Beauty Professor Office Hours...

Kindly allow me to introduce you to Office Hours...these posts will be sporadically scheduled between conventional Beauty Professor reviews and tutorials and will feature a succinct round of BP-related news, events, products in the midst of being tested (yet not quite ready for a final review) and a preview of what is to come!

I have been mulling this term over for a while and am happy to finally be able to incorporate it into the blog on a regular basis.  Perhaps you remember your own office hours with a favorite professor?  I recall that while I might have initially arranged an appointment to discuss a project or paper, the conversation often segued to the here and now, making for much more riveting communication!  Since  becoming a professor and began maintaining my own office hours, I always make sure to try to bring a human element to the experience...yes, the "business" must be discussed, but I never want my students to leave without feeling like they had a meaningful exchange and made a personal connection.

I hope you enjoy the first installment of Office Hours and look forward to your feedback! 

Above: PopSugar sweatshirt and pen.

Upon being invited to join the PopSugar Select bloggers, I received this unexpected sweatshirt and pen as a welcome gift...it's just my size and completely warm.  I feel like I'm finally on a sports team, except we play with makeup and skincare instead of the usual athletic equipment!

Above: Glam Glow Supermud Mask...I love the sparkling and pristine packaging...so chic.

Speaking of which, I am in the midst of testing the Glam Glow Supermud Mask, compliments of Neiman Marcus.  This product is packed with skin-friendly ingredients and truly looks just like mud (pictures with a full review soon!).  I have noticed the Internet is abuzz with excitement regarding this mask and would love to know your thoughts if you've tried it.  Initial impressions: it is amusing to apply (totally caught my husband off guard when I came into the kitchen with this on...good times), enjoyable to wear (there is a pleasant tingling sensation) and, once washed off, my skin felt incredibly smooth and balanced.  So far so good!

Above: One might be compelled to ask, how many bloggers can you fit into a single cabana?!

Late last week, my mom and I attended a little roof top blogger gathering at the sleek London Hotel in West Hollywood, hosted by my friend and fellow blogger, Dawn McCoy of Beauty Frosting.  The weather was warm, the food and drink plentiful and the sunset, gorgeous.  It was a fun evening of mingling and conversation, all the while enjoying a beautiful summer night!

Above: Dawn McCoy and the Beauty Professor.

Above: That's me on the left, fully engrossed in my interview with Napoleon Perdis.    

The following day, I had the privilege of interviewing Napoleon Perdis, the genius behind the Napoleon cosmetics line.  He was at Neiman Marcus Beverly Hills to introduce his new collection (which focuses on nudes tones...full review soon!) and I was honored to be a part of his schedule during his visit to LA.  His energy and warmth were palpable and I am so excited to feature our interview (as well as a myriad of pictures from our time together...so happy my mom was there to thoroughly document the event) in the very near future. I then caught up with the kind and knowledgeable Le Metier de Beaute Global Artist Ivan Castro at the LMdB  counter and he mentioned there are many new releases on the horizon (including 15 new lipsticks!!).  Thrilling indeed.

Above: BP with LMdB Global Artist Ivan Castro.

Above: Four new lippies, resplendent in a dish.

 I've been on a bit of a pinky nude lip color buying binge lately (admittedly not healthy, but awfully pretty, no?!).  Above are four new acquisitions (Ususakura, Charmed, Native and Celebutard) that I wanted to share briefly (will do full reviews of each one soon).   In the meanwhile, enjoy the view ; )

Above: They may look similar in the tube, but once swatched, their unique and individual beauty comes to life!

A high tech beauty gadget with which I've been experimenting lately is the Quasar MD Plus (Neiman Marcus has been keeping me busy in this department!).  This medical grade tool emits beneficial red light, scientifically proven to combat lines, wrinkles and discoloration and also stimulates collagen production with regular use.  I have been using it nightly (the warmth is utterly relaxing) and I'm fairly certain Jethro finds it only slightly troubling..."why is mommy's face glowing?" All joking aside, I love how soft and smooth my face feels in the morning, even after only a few nights of use.  These results have me extremely excited for the future; I will weigh in with a full review after proper month of usage has transpired! Have YOU tried a Quasar product?  Thoughts?

Above: I haven't been this thrilled to wear a backpack since my first day of high school...back then it was Quiksilver and made of magenta plaid fabric.  The above is definitely an upgrade.

My brother Seth (www.sethwegter.com) just made me a leather backpack and I kid you not, it is pure luxury on two back straps.  This photo is simply a teaser of my upcoming installment of "What's in My Bag?" which will include a serious round of interior and exterior images as well as a close up of the products I've been toting around as of late! 

I just posted a video on my YouTube channel...inspired by the request of one of my subscribers, it covers some of my tips for looking your best on camera.  Whether you're Vlogging, Skyping or iChatting, being on camera can be daunting and I was happy to share what I've learned regarding the process...oh yes, and there is mention of favorite beauty products as well ; )  

The video can be viewed HERE.

Above: My pinky nude lipsticks threw a little party to cordially welcome the MacBook Air. 

Finally, it brings me great joy to report that there is a new addition in the Beauty Professor household...an 11 inch MacBook Air!  While the bulk of the blog is maintained with the use of my trusty MacBook Pro, this featherlight wonder will help me to better maintain the blog on the go.

And that concludes this first installment of Office Hours...I look forward to your questions and comments (how is life for you right now?) and hope you found our session engaging!

xoxo,

--The Beauty Professor

**PR samples provided for review, however, as always, all of my opinions are expressly and unequivocally my own. This post contains affiliate links; my disclosure policy contains additional details on how these work.

Unlocking Your Softer Side with Suave

Above: Suave Skin Solutions Soothing Lotion with Aloe and Suave Skin Solutions Body Wash with Bamboo and Aloe Extracts.  

I recently had the chance to try two new products from Suave...both are a part of the "Unlock Your Softer Side Campaign" (link also provides giveaway details...valid through 8/9/12) with Wendy Williams and feature soothing scents and ingredients to help us mellow out when life gets stressful!

Above: I've been using this body wash to enhance smoothness when shaving!

Above: This lotion is is the perfect guilt-free bargain splurge...at $3.59, this will take me through the rest of summer, which is peak season for using copious amounts of lotion.

Above: When life gets to be a bit too much to handle, Jethro helps me to focus on my softer side ; ) 

Bottom Line: Unlock YOUR softer side at the Suave Facebook Page...I'd love to hear what helps YOU to mellow out when life gets stressful!

**PR sample provided for review, however, as always, all of my opinions are expressly and unequivocally my own.

The Beauty Blog Coalition Weekly Roundup for the Week Ending 7/26/13

The latest and greatest from beauty blogs everywhere...enjoy your reading time!

xoxo,

--The Beauty Professor

Mama Fashionista: CC all about it! Quinn shares her fave CC Creams (and a few on her Wishlist).

Lola's Secret Beauty Blog: If you love face oils, then you will want to to try the superb handcrafted Aftelier Perfumes Jasmine Face Elixir with Geranium and Ylang Ylang. It is an amazing and sublime artisanal beauty oil!

My Newest Addiction Beauty Blog: Laura from My Newest Addiction Beauty Blog includes City Color Cosmetics BB Cream in her Summer Complexion Series.

TheFabZilla: Struggling with cat eyes? TheFabZilla says Kat Von D Tattoo Liner makes cat-eyes easy peasy!

Painted Ladies: NYX Cosmetics HD Photogenic Concealer is one of the best Sheila has ever tried.

Fun Fierce Fabulous Beauty Over 50!: Find out the secrets in Mario Badescu's Peptide Renewal Cream and Serum that prevents Anti-Aging!

Portrait of Mai: Do you find OCC lip tars too messy or difficult to use? Turn those lip tars into lip pencils with this tutorial by Portrait of Mai!

Icy Nails: Icy Nails: OPI Magazine Cover Mouse from the Couture de Minnie Collection for Summer 2013 is Heaven.

Beauty by Miss L: Miss L showed Wild&Mild City of Darks nail polish which is pretty black matte nail polish.

BeautyTidbits : Looking for a daily mineral SPF without the grease factor? Check out the new Andalou Naturals Oil Control Beauty Balm Un-tinted with SPF30!

Beauty Professor: The Beauty Professor is in love...with the pale shades of lip color from the Tom Ford collection!

D.G.S.Beauty: Need some must-have summer beauty products? B. Kamins has got amazing products to keep you protected from the sun.

Midnight Manicures: Did you hear about PHAMExpo? Jamie visited the first annual Professional Hair and Makeup Expo and shares with you pictures and her thoughts about it.

Geniabeme: Do you want a great subscription box with full size products?! Try Wantable!

Endless Summer: Check out Endless Summer Style!

Youngblood Fall 2013 Collection...Swatches and Video Review!

Above: The Youngblood Fall 2013 Collection, resplendent in fall tones...lipgloss in Siren, eyeshadow quad in Glamour-Eyes and mineral blush in Temptress.

Isn't it always the way with seasonal collections?  Just as I have come to accept that I am actually experiencing summer (which, for the most part, is bliss by the way!), cosmetic companies effortlessly whet our appetites for colder weather with the release of the fall collections.  I may be living in a uniform of cutoff shorts and sandals right now, but the deep, rich hues of fall makeup make me begin to yearn for brisk evenings that require swingy coats, jeans and my utter favorite...boots!

The Youngblood Fall 2013 Collection: Going for Glamour, to be officially released on August 1st, is no exception to the fall makeup rule...rich taupe, lush blue and beguiling burgundy tones beckon the wearer to embrace a cooler time of year, one marked by crisp air and colorful leaves.

Kindly scroll on for product images, swatches, pictures of the products on my face AND a video review!!

Above: Glamour-Eyes Eyeshadow Quad.

The first item in the collection is the Pressed Mineral Eyeshadow Quad in Glamour-Eyes.  Retailing for $43, the four shades present varying degrees of brown and blue in the most delightfully unexpected way.  Enticing is a cashmere taupe, Alluring is a warm chocolate taupe, Stunning is a creamy denim blue and Charming is a lush ice blue. 

Above and below...swatches of Glamour-Eyes in artificial light and natural light.

Above: A look I did with all four shades in the Glamour-Eyes quad...process details in the video below!

Above: The pigmentation on Temptress is amazing.

The next item is the Pressed Mineral Blush in Temptress, a deep cranberry with gold flecks.  Retailing for $25, this blush is extremely pigmented!  In my look below, I applied it first and then followed up with foundation over it to create a flushed, lit from within look (also explained in the video).  Bold blush lovers should put Temptress at the top of their buy list!

Above: You can see the subtle gold flecks in this particular image.

Above: Swatches of Temptress in indoor lighting. 

The final element of the Going for Glamour collection is lipgloss in the shade, Siren, a deep burgundy with shimmer.  Retailing for $23, this gloss provides a moisturizing sheen that can be blotted for a stained look or built up for unstoppable ruby-tinged lips.  

Above: Swatches showcasing the complex tone and shimmer of Siren in indoor lighting. 

Below are images of the collection on my face...even though the colors are quite dramatic, they can be sheered out for a very wearable, everyday look!

   

Bottom Line: The Youngblood Fall 2013 Collection is simply gorgeous...it can be applied sheerly for an everyday look or built up to maximum strength for intense glamour.  I am always pleased with the Youngblood line and this collection is no exception.  Highly recommended!

**PR sample provided for review, however, as always, all of my opinions are expressly and unequivocally my own.

Alterna Kendi Dry Oil Micromist...a Quick Review

Above: Alterna Kendi Dry Oil Micromist...Paraben, Sulfate, Phthalate and Synthetic Color FREE!

Here is quick review of one of my favorite shine sprays...as I have mentioned before in hair care posts, my routine is relatively low-maintenence.  Shampoo, condition, towel dry, blow dry (should time and energy permit) and brush once a day (with perhaps an occasional fishtail thrown in for good measure)...nothing fancy...I embrace just the basics.

When I feel like getting a little bit more deliberate with my hair, however, I typically use a shine spray.  In my experience, Alterna offers some of the best options on the market.  My latest Alterna acquisition is the Kendi Dry Oil Micromist.  Housed under pressure in a 5 ounce aerosol can, this shine-inducing concoction is so whisper light that it creates an instantly glossy shine without even remotely weighing the hair down or making it appear oily (always potential caveats with shine sprays)!

Ingredients: Hydrofluorocarbon 152a, Isododecane,Cyclopentasiloxane, Bambusa Vulgaris Extract, Superoxide Dismutase, Polysilicone-15, Phospholipids, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Dimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Passiflora Edulis Seed Oil, Tocopherol, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Mauritia Flexuosa Fruit Oil, Aleurites Moluccana Seed Oil, Saccharomyces/Magnesium Ferment, Saccharomyces/Copper Ferment, Saccharomyces/Silicon Ferment, Saccharomyces/Zinc Ferment, Saccharomyces/Iron Ferment, Glycerin, Water, Fragrance, Limonene, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Linalool, Citronellol.

Above: The spray nozzle is easy to operate and dispenses a controllable amount of product.

Retailing for $25, a single can is sure to last me at least a year (especially at the intermittent rate at which I use it).  Here is how I apply:

Once my hair is basically dry, I spray a couple of pumps of this fine mist all over my hair.  Then, I brush it through and use the palm of my hand to smooth everything down.  It is that simple...a few seconds of concerted effort resulting in detangled, de-frizzed and extremely shiny hair...this stuff is magic!

The divine scent is final bonus...it emanates a sophisticated sweet, vanilla-tinged, Moroccan Oil type of vibe that instantly freshens up the hair without being overpowering.

Above and below: I tried my best to capture how this spray enhances shine...outdoor sun seemed to be the best setting, even if the "hairstyle" is a bit amiss ; ) 

Above: Hair down, sun intense!

Bottom Line: This shine spray, along with it's lovely sister Alterna Kendi Dry Oil Mist (of which I've run through two bottles) is extremely effective.  Lightweight and light-reflective with a decadent scent, Alterna Kendi Micromist is a celebration for the senses.  One or two sprays brushed through to the ends and my hair is tamed, glossy and flyaway-free all day.  Highly recommended!

What are some shine sprays and styling products that YOU love? 

**This post contains affiliate links; my disclosure policy contains additional details on how these work.

Potpourri Post for the Middle of a Whirlwind Week!

This week is flying by and I have so much to blog about and little time in which to do it!

Here is a quick overview of good things in Beauty Professorland, from the discovery of a new cosmetics line to a major BP honor, July has been full of blessings in spades!

Above: Marsha and the Beauty Professor.

I was able to meet a lovely Beauty Professor reader, Marsha, who was visiting the west coast and happened to make a private appointment to see my brother's bags (www.sethwegter.com).  When I found out she was coming, I raced over (good thing we live nearby to one another) to say hello.  It was fantastic to be able to make the connection and visit for the morning! Marsha...I hope you are enjoying your new bags...your taste is impeccable ; )

Above (clockwise from top left): Cream foundation in a litany of shades and the summer lip color release...these are semi-sheer and ultra-hydrating.

Last week, I had the opportunity to visit the Jouer (pronounced Shu-Way) Cosmetics Headquarters and was so impressed with the products in the line!  Its natural and wearable aesthetic completely resonates with my personal beauty approach and I can't wait to share an excess of product images, swatches, looks and tutorials with you in the coming weeks!

Above: The sumptuous creamy-hued sitting room at the Jouer headquarters, powder blushes and eye shadows galore and quick visual of the products I am excited to properly test!

Above: Youngblood Fall 2013 Collection...gloss in Siren, eyeshadow quad in Glamour-Eyes (Enticing, Alluring, Stunning and Charming) and mineral blush in Temptress.

Next, the Youngblood Fall 2013 Collection recently arrived on my doorstep and the swatching has begun!  Lush blues, rich taupes and deep bordeaux punctuate this collection and make me yearn for cool evenings, sweaters and boots ; ) This collection will be available August 1st and I'll be sharing my full report soon!

Above: A snapshot of the email.

I was recently honored to be invited to join the PopSugar Select blogger network (see badge on my blog off to the right);  this opportunity connects beauty bloggers with relevant companies and also gives bloggers a chance to submit articles that have a chance to be published on the esteemed and ubiquitous PopSugar website.  As if that isn't enough, this morning, I awoke to the latest installment of the PopSugar Select Beauty Bloggers newsletter and much to my surprise, was delighted to discover that I was the featured blogger of the week! The link to the full post can be found HERE.

Above (from bottom to top): Swatches of Saint Bare Nude (not in the new collection, just for reference), Hang Ten (creamy nude peach pink),  Perfect Wave (bright fuchsia)  and Stoked (bright coral) in direct sunlight.

Being the nude lip color lover that I am, I was excited to hear that Poppy King of the venerable Lipstick Queen Line had released three new shades called, "Endless Summer," inspired by one of the greatest surf movies of all times (I still remember being in high school and seeing a revival screening of this with my dad in Huntington Beach!).  When I saw the lippies at Space NK, I did an ambush swatching session, with the intent of helping those of you who might want to order to see them in a couple of different lights.  First impressions: these are lovely and summery, semi-sheer but completely buildable and have a light sheen (with no shimmer!).  I ended up picking up the most nude color, Hang Ten, and cannot wait to feature it in an upcoming post.

Above (from bottom to top): Swatches of Saint Bare Nude (not in the new collection, just for reference), Hang Ten (creamy nude peach pink),  Perfect Wave (bright fuchsia)  and Stoked (bright coral) in shade.

Above: The lovely Kimmie and the Beauty Professor at the Kanebo Sensai counter at Neiman Marcus, Fashion Island.

Finally, I had a brilliant visit with Kimmie of the Neiman Marcus Kanebo Sensai counter at Fashion Island.  She is my resident Kanebo Sensai specialist and her time and expertise have enabled me to share a litany of swatches of the Cellular Performance Cream Foundation (full review HERE) and introduced me to an marvelous skincare experience (more on this soon). As mentioned before, if you have any Kanebo Sensai needs (she has been integral in helping many of my lovely readers locate and order the foundation), she can be reached at: (949) 759-1900 Ext. 2121.

To close...

In the next week or so, I plan on posting a couple of new videos, an extensive overview of the Jouer line, a preview (with a ton of swatches) of the Youngblood Fall 2013 Collection and a review of some new beauty gadgets...ambitious, but entirely possible ; )

What is new for you this week?

XOXO and God Bless,

--The Beauty Professor