Target Makeup Spring 2011

Lucky me ... and now lucky you for getting the lowdown on affordable cosmetics from Target that deliver professional payoff!

I was sent a sampler of some of Target's Spring 2011 makeup from Napoleon Perdis, Jemma Kidd and Pixi.

I am going to post several looks created with these pieces.

Today I was inspired by the prospect of summer that comes with Spring! So, I chose bronzy shades mixed with a bright lip that is right on color trend for Spring.

I started with NP Set "It Takes Two" Concealer and Foundation pot in Medium. This genius product packages a creamy, sheer to medium coverage concealer on top of a whipped foundation. I applied the concealer with a natural hair brush under my eyes, around the nose and chin. The foundation has a spatula that dispenses the perfect amount of product. I used my fingers to blend it seamlessly into my skin. It absorbed quickly and set to a natural finish. (http://www.target.com/NP-Set-Beauty/b?ie=UTF8&node=699028011)

I then contoured and bronzed my face using JK Jemma Kidd In Vogue Perfect Blush in South Beach. Comprised of several shades packaged together in one block, you can use the colors separately, or blend them together. I used a contour brush to blend the palette and then applied under the cheekbones, along the jaw and hairline and on the temples. The blush is matte and gives an excellent color payoff that easily blends to melt into the skin. (http://www.target.com/JK-Jemma-Kidd-Beauty/b?ie=UTF8&node=699030011)

I filled in my brows and then moved to the eye.

As a base, I used JK Jemma Kidd Glitterati Shadow Dust Duo in Papparazi. I applied the liquid shadow first to the entire lid up through the crease; a silky liquid shadow with sponge applicator tip. I then rolled the glitter dust straight from the roller ball on top of the liquid and blended upward with a flat, stiff brush. The glitter is super fine, so it has a sophistocated, very JLO shimmery eye, quality look to it.

I then popped open the Pixi Week of Makeup Makeup Palette. This is a must have for anyone looking to update their makeup palette, a makeup junkie who travels a ton or a gal just starting out. It has eyeshadows, blushes and lip colors, packaged in one case organized by day. The shades are coordinated by day to take all the guesswork out! Since it was Monday when I did this look, I used the Monday eyeshadows to highlight under my browbone and contour my crease. The shadows are highly pigmented, smooth and shimmery. (http://www.target.com/Pixi-Beauty/b?ie=UTF8&node=699029011)

I finished the eye with black liquid liner and and mascara.

Using the same Monday colors from the Pixi palette, I brushed the shimmery blush onto the apples of my cheeks and blended into the bronzer.

For the lip, I used the bright coral Pixi Succulent Lip Twin in Coral Cammellia. A silky, moisturizing product, the Lip Twin is comprised of 100% natural lip balm in the tube and lipstick bullet in the cap! I used the lipstick bullet first to load on the nourishing color and then swiped the balm on top.

I couldn't help but top it all of with a bit of the Monday gloss from the Pixi Wakeup Makeup Palette.

The result ... a glowing, bronzy, shimmery look with a bright lip that pops!

YAY! Spring is here!

The complements poured in on the day I rocked this look.

Learn more and purchase all products at Target or online at: http://target.com

Beautisol

As a mobile airbrush tanner, I am always looking for products to help my clients maintain, maximize and extend the life of their sunless tan!

I was sent a bottle of Beautisol "Need I Glow More" Face Self Tanner for sensitive skin. Beautisol was founded and developed by licensed esthetician and self-tan queen, Sinead Norenius. http://selftanningqueen.com

I had a five day old airbrush tan I was already rocking, so I decided to see how "Need I Glow More" would work with it.

I applied a pea size amount per the instructions at night before bed to my face and decollete.

The product has a dark tint as a color guide and bronzer. I prefer to use these tinted products at night, so when I wake up the color is fully developed, I can rinse the bronzer off and see the result.

Much to my delight, I woke the next morning moisturized, darker, bronzed, totally even and glowing!

Totally "tan-tastic!"

Beautisol face self-tanner is an amazing way to really extend the life of your self tan. I don't know about you, but my face and decollete are always the first to lose color and "Need I Glow More" instantly remedied that.

I am willing to say it would extend a full body self tan by at least 3 - 5 days, by keeping the areas that start to fade first just as bronze as the rest of your body!

The most incredible feature of this product though, was the absence of the tell-tale self-tan odor than inevitably develops as the product reacts with your skin.

Beautisol is completely odor free once developed! LOVE LOVE LOVE!

To learn more and purchase: http://beautisol.com

(image from: beautisol.com)

Stay tuned!

I'll be back in the next couple days!

Meantime ... enjoy a post from the past on exercises you should be doing ...

http://lookdamngood.blogspot.com/2010/06/exercises-you-should-be-doing.html

Stockn'Go

I love a deal!! Especially a deal on beauty products!!

I was just made aware of Stockn'Go, an online personal/beauty products retailer that offers rock bottom prices on brand name beauty items!

Yes, it kind of sounds like the sister of Circle K, but there are no slurpees, slushees, or foil wrapped junk food here!

Stockn'Go carries hair care, skin care, personal care, health care and household items from brands like, Tigi, Clarins, MD Skincare and more!

Plus get 20% off your first order of $25 or more! That'll be easy to do when you see the beauty bootie they've got!''

Check out their daily deals and clearance items for even more gorgeous savings!

See if your favorites are carried by Stockn'Go here: http://stockngo.com

(image from: stockngo.com)

False Lashes

It's amazing what a little lash'll do ya!

Even the most meticulously applied shadows or widest eyes can use the extra "pop" a false lash can lend.

Think false lashes are too hard to apply?

Nonsense! Here are some tricks to make applying lashes a quick, easy step in your makeup routine!

(These instructions are for AFTER you've already applied all eye makeup, including mascara and a bold, dark line near your natural lash line.)

1. Use a forgiving design like those labeled "Demi Wispies." These lashes don't need extra mascara and their lush, fanned out appearance blend seamlessly into the lashline. I like Salon Perfect lashes available at Walmart - they are inexpensive and reusable.

2. Remove the lashes from the case using your thumb to gently drag the lash from the plastic. Save the case to store your lashes. Then, using a black creme liner like Smashbox Jet Set, blacken the lash band by pressing the band onto the back of your hand and applying the liner with a brush.

3. Trim the lashes. The easiest lash to apply is 3/4 or 1/2 of the full lash on the outside of your eye. So, play with the length you like by snipping from the OUTSIDE lashes - these are the longest ones. You want the short lashes - so don't clip those!

4. Apply a thin line of DUO lash adhesive to the lash band and let set for 15 seconds.

5. The longest lashes should line up with the edge of the OUTSIDE of your eye. Lay the lash as close to your natural lash line as possible. The shortest lashes will fall towards the middle to inside corner of your eye.

5. Fan the lashes upwards to get a bright, flirty look.

6. Once adhesive is dry, touch up eyeliner using a dark liquid or creme.

7. To remove - gently peel the lash from the outside corner in. Remove adhesive by catching a loose edge and peeling off. Store lashes in case they came in!

Voila! LASHES!!

Learn more and purchase lashes here: http://salonperfect.com

Spring Cleaning

I don't know about your "neck of the woods" ... but, Spring is definitely here where I am!
Light rains mixed with milder temperatures ... Daylight savings time ...

What a great reminder to do some inner Spring Cleaning!

This is the time to start kicking your goals into high gear!

A great way to do that is to do a little "digestive" cleaning ... get things moving a bit, eh?

Be sure you are chewing your food well, taking your time to eat undistracted and drinking at least your bodyweight in ounces of plain water per day. Yes - plain water.

Water is IMO the BEST cleansing, detoxing agent out there!! It naturally flushes out your system, while hydrating you!

Adding in a cup or two of green tea is helpful too!

As far as food goes ... GREEN is the color for spring! Eat unlimited cooked/raw, plain green veggies. Add these into your current nutritional plan!!

Add spinach to your egg whites, a big salad to your lunch and steamed broccoli/asparagus to dinner!

You may also want to add some cleansing yoga twists into your workout warm up/cool down.

Here is a five minute twist series to try:
http://life.gaiam.com/video/energize-am-quick-yoga-twist-sequence-how

Have fun with your clean out!

(image from istockphoto.com)

Cle De Peau Concealer and Eye Cream

Some beauty items have such cult status that I literally kick myself in my aerobicised butt sometimes for not adding them to my kit sooner!

Case in point, Cle de Peau concealer.

Year after year this creamy, flawless formula wins beauty awards and is mentioned as a make up artist must have.

I visited the Cle de Peau counter at the Fashion Show Mall in Las Vegas to discover whether the hype was true.

The make up artist at the counter not only gave me the best customer service I've had in recent history, but she also perfectly matched my skin and applied the product gorgeously.

So yes, the this concealer really is all that. It's the only formulation I've found that doesn't accentuate texture around the eye. It blends smoothly and actually diffuses and reflects light, created a "lit from within" effect.

Combined with Cle de Peau's fabulously rich and creamy, yet not greasy Eye Contour Balm, you have a concealer that looks fabulous while treating the delicate skin around your eyes to an eye cream that delivers results.

Shop Cle de Peau online: http://www.cledepeau-beaute.com

Image from http://www.cledepeau-beaute.com

Peace Candles

Valentine's Day is around the corner!
Don't all your sweeties deserve a little sumthin' sumthin'?
Check out these Peace Candles from Kiss My Face.
I already love most of Kiss My Face's products, so when they introduced Peace Soap, it was no surprise that I adored this all natural lather with a conscience.
Well, they've done it again with Peace Candles. Every purchase of the deliciously scented soy candles (Grassy Mint, Lavender Mandarin, Lemongrass Clary Sage and Pomegranate Acai) supports Seeds of Peace, an organization dedicated to "empowering young leaders from areas of conflict all over the world, giving them the opportunity to build leadership skills and friendships that will last a lifetime."
Show your love and your conscience with this great gift!
Purchase online at http://kissmyface.com
(image courtesy of LaForce-Stevens)

RuPaul's Drag Race

Monday Night Guilty Pleasure: RuPaul's Drag Race on the Logo Network.

I'm not sure if there is any show out there right now that is more about looking and feeling Damn Good, then the Drag Race.

The hour long reality show searches to find the "next drag superstar" with the most clever, witty challenges. The writing and unscripted banter is clearly where "Glee" gets most of it's inspiration.

RuPaul's show may be filled with camp, glitter, glitz and glamour, but at the heart is a message.

At the end of every episode, Ru reminds the Queens and the viewers, "If you don't love yourself, how the hell you gonna love somebody else? Can I get an Amen?"

Amen, RuPaul!

Loving yourself and making the best of what you've got is what looking damn good is all about. Self acceptance is the key to happiness and successful relationships. And damn, that sure feels good!

(image from: logotv.com)

Week in Review Jan 31 to Feb 4, 2010

It's great to be back! Here's what you missed this week!

A skin care product that delivers: http://lookdamngood.blogspot.com/2011/02/sk-ii-facial-treatment-essence.html

Start the day with quinoa: http://lookdamngood.blogspot.com/2011/02/yummo-huevos-rancheros.html

Blingtastic ideas for Valentine's Day: http://lookdamngood.blogspot.com/2011/02/trio-jewelry.html

A dose of inner beauty for the weekend in the new On the Inside Friday: http://lookdamngood.blogspot.com/2011/02/Look Damn Good - On the Inside Friday


(image from: atriojewelry.com)

SK-II Facial Treatment Essence

Sk-II Facial Treatment Essence is the product that made me miss writing "Look Damn Good." I couldn't wait to share my experience using this product with you!

Completely lured by the SK-II ads featuring the luminous Cate Blanchett, I buckled and purchased a bottle of the "Holy Water" that so many rave about.

Keep in mind as you read this, that I started using SK-II while I was in the Midwest, "enjoying" the effects of one of the harshest winters I've ever experienced.

The very first evening I used this liquid, as instructed - by placing a small amount directly into the hands and pressing onto the face - I noticed an immediate effect. My skin felt instantly tighter, but not in a "Sea Breeze" way, almost in muscular way. It looked and felt as if my skin had actually been made snugger.

The next morning, my skin looked more clear and pores less noticeable.

After a week - others started noticing. When you start hearing unsolicited "You've got great skin" comments, you know something must be working.

A month, my visage, is dare I say ... more radiant and even toned? I am confident enough to go out without make up now - not saying that I ever would - I love a full beat down too much. Plus, make up looks even better on my new, smoother canvas! This product is an aesthetician/make up artist's dream.

The bottom line is that SK-II Facial Treatment Essence totally works for me.

It is the only new product I have added into my skincare regiment and the results are stunning enough to make me a believer.

The secret? Pitera, an ingredient discovered in Japan in a Sake Factory. According to the SK-II website, "Pitera, the seemingly magical ingredient found in all SK-II products, helps restore vital balance by promoting the skin's natural 28-day surface renewal process. This single blend of vitamins, amino acids, minerals and organic acids produces a seemingly miraculous rebirth of appearance."

Be sure to hydrate your skin while using this product, as it does exfoliate quite aggressively.

Learn more and purchase SK-II here: http://www.sk-ii.com

(image from: sk-ii.com)

The Blog is Back!

Start looking damn good again, cuz the blog with a polished finger on the pulse of beauty, fashion, fitness and nutrition trends is back!

Please note the new URL:: http://lookdamngood.blogspot.com

Zents

I've been using Zents Concreta perfume balm for years now.

You can use the solid fragrance as a perfume, a skin hydrator or as a hair pomade.

Wherever you deposit your chosen Zents fragrance ... it stays.

The aroma lingers for the entire day.

Uniquely packaged in a cube of solid stone, even with daily use, one Zents Concreta will last you forever.

I am highly addicted to "Sun."

Learn more and purchase here: http://www.zents.com/products_sun.shtml

(image from: zents.com)

Say YES

A couple of weeks ago, I finally saw the Jim Carrey movie, "Yes Man."

In the flick, Jim Carrey's character is a man stuck in his own cycle of negativity; a dead end job, no desire to socialize and no girlfriend.

He runs into an old buddy who introduces him to a self help program that entails saying "yes" to every opportunity.

Hysterics ensue as saying "yes" leads to a bevvy of absurdities and ultimately, positive changes in his life.

Why not try incorporating a little "Yes Man" into your life?

Maybe when your group exercise instructor demonstrates a new body weight exercise, instead of thinking to yourself that you can't possibly do it, just say, "Yes!" And give it a go!

Perhaps you are out to dinner with friends at an Ethiopian restaurant and a strange dish is placed in the middle of the table fro everyone to eat with their hands. Say, "OK! I'm down to try it!"

That new fashion trend?? Just wear it!

Don't limit yourself with self inflicted boundaries. Instead open yourself up to a whole new world of saying, "YES!"

Within reason of course ...

(image from: bigstockphoto.com)

Week in Review June 28 to July 2, 2010

A DVD that personal trains you: http://damn-ilookgood.blogspot.com/2010/06/lalofit.html

A taste of LA street food: http://damn-ilookgood.blogspot.com/2010/06/frutas.html

Self Tanner that smells great AND contains NO parabens: http://damn-ilookgood.blogspot.com/2010/06/hempz-touch-of-summer.html

More great workout wear: http://damn-ilookgood.blogspot.com/2010/07/hardtail-forever.html

Breakfast with spuds: http://damn-ilookgood.blogspot.com/2010/07/sweet-potato-pancake.html

Hempz Touch of Summer

Finally!

A self tanner with no parabens and a delightful aroma!

Hempz has added to their line of exceptional body care products with Touch of Summer, a gradual self tanner that imparts a beautiful glow with no nasty ingredients or chemically smell!

Enriched with pure organic Hemp Seed oil, the lotion comes in two shades (fair and medium) and achieves maximum darkness after one week.

I was pleased after just one application!

My skin was soft, hydrated and subtly golden!

Learn more and purchase here: http://www.hempzbodycare.com/Products.aspx?id=61&no=True

Week in Review June 21 to 25, 2010

Crystalized citrus, who knew? http://damn-ilookgood.blogspot.com/2010/06/true-lemon.html

Organic street fruit in LA : http://damn-ilookgood.blogspot.com/2010/06/i-heart-fruit-cart_22.html

Think yourself into looking and feeling damn good: http://damn-ilookgood.blogspot.com/2010/06/confidence.html

Add some weight to your walk: http://damn-ilookgood.blogspot.com/2010/06/walking-with-hand-weights.html

Post workout fashionista bargains: http://damn-ilookgood.blogspot.com/2010/06/american-apocolypse.html

Confidence

I am about to reveal the number one secret to looking and feeling damn good.

You can't buy it online, shop for it at exlusive retailers or find it at your nearest Wal-Mart.

It is something that a lucky few are just born with and others work to cultivate.

Sometimes you have to fake it until it becomes integrated into your being.

It's about playing up your strengths and embracing your flaws.

Know what makes you special, what makes you - YOU.

So what is this magic key to the entire point of this blog?

Confidence.

Get some. Work at it. Force yourself to hold your head high and be a force of nature.

Challenge: Shift your mindset 180 degrees about a negative body image or emotional issue for three days. See and feel the difference.

Be condident - to look and feel damn good!

(image from: istockphoto.com)

Oldie Sunday - Nutrasonic

Summer solstice is coming up ...

Great time to do start a new skin care regime.

Add in the Nutrasonic for exfoliation and better product absorption.

http://damn-ilookgood.blogspot.com/2010/01/nutra-sonic.html

Week in Review June 14 to 18, 2010

Be macro like Madonna: http://damn-ilookgood.blogspot.com/2010/06/mayumis-kitchen-madonna-macrobiotic.html

Popped Fuji Chips: http://damn-ilookgood.blogspot.com/2010/06/yogavive-chips.html

Get clean for a cause: http://damn-ilookgood.blogspot.com/2010/06/peace-soap.html

Frozen Yogurt truths: http://damn-ilookgood.blogspot.com/2010/06/frozen-yogurt.html

Add to your home gym: http://damn-ilookgood.blogspot.com/2010/06/ultimate-body-press.html