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

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

Japonesque Brow Kit

I was so excited when I was sent the Japonesque Brow Kit.

Adorably packaged in a pink clutch case, the kit includes a tiny compact with brow wax, 2 neutral brow powders, a mini spoolie (a dry "mascara" brush to groom brows) and an angled brow brush.

Also tucked inside are 3 brow stencils, clear brow gel and a slant tip tweezers.

This kit has everything you would ever need for gorgeously groomed brows and is a great tool for make up artists to keep as an emergency touch up kit to keep on hand.

If you have never experienced the wonders of brow wax or are intimidated by the concept, don't be! Japonesque's formula is sheer and light, keeping every hair in place.

The brow powders are soft and neutral, blendable for every shade imaginable.

The tweezers come in handy for strays interfering with the "perfect" eye.

There's even room in the super cute pink compact that houses all these goodies for extras you throw in. The hard case is great to throw in your bag and easy to find in a deep purse.

Learn more about the Japonesque Brow Kit here: http://www.japonesque.com/catalogue.cfm?fla=productsSplash

(image from: japonesque.com)

Teally Cool

A pop of electric turquoise or teal is a great way to infuse Spring/Summer fun into your make up and fashion wardrobe.

Try wearing all white with a piece of chunky turquoise jewelery. Or combine "corally" shades of orange with sparks of turquoise for an "islandy" feel.

Experiment with teal eye make up.

My current fave is a new shade of a product that is one of my daily eye addictions - Smashbox Jet Set Waterproof Eyeliner, now available in teal.

Using the #21 Arced Liner Brush ... either draw a dramatic cat eye on top of the lid or go more Mod/Punk by using the bright shade in a thickly angled shape lining the lower eye.

Shop all of Smashbox and purchase here: http://www.smashbox.com/JET-SET-WATERPROOF-EYE-LINER

(image from: smashbox.com)

Grey Lipstick

First, Goth had a resurgence with the second coming of black lipstick.

Now, lips all over the runway are sporting dreary shades of grey.

Soon to be seen across the nation on Midwestern moms, collegiate ladies and Wal-Mart shoppers, grey lips are sure to catch on as the new "it" color for Spring and Summer 2010.

Universally flattering, grey lipstick peps up your whole look.

Be the first on your block to rock the shade that's not black and not white ... just somewhere in between. What a great way to express your fashion apathy.

(Ha Ha! ... April Fools!! Seriously, I couldn't even believe it when I found an image to go with this post. Hopefully, this will not come to fruition any time soon!)

Tarina Tarantinto Cosmetics

If you know anything about Tarina Tarantino's jewelery collection, then you will be drooling over her first cosmetics collection for Sephora.

Tarina Tarantino has a hugely popular, quirky, hip, nostalgic jewelery line that is filled with sparkly, girly pieces.

Before her success as jewelery designer, Ms. Tarantino was a professional make up artist.

She fuses the two worlds together in her first collection of cosmetics available exclusively at Sephora.

According to her "Behind the Brand" interview on sephora.com, "Being different, being unique, being an individual and creating your own style is what TARINA TARANTINO is all about."

Now that sounds damn good.

I am anxious to try all of the products in the line, but especially the Magic Hour Creme Shadow, the Eye Dream Hypershadow and the Sparklecity Shimmer Dust.

Shop the entire Tarina Tarantino collection here: http://www.sephora.com/browse/brand_hierarchy.jhtml?brandId=TARINA%20TARANTINO

(image from: sephora.com)

Smashbox Beauty Breakthroughs

Smashbox is a cosmetic line that continues to innovate, collection after collection.

Their Master's Class Vol.6 Beauty Breakthroughs Collection is no exception.

Smashbox was generous enough to send me this kit at my request after I got an email from Sephora announcing it's release.

Retailing for just $59 exclusively at Sephora (http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P253312&categoryId=C10905), the kit is filled with six full size products valued at $175. That's a whole lotta loot for a great price!!

The kit includes:
1- Waterproof Eye Shadow Palette in gorgeous, shimmery neutrals
1 - Brow Wax Pencil - a pencil version of Brow Tech Wax (YAY)
1 - Lash Detailer Mascara - a tiny bent brush to get at the most stealth lashes
1- Poured Photo Op - a pot version of Photo Op Under Eye Brightener
1- Cheek Stain - a sheer berry tint in a unique roll up applicator
1 - O-Gloss Shimmer - a shimmering pink version of the intuitive lip gloss that adjusts to the perfect shade for your skin.

While everything included in this kit is a phenomenal product worthy of the Smashbox name, the standouts for me are the Poured Photo Op, The Waterproof Eye Shadow Palette and the Brow Wax Pencil.

As you know, this blog is for fitnessistas ... workout fiends who love glamour! Finding sweatproof cosmetics is big for this demographic! The three products mentioned above are superstars for gals who like to look damn good while they sweat.

The Poured Photo Op is a stunning, creamy shimmer that can be applied around the eyes and brow bone for instant glow. If this is all you slap on with your fingertips before heading out the door to the gym or your yoga class, you'll be sure to look rested and bright. Poured Photo Op can also be used under concealer or as an eye shadow primer.

Which brings us to the BRILLIANT Waterproof Eye Shadow Palette. Waterproof, powder shadow?? FINALLY!!! The shimmery shadows glide on, blend flawlessly and stay put through moisture laden activity! The smoky eye will now be making appearances on stair masters throughout the nation!

Finally, the Brow Wax Pencil is a more user friendly version of the hugely popular Brow Tech Wax. For those of us who fill in, or draw on our brows, a quick swipe of this pencil guarantees that color ain't goin' nowhere! LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!!

Purchase Smashbox's Master's Class Vol. 6 Beauty Breakthroughs here:
http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P253312&categoryId=C10905

(picture from: sephora.com)

MAC Spring Make Up Forecast

My inbox received not one ... but two emails from MAC Cosmetics predicting a Spring Color Forecast of pinks and corals.

A pink Spring prediction seems, well ... pretty obvious with Easter and all, but I am down with this Coral thing! Coral has been slowly creeping onto the make up scene ... mostly appearing as a sheer stain on the lips.

I'm dying over the Malibu Peach Nail Lacquer. Bright, vivid coral - it would look amazing on shorter, manicured hands adorned with turquoise jewelery for contrast.

As you can see from the image above, MAC is serious about coral for Spring. I have to admit ... I even dig the hair!

MAC's Spring Collection can be seen here: http://maccosmetics.com

(image from: maccosmetics.com)

Christina Cosmetics Aromatherapy Mineral Mist

We're almost into January, which inevitably brings even colder weather and with it even dryer, flakier skin.

Besides drinking more water, taking Omega 3's and adhering to a good skin care program, you can hydrate your face, neck and decollete throughout the day by spritzing on a topical mist like Christina Cosmetics Aromatherapy Mineral Mist.

Christina Cosmetics was kind enough to send me a bottle of the Mist to try and I am a convert. As you know from my previous post about their Perfect Pigment Mineral Make Up (http://damn-ilookgood.blogspot.com/2009/11/perfect-pigment-by-christina-cosmetics.html), I am bananans about their four color palette foundation that replaces an entire case of make up.

The Aromatherapy Mineral Mist comes in a 4oz spray bottle and contains comforting herbs like lavender, comfrey, calendula and sage in a light moisturizing base of aloe and water.

Gentle enough for sensitive skin and light enough for oily complexions, applying it immediately after getting out of the shower BEFORE your moisturizer adds an extra shot of moisture into your skin. Then, spritz over your make up after application and throughout the day to maintain gorgeous, hydrated, glowing skin.

This product is a MUST HAVE for those who wear powder based mineral make up formulations. The mist infuses the powder and "sets" it, transforming any brand from cakey and dull to luminous, natural-looking and "glowy."

I also love to spritz it on first thing in the morning, to remove any "pillow creases" from my face and refresh my skin before my workout without a heavy, greasy moisturizer.

You can purchase Christina Cosmetic products here: http://www.christinacosmetics.com/index.php

Perfect Pigment by Christina Cosmetics

Awake way past my bedtime and flipping through late night infomercials, I was mesmerized by yet another mineral make up.

But, this one was different... it wasn't your run of the mill, swirl, tap and blend version.

Perfect Pigment by Christina Cosmetics is a pressed mineral make up that comes in a compact containing four shades of foundation/color that you blend or use separately all over your face. The starter kit comes with the compact, a retractable brush for application, concealer, a coordinating lip gloss and an instructional DVD.

Of course, I ordered it. I chose the light palette for my skin tone.

I anticipated having to send the product back after I realized I bought foundation off of the television, in the middle of the night without actually swatching the product on my skin.

The product arrived, I watched the DVD for some great application tips and went to town on my mug.
I was pleasantly surprised at the way swirling the retractable brush in the fully extended position blended the four colors evenly and naturally onto my face creating a perfect match for my skin tone. The make up was smooth, non-cakey and without the mask like finish of many mineral formulations.
Following the application technique from the DVD, you then retract the brush to different depths to apply the palette's colors separately as contour, highlight, blush and eyeshadow.
A multi use make up that takes the place of entire bag full of make up?? I'm all over it!
The compact is perfect for travel, for your gym bag or to tote to work for touch ups.
Surprisingly, the concealer is a stand out product! Creamy, creaseless, long lasting and easy to apply!! Adore!
You can purchase Perfect Pigment by clicking here:
http://www.christinacosmetics.com/index.php
(photo from: christinacosmetics.com)

Larenim Radiant Glo

For those days when you look in the mirror and go, "I need a miracle," reach no further than your make up stash for Larenim Mineral Make Up's Radiant Glo.

Larenim (mineral spelled backwards) is an amazing all natural cosmetics company developed by a health food store owner! Their mineral make up line is 100% mineral content - no fillers, no talc, no oils, no chemicals and no dyes, yet the line manages to have an almost "MAC" range of colors, deep pigmentation and a beautiful finish.

My favorite product in the line is a member of their blush family. Radiant Glo is a loose mineral powder product that can be used all over the face. The cool, pink shade complements any skin tone. Swirl your blush brush in the product and tap out the excess, then dust Radiant Glo over your regular blush or alone on the apples up to your cheek bones. Dust a tiny bit down the center of your nose, dot a bit above the center of your lip and kiss the curve of your chin with the product.

The powder creates a sheer halo of color that seems to radiate from within your skin giving your complexion a luminous, youthful glow. YAY! Love that! It's an instant beauty reviver, even in the most most desperate of paint job situations.

Because Larenim is so pure, it is safe for multiple uses:

1. Mix it with your favorite lip balm for a shimmery, pink pout.
2. Blend with clear nail polish for a sheer, pink manicure.
3. Dust all over eyelids, leaving the brow bone bare for an ethereal eye look.

You can buy Radiant Glo along with the rest of the Larenim line at:
www.larenim.com

(photo from: larenim.com)

Make Up Removal

If you are like me, you have a full face beat down to scrape off at the end of the day.
Make up removal is especially important for problematic skin and it is vital to use products that won't contribute to clogging pores, but are effective at emulsifying today's long wearing and water proof make up formulations.
I've tried every make up removal technique and I'd like to share my favorite method.

1. Use JoJoba Oil to emulsify eye make up. JoJoba Oil is very close to our skin's own natural sebum (oil), so it is non comedogenic - it won't clog your pores!! Squeeze a dime size amount onto fingertips and gently work onto eyelids. I like Desert Essence 100% pure JoJoba Oil. You can find this product at Vitacost.com for $4.26.
A 4 oz. bottle should last you three to six months. JoJoba Oil is also great as a moisturizer for extremely dry skin, as a deep conditioner for hair and as a cuticle hydrator.

2. Use a disposable baby wipe such as Target's Up and Up Brand for sensitive skin to wipe away emulsified eye make up and to clean off the rest of the face.

3. Follow with a gentle creme cleanser such as Cetaphil or a generic version (both Target and Walmart make great versions) no matter what your skin type. YES - that means YOU oily/acne prone people!! As a fellow greaseball I understand the urge to strip your skin squeaky clean with a gel cleanser, but washing away the skin's natural protective barrier can leave it even more vulnerable to bacteria that causes break outs.

4. Finish with your nightly moisturizing regime.

(photo from: desertessence.com)

In the spirit of Halloween - Black Lipstick

This post is a bit of a rant - but, alas - you may as well see this side of me early on ...
As we get deeper into our relationship with one and other, you will see that I am a fashion risk taker. I've had every hair color under the sun, I own and have experimented with every make up product on the planet, I regularly wear hair pieces and am adventurous with incorporating the wildest fashion trends into my wardrobe, but I cannot wrap my head around why every fall, cosmetic companies try to force the darkest possible hue on lips around the world ... I understand a lovely, deep burgundy, a "vamp-y" bordeaux, I even embrace a dark lip liner on the right person ... But, this black lipstick trend is RIDONCULOUS. It does not look good on anyone except forlorn, goth teenagers who hide their faces under their matching black hoodies and perhaps in the pages of a lush, high fashion magazine styled in the capable hands of say, Grace Coddington. Do not wear this shade to work. Do not wear this color on a date. Do not wear this color at all - unless you are going to a Halloween fete and it is part of your costume. Key word - costume. But, hell if you are fierce enough to buy this shit and rock it - more power to ya. Post your pics.
(photo from clicket.com)