An ugly secret

Yes, I do write a beauty blog. But, that doesn't mean that all parts of me are in constant, perfect shape. Let's start with area #1- my fingernails/cuticles. I have short, wide, stubby fingernails. I was not blessed with long, beautiful, naturally ridge free nail beds. Nope. I get little squares with what I like to call "jungle cuticles." My cuticles grow up onto my fingernails like some sort of rainforest plant. They're awful. In short, my hands are not my pride and joy.

Fortunately for me, Burt's Bees makes an AMAZING little product called Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream. Now, we all know I love things that smell good. This stuff is lemonade in a tin. You only need a teeny amount on each nail to make a big difference. I love rubbing this stuff in right before I go to bed so that it can soak in all night. I wake up with pretty, shiny, non-cuticle-y fingernails and I am a happy camper! And, it also makes me feel like I don't have to wear gloves all day. You know, to hide the uggo hands. ;)

For my minimalist ladies

Ok, ok. I hear you. There are some of you out there who are saying "Look, Too. Enought with the crazy lip color recommendations. You're nuts. I just want something I can wear that is an all in one, natural looking color. Help a sister out."

Well, if this describes you or if you're looking for something you can toss in your pocket or purse for all day spring adventures, here are a few suggestions:

Elizabeth Arden's 8 Hour Cream Lip Protectant in Honey- http://www.elizabetharden.com/. This stuff is sheer and comes in a light or dark shade, depending on your preference. It's incredibly moisturizing and makes your lips look soft and smooth for hours. Oh, did I mention it also has an SPF of 15?

Clark's Botanicals Lip Tint in Alexandra Rose- http://www.clarksbotanicals.com/. It softens. It shines. It's a fantastic natural lip color.

Burt's Bees Shiny Lip Gloss in Juicy Peach or Sweet Pink- http://www.burtsbees.com/. All natural, affordable, and these things smell unbelieveable.

Tarte Cosmetics 24-7 Lip Sheers- http://www.tartecosmetics.com/. You really can't go wrong with any of these shades. They are perfectly sheer and also have the SPF 15 added. Right now, they have essentially a buy-one-get-one-free with some pretty pink colors: www.tartecosmetics.com/tarte-item-pinks

If you live near a Target, go to the makeup section and look for Sonia Kashuk. She has a fantastic Sheer Lip Color and Plumping Glossy Tint that comes in several colors. Plus, you'll have the benefit of actually seeing/sampling the color before you buy it.

Happy sheer lip color hunting!

Now THIS is a hybrid!

After losing 2 (yes, 2) of my favorite lip balms, I was in bad shape the other day. What was I going to do??? I ran into a grocery store to grab my usual Burt's Bees Pomegranate lip balm and THEY WERE OUT!!! AAAAHHHH! Attempting to avoid a meltdown in the aisle, I decided to take a chance and grabbed one of these: http://www.burtsbees.com/natural-products/lips-lip-shimmer-gloss/super-shiny-lip-gloss.html

I bought it in Zesty Red like in the picture. I must say I was pleasantly surprised. First off, the smell is outstanding. It smells exactly like an orange right when you cut into it. None of that fake smelling stuff. Nope- this is the real deal. It goes on perfectly sheer and glossy. The color isn't too scary but shows up nicely. Oh, and this stuff hydrates as well as a balm. My lips felt fantastic after wearing it all day. It's a great purchase for an all-in-one product!

Breast Cancer Research product for today: http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod1610167

A great little train case to throw your essentials into for a weekend trip. And you can't beat the price.