1. Big eyelashes are making a big comeback.
Fluttering fake lashes — some so dramatic they look like butterflies on your lids — are the latest makeup trend appealing to the masses.
The trend has come and gone throughout the decades, but today it seems just about everyone has a pair — or two — glued onto their sparse, natural lashes.
If you’re not fan of glue or dropping several hundreds on extensions, magnetic lashes are the way to go.
I prefer a more natural look so I bought the Ardell magnetic lash accents (the half size) at Longs Drugs for $13.99. It comes with three tiny magnets on two bands per lid. The trick is to gently place one onto the top of your natural lash (as close to your lash line as possible), then lock the other onto the bottom band, sandwiching your natural lashes. It’s reusable, weightless and best of all, no messy glue!
— Kristen Consillio, Star-Advertiser
2. The Franmara Sunburst Wine Cork Trivet arrives as a circle of exposed corkscrews. It could be a weapon. But add corks and you’ll have a benign device to protect your counters from hot pots.
Look beyond the practical, however, and consider the sentimental possibilities: Imagine it as a souvenir, studded with corks collected over a vacation. Use it to remind yourself of bottles you’ve really enjoyed. Or you and your honeybunch could impale corks that remind you of special nights — perhaps from your honeymoon.
I haven’t seen the Sunburst in local stores, but it is available from several online sources, among them greenhomefair.com, winevineimports.com and Amazon.com. Prices run from $8 to $14.50.
— Betty Shimabukuro, Star-Advertiser
3. Shaka Tea, locally brewed with healing mamaki, an endemic Hawaii herb, is a cool green way to hydrate on these hot, humid days. Free of caffeine, artificial flavors, preservatives and added sugar, the iced teas are sweetened with monk fruit and bottled in recyclable, reusable glass. In August, the company received a $10,000 Burt’s Bees Natural Launchpad grant, which supports women entrepreneurs.
“We’re committed to the health of our consumers and of the aina,” said Bella Hughes, Shaka Tea president.
The Mango Hibiscus flavor contains 30 calories from mango puree; Guava Gingerblossom, Pineapple Mint and new Lemon Lokelani Rose are calorie-free. Each costs about $2.99 per 14-ounce bottle at Foodland, 7-Eleven, and other grocery and convenience stores; shakatea.com.
— Mindy Pennybacker, Star-Advertiser
4. True to its name, the paper Magic Butterfly from Tops Malibu flutters out of a greeting card seemingly alive … until the rubber band untwists and it flaps to the ground. To activate the magic, twist the four-inch paper-and-wire butterfly 40 times.
Yes, this takes a while but fewer winds of the rubber band won’t result in flight. Carefully place it in a card and when the receiver opens the card, the butterfly escapes into the air.
It can also make for a pretty good practical joke if you slip it into a book. Check out the magic at Hallmark stores.
Each butterfly costs $6.95.
— Donica Kaneshiro, Star-Advertiser
5. Being in air conditioning a lot tends to dry out my skin, which is why I make sure to moisturize my face every day.
After using a few drops of my face oil, I love to spritz on Teddie Organics rose water. It helps me smooth the oil on and feels so hydrating; plus it smells wonderful. You can use it as a gentle toner or as a refreshing afternoon pick-me-up.
Made from organic rose petals, the spray is cruelty-free and works for all skin types. A 4-ounce spray bottle is $17.49 at Amazon.com. (It also comes in a 2-ounce bottle, which is handy when traveling.)
— E. Clarke Reilly, Star-Advertiser
Please keep in mind that featured products may be in short supply and may not be available at all store locations; prices may vary. The information presented represents the authors’ opinions and experiences; your results may vary. Tell us what you are loving this week by emailing features@staradvertiser.com.
