TheMakeupGirl

Green Beauty: Simply Organic Beauty

Thanks to my amazing new hairdresser (and pre-booked appts) I decided to go for the GOLD (literally) and be a blond for the next 7 weeks! BUT we all know what one is in for when they "sign on the bottom-line" for blond hair.  I have never been able to be a blond without that getting "cotton-ball head"...you know, the 18 hour long blow-outs (resulting in spaghetti arms), mounds of frizz...basically a fried mess...until now that is.

Just in the nick of time, I was introduced to Simply Organic Beauty...a new green haircare line that all the stars are using right now to maintain their stellar locks.  Gwyneth Paltrow keeps her blond beautiful with this stuff so why not Josi???

Simply Organic is a sulfate-free  line of products that relies on Olive Leaf Extracts to return our hair back to it's original pre-peroxide beauty...and it works. I have been keeping their Everyday Wash and Rinse right by my faucet outside so right after I get out of the pool I can wash my hair and get it soft again.  Hubby REALLY loves this line..he comments on the smell every time he uses it, AND this has become the perfect shampoo for our entire family! I have been slathering up the kids when they get out of the pool and my daughters hair is actually brushable now.  This stuff smells delicious, manages to get rid of build-up without stripping and delivers a great lather without the drying effects of old-school shampoos...plus I am doing good for the environment every time I use it.  Simply Organic Beauty won't put any harmful ingredients for us or the environment into their products!

Even better, I've found that Everyday Wash makes a great body wash and shave gel. It moisturizes and provides the just the right amount of lube for easy shaving! Nothing better than all-in-one summer beauty, I say!!!

Simply Organic Beauty products can be found at www.SimplyOrganicBeauty.com or at premier salons and spas nationwide.

Be Beautiful!!!

Beauty By Josi: 3 Minute Face-lift With Brow Guru Anastasia!

So we've all heard that "eyes are the windows to the soul...(and so on, and so forth..)..but as a professional makeup artist who has worked on every woman from your grandma to your 5 year old, believe me..it's true!

The correct brow shape and thickness gives the eyes (and face) a visual lift....while highlighting cheekbones and really showcasing those peepers! There is nothing more aging or dated than a pair of those super-thin GretaGarbo-ish brows of the past (been there, done that)..or the super flattering "tadpole lash" (been there, done that as well!).

One of the quickest and most effective ways to get the most bang out of your beauty routine is by creating and maintaining beautiful flattering brows....and I have to tell you that getting my brows done by the Anastasia esthetician at Nordstom a few years ago changed my life! (Last I checked I think it was $25)...Well, lucky me just happened to be working a Beauty Trend Show for a line right next to the
Anastasia counter.....and when things slowed down a bit the Anastasia gal was like "wanna get your brows done?" Ummm..YEAH!

Perfect timing because I had just hit 30...and since I heard that nothing ages you more than thin brows had abstained from my magnifying-mirror "pluckfests" for a few weeks (one of Anastasia's NO-NO's btw..). Before I knew it I had the most beautiful gently-arched eyebrows....totally changed my entire look! At the time I was "super-broke" and was all "oh man..you're gonna get me hooked on $25 brow waxes..." But here's where the miracle was....she explained what she was doing as she went along....and when she was finished....she taught me how to maintain them on my own!

Now here's where the 3 Minute Face lift comes in.......now that your brows are in check and you only have to "maintain" them it takes no time to add that little extra "ooph" to your face everyday....and of course, Anastasia has the products to get the job done right.....

Exclusive right now to Sephora...Anatasia's GoBrow ($21) is THE tool to get you on your way...the universally flattering brow pencil (think a neutral medium-brown) is the perfect consistency...a few sharp strokes and your brows are as plush as an 18 year olds....and then this is where the real miracle happens...

The other side is a universally-flattering highlighter...matte and COMPLETELY natural looking for those low-maintenance types (whatever that is...hee hee)..a swipe of this directly under the eyebrow visually lifts the brow....and it even works wonderfully in the inner corners of the eyes and directly on top of dark circles..(be sure to blend carefully if you go there..).

Next, finish off your new lift with Anatasia's Brow Gel (Clear or Tinted) ($19-$21)..lightly brush brows to seal in their new shape for the day. In the past I was really sold on cheap, drugstore clear mascaras as a setting gel.... but Anastasia's Brow Gel is worth the splurge...the really nice thing about her stuff is that the wand automatically has the perfect amount of gel.....I CANNOT tell you how many times I have done a client or model's makeup w/o wiping off the wand of my cheap stuff first resulting in goopey, nasty brows that I have to re-do entirely!!!! Well no more....

So there you have it! My long-winded, (probably more info than you needed to know)... way to a 3 minute face lift!  Anastasia products and brow gurus can be found at Nordstrom and her Go Brow @ Sephora...

Be Beautiful....

Diamond vs Rhinestone: Covergirl WETslicks Amazemint Lipgloss vs CE Bigelow Mentha Tint Lipshine

Hey ya'll. So I just got the phone with Lianne...(had been waay to long btw) and as we drooled over the latest Sephora catalog and all our "wants" she goes, "Have you the tried the new Covergirl WETslicks Amazemint Lip Gloss?"..I was like, "Um yeah..I've been meaning to post on it..." LOVE, LOVE it!

We both agreed that this yummy minty gloss reminds us of another favorite...CE Bigelow Mentha Tint Lipshine.  Now, granted they are around the same price BUT you have to go to the mall for the Mentha Tint so let's just say the extra gas to get there puts it in the Diamond category, K??? LOL!

Now the cons...Lianne thought that the only difference formulation-wise between the two was that the Amazemint doesn't quite last as long (I think I would agree...)  Pros: CG Wetslicks teamed up with Crest for the mint-flavor and even better, several shades of the 13 colored glosses are specially formulated to make your teeth look whiter (probably blue based shades).  Nice, right???

But the real reason why I love it is because of the packaging.  I love wand glosses and this one is really easy to apply.  ALSO, Just like the Mentha Tint the CG Amazemint is TOTALLY ADDICTIVE so watch out!!!  I've found myself taking it with me IN MY POCKETS so I can re-apply...

Be Beautiful Y'all!

Beauty By Josi: Beautify your Hands with AB Hands Skincare by Dr. Craig Austin!

Yep, it finally happened to me. I have heard for a few years now how "your hands can age you" and "why spend all this time on making your face look good and then have old hands,etc,etc..." and honestly ignored it.  Then seemingly overnight, one day I looked down at my hands and the skin on the back of them just didn't look "right". It's not so much that they are wrinkled (although that is starting too) but more that the skin looks THINNER and kind of paper-ish....LOVELY...time to call in reinforcements!

So that's exactly what I did..if ya'll remember awhile back, when I first introduced you to Dr.Craig Austin and his AB skincare line I was pretty pumped because of his heavy use of glycolic acid....I have used it in various forms on my face during the times it wasn't having any prescription retinoid use (for what-ever reason....my skin is so damn finicky). I have found that glycolic acid in pharmaceutical-grade, dermatologist skincare products to be pretty darn effective and so naturally, was hopeful it could do the same thing for my now sad-looking little hands.

Well I was right (toot,toot)...after the first night I used these pads I noticed the next morning that the crepiness was G-O-N-E....my hands looked more supple....kind of "plumped" up a bit! I figure that's cause it's safer for the doctor to put a higher concentration of glycolic acid in products for the body vs the face? I don't know...whatever the reason these are little miracle pads...super easy to use  and super-effective. I give them an A++++

Tip: I keep these pads right on my nightstand and apply right before bed...they feel slightly "sticky" but when you wake up the next morning your hands feel really soft...and to keep the results going, I just apply my daily face moisturizer/SPF to areas I treat with the pads the next AM.

AB Skincare is available in Dr. Austin's offices and at his skincare website . The AB Hand treatment retails for $95 dollars.....

Stay Beautiful...

Beauty By Josi: War on Hair with the New TRIA..(Phase 1)!

Holy technology boys and girls.....we are getting even closer to winning the war on hair! Finally, the first ever AT HOME lazer hair removal device has gotten a green light from the FDA! Meet the TRIA ...available as of May 2008 from physicians and at spas and specialty retailers coming this Fall 2008.

The price tag (gulp)...$995..but if you do the math (and I can't even do it in my head but I know it's a lot) it will save you thousands if you are one of those ladies that goes to the dermo for laser hair removal or even if you are considering it.  The lowdown with traditional lasewr hair removal is that it takes several sessions (anywhere from 3-8 per area and from around $150-$300 per session) it can be up to $3000 bucks to permanently remove hair from just ONE AREA...and with TRIA you remove however much hair you want, wherever you want for $1000 bucks or less...

I am just pleased-as-punch to have been chosen as one of the lucky few in our beauty blogosphere to give this baby a go-go. Now, I was thinking that I wanted to start this out with some really great before and afters...but since the TRIA works better on just shaved skin, I had to shave all my bits first!

I will tell you though that I used it for the first time last night and it was a cinch....this is some serious technology ya'll. This baby comes with it's own little sensor that you have to test your skin with first (so it can make sure you are the right skin color) before it will unlock the machine!

And while I am so happy that it can think safely for me.... that's the over-all bummer about laser hair removal in general.  Since the laser searches out and destroys the dark pigment in the hair to stop it from growing back, if your skin is dark, it can do MAJOR damage by destroying the dark pigment in your skin...so sorry you lovely cinnamon and chocolate girls...(and boys).

So anyways...I used it on my pits and legs last night...it has three laser strengths and I was able to use it on full power....it can zap you pretty good if you aren't prepared for it but nothing too uncomfortable and I didn't have side effects at all afterwards.  TRIA's lazers pulse pretty fast but it takes awhile to cover large areas like your legs (but better by myself on my couch with TIVO then sitting in some doctors office!).

And this is the time line...since hair grows in three stages (active,transitional and resting) and the laser can only kill it in the "active" stage, standard for total hair removal is every 2-4 weeks for 3 or 4 treatments..the hairs start to fall out about two weeks after a treatment..(I thought maybe it would zap them immediately...what,me? wanting instant results? noooo...lol) so I'll keep you posted on my progress...

I will also be using this lovely machine on my dear hubby....we are going to do some serious manscaping on his back (he loves me so much....) so I will definitely be posting some pictures of that one...before we shave it (he REALLY loves me)!!! So stay tuned for updates on the war on hair...

Be Beautiful....

Beauty by Josi: Buh-Bye Summer Oil Slick..YBF Skincare Works!

Well it's that time of year again....I know I keep bitching about it but I can't help it!  I notice it more the days I work (you know, because staying home and taking care of two kids ain't work, right??)  I spend all this time actually putting on a full face of makeup, powder and then powder again...

I get to work and after I've gotten the first model's makeup done I get a quick glance at myself.... EECCCKKK!! That poor girl (or boy) had to sit there in my chair looking at my nasty, shiny oil-drenched pores the entire time I am supposed to be making THEM beautiful!!! So I....powder, powder, powder again or blot, blot, blot, and sure enough within the hour the cycle starts all over again...

Of course you know I have tried every matifyer on the market...problem is that they; A. Work but make my skin itchy and tight and B. Are yet another step that I have to incorporate into my already packed skincare regime...

So when I tried YBF:Defend Oil Control Premium Protection Synergistic Anti-aging lotion ($120), I was rather skeptical.  Hontestly, I was more excited about the fact that 1. the second ingredient was sodium hyaluronate (a  hydrating skincare ingredient not usually found in such a large amount in products since it's so pricey) and 2. it had a new ingredient in it called "spin trap"..and antioxidant cocktail that actually reverses free radicals instead of just neutralizing them! I was more interested in it as a daily protection product vs. a matifyer.  I mean, I'd rather have shiny oily looking young skin than dry, wrinkly old looking skin (god forbid I age gracefully)...so here's my review:

First off, it smelled YUMMY...Almond-liscous! I thought for sure it must be loaded with fragrance so I went straight for the ingredient list...NOPE! I don't know how they did it but it felt very "spa-ish" ...this good smelling, not-a-bit greasy gel-like lotion (how's that for a long-winded description)...it absorbed super fast so there was no wait to apply my day lotion (with SPF of course).

I was happy...I got to use this sweet-smelling new antioxidant product instead of my normal boring serum....Then a few hours later (and after two or three models passing through my chair) I thought, "Crap! I forgot to check out my oil-slick.." I literally got out my MAC blotting powder compact (the best btw) and when I checked my face there was no need..there was no Exxon Valdez on my face... HOLY CRAP ya'll!

So.... you may think that I am over-reacting, but this is huge for me you guys. In fact, so huge that I went online and googled every single ingredient in thier relatively simple ingredient list...and am happy to say that I really understand how this Your Best Face stuff works! I am just pleased-as-punch to have found such an amazing product...one that works for my oily, acne-prone, sun-damaged, finely-wrinkled mess of a face...worth every penny.

Tip: When applying I pump the product twice into my palms and "pat,pat,pat" my hands together and then "dab,dab,dab" lightly onto my face and neck..you want to tap the product into your skin vs. rubbing...that way I don't abuse my already delicate visage...lol.. (thanks for the tip Sarah N..)

Your Best Face Anti-aging Skincare products can be purchased at www.theskincareshop.com or on their website .

Stay Beautiful Y'all...

Beauty By Josi: NARS Orgasm/Laguna Duo (Don't Be a Hater)...

So all right...I ain't gonna lie...I've been a NARS hater.  Probably has to do with the fact that when I freelanced for LORAC they were in the same row as us at the Sephora so it was my job to steer customers away from them and towards my stuff....fun,fun,fun!

Another reason I was a hater was also probably due to the fact that Orgasm...(the infamous blush) was crammed down my throat on a daily basis whenever I would open a magazine...and the first time I tried it myself I wasn't that impressed.  I have to admit as well...if EVERYONE loves something I tend to get suspicious.  So with the exception of a using a few of NARS liners and shadows on special event clients who already had NARS in their personal makeup bags, I abstained...

Well fast forward to the MakeupShow 2008....Lianne picks me up at the airport...and as soon as we get in her car I proceed to raid her makeup bag (hey, if anyone gets it she does!) What do I see but this cute little duo...Orgasm blush and Laguna bronzer together...hmmmmm.  So I give it a go....and AAAHHH...the sky opens up and the sun comes out and I am enveloped in light...(well maybe in my own mind)!  This duo is perfect on everyone (Lianne and I both wore it all weekend that should tell you something!) and I can't believe I was a hater this long...sorry NARS!

Be Beautiful Y'all...

Beauty By Josi: Tame Your Breath and Brighten Your Smile With Dentaburst...

Hello beautiful people!  Man...it has been a crazy few last weeks for your dearest....lot's of new and exciting makeup jobs since I joined THE best agency here in Dallas..(toot,toot!). I am learning so much and the talent I am coming across just keeps getting better and better..and when I say "talent" I really mean HOT guys....

So, really you don't do that much makeup on male models...more "grooming" than "makeup" AND yeah, they really do look like that in real life! But if it makes you feel any better...they don't always SMELL so beautiful.  I don't know what it is about these boys...I mean, HELLO! Don't eat a big 'ol garlicky somethin' and then come sit in MY makeup chair!!! What, you're so gorgeous that you don't need to worry about grossing people out with your sloppy oral hygiene?

Well, luckily I stumbled upon these...DentaBurst Teeth Cleaners. They are these cute little pockety pads that you put on your finger and then scrub-a-dub-dub away. They have the perfect amount of toothpaste on them so there is no need to rinse and they really do leave your mouth feeling clean and refreshed ( I tried the mint flavor..they come in cinnamon too for you exotic types)..they are individually wrapped in these cute little boxes that fit perfectly in my makeup kit or purse......and what's even cooler is that I give them to my boys with the excuse that they will "brighten your smile on camera" instead of "tame your dragon breath..." Score one for Josi!!!

I have been using these myself after my daily Starbucks run...when there's no time to go home after work before I go out (not quite as often as I would like) or after lunch on a shoot!

You can find Dentaburst Teeth Cleaners at your local Target, CVS or RiteAid....

Be Beautiful Ya'lll!

Beauty By Josi: Oopsy Daisy Rinse Free Baby Shampoo!

So my addiction to all things beauty will not be caged in by such silly things as age or gender...wherever toiletries are to be found I am like white on rice... .

So when I came across Oopsy Daisy Rinse Free Baby Shampoo I was really excited to try it...my 4 and 7 year olds are such animals! If it is sticky and gooey or oozy and they are within 5 feet, it will be on their person in no time! I am normally a baby wipe junkie...I keep them in my car, purse and makeup kit (love 'em on the job..). But lately, I can't help but think about all those wipes adding up in our local landfills..

Well now I can get the same kind of gentle, tear-free clean as baby wipes with this rinseless shampoo! First off, it smells divine...it is a plant-based cleanser that contains lavender,orange and vanilla...yummy! What I like even better is that it doesn't contain any of those scary tearless, numbing no-tear ingredients usually found in kids products...you just lather up and wipe off with a washcloth or towel..(okay..I guess you could use a paper towel if you REALLY didn't have any other options..lol)

It works great in my  4 year old daughter's long thick hair...gets the stink out and dosen't tangle her curls or get greasy on me...it gets gunk off of icky hand and faces just as well. I've also been using on myself....great for freshing up stinky armpits,etc in this awful Texas heat..and heck, maybe I'll even save a tree or two!

Oopsy Daisy Rinse Free Baby Shampoo retails for $18 a bottle (a little goes a long way) and can be found on their website or at better baby boutiques across the country.

Bathe Beautifully Bebes...

Beauty By Josi: Stronger nails in 1 week? YES....

I am the supplement QUEEN.  I swear, if I added up all the money I have spent the last 5 years on vitamins I probably could've bought that Chloe bag a long time ago...but really, vitamins have made a HUGE difference in my nails....I mean, I don't have "long" nails but my naturally strong "squa-ovals" are fine by me!

BUT for the last few months my usually strong nails have been increasingly weak....flaking and peeling like paper...my usual basecoats and topcoats weren't working and my manicures lasted like 3 days max! Wasssup? Well ding-dong finally noticed the other day that she has been using ACETONE polish remover for over a month now...DOH!!!! And any beauty pro worth her salt knows that a girl should always use NON-ACETONE polish remover to maintain nail integrity.

SO last trip to Wallie's I picked up this....Sally Hansen Hard as Wraps Acrylic Gel and started using it about a week ago...2 coats as a base and then 1 over my nail color....WOW! That, combined with Non-Acetone polish remover and my nails are no longer doing that peeling thing..and I can paint them and expect it to last ...FINALLY!

If your nails are weak and wimpy like mine...try it out ya'll! It's under $6 bucks and is available at your local grocery and drugstores....

Be Beautiful...

Drugstore Diva: Olay Touch of Sun Overnight

OMG ya'll....I am so EXCITED about this product I cannot even tell you...so excuse my blubbering in advance.  SO, you already know that I think that the advent of daily self-tanner/moisturizers has been the best thing since sliced bread; you actually get believable color!....BUT regardless, they still stink to high heaven...and I don't care what some brands say...no matter how pungent you make the top notes, in the end by the time you see the color you smell like the monkey exhibit at the zoo...

So, I was super excited when I saw Olay's New Touch of Sun Overnight Daily Moisturizer....I figured I could slather it on before bed, get my color and shower off the stink in the am....I figured it would still smell like ass but my suffering would be minimized while I slept.  I mean, I was even willing to stink up my bed and nightgown in order not to smell the crap during the day....

Well imagine my disbelief upon my first application of this stuff...this smooth, milky formula was immediately absorbed by my thirsty skin..and smelled faintly of lavender and vanilla...nice to fall asleep to, but I figured when I woke up I would be all monkey...OMG! You should have seen me sniffing myself trying to smell the self-tanner the next morning....it was SO extremely faint that I could've even been imagining it!!! And heres the kicker: I even wore the SAME nightgown the next night!!  UNHEARD OF...and the color was the same gorgeous golden-brown as the daytime formulas....without streaking or staining anything....

TIP: Now don't be afraid,but this is how I conquer the "hand-issue" when it comes to tanners..I don't wash my hands!!! ...I always hated it because after washing I always ended up looking like my arms went to the Bahamas and left my hands behind...too weird! So I happened upon a trick that works great for me:

After I have applied the lotion to my entire body I take a towel (a dark one...) and firmly wipe my palms off (be sure to get up to the sides of them) and then between each finger...using a seperate section of  towel for each finger... I think between that and my next step, which is running leave-in conditioner through my wet hair,enough product comes off leaving my hands looking tan and VERY natural.....give it a try next time you apply..(ooo..I just rhymed..lol)!!!

So anyways..I still can't believe how un-smelly this new Olay Overnight stuff is....you have got to try it!!! After all, It has become very clear to me this summer (and since my Mexico beach vacation) that 30+year old skin just looks better self-tanned then real-tanned....sad to say, but my skin just doesn't tan the same....HELLO freckles and liver spots, YUCK!!! Thank goodness for self-tanner.....and now UN-stinky ones!!! Wooo-Hoooo....

You can find Olay Touch of Sun Overnight at all your grocery and drugstores.....and it's under $7 bucks!

Be Beautiful....

Beauty By Josi: Another Makeup Bag Staple...by Burts Bees!

I've been meaning to tell ya'll about this dreamy little spray forever and FINALLY remembered...it's one of those little things that just makes my day so much better.......Burts Bee Aloe & Witch Hazel Hand Sanitizer actually manages to make disinfecting pleasurable!!! Seriously, it smells like herbal heaven.....sometimes I want to skip hand washing with the 4 year-old and just spray...not drying at all and the scent lingers a bit too!

So easy and enjoyable and you don't get the mess that the gels can make..I hate it when those gel containers get an air bubble and you end up with a golf ball sized blob in your hands!!!..And this spray won't end up all over your handbag either! Now, It's a pain in the butt for moi because I have to make a seperate trip to Ulta for this one product, but it's worth it....(and DARN, you know how I hate Ulta..lol!)

I just wish they would add this hand sanitizer to their Burts Bees stock @ Walmart (BTW...last trip I noticed my local Super Walmart put it a ENTIRE new natural beauty aisle...BB, Avalon, Abba among other brands..so cool), CVS and Target...but for now, you can get it at your local Ulta...and it retails for under $7 bucks!!!

Bee Beautiful.....

Beauty By Josi: Beautiful Eyes by Rohto....and a Makeup Artistry Tip!!!

Well it's official...I've been sold on a new eye drop..Buh-bye generics! I now bring Rhoto V. Cool eye drops to all my photo shoots...I usually have EVERY model freshen up with them before I start to prep their face for makeup...you would be amazed the difference it makes when your whites are their whitest...I am always amazed at how much I use these little guys (for myself and my models)!

And of course, don't forget my old standby when that last minute pimple pops up....applied with a Q-tip and held on the zit for 1 minute Rohto V majorly reduces redness....making fresh acne soooo much easier to conceal (remember eye drops are vaso-constrictors)!!!

So,I love these new Rohto Eye Drops in the V. Cool formula because they feel so refreshing! Kind of like a breath mint for your eyes.....while still managing to sooth and relieve that tired, heavy-eye feel you get going without enough beauty Z's.....and the little bottle is just about THE cutest thing I have ever seen!!!

Rohto Eye Drops can be found everywhere......Walmart, Walgreens and all better drugstores for under $7 bucks!

See Beautiful Ya'll!!!

Beauty by Josi: New Medical-Grade MLab skincare...

Well by now ya'll should know that my dermatologist is my best friend....and ever since the evolution of "cosmeceuticals" (the blending of pharmaceutical grade ingredients into cosmetic products) began in the late nineties, I have been a devout follower....I was in the biz working corporate for the cosmetic division @ Nordstrom, so I got the skinny on new products as they launched....

I mean, I have been using Retin-A or some kind of prescription skincare product steadily since I was 13 (and we won't say how many decades that has been....oh allright, 2)...HOWEVER, for some reason the older I get, the less tolerant my suddenly sensitive skin is of P'X retinoids...what's a girl to do?...So I naturally gravitate towards skincare products that are developed in tandem with top dermatologists and laboratories.....this is one benefit (kind of) to being a control freak when it comes to my skin...if it's out there I want to know about it...and even better, now I can share it with you!

So I was stoked when I found out about M LAB Skincare.  THE global leader in cosmeceutical development, Milbar Laboratories has been formulating cutting-edge pharmaceutical-grade beauty products for over 25 years...exclusively for dermatologists and plastic surgeons...(can we say match made in heaven for Josi?)...and this time Milbar decided to go for the gold... their scientists and doctors were told to create THE most effective and luxurious anti-aging skincare regime possible...NO-EXPENSE-SPARED..and M LAB was born.

What I think is unique to M LAB is that their products contain the highest percentage of "active" ingredients of any other cosmecuetical on the market today...45% to 74%! Most luxury cosmecueticals contain around 10%...and only contain one or two of these "active" ingredients in their formulations (higher percentages of active ingredients=higher cost)..SO most companies need to put their money where their marketing is...but not M LAB...I was fortunate to be able to get samples of these miracle potions.....and here is what I found:

As a whole I found all the M LAB products to have an extremely luxurious feel....each product is a sensory experience of it's own..it's not often that I find skincare that manages to feel luxurious without irritating my NOW sensitive skin....and what I really loved was that their scents were all absolutely delicious..but not over-powering....in fact, I would HIGHLY recommend M LAB for the man in your life....the streamlined, ultra modern packaging and herba-licous scent are very gender UN-specific...kind of like a La Mer for men!!!

So heres the product breakdown:

M LAB anti-aging treatment cream (2.4oz $260): Contains peptides, anti-oxidants and hydration factors that are skin-firming while retaining skin softness and dermal elasticity 68% clinically active ingredients.  This one felt amazing.....I could literally feel it working but without any stinging or irritation...just felt very "active" (which I love....)!

M LAB anti-aging cleanser (6oz $60): A tri-active blend of refined cleansing agents..moisture-locking and free-radical inhibitors remove environmental impurities to hydrate and soothe skin 45% clinically active ingredients.  This was like washing my face with silk....my skin felt fresh and clean without being stripped..but did a good job getting off my tough mineral foundations.

M LAB anti-aging toner (6oz $60): Complex of natural plant extracts, mineral co-factors and hydration-boosting agents..62% clinically active ingredients...well, you know how addicted I am to toners...this one did the job without stinging or stripping...removed left-over makeup and/or any flakes and felt and smelled like PURE luxury and felt like silk..

M LAB anti-aging treatment serum (1oz $275): Synergistic complex of advanced peptides, potent antioxidants and high performance hydrators...restores dermal hydration reservoirs..74% clinically active ingredients....(really need my tanks re-filled at this point in MY life that's for sure!) This formula has a balmy-feel and I noticed it filled in and diffused my fine lines right away while managing to reduce my redness!!! (it better for $275, yikes!)

M LAB anti-aging day treament SPF 15 (2oz $125): Dermal barrier factors...antioxidants, peptides, sensory-perfect UVA/UVB protection...reduces fine lines and wrinkles...65% clinically active ingredients....This was a fast-penetrating lotion that left my skin hydrated without feeling greasy..just wish it had a higher SPF...

M LAB anti-aging eye cream (.5oz jar $170): This little guy did it all...smoothed my lines, hydrated AND diminished my circles...I could "feel" it working but it didn't "bite" too hard..plus a little goes a long way.....59% active ingredients.

M LAB body treatment cream (6.7oz jar, $185): Talk about luxurious....this lightly herbal-smelling cream went on like a dream..gave my skin a much needed drink of water......I used it right after a day at the pool (I know...I know...slap on the wrists Josi....) and it immediately returned my skin to it's pre-sun condition....best of all, it healed the red spots that I didn't get sunscreen on overnight!

So I know these prices are HIGH....BUT luckily, you can try all these amazing products in cute little travel-sizes in the bag pictured above for $130....and what's great is that M LAB doesn't take the usual 4-6 weeks to become "fully" effective..you will know after 2 weeks MAX if it is going to work for you...all I know is that after only a week my skin looks very refreshed...it seems to have regulated my over-active oil glands in our outrageous humidity and my fine lines and under-eye circles are waaayyy reduced...thank goodness!!! All without aggravating my sensitive, acne-prone skin.

M LAB is available exclusively at Mlab Online or if you don't mind a trip across the pond....exclusively at  world famous Harrods in London.

Be Beautiful!!!!

Beauty By Josi: New Makeup Kit Addition!!!

Hey boys and girls! So it isn't that often that a product makes into daily rotation in MY makeup routine and my WORK makeup routine...and since it's summer and I myself have been especially greasy (I am in DFW after all...) I decided to give Olay Definity Deep-Penetrating Foaming Moisturizer  a whirl...

This feather-light foam turns out to be exactly the amount of moisture my post-serumed face needs at night in our hot (record 100 degrees here today) and very humid weather...It gave my skin a wonderful taut feeling without making my skin angry (it's sooo damn sensitive sometimes....).and I just happened to throw it in my kit on the way to a last minute photo shoot the other day...

I used it on a boy model (excuse me, male model) and it was perfect for his skin...it evened out his tone without the shine that a normal moisturizer gives...(which meant less powdering for me during the shoot, YAY!) And let's face it, it's just darn fun to use...a great ice-breaker for nervous models (and makeup artists!)

So, I would say if you are looking to lighten -up your skincare routine for summer this is a good one!!! It retails for around $30 bucks EVERYWHERE.......CVS,Target, Walmart...you name it!!!

Be Beautiful Y'all!

Beauty By Josi: Palmers Dark Chocolate & Cherry Lip Butter...

OMG...so can I just tell you how plump I feel right now? It's supposed to be summer but we keep flip-flopping between hot and cold and it's got my appetite all screwed up....one day I'm jeans/sweatshirt/EAT and the next it's shorts/tank/STOP EATING Josi!

Well I'm glad I found these little lip treats....Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula in Dark Chocolate & Cherry and Dark Chocolate &Peppermint ...SERIOUSLY ya'll, usually I think that dessert tasting cosmetics are disgusting (sorry Jessica....) but these little glosses taste so real they ALMOST hit the spot!

Palmer's Butter Lip Balms retail for less than $3 bucks at your local drugstore or mass merchant!!! Do treat yourself and go buy one of each....these are the kind of little indulgences that rock my world!

Butter Beautifully.....

Beauty By Josi: Teeth Bleachers Anonymous...

Momma, why are your teeth blue? SERIOUSLY, that is what my 4 year old asked me the other day. My husband kept asking me why I was bleaching my teeth AGAIN every time I have these last few months but I ignored him......so it's time for me to come clean. I, Josi Lauritzen am a teeth-bleaching addict!!!!

I knew that before my teeth became clear I needed to do something about it. I've seen the "enamel rebuilding" toothpastes out on the market and had tried a few with so-so results. Well after using Sensodyne ProEnamel toothpaste my teeth are finally getting back on track....I have laid off the whitestrips and my teeth look the better for it...I have been using that with my new Oral B CrossAction Pro-Health Toothbrush...I love IT because it has this awesome tongue cleaner and let's me know when it's time to buy a new one! After all, as vain as I am...I do know that it's all about health!

In fact, on my trip in Mexico my best friends husband even remarked "how do you get your teeth so white, do you bleach them everyday?" So I figure that I am doing okay...phew!!!!

Sensodyne and Oral-B can be found at your local drugstore or mass merchant. The toothpaste is under $5 bucks and the toothbrush under $6!

Brush Beautifully Ya'll!

Beauty By Josi: New Mineral Makeup...DYG!

Hola Amigos!!!! Freshly back from the beach I've been looking for a new foundation...as much as I would like it, no SPF & sun hat in the world is going to keep my face from getting SOME color (and what about the whole melanin-mustache/hyper-pigmentation thing REGARDLESS of how hard I try and protect it? I wish someone could've given me a book on what to expect from my skin after I hit 30...

And as you all know I jumped on the mineral makeup bandwagon with both feet a few years back....so when I heard of new mineral makeup line that offered anti-aging benefits I just HAD to try it...when I found out it was developed by a dermatologist I got even more hot and bothered.

Check out DYG Mineral Makeup!  Created by Dianne York-Goldman co-founder and president of the acclaimed La Jolla Spa MD along with dermatologist  Dr. Mitchel P. Goldman, this makeup line offers benefits that no other line can claim right now....(can you IMAGINE if your hubby was a dermatologist?)  I'm sorry but I would be like "Honey..be sure to bring home those 5mls of Botox and the Cortisone injections from work..I've had another breakout and the kids have really been making me mad today"  I'd probably have a separate "injection" room in my house....lol...yeah, it's funny but kinda sad at the same time....)!

But seriously, I was delighted with the results of their Liquid Powder Foundation SPF 15 ($42).  Vanilla Creme was the perfect match for my post-Mexico face and it went on like a dream.  This oil-free foundation has a wonderful souffle-like texture that smooths onto the skin seamlessly - then dries down to a beautiful matte finish without looking too powdery (I still set with loose powder because I am a freak like that...) BUT if I was hip and could get over it, this stuff really needs no powder at all....one difference I noticed with this liquid-to-powder foundation right away was that it didn't dry down too fast...so it gives you plenty of blending time (my favorite method of application with this one is with a makeup sponge) blending out and then stippling where you need more coverage.

It gave me  medium-to-full coverage and I found that if you need additional concealer, taking a small concealer brush and using  the more concentrated,dried product off the cap works great....very pigmented and hides like a dream.. It's an all-in-one - worked wonderful under eyes, no creasing or caking but enough coverage to hide my circles (and they are pretty bad..it's a hereditary thing...thanks Dad)!

Oh yeah....and what is different about DYG? Dianne and the doctor worked together to formulate a one-of-a-kind anti-aging ingredient called Vitaphenol.  Vitaphenol is delivered to the skin in all their mineral formulas and is one of the most powerful antioxidant complexes to hit the market today.  It contains a blend of pomegranate, magnosteen and green and white tea extracts to protect the skin from all the usual suspects....That, along with the SPF and you are good to go girls!

So yeah, I am happy. I really enjoy this makeup and it is so easy...one product for my entire face..eyes, zits, brown spots and all..

DYG cosmetics are available for purchase at www.dygcosmetics.com or by calling their makeup boutique @ 858.459.6868.

Be Beautiful Ya'll!!!

Beauty By Josi: Bikini-line Bravery...

So I finally did it girls!!!! My best friend told me YEARS ago that getting her bikini line waxed was one of the best things she ever did but I never really considered it.....even though I am tortured every year when I "let it go" a little too much in winter and then have to "shape it back up" when bathing suit season arrives (I know...ewwww...)

Well anyways...since I have become a bi-monthly regular at Zaibees here in Dallas and was going to get an early jump on summer in Mexico this year, I decided to give it a go.  I admit, I was really nervous...laying there with my legs splayed open didn't sound too appealing to me.  Thank god for black underwear is all I gotta say on that one.  I kept thinking of those girls that go full-on Brazilian - I don't know how in the world...

But Ruby, my regular eyebrow and lip-threading magician was very reassuring and sweet about it....she managed to calm my nerves as she drew blood (not really)...but her quick hand made it so fast I barely had time to feel it.  I have to say the results are AMAZING!!  Not ONE single in-grown hair, no more nasty razor burn, not a single "itch" down there that I can't scratch..LOL!  Now here I am THREE weeks out and I don't even need a touch up yet!  It was so great to be in Mexico and not even have to think about my bikini line.

SOOO...I have to persuade you girls that are getting ready for summer...(and guys..can you say, man-scaping?)..if you have never done it - just DO it.  The short-term pain is SO worth it!!!!

Be Beautiful Ya'll....

Beauty By Josi: Keep Those Feet Neat Ya'll.....

So you know how when you go on a beach vacation and you finally get all cleaned up and ready for bed....but don't want to put your feet under the covers because you still have sand stuck on them?

I know...life is tough!!!! But really, Mexico had AMAZING coral sand beaches..but once it made it's way into our condo it was there to stay (until the maid came the next day to sweep...I know...tough!!!).

SO...I kept these little guys....Clean & Cool Foot Wipes by Earth Theraputics on my nightstand the entire trip to use right before I retired at night.... The wipes got rid of any leftover sand... and the tea tree oil and natural mint wipes cooled and refreshed my feet...luckily, I didn't use them all on my trip... They come in this cute little mini-baby wipe packaging and are perfect for anyone who dawgs are barkin' at the end of a long day!

Earth Theraputic products can be found at better drugstores and mass merchants and the foot wipes retail for around $6 bucks.

Be Beautiful Ya'll!!!

Drugstore Diva: Free Mani/Pedi's on Herbal Essence Ya'll!!!

Hello my fellow Americans....I wish I would've found out about this deal a month ago...lucky me....going to Mexico for some much needed R&R!!! Yippee....so if you are in the states (hee hee) and happen to be in your local grocery or drugstore....check this out!!   

          
With the purchase of any two (2) specially marked Herbal Essences shampoo or conditioner products, you can receive a free manicure or pedicure at participating salons. I will definitely be trying out their New Color Me Happy line when I get back and get my hair did. (what's the point of dying BEFORE May-Heck-O?..) Save your receipts and visit Herbal Essences Free Manicure/Pedicure to redeem for vouchers!!!! (takes 4-6 weeks).  Be sure to look for  the specially marked products with the green stickers  now through June (they have a green sticker, like the pics here in this post).

Now you have NO excuse...be proud of those pouncers !

Be Beautiful!

Beauty By Josi: Confessions of a Sun Junkie....

Phew....So while I am backing on for my Mexico get-away...I thought PERFECT opportunity to share my beauty product joy. You know you are a beauty junkie when you are worried they might lose your luggage because you will miss your favorite new moisturizer instead of your designer jeans....(which I will NOT be bringing btw LOL)

So heres my latest sunscreen........

AB Sun ($45) SPF 45 Broad Spectrum UVA/UVB Protection....love, love this stuff...contains Avobenzone AND Micronized Zinc Oxide...green tea AND caffeine for antioxidant skin defense...what more do you need really?

Developed by  Dr.Craig Austin who practices in NY and Southampton, this bad boy will protect my skin on the beach and in the city!!! You can buy his products in his office, or in his... Skincare Store.

Plan of attack....squeeze into bathing suite (it's super-cute btw)....slather this all over.....pop on the sun hat and proceed to bake @ 90 degrees....proceed to turn approximately every 20 minutes or as needed......baste in ocean hourly....lol!

Dr. Austin believes in the Power of Glycolic Acid and so do I.  I will be reviewing his other products upon my return to the real world......plan on doing some really cool before and after photos so stay tuned......

See you when I get back beauties!!!!!

Beauty By Josi: Instant Beauty with Napoleon Perdis Light Patrol Luminizer Pallete!!!

Oh man ya'll...talk about EASY...I just found my answer to super-fast, naturally beautiful, sheer summer makeup.....Oh Napoleon, you did it again!

When I first saw the Napoleon Perdis Light Patrol Luminizer Pallete I thought, "Great! This will be perfect for my makeup kit...for photo shoots...not for ME for everyday..." Why? Probably because it would be too easy..I like to make things hard sometimes....in life and makeup unfortunately.....

Talk about all-in-one beauty babies!!!! First off, the texture of these creams is super nice...smooth and very easy to blend, yet not a bit greasy.  I was really happy too because the color lasted all day and I didn't have to do any extra touch-ups (like I have time for touch-ups, lol)!

Okay so here's how I used it..AFTER my foundation, but BEFORE my powder ..... with my fingertips I used the light Vanilla shade on my brow bone and the inner corners of my eye to lift them and cast away dark circles.  Then I used the Gold in my crease to add some much needed depth to my eyes.
Next up, the Rose shade made a perfect blush...just on the apples...a really easy application tip for this is to smile so you can see exactly where those apples are!!! The light Pink was next...I smoothed it  on in a mini-C formation around my outer eye area/top outer cheekbone area for a mini-face lift.

Makeup Artist Tip o' the Day: One rule in makeup (no, not really a rule..more a principle) is that dark colors make facial features RECEDE and light colors make features PROTRUDE...this is the general principle to follow when it comes to contouring...and why we use light shades on the tops of the eyes and cheekbones to give the face a "lift" when needed and use dark colors under the cheekbones and jawbone to slim a face down.....

Oh...and the same Rose I used on my apples I used on my lips...I can't believe I didn't have to use any brushes or sponges...just wash those hands and go ladies!!!  So...... we've got eyes, lips, and cheeks in one palette for $60...not too shabby ya'll!

Napoleon Perdis cosmetics can be  purchased at  Sephora and The Derm Store .

Be Beautiful.....