Change of Address

Hello!

To make things less confusing & more search-able,

we are COMBINING our blogs!

Now just go to brainybeautyblogs.com for all product reviews!

Perfume reviews still available on perfume fiend.

Menfolk-- Gifted Guys Groom is still up & running for you.

Dr. Brandt UV SPF 30 Face

Claim:

Formulated to provide advanced broad spectrum UVA (PA+++) protection against UVB rays (SPF 30). Dr. Brandt advanced sun care helps decrease pigmentation induced by UV exposure; preventing photo-aging. Designed with dry-touch technology to absorb quickly, leaving the skin smooth and soft with a shine-free finish.

Truth:

Totally works! No greasy or kabuki face, no sunblock shards, no melt-offs!

My problem:

The container, with its convenient pump dispenser, is too small. While great for traveling, I want a honking giant bottle at home to last the whole summer.

All the other sunblocks should take notice.

Calling all brides & bridesmaids

Hey Brides & entourage!

Sephora wants to help you look your best for the big day:

Sephora says “I Do” with the new limited edition Sephora Favorites Beauty & The Bride kit. This set contains all a bride needs to look beautiful while walking down the aisle, posing for picture-perfect moments, and beyond. From Gucci's romantic Flora fragrance to Boscia's green tea blotting linens, this kit helps beautiful brides on their big day, and also makes a great gift for the bridal party too!

The Sephora Favorites Beauty & The Bride kit includes 11 must-have wedding-day beauty essentials complete in a keepsake box. This beauty filled box is the gift that keeps on giving, also including a voucher for a complimentary Special Occasion Makeover at the Sephora Beauty Studio*. Schedule a time in advance of your big day to learn how to create your most blushing bridal look with the help of a Sephora beauty expert at a Sephora store near you. This exclusive, personalized service will give you all the tips and techniques needed to achieve the look of your dreams on your big day and ever after.

Appointments are required, so please call the store to book your Special Occasion Makeover. For more information on services at the Beauty Studio, visit sephora.com/go/beautystudio.

The limited edition Sephora Favorites Beauty & The Bride, $50, ($108 value) includes:

• bareMinerals Prime Time Eyelid Primer
• Benefit The Porefessional
• Boscia Green Tea Blotting Linens
• Buxom Big & Healthy Lipstick in Brooklyn
• Flora by Gucci Eau Fraîche
• Josie Maran Argan Oil Color Stick in Rosy
• Lancôme Juicy Tubes in Spring Fling
• Sephora by OPI. Nail Colour in True Romantic
• Sephora Collection Flashy Liner Waterproof in Flashy Black
• Stila Eye Shadow in Kitten
• Tarte Lights, Camera, Splashes! Mascara in black

Tips + BeautyBlender = Perfect face

Seen a funny looking pink tear-dropped shaped sponge in the magazines, on TV, in your friend's makeup bag? It's a Beautyblender! Learn the myriad uses and get your own:

Celebrity makeup artist and Beautyblender founder Rea Ann Silva provides her blending tips and tricks that will leave you looking flawless!

Cover Up Dark Circles and Blemishes

Apply your favorite concealer to Beautyblender. Use the pointed side and the “stipple and twist” technique to work makeup into depressed areas of the face. The stippling and twisting actions feathers out the makeup’s edges, blending it with

out creating changes in the texture or tone of your skin, leaving a perfect finish. The pointed side is particularly great for hard-to-reach spots like around the nose and mouth, and under the eyes.

Ditch the Cakey Foundation Look

Use the round base for foundation on the larger areas of your face such as your forehead, cheeks and chin. It leaves just the right amount on the skin and will leave an airbrushed finish. Be sure to blend makeup all over, including the eye area, starting in the middle and working your way out.

Add Some Color to Get Your Glow On

Instantly brighten your skin with bronzer and blush. Use the round base and apply bronzer to the apples of your cheeks followed by blush. A fast way to find the apples of your cheeks is to smile. Be sure to blend the color up toward your temples. You can even add a highlighter to your cheek bones to really accentuate them and give a glow. Start at the inner corner of the eye, blend it over the brow bone and onto your cheekbone – then do the other side. Finish by blending a little down the bridge of your nose, chin and above the middle of your lips.

Make Your Eyes Pop

Using the pointed side of Beautyblender, apply eyeshadow in your creases and blend it down over the lids avoiding the brow bones. By using the Beautyblender, there won’t be any harsh lines or stripes of color. Instead, it will look blended and effortless. For more definition, rim your upper lashes with a liner pencil and smudge it upward with the pointed side. To get an extra bright-eyed effect, use the tip of the pointed end and dot shimmery eyeshadow onto the inner corners of your eyes. Celebs use this trick on the red carpet all the time!

Add Some Strategic Shimmer

Blend some shimmer on the top of your decolletage in a capital T shape. For an even bigger boost, blend bronzer with the round base of Beautyblender around the inside of each breast to enhance your cleavage. This little beauty magic trick works wonders!

Get your own Beautyblender at major retailers nationwide including Duane Reade, Look Boutique, CO Bigelow, Henri Bendel, Beauty.com and online at www.beautyblender.net

Jan Marini FB celebration & contest

In celebrating 17 years of great skin, Jan Marini wants you to share YOUR most memorable anniversary stories on Facebook!

Whether it’s the anniversary of your wedding day, first date, or big move to a new city, anything at all that celebrates anniversaries, we want to hear it! “Like” the Jan Marini Facebook page and share your story! The top 3 best anniversary stories will be the lucky winners of Jan Marini’s Clean Zyme and Skin Zyme duo, valued at $72! After all, anniversaries are meant to be shared with those who mean the most to you, and Jan Marini couldn’t think of anyone better than their fans to celebrate with! Click here to get started: http://www.facebook.com/#!/JanMariniSkinResearch

EOS S.O.S. (Saves Our Skin)

Fact: Approximately 1 in 32 (8.4 million) people in the USA suffer from dry skin.

Thankfully, the eos Everyday Hand Lotion is infused with moisturizing shea butter, oat extract, and a generous helping of antioxidants and vitamins C and E. These handy lotions leave skin feeling soft, supple and healthy long after you apply it. So say goodbye to dry, chapped hands forever and smooth on eos’ non-greasy, super-soothing hand lotion and make your skin smile!

Dermatologist tested. Hypoallergenic. Paraben-free. Not tested on animals

Key Ingredients:

• Aloe– soothes, moisturizes and heals

•Oat – protects delicate, dry, sensitive and irritated skin

• Shea butter – softens and nourishes

• Vitamin E & C – rejuvenates and hydrates for healthy looking, radiant skin

I like the cucumber (green). It's a great, fresh summer scent without being too smelly! The cool pod fits into your purse or pocket really well. And it works!

Deborah Lipmann, nail genius

As much as I hate to think about impending fall (back to school= back to work), Deborah Lipmann has given us a Fall Collection that is, simply put, AWESOME!

• Billionaire: moody hunter green (creme)
• Brick House: shimmering rust (shimmer)
• Single Ladies: flirtatious red (creme)

She has also teamed up with designer Narciso Rodriguez for Stormy Weather. I think Lena Horne would have totally rocked it.

Sally Hansen~Airbursh Legs, Leg Make-Up

I am a huge fan of all things Sally Hansen, but when I was asked to try this stuff out, I thought: "Are you SERIOUS!?" I'll work a self-tanner every now and then, but Leg Make-Up!!??!!?

After trying the stuff, just once, I thought-no, I said out loud: "This is SERIOUS!!!!"

I've said it before and will again, every once in a great while, you come across a product that is life changing. This is one of those products. Airbrush Legs comes in four shades, is simple to use, lasts until washed off (I have a feeling this product would survive even the sketchiest walk of shame...), and does not rub off onto clothing or furniture!! Even if you're over the sun-scorched tan look, this product does wonders with skin discoloration, showing veins, scars, and bruises (I may or may not have all of the above...), making for flawless, sexy, youthful gams!!

I HIGHLY recommend Sally Hansen's Airbrush Legs, Leg Make-Up, unless you are my mother, sister in-law, one of my coworkers or close girlfriends-because I will be buying this product for all of you for your birthdays, Christmas, and Hanukkah. 

Fashion Fair Lip Teasers

Tested by Elisha!

· Brave Babe – Bright Orange Gloss

· Coral Craze – Bright Coral Gloss

Moisturizing, light touch of color. May be a bit scary in the tube, but look great on!

Coral is almost peach, but with an edge.

The orange looks like cherry Popsicle.

Great color, great shine, great consistency--GREAT!

Vitamin D: How? How much? Dr. Graf sets the record straight.

We want to hear more and more about the importance of Vitamin D3, the “sunshine vitamin.” It does things like improving bone strength and helping your skin repair itself after injury. Vitamin D3 is essential to overall good health.

But we have questions: Is it better to expose your skin to sunlight to get your daily dose of Vitamin D3?Or should you take supplements, and if so, how much? What are the best food sources of Vitamin D3?

Although there are not a lot of studies directed at how the skin benefits from taking Vitamin D3, we do know that nutritional deficiencies have profound effects on the skin. In this segment of Ask Dr. Graf, we’ll look at Vitamin D3, why you need it and easy ways to make sure you’re getting enough. Check out the video on YouTube, and check Dr. Graf's YouTube channel often!

Protect Your Skin This Summer from the Most Extreme Elements

Thanks to Mother Nature, keeping our skin healthy during the summer months can be quite the challenge. Every day we face all forms of external aggressors that contribute to the signs of aging, skin damage, and even skin cancer. Celebrity esthetician and owner of LaBelle Day Spas & Salons, Bella Schneider, gives us her inside tips on shielding ourselves from the most severe skin damaging elements.

Environmental Pollution

Bella tells us, “Our bodies naturally produce free radicals when exposed to toxins like cigarette smoke, pesticides, and pollution. These free radicals are known to trigger aging, tissue damage, as well as cancer.” To counter the effects of free radicals, Bella recommends using a daily moisturizer that contains antioxidants.Antioxidants counteract free radicals by giving one of their own electrons, ending the electron "robbing" reaction. Because of this, antioxidants are known for being actively involved in the prevention of cellular damage.

Wind Burn

Windburn is typically caused when the top layer of skin is stripped of its natural oils, causing a red, chapped surface. Ideally this happens when we forget to cover or protect our skin during those summer days near the water, while exercising, or simply just enjoying a beautiful day in the sun. Bella tells us the best way to prevent wind burn is to cover your skin by using a scarf or floppy hat while also using a thick moisturizer to add a barrier between your skin and an aggressive breeze.

Sunburn

Sun damage is the leading cause of aging and skin cancer, and we are told time and time again that using sunscreen will ultimately prevent from exposing ourselves to harmful UVB and UVA rays. Bella tells her clients to make sure their sunscreen has a few different components including: SPF 45+, water-resistance, and antioxidants. All three essentials will provide you with the ultimate protection on the harshest summer days.

Lash Galore and tips from BeautyAddicts

Loving BeautyAddicts Lash Galore! Not super heavy, but defines and lengthens lashes. Goes on smoothly and wears very well!

Some quick and easy mascara how-tos from the BeautyAddicts pros:

- Contrary to popular belief, an eyelash curler is not necessary to achieve desirable

lashes and wide-open eyes. Instead, when you

brush your lashes up and get to the tips, roll the wand backwards. This will grab the lashes and effortlessly curl them.

- If you don’t like a lot of mascara on your bottom lashes, here’s another great eye-opener trick. Take your eyeliner brush and run it lightly across the LashGALORE wand. Lightly comb it on your bottom lashes to get just the perfect hint of color and definition!

- Mascara works at its best about 3-6 months once opened. Preservatives in mascara only work for so long, plus old mascara is a nonperformer. Be sure to keep track of its life span and purchase a new one once its shelf life has expired.

Lancome Juicy Tubes - Mouin Rose

Click Here

I've been wanting to try these ever since they've hit the stores. I've got the Moulin Rose for and I really like it. The scent is rosy. It's a nice thick gloss that doesn't wear off in a few minutes. Great for layering over a matte lipstick. Now I'm part of the Juicy Tube club. Yay!

Pangea Organics Facial Cream - Malagasy Ylang Ylang and Linden Flower

Loving the aromatic, soothing scent of this thin facial cream. I'm layering it under my thick face cream and it's leaving my very dry skin nice and smooth. As always, I heart Pangea Organics Products.

Curél Itch Defense Lotion

My question for this lotion: Where have you been all my life?

Even helped my hives!

Leaves skin super soft, and the lack of red scrapes from scratching myself is amazing.

I love that it is fragrance-free!

Go & buy NOW!

Borghese~Rapido, Quick Dry Nail Polish

I must say, I was devastated when I found this product, from a well-known, luxurious brand, to be a disappointment. Although the palette of available hues are to die for, this polish was neither fast-drying or long lasting. I was also saddened by this paint's reaction to several of my hand or body lotions, as it became very tacky and sticky on my nails, upon contact. This is one sad product addict.

Glow Fusion~Face & Body Natural Protien Tan

Glow Fusion does offer an odor free, color enhancer but self-tanner-virgins: beware. Without any instant bronzing effect, it is slightly difficult to gauge self-application with this product. The color fully developed in a few hours and lasted a full week, but was difficult to apply. If you are a veteran to giving yourself an at-home tan, this luxurious formula needs to be on your next Sephora shopping list!!

Cures By Avance Anti-Acne Mask

This mask is full-on AWESOME!

Goes on creamy, cooling.

Does not get all dry & cracked.

Rinses well.

Leaves your face clean, but not arid.

A very nice treat for your visage, resulting in calmer, clearer skin!

Salon Effects - Real Nail Polish Strips

Click Here

I've been rocking the pattern "misbehaved" for 4 days now and I've already told 2 people about these. They. Are. The. Best. No strong smelling nail polish. No base coat. No top coat. No mess! I will no longer be spending $16 for my pre-wedding or pre-vacation manicures. I will be using these. They are easy to apply and I've showered 3 times and they've stood up. I can't wait to try the other choices!

Get your digits ready for a new season

Loving the new spring/summer colors from Deborah Lippmann!

From Left to right: Girls Just Want To Have Fun, I Know What Boys Like, Yellow Brick Road, Lara’s Theme

• Girls Just Want To Have Fun– A smooth, vintage coral that everyone can wear because it’s bold yet velvety – a sort of carefree, creamy coral.
• I Know What Boys Like– A creamy periwinkle that credits to both the 80’s and my clients. Several of my clients have asked for interesting blues. This one is a blend of blue and purple with a creamy finish, which gives it a slightly retro look that is so playful and hip.
• Yellow Brick Road, a sheer mellow yellow with a jelly finish. The proof that it wears beautifully on all skin tones: it complements me and Lady GaGa, who wore it first for her “Born This Way” performance at the 2011 Grammy Awards
• Lara’s Theme was created with supermodel Lara Stone is Deborah Lippmann’s newest celebrity collaboration. It’s a dare to wear shade of hot-hot orange

Boscia Luminizing Black Mask

A quality peel-off mask!

Entertains & clears the skin-- who could ask for anything more?

One caveat: Put on THICK layer and be very careful not to get around your hair/brows.

Let dry completely before peeling, which is hard when you are eager to peel.

Boscia products are all preservative-free, and this mask is loaded with lux ingredients to improve your skin.

Love it!

Tocca: Brigitte Crema Da Sogno

Oh, the creaminess!

To call this Tocca magic "lotion" would be an injustice.

It's like whipped butter for your skin, but doesn't leave you all oily and smelling like popcorn.

Thicker than whipped cream, but easy to apply.

The Brigitte scent is totally feminine & lovely, without being girly.

Moroccan rose and ginger are an exquisite combination.

I also love that it comes in an elegant glass jar, so I can get every last bit.

So wonderful on the skin and to the nose!

Use right after the shower for maximum moisturizing; I also use at night on my legs.

I am hooked!

Next stop: Cleopatra scented!

Youth Corridor Anti-Oxidant Boost Skin Serum

Developed by Dr. Gerald Imber.
This serum is Brilliant!

Costly, but a little goes a LONG way (6 drops for your face, neck, and decolletage).

And you're paying for some kick-ass science.

Improves skin texture, tone, even helps with clarity.

I think it even made my pores smaller.

Definitely helped with the radiance!

Consider it an investment in towards furthering scientific research.

H2O+ Sea Results Line Mender

A great winter moisturizer.

Works very well on dry skin, even skin that is wind chapped from harsh Michigan winters.

Made my face look all nice & glowy.

Improved texture & vibrancy.

I will be using this cream to make it through next winter!

Totally stopped any crepe-y-ness.

H2O+ Sea Results Eye Mender Plus

This anti-aging eye cream is wonderful!

H2O+ really knows how to make a non-stinging, yet effective eye cream.

Smells nice & clean as well!

Moisturizing, but not greasy.

Absorbs quickly.

Borghese, B Gloss Lip Gloss-Crimson Kiss

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OK, I'm officially obsessed with this gloss. The color is a lovely watermelon-so flattering. It's high gloss and instant glam. I layered it over the lip plumper and can't get enough. Putting it in my makeup bag for my vacation this week. Wahoo!

Borghese, Labbro Più Paffuto Lip Plumper

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I'm always skeptical about lip plumpers. I don't think they do a thing. This however left my lips uber-tingly and I must say a bit plumper. The scent is fantastically pleasant.

Dr. Michael Gold clears the air

Have you ever questioned whether your favorite product started losing its effectiveness after time? Or if it’s all in your head? We have, and dermatologist/dermasurgeon Dr. Michael Gold confirmed that we are, in fact, not going crazy and there are many different reasons for products to cause varying results.

Dr. Gold is here to clear up why your favorite product may not be working as well as it used to and how to avoid this problem:

Routine Change: If you have changed your regular application routine which has been working for a while, try being more diligent and sticking to a consistent schedule

Shelf Life: If you are using an old product, the active ingredient can lose its potency, reducing the effectiveness of the product. Toss out products shortly after the expiration date. It’s also a good idea to note the smell—if it’s starts to change chances are the actives have changed and it’s time to throw it away.Skin Tolerance: When you use a product for a long time, at times your skin can become tolerant to it and it stops working as well as it used to. For example, Dr. Gold says that medicated shampoos lose their effectiveness over time, which is similar to the reason that some OTC products are not as good as prescription products.

Expecting Too Much: Do not over-estimate what a product can do. Dr. Gold says we often expect more than what the product can actually do. Sometimes you believe you have just bought the next miracle cream, when in fact, it does little more than what you used to use.

So stick to the products that work best for you and when in doubt consult your dermatologist.

JESSICA Nail Colour in Coquette

Although I'm not the coquette-type, this polish color is my new obsession.

I am all about gray, except in my hair.

Can't wait to put it on, although am enjoying just looking at the picture...

JESSICA always makes a fabulous product!

Klorane Eye MakeUp remover

Klorane makes a great, hard-working-yet-gentle eye makeup remover.

It didn't burn my eyes, but it got off all the goo I could pile on*-- I like to really test these things!

Some Klorane products are available through stateside vendors, but it has been hard to find... Now this wonderful (tres French) remover is available at Walgreens!

Go to your neighborhood Walgreens & buy. Thank me later.

*Goo= Waterproof mascara, eye shadows, pencil liner.

Julie Bowen stops sag at the SAG awards!

Love her look and Modern Family!!!

Standing out from the crowd of celebs donning their finest floor-grazing gowns at the 17th Annual SAG Awards on January 30th was Julie Bowen who opted for a non-traditional black jumpsuit by Catherine Malandrino featuring a plunging neckline and low back. You too can dare to bare with confidence by using some of Julie’s favorite products from Mama Mio:

Boob Tube Bust & Neck Firmer ($45)

This crinkle-fighting formula promotes firmer, fitter, glowing, dewy, youthful skin from the neck down, a must when preparing for a plunging neckline like Julie’s. CoQ10 helps defy gravity while Omega 3, 6 and 9 keep your neck and décolleté looking firm and plump. Milk Thistle, Evening Primrose Oil and Sweet Almond Oil maintain moisture for healthy, brilliant skin.

O-Mega Wonder-Full Balm ($26)

Julie didn’t let the weary winter weather wreak havoc on her red-carpet ready skin and neither should you. By using the super hydrating Wonder-Full Balm on lips, cuticles, elbows, hands and feet – you too can ensure smooth skin for even the closest of camera shots. Featuring replenishing oils like Sweet Almond, Evening Primrose, Meadowfoam and Gold of Pleasure that drench skin in omegas, the solid balm melts on contact to provide rich, intense, healing moisture wherever you need it.

All Mama Mio products can be purchased on www.mamamio.com.

Lippmann Collection Nail Polish

If you're looking for luxurious, quick drying, icky-chemical-free nail color, Lippmann Collection is for you! This polish dries evenly and quickly and comes in a wider than wide variety of gorgeous hues. My fave at the moment is Nefertiti-a shimmery, subdued metallic gold, with a hint of sparkle. Dress your digits up with this deliciousness for an instant ego boost!!

Sula Paint and Peel Nail Color

THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 2011

Click Here

The Dove color is fabulous and very of the moment. I was geeked to open it and find out it didn't smell horrible either. I did 3 coats and then the top coat. I waited for about 7 minutes to do much of anything with my hands. Alas I reached for something and a few of my nails smudged and peeled instantly. The packaging said the color should last about 2 days. I'm disappointed but will admit that peeling the polish off was sort of wonderful.

Napoleon, Perdis~Chandelier Shine, Nail Polish & Lipgloss set

What a great gift idea!! 

If you had asked me yesterday what three items I would take to a deserted island I would have said:

1. My hot husband

2. My yoga mat

3. Nail Polish

But today, now that I know that this Nail Polish & Lip Gloss set exists, I would like to change #3 to the Napoleon Perdis Chandelier set in Cupi Doll! This shade is a cute, soft, bubblegum pink color in both products. The nail polish sets beautifully in two easy coats and the lip gloss paints on easy and slick. 

It is such a relief to know that if I'm ever deserted on an island with my hubby 

that my nails AND lips will be lookin' fine!!

BOOMing Brows: Spring/Summer 2011 Brows are Big and Bold

January, 2011 (New York, NY) – Spring/Summer 2011 brows are big and bold – those who couldn’t pull it off last season, now have a chance! Boom Boom, owner of Boom Boom Brow Bar, offers tips for BOOMing, bold brows. YES, YES, YES!

“Big bold brows are always my fav – loved that Vera Wang used them in her spring show and I love seeing the smart cookies like Katy Perry, Natalie Portman and Lea Michele going bold,” explains Boom Boom who hinges the fate of big bold brows on four factors: color, length, width and arch.

Color: Go a little bolder (but not too dark, cookie) – tinting is a great option (match color to skin and hair undertones) and using a brow powder on a daily basis is great for adding definition and boldness. Try Boom Boom Brow Boostiers brow powders ($18.00 per jar: each comes with a brush. Colors: Aretha, Tina, Bette and Dolly).

Length: The space between brows should be equal to or a little wider than eyes. Take a long eye shadow brush or pencil and hold it parallel to the side of the nose. Where the brush meets the brow is where brows should begin. Extend the brush diagonally from nostril, following the outside edge of the eye toward the brow, where the inside edge of the brush hits is where brow should end.

Width: Work with natural width, just clean up strays along the top and bottom. If the damage has already been done and brows are too thin, apply castor oil to brows every night to help speed up the growth process - it’s one of the active ingredients in most brow and lash products. A brow gel can also help set and hold brows to make them look fuller. Try Boom Boom Brow-ssiere brow gel ($14.00).

Arch: Hold a brush parallel to the outside edge of the colored part of the eye (the iris). Where the brush meets the brow is where the highest part of the brow should be. To define the arch, use Boom Boom Push-Up brow highlighting pencil’s ($16.00) matte concealer side on the brow bone to create the illusion of lift.

Go bold with Boom Boom, you only live once! Boom Boom Brow Bar: 35 7th Avenue, The Big Apple: 212-229-2666. www.boomboombrowbar.com Boom Boom would never test on animals!

Eight Body Moisture~Ultimate Rejuvination Treatment Vs. Bath & Body Works~Aromatherapy Body Lotion

Coming to an arena near you:

BATTLE ROYALE!!!!

It's the battle of the body lotions!

eight Body Moisture in Lavender

VS.

Bath & Body Works Aromatherapy Body Lotion in Black Currant Vanilla

In this corner, simply bottled and simply titled, blending fourteen natural ingredients, and boasting the cure for dry skin, after-sun care, massage lotion, or shave lotion, lightly lavender scented, it's eight Body Moisture, Ultimate Skin Rejuvenation Treatment!!

And in this corner, elegantly bottled with a convenient pump dispenser, claiming ultra creaminess, and an aromatherapeutic blend of essential oils, bragging of heightened sensuality and feelings of comfort and confidence, flavored in black currant vanilla, it's

Bath & Body Works, Aromatherapy Sensual Body Lotion!!

Both fighters offer a light, clean, scent and lasting moisture-perfect for right before bedtime (or playtime!) . Impressive stats in both corners!! Who will win the coveted role next to your night stand?? You be the judge!

Simple Skin Care: Kind to Eyes Eye Make Up Remover

Simple Skin Care makes great products!

This UK import is currently hard to find in the US (check Duane Reade), but worth the effort.

An eye make up remover that works & doesn't sting, dry out your skin, or cause break-outs?

Awesome. Simply awesome.

The Kind To Eyes Eye Make Up Remover puts Simple Skin Care right up there with the Brit-best: Shakespeare, the Magna Carta, The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, Colin Firth, AbFab, Dawn French, Harry Potter, and Cadbury.

JESSICA Muse collection

From creamy caramel to scarlet red, celebrity trendsetters including Drew Barrymore, Jessica Alba and Sandra Bullock have nailed the hottest manicure trends.

With the JESSICA Muse collection, you too can get the look just like your favorite Hollywood starlet!

Perfect with her complexion and hair hue, Jessica Alba lacquers her

tips

in a creamy caramel color.

Get the look: JESSICA Nail Colour in Bittersweet ($7.50)

Drew Barrymore adorns her nails in a modern mauve shade. This soft purple color is perfect to

complete any outfit – even a sparkly sequin top like Drew’s!

Get the look: JESSICA Nail Lacquer in Intrigue ($7.50)

Add a hint of glamour to a casual look by wearing pure red nail polish as seen here on Sandra

Bullock. The bright pop of color adds the finishing touches to her ensemble.

Get the look: JESSICA Nail Lacquer in Scarlet ($7.50)

Orlane, Paris~ Un journal de 14 jours

I will be keeping a 14 day diary of my experience with 3 time fighting

products by Orlane, Paris.

Ooh la la!

Day 1: I used Orlane's First Time-Fighting Care after my before-bed face cleansing. I wasn't expecting any miracles of course, but my husband did comment "Honey, your face looks really shiny..like, good shiny!" Hey, I'll take it!!

Day 2: This morning I again used the First Time-Fighting Care cream and also took a try at the Morning Recovery Concentrate and Eye Contour serums. Neither products felt heavy nor had a bold scent.

Day 3: Today I started to see a little breakout, so I called my dermo. She recommended using the First Time-Fighting Care  cream at night only, not during the day, under make-up. A word to the wise with sensitive skin like myself!

Day 4:  I fell in love today. Orlane's Morning Recovery Concentrate is no joke!! It really gives my skin an instant, brightening, boost!

Day 5: Breakout butt has been kicked. Crisis averted.

Day 6: Call me a placebo princess, but I definitely started seeing a difference in my under-eye discoloration today! Welcome to my heart Eye Contour Serum!!

Days 7,8,9: I truly am seeing a difference in my wake-up-face, since lathering up with  the First Time-Fighting Care cream each night! I'm hooked!

Days 10-12: I stayed the weekend away and neglected to pack my Orlane products!! My skin is definitely feeling and looking a bit malnourished from only 3 days away!

Day 13: Ahhh...back to the routine. What a difference a day makes! My face feels replenished and instantly brightened.

Day 14: I must say, Merci beaucoup, Orlane, Paris!!

Cures by Avance Cérum Vitamin C Therapy

I'm not going to lie to you: This serum is an odd reddish liquid, and smells like ferment and Teryaki sauce.

It does, however, make for AMAZING skin! Trust Avance!

My skin was bright, even, happy and clear.

I do recommend putting it on at least 20 minutes before going to bed, just so your pillows don't pick up the scent. But it is worth it! Very worth it.

Boom Boom Push-Up Brow Highlighting Pencil

Another great product from the genius minds at Boom Boom Brow bar.

This soft, beige-y pencil rocks!

It's got two sides, Sparkles and Sparkle-free.

A little of the Sparkle under the brows works to make me look awake-- no small task!

Added bonus: I use the Sparkle-free side as concealer. It blends well and lasts.

Some Push-Up, some lipstick, maybe some mascara, and I'm good to go!

Love it!

And just for you, some Arch-advice from Boom Boom:

December, 2010 (New York City) – Between over-plucking and Botox, the arch is disappearing, and Boom Boom, owner of Boom Boom Brow Bar (NYC), just won’t have it.

“Unfortunately for some, the last time they spotted their arch was in the 8th grade. That’s when an assessment is needed. Brow should be brushed upward and out to see exactly where the hair is missing, and then it needs to be filled in with Boom Boom Boostier brow powder while the hair grows back. The important thing is to fill in the necessary spots, but not to create a new line, that's when the brow starts to look like a rainbow,” explains Boom Boom.

Boom Boom advises to ask the following questions in an assessment:

1) Do brows start too far out?

2) Have they been tweezed into rainbows?

3) Are they too short?

“Any one of these scenarios will lose an arch, and my job is to get it back through a consult and rehab. Most brows can make it back, it just takes guidance and time,” states Boom Boom who also says the best brows have a slight arch. To find, hold a brush parallel to the outside edge of the colored part of the eye (the iris). Where the brush meets the brow is where the highest part of the brow should be. “The problem is, many people get carried away and loose their arch and don’t have the patience to get it back. All those poor souls walking around archless, just need a little TLC.”

“Another offender of the arch is Botox, more times than not, it lifts brows (hence the permanently surprised expression). In this instance, the trick is to soften the arch from the top. You have to be very careful when doing this because you do not want to remove the arch entirely. Hold a pencil/brush directly over the arch on top and assess what needs to be removed. We cater to a lot of women who have started doing Botox and now have no clue what to do with their brows…it’s a new variable that needs to be tended to,” explains Boom Boom.

TouchBack Brow Marker

by Colormark

I used the Dark Brown to fill in the sparse spots in my eyebrows.

It went on cleanly, looked even, and stayed in place!

Takes all of 30 seconds, and makes your brows look well-groomed.

It also covers grays-- not that there's an issue there ;)

Buy online from TouchBack.