green beauty: 100% Pure Color Cosmetics

there's nothing i love better than knowing products i use are natural and good for my skin. while i realize that my fondness obsession love of beauty products means i won't always be using natural ingredients, i am always thrilled when i either find and purchase or am given the opportunity to try new green beauty goodies {in this case, the brand sent me products}.

the items i refer to are from 100% Pure, and let me say darlings, they are yummy, yummy.

i have reviewed the Tinted Moisturizer in the past, and this time i was able to try all the gorgeousness that came along with the luminous primer, fruit pigmented pot rouge {Rosy}, satin eye shadow {Halo} and flawless skin foundation {Toffee}.

by now, you've probably guessed that i am loving these products...

truly, it amazes me that these products are so incredibly pigmented and work as well, if not even better than a lot of chemical-filled products. i love that the primer left my skin feeling silky soft and the foundation is buildable, providing the coverage i wanted, where i wanted it. the shadow is as soft as satin, just at the name suggests and the pot rouge {isn't that such a fabulous, classic word? rouge...love it!} gave my cheeks the perfect flush of color right where i applied it.

another fabulous thing about 100% Pure products is that they're loaded with antioxidants and skin-loving ingredients {fruits, teas, vitamins} that help skin on a deeper level, hence the smile on my face! ;)

visit their website, 100percentpure.com, and discover for yourself these, and many other {like their body lotions!!} gems...

pics taken by me :)

currently loving...

happy friday, beauties! hope you had a fabulous week...

the first rain of the autumn season fell for about two days this past week, and to say i was thrilled is quite an understatemnet-- i love this time of year! i know that the weather will be going back and forth between warm and cool temps for several more weeks, but i'm still thankful. crisp, cold morning air has greeted me for morning outings with my pup, the leaves are changing colors, i wore coat and scarf {also purchased a new one!}, as well as set a fire in the fireplace. over the past couple of weeks, i've picked up, and been given, some new tea and coffee {discovering and collecting them is so fun-- drinking them is even better!}, finally put my oven back to use for baking...

there are so many things about fall to love, right? and among these seasonal joys, i'm also loving...


my new Midnight Soiree Ring from jewelmint.com -- fabulous, oui?

though i've been a member since the site's launch, i never bought anything. i considered making this ring my first purchase after seeing it on one of my favorite style mavens {and editorial director at Who What Wear}, Hillary Kerr; it was when i recieved an email from jewelmint for a too-good-to-pass-up offer for first-time purchases that sealed the deal...



i've been a fan of MAC's primer, Prep + Prime Skin for a long time {fyi, Victoria Beckham is also a fan!}, so when MAC introduced their Fortified Skin Enhancer, i was intrigued. i have been using it in Recharge {comes in other variations} and not only does this tinted primer give my skin a boost and help my foundation stay put, it also contains an spf of 35-- always a huge plus!



my domestic-diva self loves this gorgeous, good-for-the-planet, lavender floral & mint-scented dish soap by Seventh Generation for washing the things i can't put in the dishwasher...

my beauty-girl self loves that this concentrated formula works fabulously for washing my makeup brushes. ;)


what are you currently loving?

hope you all have a gorgeous weekend! be sure to follow me on twitter and visit my tumblr for more of my musings regarding all things beauty {of course}, style, decor, books, and daily happenings in my life.

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Neutrogena Clear Pore Cleanser

As you can see, this is a non-related hair post...sorry ya'll!

I just wanted to RAVE about this product. I used this consistently in the past and I'm not sure why I stopped. Whenever I would get a pimple, I would dab some of this on it and leave it on overnight. The next morning, I would wash it off and the pimple would either be gone, dry out or shrink to a much smaller size. I would also use this as a full mask once a week and a cleanser.

Fast-forward 2 years
Last/this week, I was experiencing some small break-outs and I was thinking of ways to get rid of them. Now, I typically use Aveeno Positively Radiant facial cleanser and moisturizer, but I started to realize my skin looks REAL oily towards the middle of the day. I remembered that my skin reacted better to Neutrogena Products, so I went to target and browsed that section and saw my Beloved Neutrogena Clear Pore Cleanser. I purchased it right away!

Last night, I put some on each of my pimples and washed it off in the AM with the Aveeno. Low and behold, the pimples have shrunken and I'm pretty sure they will be gone by tomorrow! So, this is something I will never..ever switch out of my skin care regimen again!
I noticed that my skin reacts better to Benzoyl Peroxide and it HATES Salycilic Acid. I'm trying to figure out if I should use this as my only cleanser and ditch the Aveeno. I'll figure that out soon enough.

More about the Product!

Neutrogena Clear Pore Cleanser/Mask is a breakthrough acne-fighting formula that can be used two ways:

- As a Daily Cleanser to kill the bacteria that can cause blackheads and breakouts. Gently massage the rich creamy lather over skin and rinse with water.

- As an Intensive Mask for deep cleansing and extra oil control. Smooth an even layer ober skin, allowing the formula to penetrate for up to 5 minutes before rinsing with water. You'll feel it's cooling intensity build as it penetrates into the pores.

Ingredients:

Active Ingredients: Benzoyl Peroxide 3.5% (Acne Treatment)

Inactive Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Kaolin, Bentonite, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Titanium Dioxide, Trideceth-9, PEG-5 Ethylhexanoate, Menthol, Sodium Citrate, Xanthan Gum, Disodium EDTA, Citric Acid, Fragrance

Price: $5.99 for 4.2 OZ

won't make brown eyes blue: L'Oreal Double Extend Eye Illuminator Eyeliner

the beauty industry always has little gimmicks they like to throw out at us, the consumer, to pique our interest and hook us into their "newest" idea; in this case, i'm referring to the whole "only these colors enhance these eye colors" talk...

yada-yada...

it's all well and good, but let's face it-- it's not completely true. so much so, that i rebel when it comes to the only-stick-to-these-colors-if-your-eyes-are-this-color philosophy. yes, green and brown eyes look fabulous when wearing shades of amethyst and purples, while blue and grey eyes look remarkable when wearing shades of mauve and coppers, but skin tone and hair color also should play a role in choosing makeup colors.

but i digress...

so i bought L'Oreal's Double Extend Eye Illuminator Eyeliner color enhancing duo liner in Black Sapphire, intended for blue eyes.

and i love it.

though my skin tone is cappuccino and my eyes are definitely espresso {clearly, i have coffee on the brain}, this liner's shade is a fabulous compliment to them.

the lesson, in my opinion? have fun and experiment with your makeup; ignore what the brand says you should wear-- if you want to try the liner/shadow/palette for green eyes and yours are blue/brown/hazel, go for it. chances are, you'll find it stunning. if not, always know that you can wash it away if it doesn't work out. :)

pics taken my me :)

Sisley Cosmetics

As a hair & make-up artist I am very interested (off course) 

in new innovations, textures, colors and beauty brands.

At my doorstep this week, the mailman with a little box filled with products.

There became a smile on my face when seeing the french luxury brand Sisley.

1 *The red lipstick, is classic, good color red nr L25 (not to orange, not to blue)

very chic packaging and do you see how the lipstick is shaped?

Like a pencil.... FANTASTIC!

2 *I do not have a strong opinion on the eyeshadows, they are fine. 

Lovely colors and texture. 

Same same as any other luxury brand.

3 *On the other hand the foundation with anti age ingredients 

and a gifted foundation brush, looks and smells great.

The texture is light, semi cover, melts with the color of the skin.

I am hooked on a new foundation.

If you would like to see more beauty posts check my new 

Anna's Beauty page 

Bisou Anna

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Photographed by Judith Anna Pronk

Total Beauty: Save Time on Your Beauty Routine

who doesn't want to save time when it comes to beauty prep? or at least be prepared with knowing the best products to use when the time comes around for such a situation?

from stick-on nail polishes to multi-purpose products, take a look at this fabulous article from Total Beauty to discover what you can do to save precious minutes when it comes to your beauty routine...

9 Best Timesaving Beauty Products

These amazing, multi-tasking beauty products will save you from wasting precious minutes in the morning

This is a TotalBeauty.com beauty tips article We know -- with everything you've got to do in the morning, you don't have time to futz with a complicated get-ready routine. That's why we talked to top makeup artists and got them to dish about the best multi-tasking products that are guaranteed to shorten your morning makeup routine. You know, so you can hit that luxurious snooze button just one more time. See products

OMO OGO Naturals : Launching New Goodies!!

Blessing's and love beauties!!

Summer's nearly over but don't fret, there's still cause to rejoice : new OMO OGO Naturals goodies now available for you to indulge yourself in and spoil yourself or loved ones with!  

Here are our yummy products available as of now :

 ● Liquid Black Soap Moisturizing Shampoo : This shampoo is made from African black soap; it cleanses the hair thoroughly without stripping the hair of it's oil instead, it moisturizes and keeps the hair totally clean.

INGREDIENTS : Water, *Coconut oil, *Shea butter, Cocoa Pods, Olive oil, Glycerin,*Aloe Ver Gel  Jojoba oil, Honey, Guar gum, Inulin, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Peppermint Essential oil, Rosemary Essential oil, Tea tree Essential oil, Grapefruit Seed Extract, Fruits Extracts (Fragrance)

● Body Butter : This body butter is not only moisturizing but soothing to the skin. Especially great for the cold, harsh weather. Treat your skin to some of this yummy butter and reap healthy, glowing skin as a result.

INGREDIENTS : Shea butter, *Cocoa butter, Coconut oil, Glycerin, Olive oil, *Aloe Vera Gel, Honey, Vitamin E, Grapefruit Seed Extract, Lemon Essential oil, Fruits Extracts (Fragrance)

● Moisturizing Leave - in Conditioner : This leave - in conditioner is very moisturizing even for the driest of hair. It soothes, moisturizes, seals in moisture and smoothes down the hair.

INGREDIENTS : Water, *Aloe Vera Juice, Rose Water, Coconut oil, Olive oil, BTMS; Cetyl Alcohol, Sage Essential oil, Tea Tree Essential oil, Rosemary Essential oil, Peppermint Essential oil, Panthenol (Provitamin 5), Grapefruit Seed Extract, Fruits Extracts (Fragrance)

● Hair and Scalp Oil : This hair and scalp oil soothes the scalp, seals in moisture for the hair and promotes growth.

INGREDIENTS : Hemp Seed oil, Wheat Germ oil, Coconut oil, Ylang Ylang Essential oil, Peppermint Essential oil, Rosemary Essential oil, Palmarosa Essential oil, Sage Essential oil, Sweet Orange Essential oil, Tea tree Essential oil, Vitamin E

● Avocado  & Shea Hair Butter  : This is the newest hair butter. If you are looking for shine, moisture and a styling aid, well don't look far. This butter is light and is great for making your styles look even more fabulous.

INGREDIENTS : Avocado butter, Shea butter, Coconut oil, Castor oil, Yangu oil, Sage Essential oil, Peppermint Essential oil, Honey, Grapefruit Seed Extract

*These ingredients are certified organic 

I have not yet updated the shop so if you want to place an order, just contact me at : omoogonaturals@gmail.com

Moreover, please do not hesitate to ask me any questions you might have whatsoever!!

♥♥

Revlon beauty looks from new york fashion week

fashion week for spring 2012 is still going strong in nyc {as i write this}, and global artistic director for Revlon, Gucci Westman, is creating some fabulous looks we can get excited about for the season!

take a look...

at rag & bone, the look was natural and sporty; think effortless, sun-kissed 1970's surfer.

"the look is about enhancing one's own natural beauty," says Westman. "i used a rich palette of terracotta, peach, and chocolate brown tones to create a naturally-freckled skin tone."

get the look:on the face: Powder Blush in Tawny Peach and Powder Bronzer; on lips: Super Lustrous Lipstick in Demure, Super Lustrous Lipstick in Silver City Pink and Super Lustrous Lip Gloss in Peach Petal (with powder over); on eyes: new 16H Eye Shadow in Addictive, Luxurious Color Eyeliner in Sueded Brown, Grow Luscious Mascara in Black and Brow Fantasy in various shades {based on model}; on nails: Jin Soon Choi used Revlon Nail Enamel in Smoky Canvas and Hazy {based on model skin type}.



approachable glamour was the look at Luca Luca spring '12 where Westman paired an angelic eye with a strong lip.

"i chose shades and textures that would bring out the essence of the entire collection...sophistication of an italian vogue story i'd seen with girls that looked very luxurious, young and polished....slightly transparent yet glossy purple eye works beautifully with the lip."


get the look: on face: Illuminance Crème Shadow in Not Just Nudes, Age Defying Spa Face Illuminator in Pink Light; Super Lustrous Lipstick in Fuchsia Fusion and Berry Haute, Super Lustrous Lip Gloss in Lilac Pastelle and Shine City; on eyes: Matte Eye Shadow in Rich Sable, new Diamond Lust Eye Shadow in Plum Galaxy, Luxurious Color Eye Liners in Black and Brown {based on model eye color}, Grow Luscious Plumping Mascara in Black; on lips: new Expressionists limited-edition Multi-Use Palette in Bordeaux in the Snow.



at Oscar De La Renta {swoon! the collection was amazing!!!}, the makeup was natural and feminine with an emphasis on the brows and a nude lip.

"i was inspired by the pre-raphaelite painters...i used rich a palette of creamy, peach and nude tones to create a fresh dewy skin tone."


get the look: on face: Illuminance Crème Shadow in Not Just Nudes and Age Defying Spa Face Illuminator in Pink Light; on eyes: Matte Eye Shadow in Rich Sable, new 16H Eye Shadow in Moonlit {available jan. '12}, Grow Luscious Lash Liner in Espresso, Grow Luscious Plumping Mascara and Brow Fantasy in Dark Blonde and Brunette; on lips: ColorStay Lip Liner in Natural, ColorBurst Lipstick in Fashion's Night Pout, and new Limited-Edition Lip Gloss Palette in Bordeaux in the Snow




at J. Mendel the look was futuristic, complete with shimmering, metallic skin and eyes.

"i wanted to create a simplistic look" says Westman. "i used very little color on the cheeks and played up the eyes with hues of brown and added a hint of gold in the crease to create a glowing affect.”

get the look: on face: new Expressionists Limited-Edition Lip Gloss Palette in Bordeaux in the Snow; on eyes: new ColorStay 16H Eye Shadow in Bombshell and Adventurous {available jan '12} and Illuminance Crème Shadow in Black Magic and Not Just Nudes: on lips: ColorBurst Lipstick in Fashion's Night Pout mixed with Revlon Foundation to mute the color {available for a limited-time on lookgoodfeelbetter.org/revlon}: on nails: Nail Enamel in Smoky Canvas and Gray Suede

so many looks from such a fab brand, don't you think?

visit your local drugstore or mass retailer for products and be sure to visit revlon.com for more info

images: teen vogue, birchbox, racked, paul wilmot communications, vogue.com

Vivienne Tam spring 2012

taking inspiration from a japanese zen garden, Vivienne Tam created a gorgeous spring collection, complete with delicate sheer prints, embroidery, lace, and flowy gowns.







in keeping with this zen theme, lead hairstylist Leon Gorman {for Redken} kept models' hair simple and modern. "the more messy it is, the better. i don't want it to look like a hairdresser has touched it," he said.

to break down greasy strands, Gorman sprinkled on baby powder or spritzed with dry shampoo. after creating a side part, he pulling hair back into a relaxed, off-center chignon, finishing with Redken Fashion Work 12 Versatile Working Spray to wet roots towards the crown.



for the makeup look, Maybelline makeup artist Andy Koh created a clean, fresh face, inspired by 1970's glamour.



products used: Fit Me Foundation; gold shade from Color Explosion Luminizing eyeshadow in Forest Fury ; copper shade from Eye Studio Color Plush Eyeshadow palette in Irresistible Ivy in the crease and outer eye; Falsies Volum' Express; Color Sensational High Shine Lipstick in Coral Lustre topped with a dab of gold cream shadow; Shine Sensational gloss in Minty Sheer.

images: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week; style.com; tumblr.com

Skin Care : My Golden Products So Far

source

It's been a few months since I've changed up my skin care regimen and have tried taking better care of my skin. Four months on, I can certainly say that I have seen changes. I get less pimples and they don't even last half of the time they normally did : they disappear quickly and leave practically no mark. My skin is overall more moisturized and not dry and flaky like it used to be. Looking back now, I can point out my golden products. These golden products are staples in my skin care regimen and I definitely have to keep them near. 

● Shea butter : my skin absolutely loves this stuff. In fact, I use shea butter from head to toe. It has helped moisturize my dry skin and get rid of some of my black spots and scars. I was shocked when little by little, I found my scars were fading and my spots vanishing. I truly love shea butter and I think it's an important part of any healthy skin care regimen.

● Black soap : I have been using only black soap for my skin for months now and nothing keeps my skin as clean and moisturized at the same time as my black soap. With my daily cleansing with black soap, I get practically no more pimples and I practically don't black out anymore.

● Cleansing oil : This oil is my ultimate cleansing oil. It is always effective in removing make - up in one simple attempt along with the other grime and filth hidden under the skin. This has certainly reduced the spots and constantly kept my face clean.

● Toner : this mix has helped get rid of any other dirt hiding away after using my oil and black soap. It has also helped close the pores on my face and kill any unwanted bacteria and co trying to cause any unwanted effects.

● West African sponge : this sponge has been very effective in removing dead skins and dirt effectively from my skin. 

These are my staple skin care regimen that have given me wonderful results so far and I am definitely going to keep on using. 

What are the golden products in your skin care regimen?

♥♥

Total Beauty: Alexa Chung's Signature Look

if you don't know who Alexa Chung is, it's time to do your homework. not only is she a fabulous, modern style muse, but this former model also hosted a fun talk show on mtv {It's On with Alexa Chung}, and will soon be on as the host of Lifetime's 24-Hour Catwalk {there's also a rumor about a shopping show on PBS called Thrifting America, but solid details have yet to surface}.



Alexa not only has amazing style, continuing to keep the fashion world in awe, but she also happens to have a simplistic beauty look that anyone can achieve.



want to get the minimal, but still gorgeous, look for yourself? click the link below and get the step-by-step from Total Beauty's Charli Schuler so you too can recreate the Alexa Chung signature makeup look...

How to Copy Alexa Chung's Signature Makeup Look

We've figured it out. We finally nailed down the beauty products and application technique to copy the former model's gorgeous makeup look -- make it yours now

This is a TotalBeauty.com makeup tutorial article This fashion icon has been called "the most stylish woman in the world" in "Vogue" magazine, and "beautiful and clever" by designer Karl Lagerfeld. And now, as the new host of Lifetime's "24-Hour Catwalk," we can't get enough of her simple, yet flawless makeup. Want to know how she does it? Get tips