Author: Lindsay

Wednesday On The Web (on Thursday)

One of the most resounding trends in the beauty business lately is utlizing skin care to improve skin rather than covering it up with makeup. Wouldn’t we all prefer to look great bare? I know I would. But for me in particular, this means embracing my freckles. Rather than using foundation this summer, I am turning to sheer formulas like this BB Cream (my new favorite). And in the meantime, I am set on a rigorous skin care routine. No going to bed with makeup on! And one day, maybe I’ll be going bare (quite a feat for this beauty junkie!).

Some finds from around the web this week:

Friends & Family time at Tarte Cosmetics with code FANDF. Save 30% now through 8/4.

One day… I will make it to Tulum and visit Coqui Coqui. I plan on buying allll the perfume.

Every beauty buff should know these skin fact.

The average woman spends $15,000 on makeup in her lifetime—and of that amount, $1,780 goes toward lipstick. WHOA!

I want to be inside Kristen Noel Gipson’s beauty cabinet.

My favorite products found during July:

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Dr. Jart+ BB Radiance Beauty Balm

I am on a mission too check out the latest and greatest from Dr. Jart over the next couple of weeks. So stay tuned for thoughts on new BB creams and masks from one of my favorite brands. But one product was such a standout immediately, I couldn’t resist sharing with you guys.

I have had a long love affair with Dr. Jart’s BB Creams. They are truly a best of breed and were the first to hit shelves here in the US. Even my stepmother agrees that they are simply the best out there. There are tons of formulas to choose from but the most recent release jumped to the top of my list.

Dr. Jart+ BB Radiance Beauty Balm does everything a BB cream should do while adding a natural looking glow (if you need a primer on BB creams check out this post here and a another favorite Dr. Jart’s formula here). This moisturizer/sunscreen/serum/tint all-in-one leaves skin looking better, radiant but still natural.

So how does this make my skin so radiant? Hydrogel is encapsulated to add fine pearl powder. This powder brightens the face while still leaving it dewy. Since hyper-pigmentation is my biggest skin beef, I love the addition of brightening ingredients like Snow Lotus, Vitamin Tree Fruit and vitamins.

I add a pea-sized amount to my face and neck. Upon immediately application it can look a little light, but use hands to pat into skin and the color will slightly oxidize, almost as if it adjusts to my skin tone. Because this comes in only one shade, those on the ends of the skin tone spectrum might have a harder time with matching. But those of us in the middle will adore this “best of breed” BB cream.

A solid SPF 30 products skin from damaging rays and the formula is free of parabens, mineral oil, talc, artificial fragrance and petroleum. This BB cream is hypoallergenic, cruelty-free, and dermatologist tested. Available at Sephora.

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.

Tata Harper Fortifying Body Lotion

If there is one area of grooming that I am lacking in, it has to be body lotion. Embarrassingly enough, I remember an elementary school teacher reminding me to put lotion on my legs – definitely a requirement in my super dry childhood home of Denver, Colorado.

Now that I got that little confession off my chest, I have to divulge what got me into the swing of things when it comes to the body hydration department. My adulthood spent in Tulsa doesn’t quite have the dryness of Denver but I certainly wouldn’t call it “balmy”. So lotion is a must. And bonus: as my skin ages, I can see improved tone and radiance with the daily application of lotion.

Well, get ready to bring that to a whole new level with Tata Harper Fortifying Body Lotion. Tata makes all of her products on her farm in Vermont and even grows a portion of her ingredients there. Her products demonstrate dedication to natural ingredients. But she never compromises on results and performance. No wonder a luxury store like Neiman Marcus stocks these beautiful potions.

While I have tried a lot of her skin care, this is the first body product of hers that I have tried (I am drooling over the body oil and will move mountains to get some in my hands). The lotion is packed with ingredients to strengthen and restore skin. My skin is left soft but not one bit greasy. And I honestly thing the moisture level is dramatically improved even days after use. The scent is herbal, spa-like and relatively strong. I love it but if you are sensitive, it is worth testing before purchase.

Partly because of the scent (it is strong enough to interfere with perfume and at the same time very calming), I apply to my whole body before bed. My skin wakes up with radiance, hydration and smoothness. Available at Neiman Marcus.

Samples generously provided by Neiman Marcus as part of the Beauty Ambassador Program, but as always, opinions are my own.

NARSissist Smokey Eye Compact

There is something just plain sexy about NARS goodies on your vanity. And while the brand has been a pioneer in shocking pigments, there is something about their wearable neutrals that just can’t be beat. So no surprise that their NARSissist Smokey Eye Compact is an instant classic.

Instead of going grey or black, this everyday essential contains shades of a creamy and rich brown. Eyeshadows included are Madrague I, Bali and Mekong in a sleek classic NARS palette with the iconic “NARSissist” emblazoned on it. I have had a thing for collecting NARS brushes lately and the Wide Contour Eyeshadow Travel Brush #43 is no exception. Unique in its design, the brush sweeps on base, crease and lid shades nimbly. I love it for travel – takes the place of three brushes in one! Last but certainly not least, Via Veneto Mini Larger Than Life Long-Wear Eyeliner works like a breeze along the lash line. This isn’t my pick for the waterline, but that’s okay. It adds a smoldering look that isn’t too heavy for the hot summer days.

Needless to say, this set is going on my upcoming weekend jaunt to see old high school friends. And yes… you need this. Available at NARSCosmetics.com.

Wednesday On The Web

I have a confession. I used to be not terribly picky about mascaras. As long as I got inky black lashes, I didn’t really pay attention to performance. But as a diligent beauty blogger, I have focused on being hyper-aware of how a mascara performs lately. This post by Beauty Look Book captivated me with her thorough analysis of high-end mascaras. My biggest beef lately has been fall out – drives me nuts when flakes end up below my eyes by the end of the day. After some trial and error, my two most absolute favorites are this new one from Perricone MD and this new twist on a classic. What do you think?

Here are some treats from around the web:

This has me seriously wanting to crank up the A/C at night.

I’m really into essential oils lately – love lemon in my water in the AM – and this guide will help pick out my next oil to be part of my routine!

This “Look In A Box” is one of the best values I’ve seen at the Nordstrom Anniversary sale #musthave.

Are you thinking about going natural in the deodorant department? Don’t miss this roundup.

Today is the last day for an extra 25% off sale items at Shopbop. Check out what I have my eye on here.

On a budget and looking for a foundation? A great guide is right here.

Have you heard of Pocket? I am hooked. Save articles/posts/nonsense from the web and read it later!

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Smoothing Body Scrubs

Now in the full swing of summer pool weather, I am guessing that most of us have bemoaned somewhat uneven skin and maybe some nasty cellulite. And if you are beauty/skin care buff like me, you also know that there is no permanent at-home treatment for this nasty little feature. There is good news though. Today’s smoothing body scrubs are better than even and can promise a full day of tightened skin. Hey, it isn’t a permanent solution but I’ll take it!

First up is the much talked about Frank. Who is this Frank you ask? Someone you want to know. What sold me, being a social media junkie, was Frank’s amazing Instagram – a definite must follow. Frank is a Brooklyn-based body scrub company that uses coffee blended with other ingredients. There are three “flavors” and I elected to try the classic with sweet almond and orange (also available is coconut/grapeseed and cocoa).

Frank directs you to apply two handfuls to damp skin and allow to dry for five to ten minutes. Great in theory. What I found is this stuff is really messy. I was scared to leave my shower so basically I just stood there cold and drying, naked in my shower for as long as possible. I think I maybe made it three minutes. But that was all worth it when smooth and even skin was revealed. I was a little red but that dissappated so quickly. So I didn’t mind cleaning up the destruction of coffee grinds all over the shower.

This scrub not only targets cellulite and stretch marks but also psoriasis, varicose veins, eczema and acne. Skin is left moisturized and nourished thanks to the almond oil, vitamins and minerals. The bag is probably enough for four or five treatments. Bottom line: if you don’t mind a mess and love the smell of coffee, this is for you.

Interested in something a little neater (and more luxe)? Orlane Aqua Svelte Slimming Scrub is a clear shower gel that is specifically designed to smooth skin, fight cellulite and remove dead skin cells. The gel reacts when it is used in water, releasing exfoliating particles. Microspheres, Caffeine, Ginger essential oil and Marine Algae work in synergy to produce a triple action. There is a refreshing cool sensation and an awesome marine-like scent.

While there are no specific directions as to how to apply the scrub, warm water is crucial. I get after it with a pretty energetic scrub and massage. Then rinse away product with cold water (which can prolong the effects).

So what is your type? Are you going for the dirty buzz of Frank or do you prefer the elegant refreshment of Orlane?

I purchased Frank myself. Orlane Aqua Svelte Slimming Scrub was generously provided by Neiman Marcus as part of the Beauty Ambassador Program, but as always, opinions are my own.

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