Primed and Pumped by Alison Raffaele

Several months ago at the LA Make-Up Show, I got turned on to a wonderful line of professional quality make-up products developed by Alison Raffaele (a celebrity make-up artist who worked and trained under Bobbi Brown.) What I love about her products are that they are environmentally friendly, paraben free, and most exciting to me is that they contain anti aging ingredients (its like getting two products in one!)

My favorite product in her line is the Age Response Primer with SPF 15 which contains Frutta di Vita, a proprietary blend of time released antioxidants that shelters the skin from damaging free radicals, promotes collagen production, increases skin elasticity, visibly reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles AND it also provides both UVA/UVB protection--pretty amazing for a primer, right? Well, I must say that while I am not a cosmetic chemist, whatever additional active ingredients she is putting in her primer seems to make all the difference in the world in terms of how my skin feels and how my make-up wears over time. And for all of you girls that are prone to being shiny, she also has an Acne Response version of this primer that has additional ingredients that controls oil and fights blemishes too.

What I love about this primer is how it feels silky smooth and moisturizing as soon as it touches my skin, my foundation applies beautifully over it and the staying power and look of my make-up throughout the day (or night) is truly amazing. I love the way it warms with my skin and makes my face look even better as time marches forward (could this be the 12+ hour time released antioxidants? Who knows, but I look damn good!).

In all honesty, I have never really been a big fan of primers, often feeling like they are a waste of time and money, but after being 'wowed' by Alison Raffaele's primer I think I am a new convert. What about you?

Why not give it a try because Romy's Raves readers get 20% off any purchase at http://www.alisonraffaele.com/ when you enter 'ARC20' at checkout in the coupon code area (the code is case sensitive and must be in all caps FYI). And let me know what you think and how your skin feels, and post your pics too!

The Secret to My Flawless Face

I have been obsessed with taking care of my skin since I was a young teenager, always asking for samples and getting facials even back then, all in an effort to perserve my youthful glow and diminish the signs of aging. And while my skin looks amazing for a forty-something year old (thankfully people usually guess thirty-something), I still need a little help getting that flawless finish. I have tried many types of foundations and mineral make-up over the years that I like, but recently I had the opportunity to try a new product that I LOVE: Gerda Spillman Bio-Fond Foundation. This is an amazing product used by many pro make-up artists because it is beautifully made with pharmaceutical grade ingredients, it has a moist, creamy light weight texture and it gives your skin a smooth velvetly finish.

The reason that I am raving about this foundation is because I just love the way it feels and looks on my skin, and the creamy powdery texture and medium coverage are perfect for me. I also really like that it comes in a compact form, it is super easy to apply with a sponge or your fingers, it offers the perfect amount of sheer coverage (or heavier if you need it), it has an appealing European skincare fragrance (which conveys high quality to me), it is waterproof, offers UVA/UVB protection, allows your skin to breathe and it lasts all day. This foundation is easy to use, offers instant pro-quality results, it feels great on the skin, offers great coverage and staying power, what more could a girl ask for in a foundation? I am in love!

Now, the true test of the appeal of this product came a couple of weeks ago when I had a dermatological procedure. My skin was very red and irritated, but I still needed to go out that evening and look decent, and to my pleasant surprise Bio-Fond surpassed my expectations. It was very gentle, it soothed my skin and it truly did a nice job of covering my flaws. I looked much better than I expected and was really happy with the results, and after this real-life test I was even more impressed with this product.

So what are you waiting for? Are you ready to try it yet? Well, now here's the best part, Romy's Raves readers get to try a deluxe sample of Bio Fond for FREE!! The delightful Samantha who heads up operations at Gerda Spillmann has generously offerred to send my readers a free deluxe mirrored compact sample (and it's a generous sample too!) of this awesome foundation to try and see for yourself how wonderful it is. There is no obligation, no sales and no purchase necessary--it's just a chance to try a great new product (that I love) and see for yourself if it is right for you.

To take advantage of this free offer, all you need to do it is call 1-800-282-3223 (FACE), tell them that Romy Raves told you to call for a free sample of Bio Fond Foundation and then the customer service agent will help you pick out the best color (there are 16 shades) that will work with your skin tone. They will send out a lovely sample for you to try, and as an added bonus they will also include a sample of their make-up primer called Hydro-Pearls as well as a sample of their cream blush in crimson (a universally flattering shade)--all for FREE!

I hope you enjoy this first of many free perks for being a follower of Romy Rave's. Stay tuned for more freebies in the future. And please let me know what you think of the Bio Fond, I'd love to hear from you.

Romy

The Porcelain Goddess

Face Looking Sluggish? Got Facial?

Anyone who knows me, knows I am obessesed with all things beauty, especially getting regular facials. Since I was about 16 years old, I have been diligently getting regular facials and I think it has made a huge difference in my skin. The reason I am committed to regular facials is because I feel like it is a necessary treatment that cleans out the congestion and sludge that clogs my skin, which makes it look old, tired and weathered. And at forty-ish, I want to look youthful, fresh and perky as often as I can!

Now I know what you must be thinking, in this economy the last thing I want to do is spend my hard earned cash on is a facial, right? You're probably thinking, I can take a nice steamy shower, put on a drugstore mask (BTW Queene Helene Mint Julep Masque costs around three bucks at your local drugstore and it rocks--I was in my green faced glory last night and loved it!), rub on a good moisturizer and you are done. I beg to differ, because my face and pores get really congested living in LA and I need the skilled extractions of a pro to make a difference--homegrown facials just don't cut it for me.

Enter Marlene Weber's $40 introductary facials ($45-50 thereafter) http://www.skincarebymarlene.vpweb.com/ Marlene is an LA based seasoned pro, who uses beautiful skin changing natural/organic products, does masterful extractions (for me this is the primary benefit of regular facials), amazing peels and is an esthetician at one of the chichi spas around town where the going rate is almost triple. When I leave her home-based office after an hour or so, I am smiling, fresh faced and glowing. For forty bucks, how can you afford not too? And tell her Romy sent you.

And if you are not in the LA area, I am confidant that there are many places to get affordable, high quality facials around the country, just do your homework.

TTFN,
Romy, The One Who Raves