the glossarie

buxom show some skin weightless foundation5

POSTED ON Posted on March 3, 2014 by lara ramos BY lara ramos

i’m still anticipating the “glowing skin” portion of pregnancy, but while i twiddle my thumbs awaiting that miracle i have found a gorgeous foundation to get me through.

lately, i’ve been feeling like my favorite cc cream has started to fall a little flat. on my hunt for a perfect replacement that will look like second skin while covering imperfections, i’ve been reminded that medium-to-full coverage options tend to look thick and mask-y and those that look natural fail to cover my blemishes and scars. where’s the happy medium? well, turns out that it’s in this silver-trimmed tube from buxom.

after a test run with a deluxe sample from sephora* i am happy to report that buxom’s new show some skin weightless foundation blends flawlessly onto skin and it feels feather weight on application. once on, it’s practically imperceptible and truly looks like second skin. since it is a light-to-medium coverage option, those with uneven skin tone and spots will be thrilled to hear that it’s easy to build coverage by applying more in your trouble areas. once applied, it wears all day long and it doesn’t leave me greasy mid-afternoon. best of all, there is a radiance to it which imparts the glow that i’ve been missing.

in short, this foundation looks like a dream on me and delivers natural, glowing skin. beauties with skin that tends to be irritable and dry will find good things in this foundation. i’m feeling pretty confident that show me some skin will take me straight through spring and summer. (or at least until that mama bear glow arrives, at which point i will be milking that for all its worth.)

buxom show some skin weightless foundation, $34 >

note: if you don’t take advantage of sephora’s generous sampling policy, you should! you can have anything in the store made into a sample (in this case, i took home three days worth of foundation to play with) at no cost.

Posted in face, foundation | Tagged buxom | 5 Comments

dove advanced care deodorant3

POSTED ON Posted on February 28, 2014 by lara ramos BY lara ramos

we don’t talk about our underarms nearly enough here in the glossarie, and i’m starting to think that maybe that should change.

aside from thinking arm pits are just kind of gross in general, i never felt all that confident about mine (fair skin, dark spots from shaving, not cute). i suppose it’s not normally an area that’s on display, but when you love to throw your hands up on a dance floor or if you’re a yoga-mat regular (hello, warrior one), you get what i’m saying.

i never gave much thought to what i was applying to my ‘pits – i just purchased dove’s sensitive skin option on repeat after experiencing a major underarm skin reaction a few years ago. (ever have one of those? it is not. fun.) it didn’t dawn on me that the skin under my arms might actually require some tender loving care until i tried dove’s clear tone deodorant this fall. suddenly, the dark spots that i thought were just a fact of life actually started to fade – and fast. i didn’t experience any rash’like reactions with the switch and i still enjoyed the fresh and dry feeling that i love from dove. i was hooked.

then recently, i discovered dove’s newest release: advanced care
which ups the ante even further with its major moisturizing benefits. using this formula regularly has completely changed the skin underneath of my arms, and alternating it with my clear tone means that my ‘pits are looking the best they ever have.

it may be a small accomplishment and certainly not the most glamorous post the glossarie has ever seen, but i certainly know that i’ll be appreciative of this improvement come tank weather!

(ok, i promise we can go back to not talking about arm pits, now.)

Posted in body, editorial sample | Tagged dove | 3 Comments

essie lacquered up8

POSTED ON Posted on February 26, 2014 by lara ramos BY lara ramos

this past week in nyc, i was craving a super shiny tomato red manicure inspired by butter london’s opaque and fiery ladybird, created exclusively for fashion week. knowing that i’d be visiting my favorite manicure spot in the city and that they exclusively stock essie, i reached out to the brand on twitter for a recommendation. the speedy response came back with really red or lacquered up – i was on the case. when i checked them out in person, really red was a rich and gorgeous cherry (a little bluer than i wanted), but lacquered up had exactly the heat that i was looking for.

five days later, my manicure is still glossy and chip free, just two of the reasons why i love essie so much. the stuff wears like iron (hello – who needs gel?), but it goes on smooth and comes off without a ton of effort. while some of this is probably attributed to the professional process at the salon, i find that essie’s manicures wear the longest when i diy them as well. they’re just the best, and you cannot beat the color options.

if your collection is calling for a go-to crimson, i’m giving this one top marks – but just for kicks (and because, who says you only need one red polish?), what’s your favorite classic red?

essie lacquered up, $8.50 >

Posted in nails | Tagged essie | 8 Comments

make primers2

POSTED ON Posted on February 23, 2014 by lara ramos BY lara ramos

i am impressed time and time again by the products coming out of the make camp, and these two primers are no exception. primer is one of those things that i hate slathering all over my face – it clogs my pores and aggravates my skin, almost counteracting the long-wearing benefits. there are still, however, a couple of places on my face that i really like to use it, namely underneath my eyes and on my lips.

the transforming eye primer ($23) is creamy and gorgeous. i use it underneath of my eyes, after my moisturizer to grip on to my cc cream or foundation and lessen the need for extra concealer. it works like a charm! it goes on cool and smooth, softening fine lines and without settling into crow’s feet. the tint helps to brighten that delicate area and the silky formula is super easy to wear. if your under eye makeup tends to fade, this is definitely a little lifesaver.

when it comes to lips, i love bright, bold color but i hate the way that it fades, plus it can feel dry and uncomfortable. i’m drawn to gloss/balm hybrids and more moisturizing color for the comfort factor, but keeping those on your lips can be pretty impossible. the lip primer ($23) from make is waxy, but weightless, filling in lines and sealing in moisture while locking in color and preventing feather and fade. it’s been giving staying power to even the slickest ‘sticks and tinted balms, making me a very happy girl.

have you tried any of make’s for-benefit products yet? 33.3% of web sales go to the we see beauty foundation – a great cause that supports the cooperative movement – reminding me that there truly is nothing like looking good and feeling good at the same time.

Posted in editorial sample, eyes, face, lips | 2 Comments

lust have: aerin kaleidolight palette6

POSTED ON Posted on February 21, 2014 by lara ramos BY lara ramos

hello, GORGEOUS!

this face and eye palette from estee lauder’s granddaughter, aerin, is spring splendor if i’ve ever seen it. face brightening pastel shadows are paired with shades of pink, beige and bronze for endless options of easy and versatile beauty looks. it’s one of those pieces that will look just as stunning sitting on my vanity as it will gracing my cheeks and eyelids. i cannot wait to play!

aerin kaleidolight face + eye palette, $70 >

Posted in blush, bronzer, cheeks, eyes, lids | Tagged aerin | 6 Comments

sam villa e-t.c. light hair dryer2

POSTED ON Posted on February 18, 2014 by lara ramos BY lara ramos

i’m going to level with you beauties.

until right before christmas, i had been using the same hair dryer that i took with me to my freshman year of college. that’s a solid 14 year relationship we are talking about here, and longer than i have known my husband. i loved that thing so much that i traveled with it everywhere, because in my eyes it far surpassed any and all hotel hair dryers or those at my friends’ houses. things were serious.

fast forward to december 2013 and sam villa’s e-t.c. light appears on my doorstep. i was hesitant, but also ready for a change, vowing to take my hair and skincare more seriously in the new year, even if that requires upping my financial investment. the box boasted all things that i was looking for: ultra lightweight, maximum airflow, ceramic tourmaline (translation: better for your hair), even whisper quiet – i was ready to give it a try.

after one (lightning fast!) blow dry, i was hooked. this thing weighs half as much as my previous model, dries my hair twice as fast and leaves it smooth, soft, and shiny. most importantly, it is visibly less dry and damaged, with more fluff and volume than ever before. without a doubt this blow dryer has made my hair healthier and given me back valuable minutes previously lost to my morning routine. needless to say, i quickly parted ways with my prehistoric blow dryer from the year 2000 and made some room in the vanity for this shiny new toy.

my love for this hair dryer has even been endorsed by a stylist friend who says it is the absolute best there is!

now, knowing that this wonderful tool isn’t cheap and knowing that my dear glossarie friends would be interested in procuring one for themselves, i worked with sam villa to create a 20% discount for my readers. using the code GLOSS, you can get 20% off your entire order at sam villa on top of a current february promotion that they are running which brings the cost of the e-t.c down to $135.96 (from $199.99).

i’m not saying that this hair dryer will change your life (ok, i am), but i will wager that it could very potentially be the last one that you ever buy.

sam villa e-t.c. light hair dryer, $135.96 (after using code GLOSS) >

Posted in editorial sample, hair, tools | Tagged sam villa | 2 Comments

pixi glow tonic8

POSTED ON Posted on February 17, 2014 by lara ramos BY lara ramos

do you use a toner as part of your skincare routine? for awhile now, i’ve been using witch hazel as the first part of my routine in the morning and after washing my face each evening to remove excess traces of makeup and prep my skin for my moisturizer/night cream. it works well – very simple, which my skin appreciates – but as i near the end of the bottle, i have been looking for an upgrade.

beauties in the uk have long known the benefits of pixi glow tonic and it’s just been one big tease for us american girls – until now. the magic potion that has captivated europe is now available in the us and i could not get my hands on it fast enough.

so, what’s the fuss all about?

for one, this toner is completely oil and alcohol free meaning that it will appeal to nearly all skin types (normal, dry, aging). along with that, ingredients include glycolic acid, witch hazel, and aloe vera – the perfect trifecta if you ask me. straight glycolic acid toners have proven a bit too harsh for my skin, but my face does truly love the exfoliating and skin-clearing benefits that come from this hardworking ingredient. (pixi’s 5% is the ideal dose.) witch hazel is a natural astringent that reduces inflammation and decreases oil, while aloe vera is ultra soothing. the ingredients work together to remove dead skin cells, reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots, all while imparting a brighter appearance.

after a couple of overnight uses, i noticed that some pesky breakouts were smaller and less angry in the morning. this has greatly reduced the redness that my skin is constantly fighting and it leaves it much smoother, too. best of all, i love that it does all of these things without leaving my skin dry and tight. while i still use a night cream over top of this, my face isn’t screaming for moisture immediately after using it which is a big change from the witch hazel.

i am very happy that this pretty rose gold tonic has made its way into my life. (i will warn you about its powerful and powdery scent, which some people might not like – i’m looking past it since the skincare benefits are so fab.) while it’s currently only available online through pixi, i’m hoping that it makes its way to retailers soon!

pixi glow tonic, $29 >

Posted in editorial sample, skin | Tagged pixi | 8 Comments

love day loves2

POSTED ON Posted on February 14, 2014 by lara ramos BY lara ramos

*
a day that celebrates love of all kinds is definitely something that i can get behind. while i tend to think that valentine’s day can be a bit overdone, i just can’t help but support a holiday that encourages chocolate and kissing. it also brings out my inner girly girl in a big way and this year i’m craving all kinds of pretty things to help me celebrate in style.

1 – festive nonpareils (my most favorite candy) in a decadent dark
chocolate heart from edward marc chocolatier, $10

2 – five sweet, soft and stretchy hair ties from mane message, $7.40

3 – techno bubblegum nails by deborah lippmann, $18

4 – a gorgeous springtime glow in the prettiest powder blush from mark., $14

5 – a sparkling, flapper-inspired fragrance bursting with spirit from tocca, $20

6 – punchy pink peony lips that are nourished and non-sticky from jouer, $20

7 – a chic + cheery mini pouch in gold + coral from stephanie johnson, $33

Posted in editorial sample, mixed bag | Tagged deborah lippmann, jouer, mane message, mark., stephanie johnson, tocca | 2 Comments

clinique superdefense eye spf 202

POSTED ON Posted on February 13, 2014 by lara ramos BY lara ramos

i’ve always had the best intentions when it comes to eye cream, but i’m not the best when it comes to applying them religiously. i normally just concentrate a little extra night cream under my eyes and call it a night, but the times, they are a changing. much to my chagrin, i have recently developed a lovely little crop of dark circles, which i can only attribute to last month’s very exciting life-changing announcement. covering dark circles is very tricky and because i’ve been slacking in the eye cream department, my makeup tends to settle and crease.

something must be done about this.

thankfully, hot on the heels of this new release, clinique brings us superdefense eye. this is an eye cream that is meant to be worn in the daytime as it includes broad spectrum spf 20 for the ultimate in age defense. i’ve been smoothing it on immediately after i apply my moisturizer and letting it sink in while i go about my getting ready business. by the time i’m ready to apply my makeup, its brightening properties have taken a major edge off of my dark circles and the skin under my eyes is much more hydrated and happy.

it feels immediately moisturizing and i love knowing that my delicate under eyes are protected from the sun’s rays, preventing further damage. there is a subtle sheen to this creamy product which livens things up and works surprisingly well to counteract dark circles, making them much easier to cover with foundation or concealer. in short, this is comprehensive skincare for your eyes and i’m starting to wonder how i ever lived without it.

clinique superdefense eye cream spf 20, $39.50 >

Posted in editorial sample, eyes, mama bear, skin | 2 Comments

#goodhairday with panasonic nanoe flat iron2

POSTED ON Posted on February 11, 2014 by lara ramos BY lara ramos

not unlike many of you, i use a blow dryer and a flat iron every other day to smooth out my medium-fine curly-to-wavy hair. now, i don’t know if you can relate, but i tend to hang on to my heat tools for way too long and in a category whose technology is changing constantly and rapidly, that’s kind of silly. so, when panasonic reached out to me with an opportunity to test their new nanoe flat iron, i was all over it.

historically, most flat irons have not impressed me and i have gone through many to find the two that i have used for oh, the last fifteen years. when the nanoe arrived, my expectations were not high, but let’s just say that they were blown away by panasonic’s newest wonder.

i won’t pretend to understand the technology behind why this flat iron is so amazing, but i will try to express to you why its performance is so earth shattering. for starters, it heats up to a max of 395 degrees (much lower than the 425 i have been using on my hair). a single pass through with the ceramic plates leaves my hair smooth, shiny and straight, without the need to go back over it again and again. as i go about my straightening, my hair is not scalding hot to the touch (like it normally is with other irons) and it does not look or feel dried out when i am done. with the nanoe, it takes considerably less effort to straighten my hair after blowdrying and the results are full of body, shine, and shape.

best of all, after a couple weeks of continued use, my hair is looking the healthiest that it ever has. there’s just something about a good hair day that boosts my self esteem and gives me a leg up on whatever challenges – work or otherwise – come my way. panasonic has given me a solid run of good hair days, and i want to share the love with you.

panasonic is giving away an amazing product pack to one lucky glossarie reader on twitter. the product pack includes: