LUSH A Million Kisses Lip Tint $8.95

“Still searching for the perfect lip color? Treat your smoocher to A Million Kisses, our ruby hued lip tint. Paint your pout a deep, just-bitten red- perfect for that unforgettable Valentine’s kiss. We blend an undertone of blue into this one to make your smile appear even whiter, and your lips will taste of zesty lemons, sweet icing sugar and fragrant roses. There now, we think you’re finally ready for that Hollywood kiss!”

Wow. I have to admit, I was not expecting gorgeous pigment like this from a LUSH lip tint. The ones that I do have from LUSH are fairly sheer. Everyone wants a gorgeous red pout for Valentine’s Day. I think I found mine for 2012.

*LUSH A Million Kisses Lip Tint is Vegan!*

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

LUSH Red Dragon soap

“To celebrate the Year of the Dragon, we’ve created a beautiful, limited edition soap with our best-selling Karma fragrance. Part myth and part legend, we thought that the spicy blend of patchouli, lavender and pine perfectly captured the passionate, creative spark, and free spirit nature of the Dragon. Intense, earthy, and confident: have a wash with the power of our Dragon soap and your ambitions for the year ahead may deliver you with good fortune. At the very least you’ll be nice and clean, and smell scrumptious.”

Red Dragon really is a beautiful soap. The gold shimmer washes off after the first couple uses with hands, after the first wash with body, but you are still left with a beautiful Red Dragon. The smell is pure Karma; I LOVE that scent. The scent thankfully lingers, so prepare to be smelling your hands or arms just to catch another whiff. Red Dragon is a limited edition product, so go get it while you can.

Burt’s Bees Tinted Lip Balms

A hint of color that cares for your lips. 100% Natural

These are my favorite tinted lip balms right now. For those who found Maybelline Baby Lips drying, give these a try. They are all natural and moisturizing. They come in a variety of lovely, wearable shades from nudes, to pinks and deep berries.

Swatches of Pink Blossom and Rose

I’ve been wearing Rose all winter and I love the natural, healthy tint it gives to my lips. It’s natural enough for my 9 year old girl to wear as well. Honeysuckle and Tiger Lily are next on my list.

Purchase Burt’s Bees tinted lip balms wherever Burt’s Bees products are sold.

Tatcha’s new Evening Aburatorigami is black to reflect the chic sophistication of New York City and perfectly sized to slip into the sleekest of clutches, for night perfect skin.

Due to its uniquely porous composition, charcoal has been used in Japan for its powers of absorption in everything from water and air purification to time-tested rituals of beauty.

Like the originals, the paper is still powder-free and will not leave any residue on the skin or disturb makeup. They elegantly remove excess oil, and leave the face free of shine. I love TATCHA aburatorigami as an alternative to touch up powder, which can often cake up.

and Yes… the gold flakes are still included

Try TATCHA’s new evening aburatorigami, available HERE now.

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?

The Snow Fairy is back for the Holidays!

If you love sweet scents, you will love this shimmery bubble gum and cotton candy scented shower gel. I always stock up each holiday season because it is limited edition and not available during the rest of the year. I love using it in my daughters baths. It leaves her smelling super sweet, like candy fluff. She loves the scent and the pretty shimmery pink color it gives the water.

Get Snow Fairy while you can at LUSH stores and LUSHusa.com

LUSH Golden Wonder Bath Bomb

“Just like any good present under the tree, Golden Wonder rattles when you shake it! Are you wondering what’s inside? Pop our big, fizzing, multi-layer invention into the tub and the first thing you’ll notice is the sweet orange, lime and cognac oils as they unfold for a seasonal celebration. Then, as this golden gift slowly dissolves, watch the water magically change colour before your eyes. What else could be inside? You’ll just have to try one to find out!”

or you can just read on…

Golden Wonder smells like sweet orange, lime and champagne. It sparkles with gold glitter, and is shaped like a wrapped gift. To unravel, simply drop Golden Wonder into your warm bath.

The white crust dissolves first, and quickly unveils a bright BLUE inner layer. Large shapes, the colors of orange, yellow and pink pop out and fizz as well.

The water shines with gold glitter and then Golden Wonder saves the best for last. I wasn’t expecting such a sight so unfortunately I did not have my good camera on hand to capture it. Blurry cellphone pics don’t do this bath bomb’s work justice. I will say this.. it is very “Starry Night”.

I thoroughly enjoyed this bath bomb and wish I had another already. LUSH gift card for Christmas please! LUSH Golden Wonder bath bomb is available at LUSH stores and lushusa.com for $6.95