PRODUCT OF THE WEEK: Neutral Eye Palettes

Neutral eye shadows have been around for ages. They are the 'vanilla ice cream' of the makeup world - good but sometimes a little boring. But recently this beauty staple has gotten a new lease on life.  This trend started with Urban Decay's launch of the wildly popular "Naked" Palette which lead to an explosion of eye shadow collections in a neutral range of shades.  Here's my top picks of neutral eye shadow palettes that reflect a variety of price points. Happy shopping my lovelies!

 

Bobbie Brown -  "Sand Tortoiseshell" Eye Palette ($60)
The Tortoiseshell eye palette in "Sand" is for lighter skin tones, with light to dark shadows in flattering warm neutrals. This eye shadow collection let's you go from soft to smoky in no time flat. The eight shadows in this palette are designed to be layered - there’s no blending required. Start with the lightest shade, then layer the darker shades until you get the desired intensity.
* This eye palette is also available in "Bronze Tortoiseshell"  for medium to darker skintones.

Urban Decay  - "Naked" Palette  ($48)
Everybody wants to look good NAKED! Far from a group of boring beige shadows, the Naked Palette's long, lean, seductive case is packed with twelve gorgeous neutrals, including five NEW shades. This palette contains a range of textures: everything from glitter to shimmer to matte. Also included in palette is  the Good Karma eye shadow brush and a travel-size eyeshadow Primer Potion.

Stila - "Natural Eye Shadow" Palette ($39)
A beautiful palette consisting of Stila's award-winning Eye Shadows in wearable, neutral shades for every skintone that can be worn wet or dry and a limited-edition Smudge Stick Waterproof Eye Liner. It also contains an eight-page lookbook with detailed how-to tips and tricks.

NYX - "Nude on Nude" Pallete ($25)
This set contains a classic medley of 20 neutral eye shadows and 10 vibrant lip colors that work for every skin tone and every occasion. What more could a girl ask for?

SLEEK Make-UP - "Storm" i-Divine Palette ($10)
The Storm i-Divine palette is comprised of 12 strong and rich shades perfect for accentuating the eyes and creating natural looks.

E.L.F. - "Essential Beauty School" 32-Piece Eyeshadow Palette ($5)
This 32-color Professional Eyeshadow Palette is the all-you-need eyeshadow assortment, perfect for on-the-go beauty! With endless colors & textures to choose from, this professional eyeshadow palette lets you create your own personal look whenever you wish, wherever you are. 



* Note - the first eye shadow palette featured in this article is Kat Von Dee's True Romance eye shadow palette in "Saint". This product is yet to be released on Sephora.com.

PRODUCT OF THE WEEK: Tropical Traditions Coconut Oil

Oh Tropical Traditions Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil, how do I love thee...let me count the ways.  This stuff is an absolute incredible beauty find! Now I know that coconut oil can be used in cooking but my suggestions for all you lovely "Karen's World of Beauty" Readers is all about beauty. Here are some of the various beauty uses I found for Tropical Traditions Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil:

• Microwave briefly for pre-shampoo hot-oil treatment.

• Post blow-drying to smooth dry or split ends.

• Mix with brown sugar to create exfoliating paste to use in shower (Note: just use caution...oil makes bathtub/shower slippery even if you have bath mat).

• Massage into skin post-shower, mixing oil with water on skin to seal in the moisture.

• Put in clean nail polish bottle for quick-dry oil for your manicure.

• Massage into dry and rough cuticles, hands and feet.

• Use on legs and underarms as shaving oil instead of shaving cream.

• Mix with your regular moisturizer to make it richer and more luxurious.

• Create your own liquid bronzer like Nars Body Glow by mixing with Loose Bronzing Powder or Pigment in small spray bottle.

So many uses, and so good for your skin. Definitely give Tropical Traditions Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil a try!

Sale Alert: Until July 12th Tropical Traditions is offering 60% off their 16oz. Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil Hair Treatment!!!!  Click here to access the sale.

* Received Tropical Traditions Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil for review.

PRODUCT OF THE WEEK - Jao Goe Oil

I was lucky enough to try a sample of Jao Goe Oil at The Makeup Show in New York about 2 years ago. I was already a big fan of their Jao Hand Refresher, but I totally fell in love with this product. I can't tell you how happy I was when I was finally able to purchase it! I like it even better than *gasp* Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream and that's saying alot!

Jao Goe Oil is a combination of 28 plant fruit and flower oils and butters. Lightly scented with Monoi from Tahiti it quickly melts into the skin leaving it feeling super soft and smooth. Lighter than a typical body butter, longer lasting than a moisturizer, Joe Oil is formulated with a high percentage of Jojoba oil which is not technically an oil. Jojoboa Oil is a polyunsaturated liquid wax which is similar to sebum. And as you may or may not know, sebum is secreted by the human sebaceous glands to lubricate and protect the skin and hair (your own natural moisturizer).  No wonder this stuff is so fantastic!

Jao Goe Oil  unique formulation includes Rosehip, Hemp, Meadowfoam, and Rice Bran oils which are all high in omega and essential fatty acids. Avocado, Grapeseed, Mango and Pumpkin Seed butters which are rich in vitamins A, E, C, B, G, and Beta Carotene. Kukuinut oil to protect the skin. And Chamomile and Calendula which are excellent for calming irritated skin.

Here are some uses I found for Jao Goe Oil:

• soften cuticles, smooth dry feet and rough heels
• soothes bug bites and burns (at least it did for me)
• hand and body massage oil
• hair styling aid to tame flyaways and add lustre
• post-shaving to soothe legs and/or bikini area
• eye make up remover
• moisturize chapped nose due to cold or allergies
• moisturizer for all over the body post shower

In the summer I keep my Jao Goe Oil in the refrigerator because it liquiefies in warmer temperatures. When I squeeze the tube it comes out like a paste which let's me better control the amount of product I'm using but it melts effortlessly into the skin. So yummy! I also recommend checking out their new Jao Sumer Survival Supplies kit.  It's awesome!!!

PRODUCT OF THE WEEK: CoverGirl LashBlast Mascara

This is now one of my favorite mascaras...as a Makeup Artist and Beauty Blogger I've tried tons of mascaras and I really like how this products goes on, wears and the inexpensive price doesn't hurt either. I just featured it in a recent Beauty post "Be A Beach Babe".


Have you tried this product? Do you love or could you leave it? Let me know what you think.

PRODUCT OF THE WEEK

New Feature!  ""Product of The Week will feature a new product that I'm currently using and loving.

This is my new favorite body lotion (well, at least for this week). It makes my skin feel silky smooth and it has the added benefit of UVA/UVB sun protection. I love the fragrant smell of Cocoa Butter and this formula combines Cocoa Butter with Vitamin E to even out blotchy skin tone. Fabulous!Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula SPF 15 Body Lotion <;8.5oz>; $9.30