Sephora, the Land of Happiness!

When I was a kid growing up in the suburbs of Baltimore, MD, we had this amazing store called the Cosmetic Center.  They sold everything--drugstore brands, higher end products, etc. and their stores were well designed and fun to go to.  I moved away from MD when I graduated from High School (and I haven't been back since), so I have no clue if the Cosmetic Center is still around.  I do know that Sephora is my grown-up beauty playground, and I always love wandering around checking out new and not-so new products.

I needed some retail therapy this weekend, so I headed to Sephora and came out with some kick-ass finds (more on that in coming posts).  Right now, I'm focusing more on my skin and trying out new products.  Here are a handful of skin care products from Sephora that will help improve your skin as summer bakes along.  Check out these three products worth taking a closer look at:

Sephora Collection Sugar Body Scrub ($18): During the summer it is common for dead skin cells to build up. To prevent the resulting dry, flaky skin, exfoliate daily with a nourishing body scrub like the this budget-friendly scrub. This brown sugar-based body scrub offers miraculous results, leaving skin ultra-smooth and silky-soft. Formulated with Vitamin E, Grapeseed and Apricot Kernel Oil, this rich, emollient blend nourishes skin while also regenerating and revitalizing skin’s texture.

bosica Pore Purifying Black Strips ($15): High temperatures and humidity encourage dirt and oil build-up, resulting in blackheads and large pores, especially around the nasal area. Make sure to consistently prevent pores from clogging by using an adhesive strips. This full-contact delivery system instantly applies charcoal powder to rid skin of impurities and leave pores ultra clean.

Dr. Gross Alpha Beta Glow Pads ($18-$32): Now that skin is purified, it is easy to achieve a glowing complexion. Opt for a self-tanner that provides a radiant, sun-kissed glow year-round, without exposure to the sun's harmful UVA/UVB rays. Formulated with Vitamin D, Alpha-and beta hydroxy acids, this treatment exfoliates skin while offering a streak-free glow. The perfect way to maintain a healthy complexion.

Fake, Don't Bake!

If you've been reading my blog for any amount of time, you probably know that I am not a fan of the sun.  I have pale skin, turn bright pink in the sun, and am fearful of nasty things like premature aging and skin cancer.  For me, pale is the new tan, but I know I am in the minority on this opinion.  If I feel pressured into getting a little color, I opt for the fake but subtle approach (I have no interest in looking like a platinum blonde Oompa Loompa!)

If you're like me and want to fake your way to a more sun-kissed look, bronzer is a great option.  I recently received a sample of Bare Minimum Pressed Powder Bronzer from Sonia Kashuk (available for about $10 at Target) and got to work. 

The Sonia Kashuk bronzer has a pretty cool design.  The top is the bronzer--two shades designed to work together to create a natural glow, and underneath is a mirror and brush.  I applied the bronzer to all the places that are typically hit by the sun: my forehead, bridge of my nose, and cheekbones.  The result?  A subtle, lovely glow.  This bronzer is formulated to fight shine and zit causing sebum, so it's perfect for the summer. Well worth the $10 price tag.

If you're looking for some great tips on how to apply bronzer, I highly recommend this article from the LA Times.  It's a step-by-step approach to using bronzer to achieve natural, subtle results.  No Oompa Loompas allowed!

Beauty To Go: Sun Safety

Summertime often means two things: travel and time spent in the sun.  If you're lucky enough to be headed out for a vacation this summer, be sure to be sun safe and wear your sunblock every day.  Yes, you've heard this mantra from me before....yes, you'll hear it again.

Packing for vacation--especially a vacation that requires air travel--can be such a huge hassle.  It's hard enough to remember to pack a toothbrush, let alone staying up to date on what you can and cannot take on board.  The TSA does not care about your beauty or skin care needs! 

No worries: whether you need TSA approved sunscreens for your carry-on or just something small enough to keep your bag light, you have to check out the Weekend Essentials Tote from Supergoop! This bright, convenient and travel-friendly terry-cloth tote is packed with everything you’ll need to stay safe during your end-of-summer retreat:

• SPF 30+ Sunscreen Swipes: Ideal sun protection on the go for both face and body, these paraben-free, water-resistant swipes deliver powerful UV protection. Just throw them in your golf- or beach-bag and go!
  
• SPF 30+ Everyday UV Lotion: A perennial favorite, this lightweight, water-resistant sunscreen lotion mist for face and body is great for all skin types, and now comes in a convenient 3 oz. bottle with a high-output turbo sprayer for a broader range of application! Safe for use on everyone ages 4 months and up, you can feel good about using this for the whole family.
  
• SPF 30+ MintFusion Lip Balm: With an atypically high SPF, this lip balm protects, soothes, and hydrates stressed-out lips with its super-antioxidant and regenerative formulation. The glossy formula adds a great shine over lip color, too!
  
• SPF 30+ UVA/UVB Sunstick: A super easy-to-apply sunscreen stick that protects small spots (especially the eye area, lips, nose, earlobes and hands, not to mention scars) from aging and burning UVA and UVB rays. Purse- and pocket-friendly, it’s incredibly easy to keep yourself sun-safe where ever you go!

Supergoop!’s new Weekend Essentials Tote retails for $39.50 at Sephora.com and Supergoop.com. 

Happy 4th of July!

Happy 235th Birthday, America! 

I hope you all have a fun, safe 4th of July.  Go out with your friends and family, eat yummy food, watch fireworks, and enjoy every moment.

I saw this secret on the most recent batch of PostSecrets--I made me smile and it's a good reminder that beauty comes from the inside out.

Raspberries Aren't Just for Eating

Summer means long sunny days, hanging out on a warm, sandy beach, and eating bowls of ripe, sweet berries. Is there anything more yummy than diving into a bowl of cool, juicy red raspberries?  They're the best!  But berries aren't just for eating.  Raspberries inspire all sorts of beauty products...here are a few to try.

FOR THE LIPS
Korres Raspberry Antioxidant Lipgloss, $22.  This cooling, water-based formula contains the natural raspberry and pomegranate extracts to protect against free-radical damage and smooth lip lines for softer, more youthful-looking lips. It glides on with the creamy texture of a lip gloss and has the long-lasting, vibrant finish of a lipstick.

FOR THE SHOWER
Philosophy Raspberry Sorbet, $16. Are there any scents of bath/shower gel that Philosophy doesn't have?  Some of their offerings are great...others miss the boat.  I really like this one, their Raspberry Sorbet.  This lusciously-scented shampoo, bath, and shower gel is packed with moisturizing agents that smooth and condition the skin and hair, while gentle cleansing agents eliminate excess oils and impurities.

FOR YOUR SKIN
Arcona Basic Five Travel Kit for Problem Skin, $87.  Raspberries taste good and are good for you. The products in the Basic Five work synergistically and are scientifically designed to fulfill a distinct transformational function. Using the Basic Five as part of an advanced daily promises even fresher, more glowing skin and a more contoured, youthful appearance.

Two Picks for the Summer

In the summer, my beauty routine lightens up and becomes a bit more simple.  For me, summer means staying cool and keeping things fun and easy.  It's time for more color, less product, and tricks for looking great despite the heat and the harsh glare of the sun.

Here are a couple new products I found to keep things cool...

FOR YOUR FEET
Summer is the time to bust out flipflops, sandals, and cute strappy heels.  It means ditching socks and stockings, but it also means sweaty, possibly stinky shoes.  That's why Silver Linings are so awesome.  They're super thin liners featuring silver technology that helps to eliminate bacterial odor in shoes worn without socks.  They're great for flats without socks!  You can get Silver Linings for $15.99 for a set of three from Amazon.com or silverliningsnewyork.com; each pair lasts up to a month.

FOR YOUR LIPS
While you should wear a lip balm with SPF when you're out in the sun (no matter what time of the year it is!), it's also fun to have lip balms in fruity flavors to mix things up during the summer.  I really like eos lip balms. (Their mint flavored balms are super refreshing!)  They come in cute egg-shaped packaging, slide on easily, and keep my lips feeling moisturized but not coated in a heavy, sticky mess.  Check out their summer offerings in passion fruit or strawberry sorbet.  They're yummy and feel great and they're certified organic and 100% natural to boot.  eos 2011 Lip Balm Smooth Sphere Summer Pack retails for $5.99 at Wal-Mart, Walgreens, Target.com and EvolutionofSmooth.com.  Perfect for summer!

Summer Trends: Coral

Summer is supposedly just around the corner.  Here in Seattle, it seems like warm weather is NEVER going to get here, but I know that soon enough it will heat up to the point where I can bust out the short sleeves!  Summer's the time to lighten up when it comes to makeup, but it's also a time to embrace fun, lively colors.

This year, one big color trend is coral.  Coral's great because it gives a pop of color and looks great on almost everyone.  If you want to incorporate coral into your summer makeup bag, here are a few awesome options:

For your cheeks: Cargo BeachBlush in Coral Beach.  This product is great because it combines blush with bronzer.  It will give your face a soft, radiant glow and a nice depth of color.  It's a nice option for faking your tan and having some color on your cheeks.  Available at Ulta for $28.

For your lips: fresh Sugar Lip Gloss in Sugar Glory.  fresh lip gloss is light and lovely.  This shimmery coral feels natural, not sticky.  The color is subtle but flattering--perfect for your daytime look. Plus it contains SPF 15.  Available at Sephora for $18.

For your nails: Sephora by OPI in Let's Do Lunch.  This nail color is warm and wearable.  It's not the most exciting color in the world, but it's great for everyday.  It's especially lovely on darker skin tones and is worth checking out.  If you're looking for a more pink-hued coral, check Sephora by OPI in How Cute is That?  The name says it all!  Both are available at Sephora for $9.50.

OPI has GTT

Ugh.  I just don't know how I feel about this.

For its newest line of nail colors, OPI has gone to Texas (g.t.t.) with their new Texas line.

Really?  Texas?  OPI usually draws inspiration from far off lands with a rich heritage. But for Spring/Summer 2011, I guess they're playing the recession card and are staying state-side.  But of all states to pick from, why on earth would they select Texas?  Don't get me wrong, there are many wonderful things in Texas.  My husband is from there, and I genuinely like San Antonio.  Texas is such a....red state.  It's not my cup of tea. 

But ok...I'll go with it--if the colors are good.  So....let's check them out.

• Don’t Mess With OPI - A lean, mean, kick-grass forest green.
• Austin-Tatious Turquoise – Cowgirls love this bodacious blue-green.
• It’s Totally Fort-Worth It – A shimmery lavender grey that’s so worthy of you.
• Do You Think I’m Tex-y? A “berry” sexy bloom of Dallas Dahlia.
• I Vant To Be A-Lone Star – You won’t want to share this starry Texas-sky blue.
• Houston We Have A Purple – A galactic red-violet that’s ready to “rocket-roll”!
• Suzi Loves Cowboys – But she loves this campfire chocolate shade s’more!
• San Tan-tonio – A “honey” of a ten-gallon tan!
• Too Hot Pink To Hold ‘Em – A red-hot pink-red that deals a winning hand.
• Guy Meets Gal-veston – An “engaging” coastal coral.
• Y’all Come Back Ya Hear? – This Texas tangerine will be waitin’ for ya!
• Big Hair Big Nails - A rosy pageant peach.

Hmmm....I'm not impressed.  It might be that my aversion for all things Texas is impairing my judgement.  Maybe I'm just not ready for Spring/Summer nails.  Maybe I hate orange fingernails as a rule.  I don't see a whole lot to get excited about.  I think the only shades I'm looking forward to are Do You Think I'm Tex-y? and Houston We Have a Purple.

What do you think?  Does the Texas collection ring your chimes?

Summer Blogging...

If you've read my blog, you know that I live in the Seattle area. For some reason this year, summer has been elusive to my part of the world. I think the warmest it's been so far is the mid-70s. It's really odd. I'm not complaining--I like the cooler weather--but I have yet to really bust out my summertime clothes.

Despite the weather, it is summer nonetheless. I work in the education world, so summer means a huge slow down in workload. I get to work on things like filing, organizing, etc...things I don't have time to do during the rest of the year.

Since my worklife is slowing down, I am focusing more on myself and my family. As I mentioned earlier, I've been on a bit of a health-improvement kick, so I'm taking time for things like exercise, yoga, journaling, etc. Using my computer is not a top priority.

So...for the rest of the summer, I'm going to give myself a bit of a break. Instead of posting 4+ times a week, I'm going to chill out a bit. I'll try to get 2 posts out for you each week, but if it doesn't happen...it doesn't happen. I'm allowing myself time to disconnect.

Fear not: I'll be back in full swing once summer comes to an end. And I will have a few new posts for you each week. Until next time: have a great summer, stay safe, and if you have any beauty questions, shoot me an email at asklydia@hotmail.com!

Time for a Dose of Pretty!

The Summer collection from NARS is set to hit store shelves today, and--as usual--everything they're offering is lovely. I cannot pull off the blue eyeshadow look, but I totally appreciate where NARS is going. And let me just add: can you imagine lashes like that? Insane!

Here's what they have to say about it:

The NARS Summer 2010 campaign was created and photographed by NARS Founder and Creative Director François Nars. Once again, as with the Spring 2010 collection, Amber Valletta sits at the forefront of the campaign. Her look transformed into François’ vision of Catherine Deneuve’s character Sèverine in the movie Belle de Jour.

“Her character is beautiful and elegant. Her look is effortless—she has an incredible inner sophistication,” says François.

Below are details on the collection, available April 15^th at narscosmetics.com

.

Enchanted Cream Blush

$26

A soft-peach cream blush that delivers a hint of shimmer and smooth, silky color

Burn It Blue Duo Cream Eyeshadow

$32

This iridescent ocean-blue paired with turquoise creates a lively duo cream eyeshadow

Cayenne Cream Eyeshadow

$22

A spicy, deep brown cream eyeshadow that is intensely rich yet carries a weightless texture

Love Devotion Lipstick

$24

A nourishing, long-lasting sheer guava lipstick

Coup de Coeur Lip Gloss

$24

Just like the French phrase it’s named after, this shiny, sheer apple-brandy tinted lip gloss is sure to yield love at first sight

Lamu Multiple

$38

A fresh, glazed-apricot shade with gold sparkles to create shimmering accents

Versailles Nail Polish

$16

Regal and opalescent, this champagne-gold nail hue shimmers, creating a light-catching tint and gilded sophistication

OPI For Spring/Summer

Every season, OPI looks for exotic locations as their inspiration for their newest line. This Spring and Summer, OPI's going with Hong Kong, the fragrant harbor.

Here are their new shades:

• Bling Dynasty: A shimmery gold
• Red My Fortune Cookie: Rich red
• Hot & Spicy: A sizzling coral
• Dim Sum Plum: A purple-berry hue
• Jade is the New Black: Vibrant green
• Suzi Says Feng Shui: A serene cobalt blue
• A Good Man-darin is Hard to Find: A zesty red-orange
• Lucky Lucky Lavender: Light purple
• Meet Me on the Star Ferry: A moonlit violet
• Panda-monium Pink: Light pink
• Pearl of Wisdom: A lustrous pearl shade
• Chop-sticking to My Story: Warm caramel shade

Hmm. I am not entirely sure that I like this line. Maybe I'm getting OPI fatigue, but the names seem stupid and borderline stereotyped. And the colors are a bit too Easter egg-ish for my taste. If I had to pick a favorite, I'd probably go with Jade is the New Black, but I'm just "meh" about the whole thing. Maybe in my old age I just prefer the classics. Who knows.

What do you think of OPI's Hong Kong line?

Summer Sizzle

I live in the beautiful, normally comfortable climate of the Pacific Northwest. We are known for rain and moderate weather conditions, unlike other places I have lived (growing up near Baltimore, I fully understand the dread that comes when Marty Bass says it's going to be hazy, hot, and humid). I've lived out here for 10 years now, and in that time I have become a Weather Wimp. I hate snow and detest heat. I like the sky overcast and the highs in the mid-50s, thank you very much.

Right now, however, the poor Pacific Northwest is in the middle of a kick-ass heat wave. For the next several days, it's going to be in the upper 90s. That wouldn't be too awful for me, a Baltimore girl, if air conditioning were the norm. It's not. And I'm dying.

Apart from feeling hot, tired, and a little bitchier than normal, I'm also dealing with makeup that wants to melt right off my face and frizzy-ass hair thanks to the damned humidity. If you live in a hot climate, you know what I'm going through.

So...to help us all get through the evil heat, here are some top tips for keeping your makeup looking cool during the hot, hot summers:

• Go easy on the products. In the heat, you sweat. When you cake on the makeup AND sweat, you're going to end up clogging your pores which will, of course, lead to breakouts. Sexy. So when it comes to dolling yourself up, stick to the essentials and forgo the extras. The more you put on, the more will just end up dripping off, after all!
• Try a primer. Foundation primers smooth out your skin's surface and will help your foundation last a little longer. Some primers can also help cut down your shine factor, giving you a more velvety, matte appearance. Eye primers will make your eye shadows last longer and will help you avoid dreaded creasing.
  
• Whenever you can, go waterproof. Waterproof mascaras and eyeliners won't smudge throughout the stinky hot days of summer like their normal counterparts. Yes, you'll need to use a little more elbow grease when you take the stuff off at the end of the day, but really...it's a small price to pay to not end up with raccoon eyes. Unless, of course, rabid raccoon is the look you're going for.
• Ditch the heavy lipsticks and opt instead for a gloss. Better yet, make it a gloss with a little SPF in it. I would also advise against a long-wearing product since they tend to dry your lips out and make your mouth feel icky. Try a gloss that has mint in it for a nice burst of refreshing flavor.
  
• Knock our your shine. If you're like me, your face is going to be glistening at the end of a hot day, and not in a goods way. You can help control shine with blotting papers, by using foundation primers, touching up with pressed powder, and by using oil control face washes.
  
• Don't forget the two essentials: SPF and hydration. In the blazing sun, you need to keep your skin safe. Whenever you can, try to sneak in some SPF with your moisturizer, foundation, etc. And don't forget to drink plenty of water throughout the day. I know, I know...I'm nagging like your mother. Good. She's right.

So there you have it. Did I miss anything? If so, let me know--leave a comment. Otherwise: stay cool! And remember, only 40+ days until Labor Day...the unofficial end of summer. Hang in there!

Hot Summer Looks At Sephora!

It’s hot outside and it’s about time to stop traffic with your sizzling style. Swing by Sephora and brighten up this season with pretty powders, petite palettes and a stunning array of eyeshadows. From barrel races to poetry readings – whatever the festivity may be – create a look for being fab and fun!

• Sephora Collection Favorites Splashstash Waterproof Deluxe Sampler ($36, a $65 value) – From mascaras to eyeliners, this kit offers the essentials for eyes that will last the day – rain or shine.
  
• Benefit One Hot Minute ($30) – This loose, rose-gold finishing powder is the final touch for a "gaze at me" glow that works on all skin tones—anytime, anywhere.
  
• Stila Made Your Shade Foundation Wardrobe ($18) –This wardrobe offers six stellar shades. —Pick the color that works for your skin tone and shine on like a goddess!
  
• Too Faced Natural Eye Neutral Eye Shadow Collection ($34) – This perfectly portable palette of must-have neutrals comes with a double-sided brush/sponge wand in the pull-out tray provides easy application.
  
• Sephora Collection Electric 360 Palette ($30, a $130 value) – This high-voltage collection lets you go glam, natural, or diva-dramatic—putting a stunning array of eyeshadows, lip glosses, blushes, powders, and brushes at your fingertips.
  
• Dior Addict Ultra Gloss Reflect & Mini Dior Show Duo ($25.50) – Together for a limited time, purchase the popular Ultra-Gloss Reflect in Jersey Pink, and a travel-size Diorshow Mascara, for thick, glamorous lashes.

Boys of Summer

Summer means dealing with hot, humid weather...and that makes our skin and hair behave in strange ways, not to mention the fact that we have to wear SPF to keep sun damage from taking over. Well, women aren't alone when it comes to needing special products for summer skin care. Don't forget about the men in your life! They could certainly benefit from some of these products from ZIRH.

ZIRH Skin Nutrition offers the essentials for summer grooming – from rejuvenating shower and body products to moisturizers and lip balms with SPF, ZIRH has you covered from head to toe!

Show Face
Cleansing your skin is one of the first steps in any skincare regimen and ZIRH makes the experience a refreshing one with Clean, an alpha hydroxy face wash that cleanses skin without stripping it of necessary oils. For a deeper clean, Scrub is a gentle, aloe based exfoliator that works to remove surface dead skin cells to reveal newer, younger looking skin. Lastly, Refresh is an invigorating astringent that not only tones and cools skin but helps to reduce excess sebum.

Protect Skin With SPF
Protecting skin from the sun’s harmful rays is necessary for protecting a healthy complexion. ZIRH facial moisturizer Defend is light for everyday use and suitable for sensitive skin types. Defend contains an SPF 15 while also helping to maintain skin’s natural elasticity. For the ultimate lip protection with SPF 15, ZIRH Lip Balm is made with beeswax and natural oils to maintain a hydrated pout. Available in four flavors: Vanilla, Black Cherry, Peppermint and Unscented.

The Ultimate Shower Gear
Summer days require the need for a revitalizing shower and ZIRH has the perfect gear. ZIRH Warrior Shower Gel Collection features five gels based on ancient warriors – each offering a sexy, yet masculine scent. Try Julius Caesar – this blends citrus notes with sweet almond fruit extract.

The ZIRH Cocktail Bar Collection can make any shower a happy hour. A classic body bar with a fun twist! Each bar is formulated after a signature cocktail – whether he fancies a Long Island Iced Tea or a Sake Bomb, his skin will feel detoxified and nourished. The light scents and vibrant colors make the perfect summer body pairing.

Sephora Samples in Time for Summer Travel

Planning for your pretty weekend or summer getaway? Be sure to tote these travel-friendly treats from Sephora! From multi-purpose mascaras to skin-sational moisturizers and fabulous fragrances, Sephora offers everything you need to make it through security…while looking snazzy! Slip these travel savers into your makeup bag and you're good to go.

Travel is made easy with these vacation necessities. And let me tell you, these samplers rock! I, for one, can't wait to try some of these babies out!

SEPHORA FAVORITES Naturally Gorgeous Skincare & Make-Up Sampler ($40 a $111 value) – Be a natural traveler with these eco-chic pieces: Korres Natural Primer, Tarte EmphasEYES, Tarte Lash Hugger, and Bare Escentuals 100% Natural Lip Gloss.

SEPHORA FAVORITES Splashstash Waterproof Deluxe Sampler ($36 a $65 value) – Made to make - and take - a splash, this waterproof sampler includes Tarte Lights Camera Splashes, Too Faced Mini Lash Injection, Make Up For Ever Aqua Smoky Lash and Make Up For Ever Sens’Eyes Makeup Remover.

SEPHORA FAVORITES Eau Girl Fragrance Deluxe Sampler ($40 an $80 value) – This scent-sational pack of petite spritzers includes some of Sephora’s most notable fragrances such as Marc Jacobs Daisy, Christian Dior Miss Dior Cherie, and Prada Infusion d’Iris.

SEPHORA FAVORITES Get Pink’d Pink Lip Deluxe Sampler ($37 an $80 value) – Pucker up with Sephora’s most kissable lip glosses, including Smashbox O-Gloss, Urban Decay Lipstick in Jilted, DuWop Prime Venom, Sephora Super Shimmer and Stila Cherry Crush.

SEPHORA FAVORITES Face Quenchers Moisturizer Deluxe Sampler ($37 a $100 value) – Treat your skin to Sephora’s ahhh-mazing face refreshers including Philosophy Hope in a Jar, Korres Wild Rose 24-Hour Moisturizer, Fresh Soy Face Cream, and Murad Protecting Day Cream SPF 30.

SEPHORA FAVORITES Fix-Its Skincare Deluxe Sampler ($40 a $118 value) – This emergency skin kit includes: Kinerase Extreme Eye Lift, Bliss Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Eye Mask and Perricone MD Ceramic Skin Smoother, so pack them on for instant skin rejuvenation!

SEPHORA FAVORITES Lashstash Mascara Deluxe Sampler ($39 a $96 value) –You’re your bevy of lashes with these mini-mascaras. Including Buxom Lash, Smashbox Bionic Mascara, Lancôme Cils Booster, Sephora Atomic Volume Mascara and more, the options are eye opening!

Summerproof Your Look

Now that warm weather is here, it's just about time to think about lounging around the pool or splashing through waves at the beach. But it's hard to stay looking made up and lovely when your makeup is running down your face.

Making a splash doesn’t mean sacrificing your summer look. Say “NO!” to panda eyes, streaky blush and splotchy foundation. Head over to your local Sephora to find out how to “wet suit” your makeup – from waterproof mascaras to lasting liners and shadows, you’ll be swimming pretty all season long. Make your look last with these budget-friendly beauty savers:

• Tarte EyeQuatic Waterproof Summer Essentials Set ($35 a $53 Value!) – This colorful set contains all your waterproof eye-ssentials. The eye-quatic collection has everything you need for balmy summer days.
• FACE 30 Waterproof Eye Makeup Removing Pads ($8) – These handy must-haves easily remove eye makeup—even waterproof, in a flash. It’s perfect for the beach, the gym, or at home.
• Urban Decay Big Fatty Waterproof Mascara ($20) – This watery blue tube and cap sets this waterproof wonder apart from any other. A thickening mascara that creates the fullest, fattest lashes imaginable while keeping them soft and moisturized.
  
• Hourglass Supernatural Waterproof Bronzer ($45) – Withstand high humidity and extreme moisture with this oil free, long wearing, go-to bronzer. Excellent for swimming, outdoor activities and the summer heat.
• Smashbox Waterproof Shadow Liner Duo ($25) – This totally waterproof and crease-resistant cream shadow and liner duo gives you the power to create soft, smoky definition in one quick step.
  
• DiorShow Iconic Extreme Waterproof Mascara ($27) – Plunge in and play all day with this smudge-proof mascara specially formulated so lash length and volume lasts all day.
  
• Make Up Forever Professional Aqua Black Waterproof Cream Eye Shadow ($22) – Create the perfect smoky eye not the smudgy eye! This creamy pigment creates a sultry, long-wearing line every time.

Check out Sephora for these waterproof beauties.

Skin Cancer Awareness Month: Blasts from the Past

Don't Let This Happen To You!

I know I sound like I'm harping on all of you about this, but May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month. I've said it a million times and I'll say it again: Be safe in the sun and always use protection. If you don't think skin cancer will happen to you, then consider the fact that sun exposure will age you. If you want to avoid wrinkles or blotchy discoloration, limit your sun exposure. It's that easy.

Here are links to a few posts I've done in the past about Skin Cancer Awareness Month. Take a moment to check them out:

• If you prefer to have a "healthy" glow, click here for pointers on how to fake and bake like a pro.
• Don't forget to cover up easy to miss parts of your body when applying sunscreen. Click here for more from my May 2008 post (sorry...the giveaway mentioned in that post is no longer running!)
• Is sunblock safe to use? Click here to find out.
• The sun shines year round, so don't think of sun safety as only a summertime concern. Click here for more.
• Screen yourself for troublesome moles or sun spots in the privacy of your home. Here's info on how to do this yourself.
• Be a smart sunscreen consumer. Click here for tips.

Cinco for Cinco!

Today's Cinco de Mayo! Don't let all the knee-jerk panic about Swine Flu get you down! It's time to pour yourself an icy margarita and image yourself south of the border, sitting on a perfect beach, watching the world go by without a care in the world.

If a trip to Mexico scares the hell out of you (though it really shouldn't!) or isn't on your agenda, try these five products to make your look a little more caliente!

• OPI Strawberry Margarita: give your nails a sneak-peek of what's coming this summer by painting them with this cheery bright pink. There's no way you can feel blue when your nails are this bright and happy.
• Philosophy Cocktail Party: smell like you're a margarita, a mimosa, or a daiquiri without fearing that you'll get pulled over for a DUI! Philosophy's yummy hair and body washes will leaving you smelling sweet without any pesky hangovers.
• Eyelid Gilded by Benefit: this tequila gold pencil will give you a healthy glow. Add it to the corner of your eyelids to brighten your eyes and make them pop, glide the gold tint over your lips, even use a little on your cheeks to make your face glow! This product will give you an instant pick-me-up.
• Bare Escentuals Buxom Lips in Margarita: your lips will get an upgrade with one swipe of this lip polish. The sheer raspberry tint will make your voluptuous lips all the more tempting. You really can't go wrong with Buxom Lips...in any shade!
• Sugar Cosmetics Beauty School Bronzing Kit: fake your way to summery skin with this bronzing kit. Follow the directions in the kit, and the products will give you a natural, just back from the beach glow.

You don't have to go anywhere exotic to celebrate Cinco de Mayo...or just celebrate the promise of warmer weather and longer days...because these products will give you a sunnier disposition. Now, I think I need to go out and find some real Mexican cosmetics products. They have to be out there somewhere...

Get Ready for Summer With NARS!

Now that Easter is behind us, it's just about time to start thinking about summer. I, for one, am looking forward to sunshine and warmer weather. Plus the prospect of color seems liberating!

NARS is ready to get us geared up for summer with their new collection. As NARS turns fifteen this year, the brand’s commitment to creating products that defy convention remains unwavering. The NARS woman has never been content to fade into the background, and this summer is no exception.

“The look for the Summer 2009 collection is sophisticated, but colorful,” says François Nars, Founder and Creative Director of NARS Cosmetics.

Whether your vision of perfect summer conjures up images of Morocco’s kaleidoscopic bazaars, the pristine Art Deco structures of Ocean Drive or the endless white sand beaches and cerulean waters of a Caribbean island, this season’s vivid yet versatile color palette is the perfect complement. Below are the highlights:

NARS Tropic Single Eyeshadow- $22 For the latest eye shadow, there was only one blue François Nars had in mind. “The tropics are always inspiring for me,” says Nars. This lush, silver-flecked teal is a precise image of the ocean’s reflective, rolling waves.

NARS Scorching Sun Duo Eyeshadow- $32 The glazed apricot and radiant orange duo, is designed “to imitate the effect of the burning sun,” according to Nars. The sun-drenched colors allow for surprising wearability. The pair can be blended together to form a rich, burnt orange, or worn in tandem.

NARS Irresistiblement Bronzing Powder- $30 Nothing evokes the feeling of summertime quite like bronzed skin. The newest shade, a rich golden terracotta, offers a flattering faux glow when dusted across the areas of the face where the actual sun would hit.

NARS Falbala Lipstick- $24 On the lips, this high-shine bronzy rose lipstick has a sweet, insouciant quality about it.

NARS Outsider Lipstick- $24 This is definitely not your grandmother’s coral. This deeper, glistening variety is a modern take on a time-honored classic.

NARS Belize Lip Gloss- $24 The pale pink mauve sprinkled with specks of gold simulates the color of a Central American sunset and gives nude lips a sultry boost.

NARS Tonga Lipliner Pencil- $20 A creamy, long-wearing lip pencil in a shade of pink amber plays dual roles. Use it traditionally, to outline lips and prevent lipstick from feathering; or color the entire lip with the moisture-rich pencil.

NARS Adelita Nail Polish- $16 This shimmering pearlescent shade of pink, is simultaneously sweet and saucy, the ideal embodiment of feminine strength.

The Summer 2009 collection is currently available at http://www.narscosmetics.com/collection_home.aspx

My Three Sunblocks

If you've read my blog for any length of time, you no doubt know that I am not a sun worshiper. Hell, when it comes to the sun and my skin tone, I am downright vampiric! I am extremely fair skinned, have blonde hair and blue eyes...add to that an irrational fear of skin cancer, and you'll understand why I don't go running out to tanning beds. And why I am, most likely, Vitamin D deficient.

Anyway...being a heliophobe (the Lydia term for a super pale goth girl), I wear sunblock every day of my life. I thought I'd share my favorite sunblocks that I've been using this summer.

Aveeno Active Naturals Daily Moisturizing Lotion with SPF 15: $11.00 (approx); available at drugstores
Why I like it: This provides sun coverage and moisturizing all in one cream. It is a bit thick, but it goes on easily. Plus it has almost no scent so it won't interfere with perfumes or other fragrances. I put it on when I get out of the shower and can breath a bit easier knowing that I have at least some protection for the day.
What I'd change: Not much--maybe just increase the SPF to 30 or higher.
Best for: Limited sun exposure; everyday use (don't use on your face--it's too greasy!)

MD Skincare Powerful Protection SPF 30 Sunscreen Pads: $42; available at Sephora and department stores
Why I like it: These are so convenient and are a snap to use. They're like moist towelettes that provide a nice layer of sun protection. They're so simple to use I can even get my hubby to use them without too much complaint.
What I'd change: The price. Convenience never comes cheap.
Best for: Stashing in your bag for use when you didn't expect to be in the sun.

Skin Effects by Dr. Jeffery Dover Sun Effects SPF 45 Active Sunscreen Continuous Spray: $12.99; available at CVS
Why I like it: It sprays on quickly, providing coverage without getting your hands all gunked up with lotion. It smells good and feels cool on the skin...a nice bonus in the summer!
What I'd change: I'd cut down the drying time just a bit, but it's so easy to use that I'll forgive it.
Best for: A day at the beach! I used this on my recent vacation and maintained my ultra-white complexion.

No matter what you use, be sure to use an SPF product daily. The sun does all sorts of wonderful things, but I, for one, am paranoid about a potential burn.