StyleBakeryBeauty

Lancome 'Oscillation Powerbooster'

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 01:22:10 -0500

If you're looking for a mascara primer that will help build lush, longer-looking lashes while nourishing them at the same time, you may want to try Lancome's new Oscillation Powerbooster mascara primer. The formula creates an ideal base for lashes, while conditioners keep them nourished. We love that it defines and preps our lashes to enhance the benefits of our favorite mascara, giving our lashes the fullest result. $39, nordstrom.com

Clinique Happy-To-Go Perfume Pencils

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 23:13:21 -0500

When we're on the go, it's essential to have products that go right along with us. We're loving this Clinique limited-edition Happy-To-Go set. It includes three unique and oh-so travel-friendly solid perfume pencils: Clinique Happy in its own original scent, A Hint of Citrus and A Wealth of Flowers. Wear them alone or mix together to create your own happy scent. Sharpener and mini bag included. $30, sephora.com

Sephora Favorites Boxed Kits

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 14:56:16 -0500

Looking to discover new brands, want smaller versions of your favorite products or need to give a great gift? We are loving these new, limited-edition Sephora Favorites Boxed Kits. With 10 kits to choose from, each comes packed with best-selling goodies in deluxe sample sizes-- and all for under $40 a box.

We recommend you try them all, but the following kits are perfect for Summer:

Sephora Favorites Splashstash Waterproof Deluxe Sampler, $36. If you have any plans to hit the beach, pool or water park, this collection of 7 of Sephora's most wanted waterproof eye essentials will keep you looking fab-- bring on the H2O!

Set includes: 0.1 oz Tarte Lights Camera Splashes, 0.169 oz Too Faced Mini Lash Injection, 0.1 oz MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Smoky Lash, 0.85 oz MAKE UP FOR EVER Sens'Eyes Makeup Remover, 0.025 oz MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Eyes, 0.03 oz Urban Decay 24/7 Pencil in Electric and 0.26 oz Urban Decay Big Fatty Waterproof Mascara

Sephora Favorites The Fix-It Kit Skincare Deluxe Sampler, $40. Flawless skin is always in, and this set of 6 skin-perfecting secret weapons will bring your skin a more smooth, firm, and soft appearance.

Set includes: 0.19 oz Bliss Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Eye Mask, 0.5 oz Perricone MD Ceramic Skin Smoother, 0.02 oz Cosmedicine Wrinkle Write Off, 0.24 oz Kinerase Extreme Eye Lift, 0.253 oz Dr. Brandt Pores No More and 1.06 oz Clarins High Definition Body Lift

Sephora Favorites Eau Girl Fragrance Deluxe Sampler, $40. Who says bigger is better? We find this set of 8 petite scents to be just the right size to take along on weekend get-aways, stashing in your desk drawer and even your favorite tote or clutch.

Set includes: 0.17 oz Dior Miss Dior Cherie Eau de Parfum, 0.17 oz Bvlgari Omnia Green Jade Eau de Toilette, 0.17 oz Versace Bright Crystal Eau de Toilette, 0.13 oz Vera Wang Princess Eau de Toilette, 0.3 oz Prada Infusion d'Iris Eau de Parfum, 0.13 oz Clean Eau de Parfum, 0.24 oz Ralph Lauren Ralph Eau de Toilette, 0.13 oz Givenchy Very Irresistible Givenchy Eau de Toilette

Sephora Favorites Skin Saviors Moisturizers Deluxe Sampler, $24 Don't let your skin dry out! Give it a much-needed drink with some of the most popular body moisturizers to nourish, protect, and hydrate.

Set includes: 1.69 oz Korres Guava Body Butter, 1 oz Philosophy When Hope Is Not Enough Body Lotion, 2.03 oz Fresh Sugar Lemon Body Lotion, 1.7 oz Bliss Blood Orange + White Pepper Body Butter and 2 oz Murad Body Firming Cream

Pacifica Soy Candle in Tuscan Blood Orange

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 03:00:00 -0500

Magnificently fragrant and clean-burning, Pacifica Soy Candle in Tuscan Blood Orange will add a burst of color to any room while filling it with its delicious blend of spicy blood orange, strawberry, raspberry, and mandarin scents. Every candle form Pacifica is handmade with vegetable soy wax, lead-free wicks and Pacifica's signature blends of essential and natural oils. We love burning these in the early morning when the day begins to pick up and we can enjoy its vibrant, energizing scent as the day progresses. Burn time: 100 hours. 5.5 ounces, sephora.com

Ask Us: How Do I Extract a Large Blemish?

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 01:00:00 -0500

Q: How can I pop a huge pimple under the skin? I was hoping you could give me some clues as to what you look out for. Please help me!

A: Any pimple, blemish or "zit" shouldn't be picked and prodded. This can cause bacteria in the skin to burst under the skin and spread the problem. When you do experience large, and sometimes painful blemishes, it is best to let nature run its course. If you do see some white pus at the surface, you may do as follows:

Apply a warm compress over the area 8-12 minutes to help encourage the pus to the surface.

When you have done this, use two cotton swabs (our favorites are Q-tips brand) to gently lift the fluid out. Do your best to place the tip of each swab "under" the pimple. The pus should come out easily without force.

If you begin to see blood or clear fluid, it's time to stop. You may see more redness around the area. Apply a cold compress to reduce this.

Apply an acne clearing product such as Neutrogena On-the-Spot Treatment ($5.99, drugstore.com) to help treat the blemish as it heals. Cleanse your face daily with a salicylic wash and exfoliate 1-2 times per week to keep breakouts at bay.

Best wishes!

VS Sexy Little Things Noir

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 03:00:00 -0500

Winner of the Fifi Award for Private Label Fragrance of the Year, Victoria's Secret Sexy Little Things Noir is light, playful and deliciously provocative. Appealing without being overpowering, the beautiful blend of sparkling nectarine, sultry amber and exotic orchid smells every bit as glamorous as its shapely black glass bottle, adorned with vintage accents and fabulous retro bulb atomizer spray, looks. 1.7 ounces. $39, victoriassecret.com

6 Products Under $10 to Help You Survive Summer

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 03:00:00 -0500

For us, Summer is all about weekends at the beach, getting together with friends, relaxing at the park, and simply scaling back a tight everyday schedule. Summer also brings in the heat, and you need products that will help you survive it. We've put together a list of beauty essentials, sure to keep you cool and looking your best.

Essence of Beauty Body Mist in Blue Ocean

With its blend of light scents-- that remind us of cool ocean waves and fresh air-- this body mist will keep you feeling like you're at the shore, even if you are still sitting at your desk. $5.99, cvs.com

Revlon Extra Life No Chip Top Coat

Whether we're playing in the sand, swimming in the pool or washing dishes, we use this essential, high-gloss top coat to keep our brightly-colored manicures in tip top shape for up to two weeks. $5.49, drugstore.com

St. Ives Cellulite Shield Gel Creme

Gym visits are necessary for our overall health, but spending time outdoors is so much more fun in the Summer. To help us look our best, we recruited this powerful and hydrating creme to fight cellulite and leave our skin feeling smooth and looking more even-toned. This formula absorbs fast and includes ingredients like caffeine and citrus extracts work to energize, rejuvenate and stimulate circulation in the skin. $7.99, drugstore.com

Nivea Lip Care A Kiss Of Protection, SPF 30

This long-lasting lip balm protects lips from damaging UV rays, prevents your pout from drying out and leaves them feeling silky smooth thanks to ingredients like Jojoba oil and Shea butter. $2.49, drugstore.com

Colgate Wisp

We love this pocket-sized disposable toothbrush. It fits in our purse, beach bag or glove compartment, and is perfect for keeping our breath fresh and teeth clean on-the-go, no matter where we go. Sugar-free. $2.59, cvs.com

L'Oreal EverPure UV Protect Spray

We admit, we've been stretching time between our haircolor appointments these days, but we couldn't do it without a little help. A few sprays of this on our tresses before we finish our style not only adds moisture to our already dehydrated hair, but protects it from UV rays, thus helping our color look vibrant and healthy longer. $8.99, drugstore.com

Bliss Lemon+Sage Body Butter Lite

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 01:00:00 -0500

Bliss has created the ultimate lightweight moisture-giver in the new Lemon + Sage Body Butter Lite. Much like its nourishing older sister, Body Butter, the botanically-based moisturizing ingredients and antioxidant vitamins in Lite condition skin like, well...butter. It won't, however, leave you with the extra-thick-- and sometimes greasy-- finish. Body Butter Lite is perfect for creating a more dewy finish on the skin, absorbs quickly, and leaves skin weightlessly hydrated. $29, blissworld.com

Clinique Superbalm Moisturizing Gloss in Black Honey

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 03:00:00 -0500

Clinique's Black Honey Almost Lipstick is the one lipcolor we know we can gift our friends without worrying if it will "work" on them. Now the amazing gloss power of the brand's Superbalm is available in the much-loved shade. Superbalm is an ultra-moisturizing lip balm that thinks it's a gloss, contains antioxidants to protect your pout, leaving lips feeling pampered. It's one of our must-have lip products, and now that it comes in Black Honey, we love it even more. Sephora Exclusive. $13.50, sephora.com

5 Favorite Lightweight Foundations For Summer

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 03:00:00 -0500

Foundations are the best product for creating a more even, flawless complexion. With so many formulations on the market these days, we care most about finding the ones that feel lightweight but give us the coverage we desire. Now that we're moving into the warm-weather months, these requirements also need to be teamed up with long-lasting finishes that won't melt away. The following picks are some of our favorites, and for you recessionistas, all cost less than $40.

Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup SPF 10 provides a natural-looking, semi-matte finish on normal/combination to oily skin and stays fresh-looking for up to 15 hours. While it hides every flaw, it feels amazingly light and doesn't smudge or rub off on our clothes. Oil-free, fragrance-free. $33.50, nordstrom.com

CoverGirl Smoothers AquaSmooth Cream Foundation is a truly affordable foundation perfect for those with a more dry skintype. We love that this goes on smooth, is easy to apply and gives flawless coverage without a heavy makeup feeling. Special light-reflecting pigments help minimize the appearance of fine lines and imperfections so you can feel confidant in your own skin. $10.11, drugstore.com

MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation is great to apply especially when we're on-the go. This foundation is designed to be used dry, and the fine-milled powders and pigments create a matte, velvety texture that leaves skin looking smooth and fresh. Apply with a brush, powder or sponge. $26, macys.com

Revlon Age Defying Makeup SPF 15 W/Botafirm for Dry Skin works well for mature skin types and provides excellent coverage without looking fake. This foundation is specially designed to help remove fine lines and moisturize the skin all day long while visibly softening facial features for a glowing, youthful look. Also available in a normal/combination skin formula. $13.99, drugstore.com

Shiseido The Makeup Fluid Foundation provides skin with a light, refreshing texture and a translucent matte finish. Fabulous for all skintypes, The Makeup moisturizes skin and minimizes flaws, but still offers varied coverage, from light to full, without heaviness. $37.50, macys.com

Tresemme 24 Hour Body Foaming Mousse

Fri, 12 Jun 2009 03:00:00 -0500

Hair that is full of volume is on every woman's beauty wish list these days (think more Victoria's Secret model, less 80s 'Dynasty' character). Tresemme 24 Hour Body Foaming Mousse will make it easier to achieve the full body you crave thanks to its Volume Control Complex. This formula builds body, leaving hair looking soft and feeling light. Applied to damp hair, it works with heat styling tools to maintain optimal body and bounce. $4.99, walgreens.com

Essie Summer Collection 2009

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 01:00:00 -0500

Many nail colors have been launched for the Summer season, and while we love the bright neons and (surprising) blue and purple hues, we couldn't help but fall in love with the new Essie Summer 2009 Collection. We imagine our tips and toes will be quite happy in these shades of pinks and corals...

Chubby Cheeks - sophisticated sunset coral

Cute As a Button - bright, vibrant persimmon

Funny Face - sexy, punchy fuchsia

Lovie Dovie - perfect pink flamingo

Luscious Lips - sheer, soft light pink

Not Just A Pretty Face - naturally pale nude

Essie Summer Collection 2009, from $8, essie.com

Prevent Makeup Meltdown With These Splash-Proof Products

Mon, 08 Jun 2009 01:00:00 -0500

Now that the heat is rising, more trips to the pool or beach will be occurring. That doesn't mean you have to sacrifice looking your best. You should, however, consider investing in a few water-resistant products to prevent makeup meltdown. Then, should you choose to splash around, you'll know your makeup isn't running down your face. Here is an assortment of amazing products that will stay in place all day and keep you looking gorgeous-- wet or dry.

For face:

Clinique Work-Out Makeup will keep your skin looking flawless even while you work you way through those high-impact kickboxing classes. This long-wearing liquid makeup stands up well through heat, humidity and much needed dips in the pool. $20.50, clinique.com

Becca Beach Tint is a water-resistant lip and cheek stain that wears beautifully all day. The blendable, non-greasy formula suits all skin types, dries to a perfect, streak-free finish, and each shade is scented in its synonymous name: Watermelon, Peach and Raspberry. $25, dermstore.com

Benefit She Laq will turn your non-waterproof mascara, eye shadows, and liners into splash-resistant wonders because of its "magic" sealing ability. Trust us, use this and your makeup will stay put. Comes with a complete set of mini brushes. $30, benefitcosmetics.com

For eyes and lashes:

Max Factor 2000 Calorie Aqua Lash Mascara provides all the lash-building properties we have loved for years, but in a water-proof version. The gel-based formula coats lashes in rich color that dries to keep moisture out, but without drying our lashes out. $5.49, drugstore.com

Make Up Forever Pearly Waterproof Eyeshadow Pencil is specially formulated to deliver rich, pigmented, long-lasting color that can withstand any damp condition. We love that we can also use these to line our peepers for an ultra bright-eyed look. $18, sephora.com

For lips:

Philosophy The Super Natural Lip Pencil gives lips a natural, your-lips-but-better hue and really lasts. We love that we can define and add subtle color to our lips and coat it with our favorite sheer gloss for an effortless lip look. $12.50, beauty.com

L'Oreal Infallible LipColour is an affordable, long-lasting lip color that really stands up to the test. Even hours after spending the day in and out of the water, this still sticks to our lips as if it were our own natural lip color. $11.99, drugstore.com

Gillette Venus Embrace

Fri, 05 Jun 2009 01:00:00 -0500

Gillette Venus Embrace is the best razor for women we have used in some time. Sure, we have others we like, but this one is the absolute best. Its five blades deliver the closest, smoothest shave without leaving our legs with nicks, cuts or razor burn, and comes with a convenient in-shower holder for extra refills- our inner neat freak can appreciate that fabulous detail. $12.99, drugstore.com

Michael Kors Island Bermuda Eau de Parfum

Wed, 03 Jun 2009 01:00:00 -0500

If we could create what an island getaway would smell like, it would be this: Michael Kors Island Bermuda. This limited-edition scent is vibrant with the scents of freesia, hibiscus, tropical passion flowers, and complimented by soft scents of ceder and driftwood. It's fresh, inviting, and oh-so office friendly. So while we may not venture to the islands this Summer, we can at least imagine what it would smell like. $62, sephora.com