Double Agent for Lips

Kiehl's Lip Balm #1 has been a long time favorite of many many people. For those of you who haven't yet had the pleasure, Nicciknows would like to take the opportunity to introduce you to a great opponent for dry, cracked lips. At just $6.50, it protects and helps to relieve dry, cracked lips while helping to prevent further damage from wind and cold weather. It also has a little sun protection with an SPF of 4. Best of all, it's not tested on animals.

Beth, a friend of Nicciknows, who views herself as the ultimate makeup minimalist, loves the Kiehl's Lip Balm #1 because she claims that "not only is it the best lip balm, but it doubles as a lip gloss!" Well we love it too and think that everyone needs at least one!

Pick this up at Nordstrom.com.

Ring in Summer with Chanel "Haute"-ness

Chanel's Summer Collection is simply stunning! The Cote D'Azur collection of products has something for everyone, from the most subtle to the most glamorous of makeup mavens! The Aqualumiere lipglosses ($27) in the collection are all breathtaking but our favorite shade is Tangerine Dream, a peach coral shade.

The nail colour Orange Fizz ($23) is perfect for summer, making hands and feet look tan and gorgeous as well as the four-colored bronzing powder ($65). Honestly, you'll want to take home each and every piece in the collection. For a natural glamazon look, try the Ombre d'Eau Fluid Iridscent Eyeshadows in Source and Seashore ($32).

All items available at Nordstrom.com.

Vitamin E-xtra Ordinary

The Body Shop has the most amazing Vitamin E Eye Cream! It feels great and is perfect for all skin types. Here's some info on the ingredients:

• Vitamin E is a nourishing natural antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals, moisturizes and helps to protect against premature aging and environmental impurities.
• Community Trade shea butter and rose hip oil, rich in essential fatty acids, help to repair skin’s moisture barrier.
• Algae extract, which is rich in minerals that help to revitalize skin, soothes and moisturizes.

It de-puffs, moisturizes and protects the delicate area around your eyes. At just $17, it won't break the bank either! Nicciknows contends that its NEVER too early or too late to start using eye cream. The area around your eyes is the most delicate area on your face and the first place to show signs on age and fatigue so it must be protected! Vitamin E Eye Cream is available at TheBodyShop.com.

Weekly Beauty Bargains

 

 

Lancome and Macy's have a perfect gift that's all about eyes this week. Receive this deluxe size sample collection of Lancôme's top selling products FREE with any $50 Lancôme Purchase! This includes some of our very favorite Lancome products so it's definitely worth picking up. Here are the details:

• Cils Booster XL Super-Enhancing Mascara Base - start with this must-have mascara base that maximizes the result of any Lancôme mascara
• Définicils High Definition Mascara in Black - for lashes with superb definition
• Virtuôse Divine Lasting Curves Mascara in Black - 100 degree lash curve with divine length all day
• Bi-facil Double-Action Eye Makeup Remover - take it all off with this fresh-as-water liquid eye makeup remover
• Your gift will be added automatically at checkout if your total order equals $50 or more of Lancôme items. Minimum purchase amount does not include the purchase of gift card(s), tax, shipping or gift wrap charges.

In order to qualify for the gift, Nicciknows recommends picking up the new Le Laque Fever Lip Colour ($26) in Dynamic as well as the Aqua Fusion Teinte Continues Infusing Tinted Moisturizer ($37). All items available at Macys.com.

 

 

Nordstrom and Elemis have the most amazing gift with purchase right now! Receive a silver cosmetics bag with an Exotic Frangipani Monoi Shower Cream (1.6 oz.), an Exotic Frangipani Monoi Moisture Melt (1.1 oz.), and an Exotic Island Flower Body Balm (0.6 oz.)—a $44 value. Yours with any $175 Elemis purchase. These are literally my favorite products from this brand!

In order to qualify for the gift, we recommend the Papaya Enzyme Peel ($42), and the Cellular Recovery Skin Bliss Capsules ($105). These are an investment but they are absolutely amazing and make your skin feel as though you've just had a facial. All items available at Nordstrom.com.

 

Bloomingdales and Borghese have a cute gift with purchase this week.

Recieve a free Borghese Spectacular Treats Gift  with any $45 Borghese purchase!

Here are the details:

After enduring Winter’s elements, your skin needs Springtime pampering. After being cooped up over those long, cold months, who can hold still long enough to give your skin the spa treatment it needs? Enter Spatacular Treats by Borghese.

Thye’ve packed four of your favorite restorative products into this Blooming Fuchsia roll-up bag. So you can take CuraForte, Fango, Crema Saponetta & Fluido Protettivo along with you, as your traveling spa, on all of your spring outings. And our Latte B Gloss will add the perfect shining complement to your newly smooth & silky Spring skin.

While supplies last.

Nicciknows recommends picking up the Superiore Mascara in Black ($19) and Longevita Long Lasting Lipcolor and Liner ($27.50) in Red Gloriouso. This is a convenient double-sided lip liner and lip color.

All items available at Bloomingdales.

Ultra Glam is Always on Trend!

                  
We love this look that People.com featured and wanted to share it with you. The black liquid liner on the top and the gorgeous red lip is literally NEVER out of style. Even amidst the florals of Spring!  Both Kim Kardashian and Christina Ricci are looking fabulous and so can you. A throwback to the ultra glam 50's, it's altogether sexy and feminine.

You might be asking, how can I create this look on myself at home?! Well don't worry mavens, Nicciknows is gonna give you the step by step of you might recreate this yourself.

1) Perfect your skin using any combination of primer, foundation, concealer and powder that you feel comfy in. But keep in mind that flawless skin is key for this look to achieve the full effect.

2) Don't go too crazy with the bronzer. While I'm not suggesting that you go for a pasty look, the skin should look more porcelain then sun-tanned. If you need a bit of bronzer to look like yourself, then go for it but keep it light. To apply, take a large powder brush and apply in a number three shape to both sides of the face and sweep lightly down the center of the nose.

3) Eyeshadow it minimal, use something light to create brightness. A color like MAC Eyeshadow in Orb or Vanilla would work well (each $14.50 at Nordstrom). Apply all over the eyelid using a large eyeshadow brush.

4) Eyebrows are defined but not too "done." Nicciknows suggests using a soft powder like ck Calvin Klein beauty Brow Duo in Soft Blonde ($22 at Sephora.com) instead of a pencil, which can tend to create a heavier look on eyebrows.

5) Eyeliner is liquid or cream and only on top. For a look such as this, I'd suggest Face Stockholm Precision Eyeliner in Black ($36 at Face Stockholm). It is SO easy to use and to create a look like this.

6) Apply several layers of the dramatic mascara such as Clinique High Impact Mascara in Black ($14 at Macys) .

7) Blush is soft and subtle but is definitely needed to balance out the eyes and lips. Try a shade such as Lorac's Blush in Peach ($19 at Sephora.com).

8) Lips are gloriously red. Make sure to line them to prevent bleeding and feathering. Try a shade such as Nars Fire Down Below ($24 at Sephora.com).  

Engulfed in Deliciousness

                                                   

Part of feeling beautiful is smelling amazing right? Well how about adding a healthy benefit of soft, sexy skin to that deal? The Sensual Massage Oil in Black Current Vanilla is by far the most decadent, delish smelling and feeling body oil that I have ever used. The term massage oil may seem like its only meant for one purpose but I assure you that it can be used in a variety of different ways. Today, for example, I applied some right after getting out of the shower before drying off. I smell so yummy and my skin is glowing and soft! Can you tell that Nicciknows is in love with this product?

This is a must have because not only will you love the way that it feels, but anyone close to you will be loving it as well! Available for just $16 at Bath and Body Works.

Look Good Long Time!

                                        

Bobbi Brown Cosmetics has done it again with the Long-Wear Cream Shadows! A staple of the brand, these little pots can be used as a cream eyeshadow or an eyeshadow base to hold powder eyeshadows in place. They are velvety smooth and blendable yet they stay in place all day.

Nicciknows recommends applying with a powder brush and starting with just a little. It's always easier to add color then to take it away if you've applied too much. There are several amazing shades in the range but the two new colors, New Ash and New Steel, are must-have colors for the season. They are gorgeous! Available for $22 at Bobbi Brown Cosmetics.

Frizz Be Gone!

 

                                           

Behold the new revolution of anti-frizz products! Living Proof is a truly remarkable new brand and product. This brand uses science and the very latest technology to actively combat the toughest beauty challenges. Lead by MIT Institute Professor Dr. Bob Langer and his team, they are working to to invent efficicient formulas with unprecedented results.

Frizz is the first beauty problem they have set out to solve. The Wave Shaping, Curl Defining, No Frizz Styling Cream is my new best friend. It gives a soft velvety texture, while adding a slight touch of hold and most importantly, eliminates frizz! Love it!

You can pick this up at Sephora.com for $24.  

Even Lighter then a Tinted Moisturizer

 

                                                    

Cover FX's Skintint FX is called Treatment and Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30 but its actually even lighter and more natural then other tinted moisturizers on the market. It is, in fact, a sheer tint with pearlized minerals that give the skin a bronzed, sun-kissed look. Described as a liquid mineral treatment, its ideal for sensitive skin as well as all other skin types. Ladies, this product can even be used by your men!

I love the texture and consistancy of this product as well as the healthy glow that it gives my skin. The story of this brand, Cover FX is an interesting one as well. Lee Graff, the company's co-creator and President, is a corrective Makeup Specialist at the CosMedic Clinic at a leading Canadian hospital and has worked with thousands of patients with various skin conditions. Together with a chemical engineer and leading dermatologist, Dr. Neil Shear, she created Cover FX.

Available for $42 at Sephora.com.

New Tranquility in the Face of Chaos

 

                                       

Our friends at LAVANILA Laboratories have done it again. Creating yet another amazing fragrance which is both perfect for the time of year and the financial crisis. The new Vanilla Lavendar fragrance is heaven-"scent." It blends Spanish lavender, rose absolute, violet leaf, and warm Madagascar vanilla to create the most calming and beautiful fragrance!

LAVANILA products are formulated without:

- Parabens
- Sulfates
- Synthetic Fragrances
- Synthetic Dyes
- Petro-Chemicals
- Phthalates
- GMO
- Triclosan

This all natural scent is great for everyday use and available for $56 at  Sephora.com. Love this!