Beauty Products - Great Inventions - They Finally Got It Right!

The statement that "The Only Lasting Beauty is the Beauty of the Heart" is very true. The make-up industry is very competitive with tons of advertising hitting directly at our emotions - confusing the true essence of beauty. But alas the beauty products demand attention. To help within this vast competitive sea of products, I have compiled my favorites and described in detail what works for me. Are you like me and find the sea of beauty products daunting? If so, come journey with me and review what works and doesn't work.

Here's my honest take on what make-up innovations I think are great. Many of which did not exist even 2 years ago!

Come journey with me through various products that are sure-fire winners in my book. I would love to have you share your successes also. Being frugal is all about spending wisely. Knowledge is power. We need your input too!

I wasn't blessed with my Mother's cleavage or beautiful heavy eye brows. What God didn't give me naturally for eye brows is now a simple fix with this wonderful eye pencil and gel duo! Wish the cleavage issue were so simple!

This duo includes both the eyebrow pencil and a eye brow gel in a matching color to deliver professional looking eyebrows right at home!

It colors, shapes and gives me a well defined eyebrow all day long. The gel is the part that makes this penciled in brow look real. The days of obviously penciled brows are finally gone with the addition of this natural looking gel.

Yes, they finally got it right! This eye brow duo is a must for thin "browed" beauties.

How They Finally Got It Right: Natural Eye Brows Pencil and Gel!

From Revlon.com - Made in U.S.A.

Maybelline has always - for decades - OK, we will not go there - had the very best concealer - highest quality and great price. Now they have combined my two favorites in one great item - the "Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Double Face Perfector". It is a highlighter and concealer in one handy tube. The light reflecting highlighter end has a brush for easy application, while the concealer end has a wand for spot coverage.

If you are over 40, you must manage the highlights on your face. For some reason, I find that a I age, the area around my eyes darkens. I go as far as having two foundations. I apply a foundation that is one shade lighter to my eye lids and under my eyes even before the concealer and highlighter!

The Concealer

After your two layers of foundation (yes, that is what ladies over 40 like me need!) apply the concealer first under your eyes to cover dark circles, any blemishes, age spots, broken capillaries or other areas you wish to even out the skin tone. Smoothly blend with your fingers or a makeup sponge.

The Highlighter

I apply to the corner of my eyes, a tiny bit to my chin and a tiny bit to the deep creases between the nose and the cheek.

Both the concealer and the highlighter are very high quality lightweight make-up.

Finish with Powder

For perfection, complete your make-up routine with powder for a completely flawless and sophisticated look.

How They Finally Got It Right: One Make-up Tool for Both Highlighting and Concealing!

From Mabelline.com New York, NY (Made in the USA?)

I love this gentle eye make up remover. As a swim fitness professional, the swimming pool mandates water proof mascara. The removal of waterproof mascara is especially problematic and even more so for tender aging skin. This eye make-up remover is wonderful - very effective and yet very gentle to the most tender skin. It is a little expensive but not really when the care of your skin is so critical.

Treat your delicate eye area with care. Soothing botanical extracts—like certified organic eyebright, cucumber and camomile—clear away makeup, leaving skin clean and refreshed.

• Gently dissolves washable makeup
• Safe for contact lens users
• Dermatologist-tested
• Ophthalmologist-tested
• Aroma-neutral
• Non-acnegenic

HOW THEY GOT IT RIGHT: Gentle Yet Effective Cleanser

Bigelow Mentha Lip Balm includes a slight tint with Peppermint Oil 2% for a refreshing mint flavor.

This mint-infused lip balm imparts a sheer hint of color and glossy high shine with a refreshing cooling sensation.

Lips stay moist and protected while Peppermint Oil gives breath long-lasting freshness.

How They Finally Got It Right: Great Lip Moisture with a Hint of Peppermint Oil!

From Bigelowchemists.com not to be confused with BigelowTea.com

This is a great NY company - here is their website introduction:

Our 168-year old apothecary tucked amid the bustling chic of New York City's West Village. This on-line catalog is rife with some of our favorite and best selling items: items that have stood the test of time, items that are designed to amuse, and some that are just plain good for you. With our belief in the highest quality products, we travel the world, scouring for items that make a difference in the way you look and feel. For decades our landmark store has been a destination spot for discerning New Yorkers. Today, Bigelow continues to draw a cross section of dwellers, from celebrities (we won't go name dropping), to fashionistas, to neighborhood devotees who cherish the rarity of our old school approach...
"If you can't get it anywhere else, try Bigelow...

I love this lotion! It works and it smells very elegant in a subtle way. It is one of my favorites - summer or winter.

I use it evenly on both my neck and face. Wonderful last minute addition before bedtime. It gives me a slight hint of color which I really need - I tend to have very, very pale almost translucent skin that lacks that healthy glow. This gives me the very slight glow I need. I don't use alot of it and tend to share it in the evening with out moisturizers for bedroom. Allot goes a long way. Daily use gives me a little too orange and a little too dark.

According to Aveeno, "Made with natural soy". It smooths out imperfections by adding that hint of color. It is quick to absorb and you will feel the moisture. While it is a non-greasy moisturizers, I would be concern for someone under 40 using it - it is very rich and moist - perhaps too much so for younger skin.

How They Finally Got It Right: Great Moisturizer with a Slight Natural Hint of Suntan Color!

From Aveeno.com Made in Canada

I love this foundation. I use color 2 light ivory mainly around my eyes.

I prefer a lighter color around the eyes and then one shade darker for the remainder of my face. I believe color is critical as you age.

As I age, I feel that we loose that those youthful skin tones of our skin or at least the skin around MY eyes seems to darken.

Initially when I apply this makeup it looks horrible - give it some time to absorb into your skin and you will be pleasantly surprised.

BEST PART: It include SPF 15 already - see they finally did get this makeup right!

How They Finally Got It Right: SPF with A Light Foundation of Color!

From MaxFactor.com

I have extremely full hair which tends to always look dry. I just started adding Biotin, an important vitamin for the health of hair and nails. Nonetheless, I cannot leave the house without something that tames my wild, wild tresses.

Here's the product sheet details. And for me, it really does work. I have tried others but dollar for dollar, this is a great value. Be careful when applying. If you hit the root area of your hair, you may end up causing your hair to look greasy. Keep the solution on your ends and you will look wonderful and your hair will feel great!

Why It Works:

Provides instant shine and a glam finish to any style

Lightweight formula won’t weigh hair down

Leaves hair flexible with clean control

Non-aerosol, pump spray for easy application

How To Use:

Spray on dry, styled hair. Reapply whenever you need extra shine.

HOW THEY FINALLY GOT IT RIGHT: Tames Even the Wildest Hair and Adds Shine Too!

From redken.com New York, NY (Made in the USA?)

I know it sounds strange to purchase perfume you cannot try. Trust me on this one - you will not be disappointed.

Everything from Tova has been outstanding and QVC has a money back guarantee which they stand behind.

Tova scents are very distinctive and I always, always get compliments. My top two scents are 1.) Tova Nights followed by 2.) Mind, Body and Soul. I chose this combination for you because it provides a visual hint of fun with sparkles too!

I love Tova Nights, Mind, Body and Spirit and this one the Tova Signature Radiance is special for that evening out and you want just a hint of glamour with a little sparkle too! Here is what the website provided:

What is it: Tova Signature Radiance is a dressed up version of Tova® Signature. Beautifully infused with gold shimmer, Signature Radiance fragrance gives you a soft golden glow--perfect for a night out on the town or to give your skin a touch of radiance during the day.

Who is it for: Anyone that loves Tova Signature and is looking for a little something extra.

Why is it different: A beautiful gold-flecked pearlescence has been infused into Tova Signature fragrance, providing both the wonderful scent of Signature while adding a touch of subtle luminosity to skin.

How do I use it: Shake well before each use. Hold the bottle approximately 6" to 12" away from the skin, and spray onto arms, legs, or decollete. Avoid spraying and rubbing into wrists to prevent crushing the individual notes.

From the Beauty by Tova^® Collection.

• Net weight 3.3 fl oz
• Made in USA

HOW THEY FINALLY GOT IT RIGHT: Fantastic scent with a touch of glitter

From www.QVC.com/Tova made in the USA

Refreshing body splash now called body mist - "Love Spell". Great smelling and inexpensive with a sensuous scent. Great after your shower. Contains moisturizing Aloe Vera and calming Chamomile.

They finally got it right, fantastic smelling splash without the expensive splash to your checkbook.

How They Finally Got It Right: Great Scent with a Great Price Point!

From victoriasecret.com New York, NY (Made in the USA?)

Number ten is a beauty service to yourself. Treat yourself to a facial at the spa. Your pores in your face will thank you but better yet, your mind will experience this wonderful wave of relaxation.

Beauty is more than skin deep. Beauty is more than great products. Beauty is a true health feeling - mind, body and soul.

Exercise is exhilarating for your muscles and your mind. Trust me, your skin will look better.

A little secret - most facials at the spa are also 60-90 minutes of pure relaxation with a sprinkling of a massage for your neck, upper back, arms and legs. Spa technicians have shared with me when given a choice between a massage and a facial, they choose the facial because it includes a mini-massage in the package.

If your checkbook can handle the cost of the extra minutes, I highly recommend the longest facial package they offer.

Summary - Beauty Is Not In the Products - It Is Inside

Thank you for joining me as I traveled through some of my favorite products. I hope I provided some helpful insights.

I would be honored to hear what works for you.

Overall, remember, real beauty is not in the products at all, it is inside. Taking proper care of yourself is the most beautiful thing you can do for your family. Health and beauty go hand in hand.

Put a harness on stress, keep your exercise appointments, moisturize often and well, and you will glow from the inside out without any beauty products.

Pursuant to the new Federal Trade Commission's rules, I have not received any remuneration for any of these products - no gifts, no products, no services and no contact from the manufacturers.