John Masters Organics’ Rose & Apricot Antioxidant Day Creme ($24.00)
Enriched with sea algae, aloe vera and other nutrient-rich botanicals, this anti-oxidant day creme is potent yet light and gentle enough for all skin types. Oat beta glucan stimulates procollagen production and promotes cellular turnover. $24
What makesit worth it: All John Masters Organics products must be 75-100% organic with no petroleum or non-carbon based products. They use as much organic ingredients as they can manage in their products, which means this is a line and product that is perfect for those wanting to protect the environment and still get their dosage of beauty. They also do not test on animals, use environmentally-friendly harvested ingredients, and no artificial colors/filters/fragrances can be used in their products. I liked the lightweightedness of the product, because I can’t stand a heavy cream (at least not if it feels heavy) My skin definitely drank this creme up, as well, and it left it feeling soft and velvety.
Why you might pass on it: I’d would prefer a more fragrant scent to accompany this creme. I found that the oat beta glucan in it was a bit overpowering, and I’d have enjoyed a more natural, citrus scent instead. If you’re not into organic beauty, you might find the price point a bit too high for your liking.
Find this product at John Masters Organics boutiques and www.johnmasters.com.
Temptalia had the opportunity to speak with makeup artist Juli (age 29) who works as a freelancer for MAC. She has been working as a makeup artist for nine years, with the past year and a half at MAC. Juli has two certificates; one in Applied Cosmetics and another in Makeup Artistry (including paramedica, camouflage, theatrical, and special effects).
Temptalia: What surprises you most about working as a makeup artist? Juli: How shy people are to try new things. Part of why I love makeup so much is because it’s always new: new colours, new formulations and new ways to put things together.
Temptalia: When did you first fall in love with makeup? Juli: I think I was about 5 and a neighbour girl did myself and her little sister up in her clothes and makeup for a “fashion shoot” and I couldn’t believe how pretty I felt! After that I wouldn’t leave makeup alone.
Temptalia: What do you consider “beauty” to be? Juli: To me, beauty is anything that catches the eye in a pleasing way. It can be anything from makeup and clothing to the way the sunlight reflects off of a lake. It’s such a personal thing.
The contemporary nature of HUGO XX is encapsulated by the re-invention of an edible note, inspired by the aroma of basmati rice. This creates a very feminine scent reminiscent of the HUGO Woman fragrance, but with a more mature character. Embodying the very spirit of modern relationships, HUGO XX and its counterpart HUGO XY are the very essence of the new provocative power match. Notes: Mandarin, Cassis, Lychee, Jasmine, Rose, Basmati Rice, Sandlewood, Ambery notes, Musk. Style: Sophisticated. Intriguing. Desirable.
What makes it worth it: Despite not having any outlandish or innovative shapes to the bottle, its petiteness and stoutness are kind of fun. It’s a sturdy bottle, because of its shape, as well. I wouldn’t hold my breath if I accidentally let this topple on my counter top, unlike some fancier bottles would. The scent is lovely for someone wanting a classic, sophisticated fragrance that does not leave behind any sickly aroma. It’s very empowering, as a scent, because I smell wheeling and dealing, business, one classy lady with got-get-’em eyes and stacked heels. Instead, there is just a touch of fruitiness as an afterthought, but the whole scent itself is rich in woody, musky notes. Oh, and how fun would it be to get your Mr. Right to wear Hugo XY? Matching fragrances–I love it!
Why you might pass on it: It may be too strong for some; it definitely feels like an older woman scent. I’d wear it, despite being 21, because it makes me feel classic, and I don’t mind bending or breaking rules. However, it will definitely alert those around you – it is not anything so subtle that it would go unnoticed.
Find this fragrance at department store retailers, as well as www.nordstrom.com. This is also available in a body lotion and shower gel. Also available is Hugo XY, which is the complementing mens’ fragrance.
Check out Hugo Boss’ ad video for the XX/XY release spurred by the idea of Human Nature and the art of mating.
With the holidays, I know I can’t help but treat my best friends to some of my favorite beauty products I’ve tried (and running a beauty blog certainly has given me a plethora of products to pull from!). In fact, I am a total gift-builder. I love to pick up baskets from a craftstore, add a few embellishments (like faux flowers, potpourri, etc.), and stuff it full of what I’m giving. I find it adds a great personal touch! Continue reading →
How do you keep your lips super soft? Are there certain miracle products you use? Is it all about the technique and the tricks? Tell us how you keep your pout looking gorgeous all winter long.
It’s really important to take a break from being cool, collected, and gorgeous and just have a little bit of fun with yourself. Knowing when to have a bit of spontaneous fun can do wonders for your attitude, outlook, and even creativity! Personally, I’m known as a work-a-holic, as I enjoy being productive above most things; whenever I’m not productive, then I really go all-out and be the laziest gal you can imagine (this means I sit around, catch up on ANTM and I Love New York, watch Criminal Intent, etc.).
I don’t “let loose” as often as I probably should, but I did tonight, and it reminded me that I should urge everyone around me to do the same every once in awhile. My boyfriend just purchased a new suit and had it tailored, so he modeled it for me earlier this evening. As a joke, I put on his jacket, and he convinced me to put on his pants, too. Since I made him model for me, I had to model for him (fair is fair, after all). He snapped four photos, and here’s a collage (larger size than the top photo) of the four he took so you can proof that I can be fun and silly at times!
