Beauty Duty for December 18, 2007

by PJ on Tuesday, December 18, 2007

in Weekly Beauty Duty

Enjoy!

A Touch of Blusher can’t live without this body cream!

GlamBlush
says Charlize Theron rocks hard as hell in both Dior J’Adore commercials. Which one is your favorite?

You’ve got only one week to win a Fendi hologram clutch from KRiSTOPHER.

Ellen from Lipstick, Powder ‘n Paint loves all things French. Check out the Holiday gift sets from Bourjois. They are fantastic!

$110.00 set from Smashbox, for only $39.00! Perfect last minute Christmas gift ideas at Make Her Up!

Makeup Bag shows us the Lancome Spring 2008 Collection: L.U.C.I by Gucci Westman

Makeup Moxie perfects the art of giving goof-proof beauty gifts.

TheMakeupGirl’s
December contest is ON!! Win Tarte’s FAB limited edition palette that is exclusive to Sephora called We Wish You Wealth.

Meet WELOVEBEAUTY.com’s newest celebrity stylemaker, makeup artist to the stars Kate Lee!

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Today I feature a post by my guest blogger Vicky Zhou, who brings you 10 Beauty Tips for the First Date.

Vicky Zhou is a part-time journalist, writer and blogger as well as co-founder and lead writer of GotACrush.com. Her writing voice is friendly and engaging, and I have certainly enjoyed reading her tips!


10 Beauty Tips for the First Date

Looking good on your first date is important because first impressions matter. Regardless of what you may have heard before, people do formulate an opinion of you when they first see you and it’s no secret that attractiveness will factor in.

Luckily, you don’t need to be the next Miss America to get a positive reaction, you just need to learn the correct beauty approach and then emphasize the good qualities you have.

Here are some points to consider.

1. Emphasize One Key Area on the Face

Far too many women will go with bold eyes and bold lips, creating a look that is just a little too overwhelming. Instead, focus on playing up your eyes, whether you choose to make them smokey or really open them up with bright colors and then play down your lips with a barely-there color.

2. Add Some White Shadow in the Corner of Your Eye

As long as you are not going for something very dark with your eye color, try adding a small amount of white to the very corner. This will really give your eyes a wide-eyed look and help set them out, showing off your beautiful eye color.

Many men say the first thing they notice about a woman is her eyes, so why not use this to your advantage?

3. Always Go for the Gloss

Whether you’re using lipstick or not, a gloss is a must on a first date. It’ll make your lips look softer, moister, and definitely more kissable. Do watch that you don’t put on too sticky of a gloss, as this is a turn-off for most men, but go with something that lays on the shine and potentially even tastes great for his added benefit.

4. Leave Curls by Your Face

When it comes to your hairstyle, one that’s a can’t-miss by most men is half of it pulled back with a few delicate, curly tendrils framing the face. This further enhances the eyes and gives you a playful yet sexy appearance.

5. Go Easy on the Perfume

While you definitely do want to make sure you smell good for your first date, try not to overload yourself. At this point you won’t entirely know what types of scents your date finds attractive and if you happen to choose wrong and are overwhelmingly strong, this could really impact how long he wants to stay near you.

Choose a fresh scent since most people find these appealing and apply with ease.

6. Don’t Overlook Gold

Gold is a great make-up color that many women never make use of. You don’t necessarily have to use strictly gold on any part of your face, but rather, enhance the look you already have with a small amount of gold powder.

It’ll give you a nice tanned appearance as well, that’ll really glow when you hit the light.

7. Take the Occasion into Consideration

Make sure when you are applying your make-up that you take into consideration the location of your date. For an evening date at a classier restaurant you will want to wear a different look of make-up for example than if you were meeting at a local coffee house for lunch.

Always ensure that your look is appropriate, not only so that you give off the right impression, but also so that you feel comfortable yourself. If you feel as though you’re out of place, this will come across in the confidence level you project.

8. Make Sure It’s ‘You’

Next, you want to make sure the make-up you do wear is ‘you’. If you get all done up for your first date and it doesn’t even resemble how you normally prefer to wear your make-up, you’ll be sending a false impression to your date.

While it’s fine to add a few extra touches to really enhance yourself, don’t go for a complete opposite look of that that you normally use.

9. Use Jewellery Selectively

Make sure the jewellery you choose isn’t too overdone. This can lead some men to think of you as more high-maintenance so it’s best to error on the side of caution for this.

If there is one piece you definitely do want to go for, it’s a really nice dangling pair of earrings. These help to draw more attention to your face, especially if you’ve used the principles mentioned above.

10. When in Doubt, Use the Less-Is-More Approach

Finally, when you’re prepping for your first date, if you are even in question as to whether you should put on more make-up, chances are you should leave it off.

The vast majority of men actually prefer women who look more natural and whose make-up isn’t noticeable rather than women where it’s clearly obvious they’ve painted the colors of the rainbow on their faces.

Keep eye make-up natural and use a fresh lipstick color that’s not too overwhelming. You’ll likely find this is what turns the most heads – particularly that of your date.


So, keep all of these points in mind next time you find yourself preparing for your first date.
While it shouldn’t make or break whether he wants to see you again, if you enhance your natural beauty just right, it might add a little something extra to that ‘spark’ of excitement he feels when he lays his eyes upon you.

Looking for more dating/relationship tips? Read more women lifestyle articles here.

Related Posts:

Based on Vicky’s tip, A Touch of Blusher recommends:

Rimmel Light Beam Lip Gloss
(natural and glossy)

Lavshuca Eye Color Select in PU-2
(elegant and feminine)

Ayura Aura Veil α Blusher in Sweet Pink
(soft and youthful)

White Eyeshadows
(brightening your eyes)

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We have already seen many spring 2008 makeup collections, and I am sure some favorites have emerged on your list. But let’s look back, just in time in the midst of the holiday season, at my own top 10 holiday 2007 collections.

10. Lunasol

(image from www.kanebo-cosmetics.jp/lunasol)


2007 is a great year for Lunasol, which brought out fantastic collections for spring and fall. Lunasol’s Christmas 2007 coffret presents the usual dose of neutral and wearable colors as seen in Lunasol’s previous holiday sets. Some might say they are unimaginative, but this doesn’t stop Lunasol fans from collecting this sophisticated coffret for lips, eyes, and face.

9. Guerlain

(Forever Gold)

(image from www.guerlain.co.jp)


Guerlain’s holiday 2007 collection did not get my full attention until I tested Forever Gold (pictured above) and a couple of other items. Forever Gold delivers a sheer and fine mist of very sparkling shimmer. The finish is quite even, and the sparkles are very glamorous without being over the top. A star item for this holiday season indeed. (You can read more about my thoughts of Forever Gold here.)

8. YSL

(image from www.yslbeautyus.com)

I mentioned in my initial review of the YSL holiday 2007 collection that I preferred the usual gold packaging. But, compared with many other holiday collections, this is still a strong one. The collection is well-themed with memorable designs. The heart-shaped necklace is very pretty even though I don’t think this is the best makeup necklace for this season.

This is the first time in five years that YSL’s holiday collection didn’t make the top five on my holiday top 10 list, as the overall collection didn’t impress me as much as the previous ones did. (Read about YSL’s Gold Celebration Palette from the 2006 holiday collection if you are interested.)

7. Jill Stuart

(image from www.jillstuart-beauty.com)

Jill Stuart’s holiday 2007 set is instantly appealing, with the kind of feminine and princessy packaging that Jill Stuart is famous for. Like Lunasol’s holiday 2007 coffret, the set features universally flattering shades.

According to this blog post, all the slots were full within an hour after one department store started to take pre-orders for this set, while the set was completely sold out in another department store within two hours after the set was officially launched. I am not really surprised. Since the Jill Stuart beauty line was launched in Japan in 2005, the holiday sets in 2005 and 2006 have been extremely popular. (This post also features a swatch video, in which you can actually see how the eyeshadow shades shimmer!)

(Continue to read Part 2 and Part 3!)

Related Posts:

Loving Japanese Brands: Jill Stuart
(featuring my Jill Stuart Christmas 2005 set)

Loving Japanese Brands: Lunasol
(one of my three favorite Japanese brands for the moment)

Keep It Gold: YSL
(my personal take on the glamorous YSL)

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From Splendicitythe destination for splendid style, come the splendid best post of the week.

graphic_splendid_reads

BEAUTY
Shades Of U
announces the Grand Prize Winner of its Holiday Look Contest.
Snarkstress wonders if “The Katie” will soon sweep the nation.
A Touch of Blusher brings you some exciting spring 2008 makeup collections.
Kyle at Face Candy tries out Senna Cosmetics.
makeup loves me is giving away two prescriptives limited edition illuminators!
eBeautyDaily is touting the benefits of a tourmaline hair dryer from Conair – a great gift for just about anyone!
Let’s Go Shopping Reviews Coastal Scents Silk Cover Light Mineral Foundation.
Beauty Banter offers an insider’s look at the beauty and fashion of the A-list celebrities that attended this years Hollywood Life Breakthrough Awards.

FASHION
STYLEnosh
ponders what to wear to the holiday party.
She Knows Best shows us how Quentin Tarantino Rocks The Philippines Barong Tagalog.
Take a peek at the Holiday Look for the Style Tots Kidlets.
Hot Mama Daily asks: would YOU wear a garter purse?
The Fashionable Kiffen reviews Forbes Magazine’s Top Five Trends for 2008.
My Wardrobe Today offers a few promo codes and tips to get those last minute holiday purchases at a primo price!
Wardrobe Oxygen reviews HARDWARE Handbags and is offering a free bag to one lucky reader!

SHOPPING
Teen Style Lounge
has found the perfect Diva-lightful last-minute gift idea.
Style It Less has your chance to win 2 Eco-Friendly Totes From Origins Organics.
The Scented Life wants to know – would you buy Perfume for your Pet?
The Latest Luxe shares some stocking stuffer wishes, and proves vanity really is worthwhile.
Haute & Bothered‘s got exclusive invites to the haute members-only shop Ideeli.
Get 20% off Stylagio ClipChic purse hooks at Style Goodies!
Aging Fabulous has some helpful Holiday shopping tips.
CelebLOOK tells us where the celebs are shopping for Christmas.

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Review Update: Green by Nature Starter Kit

by PJ on Sunday, December 16, 2007

in bodycare

The review of Green by Nature Starter Kit has been updated, with details regarding the issue of paraben.

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Bodycare Review: SpaSensials Hand & Foot Treatment

by PJ on Saturday, December 15, 2007

in bodycare

(SpaSensials Hand & Foot Treatment)
(image from www.spasensials.com)

We are moving into the colder months in many countries. I talked about my favorite body moisturizer earlier this week. Today I am moving to hands and feet.

I always wanted to try moisturizing gloves and wondered what they could actually do. The SpaSensials Hand & Feet Treatment offers the moisturizing gloves I wanted to test out.

They are made with a paper-like material and are designed to be disposable. The gloves are basically dry on the outside (but slightly moist if I squeeze the fabric) and they feel moist and slightly wet (but not sticky) on the inside.

(SpaSensials Moisturizing Gloves)


I wore the gloves and socks for about 20 minutes, as instructed (15 minutes for longer). They did leave the skin lightly moisturized and the moisturizer had a pleasing smell, but I feel that my problem areas, like cuticles and heels, were not effectively tackled by the treatment.

I think these would be good to use before you actually moisture you hands and feet, as they do soften and lightly moisturize the skin, which helps your heavy-duty hand and foot creams absorb better. But, for this purpose, I would simply use a moisturizing masque as a treatment and it would work much better on my problem areas.

But I can see the potential in this type of product. It is fuss-free and I can still, say, flip through magazines during the treatment, whereas I can’t if I have my face moisturizing masque on my hands. I think the key would be to make the gloves and socks fit and adhere to the skin better so the moisturizing ingredients can really get to all the surfaces of the skin. Then we’ll potentially have an all-rounder.

Related Posts:

Two body products I can’t live without:

Garnier Hand Cocoon & Dove Body Silk

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Weekend Beauty Read for December 15, 2007

by PJ on Saturday, December 15, 2007

in Weekend Beauty Read

Enjoy!

From The Beauty Blog Network:

Elke looks back at her first trip to NY and how it changed her.

Temptalia shares nine beauty-themed gift guides for all your friends and family for the holiday season!

Savvy Skin has a Freeze 24/7 Review And Contest.

SugarShock is craving beauty treats that smell good enough to eat.

makeup loves me is giving away two limited-edition Prescriptives illuminator all over face color bricks! Head on over to leave a comment and win!

A Touch of Blusher loves lilac!

Do you want MARC JACOBS fragrance sets for a steal? Kyle at Face Candy has the scoop.

The Muse Battles Dry Winter Skin with a Review of Philosophy’s Microdelivery Wash!

Beauty Anonymous reviews Roxy Fragrance and Delicate Shower Gel.

Because good things come in small packages, Makeup Moxie’s got the ultimate guide to beauty stocking stuffers that are almost too pretty to part with.

The Glitterati feels pretty… oh so pretty… in West Side.

Beauty and Personality Grooming – Chilblains:a skin affliction that occurs in winter

All Lacquered Up previews the spring polish collections from Chanel, China Glaze, CND and Zoya

15 Minute Beauty Fanatic tries out Max Factor’s Vivid Impact Highlighting Mascara for something fun.

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MAC A-Mei Color Collection – Fantastic Update!

by PJ on Friday, December 14, 2007

in -MAC, makeup

The MAC A-Mei Color Collection has some more exciting updates, this time with links to a beautiful official product image and some great stock images.

Do check them out!

Thank you, Janice, for your great work!


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Among all my favorite colors, pastel purple (lilac/lavender) has always been near the top of the list. Thanks to the delicate mixture of red and blue, purple, to me, is an elegant color with the right amount of warmness and coolness.

It has been a great accent color in my wardrobe for years (be it pastel lilac or rich violet), but it is only fairly recently that I discovered that soft lilacs look good on my face as well!

Keep pretty:
-Jill Stuart Brilliance Eyes in 04 Gem Amethyst
-T’Estimo Frame Impact Eyes in 03
-Lavshuca Eyecolor Select in PU-2
-Chanel Contraste Lumière palette in Aquarelles
-Maybelline Dream Mousse Eye Color in Divine Lilac
-Clinique Glosswear for Lips in 333 La La Lilac
-AYURA Pure Nails (limited-edition lilac shade)

Keep clean:
-Radox Clean & Pamper Handwash with lavender & magnolia

Keep warm:
-Hat by Fred Bare
(My teddy bear pulls this off much better than I do…)
-Sweater by Sisley

Keep organized:
-Beauty Diary by Biteki & Albion
(from Biteki January 2007 issue)

I have noticed that Chanel, Lunasol, and Guerlain are featuring lilac in their spring 2008 collections, and I am predicting that lilac is a key spring 2008 makeup trend!

I have more lilacs on my spring 2008 shopping list, and I am sensing an arrival of Lilting Lilac Part II!

More splashes of colors!

Girlie Pink

Citrus Orange

Aqua Blue

New-Leaf Green

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(image from www.dhcuk.co.uk)

One of my readers, Humming, left a comment on my blog a couple of days ago and told me that the DHC UK website had been launched. (Thank you, Humming!)

DHC now joins RMK, Paul & Joe, SUQQU, Shiseido International, and Kanebo International as Japanese brands available in the UK.

DHC is a major cosmetics brand in Japan, where, as far as I understand, still only runs mail/phone/on-line ordering and does not have a physical shop.

But, as we all know, word of mouth has its place in retailing, and when people say something is good, it gets our attention.

(Updated in July 2011: DHC has physical shops throughout Japan.)

DHC’s cult product is Deep Cleansing Oil. Not only is it DHC’s cult product, it is one of the cult skincare products in Japan. It would be slightly bizarre not to see it on a readers’ favorite skincare product list in any Japanese cosmetics magazine. (In the readers’ poll results in Biteki‘s February 2007 issue, it was placed second in the favorite makeup cleanser category, one place above Shu Uemura’s cleansing oil.)

It works just like Shu Uemura’s cleansing oil and removes all makeup, including waterproof makeup, in one go. (There is a good review of it on Beauty Anonymous if you are interested!)

I tried the Deep Cleansing Oil many years ago, but I personally didn’t like it. It did cleanse very effectively, but I was fairly certain that it gave me breakouts. (I have also tried Shu Uemura’s various cleaning oil formulas, but I usually find that they don’t emulsify well enough. For years, I have remained loyal to RMK’s Cleansing Oil and Boots Botanics Cleansing Oil.)

But, since that was many years ago and I live in a different climate now, I might consider giving it another go. Also, many DHC toners are alcohol-free and have simple formulations that have the potential to suit my sensitive skin. They will be the products I will pay more attention to.

So far, only the basic skincare items are sold on the DHC UK site. I hope the stock will be expanded later on. In the meantime, if you would like to see the vast array of DHC skincare and makeup products, do head over to the DHC US website. (But…do ignore the fact that the prices are, yet again, lower in the US…)

Related Posts:

My Daily Skincare Routine
(featuring RMK Cleansing Oil)

All About Japanese Cosmetics
(My love for Japanese cosmetics will never end…)


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