EARLY WARNING: May 8th is Just Around the Corner... Shop Our Mother's Day Gift Guide Now!

Ah, Mother’s Day…a time to celebrate the woman who gave you life, raised and nurtured you from birth and helped to shape you into the person you are today. It’s typically a low-stress holiday once it arrives, but every year, panic begins to set in before the holiday as I frantically try to figure out what to get for the most important woman in my life. If you’re anything like me, you wait until the last minute and end up harried and disappointed with your gift selection.

In an attempt to alleviate some of this pre-Mother’s Day stress, I've started early and put together a list of my top Mother’s Day gift ideas, so we can all relax this year and know that we’ve gotten Mom something she’ll truly love. I’ve categorized my selections by Makeup, Skin Care, Bath & Body, and Fragrance, so no matter what your Mom is in to, you’re sure to find just the perfect thing!

Makeup

If Mom’s a makeup maven, she’ll love one of these specially packaged sets!

Cosmetique Beauty Boutique Blockbuster – For the Mother who appreciates choices, this palette has every color imaginable for a glamorous, customized makeup look she’ll love!

Sistina Italian Riviera Collection - Mother-Daughter trip to the Mediterranean not in your spring budget?  Give Mom the glamour and sophistication of the Italian Riviera with our sleek, sunny new collection - perfect for summer!

Pur Minerals Heavenly Delights - Delight your mother with this heavenly collection of complexion-flattering, feature-enhancing shades - brush included!

Skin Care

Give your Mom the gift of beautiful skin with one of these elegant skin care collections.

Energie Vitale Spa Skin Care Collection – This is the ultimate gift for the skin-obsessed! It is a complete skin care system designed to cleanse, purify, and fight the signs of aging with a potent cocktail of active ingredients.

Murad Evening Renewal Regimen – This kit from Murad includes everything your Mom needs to cleanse, tone, hydrate, and firm her way to perfect skin. How could she not love this?!?!

Princess Livia Royal Treats Skin Care Collection - Give Mom's skin (and nails!) the royal treatment with this collection of our best-loved products featuring the wonder-ingredient, bee pollen!  Plus, as an added bonus, she'll get her very own Princess Livia Miracle Grow Nail Treatment. 

Bath and Body

Help Mom to relax and unwind with these aromatic gifts for bath and body.

Arabella Stuart Belle Fleur Bath and Body Set – This includes everything your Mom needs to cleanse, exfoliate and moisturize her skin. The bath gel and moisturizer are delicately scented with Bergamot, Gardenia, Sandalwood and Musk, so Mom will enjoy her gift all day long.

Sara St. James Country Classics Set – Give your Mom a little hint of the relaxing countryside with this classic set. It includes a foaming shower gel, an exfoliating puff, and a light, natural fragrance.

Zents "SUN" Solid Perfume Balm - Soothing and enlivening like the warmth of a mother's love, this solid perfume balm is a blend of aromatherapeutic essential oils in a shea butter and beeswax base.  This heavenly fragrance balm can be used at pulse points, to condition dry areas like cuticles, elbows and knees, and as a shine-enhancing, conditioning pomade for hair.

Fragrance

If your mother's a fragrance fashionista, delight her olfactory sense with the gift of perfume! 

A Woman’s Touch Perfume Collection – The perfect woman’s touch! Give your Mom a lift with this trio of delightful fragrances.

Couture Creations – Let your Mother be the head-turner she was meant to be with this three-piece collection of dramatic scents.

Missoni Eau de Parfum - This sun-drenched fragrance combines notes of Bergamot, Mandarin, Chocolate, Amber, Peony, Rose and Persimmon. The sublime blend captures the luxe sensuality of an Italian resort getaway...  Send Mom on vacation this May!

Those are my top picks for a Mother’s Day gift sure to bring a smile to any Mother’s face.  Do you have an idea for the perfect Mother’s Day gift?  Share it by leaving a comment.  Also, be sure to check our website http://www.cosmetique.com/ for even more great gift ideas for Mom!

Don't forget to also check Facebook, and Twitter for details on our super-exciting, super-secret April Fool's Day Deal (hint: you get something for FREE!) - the perfect motivation to get that gift shopping done early!  Make this your best Mother's Day ever...  With a little help from your friends at Cosmetique!

STOP THE (MARCH) MADNESS: 5 Beauty Blunders to Banish This Spring PLUS Quick Fixes and Expert Picks!

Spring is a time of awakening... rebirth... and BANISHING THOSE BAD BEAUTY HABITS!  Make this the month you stop the (MARCH) madness and start avoiding these classic blunders.  Read on for our list of the 5 biggest makeup mistakes a girl can make, and our expert advice and product recommendations for changing those habits for good.  Get a jump on gorgeous this spring... With a little help from your friends at Cosmetique!


BEAUTY BLUNDER #1 :  Applying your makeup with dirty brushes...

Photo Courtesy of Japonesque.com

WHY THIS IS "POSITIVELY MAD":  Using dirty brushes to apply makeup means you're transferring bacteria, dirt and pore-clogging oils onto your skin every time you use them!  This can cause acne, dullness and premature aging of the skin.  It's also bad for your brushes!

QUICK FIX:  Use a gentle hair shampoo to lather up brushes once a week.  Be sure to massage bristles from base to tip, and rinse thoroughly.  Reshape brushes and allow to dry flat on a clean paper towel.  Don't you just feel better?

EXPERT PICK:  Try Garden Botanika Fresh Mint Shampoo for a refreshing scent and luxe lather that conditions as it cleanses.

BEAUTY BLUNDER #2:  Poorly-blended foundation...

Photo Courtesy of Isabellagucci.com

WHY THIS IS "POSITIVELY MAD":  Poorly-blended foundation sets the stage for poorly-applied makeup!  Just as an artist begins with a perfectly primed canvas, applying your foundation like a pro will ensure an even, smooth surface on which to perform your magic.  


QUICK FIX:  For expertly-blended foundation with no streaks, caking or mask-like lines at the jaw, ear and forehead, choose a natural-looking, semi-sheer foundation with a brush applicator.  The lightweight formula and brush application allow for perfectly-natural, perfectly-YOU coverage, with no tell-tale lines or streaking.  Tap a damp sponge over foundation after application to blend and remove any excess product.  Step back and take a look in the mirror... OMG!  It's Complexion Perfection!!!


EXPERT PICK :  Too Faced Magic Wand Foundation has a built-in brush and delivers light-diffusing, skin-perfecting coverage for perfectly natural-looking skin!

BEAUTY BLUNDER #3:  Skipping the eyelash curler...

Photo Courtesy of Health-beauty-tips.org

WHY THIS IS "POSITIVELY MAD":  Uncurled lashes appear shorter and make your eyes look smaller and less awake.  Curled lashes look longer and fuller, and give eyes a well-rested, alert appearance.  Because curled lashes allow more light into the eye area, eyes appear brighter and sparklier!  What girl can say no to that?!?!


QUICK FIX:  Use a high-quality, stainless steel eyelash curler with a no-stick silicone pad to curl lashes at the base, mid-way point,  and tips for eye-opening lashes that look ultra-long and flirty!  Be sure to follow with mascara for maximum impact.

EXPERT PICK:  Japonesque Power Curl Eyelash Curler creates dramatic, uniform curl with no sticking, clumping or pinching.  

BEAUTY BLUNDER #4:  Too-Nude Lips...

Photo Courtesy of Prettyobsessed.com

WHY THIS IS "POSITIVELY MAD":  While rich, warm nudes can lend subtle sophistication to an otherwise edgy, smoky eye;  too-nude, too-light lips can sap skin of vital color and make the complexion look sallow and ashy.

QUICK FIX:  Banish lackluster lips and embrace this season's hottest trend!  A shade which flatters many women AND is appropriate for all ages, coral is THE color for lips this spring.  A moisturizing, color-rich lipstick formula ensures high-impact, lip-loving pigments that last and last.  Be sure to choose a shade appropriate for your skin tone.  Fairer-skinned gals should stick with pinkish hues while those with deeper skin tones can experiment with bolder, warmer shades.

EXPERT PICK:  For a stay-true, stay-put lip color in a universally-flattering shade of this season's hottest hue, try Sistina Lipcolor Perfetta in Mandarino Coral. 

BEAUTY BLUNDER #5:  Heading to bed without washing your face...

Photo Courtesy of Collegecures.com

WHY THIS IS "POSITIVELY MAD":  Leaving makeup, dirt and oil on your face while you sleep clogs pores and creates a breeding ground for germs and bacteria which can exacerbate acne conditions, cause eye infections, and leave skin looking dull.  What's more, by not cleansing skin properly before bed, you allow the free radicals from the day to sit on skin overnight, potentially contributing to cell damage and premature aging.

QUICK FIX:  First remove eye makeup and lip products using a makeup remover designed especially for those delicate areas.  Now, using circular motions, massage a gentle cleansing gel onto wet skin for 30-60 seconds to remove makeup and impurities without drying your complexion.  Be sure to rinse cleanser off thoroughly with water and pat dry.

EXPERT PICK(S):  Beat hard-to-remove eye and lip colors with Arabella Stuart Makeup Remover for Lids, Lashes and Lips.  Follow with Princess Livia Gentle Cleansing Gel with Bee Pollen to unclog pores, and remove excess oil and impurities.  

   

There you have it ladies, our expert tips and recommendations to help you banish beauty blunders for good.  Don't forget to check out the rest of our blog @ http://www.cosmetiqueblog.com/, and follow us on Facebook and Twitter(@CosmetiqueUS) for all sorts of tips, tricks, trends and more! 

5 HOT Spa Treatments You Can Do At Home

The most popular spa treatments can rejuvenate your mind, body and spirit and make you look and feel like a whole new you.  "BUT, what if regular spa visits don't fit into my schedule and budget?" you ask.  To that I say: "NO PROBLEM!"   We're running down 5 of the HOTTEST spa treatments, and showing you how to achieve spa-quality results in your very own home.  ARE YOU WITH ME?

The Treatment:  Spa Manicure/Pedicure

Photo Courtesy of Freespiritskincare.com

The Basics: A spa mani/pedi is the cornerstone to any good beauty routine.  Research has shown that one of the first things people notice about you is your hands!  The professional treatment includes a warm soapy soak for hands and feet, exfoliation, nail and cuticle grooming, skin conditioning and polish, of course!


Do it at home:  If you're a penny-saving gal on the go (like the rest of us) you can get salon results at home!  Simply soak feet and hands in a warm soapy bath and use an exfoliating foot scrub (very gently on hands, more vigorously on feet) to remove dull, dry skin.  While hands and feet are still damp, gently push back cuticles (don't clip them!) and apply a rich conditioning cream like Madeleine Mono Hand and Cuticle Repair Cream to both feet and hands.  File nails to your desired shape with a nail file.  Before polishing, be sure to use either rubbing alcohol or polish remover with a cotton pad to clean nails (if you don't, polish will peel sooner).  Follow with the nail polish of your choice.  I like Jean-Michelle Laque Luisant Nail Enamel because it dries to a brilliant shine and comes in so many awesome colors! 

The Treatment:  Anti-Aging Facial

Photo Courtesy of Godonyc.com

The Basics: A professional anti-aging facial typically includes a mild exfoliation, deep hydration and a firming treatment for face and eyes.

Get it at home:  Murad Resurgence Renewal Home Facial Kit includes everything you need to begin your journey towards younger-looking skin!  Advanced collagen building technology boosts elasticity and resilience to reduce the appearance of medium to deep wrinkles while gentle exfoliators clear skin of dullness and stimulate cellular turnover.  Luxurious, lasting hydration helps to restore suppleness, texture and tone.  This do-it-yourself miracle-in-a-box also comes with Murad's Firming and Hydrating Eye Gel Mask to lift and plump your delicate eye area while reducing signs of under-eye damage.  Begin with well-cleansed skin.  Click here to view our fabulous selection of cleansers!  I also like to follow this restorative treatment with a rich moisturizer to help lock in all that fabulous hydration!  

The Treatment:  Hydrating Body Wrap

Photo Courtesy of Hawaiianexperiencespa.com

The Basics:  This ultra-relaxing spa treat typically includes a nice, warm shower followed by an ultra-hydrating cream or oil applied to the body.  Once applied, the spa technician/esthetician will wrap the client in a cellophane or plastic wrap to lock in the hydrating effects.  Once "wrapped," you will lay down and relax in a warm steamy room while the moisture penetrates skin with the help of the wrap and steam.  Afterwards, they have you take a quick rinse in a cool shower and send you on your way!


Get it at home:  Before you begin... Grab an extra large garbage bag (the lawn and garden ones are best because they're HUGE), and cut the seam off of the bottom. Next, cut up one side so you are left with a large, flat plastic sheet.  Bring this into the bathroom with you along with a large cushy blanket or comforter.  Now, jump into a warm shower for about 5 minutes.  Be sure to keep your bathroom door closed to create a spa-like "steam room."  While skin is still damp, liberally apply a rich, hydrating body cream like Garden Botanika Pomegranate Wine Body Butter, to your entire body - don't forget hands and feet, ladies!  After laying your blanket or comforter on the floor for warmth and comfort, center your pre-cut plastic sheet over the blanket.  Now, lay down in the middle and wrap the plastic sheet over your body AVOIDING YOUR FACE AND NECK!  Pull the blanket up around you, too, over the plastic sheet.  Relax in your little "cocoon" for 20 minutes.  When done, gently unwrap yourself and take a quick rinse in a cool shower, patting - not rubbing yourself dry.  Et Voila!  You are a beautiful, glowing butterfly!

The Treatment:  Exfoliating Body Glow

Photo Courtesy of Evaspa.com

The Basics:  A quick warm shower is followed by an exfoliating body scrub applied to your entire body.  The spa professional will then massage the scrub over your entire body to remove dull skin.  This treatment is usually followed by a quick, cool shower.  You will see fresher, newer skin exposed immediately!  Even better results can be achieved by getting this done regularly.


Get it at home:  Hop into a warm shower and wet your entire body.  Turn off the shower, but stay in there!  Apply a generous amount of an exfoliating body scrub like Garden Botanika Fresh Mint Whipped Body Buffer to every inch of skin - avoiding face and neck.  I especially like this scrub because of it's natural exfoliants (Colloidal Oatmeal and Walnut Shell Powder), and its invigorating, minty scent.  Bonus?  This stuff DOES NOT leave an oily film on your skin OR in your shower!  Massage your entire body using light to medium pressure and circular motions.  You should do this for 5-10 minutes.  If you have sensitive skin, use very gentle pressure and shorten the duration of your massage.  Now that you're a big, scrubby mess, turn the shower on (use lukewarm to cool water as it's better for your skin), and rinse the scrub thoroughly.  Follow your exfoliation by gently patting yourself dry with a towel.  Finish by applying your favorite body lotion! 

The Treatment:  Deep Conditioning Hair Treatment

Photo Courtesy of Wellsphere.com

The Basics:  A salon professional will wet hair and apply a deep conditioning treatment root to tip.  They then wrap the hair with cellophane and apply light heat to help the conditioning treatment penetrate the hair shaft.  Now, you sit for 10-15 minutes.  When done, the professional will thoroughly rinse the hair and send you packing!


Get it at home:  Wet hair throughly in your shower or sink.  GENTLY, wring any excess moisture from the hair and blot with a bath towel.  Now, apply a rich conditioner like H20 Plus Marine Collagen Conditioner which contains marine botanicals and amino acids to increase volume, luster and manageability, from roots to tips.  Gather hair on top of your head and cover with cellophane, avoiding your face, then wrap with a towel.  Use your blow dryer on low to warm the whole thing up a bit.  Relax for 15, then rinse completely and enjoy your shiny, lustrous locks!

There they are folks - with fool-proof, DIY instructions.  Get relaxed and glowing just in time for spring with a little help from your friends at Cosmetique.  Enjoy!

Beauty Editor's Pick of the Week: Zents Concreta Solid Perfume Balms

This week we've chosen to focus on an amazing product that is loved by socialites and celebrities alike.  Sold in some of the finest spas, these are truly unique balms that blur the boundaries between fragrance, skin care, and hair care.  Want to get in on the action?

Behold, perfumery's oldest tradition!  Zents Concreta Solid Perfume Balms are highly fragrant, solid perfume balms, hand-poured into unique solid stone cubes (which are ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS in-person!) They contain aromatherapeutic, floral extracts and essential oils in a conditioning shea butter & beeswax formula.

Unlike traditional perfumes, these can be used in a number of new and exciting ways!  Try them as a fragrance on your pulse points, for deep conditioning on dry areas (such as cuticles, feet & elbows), or as a pomade to add scent and brilliance to hair.  Imagine the possibilities!

Zents Concreta Solid Perfume Balms are available in the following, positively dreamy scents:

WATER - Zents Concreta Solid Perfume Balm in Water embodies all that is refreshing and restoring with notes of Linden Blossom, Coriander, Lemon and Mint. It's about reenergizing the mind and body. It's about giving into the urge to submerse yourself in...WATER.


 
 
 

 

 

 

SUN - Zents Concreta Solid Perfume Balm in Sun embodies all that is warming and gentle. Sun blends notes of Vanilla, Sweet Orange, Sandalwood and Pink Grapefruit in tribute to the kindness and warmth that radiates from a mother's beautiful heart, like the rays of the ... SUN.

 
 
 

 

 

 

PETAL - Zents Concreta Solid Perfume Balm in Petal is about complete innocence, loving yourself, and the rebirth of femininity. Petal blends notes of Lily of the Valley, Freesia, Lemon and Fresh Rain Accord to create a light floral scent that celebrates the very essence of being a woman, soft and gentle like a flower... PETAL.

 
 
 
 

 
 
FRESH - Zents Concreta Solid Perfume Balm in Fresh is about about feeling young, energized, beautiful, feminine and ... FRESH! Fresh has top notes of cucumber and green apple, with linden and heliotrope blended to create a euphoric fragrance that is soft and feminine.



 
 
 
 
 
Renew your body and mind with these multifunctional, deep-conditioning fragrance balms from Zents.  Deliver a one-two punch to the winter blahs: aromatherapeutic oils help to improve your outlook, while high quality conditioners help to improve the look and condition of your skin and hair!  What could be better than that?

Valentine's Day How-To: "The Look of Love" Inspired by Natalie Portman

Photo Courtesy of Examiner.com

With a wedding and a baby on the way, plus a slew of awards and nominations to her credit, Natalie Portman is the perfect face for our "Valentine's Day Look of Love How-To."  Last week, I ran down 3 of the hottest, most current makeup looks to inspire your adventurous spirit and creativity as Valentine's Day approaches.  But, if being SO "right now" is SO not you, try this ethereal, romantic makeup look for Valentine's Day and highlight your innate femininity. 

Here goes...

Skin: 

Mimic Natalie's flawless, glowing complexion by beginning with a pore minimizing serum or primer.  Smooth a thin layer over your entire face following your moisturizer, and wait a few minutes for it to sink in before moving on to the next step.  Pur Minerals See No More will not only visibly reduce the look of medium to large pores, but will smooth and prime your skin to provide a perfect finish for your makeup. This silky serum also helps to control shine and smooth texture to give you the healthy-looking complexion you've always wanted! 

Get that romantic glow and increase your radiance by applying Sistina Radiante Face Tint lightly to your entire face.  The sheer, light-reflective coverage obscures imperfections and creates the glow of a woman in love.

Cover up any remaining imperfections with an easy-to-blend concealer.  Even if there are no visible blemishes, I always use concealer under the eyes (pay special attention to the inner corners where the nose typically casts a shadow) and around the nose to create the look of a well-rested, healthy visage.  The only exception I make is for very young girls (very young... like, under 16.)  I highly recommend Diandra Perfect Blend Concealer Duo for all your cover-up needs.  Each one comes with a split bullet containing two shades which makes it super-simple to get the perfect match for you!

If shine is an issue, dust a soft-focus powder onto your t-zone.  Leave cheekbones bare for a more radiant finish.  Too Faced Absolutely Invisible Candlelight sets foundation and minimizes shine while giving a romantic glow to the skin.

Eyes:

Start by prepping lids with a silicone-based eyeshadow primer designed for extended wear and maximum impact.  Using your ring finger, spread a thin layer of primer over lids extending from your lash line to your brow.  Too Faced Shadow Insurance is your ticket to crease-free, smudge-free, shine-free shadow that stays put until YOU decide to take it off.

Using Japonesque Small Eye Detailer Brush and Jean-Michelle Quartette Lumineux Eyeshadow in Plum Fantaisie, blend the bottom two shades in the palette and apply to upper and lower lash lines.  This color combination will yield near-identical results to Natalie Portman's soft look.  Bonus?  Soft, shimmering lavender is a  universally-flattering shade that helps eyes look clearer and more awake.  

Highlight brow bones using the same brush and the lovely, dove grey from the palette.  Just a touch right under the arch of your brow is all you need.

Now, make eyes pop by defining your inner lash line top and bottom with your favorite black pencil liner.  Diandra Eye Crayon in Barely Black works well here as it goes on smoothly and never needs sharpening.

Finish eyes with two coats of Diandra Mascara in Black.

Cheeks:

Try Jean-Michelle Couleur Classique Powder Blush in Mon Cheri for an angelic glow and just the right amount of enlivening color.  Apply product sparingly to the apples of cheeks blending towards your temples.

Lips:

Lips don't get any easier than this, my friends.  No liner required!  A sheer, shimmering plum/lavender gloss is all you need for the perfect pout and Diandra Luminous Lipcolor Collection in Plum Fantasy contains 3 high-shine, lip-conditioning shades.  The most appropriate one for this look (all will work), is the lavender shade on top.  Use the lip brush (included!) to apply this soft wash of beeswax-infused color... your lips (and your date) will thank you!  

So, whether you're planning a festive girls' night out or a romantic dinner for two, if "of the moment" isn't your thing, try this easy, feminine look and be the belle of the ball this Valentine's Day... with a little help from your friends at Cosmetique!