This twist-up, crayon-like Bb. color stick is the perfect root touch-up product. I have light-brown hair, BUT color my strands black. I hate when my roots show, and admittedly, I have three grays (that I can see)! I dye my hair every three weeks, so my roots are maintained. I do however have very fine hair, and this color stick is great for filling in sparse areas. Just glide the twist-up pencil along your hair for perfect coverage. The formula is water resistant - don't worry about color running down your face, neck and clothes if you get caught in the rain. The stick is compact and takes a little while to cover your roots (or grays), but is great for travel and on-the-go touch ups.
Yeah, I have thirteen makeup highlighters - I realize it's a little unnecessary! The first highlighting makeup I purchased was Bobbi Brown Extra Illuminating Moisture Balm, and the rest.. well.. I'm a product junkie! Highlighting, low-lighting and contouring are a must these days. AND there are hundreds of highlighting products to choose from. Before I get in to the specifics, they're all similar. Yeah, the only major difference is whether the product is a solid (creamy-stick), dewy-balm-like stick, powder or liquid. Maybe some have anti-aging qualities or contain SPF, but aside from texture, color and sheen, they're closely related. Here's what I have to say about some of the more popular highlighting products.. Want a slight glow - Bobbi Brown Extra Illuminating Moisture Balm is subtle and effective. Application is smooth and the barely-there sheen is flattering. Another BB liquid highlighter is Bobbi Brown Face Highlighter. This light liquid will give you super-shiny highlight. It has a strong gold-tone, and there's a whole lot of sparkle in this product. Laura Mercier Foundation Primer - Radiance has a gold-tone and lots of micro sparkles. This light liquid is a bit much for my facial skin, but looks great on legs and shoulders - mix with your body moisturizer and blend well. Primers are great for subtle brightening. BECCA Backlight Filter Face Primer is unique in that it blurs imperfections, while giving your skin a radiant glow. The super-lightweight liquid absorbs nicely. There is a subtle glow, but barely-there sheen. Be warned, this product has a strong scent (for those who are sensitive). Like the Bobbi Brown Extra Illuminating Moisture Balm and Laura Mercier Foundation Primer - Radiance, this product is for priming your skin. The effect is subtle, but makes a difference. Want a dewy look? Ciaté Dewy Stick has a balm-like texture that glides on oh so smoothly giving your skin a low-shimmer, dewy glow. This The super-light balm is creamy (not tacky). This multipurpose product nourishes your skin, illuminates and leaves a wet-dewy-like sheen. LOVE! Glossier Haloscope is similar, but has more shimmer. The dual-delivery formula combines makeup and skincare. The inner solid oil core contains vitamin-rich minerals, while the outer circle contains genuine crystal extracts. This two-in-one product is lightweight and high-shimmer. Both these dew-infusing products are great for those no makeup days. Use my link to get 10% off your first Glossier purchase - http://bff.glossier.com/gMn0U My go-to highlighters are MILK Makeup Highlighter (perfect for body), Benefit Watt's Up! Cream-to-powder Highlighter (favorite), and tréStiQue Mini Highlight & Perfect Multipurpose Stick. MILK Makeup Highlighter is the size of a round deodorant. The larger surface allows for great body application. The product melts with your body heat and blends nicely. I use it on my legs and arms. The Watt's Up! Cream-to-powder Highlighter is the perfect shade (on pale or sun-kissed skin), and the little sponge applicator is handy when you're on the road. I use a damp Beauty Blender (with water and Farsáli Rose Gold Elixir) to blend the Watt's Up! highlighter. The tréStiQue Highlight & Perfect Multipurpose Stick is a similar shade and texture to the Watt's Up! The cream-gel product glides on smoothly, and the luminescent shade is perfect on sun-kissed skin. Powder highlighter is still my go-to finishing touch. I LOVE Bobbi Brown Highlighting Powder in Pink Glow. The cool-pink highlights are nice on pale skin, and the effect is subtle (apply lightly). I use a fan brush to lightly sweep the product across my cheek bones. For more intense shimmer, I use a dense brush and sweep the powder down the bridge of my nose and across my cupids bow. This product is for specific highlighting (not an all-over glow). This powder highlighter is perfect for a little extra light-reflective glow. I consider highlighting a necessity. Even when your skin looks drab and downright yucky - highlighting will do wonders for your complexion. Apply an all-over illuminator to, well.. allover. Apply makeup highlighter to your cheek bones, down the bridge of your nose (don't go all the way to the tip) and across your cupids bow. Fake a fresh glow and highlight.
I've been avoiding the sun for years. Of course, I'm fearful of skin cancer, and I simply don't want to age faster than I have to. I was packing for vacation last week and realized I'm so white, I'm glowing. I decided to hit the salon for a little base tan. AND, of course, I have a rash form head-to-toe. Whether it be in a tanning bed or the sun, I always break out in rashes all over my body. It could be light-sensitivity or over-doing it in the bed. Too much UV radiation exposure, can result in a rash. Your skin (specifically melanin), cannot absorb the radiation. Best solution is to maintain low exposure times and only go twice a week. Rushing a tan is never a good idea! A safer alternative is self-tanning. I've been using St. Tropez self-tanner for years. This product line gives you natural bronze. The application is easy, and the variety of the formulas meet many different needs. I've tried other self-tanning brands, as well as salon self-tanning, but always go back to St. Tropez. First, exfoliate. St. Tropez Tan Enhancing Body Polish is a great exfoliator. It's gentle and smells refreshing. I personally prefer something little more harsh - Babe Body Salt is my favorite. But for sensitive skin, this is the product for you. I love the Self Tan Bronzing Mousse. I use the larger tanning mitt, and apply the solution in swift circular motions, until my skin is drenched in self-tanner. I always exfoliate for days prior to self-taming, and liberally apply moisturizer to my hands, elbows, knees and feet prior to applying the product. This will ensure that you don't get streaks along your hands and feet, or darker shades on your elbows and knees. I use the mini mitt on my face and ears. I apply only a small amount, swiftly apply it to my face and neck in circular motions, and then apply the residue on my ears and along my hairline. The award wining Self Tan Express Bronzing Mousse allows you to control the depth of your tan. Apply, and after one, two or three hours (depending on your desired bronze), jump in the shower to limit the tanning process. Take note - your tan will continue to develop for up to eight hours. This innovative, time-sensitive' product is great. I wouldn't recommend beginners use this product, but rather the Self Tan Bronzing Mousse. Maintenance is important - self-tanning requires daily effort. The Tan Enhancing Body Moisturizer should be applied days after self-tanning to keep your skin moisturized. It will prolong your tan for up to three days. Tan applicator mitts are a necessity. The mitts allow for even application and protect your hands. I've taken it a step further and wear latex gloves. I removed them last and apply the residue from the larger mitt to my hands.
There are currently 496 moisturizers available at Sephora.com. Choosing a facial cream can be exhausting. You really have to know your specific needs (anti-aging, acne and blemishes, dryness..). You gotta research ingredients that are necessary to your needs, and start reading labels. Customer reviews and personal beauty blog posts are an excellent way to narrow down your search. How many stars does the product get? What are 'real' people saying? I'm a self-declared product junkie and think these hydrating products are worth a mention.. This is intense hydration - Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Cream is a concentrated 30 percent hyaluronic acid cream. Hyaluronic acid is a potent hydrator that can retain up to 1000 times it's weight in water. If water was creamy- this would be it. It's so refreshing, and leaves your skin feeling silky and super-nourished. The non-greasy cream absorbs fairly quickly (a little goes a long way), and doesn't leave your skin shiny. Water Drench is the perfect hydrator during summer. I purchased this a few months ago and couldn't stop applying it during the first week (2-3 times a day). It's addictive. I use the moisturizer when I plan to go bare, cause it's not thick enough to prime my skin for makeup.
Bobbi Brown Cosmetics has been my go-to brand for years. The Hydrating Face Cream and Vitamin Enriched Face Base are two of my favorite BB products. The Hydrating Face Cream absorbs nicely, plumps your skin, and creates the perfect base for makeup. This lightweight formula has a refreshing, masculine scent that diminishes quickly. It's also enriched with mineral water. I'm addicted to water (really) - I consume two to three litres a day. On the subject of anti-ageing, water is your best friend. The Vitamin Enriched Face Base is an oil-free primer and moisturizer. Like the Hydrating Face Cream, this product hydrates and plumps your skin. It's much thicker than the Hydrating Face Cream and has a light, citrus scent. I use the Vitamin Enriched Face Base if I need super-nourishing, and plan to pile on the makeup. I love this brand - so does everyone else. The oh so popular Glossier brand prides itself on a no-makeup-makeup kinda look - a natural girl who doesn't fuss over perfection. Don't we all wanna be that girl? Glossier Priming Moisturizer and Priming Moisturizer Rich hydrate and prime your skin for makeup (or not). Priming products simply nourish and plump your skin, giving you a healthier look, and preparing your face for easy makeup application. The Priming Moisturizer contains Hyaluronic Acid, Mushroom Super Hydrator and Vitamins A, C and E. This lightweight formula is buildable and has a 'cream' scent. There's something to be said for products in tubes - you can really get down to the last dollop. The Priming Moisturizer Rich is much thicker and ideal for bedtime. It contains Red Algae Complex, Ceramides (oily waxes), Fatty Acids, Murumuru Butter, and Lavender Oil (could do without this scent). Like the Priming Moisturizer, this formula contains an anti-redness complex (I need that), and Oxygenating Agent. This is a 'luxurious face cream'.Use my link to get 10% off your first Glossier purchase - http://bff.glossier.com/gMn0U
Sunshine, pool water, salt water.. Your hair needs extra hydration during the summer months. My hair was damaged beyond repair last summer (botched dye job). I consider myself an expert on hydrating hair masks. These are my favorite super hydrators.. IGK Prenup Instant Spray Hair Mask is AMAZING! The 360 aerosol spray allows for easy application. The scent is delicious, and your hair will feel nourished and silky after just one minute. I use this mask every time I wash my strands. Give your hair a good scrub, apply conditioner and rinse immediately, then apply the Prenup hair splash mask, leave for minute and rinse. This hydrating hair mask is a MUST HAVE! Bumble and Bumble is the Balm-To-Oil Pre-Shampoo Masque saved my hair, and is worth a second mention. Take a big dollop, rub your hands together to melt the product and apply to dry hair, section by section (dry hair absorbs better than wet hair). Leave for a minimum of twenty minutes. This super hydrating masque contains the Hairdresser's Invisible Oil six signature oils - argon, macadamia nut, coconut, safflower seed, grape seed oil and sweet almond. The signature scent is subtle and sweet. I apply this masque once a week, and it has made a HUGE difference in my hair. I've been struggling with severely damaged hair for a year, and only saw a significant improvement after using this product. I purchased Skinny & Co. Coconut Oil in the OH SO TEMPTING mini section at Sephora. The lineup at Sephora is a trap - you're surrounded by mini's that cost much more than the full-size products (based on cost per ounce). Admittedly, this is my favorite section at Sephora. I can no longer find Skinny & Co. Coconut Oil on Sephora's site, so I'm not sure if Sephora carries this product anymore. Hmm.. I love this stuff. It's a multi-purpose coconut oil that hydrates your hair and body. Like the Bumble and Bumble Balm-To-Oil Pre-Shampoo Masque, this product melts in your hands. Scoop out a big dollop, allow it to melt and apply to the ends of your hair. You can leave the oil on for as long as you want. The scent is ok (natural-like). You can use this oil to sweeten your beverages, replace your go-to cooking oil, and apply as a moisturizer to your hair and skin.
Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser's Invisible Oil Cleansing Oil-Crème Duo is a super hydrating-cleanser that will leave your hair silky and soft. The dual-chamber disperses the moisturizing cream from the inner chamber, and a low-foam cleanser from the outer chamber. It's a two-in-one super hydrating wash. This product is great for anyone with dry, damaged strands, flyaways and frizz. I use this Cleansing Oil-Crème Duo every third wash. Hairdresser's Invisible Oil signature scent is coconut(ish) and subtle. Along with every other product by Bumble and Bumble, I LOVE this Cleansing Oil-Crème Duo. Another amazing new product from Bumble and Bumble is the Balm-To-Oil Pre-Shampoo Masque. This stuff saved my hair. Take a big dollop, rub your hands together to melt the product and apply to dry hair, section by section (dry hair absorbs better than wet hair). Leave for a minimum of twenty minutes. This super hydrating masque contains the Hairdresser's Invisible Oil six signature oils - argon, macadamia nut, coconut, safflower seed, grape seed oil and sweet almond. The signature scent is delicious. I apply this masque once a week, and it has made a HUGE difference in my hair. I've been struggling with severely damaged hair for a year, and only saw a significant improvement after using this product. A MUST HAVE. Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser's Invisible Oil is my favorite haircare collection. I've been using the shampoo, conditioner and oil for years. Each time a new addition is released, I purchase it, and am never disappointed. The product line includes - shampoo, conditioner, primer (great for detangling wet hair), oil (super lightweight), the Cleansing Oil-Crème Duo, pre-shampoo masque, and Dry Oil Finishing Spray. I use all of these products regularly. I've tried many other brands over the years, but keep going back to Bumble and Bumble. Many of the products are also available in travel size (love that). If you don't wanna invest in the full-sized, opt for the travel size (I'm sure you'll upgrade to the larger versions).
To be honest, a waterless shave sounds painful, and screams RAZOR BURN! I played it safe and tested the Gillette Venus Waterless razor on my knees (the skin on my lower legs is super sensitive). The portable razor is fairly small. The soft handle contains a lubricating softgel with aloe. Just squeeze the product onto the gel applicator + cleaning pad, apply to your skin and shave. You can use the foam-like applicator to rub excess gel into your skin post shave. The process is easy, the shave is smooth and the hair is gone. The gel is non-sticky, leaves no residue and has a refreshing scent. I had no irritation - my legs are perpetually sore from shaving, so that's sayin' something. The Venus Waterless razor has a disposable single blade, and is only meant to be used a few times. This convenient razor is not a daily shave kinda razor, but rather an on-the-go solution to touch-ups, travel or 'I didn't have time to shave in the shower, so I'll do it the cab' razor! I was reluctant to like this product, but am convinced that this Waterless razor is a great on-the-go solution to our hairy needs.
I'm addicted to lip balm and was so disappointed when Sephora discontinued the Kiss Me Balm - the little egg shaped balm came in a many colors, the scents were yummy and the product was amazing. So began my search for a new go-to balm.. Of course, I went with a Sephora lip balm hoping it would be similar to the Kiss Me Balm. The soothing Coconut Water Lip Balm is nice. The scent is delicious and the product feels nourishing on your lips. The balm is thicker than the Kiss Me Balm, but a similar texture. The packaging is less than what you would expect from Sephora. The turn-tube is made of plastic, and the coconut printed cover feels like card-stock. I'm not sure how the packaging would hold if it got wet (and am not gonna test it out). Sephora Honey Lip Scrub is amazing! When I first applied the scrub, I thought this isn't working - how can a balm exfoliate your lips. After a few vigorous applications I reached the grains inside. I rub the balm in circular motions on my lips until they're drenched in product, then I use my finger and massage the grains onto my lips. The result - smooth lips in seconds. Best part is the gains dissolve, and your lips are covered in a creamy, honey-scented balm. It tastes good too - not that you should eat it, but scrubs tend to get in your mouth. LOVE! Benefit Cosmetics They're Real! Double the Lip Lipstick Liner in One is innovative, and allows you to create fuller lips in one swipe. The teardrop shaped lipstick and liner in one combines two complimentary satin-finish shades - one is the liner and the other a lipstick. Just place the lipstick and liner in one flat on your lips, and apply them simultaneously. I find the contrast between the colors a bit too much, so I blend with my finger. The result is gorgeous. I purchased the full-sized Criminally Coral and received the Lusty Rose travel-sized as a gift with purchase. The sandy-coral shade of Criminally Coral looks great on my pale skin (I'm a fan of coral) . I'm sure the Criminally Coral shade would look amazing on sun kissed skin. The neutral shade of Lusty Rose is a dark rose shade (not really my color). The lipstick and line run one feels nice, your lips appear fuller and there's no feathering. Definitely a New Lipstick 'LOVE'. Oh and the Sephora Kiss Me Balm in Creme Brûlée (clear) appears to be temporarily back in stock, and it's on sale. I bought eight!
The three cosmetics I can't live without are blush, eyebrow gel and lip balm. I LOVE blush and have as many shades as I do lipstick colors. I usually opt for coral shades - cool tones look great with pale skin and black hair, but I do dabble in pinks and neutrals sometimes. Blush changes your complexion (and overall look) dramatically. Whether you want a subtle no-makeup-makeup look, drama or sun kissed skin, you can transform your face with blush. I have a great Spring/Summer collection of blushes - the variety of colors make for the perfect look in every situation.. The Bobbi Brown Cheek Glow Palette (Pearl and Pink Flush) includes the amazing BB Pot Rouge cream blush and a cream highlighter. This palette can be used on your cheeks for a subtle glow or on your lips. I've been using Pot Rouge on my lips for a while, but never on my face. Cream blush always seemed little strange to me - application is more difficult and I like using makeup applicators, rather than my fingers. You gotta prime your face before applying cream makeup and only a little at time. The heat exuded from your fingers allows you to blend the blush nicely, so take your time. If you have dry skin, cream blush is a good solution. The Pink Flush shade and Pearl highlight in this palette are perfect for summer - pretty and subtle. I've always been a fan of Bobbi Brown blush. There's a variety of shades in matte (for the perfect flushed look), or shimmer. The pigment is strong and the color lasts. The brighter/darker shades can be heavy in color, so layer lightly. Bobbi Brown Blush in Coral Sugar gives you a subtle pink-flush. Apply to the balls of your cheeks for a healthy look. Bobbi Brown Blush in Apricot is a vibrant shade (a deep coral), and is the perfect evening color. Bobbi Brown Blush in Nude Peach and Laura Mercier Joie De Vivre Windflush are the perfect no-makeup-makeup shades. These colors give you a subtle-flush (wind flush). The peach shades will look great on any skin tone, especially pale tones. When your outta time or just lazy, these blushes are great for a little color and no-fuss look. MY FAVORITE - Givenchy Prisme Blush in Rite and Givenchy Prisme Blush in Spice. I'm obsessed. These prisme blushes can be used four ways - candid alone (lighter color), bold alone (darker color), harmonious (combination of both), or structured (allow your brush to pick up the light on one end and dark on the other, then apply with the darker shade on the bottom. I have one negative critique - the scent is strong and unpleasant (kinda like an old ladies perfume). I'm not sure why blush should even have a scent. If you're sensitive to smells, this blush is not for you. These colors are AMAZING. The peachy-coral shades of Rite (pictured) are sweet and subtle - Perfect for a sun-kissed glow. Spice is a little darker, with a coral undertone and pink highlight. LOVE.
MARVIS is THE superior dental brand. The Whitening Mint toothpaste is my favorite. It has a strong cool-mint flavor that lingers in your mouth. Like all seven flavors, the Whitening Mint toothpaste gives you a slight tingling sensation - so refreshing first thing in the AM. You can purchase MARVIS toothpaste in full-size or travel size (I like that). You can also purchase the Seven Days of Flavor Set. These delicious toothpastes are available in Classic Strong Mint, Licorice Mint, Jasmine Mint, Ginger Mint, Cinnamon Mint, Aquatic Mint and Whitening Mint. The Jasmine Mint is a little strange (for my taste). It's like brushing your teeth with minty-flowers. I'm not a fan of licorice either, but again, it's personal taste. The Strong Mint Mouthwash Concentrate is an alcohol-free mouth rinse, that promotes good oral hygiene. The flavor is super-strong - I tear up (seriously), and can't swish it around too long. The mint flavor is refreshing and lasts.. This mouthwash does everything you would expect from an oral rinse - fights tooth decay, combats plaque, bacteria, inflammation and leaves your breathe minty-fresh. This dental care product line is imported from Florence, Italy and expensive - BUT worth it. The packaging makes for a nice bathroom accessory, and the unexpected flavors are stimulating. I brush my teeth often and appreciate a variety of toothpaste flavors. LOVE this brand.
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