Best Cosmetic Brands You Probably Haven’t Heard Of

There are a lot of cosmetic brands that can make you feel and look good. 

However, as you tend to stick with a specific brand because of familiarity, it’s quite easy to lose track of the other new ones that should definitely make your list.  In case you haven’t heard, there are other top cosmetic brands that can work as efficiently as, or probably even better than your current favorites.

Here’s a list of some of the best brands and their top products that can actually change your mind:

Astalift and Astalift’s Essence Destiny

Astalift is the reflection of Fujifilm’s expertise on anti-oxidation and collagen. Through the years, they were able to develop three distinct types of collagen that they infused with their own Nanotechnology. 

Astalift’s Essence Destiny contains a very potent source of anti-oxidants which is extracted from marine algae. The Astaxanthin is deemed to be more efficient than Co Q-10 in renewing your skin’s radiance and glow. It can make your skin supple and smooth with its three different collagen sizes.





More Astalift products: 
http://www.cosme-de.com/en/brand/brand_page.html?bpid=b00000437

Earth Line and ACEQ10 Anti-Age Day & Night Cream

Earth Line, as the name implies, is made up of all natural ingredients. Its products are generally safe to use as they have been tested for allergies and because they do not contain parabens or chemicals. Earth Line’s most popular product is its ACEQ10 Anti-Age Day & Night Cream.

This product fosters skin rejuvenation by aiding in cell renewal. It can make you feel and look younger because of its ability to slow down the process of skin aging, hydrate your skin and making it smoother. Earth Line’s night cream stimulates the natural production of collagen which can help keep your skin supple and moisturized. It’s even good in cases of acne and skin discoloration.




Products of Earth Line:
http://www.cosme-de.com/en/brand/brand_page.html?bpid=b00000491

Youngblood and Natural Loose Mineral Foundation

Youngblood is well known for its gentle yet effective products. The brand uses natural minerals instead of chemical, dyes and preservatives you can commonly see among other cosmetic lines. Youngblood mineral cosmetic is generally safe even on recovering skin or those inflicted with rosacea and other skin problems.

Youngblood’s Natural Loose Mineral Foundation, on the other hand, can act as a powder, concealer and foundation all at the same time. It doesn’t contain any perfume and is also non-comedogenic. It can make you look radiant without looking glittery. 



Youngblood products on COSME-DE.COM:
http://www.cosme-de.com/en/brand/brand_page.html?bpid=b00000611




Which of these will you try first? Do you have any slightly lesser known brands that you think everyone should try? Let us know in the comments

Vogue’s Best: Your Top Picks to Beauty

So you want to look beautiful?

When they say that natural is better, that doesn’t have to mean you need to flaunt your pale cheeks and unlively set of lips around town. Whether you’re a professional make up artist or a simple beauty enthusiast, you know a little color wouldn’t hurt. And while you’re at it, why not try it with  the best ones?

Here’s Vogue’s Best of the Best.

Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Balm

If you’re too scared to get an all out red lip color, you may want to try the subtle ones first. Burt’s Bees is the perfect piece to start getting your lips acquainted with colors. First, it’s a lip tint. Second, it’s a lip balm.

       

With 100% natural ingredients, you are not only splashing colors on your lips but giving them the hydration they need too. You may want to try it in Hibiscus - not too red, not to pink.

Benefit Benetint Rose-tinted Lip & Cheek Stain

 

This tint can give you the natural glow you want. It’s not too strong and not too pale. It’s just the right shade to give you that rosy cheeks and kissable lips. Yes, it can give you both.

       

Just dot three spots on the apple of your cheeks or wipe some of the color on your lips. Either way or both, you’ll look instantly fresh and aglow.

Lancôme Hypnôse Doll Eyes Mascara

 

You know you want those doll eyes, right?

Well, apparently, you don’t need to get too envious anymore. Lancôme can give you the same wide eyed look without clumping your lashes. This mascara also just doesn’t simply curl your lashes up, it makes each lash shine too.

Chanel Sublime De Chanel Infinite Length and Curl Mascara

 

If you don’t want the flare and flirty look or if you have tried and failed miserably at it, you can stop blaming your stubborn lashes now. Chanel found a good way of lengthening and curling them up. It makes sure they stay that way as well.

It has a long lasting formula that is also waterproof. You can stop hating the hot weather now.

OPI Nail Lacquer

No, it’s not for your face.

However, if you’re afraid of painting your face, why not do it on your nails instead? OPI Nail Lacquer in Red can give you the same pretty feeling. It’s pinky-toned red in color that can perfectly match your tan.

Remember, a set of pretty nails can have the same effect as a well made face.

Burberry My Burberry Eau de Parfum

 

Not a fan of make up? There’s still something else you could try.

Burberry has a scent that can make you think of rain and the British Garden Floral. My Burberry is Burberry’s signature scent that at one whiff will remind you of its famous trench coat. If putting colors on your face is not clearly your type, why not smell beautiful instead?

If your confidence is low and you are feeling a little need to boost yourself, you may need to take a step forward and experiment on things. It may not necessarily require you to swipe colors on your face or curl your lashes. You just have to find what’ll work best for you. Besides, you also have to be comfortable in your own skin first.

7 Amazing Anti-Aging Tips for Your Skin

Aging – so unavoidable. It can change the way your skin looks earlier than you expect, and most people find aging signs as they hit the big 3-0. Although we cannot control genetic factors such as a decrease in estrogen levels which can lead to saggy skin, there are a lot of external influences on how our skin ages. Knowing the proper anti-aging care can help slow down the clock.

1. Eat WellYou might expect skincare products to do the job when it comes to turning back the clock, but young-looking skin starts with nutrients that reach it from within the body. The skin is the largest organ of our body, after all. Therefore, maintaining a healthy diet can have a positive effect on fighting the signs of aging.

Antioxidants neutralize free radicals that lead to skin aging. Eat green and red vegetables like spinach, broccoli, tomatoes and carrots, and blue and purple berries. These foods contain antioxidants that help prevent the formation of free radicals. If you can get your hands on maqui berry, we really recommend it as these super-fruits contain the highest amount of antioxidants around. Also eat foods that are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids such as fish, which help protect the skin’s moisture barrier that tends to become thin as we age.

2. Wear Sunscreen
UV light is the number one cause of wrinkles, because sun exposure can damage elastin and cause loss of collagen, which results in the appearance of wrinkles. Moreover, studies show that UVA rays are responsible for inducing the grayish, yellow-y cast you see on older skin. So, remember to wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen every day, rain or shine! 

3. Get Moving Exercise has immense benefits for your body and skin. Not only does it strengthen your heart and reduce risks of various diseases, it also boosts your immune system and improves circulation, which in turn brings a rosy, healthy complexion..

4. Beauty Sleep Your body and skin repair and regenerate during sleep. Research shows that if you sleep less than 6 hours a night, you are at greater risk of having a heart attack or strokes. Also, a lack of sleep makes you more agitated and prone to anger, which may trigger hormonal imbalances and signs of aging. Sleep at least 8 hours per night for maintaining good health and beautiful skin.

5. Drink Plenty of Water We always recommend enough water. Young and beautiful skin is supple and moist. Moisture functions as a protective barrier to prevent excess fluid loss. Make sure to drink at least eight 8-oz glasses of water a day, as dehydration will make your skin look dry and wrinkled. Moreover, water helps flush out waste and toxins from your system to improve health and achieve radiant-looking skin. 

6. Effective Skincare RoutineGreat skin doesn’t require complicated skincare procedures, as long as you get the basics right. Remove your makeup before going to sleep every night, and use a 3-step regime for your skin type. To achieve youthful and glowy skin, try exfoliating once a week. This is because the turnover rate of skin cells lowers as you age, resulting in loss of firmness and luster. Peeling can help remove dead skin cells to eliminate dullness while stimulating collagen growth for a firmer contour.

7. Try Retinol Cream

Consider a wrinkle cream that contains retinol, a derivative from Vitamin A. It can minimize the appearance of wrinkles, strengthens skin’s thickness and elasticity, slow down the breakdown of collagen, and fade brown spots caused by UV rays.

Slowing down the clock is not impossible, you just need to start early and remember to create a healthy and regular routine. What are your favorite anti-aging secrets? Let us know!

Эксклюзіўная зніжка 10% на заказы ў Расіі - Exclusive 10% discount for orders to Russia

Celebrating COSME-DE.COM's Russian members reaching 10,000. We are now offering an extra 10% discount for all orders delivering to Russia.

Don't miss your chance, enjoy the exclusive 10% discount on everything at COSME-DE.COM from skincare to haircare, including best-valued items.

Simply enter promotion code RUSSIA10 during checkout to enjoy this special offer. (The code valid from 25 Sep to 9 Oct, 2012.)

Shop and Save today!

Stay Thin or Stay Slim? - Natural Slimming Aids

Many women follow the diet routines avoiding sweets, fat and carbohydrates.  They lose weights and become thin unfortunately at the cost of their health.  ‘Keep fit’ should be to tone and firm your body and revitalize your metabolism for a general enhancement to your health and beauty.

I believe diet pretty much determines your body shape and yet I never eat less!  Always eat fruits, nuts, fishes and vegetables.  These foods provide you with collective nutrients, minerals, fiber and vitamins.  Detoxification is also very crucial for keeping fit.  It releases toxins and refuses from your body for better nutrient absorption.  Lately I discover that high fiber diet with Active Lactobacillus supplements can complement each other and achieve a surprising detoxifying effect. 

The Cha Plum from Umeya contains intestine-friendly bacteria, Mumefural, which occurs naturally in low temperature baking process and Active Lactobacillus. They promote healthy bowel movements and prevent constipation.  You will absolutely feel youthful and fit and your waist will be slimmer!

Umeya Cha Plum

I make 100% sure for the safety of everything I put into my mouth.  Medicine and chemicals will never be considered.  This Cha Plum is made out of 100% natural ingredients, and so I give it a try for 10 days.  At the beginning of trial, my bowel habit changes and becomes smoother and with ease.  With intestinal health, other problems like bad breath, unpleasant body odor and depression can also be improved.

 

Jogging, jogging, keep jogging!  Doing exercises is very important to stay slim and healthy.  Kick your lazy ass and find companions to PLAY sports with you!  If you want to particularly shape your arms, waist and legs, acupuncture therapy can stimulate the parts of body not being used during sport.  While doing acupuncture therapy, I prefer to use slimming gel or massage oil.  I found this Chinese medical formulated slimming gel, comprising different Chinese herbal extracts including Horse Chestnut Extract, Hedera Helix and Ruscus Aculeatus. 

Hangung Korean Acupuncture Slimming Gel

My skin feels very warm with this gel, but not burning.  I follow the instruction of slimming acupuncture to apply the gel on my arms and belly and then use the scrape to stimulate the acupuncture points on the area.  Be patient and keep doing it every night.  Over time my arms and waist look firmer and more elastic. 

Want a consequential skin improvement from slimming?  Use this wonderful Weleda Birch Cellulite Oil for the acupuncture massage.  This is an angel to those who find their skin limp and loose after losing weight with inappropriate slimming methods.  It renews your skin cells and structures with its vital fatty acids compatible with your skin’s natural fatty acids, rejuvenating your skin from inside out.  Many users realize a visible improvement of their skin tone and the orange peel skin appearance is noticeably less pronounced.

Weleda Slimming Massage Oil (Birch Cellulite Oil)

Stay thin or stay slim?  Be a beautiful and slim one of course!  Slimness and fitness do not only come from external beauty treatments, but reflecting your wellness philosophies and living styles.  Regular exercise, healthy diet, and bright attitudes towards life contribute to your health and beauty.

Beauty is skin-deep!

Yes!  This is me, laugh-loving, curious, girly and addicted to beauty!  I am the new editor of COSME-DE, looking forward to being connected to others who share my passion for beauty knowledge and tricks.  There is a variety of ways to be beautiful but only one truth－‘Beauty is skin-deep!’

I believe the older I get the prettier I become, for I believe ‘Beauty is skin-deep!’  Beauty glows from the inside out.  Appearance reflects your thoughts, philosophies and characters.

To be beautiful at heart, I aim for natural living.  I embrace Mother Earth in my leisure time, beaches and hikes.  I enjoy good food, but still try to eat as healthy as possible.  Feeling healthy gives me motivations to enjoy life. 

To be an endless beauty, inner beauty complements and raises your outer beauty.  I love traveling and music.  Some memorable traveling experiences inspire me with new insights into life.  When you interact with the others carrying different ideologies from different countries, you will feel the contrast of cultures which definitely widens your horizons.  The desires to travel, create, learn, dream, enjoy, feel and love are innate within each of us.   Sometimes we forget them because of work or pressure, but they are always here with us.  Pick them up and follow your heart!  These fancies do not only enhance your temperaments and your beauty, but attract your family and more friends.

Maintenance of your appearance strengthens your self-confidence and inner assertiveness.  My ‘must’ daily beauty routine is sunscreen.  My favourite sunscreen is ‘Very High Protection Fluide Extreme SPF 50+’ from La Roche-Posay.  I use this SPF 50+sunscreen fluid composed of both mineral and chemical sunscreen as a preparation for strong sun exposure.  It doesn’t whiten and looks completely natural on my skin. 

La Roche-Posay Very High Protection Fluide Extreme SPF 50+

 

Wanna be loved and adored?  A sweet smile is the easiest way to gain love and care.  Smile is known as the best make-up, spreading warmth, affections and kindness.  Beautiful smile always associates with soft lips and white teeth.  I love the toothpaste and the lip balm from Weleda which are very affordable and made with all natural ingredients.  Furthermore, Weleda commits itself to helping the farmers, women and children of the working class in developing countries.  I feel like I am sending my blessings to the people who need cares while using its cosmetics.  Support!

 

Weleda Everon Lip Balm

Weleda Ratanhia Toothpaste

How to be a beautiful one from inside out is a lifelong learning.  I am pleased to share this art of living to and explore different aspects of beauty with all of you, beautiful girls!

Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner Set

It's summer time, have you found that the eyeliner you used to use is not as good as before anymore? Because the sweat and oil make it flake, and only until noon then you have already become a "panda". It's annoying, isn't it? I had the same experience until I found.......Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner!

I remember when I first saw this product, the first question I had was "How can this brush draw out a fine eyeline?" That's why I didn't buy it. And until recently, my friend gave hers to me, and I tried for the first time. Incredible! Not only you can draw a fine line with the brush, its softness just made you feel so nice.

Mine is the black one, but the colour looks more dark greyish which is good because it looks more natural that way. The best thing about this eyeliner is that it doesn't smudge around the eyes even after a long time, thus Long-wearing as they put it! Also, it's water-resistant, so it's sweat-proof.

I don't think there's a better product than this one for the summer.

Tips: Remember to use tissue to clean the brush every time after using it, otherwise it will become hard after while and then won't be usable anymore.

Sephora in Paris

Bonjour!

I am travelling in Paris at the moment, it's been a relaxing day today, and I think it's becoming a habit that I visit Sephora in every city I go. I went to the Sephora here in Rue de Rivoli, a street full of chain stores like Etam, ZARA, H&M...etc. I just bought a Sephora glitter eyeliner, it's 4.5 euro, when I tested it, it looks very dark and the glitter isn't too shiny (which is good). I haven't tried it on my eyes yet, so will let you guys know how it looks actually when I finish my Za eyeliner. I don't have the card reader yet, so can't load the photo up here now, will do it soon, so you guys could see how the Sephora looks like here, and of course also the eyeliner I bought. :)

Au revoir!

OPI Hong Kong Collection SS 09/10

OPI is going to launch a Hong Kong Collection, it immediately catches my attention, I am happy that they are inspired by the Pearl of Orient, a name for Hong Kong as known to people in the world. This collection includes 12 shades:

- Bling Dynasty

- Red My Fortune Cookie

- Hot & Spicy

- Dim Sum Plum

- Jade is the New Black

- Suzi Says Feng Shui

- A Good Man-darin is Hard to Find

- Lucky Lucky Lavender

- Meet Me on the Star Ferry (I love this name, sounds romantic)

- Panda-monium Pink

- Pearl of Wisdom

- I'm Chop-Ssticking to My Story

Personally, I think it's more like a old Hong Kong, like in the 60s/70s, especially from the setting above with the boat, and also the hair style and chunky accesssories (below). As for colours, Mathilda's favourites are Red My Fortune Cookie and Suzi Says Fung Shui.

This collection is set to be in stores in February 2010.

(Photos credit: P'ssion)

Sidenote: Dell has launched OPI X Dell laptop, so nice! I like No Room for the Blues by OPI.

Mascara Comparison: HR VS Revlon

This is the first time I do any product comparison, and I think it's quite clear from the image which is the winning product. Helena Rubenstein won by far, then why did I buy Revlon? Because one day I found that my beloved HR was lost, and I was in a rush, so I just went into a shop to buy Revlon Lash Fantasy Mascara. After using it for the first time, I immediately realized how much I miss my HR Lash Queen Mascara (Waterproof). Why?

First, there are 2 sides on the Revlon mascara, the white one as base, and then the other side to put on top, the base is supposed to enhance the volume of the lashes. But it didn't work on my lashes, maybe I didn't put enough? (My lashes are not short ones) I did make sure I cover all lashes before applying the mascara though, anyway, after applying the black mascara, apart from being clump free, I can only see small effect and not-so-volumous eyelashes. Whereas the HR mascara, although it doesn't have a base coat, the lashes are instantly thicken and lengthen. Undoubtedly there are a bit of clumps compare to Revlon, but if eyes look bigger and sharper, I guess a bit of clumps don't matter, right?

Sometimes, you really have to spend more to have good results.

Brand new make-up "bag"

Ok, I love it when designers put creativity in product designs. And I can’t stop myself from writing about this innovative new product. So, now, everyone, take a wild guess, what’s this thing in the picture? Kitchen tool? Key ring? Speakers? No! No! And NO! Alright, for those who didn’t cheat and scroll down to look for the answer, this is a make-up bag, um, ok, I know, it’s not a bag. It’s a white chunk of layers, but it indeed performs the function of a make-up bag. So how does it work? Look at this picture:

Is this clearer now? Oh…still not quite, right? Ok, how about this one?

Yes, it’s a stackable make-up palettes! How genius! Launched by former Lanôme artistic director Fred Farrugia. This neat new product range aims to de-clutter consumers make-up bag, making it easy to find what you need, including eyeshadows, lips colours, blush, and foundation.

The individual palettes are designed by Ora-Ïto, they can be clipped and stacked together to make a compact and complete make-up set in one.

Moreover, applying them are like finger-painting, you don’t even need a mirror. You can choose from 104 stackable palettes of colors. For those who aren’t accustomed to finger-painting, the range also includes a make-up tools set to suit your needs:

Make-up Products: Autumn 2009

Candy colours

(click to enlarge)

Pinks and purples are usually spring colours, but this season they also appear to be the main colours, showing a sense of romance.

• Lancome Color Fever Shine - Color: 306 - USD20.00 (save 20%)
• Jill Stuart Fruit Lip Balm Tint Color - Color: 102 Peach Tint - USD22.00 (save 9%)
• Bobbi Brown Blush - Color: Desert Road 15 - USD26.00 (save 9%)
• M.A.C. Eye Shadow 6 (Limited Edition) - Color: Fresh Cut - USD71.00 (save 9%)

Earthy colours

(click to enlarge)

Earthy colours for autumn are the ever-lasting, classic shades. The main products are eye shadows, the tones include golden bronze, chocolate brown and olive green.

These are best for the less adventurous consumer, because they are easy-to-wear and natural, you can’t possible go wrong with them.

- Benefit Brow Zings – Color: Light – USD34.00 (save 10%)
- Bobbi Brown Nude Lip & Eye Palette (Limited Edition) – USD55.00 (save 32%)
- Christian Dior Iridescent Eyeshadow –color: 559 Parisian Lights - USD55.00 (save 12%)
- Lavera Lipstick – Color: No.25 Brown – USD12.00 (save 52%)
- YSL Multi Usage Make-Up Palette – USD41.00 (save 28%)

Blue shades

(click to enlarge)

This season’s top colour is precious blue, most obvious are the eye colours. NARS Liquid Eyeliner’s turquoise blue is a lighter alternative for this colour trend. There are many brands offering a blue palette, so I believe this will be a big colour trend for autumn.

- Jill Stuart Illuminance Eyes – Color: 08 Dazzling Moon – USD53.00 (save 9%)
- Chanel Noire Et Marine Professional Eyeliner – USD45.00 (save 10%)
- NARS Liquid Eyeliner – Color: Neverland 8105 – USD28.00 (save 5%)
- Chanel Irreelle Duo Silky Eyeshadow – Color: 73 River-Light – USD41.00 (save 12%)
- Chanel Les 4 Ombres Quadra Eye Shadow – Color: 92 Bleu Celestes – USD58.00 (save 8%)

Make-up colours: Autumn 2009

In addition to the usual plum and earthy colour, this autumn adds vibrant turquoise, pink and purple as a contrast.

Be a doll

(click to enlarge image)

• Smoky browns, plum tones and red lips
• Softer, more romantic and youthful look
• Browns, greys and taupes to purples, pinks and blues
• Perfectly flawless base

Exaggerated

(click to enlarge image)

• More suited for the evening or a party occasion
• Bold mouths and smoky eyes
• Bright two-tone shadows
• Purple, turquoise and yellow
• For lips: use lipstick not gloss

Sexy appearance

(click to enlarge image)

• Sultry, alluring make-up look
• smoky shading on the eyes
• sculptured cheekbones
• bronze, browns and gold tones
• grey and green shadows
• Lips: browns, natural or nude shades

What products are suitable for creating these looks? Don't forget to come back and check out my autumn cosmetics products guide!

Za eyeliner

I am always adventurous when it comes to cosmetics products, and I have just finished the eyeliner I bought in Thailand in March, so about 4 months. (hehe, I forgot the whole cosmetics bag in HK that time, quite disastrous...) So I was looking for a new one, and here it is, Za Ever Liner for eyes. It's been like a week I have been using it, this time I bought black, not brown, and was thinking whether this colour would make my eyes look bigger. Um. I guess it makes my eyes look brighter than the brown colour.

It doesn't have a cap, so it's good because I don't have to worry of losing it while putting my eyeliner on (on the bus/train). Yes, I mostly do my makeup on public transport :P. Anyway, you just need to turn the head (the transparent part of the photo) of the pen then the eyeliner will come out, convenient! And I also like the colour of the eyeliner itself, white, simple and clean.

As for the texture, it's very easy to apply, it doesn't require a back and forth drawing for the colour to stand out, just basically one stroke is enough. I am lovin' it. I still remember the first eyeliner I had, I need to re-draw and re-draw to have a nice solid colour, so much effort. And this one is so much easier.

How about you? Any eyeliner you recommend to everyone?

Shu Uemura X Moyoco Anno

Shu Uemura collaborated with one of Japan's most famous manga artists, Moyoco Anno, to create a limited collection of cleansing oils and make-up tools designed with an image of the cute Tokyo kamon girl.