b5media.com

Advertise with us

Enjoying this blog? Check out the rest of the Beauty & Style Channel Subscribe to this Feed

The List Maven

May 16th, 2008

7 Benefits of Mineral Makeup

Eagle Crest, Sierra Nevada, Mineral King, USA

For the past two years I’ve been using a mineral based powder foundation over the normal supermarket liquid foundations. Since switching over to minerals, my skin is less acne prone and looks more natural. I love how light it feels and how it doesn’t leave a chin line between makeup and neck - you know the line I mean.

Here are a few benefits of mineral makeup:

  1. Mineral makeup doesn’t clog the pores so you have a cleaner complexion.
  2. Mineral makeup feels lighter than liquid foundations.
  3. Mineral makeup is easier to blend for a more natural look.
  4. Mineral makeup reflects sunlight, which of course is better for your skin.
  5. Mineral makeup lasts longer than most traditional foundations, and even lasts over night in many cases.
  6. Mineral makeup is waterproof.
  7. Mineral makeup only needs a once daily application - Though I do touch up if I’m going out in the evening too.

Image: Buy at AllPosters.com

By Deborah -- 1 comment

May 14th, 2008

4 Tips for Choosing a Sun Hat

Woman in Blue Two-Piece with Straw Hat

In the spirit of Skin Cancer Awareness Month, I’d like to offer up a few tips for choosing a beach hat. They don’t have to be anything fancy - unless that’s what you want. My hat of choice is an outback style hat with a snap so I can wear the brim up - cowboy style - or down for very sunny days. It’s also water resistant so I also wear it in the rain because I hate umbrellas. If you don’t have a sun or beach hat, may I encourage you to reconsider? Skin cancer is a very serious business, and you want to keep your skin healthy for as long as possible.

  1. Choose a style with a wide brim, one that will keep your face, neck and ears protected from the sun. If you put your hat on and you only see partial shade in your reflection, you need a wider brim.
  2. Choose a fabric that will withstand the elements. Hats found in hiking and endurance sports shops offer the sturdiest materials.
  3. Your hat should comfortably fit your head and not “pop off” or fall off easily.
  4. Choose fabrics that breathe easily in the hot sun. A sweaty head can be very uncomfortable.

 

 

Image: Buy at AllPosters.com

By Deborah -- 0 comments

May 14th, 2008

4 Tips for Caring for Sunglasses

Retro Sunglasses

Though sunglasses are cute accessories, they’re also functional necessities. They protect our eyes from the sun’s harmful glare and help us to see when we’re driving or go about our business outdoors. I have a confession to make about sunglasses - I go through them like tissues because they’re constantly getting scratched or broken. I don’t intentionally set out to ruin a good pair of sunglasses but lots of times I just throw them in my purse or on the dashboard with nary a thought to their well-being.

You can avoid being a sunglasses slob like me by following a few care tips:

  1. When your sunglasses aren’t in use, store them in a hard case to avoid damage or scratching.
  2. Use non-abrasive cleaners and cleaning cloths to clean glasses. Your best bet are products sold at an eye care facility.
  3. Avoid storing your sunglasses in places that are too hot as this can cause the color to fade and frames to warp.
  4. Buy a small eyeglass repair set and periodically tighten screws.

 

 

Image: Buy at AllPosters.com

By Deborah -- 0 comments

May 13th, 2008

14 Rockin’ Colors from Armour Beauty

armour-beauty-1

Armour Beauty is where high end fashion meets rock ‘n’ roll, at least that’s what the press release says. As a rocker chick from way back I do appreciate the marriage of rock ‘n roll and makeup, but I appreciate even more how these lip glosses are environmentally friendly and cruelty free.

Armour Beauty was created by Lunachick and model Theo Kogan, and makeup artist and handbag designer Allison Burns. Theo’s frustration at not being able to find what she wanted in a product led to the creation of Armour Beauty.

The colors in the Armour Beauty lip glosses pay tribute to Theo and Allison’s favorite songs, fashion icons and clubs. Check out the lineup:

  1. Kashmir- Led Zepplin
  2. Gypsy - Fleetwood Mac
  3. Dreaming: Blondie
  4. Shattered: The Rolling Stones
  5. Barracuda: Heart
  6. Last Dance: Donna Summer
  7. Femme Fatale: The Velvet Underground
  8. After Hours: Caribou
  9. Nirvana
  10. Edie (Inspired by Edie Sedgwick)
  11. Diana (Princess Diana)
  12. Baby Jane (Bette Davis)
  13. Cat Club
  14. Gazarrris

There are two different collections of lip glosses. The Shimmer collection and the opaque collection. It’s a great line for rocking chicks everywhere, but as easily as it works for a night at a club, it also works for a day watching a soccer game. There’s truly something here for everyone.

The famous people love this line too. In fact, Cyndi Lauper wore her Armour Beauty gloss to the 2008 Grammies! The glosses retail for $19 each and can be purchased through the Armour Beauty website.

Tell them the List Maven sent you!

Image: Armour Beauty

By Deborah -- 6 comments

May 13th, 2008

6 Leather Care Tips

Sassy Grey Boot

When I first began shopping for myself in my teens, I bought the inexpensive items my babysitting or fast food salaries could afford, but they didn’t last long. As I got older (that’s older, not old, people!) I learned it’s probably better on my budget to buy higher priced quality items than cheaper items needing constant replacement. I also learned that for quality goods to retain their usefulness, they’ll need to be cared for properly. It’s amazing how a few simple steps can encourage years of service from a bag or pair of shoes.

Before I get into my leather care tips, I want to say I love leather. I love the smell, I love the sturdiness and I love how it looks. Now…here are a few tips for caring for leather.

  1. During the sunny months, or if you live in a warm, dry climate, condition your leather products at least once a season for hardly used items and once a week to once a month for products used all the time. This will keep them from drying out or cracking.
  2. When storing leather, don’t put them in a plastic bag or they won’t be able to breathe. Place them on a closet shelf or floor. If you want to wrap them for storage, try a pillow case or other breathable sack.
  3. If your leather gets an oily stain, sprinkle with a little baking soda or baby powder and leave over night until all grease is absorbed.
  4. Use a damp cloth to deal with stains. Unless a cleaning product is specifically formulated to clean leather, never use a chemical or household cleaner as it will only make the stain worse.
  5. Avoid wearing leather in wet or inclement weather. If your leather does get wet, let it dry naturally.
  6. If you have a stain not removable with a damp cloth, contact a dry cleaner or shoe maker who is experienced in removing such stains.

Image: Buy at AllPosters.com

By Deborah -- 0 comments

May 12th, 2008

4 Reasons NOT to Wash Your Hair Today

Long Hair

The hair care industry would love for you to believe you need to shampoo your hair daily in order for it to retain it’s shine and ability to control. Well for those of you with controllable hair. Some of us wear ponytails a lot. But I digress…

While there’s nothing wrong with having really clean hair, there is something to be said about NOT washing your hair every day. Here are a few reasons for going every other day or even every couple of days:

  1. Hair is healthier - Your scalp produces natural oils that keep hair healthy. By washing away these oils every day, your losing some key hair nourishment. When you don’t wash your hair, you’re allowing these oils the time to penetrate and become absorbed by the hair making it as soft and shiny as any expensive hair product.
  2. More control - Sometimes by allowing hair to fully dry and allowing for a little bit of product build up, your adding more control to your hair. My hair is definitely more manageable if I leave it a couple of days without washing than if I were to wash it every day.
  3. Keep your color - Hair color does fade as much when hair is washed less often.
  4. Cheaper - You’re saving money by not using shampoo and conditioner every day.
  5. It’s better for the environment - By not washing your hair your saving water - and by not using lots of big towels to dry your hair all the time you’re saving on washer and dryer usage.

Image: All Posters

By Deborah -- 5 comments

May 11th, 2008

Beauty & Stylin’ for April 10th, 2008

Only the Deepest Red II

Happy Mother’s Day, style fans. Here’s what I’m reading this weekend:

  1. Designer bags and their more affordable knockoffs at BagBunch
  2. Welcome to new blog on the block Glamour Gift Guide
  3. Indie Style File is chatting with Betsy from zlanarama
  4. Celeb Look’s worst dressed celeb of the week is….
  5. The Salt and Pepper look is back for men..and really, thank you for that. at Aging Fabulous
  6. Perez Hilton’s clothing line at Style it Less
  7. Awesome Home Made Mother’s Day Gifts at Pretty by Nature
  8. 16 Reasons to Stop Drinking Soda at Burning the Scale
  9. Free Skin Cancer Screen Tour at Aging Fabulous
  10. Working with a hair iron at Beauty Gizmo
  11. When Conditioners Don’t Meet Their Match at Beauty Addict
  12. Great sleep tips at Beauty is Within
  13. A Sex & the City swag bag giveaway at Product Girl
  14. Dealing with unsightly undereye circles at Beauty 411

Have a wonderful Sunday!

- Deb

 

Image:

Buy at AllPosters.com

By Deborah -- 0 comments

May 11th, 2008

5 Things I Wouldn’t Mind Receiving this Mother’s Day

Moms

This might be slightly off topic, but not much. This year, Mother’s Day will be rather predictable. This isn’t a complaint. I love receiving things for my garden, and many times there are times I ask for them. The things I really want for mother’s day I’ve asked for or hinted for but don’t really get. That’s because in my husband’s eye they’re either frivolous (he’s not much into the impractical) or just not his idea of a gift. If I had my druthers, here’s how Mother’s Day would go.

  1. Sleep late without anyone waking me every five minutes to ask me where something is or how late I plan on sleeping.
  2. Have a nice breakfast without anyone leaving the dishes for me. (”But I cooked and let you sleep late…”)
  3. Not having to go to my Mother in Law’s house. (I’m actually putting my foot down on that one this year )
  4. A mani/pedi - This falls under the impractical category.
  5. A gift certificate for something I don’t need.

I love my family, so please don’t get me wrong. For the past 9 years we’ve spent all our efforts saving either to buy a house, have a family or renovate. It wouldn’t kill anyone to splurge on something unnecessary for a day.

I am somewhat treating myself though. I decided this year wouldn’t be about my Mother in Law and told my family I’m staying home to have a Mom’s Day by myself. And yes a pedicure and chick flick will be involved.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms! I hope your doing what you want…and maybe even something impractical.

 

Image: Buy at AllPosters.com

By Deborah -- 0 comments

May 8th, 2008

3 Reasons to Use Clean & Clear’s New In Shower Facial

Clean & Clear Steam in Shower Facial

For the past couple of week’s I’ve been using Clean & Clear’s new In Shower Facial. It comes from their “Soft” line and I can’t say anything bad about it. Because it’s Clean & Clear you know it’s a name you could trust. Plus it’s affordable and it works. Not convinced? Let me give you three great reasons to use Clean & Clear’s new In Shower Facial:

  1. It only takes a minute - Put a dollop into your hand and massage into your face and neck to exfoliate and penetrate. Leave it on for just a minute before washing it off.
  2. You can feel it working - The Facials contains peppermint and it soothes and softens the skin. You can feel it work - in fact, I like the way it feels so much I’ll leave it on longer than a minute.
  3. Your skin looks and feels great - And really, isn’t that what it’s all about. The Clean & Clear In Shower Facial makes your skin feel soft  and gives it a healthy glow. You can get the same look and feel at a salon, but now you don’t have to.

 

Image: Clean & Clear. Used with permission.

By Deborah -- 1 comment

May 7th, 2008

2 Natural Hair Conditioners Found Right in Your Fridge!

Flip

Out of conditioner? Don’t worry - you can still have soft shiny hair! There are a couple of products in your fridge that will give you shine, manageability and softness. Best part? They’re all natural.

1. Mayonnaise - When I was a teen I read an article about a starlet who slathered on the mayo to keep her hair soft and shiny, so I did it too. I ended up with a greasy head. So I shampooed again and rinsed the greasy stuff out. I ended up with soft, beautiful hair. Bottom line? If using mayonnaise, condition first, then wash or you’ll end up with greasy locks.

2. Egg - Eggs are so good for your hair. Scramble one up and spread it around. Leave it for a few minutes and rinse out. You’ll end up with a soft, shiny head of hair.

 

Image: Buy at AllPosters.com

By Deborah -- 0 comments

Close
E-mail It