Be Back Soon!

I'm going to take a very short break from my blogging duties. I'm feeling behind the 8-ball for some reason and am woefully behind in emails, testing products, etc. I should be functional again next week, starting on the Tuesday after Memorial Day.

In the meantime: if you miss me, feel free to read through my old posts (I've been doing this since '06, so there's plenty to read about). If you have any beauty questions or suggestions, go ahead and email me at asklydia@hotmail.com.

When I get back, I'll be giving you plenty of makeup news and posts, including:

• Preview of a new super strong sunblock from Kiehl's
• Hair products for fine and curly hair
• Review of dirt cheap hair products
• Review of skin care products
• Dueling mascara beauty product reviews
  
• and much, much more!

See you the day after Memorial Day--the unofficial start of summer! Have a great week.

More Human Than Human

Happy Monday! I use Twitter somewhat regularly and follow all sorts of people. The other day, I came across this Twitpic from Perez Hilton and had to laugh. It's just too funny...and too sad.

Photoshopping and retouching is rampant in advertising. And I'm sick of it. I'm tired of seeing PR shots for Sex and the City with Carrie and Co. looking more like aliens than middle-aged women. I'm frustrated by mascara ads where the models are obviously wearing multiple sets of fake lashes. I'm weary of being told that already impossible to attain standards of female beauty have now been replaced by perfection. I am a real woman. I cannot compete with photoshopped freaks...nor do I want to.

What's your take on photoshopped pictures? Do they annoy you? Would you rather see perfection instead of reality? Leave me a comment and let me know.

Beauty Quote!

I'm having a super busy week, so instead of a Thursday Beauty Product of the Week, I leave you with a quick quote from Laura Mercier:

"I know today that appreciating your own beauty does not come solely from therapy, make up application, or plastic surgery- although these things can help. Rather, it comes from a little door that opens in our minds and helps us celebrate our differences and find pride in our uniqueness."

Have a great weekend! I'll be back with more on Monday.

Look Better...Feel Better

Right before Mother's Day, my mother was lamenting her looks. She said she had dark circles under her eyes, her skin wasn't looking great, and her hair seemed dull. It was sad to hear my mom get down on the way she looks, and I knew I had to help her out.

My mom is funny. She won't spend money on herself and wouldn't be open to having me take her over to Sephora to throw down a bunch of money on products. So I did it for her. Here's what I got to help make my momma feel better about her looks:

• Clinique All About Eyes ($28.50): I've been using a sample of this product and I really like it. It's lightweight and good for sensitive skin. Plus it helps depuff and reduce the appearance of fine lines. According to one of the Sephora ladies, you can also use it on your lips. Makes sense, since the skin around our eyes is similar to the delicate, thin skin on our lips.
• Mini Advanced Makeup Optional Kit from Philosophy ($50): This kit includes products for day (Microdelivery Exfoliating Wash, When Hope is Not Enough Facial Serum, and Hope in a Jar SPF 20) and for night (Purity Made Simple face wash, When Hope is Not Enough Facial Serum, and Help Me Retinol Night Treatment). I've used Purity Made Simple for ages and love it. I think Philosophy products are nice--they seem good for sensitive skin, plus they're effective and relatively reasonably priced. The early word from my mom is that she's liking the products, especially the serum. There's also a full-sized version of this kit that sells for just under $100.
• Purple shampoo: My mom has a lot of gray in her hair (she loves her gray!) and to shine it up, I suggested that she should use the same purple shampoo I use for my platinum blonde. She didn't seem interested at first, so I just gave her a sample from my stash. She's used it a few times now--we'll see if I can convert her!
  

What anti-aging products do you love? Let me know if there's a product out there I absolutely MUST try.

Whiten Up!

Lately, family members have commented on my teeth. They've remarked that my teeth look much whiter than they normally do...and I'm thrilled to hear that! Especially since I haven't done anything drastic to get whiter teeth.

A few weeks ago, my husband and I bought Sonicare toothbrushes. I've been using my SonicCare at least twice a day ever since. I don't use a whitening toothpaste because I love, love, love...and exclusively use...cinnamon flavored toothpaste (and it's really hard to find a cinnamon whitening toothpaste). I also use ACT Restoring mouthwash twice daily. Apparently my new toothbrush is doing the trick.

I know Sonicares are rather pricey, but I think they're worth every penny! I don't need to use any whitening products, which saves me both time AND money, and I am getting a better, more efficient cleaning every time I use the Sonicare.

I bought my Sonicare at Costco, and if you're in the market for one, you should certainly check out their prices. They have some pretty decent deals. And if you do switch over to a Sonicare, remember that you'll be using something that's pretty powerful. It may take a few brushings to get used to it. When I first started, the darn thing made me laugh! Now? It's no big deal.

So I guess I figured out how to get whiter teeth: use a better toothbrush. D'oh!

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month

It's Mid-May and I'm just now getting to this. Geesh--where is this month going?

Anyway, if you've read my blog for awhile, you know that I am serious about skin cancer. Being fair skinned, skin cancer is a huge risk factor for me. Because of my fear of skin cancer, I am diligent when it comes to sun protection. And I like to take some time on my blog to remind you all to be sun safe.

I know I've said it a million times, but the best way to keep yourself cancer free is to limit your exposure to the sun. You should get in the habit NOW to wear sunscreen every single day--no matter what season it is, no matter what the weather is...apply sunscreen daily, at least 30 minutes before sun exposure. Another important thing to do: avoid excess sun exposure. Yes, we all need Vitamin D, but you really shouldn't be spending hours soaking in the sun or, even worse, lying in a tanning booth. Eek!

Here are some more important things I need to remind you about when it comes to skin cancer:

• If you love the way your skin looks when you tan, consider this: UV expose leads to premature aging--wrinkles, brown spots, etc. If skin cancer won't scare you off a tanning bed, maybe looking 50 when you're 30 will. Seriously--don't you want to fight the signs of aging?
• When it comes to skin cancer, early detection is a lifesaver....and detection begins at home! Just like you should be doing a month breast self-exam, it's good to also check your skin for strange moles or markings that could spell trouble. Click here for more info on self exams.
• When applying sunblock (because you ARE using a daily sunblock, right?!) don't forget your neck, your ears, your chest, and your hands. Those annoying "liver spots" on your hands? They have nothing to do with your liver and everything to do with sun damage. It's easy to forget these areas, and they need just as much protection as your face.
• If you have any bald men in your life, remind them to apply sunblock to the top of their head. How often do you see bald men with sunburned scalps in the summer? Quite frequently--a sad fact since more men are diagnosed with (and die from) melanoma than women.
• If you still want a "healthy glow" but you don't want to increase your UV exposure, you can go with a fake tan. The goal is to apply the product correctly to avoid looking orange or streaky. Click here for tips on a decent Fake Bake.
  

Beauty Product of the Week: DiorShow Mascara

What is it? Dior's DiorShow is a "cult-followed mascara that leaves lashes ultra thick, long, and curled.DiorShow Mascara is Dior's original, must-have mascara that delivers ultra-glam, catwalk-length lashes. Makeup artists all over the world use this product to create the longest, thickest, curviest lashes ever." Available at department stores and Sephora for $24.

What did you think? This may come as a surprise, but I do not like to spend a ton of money on beauty products. I also don't buy as many beauty products as you might think. However, there are times when I like to splurge and get something expensive and wonderful for myself...and when those times come, I tend to gravitate towards certain brands. Dior is one of those brands.

This is not a surprise to regular Kiss and Makeup readers, but I love, love, love mascara. It's my absolute favorite beauty product. A good mascara can make your lashes longer, thicker, and can accentuate the shape of your eye. I've used a million different brands--from the super cheap to the super expensive--and I must say: DiorShow has a spot in my top five all time mascaras.

DiorShow has a nice, fat brush that makes lashes thicker and longer with only one swipe. I use black mascara which makes my lashes super dark and really makes my eyes pop. Using a good eyelash curler and a decent eyelash comb along with DiorShow results in my eyes looking bigger. My lashes look made up, but not over done. And when it comes to mascara, there's a fine line between looking "done" and looking "over done."

The final verdict? $24 is a lot to spend on mascara, but I don't regret this purchase. DiorShow is a pleasure to use and it gives me the results I want. If you want to pamper yourself with a higher-end product, check this one out!

The Eyes Have It At Sephora

I feel like I am in an eye rut. I always tend to wear shade of brown shadow, though I'll eventually get crazy and try out a gray or purple hue. I almost always use a deep brown eyeliner (that's probably a little too old to be considered hygienic....yes, even beauty bloggers have bad habits), and black mascara. I need to break out of my boring routine!

I was just at Sephora over the weekend and left without anything for my eyes. But if I had made finding a new look for my eyes a priority, there are plenty of options at our favorite beauty mecca. Here are some bright-eyed options from Sephora:

Kat Von D High Voltage Eye Primer ($15) – Use this lightweight, non-greasy eye primer to keep your colorful lids fresh all day long.

Sephora Collection Eyelash Curler ($16) – Make your eyes pop with this pinch-proof eyelash curler that gently and comfortably give your lashes a dramatic curl.

Sephora Colorful Mono Eyeshadow ($12) – Color your lids with these high-pigment paraben-free shadows that deliver intense, long-lasting results! Available in 25 rich new shades.

tokidoki Perfetto Eyeliner ($16) – This waterproof, liquid, quick-drying liner pen with a unique, innovative chisel tip makes for an easy, precise application every time! Available in eight bold shades.

Tarina Tarantino Fleur De Lash Mascara ($19) – A long-lasting formula that dramatically thickens and lengthens lashes for a seductively long look.

Are You Ready for Fall?

I know, I know...Spring's barely started, Summer hasn't even happened yet, and already I'm talking about Fall? It may seem strange, but it will be here before you know it. And after seeing the China Glaze Vintage Vixen Collection, I'm more than ready for cooler days, dark nails, and all that wonderful stuff that Fall brings with it.

Check out the Vintage Vixen Collection...I think you'll agree:

For Fall 2010, the China Glaze Vintage Vixen Collection captures the vivid and saturated hues of the 1940’s with this seductively complex palette. These classic shades of the season recreate the timeless tableau of movie land mystique, perfect red pouts and steamy nights where swing was the scene!

Step out with these multi-faceted jewel tones, rich reds, titillating taupes and smoldering sands. This collection deliverers a high octane 40’s era glamour with a sophisticated edge! The 12 colors in this collection include:

* Riveter Rouge – Deep red shimmer
* Foxy – Burgundy frost with shimmer
* Goin’ My Way – Brown frost with copper shimmer
* Classic Camel – Khaki crème with gold micro glitter
* Swing Baby – Taupe frost with silver micro glitter
* Ingrid – “Greige” crème with copper micro glitter
* Hey Doll – Rose frost with shimmer
* Bogie – Plum frost with shimmer
* First Class Tocket – Deep purple frost with shimmer
* Midnight Mission – Navy blue frost with silver micro glitter
* Emerald Fitzgerald – Turquoise green frost with shimmer
* Jitterbug – Grey chrome with silver micro glitter

The China Glaze Vintage Vixen collection starts shipping June 6th internationally and July 6th, 2010 domestically. All 12 colors will be available as open stock, in 6 piece box collections, a 12 piece counter display and a 36 piece rack. China Glaze is free of DBP, toluene, and added formaldehyde.

Post Mother Day Makeover Opportunity

Yesterday was Mother's Day here in the good old US. Mother's Day may be done, but there's one more chance for your favorite mom to be pampered. Nexxus and Lock of Love are teaming up to honor Mother/Daughter hair donors with a makeover.

My husband has donated to Locks of Love twice--it's a great organization that's certainly worth supporting. Here are the deets on the contest:

Nexxus and Locks of Love invite Facebook fans to enter the “Mother’s Day Makeover Contest” where they can share their stories about why they or their children want to donate hair to this worthwhile cause. Click here to enter contest – Nexxus and Locks of Love Facebook Contest/Sweeps

Any individual or mother/child pair with at least 10 inches of hair they are willing to donate to Locks of Love can enter. See official rules for further details. Facebook fans will participate in choosing the winners from five finalists.

GRAND PRIZE: The grand prize winners will receive a trip for two to NYC and a styling session with Nexxus celebrity stylist Kevin Mancuso. The hair that’s donated will be sent to Locks of Love on the winner’s behalf.

WHERE/WHEN: Between now and May 25th, Nexxus fans will have the opportunity to enter the “Mother’s Day Makeover Contest.”

Submit Entry for Mother/Daughter Contest:
1. Go to Nexxus and Locks of Love Facebook Contest/Sweeps and click “Like”
2. Click on the “Contest/Sweepstakes” tab
3. Follow the provided instructions

Contest Timeline:
* May 5 to May 25th: Submissions accepted
* May 26th: Top five finalists announced
* May 26th to June 2nd: Fans are able to vote on their favorite submissions
* June 7th: Winners announced

ABOUT NEXXUS: Nexxus Salon Hair Care provides the products and expertise to help women achieve beautiful hair for those moments in life when it matters most.

ABOUT LOCKS OF LOVE: Locks of Love is a public non-profit organization that provides hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children in the United States and Canada under age 21 suffering from long-term medical hair loss from any diagnosis.

Beauty Product of the Week: Infinite Volume

What is it? Jonathan Product's Infinite Volume collection will help you "acheive lasting volume and voluptous hair effortlessly. The Shampoo, Conditioner, and Thickening Foam were developed with Jonathan's innovative Expansion Nanotechnology. This Interpenetrating Polymer Network delivery system utilizes chemical and electromagnetic forces to expand and strengthen the hair shaft creating volume from the inside out." The shampoo is $20, the condition is $22 and the thickening foam is $24. The entire collection is available at Ulta and online.

What did you think? Sometimes the ends justifies the means, and if you're a gal with limp hair, you might be willing to put up with a few minor annoyances to get fuller hair. In other words: Infinite Volume works...and works well. However, in my personal opinion, I have some reservations.

Let me say it again: this line will make your hair fuller. It will look thicker.

BUT...I have two issues: packaging and user experience.

Packaging: the products look cool...they really do. The bottles look sleek and modern, but the shampoo and conditioner bottles are identical. When it's early in the morning and you can barely see straight as it is, you want your shampoo and conditioner to be easily identifiable. With Jonathan Product, you really have to pay attention to make sure you're using the right product!

Experience: I like a shampoo that lathers. I know that the lather is not important, but I like it...I want it, and I need it! Jonathan's shampoo is lather-free. There's no lather to speak of and at first I was convinced that I grabbed the conditioner instead of the shampoo (I didn't...but with identical bottles, the doubt lingers).

I have found with ALL products that add volume my hair feels different. It does feel fuller, but it also seems to have a funny texture--almost like it's dirty, though I know it's not. The new texture makes my hair easier to style, but I don't love that feel. That's not a complaint of Jonathan Product specifically--it's just something I've noticed with volumizers.

The final verdict? If your hair is fine or limp and you really want something that will make your hair fuller, this stuff works and I'd recommend it...even though I am not 100% sold.

Last Minute Gift To Spoil Mom

Let's face it: Moms put up with a lot from us. If you want to spoil your mom this year and you're still trying to hunt down the perfect gift, head over to your local Sephora and check out these fun gift ideas:

Tarte Be Good To Your Mother (Earth) 24.7 Reusable Natural Cotton Tote Set ($35 a $62 value) – This reusable cotton tote contains three naturally glamorous lip sheers, so you can be good to your mom and the earth.

Stila My Mother, My Hero ($38 a $110 Value) – Set your mother's heart and skin aglow with shadow, bronzer, mascara and lip color stylishly tucked away in a brushed gold clutch (that will double as an evening tote if she’d like).

Philosophy Unconditional Love ($40) – Surround your mom with love and a sweet scent with this lasting fragrance that will leave her feeling fresh from dusk til dawn.

ecoTOOLS Winners!

Congratulations Janey and Pamela! You are my ecoTOOLS winners. Please look for an email from me soon.

Thanks!

Thymes for Mom

It's almost Mother's Day. Now, if you're a good little girl (or boy), you've already figured out exactly what you're getting your mom this year. But if you're like the rest of us, you could use a few suggestions. Over the next couple of days, I'll give you some helpful suggestions. Because moms should be pampered on Mother's Day and nothing pampers them more than some beauty products or other gifts that are a little more personal in nature than a greeting card.

Today: Gift ideas from Thymes for all the moms in your life (or for yourself!)

Thymes makes yummy scented products that any mom will appreciate. If you hurry up and order from their site, you can get free shipping on orders over $50 (and I said hurry-this deal ends tomorrow!).

Some of my faves from Thymes:

Offerings candles ($26). I love candles and burn one almost nightly, a habit I picked up from my grandmother. The Offerings candles come in lovely frosted cups and you can select from 8 scents/sentiments (Good Luck, Happiness, Love, Friendship, Thankfulness, Abundance, Peace, and Health)
Anything from the Ambersweet Orange Collection ($5.50-$30). Ambersweet Orange is a new fragrance from Thymes and it smells so good! It's got a citrus kick without being sticky sweet, and has notes of vanilla and sandalwood. The collection includes hand cream, soaps, body lotion, bath salts, etc. Anything from this collection will make mom feel special!

Scents for Spring

Now that it's Spring...and now that the weather is starting to get nicer...it might be time to think about changing your fragrance. I personally use a slightly heavier fragrance in the fall and winter and switch to something lighter and more floral when the warmer months come around.

Here are some fragrances--some new, some old--to check out:

For both men and women
I love unisex scents! Here's a new one from Hermes called Voyage d’Hermes.

Inspired by a vision of a gender-free perfume, Jean-Claude Ellena - exclusive in-house perfumer of Hermès - has created a new fragrance "to share", designed for both men and women. For Voyage d'Hermès, Jean-Claude Ellena has not depicted the portrait of a man or woman, of a city or a natural landscape, of a moment or an era¼ He was not interested in designing a fragrance with the scent of wood, of a flower or of any particular substance. His fragrance is a play of paradoxes, of complements, of new alliances.

And a couple that I once wrote off...


Forever by Mariah Carey is a bit too girly for me, but it wasn't unpleasant. It wasn't as strong as I thought it would be and there's something a little musky mixed in with the floral scent. What I love, love, love about Forever is the bottle. Seriously, it's packaged beautifully. The bottle would look great on a vanity.

With Love by Hilary Duff shocked me. I was expecting something ultra-feminine, something flowery and way too girly for me. But instead it reminded me of one of my all-time favorites, Dune by Christian Dior. I likey! And the bottle is pretty which is a bonus.

Don't Forget to Enter!

Don't forget: I'm giving away some goodies from ecoTOOLS! Click here for details and to enter.