Skindinavia’s new line, developed in the labs of MIT and 3M, incorporate a time released delivery system that helps extend the wear of the products (and therefore make-up).

In addition to cooling surface temperature, absorbing oils, etc…. these products also make cosmetic products more blendable.

Skindinavia came up with a 6-Step Guide to “the perfect summer face”:

Step 1: Begins with cleansing with Skindinavia’s Shine Reducing Cleanser ($19)

Step 2: Now you spray on weightless Make-up Saving Moisturizer Spray ($29)

Step 3: Prime (and prepare) your face and eyes for make-up with Face & Eye Make-up Primer ($19)

Step 4: Now use T-zone Make-up Primer ($19) on the oily areas of your face (for example mine is around my nose, chin, center of my forehead, etc.)

Step 5: Now you can finally apply make-up!

Step 6: This is the crucial step for achieving that “setting” effect. Now spray on Make-up Finishing Spray ($29) that will hold, blend and perfect your face.

I can’t speak for everyone, but I can speak for myself when I say that one of my biggest summer beauty pet-peeves is when the heat prevents you from maintaining beautiful make-up. Skindinavia created something unique here, and if these products work, this line should become an absolute hit. I don’t think science gets any better than creating a product that reduces the surface temperature of your face 10 degrees. That is some seriously powerful skincare. What do you guys think about this? With summer right around the corner I thought this would be a great beauty “secret” to share.

There is one brand however that completely took me by surprise with their anti-cellulite products. Some of you may have heard of Bliss, a company that began in 1996 with their first spa in New York city’s SoHo. It has since flourished into eight spa’s worldwide and product lines ranging from skincare to bath and body. But what really struck me about this brand is that they have an entire line devoted to cellulite. Check out their website and under their link “cellulite” you will find a vast array of products. One of these products is fatgirlsleep. I first saw this jar doning the label “fatgirlsleep” in the beauty closet and thought it was a hoax. Soon enough I found out that this is bliss’ newest product launched.

“Get a full night’s ‘booty’ sleep with this supercharged sister to our famed FatGirlSlim. Formulated with our encapsulated slenderiZZZe complex that releases dimple diminishers and soothing lavender for up to 6 hours, this ultra-rich cream helps make the most of your body’s overnight restorative process. Good night, sleep ‘tight’ and don’t let the beg ‘blubs’ bite.”

- www.blissworld.com

With a marketing ploy like that can you really not at least try it? What better idea then create a cream that literally diminishes cellulite WHILE YOU SLEEP? It doesn’t get much better than that. All of you have to do is slab on some of this miracle whip and pray that your $38 is worth it. I’m going to try it and I’ll let you know how it goes. Get it for yourself and let me know what you think! I’m so curious as to if this really works or not.

Other products on Bliss’  anti-cellulite line include:

fatgirlslim ($29)

bliss the love handler ($36)

bliss high thighs slimmer scrub ($32)

Sonia Kashuk is actually a makeup artist who has devoted her life to designing affordable beauty products that “bring everyday chic to women everywhere.” (target.com)
Quote she lives by: “As we discover ourselves, we discover the force of real beauty.” Powerful, right? Maybe it’s the beauty journalist in me – but I think it is empowering.

Okay… on to the goods. I’ve included her cosmetic bags of all shapes and sizes – they’re afforable and can be found at any Target store (or online)!

1. Sonia Kashuk Valet – Dot Print: ($19.99 at Target stores or click for online)

2.  Sonia Kashuk Train Case with Crazy Print: ($16.99 at Target Stores or click for online)

3. Sonia Kashuk Limited Edition Foldover Clutch: ($12.99 in stores or online)

These bags can be used for a wide variety of things – anywhere from your typical makeup bag to your travel cases. Also in Kashuk’s line is a larger duffel bag that can be used to pack each smaller case into – and the patterns are adorable! Visit Target’s website for more purchasing information and if you want - browse additional Sonia Kashuk products that I haven’t included!

So whoever came up with the idea of a tinted moisturizer is a sheer genius.

It is the perfect combination: the benefits of a moisturizer combined with the coverage of a foundation. Tinted moisturizers go on light and smooth and even out skin imperfections, while protecting skin from the damaging effects of the sun. I am a huge fan of tinted moisturizers – and have included some of my favorite brands for your browsing. If you haven’t tried one yet – seriously do yourself the favor. It’s something that you must at least try – and I wouldn’t be surprised if you get hooked.

1. Stila Sheer Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30 Oil-Free

“Just in time for summer, Stila introduces Sheer Color Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30. The new formula packs all the benefits of a moisturizer, sunscreen, and medium coverage foundation all into one. With twice the SPF power as the original best seller, this oil-free formula is Stila’s latest mutli-tasking makeup must-have.” -sephora.com

2. Clinique Moisture Sheer Tint SPF 15

“A refreshing, sheer wash of colour that hydrates and evens out skin tone. Protects with a powerful antioxidant complex and SPF 15 sunscreen. 4 skin-friendly shades wear beautifully alone or under makeup. Oil-free, so all skin types can benefit.” – clinique.com

3. MAC Select Tint SPF 15

“A lightweight moisturizing tint with SPF 15. Water-based. Oil-free. Packed with conditioners. Hydrates the skin. Protects it, too. Keeps it moist, flawless, soft and youthful. Ultra-sheer: invisible. Feels like nothing on.” – maccosmetics.com 

I’m secretly obsessed – and plan on trying one on myself as soon as I have the time (and the occasion to wear it).

Most recently Lauren Conrad, otherwise known as “LC,” rocked it at the new season three premiere of “The Hills.”

(LC {left} with Audrina Patridge, Mariah Carey and Whitney Port) 

What I love about LC’s look is that she actually used her real hair for the braid. You can see in some of the pictures that she first side-parted her hair and then only braided the bigger part over. 

LC wasn’t the first celeb to flaunt this sexy, unique look however. Sienna Miller was spotted with her own braid at the Golden Globe awards in 2007. 

 (Sienna Miller)

And guess what?! Believe it or not, Sienna was scrutinized for her hairstyle at the event. Was it just because she was the first person to take a beauty risk? She tried the daring look – and either way - I happen to think she looked beautiful. 

 What do you guys think? I personally love the style. I think it is classy chic and is a perfect new way to dress up your typical up-do. But I’m curious to hear what you all have to say – so spill it!

And what better way to celebrate Spring then by a “bright” change in your nail color. These colors are so fun – they’re instant mood lifters! Try one, try all – let me know what you think! J

Sephora Multi-Action Nail Polish in Pink Flamingo 12 

(the color is shown above – it’s a much lighter hot-pink than the one in the bottle)

 Chanel Nail Enamel in Organdy 

CND Nail Lacquer in Turquoise Tint

So how do you get the perfect blow-out? I’ve included tips, tricks and products that will make all the difference – everything except the professional stylist.

First: “In the shower”

Depending on whether your hair is straight or curly, thick or thin, long or short, you should use specific shampoos and conditioners.

*My favorite à John Frieda Collection Frizz Ease Straight Ahead Style-starting Daily Shampoo.

“After the shower”

Turbie Twist à You can laugh, but these things really work! They’re so much more convenient than wrapping a towel around your head – and they soak up the excess water even better!

“Products to use”

Sally Hershberger Supreme Head Style Primer (for normal to thick hair) à This sets your hair up for the style you’re about to create by boosting the performance of styling products. Apply first before styling or applying other products.

Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum à I love this stuff! It cuts your drying time in half!

“The Brush”

Frédéric Fekkai Large Round Brush àA little pricey, but this brush is so worth it! Handmade in France, the non-slip grip controls hair static for smooth, straight hair.

 “The Hair Dryer”

Barbar Italy 9800 Hair Dryer à Easy to grip, easy to use. Multiple heat settings – this is a great hair dryer to use for blow-outs.

“The Finish”

If you like hairspray, I recommend Bumble & Bumble Does It All Spray. It’s workable, brushable and fabulous for finishing.

Or… if you’re not into hairspray, I suggest TIGI Bed Head Dumb Blonde Smoothing Stuff. It gets rid of frizz, calms static and softens hair! (Not blonde? Try TIGI Bed Head After-Party Smoothing).

“The Trick”

Sectioning, sectioning, sectioning. Make sure you section your hair off in small amounts starting with the underneath first! Clip the hair that you’re not using up so that it doesn’t get in the way. And, if you like, finish with a straightening iron. The best? CHI ceramic flat iron.

 Good luck

However, the lack of money for a spa visit shouldn’t force you to compromise your nails! There are some cheap (and easy) ways to create your own at-home pedicure experience. I’ve included a few must-have products and tools that can be purchased online. Your feet will thank you, and you’ll be pleased with the results. J 

ESSIE SPA Mini Pedi Kit

Includes:

• Marine Sea Salt {2 oz.}

• Exfoliating Scrub {2 oz.}

• Hydro-Masque {2 oz.}

• Ylang Ylang Leg & Foot Massage Oil {2 oz.}

This adorable mini-kit includes virtually everything you need for an at-home pedicure. The marine sea salt leaves your skin soothed, hydrated and smelling great! The exfoliating scrub and hydro-masque get rid of un-wanted dead skin-cells and reveals re-freshed, beautiful skin. Ylang Ylang massage oil is lush and calms your skin. 

Tools: 

True Blue Spa Large Acrylic Foot File

I love True Blue Spa’s foot file – it’s not too big, not too small. Conveniently hang it in the shower for an easy scrub that exfoliates rough skin. It even says on the website: “Perfect for spa-like pedicures at home. Gently rub over feet to buff away unwanted dry skin.” Perfect! Just make sure to soak your feet prior to exfoliating - if used outside the shower soak feet in a warm water bath for 10-15 minutes in order to soften skin.

Bath & Body Works Flower Pumice Stone

Love, love, love this pumice stone! Pumice works great – just like the foot file it exfoliates and smoothes rough skin. And in this adorable pink flower shape, what else could you ask for? This is a perfect spring pedicure accessory (and for $4, you can’t beat it)!

 Forget your ordinary body bar or shower gel – if you want an indulging spa experience in the shower – take a chocolate body scrub in with you.

Maybe it’s just the chocoholic in me – but I’m addicted. What’s so great about these rich chocolate body scrubs? All of the chocolaty goodness; none of the calories. J

They’re everywhere. In stores, on magazine pages, in my friend’s bathroom, on my bathroom shelf; you get the picture.

My personal favorite: Giovanni’s Hot Chocolate Sugar Scrub ($13.00) <3<3

 It is a warming gentle body exfoliator that polishes the skin’s surface. The richly scented formula contains an exclusive essential oil complex needed to soothe, smooth, and regenerate the skin. It even has real crushed cocoa beans! The decadent aroma is absolutely intoxicating. J

The warming sensation from the exfoliator combined with the rich cocoa is enough to make an ordinary shower feel like a fancy spa get-away. And your skin will be left silky – not greasy.

Other popular choices:

 Devil Made Me Do It Body Polish by Klean Bath and Body ($11.50)

This one is very similar to the first: a fine textured cocoa-scented moisturizing sugar scrub.

Want all of the chocolate but less of the “scrub”?

Try Philosophy’s Just Because chocolate scented shower gel trio. (3-piece $30.00)

  Have your choice of white chocolate, milk chocolate, or dark chocolate in a 3-in-1 shampoo, shower gel and bubble bath. It works great as a gift, too!

Treat someone to a delectable shower experience, just because.

I always believed that the white eyeliner-fad wouldn’t look “right” on me. I mean I have tried it, but it isn’t something I would claim to be flattering on me. But what if you want that young and fresh bright-eyed look associated with white liner? (I know I did)

Thank you Benefit cosmetics! This new Eye Bright pencil is an amazing tool to “brighten tired eyes” and, a plus, it is universal (you’ll get multiple uses out of it)!

The color is a subtle light-pink hue, so it’s not as shocking as a solid white. It is graciously easy to apply – the soft-creamy pencil glides on carelessly.

You can control the intensity of color (ex: one stroke for a more delicate color and multiple strokes to increase intensity).

Tips and tricks (courtesy of www.benefitcosmetics.com – check out the website for more information!) to brighten the shadows in the corners of your eyes while lifting the outer corners of the eye, making you look wide-awake and radiant:

·        Apply as your final step after you have applied all other makeup.

·        Draw 3 to 4 short strokes in the area between the bridge of your nose and the inner corner of your eye (where dark shadows linger).

·        Also, draw a light line from the outer corner of your eye up and toward the end of your brow.

·        Do not over blend.

·        To keep it bright, be sure to let some pink tint linger.

And that’s not all – you can also use this as an eye liner! In additional to brightening up the area around the eyes, I applied this pencil directly on my top lid as an eye liner, and softly underneath my bottom lid – I was more than pleasantly surprised! It gave my eyes a new dazzling look that I haven’t found with any other light liner. I found that it works really well with pink or purple eye shadows.

Tips and tricks:

·        Apply eye shadow to the top eyelid, I suggest trying Prestige Let Loose! Shimmering Shadow Dust in release (a deep purple).

·        Then apply a thin line of Eye Bright liner to the top of your lid – as close to the lashes as possible.

·        If you are satisfied with the look, you can stop there; if not… continue with the bottom lid.

·        Apply a thin line underneath the lashes of your bottom eyelid. You can blend in to make the color less intense. J

Let me know what you think of this new tool I can’t seem to get enough of! I look forward to your questions and comments.