Size Matters by Essie is that perfect mix of vampy and classy. I love the blue undertones that make this a real blood-red. At first, I wasn’t quite to sure about the name of this polish. But today, I did walk around with a bit of swagger. So maybe size does matter after all.
Essie continues to be high quality polish with staying power and easy application. Size Matters was part of the Essie Winter 2011, so if you fancy a bottle, pick one up here now.
When it comes to makeup bags, there is absolutely a gold standard. And that gold standard is the Stephanie Johnson Traveler. This tidy case always works perfectly to store and access makeup easily while I am on the road. Especially important are the two snap-out mesh pouches that allow me to organize but also spread out in those luxurious hotel bathrooms (okay, they usually aren’t luxurious, but I can dream, right?).
Stephanie Johnson has has a long passion for printed fabrics and her collection is full with unique, travel inspired designs and colors. I chose Cannes with gold and ivory but I also love the palm beach turquoise. She launched her company in 2000 and quickly became a cult favorite with her compartmentalized design and chic details (such as zipper pulls made with Turkish silk knots). This is an investment piece you can build upon to make a collection as your travels pile up.
The Laura Mercier Baked Eye Color Palette is a great alternative for those who like to use shadow both wet and dry. When you use them dry, they achieve a neutral wash of color. But when you use them wet, they become vibrant and playful. The included, double-ended brush includes a curved Allover Eye Color Brush (used for dry application) and more pointed Creme Eye Color Brush (used to achieve a more dramatic, wet application).
While this was part of the holiday collection, the soft colors like lilac and pink petal are perfect for a spring look. They do have some glitter to them.
These aren’t super creamy shadows so if you have a heavy hand and use them dry, watch out for some glitter fall out. This doesn’t bother me as I prefer a light wash of shadow – I think the palette was designed for this type of use. Austin has had a strange winter weather (well into the 70s this week). So I have been using Pink Petal and Lilac alone as a wash all over my lid in honor of the early spring. This palette has also come in handy to tote around in my purse for a quick touch up.
I can’t believe I dropped the ball on reviewing this palette over the holiday season. But on the plus side, it is now on sale for $36 at lauramercier.com.
No secret that I adore Kate Somerville’s skin care line. One or more of her products often come up when I am asked for recommendations, particularly for hydration. I love the way Kate packages her moisturizers. They have an internal pump that prevents contamination and allows you to get every last drop. And results are quickly revealed.
With her range of options, sometimes picking the right type of moisturizer can get confusing. But the team over at Kate Somerville recently sent out this chart. And it is so helpful. I use both the Cyto Cell Dermal Engergizing Treatment and the Goat Milk Cream. But one (or more) of these five varieties are certain to be a match for your type.
Neiman Marucs is currently having a gift with any Kate Somerville purchase: a deluxe sample of HydraKate Line Release Face Serum. Plus, order online through Sunday, Feb. 5 and receive Free Vosges toffee & blank greeting card with your regular-priced purchase of $200 or more with the code NMLOVE.
Some of my other Kate Somerville favorites:
I know some people who have an issue with bar cleanser, but I am here to tell you why bar cleansers (especially this one) are fabulous. Arcona Berry Fruit Bar comes in the handy tub with a screw top. But, when I am not travelling, I leave it open because this stuff smells so darn good. When I first open the bar, I can stand it up sideways so the scent really fills the room.
Because this isn’t a liquid, instant space is freed up in that pesky, TSA-approved, plastic bag. And no need to fret about cleanser spills and accidents all over your well selected outfits.
Everything has been rough on my sensitive and dry skin this winter. This cleanser satisfies my need for something foamy but not harsh. The berry is really soothing – could be just the smell but it makes me feel better either way. Berries are high in vitamin C, which is an antioxidant. The white tea and vitamin E helps calm down skin irritation. I haven’t been using my Clarisonic with this, but I tried it out on my arm and they play together like champions.
I have an obsession with lip balm and my most recent selection has been my constant companion over the last couple weeks. The miracle of not losing it (as often happens with lip balm) is a testimony to how much I adore this stuff and won’t let it out of my sight.
Fresh Sugar Advanced Therapy Lip Treatment is a gentle and soothing lip balm that just happens to repair, nourish, plump, and smooth wrinkles. And it is scientifically proven to work with ingredients like Hyaluronic Spheres (fills and plumps) and sea fennel extract (smooths and defines).
I love the way Fresh packages their lip treatment in a metal case with a screw top. The screw top ensures that you will never lose the cap and risk that nasty debris at the bottom of your purse contaminating your new favorite lip balm.
“You have to treat your lips the same way you treat your eyes. For these delicate areas, you need ingredients that not only correct but also prevent. With this in mind, we blended effective skincare ingredients with sublime textures for nourishing formulas that offer soft, supple, and youthful lips.” —Lev Glazman, Fresh Co-founder
