With the release of Kiehl’s Earth Day Limited Edition Açaí Damage-Protecting Toning Mist, the açaí berry is back in the spotlight. So, they figured they’d give us a quick background on this amazing berry:

Açaí (pronounced ah-sie-ee) berries are the fruit of the açaí palm. Açaí berries are similar in size to a grape, but closer in color and look to a blueberry. Grown primarily in the rainforest of South America, this “super berry” contains exceptionally high levels of nutrients and is known to be one of nature’s most powerful antioxidants.

Açaí was practically unknown outside of the Amazon as recently as ten years ago, but today it’s become an international super-star, appearing in everything from smoothies to facial products. While it may seem like açaí came out of nowhere, it has long been harvested as food in the Amazon, where it is know by the native people of Brazil as “içáçai,” which means “fruit that cries.” (The name refers to the branches on which this berry grows, which appear to “weep,” by sloping downwards when they are full of berries.)

One of the reasons açaí has become so popular is because of its high concentration of antioxidants. Açaí has more than five times the levels of blueberries and fifteen times the levels in red grapes – that’s a huge amount of anti-oxidants! That’s one of the reasons it become a key ingredient in Kiehl’s organic Açaí Damage-Protecting collection.

Want to learn more about the açaí berry’s rise? The New York Times ran an informative article about how the market for acai has changed dramtaically in recent years.

Source

Popularity: 1% [?]

I have tried a few primers in my day and while they all seem to smooth on easy a lot of them I’ve tried seem to just fade away. Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer was a standout for me not only does it leave my face silky smooth it keeps my makeup from moving a inch. A great product for the warmer months  Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer locks your makeup in place even when the mercury rises. All this and  SPF 15!

Spring is here and with that comes the desire for fresh, glowing skin! Hourglass Cosmetics #1 seller Veil Mineral Primer with SPF 15 is the perfect product to help you achieve a gorgeous, natural look. Even the experts agree… it was recently named one of style expert & former InStyle editor Charla Krupp’s “Brilliant Buys” in her new book “How To Never Look Fat Again” that hit shelves this month!

“Veil Mineral Primer is the perfect antidote for tired, dry winter skin because it’s infused with Zinc Oxide Minerals, which are natural anti-inflammatories for the skin. It will help to soothe skin from the effects of a harsh winter and prepare for the transition into spring,” says Hourglass lead MUA Michael Pierce.

Veil Mineral Primer SPF 15

What it is:
A mineral-based primer with SPF 15 that neutralizes the skin and creates a smooth, uniformed canvas for flawless makeup application.

What it does:
Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer is a clean, satin-finish formula that effortlessly smoothes onto skin to help keep makeup looking fresh and prevent fading. Veil Mineral Primer also absorbs excess oils and minimizes the appearance of pores by evenly distributing light to help hide and soften skin’s imperfections and fine lines.

What it is formulated WITHOUT:
- Parabens
- Sulfates
- Synthetic Fragrances
- Synthetic Dyes
- Phthalates

What else you need to know:
Veil Mineral Primer is formulated with naturally-derived titanium dioxide and zinc oxide instead of chemical sun-blocking agents. This water-resistant primer is also 100% free of fragrance, oil, and parabens.

$54 BUY IT HERE

Popularity: 1% [?]

Changing Up Your Makeup for Summer

The winter snow is melting away spring flowers are finally coming into bloom. As summer approaches, it is time to clean out your makeup bag and “replace your face” with weather compatible makeup. The perfect date to remember to make the switch is June 21st every year, Summer Solstice which marks the official beginning of summer. On that date, empty out your makeup bag, put away your heavy winter makeup; replace those dark eye shadows and deep lipstick shades with makeup that is lighter in texture and transparency.

Lighten up your foundation’s texture by mixing it with a light moisturizer for a clear, fresh finish- and don’t forget the sun protection! The Dieci Colori Skin Supreme Matte Foundation ($30) contains Titanium Dioxide and essential vitamins and minerals to offer a natural sun protection.

Avoid using eye pencils as a liner, as they tend to melt in warm weather and end up smudging around your eyes. Dieci Colori Eye Definers ($18) are cake liners that go on wet and then dry to a powder, which means no smearing!

Protect your lips with a gloss or lipstick that has sun protection qualities. Dieci Colori’s Lip Lites ($20) lipsticks have an SPF 15 and offer a dewy, natural sheen and provide lips with essential hydration.

Popularity: 1% [?]

QVC Throws a BEAUTIFUL Bash!

On Friday, April 16, QVC will bring the best in beauty; the experts known around the industry and the must-have products they create during its exciting Beauty Bash featuring the Beauty Newsmakers!

With brand new products, ground-breaking items created especially for QVC and unbeatable values – this all-day event is NOT TO BE MISSED! With more ways than ever to get connected – on-air, on QVC.com, Facebook and Twitter – QVC will offer expert tips, tricks, behind-the brand buzz, and in-depth answers the top beauty questions.

Tune in to QVC all day April 16 for an insider’s look at the beauty industry’s magic-makers and the secrets they use!

WEN by Chaz Dean Three-Piece Replenishing Treatment Collection

QVC Item #A199068 Approximately $55.00

See it live! Tune in to WEN by Chaz Dean – Hair & Body Care at 3PM (EST)

hairdo by Ken Paves & Jessica Simpson Braided Chignon

QVC Item #A202335 Approximately $38.50

See it live! Tune in to hairdo by Ken Paves & Jessica Simpson at 1PM (EST)

Laura Geller Dream Creams Lip Palette with Brush

QVC Item #A84595 Approximately $23.50

Two exclusive shades! See it live! Tune in to Laura Geller Makeup Studio at 2AM (EST)

Mally Beauty Mally’s Baby Blush and Lip Gloss Duo

QVC Item #A201123 Approximately $31.00

BRAND NEW! See it live! Tune in to Mally – Color Cosmetics at 4 PM (EST)

tarte Clay Medium Coverage Foundation

QVC Item #A201262 Approximately $36.00

ONLY AT QVC! See it live! Tune in to Beauty Newsmakers Face-to-Face at 7PM (EST)

smashbox Pro Line Second Skin Concealer

QVC Item #A199223 Approximately $29.00

ONLY AT QVC! See it live! Tune in to Beauty Newsmakers Face-to-Face at 7PM (EST)

Dr. Denese Skin Science Clinical Resurfacing System

QVC Item #A40925 Approximately $198.00

A SUMMER MUST! See it live! Tune in to Dr. Denese Skin Science at 6PM (EST)

Popularity: 2% [?]

While becoming totally eco-friendly takes time and concentrated efforts, the small steps can make a big difference. This Earth Day, help the planet (and yourself) by replacing a few everyday items throughout your home with eco-friendly options.

On your sink: Radius

Plastic may be the easiest material to make toothbrushes from, but the folks at Radius (www.radiustoothbrush.com) care more about being environmentally responsible. Through using recycled material, the Radius Source Toothbrush puts an eco-friendly spin on an everyday hygiene product. Made from recycled materials such as dollar bills, flax fiber or wood, these toothbrushes also last much longer than the average toothbrush.

In your shower: Wembé

Wembé is a handmade, eco-luxe soap from Paraguay. Wembé was created by a mother and son duo from Paraguay who wanted to share the natural ingredients and restorative qualities of the rainforest with people around the world. Wembé uses only the finest natural and organic plants and ingredients to create their exotic blends like mango, avocado, black clay, yerba mate, coconut, white rose and more. For more information, visit www.Wembe.com.

In your cosmetics case: Christopher Drummond Beauty

Fresh, clean, and new: all the characteristics we associate with spring will be reflected in Spring 2010 hypoallergenic makeup trends. Christopher Drummond Beauty’s line of all-natural, vegan, and organic-based products feature pastels and corals which not only beautify you, but the planet too. (www.christopherdrummond.com)

In your closet: Earth Friendly Laundry Detergent

Safe guard your home and improve your indoor air quality with the leader in the development and production of environmentally friendly cleaning supplies, Earth Friendly Products (www.ecos.com) Earth Friendly’s ECOS laundry detergent with a built-in coconut-based softener, is the world’s #1 selling “green” laundry detergent. ECOS is a concentrated liquid laundry detergent that cleans a full laundry load with only 1 ounce and is available in four refreshing scents.

In your kitchen: Earth Friendly Products DuoDish

DuoDish is the first dual cleaning product on the market. The powerful dishwashing gel is strong enough for the dishwasher and gentle enough for your hands. The gel can be used for both hand washing dishes and in the dishwasher to get your plates, bowls, pots and pans squeaky clean; and to boot, it even saves water! (www.ecos.com)

Popularity: 1% [?]

The Fragrance Foundation is delighted to announce that The Board of Directors has chosen multi-platinum recording star USHER as Male Celebrity Fragrance of the Year. Rochelle Bloom, President of The Fragrance Foundation, comments “Usher has introduced a hugely successful, sophisticated and gentlemanly wardrobe of fragrances to a new generation of consumers who love his music and his style.” Usher himself says “I consider fragrance to be one of the most important tools of engagement for seduction! My fragrances are all about what you do with confidence and how you make an impact on the lives of those around you.”

For more information, visit www.fragrance.org

Popularity: 1% [?]

Expose yourself to new and easy ways to live a greener lifestyle for the 40th anniversary of Earth Day. It’s simple, just start by stripping…….your life of packaging with LUSH Fresh Handmade Cosmetics. Over 70% of LUSH products are “naked” (that’s lingo for unpackaged), solid and preservative-free, which is better for you and the environment. We saved more than 21 tons of plastic in 2009!

To celebrate Earth Day, LUSH will be launching a Naked Kit ($20). True to its title, this limited edition kit will house six of LUSH’s most popular solid, unpackaged and preservative-free offerings in a biodegradable box. Take a sneak peek at what’s inside…

•Mini Squeaky Green Shampoo Bar – this shampoo, which lasts 60 washes, will revitalize and stimulate the scalp. Consider this: if the entire population of North America used a solid shampoo bar (equivalent to three 8 oz. bottles), then it would save 122 million plastic bottles from being produced and ending up in the landfill.

•Mini Buffy Body Butter – LUSH’s Body Butters are one-of-a-kind. Packed with natural butters to moisturize, and sand to exfoliate, this bar will save time, money, and the planet.

•Mini Therapy Massage Bar – soothe your body and your conscience with this 100% certified organic massage bar, a true LUSH invention made with natural oils and absolutely no preservatives.

•Sexy Peel Soap – with uplifting lemon and lime, this soap (along with all of LUSH soaps) is made with a palm-free base. A first of its kind, this revolutionary soap base has saved 133,000 pounds of palm oil from being produced, helping to save rainforests, indigenous people and orangutans in Southeast Asia.

•Choice of Toner Tab – steam your face with these LUSH inventions. Choose from: T-Tree (oily skin), Vitamin C (aging skin), Vitamin E (all skin types), and Q10 (skin soothing).

•Cleanser: Fresh Farmacy or Coalface – LUSH uses the finest ingredients when creating our solid face cleansers. Choose from: Fresh Farmacy (for troublesome skin) or Coalface (for oily skin).

To further increase LUSH’s eco-friendly initiatives, we are eliminating in-store gift wrap service and introducing Knot Wrap ($6.95). This Furoshiki-inspired technique uses scarves (made from recyclable materials or organic fabrics) to wrap your products in a way that is kinder to the Earth.

The Naked Kit might be limited edition (launching April 5th), but our solid goodies and bottled products (which are made from 100% post-consumer recycled packaging) are available all year round. And don’t forget to Knot Wrap them – the Earth will thank you

Popularity: 3% [?]