Youngblood Masters the Smokey Eye!

Youngblood introduces the perfect couple!

Master the classically coveted nude lip and smokey eye combo with new products from Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics

Nothing epitomises sultry glamour more than a smokey eye paired with a glossy, nude lip, but this classic combo can often be a tough look to master. Sure the blackest of black shadows can be supremely sexy, but if you don’t know what you’re doing, your look can go from pretty to panda in seconds!

To arm you with the right tools, Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics has launched two fantastic new products – the sparkling nude Champagne Ice Lipgloss (RRP $38.50) and the jet black, buttery soft Black Opal Pressed Eyeshadow (RRP $37.00).

Like all of their eyeshadows Youngblood’s Black Opal Pressed Eyeshadow offers a talc-free mineral formula that sweeps on like silk and wears for hours. Mica provides a natural glow and slip for ultimate blend-ability while rice starch helps the shadow adhere to the skin and wear longer.

Specially formulated with Candelila Wax to protect lips against moisture loss, and Sunflower Oil for added moisture and brilliant shine, Champagne Ice Lipgloss also provides a naturally plumping effect, thanks to the presence of Portulaca Pilosa Extract, a naturally occurring protein that produces collagen, and helps hydrate, smooth and add volume and firmness to lips.
With the right products at your fingertips, the next step is to ensure your technique is second to none.

Youngblood’s Head Makeup Artist Stacey Tsardoulias has provided a step by step guide to creating two different looks, the sultry smokey eye and the sharp, defined winged eye. Follow these tips to ensure your dark eye/pale lip look is less Manson and more Monroe!

Learn how to wing it!
Loved by Angelina Jolie and Dita Von Teese, here’s how to get those peepers to winged perfection:

1. Wet an eyebrow/angled brush using either water or a spritz of Youngblood’s Minerals in the Mist (RRP $48.40).
2. To keep your eyeshadow in top form, scrape a little of it onto a mixing palette or simply a flat surface to mix on.
3. Load up your wet brush with the eyeshadow.
4. To create a fine line along the lashes use the tip of your brush and then use the angle of the brush to create a ‘wing’ effect on the outer corner of the eyes.
NOTE: The easiest way to make a neat line is to apply it right up against your lashes.
5. Start small and build the line until you are happy with its thickness and length.
6. Finish up with lashings of Youngblood’s Blackout Lengthening Mascara (RRP $48.50) and of course a generous slick of Champagne Ice Lipgloss.

Get smokin!
In just five simple steps you’ll be on your way to smokey eye perfection:
1. Highlight under the brow bone using a pale shadow such as Youngblood’s Pressed Eyeshadow in Halo (RRP $37.00).
2. Using a crease/smudge brush, press Black Opal Pressed Eyeshadow into the top lash line all the way along the eye and as high up as the crease.
3. Use a clean crease/smudge brush to soften the eyeshadow edge in the crease of the eye.
4. Line the top lash line using a black eye pencil.
5. Apply generous amounts of Youngblood’s Blackout Lengthening Mascara to the upper and lower lashes to finish the eye.

Youngblood’s two delightful new products, Champagne Ice Lipgloss and Black Opal Pressed Eyeshadow will hit shelves May 1st 2011.

For stockists visit www.youngbloodmineralcosmetics.com.au
1800 MAKEUP (1800 625 387)

Colgate Total Advanced Clean

Colgate Total Advanced Clean RRP $4.99 (110g)

Colgate’s latest innovation, new Colgate Total Advanced Clean gives teeth a superior clean in between professional visits to your dentist or hygienist. Featuring an advanced new cleaning silica system, it works to remove plaque build-up on teeth and gums to help you maintain a dentist clean feeling.
Like all Colgate Total products, Colgate Total Advanced Clean is clinically proven to prevent up to 98% of plaque build-up, fight cavities and deliver 12-hour anti-bacterial protection against plaque.
So grab a pack of Colgate Total Advanced Clean now and help maintain a dentist clean feeling. And remember to take the 3 second test after you’ve brushed – you’ll feel the difference!
Colgate Total Advanced Clean is available now from leading supermarkets and pharmacies for only Always read the label. Use only as directed.
For further information, please phone Colgate-Palmolive’s consumer information service on 1800 802 307.

Livia:
I always love to review product that we tend to use every day as the market is flooded with a plethora of similar products. In this case it was interesting to see everyone’s different take on toothpaste and just goes to show individual preferences and why we have so much choice.
Personally I loved using this toothpaste. It is noticeably more grainy than any I have used in the past but I didn’t find this a deterrent or even unpleasant. In fact I think it added another dimension to cleaning the teeth. I felt my teeth were cleaner and whiter than before and it felt almost like when you use a scrub on your skin to remove dead skin cells, this toothpaste scrubbed my teeth squeaky clean.
I give it 5 Stars 

Magdalena – Age: 32, Skin Type: Oily Combination

What was your first impression of the Product?
Very generous size of the tub, smelling quite pleasant but was a bit reluctant if it can actually do what it promises

What was your experience using the product?
I was actually quite surprised that it worked that well. It foams up nice, smells good and cleans teeth really well.

What benefit does this product have compared to others you have used in the past?
In my opinion it does leave the teeth feeling just that touch cleaner than the average toothpaste

Would you recommend this product to others? Why?
I will definitely recommend it as it freshens up the breath for longer and I did notice that I was flossing less gunk 

What Star Rating will you give this product based on your experience with it? (Out of 5)
5 Stars 

Fiona – Age:27, Skin Type: Combination

What was your first impression of the Product?
Looks similar to all other Colgate products, not sure what the difference might be! Minty.

What was your experience using the product?
It was the same to me as using regular Colgate Total. Cleaned well, but not better than the Total.

What benefit does this product have compared to others you have used in the past?
Not really seeing any over my regular toothpaste.

Would you recommend this product to others? Why?
I would recommend Colgate generally but not this product in particular.

What Star Rating will you give this product based on your experience with it? (Out of 5)
4 Stars

Lesley – Age:56, Skin Type: Oily Combination

What was your first impression of the Product?
Very grainy.

What was your experience using the product?
Nice taste, but the grainy feel worries me.

What benefit does this product have compared to others you have used in the past?
I’d prefer to use Colgate’s Total Advanced Fresh Gel as it’s not so grainy.

Would you recommend this product to others? Why?
No.  But I would recommend the Gel.  I have dentures, and could not use this toothpaste on my dentures as it would remove the polished surface.  I don’t even like using it on my few teeth as I feel that it is very abrasive.

What Star Rating will you give this product based on your experience with it? (Out of 5)
1 Star

Aveda Foot Relief

Aveda Foot Relief $44.95 for 125ml

A unique gathering of herbs that gently exfoliate, rejuvenate and nourish stressed feet while cooling the skin. Keeps feet looking soft and smooth all year round.
KEY INGREDIENTS
•    Fruit and salicylic acids smooth even the toughest skin
•    Jojoba and castor oils help moisturise
•    Lavender and rosemary oils aid in deodorizing

DIRECTIONS
Apply liberally to feet, massaging deeply into sore spots or rough and dry areas.

Kate – Age: 35, Skin Type: Normal Skin

What was your first impression of the Product?
Aveda packaging does not scream out ‘buy me!’ but it is just quietly attractive.  You can guess the product will be calming and no-nonsense, which it is.

What was your experience using the product?
The smell of this was far stronger than I had anticipated, with a really gorgeous, refreshing yet somehow also invigorating combination of rosemary, mint and lavender.  The cream is thick without being greasy, and sinks in quickly with a bit of massage (this is especially good if you are lucky enough to have someone else do the massaging for you).  Let’s face it.  No cream is going to feel as good as a hour-long professional foot massage, but this is pretty damn good.  I have also been using it as an extra strength, winter hand cream.  Every time I smell it I feel just a little happier, and winter doesn’t seem so bad.

What benefit does this product have compared to others you have used in the past?
The thickness of the cream means that you just know it is doing its job, but it is still so easily absorbed.  My feet (and hands) are already looking and feeling better than they have in ages, with many of the rough patches gone.  It also seems to have a bit of a preventative effect, and since I have been applying it regularly have noticed that my hands and are feeling less rough even hot baths and showers.  The smell is seriously divine and I imagine that this would be a real bonus for those of us with smelly feet, or who just appreciate a little deodorising occasionally.  Although this product is quite expensive, a little goes a very long way and the benefits are numerous – beautiful, uplifting smell, soft feet, exfoliation, moisture.  I think a lot of the cost is due to the apparently high concentration of essential oils that give it the gorgeous smell, as well as the exfoliating salicylic acid.

Would you recommend this product to others? Why?
Wholeheartedly  and enthusiastically.  I really love this stuff and have got my whole family using it.  Now we are all gorgeous of hand and foot.  Aveda is also a company that avoids animal products, and it does so with absolutely no compromising on quality.  I have just bought a house and am experiencing a serious cash shortage, but will definitely be saving up for when this runs out.

What Star Rating will you give this product based on your experience with it? (Out of 5)
5 Stars

Orly Nail Lacquer

Orly Nail Lacquer, Price: $18.95

ORLY Nail Lacquers, are polishes that offer a dynamic palette composed of subtle sheers, vivid crèmes, shimmers, smooth glitters and neons. Each ORLY shade is DBP, formaldehyde and toluene-free and features the award-winning Gripper Cap™.

Sharon

Colour: Basket Case – Blue based mid pink crème

What was your first impression of the Product?
Beautiful  vibrant colour

What was your experience using the product?
Glides on nail smooth, one coat is great.

What benefit does this product have compared to others you have used in the past?
Long lasting with a beautiful shine and shimmer.

Would you recommend this product to others? Why?
A fantastic long lasting nail polish. Saves you time and money as this one goes the distance, unlike other brands.

What Star Rating will you give this product based on your experience with it? (Out of 5)
4.5 Stars

Fiona – Age: 52, Skin Type: Oily Skin

Colour: Sugar Plum – Soft fuchsia shimmer

What was your first impression of the Product?
Easy to apply, nice shiny colour

What was your experience using the product?
Very nice nail polish, lovely smooth application

What benefit does this product have compared to others you have used in the past?
It looks lovely on the nails

Would you recommend this product to others? Why?
The nail polish lasted a few days without chipping which is great considering I didn’t use base or top coat.

What Star Rating will you give this product based on your experience with it? (Out of 5)
I would give this product 4 stars

10 Easy Ways to Avoid Eye Wrinkles

10 Easy Ways to Avoid Eye Wrinkles

Wrinkles around the eyes are the first sign for many of us that we are getting older.

The tender skin around the eyes needs a careful and delicate treatment, more so than any other part of your face since it is so vulnerable to pulling and stretching. Unfortunately though, it’s probably the part of your face that gets the roughest treatment due to constant makeup application and removal of it.

The harsh way we can sometimes treat the delicate eye skin as we apply our makeup, wax or pluck our eye brows and them remove it all at the end of the day can go a long way towards contributing to the stress this area is under.

What is even worse is the neglect we can sometimes subject it to. Not removing eye makeup at night, lack of sleep, crying and of course not wearing sunglasses or inadequate sunglasses can lead directly to wrinkling and sagging, crows’ feet and baggy eyes.

If you really want to prevent wrinkles around your eye then you must take the time and follow an extra gentle skin care regime.

So – here’s our 10 step eye wrinkle prevention program to keep you looking bright eyed, fresh and free of crows feet and baggy eyes for as long as possible:

1. Be Prepared
It is all too tempting to rub your skin with your fingers to get rid of some eyeshadow or smudged mascara under the eyes. This however is so damaging to that delicate skin around the eyes. Instead be prepared and have a good eye makeup remover at hand and some Q-tips. Moisten a Q-tip with your eye make up remover and use that to remove any smudges without pulling or rubbing skin.

2. Gentle but Strong
Get yourself a gentle but effective eye make up remover.
When the eye makeup remover works as it should you will have no need to rub or pull the skin; it will wipe away all traces of makeup effortlessly.

Try: Decleor Eye Makeup Remover Lotion $50.00
L’Oreal Gentle Eye Make-Up Remover $12.95

3. Don’t Use Waterproof Mascara
This is one of my biggest personal recommendations.
These days waterproof mascara is designed to cling to your lashes for all eternity. This is great if you want to have perfect makeup on at the beach however not so good when you are trying to remove it at night. If you want a mascara that will stay on even through the saddest movie or emotional wedding try a tubing mascara. This is long lasting and will come off effortlessly.

Try: Mirenesse Sexy Secret Weapon 24 Hr Mascara with Plastic Fantastic Brush $35.00

4. Use The Right Products
Many facial cleansers are too harsh for the eye area, won’t dissolve mascara and may have ingredients that will sting your eyes. Red, weeping eyes, under eye puffiness and inflammation will be the result and all these will cause trauma to your delicate eyes.

5. Use Gentle wipes
Only use natural cotton wool pads, gentle eye chamois or pre soaked eye makeup removing wipes to take off your eye make up – not paper tissues, wash cloths or towels which will scratch the delicate surface of the eye skin.

6. Keep it moist
Only ever use moistened cotton wool pads on your eye. Dry cotton wool fibres can stick to your eye lashes and get in your eyes. From personal experience this is extremely painful and causes a lot of trauma to the whole eye as you try to tug and pull it in all directions to get rid of the cotton fibre.

7. Never Rub
Gentle is the key word with the eyes. Press your moistened eye makeup remover pad to the eyes for a few seconds. This will allow the solution to do what it’s supposed to do – dissolve the makeup. Then gently sweep it away in a downward/outward motion. Repeat this motion until all traces of makeup are gone. This will take a few times to get used to especially if you are used to rubbing but it is so worth it and your eyes will thank you in years to come!

8. Treat Your Eyes
Buy the best eye cream you can afford. This is not the area you should be scrimping on. Personally I like eye creams that have anti aging ingredient in them or cooling properties. Choose something light and calming; gels are perfect for the eyes. Avoid very heavy, thick eye creams as they will cause puffiness. Apply your eye cream sparingly.

Try: Estee Lauder Time Zone Eye Anti-Line/Anti-Wrinkle Eye Crème $88.00
DDF Advanced Eye Firming Concentrate $129.95
Lancôme Renergie Lift Volumetry Eye Multiple Lift $135.00
SK-II Signs Eye Cream $145.00
Decleor Excellence De L’Age Regenerating Eye and Lip Cream $150.00
Ella Baché Eternal Restructuring Eye Gel $98.00
ASAP Advanced Eye Repair $59.00
Dr Spiller Eye Contour Gel with ATP $78.00
DermaQuest Skin Therapy Revive Eye Firm $80.00
terre & mer by Thalgo Eye Contour Cream with Organic Olive Leaf $45.00
Youngblood Eye Impact Quick Recovery Eye Cream $89.95

9. Location, Location
Apply your eye cream around the orbital bone and outer corners only. Don’t rub it all over the eye area or near the lashes as it can migrate into your eyes and cause irritation.

10. Tap Your Puffiness Away
This is a great technique to reduce puffiness in the morning. Apply your eye gel or cream with a light tapping motion, rather than a rubbing motion. Use the tip of your ring finger until all the cream is absorbed. Tapping helps drain fluid and will gently wake up the skin.

Adopt these ten golden rules of eye care and you are sure to stay free of eye wrinkles – for at least a little bit longer.

Protect Your Family And Fight Germs This Winter

The arrival of winter brings a welcome change from our typical Australian heat however, every winter also signals the onset of cold, wet weather. It’s time to fight back against germs this winter!

It’s widely known that a large proportion of germs are passed via our hands when they come into contact with various items and people. However, did you know that your house and laundry are also responsible for carrying and spreading bacteria? These can take up residence on your toothbrush, sheets, clothing and household surfaces.

Aussie mums can now look forward to an extra helping hand when it comes to fighting germs this winter with the introduction of the Winter Protection Partners range from Colgate-Palmolive. Focusing on the main areas of the household where germs are common, the Winter Protection Partners range offers a germ fighting solution to create a healthier home for you and your family.
Simply follow these four easy steps:

Wash your hands – the smart way
Washing hands is one of the most effective ways of preventing the spread of germs, but the problem is most people don’t realise this! New Palmolive Antibacterial 2-Hour Defence is an antibacterial liquid handwash that provides proven long lasting defence from germs for at least two hours. It is clinically proven to provide ongoing antibacterial action, with the antibacterial agent specifically formulated to continue working for at least two hours – providing you with a defence against germs that you can trust.

Swap your toothbrush
Many Australians are unaware that it’s important to swap your toothbrush after you have had a cold or flu. Germs can hide in toothbrush bristles and lead to reinfection. Did you also know that 80% of the bacteria on your mouth are not on your teeth? Reducing the bacteria in your mouth can help fight plaque and protect gums. The Colgate 360° toothbrush cleans more than just teeth, and with its tongue and cheek cleaner it removes 96% more bacteria vs. brushing teeth alone with an ordinary flat trim toothbrush.

Create healthier surfaces
Household surfaces in the kitchen, bathroom and even bedrooms are notorious for harbouring germs which then spread amongst the family. To create a cleaner, healthier household, use an antibacterial household cleaner like Ajax Spray n’ Wipe Lemon Citrus Trigger which helps fight the spread of germs in one single wipe. In the kitchen, germs are often found on sponges and dishcloths so use an antibacterial washing detergent like Palmolive Ultra Antibacterial Dish Liquid which keeps fighting germs on these cloths for a minimum of 24 hours.

Soak your laundry items
Clothing comes into contact with all kinds of nasties – airborne germs found on surfaces like the seats on a bus and shop countertops! For this reason it’s important to get rid of germs to prevent transferral during washing and recontamination once clothes are clean. Simply soak your clothes and sheets overnight regularly with an antibacterial soaker such as Sard Oxy Plus Antibacterial for an easy way to stop germs spreading in the laundry.

To protect yourself and your family against germs this winter, look no further than the Winter Protection Partners.
The range, which includes Palmolive Antibacterial 2-Hour Defence Liquid Handwash ($2.79 RRP 250mL),
Colgate 360° Toothbrush ($5.99 RRP*),
Ajax Spray n’ Wipe Lemon Trigger ($3.99 RRP*) and
Sard Oxy Plus ($6.98 RRP*) is available now nationally at leading supermarkets.

For further information, please phone the Palmolive Consumer Information Service on 1800 802 307.