L'Oréal Paris Visible Lift Blur Foundation Review #VLBlurfection

I've never been a big foundation wearer because it always seemed so… fake. Now that I'm getting older, I am a bit more understanding about the desire to, uh, blur the lines. L'Oréal Paris Visible Lift Blur Foundation does just that, creating a luminous, dewy finish that is less pancake and more sheer radiance. 

That might sound silly but it's true. The coverage is more opaque than I ordinarily choose but is also very lightweight. I am totally aware that these are contradictory statements but somehow it works. Proof:

Not bad, right? L'Oréal Paris Visible Lift Blur is super quick and easy to apply, even if you've overslept and haven't showered. Ahem. I'm totally dying to try L'Oréal's Visible Lift Blur concealer, too.

For more information: 
L'Oréal Paris on Twitter: @LOrealParisUSA 
L'Oréal Paris on Instagram: instagram.com/lorealparisusa
L'Oréal Paris on Facebook: www.facebook.com/LOrealParisUSA
Website: http://www.lorealparisusa.com/en/products/makeup/face/foundation/visible-lift-blur-foundation.aspx

In accordance to the FTC Guidelines and the WOMMA Code of Ethics, I am disclosing that this is a sponsored post for SheSpeaks/L’Oréal and I received a sample to facilitate this review. All opinions are, as usual, strictly my own. 

Secret Extensions by Daisy Fuentes

My hair has been woefully thin and scraggly since having kids. Not that I blame my children, who incidentally have lovely, thick heads of soft and shiny hair, but I miss having some volume up there. I don't need '80s big hair but a little extra oomph would be nice every now and then. 

That being said, I am a lazy hairstylist. I might blow dry or flatiron my hair once in a while but for the most part, I'm a wash and go kind of girl. What hope could I have of lush, supermodel-esque locks? Well, apparently a lot. A friend hooked me up with a new product, Secret Extensions, which are endorsed by Daisy Fuentes, who always has a covetably glorious mane of hair.

Secret Extensions are basically microfiber hair extensions attached to a thin, invisible hairband. I was skeptical but I figured I'd give them a try. I received two Secret Extensions, one in black and one in dark brown. They can be worn separately or together for a super full look. I was impressed with how soft they are, very much like human hair. You brush and style them as you would your own hair and they go on as easily as a sweatband does. You simply fluff your own hair up over the band– no backcombing or teasing needed.

The colors blended well with my hair- the black is probably better for winter and the dark brown is a better summer shade for me. Secret Extensions make me feel like a mermaid with cascading waves. And roots that need to be touched up. Ahem.

While I was testing them out, the kids came upstairs and demanded to try them on. Jasper wouldn't let me photograph his heavy metal persona but Roo was pretty into her redneck beard. I like how the curl matches her own wavy hair.

Just for kicks, I thought I'd see how my Secret Extensions looked when paired with my clip-in bangs.

I thought it was a pretty great look but my husband asked why you wouldn't just wear a wig. This proves two things: 1) he has never worn a wig and 2) boys are dumb. Secret Extensions and faux bangs are MUCH more comfortable and controllable than any wig I've tried on. Not itchy and no slipping around.

Secret Extensions won't break the bank at $39.99. Plus you can get free shipping if you shop via this link and use the code "daisy" at checkout.

For more information:
Follow @myhairsecret on Twitter
Like Secret Extensions on Facebook

In accordance to the FTC Guidelines and the WOMMA Code of Ethics, I am disclosing that I received a sample to facilitate this review. No compensation was provided. All opinions are, as usual, entirely my own.

Freya Arctic Cleansing Water - Scandinavian Skin Science

My beauty regimen has always been based on simple efficacy. I like things that work, keep my skin from breaking out or being too dry and don't require a great time commitment. When I was younger, I was totally a wash and go girl but now that I am getting older, I'm not adverse to making a little more effort to keep my skin looking smoother and more, uh, radiant with targeted anti-aging products.

When I was asked to try a new line of skincare products from Scandinavia, it wasn't a hard sell. I love the clean, simple aesthetic that seems to rule up near the Arctic circle. Something about the bracing cold air makes the population prone to good design and natural ingredients, like bentwood furniture and modern glassware. As the Freya Skin Care website notes:

Scandinavian women have long been admired for their supple, clear skin and timeless beauty, thanks to the potency of the region’s resources and a culture of health and well-being. Now Freya is tapping into Scandinavia’s natural advantage in the battle against aging to create a powerhouse skincare system that is truly in a class by itself.

Freya is apparently the first brand in the cosmetic industry to nano-encapsulate marine based Omega-3 fatty acids, as well as LEXA™, a never-before-seen patented ingredient shown to boost collagen production by over 600%. And besides, the line is called Freya, ostensibly named after the Norse goddess of beauty, love, war and death. How cool is that? Those Viking descendants are pretty badass and it certainly couldn't hurt for a little of that to trickle down my way.

I received a full-sized sample of Freya Arctic Cleansing Water to try out. Even the bottle is stately and calming, a stoic column of aquamarine and silver that feels cool to the touch. 

You twist the silver cap up to reveal a hole in the top, which you dab with a cotton ball to release the kraken. I mean, the cleansing water. Now, when I mentioned before that I am a wash and go girl, I should also tell you that I have never used a cleanser that you didn't have to rinse off. I'm prone to oiliness, so it just seems counterintuitive to me that you wouldn't want to rinse. You don't rinse Arctic Cleansing Water off but it gets all the day's detritus off your skin and leaves it dewy soft. In fact, even in the dead of this insanely cold, dry winter, I could probably forego moisturizing after using it without turning into a shriveled crone. It's pretty awesome.

I should also mention that it's hard for me to review one skincare item without trying the rest of the range but this is actually a very good standalone all-in-one product. Like I said, it gently cleans and conditions the skin. I also tried it on eye makeup in the name of science and it did a great job. I was very impressed. 

I wish that Freya offered a travel kit so I could try the whole line without dropping a bundle. I am especially interested in the undereye dark circle and puffiness reduction capabilities of the Freya Firming Eye Cream, since that is my personal beauty pet peeve.

To learn more, like Freya on Facebook or follow @freyaskincare on Twitter.

In accordance to the FTC Guidelines and the WOMMA Code of Ethics, I am disclosing that I received a sample to facilitate this review. No compensation was provided, although I might earn cash or credit if you buy something after clicking on one of the affiliate links. All opinions are, as usual, entirely my own.

Red Carpet Beauty: Zooey Deschanel by Tarte

I love Zooey Deschanel's fresh, kinda retro style. She looked amazing at the Golden Globes, as usual. Here's how Tarte artist Jorjee Douglass created her makeup look.

“Zooey looks like a dream in her cream-colored dress, so I wanted to keep the eye very natural and clean, and make her lips pop.” –makeup artist Jorjee Douglass complexion: To prep Zooey’s face, Jorjee dabbed tarte’s maracuja oil into her skin. Next, she applied maracuja creaseless concealer in light underneath her eyes to erase any darkness. To even her skin tone, she smoothed BB tinted 12-hour primer in light all over. For a gorgeous, natural-looking flush, she dabbed the cheek stain in tipsy over the apples of her cheeks, then followed with Amazonian clay 12-hour blush in tipsy for an extra punch of color. She set her complexion with Amazonian clay finishing powder. eyes: To create a clean, fluttery eye, Jorjee used the be MATTEnificent colored clay eye & cheek palette. She started by smoothing “view from the taupe” up into her creases. Then she lightly blended “bronze horizon” from the sultry sunset Amazonian clay palette over top. To create soft lash definition, she lined her eyes with “don’t stand black” from the be MATTEnificent colored clay eye & cheek palette on her lower lashlines.  Next, she coated her lashes with two layers of gifted Amazonian clay smart mascara. She finished by defining her eyebrows with Amazonian clay waterproof brow mousse in taupe. lips: For a vibrant red, Jorjee mixed LipSurgence matte lip tint in fiery with LipSurgence power pigment in tipsy—the colors combined create a gorgeous pop-art hue.

Iman Skin Tone Evener BB Crème

I've never really fit into the traditional color scheme for beauty. I'm not fair but I'm also not very dark. I'm sort of olive skinned, sort of Asian, often mistaken for Hispanic. Just not "white." Of course, I'm too pale for most cosmetics meant for African American women. It's a little annoying.

That's why I was happy to receive a sample of IMAN Skin Tone Evener BB Crème. Unlike other brands, IMAN Cosmetics offers a wide range of shades that work for almost every skin tone. Not just light/medium/dark. In the IMAN range, my skin tone is Sand 2-3. 

IMAN BB Crème is a little denser than other BB creams I have tried but I think that makes it go on more smoothly and cover up flaws better. It has a very blendable consistency and leaves a soft, dewy finish to the skin. My skin actually feels softer after having used it and I have had no breakouts. Yay! I also received a powder blush and lipstick in saffron- shades I never would have picked out for myself but I was pleasantly surprised!

IMAN is having several in-store events where you can learn more about the BB Crème, up close and personal. Check here to see if there is one happening near you:

If you'd like to try IMAN BB Crème for yourself, I have an IMAN Cosmetics sample set featuring IMAN BB Crème samples in shades Clay Med and Earth Med, Luxury Lip Shimmer in Crystal, and Luxury Lip Pencil in Tan. Enter to win it using the form below:
a Rafflecopter giveaway




In accordance to the FTC Guidelines and the WOMMA Code of Ethics, I am disclosing that we received product samples to facilitate this review. No compensation was provided. All opinions are, as usual, entirely my own.

Up, Switch, Down, Rub: Vaseline Spray & Go

I'm a huge fan of spray-on sunscreen for the kids. It goes on quickly and dries fast, both important factors when you're trying to protect kids who are in a big rush to get into the water and away from mom. I've often thought that such an aerosol dispersal system would be a huge help in keeping kids' skin moisturized. 

We live in Kansas where it has been drastically, earth-crackingly dry for the past few years and despite my best efforts, Roo and Jasper hate using lotions, no matter how ashy and dry their skin gets. They hate how clammy moisturizer is on their skin and how long it takes to soak in. Recently, I received a sample of Vaseline Spray & Go Moisturizer, which just might be the answer. 

Vaseline Spray & Go Moisturizer is a quick, continuous 360° spray lotion that moisturizes deeply and absorbs in seconds. No greasy, clammy feeling so kids can put their PJs on right after the bath as usual. Plus, they get to spray it on, which is apparently kind of cool. I'm thinking it would be great to keep a can in the fridge during summertime to use on overheated skin…

Available at food, drug and mass retailers nationwide in three variants: 

• Vaseline Spray & Go Moisturizer Total Moisture: contains pure oat extract and leaves skin feeling healthy and skin.
• Vaseline Spray & Go Moisturizer Aloe Fresh: contains pure aloe and leaves skin feeling healthy and fresh.
• Vaseline Spray & Go Moisturizer Cocoa Radiant: contains pure cocoa butter and leaves skin feeling healthy and glowing.

In accordance to the FTC Guidelines and the WOMMA Code of Ethics, I am disclosing that I received a product sample to facilitate this review. All opinions are, as usual, entirely my own.

Olay Total Effects CC Cream (Giveaway)

I've said it before– I'm not a heavy makeup wearer. Sure, I like to glam it up every once in a while, but I've never been an everyday foundation user. I've only recently given in to the fact that I should use concealer under my eyes. The fact is, though, I'm 42 and have two kids. My skin is starting to show its age via discoloration. I could use some help evening out my skin tone.

Olay has joined anti-aging properties (AA) with beauty balm (BB) technology to create CC cream. Part of the Olay Total Effects line, CC Tone Correcting cream combines moisturizer, 15 SPF sunscreen and a sheer color for a light, natural effect. No heavy drag queen pancake makeup here, it's just a subtle tint that leaves your skin smooth. Even if you forget to wash your face overnight. Not that I suggest that on a daily basis.

My grandmother uses a lot of Olay products and her skin is still beautiful in her 80s. I should be so lucky!

This is a great product for light coverage. You can literally apply it in seconds and it gives you an even, glowy radiance. If you'd like to try it for yourself, Olay has provided a $25 Walmart gift card for one of my readers. Just enter using the form below.


a Rafflecopter giveaway





In accordance to the FTC Guidelines and the WOMMA Code of Ethics, I am disclosing that I received a complimentary sample in order to facilitate this post and Olay has provided the gift card prize. No other compensation was provided and all opinions are, as usual, entirely my own. 

Get the Look: Allison Williams at the Grammys

I am a huge fan of the HBO series Girls, as one might expect. Even though Shoshanna shares my last name, it's Marnie who really cracks me up. My best friend from high school is similarly beautiful and worked for a prestigious NY gallery. Allison Williams does a great job playing the straight guy among more outlandish characters. She looked gorgeous at the Grammys last night and my friends at Tarte shared how her makeup was done. (Awesome genetic structure would probably help, too!)

Inspiration: “The makeup was inspired by the colors and details of her beautiful beaded dress and jewelry. I wanted to give Allison a dark rimmed eye with a touch of shimmery charcoal grey.” –celebrity makeup artist Mai Quynh for tarte. Complexion: Mai prepped Allison’s skin with Simple Skin Care Soothing Facial Toner followed by Simple Skin Care Hydrating Light Moisturizer all over her face Face: Mai applied tarte’s BB tinted treatment 12-hr primer in light all over her face  Then, she used tarte’s Amazonian clay 12-hr full coverage foundation in light-medium to even out her complexion She finished by applying tarte’s Amazonian clay waterproof concealer in light under her eyes and around her nose Eyes: To ensure her dramatic eyes stayed in place, Mai applied tarte’s clean slate 360 creaseless 12-hr smoothing eye primer all over her lids Then, she brushed tarte’s Amazonian clay waterproof cream eyeshadow in slate from the lash line to the crease To give depth to her eyes, she layered tarte’s beauty & the box Amazonian clay eyeshadow quad in evoke the smoke; she mixed the dark silver and black shadows and smudged them along the top and bottom lash lines Then she rimmed her eyes with tarte’s skinny smolderEYES Amazonian clay waterproof liner in onyx  She finished by applying two coats of tarte’s lights, camera, lashes 4-in-1 mascara Cheeks: Mai dabbed tarte’s cheek stain in awakening to the apples of her cheeks followed by a light dusting of tarte’s Amazonian clay 12-hr blush in exposed Then she warmed up her complexion by brushing on tarte’s Amazonian clay matte waterproof mineral powder bronzer in park ave princess to her forehead, cheeks, and chin Lips: To leave the perfect rosy nude hue, she applied tarte’s LipSurgence matte lip tint in hope In accordance to the FTC Guidelines and the WOMMA Code of Ethics, I am disclosing that I have received complimentary makeup samples from tarte in the past. No compensation was provided. All opinions are, as usual, entirely my own.

M·A·C Archie’s Girls Collection

I love M·A·C. Ever since I bought my first tube of Russian Red, I've been hooked. I love their surly makeup divas, their impossibly glamorous products and their kooky collaborations. Their new collection, M·A·C Archie’s Girls, is the cutest thing I've seen in ages. I've been a huge fan of Archie comics since I was little and - as if you couldn't guess - I was always firmly Team Veronica. So much so that I even named my first child Veronica Roo. True story.

Anyway, the whole collection is super adorable. The online-only white patent cosmetic bags and heart accessories remind me of vintage Ponytail gear and the actual makeup packaging is stellar. Love the cotton candy pinks and corals of Betty:

Of course, I'd be much more likely to wear the drop-dead reds and wines of Veronica:

Spend $75 or more on any online order and receive an exclusive M·A·C Archie’s Girls pin, while supplies last, no offer code necessary.

These would make an excellent Valentine's Day gift. For me!

COVERGIRL blastflipstick

CoverGirl blastflipstick is a dual-sided lip color with a creamy opaque shade on on end and a sheer shimmer on the other. Wear either color separately or blend them for more options. With 13 blastflipsticks available, the combinations are endless! 

My lips tend to be dry in winter, so I'm happy to report that blastflipstick is not drying, although the color is long-wearing. Impressive! I received colors that would not have been my first picks but I was surprised to discover that I really enjoyed trying them out.
Minx blastflipstick is a chocolate brown and shimmery taupe duo. I usually steer clear of brown lipsticks because my mom went through an earth tone phase in the '70s that I hated but I can see how it would be fun for a dramatic lip.

I really love the retro coral color cream in the Stunner blastflipstick. Bob was freaked out by how orange it is but the gold shimmer makes it more contemporary and less "old lady in Florida." 

Vixen obviously has the best name but I was reticent to try it because the fuschia and pearly pink combo is rather Barbie-esque. Thankfully, it goes on much more subtly than one would imagine. I've actually been keeping it in my purse lately because it's so versatile. 

I think blastflipsticks are my favorite new lip product in quite a while. Their texture is great and it doesn't flake off or leave your lips dry. I might very well have to collect the whole set to play with. 

Follow CoverGirl on Twitter or CoverGirl on Facebook for more information and to try the blastflipstick app that lets you see all the shades in action.
In accordance to the FTC Guidelines and the WOMMA Code of Ethics, I am disclosing that I received the samples mentioned to facilitate this review, which is part of a campaign for BzzAgent. No compensation was provided for this post. All opinions are, as usual, entirely my own.

StyleUnited: New View, New You

StyleUnited is an online style destination from P&G, brought to you from their fashion and beauty brands including DDF Skincare, Olay, CoverGirl and Frederic Fekkai. When you sign up for StyleUnited, you build your individual Style360 profile by taking fun quizzes. This gives you insider access to personalized style recommendations for everything from skincare and cosmetics to haircare and fashion. My fashion style is edgy/bold and my makeup style is bold, my skin is combination and my hair is wavy. I appreciate how the recommendations span price ranges and offer suggestions for products I already love as well as things I have yet to try. Let me know what your style is in the comments below! The StyleUnited: New View, New You Giveaway ends June 8th so be sure to join to become eligible and enter today! You could win a $500 gift card to showcase your new, improved style! In accordance to the FTC Guidelines and the WOMMA Code of Ethics, I am disclosing that I was introduced to StyleUnited via SheSpeaks, a woman-powered community of brand influencers. I will receive complimentary samples of products in exchange for writing about this site. No other compensation was provided and all opinions are, as usual, entirely my own.

OrganicaPure - A Natural Indulgence #HGG2011

OrganicaPure is a line of skin care products based on three simple, powerful natural ingredients: cocoa, aloe vera and honey. These gifts from nature have been used in beauty rituals since ancient times, in many different cultures, but OrganicaPure harnesses each ingredient's healing powers and combines them utilizing modern techniques to create products that are as effective as they are indulgent.

Responsible gift-givers can rest assured that OrganicaPure sources their ingredients by sustainably extracting resources from the earth to produce an ecologically friendly product line and spa lovers can just relax and luxuriate in the rich, fragrant bliss. I tried the Aloe Vera & Honey Body Scrub and Cocoa & Honey Body Lotion. I really like the convenient pump dispensers and recyclable plastic bottles. It's such a pain to unscrew lids for jars in the shower or tub, especially with hands that are oily from using a scrub.

Thankfully, OrganicaPure's body scrub is a non-greasy formulation and is very gentle, even on sensitive skin. It's fabulous for use with a body brush or sponge. (I use it with the Clarisonic body brush, and it renders even problem areas like scaly upper arms and ingrown hair bumps baby-smooth. Sorry for that mental image.) The body lotion absorbs quickly, leaving a faint but intoxicating chocolately scent on the skin. I like it but probably need something heavier for the harsh, dry Kansas winter, like the Cocoa & Honey Body Cream or 100% Cocoa Body Butter. I'm dying to try the Aloe Vera & Honey Shampoo, too, and I wish I had a reason to try the 100% Aloe Vera for Sunburn…

The packaging is just right for holiday gift basket, too, don't you think? I like how they hint at the traditional red and green without being so ugly sweater-ish.

Great Deals!

Buy 1 product at OrganicaPure, get 20% off (use code OP20)
Buy 2 or more products, get 40% off (use code OP40) 
Free shipping on orders over $40!

For more deals:

• Like OrganicaPure on Facebook
• Follow OrganicaPure on Twitter

This review was made possible by Mom Spark Media. In accordance to the FTC Guidelines and the WOMMA Code of Ethics, I am disclosing that I received the samples shown to facilitate this review. All opinions are, as usual, strictly my own.

Vogue Influencer Network Clarisonic Challenge

I'm not much of a makeup girl. That is to say, I love makeup, but on a day-to-day basis my face is usually pretty bare. Looking at my senior portrait from high school, it's safe to say I wore more makeup back then than I do now. Shudder.

I've had several friends wax poetic about the wonders of their Clarisonic but I was hesitant about buying one. Being moderately stingy, I was a little hesistant about the high pricetag on these skin cleansing brushes: they run between $150- $225, depending on the model. How much better could it really be? Then a Clarisonic PLUS Sonic Skin Cleansing System showed up on my doorstep as a perk from my membership in the Vogue Influencer Network. Would it live up to the hype?

The PLUS includes a handle, charging cradle, a brush head for sensitive skin, a body brush head, 1 oz. trial sizes of Refreshing Gel Cleanser, Gentle Hydro Cleanser and Nourishing Care Cleanser and a 2 oz. trial size of Refining Skin Polish for body. I didn't realize that it did double duty as a facial cleanser and a body smoother. It has to be recharged for 24 hours before first use, so I took some time to read up on its history. I'm a huge fan of my rechargeable toothbrush, so I was impressed that the Clarisonic system shares its technological DNA with the Sonicare: both were created by the same primary inventor and use similar patented sonic frequency to enhance cleaning power. I couldn't wait to give it a go.

I have always taken care of my skin, using decent quality skincare since college and coming from a long line of relatives who look much younger than they are. I've never had many problems with my skin- no acne or wrinkles or blemishes to complain about. One of the reasons I never took the plunge and forked over the dough to buy a Clarisonic was because I thought my skin already looked pretty good for a 40 year old mother of two. Bear in mind that I am a skeptic by nature and then let me tell you about my initial impression: my skin actually felt noticeably different after ONE use of this contraption. No joke. Two weeks in and I've had multiple people tell me how radiant I look. I haven't been called glowing this often since I was pregnant, and I am quite sure that I am not in that condition now, thank you very much! Even my husband, who is more skeptical about beauty products than I am, acknowledges the visible and tangible improvement.

My dad is going to ask when I developed freckles (and why I never brush my hair) but I think you can see the evenness of my skin tone in this unretouched photo. Now I desperately want to try the Clarisonic Opal, which reputedly does wonders for puffy dark circles- my personal beauty demon.

Especially covetable: Sephora's exclusive Clarisonic Opal Sonic Infusion System with Tarte eye makeup trio.

The Clarisonic PLUS body brush attachment has also been a lifesaver for me. I've had ingrown hairs on my upper arms and the backs of my legs since I was a kid and using the body brush has made a huge difference, much more than sugar scrubs and other exfoliants ever have. I feel like a real smoothie!




In accordance to the FTC Guidelines and the WOMMA Code of Ethics, I am disclosing that I received the Clarisonic PLUS Sonic Skin Cleansing System as shown above via the Vogue Influence Network. I was asked to try the device out and share my thoughts with the group. I was not compelled to write about it and I did not receive any monetary compensation. All opinions are, as usual, strictly my own.

Swimsuit Confidence with Lands' End

The last time I was willingly photographed in a bathing suit, I was very, very tan and wearing a neon yellow bandeau bikini. No, I did not dig up the evidence, don't worry. It was the mid-'80s and I was barely a teenager. Pre-kids, pre-hips, pre-thyroid wackiness.

I am not a gigantic fan of being photographed, in general, much less in a bathing suit, but when I came across Amy and Nicole talking on Twitter about posting pictures of themselves in Lands' End swimwear to support body image and National Swimsuit Confidence Week , I was intrigued and inspired. It was a no-brainer that I'd want to participate, so I was glad when I received an invitation to participate. I'm still loving my non-matronly Lands' End swimdress from 2008, although thankfully it's a little too big this year. Time for a new suit to show off! I'm posting my pics in solidarity with the ladies of Curvy Girl Guide and many other fabulous bloggers who have Swimsuit Confidence.

-- Post From My iPhone

In accordance to the FTC Guidelines and WOMMA Code of Ethics, I am disclosing that I received the bathing suit shown to facilitate this review. As usual, though, all thoughts are my own.

Bare Escentuals bareMinerals Skincare

People are pretty crazy loyal to Bare Escentuals and their 100% pure mineral makeup. There are a zillion imitators these days but they're the real deal, formulating products that not only camouflage flaws but actually work to fix them. I'm a wash and go girl, in general, so I look for beauty products that can multitask. One of their catchphrases is "makeup so pure you can sleep in it," which I absolutely love, so I was excited to hear that they have recently debuted bareMinerals Skincare.

I received a bareMinerals Skin Renewing 30 Day Trial kit, which includes generous sample sizes of Purifying Facial Cleanser, Purely Nourishing Moisturizer and Firming Eye Treatment. All products in the bareMinerals Skincare collection are powered by their proprietary RareMinerals ActiveSoil Complex, a blend of 72 essential macro and micro minerals with three times the antioxidant capacity of blueberries or pomegranates. This antioxidant boost increases cell turnover, resulting in smoother skin, smaller pores and finer lines.

I liked how gentle the bareMinerals Skincare is. The formulas are creamy but lightweight and rinse clean. The cleanser worked well on my makeup without feeling like it was drying me out and the moisturizer and eye cream absorbed quickly without need to reapply– impressive since my skin has been parched all winter. I definitely see improvement in my skin texture, it looks firmer and more radiant. Glowy, if you will. I've even been asked about what I've changed, which I see as the ultimate endorsement!

Bare Escentuals on Facebook
Bare Escentuals on Twitter

In accordance to the FTC Guidelines and WOMMA Code of Ethics, I am disclosing that I received product samples to facilitate this review. As usual, though, all thoughts are my own.

Mama Mio Mighty Moisture

Mama Mio is a beauty brand I fell in love with during my first pregnancy. Their Tummy Rub Stretchmark Oil was my daily ritual indulgence. Post-pregnancy, I found myself addicted to their body firming lotions. Boob Tube Bust and Neck Firmer is still a big fave, almost four years post-partum!

Now they are introducing Mama Mio High Protein Face Care, collection of anti-aging formulas packaged with two 30-second Face Fitness exercises to change the way you look AND feel. There are five products in the inaugural line, incuding a cleanser, eye serum and three targeted moisturizers. I received the Mama Mio Mighty Moisture to try out.

Mighty Moisture is an all-in-one moisturizer with a lightweight feel but heavy duty impact. Within one use, my skin texture was noticeably smoother and more even. I was skeptical at the claims that "one pump is enough," especially since my skin was parched from winter dryness, but it is incredibly emollient and left a pleasant lavender scent on my now-dewy fresh face. The Face Fitness exercises, Rosies and Ponytail Pull-Ups feel a bit silly but are quick and remarkably effective. If you want more of the nuts and bolts on how it works, watch this video:



I am dying to try Eye Know Moisturising Eye Serum next because dark circles and puffy eyes are my biggest beauty problems these days. If it's half as effective as Mighty Moisture, I will be impressed!


In accordance to the FTC Guidelines and WOMMA Code of Ethics, I am disclosing that I received a product sample to facilitate this review. As usual, though, all thoughts are my own.

Tarte Welcomes Spring

The weather is finally starting to thaw and teeny tiny green buds are forming on all the plants but my parched skin still has the dullness of winter. Perennial favorite tarte cosmetics has a bevy of new products to help foster the fresh, healthy look of springtime.

The Amazonian clay 12-hour blush is available exclusively at Sephora and comes in 8 shades to give everyone a natural glow. Even though powder blushes can sometimes be drying, the Amazonian clay works on all skin types, intuitively providing nourishing moisture to dry skin while minimizing oil on oily skin. I am obsessed with the sweet pink dollface shade and love the color-coordinated compact.

The provocateur Amazonian clay shimmering powders have the same refining qualities as the blush but can be layered for looks from subtle to shimmer princess. It's available in two shades, champagne and rose. The champagne is lovely but possibly better suited to fairer-skinned ladies. I thought it was a bit pale on my olive skin. Dust along the decolletage for some instant glamour!

My absolute favorite new product is the emphasEYES natural inner rim brightener. This innocuous nude eye pencil has become my secret wake-up weapon! I wear gas-permeable contact lenses and always have dry, bloodshot eyes. This pencil is amazing- just a little jot on the inner rim makes your eyes look bigger and brighter. Love, love, love this little guy.

tarte's spring 2011 collection is now available at the following retailers: tarte.com, sephora/sephora.com, ulta/ulta.com, beauty.com, QVC.com, Henri Bendel & boutiques nationwide.




In accordance to the FTC Guidelines and WOMMA Code of Ethics, I am disclosing that I received samples of the products mentioned to facilitate this review but all opinions are strictly my own.

Winter Necessity: Dry Hair

I attended the Getting Gorgeous party at BlogHer last summer and received, among many swoon-worthy items, a Remington Wet 2 Straight flatiron. I thought it was novel upon my return home but didn't think too much about it. When the weather is balmy, or outright hot like summers in Kansas typically are, I'm a wash-and-go kind of girl. I rarely think about blowdrying or straightening my hair unless there's a specific event I'm expected to look pretty at. Sad but true.

Anyway, now that the weather has stayed below freezing for a while, I find myself requiring dry hair. Since I'm one of those folks who must shampoo daily (yes, I know it's bad for the color and texture, blah blah blah) as well as being habitually late, anything that speeds up my routine is a bonus. I am officially in love with the Remington Wet 2 Straight. It steams the moisture out of your hair while imparting it with a smooth, glossy shine. Total genius. I highly recommend it for any lazy fashionista on your gift list.

Disclosure: In accordance to the FTC Guidelines and WOMMA Code of Ethics, I am disclosing that I received the Science on a Tracking Expedition kit in order to write a balanced review.

Touch'd Giveaway

***WINNER PICKED 8/27 WITH RANDOM.ORG***

***CONGRATULATIONS, Lisa @thebeadgirl !!!***

her comment...
oh my word...almond puff please!

love rachel MUST try her products :)


Rachel Ferrucci is a dynamo. We've been friends on Twitter and Collective Bias for a while but I finally got to spend some time with Rachel and watch her in action at Evo, where she was in charge of coordinating the speakers– no small feat but she did it in inimitable style, often with a miniskirt, towering stiletto heels and always with a great sense of humor.

Rachel is a busy, busy, busy lady with a zillion different projects going at all times. So naturally she decided to up the ante even further, launching her own line of bath and body products designed to pamper and protect skin. She spent eight years refining the products in the Touch'd line and now she's ready to share them with the world.



I received the Moisture Myst, which is a spray-on that absorbs quickly leaving only a faint scent and soft, soft skin. The Tropical Paradise scent is a bit floral for me (Cherry Bomb or Almond Puff would be more up my alley) but I love how non-greasy it is and easy to apply. It's really great for parched, sunburned skin because it's light ultra refreshing. It is also fantastic for squirmy kiddos who don't like to sit still for lotion application after baths. Just spritz it on damp skin and they'll never know what hit them… Moisture Myst has been great for Roo's occasional eczema patches.



The initial Touch'd offerings include:

Organic Sugar Scrub, Moisture Myst, Bath Butter (this one sounds amazing!), Foaming Salt Soak and Tub Tea Bags.



To enter and win your own Foaming Salt Soak, please comment on this post with which Touch'd scent you want to try most.


Entries will be accepted through August 25th and I'll pick the winner using Random.org. US readers are eligible.


For an additional entry, post my button on your blog (see code on sidebar), join the Touch'd Facebook page, follow @Touchd on Twitter, follow Superdumb Supervillain, follow me on Twitter, fan Superdumb Supervillain on Facebook, fave me on Technorati or subscribe via email or subscribe via reader. Leave an extra comment letting me know what you did for each additional entry.


Make sure you leave an email address in your comment or that you have one accessible on your blog so you can be contacted if you win!


***Click Giveaways on my sidebar to see what else you could win!***