Fresh Sugar Lip Polish and Lip Treatment

Who doesn’t just worship a pair of silky smooth lips?  I’ve been using Fresh Sugar Lip Polish and Lip Treatment for about a week and have achieved exactly that.  I’m a chapstick and lip balm fanatic, who’s always been partial to Fresh Sugar products and this time is no different.  The Lip Polish is a gentle exfoliator that buffs away dry skin and residue from your lips.  It’s a sweet smelling mixture of brown sugar crystals, shea butter, and jojoba oil.  While the sugar grains exfoliate, the shea butter and jojoba oil moisturize to the max.  I used a minimal amount and gently messaged it into my lips for a minute or so, and then rinsed it off with warm water. The polish was fantastic because the sugar grains never felt too rough which is important because the skin on our lips is so delicate.  Right away I felt a difference.  The patchy bumps seemed to disappear and my skin actually felt exposed.  The true satisfaction came when I applied Sugar’s newest shade of Coral Tinted Lip Treatment and I saw that they actually looked smoother.  With matte lip shades so popular this season, it’s impossible to wear them successfully if you have visibly rough skin. 

If you’re trying the Lip Polish, I recommend trying Sugar’s Coral Tinted Lip Treatment also.  It’s a stunning compliment to this year’s Tangerine Tango color of the year.  A summery shade of matte red with a subtle finish that lets you build your own intensity.  I applied 2 coats and was pleased.  It was very natural looking and enhanced the smoothness achieved by the lip polish.   It provides SPF 15 protection, with a hint of color.  They're a fab summer combo that will pamper your lips and leave them feeling luscious and soft. 

Lancome Paris Golden Hat Illuminating Smooth Powder

I was recently browsing cosmetics online when I came across Lancôme Paris 2011 Limited Edition Golden Hat Illuminating Smooth Powder Goldenescent Glow.  Its delicate two tone design of a shimmering gold hat on top of a soft pink background drew me in and I couldn’t help but give it a try.  After further reading I learned the collection was created in collaboration with Kate Winslet in support of her Golden Hat Foundation, a non-profit organization that aspires to raise funds to help improve the lives of children with autism. 

The sleek black compact sports an outline of the foundation’s golden hat emblem that sits above Kate Winslet’s signature.  Inside are two shades of powder: a warm gold and a soft, pale pink.  While both shades are shimmering at first, the shimmer is just an over lay that disappears after the first few uses.  When it’s gone, you are left with a gentle matte finish. 

I enjoyed using this compact because the shades mix together beautifully to create a natural, healthy looking glow.  While it gives you the option to use them separately I found they work best on my skin tone when mixed together.  I have many pink undertones in my skin and found it convenient that the gold had a stronger pigmentation.  The pink remained subtle and acted as a compliment to my natural coloring.  I used it as an all over powder and found it covered evenly and diminished shine.  Once the shimmer was gone, I actually liked it better because I didn’t have to worry about it rubbing off. 

I appreciate collections that aim to give something back and recommend Lancôme Paris Limited Edition Golden Hat Collection as one worth trying.

Retail $42.00

Perricone MD Citrus Facial Wash and Skin Clear Acne Toner

Hello, lovebugs, I realize it’s been a while since I last posted, and I apologize for that… So let’s fix that shall we? J

I’ve heard so many positive things about the Perricone MD products.  When I had the chance to try the Citrus Facial Wash and Skin Clear Acne Toner I was pretty excited, despite the fact that I have sensitive skin.  I began using them twice a day (morning and night).  After washing with the cleanser I applied a few drops of the toner to a cotton ball and ran it all over my face.  I am pleased to say I saw an IMMENSE difference.   My skin is has frequent dryness, uneven coloring, redness, and the occasional blemish.  These two products made a significant improvement in all areas.  I noticed a considerable change in the overall coloring of my skin.  The redness had diminished, and the coloring had evened throughout my face.  In fact it was so even that a professional makeup artist complimented it and asked if I was wearing foundation.  (I wasn't). 

The wash felt very mild and lathered really well.  It removed all my makeup with no problem, and I only needed 1 full pump.      

The toner removed any bacteria and served as phenomenal exfoliator.  It penetrated my skin, making it easier to absorb moisturizers.  I’ve decided I prefer this type of liquid exfoliator as opposed to the typical beads or brushes etc.  I experienced fewer blemishes and the few that did appear cleared up pretty quickly, particularly when I applied it directly over them.  Overall it left my skin noticeably smoother and hydrated. 

I can honestly say I ADORE these products and am going to officially claim them as my favorite cleanser and toner.  The toner contains 1% salicylic acid, and the wash contains DMAE and vitamin C Esther to help promote firming, elasticity, and natural glow.  They’re fabulous products that revitalized my skin and are definitely worth the money. 

Cover Girl Professional All- In-One Curved Brush Mascara

My mascara is the one item in my makeup bag that is non-negotiable.  It’s not that I’m unwilling to try new ones.  I totally am.  It’s just that I have yet to find a one that even comes close to topping my all-time favs.  That was… until recently when I found myself in a somewhat mascara challenged situation if you will, and with limited resources.  After some hemming and hawing, I chose Cover Girl’s Professional All- In- One Curved Brush Mascara and truly couldn’t believe my eyes (yes, pun intended).   I’m usually not fan of the curved brushes (their shape never matches my eye and they tend to send my lashes off in crazy different directions) but this brush actually added noticeable lift and fullness to my lashes.  I was even able to get solid coverage on my inside corner lashes without disrupting the nice fan shape it had created for the rest.  By the end of the day it still hadn’t smudged or clumped.  Rather than hardening (like many mascaras do), the lightweight formula remained soft on my lashes and made removal easy.  I used my everyday face wash to take it off, and it disappeared without a trace.  Often I will have to go back over my eyes with makeup remover to get rid of that black shadow, but not this time.  This mascara adds fullness, length, lift, and lasts without smudging.  All the necessary elements of an All- Time Fav mascara! 

Goody DoubleWear Hair Accessories

Soo many times I have found myself searching frantically for that emergency ponytail holder, and eventually picked up the habit of always wearing one on my wrist.  Unfortunately an ugly black band on my wrist doesn’t exactly say fashion forward.  Goody is always coming up with totally fab hair accessories and their latest is no different.  The new Goody DoubleWear offers utility AND fashion.  At first glance it looks like a bracelet but come to find out it is actually stylish ponytail holder!  By adding a piece of brightly colored metal over the elastic, it takes away the unattractiveness and adds a sleek, sophistication.  I wore it both as a bracelet and in my hair and found both ways to be comfortable.  After having success with the ponytail holder I went on to try the headband/ necklace.  That was even more exciting because I tend to have trouble with head bands slipping off or being too tight.  This one stayed in place perfectly and never felt too tight.  They’re charming pieces that are simple, yet trendy.  With limited edition colors in turquoise, red and yellow, they’re a must have for any outfit during any season, and I will definitely be stocking up!  Retail $5.99

Goody HEAT Wave Creator

The experts at Goody have done it again with ground-breaking new product, the Goody HEAT Wave Creator.  The Wave Creator is an innovative new iron meant to create loose, natural looking waves courtesy of its uniquely shaped barrel.   Instead of a straight, smooth barrel, its diameter varies in size from one end to the other.  This helps to create flirty, playful waves rather than the typical curls produced by a curling iron.  Important to note: it is ceramic and ionic, with heat settings 1-10 that heat up to 410 degrees.  While it comes with a clamp, you can opt not to use it.  You can use it as a tradition iron, or as a curling wand.  Just by place the clip end of the barrel at the root of your hair and point downwards.  Simply wrap your hair around the barrel, and you can still achieve the desired effect.  Made with an auto shut off and 30 second heat up, it’s an easy to maneuver iron that’s perfect for creating those beachy, summer waves. 

Laura Geller Baked Body Frosting All Over Body Bronzer

The sun is getting stronger and many of you lucky ladies will be getting tanner by the minute.  But as a fair skinned girl, becoming one with the sun isn’t exactly an option.  This summer Laura Geller Baked Body Frosting All Over Body Bronzer in Honey Glow is never leaving my side.  It can be applied wet or dry and comes with a body puff for application.  Honey Glow is a warm, golden brown that adds dimension to the skin.   I first applied it dry all over my face and found the texture ultra smooth and very light. It brought out my skin’s natural pink undertones, making it look even and natural.  It illuminated my skin with a light shimmer over soft golden brown hues.  I worried it may rub off I when tested it on my arms or legs, but it stayed in place nicely.  When I used it wet I was able to get a little more playful.  It gave a sleeker, more definitive appearance, instead of just sun kissed.  There was an added depth that gave a bolder and sexier look- perfect for those summer nights on the town.  Made with ceraphyl oil to moisturize, anti- oxidants, and white tea extracts it is a definite must have for this summer.  Retail $45.00