Lakish, Author at Blinging Beauty

Lakish

a beauty newbie with a penchant for research, wordplay and purple lipstick.

4 Bling Reviews, Beauty, Beauty Product Reviews, Miracle Skin Transformer, Skin Care Reviews

LA Loves: Miracle Skin Transformer Body SPF 20

November 20, 2011 / No Comments

My legs are my best feature, so I take extra care to glam my gams with a nightly regimen of body treatments and body butters. My ultimate goal is to bare my pampered legs next spring in haute dresses, shorts…

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By Lakish
Beauty, Black Up Cosmetics, Bobbi Brown, Fall Makeup 2011, Fierce Friday, Illamasqua, IMAN Cosmetics, M.A.C, NARS, Rihanna, Rihanna—Smoky Red Eyeshadow, Sexy Makeup, Smokey Eyes, Smoky Eyes, Too Faced

Up in Smoke: Rihanna—Fierce Smoky Red Eyeshadow

November 18, 2011 / No Comments

Where's there's smoke, there's fire. Makeup artists turned up the heat by engulfing lids in various blasts of red— crimson, scarlet and ruby— for Spring 2011 and Spring 2012. To successfully translate the flashy, flaming-red eyeshadow fad from the runway…

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By Lakish
5 Bling Reviews, Beauty, Makeup Reviews, Sephora Brand

LA Loves: Sephora Perfecting Eye Primer

November 15, 2011 / No Comments

My oil-slick eyelids are one of my biggest beauty battles. Transforming them into a canvas of primed perfection is a chore. I haven't been able to find an eyeshadow primer that could completely eradicate the grease and cease the creasing.…

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By Lakish
Beauty, Beauty News, Jurlique

Beauty News: Jurlique Friends &Family Event—Save 25%

November 10, 2011 / No Comments

Now until Friday, November 11, 2011, take advantage of Jurlique's Friends and Family Event in which you can save 25% off your purchases with checkout code JOY25. About Jurlique: Jurlique’s unparalleled botanical expertise is drawn from the experience of operating…

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By Lakish
Beauty, Beauty News, IMAN Cosmetics

Beauty News: Iman Cosmetics Pucker Up Lip Kit

November 9, 2011 / No Comments

Iman Cosmetics has some exciting news for their fans. Each week they'll be featuring a different product from the IMAN Cosmetics line. This week's featured product is the Pucker Up Lip Kit, available at Drugstore.com. Product: A fabulous custom blend wardrobe of interchangeable lip…

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By Lakish
Beauty, Beyoncé, Black Opal, Fierce Friday, Givenchy, Hard Candy, Illamasqua, M.A.C, Milani, NARS, NYX Cosmetics

Fierce Friday: Try Hot Pink Metallic Lipstick for a Sexy Pout

November 4, 2011 / No Comments

Hot pink lips may be the quintessential Spring beauty trend but sometimes this sexy beauty staple appears throughout the year in full force. We've also noted numerous celebrities wore kohl-rimmed eyes fringed with lashes to help balance the look. The retro,…

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By Lakish
Beauty, Celebrities, Christopher Drummond, Fall Beauty Trends, Josie Maran, RMS Beauty, Top 5 Editor's Picks, Vapour Beauty

Green Day Thursday: Top 5 Organic Luminizers and Highlighters

November 3, 2011 / No Comments

All too often, highlighters and luminizers look amazingly BAD on brown skin. Silvery highlighters tend to turn brown skin a horrific, holographic lavender hue while luminzers can leave brown skin in need of a rich moisturizer. No one wants to be…

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By Lakish
Beauty, Celebrities, CoverGirl, Fall Beauty Trends, Fall Metallic Eyeshadow Trend, Hard Candy, L'Oreal HIP, Makeup Reviews, Milani, Top 5 Editor's Picks

Fall Makeup Trend: Heavy Metal—Top 5 Budget Metallic Eyeshadows

October 25, 2011 / No Comments

Bronze, gold and platinum—-it's a mixture any makeup metal head can appreciate for Fall 2011. Models at Fendi and DSquared received a lash-to-brow treatment consisting of heavy metal in varying finishes. Golden copper eyeshadow tinged with swooping, carbon curves is sexy…

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By Lakish
Beauty, Beauty News, Beauty Product Reviews, Fragrance Reviews, Illamasqua Freak

Beauty News: Illamasqua’s Freak Fragrance to Launch in the US in November

October 20, 2011 / No Comments

Launching at in Space NK on November 3rd and Sephora.com November 8th, the first fragrance from Illamasqua, Freak is a concoction of dangerously exotic unconventional flowers that Illamasqua has unashamedly blended together to celebrate the night. Freak was developed by master perfumer,…

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By Lakish
Beauty, Bold Brow Trend, Fall Beauty Trends, IMAN Cosmetics, L'Oreal, Maybelline, NYX Cosmetics, Solange Knowles, Wet n Wild

Fall Makeup Trend: Bold Brows— Top 5 Budget Brow Pencils and Kits

October 20, 2011 / 4 Comments

Every great piece of art deserves a beautiful frame. Translation—get on board with the Fall 2011 makeup trend of bold brows, in all its variations—brushed-up, imperfectly perfect and deliciously dark. This "high brow" look is so user-friendly that you may just…

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By Lakish
Beauty, Beauty News, Contests, First Aid Beauty

Beauty News: Win a $500 Apple Gift Card from First Aid Beauty

October 18, 2011 / No Comments

One of our favorite skin care brands, First Aid Beauty, is teaming up with your favorite tech brand for the chance to win a fabulous prize! Starting today, First Aid Beauty is giving you the chance to win a $500 gift card to Apple! So…

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By Lakish
Beauty, Beauty News, Zoya

Beauty News: Zoya Nail Polish’s BOGO Offer

October 5, 2011 / No Comments

As a special thank you to all their fans and followers, Zoya wants you to "have one on them" by offering a BOGO (buy one, get one free) promotion because all of their fans rock! Simply buy a Zoya Nail…

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By Lakish
Annie Ilonzeh, Beauty, Carol's Daughter, Celebrities, Get the Look: Annie Ilonzeh Natural curls, Neeko

Get the Look: Annie Ilonzeh at the 63rd Primetime Emmy Awards

September 19, 2011 / No Comments

Annie Ilonzeh, one of the newest Charlie's Angels coming to your TV this Fall, looked every part the goddess at last night's 63rd Primetime Emmy Awards. With smoky eyes and nude lips, her makeup was perfection. But it was Annie Ilonzeh's …

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By Lakish

Expert Panel: New Year Detox Tips from Dr. Cheryl Karcher

Now that the holiday season has come to a halt, we are finally settling down from the nonstop road of soirees, cocktails and galas. And though our spirits might stay merry and bright, all the sugar, mulled wine and late nights that we experienced through the holiday season will certainly continue to take a toll on our complexion in the coming weeks. To detox your skin and revive your complexion, here are essential tips from Avon’s consulting top dermatologist, Dr. Cheryl Karcher to keep on hand in the new year: 1. Rest up! Ensure you get plenty of beauty sleep now that the partying is done. Well-rested skin is bright and healthy-looking, while tired skin looks dull and lackluster. 2. Moisturize! Moisturizing is key, so massage your favorite moisturizer plus SPF onto your skin before applying makeup to avoid dry skin at the end of the day. Try ANEW Clinical Skinvincible Multi-Shield Lotion SPF 50 ($36, avon.com) which will also protect from harsh winter conditions. 3.Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! To rid the toxins in our body that alcohol may have brought on, drink lots of water to replenish your system and prevent from dehydration. 4.Get Glowing Apply a resurfacing mask, like ANEW Clinical Advanced Retexturizing Peel ($25, avon.com), before you moisturize to achieve a luminous glow. 4. De-Puff! Cool those puffy eyes and minimize under eye bags with chamomile tea bags or cucumber to unwind from late nights of holiday partying.
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Product Review—Hair: Phyto Secret de Nuit Intense Hydration Regenerating Night Cream

I have never used Phyto products before, when I received the Phyto Secret De Nuit to review, I thought it was a night cream for my face. Phyto Secret de Nuit Intense Hydration Regenerating Night Cream – the name and description screams FACE product to me, but to my delight, I received a wonderful night cream for my hair. Here are the details for Phyto Secret de Nuit Intense Hydration Regenerating Night Cream $38: What it is: A night restorative treatment for all hair types. What it is formulated to do: This powerful night cream regenerates the hair fiber and provides up to eight hours of intense hydration, nourishment, and repair. It creates a protective shield against free radicals and oxidation, and leaves hair feeling remarkably stronger, healthier, and shiner. What it is formulated WITHOUT: • Parabens • Sulfates • Phthalates My results: Before I put a new product on my face, I like to smell it. I pumped a small amount on my fingers so I could check the consistency and to take a whiff, see what I’m working with. The texture is nice and creamy with a light, lovely fragrance. I applied the small amount I had on my fingers to my face and went about the rest of my day. Imagine my surprise when I read the directions and realized this product is applied to your hair…oops! I’ve never used a night conditioner on my hair and to be honest, I was thinking I don’t want to go to bed with wet hair and wake up to a pillowcase covered in a gooey mess. Our editor-in-chief doesn’t allow the quick answer of ‘no’ for a product. Just as we have to review and say why we like a product, we also have to say why not. I knew I had to give it a try because like it or hate it, I had to say – why either way. The bottle has a pump dispenser, which dispenses the cream in small amounts. To get the ‘hazelnut’ size amount of product the directions call for, it takes about 3-4 pumps. I apply the cream to my hair by simply combing through my hair with my fingers, the cream absorbs quickly and does not leave my hair feeling wet. I repeat the process concentrating on the ends oh my hair, where I have the most damage and then twist it up in a bun before going to bed. The next morning, style as usual. I am thoroughly impressed. My hair truly feels like it has been intensively nourished, with my ends feeling silky and my hair in general feeling soft. I have found with my hair it’s best not to use the Phyto Secret de Nuit Intense Hydration Regenerating Night Cream on the day I have washed my hair, it does make my hair feel dirtier sooner, but that could be me using too much product as a little seems to go a long way; about third day is perfect for me. I didn’t look at the price of this product before I used it, but honestly, the cost is worth it. It actually works and my hair feels as if it is being repaired, not just masking my frizzed ends. It is paraben and silicone free also, and packed with good natural ingredients to replenish the condition of my hair. I use this 3-4 times a week and the condition of my hair has really improved – I couldn’t be happier. I now want to try other products from Phyto. Bling Factor: Pro: Easy to use, smells great Con: None Price: $38 Buy Again: Yes Packaging: 5 Blings Overall: 5 Blings Hero Ingredient: Macadamia Oil, hydrates and softens hair. Natural/Organic/Vegan: Yes Cruelty Free: Yes Shop:
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Trending – Winter Beauty: Dry Skin Care with Le Couvent des Minimes

Is your skin suffering from the cold winter air? Then Le Couvent des Minimes Loving Care Collection could be a perfect fix! Comprised of a face cream, micellar water, lip balm, exfoliator, lotion and a body balm – this collection is ideal for all skin types, including babies! Their products are made from the highest quality botanicals, garden-fresh and blended according to time-honored traditions, these blends are all super-hydrating and healing, leaving skin smooth and bright. The Face Cream for Sensitive Skin ($19): Cream for Sensitive Skin hydrates, protects and soothes. Ideal for daily use or when skin is damaged, it provides instant comfort and leaves skin soft and supple. Containing grape-seed oil to nourish and prevent dry skin, mallow extract to moisturize and soften, calendula extract to reinforce the natural skin barrier and rose flower water to soothe. 3-in-1 Micellar Water ($19): The 3-in-1 Micellar Water removes make-up, refreshes and gently cleanses the face and eye area. Formulated to meet the needs of all skin types, even sensitive, it is also suitable for daily use on the delicate skin of babies. It contains cornflower water to refresh, tone and sooth and mallow extract to moisturize and soften, it leaves the skin clean, soft and soothed. Lip Balm for Dry Lips ($9): The Balm for Dry Lips helps to repair, protect and soothe damaged lips. Thanks to the Shea Butter and Beeswax, the rich formula leaves lips feeling soft and comfortable. The Lotion For Dry Skin ($36): The Loving Care Body Balm Lotion for Dry Skin helps to nourish and soothe the skin. Made with an In-house Galen’s wax to help nourish, repair and protect the skin, calendula extract to soothe and mallow extract to prevent dry skin – this hypoallergenic formula comforts the skin and prevents cutaneous dryness. The Scrub For Dry Skin ($29): The Loving Care Scrub for Dry Skin gently exfoliates the skin. Made with an In-house Galen’s wax to help nourish, repair and protect the skin, mallow extract to prevent dry skin and natural silica to gently exfoliate, the rich creamy texture helps to gently refine skin’s texture. The Cream For Very Dry Skin ($32): Loving Care Body Balm Cream for Very Dry Skin helps to intensely nourish and soothe the skin. The hypoallergenic formula instantly relieves and comforts dry skin. Shop:
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Green Day Thursday: Editor’s PIck—Pacifica Indian Coconut Nectar Body Butter

Baby it’s cold outside, and what better way keep your skin in optimal hydrated condition than with a body butter. But wait. Not all body butters are created equal! Some are greasy, sticky, don’t absorb and just too heavy. Such is not the case with Pacifica Indian Coconut Nectar Body Butter. Here are the details for Pacifica Indian Coconut Nectar Body Butter $15: Smell incredible with our nourishing and anti-oxidant rich ingredients. Our body butter helps fight signs of aging while adding deep moisture and protection. Made with nature’s best moisturizers – shea butter, almond oil and safflower oil – Pacifica’s paraben-free Body Butter is a skin must-have. Now available in tubes in our best-selling fragrances, making them easy to take with you anywhere. A warm blend of sultry fresh coconut, delicate creamy vanilla. DETAILS: Pacifica’s Indian Coconut Nectar is a sensuous and delicious blend inspired by travels to faraway destinations. This warm, sultry blend of coconut and delicate creamy vanilla is pure ambrosia. 100% vegan. Why it’s and editor’s pick: First there is the amazing fragrance — all natural at that. The name says coconut, and you get coconut. Not overpowering coconut, but just enough to smell…nice. Probably because there is a balance of vanilla in the scent as well. Then of course is the body butter itself. Made with shea and mango butters, Pacifica Indian Coconut Nectar Body Butter melts right into your skin and feels just lovely. It’s like whipped butter! A little of the body butter goes a very long way and keep skin hydrated for hours. Pacifica Indian Coconut Nectar Body Butter absorbs quickly and gives those “rough” areas, like elbows, knees and feet enough moisture to keep them smooth and soft. What we love even more is that this body butter is chemical free and made with the best ingredients. Besides shea and mango butter there is Vitamin E, kukui nut, macadamia nut and rose hip seed oils which help nourish skin. I love applying Pacifica Indian Coconut Nectar Body Butter right out of the shower before I go to bed and I wake up with the best feeling and smelling skin to start my day! And, as a brown girl, I have to say that this body butter is a serious #AshKicker as well! Bling Factor: Pro: Moisturizes, lightweight, long-lasting, great scent Con: None Price: $15 Buy Again: Yes Packaging: 5 Blings — cute packaging plus great tube Overall: 5 Blings Hero Ingredient: Shea & Mango butters Natural/Organic/Vegan: Vegan Cruelty Free: Yes Shop:
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Editor’s Picks: Leap Year Winter Skin Care Essentials

It’s Leap Year. That means you have an extra day this year to do something special for you. Since we are in the throes of winter, with the harsh cold wreaking havoc with out skin, it may be time to check out some skin care products that bump up the level of beauty quotient of your skin. Remember how you used to write a word and associate another word with each letter of that word? Well we are doing just that for LEAP year. 1. L—Lather Choose gentle cleanser that not only get’s your skin clean, but is calming and chock full of good-for-you ingredients. Try: First Aid Beauty Face Cleanser $18 What it is: A face cleanser with a whipped texture that transforms into a rich cream when blended with water. What it does: This Face Cleanser gently cleanses the skin—removing surface oils, make up, dirt and grime—and its whipped texture transforms into a rich cream when blended with water. It’s infused with a powerful botanical antioxidant blend that works hard to scavenger free radicals. It calms redness and is PH-balanced to maintain the natural acidity of the skin. Daily use will result in fewer flare ups and reduced skin reactivity. 2. E—Exfoliate Improve texture, brighten and clarity your skin in one fell swoop with a gentle yet effective exfoliant. Try: Jurlique Fruit Enzyme Exfoliator $45 What it is: A fruit-based facial treatment that leaves skin visibly smoother and revitalized. What it is formulated to do: This ideal natural alternative to synthetic chemical peels harnesses enzymatic action to gently exfoliate skin and boost cell renewal for a refreshed, clear, glowing effect. Indigenous Australian extracts help to brighten and invigorate dull complexions, and improve skin texture and firmness. A dose of antioxidants and humectants soften fine lines and wrinkles while contributing to an overall healthier look and feeling. This formula is dermatologist tested. 3. A—Anti-aging It’s never too early to start fending off the ravages of time. Adding a treatment into your daily skin care regimen will slow the clock or turns the hands counter-clockwise. Try: Philosophy Miracle Worker™ Miraculous Anti-Aging Concentrate $62 What it is: An advanced antiaging serum designed to target the appearance of deep wrinkles and loss of elasticity. What it is formulated to do: This versatile, gel-textured, oil-free, age-defying essential features breakthrough peptide technology that bolsters the skin’s self-restorative capacity, supporting natural collagen to increase firmness and elasticity, and minimize lines and wrinkles. The water-based gel formulation helps bind hydration to the skin, maintaining a natural moisture barrier, while multiple antioxidants protect against free-radical attack. – Encourages improved elasticity and firmness. – Helps improve the appearance of deep wrinkles. – Helps protect against environmental attack. 4. P—Pamper Take one day a week to pamper your skin with a mask that adds hydration and nutrients. Try: AmorePacific Moisture Bound Vitalizing Masque $60 What it is: An overnight mask with a liquid-gel texture for improving internal hydration and antioxidant levels. What it is formulated to do: Restore tired, dehydrated skin overnight with this lightweight mask. AmorePacific’s 5-Hydra Complex dramatically improves internal hydration and antioxidant levels. Cellular turnover and youthful metabolism are promoted while moisture loss is prevented, all from the inside out. Get your leap year goodies here: Editor’s Picks: Leap Year Winter Skin Care Essentials Face Anti-Aging by philosophy Face Moisturizers by Amore Pacific
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