Fresh Sugar Advanced Therapy Lip Treatment

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

HANAair Professional Hair Dryer

I am guilty. Guilty of using what I now know is an inferior hair dryer for years. I received the HANAair Professional Hair Dryer from Misikko last month and, admittedly, I wasn’t sure I would be willing to quit my beloved Chi. The Hana was heavier and had more settings than I was used to. But then, I turned it on and my whole hair drying world changed.

My drying time is literally cut in half. The super powered AC motor in this thing is STRONG. I think, despite the low noise claims, it is fairly loud (but I don’t mind with this kind of performance). Even when I have it on my now preferred lower heat level, my very long hair dries in minutes. I don’t notice drastically shiner hair, but I like knowing that the tourmaline lined ceramic heater is good for my locks.

The HANA Salon Air Hair Dryer Features:

  • Ion Technology- condition hair & reduces static electricity
  • Tourmaline & Titanium Oxide Technology- natural ions promote healthier hair
  • Silver Nanotechnology- for antibacterial Protection
  • Scratch Resistant Shell with black metallico finish adds durability and is easy to clean
  • Long life motor with low noise
  • Gyroscopically balanced for easy handling
  • Fiberglass concentrator

NARS at Paris Haute Couture – Bouchra Jarrar

NARS and Paris – two of some of my most favorite things! Check out the look that makeup artist, Christophe Danchaud, created for Bouchra Jarrar’s AW 2012 runway show at Paris Haute Couture.

INSPIRATION & LOOK: “It’s an evolution of the Bouchra Jarrar brand,” explained designer Bouchra Jarrar about her collection. “The look is elegant, luminous and detailed, with a focus on the bottom eyelid,” said lead artist Christophe Danchaud, for NARS Cosmetics. “The skin is transparent, with the cheek lending a touch of color. Woody, pink lips, and a dark, smudged liner give it a feeling that it’s a bit worn in, because Bouchra wanted to communicate a feeling of warmth through her collection and the makeup.”

FACE

  • Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer (NEW for Spring 2012!)
  • Douceur Blush
  • Gina Blush

EYES

  • Thunderball Eyeshadow
  • Goddess Soft Touch Shadow Pencil
  • Misfit Duo Eyeshadow
  • Paris Duo Eyeshadow
  • Larger Than Life Lengthening Mascara

LIPS:

Lina Hanson Global Face Serum

Lina Hansen is a Swedish makeup artist, currently based in Hollywood. She has quite the lineup of celebrity clients who are already fans of her new serum. So naturally, I had to try it. Like some other “oils” out there, the Global Face Serum is a blend designed to be used as a moisturizer or pre-moisturizer treatment. What makes it different is that the blend is organic and sourced specifically to suport female empowerment and fair trade. Many of the ingredients are harvested by women to promote economic growth in their countries.

I’ve been using one pump, morning and night in addition to a creamy moisturizer. I have been pleased with increased radiance and improved hydration. It is quickly absorbed and calms down my skin after exfoliation. I am using a fairly strong retinol right now, so the addition of the serum has provided much needed balancing and healing. And it looks amazing under makeup. I’ve mixed a little with tinted moisturizer for a dewy, fresh look.

Normally, I would summarize the ingredients, but I love how Lina has detailed what each carefully selected ingredient will actually do for you. It is a little primer in natural skin care:

  • Marula — rich in antioxidants, anti-aging properties and is said to be a more potent source of vitamin c than oranges
  • Baobab — helps prevent and treat dry skin conditions
  • Camellia Seed — moisturizes, brightens the skin, lightens age spots and prevents wrinkles
  • Argan — protects against premature aging, hydrates the skin and neutralizes free radicals
  • Brazil Nut — maintains smooth, younger looking skin
  • Pumpkin Seed — decreases redness on the skin caused by rosacea
  • Mandarin — promotes a finer textured skin and helps remove any congestion as well as acne scars
  • Neroli — improves elasticity, stimulates new cell growth and softens wrinkles and scars
  • Frankincense — rejuvenates the skin and prevent the formation of wrinkles
  • Palmarosa — moisturizes your skin yet balances the hydration levels
  • Ylang Ylang — cures both dry and oily skin

Oh, and also worth mentioning:

  • No animal ingredients/no animal testing
  • Completely free of parabens, artificial fragrance, silicone, petrochemicals, synthetic fragrances or any other chemical ingredient.
Global Face Serum is available at www.linahanson.com.

Dior Spring Lips & Nails

I feel like I need a lip and nail color cleanse after a holiday season full of deep red and dark jewel tones. Anticipation of spring makes me want to wear something delicate, feminine and pretty. So, no better place to turn than Dior’s Spring 2012 Garden Party Collection. Inspired by a party in a Norman rose garden, the collection features soft pink, purples and pinks – plus a scented, mint-green nail polish I am dying to get my hands on.

Also by Dior, my new Spring lip color, Dior ‘Rouge Dior’ Lip Color in Versailles, is a hydrating, semi-opaque, coral. I like that it isn’t such a deep color that you can’t whip some on without a mirror. The golden shimmer has a gloss-like effect. And the finish has staying power but still has shine.

NARS Makeup Removing Water

I have fully embraced cleansing oils, especially in this dry, Texas winter. But I just can’t get on board with the oil-based makeup removers that leave behind a filmy residue. NARS to the rescue. They recently launched a soap-free, oil-free, and alcohol-free water that removes face makeup and tones the skin. This is great alternative for those with oiler skin or those who prefer to stay away from the heavier formulas. Not to mention, I now can’t go without this toning step after cleansing to really make sure all my makeup is gone. This will come in especially handy this summer, when my skin is calling for something lightweight and refreshing. It is gentle enough for my sensitive skin and has soothing botanical ingredients that leave my skin glowing and hydrated.