Fall Preview: Bobbi Brown Denim Rose Palette

I know I know, I just wrote about Bobbi 30 seconds ago and I have the nerve to talk about fall when we've just barely settled into summer, but that's the beauty world for you - always a step ahead. It's no secret I love a good palette, especially when all of the colors are actually wearable and complement each other, which is exactly what's going on in Bobbi Brown's Denim Rose palette. 

I've said it before, Bobbi just gets it. She gets that we need wearable, everyday shades, but it's always nice to do something a little out of the box as well. Included in the palette is a blush, four eyeshadows and four lipsticks/glosses. Read on for the breakdown:

Eye shades:

- Navajo Eyeshadow (a creamy pinkish white)

- New Grey Denim Eyeshadow (a medium-cool grey)

- New Pink Granite Eyeshadow (a marble grey-pink)

- New Dark Rinse Wash Eyeshadow (a deep bright blue - LOVE this shade; it may scare some, but trust me this will make eyes pop)

Lip shades:
- New Iced Lilac Glitter Lip Gloss (a silver-pink marble)

- New Hot Rose Lip Gloss (a bright pink - my favorite of the bunch!)

- New Cool Rose Creamy Lip Color (a medium bright pink shimmer)

- New Indie Rose Creamy Lip Color (a medium neutral rose)

Cheek shade:
- New Pink Rose Blush (a medium pink rose)

 Love this promo ad

And let's not get started on the cute denim zip case that houses it all. Even though this is a fall collection item, you can play around with the intensity and certainly rock these shades now. Makeup is mostly season-less in my opinion. While it's true I wouldn't sport a matte gray eye with a plum lip at a 4th of July BBQ, there's a lot of room for seasonal adjustment in this collection. Plus isn't always nice when you're starting the trend instead of following it? 

And hot tip: grays, blues and smoky eyes were ALL over the fall runways, so let's all start a relationship with this eye look immediately.

Pick up now at the Nordstrom website for $60.

Love It or Leave It: Ashley and Kristen's Lightened Locks

Brace yourselves Twi-Hards - Ashley Greene and Kristen Stewart, who both until recently had super dark locks, recently moved over to the light side. I think the one that surprised me the most is definitely Kristen; I never thought she'd lose the whole-inky-black-rocker-chick-I-don't-even-bother-to-shower- that's-how-much-I-don't-care-what-I-look-like-look. Check out Ashley at the Eclipse premiere and Kristen at the Late Show.

I'm totally loving Ashley's sunkissed moment. It's a rich, warm caramel base with strategically placed sunny highlights, especially around the face. I actually thought she looked great with dark hair, but I think this is a nice change for summer.

Before her recent taping of the Late Show, Kristen debuted a new copper hue with a few strawberry blonde highlights. I'm loving the way this shade is unexpected, warms up her skin and just all around makes her look less like a greasy 12 year old boy and more like a sophisticated young starlet.

What do you think? Are you loving or leaving Twilight's lightened ladies?

Test Drive: Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation

Friends, I am all sorts of sick today and feel like I want to die. But since a beauty lover never rests, it's business as usual over here with a review of Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation SPF 15. A good foundation is truly hard to find because you want coverage (why else would you wear foundation) yet you still want your skin to show through, just minus any imperfections. I recently tried Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation SPF 15, so read on for the dish.

The Experience:
Upon first application, I was surprised by how lightweight and clean this foundation felt, especially since it contains SPF 15, which usually ups the greasy feeling factor. But even smoothing it on with fingers, then blending with a foundation brush, there was no shine or heavy feeling in sight. Skin Foundation is basically that elusive foundation that offers real coverage to erase imperfections, yet has an invisibly finish - read - looks like skin and not makeup. It's almost like this makeup has the ability to suss out what you want covered and what you don't. I have a light dusting of freckles on my nose that I actually like, and that showed through, yet the redness on my cheeks was completely blended away. Plus I love that it's a pump so you can always pump out the perfect amount.

The Verdict:
If you're looking for a lightweight, invisible finish foundation that truly covers what you need covered without having that "foundation finish," then Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation SPF 15 is for you. The SPF 15 is a major bonus and skin looks flawless, yet real - no easy feat. Pick up at major department stores or the Bobbi site for $45.

My Favorite Lip Product: the Glostick

Ok, so this isn't a real term, I just made this up now when thinking of a word to marry two things a la Brangelina. I've been having a problem with my lip color lately because I'm so over lip gloss being totally sheer and wearing off after five minutes, yet I'm not in love with the full coverage "hey you're wearing lipstick look" of lipstick. Enter the solution: the Glostick (pronounced like glow-stick). 

A Glostick is a super creamy and moisturizing semi-sheer lipstick with a shiny finish. Luckily fab makeup brands Dior and Clinique make my two favorite Glosticks, and they are everything you've been dreaming of and more.

Dior Addict High Shine Lipstick is a translucent, long lasting lipstick that has a creamy high shine finish. I love this product so much I find myself slathering it on almost like a lip balm. It feels so light and moisturizing, yet delivers real color payoff with a nice shine that isn't overly glossy/tacky. Plus every single shade is completely wearable since the formula is translucent (sheer). Pick up at Sephora for $26.

The name Clinique Color Surge Butter Shine lipstick pretty much says it all. Rich, creamy color, lips drenched in moisture, and a nice natural shine are all what you'll get from this amazing $14 Glostick. Like the Dior, the colors are beyond wearable - if you've ever wanted to try red, berry, coral, Glosticks are the time to do it. Visit the Clinique site to view colors and purchase.

What's your favorite? Gloss, lipstick or Glostick?

Preview: Thierry Mugler Womanity

I'm a girl who's picky about her fragrances, often relying on super fruity scents because that's what I'm most familiar with. Last night I had the pleasure of previewing famed designer Thierry Mugler's newest fragrance, Womanity, and while its notes of fig wood and leaf and caviar certainly took me out of my comfort zone, I found the scent sort of intoxicating, and I kept reaching to smell the fragrance over and over. 

It's part fresh and light, part woodsy and earth, and part ocean-like and feminine, all wrapped up into one. Thierry Mugler Womanity is definitely in its own fragrance category. While Womanity doesn't officially launch until August where it will hit Bloomingdales shelves, those in the know can snag a 10ml. for only $28 by visiting us.boutique.thierrymugler.com 

I also love the packaging, and let's be honest, when it comes to fragrance, we like to display our bottles. There's the juxtaposition of the top of the package with its hard metal ring and chain, housing a really fresh and feminine fragrance. Thierry Mugler is also the first to create the re-fillable bottle, and the outer carton is recyclable, with instructions and details inside to avoid inserts and waste. It's green without sacrificing the luxury we've come to expect from our fragrances.

A 1.0 fl oz. eau de parfum spray retails for $58 (Thierry Mugler's most accessible price point to date, so scoop up the minute it hits shelves).

Also available are 1.7 fl oz and 2.7 fl oz eau de parfum sprays retailing for $78 and $98 respectively, in addition to Perfumed Shower Gel ($40), Perfumed Body Milk (perfect for summer: $45) and Perfumed Body Cream (save for fall/winter $55).

Make sure you visit womanity.com to check out all the great and interactive things going on -including a fabulous contest where you could win a trip to Paris for a week and the opportunity to work with Mr. Mugler himself.

If you're in the market for a truly unique fragrance, make sure to put Thierry Mugler Womanity on your radar.

New tarte Radiant & Rested Luminous Complexion Collection

After a lovely year off pursuing my freelance writing and blogging dreams, I'm back to hustling in the 9-5 real world and it is an A-djustment let me tell you. Even when I didn't have to be up for anything in particular, I still made it a point to wake up at 8am at the latest to work on my book, blog, and any random freelance assignments I had due. But it was nice to know that if I was up or out late, I could have some time to sleep in. Well those days are over and it's been showing all over my face.

Thank the lord someone at tarte is trying to free us of the 9-5 grind (at least in the form of a tired, lackluster appearance) with the new Radiant & Rested Luminous Complexion collection. Each of the five products is meant to brighten, revive, highlight and just get you looking all glamorous and glowy on five minutes of sleep. Also fab to refresh for after work cocktails and look like you went from a nap, to happy hour. 

Mini Natural Cheek Stain in Glisten – An exclusive and limited-edition shade of natural cheek stain infused with the T5 Super Fruit Complex. Huge fan of tarte's existing cheek stains, and this will add a goldeny glow to cheekbones.

EmphasEYES™ Inner Rim Brightener - Seriously, why has this just come out now? It's basically eight hours of sleep in a slim little pencil. Rim inside of lower lash line and inner corners for a bright eyed, well rested look.

Recreate™ Silicone-Free Primer With Wrinkle Rewind™ Technology (0.5 oz) – Launched as part of tarte's summer collection (read about that here) this primer helps to decrease wrinkles by 67%, increase firmness by 47%, and increase moisture by 53% in 15 minutes post-application while smoothing uneven skin and minimizing the appearance of pores. What can't it do?

Smooth Operator™ Illuminating Serum (1.7 oz) – New and only available in this set, this pearly serum can be used to highlight brow bones and cheekbones or mixed with foundation for an all over glow. Brightens and replenishes without that tacky shiny effect. 

Mini Park Ave Princess Mineral Bronzer – Old faithful here; I wear this bronzer everyday. Using a large fluffy brush, dust all around face (sort of like you're making a halo outline), then over eyelids, bride of nose and hollows of cheeks. Bronzed and chiseled in a sec. 

This set isn't available quite yet, but let's all put it on our To Buy list shall we? Click here to purchase once it is in stock.

Check Out the Wella Tour

If you're in the NYC area tomorrow make it a point to stop by the Wella Professional Color Discovery Tour event happening from 11am to 6pm at South Street Seaport, Pier 17 to be exact. You'll see a huge Wella tent - can't miss it. Upon arriving you fill out a brochure detailing your haircolor habits, and then receive a free professional consultation with a colorist from fabulous participating salons including ARROJO studio and Mark Garrison salon. 

You'll also walk away with a coupon for 25% off services from the participating salons and some free samples and goodies. Don't live in NYC? No worries, there's lots of other tour locations - check them out below:

Philadelphia
6/26 - 6/27, 11AM-6PM
Chestnut Hill on the Golden Block
8434 Germantown Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19118

Salons: Blue Hair Studio, Citrus Salon & Spa, Salon Thalia, Salon L'Etoile (locations Manayunk and Jenkintown), Jolie Salon and Day Spa, East End Salon, Richard Nicholas Hair Studio, Lakshmi Hair Studio

 

Washington DC
7/10 - 7/11
 

Miami
7/17 - 7/18
 

Dallas
7/24 - 7/25
 

Chicago
8/7 - 8/8
 

San Francisco
8/14 - 8/15

Los Angeles
8/20 - 8/21

BITNB Elsewhere

Hello lovelies, if you've ever wanted to learn all about beauty beverages check out a recent article I just wrote with benefits, ingredients, recommended brands and lots more info. Click here to read up, then drink yourself gorgeous.

Test Drive: Pantene Solutions

For years Pantene has been winning magazine reader's choice awards so obviously the masses love it, but I've always been sort of eh about the products. That is, until the brand unveiled its new Solutions collection; various lines of shampoos, conditioners and styling products developed specifically for hair types. 

It always blew my mind that shampoos and conditioners only catered to one hair type - as if hair couldn't be color treated, fine and frizz prone all at the same time. I used to stand in the drugstore forever, debating on which formula I should choose, ultimately creating my own collection of shampoo for color treated hair, conditioner for fine hair, and smoothing serum for frizz prone hair. 

The new Pantene Solutions collection does away with all that by creating lines developed for hair texture, and then within those lines, customized products for specific concerns. For example, within the Medium to Thick collection there are sub-collections such as Frizzy to Smooth, Dry to Moisturized, Breakage to Strength and Flat to Volume. Total genius! So all you have to do is pick your hair type: Color, Fine, Medium to Thick or Curly and then pick the appropriate collection for your hair concerns. Fine haired girls can now have moisturizing shampoos and conditioners that won't weigh hair down, color treated hair can now have a formula for shine. 

I was having a major case of flat hair lately due to the humidity and soft water, so I tried the Flat to Volume shampoo and it gave me lasting volume, without stripping my hair dry. Totally in love. Visit the Pantene website to peruse the collections and pick the right one for you.

Beauty Crush: Bare Escentuals Mineral Veil

I know I gush about Bare Escentuals a lot, but that's because it's just so damn good. Any company that can develop a finishing powder that makes its way into Beauty Crush status is doing something right. Bare Escentuals Mineral Veil is basically a colorless powder that you use as the last step in your foundation routine for a soft focus, flawless airbrushed finish. 

I love this stuff so much I just want to bathe in it. Even if I'm testing out other foundations, I still use Mineral Veil as my powder du jour. Even if you don't wear foundation, this is still a must for anyone who wants to look like they have a soft focus camera lens following them around. 

Mineral Veil now has four varieties, so it's easy to choose the right one for you:

Illuminating - perfect for a shimmery moment, or to take the edge off bareMinerals Matte

Hydrating - if you have dry skin, this will quench it and leave a nice sheen behind

Original - can't go wrong with old faithful

Tinted - a tint of warmth for tanner skins or during summer

Pick up your fave formula at Sephora for $19.

Travel in Style This Summer

One of the things I love about summer is that you don't have to jet off to some exotic locale to feel like you're on vacation, you can just pack up your bags and head to the beach. Whether your beach is a lake, the Hamptons or ahem, the Jersey shore, a relaxing getaway can be just a car ride away. The only downside? The accommodations usually end up being less oceanfront villa, more air mattress on floor of friend's parent's shore house. Not to mention no fancy hotel toiletries. 

Instead of packing your full sized goods (space is usually limited in these scenarios) or getting mismatched odds and ends in your grocery store travel section (I can't think of anything worse), why not pick up an everything you need travel kit? Enter the bliss Sink Side Six Pack.

This literally contains every single thing you need, and if it gets my seal of approval, you know it's good because I'm one of those people that brings 80 products for an overnight trip. Included are: lemon + sage body butter, soapy sap, supershine shampoo, conditioning rinse, soap and fabulous foaming face wash. These are best-selling bliss products friends, and the 1oz. sizes will last you several weekend getaways. Not to mention they come housed in their own waterproof tote. At $25 it's a total must. In fact, buy several. Click here for more info/to buy.

Why Don't You Try...Brown Mascara

Years ago before I saw the beauty light, I would have died at the thought of using brown, or black/brown mascara. I used to find the most blackety black black formula and put on about 12 coats until one time I went to the drugstore and they were out of my beloved Revlon 3D Extreme in Blackest Black, they didn't even have regular old Black, so I bit the bullet and bought the Black/Brown. 

When I put it on I was surprised to find that black/brown is totally warm, flattering and perfect for daytime. Instead of the usual carbon black shade, my lashes were enveloped in a chocolately veil (ok maybe I'm getting carried away here but I was surprised how defined, yet natural they looked). So if you've never considered black/brown mascara before, have an open mind and check out my two picks below.

Of course Revlon 3D Extreme makes the list. I can't believe this mascara doesn't get more buzz; it's hands down the best I've ever used. It creates major volume, length, curl - it truly does it all. If you like major lash, run to the drugstore and pick this up! It tops every mascara I've ever used, and I've used them all.

For major length and a natural fullness, try Maybelline Lash Stiletto Voluptuous in brownish black. The long brush creates amazing length, subtle volume, plus I love the shiny patent finish it leaves behind.

Each is available at drugstores for under $10. If I can make on recommendation, it's to never pay insane prices for mascara. I've yet to find a high end mascara that is any better than the $10 ones from the drugstore.

Steal/Splurge: Blotting Powder

Since during the summer months even dry skinned girls can get shiny, blotting powder is a quick way to degrease anytime, anywhere. Since repeated re-powdering can sometimes lead to makeup caking up, the key is in the application. Take a puff, wipe over powder, and instead of wiping all over your face, blot only on shiny areas, then dust off excess with a large fluffy brush. Check out my two favorite de-greasing powders, at steal/splurge prices. 

Steal: CoverGirl Clean Pressed Powder Oil Control is super lightweight, banishes every last trace of shine, and keeps it from coming back for hours. Plus it's a total steal at around $5. Take note of the new, updated compact; it's definitely more modern and sleek.

Splurge: If your budget allows for a little more, you can't beat MAC Blot Powder because it sets foundation and completely mattes out shine, all without adding any noticeable color or texture. You can apply this 20 times a day and it won't cake up.

Test Drive: Avon Anew Clinical Luminosity Pro Brightening Serum

I've tried a lot of brightening serums in my almost 28 years my friends, and I'll let you in on a secret, not a lot of them work. From my days as a reckless youth sunning myself without abandon, I've incurred some slight sun damage, and the uneven skin tone and texture that usually happens to all of us as we get a little older. I've been seeing the commercials on TV for Avon's new Anew Clinical Luminosity Pro Brightening Serum and I was intrigued by all of the injectable-grade brightener talk, so I was so excited to have the opportunity to try it out for myself. Friends, it's only been day three of use, but I am already in love. Here's why:

The Experience:
First, I love the fact that you only have to put this on once a day, at night, and you get amazing results. I was using a skin brightener that required morning and evening use, and I have a strict morning routine that I cringe at the thought of changing, so right off the bat, I was happy. The texture is great; it's a smooth gel that somehow feels silky and hydrating, and not all drying and gel-like. It did have a little bit of a tingle, nothing unbearable, but then I read the package and it said to wait 15 minutes after cleansing your face to apply if you experience a tingle. I woke up the next morning and thought wow! I can tell a difference already! One time people, no joke. And now that I'm on day three, it's only gotten better. Expect to see an overall skin brightness and clarity (the epitome of youth!), smooth texture and a reduction in fine lines.

The Verdict:
If you're looking for brighter, smoother skin and a product that truly delivers on its claims, scoop up Anew Clinical Luminosity Pro. You will not be disappointed, especially since it's only $54 for such fancy science like Anti-Dark Spot Helix with injectable-grade L'Aspartic Acid. Plus I love the cool packaging with the clear gel surrounding the helix. If you're not in a long term relationship with an Avon lady, click here to find one in your nabe. 

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

Pureology Launches Monthly Sample Giveaway

While I am a huge Pureology fan, I'll admit the price can sometimes be a little out of one's budget. But, with that being said, I always say I'd rather pay $25 and up for something that works, than $5 for something that doesn't. And Pureology, my friends, is an investment of the necessary kind if you color your hair and need a high quality, sulfate-free, vegan, luxurious shampoo and conditioner that keeps hair color in tact. Looking for a way to try before you buy? You're in luck with the brand's new monthly sample giveaway program.
 

Each month, a different category of hair products will be featured on the Pureology website, beginning with Pureology hair treatments in June! 

All you have to do is visit: http://pureology.com/discover/treatments.aspx and enter to win one of the following miniature products of your choice:

    * SuperSmooth Smoothing Elixir - Reparative treatment silkens, replenishes and smoothes highly sensitized, chemically-treated hair, and intensify natural shine while protecting colour vibrancy.

    * SuperSmooth Relaxing Serum - Lightweight serum smoothes flyaways and unruly hair as you blow dry, and intensifies natural shine while protecting colour vibrancy.

    * SuperSmooth Smoothing Cream - Deep nourishing styling cream that helps control frizz and unruly volume, and intensifies natural shine while protecting colour vibrancy.

    * EssentialRepair Split End Correcting Treatment - Intensively nourish distressed hair and seal split ends while protecting colour vibrancy.  Delivers high-performance thermal protection and defense against split ends from mid-length to ends.

    * EssentialRepair Instant Repair - Reinforce distressed hair and fortify against damage while protecting colour vibrancy.  Lightweight leave-in conditioner renews strength and manageability.

    * EssentialRepair Colour Max - Fortify and help repair distressed hair while delivering extra colour protection and radiant shine.  Lightweight spray contains UV filters to help defend against colour-fading and free radical damage.

What are you waiting for? Log on and win yourself some Pureology!

Beat the Heat with tarte

It has been all sorts of humid lately, and I don't know about you, but it is showing all over my face in the form of shine and makeup lasting about 5 minutes. tarte cosmetics has your summertime makeup solution in the form of a new collection of waterproof, smudgeproof makeup. 

The collection includes:

emphasEYES™ waterproof clay eye shadow & liner pot: Available in five shades: bronze, black, indigo, plum, and brown. This liner is infused with Amazonian white clay and contains a natural waterproofing agent. It also comes with a double ended brush for flawless application.

Park Avenue Princess bronzer is such a fantastic shade - not too muddy/orange/looks natural, and this new version is matte and waterproof, just what the doctor ordered for maintaining a non-greasy summer glow. Shimmer on sweaty skin is bad news so unless you're super dry, this bronzer is perfect for the summer. 

multiplEYE ™ natural lash enhancing waterproof mascara is infused with a proprietary peptide that stimulates lashes to help boost length and strength. This is “step 3” in the multiplEYE regimen. Waterproof mascara is an absolute must for the summer; totally worth having to jackhammer it off at the end of the day.

ReCreate™ silicone-free primer with Wrinkle Rewind™ technology is perfect for sensitive, oily skin types because it's free of silicone, features anti-agers built in and helps boost moisture content. Plus it keeps makeup in place all day - what more could you ask for from your primer!?

Also, three new shades of 24/7 lip sheer (a fave product of mine for the perfect pop of color when you aren't looking for a full coverage lipstick moment. The new shades are Sunday (shimmery pink) Dawn (shimmering golden nude) and Twilight (shimmering peach nude).

Everything is available now at the tarte website.

Choose Your Self Tanner Wisely

I just read a startling little blurb in the current issue of Allure, on newsstands now. So everyone has been preaching for years to not tan and use self tanner to get a golden glow to avoid skin damage. Well, as it turns out, a new study shows that dihydroxyacetone, or DHA for short, can cause increased free radicals, which leads to skin damage. 

The problem here? DHA is the active ingredient in basically ALL self tanners because it's what turns your skin tan! The first thing I thought when I read this was you're damned if you do and you're damned if you don't. Can't a girl just get a safe tan anymore?

Fret not, there's a fairly simple solution to this major problem. Look for a formula that contains antioxidants that fight free radical damage, such as green tea, vitamin C or acai berry. Two self tanners I've talked about here contain antioxidants: Mystic Tan Sunless Tanning Lotion and Kardashian Glamour Tan. All the more reason to scoop these two up! A budget-friendly drugstore option is new Jergens Natural Glow Revitalizing Daily Moisturizer, which contains antioxidants and vitamin E.

Beauty Crush: Benefit Big Beautiful Eyes

I have the distinct pleasure of having a younger sister who is the manager of a major beauty retail store so she gets a lot of ahem, freebies, and I love trying them out whenever we're both visiting our hometown. I make it a habit to scour through her makeup bag whenever I'm getting ready to see if there's a fab new product I need to try out and I found an amazing eye palette: Benefit Big Beautiful Eyes.

Not only does this contain everything you need to create a finished eye look (shadow, contour, liner) but it also has Benefit's boi-ing industrial strength concealer to cover up those dark circles. Plus, a step-by-step guide to creating - none other than big beautiful eyes - is included. I love that the shimmery taupey pink base shade and cocoa shimmer contour shade are different from my usual bronze routine, while still being neutral. The shades bring out every eye color for a defined, polished look without the whole obvious eye makeup thing. Plus it's a total steal at $32 for everything that's included. Click here to buy/more info.

Sun and Sunburn

Friends, I got the worst sunburn this weekend, and I can almost see the look of disgust on the faces of all the derms that I've spoken with over the years that have drilled it into my head to religiously apply SPF. And I did, SPF 15 to be exact. I even reapplied. But I guess I underestimated the strength of the sun on that lovely Sunday afternoon where I spent four hours on the beach. 

It was one of those days where you feel as though you're getting no color at all and then all of the sudden you notice you're turning a little pink, which will then in turn be lobster red later, but it's already too late to do anything by that point because the damage is done. My skin is itchy, sensitive and just all around feels really uncomfortable. Since I've had more burns than I care to admit, check out my tips for soothing them below:

Wear loose fitting, cotton clothing. Most fabrics will feel like sandpaper against raw, sunburned skin, so stick to lightweight cotton dresses if possible. And avoid denim at all costs. 

Do NOT put on moisturizer, even the kind for sensitive skin. I will never understand why when someone gets sunburned they have the urge to slather themselves in thick moisturizer. It traps the heat people! It will make you feel ten times worse.

There are tons of fancy after sun products out there, but nothing beats plain old aloe vera gel. My fave is Banana Boat Aloe After Sun Gel because it's incredibly soothing, can be applied head to toe, is cheap and effective. Keep it refrigerated for true relief from the burn. 

And next time, I'm wearing at least a 30.