Sometimes the transition from winter to spring can leave skin confused and not looking it’s best. If your skin is dull and lifeless, it’s time to get it in shape.  I’ve been testing out newly-launched masks and peels– using one can really jumpstart your skin and give it a boost to looking better. Read on for more…

If you’re new to using masks and peels, I’d start out with St. Ives Peel Pads.  These non-abrasive pads contain a natural alpha hydroxy acid complex; when you open the jar, you definitely smell the fruit scent.  The pads aren’t harsh at all–you can use am or pm and I didn’t experience any irritation or stinging.  At a suggested retail of $4.99, St. Ives Peel Pads are easy and convenient–get them at drug and discount stores.

Everyone’s favorite spa-at-home line, Bliss, has introduced new That’s Incredi-’Peel’ Spa-Strength Glycolic Resurfacing Pads.  This no-rinse peel-pad releases 10% glycolic acid without irritation.  I’ve been using nightly for the past 3 weeks and feel like I’ve seen improvements in my skin.  The main benefit to using Glycolic Acid is that it works on accelerating skin turnover and improves skin texture. This is probably the best “all-around” peel that I tested–good for a variety of skin conditions. The package contains 30 pads and retails for $49. You can find Bliss That’s Incredi-’Peel’ Spa-Strength Glycolic Resurfacing Pads at Sephora.

Murad Environmental Shield Intensive-C Radiance Peel helps to brighten skin and over time, improve hyperpigmentation and restore skin clarity.  In addition to antioxidants Vitamin C and Indian Fig, the Intensive-C Radiance Peel contains Glycolic Acid for cell turnover, Myrtle Extract supports collagen production, which in turn, increases elasticity. You can use the Intensive-C Radiance Peel up to twice weekly; I didn’t experience irritation or stinging.  The Murad Environmental Shield Intensive-C Radiance Peel retails at $49.50 and can be found at Sephora, Ulta, leading salons and spas nationwide as well as Murad.com and the Murad Inclusive Health Spa.  Excellent!

Algenist Firming & Lifting Intensive Mask is one of my new favorites. I’m at a point where I need an anti-aging mask–one that will help with firming and lifting. The combination of ingredients in this mask, including Alguronic Acid and ProPeptide^3, Jojoba, Green Tea, and Vitamin E works to firm, tone & sculpt facial contours.  You apply the mask, which has a gel texture and leave on for 10 minutes before washing off.  After rinsing, your face looks rejeuvenated.  Algenist Firming & Lifting Intensive Mask is effective and completely non-irritating; $52 at Sephora.

ARCONA Mandarin Brightening Peel is a deep-exfoliation peel, designed to help brighten skin, as well as repair fine lines and wrinkles caused by aging and sun damage.  This peel is excellent for someone with hyperpigmentation issues.  The combination of Glycolic and Lactic Acids, as well as Lycopene, Sepiwhite (which helps inhibit one of the key enzymes in the formation of melanin–which is what causes discoloration) and other antioxidants results in a peel that not only smells heavenly, but that is effective at brightening. Available at Nordstrom, Skinstore and Arcona.com, $78.

If you have acne-prone skin, it’s often difficult to find products that are gentle, but effective.  Eminence Clear Skin Probiotic Masque clarifies and calms skin, leaving you with a radiant complexion.  This masque contains cucumber and yogurt for exfoliating, nourishing and toning, shea butter to moisturize, marigold and tea tree oil, which have anti-irritants and antiseptic properties and as Kaolin Clay for deep cleaning.  When you open the jar, it smells wonderful. You can find Eminence products in spas, as well as online at Dermstore.com.

It’s that time of year when the weather is starting to heat up–for me, that means it’s time to edit my makeup bag.  For the summer, I usually live in a tinted moisturizer, bronzer, mascara and a lip tint.  A new discovery is the Pixi Bronze Bloom Trio and Tinted Brilliance Balm.  Easy and perfect for summer!

I have to confess, as much as I’m in Target, I’ve tended to walk past the Pixi Beauty display…no idea why, it just happens.  So when I was sent the Pixi Bronze Bloom Trio and Tinted Brilliance Balm, I was excited to try the line.  And you know what?  They’re fabulous products.  Pixi is the beauty line developed by Makeup Artist Petra Strand.

The Bronze Bloom Trio ($25) is a huge compact of summer goodness.  Half the pan is bronzer, then there is a 1/4 section of luminous pink blush and a 1/4 section of golden peach highlighter.  This made me very happy, because in general, I don’t like plain brown bronzers.  They’re too “flat” (unless you’re using one to contour).  I like taking a bronzer brush and swirling it around the compact, brushing the top of all three colors–and when you do that–you get a radiant, sun-kissed look.

The Tinted Brilliance Balm ($16) was also a nice discovery.  Packed with hydrating shea-butter, revitalizing oils, vitamins and lip-plumpers, Tinted Brilliance Balm couldn’t be easier or more convenient for summer.  I’ve been using No. 5, Radiant Rose, practically every day.  I love that you don’t have to sharpen this crayon–just twist up. This balm works with your own lip’s pH level to create a “custom color” just right for you.

You can find the Pixi line in Target stores, at Target.com and pixibeauty.com.  Have you tried the Pixi line of beauty products?

Renowned makeup artist and Estée Lauder Creative Makeup Director, Tom Pecheux brings his expertise to help women everywhere create a beautiful, wide-eyed look. Part of the new Two Tone Collection for Eyes, Estee Lauder Sumptuous Two Tone Eye-Opening Mascara combines two brushes and two colors for maximum impact.  Read on…

Estée Lauder Sumptuous Mascara has always been one of my favorites.  I’ve consistently had good results and over the years, have loved how Estée Lauder has added different colors and formula variations to the line.  Now for the first time, Sumptuous Two Tone Eye-Opening Mascara combines two contrasting shades and two different brushes for instantly lifted, beautiful eyes.

I have been testing Sumptuous Two Tone Eye-Opening Mascara and really like the eye-opening look it helps to create.  I’m using the Bold Black/Rich Blue combination.  Since I have blue eyes, I normally tend to shy away from wearing blue anything on my eyes, but the effect with this mascara is subtle and doesn’t compete.

Sumptuous Two Tone Eye-Opening Mascara has two very-different brushes.  On one end (Bold Black), is the “regular” Sumptuous brush, which helps to deliver length and thickness.  For the bottom lashes (in this case Rich Blue), the brush is small — so you can really get in and coat each lash. What I’ve been also doing, is adding a sweep of Rich Blue at the corner of the upper lashes for an eye-lifting effect–love it!

Estee Lauder Sumptuous Two Tone Eye-Opening Mascara comes in three shade combinations: Bold Black/Rich Brown, Bold Black/Rich Blue (Limited-Edition) and Bold Black/Rich Plum (Limited-Edition), which I also plan to buy. This mascara retails at $28 and is available at Estee Lauder counters and online at EstéeLauder.com.  In addition, you can pick up new Limited Edition Pure Color Eyeshadows and Limited Edition Double Wear Stay-in-Place Dual-Ended Eye Pencil Duos — all part of the Two Tone Collection for Eyes.  Would you use this two-toned, duo-brush mascara?

Last week I was frustrated because for all my efforts, it seemed like I couldn’t make the scale move. I’ve been at my wit’s end this week, trying to rack my brain to see what, if anything, I needed to change in my Nutrisystem plan.  Read on for more…

It’s always hard when you hit a rough patch like this–and I’ve been lucky, because it has only happened a couple of times.  I’ve been trying to pinpoint what I could do to help get back in the groove. This is why I’m glad that logging your food is a good habit to get into.  It gives you the ability to go back and take a look at what, if anything, needs to be tweaked.  Since I tend to eat a lot of the same foods, I can see where maybe I need to change it up a little more to trick my body. And I realized I probably need to drink more water.

I made those minor adjustments, which have resulted in a .4 lb. loss, making my total weight loss on Nutrisystem 87.2 lbs. For the amount of effort I made, I feel like it should have been more, but at least it’s something. If you’d like to lose weight on Nutrisystem or for more information, go to www.nutrisystem.com.  Have you ever stalled out on your weight loss plan? How did you overcome it?

Disclosure:  As part of the Nutrisystem Nation Blogger Program, Nutrisystem is providing me with complementary meals in exchange for my honest thoughts on the Nutrisystem plan.  The opinions expressed in my posts are strictly my own.  No other compensation is being given.

Dove^®  is looking for confident women to show off their skin as part of the brand’s national “Show Us Your Skin” campaign.  The campaign celebrates the beautifully soft and smooth skin Dove® Body Washes and Beauty Bars give women. Read on for the details…

For the first-time ever, every woman who uploads a photo will appear in a Dove® ad, including online ads, galleries and a dynamic billboard in the world-renowned Times Square. How cool is that? Women will be able to search for their ad and share it with family and friends so everyone can see their “spotlight moment.”

Dove has always been a leader in spotlighting beauty–remember the Real Women campaign? You can participate by uploading a photo showing off your beautiful skin at Dove.com/ShowUsYourSkin or Facebook.com/Dove. Photos that meet requirements will be featured on a Times Square billboard, the online Dove gallery and in digital ads.

That’s not the only exciting news from Dove–there are new products to talk about, too! VisibleCare Toning Crème Body Wash is one way to help get your skin it’s most beautiful in just one week.  I’ve been using it and it’s absolutely the thickest, richest body wash I’ve ever used. It contains Vitamin E, which is known to promote skin’s elasticity and strength.  This is an excellent body wash to use year round–especially if you have dry skin.  It has a light, fresh fragrance–I love it!

Another new product that I’ve been using is Dove^® Clear Tone Skin Renew Deodorant. Often times women can get areas of hyperpigmentation or darkening in the underarm area from shaving.  This new deodorant can help restore and even skin tone and reduce red/dark marks.  The formula contains calendula, sunflower seed extracts and unique Dove moisturizers to help accelerate the natural skin renewal process. Although I don’t have this condition, I found Clear Tone Skin Renew Deodorant to be a very effective deodorant–even through my Zumba workouts!

You can find Dove products at drug, discount and grocery stores nationwide.  And don’t forget to show off your beautiful skin by uploading your picture at Dove.com/ShowUsYourSkin or Facebook.com/Dove. Strike a pose!

Robert Verdi, celebrity stylist & style expert, announces his 2012 Ultimate Mother’s Day Gift Guide featuring top picks for every kind of Mom. Dubbed the “gift guru” by The Wall Street Journal, Verdi brings his gift-giving expertise typically reserved for his A-List clients so you can be sure to impress this Mother’s Day.  If you haven’t picked out a gift for Mom yet, read on for inspiration…

Whether mom is a music-loving maven, a design denizen or simply likes to relax and let loose, this the perfect cool, subtle accessory for her! The Star-shaped earbud from Marc Jacobs shows off her fun side with a practical yet whimsical approach to the classic earbud.  Available at: Marc Jacobs.

Gourmand Mom – Vosges Chocolate La Petite Hatbox Pour la Mere, $98

Forget the typical bouquet of flowers for Mother’s Day. Vosges is spicing up tradition with a limited-edition hatbox with the most comforting tastes of spring (Vosges Chocolate is phenomenal – highly recommended!). Available at: Vosges Chocolate.

Sporty Mom- A|X Armani Exchange Pink Pop Watch, $100

This watch gives a feminine and fashion-forward edge to the mom who loves a more sporty look.  Available at: A|X.

Glamorous Mom – HSN Robert Verdi’s “Peggy” Mod Squared-Shape Sunglasses, $25

Make mom feel like a movie star with Robert Verdi’s exclusive sunglasses line for HSN!  Available at: HSN.

These stylish gifts and savvy finds make gift-giving a breeze no matter what your budget. These are the go-to gifts to make your Mother’s Day special with the perfect combination of fun, fashion and function. Robert Verdi will be answering Mother’s Day Gift Questions and giving away one of his picks over twitter. Follow @RobertVerdi for more information and tell him Beauty411 sent you!

If you’re looking for a very pretty gift set for mom, that includes really great products with good values, look no further than Pacifica.  I love this line of fragrances and body products–any of the gift sets would make a fantastic gift.  Read on for more…

One of the things I adore about Pacifica is that the fragrances are so intoxicating.  Scents that make me think of exotic flowers or traveling to an island escape. Mouthwatering lip tints that taste as good as the color inside.

The Pacifica Shimmer & Glow set ($24) includes four products:  a 2-oz. tube of Coconut Crushed Pearl Luminizing Body Butter, a 2-oz. tube of Coconut Bronzing Body Butter, Kona Coffee & Sugar Detox Whole Body Scrub and Coconut Pearls Luminizing Lip Quench.  To get skin in shape, start in the shower with the Kona Coffee & Sugar Detox Whole Body Scrub, which smells amazing and leaves skin glowing. The Coconut Bronzing Butter adds a touch of sun-kissed color to skin, while the Coconut Crushed Pearl gives a luminescent, shimmering effect.  Both smell divine! Add the Coconut Pearls Luminizing Lip Quench for the softest lips ever.

The Pacifica Take me There set ($18) is available in 4 different scents and includes a 2.5 oz. Body Butter, a .33 oz. Roll-On Perfu,e amd a Color Quench Natural Moisture Lip Tint.  This set is perfect for a mom that loves to travel–everything would fit into the 1 quart ziplock bag. The Hawaiian Ruby Guava fragrance is like bringing a little of the islands right into your world.

If Mom loves her beauty products, then the Love Your Lips Color Quench Lip Tint Trio ($18) is ideal.  The set I tried included Coconut Nectar (a hint of golden color, Coconut Oil and Coconut Butter), Guava Berry (berry stain with essential fatty acids for hydration) and Blood Orange (coral-berry shade that tastes amazing!).  All three Color Quench lip tints provide sheer color and hydration.  Can’t say enough good things about these!

You can find these Pacifica gift sets online at PacificaPerfume.com.  Order a set for mom and one for you, too!

The Met Ball, fashion’s equivalent of the Oscars, was held last night in New York.  Gwyneth Paltrow didn’t disappoint; she looked absolutely stunning.  Read on for the details on Gwyneth’s hair and makeup…

Makeup artist Emma Lovell drew inspiration from the dramatic Prada dress and her tight chignon when devising the star’s luminous look. “We focused on the eyes with a smoky, taupe-y 60s eye,” says the London-based Lovell. “It’s a modern take on Twiggy, a little more dramatic than Gwyneth’s typical natural look, and with a focus on gorgeous, glowing skin.”

Emma primed the skin using the new Hourglass No. 28 Primer Serum, which infuses the complexion with 28 skin-softening ingredients as it prepares it for makeup. “I always aim to create radiant skin,” she says, “and No. 28 ensures a brilliant canvas.” She then followed with Hourglass Veil Fluid Makeup in No. 2 shade for a dewy complexion.

“Gwyneth was just in Mexico and got a little color so I wanted to highlight that,” she says.  To do that, Emma applied Hourglass Illume Crème-To-Powder Bronzer Duo in Sunset. “I used the bronze shade on the top of the cheekbones, underneath the cheekbones and on the temples—anywhere the sun would naturally hit.” She then used the blush shade on the apples of the cheeks and blended the two.

Emma started by filling in the brows with MAC Eye Brow Pencil in Fling. She then used the taupe shade from the Hourglass Vol. 6 Eye Shadow Palette all over the socket and underneath the eyes, followed by Hourglass Calligraphy Liquid Eye Liner in Ebony. “Start from the center of the eye lid and draw outwards,” she says. After curling the lashes she applied multiple coats of Hourglass Film Noir Full Spectrum Mascara, focusing on the center of the lashes. “You’re aiming for a rounded effect—more Bambi-like than cat-eye,” she says. For extra drama, she finished the eyes with a coat of Hourglass Film Noir Lash Lacquer.

Emma used Hourglass Femme Rouge Velvet Crème Lipstick in Fable, a light pink beige. She finished up by blending two shades of Hourglass Extreme Sheen High Shine Lip Gloss and applying it over the lipstick. “I wanted a vintage-y pink lip so I combined the Lush and Child shades,” she says.

Hairstylist Giannandrea created Gwyneth’s chic updo. “In order to create this very pure clean and tight bun, I started by parting the hair in the very middle very sharp, and I blow dried the hair very straight and then flat ironed it to give an ultimate flatness. I used Kerastase Ultime Oil to give the shine and cleanliness that I needed and wanted. The tightness is extremely important in this particular hairstyle as it really enhance the features of the face.”

Giannandrea then smoothly brushed the hair against the scalp downward on the sides and the backward toward the nape and secure it in a hair band in a low pony tail. The pony tail was twisted using a bit of oil to give it extreme shine. “I kept twisting until it wound on its own, and I secured it by using long straight blonde pins.  The ends of the hair were purposely left out to give a sense a effortless modernity.  I finished with a bit of hairspray against humidity.”

I think Gwyneth just keeps upping her game and looking better and more fabulous. What an inspiration!  Did you have a favorite look from last night’s Met Ball? Let me know in the comments!

Mother’s Day is next week…time to remember your mom with something special. If you’re needing little “giftspiration”, check out these gift ideas ranging from beauty to fragrance and everything in between.  Read on for more…

I love makeup that is as pretty to look at as it is to use, and for Mother’s Day, no packaging is prettier than L’Occitane’s new Pivoine Délicate Collection.  The Pivoine Délicate Collection consists of irresistible fragrances and makeup inspired by the peony’s gorgeous pink shades and subtle scents. The collection includes Eau de Toilette, Hand Cream, Shimmering Powder, Eau de Toilette & Lip Gloss Duo, Lip Shine, Lipstick and Lip Balm.  The shades of Lip Shine and Lipstick are an easy-to-wear shade of pink, too. Available at L’Occitane.com .

For the mom that likes skincare, the Meaningful Beauty® New Advanced 5-Piece set with bonus products is a gift she’ll appreciate.  This set contains all the necessary products to ramp up her skin care.  The star of the collection is  the new Crème de Serum – a triple potency product that combines the power of a serum with the rich moisturizing effects of a cream. The Crème de Serum is worth the price of the set!  The Meaningful Beauty® New Advanced 5-Piece set retails at $39.95 plus s/h for 30 day supply and is available online at www.TryNewMB.com or by calling 1-877-383-1212.

If you have a mom that loves her bling, then consider the Better Together Necklace Set from Lia Sophia.  This set includes two necklaces–one to give to mom and one to keep for yourself.  Available in gold or silver, the heart-shaped necklaces has cut-crystal accents and an adjustable chain.  Find it at LiaSophia.com, $78. I have given Lia Sophia jewelry as gifts and find it to be great quality.

Fragrance is a traditional gift for Mother’s Day. If your mom likes a fragrance with fresh-floral-fruity notes, then gift her with Salvatore Ferragamo’s new Signorina fragrance. Top notes of currant spiced by fresh pink pepper and green notes give way to a floral heart of fresh jasmine, peony and rose, with a drydown of pannacotta, soft musk and woody patchouli.  Signorina is available in department stores and online retailers, including Nordstrom.com.

If your mom likes to travel–or especially if she’s a gardener, then I would suggest The Hidden Gardens of Paris book by Susan Cahil. The book is filled with amazing photos and takes you on a journey to some of the secret treasures of Paris.  It’s really a lovely read and would be a perfect gift.  Hidden Gardens Of Paris: A Guide to the Parks, Squares, and Woodlands of the City of Light (published by St. Martin’s Griffin) retails at $19.99 and is available in bookstores.

Finally, this Colour In Bloom set from Clinique gives mom the ability to put her best face forward every day. The six-piece set includes a limited-edition Colour Surge Eye Shadow Compact, High Impact Mascara, Blushwear Cream Stick, Long Last Glosswear SPF 15, Take The Day Off Makeup Remover and a colorful makeup bag!  The Clinique Colour In Bloom Set retails at $43.50 and is available at Sephora.com.

If you need more inspiration, check out my Pinterest Boards!  And to all the mom’s, Happy Mother’s Day!

Icon credit: dryicons.com

Mally Roncal, celebrity makeup artist and president of Mally Beauty, has one nemesis— translucent powder! As the leader of the war on powder, Mally is issuing a battle cry, encouraging women to take a pledge to “Fight the Powder.”

Mally and her “Fight the Powder” squad are encouraging women to take a stand against translucent powder by trading in their old compact for Face Defender at a “Fight the Powder” event in New York City on Tuesday, May 8^th (Rain Date Tuesday, June 19th).  The event is taking place outside of Grand Central Terminal, where Mally and her beauty team will encourage commuters to participate in a makeup trade-up. The first 50 women to take the pledge will receive Mally’s Face Defender. If you’d like more information, or to take the “Fight the Powder” pledge, head to Mally’s Facebook page.