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Frownies are simple and effective, the best part?  Frownies are easy to incorporate into your bedtime routine.  I’m admittedly late to reporting on Frownies, I don’t have (m)any wrinkles yet but I figure it can’t hurt to pre-emptively train my muscles, right?!

How to use Frownies

Sometimes when things are simple, they stump me!  it’s true, I’m like, that’s it? are you kidding, it’s that simple?!   Well sweets you just open the box, fold at the perforations to have a diamond or triangle shape.  Massage the area you will apply for a few seconds.  Moisten the shiny side of the Frownie, gently un-wrinkle the area and apply the moistened Frownie.  You should keep the Frownie on for at least 3 hours but it makes sense to use at night while you’re sleeping.

So who made these miracle papers, that don’t hurt at all and rid your face of wrinkles? Frownies were created in 1889 by Margaret Kroesen to help her daughter get rid of wrinkles.  As a testimony to their efficacy, Frownies are still going strong 125 years later.  Use Frownies on your laugh lines, crow’s feet, frown lines or any other place you need to get rid of wrinkles.  This product is keeping angry mommy faces wrinkle free, love it!!

The word ‘balance’ is often used in skincare and health talk.  I can’t help but think of myself delicately trying to balance on a beam.  Did anyone else have to go through the balance beam drill in school?  I could NOT stand it. 

I was terrible at it to begin with but in addition to that it seemed like it was too little too late.  I mean if you’re in junior high and have lousy balance is 20 minutes per week going to turn that around? probably not.  Very very annoying.  Anywho, I survived all that thankfully so I’m now balancing with a foam cleanser. 

NARS balancing foam cleansing mousse

A delicate and light botanical scent, just a tiny little bit goes a looong way.   You probably know NARS for their makeup, now it’s time to get to know NARS skincare a little better.  I’m so happy with this product, maybe my expectations were low, thinking NARS does such a great job with makeup, there’s little chance they can get so much right.  I stand corrected, not only is NARS makeup awesome, so is NARS skincare.

An instant personal fave, the balancing foam cleansing mousse  is so satisfying, easy to use, perfect to display.  I love the way it takes off all my makeup and grime.  At the same time it leaves your skin refreshed and soft, not stripped like some cleansers can.

Not exactly a beauty book but so much fun and informative!  I had to make sure you knew about it. Robyn Moreno’s, Practically Posh,  delivers tips and tricks with style most ladies can attain.  Not for the snooty pants among us, this is a book for the real life women who want to know how to live well.

If I could pick one word to describe the theme of this book it would be maximization, you can get so much from so little, even a little paycheck!   I love to be inspired and get new ideas, see great pictures, it’s my own little private vision quest. 

Sun Protection is Vital, Kiehl’s All-Sport Year Round sun block is available in different strengths and applications. 

Choose from lotions or sprays and don’t forget those lips.

Protection for active adults, this stuff will stay on through your daily activity.  

A lightweight, moisturizing formula, contains Vitamin E and Aloe while providing UVA AND UVB protection.  Oh yeah, and did I forget to mention it stays on while in water?!  protecting you and your loved ones in water up to 80 minutes.

It’s great, it takes a little while to work in but once it’s there it gives your skin a little sheen.

Boy2001 suffers from dry skin much of the time.  It’s totally manageable with maintenance but finding products with little or no scent that don’t look girly is always an issue.  I had every intention of having him use theraplex but then I noticed they have mineral oil and petrolatum and although I’m not a fanatic, I prefer to keep him away when I take notice.

The only other person in the house with dry skin, my dear husband, was ready and able to test.  I had him use a variety of theraplex items over the last two weeks and he’s enjoyed them.  He especially loves theraplex for his feet which are usually dry dry dry.

I can’t explain to you how dry, you would have to see to believe.  The products don’t have spf so he’s been using them at night.

• Theraplex Emollient for severely dry skin
• Theraplex FT Exfolliating Emollient
• Theraplex Clear Lotion
• Theraplex Hydrolotion

You can find theraplex in your local drugstore or buy online.  

Jessica Biel on the cover of Harper’s Bazaar’ August edition looking beautiful in a gown from the Calvin Klein Collection.  Dancing with Designers is a spin on the show, Dancing with the Stars.  Nice way for a magazine to tie into what’s hot on tv.  The spread includes pics of:

• Biel & Diane von Furstenberg doing the Charleston
• Biel & Zac Posen waltzing 
• Biel & Vera Wang setting the scene for a ballet
• Biel & Oscar de la Renta doing the Cha Cha
• Biel & Calvin Klein’s Francisco Costa dancing the paso doble

The pictures are gorgeous of course but I love to see the movement behind the shot.  Check out the youtube vid (below) for some great tidbits. 

Ruben Toledo Alert, Don’t Miss…

     the Salvador Dali inspired pages right after the Jessica Biel spread.  Photographs by Richard Burbridge, Illustrations by, my favorite, Ruben Toledo.  Remember Ruben from Nina Garcia’s Little Black Book of Style?  Don’t miss his NEW book FASHIO-N-ATION out August 2008.

FASHIO-N-ATION is described as a, “…collection of over 150 drawings, water colors and pen and ink portraits by artist Toledo explores with his typical Cuban Black Humor and sweetly cynical New Yorker’s eye the ever changing landscape of fashion and the body language of style.” Steidl

I’m dying to see this, but with a retail of $360 I’ll be requesting an inter-library loan some day.  Until then I’ll hang onto the Harper’s Bazaar pages.

Light, bouncy shiny hair is just a wash and condition away with L’Oreal’s Vive Pro Shampoo & Conditioner. I’ve had L’Oreal on the mind since the Total Beauty tour of L’Oreal’s ultra swanky store in LA in May. 

The shampoo is great, I love the pop of color in my shower and my hair is super shiny and manageable, totally love it.

I’ve been using the normal to fine hair.  Pro Style & Body Infusing is also available in Normal, Fine Hair and Curly/Wavy Hair.  I love that the conditioner sits upside down, wish the shampoo was the same way, saves soooo much time, don’t you think?  Head on over to your favorite retailer to pick some up.

Read some more L’Oreal Hair Care reviews on Total Beauty.

My personal favorite Redpoint item, Airbrush Effects Blushwhip is a light and airy blush.  The color is a perfect dewy glow.

The packaging is bulkier than I personally prefer, a tub inside a larger container,  but it’s perfect for your home vanity.  The color can’t be beat, a nice corally tone with flecks.  I use just one layer but if you prefer more color just layer on more!  Wear with your foundation or not, concerned about looking dry?  Blushwhip is perfect because it’s reflective and moisturizing.  Great for summer when you want to look fresh and dewey and perfect for winter to avoid windburn.

Redpoint Airbrush Effects Blushwhip retails for $28

Available in two colors: Glow and Vida Rosy-Pink

This is my current must have!  First moisturizer, then Smashbox Photo Op Under eye Brightener, then Stila’s Illuminating Foundation.  I haven’t been getting much sleep lately, with the sun setting so much later, I lose track of time and the kids stay up later which pushes everything else, i.e. blogging, later into the night. 

 That’s where Photo Op under eye brightener comes into play.  Very easy to use, just brush a little on and dab in, remember to treat your under eye area delicately by using a less powerful finger.  I like to use my ring finger. 

I have worn this without the foundation on top, it is possible, but be VERY careful about the reverse raccoon effect.  It’s less of an issue when I’m wearing my skin (that’s what I call the illuminating foundation) because everything is all blended in. 

Don’t forget there is FREE shipping on Smashbox for any order within the USA, can’t wait to try the Wicked Lovely Fall 2008 collection.

Eye Shadow, do you?  If you do, try Thevi’s eyeshadows available in gorgeous shades, I especially love dark brown, oatmeal and charcoal.  Rich, crease-resistant color in adorable packaging that goes on smooth and shows up on your skin tone. 

I’ve had this shadow banging around my purse for a couple of weeks and there are NO scratches on it!  this is quite something considering all the junk I have in there believe me.  Click on over to Thevi Cosmetics to see more makeup that shows up.