Pretty in the Queen City

Selena Gomez: Get the Look with Karan Mitchell and Maybelline

 

GET THE LOOK Photo Credit:Wire Image Selena Gomez stepped onto the red carpet on Sunday August 7th at the 2011 Teen Choice Awards looking absolutely radiant. Her red carpet look was created with the help of Makeup Artist Karan Mitchell for Maybelline New York. Karan was inspired by Selena’s inner vivacity and glowing personality and created a look using Maybelline New York’s new Limited Edition Vivienne Tam Great Lash Mascara in Very Black. To compliment her champagne-colored Erin Featherston dress, Karan kept Selena’s makeup fresh and chic but added a touch of color to her eyes and lips.   Maybelline New York Limited Edition Vivienne Tam Great Lash Mascara in Very Black, Available August 14 at Target.com, Available August 21 at Target Stores nationwide For Eyes Karan started with Selena’s eyes, using Maybelline EXPERTWEAR Eyeshadow Quad in Chai Latte, using the soft shimmery shade of the palette on her lids up to the crease.  She then used the lightest gold hue from the Maybelline EYE STUDIO Color Explosion Luminizing Eyeshadow in Caffeine Rush on the inside corners and as a highlight under her brow bone. Next, she used the deepest warm copper shade from the Maybelline EXPERTWEAR Eyeshadow Quad in Chai Latte on the outside corners of the eye, accentuating Selena’s beautiful brown eyes. Karan lined the upper and lower lash lines with Maybelline EYE STUDIO Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner in Charcoal. Karan then topped off the look with three coats of Maybelline New York’s Limited Edition Vivienne Tam Great Lash Mascara in Very Black.   For the Lips The lip look was finished with Maybelline Color Sensational Lipcolor in Pink Satin  – the perfect product to achieve Selena’s soft, fresh, feminine pout! For Face  Karan created a fresh-faced healthy glow for Selena, using Chanel Vitalumiere Foundation in Naturel as a base.  To set the base, she used Maybelline FIT ME Pressed Powder in Pure Beige. On the countour of the cheeks, she used Maybelline FIT ME Bronzer in Light Bronze.

ARCONA's Magic White Ice now available in 50ml! (NEW LAUNCH)

You no longer have to mourn the last drop of your beloved Magic White Ice quite as frequently, as ARCONA is launching a larger, 50 ml version of the celebrity-coveted product.

 

 

The NEW 50ml Magic White Ice will be available exclusively at Nordstrom and Nordstrom.com during their highly-anticipated Anniversary Sale from July 15^th – 31^st for a special price of $47, with full distribution at specialty retailers, Arcona.com and Beauty.com starting August 1^st for a SRP of $58.

 

ARCONA’s Magic White Ice is a daily hydrating gel that moisturizes deep within the dermis without clogging pores to protect against environmental damage and leave skin fresh and dewy. Moisturize skin with white cranberry complex, hyaluronic acid and mucopolysaccharides. Neutralize free radicals with a proprietary mineral complex of beta-carotene and vitamins B-5, C and E. Clarify skin with antimicrobial totara extract and grapefruit complex.

 

Get Your Skin Ready for Summer With Epsom Salt (Guest Post)

GET YOUR SKIN READY FOR SUMMER WITH EPSOM SALT

(Article Provided By the Epsom Salt Council)

Experts Say Epsom Salt is Perfect for Manicures, Pedicures and Relaxing Soaks That Will Brighten Your Skin

June 22, 2010 - As the summer heats up, several beauty experts suggest using Epsom salt to get your feet ready for sandals season, to brighten your skin and to lighten your stress.

"It's one of the least expensive beauty products on the market," says Marsha Bialo, an award-winning celebrity manicurist who has worked with the nation's top photographers and on advertising campaigns for clients such as Bebe, Nordstrom, Estee Lauder, Jessica Simpson and Victoria Secret. "It doesn't matter if you're a celebrity, or an average person on a budget. Epsom salt has a multitude of uses."

Bialo recommends bi-weekly pedicures to ease aches and pains, reduce swelling and disinfect blisters or lesions. Her step-by-step suggestions: give your feet a comfortable place to rest by folding a bath towel and positioning it at the bottom of a bucket. Mix half a cup of Epsom salt with some warm, soapy water to soften skin and calluses and dry out the bacteria from blisters. Next, remove old polish with a cotton pad soaked with nail polish remover, cut nails straight across with clippers then file them square to remove sharp edges. Soak for five minutes, dip a file into the water and use it to smooth your heels, the balls of your feet and the outer edges of your pinkie toes. Afterward, Bialo suggests Calcium Gel Fortifier or Ridge Filling Base Coat by China Glaze followed by a bright, summery coat of polish, and then finish with Seche Vite top coat for a lasting shine.

At the Spa at the Intercontinental San Francisco, you can pamper yourself with an ice cream manicure or pedicure that's made from Epsom salt, a blend of six oils, minerals and fragrances. The treatments are crafted to smell like ice cream - either chocolate, vanilla or pomegranate - and Spa Director Ryan O'Connor says it helps soothe muscles, reduce stress and improve your skin.

"It removes the outer layer of dead skin cells, so your feet and hands look rejuvenated, your skin is going to be more supple and it will look brighter," O'Connor says. "Relaxing your hands and feet is one of the best things people can do for themselves."

O'Connor says he also recommends people soak in Epsom salt and essential oils at home, once a week for 20 minutes, as a way to detox and reduce tension in the spine and throughout the body.

"It actually knocks me out, it's so relaxing," O'Connor said.

Here are some other tips for using Epsom salt to create an at-home spa:

* GLOWING SKIN EXFOLIATING TREATMENT: Mix 2 cups of Epsom Salt with 1/4 cup of petroleum jelly and a few drops of lavender essential oil. Use the mixture to gently scrub away dry skin patches.

* MICRODERMABRASION FACIAL: Mix 1/2 TSP of Epsom Salt into cleansing cream for a deep-pore cleansing. Massage on skin. Rinse with cool water. Pat dry.

* HOMEMADE BATH CRYSTALS: Mix two cups of Epsom Salt with a few drops of fragrance to create a custom bath crystal. Add a few drops of food coloring or 1/2 TSP of glycerin if you like. Store in an air-tight container.

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About Spa at the Intercontinental San Francisco

The elegant I-SPA draws from San Francisco's diverse cultures, green practices and high-tech influences to create experiences that feel just right in today's world. Each visit begins with a guided consultation to address personal goals, and treatments are customized with Murad products, modalities, oils and music based on individual preferences and needs. After an indulgent foot soak, treatments are conducted in state-of-the-art rooms complete with iPod access. For more information, please visit http://www.interconspasf.com/.

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About Marsha Bialo 

Marsha Bialo's manicures have appeared on the hands of models and celebrities in magazine and television advertisements as well as fashion magazine spreads, including Vanity Fair, Harpers Bazaar, Allure, Self, Movie Line, ELLE, Glamour and Angeleno. In 2003, Marsha was awarded best nail artist of the year for her tissue paper nail art creation "Decoupage Couteur," which was developed for the movie Intolerable Cruelty. She is the west coast celebrity manicurist for China Glaze. For more information, please visit www.bpolished.com.

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About Epsom salt

Epsom salt - actually magnesium sulfate - is one of the most versatile household products, with uses ranging from creating at-home spa treatments to soothing achy muscles to helping start or improve gardens. It's been used therapeutically for hundreds of years, and it's gaining a new generation of fans looking for a safe, economical alternative in a sea of expensive, over-the-counter remedies. Epsom salt is easy to use, easy to find in your local pharmacy or grocery store and it costs about the same per use as a cup of coffee.

You can find the Epsom Salt Council on the Web at http://www.epsomsaltcouncil.org or you can click the images below to find them on Facebook and Twitter! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

iMpact color cosmetics Glam Studio (Review)

I survived the thunderstorms in Charlotte yesterday but honestly I was having so much fun at the iMpact color cosmetics Glam Studio that I barely noticed the torrential downpour, thunder and lightening outside. 

You've heard me talk about iMpact color cosmetics in the past and they were even a part of the recent Une Belle Femme Event but I thought it was about time that I tell you more about this unique, inspirational and fabulous brand. 

iMpact’s philosophy is that true beauty and real confidence come from within – when a woman looks good, she feels good. Makeup should enhance and highlight a woman’s natural features. 

The mission is simple. Offer a flawless clean look paired with an uplifting, inspiring experience. The first of its kind : Fusion of Makeup and Ministry. A beauty brand created by Stanley Owings to revolutionize the Beauty Industry. 

So other than offering inspiring messages with each product, what is unique about this brand? Each product has self-adapting pigments, skin-improving complex and color-matrix technology.

 

Color-Matrix Technology ~ Based on the principles of color theory ~ Creates pigments that evenly match skin’s undertone and are able to color correct imperfections Skin-improving complex ~ Powerful cocktail of potent anti-oxidants including Vitamins A, C, & E to improve and protect skin ~ Provides Anti-aging benefits not usually found in color cosmetics ~ Skin benefits even after make-up is taken off ~ Customer will see a noticeable difference in her skin from using iMPact color cosmetics Self-adapting pigments ~ The encapsulated pigment delivery system allows for the product to immediately blend to match the skin tone, allowing for an effortless application, perfect match, and all day wear “WOW” factor ~ Every product has its own unique, special ingredient and/or technology  ~ Example: tinted moisturizer with SPF has hyaluronic acid ~ Example: foundations have pistachio vera seed oil ~ Example: all powder products are silk milled  Having held top positions for the most prestigious beauty brands in the business (YSL, Dior, MAC, and Prescriptives), Stanley Owings is in an enviable position to parlay his vast network of beauty editor contacts, A-list clients, and celebrities into talking points and recognition for the brand. Stanley is ready to demystify the smoke and mirrors behind makeup and reveal all of the tips and tricks from behind the scenes and teach them to the everyday woman. Enter : The iMpact Glam Studio which is located at Fuze Salon. This isn't your typical makeup counter. You are working with a true artist. You aren't working with a hired assistant. You work directly with the man behind the brand.  Each product has an inspiring name such as "i'm free", "i'm blessed" "i'm confident" and products come with a wristband that says "i'm world iMpact" as a reminder to use YOUR life to iMpact someone else.   Photo by Erin Hubbs (www.erinhubbs.com) I have had the pleasure of spending time with Stanley on a couple of occasions and he truly makes everyone feel beautiful and the light within him shines through offering love, peace, inspiration and truth. Not only is he an amazing individual but his brand is one of the most unique brands I've ever seen and the first I've seen that offers such an inspiration.  Not only does the brand have a beautiful mission but the quality is amazing. I personally use iMpact on a daily basis. My loyal readers know that I am a HUGE fan of red lipstick, especially Chanel Dragon #75, but I have set Chanel aside for "i'm confident" from iMpact. I LOVE it and get so many compliments. Not only am I fan of the lipstick but the foundation is unbelievable. My skin looks absolutely flawless after application. Check out this photo of me after Stanley worked his magic I'm not going to share much more because you need to check it out for yourself. If you live in Charlotte, Stanley's iMpact Glam Studio is located at Fuze Salon (1819 East 7th Street Charlotte, NC 28204) or you can purchase products on ShopNBC.com  . You can also follow Stanley and iMpact at  http://Facebook.com/iMpactcolorcosmetics and http://www.twitter.com/stanleyowings  Me with the man behind the brand, Stanley Owings "love yourself. love others. make an iMpact." ~ Stanley Owings

 

L’Oreal Go 360 Clean (Sponsored Post)

No matter your skin type, deep cleansing is always key for flawless beautiful skin. I recently had the opportunity to review L'Oreal Go 360 Clean Anti-Breakout Cleanser. This cleanser is a powerful acne-fighting formula with a super soft Scrublet that helps control breakouts and clear blackheads. When I do have breakouts, which is rare, it's during the summer time. As many, I have a habit of touching my face especially when wiping the sweat from my brow while laying by the pool  ;) . This is a BAD habit and is horrible for your skin. This cleanser comes with this fabulous Scrublet that made me say  *Ahhhhhhh* The scrublet is very similar to the one seen below.

The steps are easy. You pop out the scrublet that is attached to the product bottle, pour the product on the scrublet, massage onto damp skin and then rinse. It's THAT simple! Your fingers never have to touch your face! Clean your scrublet then attach it back to the bottle!! This cleanser makes your pores look smaller, smoother and softer. Another thing I really love about this cleanser is the fact the fragrance is not overwhelming. Any anti-breakout or anti-acne product I have used in the past as only given me a headache with a strong scent and dried out my face. This product left my face smooth, fresh and CLEAN!

Did I mention that L'Oreal Go 360 Clean Anti-Breakout Cleanser is also the winner of the 2011 Self Magazine Healthy Beauty Award for Best Acne Cleanser!

 

L'Oreal has really impressed me lately with their fabulous lines of skincare and cosmetics. It's wonderful to know that you can purchase such great products at an affordable price. 

Go 360 Clean is a line of deep pore-by-pore cleansers. There are five different formulas from which to choose. Every Go 360 Clean cleanser is designed with the innovative super soft Scrublet™ to help you reach deep into every last pore for the cleanest clean.
http://www.lorealparisusa.com

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Disclosure: Compensation was provided by L’Oreal Paris via Glam Media.The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of L’Oreal Paris.

La Ishá All-Natural Skincare:Product Review

La Ishá is the first all-natural skincare company devoted to women over the age of 35 and while I am not yet 35, I ADORE this line." Safe & Effective, Natural Skin Care For Women Who Refuse To Be Defined By Their Age...because a woman shouldn't have to sacrifice her health to stay beautiful!"

Not only are these quality products but the founder has a fantastic mission. Read more about Sharon Gnatt Epel here.

I have personally used several products from the La Ishá line and am so excited that I had to immediately share this review with you

Breast SOS

Finally, a product to support the beauty of our "girls"!!! This synthetic free serum "helps tone, firm and rejuvenate chest and breast area, fade age spots, hyperpigmentation, and minimize appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and skin-creases. Ingredients include organic pomegranate seed oil, which has been documented by international scientific research to support good breast health".

Whether you are a bride preparing for your big day and that beautiful low-cut dress or you are recovering from breast surgery, Breast SOS will nourish your skin while improving the overall color, texture and eliminate fine-lines. I love the idea of using this during your monthly self-examination. Pamper yourself while staying aware of changes to your body. I personally have begun using this product and love it. It's a must-have for all women!

 

Orange-Coconut Skin Polish

I love sugar scrubs but this sugar-based polish is the best one I've used in quite some time. After each use, my skin was left feeling refreshed, smooth and absolutely glowing. It smells fabulous and easy to use. The sugar crystals work to remove the dead skin, then melt away once mixed with water to reveal beautiful smooth skin.

This is one skin polish that should go on everyone's wish list! Christmas is right around the corner you know?!?! Oh, this skin polish was also recently featured on ABC News in a segment about "Eat,Pray,Love" (the movie)

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Interested in the products mentioned above or reviewing other products by  La Ishá ?

Visit Pretty in the Queen City's Beauty Store

(Editor's Note: Compensation was not received for this review. These are my own opinions based on product samples provided by La Isha)

La Ishá:Timeless Beauty

When evaluating your life experiences, do you ever stop to think about how you came to the very moment you exist in? What led to that moment?  What lessons have you learned along the way? This interview got my wheels turning. For me personally, I believe that every single thing happens for a reason (cliche' I know) and we may not understand the "whys" at that moment but when you see your purpose unfold, it all makes complete sense.

These are not questions that La Ishá founder, Sharon Gnatt Epel has to answer daily. She knows exactly what led her to the success she has today and her story is truly amazing. I am thrilled she took the time to share the La Ishá story and a few personal beauty tips along the way. 

 

What inspired you to create your skincare line?
I relocated to Denver from northern California in 2002, and quickly discovered that from my complexion’s perspective I had moved to skin hell! Life in the beautiful state of Colorado is a perpetually good hair day for those of us prone to the frizzies, but the combination of low humidity, high altitude, and exposure to direct sunlight (over 300 days a year) aged my skin so rapidly that I hardly recognized myself a mere 6 months after the move. I looked around me and saw that pretty much everyone was suffering from similar issues: dehydrated skin, uneven pigment, significant lines, skin creases and wrinkles, and age/sun spots that appeared on people who seemed way too young to have them.

I struck up conversations with women I met in the supermarket, the post office, the hairdresser, etc. in an attempt to figure out what remedies people were using to help their skin, and came up empty handed! No one seemed to have a good solution. I also got a strong sense of the apprehension many women were feeling about looking older, not just on an emotional level, but a practical one as they were convinced that their appearance was sabotaging their ability to compete with their younger counterparts for jobs. Some took out loans for facelifts and eyelid procedures that they hoped would improve their chances for employment and make them feel better about themselves, but not everyone has the financial means, emotional support system or desire to undergo invasive surgical techniques to accomplish this.

Another “inspirational” factor in creating my skin care line was the emergence of research suggesting that women have unknowingly been poisoning themselves in order to look good. The phthalates in many beauty preparations were linked to breast cancer and birth defects, and synthetic chemical preservatives identified as the second most common cause of skin irritations. It seemed ridiculous to me that women should be endangering their health and paying such a high price to look good, yet I was definitely among those beauty junkies who had been doing so, blissfully unaware of the consequences.

It was only after my son sustained 2nd degree chemical burns during a rafting expedition (be sure to read The La Ishá Story on http://la-isha.com/library/story.php) that I was introduced to clinical essential oil therapy. I witnessed his miraculous recovery and wondered what effect these natural substances would have on relatively minor skin problems like mine, and how they could be incorporated into a daily skin care routine to produce continuous, long term benefits.

I signed up for classes, studied online, consulted with experts in the field, and eventually wound up experimenting on myself. When my friends noticed the drastic improvement in my skin and asked me what I was using, I knew I had something significant to offer everyone.

If I were to peek in your makeup bag, what would I find?
Concealer, eyebrow pencil, lipstick, Zambeezi organic lip balm and a travel size of La Ishá Nutrient Rich Face Crème.

Other than basic skincare, what three treatment products do you recommend?
While the La Ishá Timeless Beauty Face Collection provides the basics for everyday skin care, we offer several unusual treatments that are exclusive to La Ishá. The first is Breast SOS: this groundbreaking, patent-pending formula is designed to support the beauty and health of the breast and décolleté. This is an area that so many of us forget to address, and living proof of the precautions we have or have not taken to prevent sun damage. Breast SOS helps tone, firm and rejuvenate the chest and breast area, fade age spots, hyperpigmentation, and minimize the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and skin-creases. It can also restore a tighter, springy resilience to the skin that many women may not have seen in years. The ingredients in Breast SOS have been documented by international research to support good breast health and fight free radical damage. Because it is so healing and emollient, many women have used it to speed up their recovery process after breast surgery, and prepare the skin for breast reconstruction.  

Our Natural Age Spot Eraser is another staple in our anti-aging skin care arsenal. It is used to gradually fade age and sunspots without the use of hydroquinone or other harsh synthetic chemicals. Because it is so gentle to the skin, it is ideal for women of color who cannot use chemical bleaches that damage the underlying pigment. Most women find that their age and sunspots have either disappeared or are greatly diminished within 30 to 60 days of regular use.

La Ishá Pomegranate Moisture Booster is another must have product. An adaptogen and incredible skin rejuvenator, it can be added to any face cream or moisturizer that you are already using to supercharge its’ moisture content, help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, even out skin tone, improve skin texture, and provide protection from free radicals. It is customizable moisture that can be adjusted as needed. It is exceptionally effective in combating the dryness caused by cold winters, low humidity, the use of forced-air heaters, air conditioners and the gradual reduction of our skin's natural oils as we mature.

Each bottle of La Ishá Pomegranate Moisture Booster contains approximately 300 drops…because you use only 1 or 2 drops at a time, it is also extremely cost effective. It has become a staple for me and I use it religiously.

You devote your life to improving the lives of others thru your skincare  line. At the end of the week, what do you do to pamper yourself? Because I usually work long hours, I don’t always have an opportunity to pamper myself, even over the weekend. In lieu of this I try my best to meditate at least twice a day, carve out an hour to work out every morning, and get a deep tissue massage once a month. I also love to dance, and recently took up West Coast Swing. It makes me happy and I believe that this has a direct effect on my outlook as well as my appearance.
 
Do you have a spa/salon service that you can't live without? If so, what is it and where do you go? Unfortunately I currently do not, and have not had a favorite since the fabulous aesthetician who used to do my European facials retired some time ago. I am still searching! Any suggestions?

Who is your beauty icon? When I think of beauty icons I think of Catherine Deneuve, the actress who was the spokes model for Chanel No. 5. To me she was as much the embodiment of timeless beauty, elegance, femininity and grace at 65 that she was at 35.

What is your beauty product must have? That’s easy: my Pomegranate Moisture Booster because it serves multiple purposes. When combined with crème or moisturizer it adds emollience…yet when applied (neat) directly to adult blemishes, it dries them up in record time.   

What is your personal definition of Beauty? Physical beauty is so subjective…just like fashion trends, it is usually defined by the culture a person lives in…but for me true beauty has taken on a different universal meaning: I see beauty in people whose charisma and appeal seems to emanate directly from the soul; the kind of person who radiates a happiness and positive outlook that infects everyone lucky enough to be in his or her path. To me true beauty looks kind, warm, humble, compassionate and respectful of others. All you have to do is think back to the last time you met someone whose actions and behavior altered your initial impression of their appearance, and you will know exactly what I mean.

Any last words? For most of us there seems to be a connection between the way we look and the way we feel about ourselves. This is a lesson I learned from my late mother, a very beautiful woman who did not age well in the traditional sense of the word. She once told me that as she got older, her diminishing good looks affected her perception of herself, and this in turn robbed her of her self-confidence.

I founded La Ishá as a tribute to women everywhere, as a vehicle to help nurture and cultivate the timeless beauty that I believe resides within all of us. Feeling as beautiful on the outside as we are on the inside seems to make it a little easier for us women to venture out into the world; it bolsters our self-confidence and puts a spring in our step. In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month (October), La Ishá will be donating one bottle of Breast SOS for each bottle purchased in both September and October to the American Cancer Society’s Look Good Feel Better program. Please join me in supporting our girlfriends, mothers, sisters and daughters who are post surgery and in need of our help.

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Sharon also shares with me "I think that my training as a concert painist gave me the best preparation for the demands of being an entrepreneur. Pianists are by necessity self-discplined;we put in many hours of solityar practice, learn how to put our egos aside in order to benefit from our mentors' critiques, and ultimately, unlike other instrumentalists, have ourselves to rely upon when we perform. We have to provide our own motivation, be ready to make significant sacrifices in order to hone our craft, and keep our eye fixed on the objective in the face of naysayers, competition and our own competition."

All I can say is WOW.  As you all know, I adore products but even more-so, I love products with a story and a fabulous mission behind them. Sharon definitely has a story to tell. The creation of La Ishá is one of the most inspirational stories I have ever heard.

No wonder she is getting attention from media outlets such as Fox News, CBS News, San Diego Examiner, Denver Magazine and most recently was featured in the "Eat, Pray, Love" Segment on ABC News featuring La Ishá Orange-Coconut Skin Polish (which by the way...I LOVE)

I hope you all check back soon for my review on La Ishá . It's a fabulous line that I adore and completely give the Pretty in the Queen City stamp of approval!  

 

HydroPeptide:Scientific Beauty Made Simple

I have a FABULOUS new product line to introduce to you. As you know, I review many skincare lines and it's very rare to try an anti-aging product and receive immediate results. I  am absolutely thrilled to say, it exists!

I know, I know.....you are saying to yourself "she's not old enough for anti aging products" Well...I HOPE that's what you are saying to yourself. haha. In any case, I do have dry and uneven skin tones and feel it's important to take care of your skin no matter how old you are and I have found a product that WORKS. 

HydroPeptide was created in 2004 by Louise Peck, PhD. It became one of the first skin care companies to incorporate peptides into every product. I feel the need to go into further detail on exactly what a "peptide" is. (Hey, even I had to research it further!)  According to Justin Dotterweich, PR director of Hydropeptide, Peptides are small protein fragments that nourish, repair and send neural messages. Layman's terms:it helps relax deep wrinkles. For those of you who love injectables, say good bye to the needles and hello to a product line that is based around science AND nature.

As I have only used sample size products thus far, I do not know the long term effects. Less than a week ago, I began using HydroPeptide's Anti-Wrinkle Exfoliating Cleanser and Anti-Wrinkle Brightening Toner. Upon the first use, I immediately saw a more clear complexion. My face was glowing! (in a good way) My skin was smooth, beautiful and refreshed. I also used the Eye Anti-Wrinkle Dark Circle Concentrate. Since a young age, I have always had visible dark circles under my eyes. I noticed a slight difference immediately and expect even more improvement as I continue to use the product.  There are other products in the HydroPeptide line that I look forward to trying, especially the Anti-Wrinkle Polish & Plump Peel and the Instant Peptide Miracle Mask. 

HydroPeptide recently has been seen in publications such as Fitness Magazine, Life & Style Magazine, American Spa, DaySpa, Skin Inc and is the winner of many 2009 and 2010 beauty awards from DaySpa, Fitness and Prevention.

Want to know the best news of all?!?! I have decided to carry this line in my Pretty in the Queen City Official Beauty Store. That's right, now you can purchase these fabulous products from me. You will not find these at your local beauty counter. There is only one location in the Charlotte area that carries this line and for my worldwide readers, availability varies for your locations.

Interested in learning more about HydroPeptide?

Visit their website at -> http://www.hydropeptide.com

Interested in purchasing HydroPeptide products?

Visit Pretty in the Queen City's Official Beauty Store

(Editor's Note: Compensation was not received for this review. These are my own opinions based on product samples provided by HydroPeptide.)

All of My Secrets Revealed

Ok, so maybe I am not revealing ALL of my secrets but I am revealing some of my very own beauty secrets. Each week ,our Queen City Pretties share their favorite beauty products. It’s only fair that I share what’s in my own shower and make-up bag.  You will currently find each of these products in my shower, makeup bag, or product shelves (Yes, I said shelves LOL) So, here you go but be warned…..I have a love of products. Some may even call it an addiction. That’s ok too. I will not apologize for loving products that make me feel like a million dollars!

 

Face:

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cleanser $18

 

Kahina-Giving Beauty Facial Lotion $58

 Origins Antioxidant Night-Time Mask with White Tea (This product is not currently carried on Origin’s website)

  

Hair Care:

Tresemme 24 Hour Body Shampoo

Jane Carter Leave-In Conditioner $9

Tresemme Tres Two Extra Hold

 

Body:

Aromatherapes Body Scrub:Ginger & Sugar $5.99

Teeth:

Tom's of Maine Toothpaste

Pro-White Teeth Whitening System $109.95

Make-Up

Laura Mercier Moisturizing Foundation:Vanilla Beige $42

Benefit Get Even Pressed Powder Light $30

Benefit Cheek Color:Dallas $28

Mac Pearlglide Eyeliner:Molasses $14.50

Bobbi Brown Extreme Party Mascara: Black $22

Benefit BADgal Lash Mascara:$19

DiorShow Waterproof Mascara:Black $24

(What can I say, I LOVE mascara!!!!!)

Lancome Juicy Tubes Lipgloss:Magic Spell $18

Chanel Rouge Allure Laque #75 $32

Fragrance:

Estee Lauder Fragrance:Pleasures $29.50-$74.00

Prada $74-$115

(I personally love Prada’s parfum de Sac which can be purchased with 2 refills for $74) 

Bath and Body Works Fragrance Mist:Black Amethyst $12

 

(Please note that I have linked each product to a retailers’ website and have priced each one for your convenience. I have not received compensation nor will I. The items above are based on my own personal use.)

Kahina:Giving Beauty

Last week at the Green & Gorgeous Event in NYC, I was introduced to some FABULOUS , Eco-Friendly products. (It’s a hard job I have, I know) .  I must say, I usually don’t use lots of facial lotions and creams. However, I have found a new love in one particular facial lotion.  Kahina~Giving Beauty Facial Lotion is my new favorite must-have.  If you haven’t added any of my favorites to your own must-have list then do so right now!

 Here is some detailed information from their website: 

“Touted by the New York Times as “the latest miracle ingredient,” argan oil is at the heart of all our Kahina Giving Beauty products. It has high concentrations of nutrients that are the building blocks of healthy skin. Containing highly potent antioxidants, argan oil neutralizes free radicals (the second biggest cause of aging after sun exposure), reduces inflammation, minimizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and protects the skin from harsh environmental factors.  Light and non-greasy, argan oil absorbs easily to give skin a radiant glow without the use of any harmful ingredients.

The indigenous Berber women of Morocco have used argan oil in their beauty rituals for centuries to protect and rejuvenate their skin from the harsh desert conditions. Europeans have been taking advantage of the age-defying benefits of argan oil for some time.

All Kahina products are made with high concentrations of pure organic argan oil that is personally sourced by the Kahina founder and combined with other complimentary natural and organic ingredients for a truly effective skin care regimen. We offer 100% Organic Kahina Argan Oil extracted by hand, cold pressed by Berber women in several cooperatives near Agadir, Morocco.”

I felt a difference the first time this lotion touched my face. My skin felt so refreshed and silky smooth. Not only that, I actually saw a difference in the color of my face. I was comfortable going to the store without makeup which is normally a NO-NO for me. 

Still not convinced???

Not only is it natural and free of harmful ingredients….but 25% of sales of this product are set aside for the Berber women in Morocco who harvest and produce the organic argan oil.  You can purchase this particular product for $58 on their website . They have many other items in the line to choose from. I have yet to try those but I assure you, I will!

When you purchase this product….or any other product for that matter….I encourage you to stop and think about the hands that touch the oils….the fingers that trace the bottles….who are they….what is their daily life like?  The Berber Women work hard to share one of their beauty secrets with us.  For that I am extremely grateful.

 If only more people followed in the footsteps of founder, Katharine Philips L’Heureux, I truly believe she “gets” the big picture. This big world….really isn’t so big…..I truly believe everything is connected. We have the power to positively affect another life every single day. Sometimes we don’t even know the impact we are leaving. Sometimes it affects lives half-way across the world.

Food for thought.

xoxo