Juicy deliciousness

I can't help it. I will forever love a shiny, juicy, transparent lip gloss in the summertime. It's fresh. It's youthful. And it just looks so right. Enter Revlon's Super Lustrous Lipgloss in "Firecracker." It's the most perfect sheer blood orange color. And the name? Firecracker?? It's perfect for the upcoming holiday weekend!! Did I mention it also has an SPF 15 protectant factor? Get thee to the drugstore and pick one up!!

I can only imagine how good this stuff must smell...

...and I have to admit, I am uber jealous of those who can use this stuff.

Another something special for my wavy and curly haired readers. Carol's Daughter is a great brand that has really taken off in the last few years. It is primarily a cosmetics brand, but creator Lisa Price is venturing into hair care products as well. Her Hair Milk in Lite is infused with lemon essential oil and vitamin C. It is a light weight cream that is supposed to leave wavy and curly hair soft and bouncy and frizz free without the crunchy or flaky look that you can get from a gel. Here's the best part- it's only $9. Sounds like a pretty good deal to me! Run, don't walk, to Sephora to try this stuff.

Who knew?

After you wash your face, there's a very high likelihood that you are putting something on your skin. Here's a general rule of thumb for you. If you have dry skin, apply your moisturizer while your skin is still slightly damp. The moisturizer will pull the water into your pores for a double whammy of goodness. Normal skin can do this as well. However, if you have problem skin and are applying any kind of acne medication, wait until the skin is completely dry. Otherwise, it can penetrate the pores too deply and cause dryness and irritation.

Such a simple idea, but I love it

The more I talk to people, the more I hear "Yep, we're headed off to the beach soon!" And after I choke down my envy, I remind them of one of my favorite beachy tips.

I'm going to guess that if you are planning to go to the beach, you'll be taking your cooler with you. If you aren't taking water and/or some type of beverages when you go out there, shame on you! Do not let yourself get dehydrated!! But, I digress. I don't know about you all, but I tend to get a little hot and sweaty when I am spending a lot of time in 90 degree heat. My cure? I throw a body spray into my cooler and when I am feeling gross and hot and sweaty, I LIBERALLY spritz with the super chilled body spray! Immediate benefit- it helps cool you down! Secondly, I feel a little less gross and stinky.

Now, if you already have a favorite body spray (Victoria's Secret's many, many scents come to mind), go ahead and just use that. If you don't currently have one, try the Dove Go Fresh line of body mists. They all smell terrific and you can't beat the price. Best news? You can get them anywhere. Too recommends the Pomegranate and Lemon Verbena or the Grapefruit and Lemongrass. The perfect scents for summer!

One more fun palette

One last palette for your summer travels. Now, this one is a little more for those who like a dramatic look. But, it could definitely be tapered down for everyday wear as well. LORAC's exclusive-to-Ulta "It Kit" has such FUN colors! I love them. 2 eye shadows, 2 lip/cheek creams, a liquid eyeliner, and a gorgeous lip gloss all tucked into the cutest black patent bag. LORAC products are revered in Hollywood for their amazing texture and staying power. So, to get all these products for only $19 is an absolute steal. I'd recommend this to just about anybody! Oh, and here's your link!
http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod1960067

We interrupt this normally scheduled blog...

...to bring you an off-topic tip!!

I know, we were discussing makeup palettes in all their packable glory. But, I had a new discovery to share! There are those of you out there who are "put lip color on in the morning and don't touch it up ever again during the day" type people. There are also my die hard lip balm girls. Do I have good news for you!

Revlon has come out with a lip stain and balm all in one convenient package! It's called "Just Bitten" and it comes in 10 (what???) different colors. So, even the pickiest person can find a shade they like. I have always been leery of lip stains. They tend to be drying. But Revlon has added Vitamin C for anti-oxidant protection and the balm provides all day moisturizing! It also adds a nice soft shine to the lips without being overly glossy. And at under $10 each, you can't beat the value. You can find them online or at your nearest drugstore/Target/Wal-Mart!

Palette O' the Day

Continuing on with our palette recommendations for your summer travel. I can't believe this wasn't the first one I mentioned! Apparently, I was drink that day.

Anywho, Eyes Lips Face has a "Mini Makeup Collection" which I love because it allows you to try loads of their colors without committing to purchasing the full sized product. This mighty mini is packed to the gills with (wait for it)

9 powder eye shadows
1 cream eye shadow
1 blush
1 bronzer
10 lip glosses
1 brow powder
1 eyeliner
1 dual ended eye shadow applicator and brush
1 face brush
1 lip brush

How much? $15. For all that. WHAT?? It's a makeup smorgasboard and I'm ready to fill my plate. Here's your link!
http://www.eyeslipsface.com/studio/kits/palettes/mini_makeup_collection

This one knocks it out of the park!

Returning to our theme of palettes, I found one that is absolutely fantastic! This is Sephora's Makeup Palette to Go- Bronze Tones. This slim little kit includes 8 eyeshadows, 4 lip colors, and a bronzer. The colors are beautiful and wearable and you can be as subtle or as dramatic as you like with them. Love that! And honestly, the $15 price tag is about as good as it's gonna get!!

Here's your link: http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P255415&categoryId=C17625&shouldPaginate=true

Such a bargain

I do love my makeup. You guys know I do. But, when I am packing for a trip, I am such a minimalist!! I do not want to take up any more space than I have to. That's why I am a huge believer in palettes. If I can put on thing in a makeup case that contains multiple shadows/blushes/bronzers/whatever, I am one happy camper.

Since it seems like lots of us are about to be going on vacation, I am going to be highlighting some of my favorite palettes in the next few entries. Today's palette is a heck of a deal from Stila. It's called their "Road to Radiance Across the U.S.A." and it's got 4 beautiful shadows and one of their convertible colors (i.e., you can use it on your cheeks and lips!). You get all these in one cute package for the low, low price of $10. WHAT? That's crazy talk! I know. Throw this in with your tinted moisturizer, concealer, and mascara and you are ready to go.

Question from a reader

I had a reader ask me about lighter body lotions for the summer after reading my post the other day about lighter/gel-based face moisturizers. Body lotions can be as heavy and sticky in this humidity as facial ones. I hate the feeling that I put lotion on and it stays on top of my skin all day. I just feel tacky and gross. Ugh.

I have 2 budget friendly recommendations. And I love them both equally. First, Curel's line of Moisture Lotions work wonderfully and are almost a hybrid lotion/gel. I personally use the Intensive version because Too's knees and elbows can get DRY, girl! It is a wonderfully light lotion that sinks in quickly with NO tackiness whatsoever.

My other recommendation is for Vaseline's Aloe Fresh line, particularly their Moisturizing Aloe Gel. I was concerned that a gel couldn't possibly be truly moisturizing. Boy, was I wrong! After smoothing this all over and letting it really soak it, my skin literally felt like silk. It was unbelievable. And I would certainly put this stuff in the fridge like I recommended for the face moisturizers for a zingy pick me up. I bet it would feel great after a long hot summer day to put this stuff chilled on your feet.

Be sure to go online before you buy either of these to look for coupons to print out. It's always nice to save a little money when trying something new!!

What is in this stuff??

I'm pretty sure that if you've been reading this blog for any length of time, you know that I am quite the nail polish junkie. I looooove keeping my fingernails short and polishing them bright colors. I admit, I have always been a bit partial to my OPI and my Essie polishes. Sure, I'd stray here and there to a Nicole by OPI or a random drugstore brand. I was in my local Sally Beauty Supply the other day and decided to take a chance. I spotted a color that I was absolutely and instantly in love with (see above). It was called "For Audrey" and I knew I had to take it home. The maker? China Glaze. Now, I've seen China Glaze about a zillion times. I had just never purchased it, snobbishly thinking it was of a lesser quality than MY favorites.

So, I bought it and immediately began a mani when I got home. When I put this stuff on, it was even more perfect than I imagined. It is the perfect blend of Tiffany-and-Co-meets-a-1950's-classic-car shade of aqua. Is is summertime in a bottle. It is unbelievably beautiful. It dried without a hitch and looked great on my hands.

Skip to 5 days later with absolutely NO chips or nicks or any signs of wear and tear. Now, I am awful on my hands. AWFUL. This was nothing short of a miracle. By day 7, there were some signs of abuse, but nothing major. I was more than impressed with polish and will definitely be buying more of it in the future. But, for now, take yourself to your local Sally and get yourself a bottle of China Glaze. Their new summer line is really pretty... :)

I don't know about where you live...

...but it is HOT here! Holy smokes. And it's not even July and August yet! So, while you have your sights set on lots of pool time and ice cream, I thought I'd give you a little tip that I absolutely ADORE doing in the summertime.

Most people switch to lighter (aka gel-based) moisturizers in the summer because cream based ones just feel so heavy. One of my favorite things to do is to put my eye and face gel in the refrigerator. Oh my lord. At night when I am putting them on, it feels so good around my eye area after a gross, hot, muggy day. And in the morning, it's a nice little zing to have that cool gel all over. Kind of a pick-me-up for the day ahead. Try it- I think you will looooove how good it feels!

Want some recommendations for some gel based moisturizers? Too loves:

1. Clinique's Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief:

2. Clinique's All About Eyes

3. Olay's Revitalizing Eye Gel

4. Yes to Cucumbers Eye Love Cucumbers Soothing Eye Gel

5. Kiss My Face's Peaches and Cream Moisturizer

6. Boots No. 7 Rebalancing Day Gel

A couple more super deals for you

Right now on http://www.ulta.com/, if you buy any 2 of their sun care or bath and body products, you get a free giant beach tote for free! The kicker? You can also use the $3.50 off a purchase of $10 as well. So, you're going to get a free tote, 3 free samples, and $3.50 off the total purchase. WHAT??? You know you need some more sunscreen- you should always have some stashed here and there. I, myself, purchased some of the dry touch oil free face sunscreen and some of the SPF 70 spray sunscreen.

http://www.clinique.com/ is also doing something special this weekend. If you enter the code "SUMMER" at checkout, you'll not only get free shipping on any order, you'll also get a deluxe sized sample of both lipstick and their famous "Take The Day Off" makeup remover. Want a product recommendation? Clinique's Up-lighting Liquid Illuminator. This stuff can be used EVERYWHERE. I mix it with my foundation or tinted moisturizer. I rub it in along my collarbone and shoulders. I mix it with my body lotion. And a little bit goes a loooong way. This stuff lasts and just adds the right amount of glow to anyone. Beautiful!

Steals and Deals!

I'm here to save you a little cash over the weekend!

Want to order some Stila before June 14? Use the code "LOYALFAN" and you'll get 20% off your total order and free shipping with any purchase over $25. http://www.stilacosmetics.com/

Also, if you purchase a customer favorite from Jonathan in the next 3 days (http://www.jonathanproduct.com/), you can get a full sized prep spray (one of Too's personal favorites) for free with the code "FAVE." I'd recommend the Straightening Lotion.

Ohhhhh...

I know, you all are tired of hearing about my love for crazy nail polish colors. But it's summertime! Time to wear fun colors, especially on your toenails! This new shade called Ocean Breeze by Sonia Kashuk (yep, the one who has the makeup line at Target) is unbelieveable!! It's the perfect seaside blue that would look phenomenal on just about anyone. And you can't beat the price, honestly.

So branch out! Try it! I think you will be extremely pleased with the results.

Great for second day hair

How many of you have tried dry shampoo? Before now, only salon (read- pricey) brands had dry shampoo options. As much as I wanted to try one, I was not willing to pay $30 for a single bottle of something I didn't even know if I would like!! However, Tresemme has come up with 2 dry shampoos at an absolute steal of a price! $4.99! WHAT???

The 2 types they have are for dry/curly hair and oily/straight hair. Yours truly, having the latter, bought a bottle and excitedly waited for my first no-wash day. The trick is to READ THE INSTRUCTIONS. To properly use this stuff, you have to hold it 8-12 inches from your hair and spray it all over- roots to ends. A nice, even coat. (The amazing thing about dry shampoo is that it not only soaks up oil, it also pulls any bad smells out of the hair as well.) After a liberal covering, the important step is to then WAIT about 5 minutes for the product to really work. I know- it will feel weird. Like you have damp hair and it's sticking out everywhere. When the product dries, that's when you brush or comb out your hair. If you did everything right, your hair should look and smell loads better and is now ready for any styling that you might want to do- curl, flat iron, whatever. I personally love to use the dry shampoo and then give myself an updo. The shampoo actually gives my hair this great texture and helps it hold all day.

Give it a go. And remember, like most things beauty related, it takes some practice. But, I really think you'll like the results once you get the hang of it.

With love from across the pond

You all have heard of Topshop, haven't you? It's essentially England's version of Target. (I know, I am already in love with them, too.) Topshop has been dressing the normal English woman for years. Well, they realized that those same women needed stuff for their faces, too. Enter their relatively new beauty line! Beauty magazines are RAVING about their stuff. I have yet to read a single bad review about any of it. The top rated item is definitely their lip polish. In fantastic shades like "Rhubarb" and "Cherry Picker", they are perfect for summer and can be worn as sheer or as intense as you would like. They can also double as a cheek color in a pinch.

Go to their website (http://www.topshop.com/) and take a peek at all their makeup options. I am a big fan of the shadow duos and the Skin Glow.

A coupon code for the weekend

I know I have talked about Pop Beauty MANY times before. I love, love, LOVE this line! It's fun and doesn't take itself too seriously! The quality of the makeup is wonderful and I own a good bit of it. I got an e-mail from them today and now through June 20, you can take 30% off your total order when you use the code "POPSummer" when ordering from their website http://www.popbeauty.co.uk/. Go to the site and browse around. I think you'll really like what you see!

The grease is loose...

Yeah, so, it's getting hot outside. But, I doubt you're going to let that keep you from getting out and being fabulous. Inevitably, you're going to sweat. Yep, I am a sweater. I don't glisten or effervesce. I sweat. Sadly enough, I tend to get shiny rather quickly in the day. And I don't want that to hang around, especially if I am at a summer event where there might be photos taken. SHINY FOREHEAD!!!! EEK!

Thank the lord for Tatcha Aburatoragami Japanese Blotting Papers. (Whew- try saying that 5 times fast.) These things are scent and powder free and use the power of the abaca leaf to absorb oil without touching your makeup. How cool! You can order them online (http://www.tatcha.com/) but I found some at my local Sally Beauty. Grease-be-gone!!!!!

A guest blogger with a handy tip!

A lovely reader, L.N., sent me a message and I asked her if I could use her message as kind of a guest blogger for today. And away we go!

I believe I've discovered a beauty product that is too good to be true. After two weeks on it, though, I'm convinced. I know this sounds insane (and possibly gross) but hear me out: it's olive oil as facial cleanser. Yep, as in the stuff that you buy in the grocery store and pour on salads. I read about this on one of those crunchy, natural, green hippy-dippy blogs, and decided to give it a shot and was shocked to find that it works wonderfully! My skin hasn't looked this good in years. The improvement was immediate, and then it got even better over the next several days.

I have horribly, horribly dry skin that flakes and turns red. Plus, I have a birthmark between my eyes on which the skin is even drier and flakier than the rest of my face. I've tried just about everything, but my skin has never been as soft, smooth, clear, and non-red as it has the last two weeks. All I do is pour a little bit of EVOO into my hands, rub it onto my face, spending extra time rubbing small circles around my nose and chin (blackhead central). Then I put a washcloth soaked in hot water (as hot as I can stand) over my face and let it steam until it cools down. I use that to rub the oil off my face and neck and gently exfoliate. The best part is that the oil is a better make-up remover than any I've ever tried--even on waterproof mascara. As if all that weren't enough, I probably don't even have to mention that this is a dirt cheap facial cleanser. Before this, I had settled on Ponds cold cream and a super rich moisturizing cream, but I was battling blackheads (how does that even happen on dry skin). The blackheads are now noticeably reduced.

I don't know how this would work for someone with normal or oily skin. The blog I read was specifically recommending it for people with oily, acne-prone skin, so it might actually work for that skin-type, too. I'm tickled pink to report that my skin looks the best it has in many years, and it feels the best, too. I've also been able to switch to only a light moisturizer with suncreen--another bonus.

I'd be interested to see what others out there who have similar skin think and if you have the same results when you try it. Let me know!!