Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Special Shampoo

I recently read an article on Rosie Pope's {of Pregnant in Heels fame) hair routine- I believe it was in Lucky or InStyle Magazine, but don't quote me on that.  In it she said that she relied on Paul Mitchell's  Tea Tree Special Shampoo (+ some Shampowder dry shampoo) to make her blow outs last a full week!  First off that's bordering on or just about arrived at gross, Rosie.  My hair would have a shellac like appearance if I ever went that long without shampooing, it's so oily. Nevertheless I picked up a bottle to see what freedom it could give me. It's main ingredient, Tea Tree Oil, has been used for centuries to calm, purify & balance the skin. It's often found in all natural acne products & is very popular in Australia. The shampoo itself smells bracingly, in a good wake-you-up-kind-of-way, of mint. When it's on your scalp, dare I say I get the sensation of how a York Peppermint Patty might feel- it's deliciously cool & tingly.  So a full week of not having to wash my hair again? Not for this girl, but I could easily skip a day, which is saying something. For those with normal to dry hair- I would say 2 or 3 days of freedom. Worth noting, this shampoo is also safe for colored hair & treats dandruff! It's a winner.

Peace. Love.Lipgloss. M

Must Have Make-Up Monday: Naked Princess

 

Who doesn't love exquisitely packaged confections? It doesn't matter whether said confection is a cupcake or lipgloss, presentation matters. Unwrapping lip treats from Naked Princess is a swoon worthy experience. Insert ohhhs and ahhhhs here.

 

  I immediately thought of the gifting potential.  With the tag line "And she lived lovely ever after" imprinted on all of their lip products...I thought this would be perfect gift to send to girlfriends for a number of occasions.  For my newly engaged neighbor, I'd attach a note with "sealed with a kiss." For another friend going through a rough break-up, I'd go with a note saying "Kiss that sucker good bye!"

The presentation makes you feel like a princess.  I bet the company is called Naked Princess, not just because they craft artisan lingerie- but also because their beauty products are free of parabens, phthalates or GMOs.

Their Objet D'Love Luxurious Lip Treatment ($26), which comes in 2 flavors & its very own carrying pouch, calls on Matcha Green Tea and shea butter to pamper your lips.  A collagen stimulating peptide rounds out the mix to ensure your lips look fuller & smoother. Another bonus? The compact is refillable!

The Naked Shine Luscious Lip Glosses ($26) also feel like lip treatments on, I could tell that they were packed with beneficial ingredients like shea butter and sweet almond oil to hydrate my pucker.  The Moroccan Vanilla lends a delicious scent.

Shades listed from top: Barely Blush, Barely Naked, Barely Nude. These colors are just 3 of the gorgeous sheer options in Naked Princess' 8 color nude collection and you know I can never get enough nude glosses!  My entire sensory experience was pure luxury from beginning to end. This cruelty free line gets my seal & kiss of approval!

Peace. Love. Lipgloss.
*Gifted for Review

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Polish Pic{k}s: Pedicure Edition

This hot summer weather (it's close to a 100 degrees here in Baltimore) means it's definitely flip flop weather! For my toes, I love bright pops of color & picked out this China Glaze polish in Purple Panic.

Though China Glaze categorizes this shade as a neon, I think it falls just below in terms of loud factor.  I also think the shade name does nothing to convey the actual hue. It's a delightful pink with cool blue undertones.

Oddly enough- the polish has an interesting matte finish that gives you some versatility.

However, I love my nails to be super glossy, so I topped it off with my beloved Seche Vite & voila! Gorgeous tootsies!

Peace. Love. Polish. M

Pixi Beauty: Bronze Bloom Trio

I shun the sun because I'm an esthetician, but I still want to get my glow on! New from Pixi Beauty & perfect  to look sun kissed this summer? Their new Bronze Bloom Trio. 

 It's close to being a CD in size which means you get a ton of glorious product, but probably won't be sticking the compact in your purse for touch ups on the go!

I love both a peach & a vibrant pink blush - this mega compact delivers on both beautifully. Don't be afraid of the pink, on the skin it gives a beautiful flush- perfect for brides.

 The bronzer is a a great neutral shade- not orange at all. It's has the slightest bit of shimmer, but is more matte side.  The shades are buildable in intensity. I like that they start off somewhat sheer- it makes them more goof proof in terms of not over doing it! All of the powders feel like velvet on the skin & it's a great value getting 3 super size products for $25. Score.

Peace. Love. Lipgloss.

*Compact gifted for review

Anastasia See or Be Seen Kit

Isn't this new Anastasia kit so summer!  The See or Be Seen limited edition kit includes 2 of their Hydrafull Liglosses in Heiress & Plastic, an Illumin8 Eyeshadow Duo in On Set & their Tinted Brow Gel in Caramel.  

As we head into hotter(read humid) weather, I love to pare down the amount of products I use.  I love vivid sheer glosses to instantly brighten up my look. The Hydrafull glosses in this kit just remind me of popsicles! Each gloss retails for $18 each & nearly pay for the entire cost of the kit at $44.

  These glosses are incredibly vibrant & have a patent like appearance, without being sticky. They boost some serious staying power, and as they wear off they leave a stain on the lips that rivals most stain only products! Top shade is Heiress, a gorgeous watermelon hue. Bottom shade is Plastic, which reminds me of a Barbie doll pink.

The Illumin8 EyeShadow Duo in On Set features a coppery bronze palette. One shade is a soft rose gold, the other is like a copper penny. These shadows have serious color payoff. I also love that Anastasia shadows boost skincare benefits to the delicate eye area. We show age first around the eye area, yet it's often neglected! I use Anastasia's brow powders often to perfect my brows,  however this is my first foray into using a tinted brow gel.  The Caramel shade in this kit is unusual in that it's metallic.  It definitely tones down my brunette brows, but it's not the right shade for me-I think it's more ideal for blonds. This kit is not for those faint of heart. But for those out there who appreciate serious color payoff, this limited edition summer kit is right up your alley - grab it before it's gone!

Peace. Love. Lipgloss. M
*kit gifted for review
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Glymed Plus Ultra Hydrating Enzyme Treatment

Great news! My audition for Broadway's Wicked went really well! Just kidding Beauties! This is just yours truly looking stunning while trying out Glymed's Ultra Hydrating Enzyme Mask.

While in the midst of taking my Clear + Brilliant 30 Day Challenge I was yearning to exfoliate, but needed to do so gently.  I received a sample of this enzyme treatment in an online order I placed,  so I decided to try it out.  It uses papain enzymes to nibble away dry skin. Glymed calls papain a 'Biological Scapel', slightly creepy analogy- however this brilliant enzyme derived from papayas somehow knows to digest dead tissues, while leaving healthy live tissues alone. I use papain often in my treatment room, because of this. For a girl used to some serious exfoliation, this product was very gentle- it's definitely more of a hydrating treatment than anything else. I think it would be ideal for normal to dry skin types.  This product also includes pineapple enzymes, which are known for their anti-inflammatory effect. I did love the fact that the mask didn't harden in that 'I'm becoming a mummy sort of way.' I would recommend you apply this about 10 minutes before you shower, go frighten & startle loved ones with your green face, then hop in the shower & rinse it off in there, as it's a bit of a mess. What we do for beauty, eh?

Peace. Love. Lipgloss. M

Must Have Make-Up Monday: Bergdorf Beauty Event

Oh how I love my Gifts with Purchase! It's embarrassing that with some lines I'll buy things I don't even need to get the gift! Well it's Bergdorf Goodman's Beauty Event my friends. Yes, $200 is pretty steep- however Bergdorf's is known for launching & carrying incredibly exclusive brands like Edward Bess, Le Metier de Beaute & the entire Tom Ford make-up collection. Plus other lines are offering additional gifts with purchase, so it's a win win in my opinion. Let's also acknowledge the size of just the Orlane sample alone- it looks full sized! I think I'll finally be picking up the much coveted Clea de Peau concealer & (I know- shock) a few more lipglosses! Whatever samples don't fit my skin type are saved for stocking stuffers! Happy shopping.

Peace. Love. Lipgloss. M

Jouer Cosmetics

Henri Bendel's has a crack like effect on me. Major addiction. I seriously cannot go into the flagship store in NYC without making something mine.  This go around I decided to try Jouer, a cosmetics company known for the ability to connect their individual compacts into customizable palettes.

I picked up the limited edition Blushing Beauty Palette, which consists of the Whisper Tint/ Feather Highlighter duo, Chocolate/Peach Eyeshadow duo, Sheer Matte Touch Powder & Bronzer duo + Cherish Lipgloss. In this picture all of the pieces are actually connected. Worth mentioning- I think I got a lot of prestige product for the price of $58.

Here I am sporting the shadows, powder/bronzer duo & gloss. The colors are neutral classics.  I could see a lot of brides sporting this collection for the summer wedding season now upon us. Though it's listed currently as out of stock on Jouer's website, I would call Bendel's & see if they can ship it to you. It's pure loveliness!

Peace. Love. Lipgloss. M

Kate Somerville's Quench Oil Free

Can you hear the angels singing, Beauties?  Kate Somerville has made millions happy for years with her hydrating Quench Serum, which has evoked a cult like following. This celebrity loved product known for creating luminous, dewy skin was the launching pad for putting the entire brand on the map. However, this serum is really ideal for normal to dry skin types. But finally- Kate has created a product for us oily skin types!

Quench Oil Free Face Serum ($65) is an ultra light serum. It has a whipped gel like consistency that feels delicious on the skin.  Besides having water binding hyaluronic acid, it also boosts skin loving glycerin that is like a tall drink of water for thirsty skin. Rounding out the ingredients that caught my eye? Peptides, which are known for their anti-aging & anti-inflammatory properties. Best of all? No break outs!  Clients often confuse & interchange hydration with moisture.  Every skin type (including acneic!) needs water AKA hydration, but some don't need moisture- which refers to oil.  When nervous about whether a product will agree with your skin or break you out, choose an oil free version & go from there. I would say Kate Somerville's Quench Oil Free Face Serum is a great place to start!

Peace. Love. Lipgloss. M

I purchased this product