Here are the March 2009 posts that you can see on Beauty and All That @ http://igknowidea.blogspot.com
Original posts by Beauty and All That
* Sephora Beauty Insider: Free Smashbox Primer
* Everyday Minerals Sample Kit Review
* Cole Haan 30% off Sale Items & Free Shipping!
* Maybelline Viva La Violet Spring 2009 Look
* Sample Sale- Soho 119 Designers
* L'Oreal EverPure Moisturizing Shampoo- product review
* Michael Kors Sample Sale in NYC March 19-21
* Shecky's Girls Night Out in New York City 2009
* Characters Dressed up in NYC Times Square
* Sephora's Naturally Gorgeous Event
* Shecky's Goodie Bag 2009
* Physicians Formula Organic wear® makeup
Lovely TotalBeauty.com posts
* Expert Beauty Tips
* How-to: Celebrity Hair & Makeup
* Bridal Hair Styles
* Makeup for Going Out!
* Relax this weekend DIY Beauty Recipes
* Prepare for Spring Break with these Travel Products
* Skin care products
* DIY Hair Color Tips
Check out more blogs @ TotalBeauty.com
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Product Review: Physicians Formula Organic wear® makeup
Physicians Formula Organic Wear line came out less than a year ago, but it has taken this long for me to write about it. I was first introduced to this product at a booth at Self's Workout in the Park. They were giving away full-sized product samples of their 100% Natural Origin Bronzer.
I found their packaging unique and eco-conscious; there wasn't anything like it in the market last Spring. Each compact is made of 93% less plastic than a traditional compact of that size. I like that the other side has a mirror and a brush even though the plastic protector is not entirely sturdy. (Can you imagine putting that inside your purse with everything else? It would break!)
I tried their bronzer and thought it was a bit too dark and streaky for me. But I still had faith in their other products, because I am a sucker for products that are natural and free of harsh chemicals, parabens and synthetic preservatives. These claims are made on each Physicians Formula box, so it's hard to miss their messaging to their consumers. I have accepted that when products are made with natural ingredients, they can not be compared to the ones that I have always used before.
So a couple of months ago, I picked up another Organic wear product- their 100% Natural Origin Eyeliner. Overall, I like it because it smudges pretty easily, and at the end of the day, it smudges onto my bottom water line. It just makes my eyes smokier :)
I also got their new product last month, the 2-in-1 Bronzer & Blush in Light Bronzer/Pink Rose color. The blush is very rosy and the bronzer color is lighter than the original bronzer that I have in Natural Glow Bronze Organics color. It's great that both shades together in a compact, for convenience-sake.
The product I am most excited about though is their 100% Natural Origin Mascara. I haven't tested it yet, but it is free to try. (Upcoming post about their freebie here!)
Overall, I am pleased with the Organic wear line and hope to try their eyeshadow shades soon (if they can only have it in stock at a nearby drugstore when I am there)
Check out more blogs @ TotalBeauty.com
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I found their packaging unique and eco-conscious; there wasn't anything like it in the market last Spring. Each compact is made of 93% less plastic than a traditional compact of that size. I like that the other side has a mirror and a brush even though the plastic protector is not entirely sturdy. (Can you imagine putting that inside your purse with everything else? It would break!)
I tried their bronzer and thought it was a bit too dark and streaky for me. But I still had faith in their other products, because I am a sucker for products that are natural and free of harsh chemicals, parabens and synthetic preservatives. These claims are made on each Physicians Formula box, so it's hard to miss their messaging to their consumers. I have accepted that when products are made with natural ingredients, they can not be compared to the ones that I have always used before.
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So a couple of months ago, I picked up another Organic wear product- their 100% Natural Origin Eyeliner. Overall, I like it because it smudges pretty easily, and at the end of the day, it smudges onto my bottom water line. It just makes my eyes smokier :)
I also got their new product last month, the 2-in-1 Bronzer & Blush in Light Bronzer/Pink Rose color. The blush is very rosy and the bronzer color is lighter than the original bronzer that I have in Natural Glow Bronze Organics color. It's great that both shades together in a compact, for convenience-sake.
The product I am most excited about though is their 100% Natural Origin Mascara. I haven't tested it yet, but it is free to try. (Upcoming post about their freebie here!)
Overall, I am pleased with the Organic wear line and hope to try their eyeshadow shades soon (if they can only have it in stock at a nearby drugstore when I am there)
Check out more blogs @ TotalBeauty.com
Sunday, March 29, 2009
DIY Hair Color Tips
| At last -- beauty salon color experts divulge secrets of coloring hair at home |
 If you've recently started experimenting with at-home color or are thinking about making the switch (in the name of saving cash), use these tips as your guide. With this expert help you can get salon-quality results in the comfort of your bathroom. So go ahead and cheat on your colorist -- with yourself! You and your wallet will be happy you did. |
Check out more blogs @ TotalBeauty.com
Friday, March 27, 2009
Skin care products
| Find out what products to splurge on and when to save your hard-earned dollars |
 You don't have to spend half your paycheck on skincare products to stay wrinkle and pimple-free. That said, slathering household condiments on your face to avoid paying for the good stuff isn't necessary either. Dermatologist Dr. Ava Shamban and P&G scientist Mary Begovic Johnson helped us compare products with similar ingredients that are very different in cost. Here's what we found. |
Check out more blogs @ TotalBeauty.com
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Shecky's Goodie Bag 2009
 | This year's Girl's Night Out goodie bag was noticeably different from last years! (Read about the last one here) I even overheard one lady calling this the "recession" bag.. haha I still enjoyed this year's goodies as I like having and trying new and different products. According to the site, there were 25 product sponsors and each bag, different in contents, contained samples from about 15 companies. |
My goodie bag contained the following products (in order of favorites, which is determined by a variety of things, including but not limited to usefulness, aesthetics, size, etc):
1) Yes to Carrots- Carrot Rich Moisturizing Body Scrub - LOVE this!
2) Pop Chips- BBQ Flavor- delicious! I even bought the Sea Salt and Vinegar
3) Sexy Jobs In The City book - fun and easy book to read
4) Goody -Stay Put Hold hair ties and Colour Collection hair ties
5) Colgate Wisp- travel-sized, disposable toothbrushes
6) Herbal Essences hairspray- in Set Me Up
7) Dial - Antioxident Body wash
8) Dr. Miracles Deep Conditioner Treatment
9) Black Radiance lip gloss - pretty colour!
10) My Boys DVD- with one episode
11) o.b. tampon cases- I saw someone put her flash drive in here! Good use!
12) eBoost
13) Instant Krazy Glue - is it me or does this not belong?
14) Maxim tampons/pad sampler
So you can that the products in here are a great sampler/goodie bag for the price of $20 (I ordered my tickets early) To compare this year's bag to last year's goodie bag:
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Although the products look like they were zapped by the machine in "Honey, I Shrunk the Kids" this year, I still had a great time at the event, toting my bag:
Quick Review on products I already tried from the bag:
1) Yes to Carrots- Carrot Rich Moisturizing Body Scrub
By far one of my favorite scrubs that I have used thus far. It contains carrot juice and Dead Sea Mud, which has detoxifying properties to cleanse, detoxify and mineralize the skin naturally. I was hoping it would be orange, but it turns out the scrub was white in color. It has a pleasant scent and my skin feels really smooth from the almond, olive, jojoba, and avocado oils fused in this body scrub!
2) PopChips
Yummy delicious snack. They don't fry or bake their potatoes so its all natural. I even checked out their site and saw they had other flavors, including salt and pepper, sea salt and vinegar, and regular. Hope they have other flavors soon but in the mean time, I'll be buying some more of these!
Check out more blogs @ TotalBeauty.com
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Sephora's Naturally Gorgeous Event
Did you check out the Naturally Gorgeous Event at Sephora yesterday? They were promoting their natural and organic brands and offering consultations to interested customers. During my consultatation, I was asked what my skin concerns were (sensitive skin) and she recommended a Boscia cleanser. It was rather quick, since I already had a consultation earlier this year with another great Sephora free sample offer. (Read post here)
Here are the pictures of the samples I received:
Check out more blogs @ TotalBeauty.com
Here are the pictures of the samples I received:
Check out more blogs @ TotalBeauty.com
Friday, March 20, 2009
Characters Dressed up in NYC Times Square
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Strange things happen in New York City, but seeing Elmo or Winnie the Pooh in the middle of the streets is apparently normal. In the world famous tourist site, Times Square located in the heart of New York City, I saw a few of my favorite characters.
Spongebob Square Pants, Elmo, Winnie the Pooh and Shrek (albeit, he was tiny!)
Check out more blogs @ TotalBeauty.com
Prepare for Spring Break with these Travel Products
| Don't travel without these essential hair care products and cosmetics |
 Wherever and however you travel, you don't want to trade precious clothing space in your suitcase for a giant can of hairspray or your favorite shampoo. That's why we put together a perfectly planned travel beauty kit to wipe all your concerns away -- and leave room for another pair of shoes! Browse our gallery to find your ideal travel-sized essentials. |
Check out more blogs @ TotalBeauty.com
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Shecky's Girls Night Out in New York City 2009
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This weekend was the Shecky's Girl's Night Out in New York City. Having been to the previous two Shecky's events (Read about it here) this event was even more packed and filled with eager women ready to shop, drink and have a good time!
Almost every lady there was toting a "Goodie Bag" filled with product samples from their sponsors, including Herbal Essences, Yes to Carrots, and many more! I actually got there early when there was hardly a line to retrieve the bag and I got completely ripped off. How so? I opened my extremely light-weight bag to find a couple items from the new sponsors and an Aveeno Shower & Shaving Cream/Wash. (the only full-size product in the bag) This was obviously from last year's leftovers. I should know- I already have two of these! You can imagine my frustration when a group of girls opened their bags and squealed with delight that their bags were FULL of stuff. So I calmly went back to exchange for another bag.
I was happy snacking on delicious cupcakes from Cupcakes Gourmet and warm cookies from Insomnia Cookies. Towards the 7pm, they started to charge for the cupcakes, which would explain why the crowds around the tables were gone. They had samplings of the cookies throughout the night so that was yummy. Conair had two talented hairstylists who curled or straightened hair. The wait was too long to bear so I didn't get a chance to get my hair done. Herbal Essences had smoothies, hand massages and I got a hair consultation. Their hair expert, Jacob, felt my hair and recommended I use their featherlight shampoo/condition, which smells fabulous! I am looking forward to trying that out. I skimped on the conditoner that day which may explain why he thought my hair felt a bit coarse...
Enjoy the pictures of the event and look forward to a detailed description with pictures of MY GOODIE BAG coming soon!
If you have been to a Shecky's before, comment and let me know what you think of their events!
Check out more blogs @ TotalBeauty.com
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Relax this weekend DIY Beauty Recipes
| Work, home, the economy -- it's all too much! Get stress relief with these soothing treatments |
 Let's face it: these are pretty stressful times. And since most of us don't have the budget for a spa massage or facial, we need to make do with home remedies. All of these are quick, easy and you can make them with stuff that's already in your kitchen (so they're cheap too!). Take a moment to indulge, you deserve it! |
Check out more blogs @ TotalBeauty.com
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Michael Kors Sample Sale in NYC March 19-21
The Michael Kors sample sale with up to 75% off the women's collection.
To attend the sample sale on Thursday, March 19 you must RSVP to events@michaelkors.com
Check out more blogs @ TotalBeauty.com
Friday, March 13, 2009
Makeup for Going Out!
| Pump up your blah workday look to create an evening-chic look |
 No need to do a full makeup reboot when you need to go from the office to a swanky dinner. We asked makeup pros how to go from a basic everyday face to a sophisticated night look - you wont believe how easy it is! |
Check out more blogs @ TotalBeauty.com
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Bridal Hair Styles
| Look no further, a gorgeous style for your big day is right here |
 You've got the dress, auditioned the band and confirmed the catering. Now it's time to decide on the important things -- like your hair. To help you, we had stylists at the Nelson J Salon in Beverly Hills, Calif., pull together their favorite new looks for wedding hair. Not getting married? You can still sport one of these stunning dos -- just be prepared to steal the spotlight from the bride. |
Check out more blogs @ TotalBeauty.com
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Product Review: L'Oreal EverPure Moisturizing Shampoo
Shampoo! It's one of those products that I know I can try a lot of different formulas and not be allergic to. So recently, I have testing different shampoos, mostly from free samples that I have getting and collecting.
One shampoo that I have been using for a past couple of weeks and have just sort of stuck in my routine is the EverPure Moisturing Shampoo by L'Oreal. It is a fantastic drugstore find because it is luxury quality for less!
After using this shampoo daily, my hair is feeling softer and shinier. It has a fresh scent and makes my scalp feel nice and tingly. (It has rosemary, mint and juniper extracts in them!) It also lathers well so it feels like I am deep cleaning my hair.
I am so pleased that this product is made of a sulfate-free formula so I know it will not damage my hair but will only leave it even more soft and manageable. The sulfate in the formula ususally makes it lather but they have a found a way to still do so without the chemicals. Even though I don't have my hair colored, its anti-fade system is supposed to keep your hair color from looking dull. Studies have shown it can last up to 32 washes!
If you're looking for a moisturizing shampoo that will evenly coat your strands in the shower and moisturize your hair without stripping it of its natural oils, I definitely recommend using this product! It is affordable and conveniently located at your local drugstore. For a fraction of the price of an expensive shampoo, you can get this and its conditioner. (A review on the conditioner coming soon!)
TIP: Although it is recommended for people for dry hair and if your hair tends to get oily, I would try switching this product with a daily clarifying one. This way your hair won't feel weighed down because your hair still needs moisture!
Read my TotalBeauty review here: EverPure Moisturizing Shampoo Review
(Disclaimer: I received this product from a third-party to test, try and share my thoughts with my readers.)
Check out more blogs @ TotalBeauty.com
One shampoo that I have been using for a past couple of weeks and have just sort of stuck in my routine is the EverPure Moisturing Shampoo by L'Oreal. It is a fantastic drugstore find because it is luxury quality for less!
After using this shampoo daily, my hair is feeling softer and shinier. It has a fresh scent and makes my scalp feel nice and tingly. (It has rosemary, mint and juniper extracts in them!) It also lathers well so it feels like I am deep cleaning my hair.
I am so pleased that this product is made of a sulfate-free formula so I know it will not damage my hair but will only leave it even more soft and manageable. The sulfate in the formula ususally makes it lather but they have a found a way to still do so without the chemicals. Even though I don't have my hair colored, its anti-fade system is supposed to keep your hair color from looking dull. Studies have shown it can last up to 32 washes!
If you're looking for a moisturizing shampoo that will evenly coat your strands in the shower and moisturize your hair without stripping it of its natural oils, I definitely recommend using this product! It is affordable and conveniently located at your local drugstore. For a fraction of the price of an expensive shampoo, you can get this and its conditioner. (A review on the conditioner coming soon!)
TIP: Although it is recommended for people for dry hair and if your hair tends to get oily, I would try switching this product with a daily clarifying one. This way your hair won't feel weighed down because your hair still needs moisture!
Read my TotalBeauty review here: EverPure Moisturizing Shampoo Review
(Disclaimer: I received this product from a third-party to test, try and share my thoughts with my readers.)
Check out more blogs @ TotalBeauty.com
Monday, March 09, 2009
Sample Sale- Soho 119 Designers
Clothingline NYC is having a sample sale for women and men this week with Soho 119, Rogan, Loomstate, and Gustto. According to their site:
* Soho 119 will feature assorted merchandise for Men & Women from designers including Just Cavalli, Betsey Johnson, Diesel, MaxMara, Robert Rodriguez, Moschino Cheap & Chic, French Connection, Calvin Klein Collection, Fred Perry and many more.
* Rogan for Women & Men
* Loomstate for Women & Men
* Gustto - arriving Wednesday (all new shipment)
Times:
Tuesday 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
Wednesday 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Thursday 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
Friday 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Check out more blogs @ TotalBeauty.com
* Soho 119 will feature assorted merchandise for Men & Women from designers including Just Cavalli, Betsey Johnson, Diesel, MaxMara, Robert Rodriguez, Moschino Cheap & Chic, French Connection, Calvin Klein Collection, Fred Perry and many more.
* Rogan for Women & Men
* Loomstate for Women & Men
* Gustto - arriving Wednesday (all new shipment)
Times:
Tuesday 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
Wednesday 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Thursday 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
Friday 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Check out more blogs @ TotalBeauty.com
How-to: Celebrity Hair & Makeup
| Need a new hairstyle for a special occasion? You came to the right place |
 You're never too old (or young) for a great hairstyle and gorgeous makeup, right? That's why we put together these how-tos. If you've got a party, anniversary, school dance or even your high school reunion coming up, one of these celebrity hairstyles or makeup looks will do the trick. |
Check out more blogs @ TotalBeauty.com
Sunday, March 08, 2009
Maybelline Viva La Violet Spring 2009 Look
I saw this at my local drugstore today- Maybelline New York's limited edition Spring Collection, called Viva La Violet. This collection focuses on beautiful shades of purple. I couldn't find anymore info on this besides the above image found on a Maybelline site, country unknown. What is QA?
Some new products include an Eye Express shadow/liner pencils in a baby pink, dark purple, steely gray shades and a dark purple eyeliner pencil, forgot the name. Gorgeous colors! Tell me, will you be wearing purple this Spring?
Check out more blogs @ TotalBeauty.com
Saturday, March 07, 2009
Cole Haan 30% off Sale Items & Free Shipping!
Celebrate Spring in style!
I got this in my inbox a while ago and I thought I would share this with my readers. This is a great deal- 30% off and free shipping- especially if you have been wanting to try their Nike Air shoes! My sources tell me they are also very comfortable :)
To see a sampling of their shoes...
Aren't they gorgeous?
Check out more blogs @ TotalBeauty.com
Friday, March 06, 2009
Expert Beauty Tips
| The best hairstyle and makeup tricks we picked up from the pros during New York Fashion Week |
 Though most people obsess over the clothes they see on the runway at fashion week, at TotalBeauty.com we care more about what happens backstage. Hair and makeup geniuses transform each and every model into gorgeous glamazons. We were lucky enough to learn some of their tricks of the trade so you can try them in your bathroom (the real woman's backstage). |
Check out more blogs @ TotalBeauty.com
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
Everyday Minerals Sample Kit Review
I've recently discovered for myself a brand of minerals makeup that I absolutely adore- Everyday Minerals! They have great products, using ingredients that are free of chemicals, and also very affordable! Many other beauty bloggers/gurus out there also agree. I have learned about this company several years ago actually but I was happy with my makeup routine, using Bare Escentuals i.d. bareMinerals. Not to say that I don't like their products anymore, I just have expanded my collection and it never hurts to try new things. (unless you're severely allergic, which I am to SPF-related products- but that would be an entirely different post)
So after watching many YouTuber's hauls on EverydayMinerals, I decided to get their FREE starter kit, which consists of 3 different base colors for your face, 1 blush color and 1 concealer product. They are all in tiny little jars but they are PACKED with minerals, so they are very generous sample sizes. :)
I took some pointers from their descriptions and ordered the base colors from the Olive family- Olive Fair, Light Olive and Olive Golden Medium. I knew right away out of those three that Light Olive was the right one for me.. I am still going to try other colors maybe Beige Light Medium to see if they are a better match but I'm pretty satisfied with the color match and coverage.
They offer their bases in 4 formula choices- Intensive, Matte, Semi-matte and Original Glo, in the order of most coverage to least coverage. I opted for Matte since I read other users actually broke out from Intensive formula and since I have oily skin, matte seems to be alright. I definitely don't want to over-dry my skin (yuck!)
I got the Bisque color corrector (Concealer) and Daydream blush color. They are fairly similar in color, both rosey and matte formula. I use the Bisque to color correct my undereye circles. Since it is matte, it doesn't really brighten the area as much which is what I want and doesn't really help my dark circles. I've decided to just use it as a contour blush instead.
If you haven't jumped on the mineral makeup bandwagon yet, I suggest you try this company out and at least get a sample kit. You only have to pay for shipping (~$4, depending on where you live). It's a great deal and I'm so glad that I did. Many more purchases of their products to come in the future!
Read here for other Mineral Makeup favorites.
Check out more blogs @ TotalBeauty.com
So after watching many YouTuber's hauls on EverydayMinerals, I decided to get their FREE starter kit, which consists of 3 different base colors for your face, 1 blush color and 1 concealer product. They are all in tiny little jars but they are PACKED with minerals, so they are very generous sample sizes. :)
I took some pointers from their descriptions and ordered the base colors from the Olive family- Olive Fair, Light Olive and Olive Golden Medium. I knew right away out of those three that Light Olive was the right one for me.. I am still going to try other colors maybe Beige Light Medium to see if they are a better match but I'm pretty satisfied with the color match and coverage.
They offer their bases in 4 formula choices- Intensive, Matte, Semi-matte and Original Glo, in the order of most coverage to least coverage. I opted for Matte since I read other users actually broke out from Intensive formula and since I have oily skin, matte seems to be alright. I definitely don't want to over-dry my skin (yuck!)
I got the Bisque color corrector (Concealer) and Daydream blush color. They are fairly similar in color, both rosey and matte formula. I use the Bisque to color correct my undereye circles. Since it is matte, it doesn't really brighten the area as much which is what I want and doesn't really help my dark circles. I've decided to just use it as a contour blush instead.
If you haven't jumped on the mineral makeup bandwagon yet, I suggest you try this company out and at least get a sample kit. You only have to pay for shipping (~$4, depending on where you live). It's a great deal and I'm so glad that I did. Many more purchases of their products to come in the future!
Read here for other Mineral Makeup favorites.
Check out more blogs @ TotalBeauty.com
Sunday, March 01, 2009
Sephora Beauty Insider: Free Smashbox Primer
Source: Sephora email
Use the code: SMASHLAB to get your free Smashbox Photo Finish Lid Primer with any $25 Sephora order.
Check out more blogs @ TotalBeauty.com
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