The Melting Months ...again

Buxom Tryst $24 at Sephora

In the beginning of the summer, I decided to do the unthinkable...give up bronzing powder.  My plan was to fake my tan with a combination ofGarnier's Beauty Balm and a touch of foundation in a deeper skin tone, no doubt meant for a non-Caucasian.

I was tired of how dry my skin looked with bronzing powder and particularly frustrated with the sparkle factor.  Why is it that those little buggers have a particular affinity for finding their way straight into any facial nooks and crannies???  Frustratingly, they are uber present in most bronzers, albeit prestige or mass brands.

Yesterday I posted a TotalBeauty "beauty bubble" (articles that are customized to the interests of the Beauty Blogger's they publish,) about "best" and "worst" bronzers.  The timing was favorable.

As the humidity has kicked in and the mercury is rising to 90 on most days, my makeup is melting leaving my looking pale and peaked. I knew it was time to reconsider bronzing powder and armed with a number of raves, I went to Sephora to check them out.

I am a Benefit fan of long standing, so my first stop was to look at Hoola a matte powder that always wins raves and in pictures looked picture perfect.

Sadly, in person it is more of a puce shade.  Tarte's Bronzer looked like a good bet, but it is no longer carried in Greenwich.  Too Faced, Smash Boxand the oft touted Guerlain bronzers, all twinkled.

I stumbled upon what I thought was a bronzer by Buxom, but turned out to be a blush from their new True Hue Blush Collection.  What looked and tested like a Brazilian tan under their lights, looked more like the color of an eraser on a number 2 pencil in my bathroom this morning.

Ruh roh.  Did I take the wrong color home?

I took out an underused, as of late, fluffy bronzer brush, and lightly swept it across my forehead, cheeks, chin and the bridge of my nose. Nope.  It was working for me and looked particularly natural, gently swept over my Pixi  All Over Magic Rose Radiance blush.

Here is how it is described:

Sweep on this silky, sheer ultra-buildable blush for the color of your dreams. True Hue Blush contains rhodiola, an arctic plant root that makes cheeks appear refreshed, allowing them to come alive with color. Whether you're looking for a luminous flush or a pop of vibrance, this buildable, featherweight formula allows you to create your True Hue. Sweep it on and get swept away.

The color stayed fresh and true all day and there is not a speck of sparkle...Hallelujah.  

My recommendation is not to distrust reviewer's raves, but to go see, and try them for yourself.  There is simply no way to truly judge shades you have never used from a website photo.  It all boils down to the one that works with your skin tone.

Happy hunting...

xox,

DD

A DivaDebbi Giveaway: FakeBake Golden Faux Glo Shimmer

FakeBake Golden Faux Glo Bronzer  $20.99

I'm in the middle of my second sunless summer.  Having spent my whole life enjoying warming my bones and skin in the sun, I could no longer justify spending so much time trying to turn the hands of time back, only to undue it all each summer.

Even this weekend, on the glorious beaches of the Hampton's, I huddled under our umbrella, doused in SPF 30.  Who is this person??? I barely recognize me.

Naturally I have a complete arsenal of faux tanners that I employ so I don't look pale and pasty.  Back in February, I was sent a sample of FakeBake Golden Faux Glo Shimmer to review.

Golden Faux Glo Shimmer is not a self tanner, but an instant one, that lets you see exactly where you are going to tan.  I still use it, (with gloves), anytime I wish to enhance my self tanners.

This is what I said in February:

When I received a request to sample FakeBake's Golden Faux Glow Instant Tan Lotion in a wash-off formula, I leaped at the offer and anticipated it's arrival with excitement.

When the package arrived in the evening, I immediately had to try it despite the directions to use it on clean, exfoliated skin, and to wear the enclosed gloves, while applying in a circular motion.

And I liked what I saw...Me.  Tan.

There is a distinct "vanilla" smell that some might find a bit cloying, but did not offend me. My fingertips were stained a woody brown, that did not wash off all that easily...so much for disregarding instructions...but damn, I looked good.

FakeBake is paraben free and uses only natural ingredients. It won't clog pores. The Instant Tan Lotion is designed to wash off, so it is recommended that water or heavy perspiration be avoided for 4-6 hours...no water polo for me, I guess.

FakeBake has a complete line of self-tanners in various formulas as well as exfoliaters.  It is more moderately priced than St. Tropez and is available from their website or Ulta, where it also won raves. Celebs love it too. 

Would you like to try a tube of FakeBake Golden Faux Glo Shimmer???  

Good, because I am giving one away!

How can you win it?  Easy, simply "Like" me on my Facebook page, and leave me on a comment their or on this blog, with a comment and email address.

I will select the winner next Monday, July 30th at 8:00 p.m. and post the winner that night, so don't forget to check back.

Happy faking.


xox,
DD

GLO Brilliant Review: Day 4 the Finale

GLO Brilliant Personal Whitening Device
invented by Dr. Jonathan Levine

On Wednesday night, I completed my 4 days of GLO Brilliant whitening, which included 16, 8 minute sessions.  It was easy, painless and worth it.  I can see significant whitening and I am looking forward to maintaining my results with one weekly 8 minute session.

Do I think GLO Brilliant is worth the $275 investment?  Absolutely YES!!!  It pays for itself!

Over the years I have paid to have two sets of at home whitening trays made for me, and have purchased at least 8 vials of whitening gel at $70 a pop. The trays do deteriorate and need to be replaced.  The well crafted mouth piece in myGLO Brilliant system will never wear out.

Best of all, I experienced none of the mind numbing, painful tooth sensitivity that is a common side effect, not only with at home whitening kits, but with OTC dental strips.

My initial before pictures were taken in my bathroom, which apparently has awful lighting!  I will show you Before and After's taken there, plus in better light, under a natural skylight:

GLO Brilliant BEFORE

GLO Brilliant AFTER- FINALE

GLO Brilliant AFTER- Finale Daylight

I couldn't be more pleased.  I honestly don't think the pictures capture how much whiter my truth truly are.

 If you think about how much money you spend on any single item of clothing, that you may wear, maybe once a month, it is money out the window, compared to a prettier smile that you get to wear everyday.

This is pure Diva common sense, and the reason I just ordered a Super Solano blow dryer.  If my hair looks better after drying it at the gym, it's time to invest in a better dryer that will help me look my best each day at home.

There is really anyone on the planet who would look to me for money saving tips, but when it comes to beauty, I think I have figured out a thing or two along the way,  and I love to share them with you.

xox
DD

GLO Brilliant Review: Results Day 2

Last night was my second night of using my award winning GLO Brilliant Personal Whitening Device. I will admit that my anxiety level is now zero,after learning directly from Stacey Levine, Co- Founder, that you are NOT expected NOT to swallow, in a given 8 minute session. 

I had read reviews from others who found not spitting to be a challenge as well, but in truth, there is no issue in swallowing. Basically, it is just your own saliva. The gel product adheres safely to your teeth only.

In my opinion, this should be one of the key questions asked and answered in Dr. Jonathan Levine's FAQ page in the instruction manual. It seems to be a point of confusion and it's the only thing that would make using GLO Brilliant cumbersome.

Now I'm a pro at handling the equipment and the procedure.  I whitened away, while watching one of my guilty pleasures, Real Housewives of New York,(sidebar to Sonja; don't quit your day job...Oh.  That's right--you don't have one.) The commercials seemed perfectly timed to the end each of my 4, eight minute segments.

Kismet.

Here's the update in pictures:

Day 1 BEFORE GLO Brilliant

Day 1 AFTER GLO Brilliant

Day 2 AFTER GLO Brilliant

It's subtle, but I definitely see an improvement.  Do you?

Don't forget to check back tomorrow.

xox,
DD

GLO Brilliant Review: Results Day 1

 

GLO Brilliant (apparently they weren't kidding) applicator
in action

Like most of us, I am a creature of habit...My favorite way to spend any given Sunday, is waking up slowly, with an enormous mug of coffee, propped on several pillows watching Sunday Morning with Charles Osborne. At some point I will multi-task and slip Dr. Murad's Intensive C Radiance 10 minute Glycolic Peel on my face, neck and decollete.

This week, I had a new beauty task to tack on-- with my award winning GLO Brilliant Personal Whitening Device charged and ready to glow, I got started on whitening my teeth.

Everything about the GLO Brilliant Personal Whitening Kit is sleek and functional. If it were a laptop it would definitely be a MAC. Truly, it is a work of art and an obvious labor of love.

The product applicators have enough inside them for a complete daily session of 4 sittings at 8 minutes each, 4 days in a row. If there is any leftover product, it can be refrigerated for up to 7 days, without losing potency. The fence like bristles ensure that the product gets into all the nooks and crannies of both the upper and lower outside teeth.

GLO Brilliant product applicators

The timer is pre-set to turn off after 8 minutes has elapsed, simply press the "glo" button to activate it. Nicely, it is attached to a lariat, you can wear around your neck, after plugging it into the whitening device, so you are mobile.

GLO Brilliant Timer

I mistakenly thought you were required to not expel, during each 8 minute session, which I will admit was bit of a challenge. I just spoke with Co-Founder Stacey Levine and she explained that it is perfectly safe to swallow, since the product remains on the teeth, once it is placed.

Phew!!!

When it comes to following the maintenance schedule, I will be doing one eight minute session a week, (no doubt with a 10 minute Murad Intensive C Radiance Peel on my face), rather than repeating the 4 day schedule monthly. That is entirely manageable for any ones busy schedule, mine included

GLO Brilliant Day 1- Before

Here are my teeth, post brushing and pre-GLO. It should be noted that GLO Brilliant is safe and effective on both veneers and crowns.

GLO Brilliant Day 1- After

This is how they looked after one GLO Brilliant treatment. I swear they already look brighter already, though the literature said most people do not see an effect until after the third treatment. As others have reported on Sephora's website, I had none of the pain and sensitivity I usually experience post whitening treatments. Bravo!!!

What to you think??? Do they look a bit whiter to you?

Come back and visit to see the full results. I'll be posting pictures everyday and I'm psyched!!!

xox,

DD

GLO Brilliant: Personal Teeth Whitening Device: An introduction

Dr. Jonathan Levine and his wife Stacey Levine
Co-founders of GLO Brilliant

Nothing makes me happier than when all my beauty stars align...Dr. Jonathan Levine and his warm and beautiful wife Stacey have been on my radar since my college days. They were then and still are a golden couple.

Dr. Jonathan Levine is a world-renowned NYC aesthetic dentist (with a high profile clientele of actors, models and CEO's) , Professor, inventor and oral care expert and philanthropist.

Stacey Levine is the co-founder of GLO Science and a well known face in the beauty retail industry. In fact, it was on a sleepless night when I was channel surfacing that I saw "Stacey Face", (as we used to call her), demonstrating GLO Brilliant on HSN...naturally I was thrilled! Stacey has also traveled to Africa, where she has taught mom's and their children the importance of oral health care. She has plans to expand this effort globally.

We all also, live in the same town where we have raised our boys. Stacey has great style and we have chatted warmly when she stops into shop at Richards, where I am the Personal Shopper. Only recently did she realize I am also a Beauty Blogger.

Inspiration struck at the same moment...while I was asking if I could try GLO Brilliant she was suggesting I do exactly the same!

J. Lo Glows...Want to know her secret?

J. Lo is radiant... by divadebbi 

Me too...but I do know one, and we will get to it...

I love a Girl who is not afraid to pack a glah-mah wallop.  Jenny from the block has never met a sequin, fur or platform she doesn't like.  I love that she is not afraid of looking like she made an effort.

She does...an it pays off in spades.

And talk about glow.  Her skin is other worldly.  About a year ago, I had the pleasure of meeting cosmetic creator and much in demand makeup artist Christopher Drummond, in fact, he did my makeup for a photo shoot.

Christopher has also done J. Lo's makeup many times.  Despite my cajoling charm, he remained tight lipped and professional about their sessions.

However, Christopher did tell me that he always finished her face with his favorite product: Saude Pele Radiance Booster...naturally, I didn't leave without it.


I recently rediscovered this special product in my treasure trove of products     an have been use this featherweight powder sparingly, to set my makeup each morning.  Here is how it is described:

Christopher Drummond Saude Pele Radiance Booster
$70-$85

This all natural, vegan, organic-based powder is rich in antioxidants that are essential for healthy-looking skin. Saúde Pele is enriched with botanical extracts including, açai, soy isoflavones and boswellia serrata, to give your complexion a luminous glow. Use Saúde Pele either with Veludo Velvet Foundation or by itself, for a look that is natural, healthy, and radiant.

What is SAÚDE PELE Radiance Booster?
SAÚDE PELE is a product like no other: 100% natural with organic and vegan ingredients, it's great for your skin. It has botanical extracts such as Açai, Soy Isoflavones and Boswellia Serrata extracts, which all help to impart a luminous glow. It was made to be simple, effective, good for you and long-lasting. Christopher wanted his product to not only be effective, but good for you and our environment.

How do I use it?
SAÚDE PELE is sure to be the most versatile cosmetic in your bag: Simply dust a small amount over the skin to create instant radiance. Wear it under your foundation to add life to your skin. Wear it on top of your foundation to add extra "oomph". Use it on the cheeks as a highlighter, or all over the face to "warm up" your coloring (without the side effects of bronzer). There are no rules! Add it to your organic moisturizer to create a tinted moisturizer, or to your body lotion to give your skin a beautiful healthy glow.

How was it created?
Christopher formulated SAÚDE PELE from scratch. He made it for the woman of today: full of time constraints, with no time for well-being. By using SAÚDE PELE (which is Portuguese for "healthy skin"), you are making a choice to use a beautiful and useful product. By using ingredients rich in vitamins, minerals, essential oils, botanical extracts and ayuerveda-inspired philosophies, a product was made to nurture your skin and your soul.

Who is it for?
Anyone. Whatever your skin type, color, age or condition; this product is for you. The lightest to the darkest ski an use SAÚDE PELE, and will have the same effect: glowing, beautiful-looking skin - in an instant!

Net net, does it Saude Pele give me J. Lo's glow?  Not exactly--but I'm giving it my best effort anyway.

xox,

DD

Murad Introduces MuraSol: The smartest suncare ever

I am a fan of Dr. Howard Murad's skincare products. His passion for pioneering cutting edge skincare products,is evidenced in the numerous patents he has received for advancing skincare technology. His clinical skincare lines are sold in 41 countries and is a leading seller at both Sephora and Ulta.

I particularly love his Intensive C Radiance Peel, which I use faithfully once a week. (http://divadebbi.blogspot.com/2012/05/glow-getters1-murads-intensive-c.html). Easy peasy.

I received a sneak-peak of his latest brainchild, MuraSol, a new antioxidant defense technology that will be included in all Murad products with SPF.  I won't be surprised to see this patented as well.

MuraSol, creates a stronger defense against UV rays, by neutralizing free radicals with antioxidants, before they are able to inflict damage to the skin.
Additionally, and smartly, Dr. Murad also included his patented repair system that protects and maintains firmness into MuraSol.


In other words, Dr. Murad is marrying the best of skincare, Pomegranate Extract, Vitamin E, plant lipids and Hyaluronic Acid with the best of suncare.  To me that is a forehead smacking DUH...it's kind of amazing know one has thought of this sooner.
The line will include Murad Oil-Free Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 (1.7 oz. $31) and Murad Water Resistant Suncreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 (4.3 oz. $30).

I received the latter today and I intend to see how it wears under makeup.  It was sweltering but overcast, so I applied it anywhere the sun might shine.  My eyebrows raised when I saw it was white, steeling myself for a lot of rubbing, but it was not to be.  It blended easily and had a pleasant scent.

MuraSol is launching officially this month at Sephora and Ulta as well as the Murad website just in time for summer...

Fall, winter and spring.

xox,
DD

Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Glow Pads: Genius!



Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Glow Pads
8 large towelettes $45

I recently posted the first of Prevention Magazines 2012 "Celebrate Your Beauty Awards". They will be unveiling the complete list of winners over the next several months. The first segment was dedicated to the "body", and I knew instantly that I would want to try Dr. Dennis Gross's Alpha Beta Glow Pads for the Body.

Not only do they start working within an hour and don't require gloves but they are scentless and good for you. Here is how they are described on Sephora's website:

What it is:
An exfoliating self tanner that firms and smooths skin, while minimizing the need for shaving.

What it is formulated to do:
This multitasking self tanner offers the glow you desire with added, skin-friendly bonuses. Packed with vitamin D, this exfoliating and anti-aging formula repairs and nourishes skin, combating irritation and blemishes. Capislo™ helps reduce shaving frequency by minimizing hair texture, length, and growth, while the microencapsulated DHA and soy proteins deliver color deep into the skin to prevent fading.

How could I resist buying these when Dr. Dennis Gross' Extra Strength 2-Step Alpha Beta Peel is one of the best products I have ever used? I couldn't and didn't.

The Brows Have It

Julianna Margulies

My beauty escapades now seem to have there own life force and they are moving at the speed of light.  I can't believe it is nearly 3 years since I first metDanielle Sampieri, the eyebrow artiste extraordinaire, who taught me thenecessity of a well groomed brow, (http://www.divadebbi.blogspot.com/2009/10/just-brow-zing.html).

At the time Danielle was at the Benefit Brow Bar at Bloomingdales in White Plains. I was faithful to her, until she left to work in their SoHo branch for awhile and work with her colleague Dahlia at the Brow Bar.  


The Brow Bar is a busy place that requires appointments. On Saturday,  I looked at the two, shapeless rectangles on my forehead and sighed.  Though I had to go to Bloomingdales to pick up a new "Soar" lipliner from MAC (the perfect pink nude, that should be standard in any cosmetic collection but is as rare as a Siberian tiger), the chance of getting squeezed in for a tweeze was probably nil.


To my great good fortune, I caught a lull, and Dahlia sat me down and got to work, (she knows I now know better and I much appreciated that she skipped the hand wringing and lecture, though we both knew she had her work cut out for her).


As I sat there, I thought of Danielle who introduced me to this world. She taught me how a well shaped and defined brow adds structure to the face and opens up the eye area. That it requires routine maintenance and a bit of daily work, but that it adds a finish an refinement to the face and that the effort is worth it...she's that passionate.  And she is that right.


The very next morning, I got an lovely email from Danielle.  She thanked me for how much my blog helped her build her clientele and wanted to let me know that she had returned to the area. I thanked her right back for sending me to brow finishing school and let her know I (mostly) kept up with all of her edicts.


Hallelujah!


For a brow consultation and appointment with Danielle Sampieri, call her at her new location: Salon Savior at 195 E. Post Rd. in White Plains 914-761-9292.


And tell her DivaDebbi sent you. Beauty has a beautiful karma all it's own.  Pay it forward...


xox,
DD

Diana the Divine

Diana the Divine, then now and forever by divadebbi

This was always my favorite photograph of Diana.

She was at the height of her beauty, showing a bit more skin, softer makeup, with the perfect haircut and honey blonde color to flatter her lovely features. It's how I will always remember her.

I think she would have adored this updated navy Herve Leger gown and I could envision her wearing them with this stingray Alexander McQueen skull clutch and Jimmy Choo platforms.

Gone but never forgotton.

xox,
DD

Taking it all off: Yet again Lierac Eye Makeup Remover $24 Ever since I fell in love with Benefit's They're Real Mascara I have loved how my lashes look every day. I have also struggles mightily with how to remove it--every day. Just a few weeks back, I thought I found a nice solution, with L'Oreal's Clean Artiste Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover. It was effective and well priced at 6.99, but not 3 weeks later, I'm down to my last drop...effective, yes. Cost effective, not so much. The very best eye makeup remover that I have ever used, was sent to me to sample back in September of 2010 (http://divadebbi.blogspot.com/2010/09/wishful-thinking.html#more). Here is how I described it: Lierac Paris Diopti Demaq is a crystal clear gel, that gently removes makeup and best of all, does not leave a dreaded oily film on and in my eyeballs. In addition, clinical studies have shown that natural ingredients like Rose and Cornflower Water, Linden and Mallow Extractions, Keratin and Vitamin B5, "calms, softens, hydrates and most importantly, in my book, boosts growth! It is also paraben and alcohol-free. I hadn't forgotten it, especially since it lasted for over 8 months, but I like my beauty products readily available aka sans shipping fees. Lierac Paris was modestly stocked at my local CVS, but they never included Dipoti Demaq in their offerings. Gratefully, this has now changed. Inadvertently, I picked up the formula for "Sensitive Eyes", which of course I discovered at home. I kept my receipt, just in case it was too gentle to tackle my needs. Fortunately, there will be no boomerang trip for me. Diopti Demaq for Sensitive Eyes worked like a charm and was every bit at as good as the original formula I used. I guarantee, this will be the last eye makeup remover I will ever post again, again. Diva's honor. xox, DD

Lierac Eye Makeup Remover $24

Ever since I fell in love with Benefit's They're Real Mascara I have loved how my lashes look every day.  I have also struggles mightily with how to remove it--every day.


Just a few weeks back, I thought I found a nice solution, withL'Oreal's Clean Artiste Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover.  It was effective and well priced at 6.99, but not 3 weeks later, I'm down to my last drop...effective, yes. Cost effective, not so much.

The very best eye makeup remover that I have ever used, was sent to me to sample back in September of 2010 (http://divadebbi.blogspot.com/2010/09/wishful-thinking.html#more).

Here is how I described it:

Lierac Paris Diopti Demaq is a crystal clear gel, that gently removes makeup and best of all, does not leave a dreaded oily film on and in my eyeballs.  In addition, clinical studies have shown that natural ingredients like Rose and Cornflower Water, Linden and Mallow Extractions, Keratin and Vitamin B5, "calms, softens, hydrates and most importantly, in my book, boosts growth!  It is also paraben and alcohol-free.


I hadn't forgotten it, especially since it lasted for over 8 months, but I like my beauty products readily available aka sans shipping fees.  Lierac Paris was modestly stocked at my local CVS, but they never included Dipoti Demaq in their offerings.


Gratefully, this has now changed.  


Inadvertently, I picked up the formula for "Sensitive Eyes", which of course I discovered at home.  I kept my receipt, just in case it was too gentle to tackle my needs.


Fortunately, there will be no boomerang trip for me.  Diopti Demaq for Sensitive Eyes worked like a charm and was every bit at as good as the original formula I used.


I guarantee, this will be the last eye makeup remover I will ever post again, again.


Diva's honor.


xox,
DD