Elemis Sale on HauteLook

Snag top Elemis products at 30% off on HauteLook. If you're not familiar with the brand Elemis is a spa skin care brand that's really luxurious and offers great results. I bought a few of the products after a facial and massage on a cruise I was on last summer, and my husband even owns some of their shaving products. 

Not a member of HauteLook? Here's your hookup: http://www.hautelook.com/invite/bitnb

Votre Vu Duette - A Perfect Combo

At first you wouldn't think a hand cream/lip balm duo is a total must have, but I've been finding that I can't live without Votre Vu's Duette, Luxe Lips moisturizing lip balm and Tarte D'Amande luxe hand creme duo. Votre Vu is a fairly new French skin care company that utilizes natural ingredients, but it also super luxe at the same time.

Luxe Lips is a silky, lightweight balm that smooths lips and imparts a natural shine. Coconut oil and shea butter nourish, while UV filters protect from the environment so you can reapply all day. It also smells delish!

 Tarte D'Amande is a rich hand creme that absorbs quickly and doesn't leave a greasy residue behind (a must for me when choosing hand creams!) Sunflower, jojoba and grape seed oils moisturize, soothe and provide antioxidant protection. 

The package is so pretty I keep it on display in my bathroom and it's also great to toss in your bag for touch ups on the go. I also totally love that the lip balm compartment has a mirror so it won't end up all over your face - total genius.

Head to the Votre Vu website for more info and to order. 


Disclosure: a press sample was provided for editorial consideration.

New for Summer: Essie Resort Collection

I've been having a major love affair with nail polish as of late, and I'm loving the new Essie Resort collection for this summer. Sprinkled with ocean blues and turquoises, mixed with silver platinums and purply pink shades, this new collection screams summer vacation. I recently decked my nails out in Lapis of Luxury, a true ocean blue and got a ton of compliments. Pick up the 4-piece mini collection for $17, or the full size bottles for $8 each. Big tip: I went to Ulta where they're currently having a buy two get one free sale on Essie and OPI nail colors.

Essie Resort Collection:

Lapis of Luxury - a creamy, ocean blue. I recommend a three coat job for this color, because it can turn out pretty sheer.

Splash of Grenadine - a bright magenta pink.

Playa Del Platinum - a sheer, sandy grey. Reminds me of white sand beaches!

Turquoise & Caicos - a tropical aqua shade. I've actually been to Turks and Caicos, and this is exactly what the water looks like!

PS. a huge happy bday to the most fabulous mom in the world, mine of course, the Big D! My sisters and I like to call her the Big D because she's actually one of the tiniest people ever at 5'0.

Worth the Splurge: Bulgari Precieuse

Let me preface this by saying these products are a major splurge. With prices ranging from $150 for Regard Precieux Intensive Regenerating Eye Contour Cream to $320 for Serum Precieux Intensive Regenerating Concentrate, the Bulgari Precieuse skin care line is a definite investment. With that being said, the products and luxury are absolutely amazing. 

Let's start with the packaging: the pumps for the Serum and Eye Contour Cream deliver the perfect amount of product so you're never wasting your precious, super luxe and expensive skin care.  The Creme Precieuse Nuit comes with an applicator so you don't have to stick your fingers in the tub and contaminate the product. Plus the packaging is beautiful enough to grace any vanity.

Now to the formula and results: I've been using the Serum and Creme Precieuse Nuit (night cream) for a few weeks now and my skin is radiant, glowing and at the optimal hydration level. The Serum helps fight fine lines, discoloration, and improves skin density and elasticity. Bulgari's exclusive Gem Essence renews radiance while Polypeptides III stimulate collagen and elastin and restore firmness. My skin has never looked good! I'm always after that fresh, dewy moment, and this gives my skin just that. 1fl oz is $320.

The Creme Precieuse Nuit is so rich and decadent and feels like silk going on. The formula is so concentrated you only need a tiny bit for your entire face and neck. Like the Serum, this night cream contains Bulgari's exclusive Gem Essence and Polypeptides III and leaves skin toned and moisturized, fights lines and wrinkles and lessens discoloration. The minute you put this cream on your face you can tell it's a really luxurious indulgence. At $280 for 1.7 oz it's definitely steep, but the tub is huge and will last a long time, and it's really one of life's little pleasures to pamper yourself with a really expensive cream.

If you order from the Neiman Marcus website you can receive an NM gift card with a purchase of $250 or more (and lord knows these qualify) with the code BET2GET. Hurry though, offer ends today!

Test Drive: Mystic Tan Sunless Tanning Lotion Face +Body

Friends, I am sick and could not get out of bed this morning. I think it had something to do with the fact that I was tailgating in the rain Saturday for ND's scrimmage game. For those of you who don't know Mr. M is an MBA student at Notre Dame and I'm pretty much along for the ride. We're moving back to NYC this summer, which I'm thrilled about. Then it's back to ND until Mr. M graduates in May 2011, and hopefully moving back to the NYC area permanently where we can buy a house, have a huge pile of pets and babies (Mr. M loves when I say this) and live happily ever after. 

But back to the beauty. I am addicted to self tanner because I am a true beach girl (grew up about 10 mins from Ocean City, NJ) who loves to be tan. When I got into the beauty business everyone was force feeding sunblock down my throat, and now I am weening tanning out of my life. When Mr. M and I went to St. Lucia in December I even sat in the shade half the time. But let's be honest, most people look better tan, so that's where a good self tanner comes into play. Read on for my thoughts on Mystic Tan Sunless Tanning Lotion Face + Body.

The Experience:

Right off the bat, I love that you can use this on both face and body without incurring a breakout situation. I started by squeezing a dollop onto the mitt and rubbing in circular motions until evenly dispersed and blended. The tanner is tinted so you have an idea of where it's going. Once I had slathered from head to toe I waited about five minutes to dry before getting dressed. Major plus: very minimal self tanner stink. You can wear this during the day without that awful smell creeping up on you. Other huge bonus: not a hint of orange in sight. The color is very natural looking and ends up developing into a lovely bronzey brown shade. I started off major pale and was completely fine. A not so plus: you won't get dramatic color from just one application. You'll definitely need to use this either twice a day (reapplying after four hours) or for several consecutive days. 

The Verdict: 

I say buy if you're looking for a super natural self tanner that gives great color, with minimal stink. Since it works on both face and body the $38 price tag seems a little more reasonable. I had no streaks and a nice little glow going on that really takes the edge off of pale skin that hasn't seen the light of day in awhile. Ditch the mitt though and use your hands, just be sure to wash thoroughly with soap and water post application. Pick up Mystic Tan Sunless Tanning Lotion Face + Body at Sephora stores and the Sephora website.

Happy Earth Day!

While you're getting into the Earth Day spirit and doing what you can to help the planet and green your life (today and beyond) why not treat yourself to a makeup makeover? tarte cosmetics is offering 30% off sitewide now through April 25th so you can toss those chemical-laden cosmetics and stock up on natural cosmetics that are good for you and the planet. It's a start right?

I'm Using a Chemical Peel!

I know someone's going to say hello, you can only get a chemical peel inside a derm's office. Which is true. Chemical peels are serious stuff and not for the faint of heart. I know you've seen the SATC episode where it's Carrie's book launch party and Samantha looks like a burn victim escaped from the ICU after her chemical peel. 

I'm using a much more gentle and mild, yet still incredibly effective at-home chemical peel. One where you don't have to hide for a week after having it. I've been reading about the Exuviance Performance Peel AP 25 lately so of course I had to run out and buy it. The before and afters are crazy dramatic - skin texture is completely transformed. According to the website, the Exuviance Performace Peel AP 25 is:

A 25% blend of AHAs and PHAs including Glycolic Acid, Mandelic Acid and Gluconolactone that exfoliates dead, dull surface layers, and stimulates the process of cell renewal among all skin layers, to reveal healthier cells. Clinical studies indicate that after one month of twice weekly use:

    * 100% of users saw improvement in fine lines & wrinkles
    * 94% of users saw more even skin tone, texture & radiance

It also claims to refine pore size, brighten and even skin tone and improve clarity. You're supposed to use the peel twice per week for six weeks. I started the first treatment last night and it's super easy. You wipe the peel pad over your face, and sit for 10 minutes. Then you wipe the neutralizer pad over that, rinse with water and apply a gentle moisturizer (I used old faithful Kinerase Cream). I had zero irritation, which I was concerned about. 25% concentration of acids is nothing to scoff at, and my skin usually is not OK with high concentrations of Glycolic Acid, but there was no redness, burning, stinging, nada. After just one use my skin felt incredibly smooth so I'll keep you updated on the progress. 

Pick up the Exuviance Performance Peel AP 25 at Ulta stores nationwide or online here. 

Check out a before/after below for results after 5 weeks. 

Just Say No

Not to be all after school special here, but I just read on BellaSugar how terrible smoking is for your overall appearance. Now, I have no doubt most of us have taken a drag here and there. I actually had developed a semi regular social smoking habit in college, which picked up again when I lived in New York as a beauty PR girl. My co-workers and I would go outside in the middle of the day for "smoke breaks" when really what we were looking for was a please get me the hell out of this office for 5 minutes and I guess I'll smoke a cigarette while I'm downstairs break. Not to mention all of the cigarette-fueled happy hours.

I haven't had a cigarette in eons, and after reading this post, I never will again. We all know smoking causes serious health problems (um, lung cancer anyone??), but sometimes we need to appeal to the vanity in people to inspire them to finally kick the habit. In a nutshell: smoking causes wrinkles, not just on the face but the entire body, gray-toned skin, gaunt features and shriveling up like a prune. Read all the gory details here on BellaSugar.

And then scroll down and read some fun stuff like the perfect foundation and your favorite Kerry Washington hairstyle.

Avon Goes High Def

Avon is one of those makeup brands that can sometimes fly under the radar, just because you can't run to the store and pick something up. But, it's really a brand you should get acquainted with if you're not already because the bottom line is, they offer high quality makeup and skincare at really affordable prices. I had the chance to test out Avon's new High Definition makeup line for spring and was really impressed with the way it performed, especially since everything is $11 and under. Check out the product details below!

MagiX Cashmere Finish Foundation: Ok, so everyone knows by now that I am a loyal, borderline obsessed bareMinerals user, so it takes a lot for a foundation to impress me, especially one of the liquid variety. I loved this foundation so much that I'm actually cheating on my bareMinerals, which really hasn't ever happened. The creamy, liquid mousse formula feels like nothing, covers flawlessly, blends seamlessly and floats on top of pores and fine lines for a smooth, airbrushed finish (it's all about the airbrush finish these days). Most importantly, this looked phenomenol in natural light. It's currently on sale for $7.99, so this is a no brainer. About the same price as drugstore foundations, yet has the quality of a product three times the price.

GLIMMERSTICKS Diamonds Eye Liner: I'm surprisingly picky about my eyeliner because my eye area can get oily, and then it smudges all over the place and it's just an annoying mess. These liners stayed put for hours and had a really nice little sparkle to them. They're super precise so you can create a thin subtle line, or kick it up with a thicker, cat eye line for evening. My favorite was Twilight Sparkle, a twinkly deep blue shade. People tend to be frightened at the thought of navy liner but it's beyond wearable and makes eyes look nice and bright, especially if you rim the lower inside line.

SuperExtend Mascara: I am a huge lash person - seriously, if there's a product I absolutely need, it's mascara, and a whole lot of it. I have thin, blonde-tipped lashes and while they're long, I look like I have no eyes without mascara on. This formula really coated every lash, and what I especially loved was the intense black patent shine. Perfect for when you're craving a really defined eye moment. Looks even better when used with the Glimmersticks - eyes look really bright and glowy.

Mega Watt Lips: I have been having a love affair with lipstick recently and really going out of my comfort zone with color. I was always a nude, pinky beige gloss person but I've been embracing the full on lipstick trend for awhile now. This formula is rich and multi-dimensional, so your pout really pops. I tried the Kicked Up Coral shade, which was punchy and warm, and made my skin look tan and glowing. It's definitely a bright lip moment, so blot and apply some clear gloss on top if you're looking for a more understated look. Bonus: it has SPF 15.

Availability: go to avon.com to find an erepresentative to purchase.

Disclosure: press samples were provided for editorial consideration.

The Stain Game

Do you wish your lipcolor could last hours without feathering, smearing or rubbing off? Then you might want to try a lip stain. Stains literally, temporarily stain the lips with color for hours of kissproof and waterproof wear. The main thing to remember with a stain is that it's not creamy or moisturizing like some lipsticks and glosses are so you really have to make sure your lips are exfoliated since every flake and line will show. My fave lip exfoliation tip? Apply some balm, then take a washcloth and rub in circular motions until lips are smooth. No need for those expensive exfoliators! Check out my favorite stains below.

Benefit Benetint is the original lip and cheek stain. It's a sheer, rosy/berry tint for lips and cheeks that wears on for hours and is completely waterproof. Perfect for when you want a just bitten lip moment. I'm pretty partial to Posietint as well, which is a really pretty poppy pink shade that's perfect for spring and summer.

tarte recently rolled out its Natural Lipstain with LipSurgence Technology, which is clinically proven to increase moisture content by 6000%, which tackles the problem of most lipstains, which is dryness. Each peppermint-infused stain leaves behind a hint of tint without parabens, pertrochemicals and all that stuff we don't want. I love Joy, a juicy peach.

When certain cosmetics hit the masses, you know it's a full on trend. Cover Girl Outlast Lip Stain is super lightweight and literally reminds me of a marker with a felt tip applicator. It uses water-based colorants to keep lips stained all day, but it can be drying so carry some clear balm with you. The shades are brighter on than they appear in the packaging so keep that in mind. My favorite is Teasing Blush, a natural flushed pink shade.

Origins Rocks Earth Month

Earth Day is technically April 22nd, but why not celebrate all month (and all year for that matter) and help out the environment any way you can. Natural beauty brand Origins is rocking out this month with its first annual free Origins Rocks Earth Month Concert in NYC. Featuring Grammy winner Macy Grey, this free event takes place at Webster Hall on 4/19. For a ticket, all you have to do is bring an empty cosmetic package to an Origins retail store in NYC, Westchester, NY or Garden State Mall, NJ. 

The first 50 Fans showing their fan status either through a print out of the Facebook page or on their smart phone at the Flatiron NYC Flagship store, will receive a concert ticket guaranteeing access +1 & 2 free drink tickets (as long as you're of age of course) Tickets are limited so be sure to get yours ASAP.

 

To further allow everyone to help out the environment this month, Origins is rolling out the Trade-In program.  On 4/22, Origins is offering customers the chance to bring an empty cosmetic container to any Origins retail store or counter (which Origins then recycle for them through their Return to Origins Recycling Program) to trade it in for a free full-sized Checks and Balances Frothy face wash ($18.50 retail value) or A Perfect World Antioxidant cleanser with White Tea ($20 retail value). Why not help the environment and score some free products at the same time?

I'm actually a fan of Origins (favorites are Oil Refiner and the new Brighter by Nature) because it's a natural brand that's good for you and the environment, but there's actual science behind the products so you know they're going to work and be efficacious at the same time. It's a win win!

Hair Trend: Dip Dyed Ends

Showcased at the Fall 10 Cynthia Rowley show and created by Wella master colorist Eva Scrivo, pastel streaks are the new hair trend for spring - if you dare. Seen on the likes of Lady Gaga and Drew Barrymore, Eva created a bold color palette for the Cynthia Rowley show using Koleston Perfect Special Mix. The trend has caught on so much that she's even selling colored clip-in extensions customized at her namesake salon. 

The clip-in extensions are perfect for those of us who can't walk into the office rocking pastel blue streaks, but still want to do something fun for the weekend. If you truly can't handle even temporary colored streaks, you can get a version of this look by lightening the bottom half of your hair, which will look more natural and sunkissed than club kid.

I actually did a recap of the beauty at the Cynthia Rowley show back in February. Check out the deets here.

New Solerra Tanee Tan Line Corrector

This is so genius I can't believe no one thought of this until now. Tan lines are always a major problem for me in the summer. I try to untie my bikini top so I don't get them, but then there's always the risk of indecent exposure. Now with Solerra's Tanee Tan Line Corrector you can correct tan lines without flashing the entire beach. 

Solérra Tanee Tan Line Corrector is a super affordable, ($5.99) multi-use tube that fills in tan lines with Solérra’s sunless tanning formula. It also contains beneficial ingredients like aloe leaf extract to smooth, soften and moisturize skin and walnut extract and caramel, which are natural colorants.

All you have to do is squeeze the tube to dispense the formula and apply to tan lines, blending the edges. Repeat after four hours if need be to completely cover the tan line and then voila! Strapless dresses can be worn without crazy white striples on your shoulders and neck. 

I've talked about Solerra before, specifically about the self tanning mitt, which I absolutely love. Check out more on that here. 

Availability: Solérra products are available at Solérra.com, Drugstore.com, Beauty Brands Salon, Spa and Superstores and fine salons and spas throughout the U.S. and Canada.

NARS Summer 2010 Collection

I have been a NARS fanatic for what feels like forever, and I am beyond in love with the new Summer 2010 Collection, as seen on Amber Valletta and inspired by Catherine Deneuve's Severine in the movie Belle de Jour. The look is super sophisticated, yet still has all of the beautiful colors we associate with summer. I'm really feeling all the peaches and ocean blues, with apricot and champagne thrown in the mix. 

Enchanted Cream Blush, $26
A soft-peach cream blush that delivers a hint of shimmer and smooth, silky color

Burn It Blue Duo Cream Eyeshadow, $32
This iridescent ocean-blue paired with turquoise creates a lively duo cream eyeshadow

Cayenne Cream Eyeshadow, $22
A spicy, deep brown cream eyeshadow that is intensely rich yet carries a weightless texture

Love Devotion Lipstick, $24
A nourishing, long-lasting sheer guava lipstick

Coup de Coeur Lip Gloss, $24
Just like the French phrase it’s named after, this shiny, sheer apple-brandy tinted lip gloss is sure to yield love at first sight

Lamu Multiple, $38
A fresh, glazed-apricot shade with gold sparkles to create shimmering accents

Versailles Nail Polish, $16
Regal and opalescent, this champagne-gold nail hue shimmers, creating a light-catching tint and gilded sophistication

The Nars Cosmetics 2010 Summer Collection is available beginning tomorrow at narscosmetics.com. Buy up everything; you get free shipping with purchases over $50.

Cover Girl, Secret Team with US Gymnastics for Chalk Full of Beauty

Drugstore favorite cosmetics brand COVERGIRL and my antiperspirant du jour, Secret are teaming up with USA Gymnastics and Olympic gold medalist Nastia Liukin for the "Chalk Full of Beauty" Sweepstakes. Starting now until May 28th, 2010, you can enter to win one of two fabulous grand prizes: a trip for two to New York City to enjoy a full weekend of beautification and relaxation, or a visit to the U.S. Women’s National Team Training Center for the opportunity to meet Nastia. If you were like me, doing cartwheels in your living room room as a kid while watching the summer Olympics, visiting the US Gymnastics team is a total dream moment.

Have no fear if you're not the lucky winner:

* 5 First Prize Winners will each receive a basket filled with selected COVERGIRL and Secret products.

* 75 Second Prize Winners will each receive a basket filled with selected COVERGIRL products.

Check out the deets below for how to enter:
Visit www.usa-gymnastics.org/chalkfullofbeauty and complete the entry form. Entries must be received by noon ET on 5/28/10. A person can use only one email address to enter. Limit one entry per email address throughout the promotion period.

Hurry and enter to win!

Late Start Plus Puffy Eyes

Ugh, case of the Mondays indeed. I just could not get going this morning and didn't get out of bed until nine. I think it had to do with the fabulous and tiring trip to Chicago Mr. M and I took with friends this weekend. We spent hours walking around, followed by lots of pre-dinner cocktails, then an amazing three hour dinner at Benny's Chop House, then more cocktailing into the wee hours. Naturally, I woke up Sunday with a serious case of puffy and swollen eyes. There's one product I always have on hand when puffs show up and that's La Roche-Posay Hydraphase Eyes. This refreshing gel contains caffeine to diminish bags and puffiness, plus glycerin and thermal spring water to soothe dry, irritated eyes. 

The trick is also in the application: dot all around the eye area and massage gently in circular motions to decongest puffs. Once fully absorbed apply light pressure to your temple area and puffs magically disappear. Lightly tapping on the gel around the eye area helps to smooth dehydrated fine lines. Pick it up at CVS drugstores nationwide or online at laroche-posay.us.

Test Drive: TRESemme Fresh Start Dry Shampoo

So I let you all know on Monday about TRESemme Fresh Start Dry Shampoo via the fab Queen of the Quarter Life Crisis and I just had to try it out myself since like many things in life, a good dry shampoo is hard to find. I immediately went to CVS and found the one lone little bottle sitting there just waiting for me to buy it. Either CVS needs to hire some new stock people or this stuff is flying off the shelf.

The Experience:

I use dry shampoo for pretty much everything including to extend the life of a blowout and to add some texture, volume and hold even if my hair is freshly washed. The instructions said to shake vigorously before using and in between spritzes; maybe to keep the mineral clay from settling. Like all dry shampoos I spritzed all over roots, holding can about 8-10 inches from my head. The most notable difference from other dry shampoos I've tried is that it sort of feels wet when you spray it on, then you let it dry for a minute or two and brush. After brushing through my roots looked clean, my hair had some pliable hold and lots of texture. What I really loved is that it didn't leave behind that white, powdery effect that some dry shampoos can.

The Verdict:

Completely worth it. TRESemme Fresh Start Dry Shampoo got the job done at an insanely low price. If you are a dry shampoo addict and don't want to spend $20 on a can that lasts less than a month, this is for you. Huge bonus: it's currently on sale at Walgreens for 3 for $10. Stock up!

Sunscreen Bootcamp: Hair

If you color your hair the sun is public enemy number one. Blonde highlights can get bleached out, dark browns get brassy and reds can completely fade. I drop major dime on regular highlights so the last thing I want is to throw my money in the garbage the minute I set foot on the beach. Luckily, one of my favorite hair care brands has the solution with their Color Extend Sun Sparkling Shield.

Color Extend Sun Sparkling Shield provides water-resistant UVA/UVB protection, in addition to getting rid of chlorine and mineral deposits, all while creating a sleek, polished finish. Advanced Hydra-Shield Complex with Soplexyl™, a patented UV filter, provide powerful protection while restoring lost moisture and luminous shine. Purchase at salons.

Sunscreen Bootcamp: Lips

If you've ever had a sunburn on your lips it's enough to scar you for life (not literally). But the memories of the severe dryness, redness, cracking and peeling that happen when lips get sunburned make me an SPF lip balm nazi. Lips usually don't get sunburned on a normal day out and about, it's more likely to happen if you're logging serious beach hours or are on a tropical getaway. Nonetheless it's always smart to keep a nourishing SPF lip balm on hand. Check out my favorites below. 

MAC Tinted Lip Conditioner is a supernourishing balm that locks in moisture with Almond oil and Shea Butter and has the added bonus of SPF 15 and a sheer wash of color. I love Petting Pink for a natural look and Gentle Coral for when I want a little more color payoff.

 

Bare Escentuals Lip Guard combines SPF 15, sheer color, Vitamins A, C and E to nourish, heal and protect and antioxidant-rich Grape Seed oil to fight environmental damage. The squeeze tube is perfect for throwing in your beach bag. 

And sometimes you just want old faithful. Blistex Lip Massage Lip Balm with SPF 15 is a moisturizing formula that goes on clear, and the classic has been updated with the added bonus of a massaging applicator that smooths away rough spots. Plus, you can't beat the under $5 price tag.

Sunscreen Bootcamp: Body

Now that the weather is nice and you can actually go outside and walk around during your lunch hour and no longer have to be covered up from neck to toe, using sunscreen daily on your body is just as important as your face. You'd be surprised how easy it is to catch up a burn simply by walking from the office to the deli. Read on for my favorite body moisturizer plus SPF combos that are light and greaseless for daytime.

Vaseline Protecting Body Lotion with Aloe and Sunscreen offers SPF 15 protection, perfect for incidental exposure, combined with the refreshing and moisturizing benefits of aloe. It's also lightweight and absorbs easily.

Aveeno Active Naturals Daily Moisturizing Lotion with SPF 15 is clinically shown to moisturize for 24 hours and provides both UVA and UVB protection. Natural Colloidal Oatmeal soothes irritated skin and the non-greasy formula contains no fragrance.

Since the thought of spending the summer pasty white basically makes me want to die, there's no reason you can't have a little (faux) color while still protecting your skin from the sun's rays. Neutrogena Summer Glow Daily Moisturizer SPF 20 softens skin, has a light fresh scent and gradually provides a healthy looking glow.

Remember, these are just for daily, incidental exposure. My favorite beach body sunscreen is Coppertone Continuous Spray since it's light, non-greasy and provides a quick, even application.

TRESemme Fresh Start Dry Shampoo - Straight from the Queen

Dry shampoo is an absolute necessity for me, and I'm surprised that some people don't even know what it is! My all-time favorite is Klorane, but at $18 a bottle, used about three to four times a week, my dry shampoo habit can get a little expensive. That's why I was so thrilled when I saw a write up about the first masstige dry shampoo from TRESemme, on my fabulous friend Jamie's blog, Queen of the Quarter Life Crisis. Head on over to check out the deets on the TRESemme Fresh Start Collection which runs a cool $4.99.

Sunscreen Bootcamp: Face

The weather is warm, the sun is shining and it's no longer acceptable to scrimp on sunscreen. While I must reiterate that it's important to slap on the 'screen year round, we all fall off the wagon sometimes during the dark and gloomy winter months. There are so many excuses not to slather on the SPF on a daily basis - it makes me break out, it feels thick and disgusting, it makes me look shiny - the list goes on. 

No more excuses people! Today's facial sunscreens are not the thick, yucky formulas of years passed. Since the number one cause of aging is attributed to the sun, if you give a damn about how you'll look in the future read on for my sunscreen hit list.

If you're oily:

You can't beat La Roche-Posay Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid SPF 60 if you're worried about sunscreens being thick, heavy and greasy. As the name would suggest, this LRP sunscreen is exceptionally light, while packing a serious SPF level. Perfect for use at the beach or everyday under makeup, this is ideal for anyone who thinks they'll never find a sunscreen they won't mind using daily.

If you're acne prone:

DERMAdoctor Ain't Misbehavin actually contains skin clarifying ingredients like Willow Bark, a natural form of salicylic acid and Witch Hazel, a natural astringent. The texture is light, absorbs quickly and leaves skin shine-free with a matte finish. There's even botanicals to soothe red, irritated skin.

If you need moisture and SPF:

Biore Dual Fusion moisturizer is one part nourishing moisture, one part SPF 30 in a dual-chamber pump that preserves the power of each formula but keeping them separate. This really hydrates and protects without feeling greasy and is perfect for daily use. 

For touch ups:

Peter Thomas Roth Instant Mineral SPF 45 is an amazing powder sunscreen that really protects without any of the greasy sunscreen side effects. Plus the powder is housed in a built-in brush applicator so it's great to keep in your bag and touch up on the go. Definitely one of my sunscreen staples. 

40% Off Tarte Today Only

Happy April everyone! In honor of the new month and April Fool's Day, tarte is having a 40% off sale (no joke) at tartecosmetics.com for today only. Just enter code APRILFL at checkout. You also get free shipping if you spend $40 or more. I'm going to stock up on cheek stains and lock & roll creaseless cream and powder duo shadows. Head to tartecosmetics.com to get your favorites, or try something new for almost half off.

New for Summer: Les Pop-Up de Chanel

This new summer collection from Chanel isn't on counter until May, but I just had to talk about it now because the colors are so beautiful I can't stop staring at them. I've always said, if money was no object, I would be in head to toe Chanel everyday - there's just something so iconic and amazingly decadent about the brand, even if we're just talking about nail polish and lip gloss here. Chanel has been known to be ahead of the beauty curve (lest we forget it single-handedly turned black nail polish from goth to trendy) and this summer collection is no exception.

Vibrant pops of color, including neon pink, sunny coral and brilliant turquoise are beautifully complemented by bronzed, glowing skin. After a winter that felt like it dragged on for years rather than months, these colors just make me picture laying at the beach or by the pool.

Here's the lowdown on the new products:

Le Vernis ($23.00) (Limited Edition)

    * Mistral Soft pink
    * Nouvelle Vague Turquoise
    * Riviera Intense pink

Rouge Allure Lip Colour ($32.00) (Limited Edition)

    * Super Rose
    * Genial Coral

Levres Scintillantes (Glossimer) (Limited Edition)

    * Bikini Peach Soft Pink

Aqualumiere ($29.00) (Limited Edition)

    * Bondi Light copper

Aqualumiere Gloss ($27.00) (Limited Edition)

    * Bondi Beach Rose gold

Gloss Fluo de Chanel ($27.00) (Limited Edition)

    * Laser Pink
    * Pop Coral

Soleil Tan de Chanel ($50.00) (Limited Edition)

    * Terre d’ore
    * Terre Halee

Available: May 2010 at Chanel counters and chanel.com.