Beauty Crush: bareMinerals Matte

As you all know I am an avid Bare Escentuals user and I often rave (to a somewhat annoying degree) about how much I love it. As a perennially shiny lady, I was thrilled when BE came out with a matte version of their mineral foundation and I've finally gotten around to trying it. Like the original, bareMinerals Matte offers natural spf, flawless coverage and a lightweight feel, but this version, hence the name, has a natural matte finish as opposed to the more luminescent look of the original formula. Let me tell you, this stuff works. Two things that surprised me most: it actually does keep you shine-free all day (it even kept me shine-free in the 90 degree St. Lucian weather) and it really refines the appearance of pores and skin texture; I noticed a difference after using it twice. That's what I love most about bareMinerals, it really can completely change your skin's texture and overall appearance.

So is Matte for you? Only if you're truly oily, otherwise you might dry out using this. Always use a moisturizer underneath for smooth application and choose your shade carefully. With the original formula you were able to fudge your shade a little, but with the matte finish, it's more obvious if you're using too dark/light a shade. They have a new shade matching guide online, so take advantage! If you feel like the matte finish is just a bit too matte, try using the Illuminating Mineral Veil, which has a hint of shimmer, or dust Pure Radiance, a natural golden peachy sheen on cheekbones and around the hairline and that will take the edge off.

Back From St. Lucia!

Hi all! Hope everyone had a fabulous holiday with lots of time spent with family and friends. I'm finally back from a nice long vacay/honeymoon in St. Lucia and I'm really hating this freezing and windy East Coast weather. My husband and I were actually laughing about how everyone we knew was buried in two feet of snow and we were sipping frozen cocktails on the beach. (I know, we're mean).

I have lots of fun pics to share from the trip and of course some fab new product faves to post in the coming days so stay tuned!

Fake a Tropical Getaway with Too Faced

I always have a nightmare of a time trying to find a facial self tanner that I like. They're always too orange, make me break out, stink, or are just all around unpleasant to have on. That all changed when I discovered Too Faced Tanning Bed in a Tube for Face. This super lightweight, tinted-with-a-hint-of-shimmer formula provides a natural looking tan gradually and evenly, plus it has a delicious cocunutty scent. Even though it's tinted with shimmer, I actually like to use it at night because I'm a slave to my daytime routine. In a few days you're left with a gorgeous tropical glow.

I like to amp up the tan for nighttime, or on days when I'm just feeling pale and lackluster with Caribbean in a Compact in Sun Bunny. This is the perfect bronzer for anyone with light to medium skin. It looks so natural with an ever so slight shimmer. I dust it on around the hairline, forehead, bride of nose and hollows of cheeks.

Even if you were stuck at home during the holidays, everyone will think you just came back from a fab island getaway!

The Most Natural Flush Ever

I am obsessed with Benefit's powders. Dallas, Georgia, 10, Thrrrob, Coralista...the list goes on. I can now add Sugarbomb, Benefit's newest face powder, to my list. Four flattering shades of peach, plum, shimmery pink and rose blend together to create one super powder. With all of these shades included in one powder, it's a guarantee that it will work with every skin tone. I also love that a natural bristle brush is included, and it's actually one you'll use, unlike those flimsy little drugstore hard, scratchy brush varieties.

Aside from the face powders, I actually wish I owned everything Benefit makes. I think the reason I love the brand so much is that the products are high quality and do what they say and most importantly, they're fun! I mean it's makeup after all, not brain surgery and I love Benefit's funky, colorful packaging and cheeky product descriptions.

I think my next purchases will either be the glam idol or sexy starlet collections, both part of Holiday '09.

Beauty Crush: Clinique Superdefense SPF 25 Age Defense Moisturizer

This has to be the best anti-aging moisturizer I've ever tried. I've always loved that Clinique breaks each of its moisturizers into three different categories: very dry to dry, dry to combination and combination to oily so you can still get all of the benefits of a great anti-aging moisturizer with SPF, while also getting the texture your skin type needs. I use the combo to oily skin formula and it feels amazing on, doesn't make me shiny or break out and makeup glides on easily over it. I also love it because it offers three benefits in one: moisture, SPF and free radical protection. You can just use this one cream during the day instead of layering a ton of different serums, lotions and sunscreens. I even apply around the eye area (just be sure to not get it in your eyes since it's not an actual eye cream). If you're looking for a do-it-all day cream, this is definitely for you.

Christmas in the Islands

This year I have the pleasure of spending the holidays in St. Lucia and I couldn't be more excited. The only (small) downside? Since it's the dead of winter where I am, and 85 where I'll be going, I have to pull all of my summer clothes out of storage and wash and pack them. And of course most importantly, I have to load up on sunscreen, which can be hard to find this time of year. Luckily my all time two favorite SPFs - La Roche-Posay Anthelios 60 Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid and Peter Thomas Roth Instant Mineral Powder SPF 45 - are easy to find anytime of the year.

I apply the LRP Anthelios 60 on in the morning and then hit the beach or pool. For the level of SPF, I can't believe how light and non-greasy this formula is. It leaves a nice, refreshing matte finish behind instead of the typical greasy shine of other high SPF sunscreens. It's so light, I even use it as my daily sunscreen during the summer. Bonus: it's water-resistant and contains a power house antioxidant complex.

For mid-afternoon touch ups, I love to apply the Peter Thomas Roth mineral powder. I don't know about you, but I can't imagine baking in the sun, and then reapplying a lotion or cream sunscreen on my most-likely sweaty face - yuck! That's why this product is so genius: it's a mineral powder in a tube with a brush attached so application is a breeze, it travels well, and it doesn't feel heavy and gross after multiple reapplications. I always keep one on me no matter what the season.

La Roche-Posay can be found at CVS/pharmacy counters and Peter Thomas Roth can be purchased at Sephora.

Bring the Spa Home with La Mer The Hydrating Facial

Now that we've had our first snow fall, I can officially say that it feels like winter. The increasingly dropping temps combined with the dry, indoor heat can really do a number on skin, which is why I like to change up my routine to more soothing products - i.e. cleansing lotions instead of gels, cream moisturizers vs. lotion. I've also been skipping the spa facials in favor of DIY versions and one of my favorite new masks is La Mer The Hydrating Facial.

This luxurious facial comes in the form of a super soft cotton mask infused with ingredients like tourmaline to deliver intense hydration and marine extracts to fight the signs of aging. What I love most is there's no water, no cream, no mess. You simply lay the upper and lower portions of the mask over face, lay down and relax for eight minutes and then massage the remaining treatment into skin until fully absorbed. Perfect if you want to look radiant and glowing before your holiday parties.

Six applications retail for $250 and unless you're very dry, you can get away with using the facial once a month like you would a regular spa facial, plus there is something so deliciously decadent about La Mer, that makes the splurge worth it. The La Mer website is currently offering complimentary shipping and samples included in your order so now is a great time to snatch this, or your other La Mer favorites up!

Give Us a Kiss

So I recently flew to New Jersey for my best friend's wedding and it was a glorious 60 degrees. I arrive back to Indiana and it's 30 and snowing and I'm pretty certain this will be a regular occurrence until about May. Ever since the drop in temp my lips have been severely chapped; and the fact that I bite them (really not good if they're already dry and cracked) isn't helping matters. It's officially time to bring in the big guns - check out my top three lip savers below.

Smith's Rosebud Salve is an all in one moisturizing wonder. Not only is it one of my fave travel products (check out my post here for more on that) but I love that it can be used under or over lip color. There's nothing worse than when you put on lipstick only to discover it goes on completely unevenly due to your dry, cracked situation. This salve smooths things out, looks nice on its own and is super moisturizing.

I love Kiehl's Lip Balm #1, both in the original formula with SPF 4 and the SPF 15 variety. The consistency is so smooth and super hydrating without feeling sticky or greasy. This balm leaves a nice, natural sheen behind and is perfect to put on before bed.

Philosophy Kiss Me Very Emollient lip balm is exactly what the name describes: it has a super rich, balm/salve-like consistency and it moisturizes so well courtesy of Vitamin E, kiwi and almond oils, you don't have to reapply it 20 times a day. I'm partial to the clear, which leaves a natural shine and the pink, which infuses lips with just a hint of natural pink tint.

Prime Time

The holiday party circuit is right around the corner, which means cocktailing, mingling and looking perfectly made up while jetting to various soirees. So what's the key to ensuring your makeup lasts? It's a good primer people, and I bet many of you don't use one! Primer helps your makeup stay flawless while partying all night long and ahem, into the next morning for some of us. Here are a few of the best of the best:

Smashbox Photo Finish Light: the lightweight version of the original cult favorite Photo Finish, this primer is perfect for oily or sensitive skin. Packed with vitamin C, peptides, vitamins and antioxidants, this primer not only helps makeup last for hours, it improves the appearance of skin. Light diffusers minimize the appearance of imperfections while oil absorbers provide a smooth, matte finish.

Makeup For Ever HD Micro-Perfecting Primer: this nourishing primer helps makeup glide on easily and last all day (and night) and comes in color correcting shades and a translucent shade. My favorite is the blue, which adds radiance to fair skin and reduces minor imperfections.

NARS Makeup Primer: this brand can just do no wrong in my eyes; I have never tried a product from NARS I didn't love. This gel-creme primer is lightweight and contains natural botanicals to reduce redness, making it ideal for sensitive skin or those with rosacea.

Beauty Crush: LRP Xerand Hand Repair Cream

It's about that time when the consistently cold temps start to wreak havoc on our hair and skin, and the first place I notice the severe dryness is my hands. Also, with all of this swine flu and crazy colds going around I've turned into a hand washing, purell rubbing freak so my hands became extremely dry, red and itchy in no time. I hate incessantly applying hand cream all day because my palms get sweaty (does anyone else have this problem?) which makes my hands feel dirty and then I ultimately end up washing them. It's a vicious cycle.

That's why I am so obsessed with La Roche-Posay Xerand Hand Repair Cream because it offers intense hydration that heals not only the dryness but the redness and itchies, without that greasy feeling. The key is to apply at nighttime on damp skin - it really seals in the moisture. I also usually apply in the morning again and I'm good for the entire day. Bonus: it's actually water-resistant, so wash away people!

Pick up La Roche-Posay products at CVS, Duane Reade or online at the LRP site for $13.50.

Cyber Monday at Tarte Cosmetics

If you're a tarte lover like me, today only you can save 40% at tartecosmetics.com with the code CYBERMON09. Plus you get free shipping with orders over $50 and a free paul and holly double-ended lipgloss if you spend $25. Stock up on your favorite products or try something new. My picks are any of the lock & roll creaseless cream & powder duo (I especially love bronze), any shade of the cheek stains, mineral powder bronzer in park ave. princess and the 24/7 natural lip sheers.

If you need to pick up some gifts for your friends, family, or yourself, the holiday collection is perfect for the beauty lover on your list. Check out my post here for the lowdown on what's included.

Airplane Travel: Your Skin's Worst Nightmare

I hope everyone had a fabulous holiday weekend filled with family, friends and plenty of food. For many of us, the holidays mean not only lots of food, but lots of travel, and with me specifically, it involves getting on a plane and praying that the flight isn't delayed/cancelled/oversold. I've been quite the jet-setter recently, having moved out of state and having to fly back frequently to the east coast, and have noticed a disturbing phenomenon: my skin looks like hell after flying. The yucky airplane air makes me breakout like crazy, while simultaneously dehydrating my skin. Not cute. Have no fear, I've found the solution to this major problem.

To battle breakouts: I apply Kinerase Clear Skin Treatment Serum before boarding. This lightweight serum does it all - treats and prevents breakouts and controls oil, while kinetin fights the signs of aging. I also like to use it day and night for a few days after my flight just to keep everything in check. At $79 it is a bit pricey, but it works, and if you just use it at key times when you need a little breakout prevention (flying, pms) it will last a long time.

To battle dryness: Creme de la Mer is the mother of all moisturizers for a reason. It's super hydrating, and I've also found that it really soothes skin that's been irritated from windburn. We all know this is expensive: $130 for 1 oz., but unless your skin is severely dry, you really don't need to use this everyday (the Lotion and Gel Creme however are perfect for daily use on skin that's combo or normal). It's also super concentrated, so you only need to use a tiny amount. A more budget-friendly option is Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream (also a cult fave) at $17.

One of my favorite things to do to refresh is just spritz my face with a little Evian Facial Spray. It's an instant pick me up when you're feeling stale, for lack of a better word. And of course, don't forget the lip balm and hand cream. I love to carry on Smith's Rosebud Salve, which works wonders on everything from dry, cracked lips and hands, to ragged cuticles, burns, even frizzy hair and when you're carrying on, the less crap you take with you, the better.

Happy traveling!

Leave it to Lamas

No, I'm not talking about that trainwreck of an E! show, I'm talking about Lamas Beauty, an all-natural line of hair, skin, and bath and body products. I have a very un-PC confession to make here: I'm not really into natural products; I prefer chemically-based ones. I just think that sometimes the naturals just aren't as effective; I feel like I need a little science in my beauty products. Lamas Beauty basically changed my thoughts on natural because the products work well and evoke a feeling of a little luxury, not that crunchy, granola feeling I get when I use other natural products.

My favorite line in the brand is hands down the Chinese Herb collection of shampoo, conditioner, scalp serum, nutrient mist and styling cream. Each product in the line features rare Chinese herbs that stimulate hair growth, strengthen weak, thinning hair and soothe the scalp. If you're looking to grow or strengthen your hair, these products get the job done. The shampoo also feels nice and tingly and I love using the styling cream on both wet and dry hair. It's perfect for smoothing the ends of second (or third!) day hair after you've fluffed it with some dry shampoo.

Pick up the products via the Lamas website.

The Eye Cream Diaries: SK1N Verdict

As I mentioned in previous posts I'll be chronicling my adventures in eye cream to hopefully find that one can't live without it, and then let all of you know what it is! I've been using eye cream for a good five years now and haven't found one that makes me think ooooh yes, if I run out of this I'll die. My latest test subject has been SK1N Probiotic eye cream; check out my initial thoughts here.

And the verdict is... I'll pass on it. The texture was nice and it did provide a little tightening effect, but nothing to write home about. If you want a real lift, try PerriconeMD High Potency Eye Lift or Kinerase Extreme Lift Eye. Here are my main issues with SK1N eye cream: it didn't feel very moisturizing, didn't do a thing for dark circles or puffiness and didn't smooth fine lines. On to the next cream...sigh.

While I say skip the eye cream from SK1N Probiotics, do pick up the Booster Serum - it's amazing. I use it twice a day under my moisturizer and have noticed a huge difference. My skin is smooth, glowing, healthy and the biggest difference - the redness is completely gone. I don't have rosacea, but I do battle with a pinky/red tone on my face when the rest of me has a yellow undertone. Now I'm all even! Booster Serum also fights free radical damage so it's ideal for daytime use. Check out the SK1N website for more info and where to order.

Luxe Beauty on the Cheap

Huge news here friends. I just stumbled upon a website that's a beauty lover's dream come true. BeautyTicket.com is an amazing site that offers premium beauty brands at up to 85% off retail. Now I can finally get those fancy pants YSL compacts that I adore but feel guilty spending $60 on because on BeautyTicket.com, they're $25! Take a peek at said compact, to the left. The site features makeup, skin care, bath and body, fragrance, hair care, you name it and brands include Estee Lauder, Ole Henrikson, Bliss, Stila, Prada, Erno Laszlo, among others.

Check it out for yourself, you won't be disappointed!

Something Blue

I know it's not exactly the height of wedding season, but there are some winter brides out there (my best friend being one of them) and anyone who has been a bride or knows one, is well aware that finding a "something blue," as in something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue is a total pain. I mean, a bride is usually in all white (I even had a white bouquet), where exactly does the blue fit in? I Do Tattoo, from the Occasional Tattoo is the answer. It's a temporary, blue, wedding-themed tattoo that's available in eight different styles and comes packed and delivered in a blue memento case that doubles as a photo frame.

I think this concept is adorable. You can have it on display, or hide it and have your groom find it later that night (wink wink). My fave designs are the classic heart and the champagne flutes. Check out the I Do Tattoo website for more info and to purchase.

Three L'Oreal Mascaras, Three Different Looks

I'm a huge mascara buff, as many of you know. I love lashes, and I think a swipe (or 10) of mascara can really change your look. Blonde lashes are black, tired eyes look awake, you get the picture. And if I can offer one piece of mascara advice it's this: get it at the drugstore. Yes, you heard right, toss those expensive department store mascaras (after you've used them up of course) and don't ever spend more than $10 on mascara ever again. You just don't need to. I have never tried an expensive mascara that beat out any of my drugstore faves, so why spend three times the price? L'Oreal and Revlon by far have the best mascaras out there and I recently had the pleasure of trying out three of the newest L'Oreal mascaras, and I love them all for very different reasons.

First up, L'Oreal Telescopic Explosion mascara, which just launched this month and features the spherical brush made famous by Givenchy Phenomen'Eyes. I had never used the Givenchy mascara before and I was really skeptical about this spherical brush situation. While the brush does take a second to get used to, it really does create that fanned out effect that would come to mind when you think explosion. The brush really gets in the inner and outer corners and works well for the bottom lashes. Perfect for when you want a full fan of lashes.

Next, L'Oreal Double Extend Beauty Tubes mascara is supposed to mimic the effect created by lash extensions. Having has lash extensions myself, I knew exactly what I was looking for when I tried this out. This dual-ended mascara contains a nourishing white base coat of Ceramide R and D-Panthenol and the black coat darkens lashes. You do really have to use the black coat generously to make sure to fully cancel out the white coat, but this mascara definitely delivers on its promise of extending lashes with little tubes. It left my lashes crazy long and really did create a similar look to when I had extensions.

Finally, L'Oreal Extra Volume Collagen is definitely my favorite, for obvious reasons - it's the most volumizing! The brush is huge and creates super full, lush lashes, but what I love most is that they're still separated and defined. Volumizing mascaras are a slippery slope because sometimes volume turns into lashes that are stuck together. Extra Volume Collagen created deliciously thick lashes. This has turned into my new daily staple!

Pick all three of these up at your local drugstore. 

Meet Bare Escentuals CEO Leslie Blodgett

If you're in the NYC or Tampa areas this week take a little drive by to Sephora to meet the fabulous Leslie Blodgett, CEO of my all-time favorite makeup brand, Bare Escentuals. She'll be dishing on her new fragrance collection, Leslie Blodgett Perfume Diaries. Check out my post here for info on the first in the collection, Bare Skin. If you're one of the first 100 to buy Bare Skin, Leslie will even sign it for you. If you're a BE fan this is huge - she is literally the woman who changed the face of mineral makeup!

Here's the deets for the two meetings:

NYC:

Sephora Times Square

42nd St. and 7th Ave.

Wednesday November 18

5:30-7:30pm

RSVP here.

Tampa:

Sephora International Plaza

2223 N. West Shore Blvd.

(Cross streets: West Shore and Boy Scout Blvd.)

Thursday, November 19

6-8pm

RSVP here.

The Perfect Pink: Laura Mercier Lip Glace in Blush

I'm always on the hunt for the perfect pink lip gloss, but finding it is harder than you think. Everything is either too pink, too pale, too shimmery, too watery, not enough shine, too much shine, it's definitely a process. But by chance I received Laura Mercier Lip Glace in Blush from an event gift bag and it was love at first application. Let's talk color first: it's the perfect, true pink shade that really looks good on everyone. The Laura Mercier site describes it as a medium rose brown, which I think is misleading because it's much more of a natural pink shade, the color we wish our lips were without anything on them.

The formula is just as swoon-worthy. It's a full coverage, high shine gloss without any pearl or shimmer and it smells just like marshmallows or vanilla cupcakes, I can't decide which. It feels incredible on thanks to Laura Mercier's Lip Complex, a blend of moisturizing, anti-aging, and plumping ingredients. Scoop it up in Sephora stores or the Laura Mercier site for $22 and it will truly be your everyday go-to gloss.

Don't Be a Flake

I don't know about you, but I've been having a major case of the flakes - I'm talking resembling a snake molting situation. When you're truly in a battle with the flakes, moisturizing is simply not enough, you have to use a really effective exfoliant. The drawback? With the dropping temps skin is more sensitive, so even a mild scrub can leave your face feeling red and raw. Luckily I've scoured and scrubbed and have come up with some super gentle exfoliators that really get the job done.

First up: Pevonia Botanica Speciale Enzymo-Spherids Peeling Cream. You're probably thinking two things here - a) how do you pronounce this product and b) Pevonia who? Pevonia Botanica was once a spa-exclusive brand, but is now available on Skinstore.com for your shopping convenience, and this product is a miracle. This rich cream is comprised of mostly natural ingredients (who knew Papaya and Pineapple enzymes were so damn effective at decongesting skin and clearing flakes?) and leaves skin soooo soft and smooth without a hint of irritation. Just apply, add some water, work it into your skin with your fingertips and rinse after two minutes. Clogged pores are clear, flakes are gone, and skin looks glowy and fabulous. It's so gentle you can use it more than once a week. It is absolutely a star product in my closet.

Once upon a time I fell in love with a product called Clean & Clear STEAM In-Shower Facial...and then it all of the sudden disappeared from store shelves. I am happy to say it has now been reincarnated into Morning Burst In-Shower Facial and all is right in the world again. The deal is this product works with the steam in your shower to draw out dirt, impurities, smooth away flakes and leave skin moisturized with ingredients like purifying clay, ginseng and micro-beads. It's used in place of your regular cleanser up to three times a week and bonus: the natural citrus extracts help you jump start your morning. This really does deliver and for $7.99, you can't beat it.

Once you're all flake free don't forget to moisturize! You can never go wrong with Kinerase Cream; it's a cult-favorite for a reason and a staple in my bathroom. An amazing and budget-friendly option is Olay Total Effects Daily Moisturizer. This was my first foray into a real adult skincare regimen back in the day and it remains one of my all-time favorite products.

Cold Weather + Indoor Heat = Dry, Frizzy Hair

My hair has been dry something fierce lately and I'm blaming it on the cold weather outside and the heat inside. I also really need a trim but let's just stick with the weather as the main cause. It's prime time hair mask season and I have a few favorites that I currently have on rotation.

Pureology Essential Repair Restorative Hair Masque does it all. This ultra-rich hair masque (it's so concentrated you barely need to use any at all) contains protein-rich soymilk and pure biotin repairs the most severe damage and completely restores softness in one use. And of course it contains Pureology's AntiFade Complex so color is preserved. Probably what I love most is that this does the job in 2-5 minutes, depending on the severity of damage, unlike most masks that tell you to leave them in for 15. I just find the whole routine of shampooing, applying hair masque, getting out of shower and waiting 15 minutes, getting back in shower to rinse really annoying. Plus the scent is yummy, almost like a dessert and I love the rich and creamy texture. At around $40 it certainly isn't cheap, but it works and a jar really will last forever.

Profound Beauty 01/99 Anti-Oxidant Mask is one of those leave it in and get out of the shower situations, but I still love it nonetheless because of the super hydrating formula and the more reasonable $32 price tag. What's great about this mask is that it contains Vitamin E to inhibit free radical damage (yes, your hair needs protection from the environment just like your face does), while preserving color and amping up shine.

And sometimes, you just want an inexpensive, quick fix drugstore hair masque and this is where Garnier Fructis Triple Nutrition 3-Minute Undo Dryness Reversal Treatment comes in. The beauty of this is that by the time you're finished saying the name, you're ready to rinse. I'm a big fan of the Triple Nutrition line, check out my previous post here. Like the shampoo and conditioner, this deep treatment contains olive, avocado and shea oils to quench dry hair and restore its health, while apricot seeds massage and stimulate hair at the root. Pretty fancy for a deep treatment that's under $7.

A Case of Broken Capillaries

So I recently had a facial for the first time in a long time, and when it came time for the esthetician to shine the big scary light over my face while looking through the magnifying mirror to "see what's going on with my skin," I immediately went into panic mode. All I could think was omg she's going to tell me I have huge pore, lines around my eyes, why haven't I been exfoliating more, my skin's a total diaster etc. etc. After a heart racing minute she says well your skin is in good shape, but what have you been doing about the broke capillaries around your nose?

Um....I'm sorry what? is how I responded. I had no clue I even had broken capillaries. Turns out that broken capillaries are most common around the nose and mouth and are caused by aging, trauma, sun exposure and smoking. Since I'm not even 30, don't smoke and haven't experienced any facial trauma, like ever, I'm going to go with sun exposure as the culprit. As if we needed another reason to wear sunscreen! I have to be honest, I've been slacking on the 'screen lately which is so unlike me. But ever since said facial incident, I've been piling it on even when it's thunderstorming outside.

There are a few remedies for broken capillaries. You can go the expensive pulsed dye laser route (treatments are about $400 a pop and you'll need two-three) or you can try topicals containing horse chestnut, which according to research will eradicate veins. I went the topical route and I've been LaTherapie Creme Fortifiante on the recommendation of my esthetician. The cream is used morning and night only on the affected areas and contains horse chestnut and red vine extracts to soften redness and support and protect skin. I'll let you all know how this works. 

I'm also using one of my favorite sunscreens, DDF Enhancing Sun Protection, a moisturizer with SPF 30 that also contains self-blending color spheres that help even skin tone and minimize the look of redness. The texture is amazing and you barely need foundation or concealer when you use this because it really does even out your skin. If you're a Gilt Groupe member you can scoop up this sunscreen for $16 instead of the usual $32 until November 9th (or supplies run out).

Beauty Crush: Jane Iredale Dot the i

For some reason no matter how hard I scrub, I can never fully take off all of my eye makeup. I don't even wear that much, just your usual liner and mascara job, but you'd think it was tattooed on. I even use an actual eye makeup remover first, then wash my face, using my cleanser over my eyes to try and get everything off, but to no avail. So you can imagine my excitement when I discovered this genius product from Jane Iredale; they're like Q-tips on steroids.

Dot the i is a package of cotton swabs that contain makeup remover. You simply bend the tip until the opposite end fills with makeup remover and then go about your business. These are perfect for correcting mistakes (I know you've accidentally poked yourself in the eye with your mascara wand and then gotten mascara all underneath, or maybe that's just me), getting rid of that 4pm flaking or getting rid of those last traces of eye makeup at the end of the night. They also travel well so you don't have to worry about lugging Q-tips plus a separate makeup remover. The formula also soothes and nourishes the eye area, while fighting the signs of aging. Genius I say!

If you're not familiar with Jane Iredale, it's a great line of natural and mineral makeup with an extensive range of kits, brushes, and then everything for eyes, lips and cheeks. My favorite products are Active Light (the Touche Eclat of the natural world), 24 Karat Gold Dust Powder, and the eyeshadow palettes.

Scoop up Dot the i or any of the Jane Iredale products at the Jane Iredale website.

Hair Crush: Victoria Beckham

A bunch of photos recently surfaced of Victoria Beckham at an LA Lakers game sporting a shaggy new haircut, which I am totally obsessed with. I think it's modern, fun and a little rocker chic, all while still being cool and sophisticated. I'm totally contemplating giving it a go, but I always go back and forth with cutting my hair short. Everytime I have a short cut I end up completely hating it. I can't put my finger on why, maybe it's that I like the security of having hair past my shoulders, the fact that I like throwing it up in a ponytail or chignon when I feel like it, or maybe it's that I always felt like shorter hair made me look 12. As I enter the twilight of my 20s however, maybe looking younger isn't such a bad thing.

The theory with a shorter cut like this is that since it's a true style, you won't need to fall back on throwing it up into a ponytail, the look will always be finished no matter what you do. It looks pretty versatile, VB even has a little wave going on here. What do think?

Klorane - Now in a Travel Size!

Someone up there has answered my prayers. Friends, Klorane Dry Shampoo is available in a travel size! I can't believe I haven't posted my love of Klorane before; it is truly a life changing product. First introduced to me by a fabulous co-worker who kept a bottle at her desk, this is the only dry shampoo I've ever tried that has actually made my hair feel clean and full of volume.

Now, I was a wash everyday kind of girl; I even washed twice a day if I had washed in the am and was going out at night. It really was an exhausting routine, not to mention one that made my fragile, fine, color treated hair dry as a bone and frizzy to no end. But my roots would get so oily I had no choice. That all changed when I began using Klorane. I was freed from the daily grind of wash, blow dry, repeat - I can now wash every other day people!

With my dependency on Klorane came a problem - what to do when you're traveling. I remember distinctly being in airport security last year, devastated when they threw out my brand new, never used, much too big to keep in your bag if you're carrying on luggage, bottle of Klorane. I nearly broke out in hives. Now with the new 1.7 oz travel size, this terrifying airport scenario won't happen to you.

Scoop up the new travel size at beauty.com and skinstore.com.

Beat the Winter Blahs

It's about that time where the weather starts to take a real turn for the worst - cold, gloomy, rainy/maybe even snowy and factor in daylight savings, and now we're waking up in the dark and coming home from work in the dark. I don't know about you but all that cold and dark just makes me feel blah. My favorite pick me up is a little (and I do mean little) dose of self tanner and bronzer - i.e. the goal here is to look warm and glowy, not like you just came back from Aruba.

My favorite new self tanner for the body is L'Oreal Sublime Glow Luminous Bronzer, an instant bronzing lotion with a hint of shimmer and self tanner in one. The Sublime line as a whole is pretty good, but I love this so much because it's super versatile. I usually like to apply self tanner before bed, leaving enough time to dry of course because I hate the tacky feeling and the stink, but this has neither. It's perfect for an instant boost, like when you forgot to tan your legs and you're wearing a mini dress that night, and the shimmer is soft and natural. Plus it reminds me of the very pricey Shiseido self tanner that I can no longer rationalize buying at the moment.

Moving along to the face. Bare Escentuals Warmth is the perfect non-bronzer bronzer. It's technically a tawny colored mineral powder meant to warm up the face and it does just that, without looking too brown, orange or harsh. It provides a sheer, warm glowiness that is perfect for the winter when you don't want to have a super dark tan but the pink blush just isn't doing it. Lightly buff it around the hairline, jawline, bridge of nose and cheekbones, then top with a little blush on the apples. I also like to dust it over my eyelids, it just perks up your whole face.

It sounds weird but when I'm feeling especially blah I even forego dark nail polish in favor of either a nice neutral pink like Essie Mademoiselle, a bright orange red like Sephora by OPI High Maintenance, or one of the new magenta shades. Check out my post from September for some recos.

The Eye Cream Diaries: SK1N Probiotics

So I've started using a new eye cream in my quest to find "The One," and I wanted to share my initial impression. Now, eye creams (and really any skin care product for that mater) take a good few weeks to really see the results so I'll regularly update you on my progress.

The cream in question is SK1N Probiotics eye cream, which uses the power of probiotics, typically used to aid digestion (come on, you know the commercial with Jamie Lee Curtis and Activia yogurt). The whole shtick with probiotics is that they regulate bacteria and restore balance, therefore ensuring that there is sufficient good bacteria and that bad bacteria is kept in check. This is the first beauty brand to use both prebiotics, which essentially activate probiotics, and probiotics topically, so naturally, I was intrigued.

The company claims that the natural probiotic ingredients repair environmental damage, rejuvenate collagen synthesis and tighten the eye area to give a lifted look. My initial thoughts? I definitely felt the tightening effect. Within minutes after applying, my eye area looked and felt firmer. The texture is nice, not greasy, which can sometimes be the case with eye creams. So far so good; I'll let you know if I notice any significant results. I'm also using the face serum, but that's a whole other story.

Read up at the SK1N Probiotic Systems website for more info about the brand, it's a cool concept.

Beauty Crush: L'Oreal HIP Jelly Balm

I love the look of a smooth lip with a hint of color and a natural shine, and L'Oreal HiP Jelly Balm will give you just that. It's so hard to find a lipcolor for those days when you don't want the intense color of a lipstick, or the high shine/stickiness of a gloss. But if you're like me a regular old lip balm just will not do; I need some sort of color payoff here. And that whole routine of apply balm, top with lipstick, top with more balm gets old pretty quickly.

I was so happy to find this while strolling through the drugstore one day. I've never tried anything in L'Oreal's HiP line before and this stuff is amazing. It's the perfect balmy consistency, offers a nice natural shine and enough color for a finished look. Perfect for when you're hitting the gym (I hope I'm not the only person who wears gloss and mascara when working out) or when you're having a low key errand running day and need a little something on the lips. My fave shade is Plush, a nice glossy bubblegum pink. It looks whoa pink in the package, but because it's a balm it's sheer enough so that you won't get mistaken for one of The Girls Next Door or a 14-year old. Bonus: it smells and tastes totally yummy.

Holiday Gift Sets for Your Guy

I'm a total sucker for holiday gift sets. Even if they're loaded with crap I'm like, "oooh look at this cute holiday set." While cosmetics sets are usually the most aesthetically pleasing and fun, haircare sets are my favorite because they contain things you'd actually use on an everyday basis. Redken has two great new sets for your guy this holiday season with their Grooming Essentials gift set and Mint Essentials travel kit. Now if you're wondering whether your guy would actually want a snazzy little gift set, if he's anything like mine, he would. My husband loved when I brought home hair products for him, and he has a penchant for the good stuff (no Dep gel in under our bathroom sink!)

Redken for Men Grooming Essentials gift set contains go clean daily care shampoo to hydrate the scalp and strengthen hair, grip tight holding gel for control and shine sans flaking and cleanse acid balancing cleansing bar to smooth and refresh skin. Retails for $21.

Redken for Men Mint Essentials travel kit contains four airport security friendly sizes of mint clean shampoo, cool finish conditioner, mint fix sweat-resistant gel and new mint rush hair & body wash. As an added bonus a sample packette of mint shape forming paste is included. Retails for $12.50.

Scoop up these kits at any salon that sells Redken for Men products. Check out the Redken site for a salon in your area. 

Back From the Dead

I have been sick something fierce since Wednesday afternoon, and I'm just now starting to feel like a human being. I think it started out as the flu, then evolved into a bad cold, and now a cough has suddenly appeared, so I think it might be time to get thee to the doctor.

Now that I'm finally not bed-ridden, I've begun to notice the beauty toll my sickness has taken on me. Totally white skin from lack of self-tanner use, chipped nail polish on nails that need to be filed immediately, grown out eyebrows, dirty hair, yikes. The one thing that hasn't suffered is my skin. No matter how sick I am, I make sure to clean my face day and night.  Don't get me wrong, I'm not standing at the sink lathering and rinsing, being sick (or extremely tired, or after a late night of partying) is the perfect excuse to break out some good old cleansing towelettes - pre-moistened cloths that remove dirt, oil, even eye makeup.  Check out my two favorites.

Olay Definity Illuminating Makeup Remover Towelettes effectively remove everything - even waterproof eye makeup, while also revealing beautifully clean, more luminous skin. Now I'm a sucker for anything that has "illuminating" in the title, because I'm always in search of that glowy look, and these actually deliver. I've used them on many a late night and they really do get rid of the grime without drying you out, and I actually did notice a difference in skin clarity.

Garnier Nutritioniste Nutri-Pure Detoxifying Wet Cleansing Towelettes go beyond just basic cleansing to detoxify with antioxidants Vitamin E and Grape extract, Vitamin B5, which infuses skin with moisture to prevent overdrying and Green Leaf extract, which soothes and refreshes. The texture of these cloths is awesome - it feels like you're smoothing a super soft t-shirt over your face. 

Stash them in your nightstand drawer and you'll really have no excuse not to cleanse.

It's Fergie, Your Avon Lady Calling

Soon enough out-there artist Fergie will be knocking on your door hawking her new perfume for Avon. The singer, songwriter, fashion designer and actress (come on, you saw Poseidon) can now add perfumer to her resume. Slated for a November 2010 launch, Fergie will be active in all stages of fragrance development - from the scent itself, to package selection, name and the campaign, according to Avon.

Fergie will make her first appearance on behalf of Avon on October 27th, at the Avon Foundation for Women Annual Gala event in NYC, where she will perform in support of Avon's charitable efforts. Fergie joins the ranks of past Avon fragrance spokespersons including Reese Witherspoon, Patrick Dempsey, Courteney Cox-Arquette and Derek Jeter.

I'm actually looking forward to seeing how this scent turns out and definitely can't wait to see the packaging. Check out Avon's website for the latest news!

The Eye Cream Diaries

As I was watching my fave new show The Vampire Diaries (vampire mania has not lost momentum with me and I'm beginning to fear it never will) I was thinking it would be fun to chronicle my own hits and misses with a beauty product that I just haven't quite mastered - eye cream. Now by mastered, I mean that I can fire off a reco for any beauty product at will - mascara, sunscreen, masque, shampoo, body lotion - whatever, but when it comes to eye cream, your guess is as good as mine. I have tried all different brands claiming to reduce puffiness, undereye circles, fine lines, wrinkles, do your dishes, and I have yet to find one that makes me say wow, now I REALLY can't live without this.

So, I have decided to really research this whole eye cream business and detail my thoughts here. I've heard from numerous experts that eye cream is completely unnecessary and that your regular old moisturizer works fine as long as you're not getting it into your eyes, so I'll even be trying that out to see if we should just dump eye cream altogether. Check back regularly for my adventures in eye cream, and if you have any favorites or suggestions, drop me a note and I'll check them out!

Steals, Deals and Savings Oh My

Call it the post-Columbus Day beauty blowout; there are some great sales going on right now and now's the perfect time to stock up on your fave products from Too Faced, Bliss and E.L.F.

Too Faced is having a vintage super sale where you can score your favorite classics at up to 75% off. My picks are the five piece Tricks of the Trade kit for only $15, Ooh La Rouge blush for $8 and Candy Bars shimmering highlighters for only $10. Just hop on the Too Faced site and get spending.

E.L.F is offering 50% off it's Studio line of professional cosmetics. Even though it's the high end line of E.L.F, the products are still totally affordable and then add in the 50% discount and you can get twice as much! Just use code EGSTUDIOX to receive 50% off your order of $20 or more. My picks: Contouring Blush and Bronzing Powder (so much like NARS Orgasm/Laguna duo), Eyebrow Kit (I can't tell you how hard it is to find a decent eyebrow kit at mass), and High Definition Powder (hello! Make Up Forever makes this for about four times the price!)

Bliss is offering 30% off its best-selling bath and body products at its site, Blissworld. Just enter code 109902 at checkout, but hurry, the sale only lasts till the 19th. Definitely pick up one of the Body Butters, with the cold weather in full swing, you'll need the extra moisture. The Bliss Glamour Gloves and Softening Socks are so indulgent and the perfect remedy for dry, cracked skin. Just slip them on your hands and feet and in 20 minutes all signs of dryness and cracking are gone.