currently loving...

happy monday and valentine's day, beauties! how was your weekend?

my weekend was gorgeous, and i enjoyed it so much. walking the dog, dancing, sipping tea, doing ballet (as a slower-paced-but-oh-so-challenging workout, it's fabulous-- haven't tried it? you should!), cooking yummy meals, running, reading (one book i'm reading is about Marie Antoinette-- wow), going to the park to play basketball with my family, and enjoying absolute perfect weather (73 degrees with a cool breeze)-- it was fabulous, and i admit i'm sad that's now over.

thankfully, i have some things that i'm currently loving that aren't gone with the weekend! take a peek...

for fun picture sharing Instagram is my new love. i'm having so much fun editing pics on my iPhone with fun effects, like these you see in throughout this post (look forward to more in the future).

to encourage my resolution for saving more money in 2011, i've been using coupons.com. download the software to your computer to print out great coupons each week (i've even had a few for magazines)! target.com also has this great feature, and since i'm there a lot, i'm always printing, LOL!

L'Oreal Youth Code is hello, fab-u-lous. seriously, they've created an amazing skincare collection that i can't get enough of. it includes a serum, eye cream, day/night cream and a day cream with spf. for me, it's improved the look and texture of my skin. though i hate to admit it, i had very fine lines appearing a few months back and sometimes a, a-hem, "expression" line across my forehead when my skin is dehydrated. those have diminished since i've been using these products. merci!

because the weather has been cool and dry, and i'm already a total hand-washing diva, my hands crave nourishment and moisture. Aquaphor Healing Ointment to the rescue! i also use this on my kids' parched skin as well. at night i slather it all over my hands and feet for perfectly supple skin come morning.

what are you currently loving? do tell me in the comments! :)

SUPER by Dr. Perricone Limited-Edition Skin Nutrition Kit

i received an email regarding SUPER by Dr. Perricone's newest product release and thought it was so incredibly cute-- i just had to share!

this Skin Nutrition Kit comes in a retro lunch box (yes, it's made of metal so you can reuse it however you'd like!) and offers users the perfect taste of good-for-skin products. if you're looking to get your skin off to a good start in 2011, consider Skin Nutrition. it contains daily allowances of antioxidants and vital nutrients, all in three full-sized SUPER products: Face & Eye Cleanser, Detox Elixir and Hyper Hydrator.

Face and Eye Cleanser is loaded with antioxidant acai, a powerful amazonian berry and defends against damage-causing free radicals. to quench your skin's thirst, refreshing Detox Elixir refines pores, hydrates and detoxifies. finally, Hyper Hydrator is a daily moisturizer that absorbs quickly to nourish depleted, dry skin with the help of essential nutrients from coconut water.

the limited-edition SUPER Skin Nutrition is available nationwide at Sephora and sephora.com beginning this friday, january 13, 2011, for a limited time only.

xo
info and image courtesy of the brand's PR company.

Total Beauty: Help for Your Dry, Winter Skin

you may be experiencing what many are also experiencing this time of year: dry skin. blame the cold, blustery weather. it's been seriously cold this season, and even my oily skin isn't too happy.

read on to get some answers on how you can help fix your dry skin issues...

Quick Fixes for Dry, Winter Skin

Fix chapped, dry lips and skin in a jiffy with these cold-weather beauty busters

This is a TotalBeauty.com skin care article When the weather turns from sunny and mild to cold and blustery, our skin often turns too -- from supple and hydrated to cracked, flaky and ashy. Learn how to soothe it with these tips. See advice

xo

what i'm loving now: 100% Pure Tinted Moisturizer

it's not hard to believe that 100% Pure's Tinted Moisturizer is made with such nourishing ingredients-- the name of the brand tells it all. what is hard for me to believe is that all of the ingredients come from fruits and nature's most fabulous sources!

this tinted spf 20 skin protectant uses fruits including peach, carrot, cocoa beans, and pomegranate (just to name a few) to add pigment, and treats skin with white tea, aloe juice, acai oil and vitamin C. the formula offers sheer coverage that can be built up to be a medium coverage, but don't rely on this hide anything major.

i have been using this in Toffee both under, and sometimes over, my regular foundation. i love the smooth texture it gives my skin! it's just the right color for me right now, but i figure come summer, that might not be the case. it's a dewy finish, but never greasy-- perfect for my oily skin.

100% Pure Fruit Pigmented Tinted Moisturizer is 100% natural, 100 % vegetarian and gluten free. visit 100percentpure.com for more info.

xo

product featured sent to me for review consideration

Total Beauty Quiz: Is Your PM Beauty Routine Effective?

before i go to bed, i always treat myself to a beauty routine. i say treat because i know that a.) it's how i keep my skin in good condition, b.) skin is most receptive to skincare products at night and c.) skin recoups as we sleep, so feeding it nourishing products will only help in the long term.

do you have a nighttime beauty ritual? do you do it every night or slack because you're tired? take this fun quiz to find out if your skincare routine is effective.

How Effective Is Your PM Beauty Routine?

See if your skin care products are doing the work they should be while you sleep

This is a TotalBeauty.com skin care article A nighttime beauty routine is important -- take quiz to find out if you're using the best products for your skin. Take quiz

xo

beauty in a budget: Olay Total Effects Cream Cleanser + Blemish Control

keeping blemishes at bay as i get older isn't always easy since many different things can trigger a blemish to appear. i also have to keep in mind that my skin isn't the same as it was even a year ago, so i have to look for products that cater to that reality as well.

ugh...

Olay, thankfully, makes keeping my skin looking radiant and clear a bit easier with their fabulous Total Effects Cream Cleanser + Blemish Control cleanser. i discovered and bought my first tube a few months ago and can't get enough.

this cleanser contains micro-beads, providing skin with gentle exfoliation (perfect to use daily) and salicylic acid to treat (and prevent) acne. i love that it's cream-based (typical foaming formulas can over-dry even the oiliest skin), and the anti-aging benefits-- exfoliation, enhanced tone, added moisture, pore and skin texture refinement, and minimization of fine lines-- are the added bonus in my beauty book.

if you're looking for an anti-aging cleanser that will also keep you skin clear, i recommend you try this one! find it at your local drug and mass retailers. visit olay.com for more info.

xo
pic taken by me :)

Dr. Denese HydroShield Hydrating Dream Cream

hydration, hydration, hydration. it should be a top priority when caring for your skin, no matter the season. this past spring season, i was given the opportunity to try HydroShield Dream Cream from Dr. Denese. you could only imagine my excitement. i mean, i watch QVC-- i know who Dr. Denese is and how much women love her products! needless to say, i was eager to discover for myself what so many women rave about.



to my surprise, i really fell in love with this skincare gem. it's creamy and rich in texture, but feels sooo light on the skin. it absorbs like a dream (no pun intended!) and always left my skin looking good, thanks to all of its yummy-for-skin peptides, retinol and ceramides.

Dream Cream became one of my absolute favorite moisturizers, for the better part of the summer at least. sadly, i ran out (*tear*). so, i've been without it now for over 2 months (!). it's taken a lot for me to not order myself a new jar, but i'm currently testing out another line of skincare right now and don't want to hinder that program (oh, the dilemmas of being a beauty blogger, huh? LOL).


sadness over my empty jar...

in any case, i highly recommend Dream Cream. i can't wait to have it back in my skincare lifestyle again!

visit drdenese.com for more info.

xo
product featured sent to me for review consideration.

new product alert: Boscia Luminizing Black Mask

in the world of beauty, Boscia really stands out among other skincare brands. their products are botanically-based as well as preservative and chemical-free, so all skin gets are yummy ingredients to nourish, replenish, purify and pamper it (and those of us who can be sensitive to some don't have to worry about irritation!).

their latest and greatest comes in the form of a mask-- a peel-off mask to be specific-- and while it's a bit messy at first, the results are definitely worth it.

my first experience with this wasn't a total home run. i didn't apply it thick enough, like the directions say to, so i didn't get to peel all of it off. this wasn't a big issue, though. i just used a wash cloth to remove it and rinsed the rest away. my second attempt (and each time since), however, was much better, and i had fun "peeling my face off" once the mask dried (haha, don't lie, you know that's the fun part!).

now i enjoy using this mask twice a week. it's little pampering product that forces me relax at the end of the day, keeps my skin glowing and is fun to use (but be warned, like i mentioned before, it's a little messy).

find Boscia Luminizing Black Mask exclusively at Sephora.

xo
product featured sent to me for review consideration.

body beautiful: Free Physique 57 Classes Courtesy of Bioré

happy friday beauties-- i'm so excited to share the following news with you! first of all, i have wanted to try a Physique 57 class since hearing about it over a year ago. it's a program born in nyc and celebs like Kelly Ripa, Zooey Deschanel and Karolina Kurkova love it.

i just received word yesterday that Bioré Skincare is (happily) bringing this exclusive program (currently only available in nyc and los angeles) across the country! this is your opportunity to discover firsthand the ultimate Physique 57 workout and the new ultimate cleansing experience with Bioré Makeup Removing Towelettes for FREE.

after arriving at the Physique 57 class, participants will receive a Bioré Makeup Removing Towelette to remove their makeup-- these cleansing cloths promise to remove even the most stubborn makeup without leaving behind a greasy residue, ensuring a clean start to every workout. a Physique 57 instructor will then lead each class through the program's signature muscle-defining arm exercises, intense thigh and seat sequences, waist-chiseling ab moves and fluid stretches that create a long and lean dancer's body.



here are all of the details!

what: sign up to experience a dynamic exercise method designed to rapidly transform your body, learn how to reduce your chances of getting post-workout blemishes, and receive a free sample of Bioré Makeup Removing Towelettes to use. all sessions are absolutely free.

how: to reserve your spot, please register for the class at biore.com/usa/physique57tour. walk-ins will be welcome, if space allows. attendees will receive a sample size of Bioré Makeup Removing Towelettes and a coupon towards a future purchase.

if for any reason you're unable to attend a class, you can sign up for the chance to be one of the lucky winners to receive a Workout Essentials Kit, including the Bioré Makeup Removing Towelettes, a Bioré-branded exercise ball and mat, and a Physique 57 DVD.

when: Biore will offer 3 classes in each of the below cities:

9/20 – New York (kick off with Physique 57 co-founder Tanya Becker)
9/23 – Miami
9/28 – Seattle
9/30 – Portland
10/5 – Chicago
10/7 – Austin
10/13 – Philadelphia
10/14 – Washington, DC
10/19 – San Francisco
10/21 – San Diego (i'll be there for the 6-7 pm session!)

i really hope you'll take advantage of these opportunities-- it's always so great to do something good for yourself, your body and your skin!

sign up here.

xo

ARCONA Skincare Launching at Nordstrom!

breaking news, beauties! ARCONA, the fabulous skincare brand that makes our favorite celebs look their absolute best (especially before major events), is expanding to Nordstrom! the los angeles-based brand will begin this expansion in several Nordstrom locations across the country beginning now through october, 2010:

in august: Santa Monica, CA-- Santa Monica Place (opens friday, august 27th!); Las Vegas, NV-- Fashion Mall (love that mall!); San Jose, CA-- Valley Fair and Newport, CA - Fashion Island (another fave of mine).

in september, Chicago, IL–- Michigan Ave, Portland, OR-- Downtown, Dallas, TX-- NorthPark Center, Boca Raton, FL-- Town Center at Boca Raton

finally, in october you'll find ARCONA in Portland, OR-- Washington Square, Honolulu, HI-- Ala Moana, Short Hills, NJ-- The Mall at Short Hills and San Diego, CA-- Fashion Valley (yay!)


these Nordstrom locations will carry the entire ARCONA line, including favorites such as Triad Pads, Magic White Ice and Wine Hydrating Mask. don't see a city near you? you can order via nordstrom.com

xo

what i'm loving now: CellCeuticals CerActive Active Moisture + Barrier Repair Skin Treatment

i was recently introduced to CellCeuticals CerActive Active Moisture + Barrier Repair Skin Treatment, and as you read in the title post, i'm loving it. this moisturizer does exactly what it promises: added hydration and soothing benefits for thirsty skin.

like winter, summer can also be a time of dehydration for your skin. sure, you might have an over-production of oil that you're trying to keep under control, but keeping moisture from it isn't going to do you any favors-- that's where this beauty fits in perfectly.

CerActive Active Moisture + Barrier Repair Skin Treatment contains many "techy" ingredients, as well as organic ones, that work between surface cells. the result is long-lasting hydration. after my normal skincare routine, i apply the creamy, light formula and it glides onto my skin beautifully, leaving it feeling happy. :)

i found out that one of the not-so-secret ingredients is licorice root extract. its function is to strengthen skin's hydro-lipid barrier function, while also providing skin-soothing benefits-- cool, huh? and you thought licorice was just a fun snack to eat at the movies!

discover more about this and the entire CellCeuticals line of products at cellceuticalsskincare.com

xo
pic taken my me :); product featured sent to me for review consideration.

Beautifully Protected: Janson-Beckett Sun Block Daytime Moisturizer

finding the right sun protection for your face is important, but can be tricky. thankfully, Janson-Beckett has an amazing product-- Sun Block Daytime Moisturizer-- that is so silky and light, you may just forget you're wearing sunscreen on your face (yes, i did...once. but in my defense, i had just started using it).

oil-free, and non-greasy (you remember i said it was silky and light, right?), Sun Block Daytime Moisturizer contains shea butter, aloe vera, and soluble collagen to keep skin looking good while also keeping it protected thanks to sun protection factor (spf) of 40. as i apply it, it disappears into my skin, after it's on it doesn't cause my makeup to look weird, and to the joy of me (and my skin), didn't cause any breakouts.

my only gripe is the size. i really wish it were offered in something larger than just an ounce. true, it will have lasted about two months by the time it's gone, but when it comes to skincare, i like my products to come in bigger packages, you know?

visit janson-beckett.com for more info about this product, the company (they make great injection-alternative skincare) or to order.


xo
full-size product sample sent to me by the brand's PR for review consideration; pic taken by me :)

Simple Smoothing Cleansing Scrub

Simple Smoothing Cleansing Scrub is a gentle exfoliating scrub that i was given the opportunity to try last year (better late than never for a review, right?) and have found it to be one of the most gentle "scrub" products i've ever used.

i enjoy using this one because, unlike other scrubs, it works perfectly for everyday use or those mornings when your skin looks like it still needs to be woken up. when i was using Smoothing Cleansing Scrub, i noticed the rice granuales helped to perk my skin right up without leaving it looking red and blotchy, as some scrubs tend to do (for products like those, i recommend using them only at night).

the only negative thing i have to say about this scrub is that it's not the exfoliation that is going to dramatically change your skin. if you have dry patches or acne, this won't do much for clearing those conditions up. other than that, it's a very pleasant product to use.

find Simple Smoothing Cleansing Scrub in the uk, boots.com, Duane Reade locations in nyc and online at shoplondons.com

xo
product sample provided by the brand

Bioelements Giveaway!!

happy monday beauties! spring is in full swing, and that means just like we change what we wear to suit the warmer weather, it's time to change your skincare products, too. time to swap out those heavy winter cremes and take on a new skincare routine that delivers exactly what your skin will need.

it just so happens that Bioelements, one of my absolute favorite skincare lines, is going to give one of you lucky readers a whole new range of products for free!

Bioelements creates skincare products that are made with natural and organic botanical extracts, pure essential oils and advanced cosmeceutical ingredients. since being introduced to the line almost 2 years ago, i know these are amazing products. read my Bioelements product reviews here.

so let's get to the prize, shall we?

the winner will receive a total package that includes a cleanser, toner, moisturizer, sunscreen, exfoliator and night-time product. all products will be selected based on the individual's skin type. in total, this is a $250 value!

but wait, there's more!

the winner will also be given the opportunity too discuss their own skin type and concerns on a private phone consultation with a Bioelements esthetician!

wow, right?! i'm so excited for whoever wins this-- i wish it could be me!

to enter just send me an email at bgmcontests@gmail.com. include your full name and contact info (phone number and mailing address). U.S. residents only, please. contest ends midnight on thursday april 8, 2010, pacific time. one entry per email address, please.**

visit bioelements.com to discover more about the line yourself.

good luck!

xo
**read please: entering this contest means you are giving me permission to forward your name, email, phone number and mailing address to representatives of Bioelements for fulfillment and mailing of contest prize. failure to include all information requested will disqualify your entry. one (1) winner, chosen at random, will receive the prize mentioned. duplicate entries will not improve your chances of winning. giveaway sponsored by Bioelements. some restrictions apply. open only to US residents. entries will be accepted through 12am (midmight) pacific time on thursday, april 8, 2010. winner will be announced friday april 9, 2010. thank you. :)

MAC Prep + Prime Face Protect SPF 50

one thing i never go without is sun protection (and neither should you!). MAC offers a fabulous spf product in their Prep + Prime range called Face Protect SPF 50. though i do everything i can to stay out of the sun (i'll pass on premature aging and sun damage, thankyouverymuch), when you're out and about, its rays are still there.

a couple of months ago, after perusing the MAC website for something new, i decided to purchase this sun protector. after reading that it's formulated with oil absorbing powders-- yes, please!-- you know i had to try it.

though a bit smaller than i would like it to be (just 1 ounce), i have found Face Protect SPF 50 to be simply fabulous. i use about a quarter size dollop for my face and neck (i use another spf for my decolletage and body) and it absorbs nicely into my skin. it's not greasy nor does it feel heavy-- perfect when it comes to sun protection for the face-- and it doesn't affect the look of my makeup in the slightest. according to MAC this is suitable for all skin types and i think that's pretty accurate considering my skin a mostly oily with some dry areas.

find Prep + Prime Face Protect SPF 50 at your local MAC location and online at maccosmetics.com

xo
pic taken by me :)

Jan Marini Age Intervention Prime Face Primer

primers are a must-have and are especially so when you want to achieve a long-lasting finish for your foundation. Jan Marini Age Intervention Prime Face Primer does this and also has the added benefit of being and anti-aging product (gotta love that!). i've been using it for a little less than 2 months and have become a huge fan.



anti-aging ingredients like co-enzymeQ10, peptides, pomegranate and green and white tea extracts work to fight off free-radicals (they leave skin looking dull, tired and older-- they are not our friends) while hyaluronic acid keeps moisture in the skin, making it appear more plump (this is good since our faces lose volume as we age). the effect upon first application was that of a more "soft-focus" finish to my skin.

the primer itself feels super smooth and dries to a powdery consistency after application. i've noticed that over the past few weeks it has helped in improve the texture of my skin. it looks smoother and more polished before and after i put on my foundation. i'm so thankful to have been given the opportunity to try this new product-- my skin is thankful too! :)

for more information about Jan Marini Age Intervention Prime Face Primer visit janmarini.com

xo
product sent to me by the brand for review
pics taken by me :)

Blemish Fighter: SAMPAR Prodigal Pen

i was first introduced to SAMPAR at a skincare industry trade show a few years ago. the pink and black display booth instantly caught my eye (i love pink!). the rep showed my a few things, and i was quickly taken with a little product called Prodigal Pen. i bought two. i mean, honestly, who doesn't want to keep pesky blemishes at bay? i certainly did.

the rollerball "pen" is easy to apply and you can concentrate on the areas you need to have treated, anywhere and anytime. essential oils, including lavender, sage, rosemary and thyme work to treat blemishes on contact. the formula disinfects and soothes skin, making blemishes clear up fast.

when those Prodigal Pens ran out, i had no way of knowing how to re-order them (they weren't as easy to find as they are now). then a fabulous thing happened-- a PR rep, who i have come to know via Twitter, sent another to me about 6 months ago and now i know where to buy them. :)

this is a must-have if you experience any breakouts and need to heal them up fast. it even works on bug bites, rashes and razor burn. i love, love, love the Prodigal Pen so much, i'm even a fan on Facebook.

visit samparusa.com for more info on the Prodigal Pen and beauty360.com to purchase.

xo
pic taken by me :)

Beauty Resolutions Worth Making

the first week of the new year is behind us (can you believe it? 2009 flew by, if you ask me!), and i'm sure many of you have made some resolutions for 2010 (or have you?). are any of them beauty-related? here are some beauty resolutions i think are worth making:

clean your makeup tools at least once a week. so many people neglect to clean their makeup brushes for months (yes, months-- yuck!), but that is such a bad habit! you can buy a daily spray (i like this one from Sephora) to spritz your brushes with each night and give them a good shampoo on the weekends (this brush cleanser from MAC is fab), and wash your sponges as soon as you're done using them each day. if you buy them in bulk, toss them after a week. the point is to get into keeping your tools clean-- your skin will thank you.




organize your stash. if you are an avid makeup collector (you know who you are), at some point, you have to get organized in order to a) know where your stuff is, and b) keep your home from looking like the beauty department exploded in it (beauty departments are organized after all). i recently purchased some drawers from The Container Store, and they are working fabulously. since the drive to that amazing retailer is an hour away for me, i was happy to find that Target carries an assortment of organizing drawers that fit nicely in my closet as well.




get your beauty sleep. sleep is so important for brain function, staying healthy, and keeps us looking good. last year i found myself very frequently going to bed late, but in 2010 i am resolving to get into bed an hour earlier. it's an easy goal that will get me into bed at a reasonable hour, but i won't feel like it's inconvenient, and i know i'll have more energy during the day.




get and keep your hair in good condition. if you color or relax your hair, it is important to get regular trims every 6-8 weeks. also, using products for your specific hair type will aid in maintaining healthy hair between salon visits. if you don't chemically alter your hair, visits can be stretched out 10-12 weeks, and don't forget to deep condition at least once a month (more frequently of you have drier hair).




wash your face! some of you may still go to bed without washing the makeup off of your face-- stop doing that, please. i know it may seem impossible to take 15-20 minutes each night when you've had a long, exhausting day, but it's so not good for your skin to keep the makeup on. your largest organ recovers and rebuilds during sleep, so cleansing and treating it with good products (think eye cream, serum, moisturizer) will actually benefit it in the long run.


will you be making any beauty-related resolutions this year?


xo

StriVectin Overnight Facial Resurfacing Serum

StriVectin Overnight Facial Resurfacing Serum is a new product that promises to gently exfoliate skin overnight-- while you sleep to be more specific --minimizing the appearance of large pores, improving skin's tone and overall appearance so you look more radiant when you wake in the morning.

so, does it work??

i found that it did leave my skin feeling smoother and looking more refreshed the next morning after using it for the first time. now after using it for over 6 weeks, my skin still looks great and a few dark spots (that had been left after a few pesky breakouts) are a distant memory. i am really enjoying this facial serum!

ingredients include willowbark and retinyl palmitate (they gently exfoliate the skin), rosa multiflora fruit extract (helps brighten the skin), and vitamins C and E (antioxidants). it also caontains Exfolactive®,a rich source of complex sugars that increase natural enzyme productivity for enhanced exfoliation.

if you're looking for a gentle exfoliating product, i highly recommend you try this for yourself. this new breakthrough product is one anyone of any age can use, and it's even safe to use around the eyes.

visit strivictin.com for more info and to purchase. you can also find it in Sephora and Macy's stores.

xo
product sent to me for review
pic taken by me :)

Bridget Moynahan: New Face of Garnier Nutritioniste

fictitious characters Carrie and Natasha had a serious rivalry on Sex and the City, but in real life Bridget Moynahan has no problem joining Sarah Jessica Parker as the newest spokesperson for Garnier Nutritioniste.

Moynahan will appear in print and television ads for the Garnier Ulta-Lift collection, beginning in july 2010. the collection is dedicated to anti-wrinkling cremes, serums, and other skincare treatments.

"her class, grace and accessibility make her a model representative of the Garnier brand," says David Greenberg, Maybelline New York-Garnier president of the newest spokeswoman. "most importantly, she exhibits a likable, healthy beauty that speaks to our consumer in such a positive way."

xo
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