Happy Memorial Day Weekend

memorial-day-weekend-2013It’s the unofficial start of summer! If you’re looking for something to occupy the days, here are a few suggestions to kick off your summer with a bang. Whatever you do, hope you have a blast and enjoy this long weekend. xo

1. If at all possible, get to the beach immediately. Bring your friends. (Image via Pinterest)

2. If you’re landlocked, burn this candle and your home will at least smell beachy. (Image via Bath & Body Works)

3. Time to get your tan on! Fake a healthy glow with Too Faced Sun Bunny Bronzer ($30), a split-pan of matte and shimmer bronzers that flatter a wide range of skin tones. (Image via Ulta)

4. Throw your hair back into a fishtail braid. (Image via)

5. This weekend is a great time to perfect that neon nail art thing. Sit outside while you do it and get some fresh air. (Image via Makeup & Beauty Blog)

6. Gathering with friends? Throw a popsicle in a wineglass, pour some champagne over it, and you have the easiest cocktail in the history of entertaining. (Image via Pinterest)

6. Memorial Day Weekend is sure to involve some grilling. Here’s a ridiculously good recipe for fresh black bean and sweet potato veggie burgers. (Image & recipe via Cookie + Kate)

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Summer’s Best Sunscreens + Sunscreen Application Tips

best-sunscreens-summer-2013Many of you will be heading to the beach or spending time outdoors this holiday weekend. What better time to revamp your sunscreen routine? Now that summer’s here (unofficially), you’ll be reaching for the SPF more frequently. Long gone are the days of goopy zinc; sunscreens today glide on easily, smell amazing, and provide excellent sun protection. Buy a formula you love to make applying it daily a habit you’ll want to keep year-round.

1. Neutrogena Beach Defense SPF 30 Lotion ($10 for 6.7 oz.): This water & sun barrier cream contains Helioplex® Broad Spectrum to shield against UVA & UVB rays. It says it’s “beach-strength” protection, which means you can safely spend a few hours outdoors in this. Also comes in SPF70 for $11.

2. Coppertone Water Babies Pure & Simple Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 ($10 for 8 oz.): Excellent sun protection for the little ones in your life. The Water Babies “Pure & Simple” line makes sunscreen that is fragrance-, oil-, and dye-free, so it’ll be gentle on baby’s skin. Water Babies is the #1 pediatrician-recommended brand.

3. Sun Bum SPF 30 Sunscreen Lotion ($16 for 8 oz.): Who says sunscreen packaging can’t have great design? This faux-bois bottle proves you can protect yourself in style. The lotion inside is fortified with vitamin E and smells like bananas.

4. Coppertone Oil Free Sunscreen Lotion for Faces SPF 30 ($9 for 3 oz.): If you’re prone to acne or breakouts, this is a great option for your face. The oil-free, fragrance-free formula gives you lightweight protection that you can reapply without worrying about breaking out. It’s also available in SPF50 for even higher sun protection.

5. Banana Boat UltraMist Sport Performance Sunscreen  SPF 50 ($10.50 for 6 oz.): Perfect for those who hate waiting for sunscreen to absorb. This spray gives quick & easy application even in hard-to-reach areas, and the clear mist dries in seconds without feeling greasy. It stands up to sweat and water without fading, too–perfect if you’re active outdoors.

6. Clarins Sun Control Stick SPF 30 ($26): Hate the stinging feeling or sunscreen dripping into yours eyes, or despise spending time rubbing in lotion? A stick may work better for you. This one from Clarins’ extensive suncare line has good SPF and a creamy stick formula that melts in quickly. This natural mineral sunscreen won’t irritate sensitive skin.

7. Aveeno Active Naturals Protect + Hydrate SPF 70 Lotion ($11 for 3 oz.): This lotion ups the ante with SPF70. It’s also super-moisturizing; this would be great in the summer when your skin has had it share of exposure to sun, sand, saltwater, chlorine, and other drying agents.

8. Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen Sensitive SPF 30+ ($27 for 8.75 oz.): This Australian brand of sunscreen is chemical-free, but contains physical sunblocks like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to give you irritation-free protection.

After the jump: SUPER IMPORTANT sunscreen application tips from a noted dermatologist. Make sure you read these before heading outdoors this weekend!

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My Picks from MAC Temperature Rising

mac-temperature-risingEvery year, I buy a few products from MAC’s big summer collection. This year’s collection, Temperature Rising, offered a few items that caught my eye. Here’s what I purchased, including swatches and reviews.

Note: My skin is an NW20. However, in these photos, I am wearing self-tanner, so my skin is a bit darker. The product swatches will appear darker on NW20 skin tones who are not wearing any type of self-tanner or cosmetic bronzer.

sun-dipped-pro-longwearTemperature Rising Pro Longwear Bronzing Powder in Sun Dipped ($30): This bronzer provides hours of longwearing sheer coverage. The finish is not totally matte, as it has a very slight amount of pearl/shimmer to it, but it’s nothing noticeable, and the finish isn’t shimmery. It just gives skin a nice, subtle glow. This bronzing powder is housed in limited-edition packaging: a rubbery compact with a feel similar to NARS cosmetics.

Sun Dipped is described as having “dirty red” undertones, but don’t let that scare you; all that means is that this will give slightly warmer finish. If your skin naturally turns a bit pink or red when you’re out in the sun (or if you burn before tanning), this powder will actually mimic the look your skin gets when you’ve spent time in the sun. I’d actually describe this shade are more taupe-y than the others. It’s great for women with blue or pink undertones in their skin, and suitable for even more skin tones. If your skin has yellow undertones or an olive complexion, the other shade in this product, Nude On Board, has a yellow quality to it and will probably work better with your complexion.

Although this bronzer is longwearing, it will only last as long as the makeup that’s underneath it. If your foundation starts to slide, so will this.

sun-dipped-refined-goldenHere’s Sun Dipped Pro Longwear Bronzer next to Refined Golden Bronzing Powder (from 2010′s To The Beach collection; Refined Golden is repackaged and repromoted in Temperature Rising and is also part of MAC’s permanent collection). You can see the difference in tones and shimmer between the two shades.

sun-dipped-swatchHere it is swatched (blended & unblended) with flash…

sun-dipped-swatch-noflash…and without flash.

See more photos and details on other products after the jump.

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Sneak Peek: Tom Ford Beauty Summer ’13

tom-ford-summer-13 I’m obsessed with bronzed, glowing skin in the summer. Tom Ford’s summer collection totally nails this look. Although these products are super pricey, they wear beautifully and the quality is amazing. Here’s a quick look at the items in this collection.

tom-ford-summer-2013-productsLip Lacquer ($30) in Pink Lust (pale pink with gold pearl)
Illuminating Cheek Color ($58) in Blush Gilt (rosy-pink glow) and Bronzed Amber (bronze glow)
Nail Lacquer ($30) in Vapor (opaque white)
Skin Illuminator ($65) in Fire Lust (shimmering peachy-pink)
Cream Color for Eyes ($40) in Escapade (pearly peach) and Pink Haze (pink with gold flecks)
Bronzing Powder ($90) in Gold Dust (blend of sunstone, amber, & black tourmaline crystals with a shimmer finish) and Terra (sunstone, amber, & black tourmaline crystals with a matte finish)

The collection is available now at Neiman Marcus and other stores that carry the Tom Ford Beauty line.

Images via Tom Ford Beauty

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Beauty Sales, Deals, & Steals: May 20, 2013

beauty-salesSee below for this week’s limited-time sales and discounts.

100% Pure: Free shipping on orders of $50+. No code needed, no expiration.

Afterglow Cosmetics: Free shipping on U.S. orders $90+. No code needed.

Avon: Bug Guard Plus is now 50% off, plus free shipping on orders of $30+.

Beautorium: Save 15% on all Redflower Natural Beauty plus get a free gift. No code needed through 5/23/13. To save 15% through 6/30/13, enter code REDFLOWER15 at checkout.

Beauty.com: Take $10 off $50+. No code needed; follow this link to activate savings.

Benefit: Free shipping on $50+ purchases. Free international shipping with $125+ purchases. Free Ultra Shines Lipgloss with $60+ order. Enter code ULTRASHINE at checkout. Through 5/31/13.

BH Cosmetics:

The Body Shop: Take 35% off sitewide. Use code SAVEX35 at checkout. Through 5/20/13.

Cloud 10 Beauty (UK): 20% off Real Techniques brushes when you spend £40. Enter code realtechniques20 at checkout. Through 5/28/13.

C.O. Bigelow: All offers are valid through 6/7/13.

drugstore.com: Save an extra $3 on one Olay Pro-X Facial Cleansing Device, Regenerist or Total Effects Facial Moisturizer or Facial Cleanser or Olay Facial Hair Remover (excludes trial or travel size). No code needed (just use this exclusive link). Through 6/1/13.

Darphin: Free Hydraskin Serum and Hydrating Kiwi Mask plus free shipping with your $100 purchase. Enter code KIWI at checkout.

Jacava: Save 25% on all JACAVA London Non-Toxic Nailpolish. Enter code 25SUMMER at checkout. Through 5/30/13.

Juice Beauty: Get 3 free samples with every order. No code needed.

Jurlique: Free shipping on all orders $50 or more. No code needed.

Kate Somerville: Free shipping on orders over $50 + 3 free samples. No code needed.

Macy’s:

MyChelle Dermaceuticals: Save 20% on all orders. Enter code SAVE20 at checkout.

Nordstrom:

Ojon: Friends & Family Sale! Enjoy 20% off your entire purchase! No offer code required. Through 5/23/13.

Pacifica:

Prescriptives: Free standard shipping with any purchase. No code required. Through 6/30/13.

Temptu: Free JetSet Case with $100 purchase. Enter code JETSET at checkout. Through 5/24/13.

Tarte: Receive a free sample with any order. Free shipping on orders of $40+. No code needed.

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Blue Crush

blue-crushLately, I’m so into all shades of blue: teal, turquoise, aqua, seafoam…you name it, I love it. Here are some products that will get you in a blue mood, too. This time, it’s good to have the blues.

1. Aqualillies for Tarte Amazonian Clay Waterproof Liner in Splash ($24)

2. Sigma Eyeshadow in Neela ($11)

3. Stila Countless Color Pigments in Tie Dye ($22)

4. Essie 2013 Resort Collection Nailpolish in In The Cab-Ana ($8)

5. Anastasia Beverly Hills Hypercolor Brow & Lash Tint in Electric Blue ($22)

6. Dior 5 Couleurs Eyeshadow Palette in Blue Lagoon ($60)

7. MAC Eyeshadow in Parrot ($15)

Do you incorporate this color into your beauty routine in any way?  What are your favorite blue makeup items?

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Bumble & Bumble Just Took Your Beachy Waves to the Next Level

bumble-surf-shampoo-conditionerWhen it comes to summery, beachy hair, I live and die by Bumble & Bumble’s Surf Spray ($25). Nothing else comes close to creating sexy, carefree, casual-chic, tousled waves that look like you spent a day at the beach, frolicking in the waves & sand (even if you live far inland). When I spritz this sea salt spray with kelp extract on my locks, it helps bring out my natural wave, pumps it up with body, and gives it easy, flexible hold without making strands crunchy.

Now Bumble & Bumble have released Surf Foam Wash Shampoo ($24) and Surf Creme Rinse Conditioner ($25), formulated with the same blend of ingredients as Surf Spray. This duo will get your locks squeaky-clean, moisturized, and help ehance your hair’s natural body and texture. If you like beachy waves, this will help start the process in the shower and make your hair look even more summery when it’s dry.

If you have naturally curly or wavy hair, this will help make the most of your au naturale hair. Do you really want to spend the entire humid, sticky summer melting under your hairdryer? It’s so much easier to embrace your natural waves, especially with this trio!

Image via Space NK

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Get Thicker Brows (or Bat 1,000) With Lashem Measurable Difference Lash & Brow Serum

lashemI’ve tried a few over-the-counter eyelash growth serums here and there, and none of them worked. They all seemed gimmicky to me. When I received a package of Lashem Measurable Difference Lash & Brow Serum ($70) in the mail, I was convinced it was going to be the same as the others — making big promises and falling short.

I was dead wrong.

A few months ago, in the heat of an obsessive-compulsive moment, I plucked off the bottom half of my right eyebrow. I just went right up the line, from the starting point up to the arch, and plucked away. I tried to make my brows more shapely, but in reality, I just hacked them. It was a really bad botch job that took a ridiculous amount of time to correct each morning. (Are you getting how bad this was?) My bangs partially covered it, which was my only saving grace.

I waited patiently. And waited and waited. Nothing grew back–not even a little bit of baby-fine hair sprouted in the area that I had butchered. I started to think that half of my brow was gone forever.

And then a little box arrived in the mail from a lovely lady at Lashem. Inside was a full-sized tube of Measurable Difference, their lash-enhancing serum. This serum is clinically tested, and contains no peptides. I have pretty long, relatively thick lashes, so I decided to use this serum where it was needed more: on my botched brow.

I applied the serum at night, examining my brow in a lit magnifying mirror the next morning (come on, I wanted to see if it worked!). No regrowth. Then, about two weeks after I started using the serum, a few fine hairs sprouted in the bald area. I was hopeful.

lashem2I’ve now been using the serum for about two months. My hacked brow has fully grown back, and then some. All of the previously bald areas are now filled in. There is also new growth along the entire length of the brow (where I applied the serum), even through the tail of the brow, which I did not touch with the tweezers. I truly would not have believed it if it didn’t actually happen to me. The butchered brow is even thicker than my other brow (I used it one the bad brow only, with the other brow serving as the control in this beauty experiment). This serum took a skinny, crooked brow and transformed it back to its old thick, full state. And the amazing part is, I didn’t even use it daily! I tried to be regular about it, but of course I forgot pretty frequently.

Every body is different and responds differently to treatments such as this, but for me, this is the only one that has ever spurred regrowth of brow hairs.

I still have a good amount of product left, so now I’m moving onto my lashes.

There is nothing else I can say about Measurable Difference other than IT WORKS!

Full disclosure: This products was provided by the manufacturer for consideration. The receipt of press samples in no way guarantees publication on this website, or a positive review.

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Your Deserted-Island Beauty Product

fave-beauty-productIf you take a peek into any woman’s makeup bag, you can learn a lot about them in about two seconds. But what if you had to give up everything in your arsenal except one product? For some of you, a specific product may instantly come to mind; for others (myself included), it’s a little bit more difficult to pick just one. I think I would hold onto my beloved MAC Eye Brows in Fling. Wearing a strong, defined brow has sort of become a trademark for me, and it just makes me feel finished. Either that or my can’t-live-without-it Laura Mercier Illuminating Tinted Moisturizer in Bare Radiance, which makes my skin absolutely glow. (See? Even I can’t pick just one!)

If you could only apply one product in the morning, what would it be? What about it makes it so special that you can’t live without it? Is the way it makes you look, or feel, or something else entirely? Please share your thoughts in the comments. I’m looking forward to reading them!

Image via Pinterest

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Concealing With Benefit Erase Paste

erasepaste1I ran out of concealer last week, and felt like trying something new. Benefit Erase Paste Concealer ($26) was calling my name from its cute little pot, so I grabbed it. I know this product has been around forever, but it’s new to me, so I figured I’d review it in case anyone out there was curious about it.erasepaste2Erase Paste is a brightening concealer that covers dark circles and gives you a refreshed look in the process. Because of its creamy consistency, I’m using it mainly as an undereye concealer, but you can use it on blemishes and spots, too. It’s full-coverage, and it does a nice job of concealing red marks. The concealer comes in Fair 01, Medium 02, and Deep 03 shades.

erase-paste-swatchI got the Fair 01 shade. Although it looks creamy beige in the pot, it really goes on light. Here it is swatched on my NW20 skin. I like a little highlighting on my undereye area, and this definitely did that. But with my currently self-tanned skin, this just ended up being too light. I returned it for the Medium 02 shade, which has more orange undertones. I’m not crazy about the color, but I like the staying power of this concealer, so now I apply it before my tinted moisturizer. That evens everything out.benefit-erase-paste-pot2As for the consistency, this stuff is thick. Like, really thick. (Hence the name “paste.”) But it maintains its creamy texture, too. I read some reviews online and some people called this “cake-like.” I don’t agree with that, but I wanted to put it out there that some people have that impression of it.

You need the tiniest bit to cover both eyes. I still end up getting way too much on my concealer brush, which usually results in wasted product. Once you dab it beneath the eyes, you do have to work a bit at getting it fully blended. It’s not a quick application, compared to other concealers I’ve used, but the payoff is worth it (to me). If you find that this is too thick, warming it between your fingers helps make it more spreadable. It also helps if you apply primer prior to smoothing this on.

As for its wearability, this concealer rocks. I can wear it all day with absolutely zero signs of fading, creasing, or settling into fine lines. I don’t need to touch it up during the day. And it also helps my eyeliner stay put and resist smudging. Dark circles are completely concealed, and blemishes stay under cover with little to no visible redness for hours.

benefit-erase-paste-potMy only issue with this is the color, which I can’t see working on a lot of different skin tones. If your skin tone happens to be a match with one of these shades, I would definitely recommend this concealer. However, if you are not a fan of any of the properties I mentioned above, this concealer is probably not for you.

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