Best of September Roundup - Colbert M.D., Ellis Faas, Nature's Gate

Hello, I am smitten with everything I am about to share with you today.  These are new brands to me and they have made quite an impression.  Let's get started:

Skincare - Colbert M.D. Intensify Facial Discs

Exfoliation is a crucial step in my skincare routine.  I exfoliate by alternating between enzymatic, chemical, and manual exfoliators at least once a week, but no more than twice a week.   I discovered Colbert M.D. Intensify Facial Discs during one of my many trips to Barneys New York earlier this year.  

This at-home microdermabrasion product is an enzymatic exfoliator.  Here is what it does from the box:

There are 20 moistened textured discs housed in a glass container, so you get 20 uses from it.  I concentrate on the T-zone when I scrub with the disc.  The result is clean pores and smoother skin.  The proof is in the mirror for me.  If your skin is not ultra sensitive, you can use it up to three times a week according to instructions.  I highly recommend this one if you like enzymatic exfoliators.  Available at Barneys New York and ColberMD.com.

Makeup - Ellis Faas Glazed Lips L305

Isn't this a beautiful color?  I have been fascinated by Ellis Faas ever since I heard about her makeup line over two years ago.  Ellis Faas is a Dutch makeup artist who is known for her brilliant color range and the uber chic bullet brush pen concept.  

Ellis Faas Glazed Lips L305 is an orange brown and it is the perfect color for Fall.  It is a bit of an odd color when swatched on my hand, but it turned to be a nice and interesting neutral on the lips.  I think this color complements yellow and olive toned skin very well.  I do not have any color like it in my neutral lip color collection, that makes it special.  The non-sticky formula of Glazed Lips is sheer yet pigmented, glossy, and moisturizing.  Their eye colors are amazing as well! 

Ellis Faas is available at Space NK and EllisFaas.com.  Go check out her website, you will love all the artsy and creative looks and how to videos.

Hair Care - Nature's Gate Tea Tree Shampoo 

This is an accidental discovery while shopping for a new shampoo for Mr. Rola.  For the most part, we share shampoos so I have to keep both of us in mind while shopping for a new shampoo.  

I was surprised to find Nature's Gate Tea Tree Shampoo at Safeway because it is a natural brand.  It looks like Safeway is stocking more natural brands as of late.  This shampoo has been such a blessing for my sensitive scalp, it deep cleanses and soothes my scalp.  My scalp has become highly sensitive due to hair coloring and straightening over the years.  Even if you do not have sensitive scalp, it is a must to use a clarifying shampoo weekly to cleanse the buildup in your hair.  This one is gentle for everyday use.

A look at the ingredients:

Thank you so much for reading!  Have a great weekend!  

Until next post......

Up & Coming Beauty Bloggers Weekly Report

Rola from Rola's Fountain of Youth is psyched about Essie Nail Lacquer in Sew Psyched for Fall.

Lola from Lola's Secret Beauty Blog reviews the new Maybelline Color Tattoo Eyeshadow in Tough As Taupe. 

From the Unknown Beauty Blog, Rita Wilson's glamorous Emmy's look from LORAC cosmetics.

Meera at Love For Fashion has an exciting giveaway from Fred Butler!

On Theory Twenty One, the September Glossybox is reviewed.  Does it pass muster?

Mario Badescu's Ginseng Moist Cream is reviewed on The Beauty Think Tank.  But will the cream stand up to winter weather?

If you would like to be included in next week's Up & Coming Beauty Blogger's Weekly Report, please e-mail Lindsay at beautythinktank (at) gmail (dot) com.

Essie Nail Lacquer in Sew Psyched

Hello, I am going to the dark side this Fall, with my nails that is.  I always look forward to the cooler months when darker nails are in season.  Essie is one of my favorite brands in nail polishes.  They offer the best colors and the formula is known to be long lasting.  Since Essie became available at drugstores, the brand is easily accessible. 

  

The color of Essie Sew Psyched is best described as sage pewter on Essie's website.  It reminds me of the kind of green on military uniforms.  Although it is not a new color from Essie, it is still very hip and unique.  I get lots of looks and compliments when I wear this color.  

I am obsessed with all shades of green this Fall.  What colors are you loving for Fall?

Thanks for looking!  Until next post......

Up & Coming Beauty Bloggers Weekly Report

Over at Southern Gorgeous, Emily features a FOTD with triple the taupe-y goodness.

Meera shows us the beautiful S/S 2013 Fred Butler showing during London fashion week at Love For Fashion.

Rola at Rola's Fountain of Youth shares her Random Sightings of Fall 2012 Makeup Displays.

Run for your life - it's the zombie apocalypse!  Just kidding... it's almost Halloween!  Get in the spirit with a quick and simple makeup demonstration with Kelly at The Reasonable Blonde.  She shows you her transformation from fun-loving beauty blogger to undead and hungry for flesh.  Watch out for the cameo by Raleigh the very-much-alive-and-happy-to-be-so Wonder Puppy!

Lola has a Le Metier de Beaute smackdown perfect for fall and all about vampy lips on Lola's Secret Beauty Blog.

Olivia at the Unknown Beauty Blog has a possible dupe for NARS Madrague, and bonus it's from the Drugstore!

On Sparkle Girl's Life, Katherine talks about the importance of joining Klout in the beauty community.

Lindsay at The Beauty Think Tank, has a creature double feature review of Soap & Glory Trick and Treatment Corrector and Tarte Amazonian Clay EmphasEYES Smudgeproof Shadow Pencil.

If you would like to be included in next weeks Up & Coming Beauty Bloggers Weekly Report, please e-mail Lindsay at beautythinktank(at)gmail(dot)com!

Random Sightings of Fall 2012 Makeup Displays

Hello, I can't believe it is almost Fall.  When it comes to new makeup collections, it is time again to show you what has captured my heart.  I simply could not resist all the beautiful colors of Fall in reds, browns, and especially greens.

Maybelline

Wet n Wild Fergie Nail Color

Chanel Rouge Allure Luminous Intense Lip Colour

Guerlain Fall 2012

MAC Office Hours

Kevyn Aucoin - My latest obsession!

Thanks for looking!  Until next post......

Up & Coming Beauty Bloggers Weekly Report

Olivia from The Unknown Beauty Blog gives us the scoop on her favorite Eyelash Applicator Tool.

Rola at Rola's Fountain of Youth falls for Lush Emotional Brilliance in Sophisticated and Control.

Lola from Lola's Secret Beauty Blog reviews Alaffia Liquid African Black Soap. 

Lindsay from The Beauty Think Tank has the deets on how to maximize your Birchbox store shopping experience!

If you would like to be included in next week's Up & Coming Beauty Bloggers Weekly Report, please e-mail Lindsay at beautythinktank(at)gmail(dot)com!

Lush Emotional Brilliance in Sophisticated and Control

Hello, It did not take me long to jump on the Lush Emotional Brilliance band wagon shortly after its launch in July.  Emotional Brilliance is Lush's color cosmetic line with 30 colors in the range for eyes, face, and lips.

After playing with the color wheel and testing out many of the colors at the store, I decided to go with two safe colors for eyes for my first purchase.

Let's begin with my favorite, Sophisticated (shown on left above).  It is a cream eyeshadow in cool taupe with silver sheen.  All the hand made colors are packaged in small glass bottles.  This cream eyeshadow comes with a doe foot applicator.  I would dot on the product with the applicator on my lid and blend it out with my finger, so easy.  It blends effortlessly and beautifully.  Use the product sparingly, a little goes a long way.  The color is highly pigmented and lasts all day.   This is a good neutral for everyday looks, but it is not a problem to layer and build up color for more dramatic looks. 

I really like blue eyeliners, so I chose Control (shown on right above).  It is a vibrant cobalt blue liquid eyeliner.  It comes with a fine tip brush which is adequate.  I find that I must brush on a few layers to get the desired intensity or the line will look splotchy.  I am not sure if it is the fault of the brush or the product itself.  I was excited about the color, but I was a little disappointed with how I have to make it work for me.

The products mentioned can be used as eyeshadow or liner interchangeably.  Overall, I like Sophisticated so much that I went back for more.  I went back to get Intuitive, a fun bright green and a neutral pink lip color in Perspective.  Let me know if you are interested in seeing these colors.

Emotional Brilliance eye products are made with a base of rose petal infusion, almond oil, and jojoba oil.  Products mentioned are available at Lush and Lushusa.com

Do you own any Emotional Brilliance colors?  Which ones do you love?

I leave you with a video about Lush, it provides good insights on the company and the employees.  A word of warning, it is a lengthy video.

Thanks for looking.  Until next post......

Topshop Launches in Nordstrom Today

Hello, Are you a Topshop and Topman fan?  This is EXCITING news for those who do not live near a Topshop retail store.  Today Topshop arrives at selected Nordstrom stores in the US and Nordstrom.com.

I visited the New York SoHo store of this British sensational chain last year.  The women's and men's styles are always current and top notch.  Now I do not have to travel so far to browse the latest merchandise.

See more information from Topshop.com and Nordstrom.com.

via Google images

Happy Shopping!  Until next post......

Up & Coming Beauty Bloggers Weekly Report

This week on The Unknown Beauty Blog: Make Up For Ever Aqua Shadow Pencil in 2E is a VIP!

Rola from Rola's Fountain of Youth reviews OPI in Glitzerland and Wet N Wild in I Need A Refresh-Mint.

Lola from Lola's Secret Beauty Blog reviews Sponge Galaktoma Somatos Body Lotion!

Meera at Love for Fashion gives up the scoop on the hot looks from the GQ Awards.

Lindsay at the Beauty Think Tank unboxes her order from the latest Urban Decay sale!

If you would like to be included in next weeks Up & Coming Beauty Bloggers Weekly Report, please e-mail Lindsay at beautythinktank(at)gmail(dot)com!

OPI in Glitzerland and Wet N Wild in I Need A Refresh-Mint

Hello,  This is another post about cheap thrills, this time is all about nail colors.  I picked up OPI Nail Lacquer in Glitzerland on sale from a beauty supply store a while back.  It looks like gold with an olive undertone when you look at the bottle, but it is actually pure metallic gold with glitter.  This shade is flattering on many different skin tones and can be worn in all seasons.  Excellent choice for parties and the holidays.

Super chic!

More recently, Wet n Wild Megalast Salon Nail Color in I Need A Refresh-Mint was on sale at Walgreens for 99 cents.  I just could not pass up this deal.  It is a Robin's Egg blue creme color, very Tiffany-esque.  

I was surprised that Wet n Wild nail colors are quite good and long lasting.  I honestly could not tell the difference between this 99 cents polish compared to high end ones.  It was fun wearing this color on my toes the last couple of weeks.

Thanks for reading.  Until next post......

Space NK apothecary Store Event in San Francisco

Hello, I am extremely excited about the upcoming beauty event at Space NK apothecary at Bloomingdale's in San Francisco.  It will be held on Wednesday, September 12, 2012.  I am obsessed with many of the brands that are available at Space NK such as Natura Bisse, Kevyn Aucoin, by Terry, Sunday Riley, Caudalie, and many more.

Here is more information about the event from a representative at Space NK.  If you are in the Bay Area, you do not want to miss this opportunity to replenish and the gift with purchase this time is generous and amazing!  

GREETINGS!

We are excited to invite you to our biggest event of the season on Wednesday, September 12^th. Join us for this special one-day-only event as we present the latest in fall beauty, translating the runway trends into wearable looks. Meet experts from some of our finest brands for personalized mini master classes, advice and tips.

Space is limited so we wanted to reach out and make you aware of this event early. Please reply by email or call us at the store with any questions and to reserve your appointment.

Thank you and we look forward to celebrating the fall season with you at Space NK -Bloomingdales San Francisco on September 12^th. We will offer a very special Gift with Purchase, for more details on what is included, please read below.

Sincerely,

Angela Kari

Space NK apothecary - Bloomingdales San Francisco Centre

(P) 415-856-5454 (E) usb22@spacenk.com

Gift w Purchase Details:

On September 12th, when you purchase $250, you will receive a large Space NK tote bag in black, filled with the following goodies valued over $450.

Antica Farmacista Lemon Verbena Diffuser (Full Size)

Caudalie Vinoperfect Day or Night Cream (Full Size)

Clark's Botanicals Ultra Rich Lip Balm (Full Size)

Tocca Crema da Mano (Full Size)

Darphin Intral Toner (50 mL travel size)

Ellis Faas Creamy L102 Deep Plum Wine (Full Size)

NIA24 Sun Damage Prevention UVA/UVB Sunscreen PA+++ (1 oz Travel Size)

Rococo Nail Apparel in Flower Town (Full Size)

Tocca Eau de Toilette (Sample Size)

Bakel Serum Two: Deep Hydration (Travel Size)

Radical Skincare (BRAND NEW) Age-Defying Exfoliating Pads (15 Pads)

Wei Chinese Rose Foaming Cleanser (Travel Size)

Diptyque Eau de Toilette (12mL Travel Size)

Revive Moisturizing Renewal Cream (.5 oz Travel Size)

REN Frankincense Night Cream (15mL Travel Size)

Hourglass No.28 Primer Serum (5mL Travel Size)

Tatcha Original Aburatorigami Blotting Sheets (3 Sheet Sample Pack)

Dr Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Face Peel (2 Extra Strength, 2 Original)

Rodial Dragons Blood Sculpting Gel (15mL Travel Size)

Phillip B Light-Weight Deep Conditioning Creme Rinse (15mL Travel Size)

via Space NK.com

By the way, Space NK just opened a store in Larkspur in Marin County over Labor Day weekend.  We now officially have two stores in the Bay Area, we are so lucky to be living here!  Happy Shopping!  Until next post......

9/12/12 Edit:  This event is happening TODAY only at selected stores and online.  Spend $250 online and use promo code Fall12 to receive your gift with purchase.

Solvang and Los Angeles, CA

Hello, This is an image diary of my last trip to Southern California in August.  I enjoyed every minute of it...

Solvang

When in Solvang, you must try Split Pea Soup and all the Danish pastries you can eat!

Los Angeles

This was my second trip to Los Angeles this summer.  For beauty highlight, I visited Scent Bar (aka Lucky Scent online) in West Hollywood.  I was in heaven, I loved sniffing all the niche fragrances available in the store!  

And the rest of the highlights...

I appreciated the tranquil and beautiful Japanese garden at our hotel in Little Tokyo (above two photos).

Hope you are all enjoying your weekend!  Until next post......