Carol's Daughter

Wash Away The Day Gentle Face Cleanse for Oily Skin is made with aloe vera gel, essential oils of lavendar, lemon, lemongrass and geranium among other natural ingredients. This gentle cleanser treats your skin like a delicate flower, leaving it petal soft.

Ylang Ylang and Patchouli Gentle Face Wash is for normal to dry skin and it smells natural and earthy. That's the patchouli talking. It is ultra- gentle and leaves your skin without a hint of residue, just pure smooth, clean skin.

Khoret Amen Hair Oil is what I rub into the dry ends of my hair to give it some strength. This is to be used sparingly because its very concentrated. Just a drop or two on the ends of your wet or dry hair works great. Contains my two favorite scents which are lavendar and sage!

Jazi Jus Hair Oil reminds me of being a little girl, maybe it was a perfume my mother used to wear but when I smell it, I'm five years old again wearing my denim pants with the apple on the knee. Jazi Jus contains almond oil which is a fantastic natural ingredient with lots of benefits. I used this as a conditioner and left it in overnight and then next day, after normal washing, my hair was beyond soft.

In 1993 Lisa Price began Carol's Daughter, a brand that boasts celebrity fans from little Zahara Jolie-Pitt to Jada Pinkett-Smith and many more. Trying these products, I can see why people just love the hair oils and face cleansers! Everything is pure and smells lovely. The list of products doesn't end with hair and face: Carol's Daughter makes a variety of sets and gift collections for mothers- to-be and babies plus luxury products for hair, skin, bath, hands, feet and fragrances (Big Kahuna sounds wonderful!) to suit every mood.

"Inspired by nature, our unique line includes over 300 products for face, hair, body and home - allowing for product combinations and possibilities that are endless for every man, woman and child regardless of skin type, tone, or need."

How can you not love Carol's Daughter? I'm thrilled to see yet another woman succeed in the beauty business! When you go on the Carol's Daughter site, you will see tons and tons of natural based products. I cannot pick just one thing that I want. On my Wish List is the Green Tea Souffle, Ecstasy Sea Salt Body Scrub, Lemon Ginger Mint Manicure in a Jar, and anything for kids because my daughters hair is wavy and prone to enormous knots.

TINte Cosmetics

TINte is a brand that inspires a vintage feel. Think rouged cheeks and red lips, curled hair, a string of pearls, stockings and hair pins.

The Shimmering Face Pearls offer intense pigmentation for eyes, cheeks and lips! This is a product that can be used alone or over a glossy lip color, wet or dry. You can do so much with it... use it as a highlighter, add to your blush or bronzer, use as an eyeliner or eyeshadow. Get as creative as you can and use your imagination. Sprinkle some on your chest and shoulders for a seductive glow.



TINte is the creation of Stacy Provines, a fashion industry insider for over sixteen years. She wanted to invent a cosmetics line that evoked a simpler time. I adore old fashioned glamour, pin up girls and all things glamorous and girly. TINte products are high-end and luxurious but are also fun and flirty appealing to all age groups.

I cannot wait to see what else Stacy comes up with!



Check out the adorable packaging of the Flavored Lip Color! I could easily imagine a pinup girl from the 1940's pulling out a tin of Flavored Lip Color and applying it to her juicy painted lips. Seven tins are available ranging in shades from Root Beer (chestnut brown) to Cream Soda (nude). Wait- no Sassparilla?

I love the Flavored Lip Shines, especially Double Bubble which tastes and smells like real bubble gum but is surprisingly non- sticky! The little containers are shaped like bottles of nail polish and they smell heavenly: sweet and delicious. These little gems provide super shine and are enriched with shea butter for lip nourishment. Shades include South Beach- a glossy clear shade, Mynt Kiss - red with a peppermint zing, Haute Chocolate- chocolate color and taste! And many more shades/flavors!

You must check out TINte website and view all the gorgeous colors and shades and tints! I know you will adore this innovative brand. And pay special attention to the supermodel...you might remember the beautiful Tatjana Patitz from the eighties, she was my favorite model long ago. It's nice to see her on the site!

Becca

I heard of Becca here and there but wasn't sure what the company was all about or how the products compared to other brands.

I had the opportunity to try out some items from Becca and now I have a new brand to add to my list of ever growing favorites. Becca is named after makeup artist Rebecca Morrice Williams who created the brand. The packaging is sleek with silver accents, check out the blush and bronzer compacts. Very elegant and pretty.


The Line and Pore Corrector glides on providing a base for foundation. Or wear it alone. I use this product all over my face and then dab concealor where I need it. The consistency is very silky. The Line and Pore Corrector can also be used as a mattifying agent although I use it as a base. This product is fabulous. It goes on with a slanted applicator tip and you can blend it with your fingertips or a sponge.




Pressed Powder Bronzer is a great bronzer that you can use as a blush, a contouring powder, an eyeshadow. The bronzer is a natural color, not a bright orange or deep brown and its pressed powder so it won't make your skin shiny or settle into your pores.



I tested the Creme Blush in the shade of Frangipangi. It's a beautiful color and very complimentary my light skin. Just a dab will do for each cheek. I made the mistake of applying it heavy-handedly and let me assure you, a little of this creamy blush goes a long, long way! This shade made me look flushed and healthy which is usually what I striving for when I apply blush. It's the perfect color.




I am so picky about foundations, it's not even funny. I'm very hard to please and have been through countless high- end foundations, accumulating quite a collection of hardly used pots and tubes. I did like this one a lot and will keep using it. I use it sparingly, dotting the product on my cheeks and chin and then blending well.

The coverage is medium, and has a creamy consistency. This Stick Foundation SPF 30 will create a flawless face but won't appear that you have a lot on. I'm thrilled that it contains a sunscreen since I rarely wear sun protection on my face. The fact that there is a built in SPF is a huge plus in my book. There are 34 colors to choose from so rest assured there is a shade for every color of skin out there. If you are choosy about what foundations go on your face, then give this one a whirl.



The Glossy Lip Tint is a light- weight gloss that is not sticky or heavy, it doesnt have a scent or flavor. The Lip Tint will make your lips very shiny and beautiful, think of a natural look like you just licked your lips. The color I tried is Colada, a pinky shade with a hint of gold essence. One or two swipes on the lips will give a sheer glossy look.

I'm so glad I tested Becca! I'm impressed with this line and would like to try more such as the Beach Tint, Shimmering Skin Perfector and the Eyeliner and Sealer. Check out all of Becca's products here.

Peacekeeper & Sanoflore

Yes, Peacekeeper Lip Paints are a great quality. Yes, the Paint Me Wise color is deep burgandy, very dramatic. And yes, the packaging is great, the lipstick casing is soft and curvy and the top locks into place.

It gets better- Peacekeeper's goal is to use the money generated by the sales of their cosmetics to support women's health advocacy and human rights issues. I am so down with that! What a fabulous concept. It's fabulous to know that your money is being used to help others when you buy a Peacekeeper product like the Lip Stains, Lip Paints and Nail Paints. They all come in great neutral colors too.

This is such a brilliant idea. Check out the website and sign up to be a Peacekeeper too.



I didn't know much about Sanoflore until recently. I had never heard of the brand. But now that Ive tried a few items and read about the products, I am interested in trying to whole line of skin care. This is what is on their website:
For all those who dream of waking up to the fragrance of rosemary, of showering with mint, caring their skin with rose, washing their hair with cedarwood, of enfolding themselves in the magic of aromatic essences troughout the day before going to sleep in a fragrance of lavender...

That makes me want to grow an organic garden, wear hemp and dance in a field of flowers in the countryside of France. I'd ride a bike everywhere and stop wearing makeup except for pink lip gloss and just a hint of mascara. My cheeks would be rosy and my skin perfectly poreless and vibrant. A girl can dream, right?

This Sanoflore moisturizing mask is a remedy for dull and tired looking skin. Smelling of orange blossoms, the creamy mask will infuse your skin with moisture but leaving it looking firm. It contains both essential and floral waters.



Sanoflore Moisturising Oil contains wheatgerm and rose geranium essential oil to nourish the skin on your face. "Balances the hydrolipidic film and stimulates blood circulation. Regenerates and revives the complexion." As Im getting older I realize that I shouldnt be using products for oily skin, rather I should be nurturing my skin and using anti-aging products. A few years ago, I would have never used oil on my face, I thought my pores were like an oil refinery already. But now, bring it on.

On a very very clean face, I use this product all over especially on my cheeks. It comes in a pump bottle and smells nice. You know how some organic products smell like a health food store? Not this one, its fresh and clean. This product is full of natural ingredients.

LaLicious

this set includes Body Butter, Sugar Souffle scrub, Body Wash and Body Oil, ideal for a gift or as a little something special to your own sweet self!

LaLicious was created in the kitchen of Jessica Lindy who started making her magic potions in her kitchen. Friends and family couldn't get enough of Jessica's souffles, butters and oils and Jessica was on her way to being a full time beauty chef! LaLicious offers all kinds of girly bath and body products smelling so delicious that you might be tempted to eat it. Such as the Brown Sugar Body Scrub...

.. This smells exactly like when you bake cookies and whip the melted butter and brown sugar together. It is so amazing that I almost tried to take a lick. Almost. It's a great exfoliant that contains coconut cream and brown sugar. Please, don't eat this! But trust me, you will want to. The product softens your skin and I like to use a little brush to scrub my hands and feet.

The Body Oils are skin softening, especially if you apply while your skin is still damp. You can also toss a capful of the oil into the tub so you can soak in deliciousness! Again, the smell is sweet and yummy and skin conditioning agents like coconut oil, vitamin E and almond oil keep your skin healthy and smooth.

If oil doesn't make you want to get slippery, then perhaps the Body Butter will suit you. This product is thick and whipped, each butter carries a tantalizing scent and contains one of my favorite ingredients of all time, Shea Butter. I use the Body Oil when I'm lounging in my silk pajamas wearing marabou trimmed slippers and drinking a martini. When I'm on my way out the door and need to be a little drier, I apply a generous amount of Body Butter.

I keep my Body Wash in the shower for easy access. The washes are, of course, a delight to your senses! They smell insanely good, lather up well and envelope you in a cloud of bliss.

I'm thrilled with each of the LaLicious products. With winter coming (although not so much here in SoCal) it's important to be very proactive with skincare and treat yourself to body butters and oils before you have a chance to get dry. Especially hands and feet! LaLicious has a roster of celeb clients such as Kate Hudson and Charlize Theron, Lindsay Lohan and Rene Russo, just to name a few famous girls who use these products.

Hair Hair Hair!

Ecru

Halo

Graham Webb

Nexxus Phyto Organics

You know a bad hair day can put you in the worst mood and ruin your entire day. One look in the mirror at frizzy or limp locks and forget it, you might as well go back to bed.

I'm so glad technology is improving everday and that includes hair care! Long gone are the days when Aqua Net and Dippity Do reined supreme. Thankfully we have tons of hair products on the market for every whim. Want curly locks? Pin straight hair? Voluminous tresses? No problem!

Halo, aimed at color treated hair offers products like their Root Lifting Spray and Bodifying Gel with illuminating color protection as well as thermal protection. Your color treated and heat styled hair is safe with these products! Plus, they work well. Using a generous sized blob of gel, I run it through my damp hair and see it explode with volume as I blow dry. I use the Root Lifting Spray, noticing more body in my thin hair.

Graham Webb's Heat Reponse is perfect for those of us who can't leave the house without fully blowdrying and styling our hair every day. My poor hair takes such a beating! I'm glad there are products like the Heat Response Shampoo and Conditioner which contains triple the amount of Thermacore Complex, a conditioning agent which works with heat. The Heat Response Firm Finishing Spray locks your style into place. If you use this while you style your hair, you will get extra body and volume. The Soft Finish Spray adds shine and protects your hair when you use it on dry hair before you torch your locks with a blowdryer-curling iron-flat iron.

Nexxus has been around a for a long time! I remember seeing this in the salons when I was growing up. This brand keeps adding products to their line such as Phyto Organics. The products contain such healthy ingredients as aloe vera, vanilla, alfalfa and marshmallow just to name a few. All items contain Quinoa Protein, an organic ingredient that helps repair and condition the hair. These fabulous products also add texture and shine. I love the way these items smell and feel, non- sticky and clean!

Ecru is a fresh, urban line which has a lot of products to check out like the Sunlight Holding Spray. In a clear, narrow bottle, this hairspray looks like a ray of sunshine. Infused with olive oil extracts, the spray provides hold and UV protection. Learn more by going to their site and reading all about the other cool items Ecru offers. I want to try their shampoo and conditioner!

For your pleasure..

I want this...

...and this!

I leave the fashion business to my funky gal pal SS Love over at Scarlet B. but I cannot help but post these Neal Decker bags! The top one is from from Bonnie Cashin’s personal design archive. But who is Bonnie Cashin, you ask? A beautiful trendsetting fashion/costume designer from the 20th century! Read all about this amazing women here.

Neal Decker is offering this "Original cheetah print Cashin canvas with brass turn lock closures trimmed in taupe Italian leather." Who wouldn't want this bag? It's not only elegant but glamorous, fun and pretty. Sometimes all you need is a colorful, kicky bag to liven up an outfit! Such as the...

...Porthole handbag. I like the zebra print with cherry red trimming best but you can design your very own bag from a selection of fabrics. Pick the tote or bag you like and then choose the fabric or leather you fancy.

I can guarantee that these bags are hand-made lovingly and the quality is the best you will ever find. I own a Neal Decker bag and it's pure luxury! I feel like a million bucks when I wear it. I have to tell you- just between us- that I was frightened of using such a beautiful bag at first. What if I spilled on it? Got it dirty? But I quickly got over the fear and indulged. Now I'm a little more relaxed about having such a lovely, excellent bag that's essentially a work of art. Roomy and soft, it's my favorite! I wish Neal would get around to designing some shoes now- hint hint.

Oh and I must wish Neal a Happy Belated Birthday! kiss, kiss!!

Smashbox 10th Anniversary Kit

Smashbox 10th Anniversary Kit

I've long been a fan of Smashbox. I like the consistant high quality of their cosmetics, I like the website, the customer service is always top-notch. They have a great selection of products and I am never disappointed. I have been using Filter (which I talked about a few weeks ago) and love it.

Now I bring you the 10th Anniversary Kit. If you have never had the pleasure of using any Smashbox products before, this is the ideal introduction. The kit arrives in a gunmetal gray quilted makeup bag where all the products are nestled in a clear pouch.

In the kit you will find...

Cream Eyeliner Duo: I have become a huge fan of cream eyeliners. Used with the correct flat brush, this type of liner is better than a pencil and is much easier to apply than liquid. You can get very close to the lash line which is super flattering for eyes.

Mini-Lip Glosses: Market, Bombshell, Accessories, one very neutral peachy color, a hot pink sheer gloss and a caramel color. Teeny tiny, these are just perfect to tote around in your pocket. Moisturizing and creamy, the glosses are a nice consistancy. I want to try some of the full sized colors now!

Lash Primer and Mascara: If you like to take the time to use a lash primer, then by all means, do so. I like making my lashes look as long and lush as possible and the primer helps achieve this. The mascara offers the best kind of brush which is full of thick bristles.

Eye Shadow: Its actually a three-in-one shadow in Head Shot, pink, cream and brown to shade and contour your eyes. Perfect! You even get an instruction paper on how to apply the shadow for maximum smokey eyes.

Photo Finish Foundation Primer: This is the renowed primer that everyove loves. I'm pretty sure that this is the product that launched a thousand different kinds of primers from all brands on the market right now. Smashbox is well-known for their foundations and concealors, it's only natural that this primer is a best seller.

I suddenly want to wear false eyelashes everywhere. Check these out. And everytime I visit the Smashbox site, I get all kinds of ideas on what I want in my makeup case. Like this and this and that's just the beginning...

Laura Geller

spackle - under makeup primer


lip shiners

cheek sweeps

Laura Geller is a makeup artist who sells her goods on QVC. Her motto is "minimum makeup, optimum effect." I was able to try out her Spackle, Lip Shiners and Cheek Sweeps. This may be a brand I need to explore more as I was very very happy with what I tested.

Spackle is an under makeup primer and as you know, I never wear makeup these days without a primer. I love how Spackle smooths the skin and readies it for foundation. Spackle comes out creamy and dries clear. The consistancy is smooth, a bit on the thick side- like lotion, you only need a small dot of it to cover your face. It takes a few moments to sink into your skin so I would suggest applying this product, blowdrying you hair or maeing up your eyes, then putting your foundation on.

Cheek Sweeps are awesome! Silky and ultra easy to use, these little pots of color will liven up a lifeless complexion. I dot Cheek Sweeps on when I first get up in the morning for a burst of color. I especially like the natural glow of the Peach Cheek Sweeps. I don't know how to classify this- somewhere between a cream and a powder. The dome shape glides over the apple of your cheek, distributing sheer color.

Lip Shiners are Laura Geller's answer to gloss. Shiny and colorful, these shades are on the neutral side- flattering to everyone. They smell sweet and come in a sleek black tube with a sliver of a window to see the color. I can't find them on Laura's site but Sephora has them here.

I'm pleased with every one of Laura Geller's products. Like I said before, I'd love to try more of her collection. The Mighty Mascara and Lip Swirls have caught my eye!

Hard Candy

Eye Candy Eye Palette

Secret Stash Makeup Kit

Keepsake Heart

Hard Candy rocks! First of all, I love the name. It's catchy and sweet and is the perfect name for this brand of girly pinks and blues. My favorite nail polish of all time is the baby blue shade called Sky. And that is what put Hard Candy on the beauty map!

Now Hard Candy offers these luscious palettes and kits for your eyes and lips. Above is just an offering of what you will find on their site. There are other things to play with so go take a peek.
Keep in mind the holidays are coming up and what teacher/friend/coworker/sister wouldn't just love a bit of Hard Candy all wrapped up and tied with a bow?

See that heart shaped compact, the Keepsake Heart Gloss? It's a sturdy silver jeweled heart with two sparkly lip glosses. The nude is brilliant, clear with a slightly glittery sheen. The pink is a pale shade with flecks of sparkle. Perfect for those of us who shy away from dark colors.

The Eye Candy Eye Palette offers nine glamorous shades, all with a little sparkle to put a spring in your step. My fave is Disco 2000, a dark gray with flecks of bling-bling. The eye shadows are light but you can easily layer for more drama. Just what you would expect from a brand like Hard Candy- lots of glorious colors! I really like Snow Cone. But Pixie is great too. Dillusional is cool. I can't decide on just one, good thing all the colors are in a single compact!

The Secret Stash Makeup Kit contains the necessities for a day or night out. This kit has secret magnets so the three layers stays closed. It reminds me of a Mexican yo-yo. There is a mirror so you can admire your beautiful self, plus a lip brush to load up on four different glosses to keep your mouth painted and ready for a kiss.

Next we have four squares of eye shadow in neutral colors, each possessing a hint of sparkle because Hard Candy loves to shimmer and glimmer! Last is a blotting powder and bronzer to keep your complexion looking glam. The packaging is reminiscent of a Spirograph, remember those? Of course everything Hard Candy makes is of high integrity and is totally feminine and flirty and fun. The brand is totally suitable for teens right on up to those in their 40's and maybe 50's if you are anything like funky Betsey Johnson who doesn't let age get in her way of a rockin' time.

I really wish I had a set of the Glitter Pencils and Lash Freak Lashes!

GIVEAWAY at DuWop

Those fabulous sweeties at DuWop are giving away a smoke eye palette from their new Smoke Collection. Want to look like Kate Moss after an all nighter with Pete Doherty? Black eyes, carelessly lined eyes are HOT. You and I, we need this kit. And you can win it by reading this and heading the DuWop site...

One lucky winner will receive a smoky eye palette from our Smoke Collection. Each palette comes with a gorgeous shimmery, highly pigmented powder and matching creamy cake eyeliner in dark, smoky shades like Plum Wine, Olive Branch, Navy Seal, and Black Gold. Contestents just need to tell us about their most innovative Halloween costume idea (and send in a picture of themselves in costume) and we will choose the winner after the end of the month.

Excellent! Good luck. Get creative. And don't go as a blogger, that costume is soooo overdone!

Rosie Jane

Lip Dew

Cheek Gloss

Eye Define

Rosie Jane cosmetics was created by Rosie Jane Johnston who spent ten years in the makeup industry. She wanted to help women achieve an effortless, yet polished look. The kind of look like when you come home after a day at the beach and your skin is flushed and you feel healthy and happy and sunny.

With just a few stunning, high quality products, you can capture the glow of a sunkissed day outdoors. I feel so fortunate to have had the chance to test these cosmetics and now I get to pass my findings along to you, my pretty glamour girls!

If you buy one thing this week, let it be the Eye Define in the amazing color of Beech Tree, a bronzy brown. The shape of this eyeliner is rectangular which glides smoothly along your lash line, edging your eyes with lush color. Eye Define also comes in Fern, an olive green and Grapevine, purple-black.

Cheek Gloss is a square of glossy color housed in a compact with a mirror. Apply it on the apples of your cheeks for a glowing burst of color! Don't fear- the color I talking about is a sheer, flattering tint that creates a natural look. In Poppy- deep berry, Marigold-peachy bronze and Rose-pink.

The Lip Dew is a shea butter-bees wax enriched, sweet smelling lip polish that drenches your lips in shine! Tara Tottergrass is a clear vanilla gloss, Apple Blossom is a pink shade smelling of apples and raspberries and Elderberry is a berry flavored bronze. You will want to apply the Lip Dew over and over again! Your lips feel soft and taste good, especially if you are an avid lip-licker. In which case you probably have chapped lips and need to keep glossing your lips to keep them nourished.

Rosie Jane also offers cream eye shadows called Eye Hints, in shades of Lavendar, Bronze and Mint Green.

Every one of Rosie Jane's products is neutral and flattering, the colors can suit any skin tone or eye color. The products are packaged in simple and pretty white boxes with hot pink letters and the Cheek Gloss was tied with a nice pink bow. Its the little touches that make a product stand out, right ladies!? I love the name, it's so feminine and upbeat. Is it too late to call myself Rosie Jane?

You can look at colors and descriptions or place an order on Rosie Jane's site, just click here for everything you need.

Solar Balm

SolarBalm is a conditioning treatment for nails and skin. It smells deliciously like almonds and is thick like vaseline. SolarBalm evaporates into your skin as you gently rub it into those dry nailbeds. I see a difference when I apply this, usually before I go to bed.

Jojoba Oil draws Rice Bran Oil and Sweet Almond Oil into natural nails, nail enamel and nail enhancements to keep them tough and flexible. Repeated use drives oils deeper into natural nails and nail enhancements, maximizing the benefits and reducing breakdown.

With winter coming, it's a good idea to keep applying this product so the nails stay strong and the skin stays supple. I've seen manicurists use the famous SolarOil during manicures and pedicures, this is a much more portable product!

Creative Nail Design offers many, many lotions, treatments and tools not to mention colors for nails. Creative Scentsations lotion will soothe and nourish your skin while imparting a cheerful scent, various scrubs and soaks will reduce the look of scaly skin on hands and feet and the nail enamels have been featured in every magazine from Allure to Seventeen.

At home spa essentials!

Bliss Spa is known all over the world for being one of best places to be pampered and taken care of by a team of serious spa professionals. One of my goals during this lifetime is to experience all day spa nirvana at the Bliss Spa in Los Angeles. Until then, I must be content with my Bliss products which are, for lack of a better word...Blissful!

Gentle and non- irritating, all the products are lightly scented and I don't see how anyone could not just love anything Bliss sells. On my wish list right now is the new Triple Oxygen Mask Treatment.

Recently I tested the Fabulous Foaming Face Wash which removed all traces of my heavily made up face. That includes a primer, foundation, concealor, some kind of under eye wrinkle stuff, blush and lipstick along with lipgloss. I also used the Pore Perfecting Facial Polish with boasts the ability to make large pores seem smaller. This product contains small grains to exfoliate and polish your skin. My skin did look squeaky clean after using this and now I love to get a warm washcloth and lightly scrub my face with the facial polish, producing a face that glows with good health.



Everyone who touches my skin comments on how soft it is, like velvet. My secret is always having a layer of cream all over to constantly keep it moisturized and soft. I use the Maximum Moisture Cream concentrating on my hands and feet. This Lemon and Sage body butter
will lock in moisture and feed your skin with plant oils. Use along with the famous Big Blue Bar, a gigantic bath bar which smells like lemons and foams up to produce a heavenly scented lather.




So you can't make it to the spa. But you can use the aromatic Seboni products and create a little haven just for yourself. Lock the husband and kids out. Pour some bath gel into a tub full of hot water and forget everything. Seboni Heligan Haze Bath & Shower Gel and Body Lotion will take you away from the kids and dogs and the laundry and dirty dishes.

The Heligan Haze scent "promotes restful sleep and helps moisturize and protect. Includes five oils, seaweed extract, vitamin E and grapefruit seed extract." With essential oils of lavender, sage, thyme, rosemary, juniper, dill, cypress and geranium, you can not help but feel invigorated after using these products. These are the perfect at- home aromatherapy items to include in your ritual. With all natural and pure ingredients, Seboni is proud of their handmade products that create a sense of well being and good health. Mental and physical benefits abound!





YUM. I love Borba water! I drink a lot of water every day and sometimes I get so bored with plain h20, I need a little something to wake up my taste buds. Well, here comes Borba water to the rescue. It tastes good and offers many benefits, most of which you will see in your skin tone and appearance. Think of it as Beauty Water. Borba offers the water in the following to suit your individual skin needs: Replenishing, Anti-Aging, Skin Calming, Firming, Clarifying, Age Defying. There are also Gummis and Jellis treats and packets of Borba crystals to take on the go.

The consistancy of the Borba water is just like.. plain water. It's not heavy or gritty, it doesn't taste tart or sweet, instead it's like water, but better tasting. I try to drink some everyday.
Borba contains, "Nutraceutical grade vitamins, minerals and botanical ingredients available that have been clinically tested and proven to be healthy for skin!" You can learn more and order some water for your fine self here at Borba. Now if they just made some Borba lollipops, I would be even more excited!




Bath By BettiJo is a must for your spa day. These organic products are handmade just for you with things like shea butter, mango butter, cocoa butter, jojoba, olive oil, sweet almond oil, grapeseed oil, soybean oil, and dead sea salt plus a variety of herbs and botanicals.

I especially love small companies which are run by women like this one. Bettijo began creating soaps in her kitchen and throwing spa parties so her friends could try out her creations. Everyone loved her specialty products so much that she launched her own natural body care product line in November 2003.

I enjoy using the Crisp + Clean Organic Mint body wash which leaves me feeling invigorated. Anything with mint or lemon is not only soothing, but wakes the body up and gives you an all over energized feeling. I need a few candles around my house that smell exactly like this product!

Bettijo has many outstanding products but this one caught my eye plus, a percentage of the proceeds from the sale of this oil will go towards fighting breast cancer. Bettijo has many cool products, you should take a peek and see what she offers. Lots and lots of great spa essentials!

Sharon Bolton Scents

Sharon Bolton Scents are amazing, light fragrances which all have an essence of musk. Each scent, whether is be Truth, Luv or Soul, contains sweet, feminine notes which envelope you in a feeling of subtle, perfumy goodness transporting you to a lush island.

Luv smells just like freshly blooming gardenias mixed with vanilla and a hint of musk. It's so pretty that I get compliments whenever I wear it which is all the time. I started dabbing the perfume on my daughter so I can smell her too. There's a body lotion and wash for each of Sharon's three lovely scents enabling you to layer the fragrances. I poured some body wash into the bath so I could just marinate in the scent of Luv.

Truth is an uplifting, deliciously lemon scent while Soul contains papaya, coconut and pineapple for the most tropical flair.

You simply can't go wrong with any scent you choose, they are all invigorating and sweet but not overpowering. Sharon uses pure, natural and essential oils for her perfumes which don't have the cloying notes so many perfumes can possess. Her body washes contain white tea and the lotions offer lots of vitamins so you can enrich and nourish and keep your skin soft.

Sharon's customer service is excellent, the packaging on the products is simple and beautiful. She obviously takes great care and pride in her product so you know you are getting the very best!

Sharon Bolton Scents is available online at her website. She will donate a portion of all sales from this site to the Susan G. Komen foundation in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month . Use the code DOLLFACE when you check out!

Lorac/ ModelCo/ The Balm

Lorac has this sweet little brow kit available right now at Sephora. I've never done a thing to my eyebrows except tweeze them. I have super light brows and they have really benefited from using this tool to fill in and shape the eye area. What a difference a set of perfectly groomed eyebrows makes. Just look at Marilyn (above)! The set features a mini angled brush to help you draw on your brows, two shades to get just the right color and wax to set the whole deal.

Add some elegant eye-makeup (black liquid liner) and a set of Ardell fake lashes and you will look like a classy movie starlet.





ModelCo. is the brainchild of former model agent, Shelley Barrett, based out of Sydney, Australia. Shelley developed a line of products that would not only serve duel purposes (check out the eyebase/concealor duo in the cap!) but would be innovative, and different than anything else on the market.

Fluidsplash provides medium coverage, it's not sheer (but can easily be blended with a damp sponge to get that sheet look) and its not pancakey- somewhere in between. I have oily skin and this product glides on over my entire face providing good coverage. I still use my Pore Perfector over this foundation but I like the consistancy and the coverage. Plus, the concealor/eye base is so cool!

I love the way The Balm says you can wear the TimeBalm concealor at daytime, nighttime or bedtime! Before I was married, I used to imagine myself waking up at the crack of dawn applying my makeup so my husband would never see me looking less than perfect. HA! Like that happened!

I dab this concealor under my eyes to cover up my eye area in the mornings. I add a hint of moisturizer on top to keep everything looking smooth and wrinkle-less.


TheBalm Plump Your Pucker tinted lip gloss has the best consistancy of any lip gloss I've tried lately. It almost feels whipped, it's so light. Plus the tingle you get when you apply it is mixed with a fruity essence that makes for a very pleasant experience of lip gloss application! No wonder why I apply my gloss every hour. Okay, half hour.

This delicious confection is offered in several sheer, shimmery shades that will make your lips shine. You will love it and your lips will be begging for more! There are some products from TheBalm that I'm dying to try like the Stainaic cheekstain and ShadyLady cream eyeshadows.

Paul & Joe

rouge a levres

fond de teint

eau de toilette

Fashion designer Sophie Albou named her brand after her two sons, Paul & Joe. She branched out from her menswear design to work on womens clothing and from there, Paul & Joe Beaute was introduced.

The boxes and bottles are ulta-feminine, decorated with floral prints and pale colors. The lipsticks are housed in pale pink tubes, every product is very elegant and pretty.

I tested the Protective Fluid Foundation which was light and dewy on my skin. The consistancy is neither runny nor thick and it has a slight, very slight scent. It did not cover up blemishes and dark circles but it did provide a layer of nice, even color that blends well. I would recommend this product for those of you who like sheer coverage and do not have oily skin.

Paul & Joe Blanc Eau de Toilette is a marriage of almond, sweet pea, heliotrope and musk, among other notes. It goes on strong but I'm pleased with the dry-down. As the fragrance settles into your skin, it turns subtle. I like that it doesn't fade quickly. I feel very elegant wearing this! Blanc is for the woman who likes the floral scents.

The lipstick, created from camomile, grapeseed oil, white lily extracts and marigold, is smooth and after application, you can't feel it on your lips. Just apply and forget about it! The lipstick is not heavy, waxy, oily or greasy. I so rarely wear lipstick these days- for me, it's all about the glosses! But I do like wearing these and you can't argue that the case is pure old school beauty.

Paul & Joe Beaute makes me feel as though I should be sitting in an outside cafe with a scarf and dark sunglasses wearing bright red lipstick (no.35) and black heels, smoking a cigarette with a view of the Eiffel Tower. I want to be French and lovely and sophisticated!

You can find more Paul & Joe here.
Pay attention to the beautiful packaging on the Collection Sparkles!

Tarte: new fall goodies

Tarte has their newest line out called Some Like It Hot! Oh yes we do!! I adore the entire Tarte line of products and have yet to find a mascara that I love as much as Lights, Camera, Lashes. This brand is one of my new favorites and I highly recommend you check out all their products on the easy to use website.


The Peepshow Palette offers up two color kits, Onyx (above) and Amber which features shades of bronze/brown .

How genius is it to store the eyeliner and brushes right there in the case? Everything you need for a sulty eye is in one handy box. You have your eye primer plus three smokin' colors for the best smudged eye this side of Kate Moss.

Indelible Wink! A shadow and liquid liner in one. On one side, you can line your eyes with black or brown liquid liner, just get right up close to your lash line and sweep out the ends for a daring look. Flip this product over and you have a crayon-like tool on the other end. However, it's not waxy like a crayon or sharp like a pencil. Rather it's a powder that when layered over the liquid line, gives your eyes a dramatic flair.

I really like the powder end and just used that side for lining my upper eye lids. You know how much I like a dark eye, especially lining just the top lids to look like a starlet from the 1950's. I just need that perfect red lipstick now.
This Mini Lip Gloss kit doesn't have an unflattering color in the bunch! The shades are sheer and sweet, sliding across your lips and delivering a burst of color.

These glosses can snap together so you can bring a few along where ever you go. I especially love that hot pink number on the upper right. Hot mama!

Tarte will donate 20% of proceeds from the Pretty in Pink collection to the Young Survival Coalition. Be sure to look at their site and buy one of their pretty products to support a wonderful cause.

PS. Have you had your mammogram yet this year?

LaurEss

LaurEss is a fantastic company and you will love their mineral based products. Here's what they say on their website,

Mineral cosmetics are made of only the purest ingredients, based on minerals found in the earth. Made almost entirely from pure pigments, mineral cosmetics are used very sparingly to achieve a fabulous coverage with an extremely lightweight feel. Because the ingredients are all inert minerals, which cannot harbor bacteria, no preservative is necessary, and their shelf life is indefinite. The long lasting quality combined with the need to use sparingly, makes LaurEss mineral cosmetics an economical choice among the prestige cosmetic brands.

I haven't had the best of luck with mineral products, finding that many times the powder
settles into every line and wrinkle in my face. Not flattering!

I really liked the LaurEss Optimal Coverage in Vanilla. A mineral based foundation, gently brushing this all over my face gave my skin a flawless finish. The color was just right for my pale skin. All the products have staying power, don't worry about getting sweaty or wet- these face powders won't budge unless you wash with makeup remover or soap.

The eyeshadows are beautiful with a silky texture and good blending power. The shade of Bluegrass on my eyelids gave my eyes a burst of pretty color. The Gem Lights are an amazing product and the photos of the colors do not do the shades justice. The Gem Lights are much more vibrant in person than on the site!

You only need a small amount of the shadow on your brush as you sweep the color across your eyelids or face. Aside from Bluegress, I can't get enough of Envious and as a base color, try Flaunt It. I think Abyss would be gorgeous on someone with skin darker than mine, or with brown eyes. I love blue!

LaurEss offers lots of blushes as well the brushes to apply it with. Finesse is a golden peach color than could double as a bronzer. The Simply Matte colors have lots of pigment and I was surprised at how much color was on my cheek after application. I know to use just a touch of the product on my brush. LaurEss has just the right shade for every complexion: peaches, berries, roses, tawny hues and barely reds.

I am excited to have discovered a new company with high quality makeup. LaurEss also offers lip glosses, brushes and skin care. I can't wait to try more, especially the glosses.

The products are packaged in simple, clear containers, the products are not irritating and do not smell which is a plus. The customer service was excellent which always speaks volumes to me. I would use the products again and again and I know you will have fun trying out the colors!

Urban Decay: kits and palettes

Urban Decay is celebrating 10 years of being wild and funky and crazy with their newest palettes and colors for fall! Happy ten years, Urban Decay!

Above is the Urban Arsenal, for the punky chica on the go. It's a totally rockin kit with a smooth eyeshadow primer, lip plumper, mascara that gives deep black spiky lashes and a gloss that's light and pretty and will compliment any skin tone.

The four eyeshadows are shades of brown such as butter, bronze, chocolate and a shimmery taupe color. There is a peachy blush too. I can think of at least four hip friends who would love to get this palette for a gift.

Oooohhhhh Heavy Metal Glitter Eyeliner! Up until recently I thought I was too old for this kind of thing. Ha! I laugh in the face of age! At this very minute I have the bronze glitter eye liner swept across my eyes. This stuff doesnt irritate my eyes because the glitter is so fine yet really adds a little something special to the eye. POP! I draw a line right over my eye shadow, along the base of the lashes and only on the top. You could get really crazy with this stuff.


With names like Smog, Mildew, Oil Slick, Polyester Bride- just to name a couple- you know that the Urban Ammo Palette is brought to you by the creative minds at Urban Decay. The names are a kick and the shadows are incredible. As you can see, colors range from green (Mildew) to almost- white (Maui Wowie). What I appreciate about this palette is the way the colors blend. They are rather opaque so apply with a light hand! Or be daring and bold, I say go for it girlfriends!

You can easily apply four shadows and seamlessly mix them together. The effect is - WOW! I never took the time to apply eyeshadows before these last few months and the result is now I am addicted to eye color. I just love being feminine and girly- girl, taking the time to carefully apply all my makeup and play around with the shades and hues.

Urban Decay is always right on the mark with their palettes and kits. I'm just itching to get my hands on some of those outrageous nail colors! See what I mean?

And look at this! The coolest product of the fall season, without a doubt!

Lumene

Lumene is a company with lots of products to offer, among them is this awesome nail polish. I called it awesome because it's got a larger- than- usual brush featuring a flatter tip than what you normally find in a nail polish. The polish dries in record time which I love because I'm constantly on the go.

They offers lots of colors ranging from white to dark reds with my favorite being #17, Blooming Beauty, a deep crimson color perfect for fingers and toes.

I applied two coats to my toe nails using the darker colors but with the light shades, I only needed one swipe on each nail and I was out the door, literally.

I am constantly looking for good nail polishes and funky colors, Im pleased to discover Lumene. You can find Lumene products at CVS.com.

Ineke

These scents from Ineke are amazing, refreshing ... simply intoxicating!

The essence of Chemical Bonding is suitably perfect for me. It's a citrus scent, slightly orange with a powder base but dries to be a subtle barely there scent. This is the one that I determined was made for me, a little girly and sassy.

After My Own Heart was the scent that I was attracted to first, a light lilac that appeals to my ultra- feminine side. Balmy Days and Sundays smells like spring, of freshly cut grass and booming flowers. Derring -Do is for men, a citrus, cedar and musk blend. I cannot wait to see what Ineke comes up with next.

Ineke offers her scents in deluxe sample sizes so you can determine which one is perfect for you. These scents are each so beautiful,that if they were works of art, they would be hanging in a museum. You must check out Ineke's fabulous site and learn more.

I was so taken with her four magical fragrances that I had to ask her some questions...I don't know much about the art of perfume making so I especially appreciate her schooling me in this area!

Your perfumes smell amazing. How do you know which scents to combine?

Knowing which scents to combine is a combination of education, experience and intuition. I studied perfumery at a university in Versailles, France, and worked at a fragrance house in Paris for several years. This gave me the basic fundamentals of perfumery. I memorized hundreds of raw materials and learned their effects in larger compositions. I also learned how to construct basic accords and to reconstruct classic fragrances.

Fragrances typically have between 30 and 100 different components, or "notes". Some components are more dominant in the first 15 minutes and are called the "top notes". Others become more apparent after an hour or so and are called the "middle notes" or "heart notes". Finally, the "base notes" are what remain after three or four hours. I believe this changing nature adds to the interest and appeal of modern fragrances, and maintaining its harmony is one of the most challenging aspects of perfumery.

After that, intuition comes into play, and is important in coming up with new combinations. It takes quite a few years to become an accomplished perfumer. For me, a good indicator that you're ready is when you can imagine very specifically the perfume you want to create, and then are able to execute that exact idea. I always try to create perfumes that are different than anything currently on the market.

Why do some perfumes last only a few minutes but others stay on all day?

How long a fragrance lasts depends on the concentration, the materials used, and your body chemistry. Eau de parfum is more concentrated than eau de toilette or cologne, which means it gives a bigger scent impression and lasts longer. Ineke fragrances are all eaux de parfums. An eau de parfum typically lasts about six hours, but can vary depending on the raw materials. Citrus fruits, green notes and florals evaporate more quickly, while woodsy, vanilla and musky materials are deeper notes that tend to last.

For maximum diffusion, you should apply fragrance to your "pulse" points, including the inner wrists and elbows, behind the knees and in the nape of the neck. For a more subtle effect, some people like to spray the fragrance in the air and walk into it. If you have allergic tendencies or very sensitive skin, you may prefer to spray fragrance onto your clothes, which will make a subtle but long-lasting impression. If you try this method, make sure the fragrance is uncolored. All our fragrances are uncolored, so you don't have to worry about staining your clothes (only the glass bottle itself is colored).

In terms of body chemistry, oily skin retains fragrances longer while dry skin allows them to evaporate more quickly. If you have dry skin, you should be less shy about applying perfume liberally.

Are you constantly creating and testing new scents?

I have a lab in my home office with over 300 raw materials, which I like to work with diluted in alcohol in dropper bottles. Sometimes I will start a fragrance with a single, strong idea, like the lilac note I used in After My Own Heart. Lilac flowers cannot be distilled, and I therefore had to recreate it using other materials. I liked the result so much that I decided not to add any other floral notes to the composition, keeping it as a lilac soliflore, although I used lots of non-floral accents like sandalwood and musk.

Sometimes I start out with a general "olfactive family" as an idea. For example, I decided that I wanted something in the citrus musk family for my Chemical Bonding perfume. I worked the citrus notes and the amber/musk notes separately, which made a lot of sense since citrus oils are top notes that evaporate quickly, and amber and musk are base notes that tend to last many hours on the skin. After combining the citrus top and the amber/musk base, I decided it was too masculine and could use some floralcy, so I added a peony note. There are many valid ways to approach perfume composition, but one thing they have in common is that they have to be fine-tuned by trial and error. I usually end up doing at least 100 trials before arriving at a final formula.

Do you imagine a certain kind of person or place as you mix each potion?

I am definitely inspired by concepts or what I call "storytelling" in the creation of my perfumes, and this can include a specific kind of person or place. I use mixed media (photos, text and illustration) on the cartons and my website to tell these little vignettes. I like to work on the perfume composition and story design iteratively and simultaneously. In general, inspirations come from life experiences, my love for design and literature, and my small garden of scented plants.

Juice Beauty

This is a brand I can see myself using for a long, long time. I am totally into the use of organic products to treat the skin. I want to feel like I'm not only cleansing my skin but nourishing it as well. And I am the kind of person who wants results NOW so I'm pleased to see a change for the better in my skin tone since I've been using Juice Beauty.


My normally pallid and oily skin looks awake and glowing. The products smell fresh and are not heavy or sticky. My skin literally sucks in the moisturizer after I apply it, I just want to keep rubbing it all over my face. The Lip Plumper is a fabulous way to treat your lips and keep them kissable and smooth. It feels so, so good on the lips, not greasy or waxy.

Juice Beauty uses freshly-squeezed organic juice concentrates as our base, not water. Organic juices are rich in potent antioxidants, essential vitamins, vital phytonutrients and powerful hydroxy acids. Antioxidants help prevent the signs of aging, thus bringing back the skin's natural radiance. Higher antioxidant benefits have been found in organic fruit juice, the key ingredient in Juice Beauty.

Juice Beauty combines certified organic juices with age-defying antioxidants, performance-oriented peptides, refining hydroxy acids, essential vitamins and nutrients to achieve healthy, radiant skin. Juice Beauty products are pH balanced and formulated for even the most sensitive skin.

Juice Beauty has the right idea. I love being healthy and fit and eating lots of fruits (including green apples) and vegtables, why should a healthy lifestyle stop at skin care?


I use the Cleansing Milk at the end of the day to take off my makeup, then follow with the Green Apple Serum and Moisturizer. I was nervous that the serum would either clog my pores or make my face feel greasy but luckily neither of those results occured. Instead, I was left with super clean skin. The products have a light, gentle scent and are packed with so many essentials that its no wonder why everyone has been flocking to this brand since it came on the market. Juice Beauty boasts a celebrity roster that includes Madonna and Scarlett Johansson.

On my wish list is the Green Apple Nutrient Eye Cream which is supposed to smooth lines and firm the eye area. I would like to continue using the entire line of Juice Beauty, especially the Green Apple skincare. Those green apples are good for the body, soul and skin!


Juice is introducing the perfect little kit right in time for the holidays. Treat a friend- or yourself - to this nifty organic treat which will include the Cleansing Milk, Green Apple Peel, Antioxident Serum, Hydrating Mist and Oil-free moisturizer. This "organics to go" kit will be available soon at Sephora!

L'Oreal HIP/ Jemma Kidd / Bibo

Bibo Blackout Collection

Its all about the color.
Fierce, as Tyra would say!

HIP gloss

HIP eye color

Jemma Kidd Makeup School

For the fall season, think HIGH INTENSITY! Go insane! Experiment with color like never before! I give you permission to be as creative as you can and take advantage of those tints and hues that pack an enormous punch. Gone is the heroin chic look of day- old black liner hastily drawn around your eyes (my personal fave)-- bright colors are what's hot this minute. Page through any fashion magazine and you will see what I mean.

I'm very happy to see L'Oreal introduce their new line of High Intensity Pigments. I thought only MAC had daring, bright colors. Arent you thrilled that hip colors have found their way into the drugstore via L'Oreal?

My favorite from this collection is the Pure Pigment Shadow Sticks. The color is total metallic drama for a strong eye. You can use it wet or dry and it doesn't budge! I enjoyed playing around with the Eye Shadow Duos, it goes on dark and bold and blends well. Each compact includes an applicator and small mirror. The Lip Colors are dark and sexy with matching glosses to bring out a sexy mouth! I have always liked L'Oreal lipglosses and lipsticks. Not greasy or waxy, only the slighest scent, non-irritating and not expensive. The Brilliant Shine lip gloss is a sure way to update your look with a blast of bold color.

Makeup artist Jemma Kidd just introduced Jemma Kidd Makeup School . You must peruse this website and learn about gorgeous Jemma and her new makeup and check out her makeup classes. I was able to sample her lip gloss and lipstick and would like to see more of Jemma's products! The lip hues are rich and bold, the gloss acted more like a lip stain and lasted for hours before I had to reapply! The lipstick is one side balm and the other side color so your mouth is completely moisturized and properly painted.

Lastly, we have Bibo. Ever hear of Bibo? Get your fine self over to the website and check out the Blackout Collection. The colors in this palette are perfection! There are four rich colors -burgandy, bronze, grey-black and indigo with a slight metallic sheen. Extend the side to reveal three more colors, lighter shades to highlight your lids. Clever! The complimentary berry and brown colored lipglosses smell like marshmallow and provide intense shine and color. The gloss is not sticky and the sweet scent is delicious! Bibo's packaging is super sleek and modern.


Don't you love the fall colors? Bright and bold and daring and sexy! I'm simply going to have to venture out of my pale pink lip comfort zone and wear the dark berry colors on my lips for fall.

June Jacobs

Sometimes a girl just needs to relax. Take a day and do nothing. Impossible, right? Okay then, how about one hour of pampering? Light a candle, run a hot bath, gather some June Jacobs Spa goodies and take care of yourself.

Introducing the June Jacobs Spa Collection. Created from the finest botanical ingredients from around the world, these handcrafted products are renowned for their soothing restorative powers and cutting-edge hydrosol technology. Best of all, they are formulated so that you can enjoy the spa experience without leaving the privacy of your own home. Soothe your senses and see the difference in your skin.

The Mandarin Polishing Beads are completely gentle and nonabrasive, the product smells like citrus. This is not gritty at all so you can safely use it on your face and body. I love exfoliating and sloughing off my skin and then slathering on some moisturizing lotion like the Citrus Hand Lotion with an Spf of 15. I don't care that it's for hands, I use it all over because it smells so darn good and absorbs well.

The Green Tea and Cucumber shampoo is ultra incredible. It is super fantastic! I feel this way about the shampoo not only because it's scented like nothing else-- think freshly sliced, ice cold cucumbers with a hint of mint- but because my parched hair is completely soft after using this shampoo. I don't even need a conditioner which is a miracle because my coif is as parched as a autumn leaf in the desert.

I just used the Cranberry Pomegranate Moisture Masque on my face last night. It's very non-irritating and won't dry your skin, it washes off easily and puts a healthy glow in your cheeks. On my still damp face, I sprayed the Aroma Mineral Mist. After all these little treatments, I felt so much more relaxed and calm. This should be my daily ritual, yours too! We are busy, stressed out, tired girls and boys and need our quiet time to decompress. And what better way than with lovely spa products guarenteed to make you feel as good as new? For more information and to learn about June Jacobs, please check out the website!

Besame

Besame Cosmetics is for the elegant woman, the woman in the wide rimmed hat on the train, on her way to an exotic locale or perhaps the big city. She's glamorous and well spoken, dressed to the nines wearing a smile and an air of self confidence.

I really enjoyed testing this brand. I spent a long, long time on Besame's innovative website which cleverly allows you to test colors before you buy. How does that work, you might ask? Well, you choose a model with similiar hair, eyes and skin tone as your own and Besame has the model try on the colors and shades. You can play around with every eyeshadow/liner, lipstick/gloss/liner and blush combination, figuring out what will look beautiful together. I love this idea, you can choose a whole face and buy what you like. It does help to see how the colors will match before you get the products home.

The classy gold bullet easily slips into any pocket or purse. Color is not waxy, goes on smooth.
I adore the gold and red. Classy.

I am a lipgloss addict. I love shiny pink glosses, this one is perfect on my lips. I wear Cotton Candy over Portrait Pink for the most lovely pink glow. The gloss smells like a cupcake but has little taste. This gloss is not sticky nor is it overly shiny. It gives a nice hint of brilliance over the lipstick.

Both eyeshadow and blush come in these gold compacts, recreated to mimic actual cases from the 1930's. The rouge and shadow is of a high quality, not too powdery or full of shine and
it lasts.

I also tried the Pink/Rose lip liner. You know I love my pink gloss/ lipstick so I use the Pink side more often. The liner is smooth, not waxy or hard. It's pointed, but I apply using the side of the pencil rather drawing my lips on with the point. The Emerald/Denim Blue eye liner is the same quality as the lipliner. Emerald is a khaki green while the Denim Blue is a mid-tone dark blue. I like both of these colors and the emerald brings out the greenish hue in my blue eyes.

Besame is a brand worthy of your time to try. The customer service is great, the products arrived in a cute red and gold bag, the site is easy to navigate. Besides the items I reviewed, Besame offers much more, I especially want to try the Rose Moisturizing lotion. Besame is sold at a select number of stores and you may purchase off their website.

Comptoir Sud Pacifique

Comptoir Sud Pacifique has been creating lush, exotic fragrances for over thirty years. I have often seen the brand in magazines but never caught the slighest whiff of any Comp Sud scents until now. I was able to test out several of the tropically inspired perfumes and they are quite unique. These perfumes will bring you to your happy place if that place includes sunshine, swaying palm trees and fuschia flowers.

The easy to navigate website describes their scents in a way that makes you want to book a trip to Tahiti : Rare spices, succulent fruits, delicate flowers, warm, creamy vanilla and lush, green forests...

I tried a variety of the vanilla based scents including Vanille Apricot, Vanille Pineapple, Vanille Extreme and Peach. Each of these heady fragrances mixes strong creamy vanilla with essences of apricot, pineapple or peach. Imagine yourself wearing a delicately flowing sundress with your toes in white sand as you breathe in the smell of fresh- cut tropical flowers and slices of juicy papaya. That's where Comptoir Sud Pacifique will take you.

Coer de Vahine and Fleurs des Caraibes contain floral notes, a very feminine fragrance for the girliest of girls! I love the Felurs des Caraibes which is created from bergamot, fresh melon and heliotrope, hibiscus, ylang and freesia notes, sandalwood, flamboyant wood, jasmine, vanilla, amber and musk.

The Bois de Filao is a peppery, clean smell described as a harmonious blend of a lush, peaceful lagoon surrounded by the fragrant Filao trees, spicy patchouli, contrasted with the sparkling freshness of citrus and papyrus resin.

I can't decide which I like the best. All the vanilla scents make nice "date night" perfumes while the peppery undertones of Bois de Filao would be perfect for a day to day scent. The Fleurs des Caraibes is a day at the beach kind of perfume. As winter approaches and you pull your sweaters out from the drawers, get ready to zip up your boots and wrap scarves around your neck, you just cannot go wrong with a little splash of the Caribbean to warm you up.