currently loving...

current things i'm loving...

crisp, clear, mornings; core fusion dvd workouts {they have changed my changed my body in such a fabulous way...i've all but the current release, and let me tell you, i love them all. the precise toning movements, stretching and gentle cardio are so effective, not to mention that no shoes are required!}; autumn leaves in my yard {yep, that top pic is mine}; the sound of my kids' laughter as they play; devouring books; sipping a freshly brewed cup of cafe bustelo coffee...


my adorable deep pink frame ~ j'adore the shiny lacquer finish ~ i found this beauty at TJ Maxx! for now i have an image of SJP, but will soon be replaced by a fab family pic soon...

mark Whipped Up body butter* in Lemon Sugar...need i say more? from the the fresh, light scent to the silky moisture it gives my skin, this is a keeper.


butter LONDON's British Racing Green nail lacquer is a shade i saw and really liked. i didn't anticipate that i would love it as much as i do. yes, my love affair with red polish continues {BL's Come to Bed Red is beyond gorgeous!}, but this perfect, deep hunter green is fabulous!


Smashbox Studio Skin 15 Hour Wear foundation* {spf 10} has been altogether brilliant with its hydrating, oil-free, buildable-coverage formula. i love that it has a pump and a little goes a long way.

*sent to me by brand PR; pics taken by me :)

holiday gift idea: Smashbox The Gold List Kit

have you started shopping for your holiday gifts yet? it's hard to believe, but it's time to at least start making your list. here's an idea from one of my favorite brands, Smashbox. valued at a little more than $100, you can gift the makeup lover on your list to The Gold List kit for just around $50.

love it!



this gorgeous kit includes travel-friendly sizes of Fusion Soft Lights in Baked Starburst (use the shades individually on eyes or blended together as a bronzer), Photo Finish Luminzing Foundation Primer (gives skin a pretty glow), O-Gloss Gold (creates a perfect rosy-pink lip shade with a gold shimmer) and Photo Op Under Eye Brightener (keeps eyes looking bright and pretty) all in a gold metallic cosmetic case.

p.s., with each purchase from the Smashbox WISH collection, the brand will donate $1 from every purchase, up to $25,000, to Children's Miracle Network, a nonprofit organization that grants the wish of life by providing medical care, life-saving research and ongoing education to help millions of kids overcome diseases and injuries.

pick up this limited-edition set only at Sephora!

xo
set featured sent to me for review consideration. pics taken by me :)

Summer Beauty: Shine-Control Products

with summer comes skin that has a nice glow...

oh, who am i kidding? it's crazy shine! combination and oily (sometimes even dry) skin types can act, um, differently in the summer (i like to call them oil fits). i know i'm especially prone to glowing more-- can you relate? to control this, mattifying or shine-control products applied before applying tinted moisturizer, foundation or powder is critical for keeping your (and my) oily skin in check.

here are some to consider:




MAC Shine Control Lotion is a light, oil-free formula designed to keep skin in balance. it contains antioxidants to give skin a treat, and it absorbs beautifully into skin. for the rest of the day it keeps skin balanced, preventing oil production from going into overdrive.

Dermelect Cosmeceuticals Pore Revolution & T-Zone Mattifier (pictured at top) is a powdery cream that works to control shine, reduce the appearance of large, clogged pores, and also contains salicylic acid and watercress extract to keep skin clear.




Philosophy Never Let Them See You Shine Primer works best when patted onto skin. the soothing product helps control shine during the day and can even be applied over makeup.



Smashbox Anti-Shine offers skin to a cool, refreshing, water-based option. this gel-to-powder formula gives skin a natural, matte finish that lasts through a 6-8 hour day.



CoverFX Clearprep FX Matte Foundation Primer and Anti-Acne Treatment uses its dermaveil-matte technology to control shine and treats problem skin with willowbark extract (a beta-hydroxyacid), salicylic acid, and natural fruit alpha-hydroxy acids. smooths skin to prep for makeup, but can be used alone.



tell me: what is your favorite shine-control product?

xo

Holiday Makeup Look featuring Smashbox Cosmetics

Smashbox sent me* some fabulous lippies and other goodies to help me come up with a fun holiday look. since all of the gloss colors were amazing, immediately knew what look i was going to create.



as you can see, i decided on a cat-eye look-- yet another look i don't wear often enough.



i used Smashbox Oil-Free Photo Finish Primer as a base before applying my foundation. i highlighted my cheeks and added a bit of color to my eyelids using a mini version of the Fusion Soft Lights in Dusk, then applied a creamy eyeliner and blended it, creating a little cat eye effect.

on my lips i used glosses in Tease (raspberry) and Radiant (a shimmery pink plum), both featured in the limited-edition Wish for the Perfect Pout Set.



i finished with a couple of coats of Lash DNA mascara and voila! a fabulous holiday makeup look. what do you think?

find all these products and more at smashbox.com

xo
*products featured were sent to me by a representative of Smashbox for the purpose of this post.