Stila Mini Lip Glaze Trio for $8

Stila's new limited edition Mini Lip Glaze Trio is just $8, for Sephora Beauty Insiders. The trio includes Brown Sugar (shimmering golden nude), Apricot (melon nectarine) and Starfruit (shimmering coral). To become a Beauty Insider, click here.

Topcoat Superior to Seche

If you are into nail products and you've ever browsed the "higher-end" nail polish section at your favorite stores, you've probably heard of Seche Vite topcoat. I only recently bought it after hearing wonderful things about it. However, I really had never looked much into topcoats because I've been faithful to a certain one by Sally Hansen for years.

Sally Hansen Mega Shine Extended Wear Top Coat

Of course, through the many I've gone through, the bottle has changed a bit over the years, but honestly, this stuff is the best topcoat I've ever used...In my opinion, even better than Seche. The formulas seem almost identical. Even the scent is the same (which slightly differs from most nail polish). It has that same thick feeling and when applied over wet nail polish and creates an even, glass-like finish. Best part, it seems to dry extremely fast, even faster than Seche.

The first time I used Seche, I was a little fooled. It looked super shiny...SUPER shiny. I thought it may have been possible that I had found something superior to my beloved Sally Hansen one. Honestly, I was just impressed that something actually was similar to the Mega Shine, simply because I had never found anything like it. But after a day, the shine just wasn't as high as I'd hoped anymore. It seemed to wear off. Nothing horrible or anything, but it was definitely no Sally Hansen Mega Shine... I also feel that the Sally Hansen really prolongs the wear of my nail polish much better. I've used Seche for weeks now and have had the same experience with it with several different polishes and formulas. Don't get me wrong, Seche Vite is GOOOD stuff. Would I have LOVED it if I hadn't have had the Mega Shine to compare it to?? Yep. But nothing compares to my Mega Shine. If you've never tried it, I would obviously highly recommend it. Now keep in mind, the Seche Vite is around $9.00 most places (I got mine from Ulta). However, it's on sale right now at Ulta for $4.99. The Sally Hansen Mega Shine is around $7.00 most places. So you're not going to be saving any money or getting a great deal or anything by trying the Sally. I just feel that it's better.
My bottle of Mega Shine is about 7 months old and it's in the older bottle. So I REALLY hope they haven't changed the formula at all, but over several years and several other packaging design changes, it's stayed the same. Hopefully it always will!
You can find the Sally Hansen Mega Shine Extended wear topcoat in most drugstores--anywhere that Sally Hansen products are sold.

Seashells

The inspiration for this look came from the masses of beautiful seashells that I brought home from my vacation, and although I myself am not too particularly happy with how it came out, I'll stillpost it because I have left the blog deserted for so long :P.... Bear with me, I'm out of practice because I haven't been doing much make up for the past 3 weeks!

I used Gesso all over the lid, then lined with Prestige eyeliner pencil in magenta, winging the line out at the end a little higher than my lashline (I should have gone higher though) and blending upwards with MAC Sushi Flower. Then I wetted a small eyeliner brush, dipped it into MAC Platinum pigment and drew a line along my crease, with several "lashes" pointing upwards, and the same on the lower lid. I added white kohl to my waterline and glued on some Salon Perfect Lashes and a real seashell in matching colours.






Product List
MAC Bare Canvas, MAC Gesso, MAC Sushi Flower, Prestige Eyeliner Pencil in Diva, MAC Platinum, Salon Perfect Lashes, Maybelline Expression kohl in white, CG Lash Blast Luxe in Black Cabernet

Fashion School Is In Session: Interview With Sydne Summer

Everybody puts their pants on one leg at a time. But while most of us are just throwing on an old pair of faded Levi’s and t-shirt, only a select few would think to pair a $23 skinny white jean with a BCBG leather jacket, Forever 21 lace camisole, Manolo Blahnik gladiator sandals, and assorted silver and black bracelets.

Such is the gift of Los Angeles based Fashion Editor, blogger and TV fashion commentator, Sydne Summer. On the Style Network’s website, Mystyle.com, Sydne deconstructs star style, advises real women on how to cop runway and red carpet trends, and interviews style icons. Sydne’s own blog, ThinkThruFashion, provides how-to solutions, fashion and beauty tips, trend breakdowns and pictorial inspiration of clothes on real people.

Recently, I had the opportunity to pick Sydne’s brain and learn some tricks of the trade. If, like me, you’re looking to up your style ante - read on. Sydne’s taking us to fashion school...

SP: When did you first fall in love with fashion?
SS: I can’t pinpoint one exact moment because I have so many childhood memories that involved fashion. I grew up in the 80s and I used to stage photo shoots in my backyard dressed in neon shirts over biker shorts with my hair parted as far to the side as possible. During a family holiday one year, I think I was about seven, I made my younger cousin produce a fashion show while the adults were having cocktails. We made a royal mess in my grandmother’s closet trying on her silk printed tunics and piles of costume jewelry. Then I charged everyone a nickel so they could see us model our creations. And I don’t know when I was first given my dress-up chest but I don’t remember every not having it. Whenever I had a playdate we’d immediately dig in to the box of elbow length gloves, silk pajama gowns and rhinestone shoes and prance around thinking we were Claudia Schiffer.

SP: What was your first big break in fashion?
SS: In college I was interning for Boston Magazine Publications. My editor was planning an event for Elegant Weddings to shows Boston brides how to create a New England-style wedding. I had to research New England based brands and have them ship us samples to use during the event. My editor was really pleased by the assortment of clothing, jewelry and party favors I came up with. She then trusted me to handle bigger projects, which was a great learning experience.

SP: What does it take to succeed in fashion?
SS: To make it in fashion in general, I think you need to study. Not study in the sense of cramming for a law exam but studying everything and anything about fashion. During fashion week, if I can’t make it to the shows I spend hours and hours on Style.com, analyzing each piece and writing down what I like and don’t like about the collection. When I’m out to lunch at the farmers market, I study what people are wearing to observe what works and what doesn’t work on different body types. I’m constantly reading up about designers, pouring over every fashion magazine and just talking to regular people about what they think about the latest trends or what so-and-so was wearing. You just need to absorb everything around you and of course, it doesn’t hurt to have the innate eye for style.

SP: What is your style philosophy?
SS: I think the most important thing is to dress for your body type. It doesn’t matter how much you love a trend. If it’s not right for you, you shouldn’t wear it. I have an hourglass shape, so even though I loved the dropped waists that were in style about two years ago I resisted. I knew they wouldn’t look good on me so I admired from afar as my more narrow shaped friends strutted around in the flapper style dresses.

I’m also big on mixing high and low, something I did way before Michelle Obama came along in her J. Crew and Lanvin combos. I splurge on shoes, two handbags a year and dresses I know I’ll wear season after season. Then I head to Forever 21 and stock up on all the trendy stuff I’m loving at that moment—but might get sick of in a few months.

SP: What is the most treasured item in your closet?
SS: My father passed away when I younger so on my 21st birthday my mother made a necklace using the diamond from her engagement ring my father gave her. She set it on a platinum strand with floating diamonds so it would be a present from both of them on my birthday.

SP: If you could spend the day with one fashion icon (living or deceased), who would it be and what would you do?
SS: I’d love to spend the day with Christian Dior. His New Look is perhaps one of my favorite fashions of all time. I’d spend a day with him in Paris and go to my favorite museum, Musee d’Orsay. Dior started in art before becoming a fashion icon. Then we would go to his house and he would create a dress for me that would make me look like Dita von Teese. We’d go out later in the evening and talk about his genius ideas over glasses of champagne.

SP: What makes a woman 'stylish?'
SS: Confidence. I know everyone says this but that’s because it’s true. I think I started gaining this confidence after I stopped comparing myself to other people. I grew up in Miami then moved to Los Angeles as a teenager so I’ve always been around beautiful women with great style. But over the years, I developed my own style and once you start becoming comfortable with your body and your sense of fashion it shows in the way you carry yourself. People would rather look at a woman standing tall and smiling in a Kmart dress than a pouty girl sulking in the corner in couture.

SP: Who are some of your favorite designers of all time?
SS: Missoni for prints, Dolce & Gabbana when I want to feel sexy, Chanel for handbags that I can’t afford, Rebecca Taylor and Catherine Malandrino for feminine pieces and Jimmy Choo for classic shoes.

But as much as I love designer pieces, my favorite thing is to mix them with inexpensive finds. I do that in my blog on a daily basis. It’s fun to put an outfit together and have people guess which piece cost $300 and which cost $30. Their guesses are often incorrect, which just goes to show, you don’t need designer good to look good.

SP: Which trends will be big this summer?
SS: Rompers are huge, which I’m super excited about because I never bought one last summer and I’m a big fan of jumpsuits. Cutouts are popular on clothing and bathing suits. Also a big bathing suit trend is the one shoulder, which we know is extremely popular for dresses as well. Maxi dresses are everywhere, I especially like them paired with a bib necklace, another trend for spring and summer. As people get more tan, they’re going to start wearing one of the hottest colors this season: bright pink. And as we’ve seen on Rihanna, Lindsay Lohan, Victoria Beckham and just about every other celebrity, denim is distressed. Plus, the boyfriend jean is still going strong.

SP: Which trend(s) do you wish would die?
SS: I hate over-the-knee boots. I’ve seen maybe one person pull this look off: Diane Kruger in Tommy Hilfiger. But the majority of time, the thigh high boots just look like Pretty Woman, pre-Julia Roberts’ classy makeover. Then there is the harem pant that just won’t seem to go away. They’re still popular for summer, which means we’re going to see plenty more baggy crotches on the red carpet.

SP: Current handbag obsessions?
SS: I am absolutely obsessed with Valentino’s spring collection. Of course, I can’t afford even a fraction of any of the handbags but I could sit and stare at the floral masterpieces all day. They truly look like pieces of art. Just look at this one!

SP: Which celebrities would you love to style and why?
SS: Anne Hathaway. I love feminine, elegant pieces and I can’t think of any current star who looks better in them than Anne. Recently she’s tried to look edgy, wearing suits and leather but to me, she looks best as a classic beauty. But truthfully, I’d rather style women that really need help, rather than those that have Marc Jacobs on speed dial. I get more enjoyment out of helping a friend realize how amazing her body when she has the right clothing.

SP: Where are your favorite places to shop?
SS: I recently got in to the whole vintage thing and even if I don’t buy anything, I have a blast shopping at thrift stores. My favorite one in L.A. is Jet Rag. I got this 80s velvet dress, cut off the skirt and now it looks just like a Balmain top, shoulder pads and all. I can’t wait to wear it with jeans this fall. For trendy items, I always go to Forever 21. And for my splurges I wait until Saks has their huge sales and stock up on everything I’ve been coveting online.

SP: What tips do you have for women who want star style on a budget?
SS: Don’t try to copy a star from head to toe. If Beyonce is wearing Balmain and you try to find the exact same $11, 000 jacket for $11 you’ll just look like a cheaper version of Beyonce. In my blog, I always recommend to take inspiration from celebrity style instead of copying it. Figure out what you like about their style and find ways to make it your own. Earlier this year I really liked Cameron Diaz’s all-American look. But I didn’t try to find an exact replica of her striped Michael Kors dress. Instead I thought about what it was I liked about her style and kept that in mind when I went shopping. Things always look more expensive when they’re original—or at least when they’re styled in a creative way.

SP: Can you share some figure-slimming fashion tips?
SS:
1) Create the illusion of long legs by wearing shoes that match your skin color.
2) Show off your best feature. Mine is my waist, so I’m always cinching everything with belts. My friend has the hottest legs, so you’ll usually find her hiding her stomach with a billowy top and showing off her gams in a mini. My mother has amazing shoulders, so she always looks thinner when she wears a shell or halter.
3) Wear monochromatic outfits. If you wear all black, navy, brown, etc, it will create the illusion of a longer and leaner figure.
4) And if all else fails throw on some statement jewelry. If you have sparkly earrings or a unique necklace, nobody will notice you’re having a fat day.

SP: What are three fashion accessories every woman should own?
SS:
1) Black pumps: They add instant sex appeal and never go out of style.
2) A bright or metallic clutch: It makes sure a LBD isn’t boring and dresses up a pair of jeans.
3) A tan leather carryall: If I could only have one bag, it would be my cognac Foley + Corinna hobo. I can wear it with black, brown or navy and the more worn the leather gets, the better the bag looks.

SP: What products are staples in your makeup bag?
SS: Mascara is a must. It’s an instant pick me up when I haven’t slept. I switch on and off between L’Oreal Telescopic Mascara and Stila Convertible Mascara. For lips, I’ve been carrying around a tub of Rosebud Salve since my freshman year of college. But recently I’m addicted to C.O. Bigelow Mint Lip Tint Gloss. The coral has just a touch of color and the minty flavor is refreshing. I also need a bronzer. Whenever I’m laying out on the beach I always cover my face with a towel or wife beater. So my face obviously is just a tad lighter than my body. Bare Escentuals A Little Sun is great because it gives me a natural glow. I start on my cheekbones then lightly dust the rest of my face.

For more of Sydne’s fab fashion advice and commentary, visit mystyle.com and thinkthrufashion.com.

Stick Em Up: Miss Oops Show Stoppers

I always considered my small bust a curse, especially because the junk in my trunk makes me feel slightly unbalanced. But as I get older, I'm learning to love the girls. At 30, they still defy gravity, which means that (in many cases) bras are optional. But just because you can go bra-less doesn't necessarily mean it's to be done. In fact, sometimes it's just plain inappropriate. You ladies know what I mean. Which is why, under strapless, backless and thin knits, I rely on my secret weapon: Miss Oops Show Stoppers.

These adhesive silicone nipple covers are the perfect weapon to prevent "perk out." Show Stoppers are tapered at the edges making them invisible under garments. Plus they're reusable up to 15 times.

Miss Oops Show Stoppers are summer must haves; and I don't leave home without them when I travel to NYC for Fashion Week. Go get you some at missoops.com. You're welcome...it's my pleasure to keep you, ahem, abreast of undergarment innovations.

Makeup Bag Maximalist

Mirror, mirror on the wall...which beauty blogger has the most jampacked makeup bag of them all? Visit Makeup Bag for the answer!

The Beauty Girls Weekend Read

TheMakeupGirl is having a summer contest and is giving away select items from MAC's latest Style Warrior.

Spoiled Pretty is giving away $364 worth of warm weather beauty must-haves to help you beat the heat and keep you looking hot this summer!

This weekend, sponsored by Gillette Venus, Amber from Beauty Blogging Junkie will be heading to LA to do a special "legs edition" of red carpet reporting at the MTV Movie Awards. Click here to access her live tweets and be sure to check out the Gillette Venus Facebook page as well.

All About The Pretty is swooning over the Yarok Hair Treatment she got from the Hiro Haraguchi Salon in NYC.

Makeup Loves Me has a sneak peek at the new Avon Pro 3-in-1 lip wand that she has stuffed in her bag for her vacation!!

Beautiful Makeup Search takes a look at the brand new Bobbi Brown Illuminating Bronze Collection.

What beauty blogger has the BIGGEST travel makeup bag of them all? Get the scoop at Makeup Bag.

Follow the Beauty Girls on Twitter:

All About The Pretty @aatp
Beautiful Makeup Search @beautyblogger
Beauty Blogging Junkie @fabulista
Makeup Bag @makeupbag
Makeup Loves Me @makeuplovesme
Spoiled Pretty @spoiledpretty
TheMakeupGirl @themakeupgirl

Photo: adclassix.com

New Foaming Body Wash at Bath & Body Works!

Two weeks ago while visiting with my parents, I tried my sister's Japanese Cherry Blossom body products from Bath & Body Works...and ever since, I've been jonesing for my own. So today on my lunch break, I paid a visit to my local store to pick up the Creamy Body Wash and Body Cream.

Lucky for me, Bath & Body Works was having a sale: buy 2, get 1 free (Signature Collection). So after I tossed the body wash and lotion in my basket, I set out to find a third product that would be the charm. When I came across a display for the brand spankin' new Foaming Body Wash, I knew I'd found it.

The Signature Foaming Body Wash gently cleanses skin, leaving it fresh, clean and lightly fragranced. High-foaming and oil-free, this nourishing formula soothes with apple and oat extracts so skin feels soft, conditioned and ultra-pampered. It's basically my favorite hand soap, in a body wash formulation. Available in six fragrances, I picked up a bottle of the Coconut Lime Verbena. I suggest you do the same.

Secret Handbag Sale Tomorrow at Ideeli.com

A little birdie just emailed to alert me to a secret handbag sale going down tomorrow at Ideeli.com.

"We are having a very secret handbag sale," said the informant. "We can't tell you the name but we guarantee this Italian made line is HUGE. Here is a hint, this designer won the Neiman Marcus award in 1947...."

Here's the answer, peeps: SALVATORE FERRAGAMO!!!

Ideeli membership is free...click here for an invite, courtesy of Spoiled Pretty.

Stila Indian Summer Collection

Get the Look
Eyes: Charmed Palette; Eye Liner: 24kt Smudge Pot; Lips: 24kt Luxe Lipgloss; Face: 24kt Loose Mineral Powder

Back in March, I blogged about Stila's Indian Summer Collection, this gorgeous collection is now up for purchase.

I have my eye on the Charming Eye Shadow Palette, Mango Crush Lip & Cheek Stain and the Golden Noir Smudge Pot.

One Day Only: Bobbi Brown Stops By QVC on May 30th

Legendary makeup artist, author and entrepreneur Bobbi Brown is scheduled to make three, one-hour QVC appearances this Saturday, May 30 at midnight, 11 AM and 5 PM (EST). She'll share her unique beauty philosophy, revolutionary cosmetics and expert advice.

Bobbi Brown's signature line of wearable, natural looking makeup will be showcased throughout the day - offering QVC shoppers a selection of new and best-selling items.

To tide you over until Saturday, click here for an informative Q&A with Bobbi.

Bumpy Ride: A Long Journey To Rid My Legs Of Hair Bumps

Since I hit puberty, I've been cursed with hair bumps on my legs. Because the hair on my legs is coarse and grows in a curly pattern, sometimes as the hair grows out, it curls back under the skin into the same follicle. And because the hair is trapped under the skin, even after I shave, I still have many unsightly ingrown hairs.

The condition isn't physically painful, like razor bumps; but it is emotionally painful, as I've spent many years hiding this condition beneath long skirts and pants - even during the dog days of summer.

For half of my life, I've had a serious case of leg envy. Every time I see a woman with silky smooth gams, I selfishly hope that she silently suffers from stretch marks, bacne or some other embarrassing ailment that isn't apparently obvious. It just isn't fair!

I've tried a million and one products and techniques to solve the problem...and while I've yet to discover a panacea, I have found a temporary solution.

To keep hair bumps to a minimum, here are my shaving suggestions:

1) Don't start shaving as soon as you get into the shower/bath; allow the steam and warm water to soften the skin and hair.

2) Next, exfoliate (like all get out) with a scrub that won't irritate skin. Right now, I'm enamored with LaLicious Coconut Cream Sugar Soufflé Scrub, an all-natural sugar scrub made with coconut oil that absorbs quickly and easily into skin, leaving it moisturized and protected without feeling greasy. Pure cane sugar crystals buff away dead skin cells while sweet almond and vitamin-e oils condition, moisturize, and smooth you to perfection. And it smells amazing; if heaven has a tropical all-inclusive resort, this is probably what it smells like. By exfoliating, you will release the ingrown hairs that are trapped beneath the skin.

3) Slather your legs with an ultra-hydrating shave cream; I'm a fan of eos Shave Cream, which is so moisturizing, you can shave wet or dry (though I recommend wet). Then shave with a new or relatively new razor; the sharper, the better. Gillette's Venus Embrace razor takes shaving to a whole new level of smoothness with 5 blades that deliver a dramatically close shave.

4) Finally, when you emerge from the bath/shower, don't towel off completely. While your legs are still a smidge wet, slather on lotion or body butter. Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Lotion is an excellent choice because it heals, softens, and tones - plus an 8.5 oz bottle costs less than $5!

Even if you don't have issues with ingrown hairs (I hate you...just kidding...okay, not really), you can benefit from my bumpy journey to smooth stems. The above routine is highly recommended for achieving your closest shave ever.

Nails: Bright Blue Essie

Essie Shelter Island
This is such a gorgeous bright blue. I was in a bit of a hurry when I was painting them, so I know it looks a tad messy around the cuticles, but oh well. Anyway, this is truly a unique color. As for the formula, it looked a little uneven when I first started applying...like maybe the polish was a bit thick, but the second coat applied perfectly and evened everything out. The unevenness could have been attributed to my base coat which may not have been completely dry. Anyway, I've been wearing it for a few days now and no chipping issues!

Benefit and Sephora Make Beautiful Music Together

Discover Benefit's "Hello Flawless" powders and the six lady musicians obsessed with them. Then, just for being you, download six songs for free!

Click here, enter promo code MAKEYOURMIX, and get your groove on.

Beauty Product of the Week: Glycolactic Skin Renewal Peel Mask

What is it? REN's Glycolactic Skin Renewal Peel Mask is "a peel mask made with 100% natural fruit acids. This gentle but potent peel mask is formulated to dramatically remove dead cells, smooth lines, and help prevent the appearance of spots and blackheads. Formulated WITHOUT Parabens, Sulfates, Synthetic Fragrances, Synthetic Dyes, Petro-Chemicals, or Phthalates, this peel contains natural AHA from fruits, and does not irritate the skin like its synthetic counterparts" Available from Sephora (and has been awarded Sephora's Natural Seal) for $55.

What did you think? You know I'm budget minded, so I always worry that when I try out a pricier item, I'll get hooked. And damn if that wasn't the case with this product! I used to be really diligent about giving myself a facial once or twice a week. I'd pull out one of my many masks or use an at-home microderm kit. In the past few months, I've fallen out of the habit of doing this. When I got this mask, I made a point to use it regularly. I've been using it at least once a week for about a month now, and I'm so glad I'm back in my facial habit.

The mask has an orange tint to it and smells like it's just packed with vitamins. The scent is fresh, somewhat citrus-y, and pleasant (in my opinion!). It feels cool and nurturing when it goes on, but what I really like is that it tingles a little when it's on. The mask stays on for about 10 minutes and then you just wash it away with some warm water. No need to pull it off like messy peel off mask, and there's none of that hard drying you get with mud.

My face feels thoroughly cleansed with this product. My skin is soft, supple, and looks refreshed. I don't feel like my skin's been stripped of its oils or anything like that. I feel dewy and clean after using the mask.

The final verdict? I hate recommending pricey items, but I really like this mask. The only thing I might change would be for REN to give you more mask for the same price, because even though one squirt of product is typically enough, I could see going through this very quickly.

Ms. Pedicure Giveaway Winners

Congrats to the winners of the Ms. Pedicure giveaway: Tonya Keener, Danielle Lopenski, Jennifer Moran.

These readers will soon show their tore up tootsies some salon-worthy love with Ms. Pedicure Foot Spahh, the ultimate luxury for reviving and refreshing those tired legs and feet. Housed in a reusable tote, this all-inclusive kit packs a punch with everything that a girls needs to repair her damaged and over-worked feet without breaking the bank!

Many thanks to Ms. Pedicure for sponsoring the contest!

If you didn't win, don't get mad...get glad. There are many more opportunities for you to get spoiled pretty. See what else I'm giving away this week!

Upcoming Sales on Ideeli.com

Brette Sandler Sale

Sale starts Thursday, May 28

Prices start at $64 (save up to 60% off)

L.A.M.B. Watch Sale
Sale starts Thursday, May 28
Prices start at $74 (save up to 64% off)

Isabella Fiore Sale
Sale starts Friday, May 29
Prices start at $219 (save up to 64% off)

Ed Hardy Watch Sale
Sale starts Friday, May 29
Prices start at $74 (save up to 61% off)

Mac & Jac Sale
Sale starts Friday, May 29
Prices start at $30 (save up to 65% off)

Pade Vavra Sale
Sale starts Friday, May 29
Prices start at $109 (save up to 63% off)

Ideeli membership is free...click here for an invite, courtesy of Spoiled Pretty.

Trina Turk For Clinique Gift With Purchase

For the second time, Clinique is partnering with fashion designer Trina Turk and Nordstrom on a fabulous gift with purchase. The fun, floral cosmetics bag was designed by Trina Turk to house her favorite Clinique skin care and makeup products. Perfect for travel and packed with summer staples, this gift is filled with seven hand-picked beauty essentials:

* Lash Doubling Mascara in Black
* Different Lipstick in Tenderheart
* Blushwear Cream Stick in Rosy Blush
* Superfit Makeup (choose from three shades)
* Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion
* Colour Surge Eye Shadow Duo in Sunburst
* Take The Day Off Makeup Remover for Lids, Lashes & Lips

"I’ve created a vibrant, floral cosmetics bag and paired it with must-have skin care and makeup essentials from Clinique in one great gift. The shades go great with just about any daytime outfit and together it makes the perfect summer-time accessory." -Trina Turk

If you were thinking about buying the Clinique Sun with SolarSmart products I raved about on the NBC 10! Show, here's an incentive to open your wallet.

The Trina Turk for Clinique Gift is available free with any purchase of $25 or more (a $65 value). Available exclusively at Nordstrom stores nationwide and Nordstrom.com, now through June 6, 2009.

Here's A Dry Idea: Apply Antiperspirant To Your Face!

Last night, Jerrod Blandino, creator of Too Faced Cosmetics, appeared on The Daily 10 - sharing tips to meltproof your makeup. Most of the tricks were somewhat obvious (like wearing waterproof mascara), but one was absolutely genius:

To keep perspiration from forming along the hairline, mix a small amount of clear antiperspirant with liquid foundation and apply.

Will you try this trick?

Stila Indian Summer Collection Now Available!

Introducing Stila Indian Summer: get gorgeous with 24kt gold!

Bronzing Tinted Moisturizer SPF15 ($32)
Stila’s bestselling Illuminating Tinted Moisturizer has gone golden! Bronzing Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15 - infused with genuine 24kt gold - contains the perfect ratio of pigment to pearl, providing a beaming, flawless face in an instant.

Mineral Bronzing Powder - Brushed Gold ($34)
Radiant, bronzed skin has never been looked so good (or been so good for you!) This 100% natural finishing powder gives your skin a warm, natural bronzed glow skin with one simple dusting. Eco-certified ingredients hydrate and protect, while the pearl pigments and 24kt Gold - a known antioxidant with added anti-microbial properties - keep skin youthful and glowing.

Convertible Color Duo - Marigold ($25)
Get that sun-kissed look you long for with the newest addition to the award-winning Convertible Color family – Marigold. Infused with genuine 24kt gold – a known antioxidant with added anti-microbial properties - Marigold features two gorgeously golden hues that will give your skin a natural, youthful glow. Wear shades alone or mix together to create a brilliantly bronzed look.

Mango Crush, Lip & Cheek Stain ($24)
This season’s latest super-fruit inspired multi-tasker will give you instant glamour gratification. Mango Crush Lip and Cheek Stain is infused with naturally staining mango extracts that react to your personal pH levels to create your perfect shade every time. Used as a sheer blush, or a lip tint and packaged in Stila's iconic clickable pen, this revolutionary formula is easy to build and blend, and leaves your lips and cheeks with a fresh flush of youth.

Charmed Eye Shadow Palette ($28)
Go for the gold and the bold this summer with Stila’s India-inspired eye shadow palette! Adorned with authentic Indian bindis, this palette features four highly-pigmented new shadow shades all infused with genuine 24kt gold. Long revered for its skin revitalizing properties, this luxurious metal helps minimize the appearance of fine lines and creates a rich, shimmering effect.

Smudge Pot - Golden Noir ($20)
Add a little sass to your sultry summer look with Smudge Pot in Golden Noire. This new twist on the cult favorite Smudge Pot sprinkles genuine 24kt gold flakes into the rich matte black base leaving eyes gilded and glam. Long revered for its skin revitalizing properties, this “touch of gold” helps minimize the appearance of fine lines and creates a rich, shimmering effect.

Lash Visor Waterproof Mascara ($20)
Stila’s Lash Visor Mascara has long been an industry favorite. It’s quick-drying, long-wearing; waterproof formula makes it the perfect do-it-all mascara. And now – it is even better! Stila has put this iconic formula in a bigger, metal component – so there is more mascara to love. It also has a new re-designed brush for thick, long, luxurious lashes that stay perfectly defined all day.

24kt Gloss ($22)
Add some sizzle to your summer with Stila’s 24kt gloss! Infused with genuine 24kt gold, this non-sticky formula gives you a vibrant, glistening, gorgeous grin. Available in five brilliant shades.

Ask Lydia x2: Face Cleansers and Foot Care!

I've had two questions from readers lately. If you have anything to add, please leave a comment. I appreciate your thoughts, and so do two of your fellow Kiss and Make-up readers! And if you want to ask me anything, shoot me an email (asklydia@hotmail.com).

Question #1: I have normal to oily skin. What facial cleanser would you recommend that could double as a makeup remover?

Even though I did a "Battle of the Eye Makeup Removers" awhile back, I never use a special makeup remover. I don't have the time for it, and honestly...unless I'm wearing a ton of makeup, I don't see the need for it. Who wants to buy a special product when they don't have to?

When it comes to face cleansers, my first rule is stop using soap. Soap makes your skin too tight, drying it out and leaving it in need of extra moisturizer later. Instead, try a gentle product specifically designed for the more sensitive skin on your face.

If you want a high end product, I'd recommend Philosophy's Purity Made Simple. It effectively removes makeup--even tough to get off mascara and eyeliner--without striping away your skin's natural (healthy) oils. If you're looking for a drugstore brand, any of Olay's facial cleansers are worth a try. I usually keep a tube of Olay Regenerist Daily Regenerating Cleanser in the shower and a bottle of Purity Made Simple by my sink. And on days when I am really lazy, I swear you cannot beat Boot's 4-in-1 Quick Thinking Face Wipes, as I've said many, many times before!

Question #2: I've been wondering if you know of any good pedicure products. The heels of my feet are in awful shape (really rough), and it always tickles too much to have them filed or whatever when I get a pedicure. Do you have any recommendations for a good pumice stone that will really do the trick? My foot filer thing hasn't been working too well.

I try to get regular pedis in the summer (once a month if I can swing it), and I always worry that I am going to laugh when getting worked on. Sometimes I can't help it, but I can usually quash my giggles with the latest edition of Town & Country magazine (for some reason, reading a snooty magazine while getting a pedicure seems like the right thing to do!).

If you don't have the time or resources to go in for a pedi--or if you're ultra ticklish!--there are plenty of products you can try at home. Look for high end, high quality (high priced) products from Tweezerman. Their Pedro Callus Stone has a decent handle and is easy to use. If you don't want to invest in an expensive tool, all you really need is a decent pumice stone. They're typically pretty cheap and readily available. Look for affordable products from Earth Therapeutics (I adore their foot wipes in the summer time!), ecoTOOLs, or the ultra cute, budget friendly Ms. Pedicure line of goods.

One word of caution, and this is coming from me, a beauty enthusiast, not a professional: avoid callus shavers. They shave off the skin from your feet and are very effective in the short term. I forget where I read it, but supposedly over-use of callus shavers can actually worsen your callus problem. I've only had a callus shaver used on me once--in a salon I won't be going back to. The whole thing freaked me out for some reason. But hey....maybe that's just me.

So readers: if you want to add your thoughts, please do so!

Don't Forget: May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month

Here are a few more tidbits for Skin Cancer Awareness Month:

Dermelect Cosmeceuticals is partnering with the Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF) for the month of May in honor of National Melanoma/Skin Cancer Awareness Month. Dermelect will donate the May net sales of its two best-selling products, SPF 20 Facial Armour and Age-Def Eye Cream with SPF 15, to the MRF. These SPF products are great because they protect against the sun while also targeting wrinkle reduction and signs of aging.

The SPF 20 Facial Armour sells for $42 and the Age-Def Eye Cream with SPF sells for $36. Both products protect against UV sun damage and free radicals and are available for purchase at www.dermelect.com.

ABOUT MELANOMA
Melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer, is one of the fastest growing cancers in the United States and can strike people of all ages, all races and both sexes. In fact, with a one in 50 lifetime risk of developing melanoma, more than 62,000 Americans were expected to be diagnosed with the disease in 2008, resulting in an estimated 8,400 deaths (approximately one every hour). Melanoma is the most common form of cancer for young adults age 25 to 29 and the second most common cancer in adolescents and young adults age 15 to 29.

ABOUT DERMELECT
Dermelect Cosmeceuticals is a forerunner when it comes to easy-to-understand, multi-tasking cosmeceutical skincare, developed with the most effective and innovative ingredients on the market. With a refreshingly realistic beauty philosophy, Dermelect Cosmeceuticals is the must-have brand if you want to treat your skin with the latest product innovations that provide actual results. Availability of Dermelect treatments includes high-end apothecaries, specialty retailers, department stores, medispas, and pharmacies. Dermelect is distributed in over 12 countries globally and is also available online at www.dermelect.com.

ABOUT MELANOMA RESEARCH FOUNDATION
The Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF) is the largest independent, national organization devoted to melanoma in the United States. Committed to the support of medical research in finding effective treatments and eventually a cure for melanoma, the MRF also educates patients and physicians about the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of melanoma. The MRF is an active advocate for the melanoma community, helping to raise awareness of this disease and the need for a cure. The MRF’s Web site is the premier source for melanoma information seekers. More information is available at www.melanoma.org.

BECOME A MELANOMA MESSENGER
If you want to do more to fight melanoma, head over to MRF's Melanoma Messenger page. The MRF Melanoma Messengers program is a national network of volunteers that help educate, build awareness, and raise money for melanoma research in their local communities. As a MRF Melanoma Messenger, you can bring the national voice of the MRF to into your local community. Check it out--get involved!

Summer Beauty Staples on the NBC 10! Show

Watch my latest NBC 10! Show appearance to hear about my favorite summer beauty staples!

Every member of the studio audience went home with a few product samples. But before you get all "where can I get me a 10! show ticket?" - just relax. How could you think I would forget about my online amigas?

If you don't know me by now, you will never never never know me...

This week, I'm gifting one of you with a plethora of products that will help you beat the heat and keep you looking hot all summer long!

Clinique Sun with SolarSmart is a new line of sunscreens that protect against both UVA and UVB rays. The formula is non-greasy, oil-free, water and sweat resistant, yet appropriate for sensitive skin. The range includes: SPF 30 Face Cream, SPF 50 Face Cream, SPF 30 Body Cream, SPF 50 Body Cream, SPF 15 Face/Body Cream, SPF 25 Body Spray, SPF 45 Targeted Protection Stick, and Rescue Balm with Aloe.

ModelCo Body Meringue Bronze Glow is an instant bronze shimmer and gradual self-tanner, in a mousse formula. This weightless foam firms the skin while offering a light buildable, natural tan. After smoothing the foam on, a light instant bronze appears so you can see exactly where you've applied. And over the next few hours, your tan gradually deepens. The best thing about Body Meringue, IMO, is it's skin firming properties; it contains an ingredient that helps minimize the appearance of cellulite. Can you even? And if you want to kick your tan up a notch, mist on ModelCo’s Shimmer Airbrush Illuminiser over tanned skin for a sparkly effect. My little secret tip is to spray it in your hair, which looks beyond amazing on all hair colors!

If the Philadelphia heat and humidity turn your face into an oil slick, I feel you. I get shiny too, and it’s very embarrassing and it’s a high-maintenance situation. Philosophy’s Never Let Them See You Shine line of skincare products are specifically designed to control oil. The Cleanser deep cleans pores and the Scrub gently exfoliates. The Primer creates a matte finish, and can be applied on bare skin or mixed with foundation.

Secret Clinical Waterproof Antiperspirant and Deodorant offers all-day protection through heat and humidity, or after being in the water. So it’s ideal in the city, at the pool, or at the shore. The formula is skin soothing, and Secret Clinical Waterproof is designed with two-click applicator to ensure that the right amount of product is delivered to the underarm area with each use.

In the summertime, you want to choose a lighter fragrance because heavier winter scents can become cloying in the warmer months. I’ve found the perfect summer scent: Citron de Vigne Eau de Parfum by Fresh. Inspired by France’s Champagne region, the fragrance has crisp, lemony top notes, a heart of pinot noir and an earthy base. Citron de Vigne is unisex, so buy a bottle and your entire household can share!

This prize is worth over $360!

To enter, send an email to spoiledprettycontests@gmail.com. Be sure to include your full name and mailing address. The subject line should read "Summer Beauty Staples Giveaway." The contest ends at midnight (EST) on Monday, June 1st. One winner will be chosen at random from among the entrants. On Tuesday, June 2nd, I'll announce the winner's name. Please, only one entry per person; duplicate entries will not increase your chances of winning. Contest is open to U.S. and Canadian residents.

Good luck!