It Blog

Jamie and Josie at QVC!

2010-12-14T14:26:00.000-08:00

Just a fun pic to share of one of the many great moments at QVC! Here’s a snapshot of Jamie getting a hug from Josie Maran after the very first IT Cosmetics show on QVC!

HOW TO WEAR BYE BYE UNDER EYE CONCEALER

2010-12-08T10:19:00.000-08:00

Cheers on choosing what many of you are calling your "miracle in a tube”! While beauty editors and pro make-up artists are raving about Bye Bye Under Eye it's real women from Argentina to South Africa, Australia to Russia telling us how amazing Bye Bye Under Eye is and how it's changed their lives that really makes us smile! We love that it is packed with Hydrolyzed Collagen to plump fine lines and wrinkles... a concealer that makes us look younger, yay! It's full antioxidants to ward off free radicals and nourish your skin plus Vitamin K to reduce discoloration over time! So now that you have the magical little black tube in your hand let's talk about how to apply it! First, start with a tiny spec (think pin head size amount) of Bye Bye Under Eye. You can warm it up between your fingers or on the back of your hand first, or simply dab it directly on your skin using a concealer or small powder brush or your finger. When it comes to application tools, it's really all about personal preference. And here's a big tip: Using a small amount of Bye Bye Under Eye is key to a flawless application because the product is very concentrated and is incredibly pigmented! Next, work the concealer into your skin adding more product if you need more coverage. And Bye Bye Under Eye is buildable, without caking so, if you are trying to cover discoloration (like sun spots or hyper-pigmentation) you may want to slowly add a few layers of the product. Next, as a finishing step, dust on a setting powder like our Bye Bye Pores Silk HD Micro-Finishing Powder. Many of you have called Bye Bye Pores your “airbrushing in a jar!” Also, many of you have asked what order you should use your foundation and concealer in. There is no right or wrong order, and it is really up to you! Bye Bye Under Eye works just as well under a foundation as it does over the top – and you can always skip the foundation all together and use Bye Bye Under Eye as your all over foundation. Now that’s a lot of love for your skin! Bye Bye Under Eye stays put all day and is waterproof yet moisturizing and is very gentle. So here's to you for choosing the best concealer in the world!

ELLE.com CELEB Makeup Artist Calls BROW POWER her "Must-Have"

2010-11-30T05:17:00.000-08:00

Celebrity Makeup Artist Alexis Vogel is as famous and sought after as they come in Hollywood! From Shakira to Pamela Anderson, Ryan Seacrest to Avril Lavine... Hollywood’s IT List turn to Alexis for their signature looks and must-have products. Alexis revealed her “Must-Have” product to ELLE Magazine and names IT Cosmetics BROW POWER Universal Brow pencil as a “Must-Have” that “works with every skin tone!”

Our AMAZING gift boxes: For Everyone On Your Holiday List!

2010-11-23T08:04:00.000-08:00

My Youthful Smile Gift Set

Nail Love Gift Set

It's that time of year again when you have to come up with some kind, creative gifts for those around you... your kids' teachers, your nanny, dog walker or stylist. There are so many people you'd like to share a little Yuletide Cheer with and we have two fabulous ideas so you can do just that! For any feme fatales on your list... we LOVE our award winning My Youthful Smile Gift Set that comes with our signature blue gloss (that goes on clear), pretty woman (that glides on as a sheer pink) and kiss me now (that is a beautiful sheer berry gloss). The glosses are really flattering on ALL skin tones and shades have blue micro-crystals in them that actually help your smile appear brighter on one end and a wrinkle filling primer on the other end! And the best part... it's a $98 value that retails for only $39. Whew hoo! What a deal! Now if it's a little Nail Love you're after... look no further than our Nail Love Gift Box. The pens come with a soft brush that helps the jojoba and eucalyptus oil infused treatment glide onto your cuticles. And get this... the cap doubles as a tool to gently push your cuticles back! This product is loved by men and women alike! And this gift box is also an amazing value that retails for only $29. Both of these luxurious gift boxes are lined in satin and come with a beautiful, full sized ribbon and a gift tag to make all of your holiday gift-giving super easy... and makes you look like the generous, loving, compassionate person you are! And we totally understand if you want to snag both of these for your OWN stocking... your secret is safe with us!

Look Good...Feel Better! A Cause We're Proud to Support!

2010-11-12T08:00:00.000-08:00

We love the idea of giving back at IT Cosmetics and have joined forces with the Look Good...Feel Better program that helps thousands of women a year feel their best while fighting the toughest battle of their life! Cancer has affected many of us at IT Cosmetics in many different ways and so we feel a calling to help women battling the horrific disease. Look Good...Feel Better is an amazing non-profit organization that is dedicated to improving the self esteem and quality of life of women undergoing cancer treatments across the United States. The public service program teaches beauty techniques to women undergoing cancer treatments so that they can manage the appearance-related side effects of their treatment. So far, over 700,000 women have been treated to complimentary group, individual and self-help beauty sessions that create a sense of well-being and community! And thanks to YOU over 20,112 women have received one of our BROW POWER pencils because for every single one purchased one is donated to this program! We love that YOU have spoken and YOU have the power to empower women across our country! We think that hope is beautiful and are so happy to help women in the fight of their life, for their life, feel a bit more confident about their appearance. And for that we say thank you for helping us give back!

Actress Marie Avgeropoulos Gushes about IT Cosmetics!

2010-11-09T12:15:00.000-08:00

Marie Avgeropoulos
Photo Courtesy of MA

We know many Hollywood celebs who use and love our makeup! But sometimes they are kind enough to share with us in detail just how much they adore IT Cosmetics and why they think you'll adore it, too! We recently had a chance to hear from the beautiful and talented star of Fox's Human Target, Marie Avgeropoulos, who filled us in on why she fell in love with our line after trying it for the first time while on-set in Vancouver, British Columbia!

"My makeup artist Tanya... applied my makeup using your products and all I can say is WOW! I felt so fresh and youthful and beautiful wearing IT Cosmetics. It lasted all day, my skin looked great and (my) lips felt amazing. Not sticky or gummy at all... The problem with most of the makeup that I've been used to on sets is that it doesn't last and the makeup artists end up having to gob it on layer by layer all day... I end up feeling caked on and not fresh or "glowing". It made me glow, which is great because I usually always play a young teenager even though I'm 24! I will definitely spread the word... makeup artists need to switch to IT. This secret weapon needs to be out in the open! It convinced me that there is makeup out there that meets the needs of actors. It makes me want to ditch all my department store make-up!"

We are so happy Marie had a chance to try our line and are even more thrilled she was kind enough to share her thoughts and praises with us! We can't wait to see her in action... glowing in IT Cosmetics!

Heal a Zit in a Zap!

2010-11-05T07:17:00.000-07:00

If you've ever had a break-out the size of Mount Kilimanjaro on your face you know how tempting it can be to launch a major attack against the unwelcome intruder. But before you break out heavy machinery to start drilling into your skin take a deep breath... and follow these simple steps to clear skin.

First, resist the urge to squeeze your pimple into submission... even if you have to tie your hands behind your back! Pinching a blemish will only cause the area to swell, delay healing and could leave you with a permanent reminder of the unfortunate eruption. So hands off, girl! Second, as soon as your blemish emerges... become an ice queen! Holding an ice cube to your face will help reduce swelling in the area and will cut-down recovery time. Follow with a medicated face wash and spot treat the area with ingredients like benzoyl peroxide or sulfur until the blemish heals. Finally, hide your "new addition" with a concealer like our Bye Bye Under Eye that will not make your pimple worse and will not clog your pores. You can apply it using your finger or a clean concealer brush and blend it until your pimple disappears from sight. You may want to finish by applying a powder like our Bye Bye Pores to seal your concealer in place! Now take a peek in the mirror! You're probably feeling better already. And by the end of the week your skin will be looking radiant and clear!

How to Get a Sexy Angelic Halloween Make-up Look

2010-10-29T11:46:00.000-07:00

Whether you're going all out this Halloween or you want to simply look beautiful and angelic while you hand out candy to your neighborhood trick-or-treaters look no further than this easy-to-emulate make-up look! You'll look pretty and soft, sexy and polished... just like Mariah Carey did at a Halloween Bash she attended with her hubby! So how do you get the look? First, start with perfectly primed lids by applying our Bye Bye Lid Lines to your eyelids and lower lash line. It will keep your make-up on from day well into night and actually treats your eye area thanks to perfectly loving ingredients like Green Tea extract. Now grab our Luxe High Performance Eyeshadow Palette and reach for the shade Je Ne Sais Quoi and apply it from your lash line to your crease. Now using a brush apply the shade Ipanema in a windshield-wiper motion in your crease. You can also use the shade on the outer corners of your eyes using a small circular motion for a more dramatic look. Next, using an angle brush, apply Ipanema to your lower lash line... this will really make your eyes stand out! Finally, apply a light dusting of the shade Satin Cashmere around the outside of your eyes on your upper cheek bone using your index finger or with a brush. This will make you sparkle like the angelic goddess you are! And of course every angel needs long, lush lashes... so add a few coats of mascara while you're at it! And now that you're done.... go have fun. After all, you'll be the prettiest angel of them all this Halloween thanks to your sparkling, angelic eyes!

Create a Spooky Look with our Eyeshadow Palette!

2010-10-28T12:25:00.000-07:00

Image Courtesy: refinery29.com

It's that time of year when pumpkins are carved, front yards are encased with spider webs and smartly dressed trick-or-treaters are right around the corner! It's a fun time of year for little kids and big kids alike... especially when it comes to costumes and make-up! So how does a girl go about looking sexy and spooky at the same time? It's all about smoky eyes and bright red lips! So here's how to get the coveted look! Start with perfectly primed eye lids by applying our Bye Bye Lid Lines to your eyelids... this will keep your eye make-up in place throughout your spookfest and will actually treat your skin while you're wearing it! Next, grab our Luxe High Performance Eyeshadow Palette and start by applying the shade Romance as an all over wash from your lash line to your crease. Now using a windshield-wiper motion apply the deepest shade called Jet Black in your crease. For a more dramatic look use Jet Black in the outer corner of your eye in a small circular motion. You can line your eyes using an angle brush with Jet Black for a dramatic look or for an even spookier look you can add a thick line of Venus Love to your lower lash line. Now for your lips... using our Smile-Brightening Lip Palette pick the deepest red shade and apply it using the lip brush it comes with! Blot and re-apply several times to hold the deep hue in place! Now check yourself out in the mirror! Ahh! We bet you're pretty spooked out... and pretty pleased with how good you look!

How to use our Anti-Aging Eyeshadow Trio in Naturally Pretty Matte Luxe

2010-10-18T12:14:00.000-07:00

If you're anything like us you LOVE new make-up and love little tips and pointers on how to use it even more, right? So if you want a little tutorial on how to apply our new Anti-Aging Eyeshadow Trios in Matte Luxe... you've got it! So here we go! We always recommend applying our Bye Bye Lid Lines primer to your eyelids before any shadow. It will keep your eyeshadow in place all day and will prevent any pesky creases from forming. It is also packed with anti-aging and age-preventative ingredients for some ultimate lid love. So now that your lids are primed and ready reach for a naturally pretty look reach for lightest shade called Cashmere and apply it as a wash from your lash line all the way to your brow bone. Next, use the light brown shade called Earth Angel and apply it in a windshield-wiper motion in your crease. Now for a great eye-brightening tip: Add Cashmere to the inside corners of your eyes to perk up your peepers! Next, add the deepest shade, Espresso, to the outer corners of your creases and blend in a small circular motion. You can also line your eyes with Espresso using an angle brush on your upper and lower lash lines. For a smoky, smudged look line your eyes with the shadow using a dry brush. For a more dramatic look, wet the brush before dipping it in the shadow. Now if you want to make this more of an evening look use Earth Angel from your lash line to crease as an all over wash. Next, intensify the amount of Espresso you use in your crease and in the outer corner. Now take a look at your eyes... your eye color should sparkle without anyone even noticing the make-up! Now that's naturally pretty!

Collagen: Slather it On or Gulp it Down?

2010-09-16T08:13:00.000-07:00

American women (like you and me) have some beauty rituals we swear by like applying self tanner or bronzer for that faux glow, putting cool cucumbers on our eyes to reduce puffiness or applying the latest cream that promises to make us look ten years younger, right? Well one beauty ritual in the far east includes sticking a straw in your beauty product... and drinking it in!
Asian women have long been known to have beautiful skin that never seems to grow old and wrinkled with age. But could their beauty secret be held in a bottle? It's still up for debate (by scientists and doctors alike) but collagen drinks are all the rage in Asia... and they make some pretty alluring claims. They promise to up the collagen levels in your blood to help rebuild the elastic-like proteins that keep your skin looking youthful. Sound too good to be true? Many western doctors dispel those claims and site many Asian women's rituals like avoiding the sun (one of the biggest factors of collagen break-down) as the reason their skin looks to youthful. While more credible studies need to be performed to decide what the real benefits are, dermatologists recommend applying hydrolyzed collagen instead in the form of creams and cosmetics to your skin. And it's your lucky day... our Bye Bye Under Eye concealer along with several of our products are packed full of the beauty protein. So while scientists are still debating the "gulping down" part, how about you slather it on instead... that sounds like a beautiful idea!

Bye Bye Tacky Tattoo!

2010-09-13T06:41:00.000-07:00

Now you see it... now you don't! If you've ever decided to get a spur of the moment tattoo and later seriously regretted your icky ink you're not alone (you'd be shocked to know who's hiding embarrassing body art in Hollywood). Now, there are several things you can do to try to permanently get rid of the tacky tattoo... but invasive surgery or laser removal can be seriously expensive. A single treatment at one of the best tattoo removal centers in the Big Apple will set you back hundreds of dollars (um, ya...we said single treatment). So unless your long lost relative just left you an inheritance or you have thousands of dollars to spare we have a much better idea! And get this... it should already be in your make-up bag! Yep... you heard us right. You can use our Bye Bye Under Eye concealer to cover up any unsightly ink... and it works like a charm! First, start with clean, dry skin. Do not apply any moisturizers before applying the Bye Bye Under Eye or else it won't adhere properly to your skin. Start by dabbing a little bit of product directly on the tattoo (if you're tan you may need to order a darker color for your body). Using our Mini Buffer Brush lightly blend the concealer adding more if you need extra coverage until the product blends into your skin. Next, seal the (very hidden) deal with a bit of translucent power like our Bye Bye Pores. Wow, it's like magic! Your not-so-cool body art is gone for now and will not re-appear until you are ready! We'll understand if you want to rename our product Bye Bye Tacky Tattoo.

Face Sculpting Instructional Guide

2010-09-10T15:48:00.000-07:00

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Publish at Scribd or explore others: learn face

Skip (the made-up look) and Go Naked!

2010-09-10T05:42:00.000-07:00

With the fall comes sweater shopping, chilly nights and going naked? Ya, you read that right! One of the hottest make-up trends this fall is naked, not an ounce of make-up used (lie!), glowy skin. If you've ever looked in the mirror right after rolling out of bed you realize this look isn't literally about heading out the door make-up free (because that can be scary, we know!). As with anything... there's a little effort behind the look.

To get this "I roll out of bed looking this refreshed every day look" start with a sheer tinted moisturizer. If you have any blemishes cover them up with a concealer like Bye Bye Under Eye that will never get caky and will help correct any discoloration your skin has over time. Next, line your lower lash line with a bronzy shadow (check out the shades in Eyes of Seduction Shadow Palette that come with the perfect liner brush) and follow with one coat of mascara. To finish the look, brush a golden bronzer under your cheek bones for a sun-kissed glow and use a highlighter one shade lighter than your skin on your brow and cheek bones. By following these steps you'll have a beautiful, glowy look that brings out your natural beauty. Ok... ready, set, go naked!

Don't Worry, Be Happy!

2010-09-07T05:43:00.000-07:00

If you've ever hung out with a Debby Downer you know it's about as much fun as eating soggy toast. You know the "downer" mood: cranky, annoyed and frustrated paired with a "bitter beer face". Sometimes life can be frustrating... but there is hope for Debby (or you) to see the glass half-full! And it is as easy as flashing a smile!

Flash those pearly whites!

Even when you don't feel like showing off your chompers, the simple act of smiling can make you feel better. Facial feedback is a technical term for messages that are sent to your brain to tell you you're filled with glee. And, if you're smiling, you may seem happy to others and they, in turn, will smile back at you. Looking better will also make you feel better. So, if it's your not-so-pearly-whites that are keeping you from smiling try a blue tinted lip gloss that will counteract the yellow in your teeth for an instant white appearance. Try It Cosmetics Smile-Brightening Collagen Plumping Gloss and notice the difference instantly.

Work up a sweat, girl!

According to Dr. Sonja Lyubomirsky, author of "The How of Happiness", exercise lifts depression just as well as medication. She says four months of working out has been found to be just as effective at treating depression as four months of taking the anti-depressant medication Zoloft. So put on your dancing shoes and start shaking your booty!

Pay it forward!

Feed a stranger's parking meter, hold open a door, or pay for the person's morning java behind you in line. By doing three random acts of kindness one day a week, you'll think you put rose color glasses on! Can you feel the love already? Now come on! Get happy!

Become a "Pretty Little Liar"!

2010-09-03T09:12:00.000-07:00

The ABC Family hit show "Pretty Little Liars" is packed full of serious high school drama, juicy gossip and red-hot fresh faced actors. So much drama, in fact, that it is the most viewed cable show by girls and women alike. And fan favorite Lucy Hale, who plays Aria, is one of the shows many reasons to watch. She has just enough girl-next-door appeal to make you like her... but add in her sexy hair, perfect make-up and to-die-for outfits and you've got a bombshell in the making. Recently, Lucy showed up to the Teen Choice Awards and was literally radiating beauty. It looked as if her make-up took hours to apply (Shh... it's our secret) but her look is astonishingly easy to re-create. First, use a eyeshadow primer like Bye Bye Lid Lines from lash line to brow bone. This will keep your shadow in place long after the party is over. Next, use a bronze shade all over your eye lid. There are several to choose from in the Eyes of Seduction Shadow Palette that will compliment any skin tone. Follow the bronze shadow with a highlight color a few shades lighter than your skin on your brow bone and in between your nose and eyelid. This will make your eyes "pop"! Finish your eyes with a dark brown eye liner on the upper and lower lash lines (smudge, smudge for a smoky look). For Lucy's overall polished look, brush some bronzer below your cheek bones and coat your lips with a clear or nude gloss. A good one to try is Smile-Brightening Collagen Plumping Gloss that goes on clear, gives your lips vavavoom and makes your teeth look whiter!

Give Your Digits Some Love Already!

2010-09-01T08:00:00.000-07:00

A manicure might be one of life's most fabulous little treats. You get massaged, groomed and polished and leave the salon feeling just a little bit better than when you walked in! But all of us know there's not always time to sneak off for some digit-intervention. Thank goodness for our little product called Nail Love . It is seriously jam packed with goodness! It is a super cute pen that comes with a brush tip applicator so your hands don't get messy and a cuticle tool cap to gently push back your cuticles. The pen sells for less than the cost of a mani and is full of Eucalyptus Leaf Oil, Vitamins A, C, E and Pro-Vitamin B5 and Jojoba Seed Oil which is really great stuff. Jojoba Seed Oil is super easily absorbed into your skin and actually discourages some bacterial and fungus from growing. The healing Eucalyptus Leaf Oil can help repair any hang nails or tiny tears around your nails and tons of vitamins deliver exactly what your nails need: Some LOVE! Before you know it your nails will be long and strong, your cuticles will be healthy and your hands will look perfectly kept. So come on! What are you waiting for? Give your digits some love already!

Adios Lid Lines!

2010-08-27T05:28:00.000-07:00

If you're anything like us you get a little grumpy when you spend time picking out an eye shadow shade from any one of the many great brands on the market, applying it and then like clock work your make-up begins to disappear. It can be so frustrating! Plus those pesky lid lines that develop can take a polished, made-up look and well... leave you looking less than polished. Plus everytime you blink, those lid lines make us look unkept, greasy and like we have extra lid wrinkles! Now - a TRUE cure your shadow blues. Drum roll please... welcome Bye Bye Lid Lines to the rescue! It is brand spanking new and we are SO excited for its debut! Bye Bye Lid Lines is an age reverse crease-proof shadow primer that works on all skin shades, glides on and disappears. The product is heaven send and like its cousins Bye Bye Under Eye and Bye Bye Pores the product does its job and then some! The shadow primer is loaded with Hydrolyzed Collagen that helps smooth out any lines and Vitamin K that actually helps reduce discoloration on your lid. The primer will keep your shadow in place while brining out its maximum vibrancy and pigmentation. Plus you get younger looking lids at the same time! Now that's something we can say hello to!

Powder That Makes Pores Go Poof!

2010-08-25T06:44:00.000-07:00

New Beauty Magazine is raving about the magical Bye Bye Pores High Definition Silk Micro-Powder and we understand why! It's a silky smooth, heaven-sent pore erasing translucent powder that lives up to its name, big time! The powder is so silky it feels like pure cashmere on your skin. But its true magical powers come from ingredients like hydrolyzed collagen that help forgive a multitude of skin sins. It glides over your face to fill in enlarged pores, imperfections and fine lines (you know the ones that don't disappear no matter what you do). And if you have any discoloration from acne, rosacea or broken capillaries Vitamin K helps reduce discolorations while anti-oxidants fight off daily environmental damage. So if it's sexy smooth, perfect skin you're lusting after just make a wish, swipe on some of this magical powder and voila... your pores will go poof!

Buff On, Buff Off!

2010-08-23T06:39:00.000-07:00

If a stranger were to peek in your make-up bag would they be a little shocked by the number of brushes and tools scattered around (come on, be honest!)? For many beauty addicts the answer is easily YES. But you have an excuse... there are so many make-up brushes on the market it's hard to know which one is multi-functional. So here's the deal. A small kabuki buffer brush like our Mini Buffer Brush can do the job of just about any brush for your face with precision and ease. Want a few tips? Here you go! Starting with concealer, liquid foundation or powder? No problem! Distribute the product around your face and begin buffing to perfection. Next, use the brush to contour your face with bronzer. Take a product like Get Wet Waterproof Bronzer and use the mini buffer to blend in the bronzer below your cheek bone (if you make a fishy face and suck in your cheeks you'll see exactly where to apply it). Finally, use your favorite blush and dab it on to the apples of your cheeks in a diagonal line up towards your hairline. Now use the buffer brush to blend the color in so it looks like a natural glow. Now you can throw the mini buffer brush in your bag for a weekend getaway without having to pack the equivalent of what you'd find at a beauty supply store! See... you're a pro already!

I do! Do you?

2010-08-17T07:51:00.000-07:00

Summer is quickly coming to an end and so are many of the thousands of weddings held across the country this season. While you're probably excited to ditch the bad bridesmaid dresses or sign the final bill for the big day it's also fun to look back to see what was hot this summer in terms of matrimonial style. One of the biggest events of the summer: former first daughter Chelsea Clinton's wedding to Marc Mezvinsky. It looked like something out of a princess, fairy tale, happily-ever-after-kind-of-book we used to read as little girls. The gowns, the cake, the romantic vows... oh my! It's enough to make any girl start to daydream about her own big day. While most of us only fantasize about designer gowns, multi-tiered cakes and professionally choreographed first dances the new Mrs. Mezvinsky made it a reality. She glowed in a strapless silk organza gown adorned with a crystal encrusted belt designed by Vera Wang (of course!) as she walked down the isle with close to 500 of her closest friends and family looking on. Her make-up was simple and clean with rosy cheeks and sparkling eyes that really "popped". Her eyes were accentuated with a bronze eye shadow similar to shades found in IT Cosmetics Eyes of Seduction Palette in place of a darker liner followed by a few coats of black mascara. And, if you happened to notice her toned arms you're not alone! We did, too. The bride reportedly achieved the svelte look by sweating it out in grueling 60 to 90 minute spinning classes every day. So cheers to Chelsea and Marc and here's to hoping our prince charming is right around the corner!

Big Full Brows... Back Big Time!

2010-08-05T14:09:00.001-07:00

Fall is right around the corner and with it comes one of the hottest beauty trends of the season: full, voluptuous brows. Your eye brows are finally getting the attention they so rightfully deserve because they serve as the frames for your eyes. But if you're like us, you're worried you've plucked a few too many and won't be able to achieve the look! But don't fear...Brow Power is here! Plus a few bonus tips for fab, full brows that give you your most beautiful frame!

A GREAT Brow Product Makes All The Difference!
Use a pencil that natually blends into your brow hair and gives a polished look! Our It Cosmetics Brow Power with Brow Enhancing Technology uses a patent-pending blend of cutting-edge ingredients to target the look of brow hair loss and will even help restore your brow hair follicles. That's beautifully shaped brows with bonus benefits! Plus you get a full face chart included for your perfect frame!

Grow out your Brows
If you're going to embrace the new, fuller brow (think Kim Kardashian), you'll want to start growing them out. So you don't feel overwhelmed (or look like Oscar the Grouch) start one row at a time. It can take up to six months to grow brows... so be patient. In the mean time you can use a highlighter power or shadow slightly lighter than your skin tone on your brow bone to diffuse the look of stubble.

Trim any Hangover
As you grow your brows don't forgot to keep them properly trimmed. Confused on how short to trim then? Take a toothbrush and brush the hairs towards your nose in the opposite direction they grow in. Then carefully trim any hairs that hang over your natural brow shape. Follow the simple steps on our Brow Power chart for the perfect start, arch and end points every time!

By following these easy-to-master tips your brows will look strong yet feminine and you'll have that "Je ne sais quoi" feature everyone will be lusting after but won't know how to copy!

Mama Skin Drama

2010-08-03T12:09:00.000-07:00

Ahhh...you're pregnant, about to experience one of lifes biggest blessings and to top it off, you're skin is "glowing" right??? Unfortunately for many of us, our belly isnt the only bump we get from baby! That's right, pregnancy can severely affect a new mommy's skin. Increased hormone levels, weight gain and sleepless nights can add up so some serious skin issues. But don't fear, some TLC for your skin is here! Here are a few of the most popular pesky pregnancy pop-ups and how to solve them!

Acne
While you're pregnant your body produces extra progesterone that signals your glands to secrete more oil. That extra oil can clog your pores and lead to breakouts. Try using an all natural cleanser that contains the natural ingredient sulfer and is free of harsh chemicals until you have delivered your baby and are done breast feeding. Also, to conceal your blemishes, use a non-comedogenic concealer with calming ingredients such as our Bye Bye Under Eye.

Dark Spots

Skin discoloration happens when elevated hormone levels trigger pigment producing cells resulting in a condition called Melasma. Celeb mommy Brooke Burke has openly admitted to having patchy areas of discoloration on her face and says she combats the problem by using a broad spectrum SPF. Dermatologists recommend staying out of the sun, wearing large hats and always applying sunscreen during and after pregnancy to avoid darkening the areas.

Puffy Eyes
Sporting a baby bump or taking care of the new little one can lead to exhaustion and poor circulation (hello cankles and puffy eyes). But don't fear, cucumbers and concealer are here. Cucumbers are natural diuretics that help beat under-eye bloat. Just slice a cool cuke and put them on your eyes. Follow with a concealer that works overtime to reduce under eye puffiness and discoloration while strengthening the delicate skin around your eye. It Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye does just that plus packs vitamins A, C and E to nurture tired skin.

There are ways to look good and feel good about yourself even if all of the attention seems to be on your new little one. Just make sure to talk to your ob-gyn before using any new products if you're a new mommy.

Sugar Pie, Honey Bun….Be One, Don’t Eat One

2009-09-17T13:13:00.000-07:00

According to the USDA, Americans eat two times the maximum recommended limit of 40 grams of added sugar each day. So I enjoy a brownie sundae every now and then… what’s the problem? Well, as we all know, sugar can lead to weight gain. But it can also lead to metabolic disorder (a precursor to diabetes) and even to cancer.
If the white stuff is so bad, why do we still eat it? Two main reasons: sugar is stealth and sugar will hook you:

1. Sugar is sneaky.
Sure, you know you’re eating it when you’re chowing down on ice cream or cookies, but what about your sugar free pudding? It’s got 6 grams of sugar. A quarter cup of raisins? 29 grams of sugar. Heck! There’s even 11 grams of sugar in your spaghetti sauce. No need to become obsessed, but take a peek at some of your diet’s staples and see if you can find some less sugary alternatives.

2. Sugar is addictive
Researchers at Princeton University who studied binge eating and dependency in rats found that eating large amounts of sugar can induce changes in the brain similar to people who use illegal drugs like cocaine and heroin. After the rats’ sugar supply was taken away, they showed withdrawal symptoms similar to those seen in people who stop smoking, drinking alcohol, or using drugs. Scientists say not everyone is hard wired to be a sugar-holic, just like not everyone has the tendency to become an alcoholic or a drug addict.

So what’s a sugar junkie to do?
-Avoid sugar in the morning. Once you’ve had it, you’ll likely be craving more sweets all day. Start your day off with protein and veggies.
-Look for the code words… maltose, dextrose (glucose), fructose, fruit juice concentrate, corn sweetener, corn syrup, high-fructose, corn syrup, maple syrup, honey, malt syrup, and brown rice syrup…they all mean one thing, sugar!
-Fat-free and low-fat don’t=low sugar. Foods that are lower in fat often have higher amounts of sugar to compensate. Read the labels.

Bottom line: Cut down on sugar and keep your health sweet!

Beach Booty

2009-08-20T14:46:00.000-07:00

The sun is shining, birds are chirping, and beach is beckoning. Still, it’s a bittersweet season. What’s the bitter? If you’re a woman, you don’t have to ask: busting out the bikini…and crossing your fingers that you still fit in it after all those cozy winter nights watching reruns of The Hills with our buddies Ben n’ Jerry. So you face your fears and look yourself in the mirror…not so bad! But many women forget that although you don’t see your backside in the mirror… the rest of the world does. To get a perfect booty like beach bunny Jessica Biel, you might need to sign your life away to the gym. But to fake a perfect Biel bum, all you need is a brush and some contouring and highlighting powders. Simply brush a waterproof contouring shade in a circle around the perimeter of each “cheek.” Then take a highlighting shade and fill in the circle! This bootylicious little trick will create the appearance of a perfectly sculpted bum in seconds. Go ahead beach babe, strut your stuff knowing you look hot…front and back.

When to go O!

2009-08-18T11:59:00.000-07:00

The organic apples or the non-organics…That is the question! But what exactly does this incredibly popular (and uber healthy-sounding) buzzword actually mean?! Simply stated, organic products are grown or created without the use of pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, sewage sludge, genetically modified organisms, or ionizing radiation. When it comes to animals that produce meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products, organic means they are not given antibiotics or growth hormones. Hmmm…sounds like organic is pretty darn good. But if you’ve compared organic and non-organic at the grocery store, you’ve noticed that organic is going to cost you. If your pocketbook doesn’t allow for a complete organic transformation, you should focus on going-O for certain products that have the highest content of pesticides, additives, and hormones. If you get your five daily servings of fruits and veggies from the 12 most contaminated produce items, you’ll end up consuming an average of TEN different pesticides a day. Ew!! To avoid chowing down on pesticides, go organic when it comes to these 12 most contaminated items:

-Apples
-Cherries
-Grapes
-Nectarines
-Peaches
-Pears
-Raspberries
-Strawberries
-Bell Peppers
-Celery
-Potatoes
-Spinach

Want to save a little green? No need to go organic for the following “safe” foods: Bananas, kiwi, mangos, papaya, and pineapples. Organic fruits and veggies typically cost 50% more than their generic versions, but when it comes to the dirty dozen list above…it’s well worth it!

Get cheeky, darling!

2009-08-10T14:14:00.000-07:00

Ever see those supermodels with insanely high cheekbones and assume you would have to be scary waif skinny to get them? Think again! You can be a healthy, beautiful girl AND have supermodel cheekbones. All it takes is a little sculpting. Here’s how.
1.Take a contouring shade (like those found in My Sculpted Face), one to two shades darker than your skin tone, blend it along the line underneath your cheekbone. Not sure where that is? Make a “fish face” and fill the indented line in with your contouring powder.
2.Take your favorite blush and a blush brush. Dip the brush into your blush, then lightly touch it to the top of your hand to get off the excess. Pop the brush right on the apple of each cheek then blend. Blush belongs on the apple…nowhere else!
3.Using a fan brush, sweep highlighter along the top of your cheekbone and up around the outside corner of your eyes.
4.Work it. That’s right. You’ve got supermodel cheekbones so strut your stuff, girl!

Get out of your makeup rut…

2009-08-08T13:07:00.000-07:00

How’d you do your makeup today? Look anything like it did yesterday? Mine is pretty much identical. If you’re anything like me, you have fallen into a makeup rut. And you can’t get up! But it’s time we mix it up. Yes, it takes a little more thought in the morning, but the results…oh so worth it! Need a little inspiration to draw out your inner beauty chameleon? Check out these pictures of Scarlett Johansson, a beauty whose look is constantly evolving:

Perfect Brush, Flawless Face

2009-07-30T12:57:00.000-07:00

An artist can have the finest paints in the world… but without the proper brushes, her planned masterpiece will be more of a kindergartener’s finger painting than a Monet landscape. The same goes for your most precious canvas: your face. Experts agree that the proper tools are just as important as quality makeup when it comes to achieving your most beautiful face. That’s why It Cosmetics is introducing to you the Dual Concealer & Micro Concealer Brush. A tool that allows you to apply your concealer with precision and control….creating the most flawless portrait of you!

Here’s how:

1. Using your finger or a regular sized concealer brush to cover a zit will make it look cakey and may actually bring more attention to your blemish. Use the Micro-Concealer end to cover up a pimple. The precise coverage will hide your zit completely, but naturally.

2. Banish under eye circles by combining the forces of your concealer brush and your Bye Bye Under Eye concealer. The full concealer brush allows you to sweep on your concealer to fully cover your circles, while blending it so you appear natural and flawless.

3. Love using My Sculpted Face to contour? Make your contouring even more dramatic by using a concealer one shade lighter than your skin tone along with the full concealer brush end. Sweep the light concealer along any area where you typically place highlighter. Cover with your foundation, finishing powder, and normal contouring. This will double the impact of your contouring!

4. Multi-task. The precision coverage that is possible with the Dual Concealer Brush allows you to forgo the concealer in a pinch and use your foundation as both an all over cover and a micro concealer. After applying foundation to your face, use your brush to layer foundation on over blemishes, age spots, and dark circles until you’ve achieved your desired coverage.

5. Age spots are no match for the Dual Concealer Brush. Based on the size of your age spot, you may want to use the micro or the regular end. After your foundation, use the brush to blend a tiny amount of concealer over your spot. You’ll look positively ageless, darling!

6. If you’re an on –the-go gal, rest assured that your dual-ended brush is your faithful companion. Thanks to one fully retractable end and a cap on the other end, you can take your brush around the globe…mess free!

7. Looking for a natural look? Forgo foundation altogether and use your brush to cover flaws with your favorite concealer. The brush allows for the ultimate in blending, making the most natural, flawless look possible.

8. Sick of your spider legs? The micro-concealer end of the brush is your best defense. Dip the tiny tip of the brush into your concealer and run it over your spider vein, blending as you go.

9. Think concealer brushes are just for concealer? Think again! Maximize your eye cream by applying it with the full end of the concealer brush. The brush will ensure maximum coverage and the gentle blending action will allow your cream to penetrate deep, stimulating your cells healing and regenerating processes.

10. Open up your eyes by using the micro-concealer end to dab your concealer in the inner corner of your eye. This area between your nose and inner eye tends to be dark. By covering it your eyes will look more awake and well-rested.

You’ve already got the perfect canvas, now grab your fabulous brush and your It Cosmetics makeup, and create your own masterpiece!

The One

2009-07-21T10:00:00.000-07:00

When it comes to packing for a summer weekend getaway, most women find themselves wanting two things: 1. To bring enough products to look good and 2. To not pack their entire makeup cabinet. But where’s the happy medium? The secret lies in multi-tasking products. This summer’s all-in-one solution: Get Wet Waterproof Bronzer and Highlighter. Throw it in your handbag and look fabulous all weekend. Its uses are endless, but here are 10 to get you started.
1. Look sun kissed before you ever hit the beach by sweeping the bronzer in an “E” shape over your forehead, cheekbones, and chin.
2. Get glowin’ by brushing the shimmer highlighter above your cheekbones giving you an instantly dewy effect.
3. Forget brining an extra palette of eye shadows. Sweep the bronzer over lids for a neutral shadow that makes your eye color pop.
4. Look as well rested as your get away is making you feel. Placing a dot of highlighter in the inner corners of your eyes and sweeping a bit under the eye brow will open up your eyes.
5. Dip a brow brush in the bronzer and use it to fill in any sparse areas in your eye brows.
6. Contour your cheekbones by blending the bronzer into the line directly under your cheekbone.
7. Get the appearance of a straighter nose by running a thin, straight line of the shimmer highlighter down the center of your nose.
8. Sweep the highlighter over your collar bones and brush it in a circular motion on your shoulders to look instantly healthier and thinner.
9. Blend the bronzer underneath your chin to define your jaw line and reduce the appearance of a double chin.
10. Run a line of highlighter from your hip bone, down the center of your legs to create the appearance of longer, slimmer legs.

Now that you look beautiful, bronzed, and glowing, go ahead and swim, sweat, and play! Your gorgeous look is 100% waterproof and sweat-proof. Just use a makeup removing wipe, or cleanser and water to remove. The search is over…you’ve finally found “the one.”

Slim, Trim Arms...Instantly!

2009-07-17T09:21:00.000-07:00

Nothing says “I work out,” like a pair of slim, toned arms and shoulders. They’re the sexiest accessory to every summer halter top, strapless dress, and bikini. But who really has the time (or the desire) to do pushups and bicep curls when there are so many barbecues, outdoor movies, and summer strolls to be had? Get the best of both worlds with this simple trick. Simply run a line of shimmer highlighter (make sure it’s waterproof!) in a straight vertical line, down the center of your arm. Start with a circle of highlighter on each of your shoulders and run the line down to your wrists. Light will reflect off the highlighted line, creating the illusion of a slimmer arm, along with a healthy dewy glow!

Pucker Up, Pretty Lips!

2009-07-13T19:41:00.000-07:00

There’s nothing sexier on a summer night out then a pair of luscious red lips. But we’re the first to admit the red pouts that are so hot on the red carpet are not easy to pull off in the real world. Here are five red lipstick rules to follow for a perfect kisser.

1. Balance
If you’ve got red lips, they should be the focus of your face. This means color should be used sparingly on eyes and cheeks. Nothing worse than bright red lips, super pink cheeks, and colorful eyes. That’s clown-ish, not goddess-ish. Instead, work neutral browns, coppers, or even a little smoky gray on the eyes, and keep your blush subtle.

2. Lock it in
Red lipstick tends to bleed more than any other color, so take extra steps to keep it where it belongs….on your luscious lips! Start with a reversible lip liner around the perimeter of your lips. Then line just below your lips with a neutral liner (creating the illusion of a poutier lower lip.

3. Be Blue
Wear red lipstick and one thing is for certain…everyone you talk to will be focusing in on your mouth. Make sure your teeth look white by picking a blue based red. Unfortunately, many beautiful shades of red are orange based, emphasizing any yellow in your teeth. Choose a blue red, or top your favorite lipstick shade with It Smile Brightening Blue Gloss.

4. Mix it up
Bought a lipstick that’s too bright or too dark? Don’t throw it away. Use it to mix up your own perfect red. Choose shades that are in a palette and mix easily, or mash up a piece from your lipstick tube…use a lip brush to blend your ideal shade. You’ll be the Monet of lipstick!

5. Make it Stick
If you really want your red to stay in place all day, be sure to blot. After applying your first coat of lipstick, press your lips over a tissue and blot. Follow with a dusting of loose powder. Top off with another coat of lipstick. Your fabulous red won’t go anywhere!

So Long, Circles!

2009-07-09T10:17:00.000-07:00

Are you a busy mom, worn out from chasing your little ones all day…never quite able to catch a full night’s sleep? Or perhaps a career gal: conquering the business world during the day, and busy being the belle of the ball at night? Wherever you’re at in life, the result of a too crazy schedule is the same: besides crabby moods and a desperate need for multiple doses of caramel frappuccinos…we’re usually plagued with under eye circles and bags. For others, these pesky dark circles are a daily reality, thanks to genes, allergies, or illness. Either way, under eye circles need to pack their bags and leave. Here’s how to give them the boot:

1. Food and water
Many cosmetic problems can be attributed to vitamin deficiencies. Dark circles and puffiness are often the result of a lack of vitamin K or inadequate antioxidants, as well as not enough B12. To get your fill, load up on plenty of fruits and veggies—especially cabbage, spinach, and other leafy greens. Adequate fluids improve circulation, even to your under eyes, so drink up!

2. Chill Circles.

Place cool, caffeinated tea bags, an ice cube wrapped in a cloth, or cucumber slices to your eyes. Tannin in tea bags has been shown to reduce swelling and discoloration. Cucumbers and ice can combat puffiness. Lie down in the morning and set your chiller of choice over your eyes (lids closed) for 10-15 minutes.

3. Reduce salt intake.

Since salt can cause the body to retain water, too much of it may be the culprit of under eye puffiness. It can also impair blood circulation, making blood vessels under the skin appear blue. Consider cutting out the extra salt in your diet and see if it affects your circles.

4. Cover them up!

There are many techniques you can use for reducing those awful circles, but reality is we almost ALL have discoloration or circles that won’t budge completely. Cover them up with a high coverage, moisturizing formula like Bye Bye Under Eye. Bye Bye is packed with Vitamin K, which is clinically proven to reduce discoloration under the skin, as well as Collagen and Vitamins A, C, and E which reduce under eye puffiness and strengthen delicate under eye skin.

5. Maybe it’s allergies.

Allergies can cause skin discoloration under the eyes. If they’re the root of your circles, you’ll need to treat the allergen to treat the circles. Talk to a dermatologist to figure out what you’re allergic to. People with allergies tend to be deficient in B6, folic acid, and B12 so taking a multivitamin may help.

6. Count Sheep.

What’s the best thing you can do to kick the circles to the curb? Rest up! Besides playing a large part in creating the circles themselves, lack of sleep makes skin paler (increasing appearance of dark under eyes). So turn off your computer, chop some cucumbers for your eyes, and get some zzz’s…you deserve it!

Lovely Lashes

2009-06-29T14:35:00.000-07:00

The one staple of your beauty routine. The thing that wakes you up, makes you look most feminine, and tops off a perfect look. Mascara. Many of us won’t even leave the house without its eyelash extending powers. But why stop with mascara! In today’s beauty world there are several ways to take lashes from sparse to spectacular. Check out your options and bat those beautiful lashes!

False Eyelashes
Mascara can work wonders but if you want really dramatic lashes…fake it! Want a natural look? Get individual lashes which are easy to apply (just use tweezers, dot glue on the tips and set them in your lash line) or consider a half strip of lashes. If you’re going out or going to have your picture taken, go all out! Full lashes can be tricky if you’re a newbie, so be sure to practice once before your big day.

Lash Primer
You condition your hair everyday (or at least several times a week I hope!) but what about your lashes? We cover them in black sludge (a.k.a. mascara) everyday and wonder why they are sparse and less than fabulous. Treat your lashes to some deep conditioning and protection by sweeping on a nourishing lash primer before you apply your mascara. Really want to nourish them? Follow up your eye cream with lash primer before you go to sleep. Be sure your primer is chock full of amino acids and vitamins to stimulate lash growth.

Latisse
The FDA approved Latisse, an eyelash-thickening agent which was created for people with hypotrichosis (too few lashes) and contains bimatroprost, which is used in glaucoma treatments. Studies have shown it does significantly increase lash growth. The potential side effects include itchy eyes, eye redness, changes in skin color, and even a permanent darkening of the iris. Hmmmmm, longer lashes are tempting, but these possible side effects sound a little extreme!

Amped Up Mascara
Why just let your mascara darken your lashes when it could be growing and nourishing them too? Make sure your mascara is full of collagen, anti-oxidants, vitamins, and amino acids. Healthy lashes are beautiful lashes.

Sun (less) Goddess

2009-06-15T08:26:00.000-07:00

We all know the ills of sunbathing and tanning beds: skin cancer, wrinkles, age spots, burns…you know the lecture by heart. But does that stop us from wanting to trade in our Anne Hathaway white skin for a little J. Lo glow? Not for a second! Whether you’re looking for a full body long lasting tan, or just a hint of bronze on the face and décolleté, we’ve got your sun-kissed look covered here:

-For an instantly bronzed look, sweep a matte bronzer (avoid shimmer bronzers which can accentuate double chins, large foreheads, and not-so-perfect noses) in an “E” shape along the hairline, into the cheeks, and over the jaw line. This technique creates the illusion that the sun has naturally hit you in all the right places.

-Orange….maybe you aren’t so bad! Orange is typically a word you want to run away from when it comes to your appearance, but we may have found the exception. Okay, so it’s more of a peach. Check out the Revolution Organics Beauty Balm in Sunkissed for a natural, peachy blushed look on your lips, cheeks, and eyes.

-You glow girl! Nothing says, “I’ve been kissed by the sun,” like a radiant glow. Sweep a shimmer highlighter above the cheekbones, on your collar bones, and on the tips of your shoulders for a glow that appears to come from within.

-Sun kiss your lips. Lips that have been slightly sunned have a hot pink hue. Mimic this look (minus the sun damage) with a raspberry-toned gloss. Already have some fine lines around the mouth from the sun? Get a bang for your buck with a product like My Youthful Smile, which has raspberry colored gloss on one end, and a wrinkle filling primer for smile lines on the other.

-A hint of all over color. For a subtle color change, try a gradual tanner like Nivea’s Sun Kissed Beautiful Legs moisturizer. Or, try mixing a bit of your favorite self tanner with your body lotion.

-“Yes I have been vacationing in the Bahamas thank you very much.” If you’ve got a wedding, reunion, or other big event you want to look perfectly bronzed for, consider getting an airbrush tan. After one too many streak disasters from the spray on booths (think the Friends episode where Ross gets one). An airbrush costs a little more than the booths…typically around $50. But with a professional preventing (or instantly fixing) any streaks, and a perfect tan that will last 5-10 days, it may just be worth it!

It Cosmetics LOVES Designer Tracy Reese

2009-06-08T08:30:00.000-07:00

Just imagine Anne Hathaway strutting her stuff in a fabulous high fashion gown, getting to the end of the red carpet and flashing a sultry, although slightly coffee stained grin, for the paparazzi. Yeah right…never! Nothing makes a better fashion accessory than a vibrant white smile and plump, luscious lips. That’s why fashion designer Tracy Reese invited It Cosmetics to take part in her New York sample sale beginning on June 16th…Shoppers will receive a free goodie bag of full-sized makeup products like the It Cosmetics Signature Smile Brightening Gloss! In addition to a treasure filled gift bag, all spring clothes by Tracy Reese will be 60-80%. Get there early to make sure you get your goodie bag and the prime pickings from the Tracy Reese collection! Not a New Yorker? Not a problem. Tracy has stores all over the country: http://www.tracyreese.com/ and you can order your own lip plumping, teeth brightening lip gloss right here at itcosmetics.com.
Sample sale info: June 16-17, 8 a.m.-7 p.m., June 18, 2 a.m.-2 p.m. (250 W. 39th St. New York, NY)

Your Best Legs Ever

2009-06-02T10:11:00.000-07:00

It’s summer and that means one thing: legs. Everywhere. In everything. Whether it’s your swimsuit, sundress, or running shorts, your legs must stop hibernating in your jeans and sweats and face the world. Sound a little scary? Don’t worry. We’ve got your back…or should we say we’ve got your thighs? Either way, follow these five steps and in no time, people will be asking if you’re the girl from the Nair commercial.

1. Scrub and Shave
Chances are you’ve let the skin on your legs go. After all no one (except an adoring boyfriend perhaps) has seen them all winter. Slough away dry skin and flakes to reveal the smooth, less-scaly skin underneath. I prefer Neutrogena’s Energizing Sugar Scrub. Simply rub the scrub in circular motions, from your thighs to your feet, during a warm shower. For extra exfoliation, apply using a loofah. Exfoliating before shaving makes for a smoother shave, as it gets rid of all the dead skin cells that clog up your razor. Once you’ve exfoliated, lather up your legs with a thick shaving cream and shave using a brand new razor.
2. Caffeinate
Whether you’ve got cellulite or just want to tighten up your tush and legs, it all comes down to caffeine. Caffeine tightens skin for the appearance of firmer, smoother legs instantly. Rub your legs with a tightening cream like My Firm Legs primer, that contains caffeine, collagen, and antioxidants once a day after your shower or bath.
3. Get em’ glowing
A little color on your legs can cover a multitude of flaws. But don’t you dare hit the beach without SPF or run to the tanning salon. For subtle, natural looking color, I love Nivea’s Sun Kissed Beautiful Legs Gradual Tan Moisturizer. It smells nice, goes on evenly, and BONUS includes ingredients which allow you to shave less often. For more dramatic color you can’t go wrong with St. Tropez’s line of sunless tanners or Clarins Self-Tanning Gel. Just remember to put lotion on your knees and around your ankles before and after applying the tanner.
4. Contour
Now that your legs are smooth, hair free, and have a subtle glow, it’s time to shape them to perfection. Hit the gym for 8 million lunges? Yeah right. The simplest way to make your legs look longer and leaner is to take a waterproof highlighter powder and run a straight line right up the center of your leg, from the ankle, up the shin, and all the way up your thigh. This will draw the eye to the long, center line creating that legs for days illusion. Really want to sculpt your legs? With body makeup the possibilities are endless: shape calves, slim thighs, or lift your booty in minutes.
5. Finishing Touches
Now that your limbs are lovely, make sure your shoe wardrobe only maximizes their smokin’ hot appearance. Consider investing in a pair of heels that match your skin tone. Nude heels blend with your legs to give the appearance that they are several inches longer. If you have short legs, avoid wearing shoes with ankle straps as they will cut your legs off making them look shorter.

Who where’s short shorts? Now you can. Get out there girl and show em’ some leg!

Are you ready to say Bye Bye to under eye circles and discoloration for good? Check out these ladies who said ‘yes I am!’

2009-05-31T10:41:00.000-07:00

Working hand in hand with the leading plastic surgeons in Brazil, It Cosmetics introduces Bye Bye Under Eye, a full coverage, highly pigmented anti-aging concealer utilizing truly innovative technology and ingredients – giving women the power to finally say “bye bye” to those stubborn under-eye issues!

Bye Bye Under Eye offers a waterproof, yet moisturizing formula that will stay put no matter what. The truly innovative formula contains high concentrations of Vitamins K, A, C, E and Collagen - clinically proven to reduce under eye puffiness and discoloration while strengthening the delicate skin of the under eye area.

More than just full coverage for under the eyes, the formula was developed, tested and is now used to conceal facial bruising and swelling on the face and body of surgery patients in the offices of some of the leading plastic surgeons in

Brazil

. For these patients highly pigment coverage is important – but more than that, they desire a moisturizing formula that won’t cling to fine lines and wrinkles and also contains skin loving and healing ingredients. Out of these needs and refinements, and after over a year of development to get it just right, Bye Bye Under Eye was born.

“This formula is so highly pigmented that just a little goes a long way. Simply use a small pea-sized amount and with your finger (or a concealer brush) gently pat under and around your eye,” says Jamie Kern, makeup expert and creator of It Cosmetics™. “Using your pinky finger, pat a bit of concealer into the small indents along each upper side of the nose, between your bridge and the inner corner of your eyes. The skin in this area thins as we age and appears more blue, like a dark under eye circle. Concealing this area as well will make you appear instantly healthier and more youthful.”

Additionally, the ultra-fine and creamy formula won’t cling to fine lines and wrinkles thereby not making them more visible as some concealers do. Bye Bye Under Eye is great for all skin tones and comes in four shades; light, neutral medium, tan and deep.

To Use: Apply to bare skin, underneath foundation. Set with powder if preferred. Remove with regular soap or makeup remover.

Neutral, Not Natural!

2009-05-13T16:25:00.000-07:00

Ever see those girls on the beach who are gorgeous, bronzed, and glowing but seem to be wearing little to no makeup? I’m sure you know and envy these “natural” beauties as much as I do. How DO they do it! Are they born with this natural beauty? Yeah right… The trick to getting this “I woke up this gorgeous” look is in the neutrals, not the natural. Here’s how you get it:
Step 1: If you’re fair skinned, use a self tanner the night before you are going for this look. I prefer Clarins Self Tanning Instant gel for the body and their Liquid Bronze Self Tanning lotion for the face.
Step 2: Use foundation only if you need it. Try something with light coverage like Maybelline’s Dream Matte Mousse Foundation. If you’re into mineral makeup (I think it looks gorgeous, but it breaks my skin out) swirl on a light layer. Use foundation sparingly…you want your skin to shine through. If your skin is next to flawless, try just using a tinted moisturizer like Neutrogena’s Healthy Skin Enhancer.
Step 3: Conceal any imperfections: blemishes, undereye circles, etc. with a cream concealer. Set your foundation and concealer with a touch of translucent loose powder, using a fluffy powder brush.
Step 3: Use a brow powder to fill any sparse spots in your brows.
Step 4: Apply a bronze or copper shimmer eye shadow all over your lid. Any of the four colors that make up the bottom right corner of the Eyes of Seduction shadow palette will make your eye color pop! Now, apply the same shade along your lower lash line.
Step 5: Finish off your eye shadow with a tiny bit of a golden shimmer shadow in the inner corner of your eye and right below your eye brow.
Step 5: Curl your lashes, then add black mascara to the top and bottom lashes.
Step 6: Now, take a bronzer and sweep it in the shape of an “E” on both sides of your face: across your forehead, along your temple, under the cheekbone, and under the chin.
Step 7: Using an apricot shade of blush, pop the color directly to the apple of your cheeks.
Step 8: This step will give you the glow…Take a neutral highlighter and using a blush brush or a fan brush, sweep it over the top of your cheekbones and up around the outer corner of your eyes.
Step 8: Find a neutral pinky-beige lip color you love (make sure it’s blue based!) and cover your lips.
Step 9: Finally dab your favorite gloss in the center of your bottom lip. This will guarantee a sexy pouty lip!
Follow these steps and you’ll be an au natural beauty in no time!!

Clarisonic

2009-05-09T12:52:00.000-07:00

We love the little spinning bristles and deep clean feeling we get from the Sonicare toothbrush, but have the makers of the dental care phenomenon translated their revolutionary brush to a skin care must have? I hope so!! I received The Clarisonic for Christmas this year and I am so excited to be putting it to the test. The Clarisonic Skin Care Brush uses sonic frequency of more than 300 movements per second to clean your skin in 60 seconds. They claim the micro-massage action cleans more than twice as effectively as manual cleansing and that you’ll notice a reduction in the appearance of pores, improved sin tone, and fewer fine lines. All this from a skin brush? I’m a little skeptical, but the before and after pictures on the website are pretty impressive. Let us know if you’ve tried the Clarisonic and if you’ve found it worth the $200 price tag. I’ll keep you updated on my Clarisonic adventure and if the claims are true, I’ll post a picture of some newly fabulously flawless skin in the next few weeks!

Hide n' Heal!

2009-05-03T15:39:00.000-07:00

It’s the ultimate dilemma. You have a huge zit. You want to slather it in zip zapping cream and let it dry up, but you simply can’t face the world with this grotesque red bump. Yet you know your concealer will likely clog your pores and make your zit even worse. What’s a girl to do?! Grab the latest in makeup for acne prone skin. Brands like Physician’s Formula, Neutrogena, and Almay have come out with lines of skin clearing makeup. They contain salicylic acid, which works as an exfoliant, promoting the sloughing away of dead skin sells, keeping pores clear of cellular debris. Plus, most of these pimple-friendly cosmetics are oil free, perfect for oily-acne prone skin. So have your cake and eat it too…or in this case, heal your zit and still get to leave the house!

IT LOVES CANADA!!!

2009-04-30T15:05:00.000-07:00

Hello Canada! This month It Cosmetics officially launched in Canada and we are so excited to call The Shopping Channel our Canadian home!

And ‘home’ it sure feels like already. The TSC team is fantastic. They are so passionate about bringing quality products to everyone and committed to their customers. We truly are honored to be a part of the TSC family!

We were introduced to the fantastic coffee from Tim Hortons (We had the coffee every morning and then the Iced Cappuccino Supreme every evening…yum!!!).

And to our surprise and delight, we were welcomed into Canada with open arms on the Steven and Chris Show!!! Their Beauty Expert Sandy Gold chose our Get Wet bronzer and her summer favorite! Thank you so much for such a kind honor!

Be sure to check out our It page on The Shopping Channel’s website and thanks so much again for such a warm welcome! It Loves Canada!!!

Are you that into HIM?

2009-04-27T14:25:00.000-07:00

He’s just not that into you. If you’re a woman who is still part of the dating world, there’s a pretty good chance you’ve read the book. And seen the movie. And discussed it in depth with your girlfriends. You’ve had it drilled into your head that none of these are excuses for a man not asking you out:

-He doesn’t want to ruin the friendship.
-He’s intimidated by me.
-He just wants to take it slow.
-He gave me his number…maybe I’ll just call him!
-He forgot to remember me…maybe I should remind him?

We get it already! But let’s flip this little situation around. What if you’ve been dating your man for awhile and you’re wondering if YOUR that into HIM? Check out these five tell-tale signs that you’re “just not that into him.”
1. Spending time with him feels more like an obligation than something you do for enjoyment. You used to look forward to seeing him. Even if you lived together, you couldn’t wait to come home to him. But now, you’d rather be doing other things with your time. You resent your single gal pals for their freedom.
2. You frequently complain about him to your friends.

Your friends tell you that you either need to fix it or end it. Listen to your friends. They’ve seen you happy and if you’re miserable, they’ll be able to tell you when you may be justifying it to yourself.
3. You imagine yourself dating other men. You find yourself wondering what it would be like to be with someone else. You may have someone in particular in mind, or you may just wonder in general. What if you could do better? What if you are just settling? If you think you might be "settling" for him then you probably are. If you've been with your boyfriend for a long time or since a young age, you probably haven't had the opportunity to really explore what else is out there, and you might start wondering.

4. His quirks that once made him endearing to you are now just plain annoying. You thought it was cute on the first few dates, then it sort of got on your nerves, but now it annoys the heck out of you. Also, things that you never liked about him but you "tolerated" now seem more important, and you aren't overlooking them as much.

5. You think he’s trying too hard. His extravagant, romantic gifts annoy you. The dozen red roses most women would melt over make you just a bit nauseous.

If one or more of these signs sound familiar, flip the familiar "He's Just Not That Into You" phrase and ask yourself, "Am I really that into him?" If not...move on. You deserve it.

A bath time toast...

2009-04-13T09:58:00.000-07:00

Think vino is just for drinking? Think again. Turns out wine is relaxing, whether you drink it…or bathe in it! Stars like Terri Hatcher swear by this beauty secret to keep their skin soft and radiant. How’s it work? Well, a substance called resveratrol can be extracted from grapes. It’s an antibiotic-like substance that protects the vines from fungus. When it comes to your skin, resveratrol not only keeps the skin surface firm, but it also improves elasticity. Even better, it stimulates cell multiplication, keeping skin young and rejuvenated. But don’t think you need to go out and spend a fortune on fine wine. Just save a glass from your bottle of dinner wine to add to your bathwater. When the dinner party’s over…light some candles, put on some soft music, and soak in the grapey goodness.

Let’s raise a toast…to the wine bath!

Keira Reveals her Busty Secret

2009-04-06T09:56:00.000-07:00

Keira Knightley is notoriously flat-chested. No surprises here…the girl doesn’t have an ounce of body fat on her tiny frame! We give Keira props for staying out of Dr. 90210’s office. Yet in Pirates of the Carribean, her bosom is absolutely spilling over the top of her corset. Her secret? Miss Knightley confesses its all thanks to bosom makeup.

"And I loved it, completely loved it. Because it was the first time in my life I had big t**s, and I didn't even need surgery,” Knightley said.

While bust enhancement via makeup was a common practice in the history of cinematography, it has faded due to the celebrity breast implant craze that has swept over Hollywood.

"They painted my t**s on me for the films, which is extraordinary because it's kind of a dying art form - in the past, they used to have whole sections of the studios devoted to bosom make-up,” Knightley said.

Keira says makeup artists spent 45 minutes every morning before filming, taking her from completely flat to a busty babe. 45 minutes? Girl, we can do it in 5. It Cosmetics has packaged up this trick, that was once exclusive to stars like Keira, and made it simple and affordable to the everyday woman. The “My Beautiful Breasts” kit can give you larger breasts, enhanced cleavage, a breast lift, or if you’ve been “too” blessed, the kit can give you smaller breasts too. Don’t worry Keira, we’re Fed Exing you a kit today!

The Early Show's Skinniest Secrets

2009-04-02T13:32:00.000-07:00

It Cosmetics loves the Early Show! Check out this segment that shows you easy tips and tricks to looking slimmer...no gyms or diets required. Our favorite Early Show tip? Smokin' Hot Legs of course...the kit that gives you less cellulite, more muscle definition, and longer, leaner legs!

Sweat Box

2009-03-31T10:00:00.000-07:00

After I workout, the first thing I want to do is rinse off all the sweat. Pretty natural, right? I thought so, but lately I’ve been noticing that when some of the regulars at my gym get off the treadmill, they hit the sauna, not the showers. Since I couldn't fathom why anyone would want to get more sweaty post-workout, I decided to see what the hype over this hot box is all about. What happens to your body during a sauna is pretty simple: metabolism and pulse rates increase, blood vessels get more flexible, and circulation improves. Sauna junkies say they feel a psychological peace and physical rejuvenation. Others claim the sauna relieves symptoms of minor colds, revives muscles after a tough sweat fest, and clears up pesky pimples all by releasing toxins through your sweat. Saunas are supposed to leave you with heightened senses and a feeling of being very much alive.
Dr. Oz says that in an infrared sauna, you can burn as much as 700 calories in an hour without lifting a finger! To take a sauna, shower, enter the sauna...don't stay in for more than 15 minutes to start, cool down, and then shower again to rinse away the toxins your body has just released. All these benefits from relaxing in a warm box? I’ve talked myself into it. Definitely making a sauna stop after my next workout!

Get Fabulash!

2009-03-25T12:51:00.000-07:00

Maybe she’s born with it…um, maybe not! Ever jealous over those ultra long lashes that models and stars flaunt? Chances are…they’re falsies. False eye lashes are no longer for the celebrity A-list. With a couple of practice rounds you too can have long, thick lashes for your night on the town. Just follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Set your falsies on your eyelid to get a preview. If you’re using a full strip, you may need to trim them to fit your eye, using tiny scissors.
Step 2: Apply a thin line of adhesive to the base of the false eyelash. White glue will dry clear. Wait 15-30 seconds to allow the adhesive to become tacky.
Step 3: Holding the lash hairs (away from the lashband and glue), apply the false lashes as close to the natural lash line as possible. Some people prefer to hold the lashes with a pair of tweezers as they apply.
Tip: Start at the outer corner of the eye and move inwards.
Step 4: Once the outside corner is down, work inward, pressing false lashes into the lashline until the entire band is in place.
Tip: Leave eyelid shut until the lash glue has dried. Wait approximately 1 minute if possible.
Step 5: Once you’re sure your lashes have completely dried, very gently use your eye lash curler and give your new lashes a small curl.
Tip: To help blend in your new lashes apply a small layer of black liquid liner to the base of your real and false eyelashes, as well as a coat of black mascara over the two lash layers.

If you’ve never applied false eyelashes, give yourself a couple of practice rounds before you try it out for a real event. We’d hate for you to be a gluey mess in public. For more believable (and easier to apply!) lashes, try applying a half strip to the outer corners of your lashes. Short on time? Apply several, single false eye lashes through out your lash line for a subtle addition to your own lashes.

Shape Up!

2009-03-25T09:00:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite things about working at It Cosmetics is helping women to draw out their natural and unique beauty. Beauty comes in all shapes, ages, and sizes. It also comes in a range of face shapes. My Sculpted Face allows you to hide a double chin, create cheekbones, or narrow your nose, but it also allows you to perfectly define God’s masterpiece…your face!
Square: Square faces have a broader jaw line and forehead. To soften up the angularity of a square face, apply a matte contouring shade (1 to 2 shades darker than your skin tone) to all four corners of your face. Then, highlight the center of your forehead, on top of the cheekbones, and your chin, using a white matte or shimmer highlighter. Add a pop of blush to the apples of your cheeks and you’ve just softened up your square! Square-faced stars include Calista Flockheart and Demi Moore.
Round: The good news about a round face…they are typically associated with youth! You have a circle face if your measurements are the same for the length and width and your face has a circle look to it (think Kate Winslet and Drew Barrymore). The distance between the forehead and the chin is shorter, creating full cheeks. To define your cheek bones, brush your contouring shade directly underneath your cheek (to make it simple, make a fish face and contour along the line of definition you’ve created). Then place your highlighting powder above the cheekbone.
Heart: Heart shaped faces are wide at the forehead and narrow down to the chin…just like a heart! Famous sweetheart faces include Lisa Kudrow and Jennifer Love Hewitt. To create a more proportional face, apply your contouring shade to the edge of the forehead, near your hair line, and along the temples.
Oval: The length of your face is longer than the width of your face, typically one and a half times longer. Your face is shaped like: Julia Roberts, Tyra Banks, or Jessica Alba. Because you have a perfectly proportioned face (lucky!) you don’t need any contouring, except to slim your nose, hide a double chin, or sculpt more defined cheekbones.

Whether you’re square, round, heart, or oval, embrace your shape…it’s beautiful on you.

Get Happy, Be Grateful!

2009-03-24T10:00:00.000-07:00

Are you happy? We seem to be on a never-ending quest to attain happiness. Whether it’s finally saving up enough for those Jimmy Choos, dreaming about having a baby, or planning for a big vacation to Hawaii. Happiness always seems to be in the near future. But we at It Cosmetics have found what helps us most to be happy today is to remember what we’re grateful for. No, it’s not always easy to be Pollyanna, but keeping a gratitude list has been scientifically proven to increase happiness! Check out these results from a study of those who kept a “thankful for” list:

-Those who kept gratitude journals on a weekly basis ended up exercising more regularly, reporting fewer sicknesses, and feeling better about their lives as a whole.
-People who kept a gratitude list were also more optimistic about the upcoming week compared to others who wrote about hassles or neutral life events.
-Participants who kept gratitude lists were more likely to have made progress toward important personal goals (academic, interpersonal and health-based).
-People who practiced daily gratitude were morel likely to have helped someone with a personal problem or to have given emotional support to another.

Moral of the study is: Count your blessings...it'll put a smile on your face!

Addicted to Beauty

2009-03-23T11:33:00.000-07:00

I love beauty products. I love trying new ones, discussing old favorites, and swapping beauty tips with friends. But when does a passion for makeup and skincare go from an interest, to an obsession? The BBC’s new show, Super Botox Me, demonstrates this tipping point. Cameras follow 40-year-old Kate Spicer on her extreme quest for beauty. Watch as she tries everything from a bull semen hair treatment in London to a hefty dose of Botox, Restylane, Fraxel, and more in the U.S. The show premieres on March 26th, 9 p.m. ET on BBC America, but check out this preview: Ouch! A must-see for anyone considering going to painful extremes for the sake of beauty. Here at It Cosmetics we believe that beauty isn't pain!

Be Your Own Personal (face) Chef!

2009-03-19T12:17:00.000-07:00

Bad economy affecting your beauty budget? Don’t despair. You may not be able to visit a luxe spa for your favorite facial, but you can certainly pamper your skin in the comfort of your own home. Whip up each of these easy and inexpensive mask mixtures in your kitchen, most with ingredients you have around the house.

Milk Me Beautiful-- Oily Acne Prone Skin
Milk of Magnesia absorbs impurities and disinfects even better than clay. Paula Begoun made this simple mask popular in her book, ‘The Beauty Bible.’

Ingredients:
-1 bottle Milk of Magnesia

Preparation:
Apply Milk of Magnesia to face.
After letting set for 10-15 minutes, wash with cool washcloth.

Honey Banana Beauty—Oily Skin
A soothing mask to reduce redness, tighten pores, and minimize shine.

Ingredients:
1 ripe banana
1 tbsp. of honey
An orange or a lemon

Preparation:
Mix banana and honey, add several drops of fresh squeezed orange or lemon juice.
Apply to face for 15 minutes, then rinse with a steaming warm washcloth.

Indian Goddess Brightener—For Brighter Skin
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon of turmeric powder
1 cup of plain yogurt

Preparation:
Mix the turmeric and yogurt and spread on face. Leave for 5-10 minutes, then rinse off.

Dairy Soft—To Soften Dry Skin
Ingredients:
1 tsp. powdered milk
1 tbsp. runny honey
1 tsp. aloe vera gel
2 drops essential oil

Preparation:
Mix ingredients well, apply to face for 15 minutes, then wash off with warm water.

Kitty Litter—For the Beauty Daredevil
I’ll admit this one scares me just a little bit. Cat litter? On your face? Beauty junkies swear by it; cat litter is made of the same ingredients as special clays found in $100 spa facials.
Ingredients:
1 bag cat litter (must be marked 100 percent natural clay)
Water
Drops of your favorite essential oil

Preparation:
Mix 2 tbsp. of cat litter with water and oil, apply mask to face, wash off after 15 minutes.

Multiply the ingredients in these masks and enjoy a Thrifty Beauty Girls Night In for under $10!

News Anchors...Makeup Tricks of the Trade

2009-03-18T12:45:00.000-07:00

Imagine waking up at 2:30 in the morning and going to work. Sound awful? Maybe some of you do it already. Now, imagine waking up at 2:30 in the morning, going to work, and having to look absolutely flawless. And we mean camera ready flawless: the whole deal... hair, makeup, jewelry, nails done, suit on. Welcome to the life of TV news anchors! Fortunately these morning news personalities have an arsenal of makeup tricks up their suit sleeves, and since the Creator and CEO of It Cosmetics, Jamie Kern Lima, is a former morning anchor herself, we’ve got a few for you right here:

Good morning bright eyes!

Whose eyes really look awake (wait whose eyes even looks alive) at 2:30 am? Not many. But if you place a gold or pearl colored shimmer eye shadow in the corner of your eyes and below the eye brow (#1 and #2 in diagram), your eyes will instantly look like you’ve had a full night of sleep!

Wide awake!

Another great way to open up your sleepy eyes is to line the inner rim of your bottom lid (#5 in diagram) with white liner. The light reflects off the white line, making you look like you’ve slept like a baby for a full 8 hours! To finish off your fabulous eyes in a snap, use a neautral color all over the lid. Then, use a darker contour shade with lots of gold or copper flecks (#3), across the entire crease. Use the same color to line underneath your lower lash line (#4). A rich coppery or golden shade will bring out the flecks in your eyes, and are universally flattering on any eye color.

Bye bye double chin.
Now here’s an issue that no amount of beauty sleep is going to change…a double chin. Fortunately, news anchors know that the face shape they were born with isn’t the face shape they need to show the world. By placing contouring powders, one to two shades darker than your natural skin tone, underneath your chin (right over the “double” your trying to hide), you can turn your two chins into just one.

Coffee-Stain Busters!
Newsrooms are notorious for the insane amounts of coffee they go through. Since newsies work around the clock, coffee is a must. And, coffee stains are quick to follow. Try Go Smile’s Touch Up Mini On-The-Go Smile Refreshers. And follow the cardinal rule of smile conscious news anchors…ONLY wear blue based lip shades. Orange based shades make teeth appear even more yellow.

Whether you're a news anchor, a party gal, a career woman, or a busy mom, put these trips to use next time you need to fake your beauty sleep!

Sweet Thang

2009-03-17T09:45:00.000-07:00

We all heard it during our teenage years… “Don’t eat too much chocolate or you’ll get pimples!” But did that really stop you from diving into the M& M bowl at your Friday night slumber party? Yeah right.
Post-slumber party years, the great debate has turned from the connection between acne and chocolate (unless you’re eating the WHOLE one pound bag of M&M’s don’t worry about this) to a possible link between sugar and wrinkles. Turns out, you are what you eat. Why? Blame it on a process called “glycation.” The more sugar you eat, the more glycation takes place and the more your skin’s collagen and elastin become dry and brittle. And that means…wrinkles and sagging.
It’s never too late to turn back the clock. Here are 5 quick tips to keep you sugar and wrinkle free!
1. Say “no” to Skittles.
It’s nearly impossible to cut out the sweet stuff entirely. After all, even whole grains and veggies turn into sugar when digested. But experts say to keep sugar to no more than 10% of your total calories, so for your average woman, that means slashing 160 sugary calories…you could do that by nixing one can of cola or six Hershey’s Kisses from your day.
2. Vitamin B1, B6, Be Beautiful!!
Supplement your diet with at least 1 mg of vitamins B1 and B6 a day. They prevent the wrinkle-forming glycation process from happening.
3. Run from sun.
Okay don’t run, just hide that pretty skin of yours. Wear a broad-spectrum SPF-30 sunscreen everyday.
4. Say I love you to antioxidants!
Meet your new best friends. These free-radical fighters keep sugar from destroying your skin. So load up on fruits, nuts, and veggies, especially cranberries, walnuts, and red bell peppers.
5. Protect your skin from sugar
Use skincare with topical antioxidants such as green tea and vitamins C and E. These are the best way to ensure nutrients reach the dermal layer of skin where collagen and elastin are located.

Pretty Pills

2009-03-14T11:01:00.000-07:00

I am on a quest. An impossible quest for perfect skin. So it’s no wonder that when I was strolling through the grocery store last week and saw pills that claimed to clear up your zits, I did a double take. Nature’s Cure Two-Part Acne System. One part is your standard Benzoyl Peroxide, but part two is an internal homeopathic acne tablet. It claims to stimulate your body’s natural defenses to correct imbalances caused by diet, stress, and hormonal changes. The pills contain things like walnut, wild rosemary, and Echinacea. But can you really improve your skin from within? “There is a lot of important new research showing tremendous power of antioxidants in general, and in some specific nutrients in particular that can make an important difference in the way your skin looks and feels,” says nutritional supplement expert Mary Sullivan, RN, co-founder of Olympian Labs. So what vitamins can you take that will help your skin look its best?
Check out this list:
Vitamin B: The most important B vitamin is biotin, a nutrient that forms the basis of skin, nail, and hair cells. You can get plenty through diet alone if you include bananas, eggs, oatmeal, and rice.
Vitamin A: Necessary for the maintenance and repair of skin tissues, fruits and vegetables are full of this vitamin. Make sure you get enough or your complexion will get dry and flaky.
Vitamin C and Vitamin E: Crucial for preventing consequences of sun exposure. You can take supplements, but also focus on citrus fruits and veggies like peppers, broccoli, and leafy greens. For E, eat vegetable oils, nuts, seeds, and olives. Stay with 400 international units if you choose to take a supplement.
Here's to clearer skin!

Pretty Girlhood Hair Grows Up

2009-03-13T10:00:00.000-07:00

I say French braid. You think…third grade? Me too. Although I haven’t rocked the French braid since elementary school, Jennifer Aniston’s Oscar look made me want to bring it back to life. Follow these steps to get your own braided headband. Great for a glam night out or a keep the hair outta your face style for a busy day.

Step One
Tilt your head to one side, and brush all the hair back away from the ear you will be starting on. The ear you are starting on should be facing the ceiling, all the rest of the hair aiming down.
Step Two
Looking in the mirror and using a comb, draw a line from the top of starting ear, up across and over to the top of the finishing ear, combing all the hair forward from the line into your face. Brush the remaining hair in back of the line into a ponytail and secure it with a rubber band.
Step Three
Face your starting ear toward the ceiling again and comb the free hair from in front of the line across your scalp, making a smooth hair path where the headband is going to go.
Step Four
Use your fingers to section of the first strands right at the base of the front of your ear and braid tightly.
Step Five
Continue to add hair from the line and the forehead side of your head as you begin your French braid down across the headband section of your head. The hardest part will be keeping the braid flat and tight without getting a crick in your neck. It's sometimes best to not look in the mirror, but do it by feel.
Step Six
When you reach your other ear, finish the braid off with a regular braid, using a rubber band at the end. This will be a long extra piece of braid if you have long hair.
Step Seven
Let your ponytail loose from the back, and fluff your hair to its regular style. You will need a bobby pin to tuck the long piece of braid behind your ear and keep it hidden. You may also want to bobby pin any puffy pieces of your braid headband. Also, if you have bangs, use your comb to pull tiny bits of bang pieces out of your headband braid to give you some forehead coverage.

Ta da! It may take some practice, but now you’ve got an all-grown-up version of your favorite girlish’ look!

Designer Duds on a Shoestring Budget Part 2

2009-03-12T12:53:00.000-07:00

Earlier this week we showed you a few great places to get your high end threads for a pretty price. But what about your handbags, jewelry, and watches? There’s no way you’re going to rock your designer accessories and maintain anything close to a budget. Or is there….(insert suspenseful music)….
Meet “Bag Borrow or Steal” the website that allows you to rent designer accessories. And if you fall in love, you have the option to buy it (but we’re talking saving money girls, so pretend that option doesn’t exist!)
Here’s how it works.
-If you choose to borrow a handbag, jewelry, or pair of sunglasses, just click on the item you love and select “borrow.”
-Your borrowed item will be shipped to you in like-new condition.
-Choose to rent the little slice of heaven for a week, month, or as long as you’d like.
-When you’re ready to return it, print out a pre-paid return label, re-box your item, and drop it off at any UPS drop-off location.
-The price is right. Coach bags, for example, start at $15/week. So if you need a bag for a first-date, special party, or just a little pick me up, and you’ve got a budget to stick to, consider borrowing, rather than buying!

Bachelor Blues

2009-03-04T11:04:00.000-08:00

Jason. You can say that name out loud nearly anywhere in the nation and you’ll most likely hear at least twelve women (and maybe a few unashamed men) go off on that “Bachelor jerk.” Why? Well for those of you who haven’t been following (and I commend you for doing something more productive with your life than watching very unrealistic reality TV) Jason the most recent Bachelor proposed to Melissa and then on live TV, broke off his engagement with Melissa and told Molly she was the one. Really, Jason? I understand (sort of) him changing his mind about who he wants to spend his life with, but going on national television with your fiancé and dumping her? I don’t know. Maybe a little heads up, “Hey honey, I’m about to betray you live on TV.” Not to be a completely jaded Bachelor fan, but I’m not all that surprised it didn’t work out between Jason and Melissa. And who is going to be completely shocked if it doesn’t work out with Jason and Molly? Not me. Let’s review the Bachelor/Bachelorette history books:

Season 1: Alex and Amanda-Not together
Season 2: Aaron and Helene-Split
Season 3: Andrew and Jenn—He’s married. But not to Jenn.
Season 4: Bob and Estella—He’s married too! But not to Estella.
Season 5: Jesse and Jessica-Not so much.
Season 6: Byron and Mary—Together!
Season 7: Charlie and Sarah—Split up, but they’re dating again.
Season 8: Travis and Sarah—He dumped her.
Season 9:Prince Lorenzo and Jennifer—Their love ended.
Season 10: Andy and Tessa—Didn’t last.
Season 11: Brad and ???—Oh that’s right. Brad reject BOTH women at the finale.
Season 12: Matt and Shayne—Split.
Bachelorette
Season 1: Trista and Ryan-Married with baby! (picture on left)
Season 2: Meredith and Ian: Nope.
Season 3: Jen and Joe: Over.
So based on past Bachelor experience…Jason and Molly have about a 7% chance of getting married. Good luck! The Bahcelor…Is it a cheesy, overly romanticized show on which almost none of the relationships last past the “finals rose?” Maybe. Will I watch next season when Jillian Harris becomes the Bachelorette? You betcha!

Thrifty Beauty

2009-02-27T09:43:00.000-08:00

Looking to recession-proof your beauty routine? It’s all about getting the biggest bang for your buck and finding fabulous multi-tasking products. So, you thrifty beauty…here are some pointers to help your beauty budget:

Know when to go drugstore, when to go prestige.
When it comes to your skincare, we feel your pain. You’ve fallen in love with a particular face wash and although it costs a quarter of your paycheck each month, it’s worth it. Except you can’t pay your rent. Well, you may want to consider a drugstore alternative. There are many face washes that have similar ingredients to those that sell for much more.
For example, if you usually use Dermalogica’s Skin Clearing Wash for $35. Consider giving Biore’s Blemish Fighting Ice Cleanser for just $5. Dermalogica’s wash has .5% salicylic acid and Biore’s has 2.0% salicylic acid. They key when switching from uber spendy to uber cheap is making sure key ingredients match up. This could take some research, but it has the potential to save you a lot!

Choose multi-tasking products
Another great way to save money…find one product to do twice the work. This takes creativity! For example, consider using the shades from you’re My Sculpted Face palette as eye shadows and even eyebrow powders! One palette of colors, three uses. Another idea is to use your eye shadows as eyeliners. Just take a thin eyeliner brush, dip it in water, then in your favorite shadow color and then use to line those beautiful eyes of yours.

Make anything creamy!
Want to try out cream eye shadows and cream blushes, but don’t want to shell out the cash? Invest in an ivory cream mousse eye shadow, then blend it with any of your favorite eye shadows or blushes to turn them into creams. The best part is the cream allows you to easily mix two shades…so instead of buying violet eye shadow, you could combine the neutral cream shadow, blue shadow, and pink blush. Have fun Miss Beauty Chemist!

Every last drop
Lipstick can be used up to 2 years, so as long as it doesn’t smell or look funny, go for it! When you get to the very bottom of your lipstick container, don’t toss it out. Instead, scrape it into a container for later. Take a Q-tip, remove the cotton from the end and use the little stick to scrape the remaining lipstick and store up for later.

Don’t pump!
Make the most of your mascara by being careful to avoid pumping any air into the container when using it. Air will cause your mascara to flake and dry out sooner. While mascara needs to be replaced every 3-6 months, you may want to consider two eyelash building tools that will allow you to use and therefore buy less mascara: an eyelash curler and a lash primer. By building your lashes up pre-mascara, you’ll need less product to achieve your look!

Put a Ring on It

2009-02-24T19:25:00.000-08:00

Marko Jaric (Minnesota Timberwolves guard) took Beyonce’s advice. He liked it so he put a ring on it. “It” being the beautiful Adriana Lima’s supermodel ring finger of course. The super hot Hollywood couple eloped on Valentine’s Day. Rumors are swirling that the pairs rush to say “I do” will quickly be followed by Adriana saying “I’m pregnant.” While Adriana’s rep is denying the rumors, Adriana is quoted as saying “There are rumors of me pregnant. I just cannot say…YET.” Congrats to the happy couple…we’ll be watching to see if those washboard abs will change into a cute little baby bump.

The Scoop on Foot Goop

2009-02-20T09:00:00.000-08:00

Stick a white patch on the bottom of your foot before bed and through the night it will magically suck the toxins out of your body through the soles of your feet. Hmmmmmm……sound a little sketchy? It did to me too! But I’m the kind of gal fascinated with blackhead extractors, crazy colon cleanses, and ear wax candles, so anything that promises black goo being purged from my body is a must try! Asian foot patches, like the ones I bought called Kinoki, claim to “collect heavy metals, metabolic wastes, toxins, parasites, cellulite and more, giving you back your vitality and health.” My head knew this was just too good to be true, but I couldn’t resist. I bought the patches. And after using them I was thrilled! After all, I woke up every morning with a little patch full of black goo. A ha! It had worked! Then my logical self decided I better do some research before I started singing the praises of Chinese foot patches to everyone I know. Turns out, ignorance was bliss. 20/20 did an investigative report, taking used patches to a lab and testing them for the heavy metals, toxics, and parasites that the Kinoki makers claim their product removes. What’d they find? Nothing. No toxins, no impurities, just moisture from your feet. And to further prove they’re a scam, try dropping distilled water on the pads. Guess what happens. Yeah, they turn that disgusting gooey brown. So what’s the moral of the story? Well, first of all, don’t waste your 15 bucks on those foot patches. And, next time something sounds too good to be true, research before buying.

Diet Soda: Friend or Foe?

2009-02-18T14:35:00.000-08:00

Watching your waist line? Chances are you’ve followed the advice of countless fitness and health magazines and switched from regular Coke to Diet. I know I have! So I am shocked, not to mention seriously annoyed, that researches continue to come up with more and more research showing that people who drink one or more soft drinks a day have a 31 percent greater risk of becoming obese! How can this be? It’s diet soda. Well, scientists aren’t sure, but they say one possibility is that since diet soda is sweet, you may develop a preference for sweet foods as well, which tend to be higher in calories. Also, on average, soda drinkers tend to eat more calories, consume more saturated fat, and exercise less. Another theory is that the substance that gives soda its caramel color promotes resistance to insulin, which is needed to process calories. Yikes! Unfortunately for many, including Victoria Beckham, Bill Clinton, and Elton John diet coke has become an addiction. Are you a diet soda junkie? Check out one woman’s blog on how she went from drinking 250 ounces of diet coke a day to 32. Maybe it will inspire you to quit your sweet little addiction!

Designer Duds on a Shoestring Budget

2009-02-16T13:21:00.000-08:00

Bad economy affecting your plans for spring wardrobe expansion? We feel ya.
Don’t worry, there are plenty of ways to shop like the Sex in the City gals, even if your paycheck is…well a little bit smaller.

Buffalo Exchange:
Buffalo Exchange is a trading post, vintage shop, and designer boutique all in one. You can bring in your new and gently used designer wear and they’ll buy it from you for cash, or store credit on the spot! Their inventory is constantly changing, so sometimes it’s a gold mine and other times, it’s just a used clothes store. Those phenomenal finds will be worth your time and shopping effort. Inventory includes designer wear, vintage, jeans, leather, basic, and one-of-a-kind accessories.
Click here to find a Buffalo Exchange near you.

Ebay:
Ebay isn’t just for books and beanie babies anymore! Search for “designer jeans” on Ebay and you’ll come up with 2,009 results. From True Religion to Rock n’ Republics, you’ll find a little bit of everything here. Be sure to check the seller’s rating so you know you are buying from a credible source. There are designer “fakes” occasionally, so really read about your purchase and the seller before you click bid. But if the bidding is right, you could walk away with a pair of designer jeans for less than $20!
Ebay

Honest Mall:
An online marketplace for designer fashions. Honest Mall has moderators that monitor each listing like a hawk! So you don’t have to worry about the fakes or impostors. Communication between buyers is made easy since Honest Mall has the feel of a discussion board or social networking site. You do have to pay a $10/year membership fee to become a member, but if you are serious about finding great deals on designer wear, it might be worth it.
Honest Mall

So don't let all the doom and gloom surrounding the economy kill the fashionista in you! Good luck and happy bargain shopping!!

Valentine's Day...Don't Be a Cliche!

2009-02-13T16:49:00.000-08:00

It’s Valentine’s Day and chances you are pondering what to get your sweetie pie for the day of love. You run through the general standbys in your mind: A red velour covered box of chocolates. A teddy bear holding a heart. Or perhaps those red foil chocolate roses.
Don’t do it!!!
We know you’re more creative than Hallmark. Here are some ideas to get your romantic gift juices flowing:
1. The word love! One organization out of the UK allows you to adopt a word for one year . The highest bidder receives a personal dedication next to the word in a special edition of the Collins’ Dictionary and ‘ownership’ of the word for a year. Plus, proceeds go to a children’s charity. http://www.adoptaword.com/
2. For your hippie Valentine…forget the roses. Save the planet, give a tree! They’re bigger and they’ll last a lifetime longer than your standard pink and red flower bouquet. Sites like this one : http://www.arborday.org/Shopping/GiftTrees/GiftTrees.cfm make it easy to be green on this very red holiday.
3. Forget the boring chocolate. You’ll just feel guilty after eating it anyways. Instead, spring for a chocolate spa treatment! Perhaps a chocolate massage for two. Check it out: http://www.hersheypa.com/accommodations/the_spa_at_hotel_hershey/
4. A love story. No, not some trashy romance novel. A trashy romance novel personalized to include the names and characteristics of you and your darling! http://www.bookbyyou.com/romance/default.asp
5. There’s nothing sweeter than starting your Valentine’s Day off with breakfast in bed. But make it extra cute with a heart-shaped frying pan. http://www.kaboodle.com/reviews/non-stick-heart-shaped-frying-pan
6. Finally, if you’re still not sure what you want to get your love dove, but you know it needs to be original, check out http://www.notmassproduced.com/, a website that sells handmade gifts by independent designers.
Single? Don’t forget to get yourself a special valentine!! You’re worth it. Happy Valentine’s Day!!

Lady Behind the Lips

2009-02-11T14:44:00.000-08:00

We all know her for one of two main things: her absolutely incredible pout. And her equally incredible man. Okay so maybe we know her for her acting career and humanitarian works too, but what else is hiding behind the gorgeous face of the gal named Angelina?
Check out these interesting facts about the beauty icon:
1. Growing up, she wanted to be a mortician.
2. She is a Goodwill Ambassador for the UN Refugee Agency.
3. Jolie means pretty in French.
4. She is a natural blond.
5. Angelina was one of the first actresses to win three consecutive Golden Globes in 3 different categories.
6. She has had about 19 tattoos, although she has covered some up.
7. Jolie has made and topped countless sexiest, most beautiful, hottest hottie, etc. lists. Shocking, I know!
8. She has said that she saves 1/3 of her income, lives on 1/3 of her income, and donates 1/3 to charity.
9. Angelina has 3 adopted children and 3 biological children.
10. Angelina had a pet lizard named Vladimir growing up.

Want to get the look of Angie’s amazing lips?? Place a white line directly above your upper lip and use a neutral line to line directly below your lower lip. Try the Lip Plumping Pencil in “Attract” and “Energy.”

When the boxes lie...

2009-02-10T15:45:00.000-08:00

Healthy buzzwords are swarming around supermarkets everywhere! Words like: low sugar, whole-grain, and calcium infused are now covering the boxes of what we used to consider our guilty pleasures. But don’t let the wording fool you. After all, is a Whole-Grain Brown Sugar and Cinnamon Pop-Tart a healthy pop-tart?! I think not! A pop-tart is a pop-tart. The whole grains do not cancel out the loads of vegetable oil and the seven types of sugar stuffed in the insides of that tasty little pastry. Dang it! But there are some healthy foods that claim to be healthy and actually follow through! Halleluiah! Check out this list of the best and worst “healthy” foods. Since figuring out what’s healthy and what’s not is more confusing than ever, be sure to read the nutrition panel on the side of each box next time you visit the nutritional battlefield we call the supermarket. Good luck and happy shopping!

Worst "Healthy" Pastry

Pop-Tarts Whole Grain Brown Sugar Cinnamon (2 pastries)
400 calories, 14 g fat (4 g saturated), 5 g fiber, 28 g sugars

Eat This Instead!
Sun-Maid Raisin English Muffins with Cinnamon

170 calories, 0.5 g fat (0 g saturated), 2 g fiber, 13 g sugars

Worst Frozen "Healthy" Entree
Healthy Choice Complete Selections Sweet & Sour Chicken (340 g)
430 calories, 9 g fat (1 g saturated), 600 mg sodium, 29 g sugars

Eat This Instead!
Kashi Southwest Style Chicken
240 calories, 5 g fat (0 g saturated), 680 mg sodium

Worst "Healthy" Yogurt
Yoplait 99% Fat Free Cherry Orchard
170 calories, 1.5 g fat (1 g saturated), 27 g sugars, 5 g protein
**There’s as much sugar in here as you’ll find in two scoops of Breyer’s All Natural Mint Chocolate Chip ice cream.

Go Greek instead:
Oikos Organic Vanilla Greek Yogurt
110 calories, 0 g fat, 11 g sugars, 15 g protein

Worst "Healthy" Bread
Arnold Whole Grains Health Nut (2 slices, 86 g)
240 calories, g fat (0 g saturated), 4 g fiber

Eat This Instead!

Martin’s 100% Whole Wheat Potato Bread
(2 slices, 70 g), 140 calories, 2 g fat (0 g saturated), 8 g fiber

Worst "Healthy" Cereal

Quaker 100% Natural Granola, Oats, Honey & Raisins
420 calories, 12 g fat (7 g saturated), 6 g fiber, 30 g sugars
**For the record, granola, for all its reputation as a beacon of breakfast virtue, is one of the worst ways to start your day. Swap the Granola for Kashi GoLean every day this year and you’ll save 29 pounds!

Eat This Instead!

Kashi GOLEAN
(1 cup): 140 calories, 1 g fat (0 g saturated), 10 g fiber, 6 g sugar

Congrats Karina!

2009-02-09T16:10:00.000-08:00

Whenever Karina Smirnoff steps on the stage of Dancing with the Stars she rocks our Abs in a Box, Smokin’ Hot Legs, and My Beautiful Breasts kits. But now, she’s rockin’ in a whole different way….as in a huge ROCK on her ring finger!! It’s a true Hollywood love story. The lucky guy? Maksim Chmerkovskiy, a professional dancer and fellow member of the Dancing with the Stars cast. Karina, we love you and are so honored to have you as a fan of It Cosmetics. Congratulations on your engagement!!!

An Ode to Makeup!

2009-02-03T10:47:00.000-08:00

Oh, makeup, we do love thee! Whether it's just a little concealer to hide a blemish or some under eye circles, or a full face of makeup to glam up for a night out, makeup is a dear friend to most women. I love watching how a little makeup can play up a woman's features and a whole face of it can completely transform her any way she wants! A makeup-less face is a blank and beautiful canvas, but we admit to sometimes wishing we could just wake up our "most beautiful!" Like the celebrities do, right? Wrong! Check out these naked faces of some of our favorite celeb beauties (Kellie Pickler, Faith Hill, and Hilary Duff), along with their makeup transformations.

Beautiful Jessica!

2009-01-30T09:49:00.000-08:00

I sing: “These Boots Are made for Walkin’” and what do you think of? If you’re a guy, it’s probably about how hot Jessica Simpson looked in that music video in her Daisy Dukes. If you’re a gal, it’s probably….well, how hot Jessica Simpson looked in those Daisy Dukes (AND what kind of torture she must have gone through to fit into those things)! But at a recent chili cook off performance in Florida, Jessica revealed a new, more bootylicious figure. And surprise, surprise, our body-obsessed media went wild. Hurtful “fat jokes” about Jessica’s minor weight gain have circulated the Internet. I think Jessica looks beautiful and healthy, and in my opinion, a whole lot better than she did with her ribs poking out. And hopefully she’s a little happier than she was when she looked so darn hungry. It’s sad that our world still finds it acceptable to criticize a woman’s weight. I just love what Pete Wentz, Ashlee Simpson’s husband, had to say about how all the body criticism towards his sister-in-law is affecting young fans. "It's bad for young women," Wentz added. "I see it affecting young girls who come to our shows, and that's a bummer." The Fall Out Boy bassist continued: "Real beauty is on the inside, man." We agree, Pete! Embrace your curves. Be yourself. We at It Cosmetics are committed to helping women be the most beautiful version of themselves. At any size.

Does Beauty Equal Pain?

2009-01-27T12:58:00.000-08:00

How far would you go to put your “best face forward?” For some, the quest for beauty involves pain. Lots of pain. A nose job, face lift, a little botox here and there, what about a chin implant or cheek augmentation? Countless celebrities are suspected of having gone under the knife (Ashlee Simpson, Lindsay Lohan, Tara Reid, Ashley Tisdale, really the list goes on and on and on).

The obsession with the perfect face is universal. Check out this uncomfortable-looking little torture chamber from Japan called a “face belt.”

You fit the donut around your head, pump in air, and squeeze your double chin and droopy cheeks inward and upward. Fun. Not.
We at It Cosmetics confess we have our own face insecurities…whether it’s wanting to disguise a double chin or contour our cheekbones. We are so excited that we have found a cheaper, less-painful alternative to the madness of plastic surgery (and face belts!). Meet your new best friend, “My Sculpted Face.” It’s complete with 6 contouring and highlighting shades and a face chart that shows you exactly where to apply each shade to sculpt your face to achieve a slimmer face, straighter nose, or whatever it is you want. So before accepting that silly and old-fashioned “beauty is pain” saying, consider the pain-free power of contouring and save your surgery money for something that involves more fun, and less bruising.

Miss America Swimsuit Secrets Revealed on Rachel Ray

2009-01-26T11:58:00.000-08:00

There she is…..Miss America!!!!!! And what’s that she’s holding? An Abs in a Box kit! It Cosmetics was featured on the Rachel Ray Show this week where Miss America 1993 Leanza Cornett put our Abs in a Box kit to the test in the show’s human lab. The verdict? The beauty queen and the audience gave it two thumbs up! Body makeup secrets may not have been around (or maybe they were just a little more hush hush?) 16 years ago when the lovely Leanza competed, but now, from regular gals, to mom’s like Leanza, to celebrities and of course almost every pageant girl we’ve talked to uses it to get a leg up (a smokin’ hot leg of course) on the competition or just look a little better WITHOUT going under the knife. We can’t help but wonder if the newly crowned Miss America, Katie Stams, used body makeup contouring to help her achieve that picture perfect swimsuit body. Don’t worry, Katie, if you did, your secret is safe with us!!

Celeb Resolutions

2009-01-26T09:54:00.001-08:00

We are approaching the end of the first month of the New Year…do you know where your New Year’s resolution is? Hopefully it’s not been thrown out the window yet, but if it has…don’t despair! You’re in good company. Only about 8% of New Year’s resolutions actually succeed.

Despite the less than optimistic success rate, celebrities are resolving along with the rest of us. Check out what some of your fave stars told Us Weekly they are working on for 2009:
KIM KARDASHIAN:

"Probably just to continue last year, which was to get in shape and stop eating sweets. I think I'm going to continue that because I broke it a little bit."

SPENCER PRATT :

"To stop eating pizza every day. I think my wife [Heidi Montag's] resolution will make that happen. She says she's going to cook."

CAMERON DIAZ:

"I have always had the same New Year resolutions: to stop smoking, to start wearing a bra and to stop shopping."

BRITNEY SPEARS:

"I would like to stop worrying so much because I worry all the time. And to learn how to be happier, just in general. And to stop biting my nails!" EVA LONGORIA PARKER "To give up meat."

FERGIE:

"It's always the same: to work out more and eat healthier. I'm trying to go organic, eat more raw."

ASHLEE SIMPSON :

"All my focus is on my son. Every day, being a better mom and learning with him. It's an incredible experience."

CARMEN ELECTRA :

"To have more fun! I was just with Jenny McCarthy not too long ago, and she said, 'Carmen, life is supposed to be fun.' And I remembered that, it stayed in my head. And that is my goal." JAMIE FOXX:

"I'm looking for the right woman. I need a magnifying glass! I'm trying to find that rare jewel." STEPHANIE PRATT:

"I'm making my boyfriend quit smoking. I'm lazy -- that's all I'm doing!"

JULIE BOWEN:

"To have a healthy baby. Last year, my New Year's resolution was to run the L.A. Marathon, and I got up to 18 miles in my training and I got injured so you know what, I'm putting it on the list for next year."

KANYE WEST:

"My resolution is to be as nice as possible to the press." JENNIFER MORRISON: "To learn Spanish faster. I started doing the Rosetta Stone program a year ago. I'm getting there, but I want to get a little more focused."

AISHA TYLER:

"To be happier! I'm a pretty happy person, but I try to be as happy as I can."

BRIAN AUSTIN GREEN:

"It seems to be to stop smoking every year. We'll see how it goes this time."

KATHY GRIFFIN:

"To eat more carbs!"

DAVID ARCHULETA: "I would like to learn more about the music and business that I have gotten into. I would like to get more involved in the writing side of music, and also I’m learning more things about performing and meeting a lot of new people that I can learn from."

We want to know...did YOU set a resolution this year? If so, are you still on the resolution bandwagon?

The It Lady's Look on Inaguration Day

2009-01-19T16:00:00.000-08:00

Ever since Obama won the election, we have been debating over what the soon-to-be first lady will wear on Inauguration day. While we don’t know who designed her certain to be fabulous gown, we do know a very important piece of the puzzle…makeup! Mrs. O’s makeup artist, Ingrid Grimes-Myles, revealed to US Weekly what products she will be using to glam up the already gorgeous Michelle for the big day.
Grimes-Myles said she would choose "chic neutrals" for the daytime Inauguration ceremony, including:
It Cosmetics Lip Plumping Pencil in Attract and Energy
Model Co Colourbox Eye Shadow in Seychelles
Stendhal Mascara in Noir Black
POP Beauty Blush Cake in Natural in Nudes

For the evening ball, the executive makeup artist hinted that she will be going for “major glam, with deep, smoky plum-lined lids.” She will be using:

Mineral Essence Eye Shadow in Merlot
Bloom Cosmetics Liquid Eyeliner in Jet Black
Laura Geller Blush-n-Brighten in Berry
Paula Dorf Lip Color Sheer Tint in Innocence

We at It Cosmetics are truly honored that our lip pencil was selected by Mrs. Obama's makeup artist! For more information on sculpting YOUR perfect presidential pout, click here!

Makeup Tricks for Full Sexy Lips

2009-01-15T15:45:00.000-08:00

Do you ever notice the plump, full lips of celebrities like Jessica Alba, Angelina Jolie, Britney Spears or Kim Kardashian and wish you could achieve a similar look? Here are a few tricks to get your lips seriously plumped up!

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Publish at Scribd or explore others: howto beauty

New Year's Resolution Update

2009-01-15T11:27:00.000-08:00

We are approaching the close of the first month of the New Year…do you know where your New Year’s resolution is? Hopefully it’s not been thrown out the window yet, but if it has…don’t despair! You’re in good company. Only about 8% of New Year’s resolutions actually succeed. Despite the less than optimistic success rate, celebrities are resolving along with the rest of us. Check out what some of your fave stars told Us Weekly they are working on for 2009:

KIM KARDASHIAN:
"Probably just to continue last year, which was to get in shape and stop eating sweets. I think I'm going to continue that because I broke it a little bit."
SPENCER PRATT
"To stop eating pizza every day. I think my wife [Heidi Montag's] resolution will make that happen. She says she's going to cook."
CAMERON DIAZ:
"I have always had the same New Year resolutions: to stop smoking, to start wearing a bra and to stop shopping."
BRITNEY SPEARS:
"I would like to stop worrying so much because I worry all the time. And to learn how to be happier, just in general. And to stop biting my nails!"
EVA LONGORIA PARKER
"To give up meat."
FERGIE
"It's always the same: to work out more and eat healthier. I'm trying to go organic, eat more raw."
ASHLEE SIMPSON
"All my focus is on my son. Every day, being a better mom and learning with him. It's an incredible experience."
CARMEN ELECTRA
"To have more fun! I was just with Jenny McCarthy not too long ago, and she said, 'Carmen, life is supposed to be fun.' And I remembered that, it stayed in my head. And that is my goal."
JAMIE FOXX:
"I'm looking for the right woman. I need a magnifying glass! I'm trying to find that rare jewel."
STEPHANIE PRATT:
"I'm making my boyfriend quit smoking. I'm lazy -- that's all I'm doing!"
JULIE BOWEN:
"To have a healthy baby. Last year, my New Year's resolution was to run the L.A. Marathon, and I got up to 18 miles in my training and I got injured so you know what, I'm putting it on the list for next year."
KANYE WEST:
"My resolution is to be as nice as possible to the press."
JENNIFER MORRISON:
"To learn Spanish faster. I started doing the Rosetta Stone program a year ago. I'm getting there, but I want to get a little more focused."
AISHA TYLER:
"To be happier! I'm a pretty happy person, but I try to be as happy as I can."
BRIAN AUSTIN GREEN:
"It seems to be to stop smoking every year. We'll see how it goes this time."
KATHY GRIFFIN:
"To eat more carbs!"
DAVID ARCHULETA:
"I would like to learn more about the music and business that I have gotten into. I would like to get more involved in the writing side of music, and also I’m learning more things about performing and meeting a lot of new people that I can learn from."

We want to know...did YOU set a resolution this year? If so, are you still on the resolution bandwagon?

One True Beauty

2009-01-14T21:23:00.001-08:00

One of the great parts about It Cosmetics being part of the HSN family is getting to meet the many other brand founders and experts that are there as well. We recently shared a visit date with the brand Carol’s Daughter where I got to meet the lovely founder Lisa Price. I don’t usually write about these experiences, but decided to share this with you simply because of how beautiful Lisa was/is. We all know how wonderful her products are, but to meet her behind the scenes and chat with her like two longtime friends was a gift. Within the first few seconds of talking I could feel her warm, welcoming spirit and the best way I can describe being around Lisa is ‘home.’ That same comfortable, joyous feeling you get when you are home, is the same vibe oozing from Lisa Price. Her products not only make us feel beautiful - Lisa is truly beautiful, inside and out!

Global Beauty

2009-01-12T13:39:00.000-08:00

I recently returned home from a two-week trip to India where I was working with a non-profit called Longitude to build houses for members of the Untouchables caste. Although I was working with the poorest of the poor, I was struck by the pride these women took in their beauty. They were strong, fearless, and passionate women on the inside, and drop dead gorgeous on the outside. It was amazing to me how in the midst of such poverty, women still take such pride in their beauty and fashion. In India, married women wear saris. A sari is a strip of unstiched cloth that is wrapped around the waist, with one end draped over the shoulder. They come in colors and patterns as unique and stunning as the women that wear them. It’s a beautiful site to see women working out in the dirt and under the hot sun, building houses, doing laundry, and walking miles to collect water, all while looking like they’re headed to the Indian Golden Globes in their colorful saris! Indian women also adorn themselves with bangles, earrings, and a necklace. They are almost never without their full set of jewelry. Even the poorest women I met, living on one meal a day, still had their jewelry, most of which has been passed down through the generations. The biggest beauty must have? Henna! Women (and even many of the men) decorate the palms of their hands in this reddish brown ink made from the henna plant. Since I was in India during the holiday season, a time where henna is used to celebrate, I was able to see tons of beautiful henna hands, and I was even able to take part in the festivities…the women dressed me up in a sari and covered my hands in beautiful henna patterns. It was such a wonderful experience, and was fascinating to see the beauty practices of women across the globe!

It in Africa

2009-01-09T11:47:00.000-08:00

It Cosmetics is excited to announce our support of some very special little ones all the way across the world in Kenya, Africa. Former Miss Washington USA, Carly Shorten, brought this very worthy cause to our attention after she visited the Neemaland Kings and Queens Palace orphanage herself. After reading the story of this orphanage and seeing pictures of the precious kids who call it home, we knew we had to help. The orphanage was started in 2007 with 20 orphans, and after just one year, it has grown to 56 children. The orphanage has no shortage of faith, hope, and love, but they are struggling to provide enough food and other essentials to keep these beautiful children healthy and thriving. It Cosmetics donates a portion of our overall revenue to help support these brave little children. Check out their website at www.right2thrive.org.

10 Steps to a Pretty Winter

2009-01-07T15:56:00.000-08:00

Winter--the season of flaky skin, chapped lips, pasty complexions…you get the picture. And it’s not a very pretty picture! But just because everyone else looks, well, a little dull, doesn’t mean you have to. Be the belle of the ball at your holiday parties and the prettiest little snow bunny on the slopes. Just follow these 10 steps…
10 Steps to a Pretty Winter
1. Drink Water
Battle parched, flaky skin from within! Hydrate your complexion by drinking lots of water and if your stuck in the snow, warm up with some hydrating herbal tea.
2. Exfoliate
With the heaters running full blast, moisture is sucked out of our skin, causing a major build up of dead skin cells. Buff it off to reveal the soft, pretty glow underneath! Try out the award-winning Clarisonic Skin Brush ($195). Looking for something a little less painful on the pocketbook? Try St. Ives Apricot Scrub ($4.29) from your local drugstore.
3. Humidifier
If you’re really fighting dry skin, you might want to consider bringing in the big guns…a.k.a. a humidifier. This will help to counteract the moisture sucking heater in your house by restoring moisture to the air.
4. Oil based moisturizer
If you have mature skin or aren’t too acne prone, I recommend trying an oil-based moisturizer for dry skin. If you’re super oily like me, just layer on your oil-free moisturizer.
5. Sunscreen
This is often the first step to disappear when the snowflakes start to fall. Big mistake! Just because it’s 15 degrees outside doesn’t mean those vicious wrinkle-causing rays are hibernating. It’s crucial you protect your skin with at least an SPF of 15 or more.
6. Gloves
Protect those pretty little hands! Get a cute pair of warm gloves or mittens to protect your hands from the elements. Also, get a pair of cotton gloves for at home…slather on a thick hand cream, and then put your cotton gloves on. This will allow the cream to really sink into your skin so they’re supple and soft.
7. Blushing Beauty
Embrace the paste! If going to the Bahamas isn’t in the plan for you this winter, play up the beauty of a fair complexion with a little pop of blush. I love layering on creamy blushes in soft berry hues, right on the apple of the cheek. They give both color and moisture to really make you glow! Try Revlon’s Cream Blush.
8. Brush Your Lips
Flaky lips? So not good under the mistletoe. For a super smooth pout, take toothbrush and gently buff your lips. This will remove any little flakes creating a perfect palette for your lip balm, lipstick, or gloss.
9. Whiten Your Smile
The downside to not having a summer tan is that the paler your skin, the more yellow your teeth look. Think of how an off-white wall looks white, until you put a piece of stark white paper next to it. It’s the same with the contrast between your skin and teeth. Counteract the yellow with some It Signature Smile Brightening Blue Lip Gloss! Also, be sure to only select blue based lipsticks. Anything other than blue based shades is going to make your teeth appear more yellow!
10. Get Your Snow Glow On!
Nothing is prettier in the dead of winter than a radiant, glowing you! Finish off your pretty winter look with highlighter (be sure to use waterproof highlighter like that found in Get Wet Waterproof Highlighter and Bronzer, if you’re going out in the snow or rain) in all the right places. Sweep some over your cheekbones and right in the corner of your eyes and under the brow bone for a fresh, dewy look!

Fun, Fabulous and Fantastic HSN!

2009-01-01T14:48:00.001-08:00

From Left to Right: (Back Row) Nicole, Jean, Angela, Jamie S., Ileyna, Jamee K., Anya
(Front Row) Coleta Thomson (It Cosmetics Global Makeup Artist), Jamie Kern Lima (Co-Founder, It Cosmetics)

What an amazing way to end 2008 and kick off 2009 – HSN! Our visits to HSN are always hectic, exciting and rewarding. Not only do we get to introduce our products to millions of women across America live on national TV (you never know what’s going to happen!), we also get to spend time with the wonderful HSN team members, our incredible merchandising team and our fabulous HSN models. This week, the above group of women were beyond spectacular on-air, they were each quality women that we got to spend a whole lot of time in the green room with…sharing stories, jokes, advice and just good old girlfriend time! The models above range in age from 18 to 66 and are some of the kindest most interesting group of women we have worked with to date. Coleta and I left our HSN visit with new friends, lots of hugs and gratefulness in our hearts for their work on-air and their beautiful spirits off air. To see that some of you actually ordered our products for everyday use after modeling them on-air last visit was just the icing on the cake. So, to the gals above….you are and always will be “it” models, “it” gals, “it” mothers, “it” survivors and “it” friends!

XOXO

Jamie

Size and Beauty

2008-12-29T08:13:00.000-08:00

Skinny-minnie Jennifer Anniston bared it all on the cover of GQ this month and dang girl!! It’s a given, Jen is hot. She has achieved our culture’s idea of the “perfect body” through a reported combination of yoga, cardio, and The Zone diet. But are teeny tiny size 2 bodies the only thing we consider sexy anymore? I certainly hope not, considering the average American woman sports a size 14. But apparently our small size=sexy mentality is affecting young girls. According to the Dove Campaign for Real Beauty, 71% of girls with low self-esteem feel their appearance is not good enough. And since a girl’s self-esteem is more strongly related to how she feels about her body and weight, rather than how much she actually weighs, it’s crucial we embrace models and celebrities of all shapes and sizes. Take Whitney Thompson for instance. Miss Thompson, the gorgeous gal selected as the winner of America’s Next Top Model, is considered a plus size model, as she fluctuates between a size 8 and size 10. Sure, Whitney is still several sizes below the national average, but she does represent a much more normal, attainable image than do most other models. It really all boils down to this, beauty is not size. It doesn’t matter if you’re a size two or a size 14, beauty is confidence. Beauty is loving yourself and being the absolute best YOU that you can be. Need a little inspiration? Check out this book I found by Rosanne Olson called “This is Who I Am” --Beauty in all shapes and sizes. It’s a collection of photos of women and their “imperfect” bodies: rolls, scars, wrinkles, and all.

Healthy Little Salad? Think Again!

2008-12-19T15:28:00.000-08:00

When you go out to dinner and order a salad, don’t you feel just a little bit like a saint? Ordering a salad means you have successfully resisted the “naughty” foods on the menu: hamburgers, fettuccini alfredo, pad thai, a nice big steak, or whatever tempting fare your restaurant of choice is dangling in front of you. Well, I hate to burst your bubble. But I just had my bubble burst and misery loves company. That salad you’re eating could be just as bad (or worse) as the big juicy burger you so courageously passed up. Check out this list of the Worst Salads in America (thanks to Men’s Health for doing the depressing research).

1.T.G.I. Friday’s Pecan Crusted Chicken Salad
1,360 calories
This little concoction isn’t the only bad guy on the salad menu at Friday’s. Six out of the seven salads analyzed contained more than 900 calories.
2. Quiznos’ Chicken with Honey Mustard Flatbread Salad
1,100 calories
Basically you could choose between this salad and five packages of Reese’s Peanut Butter cups. I admit to eating one of these at the airport last month and getting extra honey mustard…never again! I’ll take the Reese’s next time I’m going to splurge, thank you very much!
3.Macaroni Grill’s Seared Sea Scallops Salad
1,320 calories
Who knew it was possible to make two of the healthiest foods, seafood and salad, and turn them into combination that is absolutely horrific for your waistline! In addition to all you’re the calories, you’re also getting an entire day’s worth of sodium, fat, and saturated fat.
4.Chili’s Caesar Salad w/ Grilled Chicken and Caesar Dressing
1,010 calories
Never trust a Caesar. Caesar salads typically bring along loads of fatty Caesar dressing, parmesan cheese, and buttery croutons. Turning your bed of lettuce into little more than a fat and calorie holder. Chili’s take on the classic Caesar is the worst though, it contains more fat than 12 Oreo ice cream sandwiches!
5.On the Border's Grande Taco Salad with Taco Beef and Smoked Chipolte Vinaigrette Dressing
1,680 calories
Introducing to you, the worst salad in America! Your first sign this salad is a disaster…it’s served in a deep-fried tortilla trough. But the choice is yours, will it be 40 strips of bacon or this salad? They have the same saturated fat content. Yikes!

So next time you’re looking to make the healthy choice, make sure your salad isn’t a big load of calories and fat in disguised as a salad. Minor substitutions can help tremendously: switch out a creamy dressing for a low-fat vinaigrette, swap fried or breaded chicken for grilled, and ditch calorie-dense toppings like cheese and croutons.

Squeaky Clean

2008-12-18T08:40:00.000-08:00

As much time and effort as we ladies pour into our daily skin care line up (you know the drill: cleanse, exfoliate, tone, moisturize, eye cream, etc.) there’s one thing which even many of my makeup obsessed friends often forget…makeup hygiene. Hygiene, the word brings up memories of 7th grade health class, but it really is important to keeping you healthy, your beauty product arsenal clean, and your skin nice and clear!
Follow these clean commandments to keep your makeup case a happy place!
*Thou shall honor the shelf life of all beauty products.
-As a general rule, if it’s a cream (concealer, cream foundations, cream cleansers, etc.) ditch it after one year.
-Mascara, get rid of it after 4 months.
-Click here for a complete list of when to trash each of your get pretty products.
*Thou shall wash makeup brushes regularly.
-Regularly= brushes used to apply concealers, foundation, and creamy lip and eye products, should get a bath every day. Other brushes should be washed at least every two weeks.
-Get a professional brush cleanser from most any cosmetics or beauty supply store (I prefer a spray like Clinique’s makeup brush cleaner) or just use your facial cleanser.
*Thou shall promise to never share mascara. Ever. Even with your BFF.
-Eye infections are passed incredibly easily with eye makeup.
*Thou shall make sure your makeup artist is honoring your hygiene too.
-Artists should never blow on brushes (they might as well spit on them if they do this) or double-dip brushes into products, and they should always be using freshly cleaned brushes. Also, make sure they wipe off the top layer of any pressed powder with a tissue before brushing it onto your face.

Best Chest 2008

2008-12-17T16:41:00.000-08:00

Life is full of tough decisions: What should I name my firstborn child? Which college should I go to? Which stocks should I invest in? Well here’s a decision that was REALLY FUN to agonize over…and you basically couldn’t go wrong. The big question…which male celeb has the “best chest?” 8 hotties were in the running, all super gorgeous stars like David Beckham. It was just announced that Mario Lopez took the cake for People Magazine’s “best chest of 2008” award.
Who did YOU vote for?

Maybe your man isn’t quite as perfectly sculpted as Beckham and Lopez (your secret is safe with me!) but what he should know is that even these chiseled dudes get help from sculpting body makeup, though I doubt they’d ever admit to it! To get a hot guy chest for a fun day at the beach, select a waterproof matte bronzer and highlighter. Using a brush and your bronzer, contour anywhere you want the appearance of definition (think bronzer goes where you want muscle to go “in” like in between and underneath the pectoral muscles). Then sweep the highlighter over the actual chest muscle where you want to create the appearance of volume (highlighter goes on areas you want to draw “out”). It takes about one minute, and wa la! Your guy looks like he’s been hitting the gym with his buddy Mario.

Trash it or stash it?

2008-12-17T16:12:00.000-08:00

If only makeup were more like milk. Glance at the carton and the “throw it away or this is going to be a sour, nasty mess” label is as clear as can be. Cosmetics, for the most part, do not come with this expiration date convenience. But makeup DOES go bad. And while it may not grow little blue moldy spots like your cheddar, expired makeup is unhealthy for your skin and can potentially cause breakouts or infection.
When to toss it…
• It’s smelly!
• Oil Free Foundation-1 year
• Oil Based Foundation- 18 months
• Concealer: 1 year
• Powder: 2 years
• Blush or Bronzer: 2 years
• Cream Blush: 12-18 months
• Powder Eye Shadow: 2 years
• Cream Eye Shadow: 12-18 months
• Mascara: 4 months. Don’t pump the wand, it let’s air in and makes your mascara go bad much quicker.
• Liquid eyeliner: 3-6 months
• Pencil eyeliner: Sharpen often and toss after 2 years
• Lipstick: Between 1 and 4 years (Keep it in the refrigerator to really make it last!)
• Cream and Gel Cleansers: 1 year
• Lip gloss: 18-24 months
• Lip Liner: Up to 3 years
• Nail Polish: 1 years
• Sponges: Wash weekly and throw out monthly
• Natural cosmetics: most natural products go bad sooner that regular products, so check with the maker of your natural brand for expiration times!
**Here’s a little tip I remember watching my mom do as I was growing up… When you get a new tube of mascara, take a sharpie and write the date on the cap. That way you’ll always have a reference as to when to throw it out. Or, if you’re a Type A personality like me, start an Excel spreadsheet to keep track of the purchase and expiration dates of all your beauty products!

The Nitty Gritty of Food!

2008-12-17T08:24:00.001-08:00

Food. It’s the holidays and it’s everywhere. But do you ever stop to consider whether the foods you’re eating are actually clean? I’ll confess, I used to think very little about my food before I ate it. Until a few weeks ago when I got disgustingly ill with food poisoning from a grilled chicken salad. I’ll spare you the details, but now, I try to at least think twice before chowing down. I found this eye-opening blog on AOL health which lists the 10 DIRTIEST foods.

The culprits? Many of them staples that we eat every single day: eggs are number one on the dirty list, followed by peaches, packaged salad mix, cantaloupe, scallions, and chicken. Maybe something that makes us think twice about what we’re putting in our mouths isn’t all that bad. After all, tis’ the season for an average of 5-10 pounds of holiday weight gain! To ward off the germs, make sure your box of eggs is crack and break free, wash all your fruits and veggies—even those that say they are pre-washed like salad mix in bags, buy free-range chicken and USDA Organic produce, and when cooking chicken take it directly from the bag to the pan to avoid contaminating your sink or countertop. All this germ talk got me thinking, what are the dirtiest makeup practices? Hmmmmm…..don’t worry, I’m on it! Check back tomorrow to find out the do’s and don’ts of makeup hygiene.

Recession Holiday Gifts

2008-12-13T14:31:00.000-08:00

We came across the sweetest holiday gift for these challenging economic times. A friend of ours was giving handprints and footprints of her children to grandma along with the promise to give new prints the following year as well. It occurred to me that a unique, thoughtful and personal gift such as this can mean so much more to us women that that most expensive diamond in the store window. Take this holiday to spend some time and appreciate your family – the greatest of all our gifts.

Snow Goddess Glow!

2008-12-12T18:04:00.001-08:00

Baby it’s cold outside!! But even if you’ve swapped your shoulder-baring summer dresses for Uggs and chunky sweaters, there’s no need to bundle up EVERY inch of your beautiful self. Katie Holmes shows us that when the snowflakes are falling, there’s almost nothing that says “snow goddess” more than a beautifully sculpted collar bone and glowing decollate. Get Katie’s subtly sexy look by sweeping a matte bronzer directly above and below the collar bone. Then, take a shimmering highlighter and brush it over the bone itself. Five seconds added to your beauty routine, but trust me, this sexy little trick is guaranteed to make your snowman melt!

For more enhancement techniques check out the Library of Secrets manual found inside the My Beautiful Breasts kit.

What to Wear!

2008-12-11T20:17:00.000-08:00

Ever find yourself standing in front of your closet, thinking what in the WORLD am I going to wear? Whether it’s a first date, a Christmas party, or just another day at the office, we all have those “I have NOTHIING to wear” moments!! But can you imagine if the whole world was chattering about what you wore? Pressure!!

Welcome to the new life of soon to be First Lady, Michelle Obama.

While it’s a little annoying that the world often seems more focused on Mrs. O’s designer threads than the Harvard Law graduates’ thoughts, I’ll confess I too am a teensy bit excited to see what fabulous outfit our new number one lady will work come January 20th. Sketches and guesses like those pictured above (featured on WWD and Foxnews.com) are circulating the internet. But we want to know what look YOU think Michelle should rock on the big night?

Whatever Michelle chooses, and whatever your political beliefs are, I’m sure we can agree this lawyer-mom turned political icon is an inspiration to working moms everywhere.

And I’ll leave you with my favorite Michelle tid-bit…how did the first couple meet?

Michelle was bossing the President elect around…they met while she was his supervisor at the couple’s first job out of law school. Michelle is definitely an “It” girl!