Julia gives the Obagi Medical Nu-Derm Sun Shield SPF 50 a really good test run in the best climate imaginable; sunny Miami, Florida! Comprised of 10.5% zinc oxide and 7.5% octinoxate, this product is dermatologist tested and provides complete anti-aging sun protection with UVB absorption and UVA blockage. Available for $45 at lovelyskin.com
April 19, 2011
Tested: the Urban Decay Glide-On Shadow Pencil
[Image via Sephora]
Introducing Urban Decay‘s newest way to apply eyeshadow: the 24/7 Glide-On Shadow Pencil. With crease-proof and waterproof characteristics, this new launch of eye shadows (available in an array of colors ranging from metallic black to jade green, to golden bronze and more) will cause a revolution in eyeshadow substances. The pigment is stored inside a jumbo-pencil in a creamy, slightly crayon-like substance and is easily applied like normal eyeliner to complete any desired effect. Plus, it is formulated without the use of parabens. It’s easy to apply, doesn’t smudge, lasts well into the night, easy to blend, and unlike other cream-based eye shadows, this one really doesn’t cause creases that can ruin your look – it works with you, not against you.
-Rose Lou
April 14, 2011
Reviewed: Bare Escentuals Buxom Lash Mascara
[Image via Sephora]
Out of Sephora’s top sellers/more popular choices of mascaras, the best and least expensive find, we’ve discovered is Bare Escentuals Buxom Lash Mascara, available in “Blackest Black” and “Blue Noir.” Both colors are exclusively available for $18 and can be purchased via any Sephora Store location at the Top Mascaras’ Podium, or online at Sephora.com. We like the Buxom Lash Mascara because it features a round, plastic tooth-comb wand, allowing the volumizing & thickening properties of the mascara to smoothly and evenly distribute the black (or blue) pigments to the eyelashes without clumps or mess. Looks result in a glamorous, full-lash finish in a flash! Apart from Bare Escentuals’ award-winning bareMinerals face powder, we also recommend you try the Bare Escentuals bareMinerals SPF 15 Matte Foundation, which is shine and oil-free.
– Rose Lou
April 4, 2011
FPD Does Shellac
I know I’m a little late to test out Shellac, as even Fashion Pulse Mom had done it before me, but I know that some of you must be curious and haven’t done it yet, right? I hope so! Here’s the break done of it: choose one color (or have two blended, like my manicurist did for me) from the CND Shellac UV Color Coat collection, and go through the steps of Shellac Base Coat, Color Coat and Top Coat along with the intermittent CND (or Brisa) UV Lamp for one minute after each coast is applied. It does take longer than a usual manicure but saves you time in the long run, as it last for 14 days!
I had mine done, compliments of Dana from CND at the Cocktails & Couture event during fashion week in a blueish/maroon/black hue that certainly got tons of accolades in the two weeks to come. As a manicure only lasts four days on me if I’m lucky, I noticed some slight chipping at the very tips (but not very noticeable) after 10 days, and removed the polish after 14 days using pure acetone and the Shellac wraps which prevented damaging my nails.
I really liked that I didn’t have to think about doing my nails at all for two weeks, and how easy it was to take it off at home (although you can go to a salon and have them soaked if you don’t want to do it yourself). Go to CND to learn more about the process, and check here for a list of salons to find one in your area that does Shellac.
-Julia DiNardo
