Beauty Blog

1 . Philosophy ‘Shelter’ Tinted SPF 30 Sunblock: $20

This antioxidant-rich, broad-spectrum sun protection moisturizer tops as an absolute summer must have for it not only provides basic moisturization, but also incorporates anti-aging benefits of peptides and protects us from the harmful effects of the sun with SPF 30. Wait there’s more- it even provides sheer coverage with a universally flattering tint that compliments most skin types.

2. Nars Monoi Body Glow II and South Beach Multiple Set: $49

Who does not crave for that sensuous Jennifer Lopez glow? The South Beach Multiple set helps you achieve that bronze goddess look by giving your eyes, cheeks, and lips a sun kissed radiance while the Minoi Body glow lends a luminous sheen to the whole body to achieve that perfectly stylish summer chic.

3. Sugar Lip Treatment SPF 15: $22.50

Remember, lips need SPF too!  Sugar Lip Treatment SPF 15 blends reparative oils and waxes together with real sugar for an intensely moisturizing sun protection.  Sweet and tart blackcurrant oil cushions the lips with essential plumping fatty acids, while antioxidant grapeseed polyphenols and vitamins A, C and E provide extra protection.

4. Bare Escentuals Perfect Bronze 100% Natural Lip Trio: $ 30

This all natural paraben free lip trio is all you need to give your pucker that sexy, bronze pout.  The lip liner, gloss and lipcolor set come pre-matched for you in a creamy, moisturizing formula that is sure to help you pack a punch in your summer look.

5. Guerlain ‘Le 2 de Guerlain’ Waterproof Mascara: $35

Summer definitely calls for a water proof mascara.  Who better to deliver it than the legendary Guerlain?  It comes with two brushes: the main brush provides volume, length and curls the lashes, while the mini-brush helps to precisely define all small lashes and lower lashes.  It contains polymers to first surround the lash with a flexible coating by encasing natural waxes and then a humid resin a humid resin, to form a setting film over the first coating as it dries to protect curl and maintain hold .

6. MAC ‘Fix+ Rose’ Mist: $17

This rose water mist formulated from spring water, rich in added minerals hydrates and conditions the skin.  It is the perfect finishing touch for your summer makeup.  Smells great.  Feels so refreshing against the skin.  A real summer pick me up!

7. Matte Cover FX Oil Absorbing Powder: $22

While we love the seductive summer heat, we can certainly do without the oil and grease that make our faces look shiny and our makeup blotchy.  The sweat and dirt of summer days require this mineral rich oil absorbing pressed powder compact to absorb the oil and deliver an evenly matte appearance..

8. Frederic Fekkai Summer Hair Marine Clean Detox Shampoo: $23

We all know that the sun can do a number on the hair.  Add to it all the chloride in the pool and the salt water in the beach-you definitely need extra help!  Frederic Fekkai Marine Summer Hair Marine Clean Detox Shampoo contains marine botanicals to moisturize and gently detoxify chlorine, residue and other impurities. The Aqua Nutrients infuse deep hydration into sun-exposed, moisture-thirsty hair, and the UV shield helps prevent fading.  Moreover the summery smell just gets you into the mood.

9. Blot Away! Oil Absorbing Sheets, $2.99 on sale!

These troopers from Avon at just under $3.00 are the handiest things you could ever have in your handbag during those long hot perspiring summer days.  These portable, disposable compact blotting papers that come in sets of 50 help you blot away oil and sweat through out the day without messing with your makeup.

10. Marc Jacobs Splash - Lemon: $68

Have you put away your winter perfume yet?  It is time to get into the spirit with Marc Jacobs Splash in Lemon.  It promises to capture the essence of summer with the fresh, crisp scent of sun-drenched citrus.  Even its yellowy sparkling tint is reminiscent of the warm, sensuous days of summer.

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more tinted sunblock, SPF lip treatment and waterproof mascara
Buy absorbing face powder, detox shampoo and Marc Jacobs fragrances.
Discounts on NARS beauty products and Bare Escentuals products,

We keep hearing commercials non-stop about getting our bodies swimsuit ready by summer, but how about our feet?  Dry, cracked feet with calluses tend to stick out like a sore thumb in pretty summer sandals.  Here are some great products that I found to be very handy to get your feet flip-flops ready.  A combination of two or more of these depending on the condition of your feet can work miracles to make your feet your best summer asset.

1) Ped Egg Foot File, $9.99:  This is one of the best foot files out there. Diligently scrub away at your dead skin and calluses with these ergonomically designed stainless steel files. Concentrate on the heels, and any other dry and cracked areas of the foot.

2)Avon Foot Works Pedi-Peel, $5: Glycolic acid in these treatment pads helps to slough off the rough, callused layer of skin that covers the heel so your moisturizer can more effectively penetrate the area.

3) Philosophy Soul Owner, $14: Exfoliate your skin with this rich cream filled with salicylic and glycolic acid which is designed to reduce flakiness.

4) Barielle Foot Cream, $22: This luxurious formula works to soften and eliminate calluses as well as heal chapped areas of the feet. Apply twice morning and evening. Wear 100% cotton socks after bedtime application for best results.

5) Footloose Loofah Pedi Slippers, $29.50: These exfoliating pedi slippers made out of terry cloth are designed to ward off dead skin and stimulate a healthy one just by wearing them. This is a great one for lazy souls!

6) Zoya Nail Polish, $5.40: You got to top it all off with some pop of color!  Zoya’s spring 2009 collection of nail polishes reflect the colors seen in the RTW Spring Runways and are long-wearing, natural and best of all free of harmful industrial chemicals like toluene, camphor, formaldehyde, dibutyl phthalate (DBP) that are known to cause cancer and birth defects.

Now, there is no excuse not to treat yourself to one of those sexy gladiator style or fringy sandals that are making the rounds this spring!

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more foot care products.
Discounts on nail polish and foot cream.

I woke up this morning and found my lips chapped and peeling, suffice to say not my sexiest moment. Being a supreme bonehead I took a pair of tweezers from my make-up bag and began peeling the dead skin off my lips, now their bleeding! Just grreat.

Culprits of my current dilemma:

• I have been on a matte dark red lipstick stint, (about a week and counting…matte lipsticks dry the lips)
• The fluctuations in weather is doing a number on my hair and skin. Dry, dry, dry…
• When I experience any sort of flaw on my face, I pick at it. Ugh! Thus the bleeding.
• I lost my mandatory stick of Burt’s Bees Lip Balm and have been too busy to buy a new one. (again, my fault..)

So yeah, my bloody lips are all my fault. But here’s how you can save yourself from the same hassle. I looked up what seems to be the Top 3 Best Chapsticks according to YOU!

1. Satin Lips by Mary Kay

Satin Lips, Lip Mask contains miniature buffing beads that gently exfoliate dead surface skin cells that cause lips to appear dull and lifeless. Anyhow, it seems to come highly recommended for chapped, dry lips. I personally have never tried it, but now I am more than a little curious myself.

Price - $9.50

(click on image or link to purchase)

2. Burt’s Bees Beeswax Lip Balm

This natural lip balm moisturizes lips with ingredients like ultra-emollient lanolin, coconut oil and sunflower oil, and seals in hydration with beeswax. This is my personal choice and my fan favorite. I live for this stuff. Leaves your lips smooth and leaves a little peppermint tingle. Take your pick of an old-fashioned yellow tin or a recycled plastic tube. It’s their most popular product and for good reason.

Price - $3.00

(click on image or link to purchase)

3. Moisture Therapy, Intensive Lip Treatment by Avon

Glide on this emollient-rich formula to help protect lips from chapping and dryness, with the added benefit of SPF 15 to protect lips from the sun’s harmful rays. Here’s a direct quote from a fan:

“Moisture Therapy from AVON–cheap cheap cheap but the best I’ve found. No scents or flavors ,doesn’t sting, just moisturizes and stays on. Both in stick form for convenience and a potted ointment. ” - Unknown

Price - was $1.49 on sale $.79 cents!

(click on image or link to purchase)

Wow! This I ordered right now, read the comments and for 79 cents, I’m giving it a try. - Michelle