August Favorites!

August, you've come and gone, but I couldn't ignore the favorites I discovered and continue to love throughout the month.

First and foremost: My feet. Let's just say my heels are pretty much in bad shape all the time. Scratchy, scaly, rough heels are not attracting anyone. But using the Amope Pedi Perfect has made a huge difference. Used on dry skin, the rotating file grinds down the tough skin, leaving it smooth and ready for lotion. It's not a one and done deal, but with regular use in between pedicures, you'll be able to keep your feet looking nice and soft. It's a little pricey, but if you think about how often you'll use it, it's worth the cost. You can find it anywhere from the grocery store to the drug store to probably even drugstore.com or Ulta.

Wrinkles - be gone! I've been lucky to not have many wrinkles, and I believe it's due to the fact that I moisturize and use sunscreen daily. However, Caudalie's Anti-wrinkle Eye and Lip Cream is a crazy duo that I really love. It's a great moisturizer, and is safe for the tender skin around the eyes and the mouth. It's not greasy - it melts into skin instantly, offering moisturizing benefits and skin plumping ingredients to keep eyes and lips looking youthful. Because let's be honest, the crows feet and lip lines are a dead giveaway we're not 19 anymore! Available at Sephora.

 Last but not least, I've found a line of makeup brushes that are reasonably priced, and work really well. They're from the Drew Barrymore collection, FLOWER. I'm obsessed with the powder brush. It's soft, picks up powder easily and places it evenly on the face. I can't vouch for the longevity of the brush, but the prices are so reasonable, even if you only get 6 months to a year out of it, you're in good shape. It's definitely worth checking out. I think it's important to save where you can, so you can splurge on that one item you can't live without! The FLOWER line is available exclusively at Wal-Mart.

That's all I've got for August favorites. Let me know if there's anything else you're dying to hear about. Happy to share and love to hear your comments.

xoxo,
Brett

July Favorites

Hi all! I know this is a little late, but considering the circumstances, I hope you'll forgive me this time. (Ok, so I'm usually late anyway, but I was trying to be on time with this one!)

I love a good cleanser - and especially one that exfoliates, yet is safe for sensitive skin. The Suki Skincare Exfoliating Foaming Cleanser covers all the angles. Its bright lemon fragrance, gentle exfoliation and generous lather leaves skin feeling soft, smooth and refreshed. It has become my staple cleanser because it preps skin perfectly for moisturizing.
I go to an Aveda salon, and they always have little samples of things to take home and try. One in particular has become a favorite and it's the Botanical Kinetics Intense Hydrating Soft Creme. I like it because it's good for all skin types, it isn't greasy, it melts into skin fast, yet leaves skin with a moisturized feeling for hours.If you have dry skin, they also have a "rich" formula. Same great product, just more moisture for those with skin that needs a little more moisture.


I love a little luminosity on my face. Milani's Illuminating Face Powder in Hermosa Rose does a great job of making my face look lit from within, warming up my face with a hint of bronzer - without being too sparkly or shockingly highlighted. It just leaves a gorgeous all over glow. I use the Hermosa Rose, but there are two other shades, so lighter and darker skins can take advantage as well. Milani is a drugstore brand, and I typically get mine from CVS, because they have promotions a lot of the time. When I repurchased mine, it was Buy 1, Get 1 50% off. Not too bad!

Looks like I'm due for an August favorites - so keep your eyes open for that! ( I promise to get that finished before the end of September!)

xoxo,
B

June Favorites

It's true! I'm actually compiling my June favorites on time! Are you as excited as I am? I'm pretty excited. 

First up is a new dry shampoo that I have really been enjoying - Alterna's Bamboo Style Cleanse Extend Dry Shampoo (it comes in both Lemon Sugar and Bamboo Leaf - both smell great). I love this brand of dry shampoo because it's practically translucent. Unless you go WAY overboard on it, you will not get that white cast that us dark headed beauties run into much of the time. So, that's a definitely plus. It also helps with some body, but doesn't feel unnatural as I've noticed with some other brands. You can find this baby at Sephora.

Next up - GlamGlow's Bright Mud 3-minute eye treatment. Please and thank you. Whether you've pulled an all nighter, partied too hard, had an ugly crying session -it doesn't matter. This 3 minute treatment will calm those nasty puffy under eyes and leave you feeling back to normal. And they're small enough to carry with you, in case you need an emergency treatment! Just pat on, wait 3 minutes and gently wipe off. So easy. What did I do before these? Also available at Sephora. I've always been pretty good at protecting my face from too much sun. I guess that's party of the reason that at 37 (soon to be 38), people mistake me for being much, much younger. A blessing and a curse - well, more of a blessing now.

Anyway, Skinceuticals Physical Matte SPF 50 cream is great. It helps keep your oil at bay (although, you will still sweat, gotta mention that!) and protects skin at SPF 50! Win-win!

You can wear this alone (it's slightly tinted) or under your usual makeup. Definitely something to consider this summer. Available at skinceuticals.com
 

 I'm in love with the new L'Oreal Le Matte Lipstick Pens. They have incredible pigmentation, a little moisture, a matte finish and while they may not be touted as "long wearing", I think they do pretty well in that area, too. My favorite color is the bright pink. It makes me feel
confident and sassy, and what could be wrong with that??

These are available now that it's July! I'd stock up! Check your local drugstore  or other big box store that carries cosmetics.

That's all I've got for my June favorites. I hope you enjoyed hearing what I'm loving right now, and perhaps are inspired to try one or more of these products yourself!

February Favorites

I've been rekindling my love with some forgotten products and here they are:

1. Clean & Clear Oil-Free Shine Control Moisturizer
This is a great light moisturizer for the day that helps keep oil slicks away. I see this becoming my daily go-to product over the next few months as it warms up. I still use a heavier moisturizer at night and my day and night serums, but this is an excellent day lotion.

2. Londontown Lakur nail color in Thames from the Eye
I've been wearing this on my toes for a while now. I love the color. It's unique and sophisticated and fun - plus it reminds me of ocean water which has been nice during the crazy weather we've been having. But, the best thing about this polish it its staying power. It really lasts! I will be looking into getting some additional colors once my obsession with this turquoise color fades.

3. Ahava Dead Sea Osmoter™Concentrate
This is my holy grail serum. I'm sure I've mentioned it before, but it bears repeating. It's amazing. So light and silky feeling, but it really helps hold moisture in my skin. I can tell if I forget to use it. It's perfect to use day and night along with your preferred day and night cream. It lasts a long time - I've been using mine for about 2 months now and have not had to replace it yet. So, while it's a bit pricey (about $60) - it's worth it because it will last you at least a couple of months, bringing the price down considerably each month.

January Favorites

I know, I know, I'm very behind. Life got busy and even though I had it on my schedule to share with you my January Favorites, taking the time to do so was a challenge. But we're here now, so let's get on with it!

1. Jordana Twist and Shine
I know the Revlon Balm Stains are all the rage now, but you've got to try the Jordana Twist and Shine Moisturizing Balm Stains. They're pretty awesome. And they're cheap! I get compliments every time I wear them. You can find them at your local Walgreens. Honey Love and Cranberry Crush are both very wearable for most skin tones.



2. Lush Rose Jam Shower Gel
I know I've told you about this shower gel before, and I kinda feel bad bringing it up again since it's no longer available on the Lush site, but it is so amazing. I used up an entire 32oz bottle of it over the last month and started in to my second 32oz bottle. It smells so good and I even use it every now and again as a shampoo, because the rose fragrance is unbelievable and stays with me all day. I understand why people love the bath bombs and bubbleroons so much now. If you ever have the opportunity to get your hands on this shower gel, do it! I promise you won't be disappointed.

3. Not Your Mother's Dry Shampoo
Anytime I can skip a shampoo, I'm all for it. And Not Your Mother's lets me do that on a regular basis. I just spray on any part of the roots that are starting to look greasy, give it a few minutes to soak up the oil and brush out. Bonus tip: You can also use this dry shampoo on freshly washed and dried hair to add volume and body if you have limp or fine hair. Sometimes when my hair is too clean it just doesn't want to do anything but lay limp. Not anymore!

4. Say Yes To Cucumbers Face Towelettes
We all know it's important to take your makeup off at night. I know this. But sometimes, in a pinch, I resort to facial cleansing wipes to speed up the process. I like the travel size  to throw in my purse in case a long day has my eyes aching for makeup relief. These wipes fit the bill; they take off makeup in a snap and leave my face feeling and smelling fresh and clean. There are no harsh ingredients and my skin seems to love them.

December Favorites - A List from Mimi

Mimi at 98

Yikes! I got really off track with my blog after my grandmother Mimi passed. It was a sad time for our family, as we had collectively decided Mimi would live forever. It just wasn't meant to be.

In honor of her, I will dedicate my December favorites to the things that Mimi taught me about beauty and skin care.

1. Drink Water
Yep, good ol' H2O does wonders for your skin. Keeps it hydrated, fends off wrinkles - all the things we want. How much water? Mimi always said drink 8 glasses a day.

Her skin looked great into her 90's, so how can I argue with that? There's nothing better than a dewy, fresh complexion, and hydration is the way to get there.

She would say to drink it plain,but I might need to add a squeeze of citrus juice in it. 

2. Wear SPF
Protect that delicate skin with an SPF. I cannot recall how many times Mimi would "get on me" about using sunscreen. So many times! I usually listened, but not all the time, which now I wish I had! Today it's easier than ever to include in your daily routine. Many moisturizers, foundations and other products made specifically for the face contain SPF, so it's not necessary to add an extra step.  The one I'm using now is Dr. Lewinn's BB Cream. It contains an SPF 15. If you have very fair skin, you might want to use a higher SPF.

3. Moisturize
Mimi always said she used Pond's on her skin every night before bed. While Pond's may be a little old school, her message was clear. Keep skin moisturized overnight. A night cream is a great way to do this - a night cream called a "sleeping mask" just sounds better. Good thing it works. Peter Thomas Roth's Camu Camu Sleeping Mask is packed full of Vitamin C and other nutrients to replenish your skin while you snooze. Just apply a thin layer before bedtime and rinse off in the morning. No worries, it's not greasy at all.

4. Add Some Color
Everyone looks healthier, therefore prettier in a little color. Mimi always wore jewel-toned tops and for special occasions, she'd add a bit of Revlon's Fire and Ice lipstick. It always made her look vibrant and put together. A little lipstick goes a long way. You don't have to go dramatic and choose red - any pink or peach shade you like will do. I've been enjoying the Palladio lip liner in Rockin' Red, topped with a gloss. It always gives me a little perk and polishes off my look.


I hope these tips prove useful in your life, as they were in my Mimi's and the rest of our family. Here's to the start of some great new habits and a wonderful 2014!

November Favorites and Unfavorites

Hey Everyone,

I know I'm late on this, but better that than never, right? I have a few favorites to share with you and one unfavorite. So, let's get started!

My first favorite is the Philip Kingsely One More Day Dry Shampoo:
 What could be better than not having to wash your hair every single day? Second day hair rules and Philip Kingsley's One More Day gives it to you with ease.
Just spray this delicious-smelling formula at the roots, let it sit for a few minutes and then brush through. You might see a little whitecast, but nothing a good brushing can't remove.

Goodbye, oil-slick, hello body!

 I'm also loving this EOS Winter Trio

With lips as chapped as mine tend to be in the fall and winter months, this is a life saver. I use it during the day and before I go to bed to soothe and moisturize my lips.

With fragrances like Sweet Mint, Limited Edition Vanilla Bean and Pomegranate Raspberry, there's enough to get you through the cold and chilly months.

 Lush Rose Jam Shower Gel

I've mentioned it before, but it bears repeating. This shower gel rocks! The great Lemon/Rose fragrance fills the shower with scent and it lingers beautifully on skin. This is limited edition, so you'll want to make sure you pick one up or order it before Christmas!

Makeup For Ever Midnight Glow Palette

This wintery snow inspired palette is a great mix of shimmers and matte colors - giving you options to create soft or smokey looks. Give lids a simple wash or color, or experiment with 2 or more colors for a cool, frosty look.


And my one Unfavorite:

I wanted to like this - I really did. I had heard great things about the Too-Faced Better Than False Lashes Mascara. But, it was not for me. I found it clumped, and my upper and lower lashes stuck together and it's hard to get off.

After removing it before bed I though I was fine, but I woke up the next morning seeing that my lashes were clumped together still and very coated.

I just couldn't get it right, despite the time and chances I gave it. What a bummer.

Know something I should add? Let me know on twitter @BeautybyBrett I'd love to hear from you!

September Favorites

Here are a few things I've discovered, rediscovered, or have just really been enjoying the last month. A little late, but better than never!

1. Dry Shampoo - such a time saver! I'm pretty much in for all dry shampoos I've tried, but current faves are Oscar Blandi and Keratin Complex. One's a powder formula that you shake on, the other is a spray. Both work nicely and smell good. Just make sure you brush well after applying to remove any white cast. Or, try Batiste's dry shampoo for dark hair. I'm pretty sure you can get all of these at Ulta shops or online.

2. Jordana's Twist and Shine Balm Stains - so cheap, so pretty. Available in so many colors at Walgreens, these balms leave a slight stain on lips. For a balm, they have a huge color payoff. (Not as much with the lightest shades, though) I love the amount of moisture they give lips. I've been loving Honey, but there's a Cranberry color I'd like to try this month.

3. Rose Jam shower gel from Lush. Oh my. It smells SO good. Like Roses, but better. A hint of lemon. Sweet, but not overly so. It's heaven in a bottle. And it moisturizes with argan oil. Not too heavy. Just right. And did I mention it smells awesome?! Sadly, it's limited edition, so you must go now to get yours. I believe it's available through Christmas and that's it. Stock up, everyone. It's that good.