Winter Weather Dryness

I'm sure I'm not the only one with dry dry skin from all the winter weather. The heat and dryness from being indoors is awful on skin. My arms and legs felt like sandpaper. Regular lotion just wasn't cutting it. So I dug into my stash of products and rediscovered a product I love. H20+ Sea Salt Body Butter. It's heaven in a bottle. The Shea Butter and Coconut Oil melt into skin with no greasy feeling (this is important!). Also in the formula are sea fennel and sea lettuce, which keep skin feeling replenished. I finally have soft skin again, not to mention I smell great!

This is definitely something you should try if you've been suffering from serious dry skin like I have. I can't say enough good things about it (and if I didn't love it, I wouldn't write about it!)

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!

Beauty Deals and Gifts

I know we're down to the wire here, but you've got to get to an Ulta store, because they've got some great makeup sets at awesome prices that are perfect for a last-minute gift or an indulgent splurge for yourself.

Cargo Cosmetics is offering a Let's Meet in Paris Eye Shadow Palette - it's gorgeous and includes 12 metallic shades in the lovely brocade compact. But the best part? It's only 19 dollars!
Also included is a dual ended eyeshadow brush.

I love this palette and I love these colors. The holidays are the perfect time to add some shimmer to your eyelids.

Lorac is my new favorite brand for mascara. Lorac Pro is so awesome I wish everyone could experience it. The wand is sort of egg shaped and tapers at the end, making it easy to get the lashes in the corners of your eye. But the fact that you get amazing volume and length from a mascara that is Ophthalmologist approved, makes my eyes so happy. Normally, by the end of the day my eyes are watering non-stop because of my mascara. But not with the Lorac Pro! Rockin' Red Hot Lashes set is boxed with a Lorac Pro mascara and a pretty red eyelash curler. You also get a free gift. All for only $23 (I think I paid $25 for the mascara by itself, so I consider this a great deal!)

Smashbox also has an introductory set of their favorites: Eye Liner, Mascara, Primer, Lip Enhancing Gloss and a few more goodies that are well-loved from the brand. There are 6 products total in the kit and it's only $19 as well.

What a great way to try a new brand, or try several products at a low low price.

I also love Ulta because they have an amazing return policy - if you don't like it, take it back. No questions asked. Just hang on to your receipt!

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.

Fight Flaky Dry Skin

While the changing of the seasons from summer into fall feels great, it can be stressful to our skin. Sometimes moisturizer alone just doesn't cut it. If you've been noticing dry, flaky patches on your face (probably in the t-zone) don't worry. You're not alone! And, thankfully, it's a fairly easy fix. 

Here's what you'll need:

1. Your favorite facial cleanser

2. An exfoliating sponge like the one I found at CVS. 

3. A good moisturizer. (A night cream works well)

As you may have guessed, you're going to wash your face with your cleanser and rinse with warm water. Using your hands is fine for this step. 

Once your face is clean, wet your exfoliating sponge, add some cleanser to it and buff lightly in circles in your face. There's no need to be rough. You just want to go over the forehead, cheeks, nose and chin to increase the circulation and remove some dead skin cells. Avoid your eye area, as the skin there is the most delicate. 

Once you've rinsed and dried your face, apply your moisturizer. I prefer to do this in the evenings, so my face has a chance to rest and soak up the moisturizer before I put it through the paces with makeup again. 

You'll probably already notice a smoothness to your skin, but the next morning it will be even better. 

Try this once or twice a week, and say goodbye to patchy dry skin for good! Your makeup will look fresher and your skin will be radiant. 

Holiday Nail Art With Dermelect

 I know it's a LITTLE early to be thinking about Christmas, Hanukkah or Winter in general. But these cute holiday nails just wouldn't wait, so stash this away until you need a little holiday cheer!

Moon Kissed

Phenom

I love Dermelect ME Peptide-infused polishes because not only do they look good, your nails actually benefit from using them. They have a pure protein peptide that helps strengthen nails, contain vitamins and lock moisture in. They're the anti-aging darlings of the nail world! And because the first coat bonds to the nail and the second coat fuses to the first, your manicure will last longer than other traditional polishes. You can pick them up on their website and have them shipped to your door. Right now each polish is $14, and they offer free shipping on orders of $50 or more.

Red-iculous

To get these fun looks you'll need the polishes and a striping or detailer brush. You can pick these up at a place like Sally's Beauty Supply very inexpensively. The brushes are the key to getting the lines of the Candy Cane and Snowflakes thin and precise.

Have fun and enjoy!