As a part of my beauty routine, I always apply moisturizer to keep my skin supple and also as a smooth base for my makeup application. Even though I have oily skin moisturizer is still an essential part of my routine otherwise my skin would be even oilier! Another problem that I have are breakouts so it’s always a balancing act of making sure that I use all of the right products that work for my skin while keeping my pores clear and making sure that I’m doing all of the right things. So when I received Avon’s Reversalist Day Renewal Cream I was anxious to try it out because it helps to reverse the signs of aging while providing SPF 25 – score!

Avon claims that this formula can visibly reverses wrinkles with Activinol Technology and here is what they have to say about what their product can do:

What is Activinol Technology?
Activinol Technology is shown to increase the production of Activin to help boost skin’s ability to repair itself and recreate fresher, newer looking skin. Avon is the first to use this complex consisting of two exclusive Phytochemicals:
• Amorphophallus: Stimulates Activin production to help trigger skin’s surface repair process.
• Sesbania: To help deliver firmer, less wrinkled looking skin

I’ll admit that I was a bit hesitant because I thought that this cream would be a too heavy and therefore would clog my pores but on the first application my fears were alleviated. The cream was very light and not at all oily. This cream does have a perfume scent to it although it’s not too strong it’s definitely noticeable.

I used this product for approximately two weeks before reviewing it, just to make sure that it did not cause any breakouts and that it showed some improvement in the condition of my skin. On my initial trial of the product my skin was well moisturized but not oily. Over the weeks that I used the product I noticed that my face had a much smoother appearance.  I don’t have a huge problem with wrinkles but I do have some parentheses (aka laugh lines) on my face that are starting to show up. These little laugh lines appeared a bit plumped up, yay! If I keep this up I might just look 21 again!

I love that this formula also has sunscreen, which is great because we all know how important it is to protect our skin from the sun. Avon’s Reversalist Day Renewal Cream also states that it helps to reverse discoloration and although I do not have much of a problem in that area I will continue to use it to hopefully see an improvement in a light scar that I have on my cheek ~ I’ll keep you posted. Overall did this product do what it says it could do, I’d have to say yes. It’s a great moisturizer with SPF 25 and it helps give your skin a more youthful appearance so I will certainly continue to use this product.

Avon Reversalist Day Renewal Cream is available at Avon.com – 1.7oz retails for $27

Disclaimer: The product mentioned in this review was provided by a PR Agency for editorial consideration.

“Illamasqua is for the bolder person hiding inside all of us. It is an act and an attitude. A symbol of tolerance. A celebration of idiosyncrasies. A confident statement of self-ownership.”

I’m new to the brand Illamasqua but I was anxious to try it because the alternative vibe and bold colors. Illamasqua was conceived by makeup artist Alex Box who shaped the brand’s development from conception to execution. Box has created avant garde looks for designers such as Alexander McQueen, Stella McCartney, Chanel and Karl Lagerfeld. Alex strives to bring to life the fantasy within all women and aspires for them to express their alter ego.

The first product that I tried from this line was the Illuminator which is a face and body product that can be applied to the eyes, cheeks, cleavage etc to highlight and enhance. It goes on wet but dries quickly to a high shimmer. The tips provided by the product suggest that this product can be applied over eyeshadow or lipstick for greater intensity. These are colors that you definitely want to wear at night due to the intensity of the pigments.

The color that I tried was called Halcyon which is listed an an ivory pearl shimmer but it’s really more of a pale gold color when applied.

This multi-purpose illuminator comes in 4 other colors: Fondle (peachy pink), Glimmer (golden tan), Odyssey, (white pearl) and Poised (pale pink). I will say that the product does dry pretty quickly so start by blending a small amount and then add more as necessary. To soften the color a bit you can blend it with you favorite moisturizer and voila a soft sheen!

Illamasqua is sold exclusively at Sephora and this product retails for $18.

Disclosure: The product mentioned in this review was provided for editorial consideration

Avatar starlet Zoe Saldana is the face of Avons newest fragrance Eternal Magic. The fragrance is inspired by the rare Princess Monaco Rose. I love the Zoe was chosen to be the face of this fragrance because I must admit the she herself is a rare beauty. The bottle is quite elegant and beautiful just like it’s spokesperson.

I’m very proud to be working with Avon and to be the face of Eternal Magic. It means so much to me to be associated with a company that shares my values and believes in empowering women. ~Saldana

This elegant fragrance captivates with the following notes:

Top Notes: Sheer Violet, Sicilian Bergamot, Pink Peppercorn
Heart Notes: Princess Monaco Rose, Orris, Magnolia Leaves
Base Notes: Creamy Vanilla Warmth, Transparent Woods, Fluffy Cloud Accord

The Eternal Magic Collection:
Eternal Magic Eau de Parfum ($22.50, 50 ml)
Eternal Magic Shower Gel ($10.00, 200 ml)
Eternal Magic Body Lotion ($12.00, 200 ml)

Available exclusively through Avon Representatives.  To locate an Avon Representative call 1-800-FOR-AVON or visit www.avon.com

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Check out the 2010 CEW Beauty Award Winners:

And The Winners Are...

I just received my Neutrogena UltraSheer Liquid Daily Sunblock SPF 70 and I’m quite excited to see how it works over the next few days. This sunblock is smooth, lightweight and dries to a matte finish so that it can be worn alone or under your makeup. The packaging states that it’s waterproof, sweatproof, non-comedogenic, oil free and PABA free.  This formula contains helioplex which is said to provide more protection against UVA and UVB rays.

This is my first time trying this product and after using it for one day I must say that this product does blend well and dries to a matte finish without any greasy residue. This is a plus because my skin can get quite oily and can be acne prone. I was able to apply under my makeup and my face felt just like it normally did under my minimal makeup application. Over the next few days I will be trying this formula out (hoping that it not too heavy to become part of my daily routine). The sunblock has a light pleasant smell and was easy to apply to the skin – not too thick and very easy to blend in with my moisturizer.

More to come over the next few days.

xoxo

Disclosure: The product mentioned in this review was provided for editorial consideration.

As a woman with sensitive skin I am always on the lookout for products that cleanse, tone and moisturize without stripping away the precious moisture of my skin or leave it read and irritated. When I learned that Dermalogica was launching a system specifically targeted at sensitized skin I jumped all over it. Dermalogica launched their new product line in their 1,640 square foot Soho, NY store where clients received microZone treatments – 20 minute mini facials where your skin is analyzed and then zone specific treatments are utilized to treat areas of concern. I really love the concept of a 20 minute facial because it’s quick enough to do on your lunch break but thorough enough where you will feel completely refreshed. The treatment is $35 for a 20 minute facial which is a steal in my opinion considering the great customer service and the high quality or products that are used.

The product that stood out the most to me was the UltraCalming Cleanser which is a ph-balanced cream cleanser that helps to calm the skin, cool the redness and easily rinses away. Some of the key ingredients are Raspberry fruit extract, Lavender and Cucumber all which calm and sooth sensitive skin.

UltraCalming Cleanser

The cleanser retails for $9.50 for 1.7 fl oz bottle and $33.00 for 8.4 fl Oz bottle.

The other products included in this line are:

UltraCalming Mist - a soothing toner with Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice. $8.50 for 1.7 fl oz and $32.00 for 6 fl oz.

UltraCalming Serum Concentrate - a silky moisturizer to correct inflammation and redness. $52.00 for 1.7 fl oz

UltraCalming Barrier Repair – a waterless moisturizer to soothe and help repair damage from the environment. $37.oo for 1.0 fl oz

UltraCalming Relief Masque – this formula uses colloidal oatmeal to soothe irritated skin. $42.00 for 2.5 fl oz

I was able to try each product in the new line as well as check out some of the many skin care treatments that Dermalogica offers. The Concept Spaces have Skin Bar Stations, MicroZone Treatment areas and Face Mapping skin analysis. The Skin Bar is equipped with personal steamers, mirrors and other implements to allow clients to test and experiment with products.The consultations are free of charge and there is no appointment necessary. There are two Concept Spaces in the US: Soho, NY and Santa Monica, CA however if you are ever in Berlin, Dubai, New Zealand or Mumbai feel free to give your skin a treat.

All of the products were created by The International Dermal Institute which develops skin care products free of mineral oil, artificial colors, fragrances or SD alcohol. To learn more about Dermalogica please visit www.dermalogica.com

The Makeup Show NYC is such a huge event that it’s really hard to take it all in and digest all of the information, check out what’s new and build community within the world of beauty and makeup. While I was there I made sure to make my way around each of the booths to speak with the company representatives and to see what they had to offer. I would have to say that I was pretty successful however there were certain booths that we extremely busy even though  arrived right at 9am sharp.

While at the show I came across a product line that I haven’t heard of before, it’s called Mai Couture. They offer a 2 in 1 oil blotting/bronzing paper. I sampled this product at the show and I really liked it, it was very subtle on my complexion. Here’s what it looks like:

Another fun and innovative product that I was able to try was from Beauty for Real. This created a product perfect for the diva on the go who wants to do a quick touch up on her lipgloss. This gloss comes complete with an LED light and a mirror, everything that you need to look amazing on the go.

L’Oreal had a booth where they had plenty of testers available for the HD makeup. I was even able to pick up a few samples to try out, unfortunately they did not have any makeup for purchase.

I loved these oil blotting sheets from Makeup Mania, you can tear off as much or as little as you need. How handy is that?!

Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics is a makeup brand that uses ocean minerals to keep skin hydrated. I sampled their mineral foundation at the booth, loved how smooth it was on my skin. This is a line that I need to take a closer look at.

There were may well known brands at the show such as Stila, their booth was packed and many of the items were selling out as I waited in line, right before my eyes. This palette was very pretty but there were 4 left when I arrived and the woman in front of me purchased them all.

In addition to the brands represented, there were several business forums and professional development workshops. I attended the Forum with Tegan Taylor the digital makeup artist for films such as Avatar and A Christmas Carol. I also sat in on several of the other business forums and demonstrations, I learned quite a bit about new products and makeup application. The Makeup Show is an event that really aims to educate and inspire those within the beauty industry and it really is a must attend event unlike anything else. I give it 5 stars all the way!

Welcome to The Makeup Show 2010! This amazing trade show has attracted over 12,000 visitors, over 200 brands and over 100 presenters over the years. Here is a look inside some of the amazing beauty brands that have inspired beauty aficionados and makeup artists everywhere.

Korres was one of the first stations that I visited and while I was there I picked up some makeup removing wipes. It’s my first time trying this product so I will let you know how they work.

The Mehron booth absolutely captivated my attention.

A demo at the Mehron booth, gorgeous!

Face Atelier was in the building with some very exciting news – they launched a line for women of color at The Makeup Show!

Here are the swatches from the new line ~

Smashbox had a stand a computer kiosks set up so that attendees were able to sign up for their pro discount on the spot!

MAC Cosmetics had several live model demos.

Paperself showcased their beautiful paper eyelashes  inspired by the art of Chinese papercutting. These were absolutely beautiful.

MUD – Makeup Designory was there and their MUA’s helped me pick out a new foundation.

These were just a sample of the amazing booths that we showing at The Makeup show. This is certainly a MUST attend event for all professionals in the beauty industry. I was able to sample quite a few products and purchase some as well. I even picked up a complete set of makeup brushes which I cannot wait to try out. Many of the booths provided take home samples so that you can try their products at home, which is nice because really how many products can you test out in one day? I loved every second of it,  swear I died and went to makeup heaven!

More to come…