Bloom Featured in The New York Times!

Bloom featured in New York Times!

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/02/fashion/online-everyones-a-makeup-critic-skin-deep.html?_r=0

 

Skin Deep

Online, Everyone Can Be a Makeup Critic

Coco Masuda

By TATIANA BONCOMPAGNI

Published: May 1, 2013

 

Matin Maulawizada, a makeup artist based in New York, used to spend hours prowling department stores’ beauty floors to find out what was new and noteworthy. Now, Mr. Maulawizada, the global artistry director for Laura Mercier, likes to log on to Pampadour.com, a sleek new beauty-focused social network, to see what products colleagues are using — or, in the company’s parlance, “pamping.” “It really saves me time,” Mr. Maulawizada said.

Quietly introduced at the end of February, Pampadour says it has already signed up more than 3,000 users, many of them beauty professionals. The site has joined a small but growing number of social platforms that allow members to tag and review cosmetics with others in their network, potentially shifting power from traditional retailers.

Among them are Bloom.com, which has accrued about 250,000 members since it started in August 2011. Like Pampadour, Bloom allows users to upload pictures of hair, makeup and nail looks they’ve created, as well as tag the products they’ve used in those looks. But Bloom, which boasts a database of 50,000 products from 700 companies, is also able to direct members to Web retailers where some of those products may be sold.

“It is designed to connect the dots and make beauty simple,” said Julie Mahloch, a founder of Bloom, based in Omaha.

Two sites in Britain, SheSaidBeauty.com and Baobella.com, went live in July 2012 and March 2013, respectively. The chief executive of SheSaidBeauty.com, Ben Aronsten, said his company has several hundred thousand viewers a month, half of whom live in the United States. SheSaidBeauty features the popular Beauty Shelf, which allows users to tag their favorite products as well as the ones they want to buy. (Benefit High Beam Highlighter, a shimmering pink fluid that comes in a nail-polish-like bottle, has earned high marks.)

Sephora, the retail chain, runs BeautyTalk, a social network, on its Web site. Members of the network are awarded 1 of 36 rankings (among them, “newcomer” and “hall of famer”) based on how many answers they respond to on company-moderated message boards and how many other members “heart” those responses.

The company, which declined to say how many customers belong to its social platform, gives so-called super-users advance information on new products and Web site changes before others, but no other compensation for their efforts.

Some users spend more than 30 hours a week on the site, said Bridget Dolan, a vice president for digital marketing at Sephora. “It really is about social credibility,” Ms. Dolan said. It’s also about sales: she said BeautyTalk members tend to spend significantly more at the company than other online customers.

According to Kline and Company, a market research firm in Parsippany, N.J., sales of beauty products in the United States reached roughly $40 billion in 2012, 4 percent of which is estimated to come from online transactions, up from 2 percent of overall sales in 2010. Donna Barson, a senior associate with Kline, said part of that increase is because of manufacturers’ efforts to replicate the in-store experience, which includes live chats with experts, instructional videos and tools that let you upload photos to digitally experiment with a lipstick or eye-shadow color. “Originally when customers started shopping online, they were buying for replenishment,” Ms. Barson said. “Now they are trying things they’ve never tried before.”

Pampadour’s co-founder, Roy Hakimian, thinks peer-to-peer reviews, are more influential than television advertisements or even magazine articles touting a new product’s benefits. “People want to get recommendations from people they trust,” Mr. Hakimian said.

Indeed, friends’ posts on Pampadour.com inspired Vanessa Heshima Sims, a hairstylist who works on the television shows “Girls” and “Deception” in Los Angeles, to buy a Tom Ford blush and Tarte facial oil for herself and a Leonor Greyl hair mask to use on clients. Kendra Stanton, a makeup artist and blogger (citizensofbeauty.com) based in Portland, Ore., found a teardrop-shaped, spongelike makeup applicator called Beautyblender while combing through posts on Bloom .com. The product, Ms. Stanton said, has since become one of her favorite tools, one she’s touted on both television and the Internet.

Rea Ann Silva, Beautyblender’s founder, said the applicator’s popularity on social media sites had proved significant. “It opened doors to retailers,” she said. “It turned the skeptics into believers.”

Even when a product invites negative feedback, it can still be constructive, as Dr. Dennis Gross, a dermatologist in New York with an eponymous line of skin-care products, can attest. Some users posting on Bloom.com and other sites about his Alpha Beta Peel wanted it to deliver results more quickly, while others who hadn’t tried it feared it could irritate their skin. In response, the company introduced an extra-strength version.

“This new landscape is really a marketer’s paradise,” said Kendra Kolb Butler, a senior vice president for Dr. Gross’s company who oversees a team of employees that manages the company’s presence on social media platforms, adding: “You can listen to thousands of women without ever having to leave your desk.”

 

A version of this article appeared in print on May 2, 2013, on page E3 of the New York edition with the headline: Online, Everyone Can Be a Makeup Critic.

MomsThoughts Joins WetPaint Moms!

I am excited to announce my first publication on WetPaint Moms!  WetPaint is known for their family of entertainment websites.  It’s a lot of fun to be included on their new site for Moms!  I hope you will visit WetPaint Moms and check out my first contribution! 

Read more: http://www.momsthoughts.com/news/wetpaint-moms/

Prime Time!

Which eye primer is my favorite?  http://www.momsthoughts.com/news/prime-time-/

Inspiration….Interpretation

I was inspired by Heidi Klum’s eyes in the top photo.  My interpretation is below.  For full details of Heidi’s look and my interpretation please visit http://www.bloom.com/beautybio/customer/view/id/25066/#photo-43159

Heidi Klum’s photo found here: http://www.glamour.com/beauty/blogs/girls-in-the-beauty-department/2010/07/lets-all-copy-heidi-klums-gorg.html

Nails

A new look for my Essie Bikini So Teeny.  Two coats Bikini So Teeny plus one coat Essie Luxe Effects Set In Stone!  Its a fun glittery/confetti look that is very forgiving.  The confetti sparkles, looks great and hides any little imperfections in the polish.  Visit http://www.bloom.com/invite/25066

***Essie Bikini So Tiny was provided to me by Klout.  No expectation of review or opinion was expressed or implied. 

TimeSeal Concealer

Is TimeSeal Concealer the miracle I have been waiting for??

(please note: UPDATE from TimeSeal at the end of my review)

When I first learned about TimeSeal Concealer, I was intrigued.  When they offered to send me one to review, I was elated!  

You see, TimeSeal boasts that its Anti-Aging, All-In-One Concealer has 7 unique anti-aging ingredients (including “BioFirm 7 Complex), improves under eye skin at the cellular level, it is lightweight and natural looking and its available in 4 colors!  Who wouldn’t be excited?  I have a unique situation in that under one eye I have a dark freckle plus I sustained an injury under the same eye years ago and that left the area under that eye slightly darker than the other. 

The Pros: The concealer goes on effortlessly.  It has a nice powdery finish.  It wears well for hours. It eliminates the need for wrinkle cream around the eyes.  The coverage is good.  It stays in place and is so simple to apply.  It didn’t get cakey looking.  It is oil free and long wearing. The compact is especially nice as it includes a little mirror for quick touchups on the go! 

The Cons:  I did not notice any significant difference in wrinkles.  I have only been using it for a week, so perhaps over time it will be more apparent.  I also didn’t get enough coverage.  This may be a problem all my own.  I have been on a quest to find a concealer that actually hides my dark under eye area.  I may be overly obsessed.  This gave good coverage but no better or worse than other good concealers I have tried.  Also, I used the lightest color available and it was a shade or two too dark for me.  

The Bottomline:  This is a quality concealer that does double duty to improve your under eye area.  The finish is lovely.  If you don’t require serious under eye coverage, this is a product worthy of a try! If you are fair skinned like me, the lightest color may be too dark.  Would I purchase this?  Yes, if I could get a lighter shade.  I love the soft powdery finish, I love that its oil-free and long wearing. I also like the benefit of anti-aging built in, even if it might take some time before I notice the effects.  

***UPDATE***

TimeSeal Cosmetics reached out to me to let me know they will be adding a lighter shade!  I can look forward to the new shade “Ivory” in about 6 months!  Now, I am officially excited.  I can’t wait to try it and share with all of you!  In the meantime, unless you are a very fair Irish Lassie like me, please visit their website, learn more about this innovative product and try it out for yourself! 

Please visit TimeSeal Concealer at http://timesealcosmetics.com/frontpage/

Image source: http://timesealcosmetics.com/frontpage/

Olay CC Cream – Total Effects Tone Correcting Moisturizer with Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 15 Light-to-Medium

According to the Olay website:

“Olay’s CC Cream provides instant Coverage plus Correction to fight 7 signs of aging, including uneven tone, age spots, and wrinkles. This all-in-one triple stream formula combines a daily anti-aging moisturizer, SPF 15 sunscreen and sheer tint for younger-looking skin.”  

I have been using the Olay “CC” cream for about a month now and I love it!  It makes the morning process so much faster and easier.  This is really and all in one with just the right amount of coverage for every day use.  My skin feels soft and looks dewy and radiant.  I do not look or feel like I have a lot of make on, just enough to even skin tone a little and brighten things up. 

So what is a “CC” cream anyway?  It is the new and improved “BB” cream.  “BB” creams gained popularity about 2 years ago as an all in one product.  The “CC” stands for Color Control.  This all-in-one product takes “BB” creams to the next level by also including color. 

The Olay CC Cream comes in 3 shades: Fair-to-Light, Light-to-Medium, and Medium-to-Deep.  I use the Light-To-Medium.  The products retails for about $22-25.  I can assure you a little goes a long way, I barely use half a pump each day. 

I love this product for its  results, ease of use and price point. 

Babor Intensifier Refreshing Foam Mask

I have started using the Babor Foam Mask.  According to Babor:

• For all skin types needing extra moisture and a smoothness boost
• Intensively moisturizes the skin
• Energizes and stimulates the skin’s regenerative processes.

The fun part is that is is a FOAM mask!  It is dispensed like shaving cream.  You spread the foam all over your face (a little goes a long way!!)  And after about 10-15 the foam is all but gone!  You can just massage in any remaining foam and your skin feels super soft and moisturized.  It is especially great in the winter when my skin tends to get dried out.  I also like a mask that doesn’t require rinsing!  So easy to use! 

It is a bit pricey, retailing at $60, but it does deliver the moisture!

Bloom Box Review!

So many good products to review this month from Bloom!  This is box 1 with more to follow! 

Let’s start with my hair!  I tried the Glo-Essentials Firm Hold Hairspray and the Boost Root Volumizer.   I used the volumizer on just slightly damp hair, applied to the sections at the root, set each section with my big velcro rollers and then hit each section with the blowdryer.  After hair was set and styled, I used the firm hold aerosol spray and it is FIRM hold!  But it isn’t sticky or tacky or “helmet head” looking (at least I didn’t think so.) It was very “touchable”.   Because it is FIRM hold, you really don’t need a lot which is great too. My hair held up great all night with good volume and still looks pretty good the next morning.  It still doesn’t look dirty or flat which is always a problem with fine hair like mine.

EYE BROWS!  The years of over tweezing has taken its toll on my eyebrows, that and the few grey hairs that seem to be randomly popping up leave my eyebrows lacking in some areas!  My eyebrow routine has consisted of using a toothbrush with some hairspray to shape and an eye brow pencil and powder to fill in the gaps.  I don’t like the overly “fake” looking brow, I much prefer a more natural look.  Therefore, my goal is to just fill in some thin areas and help get a good shape.  I LOVED both of these products.  The mousse is more of gel with a wand similar to a mascara wand.  Great to shape the brow and hold it in shape.  The Stila brow pen is perfect!  Its a very very fine pen that allows you to make the gentlest, whispiest strokes to fill in.  The light color worked great for me.  I am so happy with the result of these two product.  Stila never disappoints me. 

I tried the Jemma Kidd Firming I-Silk in Pearl Rose.  This is a creamy eye shadow that comes in a tube with a wand to apply.  The color was a lovely shimmery pink that I used over my entire lid.  I went back with some Stila shadows to contour and highlight.  I like the consistency and color a lot.  When given a choice, I will always choose anything that says “firming”!  It did get a little lumpy when first applied but I think that had more to do with the primer (I think I used too much)  The shadow brightened my eyes, had a nice shimmer but not overwhelming and lasted all evening.  The Jemma Kidd finishing power is finely milled, very soft and worked well.  I used the Fair color.  It does not offer a lot of coverage, which is fine since I really wanted this as a finishing powder to keep everything in place and to keep a matte finish without looking like I’m wearing “granny’s face powder”.  I did find it slightly difficult to actually shake the powder out in order to use it though.   That would be my only complaint.

Oh Peter Thomas Roth how I love thee, let me count the ways!  I am a true fan.  I love his resurfacing and retexurizer products which I use religiously.  I also love his FirmX line.  I am using the face and eye FirmX here and for the first time, I used the FirmX Contouring Color Stick!  It is full of great ingredients like Hyluranic acid that help plump and firm your skin.  It has a sheer pinkish bronzing color.  You can use this to contour cheeks and jaw line, to color and firm eyes, to color and soften lips, it does it all.  The color is buildable so add more or use lightly.  I think the results are subtle so you might need extra color if you want real dramatic contouring, but if you are looking for a fresh, sheer, firming, youthful glow, this can not be beat.  On most days, when I am home doing my Mommy thing, I don’t wear much makeup.  Maybe a quick brush of mineral powder, some concealer and bronzer.  I could definitely see this easily added to my every day routine as my go-to product!  I can honestly tell you I have been very impressed with all Peter Thomas Roth’s products.

Physician Formula Lip Plumping Potion in clear is a nice gloss!  Again, if it says “plumping”, I am in!  This is a high shine gloss which I loved.  I used a lip pencil first in a color very close to my own natural color and then added the gloss.  I really don’t know how plump my lips became but I loved the shine.  It does feel a little tacky after a couple hours - but it didn’t look tacky or sticky, it still looked shiny.  I did have to reapply a couple times over the course of the evening but that is to be expected especially since I was eating, drinking, talking, etc.  Definitely worth it for the affordable price.

L’oreal Color Correcting Primer in Green…no, I am not auditioning for Wicked!  Using a green primer helps correct the redness in my skin.  At first, it looked pretty strange, but once I applied my foundation over the green primer, the results were great in terms of color correcting.  My skin tone had a nice even appearance. My only complaint would be that I wish it did more to conceal pores.  A little goes a long way and you can’t beat the results for the price.

A List For You!

You may or may not know that I am very proud to be a Bloom Beauty Ambassador.  As part of this program, I have the privilege of trying all sorts of products.  Some are ok, some are good and some are REALLY great!  I have also tried some other products from Klout and some I have just found on my own. Seems to be tradition at this time of year to post lists so I thought it would be fun to make a list of my all time favorites.  (I wish I was Oprah and could give each of you all these products! )  If you have the opportunity, check them out.  Let me know what you think!

Jonathan Dirt - This is a texturizing paste.  What it does is add healthy texture and manageability to your hair.  I love it.  Because I have fine hair, I have a hard time finding products that work well without weighing down my fine hair.  I like volume, shine, and hold.  I love using this product for that reason.  A tiny bit goes a long way.  Its full of all sorts of good stuff that helps your hair too!  So once applied it is conditioning, protecting, adding shine, control, and manageability!!  I love this product so much!!!

Peter Thomas Roth - I am so happy I found these products!  I have tried and love them all!
-Laser-free Retexturizer - this is a scrub and glycolic peel all in one.  I love the result.  You can really feel it working!
-Laser-Free Resurfacer - this is a moisturizing product that helps repair aging, sun-damaged skin
-Instant Firmx - this is the magic elixir of all time.  I was blown away with the obvious immediate results.  Your skin looks and feels firmer, tighter and more youthful in minutes.  This is a must have for me.  Hands down.  (But, just like Cinderella, the magic doesn’t last…it’s a temporary fix and will be gone in the morning!)

Stila In the Know Eye Palette  - Stila makes GREAT eye shadow.  So while I am enjoying this particular palette a lot right now because of the range of colors, I will say ANY Stila eye shadow would make my list of all time favorites

Japonesque eyelashes - these are affordable, synthetic lashes with a delicate natural feel.  I usually buy the cheap drug store eye lashes and find them just as good, if not better than the super pricey lashes.  The Japnesque are just a little more expensive than drug store lashes but the glue is great, so easy to apply.  I think the ease of use and quality and texture of the lash make them worth the little extra they cost.

Makeup Forever HD foundation - This is a liquid foundation that offers good coverage and color and it looks great in photographs.  They offer a wide range of tones/shade.  I HIGHLY recommend taking the time to go to Sephora and having a consultant help you find the exact shade for you.  A bottle lasts a long time too - a little goes a long way especially if you moisturize and use a good primer before application.  

All Natural Skincare Mineral Makeup - I have tried a lot of mineral makeup.  I like powder mineral makeup for everyday use. Its easy to apply and it is not harmful to your skin.  My problem is most mineral powder look powdery!  I don’t want to look like I am wearing grandma’s old pressed powder.  The other problem with some powder mineral makeup is getting good coverage too.  All Natural Skincare’s mineral makeup has great coverage and seems to look silky soft and smooth just minutes after applying!  (yes, at first glance there might be some of the powdery look, but it vanishes almost instantly)  The other great thing about this makeup are the color/tone choices.  I wasn’t sure exactly which shade was best so I bought what I thought would be my color and a trial size one tone down to mix in if I needed to lighten it.  Worked great.  I also use a trial size dark tone for contouring/bronzing.

Clean and Clear Deep Cleaning Astringent - Can not live without.  This is another product that does such a fantastic job of cleaning pores and keeping any acne in check.  (yes, I get a little break out now and then if I don’t use this!)  It contains salicylic acid which is a good exfoliator and breaks down sebum.  It is simple but effective and not just for teenagers! . A lot of stores have their own cheaper versions that work just as well (just make sure the first ingredient is salicylic acid.)  

Crest Sensitivity Whitening Plus Scope  -There is no way around it, a healthy bright smile is vitally important to good looks.  People notice your smile!  Take good care of your teeth.  I also use Crest White Strips every 4-6 months.

Sonicaire Tooth Brush - again, your smile is everything!  The Sonicaire toothbrush does an amazing job.  Your teeth feel ‘straight from the dentist’ clean every time you use it.  You will never want to use your old manual toothbrush again.  

Clarisonic Mia2 - A healthy youthful complexion starts with clean skin!  The Clarisonic Mia face scrubber is great. It really deep cleans to prevent large pores and break outs.  It also exfoliates leaving your skin fresh and bright! The best part is you can use it in the shower!!  

Roc Multi Correxion Stress Repair Night Cream -  I love the smell of this!!!  It has a light lavender scent that is so relaxing and soothing.  It also has alpha Hydroxy acid (aha) that helps to exfoliate and keep breaks outs and fine lines at bay while moisturizing your skin as you sleep!!  I don’t know how much younger I look in the morning but it feels great and my skin is nourished and moisturized while I sleep.  

Clairol Natural Instincts Shine - Achieve a long-lasting Shine that gives your hair a healthy vibe. Whether you color your hair or not, a single application of Shine Happy delivers for weeks of gorgeous, silky shine in just ten minutes. (it contains no color, its a clear treatment)  It involves a process similar to the process of coloring your hair at home.  You mix two ingredients into an applicator, wear gloves, etc… Not difficult or too time consuming - but great results!!!Its especially good for women my age when our hair starts lose that youthful shine.   It can be  hard to find, but worth the effort.  It also include a really nice weekly conditioning treatment that helps seal in the shine.

OPI Gel Color - I treat myself to the salon for a manicure about once every 4-6 weeks.  I get OPI Gel Color.  I love their colors but more importantly, I love the durability.  The gel process keeps my fragile nails from splitting, peeling, cracking and breaking.  The polish easily lasts at least 6 weeks for me without chipping.  (eventually you end up having more new nail growth than polish - so you have to get a new manicure…but for just doing my mommy thing, I am not bothered at all by the little bit of new nail growth showing near the near bed)  You’ll be assured to know that it has recently been proven and concluded the UV lights necessary to cure the polish is not a health risk.  My gel manicures cost $35 but I am sure that varies around the country.  The colors stay bright and shiny for the duration…

Samsung Galaxay SIII smart phone -  Finally, I have an Android phone again!!  (I had been using the free Windows phone from Klout.  Its a nice looking phone - but Window OS has NO APPS therefore functionally it is very limited)  I love Android for a few reasons:  1) You can buy and use a 2nd battery.  I know this is a little thing but you can’t do it with iPhone.  I don’t have to drag a charging cord around with me and look for outlets if I am out for a long day or night.  I slip the extra $15 battery into my wallet and I have plenty of back up time.  2) Android OS allows you to make changes that iPhone OS doesn’t.  For instance, the keyboard that comes with the new Galaxy sucks. (which is disappointing in such a new and expensive phone) but its easily solved with the download of “ice cream sandwich” keyboard.  You can adapt Android.  The Samsung Galaxy also comes with a lot of nice bells and whistles.  Favorite. Phone. Ever.  

Favorite New Music - Obviously anything by Scott Alan.  Get his special edition of Live.  You won’t be disappointed.  I also love the music from Les Mis.  (But as my daughter points out, you want the Broadway recording not the movie soundtrack)  The movie was phenomenal but if you are just listening, listen to the Broadway stars.  The soundtrack to Pitch Perfect is so fun.  Yes, I am an acapella geek.  This is very fun!  Eden Espinosa has a new album “Look Around” which includes a really nice mix of music.  I am really enjoying this one!  I still want Bruno Mars new album…

Favorite New TV:  My favorite new tv show is The New Normal and my favorite new network (I am completely addicted) is Investigation Discovery.

Favorite New App - StreamZoo!  Forget Instagram.  Streamzoo has more editing and posting options AND they confirm they won’t try to sell your photos!

I hope you enjoy my list of favorites!  I would love to hear about yours!  And keep an eye on Bloom.com.  There are big changes happening almost daily and you will want to be apart of this fun beauty social network!  http://www.bloom.com/invite/25066

50% OFF AT BLOOM!

Its time to start shopping!!!  USE CODE HOLIDAY50  http://www.bloom.com/invite/25066