Okay, I admit it.  On July 31st, I was up early and eagerly waiting for my chance to purchase Lancome's newest mascara innovation 'Oscillation' during it's single day pre-launch.  I am really big on lashes, and I've always been a Lancome mascara fan ... although I was definitely skeptical about a battery-operated, vibrating mascara.  But yet, I admit, I could not resist ... I had to try it.

What is Lancome's Oscillation?  It is the first 'Vibrating, Infinite Powermascara' as described by Lancome.  It combines an exquisetly smooth formula with a battery-operated, vibrating brush that oscillates 7000 times per minute.  The result is supposed to be the appearance of extraordinary extension, separation and multiplication of lashes.

I tried to push out of my head visions of the mascara flying off the wand and splattering on my face, or lashes getting twisted and tangled when I turned it on.  I know and trust Lancome, especially when it comes to mascara, so I knew that would not be the case (but the thoughts persisted).

I impatiently awaited Oscillation's delivery.  Yesterday, I got home around 7pm, found it had arrived, and eagerly washed my face and started from scratch with clean, fresh lashes.  All I can say is 'WOOOOOOW'. 

The experience:

Truly remarkable ... my lashes looked longer and fuller than ever before.  I thought it was easy to use - the little button was perfectly positioned on the lid at the head of the wand (what you hold on to when applying any mascara) so it was simple to depress while applying.  The vibration was subtle and more gentle than I had imagined, but definitely effective.  I thought the mascara's consistency itself resembled Definicils (a Lancome mascara staple) ... but a little bit thicker ... and the vibrating brush really gets the mascara from root to tip and 360 degrees around each lash - plus - I think the biggest benefit - it really DOES seem to 'multiply' lashes, because it kind of 'shakes' them apart and picks up each and every one - even smaller or shorter ones towards the corners or in between.  The fact that it gets all the way to the roots perfectly and evenly almost gives eyes the look of being perfectly lined without wearing any eyeliner.  I had NO other makeup on at all and my eyes looked absoutely stunning - almost too good to be true.  I kept it on until after midnight and it did not flake or smudge at all, even the lower lashes, nor did the lashes fall or sag.  I even rubbed one eye by accident and found the mascara to be soft and flexible (not at all brittle) - it bounced right back.

I have to say, I believe I have found my 'Holy Grail' mascara.  Now, I just have to hope this tube lasts me until the actual product release this fall - lest I find myself bidding upwards of $60 on Ebay to get myself another tube!

The long and short of it:

Pros:  Best looking lashes ever.  Everything you want lashes to be - longer, thicker, fuller, more defined and more of them!

Cons:  Somewhat expensive ($34) but worth it.  A little harder than the average mascara to remove because it gets on there so good from root to tip and all the way around each lash.  Just rub gently & be patient.  Remember the worst thing you can do for your lids OR lashes is tug or rub roughly.  

HOT TIP:  Try using a light hand and only a couple of strokes for a natural (but long, full and defined) look.  I found it builds easily so go a few extra strokes for a bolder 'night out' type of look - it won't clump! 

For a wide variety of high-end skin care, cosmetics accessories and fragrances at great prices, visit www.allaboutbeautyshop.com

SIMPLY AMAZING!

Kinerase, a brand we have grown to know and trust over the last several years for gentle, effective anti-aging skincare has recently launched it's newest product line:  Extreme Lift.  Boldly claiming to instantly produce results comparable to physician-administered injections ... these new products aroused the natural skeptic in me.  I had to try them.

I was particularly interested in the Extreme Lift Eye, as I underwent Laser Eye Surgery for vision correction earlier this year which is known to cause premature drooping of the eyelids and has unfortunately done so quite noticeably in my case.  I have tried (and spent a small fortune on) every cream and gel ever created that is 'permissible' on the upper lids with next to no results whatsoever.  So the claims that this product would be able to deliver an instant tightening and lifting effect on my upper lids and brow bone was music to my ears.  The question was ... would it actually work?

I dabbed the gel across my upper lids and brow bone and watched over the next minute as my eyelids seemed to tighten and literally 'rise'.    It really worked!  The difference was exactly the way that they described it - immediate and dramatic.  I could not believe my eyes (pun intended!) ... and I checked them obsessively all day long.  The product did not interfere with my makeup application or staying power at all.  The results stuck through my entire 13 hour day of running around in the 95 degree heat and humidity.  When I washed my face that evening, I recognized most of the familiar sag in my lids, and by morning, they were completely back to their saggy selves. 

Having experienced such remarkable results with Extreme Lift Eye ... I was eager to try Extreme Lift Face just to see what it could do.  I have no major complaints about the skin on my face and aging issues ... I am 36 years old and other than a few average crows feet I think my skin is in pretty good shape.  However, it was most definitely in better shape after using Extreme Lift.  Again, I sat in front of the mirror and watched as it seemed to tighten and lift the skin all around my face ... my forehead, temples and all around my mouth looked and felt smoother.  Tighter.  Lifted.  Just as promised, there was absolutely no loss of facial expression whatsoever.  Simply Amazing.  At $150 an ounce, I don't think I will be making this a regular part of my regime (not just yet anyway) ... but the eye version is something I will never again be without (until I break down and get blepharoplasty to correct my lids). 

What you need to know at a glance:

Pros:

Extremely effective - dramatic results you can see and feel - immediately

Can be used just on 'special occasions' - no need to use regularly for optimal results

Cons:

Temporary - no long term / cumulative benefits

Expensive - Face is $150 (1oz) and Eye is $95 (.5oz)

Hot Tip:  Try using the Extreme Lift Face as a targeted spot treatment for trouble areas (like between the brows) rather than using all over your entire face and neck - your bottle will last 10 times as long!

For a wide variety of high-end skin care, cosmetics accessories and fragrances at great prices, visit www.allaboutbeautyshop.com

The newest breakthrough product from Bare Escentuals is here and millions of women are dying to try it - and dying to find out what millions of other women think of it.

Well, let me cut to the chase ... it's FABULOUS.

RareMinerals Renew & Reveal Cleanser is simply amazing.  I am a huge fan of RareMinerals Nighttime Skin Revival Treatment, so when I heard that this product was coming, I couldn't wait to try it.  It didn't take me very much time at all to determine that this will now be a staple in my daily regimen.  Here's the detailed report:

The FIRST TIME I used the product, my skin felt softer, smoother and I noticed that my pores all but disappeared.

At first, I wasn't sure which toner product to use in conjunction with this cleanser, but quickly realized that I don't need one at all.  The delicate, skin-friendly pH doesn't strip or disrupt skin's natural barrier - and it leaves no harmful residue.  After cleansing, simply allow skin to dry naturally and then apply your regular serum (if you use one) and moisturizer.

After just ONE WEEK I can honestly say that my skin looks and feels better than ever before (and I take very good care of my skin).  I know the improvement is the result of Renew & Reveal because it's the only change in my regimen.  I use a combination of high quality targeted skin care products, but this product has given me the softest, clearest, most even-toned overall complexion I've ever had.  I can truly go without a stitch of makeup comfortably!

Now - about the product:

Be prepared for the fact that it is a super-concentrated, potent powder, not a conventional liquid cleanser.  It's a combination of the exclusive skin-renewing 100% pure RareMinerals formula, plus healthy antioxidants, amino acids, wheat protein and soothing botanicals. 

It contains no drying detergents, soaps, harsh abrasives or irritants and is ideal for all skin types, even the most sensitive.

To use it, you wet both your face and hands and pour about a half-teaspoon of the powder into your palm.  Rub hands together to activate, forming a light, creamy lather.  This water-activation process ensures that you get the freshest, most nourishing benefits each and every time you cleanse. 

Simply massage over your face in light circular motions for 30 seconds to one minute.  The breakthrough formulation will deeply purify, replenish and balance your skin, delivering all the renowned benefits of RareMinerals, and leaving your skin fresh, clean, even-toned and radiant ... and truly baby soft. 

HOT TIP:  Try Renew & Reveal on your decolletage each day, and watch the gradual improvement in the clarity, tone and softness of that skin as well!

For a wide variety of high end skin care, cosmetics, accessories and fragrances at great prices, visit www.allaboutbeautyshop.com

A huge breakthrough on blemish treatment, RareMinerals Blemish Therapy is finally here.  There's been plenty of hype ... so now that it's here you'd probably like to know what it's all about ... but most importantly, if it works, right?  Well here's the scoop!

When Bare Escentuals' groundbreaking, patent-pending product, RareMinerals Skin Revival Treatment was introduced last year, it quickly became one of the most popular products on the market.  Designed to deliver clearer, brighter, smoother and more even-toned skin with less visible pores, it was an instant hit (for more info see my review titled 'Bare Escentuals RareMinerals, What's the Scoop?').

What wasn't initially expected was the number of users who would delightedly report an improvement in acne and blemishes.

Well, as she always does, Bare Escentuals Founder and CEO Leslie Blodgett listened to her loyal customers.  Hearing and seeing what a positive impact this product was having on oily/combination and blemish-prone skin types, she took it a step further.  She took that fabulous, 100% pure, patent-pending concentrated RareMinerals formulation and combined it with acne-fighting sulfur to produce the first ever Bare Escentuals blemish treatment:  RareMinerals Blemish Therapy.

This specially formulated product does EVERYTHING blemish-prone skin needs - and nothing that it doesn't.  It effectively and rapidly heals blemishes while preventing new ones from forming.  It fights blackheads (and WINS).  It absorbs excess oil and instantly minimizes the appearance of pores.  It's natural, translucent tint neutralizes redness and immediately diffuses the look of blemishes. 

So, how do you use it?

It can be used as an overnight spot treatment (with or without RareMinerals Skin Revival Treatment) and can also be used as a daytime treatment under your makeup.  (Am I the only one who had tried this with the original RareMinerals?  The stuff basically makes your pores disappear - so shortly after beginning to use RareMinerals Skin Revival Treatment I began stroking a tiny bit over my 'larger-pore' areas each morning before applying makeup - it worked like a dream - and works even BETTER with this product!)

Whether you have oily/acne-prone skin, or just the occasional blemish, this is a product you'll definitely want to have on hand. 

HOT TIP:  Whether you purchase as a set with the 'Heal and Conceal' brush or use your own (the ever-popular Max Coverage Concealer Brush works great ... so will any small flat brush) just be sure that you dedicate whatever brush you choose to this product/purpose alone and that you wash it regularly to keep it clean, fresh and bacteria free.

For a wide variety of high end skin care, cosmetics, accessories and fragrances at great prices, visit www.allaboutbeautyshop.com