Author: Lindsay

Laura Mercier ‘Matte Radiance’ Baked Powder

I have always been pleased with Laura Mercier’s baked powders – there is something confection-like about them. Not to mention, the generous amount of product in a compact makes them a great buy. So when they launched a new version that is matte, but still adds radiance, I was dead set on getting my hands on some.

With the bit of summer color I’ve already picked up, I’ve been using foundation/BB Creams with less coverage. I’ve found that a little bronzer gives me the natural look and camouflages flaws better than any heavier makeup. Plus, I don’t have to worry about a perfect match while my skin tone changes shades. (note: yes, I am wearing loads of sunscreen.. I am just prone to picking up color)

Laura Mercier ‘Matte Radiance’ Baked Powder has a natural color – not too orange or brown – and is designed to give that ‘bonne mine’ glow Laura is known for. Bonne mine means “healthy glow” in French. The matte finish is designed for just a bit of warmth without the festive shimmer that just doesn’t fit this time of year.

The Laura Mercier ‘Matte Radiance’ Baked Powder is available in five shades: four bronzes and one highlighter. I’ve been using Bronze-03 which works well on my light-medium skin tone. They shades are buildable, so I would probably be okay with Bronze-02 as well. The initial dusting is a sheer, luminous layer without any dryness. I get quite a bit of wear on this – throughout the day. And the color stays true as you wear it.

AN EDITORIAL SAMPLE MAY HAVE BEEN PROVIDED BY THE COMPANY AND EVALUATED TO DETERMINE OUR OPINION OF THE PRODUCT IN THIS POST. PLEASE SEE THE DISCLOSURES PAGE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING OUR POLICIES FOR USING EDITORIAL SAMPLES.

Oklahoma Tornado Tragedy – How You Can Help

I’m still stunned by the tragedy my home state of Oklahoma experienced yesterday. While we were safe and sound in Tulsa, my friends in Oklahoma City were not. The destruction and loss of life in Moore is heartbreaking. So instead of beauty today, I’d like to share some ways to help.

The Red Cross said the best way to assist families is to make a donation to www.redcross.org/okc or www.redcross.org or text REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. To ensure your Red Cross donations go to those in the affected area check out, http://www.redcross.org/ok/oklahoma-city/about/chapters/central-oklahoma
Donations to the United Way of Central Oklahoma’s Disaster Relief Fund may be made online at www.unitedwayokc.org
Text FOOD to 32333 for a $10 donation the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma.
Text STORM to 80888 for a $10 Salvation Army relief donation.
United Way of Central Oklahoma’s Disaster Relief Fund is open. Donations may be made online at www.unitedwayokc.org or by mail to United Way of Central Oklahoma, P.O. Box 837, Oklahoma City, OK 73101 with notation for May Tornado Relief.
Contributions to the Moore & Shawnee Tornado Relief Fund can be made securely online at www.TulsaCF.org. Donations can also be mailed to TCF offices at 7030 S. Yale, Suite 600, Tulsa, OK, 74136.
Donate funds to the Central Oklahoma Humane Society at www.okhumane.org/donate
Donate funds to the National Disaster Search Dog Foundation at www.searchdogfoundation.org

mybody Calm After The Storm Soothing + De-Puffing Eye Cream

I fell hard for a little skin care company called mybody last summer. Their thoughtful collection of skin care products spoke to the science nerd in me. mybody was founded by a makeup artist, the founder of Philosophy and an experienced retail maven. Their pedigree is balanced with a heavy focus on technology, and the scientific focus shines through in their products.

Calm After the Storm is just what the doctor ordered. With the change in seasons, I am welcoming the most annoying of allergies. With that comes the dreaded puffy eyes. Calm After the Storm offers a gentle and hydrating cream that goes after circles and puffiness with a legion of active ingredients.

The highlight for me is the cooling applicator that in itself can improve the look on my eyes. I work in the cream for a good 10-20 seconds and then use a clean finger to smooth in any excess until absorbed. It is so gentle, I don’t hesitate using it on my eyelids as well. Here’s the lineup of key ingredients – told you this line was science oriented!

These products are available at dermatologist offices. You can find your nearest physician here.

Nutrisystem Week 25

This week, I lost 0.6 pounds for a total weight loss of 32.0 pounds. I’ve discovered the last pounds come off a little slower than before. But that is okay. I feel stronger and more healthy each day. In fact, I just bought my first bikini in about 10 years. But the real highlight of the week was some amazing news on the family front.

If you have been following my journey, you know my father has also joined me on this Nutrisystem adventure. And he went for his first check up since starting the program around the end of November. The doctor’s report was nothing less than astounding.

First, he landed himself a solid victory in his office’s annual “Biggest Loser” contest. Since Thanksgiving, he’s lost 37.4 pounds. As a side note, my uncle, father and myself have lost over a hundred pounds combined. But here’s the real juice. My father’s BMI has dropped from 31 to 26. His blood pressure fell from 132/92 to a picturesque 120/82. His triglycerides fell so far, he was able to go off a medication that costs a whopping $3500 a year. (Nutrisystem basically pays for itself). And the doctor reported, he’s likely to go off cholesterol medication if he keeps it up.

I’m bragging on my dad… only because he’s such an inspiration to me. I am so glad we’ve embarked on this journey together. And when I hear news like this… it makes me realize how impactful this lifestyle can be. Not only are we all happier, but healthier.

Check out last week’s Nutrisystem post here.

Want to lose weight and get healthy on Nutrisystem? Join today by calling 1-888-853-4689 or by visiting Nutrisystem.

Disclosure: As part of the Nutrisystem Nation Blogger Program, Nutrisystem has provided me with complementary meals in exchange for my honest thoughts on the Nutrisystem plan. The opinions expressed in my posts are strictly my own. No other compensation is being given.

image here

Kate Somerville ‘Somerville 360°’ Tan Maximizer

This time Kate has come up with something I never thought I needed, but now I’m not sure I could live without! You know that dreaded feeling when a little summer glow just disappears – poof – after a couple days? Well, Kate Somerville’s new Tan Maximizer can make it last longer whether it be a faux or real tan.

Just replace your usual lotion with the Tan Maximizer and a specialized peptide-and-lipid complex works to keep that bronze. Get a touch too much sun? Black snakeroot soothes skin, replenishing skin with moisture and preventing peeling. I love the beachy, fresh scent and can see myself reaching for this all year round.

Neutrogena Suncare Tips & a GIVEAWAY

There are loads of sunscreen tips and tricks floating around this time of year. But with the rise of skin cancers, particularly among younger women, I believe this is such a great message to be echoing. The fun part for me is so many of these sunscreens have become a pleasure to use. And you can’t go wrong with drugstore budget standout, Neutrogena.

Of particular interest for Neutrogena, the FDA now requires stipulation for a new test to be run in order to claim broad-spectrum protection on sunscreen products. Cathy Salerno, Vice President of R&D, Global Skin Care Product Development at Johnson & Johnson highlights that “Neutrogena spent years researching and developing and patenting a technology that provides photo stable protection over time.” Takeaway number one, you can count on Neutrogena for broad-specturm UVA and UVB thanks to their Helioplex technology.

So, what else do we need to know to play safe in the sun? Dr. Doris Day addresses three myths that I am embarrassed to hear repeated all too frequently:

Myth #1: 50 minutes a day of sunlight a day is necessary for vitamin D

“This is one of the biggest myths I have heard. Incidental sun exposure is plenty for most people. If you think you are vitamin D deficient, get a blood test. There are fat-soluble vitamins available, which you do not need to take every day. Thus, vitamin D is not an excuse to get a tan and certainly not an excuse to go to a tanning bed.”

Myth #2: A base tan is necessary before vacation, or spending a lot of time in the sun.

“Does anybody still believe this? There’s no such thing as a base tan, it’s just one more excuse to have a tan. If you don’t want to get sunburn on vacation, use your sun protection and be sun smart.”

Myth #3: Most of your sun damage has occurred by the age of 18.

“No matter your age or how much exposure you’ve had, every exposure you get at any age is cumulative and damaging to the skin. Your skin has the ability to repair no matter how old you are. If you start today just by using sunscreen alone, all of those other expensive products that we are spending so much money on will work so much better. It is never too late to start protecting your skin.”

I’ve been testing out the Neutrogena suncare line for a couple weeks… here are some thoughts:

Neutrogena Beach Defense™ Sunscreen Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 70 has everything that you could ask for in a “at the beach all day” sunscreen. Not to mention it smells like pina coladas – yum!
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer® Body Mist Sunscreen is a pleasure to use. The spray dries clear and without a hint of greasiness. I particularly love this for getting hard to reach areas. Just remember with sprays to totally coat the area you are protecting.
Neutrogena Wet Skin Kids Lotion Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 45+ might be designed with kids in mind, but I love this when you are in for a marathon swim session. It gets so hot here in the summer, we often spend the whole day in the lake or pool. Love this for quick reapplication even if you are wet.
Neutrogena Clear Face Liquid Lotion Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 55 is perfect for those with acne-prone skin. Dr. Doris Day points out “sun exposure can actually make inflammation worse in people who are prone to acne. Thus, it is important to protect your sensitive skin with sunscreen.”
Neutrogena Age Shield™ Face Lotion Sunscreen Broad Spectrum is for those of us chasing the dream of youthful skin. This formula works beautifully under makeup and provides extreme protection.
Neutrogena MicroMist® Airbrush Sunless Tan dries fast, gives great color and is a breeze to apply. I love the continuous spray for hard to reach areas and even application.

Also, take note: for any Neutrogena product with SPF purchased from May through July, the company will donate one to a family in need. More info here!

Want a chance to enter to win your own gift basket full of Neutrogena suncare products? Talk about stocking up for summer! Enter using the widget below. Good luck! (US Only)

a Rafflecopter giveaway