Lulus Fashion Lounge - Blog - A La Mode

  • Japanese Blotting Papers by Tatcha

    Posted by: Sienna Orlando

    April
    24
    2012

    With warm weather beginning to hit LuLu*s home base, I've found that one of the easiest and most elegant ways to keep a fresh face is with a simple blotting paper.
     
    Made from 100% Abaca leaf and real gold flake, I have never found a blotting paper that is more decadent, and the lack of powder and fragrance is definitely refreshing. These little beauties by Tatcha won't take off your make-up, and a pack will fit in even your smallest purse!

  • Beauty Review: Clinique Pore Refining Solutions

    Posted by: Annie Roos

    March
    1
    2012


     
    Pores. I know, I know. You get what you get and you don't get upset... but, smaller pores would be really nice. So I can't actually shrink them, fine, but if some magical serum promises to make them look smaller, then really, what's the difference? Enter: Clinique's Pore Refining Solutions line. I've been using both the Correcting Serum and the Instant Perfector for almost two months now, and this stuff really works!

    You'll notice I brought a few friends. I cannot gush enough about my Clarisonic Mia cleansing brush. This gadget is magic. The cleanser is up to you, but I like to use something acne-resistant, since I'm just barely out of that heinous skin phase. Also, you'll still need moisturizer, which I apply after the Correcting Serum and before the Instant Perfector. Now, on to the main event!

    Clinique Pore Refining Solutions

    The fine print: Clinique's innovative solutions work in many ways to create a poreless appearance---instantly, with optics, and over time, with multitasking formulas. Both use smart technology to absorb oil only where needed. Both are dermatologist tested.

    Correcting Serum

    The fine print: Lightweight, oil-free serum with Pore Resurfacing Complex helps skin renew itself more efficiently, bringing healthier cells to the surface for a tighter, smoother, younger look. Gently clears pores of debris and rough, dead cells. Pores instantly look 30% smaller. And in 2 weeks, clinical tests confirm a 58% smaller appearance. To use: Spread over face morning and night after 3-Step. Can be layered with other treatments, makeup, Instant Perfector.

    The verdict: After the very first use, my skin felt and looked much smoother, and almost two months later, my skin has only gotten better! FYI: I did run into a mild reaction about a week into use, so I had to cut ties with my salicylic acid spot treatment. So, a word to the wise: stick to Serum, moisturizer, and Perfector and you should be safe. Or whatever Clinique's 3-Step system involves...

    Instant Perfector

    The fine print: Look smooth and virtually flawless---instantly. Pores seem to disappear. Natural-looking matte finish lasts up to 8 hours. Resists sweat, humidity. Two skin tone shades or Invisible Bright for subtle brightening. To use: Finger-dot and blend over pores---alone, over Correcting Serum, makeup, and for touch-ups.

    The verdict: Awesome. This little tube is a lot like a makeup primer, leaving a smooth, matte finish that almost had me skipping the makeup. (Almost. I would never actually skip my beloved face paint). I used the "Invisible Bright" shade, but I'm definitely open to trying one of the tinted versions in the future. It's super lightweight and though the tube is quite small, you only need to use the tiniest little squeeze for big results.

     
    To sum it all up: The Correcting Serum is the diet and exercise, while the Instant Perfector is your Spanx. Use them together and your skin will be looking smooth and tight! Happy cleansing!

  • Naturally Beautiful: 5 Easy Skin Care Tips

    Posted by: Allie Paxton

    December
    2
    2011

     
     
    Face it: your skin protects and covers everything inside of your body and should be tended to and cared for. It is easy to care for your skin without the expensive creams and washes you find at every department store. There are many agents that are essential to the well-being of your skin such as proper diet, exfoliation, and constant attention. Also, there are many things that are around the house that you can use to care for your skin. 
     
     
    1. Drink Water
     
    Water is an essential facet in having healthy skin. When you hydrate your body, it is able to release the toxins within, bathing your cells and eliminating waste products.
     
    2. Diet
     
    If you add fruits, veggies, and fiber to your daily diet your skin will be thanking you. One thing to be VERY conscious of is to avoid an excess of sugar intake. Sweets are a leading cause of acne. Don't fully deprive yourself! I LOVE dark chocolate, but everything needs to be consumed in moderation in order to not see the effects on your skin. 
     
    3. Cleanse
     
    It is essential to find a proper cleaner to wash your day away from your face. Avoid bar soaps because they tend to dry out the skin. There is no reason anyone should have to feel that they have to pay over $40 for a proper facial wash. Try any Neutrogena products, they are my absolute fav. Also, be careful not to cleanse too often. I suggest once in the morning and once at night for a sweet and happy glow.
     

     
    4. Exfoliate
     
    Exfoliation helps to reduce the occurrence of acne and blackheads. If skin cells are not properly exfoliated, your skin does not properly absorb moisture. This makes your skin cells dry out and find trouble breathing, thus causing breakouts. Also, proper skin exfoliation reduces the signs of aging. Exfoliation helps to gently rid your skin of thick and damaged skin cells, making your skin look brighter and replenished. 
     
    The best way to exfoliate is to use any over-the counter product that has thick cleaning beads. My favorite is Oil of Olay's Professional Pro X Exfoliating Renewal. Also, a recipe you can use from products from your kitchen is a wonderful natural way to exfoliate. Here is an amazing recipe my mom has used since the 70's
     
     
    Milk and Honey Almond Scrub
     
    *1 tsp of Skin or 2% Milk
    *1 tsp of Cream
    *2 tsp of Honey
    *1/3 Cup of Granulated Sugar
    *1 tbs of ground almonds

    Simply mix all together. Make sure the mixture isn't too oily or grainy.  This smells so fresh and fabulous and leaves your skin feeling silky smooth!
     
    5. Moisturize
     
    It is absolutely a treat for your skin when you properly moisturize. Moisturizers seal moisture into the skin, preventing it from drying out and getting tough. Do not over-moisturize because this will clog your pores. The main time I moisturize is after I exfoliate since this is when my skin is the most dry. Also, many moisturizers I get contain SPF to protect my skin from the sun's harmful rays. 
     
     
     
    Basically, when you are healthy - your skin is healthy. Use your best judgment and reap the benefits of beautiful and healthy skin! 

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  • Win Prizes from Boscia!

    Posted by: LuLu*s !

    June
    30
    2011




    The lovely people at boscia are giving away some amazing prize packs for LuLu*s fans! You can enter 2 ways, and we will be drawing winners from each method.

    Prizes:
    Grand Prizes (2)
    MakeUp-BreakUp Cool Cleansing Oil, Luminizing Black Mask, Purifying Cleansing Gel, Oil-free Daily Hydration, Willow Bark Breakout Treatment To-Go and Blotting Linens (a $130 value)

    Runner-Up Prize Packs (7)
    Blotting Linen and Purifying Cleansing Gel (a $31 value)

    How to Enter:

    Visit the     boscia site and enter in 1 or both of the following ways-

    Entry Method 1:
    Comment below on this blog post with which item from     boscia and which outfit from LuLu*s would make you feel fresh faced (must include at least 1 item from each site)

    Entry Method 2:
    Figure out which item is in the blurred pic below and e-mail your answer to     giveaways@lulus.com with the email subject line of "Boscia contest" (Be sure not to mention the answer in your comment so it stays secret!)

    We will be drawing a grand prize winner from EACH entry method (and 3 runner-up prizes from the email entry method and 4 runner-ups from the comments)

    Contest Deadline
    Entries will be accepted until Wednesday July 6th at 11:59pm PST.

    Bonus Freebie Code!
    We have an exclusive code for you to get a FREE 1.7 oz Purifying Cleansing Gel (a $10 value), pictured below, with any purchase at     www.bosciaskincare.com! Use the promo code LULUS. This offer is valid June 30-July 31, while supplies last.

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  • Perk Up Winter Skin: Try An At-Home Facial Today!

    Posted by: Laurie Hartt

    December
    28
    2010

     
     
    Although I do love winter, I don't love the yucky skin it brings. Even when it seems moist outside from all the rain and snow, the cooler temperatures and harsh weather bring irritated, dry, grubby skin. 
     
     So what to do?
     
    One of the easiest ways to give your skin a boost is an at-home facial!  
     
    Here are the basic steps. 
     
    Step 1:  Cleanse. Make sure you get all the dirt and makeup off, but don't scrub or it could irritate your skin.
     
    Step 2:  Steam. This helps open your pores, increases circulation, and makes your skin even softer. An easy way to do this is to add hot water and an herbal tea bag to a bowl, drape a towel over your head, and lean over the steam. Stay at least a foot away from the bowl to avoid scalding or irritating your skin. Do this for up to five minutes.
     
    Step 3:  Apply a mask. Below I've listed some of my favorite masks you can make at home. Most of these you can make using ingredients you have lying around in your fridge or pantry.
     
     
    For Dry Skin 
     
    Avocado and Olive Oil Facial Mask
    1/2 avocado
    1 tablespoon olive oil

    Mash the avocado and the olive oil together in a bowl. Apply to your face and wait for 20 minutes. Rinse with warm water.
     
     
     
     For Irritated or Sunburned Skin 
     
    Soothing Mask
    1 part plain yogurt, chilled
    1/2 part old fashioned oatmeal
    (optional) 2 drops essential oil - jasmine
     
    Stir ingredients together. Add jasmine essential oil. Apply to area and leave on for 10 minutes. Wash off with warm water and pat dry.
     
     
    For Acne Prone Skin 
     
    Deep Cleaning Cat Litter Facial Mask
    4 tablespoons of cat (kitty) litter
    Juice from 1 small lemon
     warm water
     
    In a bowl squeeze the lemon juice over the kitty litter. Add water a bit at a time and stir until you have made a paste. Apply the facial evenly to your face and neck. Leave on for 15 minutes and wash off with warm water. (Sounds weird, I know, but hey -- why not?)
     
     
     
    For Oily Skin 
     
    Strawberry Lemon Mask
    1 tsp lemon juice
    2 egg whites
    3 tsp honey
    1 cup strawberries
     
    Blend with a blender ingredients well. Apply to freshly cleaned face and leave on for 10 minutes. Wash off with warm water and pat dry.
    (Recipes from www.wittyliving.com) 
     
     
    For Dull Skin 
     
    Cucumber Mint Facial Mask
    2 large cucumbers (chopped)
    1/4 cup fresh mint leaves (chopped very finely)
    2 tbsp. plain unflavored yogurt
    1tbsp. lemon juice
     
    Peel the cucumbers and blend or pulse until smoothly pureed. Strain the puree through a paper towel to get rid of all excess water. Pulse cucumber and rest of ingredients together until smooth. Microwave for 1 minute, apply to clean skin, and leave on for 15 minutes. Rinse with warm water to reveal fresh skin!
    (Recipe from Self Beauty & Style)
     

     
    To Exfoliate
     
    Brown Sugar & Milk Scrub
     2 tablespoons brown sugar
     1/4 cup of Milk
     
     Apply to skin and scrub gently. Let it sit on the skin for 5-10. Rise with warm water and pat dry. 

    Step 5:  Tone. This helps clear the skin of any soap or mask residue. Make sure not to use an alcohol-based toner because that will dry out the skin (kinda defeating the purpose!). Witch hazel and aloe vera are great toners.
     
    Step 6:  Moisturize. This is really important in keeping your skin fresh and supple. My personal favorite? Alba Botanical Aloe & Green Tea Oil-Free Moisturizer. Smells like the islands and isn't greasy or heavy.
     

     
     
     
    So what do you think? Will you be trying any of these at home? Post your own favorite masks below -- I'd love to try them all! 
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  • A Few of My Favorite Things...

    Posted by: Kathleen McHatton

    May
    7
    2010

    I thought I would share with you guys my favorite new buys for each week. Most of them are beauty products and face washes (since that's what I'm addicted to), but anything that strikes my fancy is up for game. I'll let you know why I love each item and have added it to my routine. (P.S. I bought all these items with my own money and was not paid for my opinion)

    First up - Purity Made Simple, One-Step Facial Cleanser.

    There's nothing worse than finding leftover foundation hanging out on your freshly washed face. This cleanser takes care of that, leaving you with pure, supple skin. My skin is very dry, and this does leave a slight "tightness," but as long as you follow up with moisturizer it shouldn't be a problem.

    Number 2 - Luna & Larry's Coconut Bliss Non-Dairy Dessert

    My sweet tooth seems to go crazy when the weather warms up, and Coconut Bliss really hits the spot. I love that they use Agave sweetener which is gentler on your system. Plus, the coconut milk adds an unbelievable richness.

    Number 3 - Maybelline Great Lash, Clear Lash and Brow Gel,

    I can't believe how long I've gone without this product in life! Keeping unruly brows in place is no longer an issue. I also love using this gel after regular mascara. It helps separate the lashes and add a little gloss.

    Number 4 - DERMAdoctor KP Duty Body Scrub

    I bought this scrub last summer and am getting it again! For those annoying dry skin bumps of the winter, this scrub kicks major butt. This is also great for creating a smooth canvas the day before a self tan.  

    Share with me one of your favorite things!!

  • What's Your Beauty Routine?

    Posted by: Kathleen McHatton

    April
    20
    2010

    "It ain't the prom, sweetheart," you hear your man say as he patiently waits downstairs. Meanwhile, you are frantically preparing for your date. The black heels or the red? A quick spritz of perfume and .. oh no, your hair has gone flat!

    I've never considered myself a beauty queen, but I'm no roll-out-of bed and head out the door kinda gal either. I usually look put together. That's just my nature. I'll make sure I have enough time in the morning to "put my face on," as my grandmother would say.


    The length of time it takes for women to get ready varies greatly. It depends on the girl and also where she is going. Usually, I'm not getting ready for prom (go figure), but I do take the time to go through a good skin care regimen. I consider that to be very important and feel gross if I don't have time to properly cleanse and moisturize.

    That done, I don't have much time to style my hair or mess with eyeshadow, but mascara and red lipstick is a must!

    Now it's time for you Lulu*s ladies to dish. What's the most important aspect of your beauty routine? How long do you take to freshen up before you head out the door? Any time saving tips?

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  • Facial Cleanser: What Do You Use?

    Posted by: Sienna Orlando

    January
    13
    2010

    What to use, what to use ...

    Today's product lines can be daunting in the amount of choices out there. What I want to know is what the average woman does for her basic face washing rituals? Expensive, inexpensive, medicated, herbal, or nothing it all!

    I asked the girls in the warehouse what they use on their faces every day, and why they like them so much. Here were some of their responses:

    Kathleen: Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser.  "It takes off all of my make-up, and is really good for sensitive skin."

    Brittani: Garnier Skin Renew.  "I use a light soap in the shower, and this face lotion. I think it's amazing. This lotion is the best. It makes my skin feel so soft, it's ridiculous!"



    Rachel: ProActiv.  "I usually go back to ProActiv every couple of months."

    Lindsay H.: Aveeno.

    Indya: Alba Coconut Milk.  "It's all-natural, organic, creamy, and it's gentle, exfoliates and moisturizing. It's also Earth-friendly, and I can get it at my favorite co-op."


    Siobahn: Aveeno.  "I don't really pay that much attention."

    Val:  "I don't use facial cleanser because it dries my skin out. Just water."

    Me? I'm simple. I love St. Ive's Apricot Scrub. It's inexpensive and exfoliating.


    What do you use?

     

  • Get Glowing, Gorgeous Skin

    Posted by: Kathleen McHatton

    November
    17
    2009

    Beautiful skin with a healthy glow never goes out of style.

    Below are pics of celebrities that I absolutely admire for the radiance of their skin. From the flawless luminescence of Dita Von Teese, to the sun-kissed glow of Jessica Alba and the dewiness of Liv Tyler, there is much evidence to show that a soft, candlelight glow can go a long way in enhancing your look.

    Step One: Make Healthy Lifestyle Choices

    • DRINK PLENTY OF WATER: Water refreshes the skin and keeps it hydrated and dewy. Have a glass first thing in the morning to wake up your complexion.
    • GET PLENTY OF SLEEP: Nothing dulls down your skin like sleep depravation. Get enough rest each night and your skin will be ready to rise and shine.
    • EAT SMART: This one is a no brainer. Your skin needs to be nourished from the inside out. Cut back on refined sugars and starches while stocking up on whole grains, fruits, veggies, and stomach friendly probiotics like yogurt and kefir. All will keep your digestion system running efficiently while delivering nutrients to the skin.

    Step Two: Adopt a Pro-Active Skin Care Regimen

    • EXFOLIATE: Exfoliating 2-3 times a week will remove dead skin cells, allowing younger skin to shine through. It will also help your foundation glide on smoother. Try the Gentle Exfoliating Facial Cleanser by Yes to Carrots or Biore's Refresh Daily Cleansing Cloths if your skin is more delicate.
    • WASH BEFORE BED: Never, never, ever go to bed with a day's worth of makeup on. Your foundation and eye makeup will cake, smear and clog pores. Get into the habit of washing your face before bed, even if it's a late night. Your skin will thank you in the morning.
    • HYDRATE: If you're in the market for skin care products, moisturizer is the thing you want to spend your money on. Choose a moisturizer that is suitable for your skin type and use it twice a day. It will plump your skin and seal in moisture. My favorite moisturizers of all time: Mario Badescu's Buttermilk Moisturizer and Kinerase's Clear Skin Moisture Light.

    Step Three: Try These  Makeup Bag Tricks

    •  Get a luminescent glow by dusting your face with a sheer, light reflecting powder to set your foundation or light up bare skin. One such powder that is gaining much popularity is Make Up For Ever's HD Micro Finish Powder. If it's made to make you look flawless in HD, then just imagine what it can do for a day at class or work.
    • Apply a highlighter to places where light reflects naturally on your face. I like to press Stila's Eyeshadow in Starlight on the tops of the cheekbones, down the nose, at the cupid's bow of the lip, and at the brow bone for a radiant lift.
    • if you're skin is starting to dull by mid-day, boost your completion with a spritz of hydration. I love love love Mario Badescu's Facial Spray It will give your skin a dose of dewy while putting new life back into your foundation.

  • Pumpkin Skincare

    Posted by: Kathleen McHatton

    October
    20
    2009

    During this time of year, we pick pumpkins for decoration, carving, and baking pie ... so why not use them in our beauty routine?

    Pumpkins are rich in beta-carotene, which gives them their intense orange color. This anti-oxidant powerhouse does wonders for your skin, including protecting your skin against sun damage, evening skin tone, and giving you an overall healthy glow.

    Now that the weather is turning, the elements can be even harder on your skin. If you're feeling a little cracked and dry, treat your skin to a little PLC (Pumpkin, Love and Care).

    For the ultimate skin treat, I love to use GreatSkin® Pore Refining Pumpkin Mask. Not only does this mask exfoliate your skin, but as you rub it in, it heats up and relaxes the face. It's like having an expensive facial right at home. Can't beat that.

    And if I'm feeling a little creative in the kitchen, I'll whip up the scrub recipe below found on Care2.com. It's so easy and simple, and hey, we all have these ingredients in our cupboards anyway.

    Pumpkin, Sugar, and Spice Scrub

    • 1/2 cup cooked or canned pumpkin, pureed
    • 1/2 cup brown sugar
    • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
    1. Combine ingredients in a bowl.
    2. Stand in a tub or shower stall and use a damp washcloth to scoop some of the mixture up.
    3. Apply to body, starting with your feet and working your way up, but avoiding your face. Scrub gently using circular motions.
    4. Rinse with warm water and pat dry.

    So head on down to the pumpkin patch -- or the canned goods aisle -- and get in on the fun. It's like a pie in the face, only more relaxing.

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