Walking into their Chelsea space in NYC made my mouth water. All I could see was color, tables upon tables of lipstick, eye shadow, face powder, nail polish, etc. in almost every color, plus this holographic-like lip gloss that made my heart beat even faster. If you are a beauty lover like I am you totally understand what I mean. Inglot cosmetics are now in Macy’s Herald Square, with another free standing store location, but, my beauty crystal ball tells me Inglot is going to be a huge success, with plenty more stores to come.

All products are created in Poland, with the exception of the brush kits, and I felt there wasn’t a targeted audience missed when perusing the isles of the brand. They distribute all over the world, so I consider Macy’s a very wonderful client for them and wonder if there shall be more department store locations in their future? They are located in over 280 retail locations worldwide and have been around for over twenty-five years, yet they are just becoming better known here in the United States.

 Inglot is known for its Freedom System — allowing the client to CHOOSE their own eye, lip, eyebrow and face palette. They are paraben-free formulas and come in such a variety of colors that naming shades would take me hours. They also carry a line of O2M Breathable Nail Polish where it’s explained that the formula allows your nails to breathe and grow even though they are polished. Nail Art is available as well with super small brushes for the inner nail artist in you. They have face blush, duo blush compacts, body glitter, face illuminators, and much more.

I will soon follow-up with more information as I try more and more products from their line. I just had to share this incredible find with you, my in-the-know Beautystat readers.

You can shop online in the meanwhile at www.inglotusa.com.

- Nicole Gordon Levine

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Commonly used cosmetic ingredients

Here is a list of cosmetic ingredients that we come across in daily.

Vitamins

Vitamin A: It is known as Retinol. It normalizes skin’s texture and smoothes out fine lines. The more stable form is Retinyl Palmitate.

Vitamin C: The chemical name is Ascorbic Acid. It is an antioxidant, skin lightening agent, pH adjuster, preservative and also rebuilds healthy collagen fibers. It is also used in the form of Ascorbyl Palmitate ( a derivative of Vitamin C).

Vitamin E: It is chemically known as Tocopherol. It is an antioxidant, prevents UV damage to skin and also moisturizes skin.

Panthenol: It is nothing but Vitamin B5. It is a humectant.

Alpha Hydroxy Acids

Commonly used ones are citric acid, glycolic acid and lactic acid.

They aid in skin renewal by exfoliating the top layer of epidermis, improves skin’s texture, aids in better penetration of active ingredients, restores moisture and reduces wrinkles. They find use in anti aging products.

Salicylic Acid: It is a beta hydroxy acid. It is a debriding agent, helps in exfoliation of dry skin and reduces oiliness, acne and appearance of fine lines. It is mostly used in treating adult acne and chemical peels.

Humectants

Glycerine: It is a very commonly used humectant (ability to absorb moisture from air and entrap it into the skin). Hence, it hydrates and provides a skin barrier.

Hyaluronic Acid: It is a strong hydrating complex. It can hold upto 1000 times water in skin. It is commonly used in anti aging preparations for deep hydration.

Lecithin: It is a water attracting agent and hence hydrates and improves the texture of skin. It also allows the ease of spread onto the skin.

Silicones

Dimethicone/Cyclomethicone: It is a group of silicone molecules. It gives cosmetic products a smooth texture without blocking pores, gives slip and glide to products. It is widely used in skin care, make up, hair care and hair styling preparations.

Sunscreen Agents

Avobenzone, Mexoryl, Oxybenzone, Benzophenone: UV filters. They absorb or block UVA rays.

Titanium Dioxide: It is a physical UV blocker for both UVA and UVB.

Bleaching Agents

Hydroquinone, Kojic Acid: It is a skin whitening agent, skin bleaching agent.

Antioxidants: Resveratol, Butylated Hydroxy Toluene (BHT)

Preservative: Parabens, Benzoyl Peroxide

Soothing Agents

Allantoin: It has got skin calming property, soothing and healing agent.

Aloe: It is a natural and a very versatile ingredient. As its pH is same as skin, it is extremely soothing and protective in nature. It is a natural oxygenator (draws and holds oxygen to skin) so is a very effective healing agent. It is also a natural astringent.

Camphor: It is a cooling agent and hence alleviates itching, irritation and redness.

Olive oil

Emollients

Cetyl alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Ceteareth 20, Cetearyl Alcohol: They are Emollient (lubricant), emulsifier (mix oil and water phases in a formulation)

Isopropyl Isostearate, Isopropyl Palmitate, Isopropyl Myristate: They are emollients and hence form a film on skin and penetrates easily into the skin. They are used in preshaves, aftershaves, shampoos, bath oils, antiperspirants, deodorants, creams and lotions.

Castor Oil: It is a barrier agent, emollient and a lubricant. It finds its use in lipsticks and moisturizer.

Jojoba Oil: It is very similar to human sebum and hence is able to effectively penetrate the skin. It is a moisturiser and a natural cellular renewal ingredient.

Avocado Oil: It is a skin conditioner and moisturizer that readily penetrates the skin.

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride: It is a barrier agent, emollient and solvent used mostly in foundations.

Emulsifier:

Glyceryl Oleate, Glyceryl Stearate, Glyceryl Cocoate, Glyceryl Stearate SE: They all act as emulsifiers.

Glyceryl Cocoate is also a Surfactant (foaming and cleansing agent).

Glyceryl Stearate SE also gives pearlizing effect in shampoos and opacifier in creams and lotions.

Waxes:

Beeswax: It allows to blend oil and water components. It gives barrier mechanism to skin care and makeup products.

Candellila Wax: It is occlusive in nature and is used as a binder in lipsticks and creams.

Carnauba Wax: It is also a barrier agent and used as a texturiser in lipsticks, deodorant sticks and depilatories.

Kaolin: It is an oil absorbing powder and gives color and slip. It is mostly used in face masques for oily/combination skin.

Water: It is the most important ingredient in skin care and hair care products. Distilled, deionized or purified water is used in cosmetic preparations. It is the vehicle in most formulations.

Caffeine: Alleviates puffiness under eyes.

Lanolin Derivatives: Lanolin alcohol is used as a thickener for shampoos and bath gels. It gives cosmetics a creamy texture and high gloss. Lanolin oil is basically dewaxed lanolin and acts as a skin moisturiser and reduces stickiness of creams and lotions. It is found in hair conditioners, fingernail conditioners and skin cosmetics.

So did this dictionary of terms help you?  If you want help trying to understand what an ingredient is or what it does, post a comment below and we will try to help.

- cosmetic chemist, Upasana Sahu

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Brilliant butterflies, flashy florals and gorgeously geometric graphics…A colourful collaboration between M·A·C and the artist known worldwide as Vera, who merged fine arts with linens, murals, textiles and silk scarves in her punchy, painted patterns. Now in shades plucked straight from her most lavish prints, M·A·C Vera embraces the luxe, lighter-than-air spirit that delivers the kind of startling, look-at-me statement that defines what it means to be an instant classic. Limited Edition.

CRUSHED METALLIC PIGMENT X4
ALOHA
Lantern Light Metallic gold/bronze
Campfire Rich copper (frost)
Shifting Sands Metallic Champagne (frost)
Aloha Dirt cocoa brown (frost)

STRAWBERRY PATCH
Star Crystal Pink Champagne (frost)
Rose Light Metallic Yellow Pink (frost)
Strawberry Patch Light blue pink (frost)
Moon Rose Bright Dark Pink (frost)

BUTTERFLY PARTY
Butterfly Party Bright Lilac (frost)
Desert Cloud Deep blue purple (frost)
Rain Drop Metallic teal (frost)
Moss Garden Metallic silver green (frost)
Suggested Retail Price $34.00 U.S./$40.00 CDN

PEARLGLIDE INTENSE EYE LINER
Lord It Up Bronze with pearl
Industrial Periwinkle grey
Designer Purple Iridescent violet
Undercurrent Teal with pearl
Petrol Blue Deep navy with pearl

Black Swan Black with pearl

Black Line Black with gold pearl
Suggested Retail Price $15.00 U.S./$18.00 CDN

NAIL LACQUER
Midsummer’s Dream Pale pink lilac (creme)
Play Day Pale milky coral (creme)
Suggested Retail Price
$16.00 U.S./$19.00 CDN

PEARLMATTE FACE POWDER
Sunday Afternoon Clean bright pink/bright clean
fuchsia/soft pale pink with white pearl
Flower Fantasy Pale coral with slight gold
pearl/slightly blue pale pink/soft pale salmon
Suggested Retail Price $28.00 U.S./$33.50 CDN

PLUSHGLASS
Fashion Fanatic Creamy pale pink
Pretty Plush Extra soft pink with white pearl
Confetti Bright orange coral with soft pearl
On A Holiday Bright pink with blue pearl
Butterfly Dream Mid-tone violet with blue pearl
Suggested Retail Price $19.50 U.S./$22.50 CDN

Available North America February 16, 2012 International March 2012 at all M·A·C locations, 1.800.588.0070 and www.maccosmetics.com

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FOUNDATION: Bobbi Brown’s Skin Foundation Mineral Makeup SPF 15. A lot of other name brands that we have tried, tended to leave our skin looking dry in patches and dull. This new formula provides translucency and also shine free coverage.

The formula in the product consists of vitamins and minerals that moisturize and condition the skin leaving the finished look silky and smooth. Available at all Bobbi Brown counters for $ 38.00 or go to www.bobbibrown.com. The Face Brush is $ 42.00 and the Powder Puff is $ 15.00.

Clinique Repairwear Laser Focus All-Smooth Makeup SPF 15 The new All-Smooth Makeup with SPF 15 incorporates the brand’s advanced patented technology from the powerhouse de-aging serum, Clinique Repairwear Laser Focus.

It wears well on the skin, goes on without any fuss, and is easy to blend with your fingers (see pics HERE). It retails for $32.50.

CONCEALER:  Maybelline’s new Eraser Dark Circles Treatment Concealer gets our two thumbs up in terms of dramatic transformation.

Since it is marketed as a treatment concealer, it also works to correct the problem over the long haul — a major plus. Application is easy thanks to the sponge tip applicator and Maybelline has all skin tones covered offering shades from fair to medium to dark.   Check out the Before & After photos HERE.

For $8.49, this is a good concealer to have. The bottle ensures you’ll have this for a long time — at least 3-4 months. Purchase this in drugstores or online retailers.

MASCARA:  L’Oreal’s Voluminous Million Lashes mascara.

This mascara actually lives up to it’s claims-it provides volume and separates lashes with each swipe of the brush (see Before & After photos HERE). The brush has many bristles (more than I’ve ever seen!) that provides a good coat that lasts throughout the day. Not only does this mascara provide amazing results but it’s also available at an affordable price-can’t beat that ladies!

Hypnôse Doll Mascara

Hypnose Doll Lashes Mascara does give you doll-like lashes, and they do become shiny. There’s more of a lengthening effect than a plumping effect (see Before & After photos HERE), so if you want volume, this is not the mascara for you. But if you’re going for definition, shine and length, then yes –I’d give this two thumbs up. Grab one for $25 at Lancome.com.

LIPSTICK / GLOSS: MAC Glamglass

If you want to make a statement, you certainly will with M.A.C.’s  Glamglass which launched in the Summer of 2011. This moisturizing gloss leaves lips silky while providing an intense shine. With 11 shades to choose from (see them all HERE) each retailing for $14.50, there’s something for every event. I certainly don’t see this product leaving my make up bag any time soon!

NAIL POLISH: Chanel and Zoya

Chanel Mimosa could have been Summer 2011′s IT nail polish color. This gorgeous shade looks beautiful on all skin complexions and makes a perfect pedicure color.

Zoya’s Touch was the ultimate ‘Business Professional’ collection. These three soft nude shades reach opaque finishes with only one coat making it perfect for busy . See more hot nail polish pics HERE.

GIVEAWAY:  We want to share some of our faves with you so we are giving away FIVE L’Oreal’s Voluminous Million Lashes mascaras to lucky fans.  To enter, leave a comment below telling us what mascara you’ve been using in the past year.  We will pick a winner in a couple of weeks (US only please – we apologize to our International fans).  Good luck!!

ANNOUNCING WINNERS: 

Congratulations to:  Christina, Alina B, Joanne K., Tammy S. Jisue.  We just contacted you to get your mailing address. Thank you all for entering!

- Amelia Keith of PrettyInTheQueenCity.com and BeautyStat editorial staff

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Antonella with no makeup

Face Powder in Light Tan #4. Runway Eyes Fashion Shadows 05. Glamorous Gems Baked blush 07. Fantastico Mauve Liquif'eye. Automatic Eyeliner 06. Green Liquif'eye Metallic Eyeliner 03. Gold Lip Flash 06. Flashy Face Powder in Light Tan #4

The best part about the face powder is that my face still had a dewy glow showing through. It gives light to medium coverage which is perfect for my skin. This is great if your skin tends to shine as well, since it helps to absorb the excess oils. I recommend applying it with a blush-brush like I did to keep the coverage light. There’s a nice range of colors for all types of skin tones. The shadows are very silky and apply easily. My skin has green undertones, so these shades really worked for me. As for the Baked blush 07 in Fantastico Mauve, it gave me such a nice warm glow that we’ll all be needing this winter (especially for those of us who can’t escape to some tropical island).

For a really polished look, choose a blush color that’s harmonious with your lip color. In this case, the pink blush goes so well with my pink-painted lips. I also used the Liquif’eye automatic eyeliner 06 Green (applied along the top lash line) and the Liquif’eye metallic eyeliner 03 Gold (applied to the bottom).

That’s what they claim on the eyeliner packaging and that’s what they deliver. I had the makeup on all day, and it really lasted. To make any type of eye makeup last longer, apply loose powder first. I loved colors, but am definitely partial to the metallics. The metallic pencils glided on more smoothly than the automatic ones.

The piece de resistance was the Lip Flash 06! This lipstick is fabulous! Just look at that rich color. It’s perfect for this seasons. To top it off, it’s moisturizing and long lasting too! What more could you ask for? It’s a lipstick and lip liner all in one. I lined my lips first, then filled them in. Voilà!

Milano Lip Flash 05 Hot Flash

Milano’s lip flash 05 in Hot Flash is aptly named. This color will surely give your date a hot flash when they see you! This red is a perfect compliment to the soft green.

The prices for all of these items range from $4.99 to $9.99 and can be found a drugstores near you by checking out the store locator here.

Leave us a comment below if you love them and your experience with Milani Cosmetics. 

- Antonella

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LAMB

And the winner of the:  Photo, Video Review: Fall-Winter 2011/2012 Hairstyle Trends Plus Win A Free Haircut At Celeb Stylist, Michael Angelo’s NYC Salon is: … Shay.  Shay, we just emailed you to let you know that you won… Congratulations!

And the winner of the: (Giveaway) Robert Verdi’s Spring Summer 2012 Fashion Week Survival Guide featuring tons of Maybelline Cosmetics is: … Christine.  Christine, we just emailed you to let you know that you won….Congratulations!

And the winner of the:  (Review, Before/After Photos, Giveaway) Potency without the Viper Venom: Immunocologie VenoMax Treatment Creme is:  Theresa N.  Theresa, we just emailed you to let you know that you won….. Congratulations!

MORE GIVEAWAYS:  If you didn’t win, don’t worry, we have a bunch of FAB giveaways below:

Grecian Beauty: KORRES® Natural Products Launches Quercetin & Oak Antiageing Eye Primer [Sponsored Review]

Genius In A Jar: Dr. Jules Nabet Skincare Launches In The US – Sponsored Review & Giveaway – Zen Attitude Cream And Lotion

Say No To Thinning Hair! Introducing Viviscal Hair Vitamin Supplements For Thick, Sexy Hair – Sponsored Review, Before & After Photos & Giveaway

Review, Before/After Photos, Giveaway: Mally Roncal “Get the Mally Glow” and “Defend Your Beauty” Kits

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a) Natural Soaps: Soaps in and of themselves are considered drying and stripping, but natural soaps like Lux impart a truly heavenly smell.

b) Brands that truly work with organic farmers:  Lux Natural soaps have organic ingredients that come from the sources of the Whole foods Market, a market that depends on hard- working organic farmers.  Just thinking about how hard these farmers work makes ME want to take a bath with their soap. When the soap touches my skin its renewing process begins and as the water washes it away my skin feels fresh.

c) Upscale look and feel:  Going natural means not compromising on   The different oils that give off a scent takes the place of any perfume you were planning to put on afterwards.  In the case of Lux, it is more of an upscale cliental product that moisturizes the skin with a luxurious feel to it. There is a variety of colors that give of a relaxing vibe and just as it appears, the washing experience is soothing as well.

d) Hypo Allergenic Products:  Mineral Fusion’s line features hypo allergenic products including a refreshing gel cleanser. Another reason to shop Whole Foods: the products don’t irritate.
Would you spend extra money to purchase products from Whole Foods? Why or why not?

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We caught up with the founders Katia and Hayley and asked them some questions in a Q&A.

Q. Why are your customers so eager to pay for samples? What is your “hook”?

A. Our customers are looking to discover the newest and best in beauty.  They pay for samples because they know we’ll send them an edited selection from great brands and that we are going to tell them the story about why we sent it and how to use.

Q: What kind of brands do you choose to highlight?

We work with brands across all beauty categories including makeup, skincare, haircare, and fragrance.  We carry well known names like Nars and Benefit as well as niche favorites like Tatcha and Jouer. We love the mix because we are passionate about both working with established brands that have a solid reputation and are well known to our customers and working with small brands to help them build that reputation and start their path.

Q: What’s next on your horizon? What can customers look forward to receiving?

A: Every month brings a new theme and a great selection of products.  We’re also excited about discovering other fun ‘extras’ for the box that are outside of the beauty category.

Q: Name one of the brands you’ve included in the box that you’re proud of and why.

A: We can’t name just one! We are so proud that NARS has been a partner since Birchbox was just an idea and we are equally excited about brands like Blow and Jouer where we know that for over 90% of our subscribers, Birchbox provided their first interaction with those brands.

Q: Would you ever supersize your product? Why or why not?

A: We are all about editing and cutting down the clutter, giving customers a fun but focused way to engage with these brands and products. Maybe someday, customers will have the chance to get two boxes a month!

Q: Could you expand to clothing or accessories?

Sure, one shoe in the box and then you have to buy the other! Okay, not really that, but we are thinking about what products in those categories do make sense. Stay tuned!

Birchbox is giving away THREE month subscriptions to FOUR lucky winners. To win a three-month subscription (guess what the magic number is here), simply leave a comment below to let us know your thoughts on beauty’s latest Bento Box (winners will be announced on Friday, June 3rd).

- Charu Suri

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QUESTION:

Can I use the same self-tanner I bought last year?

ANSWER:

“As long as you store your self-tanner at room temperature, it should have a 12 month life span.” says cosmetic chemist and founder of BeautyStat.com, Ron Robinson.  While DHA (the ingredient in self-tanners that darkens the skin) isn’t harmful after that time, it definitely becomes less effective, upping the chance for it to leave streaks or cast an unnatural, orangish skin tone. If it’s been less than a year but your self-tanner has a strange smell or different color than when you bought it, toss it.

See our review here of the Best Self-Tanning Products for Spring/Summer 2011.

And see more of our recent press coverage here.

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Below is Cosmopolitan Magazines May 2011 issue with actress, Hayley Williams on the cover.