NYC's Eye Love New York Collection

Eye Love New York! That's the slogan for NYC cosmetics (NYC standing for New York Color) bright eye color collection that is currently available at your local drugstores. These single eyeshadows are great if you're tired of your regular shadows and need some color- ranging from bright blue to a lime green. They also have neutrals to pair w/ the brights to create a smoky effect. Here are the colors I was able to test and some swatches.

These swatches are made with just my fingers. The little brush in each eyeshadow case are too small but good for using as an eyeliner, but definitely not as a shadow. The colors are not as opaque as I thought they would be. They're bright in the packaging but not so much when I wear them. (Note: I didn't use primer for these swatches.) They were also slightly chalky at first, but they're blendable and good if you're looking for just subtle color. If you're not looking for anything too over the top, these are a great affordable alternative. :) Check out your nearest drugstore for these single eyeshadows!



My favorite teal blue shadow from the collection.

(Disclaimer: I received this product from this company's PR agency to test, try and share my thoughts with my readers.)

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Inifiniti Pro by Conair: Spin Air Brush

Looking to bring volume at your roots without the hassle of a brush & a blowdryer? Then you have to try the new InfinitiPro by Conair's latest product- Spin Air Brush! This handy device will dry your hair and give you the option of curling your hair or bringing volume at the roots. Replacing my blowdryer this summer, I have been using this Spin Air Brush non-stop to get smooth hair when I'm not using the "spinning" option and curled ends when I do use the "spinning" of the brush. I've been seeing less frizz on my hair after using this due to the even ceramic heating this tool provides.

When I first saw this, I didn't really think this product was going to be a hit. After my first use, I was pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to dry my hair in several sections while giving my hair oomph!

There are two buttons (the ones sticking out) to control the rotation of the brush. It's conveniently located so your thumbs can press it down. Your hair can easily be wrapped around the brush once you press the spin button, so be careful! Once you have a section rolled around the brush, let it stay heated for a few seconds and then have it on "cool" to set.

Get your Spin Air Brush at the Conair Store here.

For more TIPS & TRICKS...


(Disclaimer: I received this product from this company's PR agency to test, try and share my thoughts with my readers.)

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Thymes: New Bergamot Vert Collection

Spceialty fragrance brand, Thymes, has a new collection this summer. With a Mediterranean theme, Bergamot Vert is a blend of essentials oils to lift your spirits and make you feel like you're on vacation. (I'm already back from my Fiji trip, right? ;) I kid.) Bergamot Vert products contains notes of citrus, balsamic cypress, light jasmine and light musk. The paraben-free formula for its collection is perfect for the rest of this summer and into fall.

I tried the Bubble Bath, more as a body wash actually since I don't have a bath, and I felt so relaxed. The scent was extremely pleasant and notably zesty and musky which is a nice combination. The formula was rich and lathering (using my wonderful EcoTools shower pouf!) Thymes has done it again with another great scent, as I love their other scents that I have tried, including Agave Nectar & Kimono Rose.

These will also make a great housewarming gift for the summer, especially an assortment from this line. The products range from $12-$30, so they're affordable & chic! Enjoy the citrus.. :)

(Disclaimer: I received this product from this company's PR agency to test, try and share my thoughts with my readers.)

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Welcome Caudaulie-usa.com !

If you read my earlier post on Caudalie, you would have seen some of my summer picks from this French brand. They're here in the States and I am happy to announce their new website, www.caudalie-usa.com , has arrived! To celebrate, they are offering all US customers 15% off their purchase with code: NEWSITE, until 8/15/11. (See more codes or cashback opportunites at eBates.)

Caudalie were generous to send me a few more products to celebrate their launch, including my MUST-HAVE Beauty Elixir. Just in time too b/c I am almost done with my first bottle.. What can I say? It's been a sweaty summer. :)

I was most excited to try their most talked about eye cream product, Premier Cru, which by the way, Caudalie will be in this month's August Birchboxes!! (What is Birchbox?) This eye cream instantly hydrates the delicate skin underneath my eyes and I really think it has actually lightened it too. My dark bags do not seem so dark anymore and love how it makes my eyes feel like a million bucks! ($95, USD, actually) I use a bit of an eye brightener to top it off during the daytime and voila- a refreshed, new me! Check out the new website- www.caudalie-usa.com to see your favorite Caudalie products. Don't forget, with the 15% off special using "NEWSITE", you also get 3 DELUXE SAMPLES with every order & FREE SHIPPING on orders over $50!

Birchbox and Caudalie had a special SPA event for birchbox members only. :) Psyched to have attended- recap coming soon!

(Disclaimer: I received this product from this company to test, try and share my thoughts with my readers.)

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Sally Hansen Crackle Overcoats- Let's get crackling!

Have you crackled yet this summer? If not, there's still time to join the crackle train! You may or may have not heard about this trend already, but these crackle nailpolishes literally crack as a topcoat. It provides a sneak peek to the shade you're wearing as a base with a nice pattern. I have pretty small nails so the crackling unfortunately for me can be quite minimal. The Sally Hansen crackle collection includes the 8 colors, ranging from glittery gold & silver to black and white. I particularly like the shimmery ones as top coats, crackle or not, so they're my personal preference. I did like the solid red and blue topcoats because they were opaque enough to actually see the crackle.

Overall, testing these polishes out were quite fun. They're something different and exciting to look at and if you mess up on the polish a bit, it doesn't really matter. You can't tell!

I do have to note that the scent is particularly strong so please work in a well ventilated area- no need to take in nailpolish fumes when you don't need to! Also I wish the brushes were the same as the Pro Manicure brushes- wide and rounded! Happy Cracklin'! :)

(Disclaimer: I received this product from this company's PR agency to test, try and share my thoughts with my readers.)

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Skincare Consultations by Clinique at participating Sephoras

Get your skincare consultations by Clinique with their new diagnostic tool on the Apple iPad in participating Sephora stores. The events kick off this Friday, August 5th at the Sephora 5th Ave. with special guest PEOPLE StyleWatch Beauty Director at 5pM. See below for the schedule.

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Escape to the Islands with Pure Fiji

Looking for an island getaway? I know I am, but I won't be going anytime soon. Knowing this, I plan to bring the island to me! How? With Pure Fiji products! If you're a fan of reality TV and you've been watching the Bachelorette TV show, you know that Ashley is Fiji with her final two guys. (This coming Monday is the finale, so don't miss it!) Last week's episode of her dates on the Fiji Islands had breathtaking scenery (not them, but the island). The gorgeous views of the beaches and how serene it looks is amazing. Who wouldn't want to be there?

Pure Fiji bath & body products are made on the islands, and come in so many great scents. My favorites are always the fruit, citrus ones. :) I got a sampling of their products and have to say I am impressed with the quality. They smell great and are very nourishing on my skin- I really feel like I'm at a spa relaxing on the Fiji Islands minus my masseuse.

Here's what I tried..

	The DiloRescue Body Butter is great for the summer right now. If you have dry, irritable skin from a sunburn perhaps, then this soothing body cream made from dilo nut butter will help you through it. It will bring moisture back to your skin and calm it while it heals. This is great to bring with on all your beach trips this summer.
	Pure Fiji's moisturizing body butter is an alternative to use when you're skin is back to normal (see above DiloRescue's body butter usage). This everyday cream will help moisturize your skin and keep it looking smooth. The scent- white gingerlily- is a floral fragrance that I don't smell too often, so I like it a lot!

See more Pure Fiji products here...

	The exotic body oil in coconut & honey is a sweet, fragrant body oil to use to pamper your skin. Its light and completely nourishing for your arms, legs, and the rest of your body. I like using this after a body scrub so I know my skin absorbs all the oil. :)
	This body mist in Mango smells absolutely delicious. Mango is one of my favorite fruits so I can't help but spray this every morning. Its small size is also perfect to carry in your purse so you can get a whiff of your new scent during the day.

(Disclaimer: I received these products from this company's PR agency to test, try and share my thoughts with my readers.)

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Soap & Paper Factory - New Scent: Geranium

Earlier this year, I learned about the company, Soap & Paper Factory, and told you about their hand cream in Lavender. They have new scents, including Geranium. Their creams are formulated to leave your hands extra soft and silky. Its packaging and size is great to leave at your desk or put in your bag- the choice is yours! I know when it gets cooler in the Fall, I will be bringing this with me everywhere b/c the scent smells so good. This floral fragrance includes hints of Patchouli and Ylang Ylang- smells like a to keep you moisturized and at ease all day long.

I also love the fun packaging of their products. The scent Geranium also comes in a Diffuser, room spray, soy candle, soap and a solid perfume. With so many options and other fragrances to try, you will find a scent that you like!

Learn more at: http://www.soapandpaperfactory.com

(Disclaimer: I received this product from this company's PR agency to test, try and share my thoughts with my readers.)

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Summer Hair Rehab 101

Summer Hair Rehab 101

UVA rays, chlorine, air conditioning, and more frying your hair? Find out how to repair it now

This is a TotalBeauty.com hair care article Sure, all that time in the sun is fun -- until you're blowing out your hair for that summer BBQ and realize your color has faded and all that salt water has made your mane dry and brittle. Show your hair some summer lovin' by checking out these expert tips on how to repair the damage. See tips

Sephora Haul featuring Josie Maran Cosmetics

Last week, I posted about the Sephora Beauty Insider's 500 point gift for a Josie Maran set and how I snatched it. Well, it finally came this week and super glad it did. I can now enjoy all of the Argan Oil goodies including the two products that I purchased- Argan Oil Daily Moisturizer with SPF 40+ & Argan Illuminizer. But first, the 500 point gift!

I already have 3 out of 5 of the products before- lip gloss, GOGO mascara and the 100% pure Argan Oil. I'm excited to try the hair serum- the heat has definitely fried my hair- and the new cleansing oil! I only use a teensy amount of the cleansing oil and although it feels pretty oily when applying, using warm water to wash off, my skin feels amazingly clean and refreshed.

Argan Illuminizer- See more reviews here. I use this as a highlighter above my cheeks right now and love how it just makes my face look so radiant. It's a bit bronzey and the shade is just right- in fact, the color is so pretty, most skin tones can wear this and look absolutely stunning. They recommend using this under dark circles but I haven't tried that yet. For a gorgeous dewy look, I recommend this!

Daily Moisturizer- So far, this has been a really smooth moisturizer that I use sparingly. haha. This small little bottle was kinda expensive so I am saving it up! A pump is all I really need actually to cover my entire face. I use this first and then the illuminizer. :) (I was able to get cashback on my order via Ebates and get FREE hair product samples- coming soon!)

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Introducing Lolita Lempicka Eau de Toilette

Lolita Lempicka is a fragrance you can wear this summer and into the Fall season. It's a combination of Floral, Citrus and Woodsy. Its notes contains: Lemon Zest, Apricot Nectar, Black Cherry, Almond, Vanilla, Iris Concrete, Jasmine Sambac, Frankincense, Violet Wood and Musk.
The scent is very youthful and fun. The packaging is also unique and absolutely adore this. Gorgeous to look at and use! To get yours, check our Nordstrom or Sephora!

Cost: $82.00 for 2.7 oz, $62.00 for 1.7 oz and $48.00 for 1.0 oz



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Burt's Bees Cranberry & Pomegranate Replenishing Body Bar Review

HOTHOTHOT! It is scorching outside as I write, and I'm lucky to be sitting indoors in an air-conditioned room. If I go outdoors, my skin and hair will sizzle... I've been using another HOT item on my must-haves for this summer- Burt's Bees new bar soap!

The past week and a half, I've been getting up early and incorporating a daily workout routine-just half hour to really energize myself throughout the day. A shower is a must (haha) and have been using constantly Burt's Bees Cranberry & Pomegranate Replenishing Bar soap. Yes the scent is fabulous and the formula leaves my skin feel super smooth but that's not why I keep using this. It's unlike any other soap I have ever used. It's got amazing exfoliating particles- sort of like loofah particles- inside so it exfoliates my skin every time I use this. It's not scratchy at all but gentle enough to use once or even twice daily! It's made of cranberry fruit extract, so it may even be that.. can't really tell from the ingredients list.

Ingredients: sodium rapeseedate, aqua (water, eau), sodium cocoate, glycerin, parfum (fragrance), helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil, luffa cylindrica fruit, punica granatum extract, theobroma grandiflorum seed butter, vaccinium macrocarpon (cranberry) fruit extract, vaccinium macrocarpon (cranberry) seed powder, sodium citrate, CI 77491 (iron oxides), citral, geraniol, limonene, linalool


(Disclaimer: I received this product from this company's PR agency to test, try and share my thoughts with my readers.)

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