way to work around the problem...but my schedule is just so damned busy - and I'm in an unfamiliar land - so, as you can imagine, it is quite difficult. Damned near impossible (and vexing), if I can be perfectly frank.

I so want to tell you about my trip to Estee Lauder headquarters. Or the convo I had with Bobbi Brown about Michelle Obama's eyebrows. Or the tete-a-tete I had with the mane maestro, Mr. Ted Gibson. Or last night at this Macy's where I interviewed Tommy Hilfiger and the face of new cologne, Tommy Dunn. Or the ultra-exclusive event (nine bloggers, including yours truly) at the Chanel showroom that I left early, so that I could go retrieve my tore-up computer before catching Amtrack back to Philadelphia.

I really wish I had the time and the means to dish right this second, but I'm gonna figure this out - if it's the last thing I do. So bear with me. You know what they say about patience being a virtue, and good things coming to those who wait. Keep checking back...I'm gonna give you the delicious deets just as soon as I can.

Hopefully, the Internet gods will stop messing with me and cut me some slack once I get back home.

Love ya, and we'll chat again soon!

Good Vibrations: TurboLash and Ôscillation Mascaras

On July 17th, Estée Lauder will release a “battery-operated, vibrating, all-effects mascara”, TurboLash All Effects Motion Mascara. The mascara will retail for $30 and sold at exclusively at Saks Fifth Avenue, and will ne available at other retailers later this year.

TurboLash vibrates at 125 micropulses per second, and the formula consists of a "rapid-release gel formula composed of jellied water, olive oil and paraffin waxes, which nearly liquefies for application and immediately solidifies upon contact with the lashes. The remainder of the formula is a blend of micas, microspheres, kaolin clays and cellulose gums."

Hot on its heels, Lancôme will launch Ôscillation, a mascara that provides a 360-degree coat around each and every lash, this fall. The flexible, polymer-based brush vibrates at no fewer than 7,000 vibrations per minute for "perfect formula application" that extends, curls, shapes and thickens lashes. The wand is battery-powered and turns on a 3-centimeter motor.

Ôscillation has four patents for technology and formula and was created by a team led by Jean-Louis Guéret, the designer of all Lancôme mascara brushes. The King of Mascara, Guéret has been the father of nearly 400 mascaras during his illustrious career.

Hola From Orlando

By the time you read this, I’ll probably be back in Philadelphia – but I had to report on my fabulous beauty finds in Florida. I’m here on business, but I had some downtime – which I chose to fill with a trip to the Orlando Premium Outlets. I visited the Philadelphia Premium Outlets on Monday, so I guess you could say that I’m addicted.

Anyway, I stopped by The Cosmetics Company Store, and it didn’t disappoint. Like the one in Philadelphia, the outlet carried Bobbi Brown, Clinique, Estee Lauder, MAC, Origins, and Prescriptives. But they also sell select products from Stila (including some discontinued, yet gorgeous, shades of Lip Glaze).

I picked up three MAC Eye Shadows for $10 each (normally $14) and two MAC Tendertone Lip Balms for $11.25 each (usually $14.50). Tendertone is a lipcolor that combines the shine of a gloss with the soft emollient feel of a lip conditioner. Moisturizing and non-sticky in wear, they smell like a candy apple. I highly recommend Deep Sigh (sheer bronze pearl) and Pucker (sheer raspberry).

Bargain Beauty

If you’re in the Greater Philadelphia area, might I suggest a trip to the new Philadelphia Premium Outlets? Located in Limerick, PA (ironically, somewhat far from Philadelphia), the outlet mall boasts designer brands such as Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, Calvin Klein, Coach, Michael Kors, and Neiman Marcus.

My favorite discovery, however, was the handful of beauty stores - which offer jaw-dropping discounts on cosmetics, bath and body products, and fragrances…I’m talking 25-65% off!

The Cosmetics Company Store carries an impressive selection of products from Bobbi Brown, Clinique, Darphin, Estee Lauder, MAC, Origins, and Prescriptives – just to name a few. The Lancome Company Outlet sells select makeup, skincare, and fragrances. There’s also a Crabtree & Evelyn outlet, as well as two perfume discounters.

Before you take the trip to Limerick, make sure to sign up for the VIP Shopper Club to receive exclusive discounts, a coupon book, and insider news on your favorite brands!

Lipstick Tell All

What does your lipstick reveal about you? Estee Lauder thinks it has it all figured out.

Apparently, my sharp-angled lipstick tip means that I'm passionate...

"I'm opinionated, animated and lively; prefer a small circle of friends; I want to be a rock star; and I don't like schedules."

I bet if Estee Lauder took a peek into my wallet, they'd say I spend too much money on lipstick...and they's be right.

Click here to learn what your lipstick says about you.

Pretty Pretty Princess

What’s new at Estée Lauder? Their reinvented Signature Hydra Lustre Lipstick. “Color so creamy, it seduces every curve of your lips. The color has true character and depth. The finish is lustrous for a smooth, sophisticated shine. Rich and conditioning, yet soft and light. Loves your lips with hours of moisture.”


My shade suggestion is Princess Grace Coral. This limited-edition lip color was inspired by the actual shade of lipstick worn by Grace Kelly (did you know she was a Philly girl too?) at her wedding to Monaco's Prince Rainier. Like its namesake, the hue is timeless, classy, and chic.

Bonus: the luxe formula and fig-vanilla scent may make you feel regal, but at under $20, you don't have to be royalty to afford to look like one.

Available at Saks Fifth Avenue stores, Saks.com, and Esteelauder.com.