Inspired by a clear, balmy summer’s evening, the Stargazing collection includes wearable neutrals, punctuated with brights.
Nebula – a pale silver with golden shimmer.
Nova – peachy-gold with multi-colored shimmer.
Galaxy – shimmering cool, deep brown.
Andromeda – indigo purple, sparked with silver.

Available only for a limited time, the Stargazing collection is available exclusively at www.alimapure.com for $25.  $2 from every purchase is donated to The Global Fund for Women.

Smoky Stargazing look

Sweep Nebula from lashline to brows.
Lightly apply Andromeda to the lid.
Blend Galaxy into the crease and along the lashline, extending slightly beyond the outer corner of the eye and up towards the crease.
Finish with black liner, applied with a damp brush.

Vivid Stargazing look

Apply Nebula from lashline to brows.
Blend Nova over the lid up to the crease
Apply Andromeda over Nova on the outer 1/3 of the lid and blend well.
Finish with Galaxy applied damp as a liner.

The project began when my lovely friend Katy Nielsen of Waterlily Facial Salon mentioned that she and an associate were teaming up to offer acupuncture facelifts (10 acupuncture sessions and 2 natural facials over the course of 5 weeks), and they were looking for ‘guinea pigs’ to help get the project rolling. How could I resist? So, within a couple of weeks I got a call that we were ready to roll, and Katy came by my office with a lovely bag of ‘homework’ – Eminence skincare products. There is a lovely rose cleanser along with toner, serum, moisturizer, and a grapefruit masque specially chosen for my skin type. My assignment – use these products throughout the course of treatment, to support the effects of the acupuncture. So far, so awesome.

On to the acupuncture. The treatments are administered at the Healing Path Holistic Medicine Clinic, by Anja Middelveld, who uses the Mei Zen traditional protocol for facial rejuvenation. Ok, I can hear your first question. Yes, it does hurt a bit, at first. Not all of the needles, just a few of them, and only while they are being put into place. People with thicker skin would probably experience less discomfort, but it was not too bad.  Anja gives me a wonderful facial massage to begin which seems to really help relax my face and ease any discomfort. And once the needles are in place I have even fallen asleep a couple of times. 

The sessions occur twice weekly for 5 weeks, and I have now had 3 treatments. So far the results have not been dramatic, but I think they are noticeable. My skin seems to be more vibrant – similar to the glow after a good workout.  I had one small needle-induced bruise on my cheek that is fading pretty quickly. So far, the effect seems to be well worth the discomfort. The results will be more pronounced next week, if my skin behaves like most. 

And Friday I get to go back and see Katy for another of her fabulously pampering Eminence facials. And there’s more to come…..

Alima has a garden-full of floral-named shades, and every one of them is beautiful and appropriate for spring.  For cheeks, choose from Dahlia, Dianthus, Lotus, Primrose, Rosa, Sugar Rose and Tea Rose Luminous Shimmer Blushes.  If you prefer a matte look, Satin Matte Blushes come in Apple Blossom, Azalea, Carnation, Geranium, Mimosa, Tulip and the roses…Antique Rose, Honey Rose and Desert Rose.

For eyes, you can choose from Black Orchid, Hellebore, Hyacinth and Nigella Luminous Shimmer shadows; Camellia, Daphne and Lilac Satin Matte shadows; and Viola Pearluster shadow.  

To create a spring bouquet, apply Daphne as a base, with Hellebore on the lid.  Contour with Lilac, and use it damp to line.  For fair skins, sweep Tulip blush over the entire cheek area, and apply a touch of Rosa on the apples of the cheeks.  For deeper skins, apply Carnation or Azalea on the entire cheek area and add a touch of Antique Rose or Geranium for brightness.

Introducing the 2009 Goddess Collection

At Alima, we firmly believe that every mother (and every daughter) is a goddess.  So to celebrate Mother’s Day, we have created three new goddess-worthy shades, perfect for gifting or keeping.

• Athena – the Greek goddess of wisdom, represented here by a sparkling peach.  What could be more wise than that?
• Calypso – the beautiful Greek sea nymph that enthralled Odysseus is interpreted as a soft and wearable blue with a healthy dose of golden shimmer. 
• Hera – Greek goddess of marriage and queen of the deities, lends her name to a stunning and shimmering pinked coral blush.  We tried this blush on women of different skintones, and it looked different, but amazing, on each one of them.

To wear the Goddess Collection, apply Athena from lashes to brows.  Depending on eye shape, apply Calypso to the lid or in the crease and outer 1/3 of lid.  Blend, but be aware that the more you blend, the less blue you will see.  Add a touch of Black or Koan liner.  Sweep Hera on the cheeks and apply Mango Nourishing Lip Balm

shop 2009 Goddess Collection >>

Receive a travel sized Keiko or Ami Satin Finishing Powder with any purchase over $25 (after discounts and before shipping fees). There’s no need to place it in your cart - we’ll simply add it to your parcel when we pack your order. Please let us know if you’d prefer Ami - otherwise we’ll assume you need Keiko (unless you order a deeper foundation shade). Offer ends at midnight pst, March 13th.

Happy Friday the 13th! We hope you have a wonderful day!

It’s hard to believe but Spring Break is just around the corner.  Whether you’re going to the mountains or the beach (or staying home dreaming of the mountains or the beach), there are a few essentials that you’ll want in your beauty bag.

First, remember to take care of your skin while traveling.  Dry climates and airplanes can take a toll on your skin. Be sure to pack small containers of moisturizer in an easily accessible place and tuck in two Alima Nourishing Lip Balms to keep your lips hydrated – one in your favorite tint and one in Natural.

While we understanding skipping the foundation on vacation, sometimes you still want a polished look.  Try Satin Finishing Powder to knock out the shine and a light bronzer to heighten your healthy glow.  And don’t forget the sunscreen!  

If you’re packing especially light and taking only the basics, toss in a Luminous Shimmer Powder. This handy jar can do it all – provide subtle sheen to the face, shimmer to the body and a gorgeous sheer wash of color on the eyes.  Add a smudgy line with a dark shadow and you’re set for the evening! Remember that both the shimmer powder and bronzer can be combined with body lotion or moisturizer if you prefer a dewy glow. Just a few carefully selected Alima products can take you from beach to club; or slopes to soiree.  

Bon voyage!

If you were going to use the #31 for eye lining, you might enjoy the #33 Angle Liner brush, which works beautifully, wet or dry.  If you were seeking the #31 for concealer, a good substitute is our #35 Eye Detail Brush.  This handy little brush works much like the #31 for applying concealer to spots and blemishes, and also does a nice job applying a smudgy liner for a smokey eye.  Turn it sideways and you can use it much like the #31 for applying a thinner liner. And like the #31, it can also be used to apply lip color in a pinch!

The best color in the whole world is the one that looks good on you! 

–Coco Chanel

Paris, a city legendary for its beauty, is even more beautiful in springtime. And some say the most beautiful of all in April.  The flowers are in bloom, the air is clear, the sidewalk cafes are once again bustling.  Celebrate this gorgeous season with four Parisian-inspired shades that can create a multitude of springtime looks.

Sacre Coeur – soft rose with golden sparkle, like a beautiful sunrise over the city.
Rue Cambon – a delightful medium lavender, reminiscent of a Chanel suit but loaded with sparkle.
Versailles – inspired by upholstery in the Roccoco and Baroque styles, a soft mint green laced with golden shimmer and silver sparkle.
Le Marais – a chocolate bronze to contrast the pastels and create that uniquely Parisian color palette.

How to wear them:

Tuilleries Look – Use Sacre Coeur to highlight the brow, Rue Cambon on the lid and Le Marais in the crease. Finish with Black Eyeliner.  Use a matte pastel on apples of cheeks (Apple Blossom for fair to medium skin; Raspberry for medium to dark skin.)  Use a soft, matte pink Nourishing Lipbalm like Rhubarb on the lips.

Champs Elysees Look – Sweep Versailles from lash line past the crease of the eye, almost to the brows. Apply another light shade (Satin Matte Shadow in Vanilla, Luminous Shimmer Shadow in Glow) just under brow and blend well.  Apply Le Marais along the lash line and in the outer corner of the eye; smudge and blend them well.  Finish with Black Eyeliner.  Use a matte, warm pink blush on apples of cheeks (Mimosa for lighter complexions, Honey Rose for medium to dark complexions).  Use a muted red like Pomegranate Nourishing Lipbalm on the lips.

Extend your Parisian palette with more pastels from our regular collection–Vanilla, a creamy, matte yellow; Glow, a soft, Luminous Shimmer yellow; or Sky, a gentle Pearluster blue.

Today’s the day - Friday the 13th!

We have a little basket of surprises we’ve tucked away just for today. With your order, placed between midnight the 12th and midnight the 13th we’ll include a special Alima treasure. It’s won’t show up on your invoice, of course, but you’ll find it safely tucked inside your box when it arrives. Lucky you!

Have a wonderful day!

You won’t want to miss our fabulous giveaway, sponsored by Fig + Sage, the gorgeous organic products blog.

In honor of Valentine’s Day, we’re offering one lucky reader prizes worth $325!

Good luck!

enter >>