Author: Lindsay

Armani Beauty High Lift Firming Rich Cream

I cannot believe I have already made it through an entire pot of this stuff and neglected to tell you about it. Armani Beauty High Lift Firming Rich Cream has surprisingly been my night cream staple that I just can’t quit. I say “surprising” because it doesn’t sound like a product designed for someone in their early thirties. (Can I still say “early thirties even though I’ll be 33 next week? I think yes.)

While the name conjures up a sense that this will lift sagging skin, the cream actually targets the texture. The formula conditions and softens the skin. So while some might sense diminished wrinkles, I have found this makes my skin more radiant and even. Keep in mind my skin is on the drier side. If you are like me, you will find this has the perfect amount of hydration without being overly creamy. It spreads evenly and absorbs quickly without leaving a heavy or sticky feel. I love the way it looks under makeup so fell free to use it in AM as well (may I suggest the version with SPF – how handy!).

SOHO Professional Brush Collection

Makeup brushes can be a pricey investment. I’m all for building a collection of investment-worthy brushes over time. But sometimes your budget doesn’t allow or you need a second set. Enter SOHO Professional Brush Collection available at Walgreens. They offer a wide selection of brushes to fit every function. They are ergonomically designed and quite beautiful. I’ve found they work great across the board and have come in handy as I fill in my collection with the more “specialty brushes”.

I’m so smitten that I am giving one of you a carbon copy of my collection of SOHO brushes (worth over $50). My favorites are:

Powder Brush
Highlighter Brush
Small Shader Brush
Crease Brush
Concealer Brush

Enter to win using the widget below. Open to anyone in the US. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

bareMinerals Marvelous Moxie Lipgloss

It is getting uncomfortably hot outside. And I have a terrible summer cold. Not so fun. But I’m taking comfort in my new favorite glosses – bareMinerals Marvelous Moxie Lipgloss. The cooling minty flavor is so soothing. A blend of shea, avocado, and murumuru (a palm native to Amazon Rainforest) butters is hydrating and nourishing. The formula is thicker but not sticky, qualities lending to a longer lasting color.

The color is sheer and ultra-glossy. I’ve been playing with a number of shades and the color is so sheer that there isn’t a tremendous difference between them. I find myself reaching for Trail Blazer, a nude gold, and Party Starter, a fiery coral, most often. I also love Hot Shot, a flamingo pink. As a bonus, these glosses could make your lips appear fuller: based on an independent clinical study, women saw a 52% improvement in lip fullness in as little as 4 weeks.

Dermelect ‘ME’ Anti-Aging Colored Nail Lacquers

My nails aren’t exactly at their best right now. For some reason, they are more fragile than usual and prone to peeling. So I jumped at the chance to try the newly launched Dermelect ‘ME’ Anti-Aging Colored Nail Lacquers.

The set of six bold creme shades are infused with ProSina, a pure protein peptide extracted from New Zealand’s sheep’s wool. This protein provides strength to nails, making them less likely to chip or peel. The patent pending technology allows the second coat to fuse with the base coat. The resulting web of color made this one of the longest-lasting polishes I have ever tried. I got a beautiful opaque coverage with two coats. After a week of wear, I have found my nails aren’t peeling and growing stronger.

Available shades:

Persuasive (luscious peach)
Provocative (fabulously fresh fuchsia)
Above It (breathtaking sky blue)
Head Turner (brilliant orange crème)
Luxurious (rich, confident lilac)
Power Trip (burst of red w/pink undertone)

The polish is DBP, Toulene, Formaldehyde, and cruelty FREE (no animal testing). These also protect nails from UV damage – perfect for a summer manicure. Available on www.dermelect.com and C.O. Bigelow in NYC.

Laura Mercier’s Almond Coconut Milk Collection

I’m a sucker for those sweet, savory scents. The carmel vanilla scent of Le Métier de Beauté’s lip creams and Tom Ford’s vanilla lip glosses get me every time. And Laura Mercier’s bath and body collections always feature such delicious scents like Crème de Pistache and Crème Brûlée. But her latest collection might be my favorite sweet, tropical scent yet.

Laura Mercier recreated a tropic island ambiance with a mixture of almond and coconut milk. The fragrance is lightweight and clean – perfect for summer. And ideal if you just need a little virtual escape to the tropics.

The following bath & body products are available:

Now through June 10th at NeimanMarcus.com Camp Gorgeous: Free NM Exclusive tote & samples with purchase. Get free shipping with code JUNEFS.

Bliss That’s Incredi-Peel!

I’m a huge fan of at-home “peels” using Alpha Hydroxy Acids. Check out some of my previous favorites here. They instantly add glow and smoothness, clearing and evening skin tone. Honestly, they are one of my most rewarding skin care steps. I jumped on it when one of my all-time favorite brands recently launched their own glycolic resurfacing pads, That’s Incredi-‘peel’!.

The biggest difference here is the strength: these pads are worker bees with serious active ingredients. They call it “spa strength”. This hit the spot for me because I am not a glycolic novice. I wouldn’t recommend them for someone just starting out with this ingredient. But for those who are looking for an extra punch after using other formulas, get on it.

No need for timers or rinsing. That’s Incredi-‘peel’! is powered by an innovative technology that gradually releases powerful levels of exfoliating glycolic acid throughout the night. For all this talk of strength, they did not irritate my skin at all! The witch hazel and licorice extract soothe the skin. These might just be my glycolic of choice.