How to: Get Perfect Complexion

Your Guide to Complexion Perfection

Having trouble with blemishes, dry skin, or wrinkles? We've got expert solutions in this skin care cheat sheet

This is a TotalBeauty.com skin problems article Sometimes getting perfect skin seems like an impossible equation, especially when you have so many variables: wrinkles, brown spots, and zits. But it's not as difficult as it seems -- especially if you follow this cheat sheet. Our guide is filled with easy expert tips that help reverse signs of aging and brighten your complexion. Check out these tips now. Get perfect skin

Thymes' new Wildwood Collection and more!

Being a fan of Thymes bath/body and home fragrance products, I'm always looking forward to their new scents. This fall, their Wildwood Collection debuts with aromatic Bitter Orange & Cedar, Blur Spruce & Elderberry and Brandied Pumpkin & Chestnut which makes me feel like I am in a cabin curled by the fire with a mug of hot apple cidar. The transition to the cool, crisp weather is slowly coming but I am not too worried. As I am enjoying the last few "summer" days, I'm lighting up this beautiful candle to bring me back to the "cabin."

More wearable Thymes scents for everyday!
Colognes and body mists! If you're looking for an everyday clean scent, the Azure Body Water is perfect. It's light and fresh and suited for a no-frills kinda gal. It reminds me of being by the water and who doesn't want that?
Looking for something more sensual? I would recommend the Moonflower cologne which has more cinnamon, clove notes with subtle hints of vanilla. It's a rich and warm scent that I can wear definitely in the fall and into the winter season.

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

My #namasDAY goodie bag!

Last Thursday, I attended a Vinyasa Flow class at ExhaleSpa for #namasDAY. I loved the routine we practiced and had such a great time. It was calming, relaxing as well as challenging. After class, there were samplings of Blue Print Cleanse juices as well as snacks/hor d'ouvres. Attendees also got an amazing gift bag from sponsors! :)
Check out my goodies here below-
not pictured is a Vita Coco drink which I drank soon after my class. I am loving my Spiritual Gangster Magic Towel, Donna Karan tights, Tata Harper sample set, Sparkly Soul headband, Vega one nutritional shake, and many more advertisements. All these items were in a cute black RentTheRunway.com tote bag!

Check out more blogs @ TotalBeauty.com

Coterie.com for Beauty Deals!

Coterie has launched! They're the latest deals site that specializes on my favorite kind of products- beauty! Launched last week, they're offering specials on brands such as ButterLondon, Kevyn Aucoin, and MOR.

Thanks to iFabbo.com, I got a sneak preview of their site and the opportunity to receive a sample set of three ButterLondon nail lacquers and a matte finish topcoat polish. Their shipping was quick via FedEx and got my polishes wrapped securely in bubble wrap.The current MOR event is selling their body scrub & body lotion duo in different scents, such as Basil & Grape, Neroli Clementine and Black Currant Iris. They are also selling Kevyn Aucoin, where you can purchase their three or six-piece eye kits featuring their best-selling products. Although right now, their products are few, they seem to have some gems that I am looking forward to monitoring. Some upcoming brands include Stila and PerriconeMD, so can't wait to see what Coterie will offer!
Check out more blogs @ TotalBeauty.com

September's Birchbox

This month, It's all about the September magazine issues where they're packed with style tips, pictures and ads! I am so pleased that Birchbox followed suit with oodles of samples (which also means more feedback opportunities to get more reward points!)

The box immediately jumped out to me when I saw the beautiful Benefit Cleansing Collection sample case with their Facial Wash and Skin Polisher. I also couldn't help but notice the gorgeous blue Twistband that came with it and the cute dark steel colored polish from ColorClub. I also had my eye on the Youngblood mineral primer and immediately dabbed some on to test it. My love for tea was excited to see a trio sampling of Mighty Leaf tea . And speaking of trios, a sample of Nexxus shampoo, conditioner and creme was my last goody in the box for me to ogle over.

All in all, September's box was filled with more than I expected - and no perfume samples this time! I was already spoiled with my Birchbox #SampleStop
box so this was just another great reason to celebrate September. Join Birchbox today, if you haven't already!

#namasDAY with ExhaleSpa

To celebrate National Yoga month, ExhaleSpa created a NamasDay event where participating studios held free yoga classes for all to attend. There will also be trunk shows with great vendors to create a mini market to shop, drink and mingle! Last year was the first year they had it and although I didn't sign up for a class, I vowed to take one this year.

This Thursday, September 20, is namasDAY and you can still sign up today at www.exhalespa.com/namasday

September's Love With Food box

Calling all foodies! If you missed my review on last month's Love With Food box, it's ok because I have this month's box to share with you! This monthly subscription service is perfect for those who like to snack, try new food and love samples! I completely fit the bill which is why this box is perfect (for my belly!)

I was impressed with September's box because it came with a good amount of variety within each brand. Whether they complement each other or not, it's still fun to sample flavors like the salad dressing vinaigrettes and see which one I like best. I also love the teeccino- bag set with herbal coffee flavored tea! Great taste of coffee w/o the caffeine! The San Franola granola and Bonne maman muscat grape jam were also great breakfast additions. For $10/month, this box is so affordable and fun to get. Also, did I mention the do-good factor? For each box, a meal is donated!

Sign up today and be in "Love with Food".

Save $2 on October's box with the code: BAATVIP ! Leave a comment before 9/28/12 to win a box! Also, follow @LoveWithFood on Twitter or Facebook to keep up with the latest news!

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

Total Beauty Collection box with HSN- September 27

Save the date! On September 27, 2012, Total Beauty Collection boxes will be selling an exclusively curated beauty box for HSN on HSN. There are 8 noteworthy products in here that will grab your attention! Brands that are include in this special box are Amika, Boscia, Carol’s Daughter, intelliWHITE, Lancôme, LORAC, Prai and Signature Club A.

Normally Total Beauty Collection boxes are $15 monthly, but during the HSN's 24-hour "Total Beauty Confidence" live event on September 27, as well as HSN.com, the box is going at $19.95. For $5 bucks more, you can get double the amount of samples. As always, shipping is free! Save the date for September 27, 2012... There will also be TotalBeauty.com editors will be appearing live on-air to talk about the Collection!

Here's your sneak peek:

Personally, my top three favorites are Boscia's Luminizing Black Mask, LORAC's Lips with Benefits lip gloss, and Lancome's Hypnose Drama mascara. Mostly because these brands are familiar to me but also because these products are perfect for my own personal style. I was pleased to learn some new brands that I haven't heard of before receiving the Total Beauty Collection for HSN. The intelliWHITE toothpaste is a nice whitening toothpaste that I look forward to getting the full-size product so I can continue to use after my sample is finished. I also loved using the Carol's Daughter MONOI shampoo & conditioner sample. My hair felt completely conditioned and will need to add that to my Sephora cart next time. :) All in all, I'm excited about the Total Beauty Collection boxes and can't wait to see future boxes from them!

Birchbox #SampleStop during NYFW

During NYFW, Birchbox created a haven for press to hangout in between shows. They also invited subscribers to visit one evening (one of the perks of being a member!) and partake in the lovely event. Overheard another attendee describing it as "beauty heaven," I couldn't agree more! Once you walked in there was a photobooth, drinks, candy, stylists, manicurists- even a stage for their performer of the night- and the best part- a Birchbox Station to make your own Birchbox! It was an incredible evening with samplings galore. These fun events really drive customer loyalty to their subscription service which is why, if you're not a member already- you have to join! (subscribe here.) The thrill of getting this box of goodies each month can be yours for $10/month. At this price for 2 years ( Happy Anniversary! ), I'm glad inflation hasn't taken over.

NYC Wanderlust Festival Recap

This past Sunday was the amazing Wanderlust Festival at Pier63. With a beautiful view of the Hudson and gorgeous blue skies, many NYC yogis were ready to take on the world! (well, more like getting centered.) I even gota nice glowy tan from my hour and a half class. The teachers were great and you can learn more about the music and instructors here.

Not only was I excited to take the class with the local community, I was psyched to see Kristin McGee at the Health Magazine booth where I got to take a mini class inspired by moves in her latest DVD, S3- Strong, Sexy, Svelte. I waited for about any hour at the booth just to line up and partake in the class! So great seeing her again and hope to see her again soon! If you're a fan, check her Facebook page to learn about her events.

There were also some giveaways for Vita Coco juice to replenish my thirst after class, samples of Elizabeth Arden skincare, BluePrintCleanse, EmergenC packets and Health mags.

See you next year, Wanderlust Festival!

The Digest Diet from Reader's Digest

At BlogHer '12 in early August, I visited the Reader's Digest suite because I have been a huge fan of the magazine since I was young. (mostly b/c my parents encouraged me to read it and I enjoyed the reader's submissions of their jokes/funny stories.

To my delight, they have a new book called The Digest Diet they are promoting for good health & staying active. They're on sale October 2nd but you can get a sneak peek on their site. They have a day by day meal plan as well as exercise routines to follow in 21 days! It's three short weeks and I look forward to the Digest Diet Journey!

Learn more here, get a sneak preview and get the shopping list at http://www.rd.com/digestdiet !

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

September is National Yoga Month

This month is National Yoga Month! Lots of great events are happening this month to celebrate! For me, staying zen has been an important aspect of my life since I have been practicing (more frequently) this year. :) To spice up my routine (and to change my surroundings), I go to different events whenever they become available.

On September 9, I will join yogis in the city to participate in the NYC Wanderlust festival right on the pier!

I am super excited as I will also be able to see again Kristin McGee- aka @thebendigirl my fave Pilates instructor! She will be at the Health Magazine booth and demonstrating moves from her new DVD, S3. Will pick one up tomorrow and cannot wait!!!