Beauty Shorts: New Discoveries - By Elizabeth Dehn & Bare Escentuals

This week I've discovered a few things about myself, cosmetically speaking.




The first is that I am turning into a Face Spray fanatic. I can't stop spraying myself and my coworkers with By Elizabeth Dehn's Face Spray. Made without preservatives or synthetic ingredients, it contains Essential Oils of Melissa, Bergamot and Sweet Orange. It's a fantastic way to freshen your face any time during the day. It won't disturb your makeup - in fact, it will breathe new life into it. The best part? It's like having a mini-spa with you at all times. Check it out at By Elizabeth Dehn for $28. (But if you hurry, it's on sale now for $20!)

I love the Bare Escentuals Buxom Stay-There Shadows. Collie is one of my favorites. It turns out, it's also an amazing highlighter/natural blush. It wears on your cheeks just like it does on your eyes - until you take it off. I apply it with a densely packed blush/foundation brush to get the perfect glow. Just pat the brush into the pot gently or swirl with care and apply just above your cheekbone.

Speaking of BE, tonight I am going to a taping of a very special BE Webcast at QVC. Leslie and Lisa will be launching some new products, including the following:



bareMinerals Bare Bakery 100% Natural Lip Gloss Trio
QVC Item #A215034, Approximately $31.00







bareMinerals High Shine Longwear Eye Color Duo with Primer
QVC Item #A216690, Approximately $38.00

I'll get a chance to hang out with Lisa after the show, so if you are dying to know something, I'll do my best to get you an answer!

Some products were provided for review. Products listed are not tested on animals.

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Bare Escentuals Deep Cleansing Foam

BE recently launched a new skincare line, reinventing the way Bare Escentuals does skincare. While a few of the old, powder-based favorites remain, a few new shining stars have been added to the line. While I still need more time to fully check out the Firming Eye Treatment (love it so far) and the Purely Nourishing Facial Moisturizer, I wanted to give you the details on the Deep Cleansing Foam.

According to BE, this cleanser is made with proprietary RareMinerals ActiveSoil Complex and represents a new generation of active minerals. Its extraordinary skin-renewing benefits include accelerated cell turnover and antioxidant protection from environmental stressors.




This cleanser is much thicker than the Purifying Liquid Facial Cleanser. You only need a little bit and some water to work up a thick, rich lather.



 

I like to leave it on my face for a minute or two and then use my washcloth or Clarisonic to remove the lather. It leaves my face soft, smooth and radiant. It's gentle enough to remove most eye makeup (sometimes stubborn mascara needs a little extra help). I find that it leaves my skin, which is definitely on the dry side, feeling calm, hydrated, healthy and with a little boost of radiance.

Have you tried any of their new skincare? Tell me all about it in the comments!

Product was sent for review. Bare Escentuals does not test on animals. Photos by me.

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First Look: Naturally Luminous from BE

Just in time for spring to actually arrive for realsies is a new kit from Bare Escentuals, Naturally Luminous. This kit contains everything you need for a beautifully luminous look.




This kit comes with a very pretty in pink blush, Miracle.
 

It's a little bright pink for me personally, but I do have to admit, it looks beautiful. This will brighten up the dullest of skin and give you a rosy outlook. This blush is unstoppable!




You'll get a really intriguing shade, Refresh. It's a very light green but really wearable shade with an amazing eye brightening effect. It's not quite white or yellow, it's definitely green, but very neutral.





This kit also includes a lovely brownish/golden shadow, named Restore, that is amazing. It is a little like a chameleon (the animal, not the beautiful blue shadow) in how it plays with other colors.


 

You'll also get a new liner, Charbronze, which I haven't yet seen, but I imagine it's a lovely deep bronze (totally guessing though). To top it off, you get a bareMinerals Natural Lipgloss in Fruit Smoothie.







Here is a picture of my eyes, using Naturally Luminous. I used a different liner, but it's hopefully the same effect!


 


Here is my FOTD with this look. Pretty!





Naturally Luminous will start hitting shelves this April at Bare Escentuals Boutiques and BareEscentuals.com.


Product was provided for review. Bare Escentuals does not test on animals.


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Now Available! BE Prime Time Brightening Primers + A Giveaway!

(I'm giving these away!)

UPDATE: This contest is now closed and the winner has been notified via email. Check back for a new contest starting soon!

I ordered the Bare Escentuals Prime Time Brightening Primers (Foundation and Eyelid) when they were first available in a kit on the Q. And for a long time, that was one of the only places you could pick it up. But starting in January, both Brightening Primers will be available everywhere. Some locations may even have choices of two Brightening Eye Primers - one in gold and one in pearl! I've only seen the gold, but if you've gotten your hands on the pearl, please tell me all about it!


(Eyelid Primer is on top. The Foundation Primer is on the bottom.)


While I reviewed these when I first tried them back in June, I have grown to dig them even more - especially the eye primer.


(The one I am giving away is slightly smaller.)


The Prime Time Brightening Eyelid Primer can be used by itself for an easy glow that doesn't crease or it can be used underneath shadows to give them a touch more sparkle. It isn't going to totally change the look of your favorite shadows, but it does add a little oomph. Prime Time Brightening Primer for Eyelids comes with vitamins A,C and E and is preservative-, oil- and fragrance-free. This is, hands down, the primer I have been reaching for when I want a golden sheen in my lid primer.


(The top row has no primer. The bottom row has the Brightening Primer.)


I love to use it all over my eye and just add a slightly darker crease color for a really quick look. It adds another dimension to everyday colors and it keeps my oily lids in check all day.

The original Prime Time sets the standard for silicone-based primers and the Prime Time Brightening Foundation Primer is no different. It makes your skin feel as smooth as silk and makeup goes on flawlessly. Since I have dry skin, I luerve how it makes my skin feel perfect; eliminating dry patches on my face (at least eliminating the look of dry patches on my face).

The Brightening version of the primer is very similar in feel to the original primer, but it is slightly more lotion-y and a little less gel-y. It has a very brief dry down time, only a few seconds. With a different texture from the original, it may take you a bit to get used to the feel. I find that it spreads easily and that a little goes a long way.

It also helps absorb extra oil and is infused with Vitamins C and E, like the original primer. It also still feels silky smooth on the skin, just like the original. While it doesn't add a huge amount of sparkle or golden tones to your face, it does brighten your skin slightly.


(Brightening Primer is on top, Original Prime Time is on the bottom. One is with a flash and one is without.)


Both of these primers are hitting shelves everywhere in January. This isn't going to completely change your makeup or make you look like you are nightclub bound. It will add a little boost of radiance to your skin in a very natural way. It might be just the right thing to perk up winter skin!

Wanna try it for yourself? I have a set to give away! Just leave a comment either telling me what lesson you learned this year or a change you are going to make in the new year. I'll pick someone (with the help of Random.org) on January 15th. US only please. Be sure to leave your email or way to contact you in the event you are chosen. The winner will be notified by email and must respond in 48 hours to claim the prize. Want extra entries? Promote the contest on Facebook or Twitter and leave me an extra comment telling me you shared the love. Like GR on Facebook and follow Gouldylox on Google and leave extra, extra comments! Still need more ways to enter? Submit this contest to Stumble Upon or other similar sites!


I bought this & it was sent to me for review (which is why I am giving one away!). BE doesn't test on animals.

Subscribe and never miss a thing! Disclosure/Disclaimer Statement. Makeup, beauty, skincare reviews & more! Copyright 2009-2011, Gouldylox Reviews. All Rights Reserved.

Stick 'Em Up! Are You Protecting Your Hands?

How many times have you seen a gorgeous woman and notice that when she lifts a glass, her hands look like they belong to her mother? We all apply creams and potions to reverse the signs of aging on our face. But do you ever apply treatments, or even sunscreen, to your hands?

I don't know about you, but my left hand is far more sun-damaged than the right, no doubt from all of the driving I do. How can you help protect your hands, so they don't give away your true age?

The answer is easy: wear sunscreen every day, all of the time. I know, it seems like fighting an uphill battle, with all of the hand washing we all do. But you have a few easy options to protect your hands.
1. Wear a waterproof sunscreen on the backs of your hands. Carry it with you and reapply when needed. Think of sunscreen like sunglasses for your hands. Have it ready before you go out and apply it a bit before you leave. I like this Sunblock Stick from Neutrogena. It's easy to carry, waterproof and will stop new sunspots from forming, provided you remember to use it.
2. Don't like the feeling of sunscreen on your hands all day? Try bareMinerals SPF 30 Natural Sunscreen. This sunscreen provides a physical sunblock from UVA and UVB rays, so you don't have to apply it 20 minutes prior to exposure. Plus, you can keep it in your car, so you never forget to apply it when driving. The ingredients aren't affected by extreme heat, so it won't melt or change. You can apply it anywhere on the body and on your face. It's fairly mess-free and a lifesaver when you find yourself outside unexpectedly.

3. Treat the sun damage you already have. Look for a hand lotion that can gently reverse signs of aging. Rephase Goldie Hand Treatment is a lotion that lightens existing sunspots by using Alpha-Arbutin (not hydroquinone). Originally available in Italy, fans will be happy to know it is now for sale in the states. This lotion makes skin unbelievably soft and claims to delay the aging process. I have very dry skin and this was one of the more helpful lotions for dryness I have experienced recently.

Do you protect your hands now? Or do you only apply sunscreen to your body at the beach? Tell me in the comments!

I purchased bareMinerals and Neutrogena. Rephase Goldie Hand Treatment samples were sent to me for the purpose of review.

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bareMinerals Inside Scoop Sephora Exclusive

bareMinerals is offering a Sephora Insider exclusive right now. For $25, you'll score the Inside Scoop Collection. You can preview the new Flawless Definition Mascara, a new Big and Bright Eyeliner in Cork and a new shadow, Gold Medal, which comes in the High Shine finish. You also get a small Prime Time Eyelid and a nice shadow brush.

The mascara and shadow drove me to purchase this kit and the shadow brush didn't hurt.

The Gold Medal eyeshadow is super shiny. I dig it, but you might need sunglasses to look at it directly.


(Gold Medal is shown above the Cork Eyeliner. It's not that shiny, right?)

Shown above are the colors (from top) True Gold, Trophy Wife, Gold Medal and Cork, the new Big and Bright Eyeliner. You can tell from the swatch just how shiny and bright Gold Medal actually is. The other two colors, normally really vibrant, pale in comparison.


(Boom! Super shine!)

Here is a slightly different angle of how the Gold Medal reflects the light. The shadow feels a tiny bit different, texture-wise, than the other colors, but isn't as awkward to wear as the Extreme Glimmers were. This shadow gives the effect of a super-foil, without the water.


(How the shadow reflects and changes in the light.)


The way this shadow reflects light, it's almost like a Minx manicure for your eyes! The color itself is like a revved-up version of the favorite, Queen Phyllis. Gold Medal is more opaque and definitely shinier!

The Flawless Definition Volumizing Mascara is luervely. Not surprisingly, the formula seems similar to the original Flawless Definition, but the brush is a much larger, full-bristled spooli. It is different from the Buxom brush and adds nice thickness and volume. For me, the mascara applied best when I built thickness while the coats were wet. Letting coats dry in between didn't work as well. The dry down time didn't seem to be quite as long as it is with the original formula, but you still have time to play. I dig it!



I bought this kit with my own nickels.

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Buxom Stay-There Cream Shadow Swatches: Shih Tzu, Black Lab & Mutt

While I haven't had a chance to wear these to determine creasing and fading (updated at the bottom!), I am excited to share swatches of three of the new Buxom Cream Eyeshadows. I received Shih Tzu, Mutt and Black Lab to check out in advance. These, along with their other pooch pals, hit stores in August exclusively at Sephora and will retail for $17.oo each. While I haven't seen it, I have been told there is a brush created to go with these cream shadows.

I swatched these with my fingers. When I apply for real tomorrow, I will probably want to use a brush. My nails make it a little tricky to get the product out. If you have any brush suggestions, please tell me! I recently got a BE Brush that is pink and flat that might work really well, but may not be flexible enough. Maybe it was from the Happiness Kit? Please give me your suggestions!

Meet Black Lab. I am loving how this looks - there is so much sparkle and the color is buildable. This swatch is with two swipes of color. With only one, the color was much less saturated. I like how two passes of color gives a nice depth, without losing any of the glitter.


Next is my personal favorite type of dog, the Mutt. This is a golden-taupey brown that looks different depending on how the light hits it.


Finally, meet Shih Tzu. This celadon green can be played up or down and has endless possibilities.


These cream shadows are all soft in texture and blend very easily. I have a feeling it will be very important to make sure you keep the top sealed as tightly as possible to stop them from drying out (like any soft cream shadow or liner). I am really liking the colors so far (and sure I will end up picking up most their "friends"!) What dogs are you planning on "adopting"? Will you pick the colors that you like or the dog breed you like? Or both?

UPDATE:
This morning I am wearing Shih Tzu and Black Lab (along with a Big and Bright Liner in Intense Black, FD Volumizing Mascara and BE Brow Powder in Auburn.) I didn't wear a primer, so we will see how the creasing goes! I'll update at the end of the day to let you know about how it wore throughout the day.

UPDATE:
I am happy to report I didn't have any creasing, whatsoever! However, the colors had faded by the end of the day and weren't quite as vibrant as when I had started. Today, I am wearing the same look, but with the Original Eyelid Primer. The colors are even more vibrant with the primer and haven't faded one bit since I put it on about 5 hours ago.


(With the OEP, about five hours after applying.)


UPDATE:
Here is a swatch of Schnauzer. It's gorgeous! Schnauzer is a sparkle filled plum that glistens when the light hits it. Love it! Also added are St. Bernard and Bulldog.


(St. Bernard & Bulldog)


(Bulldog and St. Bernard)


I purchased the Schnauzer, St. Bernard and Bulldog color. All other Stay-There Shadows and B&B Eyeliner were sent to me for the purposes of review. I purchased the FD Volumizing Mascara and Brow Powder in Auburn.

Subscribe and never miss a thing! Disclosure/Disclaimer Statement. Makeup, beauty, skincare reviews & more! Copyright 2009-2010, Gouldylox Reviews. All Rights Reserved.

Sneak Peek: Buxom Stay-There Eyeshadow

For the last week or so, I have been seeing glimpses of a new CREAM eyeshadow collection from Buxom. First, Leslie posted snapshots of the characters (pooches!) on her Facebook page. Then an Allure Magazine blog gave a little more detail. I searched all over, hankering for more info on the shadows. Was it possible that Buxom was naming a line of shadows after the other love of my life, dogs?

Coming to a Sephora near you in August, Buxom is launching TEN cream eyeshadows that are waterproof, infused with Vitamin E and Aloe and stay put. Each shade is named after a pooch and promises to obey your stay command.


(click to enlarge)



(Top, L-R: Shih Tzu, Black Lab, Golden Retriever, Bulldog, Schnauzer, Chihuahua, St. Bernard, Pug, Mutt and Poodle)


These will launch in August at Sephora and will retail for $17. There is also a brush to go with these, and is the same price. These were not tested on animals and are paraben free. I can't wait to get my hands on these pooches! Thoughts?

Subscribe and never miss a thing! Disclosure/Disclaimer Statement. Makeup, beauty, skincare reviews & more! Copyright 2009-2010, Gouldylox Reviews. All Rights Reserved.

Bare Escentuals New Brightening Primer

Bare Escentuals recently launched two new Brightening Primers for the face and the eyes. As of now, it is only available on QVC in the Rethink Beauty Collection, but I would imagine you will soon be able to buy both primers as stand alone products.

The Prime Time Brightening Foundation Primer is a buttercup yellow primer that has a slight brightening effect when applied. According to the presentation on the Q, it works on all skin tones. It is very smooth feeling (thanks to the silicone), but doesn't quite have the same slip the original primer has. The Brightening Primer reflects light slightly differently than the original primer as well and is a thinner product overall. The original Prime Time was like a gel. The new Brightening Primer is more like a thin lotion.


(Brightening Primer is shown on top. Original Prime Time is shown below.)


If you don't need any coverage, you can wear this alone as a great way to smooth out your face and brighten your complexion slightly. I was initially a little worried about the buttercup yellow tint of the product. I have enough yellow in my skin as it is - I don't really need any more. However, this blends in nicely and isn't pigmented enough to cause any color issues. The Brightening Effect is very, very natural, minimal without a fake radiant shine like others. To my knowledge, this product does not contain ingredients like Bearberry that actually brighten your skin. The slight brightening effect is only cosmetic.


(Brightening Primer on top, Original Prime Time below. My skin in two different types of light.)


The Brightening Primer still allows for your foundation to go on perfectly, evenly and smoothly.


(Prime Time Brightening Eyelid Primer on top and Prime Time Foundation Primer on bottom)


Prime Time Brightening Eyelid Primer is a totally different kind of primer from their original Prime Time Eyelid Primer. This primer is more like a cream eyeshadow base in a neutral golden shimmer. It definitely keeps your eyeshadow in place for a full day, just like the original. It can also be worn as an eyeshadow on its own. I am a tough judge of cream-based shadows, and very few pass muster with me. I can tell you that when I wore this alone, I didn't get any creasing or fading. Based on my experience with the new Brightening Eyelid Primer, when Bare Escentuals moves into the cream eyeshadow category, it will be something to get excited about! Check back later today for a sneak peek at the new cream shadow colors just announced for August!

One fun benefit of this particular shadow primer is that it enhances the shadow color, making it more vibrant, while keeping the same basic color finish, just slightly more satin. Some primers turn shadows matte, and some primers auto-foil. This primer just makes the colors more vibrant.


Shown above are Lucky, Midnight Sky and Wildflower. On the top, it is just the shadow. On the bottom, they are applied over the primer. The colors over this primer definitely come alive.

Which is your favorite primer? Have you picked this up yet? Tell me in the comments!

I bought this on the Q. BE is not tested on animals.

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Meet the New Buxoms: Bunny, Dani, Princess and Sarina

It's no secret that Buxom Lip Polishes are some of my favorite lip glosses in the world. So when new, full size* Buxoms hit the market, you have my attention!

Welcome Bunny, Princess, Dani and Sarina to Sephora!



Bunny is a beautiful peachy-pink color that is more opaque than your usual Buxom Lip Polish. I love this color - it's great with a smokey eye and is the perfect compliment if you are going for a retro look.


Princess is an updated take on everyone's favorite pink lip gloss from high school. It's a really reflective, frosty pink color that makes your teeth look really, really white (unlike most other frosted pink colors).


Dani is a cute, light lavender that is complimentary on everyone. It's perfect for every day and for work.


Sarina is a glossy, sparkly, bronze that compliments (faux) tan ladies and us pale gals alike.


(Top to Bottom: Sarina, Dani, Princess, Bunny)


These colors are available at Sephora for $18 each. Some colors may also be available on QVC.


UPDATE: BE is on the Q all weekend! According to Mineral Madness, you can pick up Bunny and Princess as a duo from the Q, item #A199061! The TSV on Saturday is packed with color and a new Prime Time Brightening Primers, which I can't wait to get my hands on , #A209324. Be sure to catch the San Francisco Collection, #A198165 and the Most Wanted Eye Shadows, #A198964.

These glosses were sent to me for the purposes of review.
*Some of these colors were available in kits as the small sizes.

Subscribe and never miss a thing! Disclosure/Disclaimer Statement. Makeup, beauty, skincare reviews & more! Copyright 2009-2010, Gouldylox Reviews. All Rights Reserved.