Makeup, Beauty and More

Sun Care Favorites!

2013-06-18T16:06:00.000-05:00

Some of my favorite Sun Care products I've been loving this summer! I'm quite picky about sunscreens and hate the greasy film most of them leave, than anything else. I'm not perfect with my sunscreen routine, but these products definitely make it much less of a chore for me without having to deal with greasiness or waiting for it to dry.

Face & Body

Josie Maran Argan Daily Moisturizer SPF40 ($14-$32) - One of my favorite moisturizer/sunscreen all in one. I've been using this for about 2 years and have gone through multiple bottles. I always tend to get the small bottles as the bigger ones tend to smell funky about half way through. Love this stuff and I keep it exclusively for my face/neck. There's no greasy residue and it protects really well! Read full review here.

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Liquid Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF70 ($11) - Another one of my favorites and it does what it says - sheer veil of protection with a matte finish. It is a tad runny, texture wise, but feels ultra light on the skin. Neutrogena sunscreens are now formulated with the new FDA guidelines for sunscreen in mind wherein not all broad-spectrum sunscreens are created equal. They exceed expectations and provide superior protection. Neutrogena is one of my favorite brands for sunscreen from the drugstore - they have something for everyone!

Shiseido Extra Smooth Protection Lotion SPF38 PA++ For Face & Body ($34) - Shiseido sent me a few products from their sun care range to try out recently and I'm very impressed so far. The Shiseido Extra Smooth Protection Lotion SPF38 PA++ has the smoothest texture for a sunscreen I've ever tried. It absorbs super quick, just like the Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Liquid and feels ultra light on skin. The only problem though, is that, it is a lot more watery than most liquid sunscreens and also since it is for Face & Body, the small bottle would probably not last a very long time. I din't tan or burn quite as much as I do with this on and I don't have a problem reapplying since there's no greasy residue.

Aveeno Protect + Hydrate Lotion Sunscreen with SPF30 ($9.95) - Although meant for face, I use this for my body. It is a tad greasy on the face and I don't even have oily skin to begin with. I find this better for my hands and feet since it is one of the more moisturizing sunscreens out there. It doesn't leave a whitish cast, but feels just a tad heavy. I still like it though, just not on my face.

Lavanila Healthy Sunscreen for Face SPF40 ($28) - A 100-percent natural, chemical-free, moisturizing sunscreen with UVA/UVB protection. I like the natural formulation and the not so sunscreen scent, but it is a tad too creamy for a sunscreen. Quite gentle on skin, doesn't leave a whitish cast, but again, like the Aveeno Protect + Hydrate, I like it better on my hands, feet and elsewhere as it can get a tad oily. There's absolutely no whitish cast, which is a plus and the formula, although creamy and thick, doesn't feel overly heavy. Definitely a good pick for sensitive skin.

Tinted Protectors

Tinted Protectors are probably a step above for me, a little more convenient without having to skip makeup. I've been trying out quite a few, but these are what I reach out to the most these days.

It Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC Cream ($34) - Definitely one of the best CC creams I've tried so far. The coverage is awesome, so there's no need for foundation/powder. It has great sun protection and quite a few good for your skin ingredients. Full review, here.

Chanel Vitalumière Aqua Ultra-light Skin Perfecting Makeup ($45) - When I talk about a summer foundation, this probably is the only "foundation" that comes to mind. I wear the shade B40 and it is perfect for my medium/dark skintone. It also is water-based, sheer and super light weight, you'll forget you are wearing foundation! Coverage is more like that of a tinted moisturizer, but buildable. For something with SPF, it photographs pretty well too.

Shiseido Sun Protection Compact Foundation SPF34 ($35) - Great powder foundation for summer - it also doubles up as a sheer setting powder for me and keeps my face quite matte. If you have oily skin, you'll love this one. Read full review here.

For The Lips

Laura Mercier Hydratint SPF 15 ($20) - I'm not too particular about SPF in my lip products, but this one, I love! Its a little more pigmented than a regular tinted lip balm and moisturizes really well. Crimson Tint is a medium red that I like to blot for a sheer, stained effect. It goes on pretty pigmented right out of the tube. My only gripe with this lip balm is the minty scent, thankfully there's no tingle. That apart, its a great lip balm with sun protection and the texture is light and easy for summer!

What are some of your favorite sun care products?

*Some products mentioned in this post are press samples.

Essence Stays No Matter What Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil

2013-06-17T12:47:00.002-05:00

The Stays No Matter What Waterproof Eyeliner Pencils by Essence come in three shades and claim to stay put for 16 hours through sweat, water and everything imaginable! I've tried quite a few products from Essence and this one too, like many others from the brand, is super easy on the wallet.

They have a small, but very wearable selection of colors - Midnight Black, Smokey Grey and Stunning Brown. I quite like how intense these colors are, in just one swipe. They tend to tug a little on the lash line - the texture feels moderately soft, but I've seen softer lines from essence. They are good for the waterline though - they adhere well and the not so soft texture makes it last a bit longer on the waterline. I also din't notice any stinging or burning as I tend to have bad luck with most long-wear liners and these din't bother me at all. As for the 16 hour claim, I got about 5 hours on my waterline and quite a bit of fading after about 4 hours on my lash line.

L-R : Stunning Brown, Smokey Grey, Midnight Black

Overall, for $1.99, I wouldn't complain too much, but if only these were a tad more softer and easier to work with, they would be the best drugstore liners for me. On the plus side, none of the colors made my eyes watery or itchy like a lot of long-wear liners do. I also love the basic colors they have, especially Smokey Grey. A little more tweaking, formula & texture wise, and they'd be perfect!

Have you tried any of the Essence Stays No Matter What Waterproof Liners?

Disclosure: The products in this article were provided by PR for consideration. All opinions are my own. For more information please refer to my Disclosure Policy.

AVON Totally Kissable Lipstick

2013-06-14T12:44:00.000-05:00

AVON launched 16 new shades of their Totally Kissable Lipstick ($8, Press Samples) earlier this year. They are moisturizing, pigmented lipsticks infused with avocado and coconut oils.

I tried out four shades from the range - Lovey Dovey, a pale shimmery pink, Natural Glow - frosty nude beige, Mauve Allure - creamy mauve pink and Smitten Red - rich, creamy red. Lovey Dovey is a rather nice pink that would pair well with a stronger smokey eye. Natural Glow is a pale, frosty nude, so it washes me out quite a bit on its own. There's also quite a bit of shimmer that is very visible on my pigmented lips. Mauve Allure is my favorite of these - its a mid tone mauvy pink with no shimmer/glitter - gorgeous color for medium/dark skin tones. Smitten Red is a very wearable, rich red in a super creamy formula.

Lovey Dovey

   Mauve Allure

   Natural Glow

   Smitten Red

I have no complaints about the formula of these lipsticks - they feel weightless and moisturizing and don't dry my lips out after they've gone. The cream finishes especially have a lovely sheen to them. These lipsticks wore comfortably for about 2-3 hours on me and I absolutely love the sweet caramel scent. My only gripe was that the lighter, shimmery shades left behind a few flecks of very visible shimmer on my lips after the color had faded. That aside, these are some very nice lipsticks with a fabulous price tag!

  L-R : Smitten Red, Mauve Allure, Lovey Dovey, Natural Glow

Have you tried any of the AVON Totally Kissable Lipsticks?

Disclosure: The products in this article were provided by PR for consideration. All opinions are my own. For more information please refer to my Disclosure Policy.

Guerlain Maxi Shine Gloss d'Enfer Lip Gloss in Browny Clap

2013-06-13T15:16:00.000-05:00

Browny Clap ($30) is a sheer, nude brown, part of Guerlain's Maxi Shine Gloss d'Enfer Lip Gloss range. I absolutely love the color - its a nude that doesn't have too much color, but at the same time doesn't wash me out or make me look like a corpse.

Browny Clap is a fantastic layering gloss too. It has very fine shimmer that translates to a gorgeous sheen on the lips. It isn't too pale on me, so I love to wear it on its own too. It has just the right amount of brown, natural enough to keep the color looking modern. If you don't have very pigmented lips, this might be an even better looking nude on you. On me, although quite sheer, it has the right amount of color to slightly even out my lips. Formula wise, the Maxi Shines are excellent. They go on smooth, feel extremely creamy and moisturizing, and like any other lip gloss, they last about 2-3 hours on me. I am quite sensitive to fragrances in lip products, but the faint floral scent of this one doesn't bother me. Overall, one of my favorite nude glosses at the moment and definitely worth checking out if you are on the lookout for a sheer, sophisticated nude.

For a playful pink, try Bubblegum.

Have you tried any of the Guerlain's Maxi Shine Gloss d'Enfer Lip Glosses?

Dior Diorblush Cheek Creme in Panama

2013-06-11T17:43:00.000-05:00

Dior's new Limited-Edition Diorblush Cheek Creme in Panama ($30) is a vivid coral - bright and summery in the pot, but a perfectly wearable color on the cheeks. The texture feels like a soft, airy gel creme and the finish is very natural looking - not too powdery, not quite dewy.

So far, I've only tried Panama and absolutely love the color. It would make for a great summer blush and a very flattering coral on most skin tones. I usually like to use my fingers for cream blushes, but with this one, I prefer a flat foundation brush or something dense enough to lightly buff the color in. It blends extremely well and super easily with fingers too, but a foundation brush definitely leaves a more airbrushed finish without being patchy or streaky. As for the pigmentation, a swipe is definitely sheer, but the color is buildable and doesn't look cakey or feel heavy. There's absolutely no tackiness and the texture is extremely easy to work with on most skin types. It surprisingly is quite long wearing too - about 6 hours on me, leaving behind a soft stain.

Overall, Panama is definitely is a must have blush for summer. Its a gorgeous color sans any chunky shimmer or glitter and the texture is fantastic and very unique. I can't speak for the other colors in the Diorblush Cheek Creme range, but Panama definitely is something I'll reach out to quite a lot this summer!

Have you tried any of the Diorblush Cheek Cremes yet?

Laura Mercier Matte Radiance Baked Powder in Highlight-01

2013-06-11T11:37:00.001-05:00

The Laura Mercier Matte Radiance Baked Powder ($36) is an ultra-smooth, baked powder that comes in four bronzy shades and one highlight shade. Highlight-01 is supposed to give skin a very healthy glow sans any shimmer/glitter and the bronzy shades add a bit of warmth to skin.

I've tried so many highlighters and this one by Laura Mercier has one of the best textures - it is smooth, blendable and extremely easy to work with.The super finely milled powder almost feels like a cream product. While I do see some shimmer in the pan, it doesn't show up on the cheeks - it translates to a glowy sheen with a natural looking dewy effect. Its subtle, but beautiful! Highlight-01 is a perfect pick for most medium-dark skin tones. It might be a tad light on lighter skin tones, but would look beautiful when dusted all over the face with a big, fluffy brush. I like to use a fan brush for highlighters like these, but this time, I tried using the Real Techniques contour brush. It gives it that gorgeous, soft focus effect. My only gripe with this powder is the fallout - there's quite a bit that makes it not so travel friendly.

Overall, if you like highlighters but hate the shimmer, this one is perfect to subtly highlight and add a bit of radiance. Laura Mercier calls it a "matte radiance glow" and that exactly is what it looks like on the skin. The formula is fantastic and the color, a golden nude, is perfect for most skin tones.

Have you tried any of the Matte Radiance Baked Powders?

Disclosure: The products in this article were provided by PR for consideration. All opinions are my own. For more information please refer to my Disclosure Policy.

Shiseido Limited Edition Sun Protection Compact Foundation Case + Foundation Review

2013-06-10T15:09:00.000-05:00

As part of the summer launch, Shiseido has released a couple of new, limited edition sun compacts that can be used to refill one of Shiseido's best selling Sun Protection Compact Foundations. The compacts feature designs that showcases Shiseido's heritage. I have here 1969 - This design is inspired by their conic Beauty Cake from 1969 and 1965 - A design is inspired by their 1965 Sun Oil bottle.

The foundation comes in seven shades. I was sent a couple of cases, with the foundation refills in them, both of which can also be purchased separately. The shade I have here is SP40, which is a really nice match for me at the moment. The cases have super cute designs with a button that presses open the compact, similar to the regular sun protection compacts from Shiseido. There's also a sponge applicator for more concentrated application and a nice little mirror for touch ups. Its a medium coverage foundation that can be worn sheer as well. I quite like to use this with a fluffy brush, as a generous dusting over sheer BB creams or tinted moisturizers. Its a good finish for summer, but I think it can get a little powdery looking in the winter. For major spots, dark circles or blemishes you'll need a good concealer since layering too much can make it look slightly cakey.

Wearing Shiseido Compact Foundation SP40 over Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer

The lasting power is fantastic for this foundation. I wore it on top of my Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer and it did not budge for a good 7-8 hours. I don't get too oily unless I'm out in the sun all day, but this one takes care of keeping the face very matte and fresh looking all day. The key is to just dust it using a fluffy brush or buff it in over a moisturizing base - I wouldn't recommend using the sponge, unless you want very heavy coverage. Overall, lovely foundation with good, broad-spectrum sun protection (SPF36). The compacts are limited edition though, so if you like a design, get them before they're gone. I absolutely love the design of the compacts and how very convenient it is to travel around with!

Price : $35.50 ($8.50 case, $27.00 foundation refill)

Have you tried the Shiseido Sun Protection Compact Foundation?.

Disclosure: The products in this article were provided by PR for consideration. All opinions are my own. For more information please refer to my Disclosure Policy.

Sneak Peek | Dior Diorblush Cheek Creme in Panama

2013-06-08T19:10:00.001-05:00

A little sneak peek at the new Limited Edition Diorblush Cheek Creme in Panama. I din't expect my Dior counter to get this in so early, so I picked one up - the bright coral, of course! So far, love the texture, I'll post a review soon. Panama is SO beautiful! Bright, yet so wearable!

Have you tried any of the Diorblush Cheek Cremes?

Tocca Cleopatra Crema da Mano Luxe

2013-06-06T21:36:00.001-05:00

Tocca's Crema da Mano ($20, Press Sample) Hand Creams feature five new hand creams that complement the existing scents from their perfume lineup. I absolutely love Tocca's scents and the hand cream doesn't disappoint either. 'Cleopatra' is a blend of cucumber and grapefruit, a very luxurious, yet clean scent.

I love the packaging - although pricey, there's a lot of product in there. Its a great hand cream for summer. The consistency is that of a slightly thicker lotion that absorbs well without leaving behind a residue - just a light, silky veil of moisture. The scent is quite strong and lingers around for a while. Its a very feminine, floral scent that makes me really happy every time I get a whiff. The tube does seem a little big to carry around though, but Tocca recently has released travel sizes of some of their hand creams, so this is perfect to have around at home for me. Although loaded with shea butter,coconut & avocado oil, it doesn't feel heavy at all. If you need something for chapped hands or a heavy duty hand cream, this may not be it. It is rather light, but feels quite luxurious. Overall, amazing scent, great packaging and perfect for use during the day!

Have you tried any of Tocca's Crema da Mano Luxe Hand Creams?

Disclosure: The products in this article were provided by PR for consideration. All opinions are my own. For more information please refer to my Disclosure Policy.

Barielle June Sweepstakes!

2013-06-06T10:46:00.000-05:00

After the the overwhelming response for their May Sweepstakes, Barielle has decided to hold another one for June!

The June Sweepstakes will start on June 10^th and end on June 30^th. There will be 10 prizes given out and one Grand Prize of a DKNY Blue Leather Handbag, RSP of $175.00. The Barielle kit will consist of:

Two of the Summer Collections 5 Packs (Brilliant Colors and Summer Brights) - $50
One Nail Rebuilding Protein Base Coat - $17.50
One No Chip Speed Dry Top Coat - $12.50
One Nail Strengthener Cream - $17.00

Total value of $97.00

The Grand Prize will include a fashion accessory plus the Barielle Kit.

Head over to Barielle's Facebook Page For More Info on how to enter!

Korres Greek Yoghurt Nourishing Lip Cooler

2013-06-05T14:13:00.001-05:00

The Greek Youghurt Nourishing Lip Coolers ($19, Press Samples) are a new summer launch from Korres and a new addition to their Greek Youghurt Skincare collection. The Lip Coolers come in four, very sheer colors and moisturize without the stickiness.

L-R : Peach, Raspberry, Strawberry, Plain

The applicator has a rather nice, roller ball tip that provides a cooling sensation. The lip coolers are packed with quite a few moisturizing ingredients like jojoba oil, shea and cocoa butter. That along with a little massaging action from the metal ball makes it a luxurious experience. You may be disappointed if you are expecting a bit of color from these Lip Coolers. They are all sheer, Peach being the most tinted of them all, which again is a sheer wash of pink on my pigmented lips. There's also a clear one that layers well under lipsticks. As for the texture, it is a little bit of a whipped consistency that can get a little patchy in any other form, but the roller ball makes it go on very smooth and easy. There's a glossy finish and a strong honey scent which lingers on for quite sometime.

L-R : Peach, Strawberry, Plain, Raspberry

Overall, if you are looking for a lip treatment with a little bit of a luxurious massaging action, these are really nice to have. They are very moisturizing and quite lightweight. They tend to fade after about 4 hours or so, but my lips still feel comfortable and soft. There's not much color at all, so if sheerness bothers you, you may not like it so much. I love the cooling sensation sans any awful minty scent or tingle. Aptly named, these 'Lip Coolers' are great to have in your bag for summer!

Have you tried any of the Korres Greek Yoghurt Nourishing Lip Coolers?

Disclosure: The products in this article were provided by PR for consideration. All opinions are my own. For more information please refer to my Disclosure Policy.

Melvita Rose Nectar Milky Cleansing Oil

2013-06-03T22:47:00.003-05:00

Melvita's Rose Nectar line is one of the nicest, natural skincare lines out there for dry, dehydrated skin. I absolutely love the refreshing rose water scent and how very hydrating the Cleansing Milk and Moisturizer feel on my skin. The Rose Nectar Milky Cleansing Oil ($29, Press Sample) is a new addition, an emollient cleansing oil that manages to cleanse without drying. It is 100% naturally derived, enriched with Damask rose essence and Rosehip oil from Chile.

I don't wear a ton of waterproof makeup on a daily basis, so something like this is perfect to get everything off before using a regular cleanser. To use, I just squirt a couple of pumps, massage all over my face and wash off. It is slightly runny, texture wise, and turns into a very light, milky foam that washes off clean. It doesn't dry my skin out or leave an oily film, but I still follow up with a gentle cleanser afterwards. The only thing it struggled to get off was waterproof mascara. But everything else, including waterproof eyeliner breaks down pretty easily.

There's a strong rose water like scent to this product that I find really soothing. If you don't like rose based scents, this may not be for you since the scent lingers on for a while. Its a great cleanser for summer that leaves skin soft and smooth, but it might be a tad drying in the winter. If you have oily skin, keep in mind that it has a blend of quite a few oils. But if you have combination/dry skin, this works really well and cleanses gently without over drying.

Have you tried the Melvita Rose Nectar Milky Cleansing Oil?

Disclosure: The products in this article were provided by PR for consideration. All opinions are my own. For more information please refer to my Disclosure Policy.

BUXOM Full Bodied Lipstick

2013-06-03T15:01:00.000-05:00

BUXOM Full Bodied Lipstick ($21, Press Sample) is a creamy, pigmented, moisturizing lipstick launched as part of BUXOM's Spring/Summer lineup. The range features 10 shades ranging from nude browns to bright, vivid pinks and reds.

I tried out Hooligan, a mauve plum, Two-Timer, a peachy pink and Swinger, a bright magenta. These lipsticks are seriously creamy and very moisturizing. You won't need a lip balm underneath or a gloss over - there's a nice subtle sheen that dulls down just a tad after a couple of hours. As for the colors, Hooligan is a nice mlbb shade for my pigmented lips with the right mix of brown and pink, Two-Timer, a lovely light, peachy pink that doesn't wash me out and Swinger is a gorgeous bright shade for summer. Hooligan and Two-Timer are colors I can wear straight out of the tube, but I need to sheer Swinger out a bit with a lip brush before applying. These lipsticks wear about 3-4 hours on me and leave behind a very slight hint of color. I love BUXOM's glosses and these are really nice to layer underneath those glosses and they don't tingle or have a particular scent/taste. The packaging is nice, but since it is a very creamy product, it tends to get a little messy around the tube, especially if you leave it somewhere warm. Other than that, I find these to be incredibly nice lipsticks for the price and the colors are gorgeous.

L-R : Swinger, Two-Timer, Hooligan,

L-R : Swinger, Two-Timer, Hooligan

Wearing BUXOM Full Bodied Lipstick in Hooligan

Have you tried any of the BUXOM Full Bodied Lipsticks?

Disclosure: The products in this article were provided by PR for consideration. All opinions are my own. For more information please refer to my Disclosure Policy.

The Body Shop SpaFit Smoothing & Refining Body Scrub

2013-06-02T19:38:00.002-05:00

The Body Shop's SpaFit Smoothing & Refining Body Scrub ($22) is a zesty, energizing body scrub made from 100% natural-origin caffeine, citrus, lemon and grapefruit essential oils. It claims to firm and condition skin and is gentle enough for use on all skin types.

I picked this up during one of many awesome TBS sales. It has a slight, citrus-y scent - definitely zesty, but not overpowering. I usually use body scrubs one or twice a week and this definitely has a good mix of small and medium granules in a smooth, creamy base, so its okay to use a little more than that. The packaging looks really nice, but its a pain to open and close in the shower, so I scoop some out in a small bowl and take it in. Since it foams up quite a bit and has a smooth, slippery texture, you only need a small amount each time. Its definitely not a heavy duty scrub, but a nice, light scrub for summer. Not particularly moisturizing, but definitely not drying at all. I still love the Cocoa Butter Body Scrub by TBS when my skin is terribly dry, especially in the winter. I've used this up quite a bit and haven't seen much of a firming effect, but it sure leaves skin feeling smooth, refreshed & slightly more radiant with a light citrus-y scent!

Ingredients : Aqua/Water/Eau (Solvent/Diluent), Glycerin (Humectant), Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate (Surfactant - Cleansing Agent), Cocamidopropyl Betaine (Surfactant), Hydrated Silica (Skin Conditioning Agent), Acrylates Copolymer (Stabiliser), Sodium Chloride (Viscosity Modifier), Luffa Cylindrica Fruit (Natural Additive), Prunus Armeniaca Seed Powder/Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Seed Powder (Abrasive), Phenoxyethanol (Preservative), Xanthan Gum (Viscosity Modifier), Parfum/Fragrance (Fragrance), Sodium Benzoate (Preservative), Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Powder/Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Powder (Absorbent), Citrus Limon Peel Powder/Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Powder (Absorbent), Mel/Honey/Miel (Natural Additive), Limonene (Fragrance Ingredient), Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate (Chelating Agent), Arginine (Skin Conditioning Agent), Salicylic Acid (Preservative/Hair Conditioner), Sodium Hydroxide (pH Adjuster), Caffeine (Skin Conditioning Agent), Menthol (Fragrance/Cooling Agent), Linalool (Fragrance Ingredient), Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (Skin Conditioning Agent), Citrus Limon Peel Oil/Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Oil (Essential Oil), Sesamum Indicum Seed Oil/Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil (Skin-Conditioning Agent), Citral (Fragrance Ingredient), Citric Acid (pH Adjuster), Ruscus Aculeatus Root Extract (Skin-Conditioning Agent), Citrus Medica Limonum Peel Extract/Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon) Peel Extract (Skin-Conditioning Agent), Solidago Virgaurea Extract/Solidago Virgaurea (Goldenrod) Extract (Skin-Conditioning Agent), Citrus Paradisi Seed Oil/Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Seed Oil (Skin Conditioning Agent), Benzoic Acid (Preservative), Dehydroacetic Acid (Preservative), CI 19140/Yellow 5 (Colour), CI 14700/Red 4 (Colour).

Have you tried the SpaFit Smoothing & Refining Body Scrub by The Body Shop?

New CC Creams For Summer!

2013-05-31T16:17:00.001-05:00

I've been trying out a few "CC Creams" that were launched for summer and some of them are just a step above the BB Creams and offer the same, if not better sun protection, benefits and ease of use - great for summer! So far, the ones I've tried have pretty nice coverage - I would compare the coverage level to that of the Korean BB Creams. Too bad a lot of US BB creams were disappointing in terms of coverage, but the CC Creams seem like a better choice in terms of evening out skintone and providing a little extra coverage with the same amount of sun protection.

Smashbox Camera Ready CC Cream SPF 30 Dark Spot Correcting ($42, Press Sample) - It comes in five shades - I tried out light, which was a pretty good match for me a month or so back - just a tad light, but it blended well. Now, its a little too light since I have tanned considerably since summer. Coverage wise, this one feels light, but has sheer to medium, buildable coverage, good enough to blur out small imperfections and uneven pigmentation. It has a very matte finish though, so it would be a better fit for oily skin. It keeps skin looking matte and doesn't get greasy or oxidise as the day goes by. Be sure to moisturize well if you have dry skin. The color sheers out quite a bit, but there is enough coverage to take care of redness & minor imperfections. Available at Ulta, Sephora and smashbox.com

Ingredients : Octinoxate 7.50%, Octisalate 4.00%, Oxybenzone 2.50%, Titanium Dioxide 1.10%. Inactive: Water\Aqua\Eau, Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Propanediol, Glyceryl Stearate, Phenyl Trimethicone, Behenyl Alcohol, Trioctyldodecyl Citrate, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Ascorbyl Glucoside, PEG-40 Stearate, Polyglyceryl-10 Pentastearate, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Hordeum Vulgare (Barley) Extract\Extrait D'Orge, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Polyglyceryl-6 Polyricinoleate, Laminaria Saccharina Extract, Glycyrrhetinic Acid, Sucrose, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Lecithin, Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate, Caffeine, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Cholesterol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Tocopheryl Linoleate/Oleate, Linoleic Acid, Dimethoxytolyl Propylresorcinol, Squalane, Sodium PCA, Urea, Bisabolol, Isopropyl Titanium Triisostearate, Glycerin, Oryzanol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Trehalose, Polyquaternium-51, Stearic Acid, Silica, Ergothioneine, Xanthan Gum, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Alumina, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Chlorphenesin, [+/- Iron Oxides (CI 77492), Zinc Oxide (CI 77497), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77491), Iron Oxides (CI 77499)]

Supergoop! Daily Correct CC Cream SPF35($32, Press Sample) - This is a fairly thick CC cream and feels a little more concentrated and very much thicker than a BB cream or a tinted moisturizer. It comes in two shades - Light/Medium and Medium/Dark and is supposed to self adjust.The shades seem to run a little dark and I'm not sure if Light/Medium would be a good match for fair/light skin tones. It is self adjusting to an extent, but needs to be blended in really well. For a thick CC cream, it does feel light, once blended in. My only qualm with this CC Cream is the whitish cast it leaves. It takes a good 5-10 minutes to sink in and the cast goes off once it does, but initially it is quite obvious. It is also paraben and fragrance-free but I can detect a faint scent which isn't bothersome at all. Available at Nordstrom, Sephora.

IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC + ($38, Press Sample) - This is a medium-full coverage CC Cream with quite a bit of skin benefits and great sun protection. The color Tan is a tad dark for me right now, but by the end of summer, I'm going to be a a lot more tan, so this would just so perfect then. This CC Cream contains "snail secretion" as one of the top ingredients, which is something to keep in mind if that is something you're trying to avoid. It also has a strong scent, not too overpowering, but it does take a while to dissipate. I love the amount of coverage and the super creamy, smooth application. The packaging is awesome, there's no wastage and if I set it with a good powder, there's no greasiness even after a few hours. It also claims to have anti aging benefits with a serum infused formula, so it doubles as a skincare/makeup in one. Overall, a really nice CC cream, lovely formula and pretty good shade range (5 shades). Absolutely love this CC Cream! Available at QVC and QVC.com

Have you tried any of these CC Creams?

Disclosure: The products in this article were provided by PR for consideration. All opinions are my own. For more information please refer to my Disclosure Policy.

Products That Did Not Work For Me - Part 4

2013-05-30T21:34:00.001-05:00

Just a quick post to talk about some of my recent product misses!

Living Proof Restore Recovery Regimen ($38;Press Sample) - While I loved the Living Proof Restore Shampoo, Conditioner and Styling cream, the Living Proof Restore Recovery Regimen was a huge let down. I was sent the restore line to test out quite a while back. I used the whole pack, for a good 5 weeks (one tube per week) and saw absolutely no difference in the way my hair feels. In fact, the regular Restore Conditioner does a wonderful job at keeping my hair tame. There's also a mask from the line which is supposed to deep condition, but I haven't tried that yet to talk about it. As for the Living Proof Restore Recovery Regimen, I've seen better hair treatments that work for my hair type - oily roots and dry ends.

Aveda Shampure Shampoo ($12) - Before I got around to trying the Bumble and Bumble Sunday Shampoo, I tried Aveda's Shampure - a balancing shampoo that cleanses and conditions. I din't like anything about it except for the scent. It left my hair greasy and super tangled - such a weird combination!

Smashbox High Definition Concealer ($22) - If all you want to standout are your fine lines, get this concealer. It is thick, separates and looks cakey after an hour or two. It has pretty good coverage, but definitely not something for the drier skin types. A big no especially for the under eye area.

Butter London Starkers ($18 for LIPPY, $15 for Nail Polish, Press Sample) - Earlier this year, butter LONDON came out with a collection called 'Starkers'. Starkers was a collection with three LIPPYs and matching Nail Polishes in different nude shades. I was sent all of the lippys and a couple of the polishes to try out. I love the new formulation of the butter LONDON lippys that came out last fall, but these felt more thicker and goopy. I'm pretty sure the formula was quite different and it felt a tad heavy and weak in pigmentation. The nail polishes separated too soon, but on the plus side, they were quite opaque and the colors were really sophisticated, perfectly suited for any neutral nail polish lover.

Pacifica Malibu Lemon Blossom Body Wash ($10) - I quite like Pacifica's Body Washes, but this one was a not up to the mark. It smells like dish washing liquid and leaves a film, not sure what the deal is. Doesn't look like all of them were formulated alike.

Have you tried any of these products? What are some of your recent product let downs?

*Starkers and Living Proof Restore Regimen are press samples. *Pictures courtesy sephora.com, pacifica.com, aveda.com and butterlondon.com

Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser

2013-05-30T14:39:00.000-05:00

Neutrogena's Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser ($8.99, Press Sample) is a foaming, gel-like cleanser, perfectly suited for sensitive skin. The cleanser comes in a very generous 12 ounce pump bottle and does the job effectively without stripping skin of natural oils.

I've tried quite a bit of cleansers from the drugstore and this one from Neutrogena is definitely one of my favorites. It is paraben and sulfate-free. Although I like the First Aid Beauty Cleanser for my sensitive skin a little more than this, I've been using this a lot lately, especially since the start of spring. The packaging is really convenient and the pump dispenses without any wastage - I use about half a pump for the whole face. The gel like texture foams up pretty well and rinses off clean without over drying. I use this mostly in the shower, so most of my makeup is taken off and this effectively gets rid of any traces that may be left behind. I'm not too fond of the scent though - it is mild, but since it is an ultra gentle formula, targeted at sensitive skin, I would have preferred a much milder fragrance or better yet, no fragrance at all. That one gripe aside, I think it is fantastic for most skin types. It definitely is not a one step cleanser or the most effective at removing waterproof makeup, but I use a separate oil based cleanser for that, so it doesn't bother me. Overall, one of the best, gentle, non-drying cleansers available at the drugstore and good value for money. Would have been perfect if not for the slightly strong fragrance.

Have you tried the Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser?

Disclosure: The products in this article were provided by PR for consideration. All opinions are my own. For more information please refer to my Disclosure Policy.

L'Occitane La Collection de Grasse - Vanille & Narcisse Eau de Toilette

2013-05-30T11:02:00.002-05:00

L'Occitane's new fragrance collection features four new fragrances created by Perfumer Karine Dubreuil for L'Occitane. Inspired by her childhood town, she created La Collection de Grasse, featuring precious extracts from around the world. Fragrances in this collection include - Vanille & Narcisse, Magnolia & Mure, Jasmine & Bergamote and The Vert & Bigarade.

The fragrance comes packaged in a simple, but heavy glass bottle. It looks sleek enough from the front, but is a tad heavy to travel with. Vanille & Narcisse is a rather strong fragrance that packs quite a punch. It is spicy with a touch of floral, a little too heavy for the summertime. This fragrance features Vanilla Absolute from Madagascar and Narcissus Absolutes from France, so the scent is very true to the description. For me, Vanille & Narcissus would be a better fall/winter scent, perfect for when the weather is a little more cold. During summer, I'd prefer something a little more light. For an EDT, it it very long lasting - by the end of the day, I can still smell strong hints of spicy vanilla. It also is more of a grown up scent - I don't have a problem with that at all, and if you prefer sophisticated, rich, spicy fragrances, this one is something you'll love. I haven't tried the other fragrances from this collection, but I'm hoping Magnolia & Mure would probably be a better fit for summer!

Price : $75 Each; Available online at l'occitane.com and at L'Occitane Boutiques.

Have you tried any of the scents from L'Occitane's La Collection de Grasse?

Disclosure: The products in this article were provided by PR for consideration. All opinions are my own. For more information please refer to my Disclosure Policy.

Lancome 'Aquatic Summer' Summer 2013 Color Collection - Review, Photos, Swatches & FOTD

2013-05-23T19:54:00.000-05:00

Lancome's new summer collection, 'Aquatic Summer' is a gorgeous mix of shimmering corals, cool blues and bronzes. I tried out a few pieces from the collection - my favorites are the Color Fever Gloss in Metallic Sunburst and Sunbaked Coral, and Le Stylo Waterproof Eyeliner in Blue Oasis - the eyeliner especially is a must-have from the collection.

Vernis In Love - Aqua Bleu, Simply Aqua ($15) - Simply Aqua is a light, pale blue and Aqua Bleu is a bright, vivid blue. Both are cremes and Aqua Blue was quite opaque with just one coat. Simply Aqua is a tad sheer, but completely opaque in two thin coats. I don't have a problem with the formula of either, but the brush is too wide and doesn't give even coverage. That apart, the colors are great - Aqua Bleu especially is great for a summer pedi!

Le Stylo Waterproof Eyeliner in Blue Oasis ($26) - One of my favorite pieces from the collection and a lovely blue for that pop of color along the lash line. Its a nice metallic blue with very fine blue shimmer. The shimmer is almost invisible, but I wouldn't still recommend it for the waterline. The formula is smooth and easy to work with and glides along the lash line. It doesn't set really fast, so there's quite a bit of time to smudge it out if needed. I was really impressed with the staying power - it lasted a good 6 hours with no smudging or smearing and I needed a good waterproof remover to get it completely off.

Hypnose Star Waterproof Mascara ($28) - I like the regular Hypnose Star for length and separation more than volume. Like the non-waterproof version, this one too is a tad dry initially, but gets better with use. The wand is slightly smaller in length and helps grab the tiny lashes, especially on the inner corners and lower lash line and separates really well. It is super waterproof though - I had to struggle a bit even with waterproof makeup remover to get it off.

Color Fever Gloss in Metallic Sunburst, Sunbaked Coral ($27) - These are sheer glosses, with just a hint of color, great for layering! There's a ton of shimmer though, so if you don't like too much shimmer in your lip products these might not be for you. The formula is amazing - super smooth, slick and non-sticky. I absolutely love the glossy finish too. They are fragranced, but its not overpowering and dissipates quickly. Like most sheer glosses, I get about 2-3 hours. I haven't tried too many colors from the Color Fever Gloss range, but I definitely will check more of these out. The formula is impressive.

L-R : Sunbaked Coral, Metallic Sunburst

Wearing Le Stylo in Blue Oasis and Hypnose Star Waterproof Mascara

Wearing Le Stylo in Blue Oasis, Hypnose Star Waterproof Mascara and Color Fever Gloss in Sunburst Coral

What are your thoughts on the 'Lancome Aquatic' Summer Summer 2012 Color Collection?

Disclosure: The products in this article were provided by PR for consideration. All opinions are my own. For more information please refer to my Disclosure Policy.

Aveda Chakra 5 Balancing Body Mist

2013-05-22T21:25:00.004-05:00

Aveda's Chakra Balancing Body Mist ($30) is a body mist made from extracts of grapefruit, rosemary and ylang ylang that help balance mind and body. "With the help of Mr. Chakra –www.misterchakra.com, a new, interactive website from Aveda, you will be given the tools you need to find the balance you deserve. Mr. Chakra will reveal energy-aligning tips that include guided meditation, breathing techniques, mantra usage and personal nutrition and also lead you to the ideal Aveda Chakra™ Balancing Body Mist."

Chakra 5 is supposed to be the center of creativity, self-expression and communication and helps you calm, relax and express yourself better. The body mist comes packaged in a glass spray bottle and has a strong fragrance initially. Chakra 5 is a rather unisex, citrusy scent, almost slightly medicinal. It dries down to a much subtler scent as time goes by. I have used it quite a bit so far and find the scent to be really nice and zingy - initially a little too strong for my liking, but feels a lot more calming after the scent wears down a little. I'm not sure of the "Balancing and Self-Expression" claim though. I really like spritzing it on it as an body mist and enjoy the strong, uplifting citrus boost, but the scent isn't the most long lasting on me- around 4 hours and a lot lesser in the summer. I can't speak for the other mists in the Aveda Chakra Collection (Check out the Mr.Chakra website to learn more about the other scents), but Chakra 5, although not anything spectacular, is worth a shot if you like citrusy, slightly earthy, herbal scents.

Have you tried any of the Aveda Chakra Body Mists?

Disclosure: The products in this article were provided by PR for consideration. All opinions are my own. For more information please refer to my Disclosure Policy.

Sonia Kashuk Cosmetic Bag Collection

2013-05-21T17:00:00.000-05:00

As part of the Spring '13 lineup, Sonia Kashuk had launched a few new and cute designs of cosmetic bags in various shapes, sizes and prints like floral, tribal, yarn and dots. I was sent a few to try out, so here are some pictures and quick thoughts!

Sonia Kashuk Cosmetic Bag Collection Double Zip Clutch ($14.99) - Holds a ton of makeup and other small stuff like mini shampoos, body lotions. Great to pack for a couple of days.

Sonia Kashuk Cosmetic Bag Collection Makeup Organizer ($9.99)

Sonia Kashuk Cosmetic Bag Collection Soft Cosmetic Case ($6.99) - Its small enough to have in your purse for everyday, yet holds quite a bit of daily essentials that you'd always want in your bag like lip balm gloss, eyeliner, compact, hand cream, mints and much more!

Sonia Kashuk Cosmetic Bag Collection Foldover Frame Clutch ($16.99) - I haven't used this one much, but I can tell you that it is very spacious and wide!

Sonia Kashuk Cosmetic Bag Collection Double Zip Foldover ($9.99)

My favorite among these is the Double Zip Foldover (shown above) - Love the double zipper compartments where I can keep my skincare and makeup separately. It folds up to a small case, saving a lot of space - perfect for travel. The prints on these are really cute and although most of them look small, they are very roomy and hold quite a bit of stuff. The bright pop of color detailing on the zipper on some of them is a nice touch. Overall, very affordable, practical and keeps you organized while traveling!

What are your thoughts on the Sonia Kashuk Cosmetic Bag Collection?

Disclosure: The products in this article were provided by PR for consideration. All opinions are my own. For more information please refer to my Disclosure Policy.

Mally Pro-Tricks Eye Shadow Palette

2013-05-21T16:15:00.001-05:00

Mally Beauty's pro-tricks eye shadow palette is a fairly new launch and a qvc-exclusive palette that features six eye shadows, along with a primer, light shade modifier and a dark shade modifier that helps create custom looks. The dark shade modifier is an inky black base and the light shade modifier is a light, shimmery champagne color.

As much as I like the concept behind the dark and light shade modifiers, I do wish that the eyshadows themselves, especially the green and plum shades were a tad less chalky. They are quite pigmented and there isn't much fallout, but the textures aren't so blendable. The palette also includes a fluffy eye shadow blending brush - its nice to have and helps achieve good wash of color. The bases are quite sticky, which is a good thing and that helps the eye shadows adhere to them better. The 'dark shad modifier' is quite a nice concept - I tend to use a lot of black or brown bases for my less pigmented shadows to deepen the color a little more and that it is included in the palette is nice.There's a protective covering for the base that keeps the colors from mixing in.

Overall, I think its tad expensive for the price - the shadows are a good size and the mix of colors are really nice, but I wish they blended a little better. I really like concept of including shade modifiers to deepen, lighten and customize colors, but it would have been better if the textures were a tad more forgiving.

Price $50 - Available online at qvc.com

Have you tried the Mally Beauty Pro-Tricks Eye Shadow Palette?

Disclosure: The products in this article were provided by PR for consideration. All opinions are my own. For more information please refer to my Disclosure Policy.

Yes To Grapefruit Daily Facial Scrub

2013-05-20T14:50:00.001-05:00

Yes To Grapefruit Daily Facial Scrub ($9.99; Press Sample) is a paraben-fee, gentle, brightening exfoliator. The fresh cirtusy scent is perfect for a lazy morning or even at the end of a long day. It is formulated with Lemon Balm, that helps calm, repair and enhance skin's luminosity.

The scrub has very small granules and a gritty, but runny consistency It foams up quite a bit and isn't too harsh even on my very sensitive skin. I absolutely love the smell - it is fresh, not too overpowering and doesn't linger once washed away. I keep this for use about 3-4 times a week, mostly at night, after I've got all my makeup off with a cleansing balm or oil. It washes away whatever is left behind, leaves absolutely no residue and takes care of exfoliating skin pretty well. I don't think its a very harsh exfoliant, but I definitely would recommend a good moisturizer afterwards. It leaves me feeling fresh, very clean and super bright. If you have dry, dull skin, this one adds a nice glow without stripping skin too much. I also had a couple of trouble spots on my chin and this has helped calm those down to a nice extent.

Overall, I love it - its great for summer, but can be a tad drying in the winter - nothing a good moisturizer can't fix. Although marketed as a Daily Facial Scrub, I would recommend using it only about 3-4 times per week. If your skin seems a little dull and dry, you'll love the quick radiance boost this scrub delivers.

Have you tried the Yes To Grapefruit Daily Facial Scrub?

Disclosure: The products in this article were provided by PR for consideration. All opinions are my own. For more information please refer to my Disclosure Policy.

Barielle Tips To Toes Sweepstakes!

2013-05-18T13:04:00.001-05:00

Barielle will be hosting a Sweepstakes starting Monday May 5th thru Monday May 27th. There will be 10 winners and one Grand Prize Winner. The prizes are Mani-Pedi Spa kits and the Grand Prize includes one Michael Kors Wallet in addition to the Spa Kits.

The Spa Kit Includes:

1- One 5 Pack Nail Color Set Of Your Choice – Retail $25
2- One Nail Rebuilding Protein – Retail $17.50
3- One Nail Strengthener Cream – Retail $17
4- One No Chip Speed Dry Topcoat – Retail $12.50
5- One Total Foot Care Cream 2.5oz – Retail $12.00
6- One Professional Protective Hand Cream 2.5oz – Retail $8.00

The Grand Prize includes the Spa Kit plus a Michael Kors wallet ( value over $100.00)

Head over to Barielle's Facebook Page For More Info on how to enter!

Atopalm Moisturizing Cleansing Wipes

2013-05-17T12:43:00.003-05:00

Atopalm is a brand new to me - it focuses on products for dry, sensitive skin. Their products are formulated without harsh dyes and irritants and help with calming and providing relief for dry/sensitive skin.

The Moisturizing Cleansing Wipes ($12.99; Press Samples) are enriched with Vitamin E, Olive and Grapeseed oils to cleanse and soothe skin. Each pack comes with 25 wipes, each one generously sized for face and neck. These aren't terribly saturated, but they do the job effectively and leave behind no sticky residue. There's not much of a scent - just a mild smell that fades pretty quickly. Since these are formulated for sensitive skin, there's absolutely no stinging or burning, even when used around the eyes. They tend to struggle a little with waterproof eye makeup, but everything else comes off clean without much effort. I always tend rinse my face after I use face wipes, but these don't leave a residue, so even if you don't rinse, you won't end up looking like an oil slick. Overall, if you like a lot of fragrance in your wipes or almost, always wear waterproof makeup, you might find the Atopalm wipes a little too mild for your liking. But, if you have sensitive skin, definitely check these out out - they are pretty amazing, cause no redness or irritation and are great to have in your makeup bag for summer!

Available at Atopalm.com, Target, Target.com, Ulta, Ulta.com.

Have you tried the Atopalm Moisturizing Cleansing Wipes?

Disclosure: The products in this article were provided by PR for consideration. All opinions are my own. For more information please refer to my Disclosure Policy.