REVIEW: Per-fekt Eye Perfection Gel

Selected as a Cosmetic & Personal Care (CPC) Packaging 2009 Editor's Choice Award Winner, Per-fekt's Eye Perfection Gel is winning women over too with its unique applicator tip and multi-function formula.

Each year, CPC Packaging reviews hundreds of product launches from the previous year and this year Per-fékt Eye Perfection Gel was named for the best outstanding package. The product features an exclusive palladium tip applicator that instantly cools skin and reduces puffiness upon application. This revolutionary, multi-functional skin-perfector, eye treatment and moisturizer-in-one is formulated especially for the delicate eye area and helps smooth away the appearance of puffy, tired-looking eyes, under eye shadows, fine lines and wrinkles, while also hydrating the skin. Peptides help stimulate the synthesis of collagen; ceramides and hyaluronic microspheres hydrate and firm the skin; cucumber extract helps relieve puffiness; and alpha lipoic acid with vitamins A & E fight aging.

Per-fekt Eye Perfection Gel is a multi-tasking, modern gel-mousse that glides on effortlessly to instantly leave the eye area with a smooth, airbrushed finish - perfect alone or a fantastic primer for eyeshadow. This multi-tasking formula contains a light-reflecting tint that brightens tired-looking eyes, and it's free of oil, talc, wax, fragrance, and parabens.

So here's my experience: The silver (palladium) tip is excellent at providing a cooling sensation to tired, puffy morning eyes. In combination with the cucumber extract, it definitely provides a soothing experience for the delicate undereye area - no question. Additionally, I'm actually quite impressed, though not surprised, with the texture and finish this creamy-powdery-gel-mousse product provides. If you've tried Per-fekt Skin Perfection Gel (their version of a facial primer), the eye gel is very much like it in feel and finish. Per-fekt recommends applying two layers of the gel allowing about 30 seconds drying time between applications for best lifting, lightening and smoothing results. Very similar to a primer, the lines around my eyes are less noticeable and my undereye area is definitely left with a "softened" appearance. Would I use this alone without concealer? No. I mean, maybe on a Saturday or Sunday running errands, but for work days or nights out I definitely need the extra coverage concealer provides. I have one of the tinted shades ("Bright," the lightest of the three shades as I am very fair), but it blends so well into skin I don't notice much in way of coverage. The gel leaves the area feeling soft and makeup/concealer application is easier when used as a primer. I also appreciate the skincare factor the gel gives, though I'm not advocating for ridding your drawers and bags of night time eye treatments and/or moisturizers.

So nice is the feel and appearance this product gives that I've used it as a primer/line fill/pore reducer for my forehead and the area on either side of my nose as well. Though the price of this little gem does not lend itself for all-over coverage (it's a tiny tube, only .3 oz of product), it could easily be used as a facial primer with great results.

Per-fekt Eye Perfection Gel is available in four varieties - Awake (colorless), Bright (sheer, light neutral), Refreshed (sheer, medium beige) and Vibrant (warm tan for olive or darker skins); and retails for $45. Per-fekt brand beauty products are available at Per-fekt Beauty online, Sephora (in-store and online), Henri Bendel, Takashimaya, HSN and Fred Segal.

meet carol shaw at the huntington beach ulta!

If you're lucky enough to live in the Huntington Beach, CA area, here's something you might want to attend.

Meet creator of LORAC and celebrity makeup artist,
Carol Shaw at the ULTA in Hungtington Beach, CA.

She'll be spilling all of her Red Carpet makeup secrets just for you.

Considering her client book reads like a who's who of gorgeous Hollywood...Debra Messing, Nicole Kidman, Rachel Bilson, Naomi Watts, and Teri Hatcher just to name a few...you might want to plan on stopping by.

Here's what's going on...

Beauty aficionados will have the opportunity to meet Carol Shaw and get the inside scoop as she shares her makeup tips! Guests will also be treated to VIP makeup consultations from LORAC and ULTA Makeup Artists and complimentary beauty essentials including a mini TANtalizer Baked Bronzer. Plus, as a gift with purchase LORAC is offering a full-size Co-Star Lip Gloss.

When is all of this taking place you ask?

Well mark your calenders for this Saturday, October 3rd from 12pm - 5pm, because that's when the fun is going to be on.

It's all taking place at the ULTA in Huntington Beach.  Here's the addy and phone number, because I'm sure you're going to have to call ASAP and get the nitty-gritty details...

7777 Edinger Avenue, Suite 130

Huntington Beach, CA 92647

714.891.9708

Jennifer

Three Custom Color Specialists Bestows Loving Gift upon Their Customers

Wow! Trae and the sweet angels at Three Custom Color Specialists are showing their customers some huge love this week. In a note to customers, 3C expressed their gratitude to customers who have had to battle what they've described as poor website functioning over the past few months.

"As many of you know, over the last few months our site has been experiencing
periodic trouble – timing out, not displaying images properly, running painfully
slow, etc. We have been working very hard with our server to get these problems
ironed out, but it has been slow going. We have now been assured that our site
is running smoothly and will it continue to do so moving forward.
We can
only imagine how frustrating it has been for so many of you, and while we have
done our best to help you personally over the phone and by email, we realize
that in certain cases, our help was only a small consolation after wrestling
with our uncooperative website. We are so grateful for your continued support of
our brand, and now that the site is up and running properly, we wanted to thank
you and treat you to a special offer."

Mmmmm ... and some sweet offer it is. Enjoy 40% off sitewide for 3 days, starting today (thru midnight Oct. 1). This is a great time to stock up on your Ready to Wear and Custom favorites or to try something new that you’ve been curious about! Already know what I'm picking, dying to try their new for fall Opaline Creme Eye Definer in that lapis shade, Aurora. Oh, oh, oh ... so excited!

Enter code: LOVE at checkout.

Fantastic! Thanks, guys (and gal), this is just too delicious an offer to pass up. Happy shopping, everyone. xo

Aveda Gives a Hand to Breast Cancer Research

As has been Aveda's tradition since 2004, this year Aveda is again raising funds for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) by selling their limited edition, 150ml/5oz tube (a 19% increase in size with a 7% savings for guests) of Hand Relief.

Aveda's hand cream is an incredibly rich moisture therapy. It soothes
dry hands, leaving them noticeably softer and smoother. Hydrating plant
emollients, humectants, exfoliating fruit acids and anti-oxidants—including
vitamins A and E—help diminish signs of aging and provide optimal relief. It has
a lovely fresh scent.

The Breast Cancer Research Foundation is a nonprofit organization founded in 1993 by Evelyn H. Lauder and dedicated to funding clinical and genetic research on breast cancer at medical institutions across the globe. During the month of October, Aveda will donate $4 from the sale of each Breast Cancer Awareness Hand Relief to the BCRF to help advance the understanding of environmental links to breast cancer.

Help a very worthy cause and enjoy wonderful hand care simultaneously. BCA limited edition Hand Relief will retail for $21 and will be available for purchase through the month of October at Aveda online and through their salons, spas and institutes.

june jacobs creamy cranberry cleanser

Finally, fall is here.

The whole fam is even heading out to a local farm this weekend for some pumpkin picking, hay riding, corn mazing, and general fall-farm-tasticness.

Basically me and Big L chasing after little l and trying to get through the whole ordeal without going completely insane.

Okay...getting back to the beauty product you see to your right...

June Jacobs Creamy Cranberry Cleanser ($44) is just that, creamy and cranberry-y and overall one of my faves.

First off...it smells exactly like cranberries.

Love that.

Secondly, it cleans my face of the makeup and gunk that collects there (say it with me...ewww) and leaves it feeling refreshed and soft once it's rinsed off.

Not stripped and dry.  Seriously...who would want their skin to feel like that anyways?

Certainly not me.

Find yours at junejacobs.com.


Jennifer

bobbi brown rich color gloss

How excited am I that Bobbi Brown has come out with some new glosses?

Um...do you really need to ask?

Bobbi Brown's new Rich Color Gloss ($20) offers the look and benefits of three products in one: the full color coverage of a lipstick, the soft shine of a gloss, and the luxurious feel of a balm. The modern formula moisturizes and conditions, wears comfortably, and lasts throughout the day without feathering.

It's available in a range of eight shades...

You know that I loves me some Naked and Pink Buff, so I'm definitely going to have to hit up my local Bobbi counter and check them out.

Find yours at your local Bobbi Brown counter, or try bobbibrowncosmetics.com.


Jennifer

New from NARS: Eyeliner Stylo

NARS has introduced Eyeliner Stylo, a super-fine precision tip liquid eyeliner that allows for maximum control during application. The unique tip ensures a precise, even line with just one stroke. I'm drooling at the promo image. Regular readers will know I'm a huge fan of Lancome's Artliner eyeliner pens and haven't found anything close to its brilliance in application. I don't know, this just may give them a run for the money. I know I'll be trying them for sure.



The waterproof, quick-drying formula delivers a high dose of pigment for optimum coverage and intense color.

High pigment formula provides optimum coverage and intense color
Long-wearing, quick-dry formula shapes and defines eyes - lasts all day
Super-fine precision tip ensures an even line - thick or thin

NARS new Eyeliner Stylos come in three shades, Blue Bayou (that's the one I'll be buying first), Nuits Blanches (a shiny black), and Nabucco (a chocolate brown), each retails for $27. They are available exclusively at NARS Cosmetics online.

Ok, gotta go put my face on and get to work ... have a beautiful day, lovelies! xo

Field Notes from Paris, a New Fragrance by Ineke

Ineke just returned from Paris where she launched Field Notes from Paris in Florence, Amsterdam and London. The fragrance is now available at Takashimaya in the USA and through Ineke's website online. Samples of the collection for current online customers will be available in October. With a collection of notes that promises to be nothing short of scrumptious, Field Notes from Paris is the very essence of the smells of fall.

Top Notes: Coriander Seed, Orange Flower, Bergamot

Middle Notes: Tobacco Flower and Leaf, Patchouli, Cedarwood

Base Notes: Tonka Bean, Leather, Beeswax and Vanille

Field Notes from Paris is available in Ineke's sophisticated, elegant glass bottle; 2.5 oz retails for $88.

Bottega Veneta Spring 2010 RTW

"Architectual," "organic," "sculptural," "the most beautiful collection shown yet this season," these are all words used to describe Bottega Veneta's Spring 2010 easy, lively collection. Tomas Maier for Bottega Veneta decided upon a collection of sheer individualistic playfulness completely conscious of the female body as the core inspiration for Spring 2010. "I think of it as a collaboration with women," he said. "The clothes are meant to be a backdrop, a blank canvas, so the wearer can play with color and accessories to change the look and make it her own." The concept of the neutral background came when he saw a group of children being dropped off at a karate class in Florida, where he lives: "I liked the look of the canvas, and that became my color card—white, cream, straw. And the idea of the soft belt."

White cotton, edged in cream, made up milkmaid dresses with slashed or funnel necklines and wraparound blouses. Panelled white bra tops came under roomy jersey vests and white silk all-in-ones were accessorised with a purple or yellow scarf thrown around the neck and totes and espadrilles made of what looked like woven raffia but were in fact nappa leather.

High wedge sandals with woven espadrille soles, delicate string macramé slingbacks, statement jewelry, and an amazing translation of the house leather intrecciato bag into something resembling a soft straw basket. The collection epitomzed the season's feeling for sport, pale color, and the textured aesthetics of humble materials with a flair for sophistication. Neural colors were the staple of the clothing, and the few colors that were showcased included that fashion forward mustardy yellow, deep red and vibrant purple that we've seen throughout the fall and spring shows next couple of seasons. Three fabulous evening dresses in boldly colored iridescent material (polyester ... shhhhh) finished the show for a drool-worthy experience in the city of Milan.

Hair for the show was created by Guido Palau and makeup with those fantastic purple lips and ultra-feminine allure was the creative genius of makeup artist Pat McGrath. Love that beauty look. Soft, feminine face with richly colored lips, a true compliment to the nature of the Bottega Veneta collection itself.

images: style, elle

so loving...vorte vu tart d'amande soufflé riche pour le corps

Tart D'Amande Soufflé ($48 retail $43.20 if you're a preferrred member) is a decadent treat for my skin.  It makes it feel amazing and it smells like the most awesome dessert ever...but thankfully doesn't leave me with the extra poundage on my hips.

It's rich and thick, yet not heavy or greasy.  It just manages to deliver divine velvety goodness where I need it.   Macadamia Oil, Grape Seed Oil, Shea Butter, Coconut Oil, and Sweet Almond Oil are just a few of the ingredients that help in that area.

Did I mention the Almond Pie scent?

Totally warm with a hint of sweetness...making it right about perfect for the cooler months ahead.

Find it at votrevu.com

Jennifer

Fall's Obsession-Worthy Nail Colours by Chanel

Brilliance to your fingertips with must-have colours from the runways of Paris. Chanel's top five Le Vernis Nail Colours for fall:

Gondola - a richly shimmering maroon

Dragon - a glamorous true red

Vendetta - a deep glistening aubergine

Blue Satin - a lustrous midnight blue

Cosmic Violine - a warm glittering plum

Chanel Le Vernis comes in a treasure chest shades for every season, each retails for $23. For more information, please visit Chanel online or at your favorite beauty counter.

Allure Virtual Store's Best of Beauty Sweepstakes

Win a huge suitcase full of Allure's Best of Beauty picks!

I like to pass along these little gems when I find them. This one sounds fantastic. Enter for a chance to win the mother of all goodie bags. Each year, at Allure's Best of Beauty party in New York City, they give their VIP guests a massive suitcase packed with past and present winners plus new favorites – more than 100 products in all.

Starting October 1st, enter for your chance to score this year's suitcase, valued at $3,330!

Click HERE to enter.

Discover Allure's Best of Beauty 2009 online now. There are 189 picks in makeup, skincare, haircare, body care, nails, natural wonders (yea!), men's stuff, best splurges and more.

Fall 2009: An Afternoon of Beauty with Olivia Chantecaille

If you're in New York this Friday, treat yourself to an afternoon of beauty with Olivia Chantecaille.

BERGDORF GOODMAN
Fri., 10/2/09
3:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Products used on Olivia Chantecaille for the look above:

Sylvie Personal Collection, Fall 2009

Chic and sophisticated, the Sylvie Personal Collection embodies today’s strong, modern woman. Sparked by the energy and excitement of the city, this new collection speaks to women who are active, engaged and stylish—women who find beauty in a confident, elegant look.

The Sylvie Personal Collection was inspired by Chantecaille founder, Sylvie Chantecaille, and is thoroughly contemporary in its fashion-forward palette and sleek, brand-new gunmetal packaging. This simple, streamlined look reflects an up-to-date femininity—a simple, authentic statement that exudes smart, urban cool. A complete collection for face, eyes and lips, re-imagined for Fall.

Sylvie’s Personal Palette
A new, square, super-stylized compact contains a complete palette for eyes and cheeks. Each of the four colors is intricately embossed in the shape of the rose, the symbol of Chantecaille. Eyes are the focus of Fall’s face, and three deep tones include two Lasting Eyeshades in a rich plum brown and a matte beige, both of which can be applied wet or dry. A Shine Eyeshade in shimmery fawn is an opulent highlight and can be easily blended in the crease of the eye for added sparkle. A Perfect Blush in a mediumtoned rose for cheeks comes in an ultra-fine highly adherent formula for a smooth, flawless complexion. All delivered in one chic, metalized pouch, it creates a rich and elegant vision for fall. Price $72

Luminous Eye Liner in Viola
An intense, long-wearing liquid eyeliner in plum with brown overtones. A unique formula rich in pearls and pigments is easily applied with the brush applicator to deliver a high-glamour look. Price $22












Le Stylo in Dark Brown
A dramatic, long-lasting liquid liner in an innovative marker form. Perfect for graphically defining eyes with a highly precise line of rich, dark brown. Price $26











Lip Chic in Heirloom
New, deep berry tone that anchors Fall’s sophisticated face. The newest addition to Chantecaille’s Lip Chic collection, a highly emollient formula that offers the even coverage of a lipstick with the high shine and plumping effects of a gloss. Added collagen give lips a boost, leaving them fuller and decidedly more youthful in appearance, with out any irritation. Price $30

To RSVP and schedule your appointment for an afternoon of beauty with Chantecaille at Bergdorf Goodman, please call 212.872.2725.

collection & images updated: 9/30/09

my sunday wish list

Honestly, I love this....

Vince Cashmere Cocoon Sweater ($320) is just so sumptuous and soft and cozy and soooooo going on my wish list.  Adore it with a tank and a pair of jeans, for one fabulous weekend look.

Will I end up getting this?

Well, unless it goes on some major sale...the chances are slim to none.

This is a little more like my reality...

Bobbi Brown Tinted Moisturizing Balm ($50)...and definitely in my price range.

Why?

Because it kicks major patootie in the skin softening/moisturizing department...a plus for dryer skins...something of which (for some crazy reason) I am now dealing with.

Grated it's not going to keep me warm once the temperature begins to dip, but it will protect my face from the sun with spf 25.

Plus a little goes a long way, so that tub o' goodness will be lasting me a while.

Find it at bobbibrowncosmetics.com.



Jennifer

emmy look...kyra sedgwick

Here's another Emmy look...this time it's Kyra Sedgwick.

Sorry, this one's been hiding in the depths of my inbox.

Enjoy...

Kyra's Emmy beauty look is by P&G Beauty makeup artist Jake Bailey.

The look was fresh; glowing skin, bright peachy cheeks, stained lips and ultra lush, lengthy lashes

For the eyes I kept the focus on lashes. It was a daytime red carpet and I wanted Kyra to be fresh and glamorous. Smoky eyes and heavy shadows can be gorgeous, but super black, super long lashes are a great way to look and feel glamorous during the day without looking overdone. I used lots of CoverGirl LashBlast Length Mascara on the top and bottom lashes.

The ultra long skinny brush makes a precise application with lots of length super easy. Make sure you start at the very, very base of the lash line, wiggle the brush and pull outwards to the tips. Glide over lash tips over and over to build maximum length

On Kyra’s skin I used a sheer veil of Chanel Teint Innocence Liquid Foundation to complement rather than disguise her natural complexion

On her cheeks I used CoverGirl and Olay Simply Ageless Sculpting Blush in Plush Peach. It contains Olay Regenerist Serum which adds an amazing moist glow to cheeks. The best way to apply cream blush is with a small round fluffy blush brush same as you would with a powder blush. Swirl onto the apple of the cheek and blend upwards and back along the cheekbone. For a super natural look and easy application, just apply with your fingertips.

I wanted Kyra’s lip color to last all night so I opted for a lip stain rather than a lipstick. This is a great trick for a long night because you can do a bright lip without having to worry about it staying in place. I used CoverGirl Outlast Lipstain in Bit of Blossom. I recommend tapping your fingertip on the felt tip applicator then tapping that pigment onto your lips for a slightly bitten "this is my real lipcolor" look. For extra shine throughout the evening, I gave her a sheer peachy gloss from Clarins.


For more info on CoverGirl products, head on over to covergirl.com.


Jennifer