Hi all, I must admit that reading beauty reviews was an obsession of mine long before I started writing them. As a little girl I loved to browse through the beauty magazines to discover the most recent� fads and trends in makeup and skin care. I guess it’s no surprise that I write my own beauty reviews now. They say do what you love, right? These days, I tend to spend most of my time browsing online reviews instead of flipping through the pages of beauty magazines. But I have to admit, snuggling up in that corner of my sofa with my laptop just isn’t as rewarding as curling up with a glossy magazine. Oh well, we all need our guilty pleasures don’t we? So yes, when I look for topics and products to bring you in my beauty reviews you can rest assured that I’ve scoured the pages of Glamour as well as cyberspace. Both venues have net us some really fun and effective products haven’t they? So let me get straight to it. My latest discovery is a body buff product that is unique in its ingredients, but oh-so effective. It’s the Carrot and Sesame Body Buff by Bliss. And yes, I know that it sounds more like ingredients for a stir-fry that a body buff. It’s actually a two product system. The buff itself is from carrots and sea salt. You follow that with an extremely creamy moisturizing foam which includes both the sesame oil and a bit o’ honey. The scrub adds vitamin A from all those carrots, and the foam leaves you feeling soft as feathers. Ok, feathers and honey may seem like a precarious combination, but not here. Try it. For a spa date with girlfriends, to pamper yourself, or as a special holiday gift, I really think you’ll be singing the praises of carrots when you’re done.

And that is the beauty recommendation of the day.

Enjoy!

Caterina Christakos - founder of stillagirl.com - a positive place for women and girls

Hi all

Skin care is important but we don’t always have time to swing by the mall or your local spa to get an in depth skin care analysis. There are a few simple ways to find the right beauty products for your skin type from home. Here is one site that goes out of its way to help you select skin care products from home tailored to your particular skin care needs:

Personalized� Skin� Care� Analysis

They take you step by step through your analysis then make skin care product suggestions. Pick what you feel is appropriate for your budget and save the headache of fighting the holiday shoppers.

They also have a try before you buy policy of giving you: Try� before� you� buy!� Get� 3� free� samples� with� every� order.

Not bad for choosing beauty products from your own home.

Enjoy!

Caterina Christakos - founder of stillagirl.com - a positive place for women and girls

Ok- I know that seeing Christmas decorations in stores before the holidays probably makes you crazy. But, now that we’re past Halloween I figure it’s safe to start thinking about all the ways to avoid the mall that week before Christmas. So I’ve been scouring the Internet for gift ideas related to makeup, beauty and hair. One of the great finds has actually been something for the men on my list.

Anthony Logistics For Men A Clean Start Kit ($56 Value) A Clean Start Kit that includes everything from hair inhibitor to exfoliators to give a guy a really fresh face in the morning. Now I know- no man is going to say “Hey, I’d really love a hair inhibitor and facial scrub for Christmas.” That’s why a kit like this is great. This is a masculine looking set and the cleanser, shave cream and gel are things that guys need to use anyway. Why not let Dad or your special someone try products that are a notch above the Gillette quality stuff he usually buys at the grocery store? Plus unlike cosmetics that you have to try on yourself, you can actually buy this one online and save yourself a trip to the mall.

Besides, I found a freebie for you. The Clean Start Kit is a $56 value that sells for $40 at Sephora. Here’s the freebie. FREE� Shipping� on� orders� over� $50!� Enter� SHOPNOW5� at� checkout.. So I’m thinking you can get the $40 holiday gift set, spend another $10 on yourself for something fun, and get free shipping. Yippee for free!

And another thought- gifts like shave cream, hair inhibitor, or exfoliating creams aren’t always something that a guy is willing to give a chance. But when you get it for a gift, but people are willing to try something new. Now that’s a great gift.

Happy Holidays!

Caterina Christakos - founder of stillagirl.com - a positive place for women and girls

When flipping through a current magazine, or browsing a beauty reviews website, I tend to search for sets and kits filled with the latest cosmetics. Mascara and eyeshadow have always been my downfall when it comes to makeup. I’m constantly on the prowl for the newest, trendiest cosmetics, mascara wands, and sultry shadow shades- guaranteed to make my eyes POP.

Based in Los Angeles, Smashbox Cosmetics have always been known to take their makeup seriously. From primers and foundations, to mascaras and eyeshadows, this innovative cosmetics company consistently offers extensive collections that you can count on. So, when I stumbled upon the Smashbox Master’s Class Expert Eyes Set ($174 Value) Master’s Class Expert Eyes Set ($59), I knew that I had discovered one of the very best sets currently offered. This seven piece set includes everything you need to create two totally different eye looks. And what’s great about this set, it includes A TON of cosmetics: Mascara, Two Eye Shadow Trios (that’s six shadows!) Cream Eyeliner Duo, and an instructional DVD by a renowned Smashbox makeup artist.

Taking a hint from positive online beauty reviews, I’ve used the Smashbox line before, and LOVED it. What’s great about this cosmetics line, is its durability. Once you apply Smashbox, it will stay on all day. And coming from a self-proclaimed makeup guru like me, that’s pretty awesome.

Sincerely,

Caterina Christakos - founder of stillagirl.com - a positive place for women and girls

As the fall season approaches, you want to update your makeup collection. Bid farewell to the light hues of the summer months, and say hello to the rich shades of autumn. Kick that pink nail polish to the curb, and get ready to shake things up with some, dare I say…red? The beauty reviews are buzzing with the winds of changes, and Sephora Cosmetics rate high with all of the makeup mavens.

I’m a long-tome fan because of the high quality collection of private label products like multitasking makeup, luxurious bath and body products, and trendy accessories. That’s why Sephora Cosmetics has a reputation as the ultimate Beauty Authority. Both Sephora stores and Sephora.com offer an unparalleled assortment of products from more than 175 brands including the Sephora Collection.

According to the beauty reviews and makeup gossip queens (ok- that includes me!), this season is all about a dramatic appearance; and Sephora Brand Dramatica Kit ($85 Value) Dramatica Kit, contains all that you need for the newest look. The advantage of this kit is that you can completely update your seasonal makeup collection with this one set. The Dramatica Kit includes the eye wear essentials to create that sultry, smoky gaze (mascara, eyeliner, eye shadow). This Sephora Cosmetics original also includes a blush for naturally flushed cheeks as well as Professional Lip Plumper and Liner for your sexy, full lips. And what would make this dramatic look complete without, you guessed it….vixen red nails. This Sephora Cosmetics Collections comes conveniently in a signature Sephora clear makeup bag; perfect to stash all of your little makeup extras.

So I guess my rave today is for both the company and the products at Sephora. My biggest accolade is that the variety is so great, you can really find everything you need in one place.

Sincerely,

Caterina Christakos - founder of stillagirl.com - a positive place for women and girls

I remember the first time I heard about the homemade beauty line, Philosophy. It wasn’t from a magazine, it wasn’t from online beauty reviews, it was from Oprah. This day, Oprah had dedicated a show to skin care and aging, …something, my mom called me and suggested I watch. After a few minutes of useless arguing with my mom (but I’m not old!), I finally decided to turn on the tube and sit down with everyone’s favorite girlfriend. One of the skin care lines featured on the show that faithful day was Philosophy. Familiar with the name but not necessarily the products, I continued to watch as the guest described Philosophy’s homemade beauty-inspired line. I was instantly intrigued, and hopped on the web to learn more about this consumer-friendly company.

One of the featured Philosophy sets on Sephora.com is the Philosophy Best Of Sephora Face Set ($58 Value) Best Of Sephora Face Set ($40). This set features two of Philosophy’s all-time best and most popular homemade beauty products for the face, Purity Made Simple, and Hope in a Jar. These products are considered the cornerstones of the Philosophy skin care regime, and ironically the first products that I ordered.� Purity Made Simple is a creamy cleanser designed to remove all elements of debris, (including makeup) and can be used on all skin types. Hope in a Jar is a daily facial moisturizer featuring lactic acid, which gently exfoliates and softens your skin, resulting in a healthy, and more youthful glow (even if you’re not that old!).

Sincerely,

Caterina Christakos - founder of stillagirl.com - a positive place for women and girls

Taken any good trips lately? I have. Weekend getaways, family visits, out and out vacations. But you know what really makes me nuts about it? If I get there only to find that my shampoo has leaked all over my underwear. Or that that great little bottle of face wash is now indistinguishable from my hairspray. I did make these rookie mistakes once upon a time. That was before I discovered the essential tool that every girl should have in her beauty arsenal- the makeup bag.

Yes, I know- a makeup bag isn’t something you need to travel to the ends of the earth to find. So is it really necessary that I sit here and write beauty reviews on the subject? Ah yes, my lovely makeup maidens; I believe it is. Finding a decent makeup bag that will stand the test of time, face the indignities of post-911 airport security, and still look like something that a dignified diva can stand to be seen with is no small task.

A really good makeup bag should:

• Be attractive enough that you’d buy it for another purpose

• Be roomy enough for your specific needs

• Have zippers and closures to protect against leaks and spills

• Tempt me into writing great beauty reviews for it

Now your needs for a makeup bag and mine are bound to differ. A weekend trip to visit the folks and a weeklong honeymoon will call for dramatically different bags. But here are two makeup bags that earned their way in to my beauty reviews during a couple of my action-packed traveling adventures.

The Sephora Brand Core Nylon Double Handle Clutch Organizer is my favorite makeup bag for storing daily cosmetics or for a quick weekend get-away. OK-The name could use a little more sizzle, but frankly the style and functionality make up for that. It looks like a cute little handled clutch you could carry out on the town, but it’s full of mesh pockets, zippered enclosures, slide pockets, and even a removable makeup bag.

Not big enough for you seasoned travelers? Never fear- its big sister, the Sephora Brand Core Vinyl Double Handle Makeup Bag has 3 removable makeup bags. All sealed up tight when you need them to be. Who could ask for more of a makeup bag than that?

Let me know some of your favorites or give these little treasures a try.

Sincerely,

Caterina Christakos - founder of stillagirl.com - a positive place for women and girls

How often have you been a victim of “raccoon eyes” due to drippy eye makeup that didn’t last through that unexpected tear-jerker of a movie?� (Or maybe your unexpected tear-jerker of a life?) That’s why a key component of every girl’s cosmetics tool kit should be some really good waterproof make up. But to find the make up you really love in a waterproof version isn’t always easy.

That’s why I was so excited to find this value packed makeup kit. The Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes Collection is a limited edition value pack issued this season by Makeup Forever. And yes, I know I’ve been praising the merits of makeup kits to death in some of these beauty reviews- but what’s not to love?

This waterproof make up kit also includes one of the best makeup innovations I’ve ever seen- Make Up For Ever Eye Seal 0.4 oz. Eye Seal is this miraculous formula that can transform any powder into a waterproof liquid liner. Isn’t that cool? But the kit also includes mascara, cleanser, liner and pencil. � A total value of $85 at a cost of $45. Now do you se why I love these waterproof make up kits?

There are bargains out there girls, just waiting to be had. And I’ve got a lot more beauty reviews to bring you on all these great products. So keep on reading!

Sincerely,

Caterina Christakos - founder of stillagirl.com - a positive place for women and girls

When it comes to fashion hair products, Jonathan Product offers an item that freshens your look and will make you shine. The Jonathan Product Redo Freshen-Up Mist For Hair & Skin® is a compact bottle of misty spray that can make you look like you stepped fresh out of the shower.

It uses natural ingredients that help fashion hair from dull to shiny again. Not only does this product neutralize smell that can build up from a few minutes in the sun, but it strips some of the oils out of the hair so that it appears to be freshly clean. You can use this product on any hair type. And yes- gives your skin a refreshing glow too.

On your way to an interview or a date in the summer heat? By the time you leave the car to walk to the front of the building, your hair has already lost some of its luster. Spray some of the fashion hair mist onto your locks and you’ll look brand new again. This fashion hair product sells for around $18- but this is a product that’s not used all the time. (But I keep mine on hand ALL the time.) As far as bargains go, I consider this at the top of my personal list. Let face it- all the beauty reviews in the world won’t help you if your hair looks limp or frizzy.

Sincerely,

Caterina Christakos - founder of stillagirl.com - a positive place for women and girls

� Beauty cases are necessary to keep all your makeup products organized and available. If you are traveling, the beauty case I prefer is the Sephora Midnight Tool Box. This beauty case is very spacious on the inside, but very compact in appearance on the outside.

I know if most women are like me, which I think they are, no one wants to look like they are hauling a truck load of stuff. (I’d rather the world doesn’t know this beauty isn’t completely from nature!) Other beauty reviews suggest the same thing when it comes to carrying essentials. Compact is best. This case is sold for around $35 and is one of the cheaper versions of beauty cases that Sephora sells. For the price, the design and the convenience it gives makes it a great buy.

There are other similar products with much better features; but they also vary in prices- mostly higher than the midnight tool box. Either way, if you go to Sephora, you can look at the midnight tool box and the site will always provide similar items so you can comparison shop within the site.

My suggestion is if you need a way to organize your makeup, view the beauty cases online. These beauty cases can help you find makeup easily at home and travel easily with all of it too. They give you many options for organization and help you maintain a fashionable appearance. Remember girls, part of being a wholly together person involves a little attractive organization.

Sincerely,

Caterina Christakos - founder of stillagirl.com - a positive place for women and girls