fortyflirtyfabulous

Hydrating Skincare For The New Season

I try a lot of new skincare each year, and LOVE it! There are so many amazing brands and products available that can change the texture of skin and help with fine lines and wrinkles.

The products below are my current faves:

Erborian Bamboo Crème Frappée ($43 USD) — With a unique slush-like texture that melts effortlessly into skin on contact, the Bamboo Crème Frappée instantly helps revive dehydrated skin. This intensely moisturizing cream helps to energize and refresh the skin while providing comfort and hydration. Apply the fresh gel to your skin in the morning and at night, or use as a makeup base to reveal smoother and softer feeling skin.

What I think: This is a cool moisturizer. It has a slushie gel consistency that melts into skin. I like using it in the morning, since it is so refreshing, plus it softens my dry skin. Great for every day!

Purchase at http://www.sephora.com

JUARA’s Clove Flower & Turmeric Anti-Aging Serum ($65 USD) — Get glowing radiant skin! This reparative oil-free and fragrance-free serum addresses the visible signs of premature skin aging. It boosts radiance, reduces the appearance of fine lines and increases firmness using a powerful combination of turmeric, clove flower, watermelon extract, sea algae, hyaluronic acid, goji fruit and palm peptides. Clove flower and turmeric help brighten and even out the appearance of the skin. Plant Peptides, Goji Fruit and Golden Bamboo help firm and smooth skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines, while Sweet Pea naturally exfoliates. Fresh sea algae, watermelon extract and hyaluronic acid plump the look of the skin and infuse skin with immediate vitality and hydration. After only a few applications your skin will look smoother, more radiant and vibrant, while feeling firmer and more plump to the touch, results get even better with prolonged use.

What I think: I use serums twice a day, so am always looking for a great one. This serum is light and fragrance-free, which is so helpful with my sensitive skin. It helps firm and hydrate my skin. I love to apply a moisturizer over it to lock in the hydration and keep my skin smooth all day.

Purchase at http://www.juaraskincare.com

Votre Vu Tragic Magic Rescue Crème

Votre Vue Attentive Crème de Nuit

Votre Vu Tragic Magic Rescue Crème ($40 USD) — It soothes, decongests, desensitizes, rebalances and stabilizes the flush of hyper-reactive skin. That’s not all. It will also reinforce the protective barrier of your skin to ward off those pesky free radicals and save the day. Tragic Magic Rescue Crème is designed to correct the excessive sensitivity of the facial skin and restore equilibrium to the self-defending barrier of highly reactive skin. Immediately, the skin is calmed with lime, then desensitized and decongested by a blend of skin defenders. Jojoba, rose hips, calophyllum, soja and avocado insaponifiables protect and balance skin’s defenses and, with the protection of vitamin E against cell-damaging free radicals, your skin can re-hydrate to regain a balanced moisture level.

Votre Vue Attentive Crème de Nuit ($49. USD) — Designed to lavishly attend to the needs of your sensitive skin, this organic night crème is here to save face. Luscious and delicate with a soft, velvety texture, Attentive Crème de Nuit completely calms and moisturizes even the most sensitive skin all the way through to morning light. A select group of active moisturizing plant agents including borage and tamanu oils, in addition to shea butter, blended with milk proteins and algae extracts, produce a superlative essential night treatment. Instantly comforting, this crème is ideal to help skin recover and reform.

What I think: Votre Vu is a French skincare company that I haven’t tried before. Both of these creams are rich and soothing. The Tragic Magic (great name!) cream is very rich, but not greasy at all. It is nice to use at night when my sensitive skin is irritated. The Attentive Crème is lighter and so nice to use every night. I wake up in the morning and my skin hydrated, clear and ready for the day!

Purchase at http://www.votrevu.com

Talika’s Bio Enzymes Mask ($13.75) includes Chamomile and Arnica, helping to soothe and heal the skin. It has a three dimensional structure to retain a very high concentration of active ingredients which are spread evenly over the skin.

It acts like a “second skin”. With alpine herbs, sodium hyaluronate and hydrophilic sugars, it restores dry, sensitive skins. After use, the skin is perfectly mosturized*, softened, soothed and infinitely more beautiful.

What I think: This is an interesting mask. It is almost like a gel sheet. When I placed it on my skin, it molded to my face. I left it on for about 15 minutes. After I removed it, I rubbed in the excess serum. Then I let my skin dry and afterwards it was very soft. It even hydrated rough spots on my forehead. This is fabulous for dry and dull skin.

Available at http://www.talika.com and Nordstrom.com

IT Cosmetics IT’s Your Bye Bye Collection! Five-Piece Collection QVC Today’s Special Value

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IT Cosmetics IT’s Your Bye Bye Collection! Five-Piece Collection ($59.96 USD, or 4 Easy Payments of $14.99) — This is QVC’s Today’s Special Value for March 25, 2016.

This exclusive five-piece collection gives you the confidence to reveal Your Most Beautiful You with anti-aging, skin-loving products—including four new game-changers making their debut! You’ll experience new Bye Bye Under Eye Illumination, your full-coverage, #1 best-selling concealer now infused with the look of light! Also included is Bye Bye Pores Pressed Powder to blur the look of imperfections, new Bye Bye Pores Blush to perk up your complexion, and a new Heavenly Skin Bye Bye Pores Powder Brush that does the work for you to deliver a flawless finish every time. And now, IT Cosmetics ends your day with you, too—as new Bye Bye Makeup gently cleanses your skin and makes your makeup disappear!

I was sent a set in Light for my honest opinion. It also comes in Medium, Tan and Deep. I am loving this set. Here are the products:

Bye Bye Under Eye Illumination — This is a full-coverage, antiaging concealer that gives skin a beautiful lit-from-within glow! This concealer helps cover the look of imperfections such as dark circles, broken capillaries, hyperpigmentation, and redness. This covers as well as the original Bye Bye Under Eye, but it has a little glow, not shimmer, to it. This can also be used as a full-coverage foundation. I like to use it on my eyelids with the Bye Bye Pores powder over it as an amazing eye makeup base.

Bye Bye Pores Pressed — This silky, translucent powder helps optically blur the look of pores and fine lines! Formulated with anti-aging, skin-loving ingredients including peptides, real silk, hydrolyzed collagen and Bye Bye Pores Optical Blurring Technology, this powder is perfect for touch-ups throughout the day. This is my favorite powder! It takes away shine and blurs all the bad stuff away! I used to get it in loose powder (which I still love), but the pressed is so easy to use with the new brush and so easy to carry with me.

Heavenly Skin Bye Bye Pores Powder Brush — Custom-cut with a super plush, dome-shaped head, this revolutionary brush features skin-loving fibers that optically blur away the look of imperfections for flawless, skin-perfecting results every time! LOVE! This is the perfect powder brush. The photo make it look super-soft, and it is, but the bristles are packed tightly so they pick up lots of powder to apply over the concealer. Can also be used with the blush.

Bye Bye Pores Brightening Blush — Smile and add blush! This is your sheer, buildable, silk-infused blush that gives you a naturally pretty flush of color that lasts. I love that the blush in the Bye Bye Pores formulation. It blends really easily and gives a beautiful flush of color that doesn’t settle in pores, and actually, it helps blur my pores!

Bye Bye Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm — is a fast-acting cleanser that removes makeup without feeling dry or irritating skin. This paraben-free formula is perfect for all skin types, leaves skin feeling hydrated, and adds a look of radiance while providing moisture! This very easily removes all of my makeup by instantly melting down when I apply it. I wipe it off with a damp cloth and my skin is so soft! It works so quickly and doesn’t dry my skin!

Are you going to pick this wonderful set up? Hurry, because it is only available for one day, Friday March 25, 2016!

Leave a comment and let me know what you think of this!

Patchology Brand Review and 50% Off Coupon!

I was lucky to be sent wonderful face, lip and eye masks from Patchology for my honest review!

Lucky for you, I have been given a 50% of code just for you, my awesome readers! The code is FLIRTY50. The code is live for 2 weeks, so enjoy!

Patchology 5 Minute Facial Sheet Masques Pack of all three ($20 USD) — These fast-acting facial sheet masques deliver results in just 5 minutes, while traditional sheet masques can take up to 20 minutes. Simply apply, take 5 and go…no rinsing required.

Exfoliate FlashMasque gently removes dead skin cells for more even tone and texture.
Hydrate FlashMasque delivers a mega-dose of moisture for soft, silky skin.
Illuminate FlashMasque reveals fresh-faced radiance to lackluster skin.

Included: 3 FlashMasque Facial Sheets (1 each of: Exfoliate, Hydrate & Illuminate)

What I think: I love that these only take 5 minutes! I tried another mask last week that I had to leave on for 20 minutes, ugh! And, the best thing is that these really work! The Exfoliate masque is gentle to use, but really leaves my skin soft and smooth, and it was rough before! I love the Hydrate Masque for when my skin is dry and irritated. The Illuminate one is perfect right before going out, glowy, glowy skin!

Patchology FlashPatch Eye Gels ($50 for 30 pairs) — When time isn’t on your side FlashPatch™ Eye Gels revive tired, fatigued eyes in just 5 minutes. Hydrogel patch technology provides deep hydration and eye revitalization in a way that topical creams or serums cannot.

Highly advanced cooling and refreshing translucent hydrogel patches accelerate the delivery of essential ingredients Caffeine and Hydrolyzed Collagen. Stay-put patches ensure you get the ingredients where you need them most. The result is a smoother, brighter, more youthful appearance.

What I think: These are so nice! Again, only five minutes to hydrated and brightened eyes! Just place them under your eye and they stay put until you take them off! I like to use these before I go out. Under my eyes are smoother and firmer after use!

Patchology FlashPatch Lip Gels ($50 for 24 patches) — Soften, smooth and diminish the appearance of vertical lip lines in just 5 minutes. Hydrogel patch technology provides deep hydration and lip revitalization in a way that topical lip treatments cannot.

Highly advanced cooling and refreshing translucent hydrogel patches accelerate the delivery of Niacinamide, Peptides and Green Tea Extract. Stay-put patches ensure you get the ingredients where you need them most for softer, smoother lips. Helps diminish the appearance of vertical lip lines and enhance lip shape and volume revealing more youthful-looking, perfectly prepped lips.

What I think: These are a new idea in gel patches, and I love them! It is so important to take care of our lips as we age. As I near my fifties (yes, I said it), I am starting to see the vertical lip lines, so I moisturize. These patches really help because they sink in deep into the lips and lines around them. Lips are so smooth after use! Put on your lipstick and go!!

Don’t forget my code FLIRTY50 for 50% off your purchase at http://www.patchology.com. Enjoy, and let me know what you get!

Try A New Fragrance On National Fragrance Day!

Today, March 21st, is National Fragrance Day! This is a great excuse to purchase a new Spring scent!

I have a bunch of fragrances below for inspiration! They all smell amazing:

Dolce and Gabbana Rose the One ($46.99 USD for 1.6 fl. oz.) — Dolce & Gabbana rose the one by D&G is based around the idea of a rose perfume. The perfumes notes include blackcurrant, pink grapefruit, mandarin, lily of the valley, rose, litchi, peony, Madonna lily, ambrette seed, sandalwood, musk and vanilla.

Purchase at http://www.fragrance.net

ARI by Ariana Grande ($59 for 3.4 oz) — This luscious and sexy fragrance opens with sparkling fruits and an ultra-feminine floral, passionately spun with musks, woods, and an addictive hint of marshmallow. The notes are:

Top Notes: Crispy Pear, Pink Grapefruit, Juicy Raspberry

Middle Notes: Soft Muguet, Rose Buds, Vanilla Orchid

Bottom Notes: Marshmallow, Creamy Musk, Blonde Woods

Purchase at http://www.ulta.com

Katy Perry Mad Potion ($30 USD) — features a classic vanilla scent enhanced with vanilla orchid, peony, apple musk, jasmine, amber and musk – a perfect change for a new year.

Available at http://www.sears.com

Carthusia Caprissimo Parfum ($140 USD 50 ml) — Caprissimo captures the feeling of Capri’s la dolce vita. It is centered on the lemon tree and features piquant notes and sublte green accents that pave the way to a floral heart of blue jasmine, frangipani and osmanthus. All on a base of intense notes of wood and exotic myrrh.

Purchase at cobigelow.com

The Healthy Fragrance Vanilla Grapefruit ($58 USD) — This invigorating blend of sparkling grapefruit, crisp cedarwood, lime and Madagascar vanilla is created by master natural perfumers who use only the finest pure essential oils. Kissed by sunshine, this unique scent lifts the spirits.

Our collection of all-natural fragrances is luxurious and addictive. Each fragrance starts with a warm base of Madagascar vanilla and layers on a unique blend of pure essential oils for an exquisite expression of nature that capture a mood, a memory or a moment in time. Hailed as the world’s first Healthy Fragrance, organic sugar cane alcohol is infused with skin saving antioxidants for a modern twist on the classic art of perfumery.

Available at http://www.lavanila.com

Vera Wang Lovestruck ($46.99 USD for 3.4 fl. oz) — Inspired by a modern day Romeo and Juliet type of love Lovestruck perfectly embodies the excitement passion and hopeless abandon of new and unstoppable love. Opening top notes combine pink guava with sweet angelica blossom for a youthful and invigorating appeal. Middle notes of lotus flower and tuberose are at the heart of the fragrance while musk and woody scents make up the closing base notes.

Purchase at http://www.fragrance.net

What fragrances are you loving now? Leave a comment and let me know!

My Beauty Favorites — Week of March 14-20, 2016

Happy Spring! We have had a really warm winter in Kansas City, and of course it is freezing today and snowed last night!

But, I am still looking forward to warmer weather to come. This week I have been loving products to make my skin glow and prepare my skin for Spring:

PRAI Dark Circle Corrector ($24.95 USD) — Instantly reduces dark circles under and around the eye. Camouflages and reduces the appearance of dark, under eye circles, crow’s feet and puffiness.

What I think: This has a soft tint to it, to help brighten the under eye area. I apply it with the application brush and gently blend it in. I notice that my skin looks brighter and smoother. I think this works really well under concealer.

Available at www.praibeauty.com and www.hsn.com

Veil Cosmetics Sunset Light ($59 USD) — A primer, serum and mixing base all in one, Sunset Light is a fluid filter that helps skin achieve the perfecting & smoothing radiance emanated at sunset. Use it to prime complexion to provide makeup longevity, to instantly diminish the appearance of pores and fine lines, to hydrate, plump, & brighten skin.

What I think: This is an amazing multi-tasking product! It brightens and smoothes skin, and it the perfect base for makeup. It is also really pretty worn alone, if you are not is the mood for wearing makeup. But makeup does go on so smoothly over this.

Purchase at VeilCosmetics.com

KORRES Pomegranate Toner ($22 USD) — gently exfoliates to remove excess oil and dirt from skin, imparting a tighter, smoother, and more matte finish while helping to reduce redness. Pomegranate extract, rich in tannins and polyphenols, helps tighten pores and rejuvenate the look of skin. Alpine willow herb and witch hazel extract help refine the appearance of pores and provide a matte look to the skin. Formulated with natural skin conditioners, this refreshing toner leaves skin feeling soft and smooth.

What I think: In the last few years, I have been really loving toners. This one is not only refreshing, it doesn’t dry out my skin. It also calms my sensitive skin. I can use it every day. It smells amazing, too!

Purchase at www.Sephora.com

Masque Bar by Look Beauty Brightening Sheet Mask ($9.99 for three masks) is a face brightening housed in a facial sheet mask that helps minimize the appearance of dark spots and various pigmentation irregularities for a more even complexion and radiant skin thanks to ingredients like Orange Extract, Licorice Root and Vitamin C.

What I think: This is so easy to use, place on clean skin, smooth it on and leave on for 20-30 minutes. This mask does have flaps that you can put over your eyes (eyes closed) for help for eyes as well! It’s nice to lay down, close my eyes and relax — at least for a few minutes! After I remove the mask and rub in the extra serum, my skin is so glowy!

Purchase at http://www.Target.com

WelleCo Super Elixir ($135 USD) — This classic starter pack contains a 300g pouch of our highly specialized Alkalizing Greens supplement, containing vitamins, minerals and trace elements to assist wellness and vitality.

It’s completed by the inclusion of the refillable, luxury, bespoke ceramic black Caddy. Designed to maintain the integrity of the Alkalizing Greens inside, while also being a beautiful addition to your kitchen.

Designed to help your body maintain good nutrition and maintain its pH balance.
A careful combination of 45 natural ingredients, in scientifically calculated ratios. These include super greens, Chinese herbs, digestive enzymes and members of the maitake mushroom family.
To ensure the nutrients in our premium quality ingredients remain effective, THE SUPER ELIXIR™ has been protected from heat.
Formulated to be absorbed by your body at a cellular level, optimising the function of all 11 of your body’s systems; the digestive, endocrine (hormonal), integumentary (hair, skin & nails), circulatory and nervous systems to name a few.
A vegan-friendly product. Free from dairy, gluten and preservatives.

What I think: I tried this in a smoothie. The taste is pretty strong and herbal. But If you like that, this product is a great additions to anyone’s diet. I think by using it everyday, it could really help my health!

I have only tried it once, but I think I am going to try to drink it in a glass of filtered water every day this week to see how I feel!

Purchas at http://www.welleco.com

Review: The FOREO LUNA Pro and LovelySkin LUXE Gentle Cream Cleanser

FOREO LUNA Pro Facial Cleansing + Anti-Aging Device - Mint — FOREO LUNA Pro Facial Cleansing + Anti-Aging Device – Mint

LovelySkin.com, an amazing skin care online retailer, sent me two amazing products for my honest review!

They are the FOREO LUNA Pro and the LovelySkin LUXE Gentle Cream Cleanser and I am truly enjoying both of them.

FOREO LUNA Pro Facial Cleansing + Anti-Aging Device in Mint ($229 USD) — offers the perfect cleanse and a skin-smoothing treatment all in one. This silicone beauty tool features Dual T-Sonic technology to create sonic pulses in a dynamic wave pattern, enhancing the skin’s natural glow and flushing away toxins. Pores are cleared of dulling impurities and skin appears smoother and brighter. Lower-frequency pulses provide anti-aging benefits by relaxing muscle-tension points, targeting fine lines and supporting healthy collagen and elastin. Dual motors make the LUNA Pro the most vigorous device in the FOREO LUNA line.

This must-have tool is only available through dermatologists and dermatologist-operated retailers.

Great for all skin types
Gently exfoliates while targeting wrinkles and loss of firmness
Features Dual T-Sonic technology
No replacement brush heads required
Hypoallergenic, bacteria-resistant silicone surface

What I think: I was so excited to try this, but I wasn’t quite sure how it worked. I found that it is quick and easy to use. I apply cleanser on my skin, then wet the FOREO and turn it on. I then move it in circles around my face. I can feel the sonic waves and I also feel it cleaning my pores, but it is very soft and gentle. I can turn the power up for a more vigorous cleansing and turn it down to clean around my eyes. After I am done, my skin is so smooth! I have only been using it for a couple of weeks and my skin is much softer and smoother.

It is also so easy to clean, just rinse it off! I LOVE that I don’t have to replace brush heads. Plus, it is easy to charge!

I am loving this and will continue to use it.

LovelySkin LUXE Gentle Cream Cleanser ($40, on sale now for $32) — LovelySkin LUXE Gentle Cream Cleanser removes makeup while soothing the skin. You can cleanse, soothe and soften with this face wash. Made with meadowfoam seed extract and olive oil extract, this gentle cleanser leaves the complexion comfortable and glowing. After use, skin feels clean, hydrated and healthy.

What I think: I apply this to my face with a little water before I use my FOREO. It is so gentle on my sensitive skin and cleans without drying out. It works amazing with the device, but also works well without it. My skin glows when I use it and feels soft and hydrated.

Both of these amazing products can be purchased at http://www.lovelyskin.com.

Please leave me a comment if you have tried either of these products and let me know what you think!

PÜR Cosmetics Freedom Collection Inspired By The Divergent Series: Allegiant!

I am so excited that the third Divergent movie, Allegiant, is coming out tomorrow, March 18th! Inspired by the film The Divergent Series: Allegiant, PÜR cosmetics has launched the Freedom Collection as an exclusive limited-edition essentials collection.

This four-piece limited edition collection of nude essentials includes:

Your shade of Air Perfection – a compact cushion foundation perfect for lightweight, long-lasting coverage with effortless application
Double Ego Eyeliner in Tasmania– a 2-in-1 dual-ended chocolate eyeliner ideal for creating your favorite looks from sultry smoky eye to a well-defined cat eye
Lip Gloss Stick in Berry Pretty– a glossy finish to a nude lip for high-shine lips to lust over
Mini Volume Vixen Mascara– a powerhouse of nourishing hydration for a visibly thicker, fuller lashes from root to tip.

I am going to be receiving this set for review, and I will do a full review soon. I am excited to try all of these products! I have tried one cushion foundation before and am so excited to receive this! I love dark brown eyeliners (black’s a little dark for me). Plus, I am always up to try a new mascara. I usually don’t use berry lipsticks, but I am looking forward to trying this one. It looks soft and pretty!

Available on the PUR Cosmetics’ website: http://www.purminerals.com/ for $39.00.

Are you going to watch Allegiant? Leave a comment letting me know, plus if you are looking forward to trying this set!

New Spring Makeup To Brighten Your Day!

As the weather gets warmer, I am looking to softer, Spring-y colors in clothing and in makeup! I am getting so excited for sunny days and warmer nights!

I was sent some gorgeous Spring makeup for my honest review. They include two gorgeous (non-powder) blushes, a moisturizing lipstick and bullet-proof eye crayons:

philosophy take a deep breath cushion color for cheeks ($30 USD) — take a deep breath cushion color for cheeks offers breathable liquid color with benefits. formulated with exclusive clean-air technology™, it oxygenates and refreshes skin as it blushes and brightens. the innovative cushion delivery system with antibacterial mesh filter ensures a clean application every time, with a fine layer of color that’s easily blendable and buildable, for sheer to rich effects.

What I think: This is a beautifully sheer blush. It’s packaged in a little pot with a mesh top. I dab my fingers or brush into it and apply on the apples of my cheeks. I have the coral blush, and it gives a soft glow of color. It has a little shimmer in it, which I love. It’s so pretty on!

Purchase at http://www.philosophy.com

It Cosmetics CC+ Vitality Brightening Crème Blush

It Cosmetics Blurred Lines Lipstick in Je Ne Sais Quoi

It Cosmetics CC+ Vitality Brightening Crème Blush ($24 USD) — Experience the best-selling CC+ Vitality Brightening Crème Blush—now in IT’s signature Je Ne Sais Quoi shade, your perfect pink! Also available in Naturally Pretty™, your natural flush of color, this game-changing blush is formulated with anti-aging peptides, collagen, silk, antioxidants and Drops of Light Technology™ to instantly diffuse the look of imperfections and give your skin a youthful, lit-from-within glow. It’s your quickest way to look younger and bring out your most beautiful you!

It Cosmetics Blurred Lines Lipstick in Je Ne Sais Quoi ($24 USD) — Blurred Lines Smooth Fill Lipstick is your full rich color, instant color correction, and hydrating vitality! Effortlessly gliding over your lips to hydrate and add full, lush color, this anti-aging lipstick erases the appearance of fine lines on your lips and evens out the appearance of your lip tone!

Infused with lip-loving ingredients including Collagen, Peptides, Hyaluronic Filling Spheres, Shea Butter, Jojoba and Grape Seed Extract to nourish your lips while evening your lip tone, smooth the appearance of lip lines, and add color to your lips that will revitalize your entire complexion!

What I think: The crème blush is so pretty on. Just a little goes a long way and it really gives a glow. I dab a little on with my fingers and blend. It’s a very universal pink and I think it would look amazing on all skin tones!

The lipstick is a pretty, bright pink (on my very fair skin).

Available at http://www.itcosmetics.com

Mally Beauty Shadow Stick Extra Eyeshadow

Mally’s Evercolor Shadow Stick Extra ($25 USD) these are the queen of multi-tasking and stay looking fierce from the minute you put them on until you decide to take them off! You have 45 seconds of playtime until your eye shadow is smudge-proof, transfer-proof, crease-proof, and of course, will last and last! Go for a sheer wash of color, or layer for more intensity. Available in 10 gorgeous shades.

What I think: These are so pretty! I love how easy they are to apply, swipe on and blend. And the versatility is amazing! You can wear them sheer, or build for a more dramatic or a smoky look. I receive these in Royal Plum and Burnished Bronze. Both are so pretty for day or night. You can even wear two or more, by using one for the lid and one in the crease. They stay put all day. LOVE!

Purchase at http://www.ulta.com and Ulta stores.

What new makeup are you loving for Spring? Leave a comment and let me know.

Try A Fresh Recipe This Spring With New Cookbooks

In a cooking rut? Cookbooks are so much fun to look through and find new recipes. I am always looking for new recipes to make for the family.

Robert Rose publishers have released great new cookbooks for the Spring. Below are my three favorites:

200 Best Sheet Pan Meals by Camilla Saulsbury ($24.95 USD) —

We’re all looking for ways to make meals more convenient, and while one-pot meals are wonderful, sheet pan meals are the newest option. They allow you to cook several individual components of your meal all at once, and cleanup is an absolute breeze.

If you have a sheet pan and an oven, you’re on your way to creating an abundance of satisfying meals — not to mention desserts. The sweets you can create with a simple sheet pan are utterly sumptuous, from Chewy Coconut Trail Mix Bars to Sour Cream Vanilla Pound Cake.

200 Best Smoothie Bowl Recipes by Alison Lewis ($24.95 USD) — Smoothie bowls are hugely popular for good reason — they’re a perfect way to add fresh fruits, superfoods and protein to your diet. Adding a smoothie bowl to your morning routine guarantees a great start to your day, and they’re not just for breakfast — they can be enjoyed anytime you need a refreshing, filling and healthy meal or a satisfying dessert.

Whether your smoothie bowl is packed with fruit, leafy greens or nuts, or has a base of coffee or tea, you’ll be sure to find a recipe perfectly suited for you in this collection of 200 refreshing choices. Each recipe features suggested topping options for added color, texture and crunch, taking your meal to a whole new level.

Here’s just a small sample of Alison’s sumptuous smoothie bowl recipes:
• Frosty French Toast
• Kiwi Kale Bowl
• Pumpkin Ginger Bowl
• Antioxidant Smoothie Bowl

These thick, creamy and delicious smoothie bowls will undoubtedly become a welcome addition to your daily routine.

Juice Guru Transform Your Life with One Juice a Day by Steve & Julie Prussack ($24.95 USD) — Just one well-timed fresh juice a day can and will change your life. A daily juice provides boundless energy, youthful vibrancy, a slimmer figure, sharper focus and improved health, and prompts a desire to make healthier food choices in general. Juicing isn’t difficult — anyone can do it — and the results are almost immediate.

This book demystifies juicing and will help you incorporate this regimen into your daily lifestyle. In addition to the 21-day plan that will get you going on your path to lifelong health and wellness, 100 flavorful fruit and vegetable juices are featured, all bursting with nutrients that will give you the energy to get through your day, whether at home, at work or at play.

What I think: All three of these books have healthy and delicious recipes for Spring. I love the sheet pan book. It’s great for quick meals for the family. The smoothie bowls are very ingenious — nutritious and so yummy! Plus I have been wanting to try juicing and now have the perfect book to start with!

Learn more at http://www.robertrose.ca/books. Can also be purchased at amazon.com

My Beauty Favorites — Week of March 7-13, 2016

Happy Daylight Savings! Did you remember to set your clocks forward? I guess most electronics set themselves forward these days. It does seem a lot earlier than it is right now.

The longer days and warmer weather has me anticipating Spring all the more! I have been lightening my look with brighter colors and trying amazing new products. My favorites this week include a hydrating facial mist, pastel nail polishes, a product to thicken my eyelashes and bright, moisturizing lipstick. Leave a comment below and tell me what you are loving this week:

Josie Maran Nirvana Hydrating Treatment Mist ($38 USD) — Saturate your skin in Nirvana and enter supreme bliss. This post-cleansing hydrating treatment empowers your skin to get the most out of your skincare ritual. Argan Oil Extract nourishes and softens skin while coconut water adds hydration and electrolytes. This alcohol-free formula attracts moisture for plump and supple skin.

Protein-rich minerals smooth and moisturize skin, while a multi-fruit complex of sugar cane, lemon, and orange extract protects against free radicals and stimulates collagen production. Natural essences of cucumber and geranium revitalize the senses. Konjac Root Ultra Filing Spheres improve skin texture.

What I think: I love the scent and feel of this mist. I spritz it on clean skin, then follow with serums and moisturizer. I think it really helps to keep my skin smooth and hydrated. And I LOVE the natural ingredients!

Learn more and purchase at http://www.josiemarancosmetics.com

Younique Moodstruck 3D Fiber Lashes+ ($29 USD) — Listen up, fiber lash lovers. We have improved our wildly popular 3D Fiber lash enhancer to make it better than before.Introducing, Moodstruck 3D Fiber Lashes+!With a new brush and a fresh look, our proprietary, hypoallergenic formula brings life to tired lashes. Its two international patents pending leaves little wonder about why women are talking about which lash enhancer they use. *Averaged results observed in independent laboratory testing—384.5% increase after one application; greater than 2,000% after three applications when compared against bare lashes.

What I think: This is a really cool way to achieve longer and thicker lashes. It’s pretty easy to use too. To apply, I brush on a coat of the Transplanting Gel to lashes. Next I apply the Natural Fibers while the Transplanting Gel is wet. Then another coat of the gel to seal it. You can repeat this until you get the look you want. And believe me, you can get a really dramatic look! This can be used for day or night looks.

Available at http://www.youniqueproducts.com

Lauren B. Skybar

Lauren B. Sunset Tower

Lauren B. My Private Cabana

Lauren B. Nail Polishes — ($18 USD) — Our advanced, quick-drying nail enamels deliver a chip-resistant, long-lasting, mirror-like finish. The brush is packed with twice the standard amount of bristles, all pre-lacquered so your polish glides on smoothly and streak-free. The bottle has a special over-cap, so you can use a square or cylindrical handle for more control. Bonus: Each formula is non toxic, eco- and vegan-friendly (with no formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, DBP, toluene or camphor), TPHP free, and proudly made in the USA.

What I think: The gorgeous colors above are Skybar a pale blue crème, Sunset Tower a pinky-peach crème and My Private Cabana a pale mint green crème. They are all pretty and fresh as we transition into spring. They are also long-lasting and I love that they are free from many chemicals.

Purchase at http://www.laurenbbeauty.com

Josie Maran Argan Love Your Lips Hydrating Lipstick ($22 USD) –Kiss your love/hate relationship with lipstick goodbye, and get ready for creamy color that sticks around without the stickiness. The 3-in-1 formula gives you the shine of a gloss, the vibrancy of a lipstick and the lush moisture of a balm. With a clear shell enclosing a high-pigment core, it’s like no lipstick you’ve used before: hydrating, easy to apply—heavy on color, light on your lips.

Love Your Lips Lipstick lives up to its name, breaking the mold with a boldness that matches its six gorgeous shades. It never leaves lips cracked or sticky, and you can build the color to whatever sheerness or intensity my little heart desires. Hydration, shine, color: Good things really do come in threes.

What I think: These are so hydrating! Plus, although they have a clear shell around them, they are still very pigmented. The Coral Delight (above) is quite orangey-coral on. I usually wear lighter colored lip products, but this will be fun for Spring. Available in 6 shades.

Available at http://www.josiemarancosmetics.com