Sunscreen – Forty, Flirty & Fabulous

Festival Beauty Essentials!

Hi all! It’s music festival season! Are you going to a festival this spring or summer? I haven’t been to one in years, but that doesn’t mean I can’t have fun with my beauty products during the warmer months!

I’ve put together a few makeup and skincare faves for a fun and safe (don’t forget your SPF) time. My picks aren’t as glitter as they could be, but if I was going to a festival, these are the types of products I would take with me:

Urban Decay always has very fun makeup products that is perfect for festival looks. A few I love are:

Urban Decay On The Run Mini Palette in Detour ($25 USD) — This is a perfect travel sized palette. I have included a photo of it opened below, so you can see the shades. They are bronzes and couple of blues. There is also the rosy toned Shortcut palette and the Bailout palette, which has cool toned browns and a couple of purples. I also have the Shortcut palette and love it, too.

Urban Decay Double Team Special Effect Colored Mascara ($24) — The teal above is the shade Deep End. It’s be really pretty paired with the palette. One end is a cream formula and the other is a glitter. There is also a blue, pink, purple and one that’s gold on one end and silver on the other.

Hi-Fi Shine Ultra Cushion Lip Gloss ($20 USD) — The shade above is a holographic called SPL. It’s a pretty shimmery pink. I’ve just received some of these for review and am excited because I have heard how good they are. The holographic shade is pretty for fun looks, but the creams are amazing for every day! I’ll be reviewing them soon.

Urban Decay Cosmetics are available at http://www.urbandecay.com and beauty retailers like Ulta and Sephora.

For on-the-go coverage… FRÉ Skincare’s GLOW ME Tinted Moisturizer ($45 USD) is a revolutionary 3-in-1 formula designed specifically for skin that sweats, and we know there’s a lot of that during festival season. It’s formulated with Argania Active Complex for moisturizing, SPF 15 for protection, and with a universal nude tint for a sheer finish to blur unwanted blemishes and even skin tone.

Available at www.freskincare.com

For healthy sun protection that works… Love Sun Body 100% Natural Origin Mineral Sunscreens are safe for use on your face and body and provide 80 minutes of water and sweat resistant protection.

Available in lightly scented or fragrance free and in 2 different sizes (6.76 OZ for $32.00 or 3.38 OZ for $21.00) at lovesunbody.com/collections and Amazon.com.

For Flower Power nails… Morgan Taylor’s Spring 2019 Collection – The Color of Petals will have you pretty from head to toe! Inspired by your favorite flowers, these gorgeous pastels are the perfect finishing touch to any spring festival look. Available at Ulta.com and SaltEarthSpa.com beginning February for $9.50 per bottle.

Just for fun, here’s a photo with the Urban Decay palette open:

Oh yes, that’s gorgeous! This is nice for all year round, but will be especially perfect for bronzey, summer looks!

Are you going to any festivals this year? What products will you take with you?

Skincare Picks For Fall From Derma E, Klairs and Meaningful Beauty

Hi all! It’s October and the weather either has or will be turning colder soon! In Kansas City, one day it’s in the 80’s the and the next it’s in the 60’s. It’s been crazy!

When the weather does change, I also like to change up my skincare. My sensitive skin gets drier and I am already seeing dry patches. Here are the products I have been testing out and they have been sent for my honest review:

DERMA E Very Clear Acne Cleanser ($15.50 USD) and Very Clear Acne Spot Treatment ($11.50 USD) — These are both great products for helping acne-prone skin.

The cleanser is great for removing built-up oil and makeup to help unclog pores, promote clear skin and prevent breakouts.It contains an Anti-Blemish Complex of natural ingredients Tea Tree, Willow Bark, Rosewood, Lavender and Chamomile and delivers natural antibacterial and antiseptic properties leaving skin purer, clearer and healthier. I love how clean it leaves my skin without stripping it!

Even thought I do have clogged pores, I don’t break out as often anymore, but the acne spot treatment helps clear up those surprise pimples that come out of nowhere! It delivers natural antibacterial and antiseptic properties to help clear the complexion and prevent blemishes while reducing redness and sensitivity. It may be used as often as necessary whenever breakouts occur to calm and soothe red, irritated skin. I love that it’s not harsh!

Purchase at dermae.com

KLAIRS Soft Airy UV Essence SPF 50 ($23 USD) — This is an everyday sun protector for sensitive skin, which I have. As is it water-based, it holds a gel-type texture to give a soft weightless and light finish. Also with its high SPF and PA level, it completely guards the skin against UVA, UVB without leaving any greasiness or white cast.

I have been using this every morning. It sinks right in to my skin and is a great base for primer and foundation. It doesn’t really have a scent and it is so nice on my very sensitive skin! Since it isn’t heavy, I think this is perfect for using all year long. It is so important to wear SPF every day!

You can purchase this on Wishtrend. This is an affiliate link.

Meaningful Beauty is such a gorgeous brand! This is Cindy Crawfords line of anti-aging products. The line has lots of different products from cleansers, to moisturizers to treatments.

The products from left to right are the Environmental Protecting Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen, Youth Activating Melon Serum, Overnight Retinol Repairing Crème, Skin Softening Cleanser.

These are all so nice and work well with my sensitive skin! The cleanser is easy to use and doesn’t dry out my skin. The day cream is very nice, and we all know that SPF is very important! The serum is very luxurious! It sinks into the skin quickly and leaves skin glowing! I’ve noticed that my lines have become less noticeable. It could also be the wonderful retinol night cream. That really makes my skin look smoother and clearer.

You can purchase these at www.meaningfulbeauty.com or Ulta.com.

What is your favorite fall beauty products?

Beat The Heat With Fun Summer Products!

Yes, it’s still summer and it’s still HOT! And I have more amazing summer products to share!

I received the following products for my honest review:

NaturaBrasil A cai Body Scrub ($25 USD) — this is a gentle way to slough off dry skin after being at the pool or beach. Or, before self tanning. And, it smells amazing! This scrub has natural açaí seeds and sugar, as well as moisturizing shea butter and olive oil.

Love Sun Body SPF 30 Lightly Scented ($32 USD) — This is a 100% natural mineral sun screens. It is very lightly scented with tiare & vanilla. It’s kind of hard to detect the scent. It claims to absorb with a matte finish that doesn’t feel sticky. It is VERY thick. And white. I have to really rub it in to get the matte finish.

Certified by EcoCert Cosmos Natural and is recipient of EWG’s highest ranking. Love Sun Body is available in two sizes and scents at Credo, Amazon and lovesunbody.com.

Cricket’s wide tooth Ultra Smooth Coconut Conditioning Comb ($6.99 USD) helps gently detangle wet hair and is great for pulling a hair mask through to the ends. Coconut oil and keratin protein are baked into the plastic of the comb which also helps to smooth and de-frizz from the summer humidity. Available at Target and Ulta.

My favorite products of this bunch are these bright Morgan Taylor Lacquer:

This is a celebrity nail tech favorite and has 130+ phenomenal colors that are available at Ulta. These are perfect for pedis or manis this summer!

These shades are Girls Love Buoys (on my nails and in my hand), Tokyo a Go Go, Orange Crush, Go For The Glow and Gotta Have Hue. These are so bright and gorgeous, but they don’t last long, so make sure to use a bottom and top coat!

What are your current favorite summer beauty finds?

My Beauty Favorites — Week of July 31-August 6, 2017

Another week’s gone by. My kids go back to school next week and we have been getting ready for that. We’ve also been having big summer storms in Kansas City, so it is very humid outside!

This week, I have been loving products to clean, refresh and protect my skin in this weather. They include sweet-smelling bath products, cleansers that will hydrate parched skin and botanical SPF.

Le Couvent des Minimes Botanical Recipe of Love Exfoliating Shower Gel – Orange Blossom ($12, 6.7 fl oz.) — Le Couvent des Minimes Cologne of Love Exfoliating Shower Gel in Orange Blossom combines the exfoliating power of fruit extracts with vegetable-based antioxidants and petitgrain essential oil.

Le Couvent des Minimes Cloister Shower Cream ($12, 6.7 fl oz.) — The blended scent of roses and ripe berries invokes images of a quiet stroll through a blooming garden, the air warm and heavy with late summer. Essential oils work with vitamin E to support the natural recovery methods of your skin while shea butter delivers intense moisture. Fruit and vegetable extracts exfoliate away dead skin. The creamy formula of this luxurious body wash will leave you feeling silky smooth and smelling as fresh and sweet as a dozen roses.

Le Couvent des Minimes Cloister Body Gel Cream ($18, 7 oz.) — Roses have long signified romance, femininity, passion and even the perfect beauty of nature. But a rose is more than just a pretty face. In fact, roses have been used as an effective antibacterial agent, an antidepressant and even to moisturize dry skin. Blended with the rich antioxidants of ripe berries, these benefits are captured in this cream

What I think: Both of these scents are very fresh and summery! I use exfoliator on my body a lot in the summer. The orange blossom scent in this one is gorgeous, and it leaves my skin very soft. The rose and berry products smell so nice. The rose is the stronger scent, but you can detect the berries as well. Both hydrate my skin and keep it glowing!

Available at Ulta stores

CeraVe Makeup Removing Cleanser Cloths: ($7.97 on Amazon) —
gently removes dirt, oil, and makeup while ceramides help restore the skin barrier. All CeraVe products contain the vital ceramides healthy skin needs to help restore and maintain its natural protective barrier. Gentle on skin, non-drying, non-irritating.

CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser Bar: ($4.25 at Amazon) — gently removes dirt, oil and makeup without disrupting skin’s natural protective barrier. Unlike any other cleansing bar, it also contains CeraVe Moisturizing Cream to hydrate and nourish so skin is left soft. In a clinical study, CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser Bar was shown to lock in moisture 3 times longer than the leading brand. Non-comedogenic, non-drying and non-irritating. With ceramides and hyaluronic acid. Fragrance free.

CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser: ($9.97 on Amazon) — It gently removes dirt, oil, and makeup without disrupting the skin’s natural protective barrier. It patented MVE formulation helps essential ingredients penetrate deep into the skin to hydrate and nourish.

What I think: All three of these products are really gentle on my skin. I love the cleanser cloths because I am very lazy at night and love using a cloth that will remove makeup and hydrate my skin in one step. I keep the bar in my shower to easily clean my face. And the facial cleanser is my perfect first step in the morning to deep clean but leave my face so soft!

Learn more at cerave.com and purchase on Amazon.com or a mass market retailer near you.

Australian Gold Botanical Sunscreen Mineral Lotions SPF 30 & SPF 50 ($14.99; SPF30 – Ulta.com, SPF 50-Ulta.com, ) Feature a non-greasy, antioxidant rich formula that provides UVA/UVB broad spectrum protection. Formula uses Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide to provide a non-chemical sun protection option, with a powder-like matte-finish that’s never greasy.

Australian Gold Botanical Sunscreen Natural Spray SPF 30 & SPF 50 ($14.99; SPF30 – Ulta.com, SPF 50-Ulta.com) A natural spray that delivers a refreshing, powdery-clean feel in a convenient 360° continuous spray. Features a non-sticky, antioxidant rich formula that provides UVA/UVB broad spectrum protection with Certified Organic Alcohol for a naturally luxurious sunscreen experience.

What I think: First, these smell really fresh and natural, which I love. More of a soft floral than a beachy scent, which can be a nice change from other sunscreens. They both dry down to a matte finish without being greasy. That’s so nice for doing normal outside activities like shopping and working outside. It looks like I don’t have sunscreen on when wearing it. Plus they are water resistant up to 80 minutes, so if you are going swimming, these work so well!

These can be purchased at Ulta, CVS, and Walmart

What products are you loving as we are well into summer?

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My Memorial Day Beauty Favorites!

Are you enjoying the long weekend? I love the chance to get things done and to relax! Plus of course barbecues and fun!

For my favorites this week, I’ve chosen products that work with the fun and sun that this weekend brings:

Senteurs d’Orient NEW Oriental Gardenia Hammam Soap ($36 USD) — Moisturizing your skin is key, especially after your first time in the summer sun. Don’t leave for your Memorial day weekend beach vacation without the new handcrafted Oriental Gardenia Hammam Soap. Infused with a moisturizing blend of Olive Oil, Vitamin E, Shea Butter and Glycerin, this Hammam Soap leaves skin looking dewy and feeling smooth.

What I think: I love the new scent of this soap on a rope! It’s very fresh and floral. Hanging this in my shower made my whole bathroom smell amazing. The soap itself is very hydrating and leaves skin so soft!

Available at www.net-a-porter.com

Keep your hair up and out of your face in the summer sun, while still looking chic with the Hairdo 23” Long Wave Pony ($59 USD) – which clips right over your own ponytail! This 23” Long Wave Pony features Tru2Life® heat-friendly synthetic hair that can be flat-ironed, curled or blown out, and has a long, smooth band of wrap-around hair that securely attaches with a hook-and-loop fastening strip for a look that’s seamless.

What I think: This is such a cute look for the summer. My hair is a lot shorter, so I have to get used to the weight. I think it’s perfect for going out, and would look nice for events like wedding.

Purchase at Ulta stores and Ulta.com

KMS HAIRPLAY Sea Salt Spray ($23.50 USD) Get your beach waves ready with KMS HAIRPLAY Sea Salt Spray, infused with salt from the Dead Sea, this texturizing spray provides fullness, creates just-out-of-the-ocean texture, enhances waves and provides a matte finish. This easy to use spray can be applied to towel-dried hair and air dry.

What I think: Sea salt sprays are nice in the warm weather when I don’t want to style my hair. I just spray this one on damp hair and let it air dry. My hair is wavy without having to try! I also like the matte finish.

Available at KMS Salons Nationwide

Burt’s Bees Baby Nourishing Mineral Sunscreen ($14.99 USD) –Treat your skin with the delicateness of a baby with Burt’s Bees Baby Nourishing Mineral Sunscreen. This lightweight, fast-absorbing formula spread evenly, leaving behind water-resistant, broad spectrum SPF30 protection, without thick or sticky white residue. Hypoallergenic and fragrance-free, this nourishing mineral sunscreen is gentle on vulnerable skin, while immediately improving skin hydration with wholesome natural ingredients, such as Beeswax, Vitamin E, and Coconut Extract.

What I think: This unscented sunscreen definitely isn’t only for babies! It’s really gentle on my sensitive skin. When I applied it for the first time, it seemed thick, but it spread well and absorbed fairly quickly. I like that it isn’t greasy and leaves my skin soft, but not shiny.

Available at Whole Foods, Amazon.com and Burtsbees.com

Store the Lavanila Laboratories Mini Sport Luxe Deodorant ($9 USD) in your beach bag for long lasting freshness all weekend long. This deodorant was created for life in motion. Lavanila’s proprietary, award-winning beta glucan technology is infused with SmartSport™ for high-performance defense and nourishment, and bursts with long-lasting vanilla breeze freshness to break down sweat molecules and deliver superior, invisible, all-natural odor protection.

What I think: This fresh little deodorant is so easy to take with you. The scent is amazing and it’s a great natural deodorant for all the sweating that comes with more activity and warmer weather! I usually need a clinical deodorant, but this works pretty well for me.

Available at Lavanila.com

What are you loving this long weekend?

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New Hawaiian Tropic Launches For 2017

As the temperature rises, sunscreen is more important than ever! Thankfully, Hawaiian Tropic makes it easy to keep your skin looking and feeling its best in the summer.

I was sent the above products for my honest review. They are:

Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration Weightless Face Lotion Sunscreen ($9.99 USD) featuring hydrating ribbons that provide 12 hours of moisturization in a new breathable formula that you’ll barely feel on! This indulgent formula leaves you feeling pampered and doesn’t clog pores. Has broad spectrum SPF 30 and UVA & UVB protection.

Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration Weightless C-Spray (SPF 15 & 30 $9.99 each): The same Silk Hydration Weightless formula now in an easy application format that leaves skin feeling soft, moisturized and indulgent. I love that it dries quickly and smells amazing!

Hawaiian Tropic Island Sport Clear Spray SPF 50 and Lotion SPF 50: Designed to stand up to outdoor activities while making your skin look and feel beautiful, the Island Sport line is now available in SPF 50 for stronger protection. Available in lotion and clear spray for either application preference

I took the spray to my daughter’s lacrosse game, and her team love it! It goes on clear and smells like a tropical beach. It protected them well and no one got burned!

All of these products are amazing for protection while your outdoors this summer.

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My Beauty Favorites — Week of August 29 – September 4, 2016

I hope everyone had a great, long weekend! It is still very hot in Kansas City, but I am looking forward to the autumn and cooler weather!

This week I have a hodgepodge of products to review! The include sunscreen and after sun lotion (always needed), tools to make your eyes pop, a natural body lotion and a fresh fragrance:

Sun Bum Continuous Spray Sunscreen

Sun Bum Cool Down Hydrating After Sun Lotion

Sun Bum Continuous Spray Sunscreen ($15.99 USD) — Speed up your sunscreen application without skimping on coverage with this quick-dry spray, available in SPF 15, 30, 50 and 70.

Sun Bum Cool Down Hydrating After Sun Lotion ($11.99 USD) — Complete the post-beach ritual with the ultimate post-sun skincare: Sun Bum’s Cool Down products. This supreme indulgence revives sun-sapped skin with Vitamin E and Cocoa Butter. Insanely soothing and incredible smelling, the products are like a beach in a bottle.

What I think: I love the tropical scent of these products! They will keep summer lasting

Learn more at http://www.trustthebum.com

MUA Perfect Contour Eyelash Curler

MUA Precision Point Tweezer

MUA Perfect Contour Eyelash Curler ($10 USD) — Who says you can only contour cheekbones? With this precisely designed full head curler, get close to your lash line for a dramatic curl. Aligned handles ensure full stability and control to prevent any ouch moments.

MUA Precision Point Tweezer ($10 USD) — Remove short, delicate or hard-to-grab hairs with this defined shaped tweezer, made of high-quality stainless steel.

MUA Lash Separator ($9 USD) — To be used after mascara application, this separator with comfort grip handle removes clumps for fluttery lashes. – The fine, metal comb of the separator is contoured to fit the shape of your lashes, while they gently separate and sculpt for superb lash definition.

What I think: These cool new tools make my eyes look amazing! I like the curler, but it does take some getting used to. The rubber pad is big and it makes it a little tricky to grab my lashes. But once I do, it curls my lashes nicely. And speaking of lashes, the lash separator helps remove clumps after mascara application. I have never seen anything like this, but it’s really easy to use because it fits the shape of my eyes.

The tweezers are perfect for removing those little hairs that evade — and also work well with my husbands splinters!

Purchase at CVS stores and http://www.cvs.com

Lavanila The Healthy Body Butter in Pure Vanilla ($19 USD) — This super soft, all-natural body butter absorbs instantly for deeply hydrated, luxuriously soft skin. 100 percent pure shea and cocoa butters blend with powerful antioxidants and essential oils for long-lasting hydration. Five sweet-smelling scents and a non-greasy formula create the ultimate indulgence.

What I think: I love this body butter, and may have tried it in all of it’s amazing scents. This is the original Pure Vanilla, and it is a sexy scent for the fall. It’s really rich and sultry. And it moisturizes so well! It keeps my skin soft all day.

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

Katy Perry’s Mad Love ($29.98 USD) — This fruity scent opens with the succulence of Lady Apple Sorbet and Mara Strawberry blended to perfection with freshness of delicious Pink Grapefruit. Middle notes of Peony Petals, smooth Sun-Kissed Jasmine, and the hypnotic pull of the Bleeding Heart flower captivate the senses.

What I think: This smells so fresh and sweet. I think that it would be a great gift for teens and women of all ages. It also is light enough to work well for all seasons!

Available at Kohls stores and http://www.kohls.com

What products are you loving this week?

Summer Beauty Products To Help Beat The Heat!

It is hot, hot, hot in Kansas City! I try to stay inside as much as possible, but I do have to go out to run errands.

Going out means trying to take care of my skin before and after I go out. Here are my current favorite products that are making a real difference in my skin this summer:

Two new sunscreen products by G.M. Collin:

G.M. Collin SPF 50+ Dry Touch Sun Protection Cream ($34 USD): This broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen helps prevent sunburn on both the face and body. Formulated with chemical filters to leave a light and dry finish without the white residue on the skin. Paraben-free and suitable for all skin types.
G.M. Collin SPF 60 Mineral Sunscreen Sun Protection Cream ($32 USD) This broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen helps prevent sunburn. Formulated with 100% mineral filters Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide, it is designed for daily wear, alone or under makeup. Made for all skin types. And is water-resistant up to 40 minutes. Also suitable for sensitive skin conditions. Ideal for those who don’t like chemical filters.

What I think: Both of these sunscreens are perfect for everyday use! I especially love the Dry Touch one because it leaves skin soft and protected. The mineral sunscreen is great for sensitive skin like mine and it really doesn’t irritate.

Visit GMCollin.com for spa locations

Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil Light ($48 USD) — This legendary, lightweight oil, grown organically in Morocco, is rich in vitamin E and essential fatty acids. Use it as a fast absorbing daily moisturizer, or to heal and condition everything from cuticles to split ends. Perfect to use on dry skin and dry hair after being in the sun all day.

What I think: I love this version of Josie’s Argan Oil! I have both this and the original, and you can really tell that this one is lighter. It sinks right into my skin and leaves it so soft! I love it after a shower and at night before bed.

Purchase at http://www.josiemarancosmetics.com

The Organic Pharmacy Tan Accelerator ($69 USD) — Develop a rich deep tan faster with Betacarotene and Kapi Kacchu extract with less sun exposure. The plant extracts stimulate melanin production with a long lasting, deep and natural tan. This light aloe infused formula will bring an instant sun kissed glow to face and body whilst the active plant ingredients activate and increase melanin production, this means less time in the sun to develop a deep golden tan.

What I think: This is a really interesting products. For it to work, apply it before going outside and it will stimulate melanin and give a darker tan faster! Less time in the sun is always a good idea, and I love leaving with a tan and minimal sun damage. And I always use an SPF!

http://www.theorganicpharmacy.com

emerginC citrus-kombucha body wash ($36 USD) — A gentle, deep cleaning, fresh-scented brightening body wash, with kombucha, aloe, grape stem cells, spirulina, pinebark extract and white and green teas. Improves skin tone, moisture and radiance.

What I think: This smells amazing, and is so perfect for after a day in the sun. The aloe combines with the other ingredients to sooth skin that has had too much sun and softens skin, too!

Available at http://www.emerginc.com

My Beauty Favorites — Week of April 18-24, 2016

It has been warm in Kansas City for the last few days. This makes me think that summer is around the corner!

So, this week I have been loving products that are perfect for the warm weather ahead. From a sunny cream strobing palette, a natural sunscreen and bright nail polish, check out these fab products:

PÜR Cosmetics Sun-Kissed Glow Strobe Palette ($34 USD) — Strobing brings a new dimension to facial contouring for instant luminescence. Highlight and define with three coordinating shades to create a custom, lit-from-within look for any skin tone. The silky cream glides onto skin for buildable, streak-free coverage and transforms quickly to a powdery, transfer-resistant finish. Infused with our proprietary, age-defying Ceretin Complex, a glowing, youthful-looking complexion has never been so easy.

What I think: This is a gorgeous cream palette. It gives a soft, glowy color. The colors in these palettes are warm and perfect for the spring and summer months ahead. They blend so well and stay on all day! Also available in Moonlight Glow Strobe Palette, which includes softer highlighting shades.

Available at http://www.purminerals.com

Lavanila The Healthy Sunscreen Sport Luxe SPF 30 ($22 USD) — Our 100% Natural, Sport Luxe SPF 30 was created for an active life in motion. A new generation of mineral sunscreen is infused with SmartSport™ Technology for high performance, ultra sheer protection that resists wear off from water and sweat. Packed with skin saving antioxidants, this formula delivers superior, water resistant SPF 30 to face & body while nourishing and replenishing the skin.

What I think: Natural sunscreens are amazing! Sometimes sunscreens can have harsh chemicals in them, so it’s nice to protect the skin with good for you ingredients. It is water resistant and is great in hot weather (it won’t sweat off)!

Available at http://www.lavanila.com

The Sally Hansen Miracle Gel 2016 Voyager Color Collection ($9.99 USD for a color and top coat pack) — Take a jaunt! Sally Hansen’s Miracle Gel™ journey will keep your manicure looking great for up to 14 days. The revolutionary gel manicure system with no light needed is the ideal travel companion, boasting six new fashion-forward hues in its Voyager collection. Each shade is accompanied by our Miracle Gel™ 2X Volume top coat in a duo pack. This plumping top coat must be used together with our Miracle Gel™ shades for up to 14 days of color and shine. This spring shade palette includes:

Headed Nude-Where: A beachy neutral that calls to mind endless sandy strolls.

Flushed Wanderer: Go where the wind takes you, wayfarer, with this muted blush tone.

Tawny Travels: This burnished brick red can’t be tied down.

In My Suitcase: This grayed-off beige shade packs a powerful punch and coordinates well with all of your vacation ensembles.

Take The Plunge: Wander the waters of unchartered territory in this deep blue, reminiscent of the Pacific Ocean.

Carry On Blue: This aqua hue will transport you to tropical ocean views.

What I think: This collection has something for almost everyone. Soft shades and brighter fun shade (for the toenails, maybe?) I’ve been wearing softer shades on my fingernails lately, so I love Headed Nude-Where and In My Suitcase. And, they last at least 4 to 5 days with the included top coat.

Purchase at mass market retailers near you.

What are you loving this week? Leave a comment and let me know!

Having a Heat Wave? Treat Your Skin With Warm Weather Skin Care!

I’ll admit, the thought of using heavy creams and sunscreens when it’s blazing hot is not fun. Luckily, there is amazing skincare that works without making your skin feel like it has a pile of grease on it!

I have been testing some amazing lighter skincare including fresh masks, and after-sun gel, an SPF moisturizer, an eye serum and sheer sunscreen for face and body:

Indie Lee’s Clearing Mask ($60 USD) — It can be difficult to keep your face hydrated and also clear of blemishes in the hotter months. This mask will simultaneously rehydrate and detoxify your skin, leaving you simply radiant. Its fruit acids will brighten your complexion and with weekly use, you’ll have skin like you’ve started a new facial routine.

What I think: It’s difficult to want to put on a mask when it is hot, because you don’t really want goop on your skin. This mask is refreshing and my skin felt soft, but not greasy afterwards. It was also helped clear up the few blemishes that are on my skin from the summer heat.

Available at http://www.indielee.com

Acure’s Cell Regenerating Mask ($12.99 USD) — Get serious cell repair with this mask. French Green Clay draws out impurities while Moroccan Argan Oil, CoQ10 and Seabuckthorn Oil add intense hydration back to the skin.

What I think: This is perfect for stressed summer skin. When I use it, I can feel it working and when I wash it off, my skin is smooth and soft! Great natural product for the price!

Purchase at http://www.acureorganics.com

Korres Greek Yoghurt After-Sun Cooling Gel ($26 USD) — If you get a burn, don’t let it dry your skin! This is an ultra-cooling cream gel that provides long-lasting freshness and comfort to the face and body. Ideal for after sun exposure, yogurt hydrates the skin, instantly relieving excessive heat and stinging.

What I think: Luckily, I haven’t had a bad burn this summer (it’s too hot to go outside!). But this cream is perfect whenever I have had too much sun and my skin is a bit red and tight. It also works well on my sensitive skin if I have left a peel or mask on too long and my skin is irritated.

Available at http://www.sephora.com

VENeffect Anti-Aging Moisturizer SPF 15 ($145 USD) — enhances collagen production, helps reverse sun damage and dramatically improves skin elasticity while offering broad-spectrum protection from harmful UVA/UVB rays. With the ongoing push to work SPF into every day skincare, this product’s lightweight formula is an easy way to ensure skin is protected while still providing the benefits of a true moisturizer and without leaving behind a white cast.

What I think: I love how light this moisturizer is! I apply it after my serum in the morning and since it has SPF, it does double-duty. Plus, it has amazing skincare benefits. I have noticed that my skin is smoother and clearer. I am hoping to see improvements in skin elasticity after I use it for a few weeks.

Available at select specialty beauty retailers and online at VENeffect.com, NeimanMarcus.com, Dermstore.com, SpaceNK.com, CosBar.com and Bloomingdales.com.

Christie Brinkley Authentic Skincare Refocus Eye + IR Defense Serum Infusion Eye Treatment ($69 USD) — Diminish tired and puffy eyes with this eye treatment. This potent anti-aging serum is infused with the Bio Copper Complex to reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles in the delicate eye area while it firms, smoothes texture and tones the skin.

What I think: I have been using this light serum morning and night. It instantly firms the skin around my eyes and helps me look awake! The skin around my eyes also appears smoother.

Purchase at http://www.kohls.com).

Lavanila Laboratories The Healthy Sport Luxe Sunscreen for Face and Body ($30 USD) — Always stay protected from the sun no matter how hard you’re working. This new generation of mineral sunscreen is infused with SmartSport^TM Technology for high performance, ultra sheer protection that resists wear off from water and sweat.

What I think: I am always excited to find a lightweight sunscreen. It is hard to get my kids to use the thick, goopy kind! This is light and sheer. And I like that it resists water, it is great for swimming and outdoor exercise.

Purchase at www.lavanila.com.