Beauty Editor's Pick of the Week: Too Faced Shadow Insurance

If you're a die-hard eyeshadow gal, and you don't use an eyeshadow primer, it's time to start!  This stuff makes all the difference in the world in both the application, and the wear of your eye makeup.  You won't believe how much easier your eyeshadow is to put on after you apply this wonder-stuff! 

Too Faced Shadow Insurance is, without a doubt, your full-coverage insurance policy against all fading, creasing, melting, blurring, oil-slicked and hard-to-blend eyeshadow accidents. This silicone-based eyeshadow primer transforms any eyeshadow into a perfectly blendable, color-drenched, intensified version of itself, then locks it down perfectly ‘till you take it off. The skin soothing formula evens out the skin tone on your lids and smoothes out lines while it secures a barrier between the oils of your skin and your makeup, so no shadow catastrophes will ever happen again.

If you have a dramatic eye look you want to try, or you just have trouble getting your everyday look to stay put, this primer will change your life!  No more midday shadow touch-ups, no more removing makeup from fine lines on your lunch break, this stuff will keep your shadow where you put it all day and all night long!  What could be better than that?

What Does Your Eye Color Say About You?

Photo Courtesy of foodcourtlunch.com

Eyes are probably the most communicative of our facial features and they often speak volumes even when no words are used. Their movements and expressions are vast, and scientists, doctors and behaviorists have long studied the correlation between the movements of the eyes and the workings of the brain. Some say the eyes are the windows to the soul.

But, have you ever thought about your eye color? Every year people spend their hard-earned cash on colored contacts…but to what end? Do people really form opinions of you based on your eye color? According to a 2002 survey conducted by CyberPulse, a division of Impulse Research Corporation in Los Angeles and commissioned by CIBA Vision, they do. The survey polled over 1000 women ages 16-35 in the U.S., and found that many people associate certain eye colors with specific personality traits. Here are the three main eye color categories and their most commonly associated traits.



BROWN EYES

You think you’re so smart, don’t you? Turns out, other people think so too! 34% of people surveyed associate brown eyes with intelligence. Other qualities associated with brown eyes include trustworthiness and kindness.






BLUE EYES

Hey there sugar! 42% of those surveyed see those with blue eyes as being super-sweet, while 21% saw them as exuding sex appeal. In third place we have kindness at 10%.







GREEN EYES

Is it hot in here? Green-eyed babes are perceived as being the sexiest with a whopping 29% of those surveyed making that connection. They are also thought of as being tremendously creative (25%.)








Did you find this post interesting?  Let us know by leaving a comment.

Celebrity Photos Courtesy of Instyle.com

Beauty Editor's Pick of the Week: Japonesque Beautiful Eyes Touch Up Tube Set

All Eyes On You continues!  We're talkin' eyes all month long here at Cosmetique and today I want to talk about the importance of brushes.  It is imperative that you have a good set of brushes if you want professional looking makeup.  You won't believe how many different looks you can get out of one single eyeshadow simply by using a different brush!  Brushes can definitely get pricey, which is why I wanted to show you this great set from Japonesque.  It's an easy and inexpensive way to start your brush collection, and it comes in a handy little tube, perfect for the gal on-the-go.  Here are the details...

Japonesque Beautiful Eyes Touch Up Tube Set contains four professional brushes creatively designed for portability. The sleek set includes an Angled Brow Brush for brow touch ups, a Flat Eyeliner Brush for precision eyeliner application, a Shadow Fluff Brush for color diffusion, and an Eye Smudger Brush for smudging edges and softening lines. All brushes are handcrafted with a short stylish handle for superior control. The brush collection is housed in a compact case small enough to tuck into your handbag, desk drawer or glove compartment, so touch-ups are always close at hand....And it's only $15.00!!!

You will be surprised and amazed at the number of different looks you are able to create once you have the right tools.  Not only will you be able to create them, but you'll do it with such ease, you'll wonder how you ever survived without brushes!

All Eyes On You: Master The Bronzed Smoky Eye

All eyes are on you this June, and what better way to spice things up for summer than with a new eye look! This bronzed smoky eye is easy to duplicate as long as you have all “the right stuff.” Here’s how to get this look, and what you need to get it.

How-To:

-Begin by lining all the way around eyes with Jean-Michelle Le Stylo Pour Les Yeux in Noir.  Be sure to connect the liner at inner and outer corners.

-Use the deep bronze (upper right corner) in Madeleine Mono Viva Diva Eyeshadow Collection with Japonesque Angled Brow Definer Brush to go over the eye liner to soften and blend.

-Sweep the same deep bronze from lash line to crease.

-Apply the vivid copper (center) to the crease, blending thoroughly to create a subtle gradation from black to bronze to copper.

-Highlight brow bones by dusting the shimmering champagne (top center) under the arches of your brows.

-Use two coats of Pur Minerals Triple Impact Mascara in Black on top and bottom lashes.




The Right Stuff:

Jean-Michelle Le Stylo Pour Les Yeux in Noir

Madeleine Mono Viva Diva Eyeshadow Collection

Pur Minerals Triple Impact Mascara in Black

The bronzed smoky eye is much softer for summer than the traditional version.  It's also more forgiving, so you should have no problem getting bronzed, smoky and gorgeous!  Give it a try and let us know how it goes by leaving a comment.

Top 10 Tips for the Perfect Exfoliation

Photo Courtesy of therealisticcook.com

Oh, to have perfect, smooth skin...must be nice, huh?  While we can't all have perfect skin over every inch of our bodies, there are a number of things we can do to improve the tone and texture of our body skin.  One of the most (if not THE most) important steps you can take towards achieving the skin of your dreams, is to exfoliate.  This process removes dead cells from the skin's surface, uncovering fresh, smooth skin.  Removing this layer of dead cells also allows for better penetration of your other skin care products.  Bottom line:  If you're not doing it, you should be....And to get you started, I've compiled a list of 10 fantastic tips sure to make exfoliating a breeze!  Here they are:


1. Apply exfoliating scrub to wet skin for best results, particularly if your skin is sensitive.




2. Use approximately 3 tablespoons of scrub for your body. My current favorite:
Garden Botanika Fresh Mint Whipped Body Buffer.

3. Always exfoliate from the top of your body down, starting with the shoulders. Be sure to use a separate, gentle exfoliator for your delicate facial skin. I like H20 Plus Sea Pure Gentle Refining Polish.

4. Pay extra attention to areas with thicker skin like elbows, knees, and heels which can be especially rough.



5. Massage your entire body with the scrub using circular motions for the most thorough exfoliation.



6. Always exfoliate thoroughly before shaving as dead skin can clog and dull your razor.



7. Don’t forget your feet! Sometimes these require a little extra effort, but it's so worth it!



8. Rinse thoroughly when finished. You’re not only rinsing off the scrub, you’re rinsing off all that dead skin with it!



9. When you get out of the shower, pat dry – do not rub.  You want your skin to still be a bit damp for this next step...



10. Apply a rich moisturizer to seal in all the moisture your skin just soaked up from the shower. Plus, moisturizers are most effective when applied to fresh, new skin. Try Zents Lotion in Water or any of their other great scents for soothing moisture and an amazingly fresh scent!

Beauty Editor's Pick of the Week: Garden Botanika Advanced Anti-Aging Eye Treatment

Want younger-looking eyes?  In keeping with our "All Eyes On You" theme for June, I've chosen another fabulous eye treatment for my "Pick of the Week."  I'm concentrating on eye care before moving on to makeup, as cosmetics always perform best on well-hydrated, smooth skin.  Garden Botanika Advanced Anti-Aging Eye Treatment focuses on botanical ingredients with natural anti-aging benefits, so you can forget those needles!

A natural alternative to Botox®, this rich eye treatment contains a patented peptide and an amino acid, Arginine, that helps to visibly reduce and minimize lines and wrinkles.  Red Wine Polyphenols and Green Tea Extract provide the ultimate antioxidant protection, while a combination of ceramides, Shea Butter, Jojoba Seed Oil and Hyaluronic Acid moisturize the delicate skin around the eye area. Several different botanical extracts naturally brighten, so your eyes have a fresher, younger appearance.  Patented peptide and amino acid help promote collagen production and algae extract naturally de-puffs the delicate eye area.  Another great thing about this eye cream?  It's fragrance free and contains no artificial dyes. 

With effective, natural ingredients, this comprehensive eye treatment packs a powerful punch in the fight against aging eyes.  If natural is your thing, then Cosmetique has just the thing for you!  Apply morning and evening for best results.

Top 5 Eye Makeup Trends For Spring/Summer 2010

Spring is here, and summer is just around the corner. New makeup looks for the season are aplenty and it’s hard to know which ones to try and which ones to let pass you by. Since our theme for June is “All Eyes On You,” I’ve compiled the top 5 eye makeup trends for the season, from the runway to the red carpet, and what you need to get them!

Trend #1 – Metallic Shadow

The runways and red carpets were filled with beautiful metallic eyes.  From the subtle to the extreme, metallics are IT this season!

Photo Courtesy of stylehive.com

Try Cinema Beaute Sparkle Eyes in any of 7 fabulous shades for plenty of gorgeous shimmer!

Trend #2 – Pastels

 Need to add a subtle hint of color?  Try a soft wash of pastels on your eyes.  This feminine eye makeup look is just the thing for spring!








Photo Courtesy of msn.com
Try Diandra Urban Chic Multi Eyeshadow Palette in Cool Sensations for your choice of gorgeous pastel shades.

Trend #3 – Dramatic Lashes

Big, sexy lashes never go out of style!  What better way to amp up your eyes this season?





Photo Courtesy of hairstylechat.com
 For truly dramatic lashes try our newest mascara! Too Faced Lashlight Mascara has a wand that lights up, so you’re sure to coat every last lash.

Trend #4 – Cat Eyes

This smoldering look is a celebrity favorite.  A simple swipe of the pencil and your sex appeal will skyrocket!








Photo Courtesy of eyeshadowalley.com
Try Pur Minerals Mineral Eye Defining Pencil with Smudger in Onyx for graphic definition or sultry, smoky cat eyes.

Trend #5 – Brightly Colored Eye Liner

This is a great way to add a brilliant pop of color to your look!  Try this look in turquoise or shades of purple and lavender for an eye-brightening effect.




Photo Courtesy of sheclick.com
Too Faced Liquif-Eye Set includes 12 bold shades that can be used either as eye liner or shadow!

Beauty Editor's Pick of the Week: Murad Intensive Wrinkle Reducer For Eyes

Our theme for June is "All Eyes on You," meaning we will be focusing on eye tips, tricks, makeup and treatment.  In keeping with that theme, for my "Pick of the Week," I've chosen a high-intensity, wrinkle-reducing eye treatment from Murad that delivers fabulous results! 

Murad Intensive Wrinkle Reducer For Eyes, specifically formulated for the delicate eye area, reduces the appearance of crow's feet, improves skin firmness and illuminates the eye area for a more youthful appearance. This breakthrough formula features Murad's latest revolutionary anti-aging technology, Durian Cell Reform™ which enhances the penetration of active anti-aging ingredients. UGL Complex increases collagen synthesis. Hyaluronic microspheres increase intercellular water providing long lasting hydration and Retinyl Palmitate increases cell proliferation to improve skin texture and tone.

Murad reports that these clinically-proven ingredients have been shown to reduce the appearance of fine lines and crow's feet by 33% in 4 weeks, increase skin firmness by 55% in just 12 weeks, and reduce the appearance of crow's feet and skin sagging by 40% after just 10 minutes!

All of that is a fancy way of saying that this stuff has ingredients that work!  If you want to stop worrying about your crow's feet and start seeing younger-looking eyes, look no further.  This treatment provides a comprehensive solution to your aging eye concerns.

5 Easy Ways to Get Gorgeous for Summer!

I could NOT be any more excited that summer is here! It is absolutely, hands-down, my favorite time of the year and I’ve been looking forward to it since LAST summer! Now, it’s time to forget about covering up with sweaters and jeans, and time to start thinking about baring it all in sundresses, shorts and bathing suits…Yikes! There are some simple, easy ways to prepare yourself for less clothing and more fun…and they’re all right here! Read on for tips on how to get gorgeous, and stay gorgeous all summer long…

Step 1

Time to slough off that dead winter skin and get ready to get your glow on! The first step is a nice thorough body exfoliation which should be repeated approximately twice a week. H20 Plus Sea Pure Reviving Body Buffer provides a great exfoliation with sea salt, while conditioning the skin with lavender and olive oil. Rub this 100% natural scrub gently in a circular motion over your entire body for glowing summer skin!

Step 2

Moisturize! You should moisturize regardless of season but the thought of showing more skin seems to make this step all the more compelling…For fast-absorbing, summery-smelling hydration, try Zents Sun Lotion. It is packed full of skin-conditioning ingredients like Shea Butter, Green Tea and Chamomile, and smells like summer itself, with notes of Vanilla, Sweet Orange, Pink Grapefruit and Sandalwood.


Step 3

This is the MOST important step for health reasons…You must wear sunscreen all over! There are a lot of options, but here are a few of my favorites….

If you need a little help in the bronzing department, try Murad Firming Bronzer SPF 15 for Face and Body. This amazing lotion provides sun protection, firming power and gentle bronzing for a HEALTHY summer glow.

For extra protection, you may want to try Murad Waterproof Sunblock SPF 30 if you’re active, or Murad Oil-Free Sunblock SPF 30 if you’re oily or acne-prone.

And don’t forget your lips! The skin on your lips is very sensitive and should be protected from the elements. Try Murad Energizing Pomegranate Lip Therapy SPF 15 for shiny, healthy summer lips.


Step 4

Shave up! I’m not gonna lie, I may have skipped a shave here and there over the winter. It’s hard to get motivated when you’re wearing long pants everyday, but those days are over! It’s shaving season and I have one excellent multi-tasking tip for you. Try using hair conditioner as your “shaving cream.” It provides excellent slip for the razor and contains ingredients that are just as good for your skin as they are for your hair! I like Garden Botanika Fresh Mint Conditioner for summer because of its conditioning properties and its awesome, chilly scent.


Step 5

It’s time for a pedicure. This is another one of those beauty rituals that may have gotten tossed to the wayside over the winter. Now that it’s sandal season, we need to get those feet under control. After you’ve exfoliated them in the shower with your scrub, you need an ultra-intensive moisturizer created especially for your feet. Garden Botanika High Intensity Foot Treatment cools, stimulates, and hydrates overworked feet. Gentle exfoliating fruit acids soften callouses, polish rough heels and remove dry skin. Hydrating Glycerin and Panthenol moisturize for perfect summer-ready feet.

Don’t forget the polish! Summer provides an excellent opportunity to experiment with bold colors on your toes. My favorite is Jean-Michelle Laque Luisant Nail Enamel in Moulin Rouge. It’s a beautiful red, PERFECT for summer toes!

Photo Courtesy of Sheknows.com