Sensible and Soothing: Skyn Iceland The Antidote Daily Lotion (review)

I can’t decide if I’m awake early or up late. At about 3:30 am this morning, the police knocked on my door to tell me that someone had hit my car (it’s parked out on the street). I called the insurance company and tried to go back to sleep, but quickly realized that sleep was not going to happen. So I did what any red-blooded, wired, sleep-deprived beauty junkie would do…I blogged!

And now I’m reviewing some fine soothing skincare. From Skyn Iceland

The Antidote Quenching Daily Lotion


Blurb: Lightweight daily moisturizing lotion to hydrate and cool stressed skin. Perfect for red and irritated, oily or acne-prone skin. Omega 3, 6 and 9 fatty acids help preserve skin's natural moisture. Aloe vera, jojoba and shea butter help soothe, moisturize and heal dry skin. A mint derivative provides a cooling sensation and helps improve microcirculation to reduce redness in skin. White willow bark, a naturally occurring form of salicylic acid, soothes irritation and helps prevent breakouts and congestion in the skin. Icelandic kelp helps revitalize skin and fight inflammation. Meadow sweet extract helps control oiliness, tighten pores and clear skin. Yeast extract revitalizes and helps calm inflamed skin.

This is one of my go-to daytime moisturizers. It moisturizes and hydrates extremely well, and it really is soothing. When my complexion is particularly sensitive or stressed, it calms and quiets my skin. I especially love to take it with me when I’m traveling. Changing temperatures, humidity changes, and being tired or stressed (like…um…now) make this a lifesaver.

Skyn Iceland’s mottos is: Solutions for Stressed Skin. They can’t de-stress my brain, but I’ll take any de-stressing that comes my way today.

Take a stroll over to the website and read what they have to say about Stress and Skin. There's also a cool page about the The Iceland Connection. Skyn Iceland is also sold at Sephora and Saks Fifth Avenue.

(ftc disclosure: purchased myself)

Spring Stuff: New Moroccanoil Curl Defining Mousse

Attention curly girls! Check out what Moroccanoil is up to…

New from Moroccanoil®: Curl Defining Mousse


Moroccanoil® Curl Defining Mousse is an innovative, all-in-one, argan oil-infused styling product that holds as well as creates bouncy, smooth frizz-free curls. Specially designed to meet the unique needs of curly and tightly coiled hair, lightweight Moroccanoil® Curl Defining Mousse gives styles “memory,” for longer-lasting, soft and very natural hold, while sealing in the moisture so essential to keeping curly locks looking their best. It immediately absorbs deeply into the cortex to moisturize and strengthen hair from within.

Curly hair requires special care, and stylists often “cocktail” multiple products for their clients, including anti-frizz, strong conditioners, gel, mousse and hairspray. Moroccanoil® Curl Defining Mousse combines all of these benefits into one product that styles, eliminates frizz, adds shine and improves condition. This exclusive Moroccanoil® formulation also adds natural lipids to the hair to provide healthy-looking luster. In addition, Moroccanoil® Curl Defining Mousse helps smooth curls and ringlets while holding their shape, leaving them soft, natural looking, moveable and touchable, even in humid weather.

Moroccanoil® products are available at fine salons andspas. For more information, please visit http://www.moroccanoil.com.

Spring Stuff: Bobbi Brown NEW Extra Repair Foundation

Seriously. Foundation. Moisturizing Treatment. SPF.

Bobbi Brown NEW Extra Repair Foundation SPF 25

“This foundation is a miracle – in one product you get SPF, moisture and perfect coverage. It’s easy to apply and instantly makes skin look smooth and even.” -Bobbi Brown


Finally, a serious moisturizing treatment foundation that combines the intensive skin nourishing benefits of Extra skincare with daily sun protection and Bobbi’s signature skin tone correct coverage. Super emollient and luxurious, Extra Repair Foundation SPF 25 instantly gives skin a fresh, dewy and healthy looking glow. Over time, it also helps undo the visible signs of aging, smoothing out lines while firming and lifting skin’s appearance. Consider it your little secret to perfect skin.

A powerful peptide boosts natural collagen levels in skin while Carrot Extract helps reduce the look of fine lines and winkles. Over time, skin looks smoother, firmer, plumper.

A water-in-oil emulsion packed with Sodium Hyaluronate, Glycerin, Willowherb and Evening Primrose Oils deeply moisturizes, conditions and replenishes skin.

Shea and Muru Muru Butters strengthen skin’s natural barrier, improving its ability to lock in moisture and prevent future damage.

Angelica and Chamomile Extracts calm and soothe skin.

SPF 25 offers broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection while Vitamin E protects skin against damaging free radicals.

Treated pigments deliver natural-looking, medium to full coverage and stay-true color that lasts all day without settling into lines or pores.

Available in 20 shades: Alabaster, Porcelain, Warm Ivory, Sand, Warm Sand, Beige, Cool Beige, Warm Beige, Natural, Warm Natural, Natural Tan, Honey, Warm Honey, Golden, Warm Almond, Almond, Walnut, Warm Walnut, Chestnut, Espresso

Available April 2011 from Bobbi Brown counters and www.bobbibrown.com

Spring Stuff: Kate Sommerville

Spring wouldn’t be spring without fabulous new products. Check out what’s here from Kate Sommerville…

Kate Somerville Welcomes Spring with Innovative New Products!

CytoCell Dark Circle Corrective Eye Cream: Revive your eyes with this ultimate eye cream that helps to treat dark circles and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Revolutionary Peptide P-199 stimulates collagen production for a renewed, younger and more radiant appearance.


KateCeuticals Multi-Active Repair: Available exclusively at Neiman Marcus. Multi-Active Lifting and Lineless Cream is a potent anti-aging moisturizer, formulated with a proprietary blend of collagen building peptides to effectively tighten and lift sagging skin.


Somerville360 Tanning Towelettes: Available exclusively at QVC. Not your average beach towel, these Somer360 Tanning Towelettes practically bring the beach to you. Formulated with a paraben-free self-tanning formula, each towelette helps give you a uniform, natural-looking glow within two to four hours of application. The innovative design allows for a quick and even results with no streaking. From Kate Somerville.

Spring Stuff: Samy Gets Twisted

The good kind of twisted…

Put a New Spin on Style with Samy Twisted!


Twisted Curl Define Spray: a lightweight, humidity resistant spray gel designed to keep your curls frizz free and shiny. Curl enhancing technology seals out humidity and smooths & defines curls without flakes or sticky build-up

Twisted Frizz Control Spray: designed to smooth & hold your style all day long. Frizz guard technology smooths & seals hair, locks out humidity, and produces a long lasting, ultra high shine. Eliminate frizz and fly-a-ways without flaking or build-up!

Twisted Pomade Spray: gives your hair incredible definition, texture and hold with a high gloss, pomade finish in a convenient spray. Get a smooth, polished look without flaking or build-up!

Spring Stuff: Michael Kors Hollywood Scented Ink Pen

Yet again, Michael Kors has managed to outglam everyone…

Michael Kors Brings Back a Very Hollywood Favorite


Unleash your inner celebrity with Michael Kors’ cult-classic, Limited-Edition Very Hollywood Michael Kors Hollywood Signature Scented Ink Pen, and transform all your lackluster signatures into must-have autographs.

Brought back by popular demand, the Limited-Edition Very Hollywood Michael Kors Hollywood Signature Scented Ink Pen is a chic and innovative pen fit for Hollywood royalty. Stealing the spotlight with its golden statuette and eye-catching coral ink, the pen uses an ink scented with the glamorous Very Hollywood Michael Kors fragrance. No matter how it is used, it will leave an unforgettable mark next time it’s put it to paper.

The Limited-Edition Very Hollywood Michael Kors Hollywood Signature Scented Ink Pen is available now at Michael Kors Boutiques for $25.

Spring Stuff: Kohls Goes All Girly

Take a look at the ultra-feminine prettiness from Kohls…

Introducing Spring Beauty at Kohls!

Spring Stuff: Moroccanoil at Miami Beach Intl Fashion Week

Moroccanoil is everywhere! Winning awards, and appearing on the runway…

Moroccanoil Artistic Director Designs Runway Hair Looks for Miami Beach International Fashion Week


Moroccanoil Artistic Director Antonio Corral-Calero (moroccanoil.com) created beautiful, glamorous runway looks for designers showing at Miami Beach International Fashion Week. Fashion designers from the US and throughout Latin America were represented.


Highlights included elegant updos, dramatic chignons, sexy longer looks, as well as eye-catching ponytails with textures that ranged from smooth to waved. All reflected thegrowing runway and editorial trend toward smooth, healthy-looking and well-conditioned hair.

Celeb Style: Nicole Richie and LORAC

Check out the gorgeous LORAC products that Carol Shaw used on Nicole Richie for her red carpet appearance at the QVC Red Carpet Style Awards.

Get the Look with Makeup Artist Carol Shaw of LORAC


Complexion:
Primed with aquaPRIME
Breakthrough Performance Foundation in SMS 6
Double Feature Concealer/Highlighter in DF 2.5
Translucent Touchup Powder in TL 2

Eyes:
Red Carpet Reveal Palette
Front Of The Line PRO in Black
Visual Effects Mascara in Black

Cheeks:
Perfectly Lit Luminizing Powder in Spotlight
TANtalizer Baked Bronzer

Lips:
Breakthrough Performance Lipstick in Nude Scene
Couture Shine Liquid Lipstick in Vintage
Lip Pencil in 06

Brows:
Creamy Brow Pencil in Brunette

Legs:
TANtalizer Body Bronzing Luminizer

Celeb Style: Double Seven Party

Jeffrey Jah (owner of Double Seven) hosted a party for Muse early in March. Posh décor, beautiful people…and a few topless models (and no, I don’t have pictures). Ahem…

Double Seven Fête for Muse


Double Seven’s co-owner Jeffrey Jah hosted a party for fashion magazine Muse Thursday, March 3 at the Royal Monceau Hotel in the City of Lights. The nightclub aficionado organized the fête for the magazine editor Fabio Covi and hair stylist Luigi Murenu to celebrate their 25th issue.

The runway’s top models were all in attendance including Isabeli Fontana, Natasha Poly and Joan Smalls. Runway star Rie Rasmussen and a gaggle of other catwalkers created quite the commotion when they began an impromptu topless photo shoot at the front door of the party.


Kanye West’s muse, Italian fashionista Anna Dello Russo’s got quite the shock when she stopped by to kick off Paris Fashion Week.

Celeb Style: Heidi Klum and Astor

Here’s Heidi Klum at the Academy Awards Viewing Party (benefiting the Elton John AIDS Foundation)

Heidi Klum Looks Flawless at the Academy Awards Viewing Party to Benefit the Elton John AIDS Foundation


ASTOR Brand Ambassador and Artistic Advisor, Heidi Klum, attended the 19th Annual Academy Awards Viewing Party to Benefit the Elton John AIDS Foundation at the Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood, California.

Klum kept it simple and sharp with natural hues on her face and nails. When asked her inspiration for this look, Klum’s makeup artist Linda Hay said, “I went for a sculpted face, simple, sharp and a little bit masculine. I chose to start off with a bare face, then added a heavier brow, strong liner and nude lip to accentuate the qualities of the dress.”

To capture her look, ASTOR recommends the following products:

EYES:

ASTOR Pure Color Eyeshadow – Black Orchid (shade 710): This easy to apply eye shadow with a crease resistant formula provides a long lasting, flawless look.

ASTOR Big and Beautiful False Lash Look Mascara – Hypnotic Black (shade 910): The unique, extra-soft brush plumps and fans lashes to look 5 times thicker while the customized formula enriched with Natural Cotton, Silk powders and Keratin moisturizes and pampers eyelashes.

LIPS:

ASTOR Perfect Stay Lip Tint – Warm Sand (shade 301): The new 2-step Perfect Stay Lip Tint & Balm offers weightless color that won’t rub off or smear. Lips are tinted with transfer proof color so light you’ll forget you’re wearing it – but your lips won’t.

NAILS:

ASTOR Pro Manicure – Pastel Beige (shade 940): Specifically formulated to last for up to 10 days, this natural pastel polish is perfect for everyday wear.

www.astorcosmetics.com

Celeb Style: Coco Rocha’s New Website

For a little behind-the-scenes fashion peek, check out Coco’s new site…

Coco Rocha Announces The Launch Of Her New Website

With nearly 70,000 Twitter followers, a widely followed personal blog (oh-so-coco.tumblr.com) and a massive Facebook following, Rocha is already known as a model with a strong online presence. Now she brings the entire experience together in one place where social media fans and friends can see her entire career mapped out and keep up to date on her latest news.


The site was a labor of love, designed and archived by Rocha's husband, artist James Conran, who scoured the internet and brought together almost 10,000 photos for one central archive. From Coco's first runway show in New York as a shy 15-year-old at Miguel Androver to her most recent show in Paris this month at Jean Paul Gaultier, every single show is archived, including rare backstage shots.


At cocorocha.com you will also find Coco's 72 magazine covers and countless editorials, from her 2006 breakthrough editorial with Steven Meisel for Italian Vogue to her latest editorial work for the Telegraph, out this month.

Every runway show, every editorial, every cover.

In addition, Rocha and Conran bring together their new and growing collection of backstage and behind-the-scenes videos.

Celeb Style: Jennifer Anniston and black15in1

Jennifer says hello to “Bob” (a bob haircut to be exact)…

Get Jennifer Aniston's Hair Raising Look with black 15in1!


Famed Hollywood hair stylist, Chris McMillan has, yet again, given international actress Jennifer Aniston another reason to make hair news. Ridding her of any remnant of "The Rachel," the stylist cut Jen's famous locks into a face framing bob. Debuting the new style at a photo call for her new hit movie, Just Go With It, the actress looked chic, sophisticated and perfectly tousled. This sultry look is easier than ever to achieve with revolutionary black 15in1 Miracle Hair Care Treatment, a cutting-edge product, sold at the popular Chris McMillan Salon.


Combining a myriad of benefits black 15in1 acts as a shine enhancer, detangler, moisturizer, body enhancer and heat and color protectant, among other benefit, making this all-in-one tool essential for an Aniston-esque look!

Available at Chris McMillan in Malibu, CA and on black15in1.com

Doubly Delightful: Pixi Succulent Lip Twin (review)

The love affair continues. Check out my newest passionate pick. From Pixi.

Succulent Lip Twin (in “Coral Camelia”)


Blurb: Exquisite duo of lip balm and lip & cheek tint, for a burst of fresh colour and long-lasting nourishment. Give yourself a lip-loving treat with this duo lip nourisher. The natural oils and extracts condition and protect your lips - all while adding a quick tint of face-awakening colour with our unique lip & cheek tint (conveniently located in cap).

This is adorable! And portable, convenient, handy, practical, and pretty.

And adorable.

The packing is completely fabulous. The tube contains an awesome sheer gloss that’s both pretty and moisturizing. The top of the cap contains a matching creamy blush. And I’m in love with the fragrance (somehow it reminds me of my mom’s makeup drawer when I was a kid). Both the gloss and the blush are excellent quality, and “Coral Camelia” is a fresh, peachy coral.

Stay tuned for more Pixi reviews (After trying out samples, I paid a few visits to the Pixi aisle at Target). In the meantime, browse the website – or just high tail it over to your nearest Target.

(ftc disclosure: sample/product received from manufacturer or representative)

Wonderful Wednesday: Origins Plantscription Anti-Aging Serum

Check out the newest (and maybe the faboulous-est) new serum from Origins…

NEW! Plantscripton™ Anti-aging serum


With age, skin weakens as does its ability to repair. Fibrillin, the critical fiber in skin responsible for elasticity, firmness and "bounce" disintegrates with age as well.

Origins offers nature's anti-aging solution, NEW Plantscription™ Anti-aging serum. Researched over five years in partnership with plant scientists at the University of Strasbourg, Plantscription™ Anti-aging Serum is clinically proven to have 88% of the visible wrinkle-reducing power of a leading prescription wrinkle ingredient without the challenging unintended effects of photosensitivity, skin shedding, burning, stinging, redness, dryness, flaking and itching.

Plantscription™ is formulated with Anogeissus Tree Bark which helps boost natural fibrillin production and rebuild the structure of the skin. Siegesbeckia and Rosemary Extract helps rebuild natural collagen and elastin, and with Anogeissus Tree Bark, help visibly decrease depth and length of lines and wrinkles and strengthen skin.

Proven by Science:
Plantscription™ was tested in a 20-week consumer study on women ages 42-63. Board Certified Independent Dermatologist and Ethnobiologist Dr. Marcus McFerren reviewed the volunteer panelists lines, wrinkles, redness, irritation and flakiness results. Plantscription™ showed both immediate and long-term results. After only four weeks Plantscription™ proved a 51% reduction in lines and wrinkles, and after 12 weeks:
57% clinical reduction of the overall appearance of lines and wrinkles
64% clinical improvement in visible skin lifting
41% clinical improvement in skin firmness
A significant improvement in the visible reduction of the 11's, the dynamic lines between the eyes; there was also a noticeable visible reduction in the depth and length of wrinkles.

Additionally, in a consumer study after just four weeks:
83% witnessed a more youthful appearance
85% saw an improvement in skin radiance

Using ultrasound sonography, Origins found that dermal density and bounce were also markedly improved.

Plantscription™ Anti-aging serum will be available March 2011 at Origins Retail Stores, select Department Stores and www.ORIGINS.com.

Wonderful Wednesday: LORAC Summer 2011 Collection

Wonderful Wednesday: LORAC Summer 2011 Collection

Okay…I’m already tantalized (keeping mum on the whole touched/teased part though).

Just LOOK at this sexy, shimmery, bronzed collection from LORAC.

Just. Look. At. It.

Sigh.

(btw: it hits ULTA on April 10 and Sephora on April 19)

Wonderful Wednesday: Ojon Color Sustain

Wow! Take a look at this beauty news. My color-treated hair is certainly paying attention!

Ojon Color Sustain Helps Shield Hair
From Water-Induced Fading For Up To 40 Washes

Introducing Ojon Color Sustain to help prevent color from fading while supporting hair’s brilliance and vibrancy


New findings have shown that water is one of the biggest contributors to fading hair color. Women in the United States spend more than $2 billion a year on hair coloring treatments1, but is most of that expensive color being washed down the drain? In difficult economic times, beauty consumers want color treatments with staying power. Ojon™ is introducing a new hair care ritual called Color Sustain™ featuring Tahitian Monoi Oil to help combat the color-depleting effects of H2O. With a combination of Coconut Oil infused with fresh Tiare flowers, Monoi Oil’s non-affinity for water gives it a unique ability to help prevent color loss. Regular use of new Ojon Color Protecting Cream and Color Revealing Shampoo and Conditioner is proven to help protect hair and maintain vibrant color for up to 40 washes.

“Monoi Oil’s superior conditioning and fast absorption helps preserve shine and prevent hair from looking washed out and dull,” states Senior Vice President of Ojon Product Development, Lynn Mazzella. “When combined with Ojon Oil the essential lipids repair and seal the cuticle to lock in color.”

Contrary to what is widely believed, it is not only shampoos, heat styling and sun exposure that can cause color loss. Water exposure on its own can lead to fading and discoloration. When hair’s protective cuticle is compromised, as it is when hair is frequently color treated, water easily enters the hair shaft and washes away coloration. This gradual fading process begins with the first shower after a color treatment. The hydrophobic properties of Monoi Oil help shield hair from water – instantly repelling it and making it difficult for water to penetrate the hair shaft and wash away the pigment.

Along with water degradation, shampoo can affect hair color. There is some debate within the beauty industry about washing colored hair with shampoos that contain sulfates. Science suggests that some sulfates can speed up color loss, but new Ojon Color Revealing Shampoo contains coconut-derived cleansing agents with gentle sulfates similar to those found in baby shampoos. It creates a color-safe, luxurious lather that leaves hair feeling clean while the water-resistant Monoi Oil maintains and protects color richness and vibrancy.

“We were inspired by the French Polynesian Vahine women who are known for their color-rich, shiny hair,” explains Mazzella. “We wanted to create a collection that maintains the same shine and hair color depth as the day it was colored – shampoo after shampoo.”
The Color Sustain ritual includes new Color Revealing Shampoo and Conditioner, Color Protecting Cream and Gloss Finishing Hair Spray. The collection will launch at Sephora and select retailers across North America March 15, 2011.

Wonderful Wednesday: Stop Seeing Red with SkinMedica

No, not that kind of red. Check out the news about SkinMedica’s new Redness Relief CalmPlex…

Red is Just For Your Accessories

Achieve Calm, Even Skin With NEW SkinMedica Redness Relief CalmPlex™
Clinically proven to deliver visible results in only one week


Save the red for your soles - introducing Redness Relief CalmPlex™, a new, fast-acting anti-redness product from SkinMedica, with a patented anti-inflammatory ingredient clinically proven to reduce the appearance of visible redness, while calming and fortifying irritated complexions. The biggest innovation in redness relief in two decades, this over-the-counter solution offers immediate relief and results, and the non-comedogenic formula contains no added fragrance.

The addition of Vitamin B-3 increases collagen production, while Jojoba Oil and Squalane improve skin's moisture content. Ideal for sensitive skin types, consistent use of SkinMedica Redness Relief CalmPlex™ improves overall skin appearance by neutralizing unwanted redness.

Stand tall with skin that makes a statement.

Clinically Proven Results:
In multiple studies immediately following use of SkinMedica Redness Relief CalmPlex™:

- 100% of subjects reported irritated skin was calmed
- After one week, patients noticed an improvement in redness, scaling, and dryness
- After four weeks, patients showed a measurable improvement in visible redness and skin tone
- Patients continued to show improvements until week 12

"Different than other treatments on the market, Redness Relief CalmPlex does not cover-up the red; it helps reduce the underlying inflammation associated with many skin conditions such as rosacea, eczema, sun exposure and treatment induced irritation. It has been clinically proven in multiple studies to reduce the appearance of redness and improve skin tone and is comparable to the leading prescription medication in relieving redness." -SkinMedica Founder, Dr. Richard Fitzpatrick
.

Wonderful Wednesday: Paul Mitchell Nature Inspired Tools

Earth Day is around the corner. Take a look at these gorgeous Nature-Inspired Tools from Paul Mitchell. I think these are just awesome!

Wonderful Wednesday: Strange Invisible Perfumes at Mandarin Oriental

Take a look…one of my faves is launching at The Spa at Mandarin Oriental…

Strange Invisible Perfumes Launches at The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, New York
Los Angeles-Based Perfume House Offering Organic, Botanical Fragrances Launches at World Class Spa


Strange Invisible Perfumes, the Venice, California-based botanical fragrance house, is pleased to announce its debut at The Spa at the Mandarin Oriental, New York. It seems especially fitting to pair the art of botanical fragrance design with the idyllic, wellness-centered atmosphere of the luxury spa.

“My fragrances seem especially in their element at The Mandarin Oriental. As scent is so much about association, perfume should be experienced while one is in a relaxed and delighted state. I am also happy that we offer a fragrance collection that aligns with The Mandarin’s vision of wellness and finery. It truly makes sense.”

Botanical perfumer Alexandra Balahoutis founded Strange Invisible Perfumes in 2000 with the conviction that high perfumery be made of authentic botanical
essences. Alexandra lives in Venice, California, close to the Strange Invisible Perfumes boutique and headquarters on Abbot Kinney Boulevard.

The entire collection of Strange Invisible Perfumes eaux de parfum as well as the limited edition pure perfume Essence of IX are available at the Mandarin Oriental New York’s Five-Star Spa.

Located on floor 35, The Spa at the Mandarin Oriental, New York provides the ultimate urban oasis. Enveloped in the Spa’s tranquil, meditative setting, guests embark on a sublime journey toward relaxation. The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, New York offers a harmonious place of well-being, reaching far beyond the traditional spa experience. The Five-Star Mandarin Oriental, New York redefines the luxury hotel experience in Manhattan. Its design and unique location in the Time Warner Center coupled with Mandarin Oriental’s legendary hospitality makes it one of the city’s most distinct and sophisticated hotels.

Strange Invisible Perfumes Boutique
1138 Abbot Kinney Boulevard Venice, CA 90291
Tues - Sat 11 am - 7 pm Sun 12 pm - 6 pm
Tel 310.314.1505 Fax 310.314.1508
www.siperfumes.com

Wonderful Wednesday: Great Giveaways on Facebook

I have a few giveaways coming up in April, but in the meantime – check out these fab giveaways on Facebook!

Conair “Sneak Peek” Sweepstakes

Want fabulous hair? During the month of March, Conair is offering a “Sneak Peek” giveaway for a chance to win a choice of three new Conair hair styling tools. One winner each Friday! Give your hair some love with Conair and “LIKE” the Facebook page (www.facebook.com/conairhair) for more details!

Certain Dri “All-Star Antiperspirant" Sweepstakes

Certain Dri wants to send you to the big leagues! From March 1, 2011- May 23, 2011, enter the Certain Dri “All-Star Antiperspirant” Sweepstakes for a chance to win our MLB All-Star baseball game prize package! One random winner will win a trip for two to the 2011 MLB All-Star game and the Homerun Derby (travel accommodations included) in Phoenix, Arizona along with a supply of Certain Dri connect with Certain Dri on Facebook (www.facebook.com/certaindri), for more details!

Anti Monkey Butt Powder Sponsor My Butt Sweepstakes

Athletes love AMBP and we love athletes! If you’re part of a team here's a chance to win your team a prize package! From March 1 - March 31, 2011, enter to win one of 10 team prizes! Ten teams will get an Anti Monkey Butt Powder Team Prize package (which will be enough to share with 10 team members!). Connect with Anti Monkey Butt on Facebook (www.facebook.com/antimonkeybutt) and tell the Monkey you "LIKE" him. Enter and tell your friends...help spread the monkey love!

At Last Naturals "Get Lucky" Sweepstakes

Test your luck this month and enter for chance to win the At Last Naturals, “Get Lucky” Sweepstakes! Each week during the month of March one lucky winner will be randomly selected to win the At Last Naturals gift set including a $50 Soft Surroundings gift card, the entire line of At Last Naturals and more! Connect with At Last Naturals on Facebook (www.facebook.com/atlastnaturals) for more details....we’re sure you’ll “LIKE” what you see! Plus, from March 4 - March 31, 2011 At Last Naturals is offering a 20% discount. Visit http://www.atlastnaturals.com and enter the code: LUCKY20.

"Catch the Wave" OCEAN Giveaway

Cold and flu season is upon us, and one of the best ways to fight back is with regular nasal irrigation! So, to help you in the fight, we’re giving away one random entrant per week a free OCEAN nasal care prize pack! Whether you’re suffering from sinus issues, or just looking to prevent illness with regular nasal irrigation, OCEAN nasal care products can help (available at Rite Aid, Walgreens, Walmart and drugstore.com). So, "LIKE" OCEAN on Facebook (www.facebook.com/oceannasalcare) to “Catch The Wave” and get more details!

Fragrant and Functional: Bath and Body Works PocketBac™ Hand Gels (review)

This is a shout out to three…count em!…three of my friends who are home with some yucky virus. Having just gotten over one myself (and being as thoroughly cranky and whiney about it as possible), I have nothing but sympathy for them. So in solidarity with my amigos; I’m using my blogging powers for good, and featuring a little something to slay a germ or two. From Bath and Body Works.

PocketBac™ Anti-Bacterial Hand Gel (in “Warm Vanilla Sugar” and “Dancing Waters”)

Blurb: Spread love, not germs. This pocket-sized bottle contains natural ingredients and powerful germ killers that, wherever you go, get hands clean and lightly scented. A powerful germ-killing gel enriched with Tahitian Palm Milk leaves hands feeling clean and virtually germ-free.

I’m crazy about these. They’re $1.50 each and there are over 30 scents to choose from. Bath and Body Works even comes out with little limited edition sets from time to time. They make great little “just because” gifts (and stocking stuffers), and they’re great personal pick-me-ups when I want to just get a little something without going on a full splurge. They also come in cute, highly portable little plastic bottles.

But most importantly – they kill germs. And they kill germs in a delightfully fragrant way. I’ve tried some of the other scents, but usually switch back and forth between these two (my favorites). “Warm Vanilla Sugar” smells exactly like it’s name. It’s Vanilla-ey, sweet and a little bit spicey. “Dancing Waters” is clean, fresh and slightly floral. When I first apply them, the initial smell of alcohol is a bit strong; but it fades almost right away. (And it does happen to be the ingredient that’s doing all the germ killing.)

Check out the whole bunch of them on the website (and visit the sales page). There’s even a Fresh Picked Bundle set available right now for $5.00. If you want to sniff for yourself; click on the store locator to find the nearest B&BW.

(ftc disclosure: purchased myself)

Lovely and Lavish! Estée Lauder New Pure Color Nail Lacquers (review)

Yay!!! Estée Lauder just launched a whole bunch of gorgeous treats. 39 shades of new Pure Color Lipstick, 16 new Nail Lacquers, and an awesome new limited edition Pure Color Orange Crush (two shadows and a gloss). I’ve been trying out a few things from the collection, and I’m starting today with…

Pure Color Nail Lacquer-Limited Collection (in “Perfect Storm” and “Wild Blue”) Blurb: Turn your fingertips into fashion statements with a wardrobe of sensational shades to add definition, polish, and style to your fingertips. Designed by Tom Pecheux, world-renowned makeup artist and Estée Lauder Creative Makeup Director. Tom combined today's top trends with timeless classics-all the colors he prefers for photo shoots and fashion shows. Formulated with True Vision™ technology to transform ordinary color and make it extraordinary. Rich, glossy with an intense, mirror-like high shine. Fast-drying. Long-wearing. High-pigment, high-impact brilliance in 3 effects: creme, pearl and shimmer. Resists chipping-even in water. High coverage that won't fade, dull or streak, even in strong sunlight. Specially designed brush shape makes application incredibly easy.

Sigh! These are just fantastic. I love them both, and I think I’ll probably be moseying over to the Estée counter at the mall for a couple more bottles. Both the shimmer and cream formulas go on beautifully, cover well and resist chipping and fading.

“Perfect Storm” is a stunning, dark, charcoal with a beautiful shimmer. At first glance, it looked quite a bit like “Wild Storm” (from a previous collection), but it’s absolutely not. “Perfect Storm” is smoldering, dramatic and very sophisticated (in some lighting, it almost looks like a shimmery black). I got a ton of compliments when I wore this, and I couldn’t stop looking at my hands.

“Wild Blue” on the other hand, is a vibrant, cornflower blue. It looks much brighter in the bottle, but dries to a cooler shade. It’s fun and edgy, but still very grown up – and surprisingly flattering. I can’t wait to sport a Wild Blue pedicure when sandal season comes!

If you’re pondering anything from this collection, now is the time to visit the website. There’s an awesome gift with purchase (photo below) available (as well as the monthly sweepstakes). Estée Lauder is also available at fine department stores.

Have a great week everyone!

(ftc disclosure: sample/product received from manufacturer or representative)

Spring Organizing: Cool Stuff to Hold All Your Cool Stuff

In the spirit of my Spring cleaning frenzy; I’m skipping Hair Care today, and posting a whole bunch of items and ideas for organizing your beauty stash. It all started early last week. I was home with a nasty virus and surfing the interwebs. Suddenly I came across…this:

Crayola 150-Count Telescoping Crayon Tower My mind reeled, and my heart raced faster as I got a sudden inspiration: lipgloss holder. Then I took another decongestant/cough suppressant, got back online, and ordered one from Walmart (Target carries these too). The result was… Ta Da! I’ve been using this for the last couple of days, and it’s awesome! All of my lipglosses are visible and accessible. Now, all that’s left is for me to glue a Lazy Susan to the bottom this weekend, and it will spin. Life is good. (I still haven’t found something similar for my tubes of lipstick, but I plan to keep looking.) Another incredibly useful product I found (thank you, Target) were these stackable plastic bins. They were perfect for my nail polish. Here’s a picture of two of them together… Okay…enough of my substandard cell-phone pictures. Here are a few more things I found that were reasonably priced, and incredibly useful. I haven’t tried them all (yet), but they are giving me tons of ideas. From CSNStores.com: Tiered Chrome Shelf Organizer - I bought 2 of these, and love them! They’re great for bottles, jars, boxes and tubes. They’re also well made, and look nice on the counter. From Acrylic Home Design: Makeup Organizer - I have this too – also love it. Up until a few days ago, it housed my lipglosses and lipsticks. Now I use it for my eye pencils, cosmetic brushes and liquid/gel eyeliners. More ideas from Target: Stackable Jars with Metal Lids – 3 shapes and sizes to choose from (each under $10) Itso Modular Stackables – These stackable plastic trays are cute, useful (and $4.99 for 2) Medicine Organizer Vanity Organizers Clear Drawers More drawers from Sterilite: Sterilite Mini Drawer Organizers From Walmart: Desk/Drawer Tray From Bed Bath & Beyond… Acrylic Drawer Organizers – I like these because they can also sit on top of a counter or shelf (one of these may end up holding my lipstick tubes) Cabinet Organizer – another option for storing and displaying bottles, jars, soaps (or maybe even your nail polish collection) Desktop organizer 3-cup plastic Tray Jewelry tree – Have this. Love it. Earing Keeper Foldable Earing Screen Whew! And that's just scratching the surface. There's more. Much, much more; but hopefully this will get you started with some ideas. I really love having all of my beauty items organized, visible and available all the time. I feel very pampered and soothed when I can see everything laid out before me all neat and pretty in the morning. It also helps me remember what I have – so that I don’t end up with 10 dark blue eyeliners (as opposed to…um…5). And since I made such a long post – it seems reasonable to include two helpful instructional films from way back when. Once you’re all snappy and organized; you may want some useful hints for when you either go out, or have people over. Have a great weekend!