Beauty, Benefit, Date Night Makeup Looks, Dior, Fierce Friday, Koh Gen Do, Perfekt, Pretty Makeup, Solange Knowles, Solange—Soft, Urban Decay, Weekly Bling

Fierce Friday: Solange Knowles—Wear a Yellow Dress & Soft Pretty Makeup

January 27, 2012 / No Comments

We are in the dead of winter, so what better way to throw a ray of sunshine of into your day (or night) than with a sunny, yellow dress that says spring?

Trendsetter Solange made "yellow" the "new black" at the Tiffany celebration of the launch of "True Love in Pictures" with the Sartorialist Scott Schuman and Garance Dore at Tiffany & Co. on January 25, 2012 in New York City.(Getty Images)

What we love even more than Solange's cut-away sleeveless yellow dress, accessorized with a hot pink clutch, is her soft, fresh makeup and natural hair. Her look is so pretty, it works for a night out with the girls or is perfect for a date night!

What a perfect way to stand out from the crowd on a Fierce Friday!

Get Solange's fresh clean makeup in 5 simple steps!

1. Even Complexion

Create a flawless canvass with a foundation that hides imperfections, yet looks natural.

Try: Koh Gen Do Aqua Foundation SPF 15 PA++ $62

A high-definition, smooth finish foundation with lasting coverage.

2. Add Color

Create a pretty flush of color on your cheeks that will last the night.

Try: Perfekt Cheek Perfection Gel in Blushed $28

A tinted cheek perfector that instantly 'per-fekts' and enhances the appearance of the cheeks offering an alternative to traditional cream or powder blushes, bronzer, and cheek stains.

3. Groom Brows

Natural full eyebrows like Solange's only need to be brushed into shape.

Try: Urban Decay Urban Brow Styling Brush and Setting Gel $22

A setting gel that provides natural, lasting hold paired with a styling brush that allows you to sculpt with precision.

4. Define Eyes

Solange's simple soft makeup look only needs a touch of mascara to let her eyes do the talking.

Try: Benefit They're Real! Mascara $22

A jet-black mascara that lengthens, curls, volumizes, lifts, and separates lashes for a spectacular "out-to-here" look.

5. Add a Kiss of Color to Lips

Keeping with the natural flow of her look, a glossy lipstick that pumps up your personal color is the way to go.

Try: Dior Addict Lip Glow $29

A color-awakening lip balm with SPF 10 that responds to the color chemistry of your lips to create a shade that is uniquely yours.

Mascara by Benefit

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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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Skin Care Review: Moroccan Magic Lip Balm

Thinking back to when I was much, much younger, I’m sure the first beauty product I used was lip balm. In my mind it was a gateway beauty product — next would be lipgloss and then the golden prize — LIPSTICK! The irony is that now, decades later, I’m still in love with lip balm, and it’s a necessary piece to my makeup and skin care arsenals. I’m sure everyone has a reason for using a lip balm — it’s the perfect lip primer for those super matte lipsticks. Lip balm keeps your lips moist during harsh winter weather. It’s the natural go-to for an errand day or a dressed-down Saturday. Lip balm is pretty much a necessity. I had the pleasure of trying out Moroccan Magic Lip Balms. And pleasure I do mean… About Moroccan Magic Lip Balm $12 for 3 to $30 for 7: HIGH QUALITY LIP TREATMENT: Our balms are ultra smooth, healing and long lasting without that waxy feel or taste. Moroccan Magic Organic Lip Balms are infused with USDA Organic Argan and Essential Oils and are proud to only use high quality, fair trade, USDA Organic ingredients in our products. Our Formulas are non-toxic, cruelty free and always made with simple, pure, clean ingredients from nature MADE WITH NATURAL INGREDIENTS: As a company, we have very high standards for our manufacturing process from ingredients to packaging. We never use synthetic ingredients, parabens, sodium laurel sulfate, phyhalates, chemicals, fillers, animal testing, mineral oils, petroleum. In fact, each ingredient included in our small batch formulas have purpose and are believed to have their own healing properties PURE, SIMPLE, CLEAN FORMULA: Our simple recipe for the perfect lip balm starts with quality ingredients. Each ingredient included in our small batch formulas have purpose and are believed to have their own healing properties. Enjoy Ingredients such as organic beeswax, argan oil, and rosemary extract for long lasting, smooth-as-butter results MOROCCAN MAGIC: As a true lip balm lover, you are most likely (and understandably) very picky about which lip balms you use. That’s good, we are too! That’s why we have created what people are now calling “The Smoothest Lip Balm Ever!” We are proud to offer a better balm, it’s as simple as that. You deserve a higher quality everyday lip balm at an everyday price Available in 8 flavors: ROSE: This naturally sweet and earthy flavored lip balm was specially crafted with organic rose essential oil. MANUKA HONEY: This naturally sweet and earthy flavored lip balm was specially crafted with organic Manuka honey. PEPPERMINT EUCALYPTUS: This naturally sweet and earthy flavored lip balm was specially crafted with organic peppermint and eucalyptus essential oils. LEMON THYME: This naturally sweet and earthy flavored lip balm was specially crafted with organic lemon and thyme essential oils. LAVENDER VANILLA: This naturally sweet and earthy flavored lip balm was specially crafted with organic lavender extract and organic vanilla. COCONUT ALMOND: This naturally sweet and earthy flavored lip balm was specially crafted with organic sweet almond and coconut oils. ELDERBERRY AND MANUKA HONEY: This naturally sweet and earthy flavored lip balm was specially crafted with elderberry fruit extract and organic Manuka honey. UNSCENTED: This unscented lip balm was specially crafted to be your new favorite go-to lip balm for everyday chapped lip relief. My results: Moroccan Magic Lip Balms have raised the bar for inexperienced lip balm in a tube. The ingredients are exceptional— argan oil and a plethora of essential oils and herbs to vary the “flavor” and scent of the balm. My favorite use is under my lipstick as I like to use a long-wearing lipstick for work and those tend to be drying. However when I use Moroccan Magic Lip Balm before applying an ultra matte lipstick it saves my lips! These lip balms are also my daily go to as opposed to a lipgloss when I’m having a casual day. Moroccan Magic Lip Balm is also part of my nighttime skin care routine. A touch of this lip balm keeps my lips moist through the night. I do have my favorites–Elderberry and Manuka Honey, Coconut Almond and Lemon Thyme. But they are all wonderful. Bling Factor: Pro: Moisturizing, soothing, long-lasting, great ingredients Con: None Price: $3.99 each plus package prices Buy again: None Packaging: 5 Blings, each “flavor” is easily identifiable Overall: 5 Blings Hero Ingredients: Organic Argan and Essential Oils Natural/Organic/Vegan: Yes Cruelty Free: Yes
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Skin Care Review: Arcona Cranberry Gommage Exfoliant

Lately, my typically clear skin has become unrecognizable. My low-maintenance facial routine couldn’t contend with my new facial issues: erupting pimples all over, stubborn dry patches on my cheeks, and oily areas on my forehead and nose. My face went completely haywire overnight it seemed, and the usual routine just wasn’t cutting it! Confession: I’ve been slacking on my sloughing-—big time. Life has been so hectic lately that I’ve pretty much abandoned my regular exfoliation routine, and it shows. When a close friend suggested I give Arcona Cranberry Gommage a try, I figured it couldn’t hurt. Little did I know, it would not only return my blemish-free visage, but give me a more even, smooth complexion over time! About Arcona Cranberry Gommage $47 Exfoliant containing cranberry extracts, volcanic minerals and essential fatty acids, to cleanse and renew all skin types. Smells berry delicious. Cleanses, tones and decongests enlarged pores, leaving skin clearer, smoother and more refined. Unclog and minimize pores with cranberry and raspberry enzymes. Exfoliate and purify skin with salicylic acid, volcanic minerals and sucrose that work deep within the follicular wall and provide antimicrobial, antibacterial benefits. Protect skin with the anti-aging properties of antioxidants that prevent free radical damage. My experience: Fresh out of the bottle, Arcona Cranberry Gommage is a deliciously grape-scented, lavender-hued scrub. Suggested use is twice weekly, but I reach for this exfoliant daily! more often because it’s such a treat. I can feel the difference immediately after applying Arcona Cranberry Gommage to my face and neck. I use a gentle circular scrubbing motion with the pads of my fingers. Rinsing clean, my skin feels so soft and smooth and moisturizer just glides on once I’m out of the shower.. It only took about a week of using Arcona Cranberry Gommage for me to see the results. I received a number of compliments ranging from “your skin looks so good,” and “what do you use,” to “you’re glowing!” Nothing else changed in my regimen, so I have to credit the Cranberry Gommage! While I found the scrub gentle enough for sensitive skin, it also has the right amount of grit to be effective. The polishing action instantly brightens, leaving you with fresh, glowing skin after regular use. For this reason, if you aren’t into a scrub that actually scrubs, what’s wrong with you? Arcona Cranberry Gommage might not be the product for you. Arcona Cranberry Gommage is specifically recommended for normal to oily skin, but my wacky winter combo skin got great results. Don’t be afraid to try it out if your skin tends toward the dry end of the spectrum. Bling Factor: Pro: Gentle exfoliant, smells and feels amazing! Cons: Could be too gritty for some, but i loved it. Price: $47 Buy Again: Probably, will need a new bottle soon! Packaging: 4 Blings—Typical flip-top squeeze bottle. Overall: 5 Blings Hero Ingredients: Cranberry and Raspberry enzymes Natural/Organic/Vegan: Organic Cruelty Free: Yes SHOP:
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Editor’s Picks: Use These Products to Fight Dry Winter Skin

Winter is no excuse to have dry and flaky skin! Combat the rough winter skin with these staples that will keep you hydrated all year long. Lavanila Laboratories The Healthy Body Butter Collection packs pure shea and cocoa butters with skin saving essential oils to deliver instantly softer skin. While other Body Butters use synthetic preservatives and chemicals including parabens, silicone & mineral oils that can clog pores, prevent absorption of beneficial ingredients and accumulate in the body, we pack our natural formula with smart, natural ingredients that that allow for faster absorption of body beneficial vitamins and immediate hydration ($19; Lavanila.com). Korres Moisturising Hand Cream with Almond Oil & Calendula will relieve dry hands with rich yet non-oily botanical extracts. Calendula, combined with almond oil and aloe, helps retain natural moisture of the skin, leaving hands smooth and supple. A blend of natural butters and antioxidants provides additional comfort. Use the 91.9 percent natural formula daily for immediate and long-term relief ($14.50; Sephora.com). Christie Brinkley Authentic Skincare Recapture Day + IR Defense Anti-Aging Cream SPF 30 is formulated with a bio-copper complex that helps correct the most visible signs of aging. It uses three effective technologies to revive, improve and protect your skin while recapturing a youthful appearance ($69; Kohl’s). 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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