InStyle March 2013

Boy, this was one heavy magazine! It is packed with 594 pages of articles, shopping [!!]...I forgot what I was saying...

Onto the rundown -

Can you guess the most “style - conscious states”? If you said, New Jersey, Iowa and Texas -- you would be right. I am surprised New York and California didn’t make it on that list.

The three new favorite trend are floral, leather and ruffles. I am so happy ruffles are finally considered “trendy” as I love wearing lace and ruffles. :) Shorts are also in this season but the “perfect” length is classic mid - thigh. Hmm...does this mean I should be extra hip [ I think me using the word “hip” shows how “uncool” I am] and wear leather shorts with a floral shirt with ruffles?

J. Crew and Liberty of London are collaborating together to make a new full bloom line.

Estee Lauder has a new inspired Mad Men collection.The products are “housed in perfect period packaging with a nod to Lauder’s 60s archives”. The pretty pale pink colors look nice but I hope they are flattering with my skin tone. I might take a gander when I am at Macy’s and probably end up spur of the moment buying the entire collection.

The new color Spring color is “ Mint”. It reminds me of pistachio  and mint chocolate chip ice cream. Try the new shade with “Moon shape” [nail art style]  and with other pastels.

Photo  Credit - Zoya, Neely

Photo  Credit - Butter London, Fiver

Photo Credit - Beauty, Introspective

Looking for a new way to “upgrade” your accessories with “upgrading” your credit card. Karl Lagerfeld has new collection with Fossil. The watches range between $150 to $595

Pick up the issue to more product launches,  a guide to BB creams, interviews with Andrew Garfield and Donatella Versace and fashion ideas and tips.

Lacquerous

Photo Credit - Lacquerous

Ever wanted to try all the latest nail polish colors but have so many that you barely get more than three uses out of them before you move on to the next bottle? Well, Lacquerous might be something you would be interested in.It's a renting service [think of Rent the Runway but with nail polish] where for $18/mo you can "borrow" 3 luxury nail polishes of your choice sent to your home. The price does contain a pre-paid return label to send back the bottles when you finish.

Currently, the program is by invite only but I got a curious about it and decided to read a bit more. I personally don't like sharing nail polish because I assume it would not be sanitary but according to their FAQ, it isn't. 

"Due to the cocktail of chemicals found in nail polish, no bacteria, fungus or any living microorganisms can survive in it. In fact, it dies within minutes. According to scientific research (and our friendly microbiologist), "The cocktail of ingredients in nail polish is really tough to be resisted by microorganisms including bacteria or fungi. Ethyl acetate, butyl acetate, toluene, isopropyl alcohol, tosylamide/formaldehyde are organic solvents and in combination they are the toughest to be resisted or tolerated by microorganisms. Therefore nail polish is safe to share." Lacquerous inspects all nail polish for cleanliness and quality. Nail polishes are sealed for at least 2-3 days in transit and brushes are cleaned upon return."  

 

Photo Credit - Lacquerous

While it seems like a good idea, I got turned off by the fact that you can only keep the nail polish for 30 days otherwise you get charged the price of the nail polish and return shipping. And you can only use the nail polish three times.  I am the type of person that  fix chips and blemishes throughout the week. Sometimes if the nail is badly chipped I would redo the entire nail or if I am really bored the entire manicure. While I do understand that they don't want people to over do it on the nail polish and be wasteful with it, I think it's a bit limiting. Since many people will try to get as many uses out of it as possible to get their money's worth. But then again maybe I am just the only crazy person who applies 5 coats :)

"You can use it on yourself for up to approx. three applications throughout the month. Why three, you ask? While testing we found most women - when presented with three color options in a 30-day period - used the lacquer twice (at the most). Lacquerous also monitors the amount of nail lacquer in each bottle to ensure there is no abuse of club policies. We trust our members to abide by our guidelines but they are just that - guidelines. We want you to enjoy your lacquer."

Personally, for me right now $18 a month is a bit steep but I might try it if I get a promotion for a cheaper price.

If you are interested in joining, please visit Lacquerous.

What do you guys think? Is it a good idea or a bad idea?

Karuna Hydrating Treatment Mask

Photo Source - Dermstore

Karuna’s Hydrating Treatment mask claim to restore and retain hydration. The mask is packed with natto, Chinese licorice, chamomile, vitamin B, aloe vera, peptides, antioxidants and other plant extracts.  The mask is made with biodegradable wood pulp fiber which holds more moisture than other masks which are made of synthetic ingredients. The mask made my skin soft, hydrated and smooth. My skin did look dewy but my face felt a bit tight afterwards.  Each box comes with four masks for $28. They are a lot cheaper than a lot of other masks and they do a great job. Overall, I would probably purchase these again. I love using this every Sunday as a great way to unwind and get ready for work on Monday.

Allure March 2013

The “beauty authority” magazine offers great fashion, beauty and health tips. Overall, it is fun to read.

Here is the rundown -

Some new beauty trends to try this month -
a. Get all bronzy - use “bronze to enhance your natural features”
b. Paint on two colors - instead of using the regular ole french tips try using a neon color.
c. Try a bright lip stain - use sangria, orange and pink - grapefruit lips
d. Go for a true blue  - draw thin line of electric blue to make your eyes pop or do a color block eyeliner
e. Work major lash - don’t settle for “just average” go over the top with your lashes
f. Scrunch, toss, and flip - beach/grunge hair looks amazing no matter what the weather is.
g. Seashell Pink - “iridescent golden pink adds a glow that’s clean and chic”... “but....start with black liner” first.

The interview with Aubrey Plaza, she plays April Ludgate in Parks and Recreation was actually refreshingly funny. My favorite part was her comment about co-star Amy Poehler. “She is one of the scariest people I’ve ever worked with. If I go to the craft table for a snack, she slaps it out of my hands! She doesn’t let me eat food. She’s always telling me I need to lose five pounds” I just imagine her saying that as a April and it was funny. Maybe I am just weird...

The newest trend in Fashion -
a. Asian Fusion - “based on lines with sharp slants and crisp angles”
b. Line Drive - “cheerful stripes find new sophistication in sequins and silk”.
c. Up close - “ elaborate, chunky chokers fit snugly - and sleekly”

Photo Credit - Alexander McQueen

Here is something I can get behind now that summer is slowly coming around. “New treatments destroy sweat glands in the underarms - either with microwave energy [MiraDry] or ultrasound [UIthera]”. Don’t get me wrong I love Secret Expressions but I either get white streaks or the deodorant doesn’t last. Although,  I say I am interested in the procedure but I doubt I would actually go through with it. You know the saying “No Pain No Gain”, I am not a believer in that saying.

Pick up the issue to read more fashion [fashion victims], beauty [products used in the Oscars] and interesting facts along with interviews with Christian McCulloch, Narciso Rodriguez, and Heidi Klum.

Chella Anti-Fatigue Eye Mask Kit

Photo Credit - Chella

Sometimes, life is so demanding and there isn't enough hours in the day to get everything done and sleep is the last thing on your mind. Thanks to this anti-fatigue eye mask, you can fake a good night sleep. The eye mask promises to reduce puffiness, fine lines and hydrate if used once a week for four weeks. Personally, I haven’t noticed any fine line reduction but I love how calming and relaxing it feels to use it. And my skin was silky smooth and soft as well.

Maxim March 2013

I originally bought this subscription for my brother but he said he wasn’t interested in reading it. I didn’t want the subscription to go to waste so I bring it into the office, so someone else can peruse it. I don’t recall how I came about reading the first issue but I did and it was quite funny.

On to the rundown -

I thought this was funny. You can send a “fart by mail”. April Fool’s is right around the corner. I am hoping I don’t get this in the mail, although  I wonder if my Grandma would find this funny.

The way science keeps coming up new innovations just astounds me. For example, regardless of whether or not you think growing organs is bad or not I still find it a bit amazing. The researchers in Yale was able to grow “functional lung tissue” which would be a lifesaver for people who have lung cancer.  Scientists were also able to “grow” skin, trachea and gentials. I wonder what “weird” future is ahead of us.

HotTug a company created by Dutch designer Frank de Bruijn is a hot tub boat using wood burning stove to heat water to 100 degree Fahrenheit. Sounds cool? Only cost you $11,500 to $21,000.

The one disappointing thing about this magazine, it ruins dreams. In their “Circus Maximus - Entertainment” section, they spoke with FBI bomb tech Kevin Miles about whether or not explosions in the Die Hard franchise could have actually happen or not. *sigh*   Most of them can’t happen, they way the movie depicts....dream killers.

Did you know 20% of adults plan on having a drink on St. Paddy’s Day. I would have definitely thought that number would have been a lot higher.

Even though this magazine did kill a bit of the excitement for the new installment of Die Hard, they did redeem themselves with this beauty.

Photo Credit  - BMW

Go ahead and drool, I won’t judge you. The BMW 18 Hybrid is one awesome car with a sweet estimated price tag of $123,000.

Grab the issue to read jokes, fashion tips, and interviews with some famous ladies like Elisha Cuthbert, Joanna Krupa and Joan Rivers.

Burt's Bees Aloe & Linden Flower After Sun Soother

Photo Credit - Burt's Bees

I love this silky smooth after sun soother [try saying that eight times]! I rarely get sun burned for not putting on sunscreen or not putting it on frequently enough but I still use this lotion every chance I get. I sometimes put on the lotion even if I haven’t been outside. The lotion is packed with aloe vera, linden extract, bee pollen, glycerin and coconut oil to soothe, nourish and replenish skin naturally. I found the lotion to be creamy, fast absorbing and hydrating. It kept my skin soft at least 4 hours after applying it.

New Beauty Winter - Spring 2013 Northeast Volume 9 Issue 1

I first saw this magazine on display in one of those newsstands in the subway. I started a subscription shortly after because the articles are in-depth and it read a bit like a manual. My only qualm is the yearly subscription is a bit expensive. But I consider it an investment...or atleast thats what I like to tell myself. A word of note, the last couple of end pages are extensive profiles of various doctors.

Here is the rundown -

The magazine had a taste of luxury piece. I had skim through this as I can’t really afford most of it. But I like to daydream the day I can. Some of the product highlights -

Glassbaby’s Evelyn Candle Holder - in tribute  to Evelyn Lauder.  Ten percent of purchases will be donated to Breast Cancer Research Foundation. [$44]

Creed debuted a monogrammed hand blown Pochet glass bottle accented with the precious metal. Sounds amazing if you have $1,995 to plunk down.

Photo Credit - Creed Boutique

They had a segment on long lasting makeup for eyes, cheeks, lips and face. For eyes,  Smashbox 15 Hour Wear Cream Shadow, Bobbi Brown Intensifying Long - Wear Mascara and Nars Larger Than Life Long - Wear Eyeliner. Reading the blurb for Smashbox shadow it look like a normal cream shadow which usually creases and fade easy. I did hear  a lot of good things about the Nars eyeliner and can’t wait to try it.  

Photo Credit - Nars Cosmetics

For the cheeks, Guerlain Terracotta Bronzing Powder, Lorac Pro Powder Cheek Stain and  Laura Mercier Creme Cheek Color. I actually have the Laura blush but to be quite honest I am not really good at applying blush. Even though, I do have like 10 different blushes. I am surprised though Tarte’s Amazonian Blush didn’t make it on the list [I have that one as well :)] 

Photo Credit - Sephora

For the lips, Tarte Glamazon Pure Performance 12 - Hour Lipstick, Hourglass Opaque Rouge Liquid Lipstick [ I have this maybe I should give a try ], Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick  [ I have this but it didn’t last me all day! I feel jipped!] and Covergirl Outlast.

Photo Credit  - Sephora

For face, Chanel Correcteur Perfection Concealer,  Lancome Teint Idole Ultra 24H Foundation and DiorSkin Forever Wear - Extending Invisible Retouch  Powder. Another thing I can’t do properly. I recently bought some new foundation and powder but after experimenting  with it for awhile I still haven’t gotten any better.

Photo Credit - Lancome

 I love  how in-depth beauty awards section was. Instead of having just a category for “lipstick”, they take it one step farther and have a category “The Best Moisturizing Lip Gloss” and “The Best Mineral Lip Gloss”. It was quite an extensive list and I saw a lot of new products I can’t wait to try. Like the Dior DiorShow Extase, Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment and a bunch of other products. I feel real sorry for my bank account right now.

Photo Credit - Sephora

I love the bit on mineral water. While I love New York City’s tap water, I am not going to lie I love bottle water too *cover eyes*. I never realized there was an actual difference between still, mineral,  artesian, and thermal water. This article explains the difference and gave recommendation which brands of  bottled water is good to try and products infused with “specialty” water . Mineral water for example helps alleviate skin issues, helps refresh skin [so, can taking a bath/shower], can be used as post treatment care from a chemical peel, and takes down redness. Mineral also helps balance the electrolytes, replenish minerals that is lost naturally.  Some of recommendations -- Fiji water [love this brand!] which is packed with silica, Smart Water which is vapor distilled and enhanced with electrolytes.  Is anyone else thirsty or is just me?

The article about age fighting antioxidants was pretty informing.  “Antioxidants offer up numerous health benefits but are best - known for their ability to nurture cells and fight against potentially harmful diseases”. Berries, beans, dark greens, teas, fruits and nuts are packed with antioxidants. Berries are good for “repairing free- radical damage” and nuts are “good source for omega-3s”. Some good products to try ilike Botanical AHA peel, Aveda Green Science Perfecting Cleanser  and Perricone Face Finishing Moisturizer. 

Photo Credit - Perricone

Pick up the issue to read --  tips on makeup application, more winners of the beauty awards, new hairstyles, organic skin care, new innovated products  and exercises.

Please leave any comments and thoughts.

Burt's Bees Citrus Spice Exfoliating Shower Soap

Photo Credit - Burt's Bees

This spice infused soap promises to clean and exfoliate at the same time. The soap is packed with grounded herbs, almonds and spices that give the soap its gritty texture. The gritty texture helps exfoliate your skin and making it silky smooth and soft. Personally, I find the gritty texture a bit too rough on my skin, so rub gently. The soap is spicy scented and gives a mediocre lather. I use this soap once a week as an exfoliator as the texture is a bit too rough and doesn’t lather very well.

Family Fun March 2013

Here is the round up-

FamilyFun declares March - “Month of Fun” and most of the articles have this theme. I wonder if I can I take the month of work in honor of this “holiday”? Here are some other fun facts for March - March 1st is World Compliment Day [ You look amazing! Did you get a haircut? ]. The literary genius Dr. Seuss’s birthday is March 2nd and it is also Read Across America Day. Also, if you are in Burlington, Wisconsin on March 2 be sure to take part of the International Tongue Twister Contest. And guess who turns 52 on March 13th, 1961? Ken, Barbie’s better half. If I look that good at 52, then again he is full of plastic.

Have trees around your area that look a bit drab? Soak some sidewalk chalk in water for a couple of hours to soften it. Using the sides of the chalk -- go to town on the bark of the tree. I would probably use a younger tree as the bark usually “smoother”. To even out the color, FamilyFun recommends using a large paintbrush dipped in water to smooth the colors. The color is temporary and doesn’t harm the tree.

If you are in NY and have kids or you are a kid at heart, there is a New York International Children Festival during March 1 - 24, 2013. It wasn’t an article but advertisement and it look interesting. To buy tickets and see full schedule please visit www.gkids.com

In keeping up with the “Fun” theme, they showcased some toys under $20.

A Cute Train Puzzle, Photo Credit -  Chronicle Books

Photo Credit - Kids Prefferred

This wasn’t featured in the article but I thought it was cute [another product from their Konnichiwa collectible line was featured]

On March 10th, daylight savings begin. Here are some tips to adjust -

a. Reset  everyone’s internal clock ahead of time. Gradually, “shift your schedule by getting up and going to bed 15 minutes earlier each day”.

b. Let there be light … in the morning, that is.  “Start your day in a more wakeful state, switch on a bright light as soon as they wake up”.

c. Encourage z’s. “To set the mood for swifter sleep, dim the lights an hour before daytime.”

Hopefully, I can try to follow this myself. I am horrible sleeper. I go to bed early but I toss and turn.

Pick up the issue to learn, “7 Secrets of a Happy Family”,  neat tips for an easy “Easter Brunch” and amazing DIY cakes.  As always, I look forward to hearing your comments and feedback!

L’Occitane Shea Butter Extra Gentle Soap – Milk

Photo Source - L'Occitane

I love this sweet scented soap. The creamy soap gives a generous lather and leaves skin feeling soft to the touch. It is a treat to use this in the shower as the scent wafts through the air and  leaves a delicate scent on your skin. The soap is 100% vegetable based and is packed with wholesome shea butter. You can also feel good while cleansing as the company works with women operated Shea processing collectives in West Africa.

Country Living March 2013 Vol.36 No.3

This is the first time I finished reading a magazine while it was still on the newsstands. Although, I still have some issues that need to be read dating from 2010. I like reading this magazine because of the decorating tips, cool vintage finds, and the occasional recipe.


Here are some of the roundups from this issue [AKA stuff I thought was cool] -

Decorating -
1. They had some really cute rabbit lamps. They reminded me of Peter Rabbit. Remember the good old days, where there was still snack and nap time?
 
This one was my favorite -

Photo Credit - Land of Nod

They also had some industrial looking lamps which equally exciting-

Photo Credit - RH Baby and Child

RH Baby and Child has a excellent selection of decorating stuff [look at the interior designer in me] I was thinking of buying a couple of lamps but I already have 6...and none are plugged in or being used.

2. I loved the interview of Maura Grace Ambrose. She was talking about how she started to hand stitched quilts. It was refreshing to hear how  Maura was struggling to find herself and then one day decided to take a leap and send a message to a blogger she liked which lead to the creation of her business. Did you know it takes 70 hours of work to create one of her quilts? Take a look at some of the quilts available folkfibers.com

3. I love the showcasing of actors Corbin Bernsen and Amanda Pays’ house. I would think for celebrities their houses would be a bit more exorbitant but it was actually antique and modest looking. Los Angeles decorator Sasha Emerson’s cottage was quite eclectic. I love how she blew up 1960s supermarket ad to pay homage to Andy Warhol’s soup can. Artist Priscilla Caldwell’s Connecticut home looks quaint and modern. I love how she incorporated different artwork with each part of her house. I like to imagine when I own my house [not with this economy] I would  paint something different or have a different theme for each room.

Fashion-
1. They showcased a new trend of fabric necklaces. My favorite and the most “affordable” [not for me though] and uniquely designed one -

Photo Credit - Poketo

Beauty-
1.  I have dyed my hair at home at  random occasions [usually when I am bored and it looks really bad most of the time :) ]. It was nice to see a wide range of sulfate free shampoos being reviewed.
I have tried the L’Oreal EverStrong Sulfate-Free Fortify System Shampoo that promises to repair split ends and strengthen strands. I haven’t noticed much of a difference after two uses but I will probably continue using it for a bit longer before I decide. I am quite interested in the Kiehl’s Sunflower Color Preserving Shampoo which shields against UV rays. That seems really would be great to use during the summer. I have heard great things about the Bumble and Bumble Straight Shampoo and can’t wait to try it to see if actually does smooth out my frizzy hair.

Photo Credit - Kiehls

Photo Credit - Bumble and Bumble

 
If anything sparks your interest, be sure to pick up the issue. Let me know your thoughts and comments.

St. Ives Vitamin E Body Wash

During the harsh winter months, my skin becomes dry and starts resembling the desert [not a pretty sight, I assure you]. This soft sweet scented body wash replenishes the lost moisture in my skin. My skin feels so soft and doesn’t feel as dry, thanks to the vitamin E. Vitamin E helps fight signs of aging and helps regulate moisture in your skin making this an ideal body wash for the cold months. The creamy body wash is softly fragranced and lathers well.  I tend to buy this body wash in bulk during the winter as it doesn’t leaving my skin feeling rough or dry.