July 19, 2017
by Julia DiNardo
[From top to bottom: good lighting, pinked to perfection, on the mauve, and in a blush]
It truly doesn’t get any better than this: a treatment formula infused with nutrients to strengthen and brighten nails while imparting some of essie’s signature colors. It’s the ultimate two-fer, and leave it to essie to think of it! Although the treat love & color line launched in the spring and utilizes efficacious ingredients such as collagen and camellia extract, this month it introduces four new shades in a crème opaqueness with medium coverage. Choose from in the blush (ivory rose), pinked to perfection (carnation pink), good lighting (caramel café au lait), and on the mauve (mocha mauve) to care for your nails while providing a gorgeous color boost. Pick up yours for $10 each at essie.com, fine salons, and beauty destinations nationwide.
July 7, 2017
by Julia DiNardo
One of my favorite aspects of living in New York City is that the beach is never very far away. I try to hit the shore one day every weekend, and pack an ample amount of reliable sunscreen and floppy hat for added protection. Nothing can ruin the day faster than a sunburn, and I’m always on the quest for the easiest, most effective way to apply it while getting to priority #1 – enjoying the weather and the gorgeous, natural scenery. I’m a fan of the Supergoop! line of sun products, and recently tested its latest offering, the 100% Mineral Sunscreen Mist SPF 30. As most mineral sunscreens go, it applies a little thicker than other options, however the mist applicator helps to diffuse the product into a finer film for even coverage and distribution (it’s important to first shake the bottle well).
Why go mineral with your sunscreen, you may ask? There are many factors, but usually it boils down to the aversion of chemicals and seeking out more natural suncare solutions, along with desiring a product to sit on the surface, instead of being absorbed into the skin. The non-nano based zinc-based formula provides 80 minutes of water resistance and includes marigold, safflower, and sunflower antioxidants to defend against powerful rays while aloe vera moisturized and soothes the skin. Surprisingly, it doesn’t have a scent, which is a welcome change to some brands’ products, infused with overpowering artificial scents and fragrances. Intrigued? Get yours ($34 for the 6 oz bottle) at Supergoop.com.
July 6, 2017
by Julia DiNardo
[Pictured: NARS PowerMatte Lip Pigment]
In the past year I’ve moved from the look of an ultra creamy lipstick to one much more mattified, and I’ve got to admit… I’m loving it! There’s something about this change in lipstick texture that resonates with many people these days; perhaps it’s simply a fresh, modern take on lip color, or perhaps it could have something to do with the ’90s aesthetic back and in full effect, but either way, I’m digging it. It’s not terribly different than its predecessor, a lip stain, however, these recent formulations have figured out how to create a dried-down look without actually parching your lips. Most formulations feel creamier on than they look, and of course adding a base of a dab of lip balm helps to add an extra layer of protection between the lips and the product. Two of my absolute favorites (and newest options to hit the market) include the long-wear, liquid-to-matte 20-shade NARS PowerMatte Lip Pigment ($26) and the whimsical and edgy Revlon Ultra HD Matte Metallic Lipcolor ($9.99). The SEPHORA COLLECTION Rouge Matte Lipstick ($12.50) includes Shea butter for great hydration and peach extract for a sweet fragrance, while those who are devoted to liquid lipstick will love the texture and price of ColourPop Ultra Matte Lip Liquid Lipstick ($6).
[Pictured: Revlon Ultra HD Matte Metallic Lipcolor]
An easy, old school way to create lasting matte color is simply by using a lip crayon not just as a liner but to fill in the lips all over; I love the new Bite Beauty The Lip Pencil ($18), as there are dozens of shades to choose from, or convert your favorite lip color to matte by first applying the Bite Beauty Matte Creme Lip Crayon ($24) all over, then layer your lipstick over top.
June 30, 2017
by Julia DiNardo
[From left to right: Red Clay for anti-fatigue & energizing, Grey Clay for skin balancing & mattifying, and Yellow Clay for revitalizing & toning]
All masks are NOT created equal; depending on your skin’s current state and needs, it can be rather complex to determine which mask will enhance and not harm your delicate, precious face. Sephora‘s latest collection of clay masks ($8 each) are designed to achieve just what you desire, be it brightening, purifying, mattifying, or soothing. Each colored mask (eight in total) offer different benefits with clay being the star ingredient. My ideal mask is the purple clay, which moisturizes and smooths the skin, but there is one for everyone, I promise! Each handy dandy travel-size pouch offers a great value of up to five uses, which are enough to keep the clay fresh and active, as well as get you accustomed to achieving premium skin results!
The Sephora Collection Clay Masks will be available starting in July at Sephora and Sephora inside of JCPenney stores.
