New Line Alert: Kardashian Beauty

Do those Kardashians ever sleep? Everyone's fave reality TV family now has their hand in beauty, with the launch of Kardashian Glamour Tan, a moisturizing self tanning gel with antioxidants and vitamins A, C and D. What's really interesting about this self tanner is it's currently the only one available with Imudulin, an ingredient responsible for stimulating vitamin D synthesis, which can help lessen the look of lines and wrinkles. 

Kardashian Glamour Tan is available as of today at Sephora. I have yet to try it, but I wonder if it can live up to my beloved Shiseido Brilliant Bronze Tinted Self Tanning Gel in Medium Tan that I can only seem to find at Amazon and Macys since the whole no more Shiseido in the U.S. thing. 

Lord knows those Kardashians love their tans, so I think this product could potentially be a winner. Pick it up at Sephora.

A Good Brow Pencil is Hard to Find

Since I have fine, sparse, light brows, filling them in is an absolute must for me, even if I'm just running a quick errand or going to the gym. I envy the girls with full, perfectly shaped brows (Kim K I'm talking to you!) So of course I've searched high and low for the perfect brow product, which is pretty damn hard to find! Especially at mass. I did manage to find two stand out brow pencils - at splurge/steal prices! 

The jury is still out on pencil vs. powder, but I'm a pencil girl and here's why: it actually looks much more natural if you're applying correctly, i.e. in short, feathered strokes, then blending with a brow brush (make sure pencil is freshly sharpened). Powders, at least on me, look too heavily applied and opaque, but some people swear by them. So, to each his own I guess.

Anastasia Brow Whiz: Naturally, the woman that basically invented perfect brows would have my favorite brow product of all time. Brow Whiz is a super skinny pencil that creates perfect arches in seconds. The pencil is so small and slim some might wonder how this even does anything, but the size is the key - when using short strokes, it mimics drawing in little brow hairs so the effect is perfectly polished, yet natural. Plus there's a little spooly brush on the other end to blend. Available in three, very versatile colors: Ash Blonde, Medium Ash and Brunette. I'm a light blonde and can switch back and forth between Ash and Medium Ash so play around and see what works for you. Available at Sephora for $20.

Searching for a good brow pencil at mass is as useless as searching for meaning in a Pauly Shore movie. (please tell me you picked up on this movie reference) But, I managed to find the only good mass brow product (in my opinion) in Revlon Brow Fantasy, a dual-ended stick with a pencil on one end to fill in and a sheer, tinted gel on the other to set. Again, make sure the pencil is super sharp and apply with short strokes in direction of hair growth. I love the tinted gel on the end because it adds a little more definition, while setting all day and doing a final groom. Available in Dark Blonde, Brunette and Dark Brown for under $7 a piece. Pick it up at drugstores.

So are you a pencil or powder girl?

Keep Your Cool in Hot Weather

So unless you've refused to leave your house in the past few days, chances are you've noticed it's H-O-T outside (hovering around 90 to be exact). I was shlepping around the city the other day meeting with a temp agency (unfortunately momma needs a day job while she moonlights as freelance writer/blogger/future NYT best-selling author) and I literally blew into the lobby like a tornado, profusely sweating, trying to change from my TB flats into my 4-inch heels while not falling over. The heat really snuck up on me, (wasn't it 50 not too long ago?), otherwise I would have been prepared with my favorite freshen-up products. Check them out below. 

Avalon Organics Deodorant Spray is a product I never would have picked up and bought, but in my former PR girl life, we represented this company and I got to try this for free and I am absolutely hooked. I don't actually use it as a stand-alone deodorant, but it's a-mazing as an all-over body spray/refresher. These deodorants are so pure and natural they only contain alcohol and essential oils. The alcohol kills bacteria so you're nice and fresh, while the essential oils nourish and uplift. My fave scents are Grapefruit & Geranium and Rosemary & Mint. I spray all over my body, in my shoes, on my sheets, you name it. Store in the fridge for an extra burst of cool.

It may seem a little silly to pay $10 for mineral water in a spray form, but Evian Mineral Water Spray does the job of like 80 products. This cool and refreshing mist (again, store in fridge for ultimate refreshing experience) rehydrates, revives makeup, removes perspiration, salt and chlorine (bring it to the beach!), and also instantly soothes sunburned skin. Obviously it goes without saying, but when spritzing your face, keep the bottle a reasonable distance away; you want to mist yourself, not look like you've dumped a bottle of water over your head. 

What's your favorite summer refresher?

Hazel & Harlow Partners with Borghese for Promotion

Designer shopping site Hazel & Harlow, which sells their own signature collection of antique, French-inspired jewelry, in addition to creations from both emerging and established designers, is partnering with luxe skin care and cosmetics line Borghese, in honor of its Fango line's 35th anniversary, for a spring beauty giveaway worth $250! 

All you have to do is click here to visit the giveaway site, enter your name and email and you're done. The giveaway ends June 1st, where a winner will be randomly selected to receive a Hazel & Harlow signature Antiqued Flower in a Frame pendant, Borghese Fango Active Mud for Face and Body, Fango Delicato Active Mud for Delicate, Dry Skin and Fango Brillante Brightening Mud Mask for Face and Body.

Also be sure to sign up for last minute sale alerts on Hazel & Harlow, where you can receive 40-50% off by visiting their twitter page here.

Sandals Vacay Sale on Rue La La!

While not exactly beauty related, I had to let you all know about the Sandals Luxury Included Resort (aka all meals, drinks and activities like scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking are included) sale on Rue La La that starts this morning at 11am. Sandals Resorts are absolutely to DIE for, and if you're in the market for a vacay soon, (have to book between June 18th-August 31st of this year for a 3, 5, or 7-night stay) reserve one of these trips now!

Sandals Whitehouse, Jamaica

Mr. M and I actually did a 10-day Sandals trip to St. Lucia (we stayed at the Grande St. Lucian, there's three resorts, which is unfortunately not included in this sale) for our honeymoon and when all was said and done it ended up being five figures, (and that was with 65% off the regular price deal we go) which is expensive for a vacay, but so worth it. The food is stellar and so authentic whether you're eating at an Italian, French, Japanese, etc. restaurant. Also the staff is SO nice, accommodating, helpful and basically just want to make your trip as perfect as possible. We've been to Turks & Caicos and St. Lucia and the experiences were both first class all the way.

Sandals Grande Antigua

Also, in addition to the standard hotels, Sandals Resorts offer private villas with your own pool and butler, and you can add on extras (for a fee) such as private airport transfers, private candelit dinners on the beach, booze cruises, horseback riding, and a ton of other stuff. Several resorts also have golf courses on site, which are free.

If you're not a member of Rue La La, score an invite with this link. http://www.ruelala.com/invite/lrmbeauty and book your vacay now!

Limited Edition La Mer

Put the words limited edition and La Mer in the same sentence and I'm there. The ultimate luxe moisturizer just announced its fifth anniversary partnership with Oceana, the world's leading international ocean advocacy organization. To celebrate, La Mer created a 100ml limited edition World Ocean's Day blue Creme de la Mer jar and will make a $200,000 donation to Oceana.

Maybe it's the Cancer in me, but I am such a sucker for anything with an ocean scene/theme and I love the blue La Mer. This is also historic since La Mer has never altered its packaging until now. Quantities are limited; so get thee to lamer.com, or participating Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus or Bergdorf Goodman locations to scoop yours up. Retail price is $310. An investment? Of course. But, a La Mer purchase is always justified (super concentrated, lasts forever, God's gift to moisturizers, you get the picture), especially for a lovely limited edition such as this. 

World Oceans Day
Created in 1992 and made official by the United Nations in 2009, World Oceans Day takes place annually on June 8th and is a day to recognize the sea’s importance as a vital ecosystem and take action to preserve its delicate habitats and wildlife. With over 300,000 members in 150 countries, Oceana’s science-based policies have greatly reduced over-fishing and protected threatened marine habitats.

For more information about World Oceans Day and the partnership between La Mer and Oceana, please visit www.lamer.com/oceana.

Thank you Pureology

It's as if someone at Pureology read my mind. I love love love Pureology's Hydrate collection (purple bottles) because it smells divine, has this refreshing tingly feeling and really quenches dry hair (all while keeping color in tact - what more could you ask for?) BUT, sometimes it does its job too well and leaves my fine hair a little over-moisturized if you catch my drift. I was so happy to learn that Pureology just added Hydrate LightCondition and Hydrate HydraWhip to the lineup. Fine-haired girls no longer have to choose between volume and moisture!

Hydrate LightCondition with natural jojoba and shea butters, in addition to strengthening proteins of soy, oat and wheat, leave hair super soft without weighing it down. 

Hydrate HydraWhip is a rich souffle with avocado, jojoba and shea butters, combined with rosemary, sage and green tea replenish and quench dry, fine hair. This is the deep conditioner that should be used once a week or once every two weeks. 

The key to achieving perfectly moisturized hair without making it flat as a board lies in Pureology's Hydrating Micro-Emulsion Technology, which penetrates the hair shaft while leaving strands with body and bounce. And of course, each contain AntiFade Complex to neutralize free radicals and retain color. 

LightCondition will set you back $27 and HydraWhip goes for $45. Pureology certainly isn't cheap, but it's luxurious, high quality hair care that's vegan and super concentrated, so you might just notice it lasts twice as long as your $5 drugstore confection. Visit Pureology.com to locate a salon to purchase.

Test Drive: Aveeno Nourish +

I have a weird obsession with shampoo. I love browsing the salons, drugstore aisles, those stores that sell salon hair care like Rickys, searching for my next shampoo purchase. I read ingredient labels, ponder whether I should buy the color treated or volumizing formula, and rarely finish an entire bottle before I'm on to my next fix. While I have a taste for the more expensive salon brands (a la Redken, bumble and Bumble and Kerastase - trust me, when it comes to hair care, the pricier brands are worth it), but I had been intrigued by Aveeno's Nourish+ line for some time now, so I scooped it up at CVS and took it home for a whirl.

The Experience:

My initial thought was hmmm this is a little on the expensive side for a drugstore shampoo ($7.50 at CVS), but I brought it home and lathered up. I used the Nourish+ Volumize formula, and I was super impressed that it was a rich, creamy lather as opposed to the usual gel formulation of volumizing shampoos that make you feel as though you might as well be washing your hair with Dial Antibacterial bodywash. The smell was delish, and the lather really made me feel like my hair was not being stripped and that when I rinsed it would be nice and clean - and soft. And it was just that. My hair felt strong, soft, nourished and had a nice bounce post blowdry. After several washes, the results keep getting better.

The Verdict: 

A fantastic drugstore shampoo that is perfect for anyone looking to inject some strength and nourishment into their hair. Won't strip or dry out, the lather is decadently creamy and damage is repaired. Choose from Moisturize, Revitalize, Volumize, Soothe and the newest version, Shine. Aveeno Nourish+ is also gentle and won't fade hair color. Pick it up at drugstores and click here for a free sample.

The Dark Side

I've been a blonde my whole life (err, with a little assistance as of freshman year of high school), but after many years of repeated highlights and a trip to sunny St. Lucia my hair looked Gwen Stefani blonde in the dead of winter. Exhibit A over here is of Mr. M and I at our friend's wedding in January. It was so light and bleached out that I decided in March to switch things up and do a rich, caramel base with a few golden highlights. Sounds nice, no? Well I did just that and at first I felt all cool and edgy with my darker hair, and then...reality set in. I took a good look at myself in the mirror and hated it. 

My husband liked it, my friends liked it, my friend's husband's liked it, but I was desperate with a capital D to get back to my blonde roots. Mr. M told me I looked more like a "wife" with my dark hair. I did not take this as a compliment. I have no clear photographic evidence of my dark hair but let's just say it was one of those shades that colorists say is blonde but if you walked up to some random joe on the street and said what color is my hair they would tell you it's brown. I couldn't go back to the salon and go light because I just spent a bunch of money going dark.

So, I searched high and low for a solution and came up with John Frieda Sheer Blonde Go Blonder Lightening Shampoo and Conditioner, each of which promises to gradually lighten hair with a Natural Lightening Complex and Chamomile for a year round sunkissed look. Let me tell you, I was shocked by how much this lightened my hair without any of those crazy red tones coming through. I would say it lightened me up a good three shades over the course of two months. My hair actually looked blonde again and all was right in the world.

Fun fact: according to Wella, blonde is the most requested hair color in salons, accounting for over 50% of all color services.

Wella's new remastered Blondor line (used professionally by your colorist) includes a collection of products that transforms any kind of hair into a striking blonde. To address the need for gentleness and shine, Wella Professionals also introduces the EW Koleston Perfect Special Blondes range, a permanent crème color for high-lift blonde that also provides gentle conditioning to avoid that whole overprocessed haystack blonde thing. Click here to find a Wella salon near you so you can go get your blonde on for summer.

Summer Stock-Up - Be There!

When I first read about the Summer Stock-Up event courtesy of Beauty.com and AtHisBest.com I was like huh? Is this for real? This Friday, May 21st (as in tomorrow) and Saturday, May 22nd everyone who walks by the Summer Stock-Up will get a free "scoop" from a pool of beauty and grooming samples. Participating brands include Bare Escentuals, tarte, Too Faced, Stila, Oscar Blandi and many more. You can also chat one-on-one with Peter Thomas Roth and Tony Sosnick who can answer your burning beauty questions. 

The Sched:

Friday, May 21st: 8:00am – 7:00pm at 59th Street and Fifth Avenue

Peter Thomas Roth; Stila; Borghese; Zeno; BareMinerals; Caudalie; tarte; Origins; Anthony Logistics; Somme Institute; Too Faced; Korres

Saturday, May 22nd: 10:00am – 6:00pm at 13th Street and Ninth Avenue

Jane Iredale; Somme Institute; Mission; BareMinerals; Darphin; Origins; Korres; Urban Decay; Pop Beauty

Yours truly will be there on Friday since I'll already be in the nabe. If you love free stuff and beauty products, make it a point to stop by one of the days.

Beauty Crush: Bare Escentuals Quick Change

So a brush cleaner isn't exactly the most glamorous beauty item to crush on, but Bare Escentuals Quick Change is a major must if you own more than one shade of blush/eyeshadow/bronzer and like to change up your look frequently. In my dream world I would own a brush for every shade of makeup I have, since I'm slightly OCD about diluting my bronze shadow with a smoky gray by using the same brush for each. With Quick Change, you can use the same brush for all of your makeup colors without getting them mixed together.

All you have to do is spray Quick Change on a tissue (don't spray directly on brushes) and rub the brush back and forth across the damp tissue until no color remains. Voila! A nice clean brush in less than a minute. This isn't a substitute for regular brush cleansing, but if you're like me and you switch from bronze to gray to purple shadow all in the same week, it's a great way to quickly clean your brushes and make sure the color you want to wear isn't diluted with other shades.

Pick up Quick Change at Sephora for $18.

The Perfect Summer Eye Palette

 When I saw Clarins Instant Sun Light Eyeshadow palette I thought now this has bitnb written all over it. I'm a major beauty adventurer and will literally try anything, but when I think of my go-to eye look, it's definitely a peachy, goldeny, bronzy brown moment. 

Not only does this palette look gorge (I almost don't want to use it for fear of ruining the pretty gold shimmer overlay), but it contains everything you need to create a warm shimmery eye, or a more dramatic smoky situation. 

Four shades from L to R are: pearly ginger (shimmery champagne-peach), iridescent cinnamon (a shimmery copper), matte cocoa (medium to dark brown), and sparkling paprika (shimmery peachy melon). Plus on the far right is a gel liner (super staying power!) in a chocolate brown with gold shimmer, which reminds me of my fave cream liner, Clinique Brush On Cream Liner in Chocolate Lustre that was a limited edition and no longer available.

Plus $36 for all that is a total steal in my opinion and this is definitely one of those wear everyday until a tiny speck remains palettes. Pick it up at the Clarins website by clicking here. If you spend $75 you get to choose from four deluxe skin care collections so shop away!

Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links, which means when you purchase Clarins products, Beauty is the New Black receives a commission so you're supporting the site!

MAC To The Beach

I can always count on MAC to deliver totally fab color collections, but they come out with so many (a-hem, 50 per year to be exact) that sometimes by the time you get around to talking about one, another has already debuted and things get lost in the shuffle. MAC's new To The Beach collection is the makeup collection for summer. Featuring gorgeous pinks, peaches and corals, with bronzes, golds and brights like green, the best part about this new collection is the fab packaging with starfish, seahorses and seashells galore. 

The standout of the collection? Marine Life High-Light Powder, a multi-tasking coral-pink powder with shimmer that can easily be used as blush because of its rich pigment. It's also just so damn nice to look at with its seahorse and seaweed underwater embossed scene. Full details on MAC To The Beach are below.

Eyeshadow ($14.50)

    * Sand & Sun Light peach (Matte) (Limited Edition)
    * Firecracker Frosted mid-tone red-orange (Veluxe Pearl) (Limited Edition)
    * Sweet & Punchy Bright yellow-green (Veluxe Pearl) (Limited Edition)
    * Shimmermoss Green with green pearl (Veluxe Pearl) (Permanent)
    * Humid Intense green with shimmer (Frost) (Permanent)

Lipstick ($14.00 U.S.)

    * Beach Bound Sheer frosted pale peach (Glaze) (Limited Edition)
    * Lazy Day Light dirty blue-pink (Lustre) (Limited Edition)
    * Thrills Rosy copper with gold pearl (Frost) (Limited Edition) (Repromote)
    * Fun Bathing Mid-tone bronzed plum (Cremesheen) (Limited Edition)

Lipglass ($14.00 U.S.)

    * Easy Lounger Light baby pink with multi-dimensional pearl (Limited Edition)
    * Flurry of Fun Sheer sparkly peach (Limited Edition)
    * Splashing Mid-tone blue pink with soft gold pearl (Limited Edition)

Lip Pencil ($13.00 U.S.)

    * Life’s a Breeze Soft pink (Limited Edition)
    * Temperature Rising Loudmouth orange (Limited Edition)

Eye Kohl ($14.50 U.S.)

    * Float on By Dark green turquoise (Limited Edition)
    * Rosemary & Thyme Mid-tone olive gold with shimmer (Permanent)

Powder Blush ($18.50 U.S.)

    * Hipness Intense coral with soft white pearl (Frost) (Limited Edition) (Repromote)
    * Get-Away Bronze Mid-tone suntan (Frost) (Limited Edition)

High-Light Powder ($26.00 U.S.)

    * Marine Life Multi-colour pressed powder

Nail Lacquer ($12.00 U.S.)

    * In the Buff Muted taupe avocado (Cream) (Limited Edition)
    * Scorcher Creamy bright coral-red (Cream) (Limited Edition)

MAC To The Beach Bag ($49.50 U.S.)

    * Available at MAC Stores only. Limited edition.

Cream Bronzer ($25.00 U.S.)

    * Beach Bronze Golden glow with soft gold finish (Limited Edition)
    * Weekend Mid-tone deep orange-brown with soft pink pearl (Limited Edition)

Lustre Drops ($18.50 U.S.)

    * Pink Rebel Blue-pink with gold pearl (Limited Edition) (Repromote)
    * Sun Rush Peachy bronze with gold pearl (Limited Edition)

Bronzing Powder ($22.00 U.S.)

    * Golden Muted golden tan-beige with golden shimmer (Limited Edition)
    * Refined Golden Finely spun golden with soft pearl finish (Limited Edition)

Bronze Body Oil ($22.00 U.S.)

    * Glowing tan with multi-dimensional golden shimmer (Limited Edition)

Brush 130 Short Duo Fibre ($38.00 U.S.)

    * A short, round dual fibre with flat head composed of both natural bristles and synthetic fibres ideal for application with creams, emulsions & various powder products.

Brush 131 Short Duo Fibre Powder/Blush ($34.00 U.S.)

    * Flat, tapered face brush that contains a combination of short, natural, fibers and longer, fibre optic fibres ideal for light application and highlighting/ shading with various face powders; Ideally suited with mineralize skinfinish powder products. (Limited edition).

To The Beach promo ad. Gorge, no?

The MAC to the Beach collection will be available on May 27 at MAC counters nationwide and at maccosmetics.com. This is one of those collections that people will snatch up the day of so run to the counter or buy online the minute it goes on sale!

Q&A with Avon's Anthony Gonzalez

While I like to think of myself as a skin care expert, primarily because I do insane amounts of research and reading on the subject, and I used to write for a beauty industry mag where I learned all about the actual chemicals and ingredients, I still love picking the brains of the real experts, you know the ones with actual science degrees?

I had the chance to pose some questions to the very knowledgeable Anthony Gonzalez, Avon's Senior Manager of Global Skin Care Product Development and learned all about anti-aging and the new ingredient Activinol, found in Avon's Anew Reversalist Eye Illuminating System (which is my eye cream du jour that you can read about here). Read on for his insight:

Q. What is Activinol? How does it help keep the skin looking healthy and youthful?

A. Activinol is our latest technology in the fight against aging.  It represents a whole new approach to treating visible wrinkling.  In our research we uncovered a scientific theory that aging is actually the result of a series of micro-injuries that accumulate over time.  This inspired us to look into the methods the body uses in response to injuries to see if we could find a new way to address aging.  That led us to Activinol, which boosts the production of the protein “activin” which helps stimulate the production of the components required for healthy younger looking skin.

Avon is the first company to use this patent-pending complex, composed of highly purified phytochemicals, which include:

    * Amorphophallus, which stimulates Activin production to help trigger skin’s repair process
    * Sesbania, which Boosts skin’s support structure


Q. When should women start incorporating anti-aging skin care products into their regimen?

A. Although the 1st signs of aging typically show in the late 20’s or early 30’s, It is never too early to fight the signs of aging at least with broad spectrum SPF and a good quality anti-aging moisturizer.   The ANEW Reversalist products in particular are designed to target the needs of women experiencing moderate signs of aging including wrinkles, discoloration and loss of firmness.  If I had to give an age bracket, I’d say this is for a woman in her 40’s, however skin type and damage does vary from person-to-person.

Q. How often do women need to apply eye cream?

A. Both ANEW Reversalist Eye and Day are meant to be used as part of a daily regimen.  The eye system consists of two-parts, the Eye Cream and Brightening Veil. Avon recommends using the Eye System every morning before you apply your makeup as well as every evening. To apply, gently smooth the cream around the entire eye area. When you wake up each morning, apply the veil to brighten the under-eye area.

Q. How can women prevent future signs of aging?

A. Balance a proper skin care routine with a healthy lifestyle that maximizes the skin’s ability to counteract aging. Some great examples of this are eating foods high in antioxidants and always wearing a product with SPF or using additional sun protection such as wide brimmed hats.

One Less Excuse to Avoid the Gym Courtesy of Neutrogena

Now that summer is almost here and I can no longer hide under a huge wool sweater, I've started to get serious about working out. Since back in the day I was an avid runner who could finish 10 miles with ease (ease may be an overstatement, but I could run 10 miles), I've decided to dust off the Nikes and hit the pavement in order to get into prime shape. There's just one problem - sweating. It makes me feel like every pore on my face is clogging simultaneously. The good part is I'm so worried about my skin that my run is over before I know it. 

Someone over at Neutrogena must be as crazy as I am because the brand recently introduced Deep Clean Sport, a facial cleanser that eliminates 99% of sweat, dirt and oil, "keeping you worry-free about post-workout skin concerns." (couldn't have put it better myself). Beta Hydroxy Acid deep cleans to remove pore-clogging impurities and an active skin-cooling agent leaves your face cool, clear and refreshed. Sounds like just what you want after a run in the hot sun, no? I also love the package - it looks all sporty and like it won't leak in your bag if you're taking it to the gym. For the ultimate in portability, there's also Deep Clean Sport On-the-Go Cleansing Wipes. Both retail for $6.99 and can be picked up at drugstores nationwide.

Test Drive: Clean & Clear Finishes Pore Perfecting Moisturizer

I usually associate Clean & Clear as a line for teens, save for my cheapie one step facial, Morning Burst In- Shower Facial (formerly known as STEAM In-Shower Facial), which you can read about here, but on a recent drugstore expedition I stumbled upon Finishes Pore Perfecting Moisturizer, a fairly new product part of the new Finishes line of cleanser, moisturizer and toner. I'm a sucker for anything promising to smooth the appearance of pores, and at around $6.49, I thought why not pick it up and see if it works.

The Experience:

Upon first application the moisturizer felt really light and non-greasy, yet hydrating at the same time. I love the fact that it has SPF 15 as well, yet manages to not have that heavy, SPF moisturizer feeling. I definitely noticed some pore smoothing action on bare skin, which looked even better topped with foundation. The real standout was how this moisturizer performed in natural light, which can be pretty harsh. Pores didn't completely dissappear, but they did look softened and diffused, which is exactly what Finishes promises to do. So how exactly does it work? Light reflecting minerals smooth the appearance of pores and imperfections for healthy looking skin.

The Verdict:

If you're looking for something to smooth imperfections, soften the appearance of pores, protect from the sun, moisturizer without being heavy and work great under makeup, Clean & Clear Finishes is a no brainer - especially at the $6.49 price tag (which is going rate at Target.com). Pick it up at drugstores nationwide.

The Eye Cream Diaries: Avon Reversalist Illuminating Eye System

Ok, first things first. A huge I'm sorry for lack of posting - Mr. M and I made the very long drive from Indy to NJ late last week and it's been a whirlwind of bachelorette parties, dog sitting for the Big D while she's on a cruise, and attempting to find a summer sublet in the city that isn't $1 million a month. 

Now to the goods. I recently had the chance to try out Avon's Reversalist Illuminating Eye System, which is a fab little eye cream that contains an illuminator that acts as an instant dark circle remedy. I have been battling dark circles for as long as I can remember, which are largely attributed to a combo of genetics, caffeine and lack of sleep. This two part eye system takes on fine lines and dark circles with Activinol Eye Technology (exclusive to Avon), which in clinical and consumer studies has been shown to:

    * Instantly, helps reduce the look of dark circles, fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes    

    * In 2 weeks, fine lines and wrinkles visibly improved up to 25% 

    * Over time, clinically shown to improve the look of dark circles, fine lines and wrinkles

The texture of the eye cream is amazing - light, yet rich, absorbs easily and feels really hydrating. And the Brightening Veil (shimmery cream highlighter) is a life saver. You can apply under or over makeup, and continuously apply throughout the day to wake up the eye area and instantly diffuse dark shadows. I even pat a little on my brow bone sometimes to act as a subtle brow highlighter. I've definitely noticed an improved appearance in dark circles and increased hydration around the eye area, so stay tuned for more results in the coming weeks. 

Also be on the lookout for a Q&A post with Anthony Gonzalez, Senior Manager of Global Skin Care Product Development for Avon all about Activinol and anti-aging in general.

ANEW Reversalist Illuminating Eye System retails for $30.00 and is available exclusively through Avon Representatives. To locate an Avon Representative, call 1-800-FOR-AVON or visit www.avon.com.

Disclosure: a press sample of product was provided for editorial consideration.

Quick MET Costume Institute 2010 Recap

Friends, I have about 30 seconds to write this post since tomorrow is moving day for Mr. M and I and I'm in the middle of doing a million things, but I had to comment on the looks from the 2010 MET gala. My faves of the night were:

Emma Watson:

How gorgeous does she look? Love the effortlessly wavy hair combined with polished skin, a smoky eye that's the right amount of intensity and a neutral lip. And don't get me started on that dress. Totally gorge, her body looks amazing and I am always on board with a one shoulder. When done right, it's beyond flattering.

Blake Lively:

She can literally do no wrong in my eyes. She really knows what looks good on her. Am I surprised she wore a mini with pulled back hair and bronzed, glowing skin? Definitely not, because she usually does, but when something works, a la Jen Aniston, just go with it.

Kate  Hudson:

All the boob job scandal hoopla aside, Kate Hudson is another one who just knows what works for her and always comes up with a winner. Love the polished version of a beachy braided 'do, combined with an amazing (faux) tan, flushed cheeks, lightly defined eyes and a sunny lip.

What were your faves of the night?

Photo credits: WireImage

The Eye Cream Diaries: YBF Verdict

It has been quite some time since I updated you on my experiences with YBF Correct, my eye cream dujour for The Eye Cream Diaries. You can read all about my initial thoughts here, but to sum up: YBF Correct moisturizes, firms, tones, depuffs, smooths fine lines, lightens dark circles. So here it is, the final verdict!

Verdict:

YBF Correct is truly one of the best eye creams I've ever used, in fact, I can't think of a single one I like better, so that my friends, is a huge victory in Beauty is the New Black land. This is the perfect eye cream for anyone who hates the way their eye area looks and needs a product that will tackle a multitude of issues. My dark circles have definitely lightened up, my eye area looks firm, toned and awake, my puffs diminish immediately upon application and fine lines have really been smoothed out. The texture is great, it's kind of like a gel cream, so it's really refreshing for day, but hydrating enough for night. 

At $150 for .5 oz. YBF Correct is a bit of a splurge, but I've always said I'd rather pay money for products that work than own a bunch of non-working $30 eye creams. Order online at The Skincare Shop.

Taylor Swift Named New Face of CoverGirl

I think this is a primo choice on CoverGirl's part. Country cutie Taylor Swift will join the likes of Drew Barrymore and Queen Latifah as CoverGirl's newest face. The ads will debut January 2011, coinciding with the launch of a new, luxurious line in the CG family. Taylor Swift is CG to me. She looks like a young, fresh, down to earth teen/early 20-something and if she weren't a best selling superstar, she'd look like someone you'd find in the drugstore browsing the CG. Check out a still below during the photo shoot.

I'm Using a Chemical Peel Week 2

So I meant to post this at the end of last week, which was my real week 2, but it was such a busy weekend (that um, started on Wednesday night and went right through on to Sunday) so time wasn't on my side. Mr. M and I are getting ready to make the drive back to NJ, where we'll stay for May, then live in NYC for a few months, then head back to Indy. So the past few days have consisted of a lot of socializing, mixed in with some preliminary packing.

Anyway, so I posted that I had started using an at-home chemical peel, Exuviance Performance Peel AP 25 to be exact, and I wanted to give a little week 2 update. I wish I had one of those medical cameras that zoom to every line and pore (well maybe I don't actually) so I could do a before, during and after, but you'll just have to take my word for it. After week 2 I've noticed great improvement in skin texture, I actually really look forward to using the peel (I use them on a Sunday, Thursday schedule) because my skin feels so smooth after. I really only have subtle fine lines (which I deem deep) around my eye area, and those have definitely started to diminish. 

Now, let's be clear, you can't use this peel on your eyes, but what I do is gently wipe the peel pad around the orbital bone (the place where your cheek bone meets your undereye area). I repeat: do not get this in/really close to the eye area. At this rate, I'm confident the lines will be completely gone by the end of 6 weeks. But of course, I'll keep you all posted.