Stephanie Johnson Malibu Cosmetic Bags

I just can’t get enough of these candy-colored Malibu bags from Stephanie Johnson. The crinkle patent comes in all these vibrant shades, cheering me up every time I look in my purse or luggage. The exterior is shiny and durable. They have an easy to clean sapphire liner and her signature gold studs. The hard part is deciding which to get! They have Aqua, Orange, Royal, Lime, Lemon and Coral in the following sizes:

  • Large Flat Bag 9″ L x 7″ H
  • Medium Flat Bag 7″ L x 5″ H
  • Mini Pouch : 5 3/4″ L x 1 1/2″ W x 3″ H
  • Passport Cover  7-7/8″ L x 5-5/8″ W
  • Luggage Tag 3-1/2″ L x 4-5/8″ W
  • Wristlet in Gold 5 1/2 ” L

I love that the bold colors help you remember what you packed in each bag. I’ve been putting lipsticks and compacts in my lemon mini pouch. My aqua large flat bag can hold all of my brushes, an eyelash curler and foundation. My coral medium flat bag holds my jewelry for a weekend away. Inspired by Karla, I am also carrying my large aqua bag as a clutch! This would also work great with a gold wristlet attached.

These aren’t available everywhere, so the best place to order is www.stephaniejohnson.com. Be forewarned, the orange is very vibrant and can overpower the coral, but looks fabulous with the blues.

La Prairie Cellular Radiance Cream Blush

This is splurge-y. Yes, I know. But it is just that darn good. October of last year, it won Allure’s ‘Best of Beauty’ award for Best Top Splurge Blush. I’ve been using the Cellular Radiance Cream Blush in Peach Glow for a couple weeks. I invariably toss this in my purse because I want it with me all the time. Not to mention how beautiful the silver and gold compact is.

The nourishing formula adds needed hydration and soothes my skin. The Peach Glow just adds a touch of pinky peach with just balanced luminance. It isn’t a dramatic  look but rather healthy and natural. I just use my fingers to apply right on my cheekbones in a sheer wash, but you can build up the color. This can be worn alone or over any lotion or cream foundation.

There are five shades available:

  • Rose Glow
  • Peach Glow
  • Berry Glow
  • Mauve Glow
  • Plum Glow

P.S. I already envy all of you that live out in LA. Or even those of you with an upcoming trip out there. My four days back in April just weren’t near enough. I squeezed in a visit to the new La Prairie spa at the gorgeous Hotel Bel-Air. The property has recently been updated and the new spa is a “can’t miss”. The understated elegancy and luxury is perfectly quiet and tranquil. May I suggest their new Luxe Caviar manicure and pedicure? Or perhaps a signature facial?

by Lindsay Rogers

CoverGirl Eyes

I’ve found a new drugstore duo from CoverGirl that can’t be beat for summer days. I love the crease-proof, sheer look of CoverGirl Intense ShadowBlast Eyeshadow in Brown Bling. No need to fuss with a primer – it is already built in! This is perfect for those long, hot days. Not only is it water-proof but stays like a champ. The brush is spongy and a breeze to maneuver.

Follow up with CoverGirl Liquiline Blast Eyeliner in Blackfire. This pencil is super creamy and doesn’t tug at your skin as you apply it. The shade is a blendable, grey black – not too severe for summer days. The other end is a smudger which I actually use. It isn’t too stiff and does the job blending out the pigment.

Both for under $15 at drugstore.com

by Lindsay Rogers

Kiehl’s Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate

I was just at the dermatologist yesterday, fretting about sun damage. Her suggestion: start on some form of Vitamin C stat. Unfortunately, the lauded C E Ferulic® from SkinCeuticals causes some sort of redness on me. So I am anxious to try one of Kiehl’s best-selling product: Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate.

Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate uses a 10.5% concentration of pure Vitamin C. It can help prevent the formation of fine lines, help hyper-pigmentation and improve the texture of your skin. And they are giving all of us a chance to try it:

On Saturday, May 12, Kiehl’s is hosting a “Kiehl’s Day of Strength,” at all Kiehl’s locations and Kiehls.com. Customers are invited to any Kiehl’s location for some Vitamin C refreshments, and to receive a complimentary 10.5 day sample to experience themselves. I know I’ll be there to snag mine.

Use this after cleansing and before moisturizer. Works on all skin types. Use it AM and PM.

RGB Nail Color in Coral

With my golden accent nails intact from my LuckyFABB manicure (glitter polish lasts FOREVER!), I scoured my stash for a color to finish my nails. What stood out was the very on-trend coral from a brand new line to me: RGB. I was thrilled with the formula and wear of the RGB polish. It lasted for a solid five days which is a long time for me. The formula is free of Formaldehyde, Toluene, DBP (dibutyl phthalate), Formaldehyde Resin, or Camphor. All RGB products are cruelty free and made in the USA.

Next, I can’t wait to try out the RGB x Jenna Hipp nude polishes that were all over the Met Gala red carpet last week. The classic and low-key shades are a great way to take a break from this season’s vibrant hues. They come in four shades each of foundation and tint. Foundation (or F) is opaque, while tint (or T) is sheer.

Recover from a self-tan job gone wrong: Laura Mercier Body Bronzing Makeup

Recently I was prepping for a very big event. My selected outfit was a dress… meaning my winter white legs were going to be on display. Naturally it was self-tanner to the rescue. The next morning, I woke to discover I was a little hasty with my self-tanner application and had some spots where I was not quite so tan.

Enter Laura Mercier Body Bronzing Makeup. This instant bronzer evened out my skin tone in a snap. It also made my skin look more healthy with light-reflective particles disguising imperfections. I adore the scent: almond coconut milk. It didn’t come off on my clothes, but I probably wouldn’t use this if I were wearing white or yellow. Pick it up while you can – this stuff is limited edition.