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Glamour + Birchbox = Awesome Products To Sample!

To celebrate their “Five Senses of Summer” July issue (on stands now), Glamour has partnered with Birchbox to stimulate the senses of beauty junkies everywhere.

If you haven’t heard of Birchbox, it is a deluxe sampling program that you can have shipped to your house monthly for just $10 per month!

Curated by Glamour’s beauty editors, the July box features treats from the following brands, among others:

See It: stila and Color Club to showcase the latest cosmetics trends

Hear It: Custom designed headphones and a Glamour edited “prettifying” playlist on Spotify – plus a month of free premium service on Spotify in every box

Feel It: AHAVA and Alterna® for skin and hair that feels silky smooth

Smell It: Oscar de la Renta fragrance to keep you uplifted

Taste It: LÄRABAR and Tea Forté for your snack cravings

You can shop full size Glamour picks and sign up now to get the Glamour box (while supplies last) at Birchbox.com.

You can also follow @birchbox and @glamourmag for brand updates on Twitter.

I may be receiving a Glamour Birchbox and when I do, I will review it on my blog.

Enjoy!

Tarte’s New Clean Slate Primers are Natural and Long-Wearing — Awesome!

A flawless makeup application starts with a clean slate. See what a clean slate can do for your skin with tarte’s primer trio– get poreless, flawless, creaseless and look your best naturally for up to 12 hours. Improve the texture, wear, and feel of your foundation or eyeshadow as you prep and prime skin with your choice of three deluxe size clean slate primers. All infused with naturally derived ingredients that will power through the day.

I have been testing these primers for a few weeks. The collection includes:

clean slate poreless 12-hour perfecting primer ($30 USD) helps makeup stay in place longer while preventing creasing in fine lines and wrinkles for a healthy, seamless complexion. Prime the skin for an overall soft-focus effect as you extend the wear of your makeup and mask imperfections. Ideal for all skin types, but perfect for those with fine lines and pore problems, this waterproof primer contains natural fruit-and plant-derived extracts to deliver anti-aging and skin-restorative benefits to your skin.

clean slate flawless 12-hour brightening primer ($30 USD) helps makeup stay in place longer while brightening skin for a healthy, glowing complexion. Ideal for all skin types, this hydrating base not only helps keep your makeup in place for up to 12 hours of perfect wear time, it’s also a quick fix for tired or sallow skin–just one application makes the face look instantly brightened and healthy.

clean slate 360; creaseless 12-hour smoothing eye primer ($19 USD) truly locks eyeshadow in place while preventing fallout and migration for true shadow payoff. The universal shade glides on easily and powers through the day into the evening for 12 hours of perfect wear time. clean slate creaseless can be used as both a shadow primer and under eye base to smooth areas around the eye giving you a seamless application and all around 360 solutions.

What I think: These are fantastic natural primers. The poreless primer is the one I like to use, it has a silicon feel to it and gives skin a matte finish. The brightening one has a creamy, pearly texture and would be perfect for dull, dry skin that needs some shine. My skin has a little bit too much shine in the summer, but it would probably work for me in the winter when my skin is dry.

The eye primer works really well. It mattifies lids and makes shadows last longer. The only thing is that it dries a little white, so I suggest to use just a little and rub it in well.

You can purchase these at www.tartecosmetics.com or www.sephora.com. Enjoy!

FACE Stockholm Summer 2012

FACE Stockholm’s Summer 2012 is here!

With the exception of Christmas, Midsummer is the most important holiday of the year in Sweden — and understandably so!

When winter finally fades and summer explodes with life in June, Swedes leave the hustle and bustle of urban life behind and escape to the countryside where they take the opportunity to rejoice and celebrate the light and warmth of the summer solstice.

When the maypole is raised, bedecked in greens and flowers of every color, anyone who partakes will tell you there is magic in the air. As revelers dance in traditional garb and crowns of wildflowers, music, drink and the fresh tastes of the season — herring and potatoes and fresh strawberries are enjoyed in plenty.

And, as we all know, wherever there is magic, there is also love.

Traditionally, the young gather flowers to stow under their pillows at night in hopes of dreaming of their future spouse. It is truly a celebration of life — past, present and future.

The spirit of this celebration, the optimism and nostalgia of ritual and the halcyon glow of summer, have inspired FACE Stockholm’s look for Summer 2012.

Just as the flowers bloom in the warmth of the sun, this look is naturally radiant — as if kissed by the season itself. She is flushed with color and beaming with the enthusiasm of summer’s romance.

The products used to create the soft, summery face above are:

This is a fun and easy look to achieve and it would be perfect for every day. I really love the shock of a darkish-green nails with such a pretty look.

Visit www.facestockhom.com

Father’s Day Fragrance and Body Care Gift Guide

Time to buy Dad something fragrant and/or good for his skin and hair. This Father’s Day (or for his birthday or the holidays later this year) stray from the usual tie or wallet purchase and give him a nice new scent or personal care item. He will thank you (or at least the other women in his life will)!

Some great products are:

Otter Creek Realtree Set ($59 USD) — This is the essential set for Realtree® fans and hunters. Includes five (5) different Otter Creek products, each in a different official Realtree pattern. Includes:
One 8 oz. tube of Grit Happens (Scrubbing Body Wash)

One 8 oz. tube of Sasq(wash) (Shampoo + Body Wash)

One 8 oz. tube of Hair of the Dog – Evergreen Scent (Shampoo)

One 3 oz. tube of Camotion (Face Moisturizer)

One 0.18 oz. tube of Duck Call Primer (Moisturizing Lip Balm)

* This is a great deal! Bought individually these items would cost $81! Purchase at www.ocreek.com

SOUL2SOUL Tim McGraw ($31.50 / 1.7 fl oz) is a fresh, modern and sexy aromatic woodsy fragrance. The scent opens with notes of Spicy Bergamot and White Pepper balanced with a Blackberry Brandy accord. At the heart of the fragrance is the Everlasting Flower wrapped in a classic blend of Oak Tree, Saffron and Cilantro. The deep synergy of sensual woods and musks provides the fragrance’s final encore. The scent is housed in a sleek, masculine bottle with strong, architectural facets that complement the modern refinement of the carton’s subtle starbust design. The contemporary gunmetal grey carton and bottle are balanced with polished silver design elements.

And for yourself, try SOUL2SOUL Faith Hill ($31.50 / 1.7 fl oz) — a romantic, elegant, radiant fruity floral fragrance. The scent opens with sparkling fruits like Georgia White Peach and Grapefruit, leading to a passionate heart of Everlasting Flower, Princess Rose and Lotus Flower. The fragrance dries down to a soft and intoxicating blend of cucumber, balanced with sensual sandalwood. The luminous fragrance is captured in a sophisticated, feminine bottle with accents of gold and pearl white. A captivating starbust incorporated in the bottle’s design complements the radiant gold carton’s subtle starbust accent. I love this light, fresh scent!

Purchase at a mass market retailer near you!

Nautica Aqua Rush ($65 USD 3.4 fl oz). Take him back to summers at the shore or on the lake with Aqua Rush, a bold, masculine and powerful fragrance that evokes the steadfast character of the classic seafarer. At once spicy and fresh, crisp and woody, Aqua Rush epitomizes what it means to be a man without limits. The energetic scent opens with brisk top notes of Sea Breeze accord and Yuzu splash with a twist of spicy-sweet Coriander. The fragrance’s heart uncovers notes of Watermint, Clary Sage Absolute and Violet Leaves. The scent is anchored by masculine notes of Amberwood, Water Musks and Teak Wood.

Nautica Aqua Rush is available at Macy’s department stores and other fine retailers.

aveda men pure-formance™ grooming essentials kit ($32.50 USD) — Contains trial-sized products offered at an introductory price point, allowing men to easily try a range of top-selling favorites within the Aveda Men Pure-Formance™ line. The Aveda Men Pure-Formance™ Grooming Essentials Kit comprises Dual Action Aftershave, Shampoo, Conditioner, and Grooming Clay.

Purchase at www.aveda.com.

Enjoy!

Get Ready For Summer, Part 2

My beauty routine changes so much during the Summer months. My light skin gets a little darker (I fake it), and I favor bronzey and bright colors and island scents. Here are some more great products that I love and might be perfect for your Summer look.

Jergen’s Natural Glow and Protect Daily Moisturizer ($7.99 USD) The healthy alternative to toxic tanning beds and spray-on tans, Jergens® Natural Glow & Protect Daily Moisturizer is the easy, nourishing way for you to achieve a soft, radiant glow without subjecting your skin to sun damage. It creates natural-looking color in just one week, no soaking up the sun (and its harmful rays) required. The lightweight, protective formula also defends the skin from harmful UV rays without the heavy texture of a traditional sunscreen.

Infused with Vitamin E, this multi-tasking moisturizer offers broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection, so your skin stays supple, hydrated and well-protected. Available in two shades, for fair to medium and medium to tan skin, Jergens® Natural Glow & Protect Daily Moisturizer was awarded The Skin Cancer Foundation “Daily Use” Seal for its superior performance.

I think this is such a fab product because it moisturizes and gradually tans the skin at the same time. Love it! Purchase at a mass market retailer near you!

Laura Mercier Almond Coconut Milk Body Butter ($35.00 USD, 6oz) When creating this scent, Laura wanted to recreate a tropical island ambiance by mixing almond with the coconut’s milk and pulp to create a suave scent that is sensuous and sweet but not too sugary.

This amazing scent is available in body butter, which I have tried, plus body wash, honey bath, body crème, hand crème, scrub and eau de toilette.

Learn more at www.lauramercier.com and Sephora stores.

A couple of great new Physician’s Formula powders are perfect for the Summer. They are:

Physician’s Formula Mineral Wear Talc-Free Mineral Airbrushing Pressed Powder SPF 30 ($13.99 USD) is an ultra-fine mineral powder that delivers impeccable coverage for a flawless airbrushed finish. Visibly reduces the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, pores and sun damage. Hypoallergenic. Fragrance free. Paraben free. Non-Comedogenic. Dermatologist approved.

Physician’s Formula Mineral Wear Talc-Free Correcting Bronzer ($13.99 USD) is a 3-In-1 corrector + brightener + bronzer that blends together to bring warmth to the complexion, brighten dullness and deliver a smoothing finish. All colors blend together to create the perfect glow: pink highlights, orange brightens, yellow adds warmth. Gently absorbs oil without drying skin and helps minimize the appearance of fine lines. Hypoallergenic. Fragrance free. Paraben free. Non-Comedogenic. Dermatologist approved.

Pur Mineral’s Lip Gloss Sticks ($15.00 USD) — Is it a gloss, is it a pencil, or is it something better? Pür’s megawatt Lip Gloss Sticks give you the jaw-dropping bold lip look you expect from a gloss with application ease of a jumbo pencil. Bursting with rich emollients and vitamin E, these buttery smooth sticks condition lips as they colour. Now that’s something to smile about. Paraben free. Gluten free. Twist bottom of barrel to expose colour. Apply as a crayon directly to lips.

Cream Shadows Long Wear Eye Color ($16.00 USD) — Rain or shine, put your lids on lockdown with Pür Minerals’ stay-all-day cream eye shadows. Armed with SepiLift—a unique ingredient that tightens and “lifts” the skin’s appearance—these silky smooth shades won’t bat an eye at high humidity, springtime showers or the occasional tearjerker. Each cream color can also be blended and layered with mineral shadows for an endless array of long-wear looks. Paraben-free.

Learn more and purchase at www.purminerals.com.

tarte gifts from the lipstick tree Achiote color collection ($42 USD) — Get a healthy dose of color with this cheek and lip trio infused with pigments and ingredients derived from the Amazon. Our most recent finding from our Rainforest travels is achiote, a secret amongst Brazil’s beautiful women, Achiote is known for the honeysuckle shade produced from the seeds of the fruit it bears.

With natural pigments derived from this “lipstick tree,” the warm, shimmering golden pink shade is universally flattering, so this limited-edition set is sure to complement your skin tone and deliver a glowing radiance.

Set includes:

full-size LipSurgence™ lip luster in achiote (shimmering golden pink)
full-size Amazonian clay 12-hour blush in achiote (shimmering golden pink)
full size maracuja divine shine lip gloss in achiote (shimmering golden pink)

Purchase at www.tartecosmetics.com and www.qvc.com

The TouchBack Marker is perfect for quick Summer hair color touch-ups. The TouchBack Marker is the only temporary root touch up on the market that uses real hair color. TouchBack bonds to the hair, blending seamlessly with permanent hair color to create a totally natural look, in between salon visits! It is easy to apply and dries in under a minute. Color stays true until shampooed out.

Check them out atwww.touchbackgray.com/

Enjoy these great Summer products!

Get Ready For Summer!

Happy Memorial Day! This is the unofficial start of Summer. I am writing this at 5 pm in Kansas City and it is 91 degrees. My family and I went to a lake this morning to splash in the water and then my girls went swimming again this afternoon — so it is certainly time to get the hot weather beauty products out! Here are some of my faves:

Lavanila Healthy SPF Collection: Get the complete coverage you need with Lavanila’s Healthy SPF Collection. These 100% natural products are made with a new generation of mineral sunscreens for superior UVA/UVB protection. Free of harsh chemicals, synthetic sunscreens and nano-particles, all formulas are fragrance-fee and infused with a superior complex of skin-saving vitamins, minerals and amino acids. The collection includes The Healthy Sunscreen SPF 30 Body Cream, The Healthy Sunscreen SPF 40 Face Cream and The Healthy Lip Screen SPF 30. Price: $16 to $38 at www.lavanila.com.

Gillette Venus Embrace — $9.99 — $11.99 USD for the refillable razor, two cartridges, and a shower pod to hold the razor in the shower and $13.49 – $14.99 USD for a four-pack cartridge refills. This razor now comes with a new purple and turquoise handle and has five, yes FIVE, blades for an perfectly smooth and close shave. I love this razor! The head swivels and hugs every curve. This would be perfect for the summer when we wear way less clothes!

tarte Amazon bronze Amazonian clay & annatto body bronzer ($37 USD) — Achieve a faux glow, naturally, with the new Amazonian clay and annatto-infused body bronzer in universally flattering Amazon bronze. This is a lovely light bronzer, but it is a bit sparkly, so I suggest to use it on legs and arms — especially at night! . Directions: Using the included body puff, blend bronzer into skin making sure to pay special attention around knees, ankles and elbows. Add one coat for a subtle bronze, or 2-3 coats for deeper color. Occasionally rinse body puff with a mild antibacterial soap and let dry overnight.

Purchase at www.tartecosmetics.com and Sephora stores.

Burt’s Bees Refreshing Lip Balm with Pink Grapefruit ($3 USD) Give your lips a kiss. This juicy lip balm is made with nutritious, tropical Pink Grapefruit Seed Oil, bursting with powerful vitamins. Refresh your lips with a sweet hint of citrus.

• Nourishes with Vitamin C and E from Pink Grapefruit Seed Oil • Delicious citrus flavor • Softens and conditions lips

Available at www.burtbees.com and at mass market retailers near you.

Skinnygirl Mommy Cool Your Feet Spray ($7.89 USD) — Cool your achingly tired feet by misting them with soothing essential ingredients such as cucumber, aloe and peppermint for a revitalizing burst of freshness. Feet feel instantly refreshed and pampered!

Key Ingredients:

Aloe – Used to moisturize and soften skin
Peppermint Oil – Energizes and cools while helping to sooth common foot irritants
Cucumber Extract – Used to sooth and relieve puffiness

Available at www.skinnygirlfaceandbodystore.com

Pantene Split End Repair Keratin Protection

Pantene Normal-Thick Hair Solutions Keratin Protection Crème ($6.29 USD) is formulated to help keep hair strong to protect hair’s natural keratin structure from damage. The result is strong, healthy hair with fewer split ends.

I can tell that this works. After a few uses, my hair has looked shinier and it does appear that I have less split ends. My teenage daughter uses this on her hair that has been damaged from straighteners and blue hair dye — and it really does make her hair look healthier.

You can purchase this at mass market retailers near you.

Enjoy!

Reviews of CEW Finalists By Fresh, M.A.C. and Neutrogena plus an Ojon Giveaway!

CEW – a nonprofit professional organization with more than 4,500 executives in the beauty, cosmetics, fragrance and related industries– has recently presented its annual Insiders’ Choice Beauty Awards, the only beauty award voted on by industry experts. The Awards celebrate the most innovative products of the year, and its list of 140 finalists include some of the most popular and effective products around. You can learn more at www.cew.org.

I have received a few products from CEW for review and one cool hair product from Ojon to giveaway (see below). The products are:

Seaberry Restorative Body Cream ($28.50 USD) is an ultra-hydrating and nourishing treatment designed to calm and relieve irritation. The moisturizing formula is fortified with omegas 3, 6, 7 & 9 and seaberry oil, a powerful antioxidant that helps to restore, protect, and soften the skin. Its creamy rich texture offers a luxurious skin-soothing experience. The ingredients in this lotion are:

– Seaberry oil, also known as seabuckthorn oil, is a powerful antioxidant rich in omegas 7 & 9 that helps to restore, protect, and soften the skin.
– Cranberry seed oil is packed with omegas 3, 6 & 9 and vitamin E to help maintain the skin’s elasticity and smoothness.
– Sal seed butter, rich in omegas 6 & 9, apricot kernel seed oil, and jojoba seed oil help to hydrate and nourish.
– Sea lavender helps to soothe and calm dry skin.

What I think: This lotion is amazing! You only need one small squirt for both hands and arms. It is cooling and so silky on. This is perfect for after shaving or spending time in the sun (with sunscreen on, of course)! It has a pretty strong herbal scent, but it’s not unpleasant.

www.fresh.com and www.sephora.com

M.A.C. False Lashes ($19 USD) Fashionably false in look, but honestly real, this mascara’s key benefits of volume and curl are matched by a dramatic end look. The unique edge: the ultra-thickening formula in combo with the plush-’em-up action of its unique double-lush brush.

What I think: I have never tried a M.A.C. mascara and was excited to try this one. I have mixed feelings about this mascara. It does add length, but does not thicken unless you use a lot of coats, then it ends up clumping. It also runs very easily, and since I have allergies, it starts running shortly after I apply it. So yay on length and boo on volume and wearability.

You can learn more and purchase at M.A.C. stores and www.maccosmetics.com.

Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Soothing Lotion SPF 15

Neutrogena® Ultra Gentle Soothing Lotion with SPF 15 ($15.99 USD) is a gentle daily moisturizer formulated for even the most sensitive skin. It’s clinically proven to instantly soothe and calm skin, visibly reducing redness and irritation. This uniquely developed formula with Chamomile and Feverfew makes skin less sensitive after just one week by strengthening skin’s moisture barrier. Skin is left smoother, more supple, and healthier looking with daily use. Broad spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen protects the skin against the sun’s damaging rays. With an allergy tested fragrance uniquely developed for sensitive skin, skin is left feeling calmer, softer and smoother.

What I think: My skin becomes more sensitive the older I get. So I was happy to try this gentle daily moisturizer. It is not greasy and really soothes my red cheeks everyday I also love the SPF 15 that is in the product. I have been applying moisturizer and SPF separately and this is much more convenient and way less heavy feeling.

You may purchase at a mass market retailer near you.

Now For the Giveaway!!!

I am giving away a Ojon Color Sustain Gloss Finishing Hair Spray ($23.50 USD) Formulated with UVA/UVB sunscreens. This weightless finishing spray for color-treated hair not only keeps styles under control, it actually promotes hair’s natural shine and radiance. And it never leaves a heavy, sticky, color-dulling residue. Pure Ojon™ oil, nature’s hair-repairing golden elixir instantly preps hair to work with Tahitian Monoi so it can enhance softness and sheen. Hair looks rich, lustrous and vibrant. It’s the perfect summer or vacation hairspray for color-treated hair.

If you would like to win this, please leave a comment on my blog. I will randomly choose a winner on Monday, June 4, 2012.

Good luck! And please, only residents of the United States and Canada.

Enjoy!

Great New Beauty Brand — Nuance Salma Hayek!

Inspired by Salma Hayek’s grandmother, a cosmetologist who developed her own homemade beauty remedies, the line features some of Salma’s favorite ingredients from around the world. Perfect for your Spring beauty regimen, the NEW Nuance Salma Hayek products below are perfect for effortless beauty and year-round overnight repair.

Products pictured from left to right:

· Advanced Hydration Smooth & Firm Perfector Broad Spectrum SPF 20 Sunscreen ($19.99): This lightweight gel crème’s advanced formula helps immediately fill in fine lines and wrinkles and provides SPF protection, absorbing quickly to seal in hydration and resurface skin.

· Anti-Aging Tinted Eye Brightener ($19.99): Night owls and early risers can both benefit from this quick fix and leave those sunglasses at home! This age-defying, under-eye brightener features Caffeine, Blue Agave and Haloxyl Peptide to conceal dark circles, reduce puffiness, improve elasticity, and minimize the appearance of wrinkles.

· Macadamia Nut Exfoliating Body Cleansing Scrub ($8.99): This creamy, exfoliating, cleansing butter provides superior hydration while removing dirt and oil. Macadamia Nut Oil and micro-beads gently slough off dead skin cells while Shea Butter and Coconut Oil moisturize, leaving skin clean and refreshed.

· Intense Hydration Overnight Rejuvenator ($19.99): Repair skin while you sleep with this intensive treatment, which rejuvenates and nourishes dry, mature and sun-damaged skin! Anti-inflammatory Royal Jelly, Tepezcohuite and Camapu minimize signs of aging while hydrating and firming.

· Overnight Time-Release Retinol Capsules ($21.99): Restore elasticity and radiance with these technologically-advanced capsules, utilizing Retinol (pure Vitamin A) to enhance elasticity, minimize fine lines and even tone and texture. Toss these tiny, potent capsules in your travel bag for an on-the-go fix!

· Lift & Shine Volumizing Mousse ($9.99): Get your “body” noticed with this volumizer! The non-sticky formula of this lightweight mousse features polymers and humectants to add volume and shine, thickening fine, limp hair and fighting frizz.

· Style & Finish Firm Hold Hairspray ($9.99): This strong-hold hairspray is formulated with the latest technology to deliver all-day style and control with flexible hold, keeping hair styled even in heat and humidity.

Right now I am particularly loving the Overnight Time-Release Retinol Capsules and the Anti-Aging Tinted Eye Brightener. The capsules are a gel that when applied, leave skin smooth and soft. They also have a matte finish, which although not so important at night, I really love.

The eye brightener is a quick step after concealer, that brightens eyes and minimizes the look of wrinkles. Also helps with my morning puffiness!

These products are all affordable and easily accessible at your local CVS/pharmacy. Enjoy!

Fresh New Makeup For Spring and Summer

It’s time to lighten and brighten up your makeup for the warmer months! Some of the following products are new — and some just new to me — but all are lovely for the summer!

Essence Sun Club Bronzing Powder ($3.99 USD) — This is a gorgeous matte bronzer that can be used on face or body — it comes in a nice large compact. To apply, you can use the NEW essence powder brush ($3.49 shown above), and sweep the bronzing powder in blonde or brunette ($3.99) to the hollows of the cheek – making sure to follow through with your stroke and blend the matte color up to temples and slightly into the hairline. Also, don’t forget to brush a little on your forehead and down to the jawline. I love me some contouring! Also, I have the brunette and even though my skin tone is light, the color was not too dark. If you need more color, layer.

Available at Ulta stores and www.ulta.com

Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics Luminous Crème Blush ($27 USD) Give cheeks a burst of color and radiance with this cream-textured blush. The oil-free formula combines a shimmering glow with sheer, long-wearing color. Wear as a cheek color or highlighter, or layer with powder blushes for extra vibrancy.

For the Spring, there are two new shades:

Plum Satin — a rose-berry shade with a hint of shimmer.

Pink Cashmere — a lively, matte carnation pink.

I have the Plum Satin, and it is so gorgeous! Easy to blend and a beautiful light shade on.

Purchase at www.ybskin.com

IT Cosmetics Vitality Lip Flush Anti-Aging Lipstick Stain

Vitality Lip Flush Anti-Aging Lipstick Stain ($20 USD) takes the place of your lipstick, anti-aging conditioning lip balm, ultra-hydrating lip gloss, and your lip stain! This truly innovative formula contains Hydra-Luxe Technology including ingredients such as plum oil, cherry oil, shea butter, aloe, and jojoba that all work together to treat, hydrate, condition, and nourish your lips. It minimizes the appearance of lip lines and wrinkles. Plus, this lip flush is packed with anti-oxidants including acai, green tea, white tea, and vitamins A, C, and E to fight free-radical attack.

I have tried this in Je Ne Sais Quois, a sheer pink flush shade that looks almost clear in the tube. It feels so moisturizing on and leaves your lips a pretty pink for hours. Finally — a moisturizing lip stain.

You can purchase this alone or in a set with one or two other colors at www.qvc.com.

If you are looking to splurge try, Ellis Faas Spring Gift Set ($85 USD). The set contains the Creamy Eyes E106, which is a lilac taupe – ideal to create a soft smokey eye. The lilac Light E304 can be used for amethyst-like sparkly highlights. And to complete our Spring Gift Set, Ellis chose the juicy, nude pink Milky Lips L207, which is a lovely combination with the eye products.

Available at www.ellisfaas.com.

Enjoy!

dr. brandt pores no more anti-aging mattifying lotion

pores no more anti-aging mattifying lotion ($60 USD 1.7 oz) — An apple a day keeps the linesaway.” This lightweight lotion formulated with apple stem cells to help delay the natural signs of aging by maintaining the longevity and activity of stem cells in the skin. Simultaneously, retinol stimulates new cell turnover and improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Dr. Brandt’s multi-tasking formula provides the best of both worlds, delivering anti-aging and pore minimizing/mattifying benefits.

oil-free
helps delay the natural signs of aging by maintaining the longevity & activity of stem cells in the skin
stimulates new cell turnover, improving the appearance of lines & wrinkle
increases water reserves, limits water loss & improves lipid barrier function to balance moisture levels

What I think: I like this lotion. It is very lightweight and quickly sinks into the skin once applied. It does give a matte finish, but if I apply a lotion afterwards, that could negate the mattifying effect.

I also notice that after I apply this, my skin does look smoother and my pores appear a bit smaller. I love retinol, it is a great antidote to aging skin! But, it is also gentle and can be used up to twice a day.

You can learn more at www.drbrandtskincare.com and www.sephora.com.

Enjoy!