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This magazine is mostly dedicated to TV shows airing on network television. It has behind the scenes and interviews from shows such: Vampire Diaries, Gossip Girls, Two and Half Men and many others.  It also has couple of  special feature columns dedicated to the luxe lifestyle such as travel, beauty, and lifestyle.

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Suave Body Wash – Mango Mandarin

Photo Credit: Drugstore.com

Awaken your senses, with this sweet citrus body wash. Packed with mango and mandarin extracts, laced with Vitamin E, it leaves your skin feeling softer. The body wash lathers up well and surrounds your skin with moisturizing suds.The scent softly lingers for awhile but diminishes within 1 hour or so afterwards. The body wash is not very moisturizing and it is recommended to apply lotion after showering.  This body wash is average compared to other body washes available on the market. If you are looking for a cheap body wash that gets the job done okay, then this shower gel is for you. If you are looking for a more moisturizing body wash, I recommend trying Korres Shower Gel. 

-Andrea

Illamasqua Throb Collection

Photo Credit: illamasqua.com

Illamasqua releases a new collection just in time for Valentines Day. The collection reminds me of the Queen from Alice in Wonderland.

Photo Credit: illamasqua.com

 The collection includes Intense ligloss in succubus, lipstick in Sangers and three nail polish in Scorn, Load and Throb. I like how the collection contains but bright reds and dark colors, because after all not everyone is a fan of Valentines Day. I think the description of the collection puts it very nicely, "Throb is a passionate red Nail Varnish, the colour of blood spilled by desperate, rejected lovers. Load is a rich, cream coating for the nails and Scorn’s midnight black matt finish is filled with contempt for the love of convention."

 

Intense Lipgloss in Succubus - 

Photo Credit: illamasqua.com

Nail Polish in Throb - 

Photo Credit: illamasqua.com

Nail Polish in Load - 

Photo Credit: illamasqua.com

Nail Polish in Scorn - 

Photo Credit: illamasqua.com

Lipstick in Sangers - 

Photo Credit: illamasqua.com

 I can't wait to try out this collection, but I checked online and Sephora doesn't carry it yet. =[


View collection at: Illamasqua Throb Collection

-Andrea

Smashbox In Bloom 2011 Collection

Smashbox just released their new spring line. It is called 'In Bloom'. It is inspired by the fresh blooms of spring. There are three looks: Blossom, Grey Glam and Petal.

Blossom Photo Credit: Smashbox.com

 "A bright pink cheek and lip make for a look as strikingly pretty as blossoming florals."

Grey Glam Photo Credit: Smashbox.com

" The perfect sexy, yet soft smolder for spring? A grayish, lavender-blue eye with an alluring drop shadow. "

Petal Photo Credit: Smashbox.com

"Dreamy spring beauty is in full bloom with this veil of muted violet and whispery pink around the eyes."

These three looks are perfect for every day wear. I love the Petal look for a nice outing with friends, grey glam for a sizzling night out in the city and blossom for the office.

Andrea

Jonathan Create Smooth Anti-Frizz Volumizing Serum

Photo Credit: JonathanProduct.com

My hair does not know what the hell it wants to be. Some days, I will have really straight, wavy, curly or frizzy hair. Sometimes one side would be curly, the other straight, or wavy. I have been told on numerous occasions, that I have ‘memorable’ hair, not because it is really nice but because people cannot describe it. Well, to help ease one of the many ‘symptoms’ of my hair, I decided to try coveted Jonathan Anti-Frizz serum, so maybe then my hair will at least be less frizzy. The product should be applied to damp hair and then style as usual. I usually apply the product after towel drying my hair. The serum is very thick and leaves your hands sticky. Make sure to fully distribute the product throughout your hair; otherwise you well end up with patches of gunk in hair [trust me it’s not something you want to have]. I noticed when the product dries that it leaves little white flakes on some parts on my hair. The serum did combat some frizz but not that much to make a noticeable difference or to justify the hefty price tag [around $30]. I don’t believe this serum was worth the sticky feeling and white flakes just to smooth a bit frizz. I have learn that combing with a boar bristle brush before washing your hair and running it through one more time when its partially dry leaves your hair less frizzy and shiny. 

Andrea

Lancome Bi-Facil - Double Action Eye Makeup Remover

Photo Credit: Sephora.com

One of the best makeup removers I have tried. It gets rid of the stubborn black smudge from mascara without much of an effort. I am used to scrubbing half of my face off while trying to remove my makeup; sometimes the only thing that ever comes off is pieces of tissue. This remover leaves your skin feeling softer; it doesn’t have leave your skin feeling dehydrated. 

Andrea

Coola Face 30 spf Sunscreen - Unscented

Photo  Credit: Dermstore.com

 

I love that this sunscreen is thick, absorbent and moisturizing. I am so used to apply moisturizer before putting sunscreen. To my amazement, this sunscreen keeps my skin hydrated throughout the day. I also adore how this sunscreen does not leave a white film all over your face. I think this one of the best sunscreens I have tried. It doesn’t have a chemical scent, [I do believe it comes also in a cucumber scent], doesn’t leave a white film and it moisturizes like a moisturizer. What more can you ask for in a sunscreen? An added benefit, this sunscreen is 70% organic including all 12 botanical extracts.

Andrea

Ahava Pure Melt Body Sorbet Caress: Syringa - Green Apple

Photo Credit: BeautyEncounter.com

The world – renowned Ahava is well known for their products rich in Dead Sea minerals. They are in almost every beauty store and spas world wide. Some how or the other this product did not seem to live up to their brand image of good quality; heck it might have even tarnished it. Even though this cream gel melt is packed with Dead Sea Minerals, vitamins E and B5, Aloe Vera leaf juice, and chamomile extract it still left my skin feeling dry. The little moisture it does provide is gone within 1 hour of applying. The texture of the melt itself is very watery.  The scent of Syringa and Green Apple is very light. When I first bought the cream melt, the fragrance was sweet but after couple of uses, the scent became very disgusting. I am not sure if it is because the jar itself or the formula; that causes the cream to have that pungent stench.

Andrea

Lancome DÉFINICILS - High Definition Mascara

Photo Credit: Sephora.com

This mascara is well worth the money and then some. It has become my new favorite go-to mascara [sorry, YSL your still my second favorite]. The mascara makes your lashes appear longer, darker and more voluminous then many other mascaras. Compared to other mascaras, it doesn’t smudge or leaves me with raccoon eyes. The brush is decent size and very easy to use. Even though, this was still quite pricey compared to my usual mascara, I do not regret buying it at all. 

P.S. I applied my makeup in a rush, so the mascara looks a bit clumpy.

Bare lashes without mascara

Lashes with mascara

Bare lashes without mascara

Makeup with mascara

Displayed at angle to show the length of my lash

Andrea

Korres Fig Showergel

Photo Credit: Sephora.com

This all natural Greek treasure is one of the most moisturizing shower gel, I have ever tried. Upon opening the bottle, the sweet smell of freshly cut figs envelop you.  The fragrance is not overpowering and leaves a sweet lingering scent on  your skin The gel lathers up quite generously and leaves your skin feeling soft to the touch. After showering, usually I have to immediately put on lotion to lock in the moisture, but I noticed that after using this gel, I can usually wait till the later in the day before I need to apply lotion. The shower gel is packed with Vitamin C, E and zinc, that leaves thirsty skin quenched. Pamper the Greek goddess in you, with amazing skin.

Andrea

Canyon Ranch 'Balance' Light-Weight Moisture

Photo Credit: Nordstorm.com

Canyon Ranch is a wellness spa that spawned their own skincare line, so their clients can bring a bit of the spa home. The lightweight moisture cream does not live up to the spa quality skincare one expects to get from a spa. The cream itself is lacking. The texture feels very watery and does not moisturize very well. One of the company's claim is that it evens out skin tone, but I did not notice any change in my skin tone.  It is recommended to be used twice daily, but even when applied twice daily, it still left my skin feeling very dry. If you are looking for a no frills moisturizer, bypass this $75+ dud and check out Aveeno’s skincare line.

Andrea 

Kinerase Intensive Eye Cream

When I was a little girl, I worried about three things about the future [not necessarily in this order]: finding a perfect mate, getting older (oh the wrinkles!), and gaining weight. For my 21^st birthday, I decided to visit Sephora get a skin consultation, and much to my horror I was told I should work on the fine lines around my eyes [What a great way to celebrate one’s birthday]. When I laugh, I tend to squint my eyes; which makes the fine lines more visible. Thankfully, Kinerase Intensive eye cream helped alleviate some of the fine lines surrounding my eyes. I noticed after couple of months of usage that the fine lines around delicate eye areas were smoother and less pronounced. I am usually prone to get dark under eye circles, I noticed that they were less noticeable and at times I saw no sign of them.  It is directed to use the cream twice daily, but I usually use it once nightly. Kinerase intensive eye cream have highest allowed anti-aging Kinetin available.

Andrea

Bioelements Sleepwear

Photo Credit: Bioelements.com

I absolutely love this creme. I applied this creamy lotion every night and wake up to softer and firmer skin every morning. I love the velvety texture and how it delivers noticeable results immediately upon use. An added bonus of vitamin - packed creme, it smooths the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, while revitalizing the look and feel of the skin. The creme is packed with topical calcium PCA, protein peptides, retinol and cranberry seed oil.

Updates:

I received my Sephora and Beauty order Yay! What a great way to spend the new year.

Andrea

Milk Made Smoothing Hand & Cuticle Buffer by Cake Beauty®

Photo Credit: Sephora.com

 My job takes a serious toll on my cuticles and nails. It leaves my cuticles all raggedy looking. I actually got a sample of the buffer, when I bought some lip gloss from Cake Beauty.  The buffer left my hand feeling so soft. My cuticles needed some tender love and care and after using this, all I can say is, "WOW!". My cuticles looked totally renewed and my skin felt so soft. Using this sugar based buffer is very easy, just rub on your hands and cuticles [pay very close attention to cuticles] and then wash off with warm water. I usually apply some cream afterwards to retain the moisture in my hands.  I have tried tons of hand buffers/scrubs, but this one is far better than any other. Just like the company says, "instant spa-like results after just one use!" 

Andrea 

Lashem Lash Growth Serum

Apply product to the lash line

After reading some reviews about lash enhancers, I tried giving Lashem Lash Growth Serum a try. First, a little history about lash enhancers: Patients who were on a prescription for treating glaucoma had developed beautiful long lashes thanks to the side effects of the drug. Noticing this, cosmetics companies started making lash enhancers mimicking the glaucoma drug. Shortly, boat loads of lash enhancers, serums and mascaras hit the market. 

One of them is the Lashem Lash Growth Serum. The serum promises longer, darker, more  voluminous lashes.  The product did live up to its promise, as I noticed my lashes grew a bit longer and got darker. The directions indicate the product should be used once daily on clean eyes. I normally use the product at night time, since it is easier to incorporate into my beauty regime.  The product is applied as a thin line on the lash line. The formula is paraben free, with a combination of goji berry, green tea, cranberry, grape seed extract, qusome and oligo polypeptide.

The brush is thin which makes application fairly easy

On the downside, using this product can be quite pricey. The retail price is roughly $90 but you can sometimes find it on sale for $50 or less. Also, if you  stop using this product, your eyelashes will slowly return to their normal size. Personally speaking, I would rather buy a lash enhancing mascara since you get the same benefits and it is a lot cheaper.

Lashem Lash Growth Serum

Andrea

Clarisonic® Skincare Brush Plus

My Clarisonic Brush with Sensitive Brush attached

After reading tons of reviews, many of them positive, of the Clarisonic® Skincare Brush, I decided to bite the bullet and buy it. My main reasons for purchasing the brush are to reduce pore size and help fight against blackheads. I did notice an improvement in pore size and skin texture. My skin felt softer and smoother. According to the manual, it is recommended that the brush be used twice daily, [preferably in the morning and the night]. I used to follow this regime, but I noticed that when I cleaned my face twice, the skin felt really tight, sensitive to the touch and dry. I eventually switched to using it once daily, depending on my schedule [sometimes in the morning or night]. And, WOW, that really did wonders on my skin. I no longer have that tight skin feeling and no sign of flaky skin. Depending on your skin type, I really recommend taking some time to figure out a good regime for yourself. 

Brush with Charging Cradle

The kit I bought came with three cleansers, but one of the benefits of this brush is that you can use basically any cleanser and it will work just as good. I do however recommend staying away from any cleaners that has small bits of uneven substances, [think apricot bits like in St. Ives Cleansers]. They tend to get caught in the brush, making it hard to keep spinning. They also cause irritation on the skin and leave little red marks if you're unlucky.

Body Brush attachment

A bit more on the brush: it has three speeds and also allows the user to attach a body brush to make it a full body exfoliator. There are three types of brushes available, not including the body brush: Delicate Skin, Sensitive Skin [I prefer this] and Normal Skin. I switch from the Normal Skin brush to the Sensitive Skin since it seemed to be far more gentle.

Up close of the brush

All in all, if you just want a basic skin cleaner, I would suggest getting the cheaper model [by $76], Clarisonic Mia. The Mia, only has one speed and I don't believe you can use the body brush attachment.

This model I bought, cost roughly $225. It is a limited edition but there are other models available. The only thing that really differs was the products that came with the brush.

Sephora - Clarisonic Brush
Sephora - Clarisonic Brush Mia
Amazon- Clarisonic Brush

-Andrea 

Updated:
I just got a shipment of Stila and Lola products! I can't wait to try them out. Please to be sure to look out for the reviews =]

Our First Post!

Hello All,

This is our of many blog post. Well, I guess we should first tell you guys a little about ourselves and why we started this blog. My name is Andrea, and I live in New York. Mads the other person who will be writing in this blog lives in Denmark. We will be writing about an array of topics.

Andrea

Hi,

The blog is a place for us to gather our thoughts on things we know something about, which is not so different from many other blogs. But we're doing it as a pair, separated in distance as well as culture. We think our different points of interest will make for a good dichotomy - hopefully providing you with a perspective which is fresh and distinct from what you'll find elsewhere.

Mads