Desire by Dolce&Gabbana is a seductive new fragrance that turns up the heat for summer. This fragrance is for the woman that lives her life by three words: confident, strong and sensual. The face of the fragrance is Scarlett Johansson; who better to symbolize desire? Read on for my thoughts…

“Everything starts with desire.  There wouldn’t be seduction, sensuality or passion if it wasn’t for desire.  For us, it’s always been fundamental to let this sensation go, to break the mold and live freely by emotions”  ~Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana.

From the moment I first smelled Desire by Dolce&Gabbana, it was apparent that the fragrance had both oriental, floral and a touch of gourmand notes. In wearing Desire, I found it versatile enough to wear day or night, but generally, I preferred it in the evening. It’s definitely a sexy, sultry, intimate fragrance, which is perfect for summer. The bottle is beautiful, too. It has a substantial, weighty, sensual feel in the hand. I love the gold script lettering on the front.

The top notes of Desire by Dolce&Gabbana include Mandarin, Lychee, Bergamot and Lily of the Valley. As the fragrance warms, the middle notes take over and include Madonna lily, Indian Tuberose, Jasmine and Plum Nectar. I got more of the Tuberose and Jasmine (floral) notes with my chemistry. The drydown or base notes are fabulous and include Vanilla Infused Caramel, Sandalwood and Musk. In terms of staying powder, for me it was good. I didn’t need to reapply the fragrance. Overall, the longer I wore Desire, the more I liked it.

Desire by Dolce&Gabbana is available in department stores including Nordstrom and Saks Fifth Avenue. The 1.6 oz. bottle retails at $93.00, the 2.5 oz. size is $112.00. If you’re looking for a sexy, summer scent, check this one out!

Disclosure:  A  press sample was  provided by the brand/PR for editorial consideration, product testing, photography and review. Affiliate links have been used in the post; for more information refer to Disclosure Policy.

MAC captures the steamy scene in a summer collection that turns on the heat! I always look forward to a MAC Summer Collection, because the colors and textures stand out. The Temperature Rising Collection doesn’t disappoint. Read on for more…

I don’t know how MAC keeps outdoing themselves with each makeup collection they release. This summer’s offering, Temperature Rising, delivers colors, textures and packaging that sets it apart. The collection not only has makeup offerings; there is a bronzing “collection within a collection”. The packaging is stellar, too, with a bronze finish on all of the compacts. Love!

I love the Eyeshadow X4–in both palettes the colors are beautiful neutrals that you can wear year around. These eyeshadows aren’t super pigmented, but I had no problems with color payoff and wear. I predict both palettes will sell out, so if you love these colors, don’t wait. The Temperature Rising palette has my heart; can’t get enough of it!

My favorite pieces in the MAC Temperature Rising Collection include:

Eye Shadow X4 in Temperature Rising (Circus/Performance Art, Swelter, Temperature Rising, Beauty Marked). This is one of the most gorgeous MAC palettes ever! If you love shades of purple, don’t miss it. $44

Eye Shadow X4 in Bare My Soul (Bare My Soul, When in Rio, Friendly and Romantico). This palette has earth tone shadows, including a beautiful deep green. This palette paired with a dark green eyeliner? OMG!

Powder Blush in Hot Nights, $23

Powerchrome Eye Pencils – I’m completely obsessed with these Powerchrome Eye Pencils! I tried Rich Glance (light gold) and Polished Jet (charcoal with pearl) and the wear and finish is unbelievable. I plan on picking up the other two colors Copper Strip (frosty midtone copper) and Life’s Luxury (deep bronze brown). They’re the perfect neutrals. $21

Of the two Lipsticks in the Temperature Rising Collection that I tried, Sheer Seduction (from left, super dazzle bronze) and Caliente (super dazzle violet). The shades have a metallic, almost frost finish. Caliente is my fave. The other shades include Altered Beige and Feel My Pulse. $16.50.

Of the four Lipglass shades in the collection, I tried Liquid Passion (creamy nude) and Rhythm (vivid magenta with pearl). Rhythm is definitely a shade that works against tan or dark skins–gorgeous! $16.50

Two shades of Nail Lacquer include Scorching Haute (super glitter magenta frost) and Tropical (super glitter bronze frost). Beautifully pigmented, I love using Tropical for an accent nail. $18

Strobe Liquid in Golden Elixir, $31

Bronzing Oil in Man Rays, $22.50

The MAC Temperature Rising Collection is available in department stores and online at maccosmetics.com. Do you see anything that makes your temperature rise? Let me know in the comments! And stay tuned for an upcoming post on bronzers!

Disclosure:  Press samples have been provided by the brand/PR for editorial consideration, product testing, photography and review.  Affiliate links have been used in the post. For more information refer to Disclosure Policy.

The Sephora Sun Safety Kit is out and because it’s so popular, you’re going to need to act on it. This is one of the best ways to try a variety of sunscreens (or save them for travel!) and also help out The Skin Cancer Foundation. Read on…

The Sephora Sun Safety Kit 2013 features 13 SPF essentials, 2 self tanners, a finishing powder and brush, primer, and bronzing powder packed in a reusable cosmetics bag. Plus, $20 from each kit benefits The Skin Cancer Foundation. Every year I pick up one of these kits and just love it. It’s a great way to discover a new favorite product.

Sephora’s 2013 Sun Safety Kit includes:

• 0.03 oz bareMinerals® Original Mineral Veil Broad Spectrum SPF 25
• bareMinerals® Mini Flawless Application Brush
• 0.5 oz Boscia® Self-Defense Antioxidant Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 30
• 0.3 oz Clarins UV Plus HP Sunscreen Multi-Protection Broad Spectrum SPF 40
• 0.25 oz Dr. Brandt® Signature Flexitone® BB Cream SPF 30
• 1 Towelette Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare™ Alpha Beta® Glow Pad™
• 0.5 oz Josie Maran Cosmetics Argan Daily Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 40
• 0.5 oz Lancôme Bienfait Multi-Vital SPF 30 Cream
• 0.5 oz L’Occitane Immortelle Brightening Hand Care SPF 20
• 0.16 oz Miracle Skin Transformer Miracle Skin Transformer Face SPF 20
• 0.5 oz Ole Henriksen Protect the Truth SPF 50+
• 0.5 oz Origins A Perfect World™ SPF 25 Age-Defense Moisturizer with White Tea
• 0.5 oz Peter Thomas Roth Clinical Skincare Max Sheer Day Moisture Defense® Lotion SPF 30
• 0.169 oz Sephora Collection Age Defy Moisture Cream SPF 15 Sunscreen
• 0.64 oz Ultimate Protection Cream+ Broad Spectrum SPF 50+
• 0.25 oz Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer SPF 20 with Dermaxyl™ Complex
• 1.69 oz St. Tropez One Night Only Instant Glow Body Lotion
• 0.5 oz Tarte Brazilliance Skin Rejuvenating Maracuja Self Tanner
• 0.14 oz Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Matte Bronzing Powder with Real Cocoa
• Cosmetic bag

Right now, the Sephora Sun Safety Kit is being offered exclusively to Beauty Insiders through 5/25. After that, it will open up to the general public and always sells out. Do you plan on purchasing this kit? Let me know in the comments!

Disclosure: Affiliate links are used in the post; for more information refer to Disclosure Policy.

Hassled by your hair? If you’ve had enough of extreme damage issues with your hair—like split ends or uncontrollable frizz, then plan on taking part in the Pantene “Demanding Hair Talk Event” today from 2:00 – 3:00 EST on Twitter! Read on for the details…

Pantene is hooking the Twitterverse up with one of their Senior Scientists, Rolanda Johnson Wilkerson PhD., who will help us not only understand our hair concerns, but solve them. We’ll be talking about the new Pantene Expert Collection, too. Hair care products that can repair your hair and deliver exceptional results.

The Pantene Expert Collection includes the Advanced+ Keratin Repair products, which work together to repair two years of damage (to smoothness) in two minutes!  There’s also new Pantene AgeDefy, a groundbreaking line of anti-aging haircare product options created to fight multiple signs of hair aging. I didn’t know my hair could actually be showing signs of aging, too, so I definitely plan on learning more about that today.

Sound like fun? Then join us today from 2-3 PM. To get in on the discussion, follow @Pantene on Twitter and use the hashtag #PanteneExpert to get all of your hair/haircare questions answered! See you there!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Pantene. The opinions and text are all mine. Complementary samples were provided for my personal testing.

With summer fast approaching, it’s time to get your skin in top shape. That means using a good body moisturizer. And if you can get one that also improves skin’s appearance and helps smooth and firm? Bonus! NIVEA’s Skin Firming Hydration Body Lotion with Q10 can help. Read on for more…

NIVEA is challenging us to get better, firmer skin so that we can bare it/flaunt it this summer. Whether it’s in a sundress, short sleeves or at the beach, you don’t want your skin to look dry or dehydrated.  I’ve been using NIVEA Skin Firming Hydration Body Lotion with Q10 for the past 2 weeks and have noticed an improvement in how my skin looks and feels. It’s a lightweight lotion that really provides deep moisture. I’m using the lotion twice a day; after I shower and before bed and my skin feels so much more comfortable–all day long.

You can take the the NIVEA Skin Firming Hydration Challenge, too! You can retweet this post or tweet why you’d like to try NIVEA to @NIVEAUSA with a photo of what clothing you’ll be flaunting with softer, more touchable, firmer skin. Use the hashtag #DARETOBARE in your tweet. NIVEA is picking two fans each week to win a free product!

Here’s a photo of my #DARETOBARE results; my skin is definitely more supple and looks improved. You can find NIVEA Skin Firming Hydration Body Lotion with Q10 in drugstores, grocery and discount stores. How is your skin? Do you #DARETOBARE?

Disclosure:  Press samples have been provided by the brand/PR for editorial consideration, product testing, photography and review. For more information refer to Disclosure Policy.

L’Oreal Paris has introduced the limited-edition Miss Candy Collection of eye and nail products sure to satisfy. Candy-inspired collections seems to be popular this summer (think MAC Baking Beauties). What I love about Miss Candy is the focus on nails. Read on for more…

The L’Oreal Paris Miss Candy Collection features eight “gelly” Colour Riche Nail shades ($5.99 each), along with three peppermint-swirled styles of Colour Riche Nail Lingerie ($9.95 each). In addition, there are four shades of Infallible Eye Shadow ($7.95 each). I love the Colour Riche Nail polishes, although I am admittedly a cream girl. The gellys are great for an almost-transparent, but pigmented look. The swatches I took were with three coats of polish.

The Colour Riche Miss Candy Nail colors include: Jolly Lolly (red), Mango Mama (orange), Bananarama Love (yellow), Creme de Mint (green), Miss Pixie (royal blue), Bubble Trouble (pink), Lilac Coolers (lilac), Berry Nice (purple). I swatched four of the shades (Bubble Trouble, Jolly Lolly, Lilac Coolers and Miss Pixie.

I love the Colour Riche Nail Lingerie stickers  that L’Oreal has been coming out with. The designs are so wearable and chic. There are three colors /one pattern in this collection: Princess Sprinkles (pink), Gellie Drops (white) and Berry Bubbly (blue) in a fun peppermint swirl pattern. I prefer to use nail stickers as an accent nail; one of these days I’m going to try doing all 10 fingers.

The Miss Candy Collection also includes four Infallible Eye Shadows. These eye shadows are almost like a pigment, in terms of great color payoff and in this collection, have a holographic quality. I find the best application is with a dense brush like my MAC 239, but you only need to load the tiniest bit on the brush.

The Limited-Edition L’Oreal Paris Miss Candy Collection is available now at drugstores nationwide.  Are you going to indulge your craving? Let me know in the comments!

Disclosure:  Press samples have been provided by the brand/PR for editorial consideration, product testing, photography and review. For more information refer to Disclosure Policy.

The Prescriptives brand has been one that I’ve used and loved for many years. Prescriptives has always stood for individuality and offered the first custom-blended foundation. Now Prescriptives has another first—they’ve recently launched a Live Video Chat service to create a Custom Blend Foundation. Find out more….

I was offered the opportunity to try the Prescriptives Live Video Chat and receive a complementary Custom Blend Foundation to test. The service is free, with no obligation to purchase the foundation and it is so easy. You can go right to Prescriptives.com and click on the Live Chat button from M-F, 12-4 EST. A Beauty Genius will meet you and ask a series of questions about your skin type, needs and wants in a foundation.

Erica was my Beauty Genius and she was fantastic. She’s been working with Custom Blend for years, so she knows her stuff. She zeroed in on what I wanted and needed in a foundation; I also uploaded a photo for her reference. Within 1-2 business days after the Live Chat, I received an email with my Custom Blend Foundation recipe. The next step was to go to back to Prescriptives.com to register my recipe and place my order. It couldn’t have been easier.

There’s no risk to ordering a Custom Blend Foundation/Powder as Prescriptives offers a 100% guarantee. If the Custom Blend Color they mix for you isn’t right, they’ll fix it. In my case, that wasn’t necessary. My Custom Blend shade is so amazingly accurate that I’m reaching for it as my first choice. The foundation I received is not only perfect in color, but I was also able to add in features to enhance radiance, adjust coverage…in essence, make my perfect foundation!

Do you have problems matching the right foundation to your skin tone? Is this something that you’d take advantage of? Let me know in the comments!

Disclosure:  A complementary press sample was  provided by the brand/PR for editorial consideration, product testing, photography and review. Affiliate links have been used in the post; for more information refer to Disclosure Policy.

Here in the Midwest, we’re finally starting to signs that summer might be around the corner. I’ve already taken the leap and have transitioned from winter (we had no spring here!) to summer beauty. Take a look at some of the changes I’ve made (video), which include using Jergens® Natural Glow Moisturizers.

I think it’s important to make seasonal adjustments to your beauty and skincare routines. With the warmer weather, your skin and makeup have different needs. Check out the video and get some ideas on how you can change up your beauty routine for summer!

Laura Mercier’s inspiration for the summer Folklore Collection stems from Aztec influences and fantastical rituals. The colours in this collection are reminiscent of ancient symbols and artifacts, textiles and jewelry. The products create a naturally bronzed look, with fiery shades that are perfect for day and night. Read on for more…

Count on Laura Mercier to come up with a colorful and eclectic collection. The shades all work together to complement one another in a beautiful neutral, bronze range.

The Laura Mercier Folklore Collection includes:

Baked Blush Bronze

This unique formula blends five colours that are hand mixed and then baked on a tile. If you’re looking for a subtle finish,  Baked Blush Bronze is a great choice. $36

Illuminating Eye Colour

Three shades available: Fire Glow, Sun Glow and Earth Glow. Even more gorgeous in person, don’t miss these shades for summer! $24

Faux Lash Mascara

New for summer is the Sierra Brown shade, a gorgeous earth-toned shade to complement the native-inspired look. $24

Long Lash Mascara

Perfect for lengthening, the new shade for summer, Bleu looks gorgeous when paired with the eyeshadow shades in this collection. $24

Lip Crayon

New formula that applies like a lipstick and delivers hydrating and rich colour in three shades: Folklore, Mayan Sun and Burnt Clay (which is actually darker in person that in the photo). $22

The Laura Mercier Folklore Collection for Summer 2013 is in department stores, including Nordstrom, Sephora and LauraMercier.com now. Do you see anything that’s a must-have? I adore the Illuminating Eye Colours and the Lip Crayon in Folklore. Let me know your favorites in the comments!

Disclosure:  Affiliate links have been used in the post; for more information refer to Disclosure Policy.

Just in time for summer, Bobbi Brown has released the beautiful Nude Beach Collection. In Bobbi’s words, “It’s relaxed, easy and gorgeous—what summer beauty is all about.” Truth! Read on for my thoughts…

I always look forward to any Bobbi Brown new collection—one of my longstanding favorite makeup lines. Summer is always about beautiful sheer pinks, nudes, tan shades and effortless makeup. The Nude Beach Collection really represents all of that. I’ve had the chance to preview it and can honestly tell you there wasn’t one product I didn’t love. Let me break it down for you.

The Bobbi Brown Nude Beach Collection includes:

Face & Body Bronzing Duo (Limited Edition)

The large Nude Beach compact features two shades of bronzer (as opposed to the Bronzing Powder or my personal BB favorite, the Illuminating Bronzing Powder, both which are single shades). I use the lighter shade of the Duo to sweep over my face and the darker shade under my chin and down my neck. Bye-bye double chin! Don’t you just love summer makeup? $42

Sunless Tanning Gel for Face & Body (Limited Edition)

Rub this white gel into skin and look like you’ve just come from a beach vacation! Sunless Tanning Gel for Face & Body gives gorgeous color, has no smell and is not messy. Highly recommended! $33

Sheer Color Cheek Tint (Limited Edition)

Summer beauty to me means easy and I can’t think what is easier than a swipe of Cheek Tint over or under your bronzer…or on bare skin. In three shades, Nude Beach, Summer Pink (my fave) or Sunlit Nude. $26

Long-Wear Cream Shadow Stick

This is the first time I’ve tried the Long-Wear Cream Shadow Sticks. I’ve been using the Golden Bronze shade every day since I got it. It takes only a few seconds to swipe onto eyelids and blend in with fingers. I like the all-day wear formula and find that I like using a primer underneath, because sometimes my eyelids are crepey and need smoothing. In two shades: Golden Bronze and Sunlight Gold. $28

Tube Tint (Limited Edition)

Sheer color, easy to pop into a pocket or purse, I love the Tube Tints for summer. In 4 shades: Bronzed Pink, Naked, Pink Cloud (love!) and Air Kiss, $19.

Shimmer Nail Polish (Limited Edition)

Pastels are still running strong for nails this spring into summer and this pale pink shimmer polish looks great against a tan. I love this formula, which wore well and truly, did not chip. In one shade, Pink Pearl. $18

Technically not in this collection, but also perfect for summer are new are Sheer Lip Colors. This lightweight formula comes in a wide palette of colors and feels great on lips. I tried the Bobbi shade, a perfect neutral for everyday and Passion Fruit, a bright pink. Love both! $25

The Bobbi Brown Nude Beach Collection is available now in department stores, including Nordstrom and also at BobbiBrown.com. Have you gotten some inspiration for your beach bag?

Disclosure:  Press samples have been provided by the brand/PR for editorial consideration, product testing, photography and review. Affiliate links have been used in the post; for more information refer to Disclosure Policy.