BeautySage. Proven. For a Beautiful You.‏

Hey everyone!

We all want beauty that works—that’s proven to work!  So Dr. Oz and Dr. Roizen’s YouBeauty.com, created BeautySage.com.

BeautySage is an online store selling only beauty and wellness products proven to deliver on their claims. BeautySage.com puts every product we sell through this intense curation process.

1. Editors choose the best brands:At YouBeauty, we write about beauty every day, and review hundreds of products per month. Our seasoned beauty editors handpick the cream of the crop to be sold at BeautySage—the products that impress us, and have worked for us. The next big things in beauty.

2. Chemists test all claims: Beauty products claim to move mountains, but can they? That’s where our chemists come in. Led by industry expert Ni’Kita Wilson, our chemistry whizzes analyze label claims and the ingredients behind them, confirming in the scientific literature that these ingredients really deliver. They also analyze claims like organic, natural, vegan and paraben-free, making sure you get what you pay for. Our claims analysis is an ongoing process, and any product that's passed has a claims tab on its product page. If a product fails, it's removed from our offerings. 

3. Real women submit honest, relevant reviews: We’ve sent a select group of YouBeauty quiz takers product samples to try and review based on their quiz results—their skin type, hair texture, stress levels, sleeping patterns, etc. They’ll tell us if a product works for them. Reading the opinions of those with similar science will help you decide if it’s right for you. 

What makes the cut? Beauty and wellness products proven to work. Finds that’ll change your skin (and your life). Products you’ll be proud to recommend to friends. It’s that simple!

Learn more at http://www.beautysage.com/about

 

 XoXo,

Whitney

Note: I am not associated with BeautySage.com. Information provided by PR.

June 2012 Favorites

Hey everyone!

I can't believe June has already flown by! Here are the beauty items I've been loving for the month.

~Vaseline Therapy Lip Care

~Sleek Makeup Pout Polish in Peach Perfection

~Smashbox Eye Shadow Trio in Develop

~Revlon Eye Shadow Quad in Silver Fox

~Maybelline Color Tattoo Eye Shadow in Too Cool

~Maybelline Color Tattoo Eye Shadow in Edgy Emerald

~NARS Lipstick in Roman Holiday

~MAC Lipstick in Creme Cup

What beauty items did you love in June?

XoXo,

Whitney

Note: I am not associated with any of the brands mentioned above. The items shown were either gifted to me from family or friends, or I purchased them with my own money!

Sally Hansen and Blair Fowler Team Up To Discuss Waxing‏

Hey everyone!

Bikini weather is almost upon us—are you ready to brave the beach? Sally Hansen is teaming up with Fashion and Beauty online sensation Blair Fowler to teach you how to get bikini ready in time for summer. During the Waxing 101 Facebook chat, Blair will explain all the basics of the process, sharing how-to information, revealing tips and tricks, and offering product recommendations on Sally Hansen’s Facebook page on Thursday, June 28^th from 3:30-4:00pm.

As a bona fide beauty addict and a DIY expert, Blair reveals how to make waxing at home easy. Three years ago, 19-year-old Blair and her sister Elle decided to share their experiences with other likeminded girls who love makeup, fashion, music and style by posting a few makeup tutorials on YouTube. What started as a few videos has now become an international sensation. With a fan base of millions, Blair has become one of the most popular and widely recognized YouTube personalities in the U.S. and abroad. 

WHEN: Thursday, June 28, 2012 from 3:30-4:00pm

WHERE: www.facebook.com/SallyHansen      

XoXo,

Whitney

Note: Information provided by PR!

Fun Summer Scent!

Hey everyone! 

Get in the spirit of summer with Bath & Body Works’ new Signature Collection Fine Fragrance Mist in Malibu Heat! 

This beautiful, sophisticated new bottle features a Fine Fragrance pump for a more delicate mist and improved coverage control. Apply mist to lightly scent your skin with Malibu Heat, a fresh blend of juicy pineapple, California orange and creamy coconut milk.

~Top Notes: Fresh Mandarin, Juicy Orange, Crisp Pear, Succulent Pineapple 

~Mid Notes: Orange Blossom, Lily of the Valley, Coconut Water 

~Dry Notes: Coconut Milk, Creamy Vanilla, Sandalwood, Sunny Musk 

Price: $14.00!

Where to Buy: Bath & Body Works Stores and www.bathandbodyworks.com 

XoXo, 

Whitney 

Note: Bath & Body Works sent me this product to try and feature on my blog. I am not associated with the company, nor are they paying me to feature their product. As always, my reviews and opinions are 100% my own!

Nine Proven Summer Problem Solvers from BeautySage.com‏

Hey everyone!

Makeup-melting temps, skin-searing sun, and frizz-inducing humidity wreak havoc on your beauty routine. Save face with products proven to solve your warm weather beauty woes. Summer’s bright, penetrating sun, hot temps and sweaty humidity can do a number on your beauty—i.e. your everyday go-to products may no longer do the trick. BeautySage.com rounds up the top proven products, all foolproof and easy to apply, so you’ll be in the sunshine in no time.

Problem: Obvious Blush

Solution: Revolution Organics Freedom Glow Beauty Balm inBlushed : Swipe this multi-tasking makeup stick on lips, cheeks, eyes, face, or anywhere you want an instant, natural looking glow. The perfectly portable balm contains jojoba oil—lauded in the science world for its healing and moisturizing properties and its easy absorption (it’s a doppelgänger for our skin’s natural sebum!).  

Problem: Drab Digits

Solution: Sheswai Nail in Babe : This bright, super-glossy watermelon coral polish provides the perfect pop of pink for spring (and will also look great against that margarita glass!). The formulas’ deep opacity ensures vivid, smooth payoff—even after only one coat.   

Problem: Visible Foundation Lines

Solution: RMS Beauty Un Cover Up : Wearing foundation in the harsh sun can be a recipe for disaster (visible chin line, anyone?). This feather-light cream seamlessy blends into the skin, delivering even, buildable coverage that self-adjusts to your skintone. It’s also packed with coconut oil—scientifically proven to hydrate the skin and increase lipid levels (which hold in moisture and keep out dirt)—leaving your skin moisturized and soft.

Problem: Air Conditioning Induced Dry Skin

Solution: KAHINA Giving Beauty  Toning Mist : Spritz this rose-scented mist for a refreshing pick-me-up. It’s infused with a nourishing bioactive complex and gently tones (read, minimizes the look of pores) while adding moisture and a dewy radiance.

Problem: Sticky Hair Spray

Solution: Yarok Haircare Feed Your Hold Style SustainingHair Spray : Maintain your loose, “I just-don’t-care” hair all day long with this natural hair spray. The lightweight formula won’t leave your strands stiff or sticky, just voluminous and full of body.

Problem: Creasy Cream Eyeshadow

Solution: RMS Beauty Cream Eyeshadow in Magnetic : Summer’s sizzling temps beget shiny skin. So instead of fighting it with powder eye shadow, enhance your natural glow with a shiny cream shadow that (wait for it) doesn’t crease! Raw mineral pigments deliver a silvery-taupe finish that stays put, for an all-day sparkly stare. And the nourishing formula is so hydrating—packed with coconut oil, beeswax, jojoba seed oil and cocoa seed butter—it actually doubles as an eye cream.

Problem: Dry Flaky Skin

Solution: One Love Organics Brand New Day : Rise and shine with this gentle, everyday exfoliator that works with any skin type. Pineapple enzymes break down dead skin cell proteins and soothing silk peptides and milk powder nourish and protect the new skin that surfaces. End result? Skin that shines as brightly as the sun.

Problem: Lip Gloss That's Pretty and Protects

Solution: Revolution Organics in Truth : Loaded with vitamins and antioxidants (which keep icky free radicals, a byproduct of sun exposure, from damaging your skin), this gloss leaves your lips both polished and nourished. And don’t worry, the hot pink color may scream, “Summer!” but the sheer texture whispers, “I’m still wearable.

Problem: Natural Sunscreen That's Chalky

Solution: Snowberry Active Outdoor SPF 30 : This non-chemical, broad-spectrum sunscreen blocks the sun with zinc oxide and galanga root extract. It manages to pack a whopping high percentage of zinc oxide, while smoothing on completely clear, which, as skincare aficionados know, is no easy feat! It also works overtime to combat dryness, roughness and fine lines with natural emollients, such as shea butter and inga and raspberry seed oils, that keep moisture in the skin.

XoXo,

Whitney

Note: I am not associated with any of the companies mentioned above. Information provided by PR.

Smashbox's Monochrome Bronze Tutorial

Hey everyone!

Check out Smashbox's new modern way to get a gorgeous bronze look!

XoXo, 

Whitney

Note: I am not associated with Smashbox. I just thought you would enjoy this short video!

“Show Your Colors” Cheerleading Competition‏

Hey everyone!

Sally Hansen knows that you’re a nail color fanatic. Now you have the chance to celebrate your obsession and let your colors shine through an exclusive cheerleading competition. Sally Hansen is joining forces with leading cheer authority Varsity to host the “Show Your Colors” cheerleading competition, inviting fans everywhere to submit an original cheer featuring Sally Hansen and upload a video of themselves performing the cheer.

Just visit sallyhansencheer.com to submit your cheer, then share the video with friends to get the most votes and win the grand prize: $1,000. Three runners up will also receive a bag filled with Sally Hansen products, giving them one more thing to cheer about. 

XoXo,

Whitney

Note: Information provided by PR.

Smashbox Cosmetics' Shades of Fame Eye Shadow Palette Look

Hey everyone!

Check out these gorgeous A-list looks that you can create from Smashbox Cosmetics' new shades of Fame Eye Shadow Palette!

XoXo,

Whitney

Note: I am not associated with Smashbox Cosmetics, I just thought you would enjoy this short video!

Summer Beauty Must-Haves

Hey everyone!

Don't think you can be any hotter? Then you haven't seen Lady Sugarsheen's sizzling summer beauty selections for long sun-drenched filled days, and warm sultry nights.

Smashbox Cosmetics Travel Size Photo Finish Primer

Create a perfect canvas for foundation application with this silky, lightweight blend with vitamins A & E, grape seed extract and green tea. 

Retail Price: $17.00!

Smashbox Cosmetics Travel Size Photo Finish Light Primer

Our oil-free, 60% water based primer is ideal for oily, acne-prone or sensitive skin. The revolutionary formula has oil absorbers for a smooth matte finish all day, and light diffusers to minimize the appearance of imperfections.

Retail Price: $17.00! 
 
Smashbox Cosmetics Travel Size Photo Finish Luminizing Primer

Get a gorgeous glow on the go! This long-awaited addition to our legendary collection of Photo Finish primers adds just the right amount of luminosity to your skin. 

Retail Price: $17.00!

Josie Maran Matchmaker Powder Foundation SPF 20

This customized, one-step complexion-perfecting foundation is formulated with Matchmaker’s signature chameleon pigments and infused with 100 percent pure argan oil to balance, hydrate, and nourish the skin. Josie Maran's pressed powder instantly adjusts to match your unique and changing natural skintone and applies easily with the included dual-sided sponge. The talc-free powder goes on sheer and builds to medium coverage. The skin mattifiers absorb oil, and the soft focus finish leaves skin velvety-smooth and protected. 

Retail Price: $34.00!

Rimmel London Match Perfection Three Tone Blush

Wake up your face with a flush of customized natural cheek color. Featuring three shades in one, Match Perfection 3 Tone Blush features Smart-Tone technology that adapts to your unique skin tone and blue sapphire pigments for radiant true-to-you color. The blendable formula makes harsh lines a thing of the past and expert sculpting easier than ever. 

Retail Price: $4.97!

Rimmel London Natural Bronzer

Achieve a natural-looking, sun-kissed glow using this advanced formula that combines the antioxidant properties of vitamin E with the moisturizing and soothing benefits of Aloe Vera. Light reflective particles help to minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, leaving skin looking gorgeous in any light. In addition to providing a flawless finish, Natural Bronzer also feels weightless and fresh.

Retail Price: $3.97! 

Smashbox Cosmetics 15 Hour Wear Cream Shadow 

Get picture perfect with this shadow, specifically developed for the studio. Its super-creamy formula provides vibrant color that lasts up to 15 hours with no creasing, caking, or flaking. And because it’s transfer-, sweat-, and humidity- resistant, your look will last long after the photo shoot is over.

Retail Price: $19.00 each!

Rimmel London 1000 Kisses Lip Pencil

A lip liner that stays put. Don’t let your lip liner get in the way of kisses—Rimmel’s London’s longwearing, transfer-resistant lip liner holds up in the face of any smooch. 1000 Kisses Stay-On Lip Liner offers precision application to enhance the shape of your lips and help minimize lipstick smudging and bleeding.  The pencil provides a fine contour while ensuring smooth application and keeping lipstick in place.  

Retail Price: $3.59 each! 

Smashbox Cosmetics Reflection High Shine Lip Gloss

Smashbox Reflection High Shine Lip Gloss saturates lips in high-impact shine. Formulated with hyaluronic acid for moisture and highly reflective pearl for reflective shine, your lips will be primed to pucker perfection.

Retail Price: $19.00 each! 

Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure Nail Polish

Sally Hansen's Complete Salon Manicure is an all-in-one formula that combines the components of a professional salon manicure—base coat, strengthener, growth treatment, rich color and top coat in a single multi-tasking polish. Now you're able to skip the salon, but still get the results!

Retail Price: $6.99 each!

What items are a must-have in your summer beauty routine?

XoXo,

Whitney

Note: The products shown above were sent to me to feature on my blog. I am not associated with any of the brands mentioned above, and they are not paying me to feature their products. As always, my reviews and opinions are 100% my own!

Pack It All in a Carry-On!

Hey everyone!

Summer has arrived and fashionista sisters and world travelers, Jane Wagman and Liz Lange of Shopafrolic.com know all about fashionably packing the right way for any chic getaway. Instead of waiting in long lines for checked bags and looking like the “over packer” – here are some simple and helpful tips on how to pack it all in a carry-on, just in time for summer travel. 

1. Start with the right bag, we swear by the ASAKs brand sold exclusively at Lexington Luggage in NYC. We call them magic bags as they are soft and stretchy and you always seem to be able to fit more in. Even if you don't buy that specific bag, you want a soft fabric roller bag as opposed to a hard case bag. When you buy it make sure you ask for the largest size that it allowed on the plane. 

2. Pick a neutral color scheme for the trip. White is always a summer must, so white jeans should always be pressed and packed, ready to go!

3. Add key colored items to mix it up. Again, white is the summer color, so throw in some brightly colored cardigans or tees’s and maybe even a neon belt. You’ll be shocked how you can jazz up a simple outfit with a splash of color. 

4. Organization is key - It is all about zip locks. Keep one under your sink with all of your favorite products decanted into the 4oz travel sized bottles that they sell at every drug store. Or invest in travel sized versions of your favorite products. 

5. Never pack items that you know every hotel has: bathrobe, hairdryer, soap, body lotion, shampoo or conditioner. For makeup bring 2-in-1 or 3-in-1 products like lip and cheek stain. Always keep those fragrance samples and try something easy like adhesive nail stick-on’s for a quick on-the-go manicure. 

6. Pack a separate zip lock with fun bold costume jewelry; this is what will change up your neutral looks. 

7. Never pack more than 2 pairs of shoes: one daytime, one night time. If you are going somewhere where you need boots, wear those on the plane to save space. 

8. Be smart about what you wear on the plane: 

a. Wear your coat/travel shawl on the plane 

b. Wear whatever would take up the most space in your bag on the plane. We like a trench coat for city travel - It is always chic, it is a great layering piece and easily goes day to night. 

c. Load your reading material onto a kindle, iPad, nook, whatever… 

d. Put your daytime pocketbook into a larger tote bag (we like the LL Bean Boat and Totes) to create even more room in your allowed second carry on item. 

9. Bring lots of extra underwear. They take up no space and can mean the difference between having to do hotel laundry or not. 

10. Plan to repeat outfits, no one notices and no one cares. Even Anna Wintour always repeats outfits.

XoXo,

Whitney

Note: Information provided by PR.

DIY Facial with Lumene’s Illuminating Products for Radiant Skin‏

Hey everyone!

If you feel that your skin could use some deep cleansing, treat yourself to a summer facial. Skip the pricey salon fees and do it yourself with Lumene’s illuminating products for radiant skin. Available at CVS, Walgreens, Ulta and Duane Reade.

Here is a step-by-step guide to an easy and effective at-home facial with Lumene.

~Step One: Cleanse

Apply Lumene Radiant Touch Refreshing Foam Cleanser all over your face and neck. Cleanse thoroughly to give the product time to dissolve make-up, oil and any other impurities from the skin. Rinse well and then pat skin dry with a clean cloth or facial tissue.

~Step Two: Steam

Place a basin of boiling water in front of you, cover your head with a towel and slightly lean over the basin so that the steam reaches your face, opening up your pores. If you have problems with blackheads and whiteheads, you can self-extract them by pressing affected areas with your fingers. Make sure your hands are clean and the areas to be extracted are covered with strong tissue paper.

~Step Three: Mask

Apply Lumene Matt Touch Deep Cleansing Peat Mask to face and neck; avoid the sensitive skin around the eyes. As the mask begins to take effect, you may feel a tingling sensation on your skin. The Peat Mask is ideal for summer facials because it absorbs excess oil and impurities from the skin while tightening up pores. Leave the mask on for ten minutes.

~Step Four: Close Your Pores

When the mask feels taut and dry, rinse it off completely. It is best to remove the product with warm water. After the mask is rinsed off, splash your skin with cool water or apply a cool face cloth to your skin to close pores. Dry skin with a soft towel.

~Step Five: Tone

In order to refresh your skin and get rid of excess oil, apply Lumene Radiant Touch Refreshing Toner on areas that are prone to acne and other blemishes; put special attention to your nose, forehead and chin. If you have extremely dry skin, you can skip this step

~Step Six: Serum Treatment

Remove the tip of one of the Lumene Vitamin C+ Pure Radiance Beauty Drops and squeeze the serum onto fingertips. Spread the serum along your face and neck to brighten and soften skin for a more radiant complexion. Take care not to apply product near the sensitive eye area.

~Step Seven: Treat Your Eyes

Apply a generous amount of Lumene Vitamin C+ Anti-Puffiness Eye Roll Serum on the areas surrounding your eyes. The serum refreshes and moisturizes tired skin around the eyes and speeds up the metabolism, helping to reduce puffiness.

~Step Eight: Moisturize

Lastly, apply a generous amount of Lumene Vitamin C+ Pure Radiance Day Cream SPF 15 to your face and neck. Arctic cloudberry seed oil, which is bursting with natural antioxidants, fortifies the skin and protects it from both external and internal stress factors. The detox properties of cloudberry nectar help to make the skin look brighter and more radiant. Skin will be fully moisturized and protected against the harmful effects of the sun.

XoXo,

Whitney

Note: Information provided by PR.

The Top 5 Products Every Woman Should Own by Edward Tricomi

Hey everyone!

Every celebrity stylist has their own list of must-have all-star products. Edward Tricomi, co-owner of Warren-Tricomi salons, is known for his ability to describe and reproduce hundreds of years of hair fashion, he is perhaps the greatest hair historian of modern times. Over the years Edward has worked with countless designers and models to create hair fashion of epic proportions. Here he shares his top five products that every woman should own. 

Must-Have #1: QUALITY SHAMPOO & CONDITIONER

“Think of your shampoo and conditioner as the prep work before you style. Spending a little extra for quality is well worth the splurge.”

Must-Have #2: HAIRSPRAY

“My number one must-have. You want your style to have hold but still move and be touchable. Shu Uemura makes a great one, you can layer it depending on the amount of hold you need.”

Must-Have #3: BLOW DRY LOTION

“You need to use frizz-fighting product while the hair is still wet. A blow dry lotion provides humidity resistance, frizz-control and protects hair from heat styling, which is so important.”

Must-Have #4: DRY SHAMPOO

“Great for when you want to breathe life back into your style. Sexy, wavy styles will stay voluminous and blowouts will last longer. No need to worry about them falling flat.”

Must-Have #5: HAIR GLAZE

“Takes out the dullness. Gives beautiful shine and depth. Depending on your hair texture you can use it daily or as a weekly treatment.  If hair is super fine, don’t use it more than once a week.”

XoXo,

Whitney

Note: Information provided by PR.

New Malibu Heat from Bath & Body Works

Hey everyone!

Get summer-ready from head-to-toe with this beachy mix of pineapple & orange drenched in coconut milk!

XoXo,

Whitney

Note: I am not associated with Bath & Body Works, I just thought you would enjoy this short video!