Showing posts with label Paige Donner Luxury Writer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Paige Donner Luxury Writer. Show all posts

Sunday

Une Way Of Life: Burnt Red Nails


By Paige Donner

We love (as in love ! love !) Une’s Slightly Burnt Red nail enamel. Red livens up any outfit and adapts to all clothes and makeup, regardless of coloring. Deep and almost brickishly red, it’s a perfect color for early spring and on into the summer. Did we mention how nicely it wears with a deep brown tan ?



Something else you’ll find with UNE nail poishes is an XXL brush that applies your enamel varnish on your nail in one easy stroke. Its not-too-hard, not-too-soft brush fans out over the nail so you’ve got full color coverage precisely and in a flash of one brush-stroke.
 
And since it’s UNE, ethical is part of the product and part of the packaging. For instance, on the back of each nail polish bottle label is the figure that indicates the percentage of natural origin ingredients for each varnish shade : C09 our Slightly Burnt UNE Red lovely is a whopping 72.1% natural origin.

The Base and Top Coat otherwise known as C00 is 85% natural origin. This adds a natural Ultra-Shine to any of the nail enamel colors.

The color pigments ? They are mineral.
The petrochemical derivatives found in most nail varnishes ? UNE replaced them with equally effective natural origin ingredients : cotton, potato, manioc, algae.


New for this Spring are the 4 shades to match skin color, ranging from NUDE to cocoa brown. Forbidden and exciting shades to wear on your hands as we cruise towards warmer weather.

Other members of the UNE nail enamel color wheel are the SHIL family of shades. These are 2 Natural Shades (soft pink, light beige), 2 Shades Inspired by Lips (blush red, slightly burnt UNE red), and 4 Inspired by Eyes (taupe, khaki, smokey, denim).

SHIL stands for Skin, Hair, Iris and Lips.  It’s a sort of (shhh ! secret) code invented by UNE to create natural colors that enhance women of all ages. These shades take their inspiration from the natural shades of Skin, Hair, Irises and Lips.

You can rely on your 3-in-1 UNE nail color formula – that’s Base, Color and Extreme Shine – to be formaldehyde-, phthalate- and toluene-free.

Oil-Based Nail Polish Remover

And now for the real kicker !  UNE likes to say that they don’t know the meaning of impossible. So when faced with creating a natural nail polish remover, they went in the direction of OIL-Based and all natural.

The First 100% natural origin, zero fragrance remover. 

What’s more, it not just respects your nails but your cuticles too.  Want to know what’s in it ?

80% natural origin solvents extracted from plants.
20% sweet almond and apricot oil

On the light, blossom green bottle you’ll find listed the ingredients, detailing the percentage of natural origin ingredients : 100%

It’s also 100% effective in removing the UNE nail natural ingredient nail polishes. Even my Spring-Summer fave, the Slightly Burnt UNE Red.  If only for a color refresh !



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Thursday

Couvrance - For A Complexion Worthy of The Big Screen

by Paige Donner

 

Cake-free and doll perfect. That’s you, right ? Of course it is ! And if you feel you need just a tiny little nudge of help in getting there, look no further than Couvrance, the clean pure makeup by Avène, and its line of complexion correcters and foundations.

 

Couvrance is based on the premise that a woman’s skin is one of her most sensitive and prescious organs. Hence, tender loving care are the operating words here for this line of medical makeup. 

 

The other philosophy is to use the correcter sticks that come in Coral, Yellow and Green to neutralize those small flaws, bags under the eyes and tiny blemishes. Once these small imperfections are made invisible through the delicate application of counter-balancing correcters, a light sheen of  Couvrance Compact Foundation Creams can be applied to achieve that flawless Big Screen finish.

 

Since Valentine’s Day this year is yet again smack dab in the middle of Awards Season, here are some tips that will keep you looking your fresh, radiant and thoroughly seductive self, whatever the occasion :

 

Dark Circles Under The Eyes

 

First – and always – thoroughly moisturize under the eye before applying complexion correcters.

 

For brown undereye circles – Use the coral concealer stick which works for darker skin, the type of skin that tends toward brown undereye circles. The Couvrance Coral Concealer stick creates a very luminous and natural anti-dullness effect.

 

For blue undereye circles – The Couvrance Yellow Concealer stick works wonders in neutralising the appearance of blue undereye circles.

 

More Tips on the Concealer Sticks:
Green – neutralises redness, spots, small blemishes
Yellow – neutralises bruises and dark spots 
Coral – neutralises brown spots, melasma
 

 

Technique «  Since your small imperfections have now been neutralised, there’s no need to apply coat after coat of foundation. Instead focus on texture and application techniques, with the desired results in mind. »

 

Use a brush to apply the Couvrance Fluid Foundation Corrector. This will achieve the appearance of a flawless complexion by casting a veil over your skin.  If your complexion tends towards the grey or dull (such as during winter months!), choose a shade with a hint of pink to freshen up your complexion.  Choosing a shade that is slightly ligher than your skin tone can help your face appear younger. (Darker shades tend to add years.)

 

Now, for the finishing touches, you can actually « draw » on your face with the Couvrance Concealer Pen.

 

These work by applying them to your face after your foundation (to avoid running). The areas of application are on these points : the forehead, nasolabial folds, tip of the nose, corners of the mouth, hollow of the chin.

 

This adds contour and illumination to your face.

 

Last step – Mattify your makeup with a dusting of the Couvrance Mosaic Powders. *Hint – these can be used as an eye makeup palette as well. 

 

Whether you set your makeup with the translucent Mosaic Powder, the Radiance or the Bronzer, each are sure to have your makeup lasting all night long and a quick re-dusting of the Mosaic Powder in its slim white compact case during the evening, or any time, will keep your face shine-free.

 

Nooowww you’re ready for your Big Screen close-up, you doll, you !

 

*Couvrance are high-tolerance formulas designed for sensitive skin types. They contain no preservatives, no fragrances and are hypoallergenic. They do not smear ; they offer UV protection and are resistant to water and perspiration.

 

 

Couvrance by Avène.fr

 


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Wednesday

8-Day Makeover: Look Younger Naturally

Sponsored Post
8-Day SPRING Makeover

Look Younger Naturally

 
Shake up your daily routine, turn back the age clock, and bring out the best in your skin and your looks. Yes, all are possible, right now!  This plan will revitalize you, inside and out.  Result: Look and feel years younger…relaxed, radiant and renewed.
(*I recommend you start this on a Saturday so the relaxing day coincides with Sunday)
Go Green for your Skin and your Health
 
Spring is the perfect time for new beginning and to deepen or renew your “green” resolutions. Each time you are about to put something in or on your body, ask yourself the question, 
“Is this bringing health, beauty and harmony to my body?”  If not, just don’t do it! Going green is about respecting yourself enough not to trash your beautiful body.

1.  Remove Toxins: Make sure that ALL your skincare and make-up is absolutely free of any toxic ingredients like preservatives or fragrance.  If not STOP using them at least for this 8-day makeover.  I cannot state this enough, more and more scientific studies show that these toxic ingredients are not only bad for your health, but they make you age faster by creating free radicals.
 
2.  BASIC 4 your Skincare Routine: Your regimen should include at least: Cleanse morning and night with gentle cleanser (nothing foaming on your skin), Tone, Day Cream, Night Cream.
If you’ve never experienced what our fresh skincare can do for your skin, try our 7-product Discovery Kit for only $29 (Value $75). This is a super complete beauty treatment.
 
3.  Add Exfoliation to your Skincare Routine: Every other day with our Jojoba Beads exfoliant.  This will slough off all dead winter skin. Don’t forget neck décolleté and hands. This Jojoba Beads Exfoliant is a real miracle worker; tough enough to remove dead skin cells, yet gentle enough not to damage fresh new ones. An absolute key to fresh glowing spring skin!
 
4.  GREEN your Diet: An easy way to achieve a “greener diet” is to start your day with a green smoothie. For those who missed my Green smoothie Detox, download the PDF for some great recipes.
 
5.  Go Meat and Dairy Free for a WeekI promise you will LOVE the results. First, you will shed off pounds; second, your skin will clear and glow; third, it will help all of us breathe better. The United Nations estimates that greenhouse gas emissions from meat/dairy production accounts for more than the combined emissions from planes, trains and automobiles. Scary no?

Replace meat with avocados  beans, lentils, quinoa, brown rice, and baked potatoes. Pair them with big mixed salads. Dare to mix greens and fruits like mangoes, apples, and pears… Top with a few nuts (walnuts, pecans, pine nuts, sunflower seeds) for a boost of omega 3s.  Dress with a little lemon juice and virgin olive oil.
 
6.  Choose Organic: This is the most powerful way you say NO to pesticides, hormones, and antibiotics, that all wreak havoc on your hormones with terrible consequences on both your skin and health.  Check out the dirty dozen, clean 15 lists.  I know organic is more expensive but when you go meat-dairy free your grocery bill becomes cheaper and SO much healthier!
 
7.  Go Outside and Take in Nature:
 Spend at least 20 minutes outside today – and for the 7 days to come.  Soak in some 'vitamin G' (for green).  Mother Nature can be extremely therapeutic and the fresh air will do you, and your skin a world of good.
 
Day 2: Soothe and Relax

Relaxing never seems to make it onto the to-do list but today, relaxing is your to-do list!
 
1.  Make time for yourself: If you have kids, arrange for someone to take care of them. Book ½ day with yourself; write it in your agenda so you are sure to not miss the important meeting with yourself. 

2.  Give yourself a facial: Run a nice hot bath; charge it with a few drops of essential oils. Let the steam from the water open your pores. Exfoliate with the Jojoba beads exfoliant to remove all dead skin cells. Rinse and follow with a thick layer of the Deep Hydration Masque to infuse your skin with revitalizing antioxidants.  Let it sit for 10 min, while you soak and rest in your bath. Rinse off masque, and with a loofah exfoliate your entire body. If you are courageous finish with a quick cold water shower. 

3.  Pamper yourself: Get a massage, stay in bed all morning or do anything that makes you feel like a queen, you are one! 

4.  Practice deep breathing and do it at least twice a day for the next 7 days, preferably at around the same time each day. This will help establish a breathing routine that calms you, refocuses your energy, and brings very soothing oxygen to stressed skin.  Here is one I like: Inhale and exhale through your nose, mentally counting "in-two-three, and then "pause-two-three” and then “out-two-three," During the pause, don't breathe in or out; just rest comfortably. Do this 5 times. Over time, increase the count to four ("in-two-three-four, out-two-three-four"), then to five, until you reach a number that's comfortable to you. 
 
5.  Have Sex!  Yep, sex (with a partner or on your own) can help relax you and get your skin glowing again. 

Stay green of course!
 
Day 3: Eat your Way to Younger Skin

You are already Greener since day one.  Remember that healthy glowing skin comes from proper skin care paired with an antioxidants rich diet. Plants are the only real source of antioxidant, with fish that is high in vitamin E.  Plant foods also have a very low amount of calories compared to animal food.  So, if you want to maintain a healthy weight, plant-based food is also a better choice.
 
1.  Replace your coffee with green tea and sip all day long.
 
2.  Drop ALL skin destroyers: Processed foods, alcohol, artificial sweeteners, soda (diet and regular), processed meats and cheeses, refined flour, sugar, saturated fats, fried food, cigarette smoking.
 
3.  Amp your intake of vitamin A, C, E rich food; checklist below.

Vitamin E, C and A
 
4.  Quench your thirst: Make sure you drink enough water. The rule is ½ your weight in oz. If you weigh 120lbs, you need to drink 60 oz. If you have a hard time with this add slices of lime, lemon, cucumber or mint in your water. Skin will wrinkle faster without adequate moisture. Just like the plant, when skin loses moisture, it gets dry.  Dry skin shows wrinkles more and causes skin to sag faster than it would normally. Skin will plump up nicely when the skin cells are hydrated.
 
Keep going green and relaxing!

Day 4: Get Moving

1.  Include at least 30 minutes of physical activity today, and schedule time for more active half hours over the next few days.  Choose something you enjoy.  There's no point in being miserable. The goal is to raise your heartbeat. Whether it's turning on some music and dancing, going for a power walk/run with your dog, taking a bike ride - there are plenty of options for doing your body good.  Exercise during the day helps you fall asleep at night and improves the quality of your beauty sleep. Just another one of the health benefits of physical activity.
 
2.  Treat Yourself to Something Special!  Reward yourself with an hour today or tomorrow (1 full hour) to do anything you'd like.  Get a nice hair cut/color, go shopping, have a mani/pedi or simply veg in front of the TV!
 
Remember to go green, relax and eat well!
 
Day 5: Have Fun

Laughter is the best medicine and is so good for your looks.  Happy vibes will do more for your looks; now that’s a facelift!  We are so caught up in busy schedules and responsibilities, we often forget that fun should be part of our day.
 
1.  Connect with a friend: Today schedule time to spend an evening of fun time with people who are meaningful in your life -- who make you laugh or inspire you.  Pick up the phone and call someone you love and who loves you.  Arrange for sharing a tea or maybe your 20 minutes in nature.  Try the co-counseling routine: If you are going to be 20 min together, each one gets 10 min to talk while the other one is only listening - Not offering advice or sharing their personal life experience.  This is all about expressing for one and listening for the other one. Then switch. You will be amazed at the result. Here are some subjects ‘What do you love about yourself?’  ‘What are you truly passionate about?’  ‘What makes you happy?’
 
Keep moving, eating right, going green and relaxing!
 
Day 6: Let your Inner Beauty Shine

"Your success and happiness lies in you. Resolve to keep happy, and your joy and you shall form an invincible host against difficulties." Hellen Keller
 

Inner Beauty is a concept used to describe the positive aspects of something that is not physically observable.  Feelings have dramatic effects on our beauty. We all have experienced days when we feel beautiful and other days when we feel just awful for no given reason.  When we are in love, it shows…Pregnant women have a radiating beauty…
 
Your face reflects your emotions.  Why do we smile on camera?  Because we look better with a happy feeling on our face rather than a feeling of anger, fear or resentment.
 
1.  Focus on the Positive. Try this tonight: Make a gratitude list for the day. Write down three great things that happened during your day. They don’t have to be out of this world. They can be as simple as the fact that you ate well all day, or that you hit a big deadline at work or that the sky at sunset was beautiful. Just three good things, simple as that!  Tomorrow when you wake up, before you get out of bed, bring to your mind three things that you are grateful for.  Again can be as simple as a bird singing.  At any time during the day when stress hits, recall your gratefulness and let it melt away the adverse effects of bad energy.
 
Continue to have fun, move your body, eat well, go green and relax!
 
Day 7: Beauty Sleep
 
Get More Beauty Sleep: If you don't have any early obligations today, sleep in as long as you like. If you have to get up early, take a nap later in the afternoon.  The ideal time for a nap is about 8 hours after you get up -- that's when your body temperature naturally takes a little dip (a sleep inducer); it's part of your normal biological rhythm.  So give in, and experience the beauty benefits of a little power nap.
 
How to Power Nap:
1.  Take off your shoes, and get comfy on a reclining chair, couch, or bed. Close the blinds, or turn away from any direct sunlight.
2.  Set an alarm for 30 minutes. That gives you 10 to fall asleep and 20 for your actual nap.
3.  Avoid napping after 3 p.m., it can disrupt your nighttime sleep.
 
Continue focusing on inner beauty, greening your life, having fun, moving your body, eating well and relaxing!

Day 8: Keep your Skin Glowing
 
CONGRATULATIONS!
 You're about to complete our 8-Day Spring Make-Over!  You should be looking and feeling younger but also happier, healthier, proud of your accomplishment and more whole; less stressed, more you.
 
By continuing some of the new habits you've picked up in the last 8 days, you'll keep looking and feeling terrific, not just for now, but for life.  When it comes to staying young forever, preventative measures are more effective than treatments. People who work to maintain their youth are often in better physical shape and experience a sense of well-being that promotes good emotional health.
 
1.  Keep your personal care products free of toxins and your skincare routine consistent.
 
2.  Renew your commitment to your facial exfoliator.  As we age, our once-fresh complexion can start to look a little sallow.  To combat this, exfoliate — twice weekly, no excuses — and don’t forget the skin below your neck!
 
3.  Make a lemon pledge!  
Skin-cell turnover slows as you age, causing your complexion to look uneven.  Combat this with a simple homemade peel: Apply two tablespoons of fresh lemon juice on your face using a cotton ball, avoiding your eye area.  Leave on for about 10 minutes, and then rinse with tepid water.
 

4.  Check your vitamin D level.  It is a simple blood test and most women are deficient.  A growing body of research shows that deficiency of the nutrient can trigger a slew of health problems.
 
To health and beauty,
 


Valérie Grandury
CEO and Founder

 


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Sunday

Greening Beauty Gift Giving In The Age of Organic

Mvorganics_greeningbeauty

The challenge of holiday gift giving is a. to be unique and b. to be not so unique that your gifts go unappreciated.

For the ladies (and men!) on your list this holiday season 2012, organic beauty products are some of the best choices because they not only fulfill everyday needs and are useful products that most of us ritually use, they are also the healthier version of those personal care products we tend to use every day.

Marie Veronique Organics falls squarely into this product category of Good For Your Skin and Good For The Planet, Too. Marie Nadeau is a former chemistry teacher based in Berkeley, California who decided to create a simple skin care product line-beauty regime with the help of her physicist daughter, Dr. Jay Nadeau.  As a mature woman going into this business venture, Marie’s emphasis was on anti-aging through the use of intelligent sunscreens and skincare ...”the most important being safe and effective sunscreens made with intelligent ingredients.”

Just what are “intelligent ingredients” you may be wondering?  Well, for the MVOrganics Moisturizing Face Screen / Everyday Sheer Coverage which protects against UVA rays with its non-nano zinc oxide, think red raspberry for healing and moisturizing, sea buckthorn and emu oils for their anti-premature aging reinforcements all topped off with a rich dose of anti-oxidants. 

The sheer tinted coverage comes in SPF30 and SPF20 (with green tea and coffee berry extract) and both are hits over at the EWG. Tip: only those with porcelain skin tones can get away with wearing the Everyday Sheer Coverage SPF30; the SPF20 is good for most other skin tones. In fact, the product offers such complete skin tone even-ing coverage that when it was first marketed as simply a sunscreen, ladies started wearing it out in the evening as a light foundation and loving the matte effect it gives to the facial skin.

Not to miss - and this goes for you guys, as well - are the MVOrganics Anti-Aging mist and Anti-Aging Oil+. The mist is slightly fragrant with hints of geranium essence while the Anti-aging Oil that you gently massage into your neck, chest and face while the skin is still moist contains over 20 different kinds of oils like kiwi seed oil, meadowfoam oil and tamanu oil which results in a soothing essence reminiscent of that last great Swedish massage you had.

Packaging for the products is recyclable and the ingredients are all bio-degradable. “We don’t use toxins, petroleum-based products, nanoparticles, or anything else that’s potentially harmful,” states the founder, Marie Veronique. Check their website for prices and more product information.

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Thursday

We Love Lovea!

by Paige Donner

Pomegranate and rice oil? To bring out the shine and preserve the rich color in your color-treated hair? Yes and it's brand new by the French beauty line, Lovea, who specially formulates a complete organic line for us Natural Beauties.

La Grenade - Leave-In Hair Shine Conditioner

Tannins, polyphenols and vitamin C, all nutrients found abundantly in a simple little red pomegranate, work to enhance the health and shine of your colored hair. Spray it on damp or dry, style, leave it in (Yes, don't rinse!) and your hair will have healthy shiny bounce all day long. 

How the spray in color-enhancing conditioner works: the tannins from the pomegranate afix to the keratin of the hair shaft, thus preserving color. The organic rice oil intensely nourishes the hair follicles resulting in healthy, shiny, lustrous hair. And the two combined together make a formidable foe against UV rays which also helps to preserve the soft silky shine of your hair color. It's light enough, too, to use every day. Couple it with the Pomegranate Shampoo, fortified with aloe vera, to boost your beautiful results.

Dead Sea Salt Scrub

Lovea_dead_sea_salt_scrub_-_gr

Also new from Lovea Bio is their Dead Sea sourced salt scrub. Crystals of rock salt from this mythic source known throughout the ages by Mediterranean beauties as a source for health and beauty rituals, are embedded in a generous mountain of almond, jojoba, sesame and argan oils which leave your skin nourished more than skin deep. The scrub works to purify and invigorate the skin grace a' its rich Dead Sea Salt calcium deposits; Its potassium re-balances and hydrates.

Truly a luxurious spa treatment in a jar, the Dead Sea Salt Scrub, 98% natural and sourced from this Biblical beauty oasis perched between Israel and Jordan, will leave your skin feeling soft, hydrated, pampered after regular use. The almond oil softens the skin, especially the delicate areas, sesame oil is rich in Vitamin E, jojoba helps to restructure the skin and argan oil protects and nourishes. 

We love these two new products from Lovea Bio for skin and hair, to help repair and replenish, especially after a summer of sun, surf and sand! 

@GreeningBeauty

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Vinothérapie by Caudalie

By Paige Donner

Paige Donner is a Luxury Writer.

Caudalie is a wine term, in French, that refers to the length of time the taste of a wine lingers in the mouth. The longer the better. It is a measurement of a wine's quality.

Caudalie_grapes
A spa and beauty care line based on patents derived from bio-research on the beauty benefits of the grape, Caudalie is a fitting name for this French line that originated in the heart of Bordeaux, in fact in the prestigious Graves appellation.

Mathilde Thomas is the Founder and Creator of Caudalie, a top-selling beauty line in French Pharmacies, where so many of the best beauty brands in France are sold. Since a year or two, Ms. Thomas, now NYC-based, has launched her brand in the U.S.

But though this young beauty visionary may spend her day-to-day in NYC, it is in Bordeaux where her heart, and the base of Caudalie Vinothérapie products, remain firmly rooted.

Caudalie_banner

Working with Dr. Vercauteren of Bordeaux's University of Pharmaceuticals, Ms. Thomas was intrigued by a claim he made to her during the 1993 grape harvest on her parents esteemed Bordeaux vineyard, "Do you know that you are throwing away treasures?" he asked her when he saw the grape skins and grape seeds being discarded.

She quickly learned, by listening to Dr. Vercauteren's explanations, that grapeseeds and grape skins hold extraordinary deposits of anti-oxidants, in the form of polyphenols. And this is where Ms. Thomas showed true entrepreneurial genius, because from that bio-detritus, she created the luxury "Cosm-ethics" beauty care line and brand, Caudalie.

Caudalie owns three patents that help slow the signs of skin-aging:

1) Polyphenols from Grape-Seeds

"The most powerful anti-oxidants occurring in the vegetable world. They stop free radicals, which are the main cause of cutaneous ageing. They are the best anti-ageing shield for the skin.

2) Resveratrol from Grapevine Stalks

It gives the skin back its youthfulness and firmness. Harvard's Department of Medicine identified Resveratrol as the most effective active ingredient for prolonging cellular life.

3) Viniferine from Grapevine Sap

The sap from grapevine stalks was used in the past to diminish dark spots and clarify the complexion of young women. Viniferine protects against dark spots and leaves your complexion incredibly radiant.

The Caudalie researchers have come up with a few more grape treasures which are formulated into the beauty line such as "organic grape water," grape-seed oil, and Vinolevure®.

"There's no miracle cure for skin ageing, there is a patent!" - Mathilde Thomas, Founder-Creator, Caudalie, Skincare Line

You can rest assured you are making an ethically beautiful choice with these products, too. None of the formulas are tested on animals and they ask that their suppliers do the same. They use the maximum amount of natural ingredients, that are both biodegradable and respect the environment, in their product lines. Her coined term of "Cosm-ethics," refers to the fact that no animal ingredients, parabens, phenoxyethanol, phthalates, mineral oil, synthetic colorings or sodium laureth sulfate are used in any of the formulations or products.

There are also Caudalie Spas: In Bordeaux, France; NYC, New York; Versailles, France; and in Spain. Read the related article on Spa Caudalie in Greening Beauty.

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