Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream SPF 35  – $39

A 5-in-1 complexion miracle -worker proven to moisturize, prime, perfect, protect and control oil in a single step. This revolutionary tinted formula instantly evens out complexion to create smooth, radiant skin without settling into fine lines and pores while banishing shine without the chalky matte finish. Visibly reduces the appearance of fine lines & wrinkles after only 4 weeks. Wear alone for a sheer look or under your favorite foundation for more coverage.

I have tested this out a few times now. I like that this evens out my skin without being full coverage. During the week I really don’t care to have a full face of makeup. If you have scars or marks this will probably not be enough coverage on it’s own. It has a nice, natural finish, not too glowy and not too matte. It feels a lot like a tinted moisturizer, rather than the thicker texture of BB creams I have tried from Asia. I haven’t used it long enough to see the BB cream benefits, so I can’t comment on that quite yet. The biggest difference between this and the Asian BB creams is the color selection and the texture. I think this will be a big seller in the spring and summer because of the SPF 35 and the quick, even coverage. I will be wearing this out to the pool for sure.

Light and Medium shown on NC25 skin

Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream SPF 35 is available in four colors: Fair, Light, Medium, and Dark.

*For a limited time you can get a FREE Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream spf 35 mini with any $25 Beauty Insider purchase from Sephora.com*

*Use code SMASHBB*

What is YOUR experience with BB creams?

Nothing working to clear up that sudden breakout? After trying practically every treatment and cream in the book, I’ve found that less is more. Sometimes harsh acne treatments only aggravate your skin more, stripping skin’s natural moisture, causing more oil production. Try taking a more gentle, natural approach. Here’s what has been working for me…

The first thing you need is a pack of premium cotton pads. They won’t leave cotton lint on your skin. I spray the lined side of the cotton pad several times with rose water. Then I put two or three drops of tea tree oil onto the saturated cotton pad. (That’s two or three drops, NOT dropper-fuls) Tea tree oil is very strong and should never be used full strength on the face.  You may be able to find a tea tree oil that comes with a dropper, otherwise you should purchase a dropper bottle separately. If you don’t have rose water, you can spray the cotton pad with plain water. Next, wipe the cotton pad over clean skin. (You would remove any makeup beforehand.) The rose water and tea tree oil work as a gentle toner, and both have natural astringent properties.  This will help unclog pores and treat any breakouts you might have. You can feel the gentle tingling sensation. If your skin seems like it’s getting dry, lessen the amount of tea tree oil you are using. If nothing seems to be working for your skin, give this a try and let me know what you think!

Products I use:

• Home Health Rose Water available at Sprouts
• Premium Cotton Oval Pads available at Walmart
• Desert Essence 100% Australian Tea Tree Oil available at Sprouts

Kiss My Face Peace Soap - 100% Natural All Purpose Castile Soap

If you have some spring cleaning to do, why go out and buy a ton of products for the various jobs. Clean head to toe, ceiling to floor, and snout to tail with this all purpose castile soap by Kiss My Face. Here are just a few of the over 100 ways you can use this 100% natural concentrated liquid:

• Shampoo
• Body wash
• Dog bath
• Veggies
• Counter tops
• Dishes
• Laundry
• Walls
• Floors

Kiss My Face Peace Soap is available in four different scents, and three sizes. The scents are Lavender Mandarin, Grassy Mint, Lemongrass Clary Sage, and Pomegranate Acai. The sizes are a travel size 3.4oz for $2.99, a 17oz bottle for $9.99, or the best value 34oz for $15.99.

I love the fact that these are 100% natural, and you can use them on just about anything. I hate getting ripped off by buying a floor cleaner, a kitchen cleaner, and a bathroom cleaner. Like really?? What’s the difference? Then you are inhaling all those bad chemicals. No bueno. Have YOU ever used an all purpose castille soap?

A portion of each Peace Soap sale goes to the organization Seeds of Peace: Founded in 1993 by journalist John Wallach, Seeds of Peace is dedicated to empowering young leaders from regions of conflict with the leadership skills required to advance reconciliation and coexistence. Find out more HERE

It’s getting close! If you’re completely lost, here’s a few items I recommend to give… or ask for!

TOMS Herringbone Fleece Classics $59.95

Keep your toes warm and toasty, while still giving back to those in need. That is the real spirit of Christmas after all, isn’t it?

Clarisonic Mia in Garnet $119

The recent introduction of the Clarisonic Mia 2 has lowered the price of the original Mia. I’m still not sure what the 2 does differently, but I know it’s not available in Garnet!

Urban Decay Naked 2 $50

If you can find it…

If you can’t, any girl would be lucky to get the original Naked palette instead.

Diptyque Votive Candle Set $84

The French luxury of candles. Try out the three best sellers in mini version. Gift box included. A candle lovers dream. If you want to grab a full size instead, go for Baies. Trust me.

What’s on YOUR Christmas List?

Current Beauty Faves for August 2011

CHANEL Eyeshadow Quad in Topkapi $65 – I’ve been wearing this daily since I received it. It’s one of those no-brainer quads, where the colors blend together effortlessly. This quad is a close second to my all time favorite CHANEL Eyeshadow Quad – Beiges de Chanel.

Urban Decay 24/7 Liquid Liner in Demolition $18 – New from Urban Decay, these liquid liners are pigmented and long-wearing. I need eye makeup remover to take them off, otherwise I end up with a clean face and still perfectly lined cat eyes. Demolition is a deep dark brown. LOVING it!

NARS Bronzing Powder in Casino $32 – If you have been in the sun lately and you notice your NARS Laguna bronzer isn’t showing up on you as well as it usually does, it’s time to move on up to NARS Casino. It’s a deeper level of brown with the same subtle shimmer that Laguna offers. A little goes a long way, so apply with a light hand and build up as needed.

MAC Sheen Supreme Lipstick in Bare Again $14.50 - Remember the discontinued Slimshine in Bare? This is that reincarnated. Sheen Supreme lipsticks are glossy and moisturizing. Bare Again is a creamy neutral color. It’s very “My lips, but better”.

Urban Decay Lush Lash Mascara $20 – This mascara is conditioning and is infused with growth serum. My lashes look lush and long. I will continue to use this along with my other favorite mascara, Urban Decay Supercurl.

Dream Organics Rose Water $18 - You guys already know I love rose water, so how could I not try a new, organic rose water? It comes in a beautiful glass bottle and I’ve heard it’s a favorite of celebeauties, Kim Kardashian and Megan Fox!

What Are Your Go-To Products Lately? Any New Finds? Please SHARE

LUSH Dirty Toothy Tabs

NEW from the LUSH “Dirty” grooming line, Toothy Tabs are solid tabs of toothpaste that are perfect for travel . They are sold in a recycled paper box, and can be recycled once empty. My box will probably never be empty, and I’ll try to explain why…

Read the rest of this entry »

This month’s Beauty Faves are all about skin care and health. What good is all the makeup in the world if you don’t have a healthy canvas to apply it on? I’ve noticed that with improved skin health, I don’t feel the need to wear as much makeup. Not to mention, I’ve been getting some sun lately. Spending a lot of time outdoors and in the pool can wreak havoc on the skin. Nobody wants to be dry and peeling. Healthy, smooth and moisturized  is the look we’re going for this summer, and here are the products that have me feeling and looking my best:

The Body Shop Pink Grapefruit Scrub $10 (currently on sale)

This scrub smells incredible and makes my skin so soft and smooth. It gently exfoliates without making my skin feel raw. Pink grapefruit seed oil provides essential fatty acids to repair skin’s moisture barrier, so it feels smooth and supple. Community Trade organic honey moisturizes and conditions skin.

Olay In-Shower Body Lotion $6

This is one of the best things to happen to my skin in the recent years. Not having to slather my skin in lotion after my shower saves me time. My skin stays smooth all day and I get compliments on the scent as well. Read my full review HERE

Kiss My Face Sun Spray Oil SPF 30 $12.95

I’ve been spending a lot of time outdoors. It’s hot in AZ and the only thing you really can do outside is be in the pool. This calls for sunscreen. If you keep up with the news, you probably know to start looking for sunscreens that do not contain the chemical oxybenzone. Kiss My Face Sun Spray Oil has SPF 30, UVA/UVB protection, is fragrance free and oxybenzone free. It’s oil based so it makes my skin look glowy in the sun, yet it’s somehow still water resistant. Bottom line: it keeps me from burning, which prevents me from peeling. Good stuff.

Clarisonic Mia Sonic Skin Cleansing System $149

The Clarisonic Mia is the best investment I’ve made into my skin. It deep cleans to remove makeup completely. It also exfoliates the skin at whatever level is right for you. I use the delicate and sensitive brush heads. Normal and Deep Pore Cleansing brush heads are also available for the Clarisonic Mia. If you don’t have one, Get one.

Evian Facial Mist travel-sized trio $15

Summer must-have for years now, this Evian facial mist keeps me cool in the harsh, dry heat. I will forever buy this stuff. I keep one in my medicine cabinet for a setting spray after powder, and I keep one in my purse so I always have it handy.

Biotherm Aquasource Levres Lip Balm SPF 8 $20

I think they may be discontinuing this, but I’m going to tell you about it anyway since it’s still available online. This lip balm moisturizes my lips and gives them a really pretty sheen. It smells divine and the SPF is a nice plus. Even lips need protection from the sun’s rays. Ever had sunburned lips? Waaah

Sonicare Flexcare+ Electric Toothbrush $169.99

I use this with the Pro Results brush head and it is a major upgrade from the Sonicare Elite electric toothbrush. It effectively cleans deep between teeth and along the gum line, and is said to be an alternative for regular brushing and flossing. There are a few different settings, including one for those with sensitive teeth, and even one for just massaging the gums. As if that wasn’t cool enough, the charger also has a UV brush head sanitizer attached to keep your brush head free of bacteria.

What Are Your Go-To Products Lately? Any New Finds? Please share in the comments..

Kiss My Face Sun Spray Oil SPF 30

Recent claims about the dangers of oxybenzone in sunscreen bring up the need for sunscreens free of the chemical to avoid those risks. Kiss My Face Sun Spray Oil SPF 30 is an easy to apply, oil based sunscreen that offers fragrance free UVA/UVB protection that’s also water resistant. It’s the perfect sunscreen for those who play hard and enjoy the outdoors.

I’ve been using this sun spray oil for a couple of weeks now and I really like it. It dispenses the product easily with a spray top. I spray the oil liberally and then spread it evenly all over my body. I don’t use this on my face. I haven’t burned and I’ve spent hours at the pool. Always remember to reapply after swimming or towel drying, paying close attention to areas prone to burns like the shoulders, back and chest.

Kiss My Face Sun Spray Oil SPF 30 is available for $12.95 at most health food stores along with their full range of sun care options that effectively block harmful UV rays.

Maxi pad giant, Always, has made a “historical advertising move” by utilizing the first ever marketing campaign to show “blood”. Yes it’s true. Once a month, actual BLOOD comes out of a girl’s vagina and contrary to years of false advertising, it’s not BLUE. I was just telling someone the other day how annoying feminine hygiene commercials are. All pretty and poised, with subtle verbiage and bogus taglines: “Have A Happy Period“… for real? Yes I’m happy that it ARRIVED this month, but that’s about it. So here it is, menstruation’s moment of truth: One miniscule, red dot. Wow, don’t be too generous with that forward thinking, Always. Oh well it’s a start. How do YOU feel about marketing towards women? Does it make you feel awful about being a girl sometimes like it does ME?? Share.
*Via Huffington Post

O.N.E. Coconut Water splash of pineapple

Nail polish is China Glaze Electric Pineapple

O.N.E. Coconut Water splash of pink guava

Nail polish is China Glaze Flip Flop Fantasy

O.N.E. Coconut Water splash of mango

Nail polish is China Glaze Papaya Punch

O.N.E. Coconut Water with a splash of passion fruit

Nail polish is China Glaze Happy Go Lucky

My current obsession on display in true Shew fashion

Many thanks to all the readers’ input on my coconut water post. After many taste tests, I have stopped looking. O.N.E. is my go-to for coconut water.