Beauty – Page 25 – Forty, Flirty & Fabulous

Summertime Hair Survival!

Summer sun and humidity really dries out my hair. So I need to infuse my hair with moisture to make it look good in the heat!

The products below do just that, plus help me style it so it looks its best.

Nourish that summer-dried hair with Klorane Shampoo With Mango Butter ($18 USD, 13.4 oz) Klorane Laboratories have selected mango butter for its high content in fatty acids endowed with nourishing properties. The nourishing shampoo with mango butter from Klorane nourishes and restructures the hair shaft, closes up hair cuticles and fills in the cracks of the surface hydrolipidic film to protect it from dehydration. A nourishing care for reinforced anti hair dryness action. Hypoallergenic*.

I also have tried Klorane Conditioner With Mango Butter ($14 USD, 5.1 oz) — Mango butter has a high content in fatty acids which nourish the hair shaft and fill in the cracks of the surface hydrolipic film. A specific nourishing agent has also been included in the formula to smooth down hair scales and coat the hair to facilitate untangling. For manageable, easier-to-untangle hair in complete gentleness. Nourished and smooth, you will once again flaunt all their shine and softness. Hypoallergenic.*

What I think: First of all, this smells fantastic, like fresh mangoes. Using both products result in moisturized hair that is super soft to the touch. This system is great for every day if you have extremely dry hair — or once or twice a week for occasional deep moisturization. Learn more at www.kloraneusa.com.

White Sands Orchid Bliss Shampoo and Conditioner

White Sands is proud to announce the addition of Orchid Bliss Shampoo & Conditioner (9.5oz Shampoo, $19.50 & 9.5oz Conditioner, $20.50) to their current line of superior salon hair cleansing products. Encompassing a one of a kind concept, Orchid Bliss utilizes the anti-aging characteristics and mineral richness of the orchid flower to support color retention with a sulfate-free formula while providing strand revitalization and cuticle nutrition all in one.

Orchids, known for their moisturizing properties, fight free radicals, increase hair immunity and reduce the appearance of strand imperfections. Enhanced by the duo’s fresh citrus scent, the orchid extract contained in Orchid Bliss Shampoo & Conditioner in addition to natural ingredients like sunflower seed extract, grape seed oil, carrot seed, olive extract, apricot kernel & more restore back the moisture, shine, elasticity and softness to hair that has been damaged from chemical treatments, thermal stress and daily UV exposure. This orchid complex will instantly fill in the cracks and imperfections in each strand giving a high shine, making hair simply brilliant with UV protection in addition to effortlessly working in conjunction with other styling products to improve texture, repel moisture, while enhancing vibrant color.

What I think: This lovely system is natural and gentle and can be used daily to restore hair from colorings and styling tools — and the harsh summer elements! It has a beautiful floral scent. Learn more at www.whitesandsproducts.com.

New aveda pure abundance style-prep infuses hair with all-day weightless volume that feels naturally yours. Thickens strands with a 97% naturally-derived botanical blend, and boosts volume with a natural corn-derived polymer. Give fine, limp strands the hold they need for body that lasts all day.

Build body and volume with aveda’s pure abundance system. While naturally-derived thickeners help your hair reach its full potential, aromas of jasmine, certified organic peppermint, palmarosa and ylang ylang play to the senses.

Start with pure abundance volumizing shampoo ($16 USD) and volumizing clay conditioner ($16 USD). Prep hair for weightless volumizing with style-prep ($24 USD). Finish with hair potion™ ($24 USD) and volumizing hair spray™ ($17 USD) for texture and firm hold.

What I think: I love this whole collection. Used together, I have seen a noticeable increase in the volume of my hair. I use the style-prep by spraying on damp hair and also when my hair is dry and needs a bit of restyling. The hair potion is also a cool product in that it is a moist powder that you rub in your hand to liquify it, then run it through your hair to immediately increase the volume. Purchase at www.aveda.com

To tame frizzies, invest in double-duty Cricket Ultra Smooth Comb. Infused with a blend of Argan & Olive Oils and Keratin protein, this comb reduces frizz and makes hair soft and smooth sans styling sprays or serums.

Features of each comb are:

A blend of argan and olive oils, plus keratin protein infused plastic
Glides through hair easily
Ergonomically designed
Helps add shine and smoothness
Reduces frizz
Will not leave residue on hands

What I think: These combs are like magic. I have been wearing my hair in a ponytail, braid or bun all summer, and if it get messy, I take it out and comb it with one of these combs and it is instantly smoother! My hair is shinier and sans frizz! Awesome! Purchase at www.cricketco.com ($6.49/comb)

Crush by One 1 in Ceramic Flat Iron ($80 USD 1″, $30 USD mini ) — The Crush Flat Irons (available in 1” or as a Mini) have floating beveled plates that provide ultimate control during styling. Wide temperature ranges make them ideal for any hair type, while the dual voltage make them travel must-haves.

What I think: I really like the temperature range on this. My hair is fairly thin and I don’t need it too hot, but my daughter has insanely thick hair that needs a lot of heat. It is great that we can both use the same straightener. It also helps with summer frizzies — just use a nice heat styling product with it to prevent damage. Learn more at www.onestyiling.com

Enjoy!

GIVEAWAY! — CEW Partners with BeautyBar.com For An Awesome Beauty Box

CEW and BeautyBar.com teamed up to create The Insiders’ Choice Beauty Box, which features 11 products selected as the industry’s most innovative picks during the 18th Annual CEW Beauty Insiders’ Choice Awards.

For a limited-time only, these Insider’s Choice Beauty Boxes will be available at www.BeautyBar.com/CEW. The box is valued at $109 and is selling at a specially discounted price of $25, making it a great gift for the beauty lover in your life, a beach party hostess gift (or simply a nice treat for yourself). Also, if you buy two boxes, you’ll get one free with the promo code: BBCEW (for the first 250 customers).

The Insiders’ Choice Beauty Box contains the following products:

· L’Oréal Paris Youth Code Serum Intense

· L’Oréal Paris Voluminous False Fiber Lashes Mascara

· Heidi Klum Shine Eau De Toilette, 0.5 oz.

· StriVectin-TL Tightening Neck Cream, Travel Size

· L’Occitane Lavender Hand Cream-1 oz.

· Burt’s Bees Richly Replenishing Cocoa & Cupuaçu Butters Body Lotion

· Burt’s Bees Tinted Lip Balm-Red Dahlia

· Maybelline New York Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles Treatment Concealer in Neutralizer

· Bye Bye Under Eye Concealer, Travel Size

· Dr. T’s Supergoop! All-Over Everyday UV Lotion for Face & Body – SPF 30+ – 1.6 oz. Travel Size

· Sally Hansen Salon Effects Nail Color Strips, Animal Instinct-16 count

This box is a great price for all of the fab products, but how about getting one for FREE! I am giving away a box for one lucky reader! Just leave a comment on my blog saying that you would like to win the Insider’s Choice Beauty Box. I will choose a winner Monday July 30th.

Good Luck!

Define Your Curls With White Sands Curl Up in Silk Firm Hold Mousse

: White Sands Curl Up in Silk

My hair is naturally slightly wavy, so I usually like to straighten it. But in the summer, I don’t like to do a lot to it and try to find ways to accentuate my waves.

So the last few weeks I have been using White Sands Curl Up in Silk Firm Hold Mousse. It is formulated to softly hold curls, creating texture, dimension, waves, and volume: the perfect styling product for curl definition and hold. Yet, despite its firm hold, Curl Up in Silk provides a light, flexible feel free of unwanted flaking and product build up, leaving hair silky, shiny and soft.

The claim of this product is that due to the unique chemical molecular structure of the ingredients, Curl Up in Silk Firm Hold Mousse will provide a new type of curl pattern. Once applied to wet or dry locks, the wave created will take on a rope-like effect, causing the hair to group together and turn over each other. Curl up in Silk also resists moisture for long-lasting styles even in the highest levels of humidity. With the additional benefit of thermal protection, it is the perfect complement to your favorite heat styling tools such as curling irons, hot rollers, and flat irons.

As my hair is not curly, just a little wavy, I get soft, slightly ropey waves. But it is a beachy look — like I just came out of the ocean! It also smells fantastic and leaves my hair soft.

Suggested Retail Price: 7oz, $19.50 via fine salons & www.whitesandsproducts.com.

Enjoy!

Beautiful New Makeup From Laura Geller!

I have been so lucky to receive some beautiful makeup lately for review! Some has been from the lovely makeup artist and cosmetic creator Laura Geller. She creates long wearing products that come in the most beautiful colors.

Here are some that I have been currently enjoying:

Laura Geller Bright Lids, Big City Baked Collection ($39 USD) — A collection of three Sugared Baked Pearl Eye Shadows in megawatt shades. Day or night, big-city shindig or impromptu brunch, light up your looks instantly with just a few sweeps of show-stopping color. Transforming your lids into light-catching, dazzling eyes has never been this electrifying.

Includes:

0.06-oz Sugared Baked Pearl Eye Shadow in Tribeca Blue, a satiny electric cobalt shade
0.06-oz Sugared Baked Pearl Eye Shadow in Upper East Side Purple, a luxe metallic grape shade
0.06-oz Sugared Baked Pearl Eye Shadow in Soho Pink, a glimmering magenta shade
Made in Italy

Laura Geller Inkwell Waterproof Gel Liners ($16.50 USD) — Inkwell Waterproof Gel liner is one of the best, the silkiest and the most long-wearing gel-based liner you’ll ever get your hands on. A special gel silicon resin gives the no-budge, transfer-resistant formula its luxurious feel and crease-free finish. Unlike other gel liners that tend to dry out, Inkwell stays soft, moist and emollient, thanks to a well of skin-loving ingredients: VitaminE, Wheat Germ Oil and Jojoba Oil. You’ll love how easy it is to apply. And, once it sets, you’ll forget it’s even there. (You’ll simply be reminded of it when people compliment your gorgeous gaze!).

The shades are:

Black is a classic inky hue that goes on rich.

Purple is an elegant aubergine that creates a bedazzling gaze.

Laura Geller Lip Dream – Cream Berry ($23.50 USD) A colorful palette of pink and burgundy shades for kissable lips. This lip palette adds pop for people of all skin tones and types. It’s a quartet of super-wearable lip colors in one sleek compact. Use one stripe or combine them all–so many options, so many effects. The texture is sueded and cushiony, combining the coverage of a lipstick with the comfort and shine of a gloss. Wear each shade individually, in layers, or blended together by sweeping your fingertip or a brush across the colors. For the smoothest, most precise, and longest wearing results, apply by brush (not included).

Laura Geller Bright Lips, Big City Collection ($36 USD) This collection captures the vibrant hues of the brightly lit New York City skyline at night in three luminous Lip Pops Waterproof Lip Glosses. Each show-stopping shade goes on creamy and leaves a natural-looking tint on lips. This creamy and luxurious lip gloss combines the pout-enhancing qualities of a gloss with the long-lasting finish of a stain. The lip-softening formula packs in cottonseed oil and vitamin E for the most pillowy results.

Includes:

0.12-fl oz Lip Pops Waterproof Lip Gloss in Midtown Melon, a juicy, electric melon shade
0.12-fl oz Lip Pops Waterproof Lip Gloss in Nolita Pink, a delicious pink shade
0.12-fl oz Lip Pops Waterproof Lip Gloss in Broadway Berry, a dazzling raspberry shade
Made in Italy

Available at www.laurageller.com and www.qvc.com. Enjoy!

New Makeup Shades For Summer

There are so many beautiful, bright and shimmery colors in makeup this summer. I do love to vary my makeup colors, but especially when the seasons change.

This year, I am loving shimmery bronze, purple and gold eyes plus soft cheeks and a bright, sheer lip. The colors below are lovely — try them yourselves!

Smashbox Limitless 15 Hour Wear Cream Shadow ($19 USD) — Developed in their studios to take long-wearing color to the next level! These super luxe, super saturated shadows glide on and stay put, even through the longest photo shoots. The

• 12 super creamy, vibrant shades

• No creasing, no caking, no flaking

• Holds up against water and humidity

Try layering darker shades over lighter ones to build definition and depth for a subtle, yet smoldering stare. Available at www.smashbox.com

e.l.f. Studio Makeup Remover Pen ($3 USD) — Mascara smears? Uneven eyeliner? Quickly remove or correct small makeup smudges, smears and mistakes without having to take off the rest of your makeup! The gentle and non-greasy formula erases even long wearing and waterproof makeup for flawless touch ups, perfect for throwing in your purse or gym bag when you’re on-the-go! Infused with Vitamin E, Cucumber and Chamomile to moisturize and condition skin. Visit www.eyeslipsface.com or a Target store near you.

Fall in love this summer with Paul & Joe’s Limited Edition Face Color G ($24 USD). Inspired by the warm tones of a midsummer sky, the dreamy blushes contour cheeks and provide a natural, enchanting glow. The shades are:

Nubile — A soft, flirty peach to flatter every skin tone.

Nymph — A pop of pink to add a bold burst of color.

Faune — A deep rose to create elegant contours.

Paul & Joe – Limited Edition – Lip Gloss G ($22 USD) — Paul & Joe Beaute introduces a new collection that will send your taste buds dancing. The Lip Gloss G collection consists of three new enchanting shades that instantly melt onto your lips for a punch of sheer shimmering color that coolly completes your sexy, summer style. The shades are:

Dream a Little Dream — An enchanting orange sherbet tint with a creamy cool Orange & Vanilla flavor.

Fairie Kisses –A bright yellow gloss that appears translucent on lips with a light Green Apple & Vanilla flavor to refresh your pucker on a sweltering day.

Love Potion — The perfect pink to swipe on for day or night with a light Strawberry & Vanilla flavor.

All of the Paul & Joe products are available at www.BeautyHabit.com.

Burt’s Bees Lip Shimmers with NEW Shades ($5 USD) Many lips have fallen for this slender tube of lip goodness–vibrant luminescent color and pearlized shine packed with nourishing natural ingredients. Now Burt’s Bees Lip Shimmer fans have more to love. The 100% natural formula is enhanced with antioxidant-rich Fruit Seed Oils and moisturizing Shea Butter to optimize color payoff while improving skin smoothness, but the signature refreshing, cool burst of Peppermint Oil remains. The shade range has been updated in keeping with color trends and includes three new shades: Cherry, Plum and Strawberry. The full range includes twelve shades: Radiance, Champagne, Peony, Caramel, Guava, Strawberry, Watermelon, Rhubarb, Cherry, Fig, Raisin, and Plum. Purchase at a mass market retailer near you!

Enjoy!

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!

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!

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!