Koh Gen Do liquid mineral foundation test

Younger Looking Skin from Head-to-Toe

Learn the importance and the how-tos of your anti-aging routine

This is a TotalBeauty.com body article This guide includes everything from the best anti-aging body products to post summer skin repair to secrets to a younger looking body. See guide

Hello! The fast is going really good and there is still time to get your prayer requests in! I'm busy
with so many amazing products to test! This line is featured in Barney's New York and Beverly Hills or you can get it online at their website www.kohgendocosmetics.com

I'm testing one side of my face, the left as you are looking at the photo, with just the foundation.

On the right side of my face as you look at the photo is the yellow primer and green primer.

The yellow will help under eye circles and the green is to help tone down redness while evening out skin tone.

What I find most interesting about the green primer is that it's very similiar to a favorite product of mine from Lorac but the Koh Gen Do has more spreadability and blends a bit easier.

That's one challenge with the Lorac product is that though it's amazing coverage you have to
work quick before it dries a chalky streak on your face!

I use a large foundation brush, but if you prefer a sponge which in my camp soaks up product and wastes while harboring bacteria-use a sponge. If you prefer to use clean fingers-well then do that!

I have several synthetic brushes in a variety of sizes to apply foundations and concealers as well as primers.

You really want a clean brush/finger/sponger per product! I am blending the yellow primer under my eye and the green primer all over the nose/cheek/chin/jaw area.

After it sets a moment, which really was about a minute til it was tacky dry on my face-I choose a foundation shade and blend it over the 2 primers.

This may seem like a lot of work but in reality takes a little bit of time for a big payoff. If you don't want to do this for everyday, definately keep the primer options on hand in your beauty drawer for photos
or any important functions!

I don't think my lighting is the best here, would have been better to climb up the extremely hot attic filled with icky spider webs and who knows what to get the T stand lights and have a direct beam onto my face to see a true reading of the product finishes. I apologize for my lazy self and lack of adventure to battle the attic for this post.

Okay, I've selected a Koh Gen Do liquid mineral foundation and applied a thin coat with the foundation brush.
You can compare the two sides of my face: the photo where one tube is shown only has that product on the face. On my right side where I am holding the three tubes is where I have blended yellow and green primers as well as the foundation.

After all was said and done, I set both sides with my favorite powder from Makeup Forever and went to the grocery store to see if anyone noticed...or would say anything. They did not and it doesn't matter because either way I like the finishes but prefer the side with the primers on.
You be the judge! Congrats to my beauty product giveaway winners-prizes are going in the mail this week!
Remember: you are beautiful! Thank you for visiting the blog and check back for promotions and beauty giveaways!
p.s. Remember to tune into Oprah today for some Justin Bieber and America's Most Talented Kids...wow, I can still hardly believe that Oprah is going off the air. It's kind of like when Arsenio Hall went off too. *sigh*

Hey New York! Makeup party at The Plaza Beauty!

Hi friends, I won't be there but no sense in you missing out on the fun! Enjoy!


EXPERIENCE A MINERAL MAKEOVER WITH YOUNGBLOOD AT THE PLAZA BEAUTY

Get your ultimate mineral makeover at The Plaza Beauty this week, where premier mineral cosmetic line Youngblood is hosting an exclusive launch event! Join the artists behind Youngblood on Thursday, July 22nd – Saturday, July 24th to learn about and experiment with Youngblood cosmetics’ flawless formulations, ideal milling process and chic, innovative packaging. A professional Youngblood makeup artist will be on hand all three days doing color matching and makeovers. Attendees will have the chance to meet an expert makeup artist behind the brand as well as try Youngblood’s luxurious color formulations firsthand. **Gift with purchase of $150 or more. Organza bag with a full size lip –gloss, Primer sample, Hi-Def sample and mini Kabuki brush with our tri-fold.**



Youngblood products are incredibly easy to use, long-lasting and stand up to heat, humidity, and perspiration, no matter how active your lifestyle. Perfect for all ages and skin types – even women with sensitive or problem skin, Youngblood offers a comprehensive set of the most realistic, natural-looking shades, for women all around the world. From the first moment you brush it on, you’ll notice the incredibly silky feel, and a polished, natural finish, unlike any other makeup you’ve ever tried. But don’t take our word for it – experience Youngblood for yourself this week at The Plaza Beauty!





WHO: The Plaza Beauty

WHAT: Youngblood Cosmetics

WHEN: Thursday, July 22nd, 2010 – Saturday, July 24th, 2010

WHERE: The Plaza Beauty
One West 58th Street, Concourse Level
NY, NY 10019
212.223.4694

The Plaza Beauty is a complete collection of essential beauty luxuries housed in one opulent boutique. Drawing from the worlds of skincare, hair care, cosmetics and fragrance, The Plaza Beauty represents an exclusive sampling of the most luxurious, efficacious beauty formulas from internationally renowned brands. Situated in a landmark New York institution, The Plaza Beauty embodies the namesake hotel’s heritage of elegance and cachet,contributing to The Plaza’s legacy of impeccable taste and historic glamour

Remember: you are beautiful!Thank you for visiting the blog and check back for promotions and beauty giveaways!

Fresh Minerals spf 20 tinted moisturizer-perfect for summer!

8 Horrible Drugstore Hairstyling Products

Don't waste your cash or precious styling time on these duds

This is a TotalBeauty.com hair care article TotalBeauty.com readers have tried tons of hairstyling products, and these ones left them more than disappointed. From products that made hair frizzier to ones that smelled like bug spray, these goods are the ones to avoid. See products

No. 8: Garnier Fructis Style Fiber Gum Putty, $3.99

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 6.3

"If I use too much [of the putty] it will actually flatten my hair …"

No. 7: Marc Anthony Strictly Curls Curl Defining Lotion, $7.99

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 6

"After hours it looked as though I hadn't added anything. I reapplied and again …"

No. 6: Frizz-Ease Straight Answer Straightening Spray, $9.99

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 5.6

"It left my fine hair almost feeling like cotton candy …"

Want to see what other products made the list? Click here!

Just in time for your holiday weekend party! I have been playing with and testing the samples that I received from freshMinerals and really like the finish the liquid mineral tinted moisturizer dries down to.

The tube has a brush applicator on it, and give a great smooth application. I've put it on bare skin, and over my serums and both worked great. I have applied it over my 45 matte Anthelios sunscreen and got a good finish and I've also applied it then hosed my face down with the sport 50 spf in a can by Banana Boat. Okay, that wasn't the best look for going out unless it was for running and that's exactly what I used that for.

The freshMinerals tinted moisturizer wore for several hours and didn't break up on the skin, but more absorbed into it? No streaks, no creases and no funky dots. Just a more bare looking skin than before I applied it.

So, if you need an Arizona summer foundation that wears well, has protection, is moisturizing and if you get sweaty doesn't streak try it! Find more about at on their website and pick up at Costco warehouses, and Ulta. Enjoy!


Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 20 protects and replenishes your skin will adding a touch of tint, which adds enough color to smooth and even out skin tone. With an SPF 20, loaded with vitamin E and C, the freshMinerals tinted moisturizer protects against harmful UV rays while replenishing the health and natural glow of your skin
Remember: you are beautiful! Thank you for visiting the blog and check back for promotions and beauty giveaways!

Aromaleigh! wee! Have you tried it yet?

11 Best Drugstore Mascaras

These products feel like splurging -- minus the high price tag

Are you a mascara fanatic? We are too. However, that doesn't mean we'll drop lots of cash on high-end mascaras (well, OK, it does, but we don't JUST do that). Especially when there are these cheap-but-awesome ones out there. Check them out, and say good-bye to your $20-a-tube days. See mascaras

Hello friends! My Arizona weather is gorgeous, no Punxatawney Phil here! So it's a perfect time to try out some new makeup and perfect the look you want for your Valentines Day date.

I just received some samples from http://www.aromaleigh.com/ and what a gem! Did you know that they send a dozen or so samples of other colors with each order?

So the photo of me is a "test shot" of the makeup and please forgive my photo! I am not sure if it's me, the camera or what? But the photo doesn't show the true deep pigments of what I"m wearing. And here's the breakdown of what you are looking at:

My skin is covered in Noah's Naturals anti-aging serum, La Roche Posay Anthelios spf 25 creme, my eyes are treated in DermaScyne Gone in 60 Seconds (stay tuned! it's the giveaway for today!)
Foundation: Arbonne Line Defiance 6N
*Aromaleigh L'Orchidee Seed Pearl loose mineral shadow on brow bone, through corner of nose/tear duct
*Aromaleigh En Pointe Pique loose mineral shadow all over the lid to the crease
The bottom lid is lined with wet En Pointe Pique. Remember to take the shadow out of the pot before dipping a wet brush into it, otherwise you will ruin the pot of product.
Mascara: L'Oreal Telescopic in black
Brows are black shadow
*Aromaleigh L'Orchidee Seed Pearl shadow is highlighting the top of my cheekbones, and sides of jaw
Blush: Arbonne Glow
Powder: Larenim Mineral Compact in Lt. Med
N.Y.C. #954 lip liner (nude color)
*Aromaleigh L'Orchidee Seed Pearl/En Pointe Pique mixed into lip liner. I applied the Pique to the outside corners of my mouth half way up, then filled in the top center ( bow) of my upper lip and bottom lower center of the lip with the Seed Pearl color.
I finish the look with Aromaleigh aromatherapy lip balm in pink grapefruit. 
If you try any of their products try this because there is no animal testing, and this is a lovely lip balm.

I love that this line is made in the United States of America! woo hoo!
Visit the website to learn more and pick some colors for yourself! http://www.aromaleigh.com/

Stay tuned, later today Makeup University is giving away the DermaScyne Gone in Sixty Seconds eye treatment! Free!
p.s. to get your Arbonne products, aske me or better yet, ask Cheryl Rhodes. She's better at it! You can find her at http://www.arbonne.com/selfdiscovery
Remember: you are beautiful!
Thank you for visiting the blog and check back for promotions and beauty giveaways!

Christopher Drummond talks date night beauty

Look Great On Valentine’s Day...or any day! Below is a quick beauty look for you gals going out on a special date with your loved one. Even if you are not going out on a special occasion, the makeup tips/look are worth printing. Enjoy courtesy of Christopher Drummond beauty. *He is an amazing artist and you can trust his work and info! Enjoy!
***

The key to impressing the one you love is to keep your skin looking fresh and natural-looking, and making your lips kissably accessible. By incorporating a few tips with your existing CDB products, we can get you looking fabulous for Valentine’s Day in just a few minutes:

1. The key to healthy looking skin is an even tone all over the neck and face. Lightly dust your Veludo Velvet Foundation all over your face to give yourself a light, fresh look. Use two or three layers, if you like, and don’t worry…it won’t build up and look caked on!

Christopher’s pro tip #1: Be sure to get the foundation under the chin and where the chin and the neck meet, this way you will have uniform color from base of the neck to the top of the forehead. (Many of us have a neck and face that are two different colors. This technique will blend the two together to one uniform color.)

2. Want a “glow” in five seconds? Our Saúde Pele Radiance Booster is the perfect accessory to your makeup regime. Simply dust a SMALL AMOUNT wherever you need a little extra “lift”. Remember, a little goes a long way.

Chistopher's pro tip #2: For his celebrity clients, Christopher blends a small amount of Saude Pele into their favorite moisturizer right before he uses it. It gives a beautiful and subtle glow. He also puts it on their eyelids to brighten them up, before adding color.

3. Use bronzer. If you want to warm up your coloring the Sol Bronzer in our women’s kit is a sure fire winner. Take a small amount on the tip of your brush, and blend it into your cheekbone. It adds extra warmth to the skin without looking obvious.

Christopher’s pro tip #3: Make your bronzer “pop!” Take a very small amount of your favorite Christopher Drummond Beauty Blush (Silky Garnet, perhaps?) and add a touch of it to the apple of your cheek (the very front part of your cheek).

It adds a small amount of color, while making it look natural.

4. Focus on your Lips: Christopher had one thought in mind when choosing Ruby Slippers lip gloss for Valentine’s Day: to make your lips as kissable as possible! From the gorgeously subtle red color, to the light scent of blood orange, to the nutritious ingredients in the gloss, what’s not to love??? This is a limited edition product, so get it while you can.

Christopher’s pro tip #4: Make your lips even MORE kissable!

Step 1: Apply your nude liner on top of your lipstick. It blends better, and won’t have a noticeable line.

Step 2: Add Saúde Pele to the middle of your upper and lower lip after applying Ruby Slippers Gloss. It fills them out more!

** Simply type 'lip gloss' in the special instructions section in the checkout screen and your Ruby Slippers Lip Gloss will be automatically included with your order of our Gift Set for Women.**

Thank you for visiting the blog and check back for promotions and beauty giveaways!

Christopher Drummond Beauty! Try it!

Quiz: How Attention-Grabbing Is Your Style?

See if your look is cutting edge enough or if it could use a little inspiration

Do you get appreciative stares as you walk down the street, or do people merely look right through you? Your style is what people notice first, so it should be eye-catching and express your personality. Take this quiz to find out if your style is cutting edge enough -- then get customized tips and product recommendations to help you play up your edgy side even more. Take the quiz

I recently have been giving mineral makeups another try and I find that I'm liking it now that brands are coming forward without polymer based fillers to make the product bind to the skin.

Christopher Drummond Beauty is a fresh approach to mineral makeup. He has been in the beauty industry as a makeup artist for 15 years and has been making faces from the celebrity client to the everyday lady. He has heard first hand the complaints and compliments that women have about mineral makeup, then he turned it into his own hand crafted, small batch makeup.

I sampled the Saude Pele Radiance Booster and the Veludo Velvet foundation and used them both on set in my current photo shoots. If you ask me, the product performed well under stress, heat and hiking in heels through the desert.

Christopher Drummond Beauty compies with rules of the EU cosmetics drive, and does not have any known potential carcinogens, endocrine disrupters, sensitizers, mutagens, reproductive toxicants, developmental toxicants or neurotoxicans.

Phew! You can scratch that off your list of things to be concerned about! To see what I'm talking about and get your sample too, visit http://www.christopherdrummond.com

Enjoy! P.S. Happy Columbus Day!
Thank you for visiting the blog and check back for promotions and beauty giveaways!

I'm in love with Larenim!

Best New Halloween Costume Ideas

Stand out at a party with one of these hip, and easy-to-do, costumes

Halloween costumes can be tricky. You don't want to look cheesy or lame, but you also don't want to be so creative/weird that no one gets what your costume is. Luckily, we've pulled together some foolproof costume ideas for this year. The best part? Most of them don't require you to buy a costume, just get creative with makeup and the clothes in your closet! See costumes

Wow, write this day down. If you know me personally, you know how hard I am on mineral makeup and that up to this point, I had not found one that I really liked and would personally use.

Last week, an editorial sample and media kit showed up literally, as I was leaving for the set. In a randy mood, I said to my self, "self, take this to work today and test it.". And I did. Now I'm in love.

Sure, I can blah b lah about it, but to get detials for yourself their site is http://www.larenim.com/

The company has lots of awards and my favorite is the "Beauty witha consceience awardsd natural solutions editor pick for mascara, pressed foundation and blush".

The compact. That is what won me over. See I used to love Studio Fix until it got funky and gave me a steady crop of blackheads and pimples. I thought I would never find another compact powder foundation that gave great coverage. Until now...

Use a sponge for f ull coverage, or a kabuki brush for a lighter look! I set it with my Skindinavia spray and wah lah! The makeup lasted all evening: through 2 photoshoots, a bridal expo and again the following morning in my television segments and on the models for the fashion show.

Okay Larenim, you have won me over to compact powder foundation. I will put the air brush down and back away.

In short, go get yours so you too can experience true colored pigments that did not fade as the day went on or flake off. My "jules" eyecolor for the lid and doubled as a liner didn't move! Promise!

In my town, the greater Phoenix area, and Mesa to be more specific...you can buy Larenim from Sprouts. It's so funny that I have walked by this product so many times and never bought it! Now that I'm in love with the award winning compact foundation when the sample runs out I'm going to Sprouts!

Get yours online if you don't have a Sprouts in your area!

Thank you to model Perla Peralta and Suzanne's Bridal for the dress.
Thank you for visiting the blog and check back for promotions and beauty giveaways!