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

P.S. Get a Free 13-piece beauty sample bag with orders over $25. Enter GOODIES4U at checkout. While supplies last.

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!).

The Philosophy homemade beauty company believes that the best cosmetic is great looking skin. Loved by dermatologists, celebrities, and customers, alike, Philosophy brings a natural aspect to the world of cosmetics. Numerous beauty reviews will tell you that Philosophy is defined by cutesy packaging, sweet scents and flavors and vibrant colors. But I’ll tell you that it’s simple, pure and effective skin care. 

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

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

The Bare Minerals Get Started Eyes is a mineral kit created to accompany the base Bare Escentuals Get Started Eyes ($94 Value) Get Started Eyes. These products are the latest craze and from personal use, I now know why. The Bare Minerals kit produces an extremely light, almost non-existent feel to wearing a foundation (of sorts). If you’ve never liked the feel of foundations and have spent years seeking the lightest products available, this is your answer. And the makeup eyes products are no different.

Bare minerals makeup eyes products can barely be felt on the skin at all if applied correctly. And they blend so perfectly with your natural tones that it doesn’t appear to look like you even have makeup on at all. Plus it’s nice to know that the products on your face are 100% natural.

Since women can start using the Bare Ecsentuals line to makeup eyes, it adds even more to the product’s promise of instant beauty. The kits may seem pricey, but you don’t use a lot of the product at one time so they can last you months with constant wear. Overall, these products have a lot of promise in the market and you have to be a wearer to believe it. That’s probably why I get so many comments from readers writing their own glowing beauty reviews for these makeup eyes products.

Sincerely,

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

P.S. Want to look better in that bikini naturally? Click here

Your skin is not the same as anyone else’s. You need to tailor the skincare products you use for your own personal needs. I recently discovered a unique line of skincare products by Cosmedicine for all skin types… The kit is available in a starter set that includes the basics that will hydrate, renew, and moisturize your skin among other things. These products will enhance your appearance within the first few days and feels great to the touch. None of the moisturizers leave oily residues and the cleaning products feel light and do a wonderful job.

A drawback to this product is that it is a Sephora exclusive. It can only be found at Sephora.com or at Sephora locations. Usually, when a product is exclusive, it can become pricey and will sometimes be hard to find elsewhere at a cheaper rate, even at mass selling sites such as Ebay.com, etc. However, the products included in the Cosmedicine Starter Set: Basic Skin Health ($77 Value) Starter Set: Basic Skin Health that equals approximately a $77 value and are sold for about half the price. The line is also personally analyzed by John Hopkins Medicine so its medicinal claims have research backing them. For the amount of skincare products included at this price, it’s well worth trying. We all know that all skincare product have their pros and cons. In my opinion, these are well worth the money. The only way to know for sure is to try- but I think if you do, you will be pleasantly surprised.

The one limitation is that the Cosmedicine skincare products aren’t targeted to girls with enlarged pores and very oily skin since this is usually a sign of more severe skin conditions that should be checked by your dermatologist before using any new product. But I’ll bring you more beauty reviews that cover these issues.

Sincerely,

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

Hi girls

We’ve been talking about how devastating hair loss can be towards a women’s sense of self. Well, I found a hair growth product designed to help strengthen and re-grow thinning hair. The Rene Furterer RF80 Concentrated Hair Strengthening Formula 12 Ampoules is a limited edition hair product offered on the Sephora website.

If you’re one of the many women who experience hair loss, there are solutions! Don’t stop searching through beauty reviews until you find what works for you. Sometimes loss is drastic, other times, the damage is minor; but if you are worried, you should look into caring for your growing hair as soon as possible. Pregnancy, weight fluctuation, stress, thinning, and weakening due to hair coloring all attribute to hair loss in women.

Rene Furterer RF80 Concentrated Hair Strengthening Formula 12 Ampoules is an entire kit that, a 3 month system, which stimulates hair growth. Whatever the reason for you newfound hair loss, this product promises to help you manage and restore your hair to its original beauty or better! The strengthening formula is developed to improve the circulation to your scalp in order to reduce hair loss and improve its vitality. Continued use during the three month treatment is required because the product is vitamin and nutrient based. It’s typical for hair growth products like this one, or the Rogaine hair products, to take several months to reach full effectiveness.

Your need these nutrients daily to improve the condition of your scalp and restore your hair. Daily weather and other factors add stress to your hair and over time it begins to weaken- as do other things. Washing your car weekly or even daily can maintain its natural shine, but to make sure your car performs and shines to the max, you have to make sure that routine maintenance and internal care are provided. The same concepts apply to your skin, your health, and yes, even your hair.

This hair growth kit runs for about $66. Keep in mind, beauty reviews will give you general information. But you are a very specific individual. The hair growth products that work for someone else might not work for you. Don’t give up! Persistence will lead you to your solution.

Sincerely,

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