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Sunday, September 18, 2011

Best Lipgloss for $7


Nyx Mega Shine Lipgloss
$6.99


I just love pulling out my Nyx lipgloss, they're very
pretty and have really great pigments.  Nyx
lipgloss comes in creamy, metallic, pearl, and
sheer finishes.  I recommend Nyx lipglosses
to everyone because of the wide variety of colors
and finishes to choose from (very suitable on many
different skin tones).   I personally feel that this
line is somewhat comparable to MAC Cosmetics.
Because of the range of vivid colors and all of the 
different finishes.  Nyx lipgloss has a slight vanilla
scent and a slanted doe foot applicator.  I am
still working on owning every single one.  I am
a true Nyx Cosmetics fan!!!






Starting from the right side 
120A Sponge Cake
122 Natural
135 Soda Pop
157 Chandelier
113 French Kiss
129 Beige
155 Perfect
145 Salsa


Starting from the right side
112 Frosted Beige
105 Gold
135A Beige Pearl
121 Vanilla
117 Chestnut

Starting from the right side
discontinued-Nyx Girls 31 Red Tint
135 Orchid
Nutmeg
144 Copper Penny
141 Silver Plum
133 Burgundy
134 Sunrise
126 Plush Red



Since I don't have swatches of my own, I found some
good videos to demonstrate the beauty of these glosses.
Please watch and subscribe to the following videos.



Saturday, September 17, 2011

Makeup Books: For Beginners

Great Books to Improve your Makeup Skills!!!

I love makeup books.  I have a pretty big makeup
book collection.  I created a list of books for women
who are curious to learn more about makeup.
Books can get costly and plus, im a sucker for
deals, so check out these titles out on Amazon
or any other discount book site.


 

Looking Younger by Robert Jones $21.95
I love this guy, especially his books.
Because there is so much to know
about makeup, and he does an excellent
job in breaking everything down.
Trust me you will need this book
if you desire to look better and younger.


Makeup Makeovers:Weddings by Robert Jones  $19.95
One of it's kind, created just for brides, but the
cool thing is the steps may be applied towards
everyday makeup application.  If you plan to apply
your own makeup on your big day "Buy This Book"

The 5 Minute Face by Carmindy $16.99
I really love Carmindy, she has a great spirit.
I found myself pretty impressed with her on the
TLC show "What not to Wear".  I recommend
all of Carmindy's books particularly this one.  I
Love how she put the reality in the fact that most
women don't have the luxury of time to apply makeup.
The 5 minute face shows you how it is possible
to look great under 10 min.  This book is good
for everyone particularly busy moms and business women.




 Iman: The Beauty of Color $29.95
Finally a great book for ethnic women.  Book has great photos of celebrities from Selma Hayek to Tyra Banks.  This book offers an understanding on how to choose products for your tone and how  not to be afraid to experiment and play with bold or striking colors.


Jemma Kidd: Make-up Masterclass $24.99 
I just knew that this artist sold her makeup at Target. 
This book made me open my eyes to her. This book
is in my top favorites.  This book also has so many
tips, illustrations, and how-to's,  it's for everyone,
"just get it"


Bobbi Brown: Makeup Manuel For Everyone from
Beginner to Pro $32.00
Bobbi's best book, this is a great book
and I would recommend it to almost everyone
who is interested in makeup application.


Vogue Beauty $35.00
Pretty book, I love art and great beauty shots.
This book is filled with them, it is a classic.
Caution: it does have slight nudity in it
Which doesn't bother me because it's natural.
This book contains info on hair, skin, body,
nails and perfume.  If you are a perfume
fanatic you will love this book.



 Plastic Surgery Without the Surgery:The Miracle of Makeup Techniques by Eve Pearl $14.95
This is a wonderful book filled with techniques
and tips to challenge yourself, and boost up your skills.
This book is on corrective makeup, and it may
seem a little advanced for a beginner, but I feel it can
teach you alot about how to work with your bone
structure.  This will take your makeup
application to another level.



Glamour Gurlz by Joanna Schlip $19.95
Great book for teens starting out with makeup.
Great photographs and easy to follow and understand.



Thalia Belleza! Lessons in Lipgloss and Happiness $19.95
This book surprised me, it's a really good book I
totally recommend it for women with olive skin tones.
Thalia's book has alot of tips, illustrations and pretty
pictures.


Clean Your Makeup Brushes:

Nothing Is Better Than Clean Tools!!



I absolutely love cleaning my brushes I don't know why,
I remember while freelancing at MAC Cosmetics how the other artists absolutely hated the thought of cleaning brushes so I would volunteer to do them. As an artist Working on many different faces everyday clean tools for each client is a must.
It is important to cleanse your brushes because they can contaminate and ruin your makeup or will cause you to have bad reactions whenever you use them. Brushes can be quite expensive so in order to maintain the quality of your brushes you must take good care of them. 

It may seem tedious to cleanse your brushes after every use, especially if your the only one using your brushes.  I recommend washing your brushes after the 4th time of use.  

This also includes sponges and the biggie your eyelash curler. Eyelash curlers can get pretty gross if neglected too long.

Here's How I Clean My Brushes:


  • I get a small glass bowl (plastic ok too)
  • Drop a pea size amount of baby shampoo in the bowl then add warm water (not too much) filling it midway
  • Stick brush in the water still holding it (never let your brushes sit in the water too long with too much water, brushes eventually will fall apart)
  • After 5-6 Seconds start to move the brush around slowly and you will see all the remnants of makeup in the water
  • When you feel it's clean enough take  brush out of the bowl, hold brush so bristle/hairs are facing downward
  • Rinse with luke warm water and squeeze out the excess water in the brush and reshape so you can lay brush down to dry.  (never pull down at the bristles while squeezing out the water or reshaping as this will pull brush hairs out of the ferrule)
Everyone cleans their brushes differently so I found these videos of the top makeup gurus on youtube demonstrating how they clean their brushes. Try my method or try the gurus. I felt I should show you more options so you  can find what works for you.






    Monday, August 29, 2011

    Best Makeup Santizer

    THE SOLUTION TO MAKEUP BACTERIA: 
    A PRO MUST!!!

     



    BANISH BACTERIA WITH THE WORLD'S FIRST COSMETIC SANITIZER


    This product is for everyone, pro makeup artists, and makeup users. To prevent acne or skin irritations you must be sure each product and tool used on your face is clean, safe and bacteria-free.

    Over time all makeup gets bacteria on it from the oil on our skin, fingers and even bacteria that is in the air.
    Even if you’re the only person using your makeup products, bacteria from the environment and the natural oils in your skin can easily contaminate all of your products – especially powders!
     




    Some makeup items may be sanitized with alcohol such as waxy or creamy things, but alcohol may ruin your pressed powders eyeshadows and blushes.
     BeautySoClean removes bacteria from your makeup without altering or drying it out!

    While working, the most important thing to me, besides being professional is to have all my products clean, and sanitized before and after each client.  


    You never want to be the reason someone broke out or worse the spread of conjunctivitis (pink eye) because your makeup was dirty.  Always clean after each client to prevent cross contamination.

    Make sure to spray down creams and powders, with BeautySoClean to ensure that they are sanitized
    The wipes are cool to use on mascara, lip gloss, and lipsticks.

    This is a must have product for everyone especially the aspiring makeup artist.  While your in practice mode with friends and family, this is a great time to exercise sanitation precautions before working with paying clients.

    FACTS:
    “In a laboratory study Beauty So Clean was clinically proven to effectively remove Staphylococcus Aureus, Pseudomonas Aeruginosa and Escherichia Coli (E. coli). These bacterium were found on makeup from personal makeup bags and in-store tester displays. BeautySoClean has been specially formulated with the perfect balance of alcohol and emollients. So, not only will it never dry out or degrade your products, it actually will not alter the pigments!”

    Spray: Oils from your skin and skincare products ultimately wind up on the surfaces of your makeup, leaving bacteria behind ; but daily use of Cosmetic Sanitizer Mist on new makeup will remove bacteria and keep your products looking new.

    Wipes: Using a Cosmetic Sanitizer Wipe on your lip-gloss wand, mascara wands or lipstick tubes after each application will help prevent this contamination and ensures that they stay fresh and bacteria free.



    MakeupByRenRen does a good review demonstrating  Beauty So Clean, so check it out.  I felt inspired to add some Enkore vids on sanitation as well so watch, learn, and enjoy!













    Eye Cream Recipes

    Eye creams can get pretty expensive, so try some of these recipes I found in this great book.  I guarantee you that the natural ingredients used in these recipes may be better than the products on the current market.


    Cocoa Butter Eye Cream

    Cocoa butter is a great emollient. It smooths wrinkles, leaving your skin flexible and well moisturized

    3 Vitamin E Capsules
    2 teaspoons cocoa butter

    Instructions: Cut off the tip of the capsules. In a small bowl, mix the oil from
     the capsules with the cocoa butter. 
    Mix well.

    Application: Gently apply around the eye area in the morning and the evening.


    Green Eye Cream

    Avocados are abundant in essential oils and B-complex vitamins that nourish skin inside and out. Niacin (vitamin B3) is especially important for healthy skin.

    1 small cucumber
    1/2 teaspoon mashed avocado

    Instructions: In a blender, puree the cucumber. In a bowl, mix 1 teaspoon of the pureed cucumber and the avocado.

    Application: Apply this gently to the eye area every morning and evening



    Brighten Eye Cream

    Avocados contain more protein than any other fruit. Their natural oils offer hydration. Sour cream will lighten dark circles.

    1 teaspoon avocado
    1/2 teaspoon sour cream

    Instructions: In a small bowl, mash the avocado with a fork. Blend in the sour cream and mix well.

    Application: Massage this gently around the eye area every morning and evening



    Almond Soft Eye Cream

    Almond oil is safe to use around the eyes. It can heal even red or irritated skin. Combined with mayonnaise, it perfectly softens to prevent fine lines.

    1 tablespoon almond oil
    1 tablespoon mayonnaise

    Instructions: In a small bowl, combine the oil and mayonnaise. Mix well.

    Application: Gently apply around the eye area



    Avocado Repairing Eye Cream

    Avocados are high in vitamin E. When they are combined with vitamin E oil, you'll have a rich emollient that keeps fine lines at bay. Use sparingly.

    1 avocado
    3 vitamin E oil capsules

    Instructions: Cut the avocados in half and remove the pit. Scoop out 1 tablespoon of avocado in a small bowl and mash it. Cut of the tips of the capsules. Squeeze the oil onto the avocado and mix well.

    Application: Massage a small amount of this gently around the eye area.


    No puffy-Eyes

    A little potassium will hide even the most sleepless nights from under your eyes.

    1 small potato

    Instructions: Shred the potato, then wrap it in a small piece of gauze.

    Application: Put this over your eyes and rest for 15 min. Rinse with warm water, then apply your night eye cream.


    Book: Return to Beauty:Old-World Recipes for Great Radiant Skin
    Author: Narine Nikogosian

    What I'm Reading:



    GREAT INSPIRATIONAL BOOK


    I love this book, I just tuned into this author while gazing up and down the christian section at the bookstore.
    

    This is a perfect guide for getting right with God especially with all the chaos and turmoil going on in the world.  This book comforts and helps you to mend a broken heart, or become free of bondage you may have in your life. 



    I recommend this book for those who desire to know God's purpose for their lives.   Stormie's words comfort women who are suffering with depression, tried to commit suicide, or who find it hard to change bad behavior in their lives.  Teenagers also may benefit and use this book as a guide through life's difficult problems.

    I read alot of spiritual books but this author is truly unique. Her words are filled with honesty and come from the heart.

    I also love that in her book she gives you specific prayers in areas where you may be struggling.  Which is perfect for those who are unsure of how to pray or what to pray for.

    I eventually plan to buy extra copies of this book to give to  friends and family members.

    Stormie also has other books for the whole family and devotionals, so check them out.




    EMBRYOLISSE-Lait Creme Concentre



    AKA: The 24 HOUR MIRACLE CREAM $25.00 75ml












    Used by makeup artists all over the world. Artists and non-artists are crazy about Embryolisse pronounced
    (ehm-bree-oh-lees).

    Though most use it as a moisturizer or primer, it's so   versatile and gentle it may also be used as a cleanser, mask, makeup remover,after shave cream or to cleanse babies.

    Embryolisse is suitable for many makeup artists' needs by being a multi-purpose product.  Because of it's multi-tasking abilities it eliminates extra products to pack in a makeup kit.

    I have not heard one bad thing about this cream.  This is the most trusted product, used on celebrities and supermodels.  Embryolisse became popular here in the states from other artists and models who used it overseas.  And it's still #1. 

    I bought this at the nyc makeup show and a little goes a long way.  Be sure to use your cream before 1 year after opening. At the very top of the tube it shows you the expiration date.

    Embryolisse reminds me of Clarins Beauty Flash Balm, due to the fact that they're both rich, gentle, and multi-tasking.  Clarins Beauty Flash Balm's super rich ingredient is olive oil where Embryolisse is shea butter.  Clarin's may be more suitable for those with mature skin versus Embryolisse
    which is for all ages and skin types.  Which makes it more versatile.

    At first I didn't see the hype about the infamous cream but now I am a believer. With everyday use it will totally transform and re-hydrate dry, flaky-looking complexions. You will get instant results with this miracle cream.

    FACTS:
    This 24 Hour Miracle Cream gets its name because of its many uses; It is a cleansing and moisturising cream that combines emulsifying and softening agents with active moisturisers while respecting the skin's natural balance
    (pH, microorganisms) and encouraging the rebuilding of the hydrolipidic layer (the skin's natural protection).

    Immediately provides skin with essential nourishing components to replenish lipids and rapidly repair it. Its formula, which has been used for decades, remains extremely simple and effective. The nourishing ingredients can be absorbed by the skin to restore its barrier function and smooth away imperfections caused by cutaneous dryness.

    Ingredients:
    AQUA. PARAFFINUM LIQUIDUM. STEARIC ACID. GLYCERYL STEARATE. TRIETHANOLAMINE. CERA ALBA(beeswax). CETYL PALMITATE. BUTYROSPERMUM PARKII(shea butter). PHENOXYETHANOL, METHYL PARABEN, BUTYL PARABEN, ISOBUTYL PARABEN, ETHYL PARABEN, PROPYL PARABEN. STEARETH-10. POLYACRYLAMIDE C13-14 ISOPARAFFIN, LAURETH-7. PARFUM. PROPYLENE GLYCOL, HYDROLYZED SOY PROTEIN, ALOE BARBADENSIS

    Buy it:  beautyhabit.com, alconeco.com or amazon,

    Description: white cream with a light scent

    Watch Enkore's video on how to use this product can be used.





    Must Have: MAC Brushes

    We all adore MAC especially their brushes.  MAC brushes are good in quality and are used by many people all over the world.  I always thought it was genius how MAC numbered their brushes.  Though MAC is not the only company who uses this method, it is great for those who can't remember the technical names of each brush.  So, this number system makes identifying their brushes so much easier. 

    My favorite MAC brushes are #217, #239, #109 and the #168, but they are all a treasure.

    MAC #239 Shader Brush $24.50
    This is an excellent brush to use for packing color on your eyelid. 
    Because the brush has stiff and dense bristles this enables you to grab more color and add intensity.  You may also use this brush to apply shadow onto your lower lashline 


    MAC #217 Blending Brush $22.50,     This is my absolute favorite.  When I worked at MAC I always referred and sold this brush. This brush enables you to blend effortlessly more than one color this brush is very easy to use and again is a natural bristle brush which gives you better blending abilities with powders and creams.

    MAC #224 Tapered Blending $30.00,   The ultimate blending brush this blends colors together exceptional well and brings the entire eye design together.  The shape of this brush gives you a light application of color. Remember-the longer the brush the lighter the application.  Also can use as a buffing brush, example;  applying liquid concealer under the eye.
    MAC #208 Angled $19.50
    Fills brows in beautifully and makes the perfect eyeliner brush.  Use this brush with your favorite gel eyeliner or use to apply a thin line of color on your lower lashline.









    MAC #168 Large Angled Contour $34.00, Nice brush to use solely for blushing but mainly used for contouring the hollows of the cheek and applying bronzer around the contours of the face








    MAC #187 Duo Fiber $42.00
    This is s a pretty versatile brush, you may use it to apply your liquid foundation or on powders.  This brush gives extreme light-weight application










    Watch these videos from EnkoreMakeup on MAC brushes to get a better understanding on each brush and how to use them.




    Saturday, August 27, 2011

    The Best Pimple Buster!


    MARIO BADESCU DRYING LOTION 1oz. $17.00


    I went to the makeup show in NY last year and this was sold out the first day!

    This stuff is in every celebrity's kit to help them stay pimple-free and flawless.

    Does Charlize Theron or Jennifer Aniston ring a bell, plenty of these A-listers use Mario Badescu products. Especially their drying lotion.  MB is not an expensive brand and un-like most companies that charge full price for  smaller sizes, MB gives you plenty of product. 

    This product really works! Don't shake it!  I was shaking it like crazy when I first saw it, to later find out that you are not to shake this product.  Be sure to read the instructions before using. 

    What makes MB unique is how they use simple minimal ingredients in all their products. Minimizing the use of too many ingredients help to prevents breakouts, irritations or allergic reactions. 

    Though there are thousands of skincare brands on the market, MB stands out to me the most. MB has an impressive selection of masks, serums and basic essential products for every skincare need. 

    I recommend MB to everyone from acne sufferers, to sensitive and mature skin types. 

    You can find MB products online, Ulta, Nordstrom, Henri Bendel or Lord & Taylor.

    I found this little youtube vid from Mario Badescu 
    please watch.  Enjoy :)

    Celebrity Beauty Inspiration

    HAYDEN PANETTIERE
    with
    A Brown Smokey Eye & Classic Red Lip


    Really love this classic look mixed with a bit of a sexy radiance. Hayden is a naturally pretty girl which of course helps, but this look can be done on anyone. 


    Definitely an evening look, which is perfect for a girl's night out or a cocktail party.


    I just had to recreate this look on someone.  I then stumbled across a pretty girl at the grocery store who resembled Miss Hayden Panettiere and here she is.


    I had so much fun photographing my model.  She has a really good spirit and is very down to earth. 


    My model normally doesn't wear this much makeup but she definitely didn't mind having a her makeover for the day
    My model actually had done modeling when she was younger which was extremely helpful



















    Products used:

    Face
    Moisturizer-Embryolisse
    Primer-Clinique Redness Solutions
    Foundation-Guerlain Parure Extreme Luminous Wear/clair 2
    Powder-Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder #1
    Highlight Liquid-Stila Illuminating Moisturizer
    Highlight Powder-Revlon Mineral Finishing Powder/010 Brighten

    Cheeks
    Nyx/mocha, and Maybelline Mineral Power/fresh plum

    Eyes
    Primer-MAC Paint Pot/painterly
    Lid-Bare Minerals/sex kitten
    Contour-NARS Duo/galapagos
    Mascara-models own/ Maybelline Stiletto Lash/black
    Eyeliner-Estee Lauder Double Wear/onyx and MAC Pencil/smolder
    Brows-Nyx Eyeliner #904 light brown

    Lips
    Primer-Rosebud Salve
    Lipliner-Nyx/red hot
    Lipstick-MAC/russian red and Makeup Forever Flash Palette/#17
    Gloss-Sally Hansen Diamond-baguette



















    3 Kick-Butt Products for Women 30+



    L'Oreal Visible Lift Serum Absolute Foundation SPF 17  $14.99  1 fl oz.
    My friend Suzy and I went to Walgreens a couple months ago and discovered this baby. I just knew this foundation would work for her.  She has mature skin, and needed a foundation that was not too heavy and convenient to use for everyday.  I  also knew this foundation had hyaluronic acid in it, which is perfect for those with dry or mature skin. 

    Suzy bought and then tried the Visible Lift foundation and instantly was in love.  This formula is creamy, easy to apply, gives good coverage and leaves you with a natural glow.  She ran out of her previous foundation, Almay Smart Shade which did work for her, but she really wanted to upgrade to something more luxurious minus the extra price. 
    Suzy definitely is sold and will make this her permanent foundation.
    With everyday use of this product the serum infused foundation will benefit her skin over time, lifting her skin and her confidence.


    FACTS:
    L’oreal Visible Lift Absolute Serum Advanced Age Reversing Makeup not only treats and nourish the skin, it evens out skin tone, minimizes fine lines and wrinkles and adds a natural glow which lifts and brightens the skin. 

    L’oreal claims Five Proven Results:
    • 45% more even skintone
    • 72% saw more youthful skin
    • 75% reduction in fine lines and wrinkles
    • 79% saw fewer imperfections
    • 90% saw smoother skin

    L'Oreal Visible Lift Serum features an age reversing serum of 5 ingredients in 1 luminous makeup. New visible lift serum absolute makeup instantly evens skin tone and is lightweight.
    Infused with a powerful serum of 5 advanced skincare 
    ingredients: hyaluronic acid, pro-retinol a, pro-xylane, pro-lastyl and vitamin c. Combining over 10 years of research and 3 patents, visible lift serum absolute advanced age-reversing makeup is one of the best. 

    Hyaluronic Acid: Prevents the signs of aging
    Pro-Retinol A: Treats wrinkles, fine lines, increases turnover rate of skin cells, helps with acne
    Pro-Xylane: Defends the skin against water loss, thus moisturizes
    Pro-Lastyl: Boosts elastin in skin, firming it
    Vitamin C: Boosts collagin in skin, firming it. It also helps brighten the skin.

    12 shades available.

    Provides medium coverage, reduces redness, won't settle into lines and wrinkles, lasts all day and has sun protection of SPF 17.

    Packaging: pump dispenser

    Quality: nice smooth, lightweight texture

    Best For: mature women over 35+, normal, combination, or dry

    Overall: I will always recommend this product as long as it's still around.  I plan to grab a couple more to add to my kit to use on clients.  For the price and the quality of ingredients that not even department store foundations have,  this is a must have item for all mature women.




    Bio-Oil $11.99
    I've always seen Bio-Oil at the bottom shelf at drug stores and was always pretty curious about it.
    I eventually broke down and decided to buy the 2oz. bottle.

    The second I got home I applied a little on my finger to check it out.  I liked how it felt and spread onto my hand.  It's definitely an oil, but far from greasy and is incredibly light-weight.

    My Bio-Oil routine consists of immediately after washing my face I add two drops to my moisturizer which always gives me that boost of radiance and softness I rarely see from any moisturizer.

    If I have a scratch or a scar I will gently rub the oil on the area, and sure nuff' I always get results.

    I love you Bio-Oil!


    FACTS:
    This Product has one over 50 awards for excellence globally

    Bio-Oil may be used on:
    Scars
    Stretch Marks
    Uneven Skin Tone
    Aging Skin
    Dehydrating Skin
    Bio-Oil's breakthrough ingredient PurCellin Oil:
    PurCellin Oil is a recreation of the preen gland oil of ducks.
    This oil creates a thin, non-greasy layer on the surface of the feathers without which water would not pearl off and the bird
    would struggle to swim.

    This ingredient acts as a delivery system for Bio-Oil's other ingredients, improving separability and allowing for targeted absorption into the skin.

    Bio-Oil includes many beneficial skin ingredients such as Vitamin A, Vitamin E, calendula oil, lavender oil, rosemary oil, and chamomile oil. This mix of plant oils and vitamins has been clinically shown to be beneficial to the skin.

    Effective on Scars and Stretch Marks
    Bio-Oil helps improve the appearance of all types of old scars new or old, and is also highly effective in helping maintain elasticity of scar tissue on joints and other high-mobility areas, including stretch marks. Ideal for pregnant women.

    Great for Skin Tone and Dry Skin
    Bio-Oil helps improve the appearance of uneven skin tone caused by excessive sun, hormonal fluctuations, or skin-lighteners. Sagging and wrinkled skin that is associated with aging also benefits from Bio-Oil.  Wrinkled and sagging skin is caused by the weakening of the collagen and elastinreducing the appearance of wrinkles

    Helps protect against the drying effects of water and climate; lubricates and relieves dry or chapped skin; Daily Skincare - Specialist intensive moisturizer. Soothing after-sun treatment. Ideal as a bath oil. Non-greasy. Rapidly absorbed. Suitable for all ages. No preservatives.

    Non-Acnegenic and Hypo-Allergenic
    Bio-Oil is a non-acnegenic and hypo-allergenic product, meaning it has a decreased tendency to cause allergies and acne, and it is safe for use on sensitive skin

    Packaging: 2 oz. jar (4oz. is available for $19.99), clear plastic stopper with a hole in the middle which will preserve product and prevent spilling.

    Quality: a silky light-weight oil; has a strong rose fragrance

    Best For: everyone

    Overall: I am a true believer in this product.  I use Bio-Oil every night and continually see results and always, always refer it to all my friends and clients.





    Clarins Beauty Flash Balm $45.00

    Beauty Flash Balm is one of Clarins most popular products.  This is a miracle product especially for mature skin.  This may be too rich for those for girls or teens. 
    This must be used correctly or you will make a mess and not get the best results. While applying you are not to massage it in like normal creams.  What you must do is squeeze a pea size amount at the tip of your fingers, gently spread onto all fingers and apply gently in a patting motion onto your face.  For some reason when you apply too much product, it gets messy and crazy lookin'.  So I strongly suggest everyone to follow the directions or ask the counter person to demonstrate or explain exactly how to use it.

    Ladies, I'm tellin' you this is it!  Everyone has this one, plenty makeup artists carry it in their kits for their celebrity clients.  Clarins is very reputable and a reliable brand.  Clarins can get a little costly, but once you start seeing the difference it'll be worth the sacrifice.

    CBFB claims to instantly moisturize, brighten, and tighten facial contours, giving your skin that awake and well rested look.  CBFB is formulated with olive extract, which helps to smooth the skin's surface, diffusing the appearance of lines and wrinkles. Bisabolol soothes, softens, and helps restore skin's youthful glow. Clarins' most popular radiance booster, this product is sold once every 20 minutes worldwide. It is allergy-tested and non-comedogenic. 

    Also recommended to use as a great 10-minute "energy" mask, its non-oily formula prepares skin for perfect makeup application and hours of luminous wear

    Directions
    Morning or evening, after thorough cleansing and toning, apply (without massaging) a very thin layer over the face, neck and eye area. Apply make-up immediately, if desired. Beauty Flash Balm can also be used as a facial mask 2 or 3 times a week. After cleansing and toning, apply a thin layer to face and neck.
    -Do not rub.
    -Follow with foundation, if desired.
    -Apply a thick layer, 2-3 times a week as a 10-minute "energy" mask.

    Packaging:  Tube

    Quality:  Very creamy

    Best For:  ideally for women 30+ , and most skin types

    Overall:  I recommend this to everyone who has mature or dry skins.  In the beauty industry most artists use this product as a primer and let me tell ya! It works beautifully under foundation