Author: Lindsay

3LAB ‘Perfect’ BB Cream SPF 40 PA+++

Back in May, I covered my favorite BB Creams for various skin types and needs. Since then, I’ve come across another BB Cream that is worthy of All-Star fame and I had to add it to the roster. 3LAB ‘Perfect’ BB Cream SPF 40 PA+++ is like the super-charged, ultra BB Cream. Exceptional is a word that comes to mind.

Like many other BB Creams, the 3LAB version is quite the multi-tasker. It makes my skin vastly more even, brightened and smooth. It isn’t quite as dewy as the NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30/PA+++, but more luminous than Dr. Jart+ Premium Beauty Balm SPF 45 PA+++. 3LAB ‘Perfect’ BB Cream is available in three shades: light, medium and dark. Medium works perfectly on my NC30-NC35 skin. Coverage is pretty substantial for a BB Cream, but looks extraordinarily natural.

Its efficacy is emboldened by some serious technology. The formula contains a patented Human Growth Hormone (hGH) that treats fine lines and wrinkles. Peptides help whiten and brighten skin. Ingredients like pea proteins help promote collagen production. And it can help calm skin and reduce irritation. I love the high SPF factor and vitamin E as a natural antioxidant. You can tell these guys don’t mess around, using state of the art technology to bring us a BB Cream that goes above and beyond.

Available at Nordstrom with free shipping.

Pool time!

This is the perfect afternoon to check out a little early and warm up for the holiday. Some friends and I are headed to the pool. Here’s a sneak peek at what is in my tote:

WOW! Rirkrit Tiravanija Double Beach Towel – I love this towel – so cheeky and perfectly orange.
Shiseido Sun Protection Lip Treatment SPF 36 – Make sure to protect those lips from the sun.
Coppertone Sport High Performance Sunscreen, Clear Continuous Spray, SPF 100 – I love these water-resistant sprays for hard to reach areas. Just make sure to use enough and follow directions.
Ray-Ban Oversized Original Aviator Sunglasses – There isn’t anything better than the classic, original aviators.
Vix Swimwear Odette Caftan – Classic black and white stripes.
Cle de Peau Beaute UV Protection Cream SPF50 – Protect the face and get a luminosity that can even skin tone. Love this stuff.
TOTEM SALVAGED Leather-trimmed cotton tote – The tribal tote looks great with the stripes.
K. Jacques Flavia Flat Sandals – I am so into leather sandals this summer.
Kiehl’s Since 1851 Activated Sun Protector For Body SPF 50 – I apply this 30 minutes before I go outside to ensure I am covered.

PS – Do you like these posts with a little fashion thrown in? Let me know in the comments.

MAC ‘Mineralize Volcanic Ash’ Exfoliator

There was some pretty heavy duty scuttle last week when MAC accounced they were bringing back a discontinued cult-favorite. I haven’t used much MAC skincare, but had heard great things. So, that puppy was ordered and on its way to me, stat.

I love the inky, consistancy of the MAC ‘Mineralize Volcanic Ash’ Exfoliator. The formula contains a foaming cleanser as well – you know I can’t resist a foaming cleanser. The sugar crystals are on the larger side, but don’t irritate my skin. I’m not sure you could consider this “gentle” though. The earth smell of volcanic ash is especially pleasant to me – it feels spa-like and is rich with minerals. And don’t hesitate to use this on stubborn bumps on your arms and legs.

No wonder there was such a fuss. And now I am hooked too. The exfoliator is currently available at Nordstrom, but I don’t know for how long!

Bvlgari Omnia Coral Eau de Toilette

I’m taking solace in a new summer fragrance to handle the extreme heat. A week of 100+ days has me sweltering, especially after being spoiled with gorgeous weather last weekend in Napa. For days like these, you want a scent that is refreshing, light-weight and cheerful.

Omnia Coral Eau de Toilette is the newest scent from Bvlgari, inspired by the coastal feel and rich jewel color of coral. Goji berries give a citrus punch. Hibiscus flower is a balanced fruitiness with just a bit of floral. And Pomegranate adds a bit of a bite, still highlighting the fruitier feel. The effect, on me, is a tropical and juicy sweetness with pepper. The iconic Bvlgari packaging with interlocking circles always looks glam on the vanity.

I’ve welcomed the compliments: “You smell great!”. Certainly better than the alternative 🙂

Available at Neiman Marcus.

Buxom Color Choreography Eyeshadow

I’m always looking for a nimble eyeshadow palette that can create loads of looks. Urban Decay has done a great job with both of their NAKED palettes. But sometimes all those options can be overwhelming and its size is a little clunky for travel. On my recent jaunt to Napa, I brought Buxom Color Choreography™ Eyeshadow in Swing. Its brillant neutrals can easily handle a pretty matte lid, smokey chestnut liner and vanilla highlighter. Layer the rose and peach, and wet the chestnut liner for evening.

For those of you who aren’t familiar with Buxom (I am also fairly new to the brand), it is an off-shoot from Bare Escentuals. The luxury collection is a little rock n’ roll – edgier and bold. The shadows have the same high quality as the Ready to Go shadows by BareMinerals. But I would say the Buxom shadows are slightly softer and I find them more blendable. You don’t get the skin care benefits, but I find the powder easier to work with. Definitely a personal preference situation.

Every one of these six palettes have a range of shades that work beautifully together. They layer very well. And the darker colors sheer out for those who prefer a more natural look. For those of you who love to play around with looks, you can eek out numerous variations with these five shades. I’m all about neutrals so I knew Swing was going home with me. But I also have Hip-Hop, in an effort to branch out of my taupe rut. The gold has quickly become a favorite and the grey sheers out to a pretty silver. The navy makes for an unexpected liner.

These also work to toss in your purse. I’m impressed that the little application wand has real brushes that can handle a touch-up in a pinch. Available at Sephora.

Willa Natural Skincare

Willa Natural Skincare is designed specifically for pre-teen and teenaged skin, but don’t think about stop reading if you don’t fall into those categories. Because, Willa makes some products that I find compelling and fabulous for my more mature and drier skin. And I am not alone – beauty editors from Lucky, Refinery 29 and Daily Candy agree.

Willa, a pre-teen herself, and her mother have been working for over three years to develop the line. Willa perceptively asked why she has to use her little sister’s “babyish” soap one evening. After an unsuccessful search for an age-appropriate alternative, Willa Natural Skincare was born. Willa’s mother, Christy Prunier, knew developing an early routine to prevent acne and sun damage was crucial.

The packaging is adorable – feminine and fun without being juvenile. I applaud the various SPF products. The color collection is so age appropriate but that doesn’t mean I don’t want to wear it all myself! Perfect subtle color for hot summer days. Some of my personal favorites from the line (all under $11):

be brillant natural body lotion contains aloe and chamomile, healing my skin without being tacky or sticky. It absorbs super fast and has a clean, refreshing scent.
start fresh foaming face wash has that voluminous, airy foam that makes my skin feel so very clean. But it is gentle, preventing the tight and dry feel. It contains anti-oxidant green tea leaf extract and hydrating Glycerin.
smile shine lip gloss is super moisturizing, packed with vitamins C & E, giving lips a sheer ultra-shine. I love the clever clip… no more searching a huge handbag when in desperate need of lip hydration.

The whole line has a conscious formula: Paraben and sulfate free, DEA and phthalate free and Not tested on animals. Made in the USA. Willa Natural Skincare is available at Target.