beauty biz – Food for the Skin

Product Review: Weleda Skin Foodweleda1 has been proven as a secret weapon against dry skin.

What the product claims to do:

It’s a unique, ultra-rich whole-body cream that deeply hydrates, restores and protects your skin. This product helps maintain skin’s natural balance thanks to its potent plant extracts. It moisturizes and soothes skin all over the body, especially dry areas like knees, elbows and feet. I’ve even used it on my face at times.

What I liked about this product:

Loved the indulgent moisture this deeply hydrating natural cream (there’s a lotion too) provides and the smell.

I would recommend this product for:

women who are natural product junkies. It feels great knowing that your lotion is made up of safe ingredients! Also, anyone who needs a deep hydrating formula for their dry skin.

What’s in it?

Stubborn dryness on elbows, hands and feet are moisturized and conditioned with the essential fatty acids and vitamin E in organic sunflower seed oil. Organic pansy is known for its mild antiseptic properties that calm dry irritation. Soothing rosemary leaf extract’s mild antiseptic properties and the anti-inflammatory properties of organic calendula flower extract gently nourish and care for your skin. Deeply moisturized and protected, your skin looks soft and supple with a healthy glow. It’s your recommended daily allowance of radiance, and it’s just what you and your skin are craving. weledapansyextractKey Ingredient Pansy (Viola Tricolor) Extract

But is it really POSH enough for her?

She may be a well-known devotee of facials made from sheep placenta and gold flakes and be the proud owner of one of the largest Hermes bag collections, but Victoria Beckham has proven she’s a down-to-earth girl at heart with her latest revelation.  The former Spice Girl, known for her immaculate style and beauty look, has revealed one of her secret beauty weapons; Skin Food by Weleda.

Adele, Alexa Chung, Rihanna, Peaches (and cream?) Geldof, Helena Christiensen, and Erin O’Connor are also fans of the bargain beauty product.

  • Adele explained her reason for using the product. She said: ‘Because I wear a lot of makeup when I’m working, I like to use Skin Food by Weleda because it makes my skin feel really replenished.’   This part taken from the Daily Mail U.K.

because people like to know who else, besides me is using the products I recommend.

beauty biz – Rose Day Cream = LOVE

What’s in a name?  That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet – Romeo and Juliet ( Juliet argues that the names of things do not matter, only what things “are”).rose1

Product Review – Dr. Hauschka Rose Day Cream 

I’ve used the cleansing milk and now I’m addicted to this product.  It smells like……roses!

Soothes and protects

A rich, luxurious daily moisturizer. Soothing rose ingredients nurture and renew sensitive, dry and weather-damaged skin. Protects skin against dryness and soothes red, irritated skin and couperose.

  • Protects the delicate outer layer of the skin against dryness and irritation
  • Avocado oil with extracts of rose petal and rose hip soothe and renew red, irritated, sensitive skin
  • Seals in moisture to help prevent dryness
  • Thirty rose flowers go into each tube of Rose Day Cream.
  • Used as directed, Rose Day Cream lasts approximatley 3 months

Dr. Hauschka has been in existence since 1967 and has gained an impressive celebrity following, including Julia Roberts, Madonna, Gwyneth Paltrow, Cameron Diaz, Jack Nicholson, and now The Girl who would be King.

Hollywood Tips you want to know:

Actress Julia Roberts, plagued like many of her colleagues by stressed skin due to having to constantly apply and remove make-up, discovered Dr. Hauschka’s Rose Cream in her make-up artist’s cosmetics case.  She swears by the cream because it stimulates the skin’s own resources and does not cause allergies. When Julia Roberts was asked, yet again, at a press conference what was behind her radiant complexion, she whispered into the microphone: ”Dr. Hauschka.” And soon Cate Blanchett was bathing in Dr. Hauschka’s lavender bath oil, Madonna underwent a two-hour Dr. Hauschka treatment in the chic New York Sanctuary Spa, and the whole world wanted the rose cream. At Sephora in New York, it is to be found right next to the Kiehl products.  

The special thing: Most of the medicinal plants used are not only grown under strict organic conditions in the company’s own garden, they are also processed according to an 80-year-old recipe which respects nature’s rhythm: light and dark, movement and rest, heat and cold.

Shhhhh….Here is a short list (so I’m told) of who uses what:

Stars that love the entire Dr.Hauschka line include:

  • Annette Bening
  • Elle Macpherson
  • Julia Roberts
  • Maggie Gyllenhaal
  • Naomi Watts
  • Rebecca Romijn
  • Robert Downey Jr

 Other celebs covet particular products. They include:

Celebrity / Product
Amy Poehler – Lavender Body Oil  
Brad Pitt – Lip Care Stick  
Chloe Sevigny – Neem Hair Oil  
Jennifer Aniston – Moisturizing Day Cream  
Katie Holmes – Cleansing Cream / Facial Toner  
Keri Russell – Neem Hair Oil
Kerry Washington – Rejuvenating Mask  
Kirsten Dunst – Blackthorn Body Oil  
Madonna – Rose Day Cream / Facial Toner  
Martha Stewart – Regenerating ProductsNicole Ritchie – Neem Hair OilNicole Kidman – Neem Hair Oil / Rose Day Cream

Nora Ephron – Lemon Bath

Rachel Hunter – Normalizing Day Oil

Rachel McAdams – Rose Day Cream

Rosie O’Donnell – Rose Day Cream

Vivienne Tam (designer) – Revitalizing Eye Cream

How About You –  Have you tried any of these products?  If so, which do you personally recommend?

 

 
 
 
 
 

 

beauty biz – DARE to OIL

This is Skincare’s Latest Must-Have?  Then I’ve been well ahead of the curve!this

This is the latest beauty buzz (although it’s been around for centuries).  The photo is from a brochure picked up on my latest Sephora outing and it was also bravely splashed all across the store window.  We’ve talked about this before but all of a sudden OILS are Everywhere!  Truth is, there’s an oil for you – of course there is!  Let’s find out ten timely truths about face oils:
http://GetSpoiledNow.com
http://GetSpoiledNow.com

1)       All fears aside….there’s almost nothing an oil can’t do.  The question is, what do you want it to do?

2)       Oils deliver moisture and radiance without residue to lackluster complexions.

3)       Applying oil to already oily skin can help manage pore clogging sebum.

4)       Oils smoothly deliver antioxidants and other powerful antiaging ingredients to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

5)       Soften and moisturize with a blend that’s suitable for sensitive skin including Rosacea .

6)       Press oils onto your face, don’t rub.

7)       You can mix oil with your foundation for additional moisture (especially in winter) and skincare benefits.  Even shampoo or conditioner for silkier strands.

8)       Apply your skincare in order of thickness, with the thinner formulas first.  This usually means oil goes on after serum but before moisturizer.  You can use them Day or Night.

9)       Use oil on dry hair to tame flyaways.

10)   Massage oil over a dry clay  mask to help remove it easily.

Here is my recommendation for a luxurious oil featuring 19 key ingredients.  322Get “SpOILed” Now available at:

Website: http://GetSpoiledNow.com

beauty biz – skincare will travel

I’m excited to share with you these new product offerings from “Get SpOILed” which are STARTING TO FLY:

The package
The package

Introducing 1st CLASS NATURAL SKINCARE  a 100% natural and effective skincare set that will meet all your necessary skin requirements for travel or home.

  • 1st CLASS NATURAL SKINCARE – an ‘all-inclusive’ Flight Package containing 4 product offerings that will work non-stop to keep your skin in-check &  baggage to a minimum.  Each hydrating skin product comes in a 50 ml (1.7 oz) bottle or jar (contained in plastic toiletrie bags) & packaged in a cute Chinese take-out lunch box.  PERFECT for traveling (or just when your skin needs that extra boost of hydration).  Easy for carrying on board (you can always separate them) in your purse or packed away in a suitcase.

You will receive:

package - Copy (3)Ready for Take-Off” – a gentle eye + face makeup-remover.  One swipe of this blend of Apricot Kernel, Coconut and Avocado oils will completely remove all traces of makeup while helping to condition your skin at the same time.

Flying HIgh” – hydrating facial mist.  package - Copy (4)This refreshing spray incorporates exotic floral waters of rose and orange blossom with lavender, geranium, eucalyptus and frankincense essential oils.  Use as part of your morning and/or evening skincare ritual, just before applying your moisturizer or oil. Can double as a toner. Use it after “Ready for Take-Off.”

package - CopyLuxe Lounge” – Facial Oil (same ingredients as in getspOILed – see below). If you haven’t jumped on the facial oil bandwagon yet, now’s the time — not only does it give your regular moisturizer a boost, but it helps your makeup to go on smoother—and the dewy effects of this infused potion of 19 key ingredients makes for the perfect winter beauty routine.

Delight in an exotic blend of essential lavender, geranium, rose, evening primrose, maracuja (from Brazil), jasmine, boabob (from the African tree), argan (Moroccan), chamomile, sweet basil, juniper, clary sage, olive, camellia (green tea seed), coconut, avocado, sweet almond, jojoba and vitamin E oils.  A real treat!

It’s a Balmy Day” – advanced care for eyes/lips/cuticles.  007This special 3 in 1 balm (which is full size) contains jojobarosehip seed, carrot seed, kukui nut & apricot kernel oils with rose water and beeswax – rich in moisture and vitamins to help soften the skin on your eyes, lips and cuticles. It really works!

Plus, we have a frequent buyer program – your 10th order is FREE!

Price for kit: $95.00

DEAL – For the remainder of January 2014, all shipping & handling will be included in the price.

Here’s the link: http://getspoiled.myshopify.com/collections/frontpage/products/new-first-class-natural-skin-care

Website: getspoilednow.com

beauty biz – YSL TOUCHE ÉCLAT

ysl2

WHAT IS IT?I use #2

TOUCHE ÉCLAT – Radiant Touch – by Yves Saint Laurent

A luminizing pen that brings light and radiance to the skin, immediately erases any signs of fatigue, and brightens the complexion.

This is what they have to say:

What it does:
Loved by models, makeup artists, celebrities, and women everywhere, the award-winning Yves Saint Laurent TOUCHE ÉCLAT Radiant Touch is like eight hours of sleep and an instant pick-me-up in a magic wand. With a few strategically placed strokes of TOUCHE ÉCLAT, the complexion immediately looks rested, rejuvenated, and radiant.

What else you need to know:
TOUCHE ÉCLAT banishes shadows and tired-looking eyes by adding light and creating an instant lift to the eye area. TOUCHE ÉCLAT widens eyes when used between the eyebrows and along the sides of the nose, and creates fuller looking lips when used in the hollow of the chin and around the contour of the lips. It’s formulated for all skin types and for anyone who wants instant radiance, luminosity, and lift.

And who doesn’t?

I use #2
I use #2

Watch the light battle at:

http://www.yslbeautyus.com/Touche-eclat/141YSL,default,pd.html

Have you tried it?  Let me know what you think.

beauty – naturally!

More and more women are turning to Natural Beauty Products.   What works & what doesn’t?naturalbeautyThe following is from a recent interview that Alex (who works for Garance Doré) had with Tata Harper (founder of Tata Harper Skincare).  Since I’ve been formulating my own line of natural skincare products I found it quite timely and true to what I believe so it seemed natural to just re-blog their interview.beauty

What is natural beauty?

Natural beauty doesn’t have an official definition in the industry; a lot of beauty companies label and market their products as “natural” though they have synthetic chemical ingredients in the formulas. To me, “natural beauty”, when it comes to products, means the ingredients are 100% natural and nontoxic: nothing synthetic that’s been formulated in a lab, only things that have been derived from natural sources like plants, clays found in nature, etc. I think, too, “natural beauty” can mean something more holistic: a lifestyle approach to beauty that includes more than just skincare and makeup products, and incorporates important elements of our lifestyles that affect the way we look, like our diet, stress level, exercise, and how hydrated we are. I think cultivating beauty from the inside out is an element of “natural beauty”, because making healthy, skin-conscious lifestyle decisions can make a huge difference in our outward appearance – naturally.

What made you want to create a line of natural products?

My step dad was diagnosed with cancer about nine years ago now, and it really started after I accompanied him to different cancer centers and all of a sudden the doctors asked me to bring all of his personal care products in for evaluation, and everything was banned.

We were given the mandate to find all-natural products to replace everything that he was using. Obviously I was very curious about that because I’m Latin, and we use too many products. We grow up in a culture that we embrace beauty and our dedication to beauty is beyond what Americans can imagine.

I remember going to department stores trying to look for this holy grail of natural skincare, to look at the ingredients, and thinking, “What’s the point of this natural skincare if it mixes the natural and all of the synthetics?” Basically, that’s how it started and it took almost five years with eight different scientists, because I was obsessed with making them extremely high-tech so that when people use them they would see the results. So I had aromatherapists, homeopathic doctors, herbalists, botanists, skin biologists, all working in this line for many years, until we were launched into the market.

What do we need to worry about?

The majority of the products that are out there in the market contain these questionable toxic chemicals that the FDA [Food and Drug Administration] does not regulate.

A lot of the time what happens is that people don’t even realize what they are putting on. The typical is like the paraben-free, so you’re like “Oh it is natural, it is paraben-free.” And I know that that just means there is one ingredient they left out of there. But then they replace it with another ingredient, which is a mixture of gasoline and alcohol. And people just don’t know that. If people knew what is in their products they probably wouldn’t be putting it on their skin everyday twice a day.

Daily exposure to all these toxic chemicals, that is what motivated me to do this. As a consumer, I don’t want to put any potential cancer-causing ingredient on my skin. Ten years down the road, with the attempts to be beautiful, my wellness is sacrificed. At the end of the day, is what this natural movement is all about. A lot of people think that the natural movement, this switch, has to do with the environment and hugging trees in Vermont. It’s really not about that, this is a health conversation that we are all having.

Do natural products work?

A common myth is that natural products don’t work, everybody thinks that. People are used to natural products that are really low quality found in supermarkets, where you don’t expect a lot of performance from them in the first place. When people say that natural products don’t work, that is something I have to challenge every time.

I am usually faced with women that come to me and say “Tata I buy organic food for my family, I use all natural products to clean my house, I use all natural medicine, but, you know my skin care products are still this and that.”  And I’m like “What are you doing?” Why are you doing that when nowadays you can achieve the results you need without putting all the synthetic chemicals on your skin?

For example, we bring ingredients from around the world like Spanish lavender. We bring from a lab outside of Barcelona. It is actually an ingredient that is synthesized, so it mimics the effect of Botox topically applied. So in two hours, 95% of all your subcutaneous muscles are completely relaxed. So that is something that people really don’t realize when they think about natural products.

Have you noticed changes in the market?

The good thing is that the market is really responding to this demand that customers are making for having better things for them. In big cosmetic labs today, the majority of the budget goes into natural actives that perform as well as synthetics, or even better.

It is getting a lot easier now to find all of these natural ingredients. Before when we would go to trade shows there would only be about ten or fifteen, and now it has become such a huge thing. Now it is super exciting because everyone is re-evaluating. The majority of the newness is all about natural actives.

What advice do you give someone who wants to start using natural products?

I like to tell people to start with one thing at a time. Change the things that you use most often first, don’t try to change everything because it is such a daunting task that the people never end up doing anything.

What is your beauty philosophy?

First of all, I believe that beauty isn’t a one way street: the way we look on the outside is a reflection of our entire wellness. I believe that healthy food, getting lots of sleep, controlling stress and finding time to relax, finding time for regular exercise and staying hydrated are all as important to the way my skin looks as my skincare is. It doesn’t matter how many creams you use – if you’re not getting any sleep or your diet is mostly sugar or processed foods, your skin is going to reflect that by being more dull or prone to showing signs of aging because it’s not being nourished, or given time to naturally refresh and regenerate. Secondly, I believe that beauty is about consistent, daily care – find a routine that makes your skin glow and stick to it, so your skin can really enjoy the long-term benefits of the products!

Here are a few others brands that we love and are following the whole natural path… Don’t hesitate to tell us if you know others!

Tata Harper Resurfacing Mask, Regenerating Cleanser and Reparative Moisturizer. One Love Organics Vitamin C Serum and Rahua Voluminous Shampoo and ConditionerDr. Hauschka Cleansing Milk.

Get Spoiled luxe facial oil, étoile hydrating essence & BALMshell advanced care for eyes/lips/cuticlesNEW: 1st Class Natural Skincare flight package.  Available at http://GetSpoiledNow.com

 So, what do you think about natural beauty? What are you using? And what does it take for you to go 100% natural?

Style – holiday gift ideas from outdoors to glitter gals

20 Awesome Gift Ideas to Satisfy Your Every Need

From the workout fanatic to the gadget-obsessed, here are some that caught my eye:

 Tech Dog Lover: 

Marc by Marc Jacobs Olive Silicone iPhone Cover, $50; net-a-porter.com
Marc by Marc Jacobs Olive Silicone iPhone Cover, $50; net-a-porter.com

Quirky yet Practical:

Comme Des Garçons Super Fluor Leather Card Holder, $94; net-a-porter.com
Comme Des Garçons Super Fluorescent Leather Card Holder, $94; net-a-porter.com

For the Cool Girl:

A 'Cool ring' by Lanvin, $875; farfetch.com
A ‘Cool ring‘ by Lanvin, $875; farfetch.com

For the Globetrotter:

 Le Pliage Patch Exotic Handbag, $660; longchamp.com
Le Pliage Patch Exotic Handbag, $660; longchamp.com
Manifesto Hair Boot, $468; allsaints.com
Manifesto Hair Boot, $468; allsaints.com
First Class Natural Skincare – all – inclusive flight package http://www.GetSpoiledNow.com
First Class Natural Skincare – an all inclusive flight package http://www.GetSpoiledNow.com

Racy & Lacy – sexy lingerie

 – http://www.IntrigueImports.com
blush lingerie – http://www.IntrigueImports.com

For the Foodie:

 Welcome Companions Toast Shoulder Bag, $560; welcomecompanions.com
Welcome Companions Toast Shoulder Bag, $560; welcomecompanions.com
 Trina Turk Mirage Ice Bucket, $58; trinaturk.com
Trina Turk Mirage Ice Bucket, $58; trinaturk.com
Calypso Mini Serving Board Set, $115; calypsostbarth.com
Calypso Mini Serving Board Set, $115; calypsostbarth.com

For the Beauty Obsessed:

eyes that sparkle plenty:  These Glamorous pigments s will give you the look you always wanted! They are made of 100% natural Mica. The unique blends of micro-pulverized minerals and pigments apply easily, blend incredibly well, and have an amazing staying power.  These shimmers are so pure that they will not irritate even the most sensitive eyes.  http://www.IntrigueImports.com
Mica Beauty – eyes that sparkle plenty:  made of 100% natural Mica. These shimmers (100 in total) are so pure that they will not irritate even the most sensitive eyes. http://www.IntrigueImports.com
An exotic Oil & Essence for your face http://www.IntrigueImports.com
An exotic Oil & Essence for your face http://www.GetSpoiledNow.com

For the Outdoorsy:

Signature L.L. Bean Boot, Wool Houndstooth 10", $159; llbean.com/llbeansignature
Signature L.L. Bean Boot, Wool Houndstooth 10″, $159; llbean.com/llbeansignature
Porselli For Woolrich Ballet Flat, $303; woolrich.eu
Porselli For Woolrich Ballet Flat, $303; woolrich.eu
Maslin & Co Zebra Hide Beach Towel, $250; maslinandcol.com
Maslin & Co Zebra Hide Beach Towel, $250; maslinandcol.com

Sparkly Obsessed:

Faberge Emerald, Ruby and Tsavorite Ring, $38,104; faberge.com
Faberge Emerald, Ruby and Tsavorite Ring, $38,104; faberge.com
 Alexander McQueen Embroidered Velvet Pumps, $995; net-a-porter.com
Alexander McQueen Embroidered Velvet Pumps, $995; net-a-porter.com

SPORTY:

Adidas by Stella McCartney Ararauna Dance Leopard-Print Sneakers, $130; net-a-porter.com
Adidas by Stella McCartney  Dance Leopard-Print Sneakers, $130; net-a-porter.com
 Dragon APX Snow Goggles, $220; rei.com
Dragon APX Snow Goggles, $220; rei.com
a pant that flatters, Maragarita Active Wear - flatteringly made for movement http://IntrigueImports.com
Margarita Active Wear – flatteringly made for movement http://IntrigueImports.com


Seen in ELLE.com

 

 

In the beauty cabinet – face time product review!

I love a tinted moisturizer for winter.

This is a follow up to my recent post about BB creams (beauty balms).  I’m now going to speed things up a bit & fast forward to the latest face craze – the CC cream.  Basically the beauty companies have added color & correction to the mix. Confused? You would have to try several brands to know the difference.

I have now had the opportunity to test out the Olay Total Effects CC Cream – 7 in One Tone Correcting Moisturizer with Sunscreen (Light to Medium) for a.m. use only.

olay2It is said to fight the 7 signs of aging: only 7? 1) reduce the appearance of fine lines, 2) nourishing moisturization for a radiant, healthy-looking glow, 3) subtle lifting & hydrating for firmer skin appearance, 4) brightening which improves skin surface dullness, 5) improves texture for smoothe and even skin, 6) minimizes the appearance of pores and finally 7) tone enhancement which helps to balance color and reduce the appearance of age spots.  A lotta claim for one 50 ml. pump bottle.

I can’t vouch for all seven claims but I was pleasantly surprised by this product.  It appeared to match my skin tone very nicely as it melted right in, it moisturized well & covered tiny imperfections.  The added SPF is a bonus – for winter it should be sufficient.  Anything below SPF15 doesn’t really do anything.  Anything above 30 isn’t necessary. Of course I still needed to use a little bit of primer (for shine) around the nose area but it covered better than any of the BB creams I tested.  It was similar to the BB’s in hydration and coverage but appeared to brighten & camouflage more like a tinted foundation.  The price is very reasonable and the company has been around for a long time. Their product line is impressive as far as drugstore selections go and ‘as good’ or ‘better’ than many department or beauty store brands.

There may be something better out there in the CC department but right now I’m satisfied with this product.  Let’s face it – there is no “one” magic do-all face cream is there?  If you know of one please tell me.  In the meantime this does the trick (almost) for my sensitive combination skin.

$22.00 at drugstores like Walgreens in the U.S. and approx. $25.00 in Canada.

The best deal: Costco now has a special two-pack on for about $35.00 which you can split with a friend.olaycostco

Directions:  apply liberally and blend evenly with your fingertips for natural, sheer coverage. Use it alone or layered under your favorite foundation for more coverage if need be.

Have you tried BB’s or CC’s?  Which do you prefer or can you even tell the difference?

In the beauty cabinet – cheap thrills

Beauty editors are particularly choosy about what products they spend money on.  After all they get a lot of freebies, however they do admit – why splurge on a pricey eyeliner when there’s a $1 one that does the trick?

totalbeauty.com
image from totalbeauty

Something to consider especially since we tend to spend a lot of $$$ on products. If you are going to shell out the big bucks, do it on something that benefits your skin — like an ultra moisturizing lipstick or an anti-aging cream and/or serum. But trendy, wear-once-in-a-while colors & some other face/body/hair care products? Those are your cheap thrills. Here are some to consider from Allure “best of beauty”

These 15 products belie their rock-bottom price tags (all are $10 or less) beautifully.  Available at most drugstores in the U.S.

MAKEUP

editor1NYC New York Color Smooth Skin Perfecting Primer, $3.99. The Spanx of primers: It firms, evens, and is so lightweight you won’t even notice that you’re wearing it.

Wet n Wild MegaGlo Illuminating Powder, $3.99. Swirled together, the ribbons create a rose-gold blush; used individually (wet or dry), they make lids glisten too.

WednWild Illuminating Powder
WednWild Illuminating Powder
NYC Bronzer
NYC Bronzer

NYX Matte Bronzer, $9. Shimmer-free and available in five sun-kissed shades, the powder makes it easy for every woman to have a believable bronze. The extra-large pan means you can keep the charade going year-round.

Mark “just pinched” instant blush tint in Berry, $8.

mark just pinched
mark just pinched

This cool raspberry sinks into skin for that proverbial glow, and doesn’t go MIA like so many cream blushes.

Rimmel eye palette
Rimmel eye palette

Rimmel London Glam’Eyes HD Quad Eye Shadow in Black Cab, $5.99. Blended together, the four shades strike the ideal balance of sparkle and soot for sexy smoky eyes. Use as liner too.

L’Oreal Voluminous Carbon MascaraA unique formula of editor13panthenol and ceramide-R builds and thickens voluptuous lashes while conditioning them, so they remain supple and healthy. An exceptionally plush brush is designed to glide on just the right amount of mascara without clumping or flaking. Non-irritating, fragrance-free formula is safe for sensitive eyes and contact wearers. Price: About $6 USD / $8 CDN.  Overall: A great everyday mascara! Super black, holds a curl but just not as waterproof as expected.

vaseline cocoa butter lip
vaseline cocoa butter lip

Vaseline Lip Therapy in Cocoa Butter. So rich and effective, a pot slightly bigger than a Tootsie Roll is all you need to keep lips, cuticles, and even elbows smooth this winter.

SKIN

Pond’s Luminous Clean Daily Exfoliating Cleanser. So many all-in-ones fail to do much of anything. This mix of kaolin, microbeads, and shea butter smooths and soothes as well as three separate products.editor7

neutragena
neutragena

Neutrogena Make Up Remover Cleansing Towelettes. These alcohol-free wipes erase the smudgy signs of a late night faster than it takes to chug a glass of water. Keep them on your bedside table.

Ambi Skincare Fade Cream. This hardworking cream plays offense (breaking up dark spots with 2 percent hydroquinone) and defense (protecting with

AMBI
AMBI

sunscreen).

HAIR

aussie
aussie

Aussie Moist 3 Minute Miracle Condition. Reforms the most overprocessed hair yet won’t overwhelm fine and frizzy types.

NAILS

maybelline nails
maybelline nails

Maybelline New York Color Show Nail Lacquer (shown here in Keep Up the Flame). Mint green, canary yellow, silver-flecked navy—there are certain trendy polish shades you want to play with before committing. At this price, you easily can do both.

 BODYeditor11

Jergens Crema Hydrating Coconut Milk. So deliciously tropical, we half expect this vitamin-E-enriched moisturizer to be packaged in a hollowed-out coconut.

editor12St. Ives Naturally Smooth Hand Cream, $2.99. This heavy-duty hydrator absorbs in seconds, so it leaves our hands (and iPad screens) grease-free. And it has just the faintest floral-citrus fragrance.

Aveeno Active Naturals Hydrosport Sunblock Spray SPF 30. editor14A beach-bag essential: The clear spray clings to even soaking wet skin while the potent broad-spectrum sun protection swims laps around similarly priced sunblocks.

ANY OTHERS we should know about?

Beauty with Benefit

Beauty Products

  GLAM up & Away at airports - with the Pink Bus kiosk. If you can buy cupcakes and tacos on the go, why not satisfy your hunger for makeup!?  That's exactly what the company thought.
GLAM up & Away at airports – with the benefit Pink Bus kiosk. If you can buy cupcakes and tacos on the go, why not satisfy your hunger for makeup!? That’s exactly what the company thought.

Have you ever been to the tiny Benefit flagship store in Mill Valley, California?  It’s so cute, mostly pink, very inviting & attention grabbing (as most of their product line is) at the same time – I dare you to walk by without stopping in.  Then you’ll come out with at least two products in your bag that you can’t wait to try on.  They’re one of the most fun cosmetic lines out there with many excellent  products.  Let’s narrow a few down because Winter is almost upon us and our skin tends to get dull and dry.  We need a pick me up in the complexion department.  Granted, these 3 products do “almost” the same thing with a slight twist so you really don’t need all three – maybe just one or two. Okay all three!

Highlighting the “HALL OF FAME” Highlighters

watt’s up!

benefit4

soft focus highlighter for face – Why we love it!

The soft focus highlighter turns “watt” ya got with a delicate champagne glow that’s gorgeous. With a cream-to-powder finish…it’s a switch on “wow” for all complexions. You’ll adore the smooth applicator & luminous sheen.

Who else loves it!

2011 Real Beauty Gold Star Award, Best Makeup Products from 2011

How to apply

Glide on cheek & brow bones…then sculpt with its soft glow blender for YOUR perfect gleam. Can be applied solo or over existing makeup.

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a brow lifting pencil – Why we love it!

This soft brow highlighting pencil is your instant brow lift! Perfect for all skin tones, the linen-pink highlight hue adds a lifted look to the entire eye area. It’s never been easier to raise a brow…or two!

How to apply

Apply pencil under your brow following the arch. Lightly blend.

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luminescent complexion enhancer – Why we love it!

This satiny pink liquid highlighter accents cheek & brow bones for a dewy, radiant glow. Use as a spot highlighter over makeup or wear under complexion products for subtle luminescence. It’s the “supermodel in a bottle!”

Who else loves it!

2012 TotalBeauty.com Awards, readers’ choice for best highlighter

How to apply

Dot and blend over makeup on to cheek and brow bones, or anywhere you want a glance to linger.

Available at Sephora & most major department stores.

*NEW – Glam Up & Away: with vintage pink bus beauty kiosks coming to airports across the U.S.

 Whoever said you can’t get your Benefit faves on the go clearly had never met a woman in 2013!  Taken from their blog:

Think back to your last 4-hour flight… you arrived at your destination wearing workout pants, hair in a messy bun, and skin feeling dry & lifeless. Let’s face it, you were more Page Six tragic than celebrity jet-setting status.

Landing into 25 locations before the end of 2013. – See more at: http://blog.benefitcosmetics.com/2013/09/28/glam-up-away/#sthash.2AYHQMHl.dpuf