Beauty Counter Cosmetics

I have recently fallen in love with a new beauty product line!!!  Have you all heard of Beauty Counter Cosmetics?  Well if you say no, don't feel bad....I never had before last month.

I was at a local event when I walked by a table full of beautiful makeup and skin/hair products...and I had to learn more about the line that was packaged so nicely.

When I heard that their line uses ingredients that have been though a safe screening process and they actually have a list of all their ingredients and what they are listed on their site.  I was intrigued.  I also was given a list of all ingredients that are in most well known products...and then found out that in Europe those ingredients are banned due to not being safe!  yikes!  Eye opener!!!

It's crazy to think that we women often will spend a lot of money on our clothing, jewelry, hand bags, food...but what about what we put on our skin?  What about what we use in our hair?

I have teamed up this month with a Beauty Counter Cosmetic consultant named Christina that I met last month and she is super nice! I will let you hear form her what she loves most about the products she both uses and sells.

Meet Christina:

Beautycounter was founded with a mission to educate families about the need for safer chemicals and products and work to bring about much needed change to the business industry - and to our lives. Most people assume that the products we see on store shelves must be safe in order to be on the market. However, it has been 75 years since the federal government passed a law regulating the ingredients used in skin care products and makeup, and companies can use almost any ingredient they want, even those that we know are harmful to health.

Beautycounter's ingredient selection process begins by eliminating the over 1400 chemical that are banned in the European Union and the 11 that are banned in the U.S.  In addition, Beautycounter has created its own  "Never List" which includes a long list of  chemicals that are linked to cancer, reproductive harm and cell damage. These chemicals are commonly used, and you will find them in the large majority of personal care products sold in the U.S. Our products are formulated without Parabens, Phthalates,Synthetic Fragrances, PEGS, SLS, or secrets. Every ingredient is selected for safety and effectiveness. 

Beautycounter was founded just over 2 years ago and has grown over 500%.  We have created many cosmetic lines including our Essential line, Countertime (Anti-aging line), Body and hair line, kids line and makeup line. 

One of my favorite products is the Clean Everyday Shampoo. It is a Beautycounter bestseller and for good reason! It is gentle enough for everyday use and is rich in antioxidants, proteins and fruit seed oils. Unlike some other shampoos, it lathers up nicely and breaks down buildup. It can be used on any type of hair, is sulfate free and leaves my very fine, colored hair feeling shinier and fuller.

Oh and a few of my other favorite products......Lustro face oil #3, Tint Skin, Protect all over sunscreen,  Everyday Body Wash, Color Pinch Cream Blusher and Touchup Skin Concealer Pen....Really I love them all though!

Beautycounter is sold via e-commerce, partnerships with J-Crew and Goop and direct sales consultants. To learn more about our products or to order, please visit www.beautycounter.com/christinagordon.  I can also be reached directly atchristina.anne.gordon@gmail.com with any questions about the products!  

And as an added bonus, celebrities and the press are loving Beautycounter too!… Mandy Moore, Reese Witherspoon,  Alessandra Ambrosio, Heidi Klum, and Emmy Rossum, just to name a few… and Beautycounter has been featured in InStyle Magazine, the New York Times, Daily Candy, MSNBC News, Allure, Lucky, People  and more!

I am actually testing out the Clean Everyday Shampoo this week and will give you all an update as to what my thoughts are on the product and if I think the product is worth investing in...yes...I said investing.  But again, aren't we worth an investment?!?  There is a reason celebrities are always looking so good and youthful...they are smart about what products they use on their skin and their hair. Keep reading our blog posts as Christina also mentioned she will offer a special just for our readers!!!!!

Love that!

Love,  Stylish Mama 

Laura Geller Makeup Kit Review

I have been a fan of Laura Geller products for quite sometime now.  I have always loved her line of eye shadow, bronzer, and blush.

As I was shopping for a new makeup kit to spruce up my "daily look" - I came back to an old favorite, but one that has been updated a bit.

Laura Geller has really improved her products with her "Baked Collection."

I read reviews and did some research on her kit called Baked Confections Collection.  And thought it would be a good purchase as it came with medium sized products.  It included: color-correcting foundation, blush and brighten, three eye-shadows in one compact case, and cherry almond lipstick. (as well as the two brushes shown below)

The beautiful shimmery palette is what drew me in!

I have to say the foundation is a miracle worker...for a girl with rosacea (redness) like me.  I get the pink blotchy marks on my cheek line and on my forehead...so with the color-correcting pigments in the foundation I actually get an overall smooth look.  Goodbye to the red!

However, I can't stress enough to get a primer! It will make sure your makeup stays with you all day!! Or as Miss Laura Geller calls it, Spackle!  (which is not included in the kit shown above)

This product is totally worth the investment!  I prefer the tinted spackle. The color is actually very light and if anything adds a little more of a "lush" look to your makeup.  If you use it, you will see that it smooths out your makeup once applied on top of the primer.

Another fun tip for this kit is that the eye shadow trio includes a "highlighting" shadow...which you can use under your eyes or in the corner of your eyes to make your eyes "pop."  I also use it as a highlighter and brightener...I add a strip down the bridge of my nose and to top of my cheeks.  Great fresh and glowing look!

The only part of this kit that I was not super impressed with the cherry almond lipstick.  I felt like it was not a flattering color on it's own. Very "fleshy"  color and when it dries it gets matted...I prefer a lip gloss look so maybe it was just me who did not prefer the finish look.

Over all,I think this is a great starter kit for her line of products. I am glad I got it and now I know which products I will invest in for the bigger sizes.

Happy Shopping!

Love, Stylish Mama

Ladies and Gentlemen - have you thought of your makeup for your next photoshoot?

Gentlemen: 

That's right men! Listen up! Men do and can wear makeup for photoshoots.  You do not need to be a model to do so.  Your ladies take pride in looking good for photos, we ask that our gentlemen do the same but when all fails, don't worry, your photographer can always edit those little details.

Don't worry, I am not talking about mascara and lipstick, more like corrective makeup or just minimizing your shine.

There are makeup lines especially designed for men that will give you a natural look but hide any blemishes or scars you may have on your face.

FACE: If you have a facial scar that you want to hide, a skin foundation in your color tone placed in that area, along with a light touch of setting powder will diminish or even conceal your scar for good.  The key is not having a heavy hand when applying the makeup.  Always feel free to ask a makeup artist or even your significant other to do these steps for you if you are unsure.  (If you would like detailed steps, leave a comment below and I will post a tutorial)

Daily Moisture Lotion

BB Tinted Moisturizer

For shiny skins, use a light hand for powder, again, in YOUR color tone (not your wife's, girlfriends or mothers) and this will help control your shine.

LIPS: Nothing better then luscious lips so make sure you use a good lip balm.

HANDS: Manicure! Please gentlemen, make sure that your nails are clean and trimmed.  No hanging cuticles as the camera picks up on every detail. (Get a pedicure while you are at it too!)

HAIR: Groom those eyebrows, a nice quick comb will make those brows looking better.

This is just the surface gentlemen.  A whole post of male beauty regimen is to come in the future.

Ladies -

Just want to share a few quick tips and favorite products that you can keep in mind for your next photoshoot.  

1. Primer - this will help smooth out your skin, conceal pores and make sure your makeup last longer.  

HD Microperfecting Primer

Benefit Porefessional Primer

2. Foundation - stay away from mineral makeup, these are great for every day wear but not ideal for photos. It's best to use a foundation with no SPF so the light does not bounce off your face.  Instead of powder foundation, which can settle into your facial lines, opt for liquid foundation so it can give your skin a smoother look.

Application is key, please DO NOT use your hands, you will not distribute your foundation evenly.  Use a damp sponge (beauty blender) or a foundation brush.

Revlon Colorstay 

Makeup Forever HD Invisible Cover Foundation

3. Set foundation with a translucent matte powder to avoid the shine.

Revlon PhotoReady Translucent Finisher

4. Avoid glitter or shimmer on your eye make-up.  Best to use a satin or matte finish.  Also remember to go a bit heavier on your eye makeup-up if you want the colors to be noticeable.  Between the lighting and the camera, most of the color will not show on your pictures if you go light on your eye makeup.

5. Try not to use glittery blush, especially on oily or older skin.  This will not always look flattering in pictures.  

Last tip for everyone, blotting sheets are a must to absorb oil.  I carry these in my purse all the time.

These are just quick pointers I wanted to share so you can keep them in mind for your next photoshoot.

Organized Chica - xox