LaLicious Seasonal Travel Sets: Summer Series

Last month, LaLicious sent me one of their Seasonal Travel Sets to review - and they were absolutely perfect for my recent summer sojourns to Miami and Maine.

Each Seasonal Travel Set includes four 2 oz mini LaLicious products (Whipped Soap, Sugar Soufflé Scrub, Body Butter, Body Oil) in a travel friendly bag. And with TSA-approved sizes, you'll fly through the airport security line. Available in 8 irresistible scents (I have/love Tahitian Flower - a soft, tropical gardenia), the sets are available until September 15.

Miami, Mary Kay and Mercedes-Benz - Oh My!

A few weekends ago, I attended Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim 2012 in Miami, as a correspondent for Mary Kay - and they put me up in a gorgeous room at Fashion Week headquarters, The Raleigh Hotel.

I had the most fabulous time in South Beach, getting acquainted with the Coyne PR beauty girls and the other blogger correspondents, Annie Tomlin from BellaSugar.com and Lizzie Dunlap from RealBeauty.com.

In between makeovers, delish dinners and runway shows, I was also able to schedule some mojito-sipping downtime with one of my BFFs, Aimee.

If you're ever in Miami, I highly recommend the Raleigh Hotel. The rooms, service and ambiance were incredible - and the picturesque pool was just the cherry on top.

I had the time of my life...and I owe it all to you, Mary Kay!

The Raleigh Hotel beach

Me and my homegirl, Aimee

I've been craving Mojitos all summer, so I stocked up in Miami!

Modeling the Carmen Marc Valvo retro swimsuit I bought at Rue La La and the Dolce Vita wedges I bought at Ideeli.

The Cojito (coconut rum mojito) at Ola Miami is the yummiest cocktail I've ever tasted!

This cotton candy dessert at Barton G was, seriously, almost 3 feet tall.

The famous Raleigh Hotel pool

Gold 'N Hot 1875 Watt Foldable Handle Travel Dryer

To get my relaxed hair poker straight after shampooing, I rely on a comb/pik attachment when blow drying. I own a “universal” pik attachment that fits perfectly on my beloved Conair Infiniti Pro, which is fine 99% of the time. But a full-sized dryer is a bit bulky to travel with, especially when you’re a chronic overpacker like myself.

Problem is that most travel hair dryers have a wide barrel that isn’t compatible with pik attachments. For what seems like forever, I’ve searched for a travel dryer that comes with a pik attachment – to no avail. After endlessly searching in stores and trolling the Internet, it got to a point that looking for travel dryer with a comb attachment became – to steal a phrase from Cher Horowitz – "as useless as searching for meaning in a Pauly Shore movie."

But a few weeks ago, my pik attachment prayers were answered. While browsing around Folica.com, I came across the Gold 'N Hot 1875 Watt Foldable Handle Travel Dryer. Folica.com sent me a sample to review and take on my trip to Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Swim in Miami this past weekend (more on that later) – and after using it, I can tell you that it is exactly what I’ve been searching for all of this time. In fact, this travel dryer is so fabulous that you could use it as your regular dryer.

Unlike many travel dryers which are just glorified fans blowing hot air on your hair, the Gold 'N Hot 1875 Watt Foldable Handle Travel Dryer has all the power of a full-size dryer but in a lightweight, foldable model complete with concentrator and comb attachments! Two speed and heat settings along with tourmaline conditioning and worldwide dual voltage ensure that you have perfectly styled hair no matter where you travel. And how cute is the giraffe motif on the sides of the dryer?

Whether or not you use a pik attachment, the Gold 'N Hot 1875 Watt Foldable Handle Travel Dryer is an excellent buy. And did I mention that Folica.com has it marked down from $50 to just $29.99? Bottom line: this travel dryer blows the competition away.

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. 

Schick Intuition Limited Edition Handles

In a few weeks, I'll be heading to Miami to report from Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim. And being the Type A personality that I am, I've already started writing a packing list. In fact, I've already started sequestering products in preparation for my travels.

One thing I've already set aside is my beloved Schick Intuition Razor. It's perfect for traveling thanks to its "Skin Moisturizing Solid," which lathers and hydrates while you shave. Since you don't need to take along a separate can of shave gel, this baby takes up minimal real estate in your toiletries bag. And here's the best part: it delivers the closest shave I've ever experienced with a razor - stubbly stems, begone!

Knowing how much I love the Intuition, Schick recently sent me a sample of the razor's latest incarnation. For a limited time, the Intuition is available in three fun designs: Naturals For Sensitive Skin With Aloe and Vitamin E (green); Moisturizing Care Pack Duo (polka-dot pink); and Pomegranate Extract (pink swirl) - which is coming with me to Florida.

The great thing about these handles is their long shelf life. After the Skin Moisturizing Solid has worn away, you keep the handle and just pop on a new blade. I love me some Intuition (if they ever discontinue this razor, I think I might cry). As with most razors, replacement blades can get kinda pricey - so my tip is to stock up when you have a coupon or when they're on sale. Personally, I buy in bulk at Sam's Club.

Schick Intuition Limited Edition designs are available at drugstores and mass market retailers, now through September.

Glamour on the Go....at Sephora!

There are a few more weeks left of the summer of 2010, so why not take a quick, last minute trip some place fabulous?  If you do, be sure to head over to Sephora. Whether you are a jet-setter or always on the move, Sephora offers a variety of beauty minis perfect for purses, pockets, and carry-ons that won’t have you second-guessing your beauty routine. Now you can board beautifully by air, land or sea with these glamorous on-the-go favorites.

Sephora Collection Summer Goddess Palette, ($36) – Achieve the ultimate summer look with a radiant bronzer and bright “summer eyes” eyeshadow shades. This all-in-one palette contains everything you need to capture summer’s hottest look


Sephora Collection Colorful Artist Lipstick Palette, ($36) – Take your pick of creamy, beautiful lip colors with this slim palette complete with 15 stunning hues, ranging from natural to bold and everything in between. It is the perfect palette for every look and occasion.


Sephora by OPI Havana Nights Mini Collection, ($18) – This mini-set is complete with four of summer’s hottest nail shades: Teal We Meet Again, Read My Palm, Rumba Romance, and Caliente Coral to make maintaining your manicure and pedicure effortless.

Sephora Collection Pop-Up Travel Brush, ($8) – The perfect travel companion, the Pop-Up Travel Brush simply flips open to reveal the mirror and brush bristles so that you can have luscious locks all the time.

Kat Von D Eau de Parfum Roller Ball in Adora (NEW), Sinner or Saint ($16 each) – Kat Von D’s signature scents are easy to tote around so whether you choose Sinner, Saint or Adora, Kat’s latest addition, this handy rollerball will keep you smelling heavenly, wherever you go.

Get packing! And stay beautiful!

Fly Girl

Next Friday (Halloween) is my 5th wedding anniversary. To celebrate, my husband and I are taking a week off of work. We're flying back east to visit the southern coast of Maine where we honeymooned oh-so many years ago.

I don't travel as often as I'd like, but I fly more than I'd like (flying is the pits!). When it comes to taking a trip that involves serious amounts of packing and traveling, I pare down my makeup collection to my absolute essentials. Honestly, the less I have to pack, the better.

So what am I packing for this trip? Here are the only items I'm taking with me...my beauty must haves:

• Olay Complete UV Protection Moisture Lotion: My everyday moisturizer--I can't leave home without it! And while on vacation, I'll use it both morning and night. No need for a separate night cream.
  
• Pur Minerals Starter Kit: This has everything I'll need for my face--a 4-in-1 mineral foundation, and two choices for blush, either a pink or brown hue (I use the brown on my eyes instead of packing a separate eyeshadow!)
• Eyeliner: I use a super cheap no-name eyeliner pencil in dark brown...I don't need any more than that for this trip!
  
• Great Lash: quite possibly my favorite drugstore product ever!
• Maybelline Volume XL Seduction Lip Plumper: this is my go-to lip product. It's easy to pack, it feels good on, and costs less than $10. You really can't go wrong with this one.
• Burt's Bees Lip Balm: if I need to explain why this is a beauty essential, you obviously haven't joined the Burt's Bees cult yet!
• My favorite tools: including tweezers, a couple of brushes, and a brow/lash brush.
• A gentle face cleansing cream. For this trip, I'm going retro and am taking a tube of St. Ives Apricot Scrub, which I'll be doing a Beauty Product of the Week review of in the coming weeks.

That's about it! The hotel we're staying at provides us with nice hand and body creams from Bath and Body Works, so I don't have to pack any of that stuff with me. I'm not packing anything expensive or exotic. Instead I want to have as few products as possible. I'll let my natural beauty shine through on this trip. Ha!

What are your beauty essentials? What products would you never travel without?

Going Somewhere?

Check out FLIGHT001.COM and receive 20% off your travel purchases. The ideal stop for chic travelers, this retailer satisfies all your jet-setting needs.

Spoiled Pretty Pick: Gloss Travel Faves Kit by Frederic Fekkai includes technician shampoo, conditioner, glossing cream, hairspray, and a comb. All products are under 3oz each, complying with TSA standards. (Price: $32, with discount)

Use promo code INSTYLE08 from January 11th until February 29th.

You Are Now Cleared For Boarding

I’ve always secretly envied those chic women who don’t check bags. While I’m trudging through the airport, dragging luggage that’s bursting at the seams, these low-maintenance ladies breezily float past me, clutching the cutest carryons.

I always find myself marveling at how they manage to fit all of their beauty essentials in such a small bag. And with the current TSA regulations, where are they finding all of their personal care products in three-ounce-or-less sizes?

Well, I think I’ve found the answer to this conundrum – and hit the motherload at the same time. Grab a pen, ladies, and take copious notes. Minimus.biz is the secret to packing light. They offer several hundred travel-size items in stock. Their inventory list continues to grow, with the help of customers' input - and their products are out of this world (some have even gone up to the International Space Station)!

Spoiled Pretty Tip: Minimus has a blog where they post about their products, coupon codes, and stories/photos submitted from customers.

Let It Snow

Spongeables Snowflake is a new foam-release system with aromatherapy that has a week’s (or more) worth of luxurious, skin-pampering cleansing and moisturizing, from neck to toe. The sponge is already infused with shower gel, shea butter, olive oil, and antioxidant Vitamins A & E. With a just-right massaging/exfoliating texture and blizzard of rich, thick suds, the Spongeables Snowflake is the perfect portable shower companion.

For frequent fliers, tuck one into a carry-on or in your checked luggage with no fear of leaks, spills, or the TSA making you put it in a Ziplock bag.

Available in cucumber melon, spicy mango, marine sunrise, sweet jasmine, and tangy grapefruit. Catch a snowflake today at Drugstore.com.

Travel Beautifully!

I just got back from a quick getaway, so packing and FAA regulations were of no concern to me. Instead I just had to make sure I had enough clothes for a few nights and the right makeup to get me from day to night.

So what did I take? My normal Bare Escentuals mineral foundation and veil (i.e., powder!), a tube of mascara, two tubes of lip gloss, an eyeliner pencil, and the mark Flip for It palette I've been in love with lately. This, along with a moisturizer and undereye cream, neatly fit into my travel makeup case and didn't take up too much space in the suitcase.

With the holiday season fast approaching, you may be planning on a trip to the relatives (or to get the hell out of town and away from your clan). If you are, here are a few hints on looking beautiful while you travel:

1. If you're flying, know the rules! Click here for an earlier post that thoroughly explains the 3-1-1 rule.
2. Keep everything coordinated. Pack clothes in the same color-family so you can mix and match. If you have neutral, basic clothes and need to punch things up a bit colorwise, throw in a few pretty scarves to break up the monotony. The same goes for your makeup. Try to limit yourself to a great neutral palette and a few tubes of lipstick/gloss for color.
3. Keep your lips hydrated. I left my favorite Burt's Bees lip balm in my car so I was constantly dealing with dry lips while in Portland over the weekend. Not fun. It would have been even worse if I had been flying. If your lips feel dry and cracked you're not going to have a good time. Just be sure to throw your favorite gloss or balm in your purse--apply it often to keep your lips feeling great!
4. Be good to your skin. Don't forget to take your favorite face wash, moisturizer, or cream with you. When traveling, you're often in dry environments (like airplanes and hotel rooms where air flow is often overly regulated) and are dealing with new stresses (like pollution, stress from dealing with your family, whatever). When you're stressed, you need to be good to your skin--don't rely on hotel soap alone.
5. Hoard samples! Sample sizes of your favorite products are ideal for travel. If you can't find sample sizes, you might consider buying small bottles designed for travel and filling them with a supply of your favorite goods. That way if something happens and let's say your sample size leaks or you leave it behind in the hotel you're not out a bunch of money or product. Plus who wants to pack a full size bottle of shampoo into a suitcase? Not cool.

On a final note, if you're like me and you use Bare Escentauls, be careful packing your mineral makeup. It can be very messy when you go to open it up. You might want to pick up a special BE refillable compact to safely transport your mineral makeup!