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Showing posts from September, 2017

Pro-Aging Review: DEFENAGE™ SKINCARE 8-In- BioSerum

Our New Hero Product Preventive care+pro-health-are the 'new' positive buzzwords. In the skincare world there are many choices that ascribe to the aforementioned marketing smart adjectives-but rarely do we get too excited about any of these products...scientifically  based or 'natural.' Partially because-after awhile-they all seem similar...with active ingredients sourced from same private label companies-or if blessed with unique components-sell in fancy packaging that doesn't ensure purity or longevity of the ingredients =and are insanely priced. Accessibly priced, mass market skincare---on the other hand-often leans loaded with irritating fillers or fragrances that are off putting, of dubious chemical nature-(maybe even banned in the EU)- and not that effective. Packaging Plus -air tight pump dispensers for 24/7Barrier Cream + 8-in-One BioSerum  ensures efficacy of ingredients-snap off tiny white tab-the top swivels-clockwise/counter-clockwise... open/c

MakeUp Trends-Forecasts- Spring '19

Part 3 Red/pink shades for eyes, glitter imparting pencils, powder-matte formulations, and rich sea blues -metallic overtones...some of the Spring 2019 predictions by companies that make the cutting edge makeup products for brands worldwide. via GIPHY Schwan Cosmetics -from Germany is the world leader in pencils-for all things makeup...and a must -see at any beauty tradeshow...beautiful deep turquoise, sea blues-some with a rich metallic sheen or subtle glitter-go on creamy-in thick to sheen finish- are long lasting..use as eye shadow, as liner + along water line. Available in different sizes-with thin eyeliner like pencil -double sided-paired with spongy yellow tip...for blending. Schwan  -Pencils -a few pictured here-impart a powder-y finish-like those eye shadows available in a palette format-but more convenient-and precise application, for sure. At the bottom-dual sided-the brow pencil liner-which goes on powder finish-that's natural looking if in black-brown- brown-

New Make-Up Trends Part 2

Selfies for all+complexion perfection ---made easy-from ingredients delivered by under the radar companies from Asia, Europe and USA. The first foundations for many gals we know=customized Prescriptives- dutifully purchased at a department store (1990s). Well, the later might not be the beauty purchase destination of choice-but customized makeup (and skincare)-is STILL a thriving market. via GIPHY Get camera ready with creamy, ultra-light foundations, radiant blushes and self-correcting moisturizing drops- multi-taskers with skincare properties (sunscreen, anti-oxidants, botanicals...) --- in liquid, cream and stick formats... long lasting coverage- that are hydrating and shine-free, matte. Coson 's powder mouse blusher-cream to powder that blends in to impart a natural glow  Matte Contour Concealer....we like this a lot-as 'perfects' without greasy feel that can cause eye makeup to smudge when used under eyes...same company has matte hydrating line-up of por

Cutting Edge Beauty/MakeUp-What's Next...

PART ONE: Coming - arriving-the latest beauty tools and makeup trends ...sourced from tradeshows -which is where  all those niche, luxury and mass beauty lines often get their products from. Hence  a lot of similar goodies for consumers-seem to be launched around the same time-like the matte-hydration, long lasting-bold lipstick trend. via GIPHY At recent MakeUp in NewYork trade show -we had a few minutes to cruise around...and gave a thumbs up to Jepson 's smooth (patented) anti-microbial makeup sponges perfect for even applications of foundation, BB creams, suncreams' kind of textures. Pictured-2 types-made of smooth/soft silicone which is naturally a lot more 'clean'-anti-microbial/anti-odor...and ez to clean... and the Duo-Sili Sponge-smooth.scoft silicone one one side...and optional materials on the other-including the more traditional material. NICE.

Perk Up: New Coffee-Teas Blends

To wake up -or to chill out-the latest Coffee and Tea blends -to help achieve the desired outcome-boast 'healthy' add-ons -with new blends aiming to make these popular sips-even better for you. via GIPHY EIGHT O'CLOCK was a 'mom' staple in our house...nowadays-this 100% Arabica coffee gets amped up with healthy for you-additions-perfect for the faster moving 21st century. ACAI GLOW-contains the anti-oxidant loaded superfood ACAI Berry,  a rich dark roast B6 Metabolism-that has just that , and a truly well balanced, aromatic  cinnamon+turmeric (anti-inflammatory) based super spice medium roast blend that's our fav-  tasty hot or iced cold. Have to say though-that the new ALERT medium roast-which gets its added oomph from the native Brazilian GUARANA fruit -is a guy pal fav-perfect for the early bird who needs the staying power of energy drink staples-without the jitters or weird taste. SALUT Ethical Bean Coffee. ..USDA Organic-and carefully sourced

Red, White, Blue+Patent

Aerosoles, Adidas Outdoors, Latigo, Wolverine, Nina, Sebago Fav Footwear for Fall-to wear well into Spring-branches out from typical earthy autumnal tones with some patriotic red-whote-blue flair-or shine. Affordable, too. via GIPHY Suede Scalloped TELEPORT shooties $99-Aerosoles chic-w/ comfort-breathable memory foam insoles, grippy diamond flex outsoles...on solid block heel with gold accent. Adidas Outdoor Terrex Choleah -built for any terrain-high top groove with weather tough+ comfort attributes like Ortholite sockliner, grippy Traction® tread outsole, Primaloft® insulation.

NYFW... YES, It's All About the HAIR

#TEXTUREONTHERUNWAY-NATURALLYCURLY The angst about retail sales (full price-or discounted), the relevance of Fashion Weeks, and weather miscues of typical delivery dates ...make the festive Texture On The Runway show dedicated to the wonders of naturally  curly tresses ...a very welcome celebration of the most stylish possibilities. The cavernous iconic Gotham Hall was filled with 700+ fans-eagerly recording the real world - catwalk models-attired fashionably... and... the big wow -made-up and hair STYLED  -flashing casual everyday 'dos-to full on fab editorial... ALL= magnificently coiffed 'fros, curled ringlets, cascading luscious waves or intricate braids- short to long tresses- courtesy of several top hair stylists and brands. Hosts NaturallyCurly co-founder Michelle Breyer and professional hairstylist Monica Stevens ( MoKnowsHair )-joined lead sponsor SALLY BEAUTY- with several brands-receiving their own catwalk segment-followed by a brief how

New Protein Packed Snacks:Part 3

Less sugar-more protein=feeling fuller without the crash burn. Healthier snacks are trend to stay. Coming to the grab and go fast eatery...near you...in portion CONTROL !!!! Sometimes it's the packaging-6 savory varieties of fresh fruit, nuts+cubes of cheese in portable container by NATURIPE  Snacks

Lunchbox Season:New, Better For You Snacks

As 'meals' or snacks-portioned and larger sizes of these new products are food trenders all-healthier eats, simpler ingredients, or indulgent sweets in smaller portions . via GIPHY Conveniently packaged in 3s- shelf stable Miche's Kitchen cookies -are tasty chewy sweets-made from a sprouted organic flour blend-organic  oat, garbanzo, sunflower seeds in the mix- a starting block for these better for you cookies. Vegan, gluten free-and free of major allergens- the REALLY kid friendly flavors (100 calories per cookie) of chocolate chip, coconut lime, gingerful, and green sugar are all delicious...worthy of a dunking in any beverage of choice. GoGoSqueez-these products-have got to be one of the most popular snack purchases for Generation Z on down now-but we think-adult sized endurance athletes and hikers-will equally find favor with any of the 14 flavors of- on the go applesauces, or our preferred bunch-one of the 7 types that are  USDA Organic. Smartly(FUN TOO)

LUNCHBOX SEASON: Single-Serve Snacks

SNACK ATTACK Helpers: Part One Targeting all- from the pint to plus sized... food companies-are offering up savory, sophisticated, +sweet treats in shelf stable, on the go packaging-lunchbox (hauler) friendly. via GIPHY Biena Roasted Chickpeas-coat their crunchy -slightly salty additive protein packed nibble-with some- sweet-dark chocolate, milk chocolate and vanilla-y salt caramel . In large and snack size portions...chances are whichever you open-the bag will be empty, soon enough. yeah -this packaging is perfect for kids-but never one to deprive oneself as adults-these Snikiddy USDA Organic Baked Puffs -are air crunch delicious-gluten free MUSTS-fresh cheddar cheesy-buttermilk hints without that freaky orange dye staining fingers. Certified gluten free+kosher too-110 calories a serving-a temptation that satisfied. Fun in grilled cheese and mac n' cheese flavors too.. Good Health Snacks kettle style chips--non-GMO verified thin thin thin sliced potato made crisp

L.L.BEAN ORIGINAL BOOTS: Classics, New Styles-and Available!

"THE ORIGINAL L.L. BEAN BOOT: REBOOTED" couldn't of put it better Ditching the pricey heels that costs a month's rents-for outdoor lifestyle kickers-like the sellout L.L. Bean iconic duck boots-is a consumer trend accelerating in 2017. Fortunately-  Maine's most acclaimed retailer -is expanding its Lewiston manufacturing capacity and launching a slew of designs featuring signature rubber tread outsoles, primo leather uppers that slug off harsh weather conditions-in new silhouettes, new colors, and flannel plaid lined versions-starting to deliver NOW. HIGHLIGHTS : signature 8" L.L. Bean Boot by L. L. Bean-manufactured in Maine since 1912-is a best seller-triple stitched, supportive steel shank,..variations include 6" bot, Thinsulate insulated, and tumbled leather grain upper that's shearling lined.

A Van's Life-Car Essentials-Part 4

HYDRO FLASK, L.L.BEAN, Snack-In-The-Box, OTTER BOX, Pelican, Eagle Creek, High Brew, Califia Farms Life on the road-for pleasure-or escaping less than optimal weather-some gear fits both occasions. for a nip of  hot or cold- ANYTHING- Hydro Flask tumbler size -vacuum with snap  on lids...fyi matchy matchy vacuum insulated stainless bottles too... L.L. Bean-sets any portable table, just right...with value priced 'camping goods' that qualify as 'home goods' too... including  vacuum insulated travel mugs + bottles with lids -slide open/close, crowd pleasers- double barrel beer worthy BPA free stainless steel  mug w/ copper finish in craft brew bottle size (16oz) with press on lid-slide one/close, handy  insulated soft pack coolers made of durable 3x ripstop Cordura®, food-grade, non-PVC liners and ez access zipped main compartment, and we love - Traverse Camp enamel cup -delivers in a 4 pack-completes any al fresco kitchen with retro-camp chic.

A Van's Life: The Essentials: Part 3

Gear options can make for happy trails... or without them= days of misery. MyCharge Adventure Ultra, Hotels By Day Top Pick... for the van life's  must have gadget list--is the lightweight portable charging hub + inverter, MyCharge Adventure Ultra -that -besides a slew of different USB slots for all those personal electronics made by companies that can't seem to agree on compatibility---has a real deal AC Power Outlet electric plug for stuff like small fan (8 hours), laptops/tablets, Bluetooth speaker-and  even an  42" -32" LED TV (3 hours)-in case hitting' the road includes must see TV. IMPRESSIVE. MyCharge Adventure Ultra ($129.99) powers up-on the move or when the power goes out...on right is new Adventure Ultra-with recharge cable plugged in. STATS=Battery 13400mAh, Input 20V Power Supply, Output: AC 110V 45W. Up top-the on/off switches on left for USB and on right -electric plug. In middle window-battery indicator and on/off icon indicators separat

A Van's Life...Part 2/Apparel

Clothes to take on any city-country-outdoor festival jaunt-have to be travel friendly, weather flexible separates + easy cleaners...if you ever get to that around to it ... via GIPHY    source :  codepen.io/chrisgannon/pen/PzRWNO SMARTWOOL, WALLS OUTDOORS, RYU APPAREL, TOMMY HILFINGER, EDDIE BAUER, ADIDAS SPORT PERFORMANCE, CARHARTT, FREE COUNTRY, 70 Years WRANGLER, WRANGLER X PETER MAX, ALTRA Top Picks: Smartwool boasts a bunch of lifestyle functional separates for Fall 2017-love this cocoon shape Urban UpSlope Hoody (black)-layers well-with outer nylon shell-protects against the wind... enough insulation (naturally warm/moisture wicking/anti-odor merino wool blend lining) for those cooling temps at sunset...belt it for more fashion flair--but there's a drawcord at neck+back hem adds to silhouette shape and keeps you warm. Hand pockets and smart of SMARTWOOL -reversible! $250 Walls Outdoor work/hunt wear is wear everywhere-for good reasons-pieces are well cut, made

It's A Van's Life

Five:Ten, Sebago, Altra Running, Danner, OluKai, Helly Hansen, DZR, Hollowrock, Ridgemont Outfitters Essentials for motoring travelers... Pitching tents in  remote locales accessed by dirt roads- or driving along well worn pavements to outdoor cabins or campgrounds -and everything in between (say, en plain air music festivals)...outdoor life experienced in a car/RV-is an American tradition. via GIPHY And there's no better time than late summer or Fall for hittin' the trail... Take along= multi-tasking, functional essentials to take along for the ride... Part One: The Kicks=Urban Performance-Outdoor Lifestyle Hiking, climbing and cool looking urban kicks-by Five:Ten . Sure, better known parent Adidas is the hot label-but we prefer the functionality of these-with the brand's proprietary STEALTH sticky rubber outsoles (grip galore-for technical edging and durability) plus comfy arched footbed, reinforced toe caps, breathable, perforated upper-and kinda mid-cut hit