Don’t Need the Sun to Keep Your Summer Sun-Kissed Complexion

There’s no reason to turn into a pasty, pale mess during the winter months because your summer tank tops have been traded in for those cozy, cable-knit sweaters. You can still maintain your tan from that wonderful week you spent in Turks and Caicos.

Here are some products and tips to help you keep your sun-kissed glow:

Nivea Sun-Kissed Firming Moisturizer is a daily body lotion you can use every day because it’s a firming moisturizer and builds a healthy glow within 5 days. There are two formulas, specially designed for light to medium skin and medium to dark skin.





Estée Lauder Go Tan Sunless Towelettes ($28 US for a pack of 10) are these no-mess, no-stress towelettes that apply just the right amount of self-tanner, then blend perfectly for an incredible "tan" every time: streak-free, golden, radiantly natural-looking. It’s really great for first-time tanners and those travelers always on the go.


Lancome Flash Bronzer ($38 US) is a tinted gel formula to ensure uniform coverage and a streakless natural looking tan. Enriched with moisturizing agents and Vitamin E, it leaves the skin feeling sublime, showing off a delicate golden glow. Thanks to the gel’s wonderfully effective self-tanning agents, the body appears evenly tanned for several days.


And, follow these tips for the best faux-tan from InStyle.com:

GET THE LOOK: The key to a fresh autumn complexion is the happy medium: Nothing too pale, nothing too bronze. To create a believable tint, spread a thin layer of light-shade self-tanner around your face and neck before bed each night.

INSIDER TRICK: Apply using a cosmetic wedge, so you can cover your hairline and small nooks and crannies without making your fingertips tan, too.

Don't Get a Turkey Neck!

Just because Thanksgiving is just around the corner doesn’t mean that we all have to turn into turkeys!

I wrote a couple of weeks ago about the importance of taking care of your neck and décolleté before it all goes down-hill (we don’t want everything to start sagging, right ladies?!).

Trying to be extra cautious about my neck and chest area for the past month or so, I have been road-testing a couple of neck creams to find my favorite.

The first product I used was L’Oreal Advanced RevitaLift Night Cream ($11 - $15 US) for my neck. It’s an unscented, thicker cream – and by unscented, we mean that even our boyfriend can’t really identify what it smells like, only that it smells like a cream (LOL). It’s moisturizing but it’s a little too heavy for me and makes me feel like I’ve been sweating in my sleep (not sexy).

I also tried a sample of Bliss Thinny Thin Chin that I got in my Nordstrom beauty gift. This product is definitely more up my alley. It smells really nice, like citrus and grapefruit without being disgustingly sweet because the scent fades after a little while. It absorbs into my skin quickly leaving it soft and moisturized. It’s not sticky or feels layered on (like the L’Oreal did).

I would definitely recommend Thinny Chin Chin even though it’s a little on the expensive side ($48 US). If anyone has a favorite that they use for the neck and décolleté area, I’d love to hear your reviews and recommendations!

Beauty Peeves

Don't you really hate it when you travel to high altitudes and when you finally land, everything in your beauty arsenal explodes upon opening?? Shampoos, facial cleansers, lotions, and even lip glosses!

My weekend in Lake Tahoe was the last straw for me when it came to my favorite facial cleanser, Olay's Foaming Face Wash, exploded about a third of the cleanser in my duffle bag. This must be the third time that this has happened now and I know I should have learned the first time to put it in a plastic baggie. But still, plastic baggie or no plastic baggie, it still leaks no matter what because it comes in a pump form only (blech!) and I hate wasting it.


I've finally decided that now I'm ready to do something about it. I recently read about these nifty facial film soaps from a Japanese brand called DHC on one of my favorite beauty blogs, Makeup and Beauty Blog. The Q10 Facial Film Soap sheets come in a solid form and then foam up when you wet it and swirl it around in your hand to create magical soapy suds! Check out Karen's awesome review and tutorial on how it works HERE.


I'm going to order a boat-load of these online on the DHC website today. You can get 40 sheets for $9.50 US or from now until Nov. 30th, they're only $7 - what a deal! I can't wait to try it out as this will definitely help to relieve me of my exploding soap insanity when I travel.

Now, if someone can only come up with a solution for my favorite lip glosses! *wink*

MAC Holiday 2007: Antiquitease

Just when y'all couldn't wait for MAC's Alexander McQueen collection to come out this past week, MAC has given us even more wonderful holiday items we just have to have NOW!

MAC is coming out with their Antiquitease collection in the U.S. on Oct. 25th. Here's a sneak peak at Heirlooms brush sets, Finery lip color kits, and Royal Assets for lips and eyes.

MAC Holiday 2007 Heirlooms will come in three must-have brush sets: Basic (everyone has to have the basics!), Face, and Eyes. These sets are all $48 US each and come in a cute limited edition packaging that looks like a clutch! I just got back from my local Nordstrom's and already pre-ordered my Basic set; I can't until it comes in the mail!



Finery lip color kits ($38 US) have two lipsticks and one lip gloss and will come in four different color palettes - coral, pink, tan, and plum. Don't get too excited about these yet. These don't roll out until mid- to late November.



And now, the mac daddy of them all... the Royal Assets palettes. You KNOW these are going to sell out FAST like they do every holiday season! Royal Assets will arrive in four lip and four eye shadow palettes. The lip palettes come with three colors in them and will retail for $22.50 US. The eyeshadow kit comes with six colors and will retail for $36 US. I can't wait to check them out. The package looks so "antique" and beautiful, I know I'll pick up at least one set. :)





Viva Glamorous is also part of MAC's Holiday Collection this year. And if you can't get enough for your lips with all the Antiquitease sets, these will make great stocking stuffers for all those MAC addicts out there.



If you can't to check them out either, I actually heard that some of these will be in stores as early as Oct. 18th! Will we have to wait until the end of the month? Or will our MAC Holiday dreams come true in five more days???

Jennifer Lopez Sports the Blue Eyes Too!

I just spotted this photo of Jennifer Lopez in a kicked up version of the blue eyes that I attempted in yesterday's FOTD. Does she ever do anything that's not over-the-top?! But nonetheless, She looks amazing as usual.


Try DuWop's Smoke shadow palette in Navy Seal to get your own blue smoky eye look.

Give Your Cleavage Some Love, Too!

I know most of us are really good about taking care of our skin when it comes to our face. But how many of you (like me) remember to take care of your neck and décolletage? I'd safely bet that not all of us are giving it as much attention as some of the men in our lives do. *wink*

The skin around our neck and cleavage start to wrinkle probably around the time that we start to find those lines on our face. We spend so much time with face creams, eye creams, anti-aging regimens, etc., we completely forget about the other sensitive skin places around our face. But fear not, some of our favorite beauty lines offer solutions especially for your neck and cleavage.

I'd love to know if you've tried any of these and which ones your favorites are!


Bliss Thinny Thin Chin ($48 US) is quite possibly the most exciting thing to happen to your neck since you got your first hickey. With a dual-action complex that instantly tightens, while firming, hydrating and improving the appearance of neck lines, crepiness and hyper-pigmentation over time. It's like a liquid bra for your v-zone!

Olay Total Effects Night Firming Cream for Face and Neck is a non-greasy formula that absorbs deep into your skin's surface to continuously tighten the upper network of skin cells, giving you visibly firmer, more supple skin. The fast-absorbing cream contains skin-strengthening VitaNiacin and helps diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Clarins Jeunesse du Cou - Advanced Extra-Firming Neck Cream ($76 US) keeps the delicate skin of this highly fragile area looking younger longer with this ultimate firming neck treatment that helps firm and smooth away lines and wrinkles as it immediately 'lifts.' The feather-light, silky texture disappears into the skin instantly.

Philosophy's When Hope Is Not Enough ($25 US) for face, neck and décollete is an ultra-rich, moisture cream that helps to hydrate and firm the skin on the neck and decollete area and promote resilience and lift while helping to reduce the signs of premature aging.

Exclusive Nordstrom Gift with Purchase

Even though I picked up a couple of items on Saturday at the San Francisco Centre Nordstorm's, this offer might be too good for me to pass up!

Right now, you'll receive a zebra-print clutch filled with deluxe samples from all your favorite beauty brands with your $95 beauty or fragrance purchase from Nordstorm's online.


This GWP (gift with purchase) includes goodies from: Bare Escentuals, Clarins, Fekkai, Kinerase, Lancome, L.A.M.B. Fragrance by Gwen Stefani, Origins, Smashbox and more!

Okay, I know I just bought a few goodies on Saturday and I really shouldn't but, I think I'll take advantage of this offer, for sure! It's only right, don't you think? I'd love to hear what your beauty purchases are going to be to get this gift!

One last tip, you'd better act fast, too, because I know this offer isn't going to last very long. Remember, it's online only and it's one gift per person while supplies last.

Enjoy!

Pink Ribbon Fragrances

It's Monday again and I'm bringing you fragrances you can purchase to support Breast Cancer Awareness. A portion of each product will be donated to benefit breast cancer research or charity.

Check out these perfectly pink scents!


Aquolina Pink Sugar is stylish and lively. Pink Sugar takes you on a journey through the pleasures and flavors of childhood with a playful blend of vanilla and caramel. The 1 oz. spray retails for $25 US.



Unforgivable by Sean John ($75 US). A breathtaking fragrance expression that says "sexy, rich, unique and passionate". Slightly dangerous, explosive yet cool. Hints of Sicilian Lemon, Champagne, Tuscan Basil and smooth Rum. In the support of breast cancer awareness, Sean John Fragrances will donate $10,000 from the Unforgivable by Sean John Eau de Toilette Spray (4.2 oz) proceeds to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.


Archipelago Botanicals 'Ribbons of Love' Diffuser ($45 US). This gorgeous frosted-glass bottle holds fragrant oils and bamboo sticks that diffuse scent into an entire space. For each item sold, Archipelago Botanicals will donate a portion of the proceeds to City of Hope Cancer Research Hospital in Los Angeles.


Lacoste Touch of Pink ($52 US). With a dash of spirit and a rush of delight, this fragrance features a sparkling burst of feminine energy. The perfume combines a playful burst of blood orange and the fresh sparkle of coriander, followed by sensuous, honest notes of violet and jasmine.

Nordstorm's Fall Cosmetics Trend Show

I just came back from a flurry of lip gloss, eye colors, perfume, and face creams; you name it, it was there at Nordstrom's Fall Cosmetics Trend Show at the Downtown San Francisco Centre.

The day started off bright and early (8:30am on a Saturday!) where professional representatives from the likes of Laura Mercier, Chanel, Philosophy, Clarins, M.A.C., Estee Lauder and so much more were there to tell us what the new fall trends were. And it was very apparent that the look to go for this season was radiant matte skin (if you're thinking of the cakey, thick, face of the early 90s, think again), bold black eyeliner, and beautiful plush red lips.

During show, they raffled away tons of freebies - a couple of Mercer Street Salon San Francisco gift certificates and cosmetic goodies from Bobbi Brown, Nars, Prescriptives, and Shu Uemera to name a few. Unfortunately, there were over a hundred beauty enthusiasts at the show and I didn't win anything. Maybe next time, but that didn't mean that I didn't have a great time perusing the counters testing makeup and getting free samples.

I decided that my first stop would be the Nars counter to search for my perfect red lips. I tried one of their lipsticks at first and then one of their Velvet Matte Lip Pencils. In comparison, the lipstick was dry and getting drier by the minute so I decided against that even though the color was a beautiful deep red and opted for the Velvet Matte Lip Pencil ($23 US) in a similar color, Cruella. These lip pencils contain silicones and special emollients that help your lips stay moist and last long.





My next stop was the Bobbi Brown counter. I had never heard of a gel eyeliner before and always used pencil or liquid so I thought I'd give it a try. Currently, the have a cute little Long-Wear Eyeliner Set that includes 2 of their Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner in Black and Chocolate Shimmer, a mini eyeliner application brush and a mini Everything Mascara. This set is only $38 US and if you want it, you have to act fast. I hear it's really hard to get and the 5 they had at the counter were gone within the first 45 minutes!

Finally, I stopped by the Chanel counter for a makeover. I tried their new Holiday Les 4 Ombres Quadra Eyeshadow in Radiant Gems. It features a cinnamon shade, silver, rose and a shimmery white. The makeup artist applied the cinnamon-y color on my top lid with the rose color right above that and highlighted with the white shimmer. Underneath, she lined my eyes with a gray and black pencil and blended in the silver shadow to create a kind of smoky eye that wasn't too dark because it wasn't on top as well. She very thinly lined my top lip with a black pencil just to create definition. She also put the silver in the inner corners of my eyes to make my eyes really pop.



I really liked the techniques used but I wasn't quite sure if the shades were really for me since they were a little warmer than I normally wear. The eye makeup was also a lot more than what I'm used to wearing too, even for an evening face. Here are my attempts to take my own pictures in the bathroom. Let me know what you guys think!

Favorite L'Occitane Almond Products

Fact: Every October, the blossoms from an almond tree transform into a fruit which grows the almond nut in the center of it. The delicious nut is the main ingredient in my favorite body products from L'Occitane!

When I'm in the mood, I use Almond Delicious Paste ($34 US) in the shower to gently exfoliate my skin. It contains crushed almond nuts and sugar crystals, whipped with nourishing almond oil and almond butter to stimulate cellular activity while making my skin smooth. It's smells wonderful too and I leaves me feeling like I've been in the shower for hours even when I'm not.






Pair this body treatment with their ultra-silky Almond Milk Concentrate lotion ($38 US) and you're all set! L'Occitane blends both tradition (the use of almond proteins) and science (soft silicium to help support collagen synthesis) into a concentrated milk that nourishes and smoothes the skin. I really LOVE this product and it's a L'Occitane best seller. I only have one critique and it's that I wish it came in a bottle with a pump for easy use.

Try it for yourself and let me know what you think!

Reel Beauty Event at Saks

Don't miss it! Saks Fifth Avenue's Reel Beauty event starts Oct. 4th. All you have to do is spend $100 or more at Saks.com or in-store and you'll receive a beautiful black patent tote filled with great samples from Estee Lauder, Annick Goutal fragrances, Bond No. 9 scents, Dolce & Gabbana, and more!

Hurry, this special Stephanie Johnson-designed tote filled with beauty goodies is only available until Oct. 13th in a Saks store near you or online until supplies last!

Lust, Caution: Get The Look from Dior

Inspired from the seductive look of Tang Wei, lead actress in Lust, Caution, Dior recreates her femme fatale look with dramatic eyes and ruby red lips.



Dior Airflash ($60 US) is a spray foundation that revolutionizes they way you makeup your face. It gives you perfect coverage while evening out out your skin tone without being too heavy. The spray mist leaves your face feeling fresh, light, and gives your complexion a perfect, flawless finish.








Start your look of pure seduction with perfectly lined, dramatic eyes that would make even the hottest Hollywood starlet envious. Use Dior's quick drying and long lasting Style Liner ($30 US) on your eyelids close to the base of your lashes with one precise stroke of the brush.








Finish off your Seductress Look with Dior Rouge Dior lip color ($26 US). Lipstick is back this fall and Rouge Dior's unique formula gives you lips that are utlra brilliant, lusciously full, long-wearing and wonderfully moist. Get the look from Lust, Caution with Red Premiere or Celebrity Red. Or try out fall's newest colors like All Star Pink, Brown Ceremony, Diorama, and Interview Pink.

Love Your Lashes!

I recently replenished my Lancôme Dual Finish compact and received a free gift at Nordstrom. Usually, there's nothing really out of the ordinary in those gifts, but this time, I found a new product I really love - Lancôme's Cils Booster XL.

This enhacing mascara base maximizes the result of any mascara you normally use and features micro-fibers for enhanced effect with a triangular brush helps separate lashes. And since I have short and thin lashes, I saw a vast improvement when I tried it. My lashes definitely looked fuller and longer.

Shop for your own Lancôme's Cils Booster XL for $20 now.

If you're looking for a two-in-one mascara includes this lash enhancing base so that you don't have to carry two separate products, Bourjois has Coup de Theatre. It's a double-sided mascara that allows you to get the illusion of false eyelashes...without the fuss in two steps.

Step 1 - Lash extension: white microfibers visibly lengthen by attaching themselves to your lashes.

Step 2 - Lash coloring: mascara creates full volume, ultra rich color and shine.

Shop for your own Bourjois Coup de Theatre for $18 now.

UPDATED Beauty Review: Kinerase

We received some samples of Kinerase Ultimate Day Moisturizer at work the other day and I just had an opportunity to sample it. I must admit that I don't really like to use creams over lotions because it usually ends up feeling too heavy. But I really enjoyed this because it is rich without being too heavy, which is perfect for dry skin.

It provides advanced all-day moisture and antioxidant benefits. When used daily, it will help skin retain more moisture and improve the appearance of texture, tone and blotchiness in sun damaged skin. Contains the highest concentration of kinetin to improve skin’s appearance and is clinically proven to improve the appearance of sun damaged skin by 52%.

If you'd like to sample this product, please email your first and last name and mailing address to KineraseSample@glam.com and they'll send you your own 7-day sample of Kinerase Ultimate Day Moisturizer to try, ideal for more mature consumers with dry skin.

And if you love it, you can purchase it here and receive a FREE Daily Cleanser (a $30 value!) with any purchase through Nov. 1st. Just enter code MBCDRIVE when you check out!

NOTE: If you opt-in to receive your Kinerase sample, you agree to receive future email offers from Kinerase. We will only share your email address.

GWP: Laura Mercier Fall 2007

I was just about to retire for the day when I discovered a Gift with Purchase from Laura Mercier. If you're interested in the LM's Metallic Creme Shadow I just posted about (a $22 value!), you can get one for free when you spend $100 stocking up on your fall favorites on LauraMercier.com through the end of September.

Included in your free gift is:

- A full-size Platinum Metallic Creme Eye Colour

- 0.5 oz Foundation Primer

- 0.4 oz Moisturizer Cream

- 0.4 oz Face Polish

- 1.0 oz Almond Coconut Milk Souffle Body Creme

- 0.10 oz Wildberry Lip Plumper

Enjoy!

Fall Beauty Trend: Metallic Eyes

I'm really excited for fall this year and the subtle metallic makeup is PERFECT because I love colors but I don't wear a lot of makeup so a little shimmer from these metallics goes a long way.

The Makeup Girl got me thinking about the new fall colors when she featured a Bobbi Brown trio on her blog a couple days ago. So I dug around to find some more metallic finds that I'd love to try. Here's what I'm looking forward to:

Laura Mercier's Metallic Créme Eye Colour, $22, comes in beautiful shades of plums and copper this season. What I really love about creme shadows is that you can wear them underneath powder eyeshadows, plum for example, and the color really shines through. Combine the two and purples are more vibrant and the colors are truer to what they look like in their containers. The creme and powder combo is really ideal for long lasting wear and evening. Laura Mercier's line of metallic creme shadow's are long-lasting and waterproof, and that's always a plus.

Shop Laura Mercier's collection of metallic creme shadows now.

FREE Smashbox Fusion Soft Lights!

I love all things gratis as much as the next girl so I'm sharing this with all of you - a coupon to redeem your FREE full-size Smashbox Fusion Soft Lights for your cheeks. Just print it out and bring it on down to a participating Nordstrom's. Today is the last day so hurry!

Enjoy!