I generally save bronzer for the summer months to give myself a sun-kissed glow, but about a month ago my complexion was looking a few shades lighter than pasty (thanks to the never-ending sunless days here in the wonderful Pacific Northwest), so I decided to sweep on my newly purchased Tarte Mineral Powder Bronzer that I had bought for my March trip to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.

I walked into work that day, and one of my favorite co-workers (Hi, Barb!) stopped me to compliment me on my glow…then she added, “are you pregnant?”.  No, no…sorry family, not pregnant, but I was very pleased that just a few sweeps of bronzer could give me that pregnancy…uh, I mean, sun-kissed glow.

There are endless reasons why I love Tarte’s Mineral Bronzer, so I’ll start listing them: 

• paraben free
• sulfate free
• free of synthetic fragrances
• free of Petro-Chemicals
• free of Phthalates
• cruelty free
• fragrance free
• talc free (talc=clogged pores)

And if all that wasn’t enough, it’s loaded with skin-loving ingredients such as:  minerals that soothe and soften, vitamin A for some antioxidant action (see ya, free radicals!), which also promotes collagen production that can aid in diminishing fine lines and wrinkles, vitamin C, which also prevents free radical damage and premature aging all while brightening skin, and it contains vitamin E, which acts as an anti-inflammatory and helps prevent free radicals.

If this all wasn’t enough, the bronzer also gives you a beautiful, sun-kissed glow, with the slightest bit of golden sheen (not to be confused with glitter).  The bronzer comes in two-shades:  Park Ave. Princess (light yellow gold) which is perfect for fair skin-to light/medium tones (this is the shade I selected), and it comes in Hotel Heiress (deep bronze), which works best for medium/olive/dark skin tones.

Park Ave Princess

Hotel Heiress

I am so happy I found this bronzer, not only does it give me a wonderful glow (which is what a bronzer should do…stay away from orange tones, people!!), but it also has good for your skin ingredients, and hello, it’s good for the environment as well.  In the beauty world, we call that a triple threat.

(First off, yes, I know…it’s been awhile…don’t make things worse by making me feel guilty.)

As much as I love cosmetics, I have to say I’m pretty smitten with skincare.  I love researching new products, trying them out, discovering what works, and what I probably shouldn’t have wasted my money on.  Lately, I’ve been on a bit of a natural kick.  By no means do I buy all my skincare needs at Whole Foods, but I do try to use natural and less harsh ingredients when I can. 

One natural product that has been on my radar lately, is Argan Oil.  It first caught my attention after psudo-model, Josie Maran started her own natural cosmetic company, and used Argan oil as an ingredient in many of her  products.  The JM line even sells bottles of the stuff in pure form, which ranges from $14 for a 15 ml bottle all the way up to $96 for a 4 oz bottle.  But, it didn’t truly catch my attention until a few weeks ago when I went on a business trip with my husband to Long Beach.  Here we were, cozied up in our separate beds (wonderful room, very small double beds) watching Josie Maran on HSN selling her Argan oil and Argan Color Sticks to America.  While I feel I was more consumed watching Josie and her models  frequently rub the oil  all over their  lips, cheeks, elbows, hands, etc with the grace and movement of a Price Is Right model, my interest did peak about the product.  So, when I got home I started my investigation.

I started at her website, then quickly sashayed over to Sephora to find out what the people thought (Sephora has great reviews).  JM’s Aragan oil got almost all 5 stars with most people loving it.  I know a bunch of you might be reading this and thinking, “okay, okay, what the heck is so great about argan oil?”…well, you’re right, let me fill you in.  Argan oil is extracted from Argan trees which grow in Morocco and it’s basically supposed to be a beauty miracle worker, curing/helping/preventing such things as acne, wrinkles, stretch-marks, split ends, eczema, psoriasis, scars, etc.  People use it on their face, on dry skin, they put it on their hair for softness, and mix it into lotions, conditioners…I mean, the list really does go on.

Even with all the raving reviews, I was still very leery about the price tag, because a 1.7 oz bottle was going to set me back $48. ouch.  So, me being a bargainista, I started doing some research and it didn’t take me very long to find an equally wonderful product, with the same raving reviews, but for A LOT cheaper.  Josie Maran Argan Oil, meet Watts Moroccan Oil.  JM’s oil is: 100% argan oil, organic, cold-pressed, free of parabens, vegan, fair-trade, and is made by a women’s co-op in Morocco, which helps to build jobs for women.  Sounds, wonderful, right…the high price tag might be making more sense, but wait.  Watts oil is:  100% argan oil, organic, cold-pressed, free of parabens, vegan, fair-trade, and is made by a women’s co-op in Morocco, which helps to build jobs for women.  And, what’s more, the jumbo 4 oz bottle is only $36.45 compared to JM’s 4 oz bottle at $96.  Fancy model, higher price tag.  Not so fancy bottle, lower price tag.  I’ll take the not-so-fancy bottle, please.

I ended up paying $18 total for my 1 oz bottle of Watts Moroccan oil, tax/shipping included in that price.  I’ve been using the product for a week now and so far I really like the product.  At night, I’ve been putting about 3-4 drops on my face and letting it sink in for a few hours before I apply my night-time retinol (Roc) at bedtime.  For the first time this weekend, I’ve applied it to my morning moisturizer and it gives my skin a nice glow (my husband even said my skin looked glowing without having to probe him first).  I’ve even applied it to my ends hoping my split ends might magically disappear.

Now, I can’t say that I will never have acne again, or that I will now forever look like a 28 year old.  But, I can say that my skin is very soft, I like the natural ingredients, and I do hope to see some long-term results.  I’m also pretty thrilled that I didn’t let Ms. Maran pull a fast one over me…and you shouldn’t either.

Vaseline (aka petroleum jelly) is one of those products that you probably have hanging around in your bathroom somewhere, but do you really use it…or for that matter, do you even know what to use it for?  I like to think of it as the WD-40 of beauty products…the possibilities are endless.  Below are a few of my favorite uses for Vaseline.

1.  Eye Makeup Remover:  Apply Vaseline on a soft tissue or cotton pad and gently swipe over your (closed) eye lids to remove makeup and soften skin.  This trick is particularly great for removing stubborn mascara and fake lashes…gentle and effective.

2.  Cuticle Softener:  Rub Vaseline on cuticles to help soften and repair.  You can also do this trick before painting your nails.  Just apply the Vaseline around your nails, take a little nail polish remover to remove any excess from your actual nail…and after you polish, you are left with nice, neat nails.

3.  Lip Smoother:  Smooth Vaseline onto lips, then gently scrub lips with a toothbrush or damp wash cloth.  Voilà!  Your lips are now smooth and soft.

4.  Rough Patch Resolver:  I like to do this one before going to bed…just smooth Vaseline onto feet, massage in, and apply your favorite aloe socks (normal socks works too).  When you wake up your feet will be smoother and more hydrated.  For even greater hydration, use Vaseline on feet first, then apply your favorite foot moisturizer over the Vaseline layer and rub in!

5.  Nix Lipstick Teeth:  This is an old beauty pageant trick.  When wearing bright shades of lipstick, always apply a thin layer of Vaseline to teeth to prevent the tragic lipstick to teeth transfer.

6.  Create a Tinted Balm:  This is a great idea to make your wallet stretch.  Just mix a bit of Vaseline with your favorite lipstick to create a healthy-looking tinted balm for your lips and you can even use it on your cheeks!

7.  Dewy Lids:  This is probably one of my favorite uses.  To create a dewy look (which is perfect for summer) just apply your favorite eye shadow as you normally would, then sweep a thin layer of Vaseline over your lids to give them a creamy glow.

8.  Body Scrub:  Mix Vaseline with sea salts for a softening hand, foot, or body scrub!

9.  Facial Moisturizer:  For those of you with really dry skin, you can use Vaseline as a facial moisturizer.  Just apply to damp skin after cleansing.

10.  Protect Your Hairline:  If you color your hair at home, apply Vaseline to your hair line to prevent the dye from staining your skin.

11.  Groomed Brows:  Just a touch of Vaseline keeps your brows in place all day.

12.  Sensitive Shaver:  Use Vaseline on “sensitive areas” when shaving for added protection.

With Vaseline, the uses are endless…and with a price tag of around $2.99, you really can’t go wrong.  Do you have an amazing use for Vaseline?  Please feel free to share in the comment section!

One of my favorite indulgences is shoes.  I love everything from flats to heels…the only problem is breaking them in and wearing them for extended periods of time.

In the past I have worn shoes that have smooshed my tootsies and rubbed blisters on the back of my heels.  Ouch.  These kinds of beatings would end up forcing me to stow away my most fabulous shoes, but now I can walk out in style thanks to Polly foot primer-a miracle product that you need in your purse at all times.

Polly Foot Primer is all-natural and made specifically for women to prevent friction between you and your must-have shoes.  Polly goes on clear, is fragrance free, and will not stain your shoes.  It can turn your stilletos from a 2 hour wear to a 6 hour wear.  It’s also made with organic ingredients like aloe vera and grapeseed oil, leaving your skin soft and smooth.  The packaging is also 100% recyclable, so you will never have to feel guilty about not hurting in your shoes.

I had the opportunity to try out Polly for myself and I put it to the test right away with a particularly naughty pair of flats.  These two-cute-for-words flats had been giving me trouble for weeks, no matter how much I tried to break them in.  I would go home at the end of the day walking like an 80 year old women and my stash of Hello Kitty band-aids were running low, thanks to the raw heels these shoes left me with.  But, this massacre soon ended when I enlisted Polly.  I applied the invisible balm to my heel area before slipping on my flats.  After about two hours of being on my feet, I felt completely fine.  During my lunch break, I decided to apply another layer just in case, and by the end of the day I had successfully worn my flats without wincing once.  Polly is now a staple in my purse, for those pesky flats, and for any new shoes that my feet might encounter.   

Polly Foot Primer is so awesome in fact that the June issue of Marie Claire magazine named it the must-have product of the month…but, I personally think it’s a must-have product year around.  To find out more about Polly and to find out where you can buy, visit their website.

If you are as obsessed with lip balm as me, than this is the contest for you!

Up for grabs is a ton of beauty loot from Softlips new PURE line (and I’m talking about a bunch:  lip balm, lip polish, lip gloss…enough to last you and your bff for a year!) and some essentials, such as Certain Dri anti-perspirant (read my original post on this amazing product here). 

I was lucky enough to get to try out the products myself, and while it was hard to pick, here are a few of my favorites:

Softlips PURE Peppermint lip balm:  leaves your lips feeling tingling clean!

Softlips Organic Coconut and Sugar exfoliating lip polish:  This had to be my favorite.  I loved the smell and it left my lips smooth and soft!

Softlips PURE Coral Charm lip tint:  This gave my lips a sheer wash of color, while keeping them kissably soft.

Softlips PURE Shell Pink lip gloss:  I loved how this gloss gave me shine with a beautiful hint of pink…without leaving my lips feeling tacky.

Another great thing about these products?  Most are 95-100% organic and many contain SPF 15 as well!  One lucky winner will get all the products I mentioned above and much, much more!  Make sure to enter to win before Tuesday (US Residents only), June 22nd at midnight (EST)…and if you do win, make sure to share (you’ll want to, I promise)!

To find out more about the giveaway items please check out their Facebook pages:

www.facebook.com/softlips

www.facebook.com/healthymouth

www.facebook.com/certaindri

When it comes to protecting your skin, there isn’t such a thing as too much of a good thing.  Physician’s Formula new line, Healthy Wear, is proof of that…and I like it, I like it a lot.

I stumbled upon the new Healthy Wear line about a month ago when I was researching tinted moisturizers.  I haven’t been a big fan of tinted moisturizers in the past, partially because I have less than flawless skin and tinted moisturizers aren’t known for their great coverage.  But, I do love the ease of using them, and with a little help of good concealer and bronzer, the results are good enough to make me walk out in public.  Wait, did I just go off on a tangent?

Okay, back to Healthy Wear.  So, I came across it when I was doing a little online research and as if the eye-catching packaging wasn’t enough to catch my attention…the words ‘SPF 50′ and ‘broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection’ certaintly stopped me in my tracks.  I read a few reviews, liked what I read, and decided to take the plunge and form my own opinions.

The very next day I stopped by my local drugstore to purchase the tinted moisturizer, hoping that they would have a bogo or at least a buy one, get one 50% off (I also secretly wanted the bronzer that was a part of the Healthy Wear collection).  Now, I’m not what you’d call lucky…but that day, I was because they were selling sets for the price of one.  So, I ended up walking out with two tinted-moisturizers for the price of one.  I opted out of the bronzer, deciding I shouldn’t go overboard with the collection, just in case I hated it.

Before I give you the rundown, I will note that I had read from several reviews online that the tinted moisturizers ran dark, which was good to know because it’s usually a good rule of thumb to buy a shade darker in tinted moisturizers due to being slightly darker in the summer months and for extra coverage.  Because of the reviews I read on the dark tint, I decided to go for their lightest shade, Ivory to Fair, and I’m so glad I did, because as soon as I pumped out the product, I was a little shocked by the dark color and was actually thinking it might be too dark.  Alas, it was not too dark and it blended into my skin effortlessly.  I was also super pleased with how sheer the color was, but also how well it seemed to cover.  I barely used any concealer; I ended up only applying it under my eyes and to a few spots around my face.  I set the tinted moisturizer with another new favorite product of mine, also by Physician’s Formula (yay for PF!)…but, that will be for a later post, and then continued with my usual makeup routine…eyes and blush.

Overall, I cannot say one bad thing about this product.  I’ve actually used it a ton, and I’m not talking about running to the grocery store either.  I could really see myself wearing this all summer, because the coverage is that good.  It’s by no means a foundation, but it’s not whimpy like over tinted moisturizers.  One word of advice though, to avoid a line around your jaw, make sure you blend!  Blend, blend, blend…always.

My love for this product doesn’t end there, because it also contains mineral based ingredients which helps to prevent greasiness.  Another bonus is the tomato derivatives and licorice extract, which helps to restore, brighten, and diminish the look of sun spots.  And, hello!  It has SPF 50…I can’t think of a similar product at this price point (or higher for that matter) that even comes close to that protection…and if the $14 price tag doesn’t win you over, I don’t know what will.

So get yourself to a drugstore stat and purchase this product…and if you’re lucky enough to come across a bogo, stock up.  I promise, this will be a summer staple!

I have been really good about moisturizing my skin everyday, which in turn gives me the chance to try out different moisturizers.  I’ve tried everything from Aveeno to Jergens and while they’ve all moisturized, some didn’t leave me feeling moisturized all day and others left me feeling greasy.

I thought my quest was over the other day when I ran upon Eucerin Plus Smoothing Essentials moisturizer.  Eucerin claimed it was fast-absorbing and would keep your skin silky smooth all day without the greasy feel, not to mention it was recommended by dermatologist, something I’m a sucker for.  I was in. 

The very next day I had to try this moisturizer out, even though I hadn’t quite ran out of my other bottle.  My excitement quickly faded away.  After ten minutes had past, my skin still felt as if I had just applied the lotion…half an hour later I was struggling to pull my jeans on thanks to my slippery skin.  Uh-huh, non-greasy and fast-absorbent.

Am I going to throw this stuff out?  No.  But, will I buy it again?  Not a chance.  The thing is, this lotion has a lot going for it.  It has AHA (alpha hydroxy acids) which exfoliates skin making it smoother and softer, it moisturizes all day, and about three hours later skin feels pretty freaking soft…and hello, it’s recommended by dermatologist!  But, I have to say booooooo to Eucerin for boasting a non-greasy/fast absorbing lotion that as anything but.  I’m generally a fan of Eucerin products, but this one did not take the cake for me.

If you’re like me, you probably love The Body Shop.  Not only do they have amazing products, but they are also made with Community Trade ingredients.  What’s not to love?  Well, here’s one more thing for you…

…back by popular demand, The Body Shop has decided to re-launch your favorite products from the 80′s!  Yep, Dewberry and Fuzzy Peach are back.  How could it get any better?  Well, now the Originals Collection includes Community Trade ingredients such as honey from Zambia, aloe vera from Guatemala and shea butter from Ghana, just to name a few.

I was super excited to hear about the new launch and even more excited when I found out The Body Shop was sending me the entire collection to try out!  My shower’s capacity has officially been reached.  While I’m not usually one to share, I have decided to send one lucky reader a product from the collection.  Make sure you check back this week to see what’s up for grabs and to enter to win!

I cannot wait to try out all the products to review, but if you’re itching to try the products out yourself, check out the entire collection here.  You can take your pick from Banana shampoo, Green Apple bath and shower gel, Carrot moisture cream, and many, many more…and right now the collection is priced at 3 for $20, so there is no reason not to stock up.

The 80′s are officially back…but only for a limited time.

…on a beer budget.

Just because the economy is a little lackluster these days, doesn’t mean you want to be.  But, let’s face it, times are tough and sometimes it’s hard to justify or stomach that $50 eye cream.  So, I have compiled a splurge vs. steal list for all you bargainistas out there in search for comparable beauty products that won’t compromise your beauty routine.

The Splurge:  Benetint-the cult classic rose tinted lip and cheek stain.

The Steal:  Sonia Kashuk Lip and Cheek tint- same tint, same results…but for $20 cheaper.  You be the judge.

The Splurge:  Wen Haircare-  This cleansing conditioner is a favorite of celebrities and housewives alike…but a 30-day supply will set you back $30.

The Steal:  Hair One-  At $10 a bottle and an overwhelming amount of positive reviews from people who have tried both Wen and Hair One, the question is why would you opt for the splurge?

The Splurge:  DiorShow Mascara-  Ah, another cult favorite…and a favorite of mine for several years.  But, now with so many amazing drugstore formulas I can’t believe I coughed up $24 every other month for a tube of mascara.

The Steal:  Covergirl LashBlast Mascara-  I’ve been using the Luxe version of this mascara (Luxe has shimmer) for several months and I have not once missed my DiorShow.  This mascara lengthens and volumizes…only difference is it’s at a fraction of the cost.

The Splurge:  Bliss Fatgirlslim-  I love Bliss products and fatgirlslim is one to love.  It does what it promises, which is smoothing the appearance of dimpled areas, but it does so at a cost…of $29 for a 6 oz tub!

The Steal:  Soap & Glory Slimwear-  You’ll get the same amazing results, but for half the cost and some  extra change.  Know what I really love?  The fact that Soap & Glory was created by Marcia Kilgore, the founder of Bliss.  How’s that for a comparable?

Substituting a splurge for a steal doesn’t have to be painful.  Think of all the money you’re going to save for that new handbag…um, I mean for that savings account you’re going to start!

For some, shopping for stocking stuffers means grabbing an old apple and orange out of the fruit bowl, stealing a candy cane from the Christmas tree and throwing in a few pieces of chocolate left over from Halloween.  That doesn’t fly for this girl.

I think some of the best gifts can be found in a stocking…many times because the smallest gifts are the most expensive, but that’s another blog.  No, I’m thinking a little more budget friendly here…that’s right, beauty products, my bread and butter.  And don’t worry guys, you won’t be left out of the occasion, we’ve got some treats for you too.  So here it is, my list for the best stocking stuffers for 2009…and beyond!!

To:  Your Favorite Teenager-  How could anyone under (or over) the age of 18 resist this ridiculously fou fou palette by Too Faced?  The French and Fabulous palette includes six wonderful shimmery eyeshadows (the black can moonlight as an eye liner), a dual bronzer, as well as a cheetah print highlighter.  Me personally, I’m a sucker for the Marie Antoinette packaging.

 To:  Your BFF-  She’s been there as you vented about your boyfriend problems, she’s helped you decide which pair of black pumps make your legs look longer,  and she never makes you feel guilty when you cancel on the gym.  So, why not give her a gift that tells her know how amazing she actually is?  Philosophy’s Amazing Grace mini collection will do just that with their 3-1 shampoo, bath and shower gel, fragrance and body butter.  Give your bestie some much deserved “me” time.

To:  Your Mom-  This isn’t your mama’s cold cream…oh no, it’s Egyptian Magic all purpose skin cream.  Use this cream on your face, hands, body; anywhere that you want gorgeous skin.  Made from all natural ingredients from only living plants and organisms, this cream will leave your mom looking not a day over ______ (I’ll allow you to fill in that blank).  Buy two, you’ll want one too.

To:  Your Girlfriend or Wife (but not both)- Guys, how many times have you been stuck at a fragrance counter trying to figure out which fragrance suits your significant other the best?  Well fret no more!  Sephora has made life easier with their Deluxe Fragrance Sampler.  $50 will set you up with 12 deluxe samples of Sephora’s best selling fragrances (which include Juicy Couture Viva La Juicy and Michael Kors Very Hollywood, among others) that your lady can sniff and try on until she finds one that she likes best.  Once she decides on a match, she turns in the fragrance certificate that comes with the box and voilà she smells great and you’re an instant gift giver genius!

To:  Your Brother-in-law-  That shriveled bar of Irish Spring that he’s been using to wash his face, body, and oh my, hair for the last 10 years just isn’t going to cut it any longer.  Get him spruced up and looking good with Anthony Logistics for Men A Clean Start Kit.  The kit includes everything he needs to cleanse, exfoliate, prep, shave, and even soothe.  Now, if you could just work on that wardrobe…

To:  Your Main Man-  What guy doesn’t like a clean, close shave?  The Art of Shaving’s ‘The 4 Elements of the Perfect Shave‘ will help make this tedious task a little easier.  The kit includes everything he needs to achieve a close shave, minus the ingrown hairs, nicks, and razor burn.  Plus, your guy will love the fancy shave brush…all he’ll be missing is a hot towel.

So, put a little thought into those stocking stuffers this year…or one of your Hanukkah presents or if you celebrate Festivus…hmmmm, maybe not…those are typically grievances.  Either way, happy holidays and don’t be a lame gift-giver!