Ecco Bella - All Natural Organic Beauty

Review by Lisa VanWilliams

Ecco Bella translates to "Behold Beautiful", and Sally Malanga started the whole company because of her disgust with the use of animals for product testing.  She now has a full line of organic & cruelty free beauty products and a percentage of profits is donated towards non-profit agencies like: Friends of Animals, Primarily Primates, Mylestone Equine Rescue, Bringing Awareness to the Suffering of Animals, and Animal Place. The line is mostly vegan (a few items contain carmine), paraben free, gluten free, and they use Flowercolor which is earth minerals infused with flower wax so it's suppose to last longer on your skin. If your looking to check out some chemical free cosmetics, here's a great place to start.

They have a great palette of eyeshadows, lipsticks, smoothers, glosses, & pencils. They also have wonderful little black refillable compacts so you can mix and match color combo's. The products do not come in cases, but it would be a one time purchase (the cases are around $10 each). Ecco Bella also offers skin care products, body care, hair care, and parfums.

They sent me a few products to check out for myself. My pick of the bunch is the Natural Blush in Wild Rose ($15.95 case not included). A little goes a long way, and it lasts for hours. It comes in seven shades total if you need something lighter or darker. It's a strong color that goes on easily. Normally, I have to go over my cheeks a few times to get my desired look, but this worked in one swipe.

My next pick is the Flowercolor Lipstick ($19.95). We tried Latte which is a medium brown. It goes on smoothly with no feathering and it lasts a while. Total of 17 different colors to pick from whatever colors would look best on you.

The Natural Eyeshadows ($14.95) in Clay and Fawn are great neutral colors for any base or daytime look. I applied one coat on in the morning and it did not last very long. So, I applied some more on thicker around noontime, and it held out for the rest of the day. Great colors, just go heavy for longevity. It you like very natural, one coat would be fine.

Lastly, we tried the Flowercolor Mascara ($19.95) which is a lightweight mascara. It comes in brown or black. We tried the black. It's great at not clumping, it provides great length, and it lasts all day. I could not achieve much volume, but the length is there. I like this for daytime wear as I prefer a more dramatic volumized look at night. It has a dainty little brush and it's easy to apply to every lash (even in the nooks).

Ecco Bella is available several locations, and you can search the store locator to find the one nearest you here: http://www.eccobella.com/store-locator/

You can also order all their products directly from their website here: http://www.eccobella.com/

KIKO MILANO

Review by Lisa VanWilliams

KIKO MILANO is an Italian professional cosmetics brand that has been around since 1997. There are three locations in Connecticut where you can find them: New Haven Yale Campus, Danbury Mall, & Trumbull Mall. I stopped in on the Yale New Haven location and the stores are serious enough to compete with any Sephora or Ulta. They have over 1,200 really affordable products to pick and sample from. It's overwhelming and as a true makeup hoarder, I want to try everything. The KIKO girls are quick to offer assistance or answer any questions on any of the items.

KIKO MILANO sent me some of their newest limited edition collection called "THE ARTIST" to check out for myself and give you the low down.

The Glacial Light Soft Sifter Foundation ($15) is very lightweight and provided light coverage. It has a great design and the top to the foundation secures it tightly so that no leaks happen if the case is tipped. I used the Artist Foundation Face Brush ($15) to apply the foundation. The brush is really nice, great color, the bristles are made from soft synthetic fibers. It did a good job on coverage with the brush, then I evened it out with my blender.

The Fine Art Eye Pencil ($7) is triangular shaped pencil. I tried the Stylish Ebony which is a medium brown color. The eyeliner needs to be applied again after 4 hours. Not great for longevity & smudging.

The Signature Eyemarker ($8) in black is my pick of the bunch. Cat eyes made easy for the beginner! Long-lasting, smudge proof, quick drying, no crumbling and the spatula tip applicator is easy to work with.

The Artist Stroke Mineral Loose Eyeshadow ($8) is really nice. They have 6 great colors to pick from in the "The Artist" Collection. I tried the Masterpiece Green which a great shade of emerald green. I used it just above my eyelids and used the Signature Eyemarker over it for a dramatic look.

Lastly, I tried the Colour Click Lipstick ($8) in Impressionista Red which is a great Gwen Stefani red lip popping color. Any cloudy day will surely be brightened by this little eye catcher. This also comes in 6 colors to pick from in the collection.

To find out more about KIKO MILANO, and view all of the products they have available, please go to: http://www.kikocosmetics.com/en-us/

To find a location near you, please go to: http://www.kikocosmetics.com/en-us/utils/store-locator.html

Here are some pictures of the Yale Campus store:

Mally Beauty

Review by Lisa VanWilliams

Mally Roncal has been a makeup artist to celebs like Beyoncé, Jennifer Lopez, Rihanna, Angelina Jolie, and Heidi Klum, before she started her own line almost ten years ago. Mally now has a full line of cosmetics, makeup, and beauty supplies.

I am in love with the Volumizing Mascara ($20), and when I had it on, even my BFF noticed my lashes and asked what brand. QVC has over 1,460 5 star reviews on it as well. Big, thick, long lashes in a only a few coats. It does not flake or clump all day either.

I am also loving the Evercolor Starlight Waterproof Eyeliners ($18). The liner lasts all day with no touch ups necessary. It glides on smoothly and does not run. The pen is great for a crisp line above, below, or inside the lash line.

I love the Kona color pencil. It's like a dark brown almost black color.  I also have the Ice Blue and I can't wait for Summer to wear that one.

The High-Shine Liquid Lipstick Pens ($20 each) will look sexy on your vanity, or in the your purse with animal print wrapped around. The cases are really nice quality and the pens have a small brush on the end. The brush is easy to work with and draw a clean line around the edges. It has great shine and there are tons of color options to pick from. It will need to be reapplied every hour.

Thanks for the samplers Mally!! I am hooked on the mascara & liner now.

To find out more about Mally and order, or to find out where you can find a local retailer, please visit:
http://www.mallybeauty.com/

Fierce & Sophisticated beauty!

Moroccan Mosaic Lamps & Lanterns

By Lisa VanWilliams

When I was in San Juan last week, I fell in love with these Moroccan Mosaic Lamps I saw when we were strolling past some shops in Old San Juan. They have a magical appeal to them and my eyes were immediately drawn to these beautiful pops of light. They are hand-blown glass globes made with intricate beading and they come in a variety styles whether your looking for chandelier, desk lamp, or lantern. I love the look of Bohemian styles mixed together and a Moroccan touch adds some flare to any room or atmosphere. They add an exotic alluring glow and they are sure to draw the eye. The light filters through the intricate cutwork patterns and colored glass, and creates a beautiful "starry" canopy. We picked out a few of our favorites and where you can find them.

Mosaic Table Lamp in Blues, Swan Neck $165.00
http://mosaiclampsnyc.com/products/mosaic-table-lamp-in-blues-swan-neck-1

Moroccan Mosaic Chandelier $147.95

https://www.etsy.com/listing/260960884/moroccan-mosaic-lamps-hanging?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=shopping_us_a-home_and_living-lighting-fixtures&utm_custom1=4d7dc720-0d43-4fd2-948d-324699186771&gclid=CK-i3Pfn4csCFRFZhgodGRcGeQ

Turkish Mosiac Handmade Lamp $149 (customize your own color options)

https://www.etsy.com/listing/259947271/customize-it-yourself-turkish-mosaic?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=shopping_us_a-home_and_living-lighting-fixtures&utm_custom1=4d7dc720-0d43-4fd2-948d-324699186771&gclid=CKuP5tno4csCFdBZhgodGsAJWQ

Moroccan Candle Lantern $6.31 each

http://www.galleydirect.com/product.asp?dept_id=5010&pindex=449

A variety of colors can be used to create this beautiful look:

Moroccan Hanging Lamp Collection $198-$298 each

http://www.vivaterra.com/silver-moroccan-hanging-lamp.html

To get more ideas on how to incorporate a Bohemian vibe in your surroundings, we found this great pictorial on Pinterest with 45 different styles:

http://residencestyle.com/45-pictures-bohemian-lifestyle/

CLEAN Perfume

Review by Lisa VanWilliams

If you are looking for a new Spring scent, CLEAN is where it's at. CLEAN Perfume has been around since 2003, and they offer a collection of high quality perfumes for the body and premium home scents. They use all natural gentle ingredients which means no harsh sulfates, mineral oil, artificial colors or dyes. They are a cruelty free brand, and they strive to leave a small carbon footprint, and they use eco-friendly and recyclable material for packaging.  

"Smell has the power to invoke memory, trigger emotion, and create connection. It is the oldest of all of our senses, and helped spark our evolution. The smallest whiff of a scent can transport us to moments of pleasure, well-being, and comfort - and we have discovered the key to bottling this nostalgia." CLEAN Perfume

I have been using CLEAN Perfume for years and it's a brand I love and would recommend. I normally go with the CLEAN Original. That was the first scent of theirs I tried and I have been hooked on it since. It smells fresh and clean and crisp, like you JUST walked out of an incredible smelling shower. 

They were kind enough to send me some Cashmere and Blossom to check out, and they do not disappoint either. I have been wearing the Blossom during the day and this is the perfect time of year for it. It's literally Spring blossom captured in a bottle. It's sexy, feminine, and it will catch some attention when you breeze by. 

BLOSSOM

• Top Notes: Tunisian Neroli, Seringe Petals HP, Yellow Freesia
• Mid Notes: Orange Blossom, Rain Lily HP, Georgia Magnolia, Blue Dianthus
• Dry Notes: Skin Musk, Cotton Wood, Sensual Sandalwood

I have been wearing the Cashmere as a nigh time perfume. It's a little deeper, and more sensual, and warming. 

CASHMERE

• Top Notes: Cedar Leaf, Bergamont, Lime, Lavandin
• Mid Notes: Mimosa, Jasmine, Guaiacwood
• Base Notes: Heliotrope, Tonka Bean, Musk, Sandalwood

You can find out more about CLEAN and order online here: 

http://cleanperfume.com/

CLEAN is also available at Sephora locations nationwide, and sold globally in over 20 countries.

Fusion Beauty

Review by Lisa VanWilliams

Fusion Beauty has been creating cutting-edge multifunctional treatment cosmetics for over 10 years now. Stylewatch Magazine recently asked celeb makeup artist Joanna Simkin which colors every women should have as part of their lipstick wardrobe, and "Fusion Plump and Shine Lipstick" was on the list.

Fusion Beauty offers Stimu.Lash treatments, Insta.Lash color (mascara), Stimu.Lip treatments, Insta.Lip Color (lipsticks, glosses), Stimu.Lift treatments, & Insta.Lift color (primers, bronzers, & blush).

You can find Fuson Beauty at a few Connecticut locations, and a bunch of NYC locations. To find out more about Fusion Beauty, the closest store, or to order online, please go to:
https://fusionbeauty.com/

We tried out some of their products and I like them. The glosses and lipsticks remind me of Lip Venom if you have ever tried it, but the Fusion line scores higher with reviewers. It makes your lips tingle while it's plumping them up. The LipFusion InFATuation comes in a nice little black and clear case and we tried In the Flesh which is a great nude day color. It's high gloss, and it feels good on the lips. The applicator has a tiny brush on the end instead of your typical swab type.

The Plump + Shine lipsticks come in a rainbow of great colors. We tried Pillow Talk for a light neutral day color and Peep Show for a mauve rose night shimmer look.

Try out the Lash Fusion XXL Mascara if you need extreme volume without the clumping and flaking. I think it's a hidden gem and most people don't know about this mascara that will create dramatic eye-popping eyes. The wand has great dimension so you can get all your lashes, it applies easily, and it looks awesome with only a few coats. Overall, we really like these products and would recommend trying them out.

Ellovi Body Butter

Review by Lisa VanWilliams

Ellovi makes lip butters and body butters and they are passionate about creating pure skincare ingredients that are ethically sourced and wildly harvested. Kelly and Ryan started the company because they believe what you put on your body goes more than skin deep. Ellovi products are vegan and cruelty free.

The Butter collection that's made from just six all natural ingredients comes in Original, Vanilla, Mint Chocolate, and Blossom. They go for $26 and they say 3.5 ounces should last a year. (Macadamia Nut Oil, Hawaiian Coconut Oil, Shea Butter, Hemp Seed, Non-gmo Corn Starch, and African Marula Oil.)

The Lip Butter collection comes in Original, Vanilla, Tinted, Mint Chocolate Chip, and Blossom scents. These go for $5 each. (Hawaiian Coconut Oil, Sunflower Oil, Macadamia Oil, African Marula Oil, Shea, and Vanilla Bourbon extract.) You can get the whole Lip Collection for $18.

To find out more about the company, or to order some, please go to: http://www.ellovi.com/

They were kind enough to send me one of each to check out. These are made in the USA, right here in California. The packaging for the body butter comes in a cute little black jar that is easy to open and small to store. I thought the butter would really be like a stick of butter consistency but it was more like a Vaseline consistency. The Original smell is neutral and it smells a little waxy, I would probably enjoy Vanilla or Blossom scent more. It's not overly greasy and my dry hands absorbed it quickly.

The Lip Butter comes in a cool black case, but this stick is oval instead of your typical round stick. I am loving the Lip Butter. It's rich, it's creamy, and my lips feel intensely nourished. I would recommend the lip butter.