the glossarie

boscia konjac cleansing sponge6

POSTED ON Posted on September 29, 2013 by lara ramos BY lara ramos

file this one under weird, but wonderful.

boscia’s new konjac cleansing sponge is the coolest thing to come into my skincare routine, possibly ever. i’m always looking for ways to exfoliate gently but effectively and while the regular old household washcloth tends to be my go-to, i was too tempted by the claims of this all-natural puff. essentially, the pillow-soft sponge is 100% konjac root, a vegetable known for its dietary detoxifying abilities. historically it has also doubled as a calming, naturally exfoliating sponge for delicate skin which is what boscia is capitalizing on. i scooped it up at sephora and have been using it once a day with a cleanser to smooth out the dry spots that crop up when the weather gets cooler.

let me tell you – i LOVE this thing.

it’s rough enough to leave my face can’t-stop-touching-it soft but the sponge is soft enough not to irritate my sensitive skin or fragile under eye area. a few sweeps with the large flat surface picks up any last traces of makeup and exfoliates things on a just-right level. the super spongy, almost jelly, texture is especially good at getting the hair line and crevices on the side of my nose – which i always miss with a scrub or my clarisonic. my skin is left perfectly primed for the next step (night cream or daytime moisturizer and makeup).

when i’m done using it, i just squeeze it out and hang it up by the little thread to dry. i think the coolest thing about this all-white sponge is that no matter what you use it to remove (foundation, mascara, etc.) it washes completely clean with water. i’m going to credit that feature to its all-natural’ness but i love knowing that it’s not harboring bacteria like my washcloths (and my makeup brushes) probably are.

i can already tell that this is helping to keep my skin clearer, brighter, and more even with no other changes to my routine. i’m calling this little beauty a must for anyone who wants a new way to exfoliate or clarify acne-prone pores. it’s a winner!

boscia konjac cleansing sponge ($18) >

Posted in skin | Tagged boscia | 6 Comments

this or that: drugstore dry shampoo14

POSTED ON Posted on September 27, 2013 by maggie moore BY maggie moore

this or that: dry shampoo (drugstore edition)

here at the glossarie, we’ve done our fair share of research on dry shampoos (lara swears by oscar blandi and oribe), and lately i’ve been looking for bargain-friendly alternatives to my go-to use of johnson’s baby powder. while johnson’s absorbs oil really effectively, i find myself fighting the baby scent. there’s also the challenge that if you go too heavy on the application you can end up with a george washington wig-type situation and, let’s be honest, i’d rather run around with greasy roots.
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the brands above provide a refreshing restart to second (and third!) day locks. i prefer the fresh, clean scent of dove’s brand over not your mother’s, but both get the job done with no residue or heaviness.
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this: not your mother’s clean freak refreshing dry shampoo, $5.99
that: dove refresh + care invigorating dry shampoo, $4.89
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do you have a go-to drugstore dry shampoo? if so, please share your secret!

Posted in hair | Tagged dove, johnson & johnson, not your mother's | 14 Comments

chapstick hydration lock6

POSTED ON Posted on September 25, 2013 by lara ramos BY lara ramos

some people collect books of matches when they travel, i collect lip balms.

my caudalie lip conditioner? it’s from the cosmetic market in nashville – and i got my tube of fresh tinted lip treatment at sephora in chicago. my most recent acquisition, this tube of chapstick hydration lock, is from the duane reade on 6th ave and 36th in nyc.

i was in a major lip balm pinch during my latest trip to the big city (how i forgot to pack any lip balm at all is beyond me!) and so i picked this stuff up on a whim. historically, i’m not the biggest fan of drugstore lip products. for starters, it really weirds me out that they’re in the cough and cold aisle, but then – and more importantly – they don’t tend to live up to any sort of expectations. for the record, i do keep a tube of aquaphor handy and i have made friends with the eos lip ball’ms over the years, but in general, lip balm is always one of the things that i have felt you truly need to spend some money and invest in – but perhaps not anymore.

i was swayed by chapstick’s promise of 8 hour moisture, coq10, hyaluronic, and yes, the vanilla creme scent. upon first application i knew that i was on to something special. this balm falls somewhere between creamy and waxy, hydrating lips on contact and sealing in moisture for a very comfortable and plumped up pucker. the loveliness last for hours and i could care less if i lose the tube in a taxi cab, because, well, it was $3.

i’m giving this one top marks and i love knowing that there’s a lip balm that i can rely on in the drugstore aisles – even if i do have to brave the cough and cold section to make a purchase.

chapstick hydration lock, $2.99 >

Posted in lips | Tagged chapstick | 6 Comments

not-so-scary serums2

POSTED ON Posted on September 24, 2013 by lara ramos BY lara ramos

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i’m easily intimidated by things like masks and serums. deep down i’m not always sure why i need them and don’t even get me started on trying to figure out which one is best. worst of all, even if i think i’m making the right call, how do i know that my skin won’t completely freak out? ugh.

but the results and impact that a serum can have on the skin is just too tempting to leave untested, so this little beauty blogger has gotten brave and i’m happy to say that i’m more than impressed with some of the things in serum land.

supergoop city sunscreen serum spf 30, $42
i fell in love with this one during the summer, but it has already saved me on more than one stunning pre-fall day on the soccer field sidelines. this broad spectrum spf protects skin, moisturizes, and combats premature aging. i like knowing that it’s fighting the effects of both future and past sun damage. the formula is lightweight, super smooth to apply and my makeup glides over top. i use it alone as an spf and also as a priming booster under my favorite foundation.

mark youth movement skin perfecting serum, $20
quite possibly the ideal starter serum, mark has created a lightweight and fast-absorbing formula. antioxidants like goji berry and pomegranate slow down any noticeable signs of aging and also fade acne marks with the quickness. my skin is smoother, brighter, and far less dull with fewer age spots and a much more even tone. for $20 i’m feeling like this stuff is worth its weight in gold. leave it to mark to create such a super-powered little skin saver!

murad advanced active radiance serum, $89
murad’s vitamin c-packed serum means serious business. if you’re looking for a potent product to tackle environmental damage, spur cell renewal, and prevent future pigmentation from occurring this is your solution. the formula exfoliates skin, supports natural collagen production and works aggressively to improve radiance. i find that my skin is plumper and clearer in the mornings and it hasn’t done a thing to irritate my sensitivity.

got a favorite serum in your skincare routine? do tell!

Posted in editorial sample, skin | Tagged mark., murad, supergoop! | 2 Comments

simple twitter giveaways galore0

POSTED ON Posted on September 23, 2013 by lara ramos BY lara ramos

my friends at simple have been busy this month and as a brand ambassador i am so thrilled that i get to share all of the goings on with you! hot on the heels of their fun pinterest promotion and launch, the simple team is gearing up to give away 100 gift bags in celebration of the emmy awards! want to win one? entering is a cinch:

the giveaway happens 9/23 to 9/25
to enter, follow @simpleskincare on twitter, use #simpleVIP and #redcarpet hashtags to share how you use simple® to get red carpet ready
there are 100 (!) simple gift bags up for grabs as prizes

but following simple on twitter is not only good for your skin. their team of experts host fun twitter parties, too! you might recall that i participated in this one back in june. they’ve got another one coming down the pike wednesday 9/25 at 8 pm est. you can chat with fitness expert kacy duke and makeup artist gita bass about how to get your body moving this fall and which beauty trends are best. use tag #fallbeauty to ask this dynamic duo any questions and you’ll be eligible to win a simple gift bag, plus a $100 american express gift card, a yoga mat, and a makeup sample.

ps: while you’re on twitter, give the glossarie a follow! i love carrying the beauty conversation beyond the blog and it would be so fun to connect with more of you in real time.

Posted in skin | Tagged simple | Leave a comment

on my lips11

POSTED ON Posted on September 22, 2013 by lara ramos BY lara ramos

it’s been awhile since we talked about this, but every once in awhile (ok, all of the damn time) i take a look at the lip products that i’m currently rotating and i really like what i see. sometimes i like it so much that i just have to share them with you in hopes that one, you’ll discover something new, and two, maybe just maybe you’ll tell me what’s on your lips.

here’s what i’ve got goin’ on:

stila color balm lipstick in amelia, $22
if you’ve never tried these, they are are kind of incred. you get the full pigment of a lipstick with the comfort of a lip balm and a sweet minty taste. i wear it in amelia, a bright pink’y taupe, and i love the pop of color. i would buy these in a dozen shades and i adore that each tube has a mirror tucked in the cap for taxi-friendly application.

jane iredale ‘just kissed’ lip + cheek stain, $25
i know it seems like these self-adjusting lip shades are a dime a dozen, but this one really is something special. it’s a completely non-drying stain (feels like buttah) that delivers moisturizing comfort and serious shine in the perfect pink hue. it’s got all kinds of ingredients to soothe and nourish and in a pinch, you can even put some on your cheeks.

it cosmetics vitality lip blush hydrating gloss stain in je ne sais quoi, $24
i know what you’re thinking, a second self-adjusting lip color?! but hear me out. this one is a gloss and it’s an opaque pink and it’s gorgeous. i can swipe it on, it feels amazing and it looks like a custom-made pink glossy shade that was created just for me. it’s non-sticky and it wears down to a nice stain. love this brand, lovin’ this stuff.

revlon just bitten kissable balm stain in lovesick, $7
i don’t know what provoked me to pick these up since they aren’t exactly breaking news, but this color has completely breathed new life into this product for me. lovesick is kind of a creamy fuchsia and i’ve already adopted it as my go-to pre-fall lip. the shape of these pencils makes it easy to line and fill things in delivering shape and shine, oh and color.

giorgio armani rouge ecstasy lipstick in 400, $34
these babies could anchor their own post. (and i never get excited about lipstick!) the formula is a moisturizing velvet, bringing a touch of care and a whole lot of satin color to your lip game. these are lightweight and really long lasting. they’re hydrating, yet yield a matte finish for a lipstick that’s unlike anything that i’ve ever tried.

Posted in editorial sample, lips | Tagged armani beauty, it cosmetics, jane iredale, revlon, stila cosmetics | 11 Comments

le metier de beaute creme fresh tint2

POSTED ON Posted on September 18, 2013 by lara ramos BY lara ramos

meet your new makeup bag essential. this pot from le metier de beaute houses the most irresistible lipstick and blush combination. with fair (and admittedly aging) skin that is always in need of a touch of radiant color, this gorgeous cream-based tint is like a gift from the heavens. the buildable formula is sheer and versatile, going on soft and settling into a natural finish that’s fresh and easy. poppy is a medium bright pink with a hint of pearly shimmer that adds the right amount of pop to my minimal makeup routine. it is a cinch to smudge on to cheek apples and to pat onto lips for a coordinating look that’s just a bit beyond your natural shade. if you’re into monochromatic makeup or you’re looking for a two-in-one solution, i’m thinking this is a must. you’ll get a pretty flush that’s not too shiny from a hardworking product that’s worth its weight in gold.

le metier de beaute creme fresh tints ($28) >

Posted in blush, cheeks, editorial sample, lips | Tagged le metier de beaute | 2 Comments

estee lauder modern muse0

POSTED ON Posted on September 16, 2013 by lara ramos BY lara ramos

at this point, i basically balk at the notion of a signature scent. beauty products barely survive long enough to last a week in my regimen, let alone a lifetime. but i’m not complaining! i’ve been testing the hottest new fragrances for fall and i have settled on my personal favorite – a perfume choice that has really surprised me.

estee lauder’s modern muse is a light, woody floral, with just the tiniest touch of vanilla to give it sweetness and warmth. it’s confident and feminine, not at all overwhelming and, best of all, it doesn’t smell a thing like grandma. (not that we don’t love you, grandma.)

while it technically launched over the summer, i was way too into this and this to pay it any attention. now that the weather is (finally) cooling and my fall wardrobe is coming into its own, i’ve been on the hunt for something a little more…grown up. i’ve smelled a few things but this one really snuck up on me and captured my heart. i’ve been spraying it onto my wrists and the nape of my neck for a little elegance with a lot of staying power.

while i’d love to say that this one is here to stay, let’s just say that i cleared off some room on the perfume tray so that the beautiful bottle could move in and make itself comfortable…at least until the next best thing comes along.

what fragrance will you be wearing this fall?

Posted in fragrance | Tagged estee lauder | Leave a comment

albeit matte stylo stick2

POSTED ON Posted on September 14, 2013 by lara ramos BY lara ramos

have you spotted these gorgeous new lip color sticks at your local anthro? i am in love with the latest release from the brand’s exclusive lip line. designed with the belief that lip color is the savvy woman’s greatest accessory (i couldn’t agree more), albeit’s products are blended with argan oil, vitamin e, and papaya.

since we already know that i’m a fan of the lipstick, i had to give these new matte stylo sticks a whirl. i had no trouble committing to geranium – a coral orange with pink undertones – and instantly fell in love with the pigmented, lightweight texture. you can apply this straight from the tube for vibrancy or pat it on with your finger (my preference) for a blurry and more carefree effect. the formula is lightweight and non drying with color payoff that’s creamy and subtly statement making.

the orange shade is spot on for pre fall and i’m thinking this one will be a fast favorite.

think you’ll give these a go?

albeit matte stylo stick ($16) >

Posted in lips | Tagged albeit, anthropologie | 2 Comments

neutrogena triple moisture deep recovery hair mask11

POSTED ON Posted on September 12, 2013 by maggie moore BY maggie moore

i am always thrilled to find beauty products that really work, and when they not only work but they are budget-friendly to boot, i consider that the ultimate win. neutrogena’s triple moisture deep recovery hair mask is the newest addition to my collection of drugstore favorites. just a small scoop of this ultra luxe (yet, surprisingly cheap) cream once-weekly has revamped my summer sun-damaged tresses. it smells amazing, leaves my hair feeling incredibly soft, and gives me that fresh-from-the-salon feeling. while i’ll always love my living proof restore mask, this was a lovely little discovery (if not solely for the purposes of my bank account) and definitely an effective alternative. if summer was way harsh on your hair, i’m thinking that you should treat yourself to some therapy of the neutrogena variety!

neutrogena triple moisture deep recovery hair mask, $5.99 >