Algenist's Firming & Lifting Line

Although I don't talk about it enough, I really have started taking better care of my skin.  I'm only 28, but I know that I already have some signs of aging around my eyes.  Please enjoy the following releases from Algenist - and check them out now at Sephora!  There's a lot of information here, but it's totally worth it!


Algenist’s latest skincare innovation (hitting Sephora this month): Firming & Lifting.


The line is truly a must-have for women looking to strengthen their skin and reduce the effects of aging and gravity. Skin looks firm, toned and sculpted in 10 days!


How it works:
In addition to key ingredient, Alguronic Acid (algae-compound with the ability to protect and regenerate skin), the Firming & Lifting line incorporates proteins and peptides to restore and repair skin.




Firming & Lifting Cream ($94): Ultra firming and restructuring cream to lift and tighten while reinforcing skin structure


Ingredients: Alguronic Acid and ProPeptide3, Avocado Oil, Phytosterols, and Olive Fruit Oil


This ultra firming and restructuring cream immediately lifts and tightens the skin by leveraging the power of Alguronic Acid and ProPeptide3: a never-before-seen anti-aging complex introduced through Algenist’s new Firming & Lifting line.


By uniting Alguronic Acid with ProPeptide3 (a combination of three active peptides and three active proteins), this anti-aging complex increases collagen synthesis by up to 209%, increases proteoglycan synthesis by up to 155% and prevents loss of firmness by 44%. Together these ingredients boost production of skin's key structural proteins: elastin, collagen, and proteoglycans. As it strengthens skin's structure, this advanced formula reduces the effects of aging and gravity on the skin so that the complexion appears immediately firm, toned and sculpted.


Proteins and peptides (protein building blocks) are essential structural components of the skin, responsible for the structure, regulation and function of skin cells. The deterioration of these essential structure proteins affect the skin’s ability to restructure and repair itself, leading to a visible loss of firmness and elasticity.


The Firming & Lifting Cream's unique formula helps strengthen skin's structure to redefine facial contours, leaving skin smooth, sculpted and lifted. Avocado Oil, Phytosterols, and Olive Fruit Oil moisturize and nourish the skin


Directions for use:
Apply to entire face and neck twice daily.




Firming & Lifting Eye Gel ($68): Lightweight Eye gel to rebuild density while firming & lifting delicate skin around the eyes


Ingredients: Alguronic Acid and ProPeptide3, Alfalfa Seed Extract, Lupine Protein, Caffeine, and Chamomile


This lightweight eye gel rebuilds density while firming and lifting delicate skin around the eyes by leveraging the power of Alguronic Acid and ProPeptide3: a never-before-seen anti-aging complex introduced through Algenist’s new Firming & Lifting line.


By uniting Alguronic Acid with ProPeptide3 (a combination of three active peptides and three active proteins), this anti-aging complex increases collagen synthesis by up to 209%, increases proteoglycan synthesis by up to 155% and prevents loss of firmness by 44%. Together these ingredients boost production of skin's key structural proteins: elastin, collagen, and proteoglycans. As it strengthens skin's structure, this advanced formula reduces the effects of aging and gravity on the skin so that the complexion appears immediately firm, toned and sculpted.


Proteins and peptides (protein building blocks) are essential structural components of the skin, responsible for the structure, regulation and function of skin cells. The deterioration of these essential structure proteins affect the skin’s ability to restructure and repair itself, leading to a visible loss of firmness and elasticity.


The unique formula smoothes eye contours, revealing a revitalized, recharged and youthful appearance. Alfalfa Seed Extract, Lupine Protein, Caffeine, and Chamomile reduce puffiness and soothe skin around the eyes.


Directions for use:
Apply to the eye area twice daily


Firming & Lifting Intensive Mask ($52): Refreshing gel mask to firm, tone & sculpt facial contours


Ingredients: Alguronic Acid and ProPeptide3, Jojoba, Green Tea, and Vitamin E


This unique gel mask immediately restores skin elasticity, structure and suppleness by leveraging the power of Alguronic Acid and ProPeptide3: a never-before-seen anti-aging complex introduced through Algenist’s new Firming & Lifting line.


By uniting Alguronic Acid with ProPeptide3 (a combination of three active peptides and three active proteins), this anti-aging complex increases collagen synthesis by up to 209%, increases proteoglycan synthesis by up to 155% and prevents loss of firmness by 44%. Together these ingredients boost production of skin's key structural proteins: elastin, collagen, and proteoglycans. As it strengthens skin's structure, this advanced formula reduces the effects of aging and gravity on the skin so that the complexion appears immediately firm, toned and sculpted.


Proteins and peptides (protein building blocks) are essential structural components of the skin, responsible for the structure, regulation and function of skin cells. The deterioration of these essential structure proteins affect the skin’s ability to restructure and repair itself, leading to a visible loss of firmness and elasticity.


The rich formula immediately tightens and firms leaving skin toned and lifted. Jojoba, Green Tea and Vitamin E moisturize, hydrate and strengthen skin.


Directions for use:
Apply an even layer to clean, dry skin, avoiding the eyes. Leave on for 10 minutes and then remove using warm water or a warm, wet face cloth. Apply once or twice weekly, as desired.


The Firming & Lifting line is:

  • Suitable for all skin types
  • Dermatologist tested
  • Non-comedogenic
  • Ophthalmologist tested
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Non-irritating
  • Not tested on animals

All Algenist products are formulated without:

  • Parabens
  • Sulfates
  • Synthetic dyes
  • Phthalates
  • GMOs
  • Triclosan

FingerPaints Motley

2012 is the year of the magnetics and the flakies!  I was so excited when FingerPaints announced their flakies collection and was able to purchase all 5 thanks to the lovely ladies of Sally's Beauty Supply's Twitter.  I wasn't sure which one I wanted to try first, so I just grabbed and that's how Motley came to be my first swatched.  I used a base coat of Duri Rejuvacote, then FingerPaints Black Expressionist, then one coat of Motley on my index and ring fingers, and two coats of Motley on my middle and pinkie fingers.  I topped it with CND Air Dry.


Motley has a green and a blue flakie in a slight yellow base.  I talked to a nail tech who said the suspension base that the flakie is floating in has to be used over a darker color because of the yellow in the base, otherwise it can make the base color (black in this instance) look off.  Does that make any sense?  It did when she showed me over a light blue and it made the blue looks weirdest green.  Anyway.


While 1 coat does do wonders, I prefer 2 coats.  2 coats on my middle finger, 1 coat on the ring finger.
See what I mean?


In the shade, you can really see how pretty this is - reminds me of fish food - the colorful stuff, not the round brown pellet stuff.  


Seriously, indoors with the flash just makes this look blah.  Almost glow in the dark though, haha.  Not a good look for flakies - indirect sun/shade is the best way to see these pretties.  If you can still find them in Sally's, go get them!  They are limited edition.


FingerPaints [Website] [Facebook] [Twitter] [Blog] can be found in Sally's Beauty Supplies stores and online for $4.99 USD each.

Adele Shines at the Grammy's in Ciaté

Did you watch the Grammy's?  I'll admit, this year I passed.  I just didn't feel any pull to it like I have in years past.  However, there was lot of buzz about Adele's debut comeback, and she rocked some awesome nails to boot!  Please enjoy the following release from Ciaté!  (You may click the images to see them larger)



FingerPaints Black Expressionism

While purchasing the 5 FingerPaint flakies, I also got suckered into getting FingerPaints Black Expressionism, a black creme that dries matte.  Oh yes, matte.  Almost rubbery?  I used a base of Duri Rejuvacote, 2 coats of polish and no top coat.  I wished that had been a one coat black, but it really needed 2 coats to be fully opaque.


Now, the rubber/plastic/matte finish isn't as apparent here, but just give me a moment.  You can't see much because it is black with a black bottle, but yes opaque creme.


Now can you see the texture of this polish?  Kinda rubbery!  I'm calling it plastic, officially.  Anywho - nice creme base but I wish it was more of a one coat black.


Finally indoors with the flash - note how shiny this polish is without a top coat!  That part did make me happy.  :]


FingerPaints [Website] [Facebook] [Twitter] [Blog] can be found in Sally's Beauty Supplies stores and online for $4.99 USD each.

China Glaze Introduces Capitol Colours

I originally read the first chapter of the Hunger Games & immediately closed my iPad because I just wasn't really feeling it.  Well, one night I decided to open it back up & not only did I devour the first book but stayed up all night to read books 2 and 3.  While I'm not 100% pleased with the ending (and book 3 in general), it was a great book series, and I'm really excited about this polish collection just because it does corresponds to the books!  I know there has been a lot of ups and downs with this partnership for this collection but it's here and the only question is What Will You Be Wearing to the Opening Ceremonies?!  (I'm thinking of either a skittle of Districts 3-12 on my fingers or just District 12.  Districts 1 & 2 are too capitol for me.)






With THE HUNGER GAMES about to begin, Capitol citizens can show their support for their chosen district through China Glaze®’s exclusive Capitol Colours nail polish collection. The collection combines rich crèmes, soft shimmers and bold glitters to create the limited edition 12 shade nail polish collection inspired by the most anticipated movie release of the year.


The China Glaze® Capitol Colours collection includes the following shades:


Dress Me Up – A stripped down dark rose pink crème

Foie Gras – Decadent dark crème taupe

Fast Track – Soft sandy brown with a gold metallic shimmer

Hook and Line –Pearlescent light grey

Stone Cold – Matte slate grey with shimmer

Smoke and Ashes – Black-based teal with multicolored shimmer

Agro – Moss green with gold shimmer

Mahogany Magic – Reddish-brown crème

Harvest Moon – Crystalized copper shimmer

Riveting – Bright orange shimmer

Electrify – High-wattage gold and ruby red glitter blend

Luxe and Lush – A high octane flaky overcoat



The release of the collection follows the debut of the China Glaze® Capitol Colours consumer and beauty trade advertising campaign featuring the story’s Effie Trinket, who is assigned by the Capitol to escort and prepare the Tributes from District 12 for the 74th Annual Hunger Games.  The ad features the tagline, “What will you be wearing to the opening ceremonies?,” encouraging fans of THE HUNGER GAMES to support their favorite tribute and district by wearing a corresponding shade.  Full-page ads will run in the March issues of teenVOGUE, People Style Watch and InStyle.

China Glaze® Capitol Colours will be available in early March 2012 at salons and specialty beauty retailers including Sally Beauty Supply and ULTA stores, coinciding with the release of THE HUNGER GAMES in theatres March 23, 2012.  Individual shades retail for $7.  The collection will be available in a 12-piece counter display as well as open stock colors.

China Glaze® is free of DBP, toluene, and added formaldehyde. China Glaze® nail lacquers are available through salons and professional beauty supply stores nationwide. For more information, visit: www.chinaglaze.com or follow China Glaze on Facebook and Twitter: http://twitter.com/ChinaGlaze

China Glaze® is a division of American International Industries.

©LionsGate Films Inc. All Rights Reserved.  www.thehungergamesmovie.com