Fighting the Clock With Tay Eye Treatment With Apricot Kernel Oil

The lovely ladies over at Gloss48 sent me a gorgeous package of products that I’ve been trying out. One that I am super crazy about is Tay Eye Treatment with Apricot Kernel Oil ($78). I’d never heard of Tay before tearing into this box, but check out the wood (bamboo) jar — how could I not instantly fall in love with the company? (The logo & words are actually pressed into the bamboo! This may be the single greatest beauty product packaging I’ve ever come across.)

The cream inside is just as lovely as the bamboo jar. It has a pale, creamy lemon-yellow tint to it, but looks just like any other eye cream formulated for the eye area. It’s made from organic ingredients that are good for the skin, and help hydrate and combat signs of aging naturally. The consistency is thick and cushy, but not greasy. I’ve been applying it at night before bed, so it sinks in and does its thing while I sleep. It really does feel great going on; it absorbs quickly and easily, with minimal patting (always good for the delicate eye area), and it feels very light on my skin. Although I wear it at night, this is gentle enough to wear during the day under makeup, too. There’s no harsh or tingly feeling, even though the cream is working hard to get your skin looking better.

In addition to delivering crazy moisture to the area of your face that needs it most, this cream gently removes dead skin cells and helps prep the skin for cell turnover. (You can’t see or feel this happening, but you’ll notice that your skin looks glow-ier after using it for awhile.) The all-natural cream is infused with apricot kernel oil, which helps kick wrinkles’ asses, and dissolve fine lines, too. It also, over time, gently fades dark circles and pigmentation of the undereye area. Supposedly, I’ve only been using it for about two weeks, so I haven’t seen the full benefits of this cream yet, but it just feels so lovely on my skin that I wanted to tell you about it sooner rather than later.

Even though I have yet to see the results, I would recommend this based on how cushy and luxe it feels on my skin (and yes, because of that amazingly chic wood jar).

Lulu Blossom Gimme Some Sugar, Sugar Scrub

Supporting independent business is really important to me. When you purchase from small businesses, you help support a local economy, and you know exactly where your money is going. Which is why I was so psyched when I received a lovely package of treats from Lulu Blossom, a small, all-natural skincare company based out of Chicago. Lulu Blossom’s products are handcrafted from scratch, with only natural ingredients.

Racheal Kash, the founder of Lulu Blossom, sent me an assortment of products. This review is for Gimme Some Sugar, Sugar ($46), a sugar scrub that promises to make your skin feel like a baby’s bottom. (Check back for reviews of the other products in the next few days.)

What first struck me was the ingredient label on this product: cane sugar, brown sugar, shea butter, grapeseed oil, raw honey, grapefruit seed extract, & fragrance oil. That’s it. Nothing you can’t pronounce. Everything is made from natural ingredients, and there’s nothing in here that can harm you.

First off, this product comes in a huge 16oz. tub. It’s SO heavy (in a good way). When I first opened the tub, a light, tropical–almost coconutty–fragrance hit me. It smells really good.Here’s a shot of the product in the tub. Doesn’t it look like the ingredients for a decadent dessert? It’s that brown sugar in there!

More details after the break.

Tarte Glamazon Pure Performance 12-Hour Lipstick

Tarte’s signature Amazonian clay has been whipped into a rich, long-wearing lipstick. Glamazon Pure Performance 12-Hour Lipstick ($26) is the merging of luxury and eco-friendly cosmetics. This multitasking stick bucks the trend of drying long-wear formulas by hydrating lips while wearing comfortably for up to 12 hours, thanks to Amazonian clay. The clay also helps the color glide on smoothly, resist fading, and stay put for hours. And it helps battle fine lines around the mouth, while keeping your lipcolor in place (bye-bye, feathering). What can’t this lipstick do?

Juara Candlenut Perfume Oil is a Fragrance Dream

At the start of this year, I wrote a post about Juara Candlenut Hand & Body Balm ($10-$35). I have been saving that tube, using it only for special occasions, because I absolutely adore its intoxicating scent. Juara describes it as a blend of “delicate freesia, white blooming jasmine, sparkling bergamot and gentle rose with just a hint of fresh coconut.” I think of it as a coconutty, tropical paradise. (I adore coconut — it’s one of my favorite things in the world, yet it’s so hard to find a truly cocoutty scent. This is it, mixed with a hint of vanilla — in my opinion).

So naturally, I’ve been obsessed with Juara’s Candlenut Perfume Oil, a rollerball loaded with the lovely fragrance, for quite some time. Every time I’d go to Terrain, I’d dab a little on my wrists; it would brighten my day. But it was $28, and I just could never bring myself to buy it — Terrain is a wonderland, and I would always buy gifts for other people when I was there. (It’s impossible not to!)

Last weekend at Terrain, there was one little box left, standing all by itself amidst the other Juara products. I saw it was on sale for $16.95, with an additional 40% off. SOLD. I got it for just over $10, and I couldn’t be happier. When I opened the small box, nestled beside the rollerball was a deluxe sample of Candlenut Body Creme, which I promptly rubbed into my hands and arms. I’ve been dabbing the rollerball on my wrists and neck every day, and people keep telling me how much they love the scent. I’m in coconut heaven. I never want this little vial to run dry!

Wanna give this scent a whirl? Juara is offering a complimentary mini tube of Candlenut Hand & Body Balm with any online purchase of $50 or more.

Common Good

I love the clean lines on the package of relatively new brand Common Good. Simple, understated, and pretty. The Brooklyn-based cleaning supplies were developed by a mom who wanted to use household products that were eco-friendly and non-toxic to her kids. Included in the line are plant-based,  fragrance-free laundry detergent, liquid hand soap, soap bar, and dish cleaner. The line recently expanded to include naturally-scented soy candles and dish cloths.

The green products are also available in bulk refills to help you cut down on packaging waste. Just bring your empty glass bottle to a refill station and fill it up. It’s reusing and recycling in its simplest form.

Sh. Cosmetics Hint of Mint Gloss

A few weeks ago, I wrote about Sh. Cosmetics, a Philly-based line of all-natural beauty products. Well, shortly after that I won a Sh. Hint of Mint lipgloss in the weekly giveaway from Lithe Method, the ass-kicking fitness program that combines cardio-cheer-sculpting (strenghth-training & cardio performed with ceiling-mounted resistance bands), ballet barre work, mat work, and Pilates into a workout that I both love and fear (it’s hard!). Class went by a lot faster knowing a shiny new treat was waiting for me after!

How does it stack up? Find out after the jump.

Neutrogena Naturals Fresh Cleansing + Makeup Remover

I’m getting really into organic and more natural products lately. Skincare brands are leading the revolution on the eco-beauty front, with so many natural ingredients going into their creams, lotions, and cleansers. Neutrogena Naturals Fresh Cleansing + Makeup Remover ($8) is a great mass-market pick at a pretty price.

The cleanser is formulated with out the big bad chemicals: sulfates, parabens, dyes, petrochemicals, and phthalates. It does have Peruvian Tara seed,  South American seed rich vitamins C & B. It works with your skin to hydrate without drying, and strengthen your skin’s nautral moisture barriers. When you press the pump, a creamy, pearlized formula is dispensed. It’s low-lathering, but deep-cleaning.

The reason I like it: it gets my skin squeaky-clean in 1 step. Not only is my face free of dirt & oil post-wash, but all traces of makeup are totally gone. Very few other cleansers do this while still being gentle on your delicate skin. It’s earned a permanent spot in my shower caddy.

The line also includes Purifying Facial Cleanser (a clear formula), Purifying Pore Scrub, Face & Body Bar (soap), and a lip balm.

Hurraw! Vegan Lip Balm

Sometimes, when the weather heats up, a sticky gloss is just too much on the lips. There are moments when all you want is a little shine, lots of moisture, and a burst of flavor for your lips. For those moments, Hurraw! lip balm ($4) is just the thing.

The vegan formula is all-natural, organic, and raw…meaning, no fake stuff is in it, and it contains no animal byproducts (like beeswax, from which balms are traditionally made). The formula strikes a delicate balance: it glides on easily, is not too sticky, not too glossy, and definitely not too bogged down with flavor. And it holds up in the pocket of your jeans without melting!

Each tube is handcrafted and hand-poured in Whitefish, Montana, a ski town in the Glacier Mountains. All that fresh air has to be good for the balm, right?

Available in 12 mouth-watering flavors: coconut, lime, lemon, vanilla bean, chocolate, almond, root beer, grapefruit, orange, cinnamon, licorice, and mint. You’ll be licking your lips with this on.

Earth Day Beauty Picks

Today is Earth Day, a perfect time to be aware of things that will help extend the life of this planet we inhabit. As waste and populations rise across the globe, the Earth is in danger now more than ever, as evidenced in global warming, the thinning O-zone layer, and a million other scientific crises. While today is a day to raise awareness of a cause that affects us all, being green is a good habit to get into, and one that won’t impact your life drastically. And going green is easy when you start with baby steps: throw a plastic bottle in the recycling bin, buy local organically-grown food, or look for products that are manufactured by eco-friendly standards. Even a small act can have a big impact on our collective future.

And going green can carry over into your beauty routine, too. Great eco-friendly products are easier than ever to find. From recycled packaging (or no packaging!) to environmentally-friendly manufacturing standards, these products represent not only a more beautiful you, but a brighter future for us all.

Aveda
Aveda is so organic, it’s impossible to choose just 1 product from the brand. Their Earth Month initiative focuses on clean water this year. One in seven people lacks access to clean water, a basic human right. Stylists at select Aveda concept salons are donating a portion of proceeds from each appointment during the entire month of April to the brand’s clean water partners. Talk about beautiful. You can get in on the action by purchasing the soy wax Light the Way candle ($12), in a glass container made from recycled wine cooler bottles, which benefits the Global Greengrants fund.

Preserve Toothbrushes and Razors
Preserve makes toothbrushes and razors from recycled yogurt cups. And who says going green is pricey? You can purchase a Preserve toothbrush in a mail-back pack (the company will recycle the plastic handle upon receipt) for just $2.99.

100% Pure
The company’s cosmetics are colored with natural fruit and vegetable pigments. What a refreshing way to get a dose of healthy color! Bonus: naturally-occurring antioxidants in fruit transfer into the makeup. It’s a win-win situation.

Kobo Candles
These luminaries are made from pure soybeans that are domestically-grown and sustainable. The candles are made using environmentally-friendly materials, and their clean-burning wicks and won’t pollute the air in your home. (Plus, the packaging is gorgeously patterned and perfect for gifting.) Right now, I’m burning the Zapote candle ($38), a mix of passionfruit, strawberry, pineapple, and echinacea.

Burt’s Bees
More than 150 products from this brand are all-natural; labels give you exact percentages of naturalness for each product. It’s green gone simple. All packaging is made from recycled materials.

Josie Maran Cosmetics
The model dubbed her new cosmetics line “luxury with a conscience.” And she’s taking big strides to make her company as socially and environmentally responsible as possible. They print only when necessary, and use recycled paper and eco-friendly products. Even their display units at retail stores have been constructed from sustainable materials. Plus, all of the cosmetics are free of parabens and petrochemicals, so they’re more natural on your skin.

The Body Shop’s Coconut line
The Body Shop has expanded their Coconut line (hooray!), which supports sustainable, fair-trade coconut oil in Samoa. There are few things more empowering than doing good while smelling good.

Lush Solid Shampoo Bar ($9.25)
In an effort to reduce global waste, Lush offers 70% of their products “naked” without packaging. If 1 in 5 people switched from liquid shampoo to a Lush bar, about 22 million plastic bottles would be eliminated. The Solid Shampoo Bar works the same as regular shampoo; simply rub the bar on your scalp to generate a lather that rivals any liquid shampoo.

The good news is, these are just a few examples of eco-friendly beauty. There are tons of green cosmetics on the market today, and selecting them has never been easier. All it takes is a quick scan of a label to know whether you’re buying products that are good for you and the Earth.

Recession Beauty – Drugstore Finds, Pt. 1: Makeup

Times are tough in this economy, and America continues to collectively cut back financially. But your beauty routine doesn’t have to suffer in the face of a bad economy; you can still score great products at the drugstore. Lower prices do not mean lower quality. A lot of drugstore products are old faithfuls in my beauty routine, items I turn to regardless of the financial climate. In other words, they’re really great!

But how to know which drugstore products are stellar, and which ones are clunkers? After years of testing, I’ve compiled a gigantic list of must-haves…sort of like the Oscars for drugstore products.

Because the list was so long, I’ve decided to break it down into 3 parts. Today, we focus on…makeup! Stay tuned this week for and Skincare (Pt. 2) and Haircare (Pt. 3).

Read on for the full list of drugstore makeup must-haves.

Best Lower Lash Mascara:
Maybelline Lash Discovery mascara ($6)
I dare you to find a mascara with a tinier brush! The teensy wand gets into corners like no other, giving you wide-awake-looking eyes and incredible definition. It’s the best for lower lashes. I like the waterproof version, which doesn’t smudge or flake.

Best Volumizing Mascara:
Rimmel The MAX Volume Flash Mascara ($7)
Want pumped-up, voluminous lashes, but can’t afford to drop major dough on Armani Eyes to Kill or DiorShow? Rimmel MAX Volume Flash mascara has got you covered. The fat brush evenly coats lashes with inky black mascara from root to tip. The best volumizing mascara you’ll get for under $10.

Best Lengthening Mascara:
Revlon Lash Fantasy Total Definition Waterproof mascara ($7)
A friend of mine wears this and it gives her sky-high, mile-long lashes. Simply gorgeous. It’s not great for volume, but for impossibly long lashes, this is your best bet.

Best Brow Pencil:
Maybelline Define-A-Brow ($5.50)
This brow pencil features a slim tip, which is ideal for defining small areas of brows. Brows look best filled in with short, quick strokes that mimic the look of natural brow hairs; this pencil makes those staccato strokes a cinch. Use it to fill in gaps and sparse areas.

Best Clear Brow Gel:
Ardell Brow Sculpting Gel ($4)
Simply the best — and the cheapest — for setting brows in place. Gives you a defined, groomed look.

Best Brow & Lash Serum:
Ardell Brow & Lash Growth Accelerator ($4)
The market is flooded with lash growth-accelerating serums that cost a ton of money. All you need is this tube! For $4 (four dollars!), you can condition lashes and brows, which strengthens them and encourages new hair growth. I’ve used this stuff for years. You’ll notice less breakage, stronger lashes, and even longer lashes. If I ever overpluck my brows, new hairs pop up within 2 weeks with nightly use. Amazing.

Best Eyeshadow:
Maybelline Eye Studio Color Plush Silk Eyeshadow ($9)
Beauty bloggers are raving about this new eyeshadow quad. Silk gives the shadow a velvety finish for color-saturated lids. Four shadows give you a countless combination of looks in just 1 compact. Available in a whopping 12 color sets.

Best Eyeliner:
Maybelline Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner ($9)
Looking for a cheaper alternative to MAC Fluidline? This new Maybelline gel eyeliner is it. Housed in a little pot, this gel glides on smooth as butter to create professional-looking definition that won’t smudge. Go dramatic or soft with the included brush. All this in 1 little package!

Best Department-Store-Esque Lip Gloss:
Burt’s Bees Super Shiny Natural Lip Gloss ($7)
Like Lancome Juicy Tubes? You’ll love Burt’s Bees gloss. Slick on high shine and sheer color. The formula is juicy and packed with color. Plus, it’s fruit-flavored!

Best Lip Gloss:
Revlon ColorStay Mineral Lip Glaze ($8.99)
This smooth gloss delivers just the right amount of even color coverage, without ever feeling tacky. The formula is surprisingly long-wearing, and doesn’t dry out lips.

Best Lipstick:
L’Oreal Color Riche Lipstick ($9)
Creamy, not waxy. Long-lasting, not tacky.

Best Bronzer:
Physicians Formula Bamboo Wear Bronzer ($7 or compact; $10 for bronzer refill pans)
Bamboo Wear Bronzer is an eco-friendly bronzer housed in a sustainable bamboo compact, with refills available for purchase separately, so you’re reducing waste. The bronzer combines a golden powder with a shimmery nude highlighter, so when you swirl your brush over the surface, you get a blended, radiant glow.

Best Cream Blush:
Almay Smart Shade Blush ($9)
This cream blush takes the guesswork out of blush. Shade-sensing technology transforms the blush into the perfect shade for your skintone once applied to cheeks. It’s like your own personal makeup artist in a tube. The formula is creamy and blends like a dream.

Best Powder Blush:
Neutrogena Mineral Sheers ($11)
Neutrogena started as a skincare company, and that’s what they do best. They know how to craft products, including cosmetics, that don’t irritate even sensitive skin or clog pores. This blush won’t clog up your complexion, and removes easily. The built-in applicator brush makes on-the-go, quick application a snap.

Best Foundation:
L’Oreal True Match Roller Foundation ($15)
The paintbrush-style roller is what makes this foundation fun! Roll the spongy applicator over the creamy foundation, then roll it all over your face; it really gets into crevices, especially around the nose. The foundation won’t settle into fine lines, and stays put for hours. Plus, you get the shade accuracy of the True Match line, so you’re ensured an exact match to your skintone.

Best Concealer:
Maybelline SuperStay 24-Hour Wear ($7)
This creamy blend covers all imperfections. And it’s not going anywhere for 24 hours (unless you run a marathon). Seriously, this stuff sticks!

Best Corrective Concealer:
Physicians Formula Concealer Twins Correct and Cover Cream ($7)
These dual-ended concealers address specific skin issues at a pretty price. A green concealer counteracts blemishes, scars, discolorations and redness for an even skintone. A yellow-based concealer hides undereye circles and bluish skin discolorations, and conceals blemishes. The end result: a flawless finish.

Here is a list of some other note-worthy drugstore products that have reached cult-classic status:

L’Oreal Voluminous Mascara

Cover Girl & Olay Simply Ageless Anti-Aging Foundation

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser foundation

CoverGirl LashBlast Fusion mascara: For the record, I’m not a fan, but people looove the LashBlast line. The newest version provides length and volume.

In light of the economic downturn, Recession Beauty is a SugarSocial series that features low-cost, budget-friendly products as an alternative to luxury or designer brands.