Beauty Regimen in Winter Months – Editor Talk and Products

Yesterday was the first day of December and that means we are officially in the cold weather season.  Not only does the seasons change but our beauty regimen alters with the weather.  The reason we must change our beauty routine is because the external environment can damage our skin, hair, and nails.

Every year I look in the mirror (around the month of November) and my skin is excessively dry.  My first instinct is to panic but then I realize it’s time to visit the drugstore or cosmetics counter.  I have a few beauty products that I am actively using from foundation to nail polish remover pads.

Beauty Regimen

To begin, let’s talk about foundation.  We often forget to change our foundation because it’s our favorite shade or brand.  Here’s what I learned, foundation in the winter months should have hydrating and moisturizing functions. This helps to counter-act dryness and use a lighter press powder.  Also, if you tend to look a shade darker (or tan) in the summer months, you may consider a foundation that’s lighter.  The foundation color should match the exact shade of your face and neckline.

In terms of face lotion, it is suggested that we stay away from light-weight lotions and use a cream.  Lotions are not heavy enough to protect the skin from the dry air.  I suffer from dry skin due to eczema and prefer a cream lotion whether in the winter or summer months.

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Always opt for a deep hydrating mask to use on your hair in the winter.  The cold air can create brittleness no matter the hair type or texture.  If you can’t afford an expensive hair mask, visit your local drugstore or Pinterest.com to create a DIY hair mask at home.  Either way, your hair can not afford to be shampooed with a leave – in conditioner alone.  The result will be breakage and frizz!

An additional beauty product that I’m actively using are nail polish remover pads.  Surprisingly, my mom (the other contributor) introduced me to this product last summer.  You can purchase a box for about $2 at the drugstore and they serve two functions.  Nail polish remover pads will remove polish quickly while also conditioning the cuticle and nails.  I was relieved to discover this product and since that time disposed of liquid remover (and cotton balls.)

I’m always searching for beauty tools to make my life easier because I’m managing my brand and have mommy duties.  The ultimate makeup tool the everyone should own in their bag is a Beauty Blender.  I have to admit that I own three because they serve a different function (and if I lose one there’s always an extra.) The Beauty Blender surfaced several years ago but has recently become available to beauty enthusiasts.  This is not your normal sponge due to the shape, texture, and use of the blender.  The Beauty Blender can be used to apply foundation, bb cream, tanner, bronzer, and concealer.  It can also be used for highlighting, contouring, and strobing.

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Lastly, with so much dryness in the air and having a hectic holiday schedule, we need an at home facial in between our spa treatments.  Purchasing a Sonic Face and Body Polisher can be an investment.  I am totally in love with my system and received it as a product review.  This little hand-held machine exfoliates and softens the skin while tightening my pores.  I love makeup but I’m a huge advocate for natural, glowing skin and we must take care of it!

I hope the tips I provided will help your winter beauty routine.  Also, stay connected to the site because I will be visiting a few local wellness spas very soon!

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People News: 2015 People and Today Beauty Awards

People News: The 2015 People and Today Beauty Awards Are Here!

When it comes to beauty, we’re constantly looking for the best new trends and products. Whether it’s sharing exactly what lip color a celeb wore to a movie premiere, or reporting on the latest Hollywood hair color change, we always bring you the must-know beauty news as soon as we have it. And, like you, we get kid-in-a-candy-store excited at the launch of a new product.

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Which is why this year, we’ve teamed up with TODAY to bring you our first ever (!!) 2015 PEOPLE and TODAY Beauty Awards.

Over forty testers from PEOPLE and TODAY, including our own beauty-obsessed editors, tried hundreds of lotions, moisturizers, mascaras and more and managed to narrow it down to 44 of the best drugstore beauty products from 2015.

We’ve covered all of the bases—from hair and body to skin and makeup — finding something for every beauty issue. So if you’ve been holding off on re-stocking your vanity for the new year, let us guide you with our top picks from our favorite drugstore brands.

Every day this week, we’ll be announcing a new category of winners live on TODAY. Tune in every morning at 10AM EST to find out what products to add to your shopping list. The lineup is below!

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  • Tuesday 12/1: HAIR
  • Wednesday 12/2: MAKEUP
  • Thursday 12/3: BODY
  • Friday 12/4: SKIN

And don’t forget to pick up this week’s issue, on stands beginning Wednesday, Dec. 2, for the full list.

Get PEOPLE.com Everywhere

Style Loft Boutique – Layered Lady Top and Jeans Review

Transitional clothing, what does that mean? Wearing a garment that’s meant for one season but incorporating that particular item into your current wardrobe.  Purchasing a camisole shell can be a great wardrobe staple regardless of the season. It can be worn by itself with a pair of slacks or layered underneath a cardigan.

Camisole shells also style well with delicate accessories such as studs and hoops.  Lastly, they can be worn to work, brunch, or cocktail hour.

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I adore the Layered Lady Top shown above because of the shoulder fit, v-neckline, and flare at the waist.  The fabric content (silk/polyester) compliments the design of the top and color (winter white) can enhance any item bottom in my wardrobe.

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Style Loft – Layered Lady Top

I decided to wear this top with a pair of jeans for a casual look; but can also be worn with a pencil skirt and booties!

To purchase the Layered Lady Top visit StyleLoft.net – Don’t forget to follow their social media channels below:

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StyleLoft Blog

https://www.facebook.com/styleloft.net

https://www.pinterest.com/styleloft0007/

Quick Style Tip –

Daytime: Wear a bra that’s the color of your skin tone.

Nighttime: Wear a black bra for a cheeky look!

 

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Budget Friendly Beauty Stocking Stuffers – Holiday Gift Guide

When it comes to selecting the perfect stocking stuffers for friends and family this holiday season, skin care and beauty solutions are always a safe.  Consider products from Retinol Skincare, MoodMatcher and Altchek MD. With all of their products priced under $30, these budget friendly buys are perfect for every price point.

  • Retinol Skincare – an affordable range of multi-benefit products formulated to improve skin texture through exfoliation, while minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
  • MoodMatcher – lipsticks and glosses that are smudge-proof, fade-proof and kiss-proof, as well as hydrating and vitamin enriched
  • Altchek MD – preventive and corrective skin care products that are formulated to reduce the visible signs of aging

Gifts Under $30

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Altchek MD Starter Kit Anti-Aging Starter Kit ($25)

This starter kit contains the four key products in the Doctor’s skincare regimen:

  • Daily Exfoliating Cleanser (2fl oz / 60 mL)
  • Daily Moisturizer Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 30 (0.5oz / 15 g)
  • Glycolic Renewal Pads (15 Treatment pads)
  • Night Treatment Restorative Serum (.5fl oz / 15 mL)

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Retinol Anti-Aging Facial Oil (1oz – $26.00)

Retinol Anti-Aging Facial Oil delivers an ultra-light, non-greasy facial oil that utilizes nine rich essential oils plus Vitamins A, C and Argan Oil (Vitamin E) to promote anti-oxidant protection and multiply the effectiveness of daily skincare regimens. This facial oil infuses African Marula Oil and Sea Buckhorn’s Omega 7 & 9 Fatty Acids to hydrate and protect skin and supply key nutrients to combat wrinkles, dryness and loss of elasticity.

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Retinol Anti-Wrinkle Facial Serum For Men (1fl oz – $22.00)

Anti-Wrinkle Serum is an effective Retinol formula that focuses on giving you a youthful appearance by targeting the visible signs of aging. Helps to soothe razor burn when applied after shaving.

  • Exfoliates and smoothes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
  • Improves the appearance of firmness and tone
  • Moisturizes to improve skin texture and clarity

Gifts Under $20

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Retinol Anti-Aging Starter Kit ($20)

The Anti-Aging Starter Kit contains smaller versions of 3 of our skincare products to help you become familiar with our Retinol-based skincare line:

  • Anti-Aging Cream Cleanser (2fl oz / 60 mL)
  • Night Cream (0.7 oz / 20 g)
  • Anti-Wrinkle Facial Serum (0.5fl oz / 15 mL)

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Eye Gel Pads (10 pairs – $20.00)

Eye Gel Pads help reduce the appearance of fine lines and puffiness while hydrating the sensitive and fragile skin under the eyes. It is a perfect treatment before a night out.

  • Immediately refreshes and revitalizes fatigued eyes
  • Retinol Palmitate helps renew and improve skin’s resilience
  • Smoothes to minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles

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Doctor’s Skin Remedy (1.7oz – $14.00)

A multi-purpose cream that protects, softens, soothes and calms the skin—perfect for combatting winter dryness and chapped skin.

  • Soothes, calms and helps relieve minor skin irritations
  • Softens rough or dry skin on hands, feet or cuticles
  • Relieves chapped or burned lips
  • Helps minor sunburn and calms dry, irritated or sun-exposed skin

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Retinol Daily Moisturizer For Men (1.7oz – $20.00)

Multi-action, non-greasy Daily Moisturizer reduces the signs of aging while improving skin texture, firmness and tone. Retinol (Vitamin A) works to renew skin and smooth the appearance of fine lines while it improves firmness, so your skin looks healthier and more youthful. Your skin will appear more hydrated and feel protected.

  • Exfoliates and smoothes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
  • Moisturizes and helps to improve texture, clarity and tone

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Retinol After Shave Balm (2.4oz – $12.00)

Retinol Men’s After Shave Balm’s dual action formula works as a lightweight moisturizer and a calming aftershave, restoring hydration as it soothes irritation and razor burn. Enriched with Vitamins A, C & E, Allantoin, Provitamin B5 and Green Tea Extract, it softens your skin and helps reduce the visible signs of aging.

  • Hydrates and nourishes
  • Calms skin and reduces post–shaving irritation
  • Revitalizes skin and promotes a healthy look
  • Protects against environmental aggressors such as climate, wind and pollution

 

Gifts Under $10

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Moodmatcher Twist Sticks – ($8.00)

A collection of 6 vivid, hi-definition long-wear lipsticks with 12 hour staying power. The lipsticks react with your lips to create the perfect shade that matches your vibe.

Moodmatcher Moodgloss – ($10.00)

A collection of youthful, long-wear glosses that change according to individual body chemistry and temperature for a personalized pink shade. The glosses are enriched with soothing Aloe Vera and moisturizing Vitamin E.

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Retinol Anti-Aging Cleansing Towelettes (30 Towelettes – $8.00)

Gently cleanse, tone, and remove make-up and impurities trapped within pores. Dual-action cleansing towelettes blend Retinol & Vitamin E, Ginseng, Green Tea, and Aloe Vera to carefully resurface skin texture, lift away dead skin cells, and restore pH balance, for softer, smoother, and more radiant skin.

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Altchek MD – Daily Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF30 (1.5oz – $10.00)

Vitamin C Ester, Panthenol, Vitamin E

Improves the texture, moisture and luminosity of your skin as it targets fine lines and wrinkles. Sunscreen protects against the damaging effects of UVA/UVB rays. Preventive anti-oxidants shield against environmental stressors replenishing and smoothing the skin.

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Altchek MD – Daily Exfoliating Cleanser (2 oz – $5.00)

Alpha Hydroxy Acids, Vitamin C, Calendula Extract

Cleanses as it treats blocked pores, impurities, dullness, uneven texture and tone. Micro-polish particles reveal clean, smooth skin that is radiant and ready for the next step in the regimen.

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Natures Bounty Hair Skin and Nails Vitamin – Review

Here’s a well-known fact, after having kids and lack of eating a balanced meal (everyday) my nails were very brittle. The slightest manipulation would split my nails; aside from years of wearing acrylics and using the wrong chemical products.

While shopping in the grocery store, I ran across a new line of vitamins call Natures Bounty Hair, Skin, and Nails.  I was skeptical because some vitamins do not produce the results they proclaim on the bottle. Needless to say, I purchased the gummy vitamins and here’s what I discovered:

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1.  They taste really good!  I almost forgot I was chewing a vitamin and took one too many.  No worries, I didn’t have any side effects.

2.  They gave me a boost of energy which is the normal deficiency in my body.

3.  They did not make my stomach ache.  This is a common problem (for me) with other hair, skin, and nail vitamins.

The ultimate result is that my nails look amazing!  I’ve never had long nails but the health of my cuticles look so much better.  The strength of my nails have also improved and signs of deficiencies are not as noticeable.

In regards to my skin, I have a natural glow and thankful I added this vitamin to my skin care regimen.  I am waiting for the hair growth results because it’s in a natural (chemical free) state and will have an official update in May 2016.

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I wanted to share Natures Bounty Hair, Skin, and Nails Gummies vitamins with everyone because it’s really an awesome product!

The Purse Paparazzi Alpha Custom Magazine Clutch – Review

There’s nothing better than a custom handbag.  It’s the one item in your wardrobe that speaks volumes about your personality and style.  Local accessories designer, Quinn Conyers (and brand owner) has helped us out in this area!

The Purse Paparazzi provides a variety of handbag styles to fit all areas of your life.  Whether you’re searching for a clutch or tote, this brand gives high quality purses for a reasonable price.  The company’s headquarters is in Baltimore, Maryland but customers outside of the area can shop online.

If you want to have a more personal experience, fashion girls can also host a Purse Party or Handbag Happy Hour.  Visit the link and contact Quinn for more details: http://thepursepaparazzi.com/pages/about-us

Alpha Custom Magazine Clutch Review:

I received the Alpha Custom Magazine Clutch from the company.  I was excited to open the package because I am a proud member of my sorority.  Most importantly, how many times are we (sorority girls) wanting to represent our organization by wearing the perfect accessory?  This clutch can achieve all of that and more.

Number one, this is a large clutch in terms of length, height, and width.  That means it’s perfect to hold your cellphone, sunglasses, lipstick, and wallet.  Number two, the Alpha Clutch is made with a very durable material. There’s no way for this handbag to loose its form because there’s a white magnetic snap closure and silver – tone hardware.  Number three, the design on the clutch truly embodies my sorority from the authentic colors and wording.  The inside of the purse has a satin lining; and there’s a detachable shoulder strap.

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I would encourage wearing the Custom Magazine Clutch for chapter activities or a “sisters” night out.  This handbag can be paired with jeans, a blazer, jumpsuit, or daytime dress.  The possibilities for wearing this purse are endless because of its unique quality and style.

Most importantly, visit the website to purchase your own Custom Magazine Clutch and don’t forget to wear your pearls!

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IG @kwest1908

Butter London Lip Crayon and Nail Lacquer – Product Review

Butter London has expanded their line of cosmetics from nail polish to lip crayons, mascara, and eyeliner.  I have been (super) lucky to receive a box of their samples this summer.  The products could not have arrived at a better time and I was eager to share the experience.

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Product Review (rating 1 – 10)

The Lip Crayons are amazing and come in a variety of shades.  There’s a lip color for every skintone; beauty enthusiasts and makeup artist can have a good time with this product.  The lip pencil is very large (makes it easy to shape the lips) and leaves a creamy finish.  It also smells nice with a mild vanilla scent and the pigment is true to shade.  I give this product a thumbs up and rating of the number 10.

Let’s talk about Allure & Butter London‘s collaboration with a fabulous new nail lacquer collection titled,  Arm Candy!  The theme for the box was take self-expression to the next level with a range of colors and finishes. There were individual lacquers such as Nude Stilettos, Statement Piece, I’m on The List, It’s Vintage, Disco Nap, Lust or Must; the 4-Piece Fashion Lacquer Collection inluded Violet’s Revenge, The Sweet Spot, So Major, Front Row.

Same as the lip crayons, every shade was true to color but most importantly, the polish gave a salon finish.  It was easy to use (or glide) with a specialized top to eliminate spillage.  The nail lacquer also dries fast due to the fact I (always) polish my nails at the last minute.  I give this nail collection a thumbs up and rating of the number 9.

To purchase their products, visit the website: ButterLondon.com  Also, stay connected to the site, there could be a giveaway happening very soon!

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If you like this post, click here:  https://stylelifefashion.com/butter-london-cosmetics-beauty-review/

 

 

JoJoba Rosehip Skin Care Oil – Product Review

The beautiful, brand new 100% Natural Jojoba and Rosehip Skin Care Oil is fresh out of Australia. What makes this product so unique is that it combines the carrying benefits of 100% Natural Jojoba with Rosehip Oil to deliver nutrients to the deeper layers of skin where Rosehip Oil is unable to go by itself.  Essentially, it makes Rosehip Oil work even better!  Here’s more information:

Rosehip Oil, like The Jojoba Company’s 100% Natural Australian Jojoba, is commonly used as a natural moisturizer and on skin conditions such as wrinkles and scarring. However, Rosehip Oil is a plant oil, a triglyceride which is only able to penetrate into the upper layers of skin. Therefore, it is not easily absorbed deep into the skin. As a result, this can clog skin pores leading to breakouts and blackheads.  On the other hand, Jojoba is the only plant in the world known to produce a liquid wax like that found in healthy, young human skin. Hence, when Jojoba is applied to skin it is instantly recognised as its own. Skin opens its pores and the Jojoba penetrates to the deeper layers of the skin carrying whatever is added to it with it:

Intense hydration

Naturally rich in antioxidants

Naturally rich in vitamins A, D & E

Naturally rich in omega fatty acids 3, 6 & 9

Suitable for all skin types

Ideal for scarring and stretch marks

Longer shelf life than Rosehip Oil

Suitable for all skin types

Product Review:

This amazing product showed up on my front door step in a beautiful lavender bottle.  I’m a sucker for details so that alone made me excited to try the product.

Like every woman (beyond a certain age) I was seeking a great multi-tasking skin care oil.  Personally, multi-tasking products make my life easier because they serve more than one function.  The significance of JoJoba + Rosehip Skin Care Oil is that it penetrates to deeper layers of the skin.  That’s a big factor for me because I suffer from dry skin; while most products only hydrate the surface area.  It’s also all natural, loaded with tons of healthy vitamins (read above.)

You can apply the JoJoba + Rosehip Skin Care Oil both morning and night.  I used the product on my face and around my tummy area (baby stretch marks) and legs.  I also applied it during the day when I noticed the appearance of dry spots.  This is a scent-less product and there’s no concern for smelling floral (or citrus) during the day.

To purchase you own bottle of JoJoba + Rosehip Skin Care Oil click here: The JoJoba Company

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Summer Cocktail Recipe with Alize Passion Fruit Vodka

Friday nights are here for unwinding which means every lady (and beau) could use a nice cocktail.  After a long week of shuffling kids, meetings, errands, and miscellaneous tasks there’s nothing better than a sexy beverage.  Even better, why not invite the girls over for a drink, dinner, and movie?

Below, I wanted to share a cocktail recipe to help get the weekend started:

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Friday night cocktail

2 shots of Alize Passion Fruit Vodka

2 shots of Cranberry Juice

toss in ice and fruit

Compliments of Alize
Compliments of Alize

Don’t forget to add a special touch to your glass with a charm and a nice platter of treats!  Also, pour a glass of Alize to make a yummy Sangria.  If you like this post, click here: Sangria Sundays

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Product Review for Alize Passion Fruit Vodka