Kimmie’s Pre-Weekend Pretty-Up: Amazon Beauty

Companies are always finding sweet new ingredients to make their beauty products brighter, better, anti-aging, or long-wearing.  Clay from the Amazon (featured in Tarte cosmetics) is one of these genius ingredients: it’s a natural skin brightener, it minimizes oily skin on contact, and makes makeup stay right where you put it.  Here’s my review of some rockstar Tarte products, all of which feature this innovative ingredient.

Stay-Put Peepers: My fave Amazonian clay product is the Tarte EmphasEYES Waterproof Clay Liner collection.  These shades stay put through everything: we’re talking road trips, all-nighters, and breakfast the next morning.  No smudging, no budging.  You can use them as liners or shadows, and the available shades range from plum to evergreen.  My only beef with these liners is that they dry out after a few months, so you’ll be replacing them — at around $20, that’s some pretty pricey replacement shopping.  I still recommend them for some serious stay-put power.

Cheek Chic: Although I’m a devout cream blush girl, I was convinced to try Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush when it came in a free sample kit.  Now, as far as powder compact blushes go, I’m hooked.  This product is great for combination skin types, as it stays place while neutralizing skin oils and discoloration.  Expect your rosy cheeks to last: I tested this blush through a work week and found that it lasts at least 10 hours!  With 8 colors to choose from, there’s something for everyone in this collection.

Light Me Up: I’ll be honest: I’m not really sure what an “illuminating serum” is supposed to accomplish.  I do know that Tarte’s Smooth Operator sucked the oil out of my t-zone before I could even put the cap back on the product!  I’ve used it as a primer/pre-makeup moisturizer combo and it leaves skin feeling lovely and soft, with a hydrated bright appearance.

Bottom Line: It’s an innovative world out there, and Amazonian clay is a fabulous addition to the beauty world.  Have you tried any new products lately?  Let us know!

Stay pretty!

@KimmieTrubiro

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Guest Blogger Jamia Hoffman: Sun Safety

Your skin is your body’s largest organ, so treat it right! Photo-aging (skin damage such as wrinkles, brown spots and lax skin caused by sun exposure), can be prevented and minimized with proper sun protection, such as sunscreen, protective clothing and various anti-aging treatments. A tan, whether you get it on the beach, pool, or in a bed is bad news! Tans are caused by harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. Many tanning places say their beds are protected from UVA rays which age you, but UVB rays are what cause skin cancer. Here are some of my tips to reverse sun damage:  Use a sunscreen of 15-30 SPF on a daily basis, exfoliate, get Photo Facial (IPL) treatments and hydrate. Avoid tanning beds – spray tan instead!!! Please contact me for any further questions regarding sun damage and how to keep your skin looking young and fresh!

Pretty Indy Special: Mention this post and receive 10% off a Kinerase Ultra Light SPF 30.

Kimmie’s Pre-Weekend Pretty-Up: Sun-sational!

Let’s talk sun protection.  We spend years finding the perfect hair salon, hours at the gym and big bucks on cosmetics, so why do so many of us throw all our common sense out the window when it comes to the sun?  I love my summer tan as much as the next J-lo wannabe, but you’ve got to keep from looking like a leather handbag (and protect yourself from skin cancer!).  Here are my top picks for sunscreens: some chic, some drugstore, some samples, all essential to preserving your beautiful skin.

Body: When it comes to choosing a sunscreen, preferences differ depending on skin type and tendency toward sunburns.  Dermatologists pretty much agree that SPFs 30 and above are best for most people.  My go-to product is Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock.  It packs an SPF 45 punch and, once it’s applied, leaves absolutely no greasy residue.  If you’re into something a little more luxurious, Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion SPF 60 is the way to go.  It has UVA and UVB blockers and built-in antioxidants to prevent sun damage.  It also comes without the typical coconutty sunscreen smell and is gentle enough for faces and sensitive skin.

Face: Face-specific sunscreens can be excellent for those prone to break-outs, or if you want more protection for your face than for your body.  I end up buying a new Olay Complete All Day Moisture Lotion SPF 15 every summer.  It’s perfect — available at drugstores, doesn’t clog pores, goes on grease-free and offers light sun protection.  For a more cutting-edge product with a little more protection, I recommend Bare Escentuals SPF 30 Natural Sunscreen.  The lightly-tinted powder offers some serious sweat-proof sunscreen, concealment of skin flaws and, like everything else Bare Escentuals, is totally worth the money.

Hair: For anyone who’s ever had a bad burn along their hair part, you know the consequences of neglecting your noggin while out in the sun.  Hats are great, but if you’re headed outside without one you need a sunscreen that’s specifically formulated for your hair.  Ojon Gloss Finishing Spray adds shine to any style while adding UVA and UVB protection to your look, which protects your scalp and keeps any hair color from fading.

For the Boys: Men often neglect their skin; while I wouldn’t force a cucumber facial on my best guy buddies, sun protection is one place they shouldn’t scrimp.  For a do-it-all product a guy won’t mind using, I recommend Matte For Men Complete Face and Head Care Lotion with SPF 25.  It can be used on the face, scalp, neck and ears — talk about a multitasker!  Jack Black offers an excellent sunscreen-rich line of men’s products, one of my favorites being the Performance Remedy Set, which includes an SPF 15 lip balm and an SPF 45 all-purpose lotion.  With spicy scents like eucalyptus and lemon, dudes won’t realize they’re being cosmetically pampered!

A Few Pointers: Even if a sunscreen says “waterproof,” you’ll need to reapply every 3-4 hours if you’re going to be swimming.  Regular sunscreen needs to be reapplied every 4-5 hours, since your body inevitably sweats and it rubs off on your beach towel or clothes.  A proper “serving” of sunscreen for each application is 1.5 ounces — that’s a whole shot glass full!  Bottom line: be sure to slather up generously and often.  Want to do some sample-shopping?  Reach for Sephora’s Sun Safety Kit.  This perennial favorite packs 11 sun care products into a super-cute bag for an insanely low $25 price tag.

Grab your floppy sun hat and neon plastic aviators, but don’t forget your sunscreen!

Cheers,

@KimmieTrubiro

The Average Joe: Abort Jorts

After my last column, I’m sure you’re all feverishly spring cleaning through your man’s drawers—discarding denim disasters to make room for more desirable duds. Keep it up! You’re doing the right thing—for yourself, for your man, for your country.

But as we move into warmer weather, let me add one more cautionary word about proper denim discretion. ABORT ALL JORTS!

Yes jorts…the creepy concoction of jeans and shorts (undeniably from the makers of skorts and jeggings) that are either sliced and diced from previously full-length jeans or pre-made and sold at various retailers that must remain nameless.

They’re hideous. And despite their apparent liberating feel (see video below), jorts have no redeeming fashion value whatsoever. Please promise to keep Indy classy. Don’t shred your man’s old jeans into cut-offs. There are plenty of recycling options…jorts isn’t one of them.

Local Event to Love: Warriors in Lace @ Pillow Talk

Our most favoritist lingerie boutique ever is hosting a fabulous event tomorrow night that you do not want to miss!  Warriors in Lace is taking place from 7-10 pm tomorrow night (Wednesday, April 20) – you will feel like the princess you are while receiving complimentary stress-relieving beauty treatments (from Aveda), shopping, noshing on treats, and listening to the mellow beats of DJ John Larner…okay, tell us how this could get better.

Actually, it does.  Not only does this event benefit The Hoosier Environmental Council (a $5 donation at the door is recommended, but will happily accept whatever your heart wants to give, and a whopping 15% of the profits will be donated!), but there are fabulous – and I mean FAB – giveaways up for grabs!  I’m talking a brand-spanking-new iPad 2, Tiffany necklace, and Pillow Talk gift basket just to name a few.

My question is, why wouldn’t you be there?

xoxo.

Product Review: Cover Girl’s NatureLuxe Gets an A+

Admittedly, I have tried and tried to go the budget babe route with foundations and have never had much luck.  It’s difficult to tell whether or not you will actually end up with a good skin-tone match due to not usually being able to test the products, and the coverage never seems to hit that “just right” sweet spot.  Enter Cover Girl’s new NatureLuxe line.  I received a free foundation and lip gloss through Bzz Agent (have you heard of this?  it is so much fun!) and honestly just figured I’d like the lip gloss and maybe try the foundation once and be done with it.

I was absolutely shocked at how much I love this foundation.  I am a high-end foundation girl through and through and just did not expect much from Cover Girl.  What I found was great, but breathable coverage that looks completely natural.  Why does this foundation feel so light and luxurious?  I learned that Cover Girl uses cucumber water (which gives this product a light and fresh scent) and a hint of natural jojoba and rosehip extracts instead of the usual heaver emollient other foundations use.

As for the NatureLuxe Gloss Balm – LOVE this as well.  This blend of mango, shea, and other natural butters nourishes your lips and leaves them kissably soft.  The color is light and looks super natural – I tried the color Thistle and adore it, especially for spring.

Suggested retail price is $11.99 for the foundation and $6.49 for the gloss balm – price points we can all be happy about.  If you’d like a coupon for $2.oo off a NatureLuxe foundation, let me know by leaving a comment and I’ll send one to you!

xoxo.

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CREED: Princess-Worthy

I have always been a self-professed scent addict…pretty sure I have no less than 30 different perfumes at any given time.  I have never, however, encountered a line of scents quite like CREED.  These fragrances have such a fascinating history; each one is made specifically for certain people – usually royalty or celebrities – and is made years before it is ever released to the public.  Jackie O., Frank Sinatra, Winston Churchill, Audrey Hepburn…these are just a few of the many significant people in history to have signature scents created by CREED.

CREED generously sent me a complimentary bottle of Fleurissimo and I have to say, not only is it a perfect scent for spring and summer, but it might just make me feel a little more lady-like as well.  Fleurissimo (it’s just fun to say) was developed for Princess Grace to wear on her wedding day…more specifically, it was made to compliment her bouquet of white flowers she carried.  That being said, this fragrance is a burst of flowery goodness – it contains notes of tubereuse, Bulgarian rose, violet, and Florentine iris to be exact.

If you swing by Saks (the only spot in Indy to find CREED) to take a peek at the selection, don’t be shocked by the price tag.  These scents are definitely on the more expensive end thanks to the pure ingredients and infusion technique that is used.  What this means for you is that you’ll have a fragrance that is actually healthier (no harsh chemicals) and one that will last for a long time to come.

I think my husband summed up this fragrance quite well with this simple statement: “You smell classy.”  Yeah, I think I found my new scent.

xoxo.

Kimmie’s Pre-Weekend Pretty-Up: Summer Style Profile

As far as I can see, this summer’s beauty profile is looking crazy-beautiful.  Neon nails and bright lips and messy hair, oh my!  Here’s a peek at my favorite hair and makeup styles for summer — it’s never too early to start mastering these tricks!

For Lips: This summer, nude is out; bright is in.  I recommend pairing a fresh makeup look (tinted moisturizer, cream blush and natural-hued eyes) with some serious color pops.  For lips, I can’t get enough of Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Pur Couture Lipstick in 7 Le Fuchsia and 13 Le Orange.  The creamy, rich colors stay put on lips and the built-in SPF protects your pout from nasty sunburns.

For Nails: I’ve been rocking bright pedicures for years, but only recently hopped on the neon manicure bandwagon.  A few of my faves: Sephora by OPI in Slushied from the Glee collection and OPI Y’all Come Back Ya Hear? from the Texas Collection.  I’m also super-intrigued by Illamasqua Nail Varnish in Rare and Gamma (pictured). These polishes have a matte finish to them, which ups the so-in-right-now factor.  If you’re not digging the matte look, finish with a clear top coat for shine.

Note: Don’t get all matchy-matchy with your makeup and nails.  It’s been determined that all neons match other neons this season, so go to town!  Popsicle-blue nails and road-cone-orange lips?  Totally chic.  Throw in a neon pink clutch for good measure.

For Hair: Summer is all about easy-breezy-sexy style, and your hair is no exception.  Loose side braids are very in.  Spritz towel-dried hair with a texturizing product like Frederic Fekkai Coiff Lifting & Texturizing Spray and gather it to one side of your head.  Make a low, loose braid over one shoulder and secure with a clear elastic band.  Add a flower (real or fake) for extra oomph.  If you’re feeling extra-ambitious, try for a fishtail braid.  This style looks super-beachy and is great for gals with layered hair.  Short-haired girls, try for loose waves or a bed-headed low bun.  The best part?  Messy is sexy when it comes to summer hair, so embrace those flyaways and wayward layers!

With a little color and a lot of confidence, you’ll be taking summer 2011 by storm!

Cheers!

@KimmieTrubiro

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Kimmie’s Pre-Weekend Pretty-Up: Wonderful Waves

With nice weather just around the corner, there’s finally hope of the winter hair frizz battle giving way to more easily-managed locks.  So put away your flat irons and frizz serum and get geared up for the perennially in style “natural” look.  My biggest issue with summertime hair is successfully walking the line between hairstyle and haystack.  Here are my top picks for products to make your hair shiny and touchable while bringing out your natural texture — whatever it may be.

Up Up & Away: For hair that won’t fall flat, spritz a little Living Proof Full Root Lifting Spray into the crown of your hair and massage it in.  This product’s resin blend binds to roots and poofs them up (perfect for “I-just-always-look-this-good bed head).  It holds strong all day but keeps hair soft and touchable.

Smooth as Silk: My absolute favorite product for natural waves is Sunsilk Waves of Envy Sea Mist.  It has a styling product and a light oil-based moisturizer that keeps hair so soft you don’t even realize you’re using a product.  I put it in damp, towel-dried hair and like magic, gorgeous waves appear as my hair dries.  The problem is, it’s been nearly impossible to find recently.  I did a little digging and found new bulk bottles of the spray on sites like eBay and Amazon, so check it out before it’s gone for good!

Bold & Beautiful: Benniefactor products have always been some of my favorites, so it’s no surprise that B Bold Texturizing Spray makes my list.  I use this spray for every hairstyle: waves, pre-hot rollers, pre-flat iron, to keep my bangs in place.  It’s basically a light spray gel with a heat protector and conditioner built in — it protects your hair from sun damage and stress from thermal styling. A do-it-all hair product?  Yes, please!

Drugstore Chic: Priced at around 4 dollars, Dove Volumizing Mousse is a great go-to for natural hairstyles and a good introductory product for girls who don’t want to spend a fortune trying the beachy trend.  When applied to towel-dried hair, this mousse lifts from the roots and makes any style bouncy and soft.  It’s also great pre-blowout.

Beach Baby: A darling of beauty pros and Victoria’s Secret models, Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray is a classic way to acheive beachy waves.  It has actual sea salt in its formula, so it really works like you’ve let your hair dry on a tropical beach.  The product leaves hair touchable but dries in a so-cool-sufer-girl matte finish.

Warning: Don’t overdo this product, salt can suck the moisture out of hair (especially processed locks).

Note: In my experience, it’s best to avoid any products that guarantee “super strength” or “all-day hold” when you want a natural style.  Unless you’re trying to keep your bangs in place or flyaways at bay, these products tend to create helmet hair, which looks awful in a springtime breeze.  For easy, effortless-looking hair, look for products that boast “touchable,” “natural,” and “soft hold.”

So girls, put down those flat irons and stop torturing your hair into submission!  Have a [naturally] pretty weekend!

@KimmieTrubiro

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Paige & Jill’s Beauty On A Budget: 70′s Style for Spring

If you are anything like us, you can probably remember those days when you were little, looking at pictures of your mom from the seventies: the hair, the clothes, and the makeup of a younger version of the woman you know now, recently out of college and attempting to make something of herself.  As much as we thought we’d never say it, the seventies are back on the fashion scene for Spring 2011 and we could not be more excited!  One of the most prominent trends at the top of our list is high-waisted denim.  Here are some budget-friendly tips to work this style for spring.

PANTS – - When it comes to high-waisted denim, it’s all about working your curves.  Just because your jeans are going to be high waisted doesn’t mean you have to give up your sex appeal (or drop lots of cash for that matter).  Look for a tight fit through your butt, waist, and thighs with a great flare at the bottom.  The thing to avoid is the dreaded “mom jean”.  Stay away from anything that hits above your belly button, anything with pleats, or anything that tapers at the ankle.  GAP has a perfect high-waisted jean for $69.50 that’ll flaunt your curves in all the right places.

PLATFORM SANDALS – - Platform sandals seem to be everywhere this spring and what a better shoe to elongate your legs in those new high-waisted jeans than with some wedges?  Whether you opt for a wedge like the madden girl Klenn Printed Wedge ($36.95 at DSW) to show a pop of color under your flare or a more neutral platform like the Nicole Pixela Wedge ($44.95 at DSW) your legs will look like they go on for days. The great thing about shoes like these?  You don’t have to sacrifice comfort for style.  The platform on the entire shoe saves your toes the trouble of having to balance all day.

TOPS – - The thing to avoid with high-waisted jeans is an oversized top.  The point of this style of pant is to accentuate your waist and make you look long and lean.  The best way to finish off this look is with a fitted top tucked into your jeans.  Your best bets are simple classic pieces such as tight-fitting tanks and crewneck tee’s.  We love the Perfect-Fit Crewneck Tee from JCREW ($22.50) and the Pure Body Tank from GAP ($12.50).

There you have it ladies: the ins and outs of how to pull off high-waisted denim.  If you follow our tips and accessorize to your personality you are sure to be a hit in this spring’s latest trend all while still having enough cash in your wallet to treat yourself to a pedicure!

Xoxo
Paige & Jill

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