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Top Beauty Must-Have's of the Summer - a list by palacinka
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About this list:
Palacinka's guide for the top beauty products this summer has you covered; from lip balm, sunscreen, fragrance, blotting sheets for an oily face, hair serums, eyeshadows, mouthrinse, mascara, and more. It provides a quick and stress-free way to stay beautiful and fabulous 24/7 no matter where you are! Our recommendations can be helpful for women "on the go" when they are in need of a beauty product away from home. It's can also serve as a guide of what to bring when going on vacation!
Qualifications:
Beauty go-to for ALL women of color around the world!
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Nurturing Force Face Blotting Paper
First to recommend
Description
Like many of you, I've found that blotting papers are the way to go in terms of touch ups during the day, especially when you have daily mid-day and evening oilies like I do. I've found a few over the years that I've liked alot, but nothing new has caught my attention until now.
Nurturing Force blotting paper is a sheet roll in a small, light dispenser (about 2 1/2 in" long). What makes this a favorite of mine is the fact that the texture of the sheet is super soft and silky, and even smells great.This paper is made from a man made two fiber paper, which is what gives it this distinctive feel. In addition, since it's a sheet roll, I was able to tear off exactly the amount that I wanted each time, quickly and easily (the company estimates 70-125 sheets can be created from the roll). The blotting paper itself was extremely absorbant and best of all it's double sided, which means that I was able to use both sides of the paper and still be able to blot the oil - a great feature. The actual dispenser was very sturdy and cut the paper easily.
The version I used was the Aloe Vera, which had a nice clean scent. For those of you that like additional fragrance, the paper also comes in Bulgarian Rose (Not Rose Water) and Lavender Essential Oil versions which also smell incredible and extremely authentic.
I don't know how I got along without this product, but now that I've discovered it, I will always have a roll with me! (via Palacinka)
Updated Oct 29, 2008
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La Mer SPF 30 UV Protecting Fluid
First to recommend
Description
The great thing about La Mer's latest addition to the line, The SPF 30 Protecting Fluid, is that if you are a big fan of La Mer products (like I am) then this will be music to your ears. If, however, you have never tried La Mer before and need a wonderful primer/spf that will also make your skin look amazing (and doesn't cost as much as the original creme) -- then keep reading too!
This Fluide De La Mer is a soft, pale green (just like the top of the packaging), and the texture is divine. It is a medium weight liquid that is soft, silky and light to the touch. I found that it went on my face smoothly and easily and had that trademark La Mer scent! It was soothing, hydrating and yes, provided that legendary La Mer glow! The finish is semi-matte.
This was the perfect product to use as a primer. My makeup went on smoothly and there were no issues with the product caking, balling up or changing the texture of my makeup during the day.
What is extraordinary about this product is that with the included SPF 30, there was NO trace of sunblock on my skin. The product sank in and dried completely clear. Many times primers with sunscreen still leave a faint trace of white or grayish cast on the skin, so this was one of my favorite features of the product.
The technology used in this protecting fluid include tourmaline and malachite gemstones, which absorb light energy, to enhance anti-oxidant activity and prevent the appearance of discoloration. Combining that with their exclusive photonic spheres which capture light while diverting potentially damaging light from the skin and you've got one heck of a product.
After using this product exclusively as a primer every day for several weeks, my skin looked radiant and the tone was fantastic. All in all, this is absolutely another home run for La Mer. (via Palacinka)
Updated Mar 7, 2009
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Sephora: Benefit Cosmetics Coralista: Blush
2 people recommended this item
Description
I happen to love coral cosmetics shades. Benefit's Coralista face powder combines the best features of the color with some really pretty extras that I loved.
This shade is very pigmented and has the perfect amount of pink and orange that made it work with many different skin tones among our Palacinka testers. On very warm skin tones there was a bit more orange that popped out and on cooler I noted the pinks. This color worked well on shades as wide ranging as those similar to a Catherine Zeta-Jones through an Iman. I loved how flattering it was and how brightened up my face instantly.
It should be noted that this is, in fact, a face powder, and not a blush. This just means that while you can certainly apply directly on the cheeks with a blush brush, as I did at times, it's really meant for highlighting the temples, cheekbones, bridge of nose and even brow bones. Please note: it looks VERY bright in the box, but it is light and sheer going on. There is a medium level of fine shimmer effect. With a light layer of the powder, it didn't produce a super bright color, but rather a glowing shimmer effect. (This means that it is perfect for using along with your favorite blush as well). However, because of the pigments, it's still a buildable color and if you like, with additional applications, you can achieve more of a true rich, deep color shade, which looks fantastic on skin tones in the Serena Williams range.
The island themed box packaging is adorable and quite large, so this will last a fairly long time. It also has a really nice light citrus scent which I found refreshing. This is a wonderful additional to your makeup collection for Spring and you will definitely use it for seasons to come! (via Palacinka)
Updated Mar 15, 2009
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Dove go fresh Body Mist, Energizing Grapefruit & Lemongrass Scent
First to recommend
Description
LOVE, bracing, energizing scents in the morning -
Grapefruit/Lemon/Citrus notes are what I reach for time and time again. Now I've discovered a great drugstore product that gives me all of that AND a bargain that can reach for all the time!
Dove go fresh Body Mist, Energizing Grapefruit & Lemongrass Scent is a great, clean fragrance that was not too strong or overpowering - but still bright, clear and noticeable on my skin.
I found that the trick to getting this body spray to really have staying power (remember: body mists are really not meant to be long lasting fragrances), is to apply body lotion first, right out of the shower, so skin is very moisturized, then I sprayed two rounds of the mist on my pulse points (wrist, inside elbows, backs of knees). Note: Dove also makes a line of products in this scent which you can also use to layer - body wash, bar soap and deodorant.
This is a spot on multi-citrus scent that refreshes and energizes - perfect for spring/summer and also post work out or plane travel. Since it's fairly small it's also easy to put in your purse if you want to refresh at the end of the day - the scent is that lovely that you really will want to -- like I did almost every day! (via Palacinka)
Updated Mar 22, 2009
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Creme de la Mer, The Body Refiner
First to recommend
Description
If we were told any other skin care brand had actual diamonds (1.75 carats of pure diamond dust) in their body scrub, we would either 1.) not believe them or 2.) think it was just a publicity stunt and not effective.
However, this is Creme de la Mer - and you know how we feel about Creme de la Mer.
Suffice it to say the diamonds, sea mud, tourmaline and all the other fabulous elements that went into making this body refiner are as effective and luxurious and all of our other favorite La Mer products (Check out our Best of La Mer This Next List!)
The scrub is very soft and pliable and very lightweight. As soon as I applied it to slightly dampened skin, I noticed the sparkle (diamonds!) and liked that it had a significant amount of tightly packed fine grains that gave me a fantastic scrub.
After rinsing off the scrub, my skin was not only smoother and baby soft, but I actually felt and saw the moisture that had been put back into my skin - it was glowing and I didn't have to use much post-shower body moisturizer at all. I used this 2x week for several weeks and was just so excited by the results.This is a phenomenal product, and absolutely what I would expect from the geniuses at Creme de la Mer! If you are looking for a little self indulgent body care purchase for yourself this spring, this is the one. (via Palacinka)
Updated Apr 6, 2009
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Sue Devitt Microquatic Luminous Finishing Mist
First to recommend
Description
I have always been big fan of Sue Devitt's products because they are innovative, luxurious, effective and provide real benefits for the skin.
I used this finishing mist as the final step in my makeup application each day. I loved how it gave my skin a true, luminous glow without shimmer or particles and really hydrated my skin.
This is perfect for those of you with dry skin and/or fine lines. I loved using this in the morning and I could really see the difference in how fresh my makeup looked by the end of the day (even in very high temps!).
I also loved using this in the late evening (sometimes just out of the fridge so it nice and cold) just to perk up my skin a little more before going out. It evaporated instantly and felt weightless on my skin. I found that no more than 4-5 sprays is all that was needed for the finishing effect.(More than that and I did get a slightly sticky feeling --however, even that went away after a few minutes).
It did not irritate my skin and the effect always looked so natural and healthy. This can also be used to moisten your powder/foundation if it looks to dry/cakey as well.
This is a luxury that any true makeup fan will realize is absolutely worth the price to make your makeup look it's best and get the most mileage out of it! (via Palacinka)
Updated May 2, 2009
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Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Moisturizing Gel Oil SPF 15
First to recommend
2 people recommended this item
Description
A few weeks ago I stumbled upon the Moisturizing Gel Oil formulation with SPF15 and thought to myself, "now this is going to be a great product" - and sure enough it is!
The consistency of the Moisturizing Gel Oil is like that of a thinned out honey (the color as well) - but not as sticky as I would have thought it would be upon squeezing about a quarter's worth into my palm before applying after my shower.
This gel oil actually has a very nice, light feel with good slip. It gave me the most incredible sheen and hydration. It was a tad sticky on my body at first, but it absorbed very well and within a minute or two felt very lightweight - not heavy, greasy or gummy. My skin was soft, supple and smelled like their lovely cocoa butter scent. The effects of the gel oil lasted all day until my next shower - never any dry flaking skin after a few hours.
For those of you who like to glimmer at the beach and bare your arms and legs during hot days, this is perfect for adding after a base layer of sunscreen (this product has SPF 15 already). I also got great results mixing it with shimmer lotion like my beloved NARS Body Glow at night. (via Palacinka)
Updated May 19, 2009
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L'Oreal Skin Genesis Pore Minimizing Skin Re-Smoother
First to recommend
Description
This is a great product for smoothing and improving the texture of skin in the t zone. I would say this won't work miracles if you have serious problems which are better addressed by professional peels or microdermabrasion, but this is a great drugstore solution.
I used this product several ways. As I began testing the product I would apply in the morning after cleansing and use it as a de-facto skin primer. Note: If you exfoliate your skin first, it is best to wait a few minutes before applying the re-smoother to avoid slight stinging. I used about a pea-sized amount and applied primarily on my nose, chin and a tiny bit on my forehead. The texture is light and smooth, and absorbed quickly. I really liked how my makeup applied over it and the overall effect once my makeup was on. I could really see a improvement after the first week of using 2x day.
I didn't experience any clogged pores, break outs or irritation from the product. After the first week of use, the pores on my nose in particular were significantly reduced, which I was very happy with.
In the evening I would apply my face serum after cleansing, add the re-smoother and then apply a light night cream. I woke up in the morning with great looking skin that was very smooth and had nice tone. I will continue to use this several times a week (as a little goes a long way) to maintain the great results! (via Palacinka)
Updated May 19, 2009
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Bliss-Philips bikini perfect deluxe Spa-at-home grooming system
First to recommend
Description
If you're not a "waxer" and still stand by shaving, it really doesn't get much better than the Bliss-Phillips Bikini Perfect Deluxe.
There are so many features that I loved about the electric razor.
It's a wet/dry razor, so you really can use it anywhere. It also suits multiple purposes - for example, if you need to shave fully, there is a specific detachable head for that (the micro shaver, which gave me a completely smooth shave with no irritation). If you just need to trim some hair, the trimmer attachment is perfect for that as well. There is also an epilator head for those of you who can take (a little) pain, which pulls hair out from the root for a few shave-free weeks.
In addition, there are 2 very small heads which can be used to trim/groom eyebrows (fab!)
It's very easy to change the multiple heads and even comes with a cute "Bliss Blue" travel bag for your summer trips!
Note: You must charge the shaver completely after each use in order to have enough powder to do a complete shave.
The Perfect Deluxe set includes:
* Bliss-Philips personal trimmer with 6 attachments
Precision Trimmer - Perfectly grooms bikini line with precision and comfort.
Precision Comb - Ensures even grooming results, Adjusts to 5 length settings.
Eyebrow Comb - Trims entire eyebrow to a uniform length.
Micro Shaver - Extra smooth & safe with hypo-allergenic foil.
Micro Trimmer - Shapes and defines eyebrows or removes a single hair.
Epilator - Removes hair by the root for smooth skin for weeks
* bliss lemon+sage body butter (1 fl. oz, 30 ml)
* bliss ingrown hair eliminating peeling pad (1 pad)
* Bliss-Philips beauty bag to take your glam gear on the go (via Palacinka)
Updated May 26, 2009
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Paul Mitchell Smoothing Super Skinny Relaxing Balm
First to recommend
Description
This is a great product for blow outs when you want a straight effect, but with nice body. I was really happy with this! The balm is just that - it's heavier than a serum, but not quite a cream. After washing my hair I applied 1 or 2 pumps (no more than that!) into the palm of my hands and added it from the mid-length to the ends of my (very wet) hair, sectioning my hair with clips as I went along. I loved the crisp, fresh citrus scent of the balm as well.
My hair was super shiny, smooth and soft after blowing it out. I had great definition and control and what the balm gave me was straighter hair that still had some of the body from my natural waves, which is the effect that I was going for. This also gave me awesome frizz control during the day and even traveling in more humid climates.
In addition, I also found that I could use this to "loosen up" my waves by just using the serum and then air drying my hair, which was nice. Again, my hair remained silky smooth, bouncy and frizz free as well. I never felt like the balm was weighing my hair down or giving me build up. I also loved using a small amount of this to tame flyaways after a plane flight or before going out at night.
This is a great product from a terrific line and worth every penny (via Palacinka)
Updated May 26, 2009
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