Beauty Review: Telescopic Explosion Mascara by L’Oreal

I decided it was time for me to try out a new mascara. Even though I am liking my collagen enhanced mascara from L’Oreal, I wanted to try something new, hopefully something better. Unfortunately, I didn’t find it. Instead, I bought the Telescopic Explosion mascara from L’Oreal, hoping that the small wand would help transport my small lashes into long beauties like it promised. It didn’t.

 

Since the wand is so small, it took twice as long for me to apply the mascara. Then, the mascara was incredibly clumpy, even by the third time I used it. Yes, it does get to all my lashes, even the corner lashes, but it does nothing for length or volume. Instead, I get a clumpy mess of lashes and I was late for work. I would skip this mascara, especially since it has a higher price tag.

Beauty Review: Idealist by Estee Lauder

I was one that never really understood what having pores meant; didn’t understand when other’s fretted about their large pores. Then just recently I started noticing a change on my face. I could see my pores, larger than normal, and I started feeling very self-conscious about it. Pores, which are tiny openings in the skin that provide a way for the oil glands underneath to lubricate and protect the surface of your skin, can become enlarged for various reasons. Puberty, increased amounts of oil on the face, and picking at blemishes are some of the more common reasons.

 

Fortunately for me, my roommate works for Estee Lauder and suggested a product after I complained to her. She recommended the Idealist, a pore minimizing skin refinisher. She got me a sample for it, and I began using it in the morning before applying my moisturizer. She did warn me that is could cause breakouts in the beginning, but works really well with continued use.

 

It did make me break-out within just two days of using it; I noticed my chin especially looking worse. But my skin is clearing up, and I do so an improvement. My pores look smaller and face feels better in general. The skin feels softer and has a more even tone to it. I would recommend this product for those who need to shrink there pores, but would advise against starting it if you have a big event coming up, as you will break-out right after beginning use.

 

You can pick up the Idealist along with other great skincare products at Estee Lauder stores or online at EsteeLauder.com.

 

Source: Better Bodz

What is Eyebrow Threading?

Fact: I unfortunately do not have nice, groomed eyebrows. Ever since I was young, my brows have just been out of control. I started getting them waxed around the age of 13 because I hated them so much, and the myth that the more you wax something the less hair grows back over time is a lie. I’m going on 23 and the hair still grows in just as thick and just as fast. I have grown accustomed to the waxing procedures and teaching myself how to pluck fairly evenly in between my monthly waxes.

 

When I was visiting my family in El Paso, Texas over Christmas I saw a stand in the mall for eyebrow threading. Upon closer inspection, I saw a woman moving a piece of thread along other woman’s eyebrows, cleaning up her brows and shaping them at the same time. I was intrigued- especially after I saw that the woman’s forehead wasn’t bright red after she was finished like mine always is after waxing. I decided to give it a try.

 

Eyebrow threading is a form of hair removal that originated in parts of India, the Middle and Far East. The cotton thread is twisted and rolled along the surface of the skin entwining the hairs in the thread, which are then lifted quickly from the follicle. Threading is becoming more popular in the United States because it is inexpensive- it cost me $10- as there are no chemicals being used. It also does not leave the skin irritated because it is not ripping off the top layer of skin, instead getting underneath the hair follicle and removing the hair in one smooth line- making the shape of your eyebrows look even better.

 

I will say that I liked eyebrow threading because it was quick, cheap, and my eyebrows did look a lot better than they would if I had waxed or plucked them. It didn’t last any longer than waxing though, and it was incredibly painful for me. After my aesthetician had done one eyebrow, I wanted to ask her to stop because the pain was almost unbearable. It almost felt like someone was taking a razor blade to my eyebrows, and I honestly thought I was going to look in the mirror and see a bloody face when she had finished. Of course I didn’t, I had beautiful looking eyebrows, but I can’t say I will do eyebrow threading again. Waxing is actually less painful in this game of beauty we play.

Source: www.eyebrowthreading.com

Are Teeth Whiteners Safe?

Teeth whitening has become increasingly popular throughout the years, with more and more people purchasing over the counter products and getting costly procedures done at their dental offices. But just how safe is bleaching your teeth?

                                                             

At the start of my college years I joined the bleaching craze. I bought a huge box of white strips and eagerly came home and placed one on the top and bottom rows of my teeth. Within just a few days I could tell a difference with my teeth color. I was thrilled that it was working and I didn’t just waste $35. But then, something happened. If I was chewing food that was either real warm or cold, my teeth would ache. Eating ice cream or other cold treats were out of the questions. Even taking drinks from a water bottle or cup became a painful process, and I had to start drinking everything out of a straw because the pain was too bad on my teeth. I had suffered from sensitive teeth in the past, but this was an extreme pain that was making the small task of eating or drinking nearly impossible.

 

After researching my problem on the internet, I scheduled an appointment with my dentist to see what was going on. Turns out, the white strips were slowly stripping my teeth of their enamel, causing intense sensitivity. I had to immediately stop use of the strips and after time the sensitivity disappeared and my mouth felt back to normal.

 

That was four years ago. A few months back I bought a different type of tooth whitener; this was a gel that I placed over my teeth with a q-tip and let sit for five minutes once a day. This process took longer to turn my teeth a whiter color, but I have experienced no pain or sensitivity, just better looking teeth.

 

So what are the differences with teeth whiteners and how can you be sure you are getting a safe product? I found an article on Yahoo! Health that helped answer some of my questions, and the answers made me less confident in my daily whitening routine. Research has shown that using an at home whitening procedure for 2 weeks at a time once or twice a year should have no long term effects, but those chances decrease if you use a whitener daily. Also safe: a one time visit to the dentist for a whitening procedure, or a dentist prescribed whitening tray worn at a night a few weeks out of the year.

 

The dangers of tooth whitening are more than just pain and sensitivity, but can include gum irritation, bluish enamel, uneven whiteness, and can even lead to needing a root canal. This can occur if the bleach seeps into a crack in the teeth or an unfilled cavity.

 

So what is the safest method for whitening your teeth? The American Society for Dental Aesthetics states they are only comfortable recommending a custom fit whitening tray from a dentist. The tray will help keep the bleach from spreading on the gums and other tissue in the mouth, decreasing any harmful effects. If you do want to try an at home treatment to save money, check with your dentist first. There might be a cavity that needs taken care of before you start bleaching, or other dangers lurking in your mouth that your dentist would recommend against doing a teeth whitening kit.

 

Source: Laurel Naversen Geraghty, Prevention

 

Relief For Dry, Damaged Hair

All this dry weather does nothing good for my hair, which is naturally uncontrollable. My hairdresser is always suggesting using a deep conditioning treatment about once a week to help breathe some life and moisture into my locks, so I finally decided to see what it’s all about. I browsed online looking for some at home treatments because a friend had told me she makes her own recipe instead of buying expensive bottles at the salon. So I figured I could do the same, save myself some money and get better looking hair.  

 

The recipe I settled on was from RecipeZaar.com and seemed pretty straightforward. Ingredients: 1 cup of mayonnaise (preferably room temperature), ½ cup of olive oil, and three eggs. Blend all ingredients together, then apply thoroughly to hair, adding more on the ends. Use a shower cap or old towel to wrap around your head, keeping the heat on your strands. Leave on for 10-20 minutes depending on the length of your hair, then wash out thoroughly. Don’t shampoo after you use this treatment! The next day when you shower, shampoo and condition as usual.

 

My hair did feel better after using this treatment, though for that first day it did feel a little oily, so I would suggest making sure you do it when you are not going out! But after the next shampoo, I could tell that there was more shine, and it felt better to touch. If you are suffering from dry hair as well try out this or another deep conditioning treatment to get some results!

Solution for Chapped Lips

Living in Iowa during the looong (and never ending) winter months can really cause havoc on a person- especially a girl! My hair gets brittle, skin is dry and cracked, and I have to go through tube after tube of Carmax because my lips are so chapped. I started deep conditioning my hair once a week, slathering on moisturizing lotion immediately after stepping out of the shower, but couldn’t figure out a way to get over my chapped lips dilemma.

 

Luckily, a co-worker overheard me complaining about my problem (waking up to dry bloody lips is not fun!) and suggested for me to try putting Vaseline on my lips before going to bed. And it works! Just dabbing the Vaseline over my lips helps prevent them from cracking in the middle of the night, and even helps keep them softer throughout the day, causing me to use less chapstick. I would try out this little trick if you are suffering from chapped lips!

Will Water Clear Your Skin?

As a lover of carbonated drinks, I have been trying to cut back my consumption of soda and other juices that aren’t the best for my health. My solution? Bringing a water bottle with me to work and drinking water throughout my 8 hour work day. I also bought a Brita water filter for my house, because my tap water does not taste good at all and I now can drink healthier, better tasting water instead of sugary juices at home. I was so proud of myself switching to a healthier alternative, and I even heard that drinking lots of water would help improve my skin. I got even more excited after hearing this, and upped my drinking level from about 3 full water bottles to five full water bottles during my work day.

 

Sad to say, I got an email from FitnessMagazine.com filled with fun pointers and facts today, and one of their little facts mentioned that drinking water (no matter how much or how little) will improve your skin. Darn. Water is still good for your overall health, but will not help hydrate and improve skin. What will help? Apply a lotion or moisturizer to your face right after you get out of the shower. That will help trap the moisture and you will begin to see improved results.

Britney Spears Extends Contract with Candies

People.com has announced that Britney Spears is keeping her jobs with Candie’s, the brand available through Kohl’s. The pop star signed on to be the face of Candie’s last March, starring in multiple ad campaigns since. The brand has said that they are renewing Spear’s contract throughout 2010, and will continue to appear in their advertisements and marketing campaigns.

Photo Credit: Courtesy Candie’s

Sarah Jessica Parker Takes on Designing Role

Sarah Jessica Parker has always shown us her love for fashion, from her famous Carrie Bradshaw outfits in Sex in the City to her red carpet choices. People.com is now reporting that Parker has signed on with the fashion brand Halston (she wore their designs in the upcoming Sex in the City movie) with an active design role, possibly even the role of creative designer for Halston Heritage, the company’s just-launched secondary collection. (Halston Heritage will feature pieces at contemporary price points.) The actress has past experience in creating and designing for fashion lines; she created the affordable apparel line Bitten for Steve & Barry in 2007.

Photo Credit: James Devaney/WireImage

Lindsay Lohan Accused of Copying Designs

Lindsay Lohan just can’t seem to win when it comes to fashion. The actress had recently announced an expansion of her leggings line 6126 into a full clothing line, but is now being accused of copying designs from two separate designers. People.com reports that James Lillis, designer of Black Milk Clothing, pointed out the similarities between Lindsay’s “Diamond” leggings and his own “Sheer Spartan” leggings — both of which boast a signature triangle cutout at mid-thigh. Then, Fashionista.com saw the resemblance between Lohan’s geometric dress and a Jen Kao dress the star wore only last month. Kao has responded by saying, “While we are all well aware that being ‘mimicked’ or ‘copied’ has always existed in this industry, I think the evolution of it all has grown to an alarming level. It’s a shame to support the concept of taking advantage of designers who are still trying to develop a name and solidify the image of their design aesthetic.”

Lohan has yet to comment on the allegations.

Photo Credit: London Entertainment/Splash News Online, Courtesy 6126

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