Author: Lindsay

St. Ives Skin Apricot Scrubs Collection

So, I was that girl who had never tried the iconic St. Ives Apricot Scrub. How could I miss out on such a drugstore favorite? I knew this problem required a quick remedy and just in time for an exciting new launch. The scrub is getting a makeover with 100% sulfate-free formulas.

Summer brings more activity, grime and sunscreen build up… at least for me. So I am thrilled to have these in my rotation. These are formulated with natural exfoliants that can even skin. After using all four new formulas over the past couple weeks, I do think my skin is more radiant.

The sulfate-free Scrub collection now includes:

  • St. Ives Fresh Skin Apricot Scrub
  • St. Ives Timeless Skin Apricot Scrub with gentle alpha-hydroxy acids
  • St. Ives Blemish Control Green Tea Scrub with 2% salicylic acid
  • St. Ives Sensitive Skin Apricot Scrub

Each variety has a slightly different feel. They all share a fresh, fruity fragrance I am swooning over. The “Fresh” version is probably closest to the original. The granules in Fresh are quite large – beware of scrubbing too hard and irritating the skin. I love the Blemish and Sensitive version. They are smoother and a little more creamy. I’m not sure you can go wrong, especially at drugstore prices. Another St. Ives favorite for me is their exfoliating pads with AHAs that can be found for under $3!!

Suggested retail price is $3.99 – $5.69. St. Ives Scrubs are available at select mass retailers, drugstores and supermarkets nationwide.

bareMinerals READY SPF 15 Touch Up Veil

This summer, I’ve been on the hunt for a pressed powder to throw in my purse. I don’t have oily skin, but with all this heat I was getting shiny. At the same time, I didn’t want a lot of color. A tinted BB Cream is already part of my routine, so I just wanted something that would improve staying power, cut the shine and provide a little touch up.

Eureka! bareMinerals READY SPF 15 Touch Up Veil hit the nail on the head. This solid mineral compact uses their proprietary SeaNutritive Mineral Complex. So you get anti-aging benefits while you touch up. I love that it also has SPF. It isn’t enough alone, but it certainly doesn’t hurt. The effect is soft skin that looks even and airbrushed. It doesn’t have a matte finish, but reduces shine in a natural way.

You can use it with the enclosed puff, but I carry a Trish McEvoy Bronzer Brush in my purse and I love the way it blends out the powder. While this also comes in Tinted, I prefer the Translucent. It doesn’t require precision while you are on the go. And works for any skin color.

NEST Fragrances Personal Care Products

I’m pretty sure I’ve actually uttered the words “I wish I could just bathe in this candle”. Well, NEST Fragrances heard me! They recently launched Body Washes and Body Creams from some of their most iconic scents: Bamboo, Grapefruit, Moroccan Amber, Moss & Mint, Orange Blossom and Wasabi Pear. I am most thrilled with the authentic replication of the fragrance. They didn’t alter or adapt the fragrance, so if you love Grapefruit, that is absolutely what you will get when you pick up the Grapefruit body cream or wash.

Just like all their products, NEST has fashionable packaging down. I love the way these products look in my shower or by my bed. The body wash formula is impressive. It doesn’t strip moisture, is gentle on my sensitive skin and actually conditions. Aloe vera gel soothes and silk proteins provide moisture balance. Coconut, corn and oat-derived cleansers get the job done without irritation. There is nothing better than waking up with Grapefruit in the shower.

The body cream is luxurious and rich. You can expect long-term, lush moisturizing. Shea butter, French plum oil, grape seed oil and jojoba provide nourishment. The cream also contains aloe vera to soothe. They even threw in vitamins to condition and protect. My favorite scent, Moroccan Amber is perfect at bedtime with its cozy and calming notes. These are both now available on NeimanMarcus.com. Free shipping with code JULYFS.

Viviscal Report #1

I just cut a couple inches off my hair to clean up some dead ends. And I was a total brat about it. I’ve been growing out my hair for about four years and it pained me to part with even two measly inches. Crazy, I know. I’ve always wanted to rock incredibly long hair and have finally made a commitment to get there one way or another. In the past, I’ve hastily chopped off five or six inches. This time, I vow to grow mine long enough to finally experience ultra-long locks. And have enough hair to cut to donate AND have a long bob to spare.

To speed things along, I am starting on a three month trial of Viviscal. This supplement, adored by models (like Karlie Kloss) and actresses (like Reese Witherspoon), promotes hair growth and nourishes thinning hair. 100% natural ingredients and drug-free, the formula works for men and women, all ages and all ethnicities. Fish proteins, horsetail extract and Vitamin C help ramp up production of keratin (which might also help my scalp and nails!).

I measured the length of my hair right at my cowlick – 12.5 inches from scalp to end. I’ll report back in a month with an update. Wish me luck!

Sunday Riley Effortless Breathable Tinted Primer

I admit that, at first, I was a little confused by the Effortless Breathable Tinted Primer. Does it provide coverage? Why is it so watery? Do I need it? After some experimentation, I was quickly hooked. First, it does not provide tremendous coverage, but it does even skin. I’ve come to embrace the water texture. It soothes my skin and blends effortlessly. And yes, I do need this. It is the perfect daytime makeup. And makes a great canvas when you are wearing foundation.

The oil-free and oxygen-rich formula actually ventilates my skin, quenching and hydrating. The smooth but sheer finish actually is refreshing and makes me look more radiant. Truly a unique product! Also available in Deep. And be sure to check out another Sunday Riley favorite: Sunday Riley Soft Focus Finishing Loose Powder.

NARS Fall 2012: Let’s Get Sparkly

You don’t really expect to see loads of shimmer this time of year. Maybe that is why I love it so in NARS recent Fall collection. And maybe the fact that we haven’t been under 100 degrees here in weeks. So an eyeshadow that evokes “icy wind” and a glittery versatile stick? Bring it. I just can’t wait for fall.

I must admit, when I got my paws on the newest Multiple, I slathered it on my eyes, face and lips. NARS Multiple Stick in Undress Me does have some substantial glitter and essentially nude base. But it WORKS. The powder finish makes it long lasting. It is slightly noticeable and flirty without being overdone. Other Multiple favorites include G-Spot (if you want more rosy gold) and Cococabana (click on the links for previous reviews). I love these for highlighters and cheek color.

Now, for the “icy wind” aka NARS Duo Eyeshadow in Vent Glace. I think the smokey eye might be a bit overplayed. This summer, the combination of platinum and silver smoke with defined liquid liner just hits the right note. It is most certainly frosted, but makes you look a little bit more awake. If you don’t wish to go full-bore frosty, this duo makes a great highlighter for the inner corners of the eyes or along the brow bone. And if you want a full on metallic lid, layer this on with Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base.