Sweet scents!

While I am VERY loyal to my makeup products, I change my perfumes frequently and always keep several in regular rotation.  I think I have fragrance commitment phobia.  I also have started buying in rollerball form when available because 1) its easy to use and carry around and 2) I don't have a lot left when something new peeks my interest.

Here are my current LOVES.  Some old, some new...but they may get a second buy...if something else doesn't catch my attention!  I used Sephora links so you can see reviews quickly.  Remember...everyone's own body chemistry determines how the scent smells.  So, you just gotta try it on YOU!  Here's my favs to try if you need a change!

Guerlain La Petite Robe Noire
http://www.sephora.com/la-petite-robe-noire-P375386

Light Fruity/floral.  Changes from a bold cherry licorice note to a subtle romantic and feminine scent.  And...I love that bottle!  If you just smell from the bottle, I think it's a little bit intense...but that intensity disappeared on my body turning into a very soft, sweet, lingering scent. 







Gucci Guilty
http://www.sephora.com/guilty-P273900

Okay, in all honesty...I literally bought this without even smelling it because of the name!  My career is based on guilty verdicts.  Every time the court clerk reads "Guilty" it' truly one of the best moments of my work life...again and again, every single time.  All the hard work paid off!  So I had to get Gucci Guilty and wear it everyday I'm in trial as my lucky charm!  This scenario of course doesn't apply to some of you reading...but it's powerful and its sexy...and every working woman needs a day like that!



Viktor and Rolf Flowerbomb
http://www.sephora.com/flowerbomb-P255506

A not too overwhelming floral that I think leads the pack in seductive scents.  It's happy and inviting, and my husband's favorite on me!  It's for the girly girl in all of us and goes flawlessly from day to night!








Remember the best way to apply is right after a shower or bath and on your pulse points (warmest parts of body).  And no rubbing!

Pregnancy switch-outs

Having recently had a baby, means a full 9-10 months preggo plus another full year breast feeding, of having to change up my oh-so-loved beauty routine for products that are safe for your little bundle of joy.  Pregnant or not, you already know there are several products, foods, spaces...that you either cannot engage in or are cautioned about while expecting and also lactating.  One of those very important warnings comes with many of the products you might be using on your face, body, and hair.

The number one culprit (and my drug of choice) is Retinol.  (See earlier post where I rave about Murad Skin Perfecting Lotion).   Retinol is a no-no while pregnant, and its more harsh version Retin-A is completely off limits!!  Now that's my recommendation as well as that of most doctors, websites, magazines, etc.  However, for those with severe acne or other problems that require use of Retin-A you should consult your own doctor when a baby is on the way or even on the brain!  While lactating, I researched Retinol again and found that topical, over-the-counter creams are fine but you should absolutely stay away from any pills or prescription strength products.  Research also showed that topical retinol wasn't an issue during pregnancy...but I say, why take that risk?!

Another not so welcome guest at the baby table is salicylic acid.  So basically most all acne products (that actually work) are best to avoid!  Here's a good resource to show what's ok and what's not...

http://www.babycenter.com/0_safe-skin-care-during-pregnancy_1490031.bc?page=1

As far as makeup and hair products go...its the natural stuff that's best during this time. 
So that means, NO....
- Parabens
- Sulfates
- Synthetic Fragrances
- Petrochemicals
- Phthalates
- GMOs
- Triclosan
So if you already use it...GREAT!  If not...I'd make a switch for those 1-2 years or so. 

YIKES...that was my first thought, and then I just went on and researched (like crazy) and tried different products that helped during this time.  Did they work as well...No, but they did enough to make me feel like I was caring for my skin and for my baby!  So here's a little list of products I used that were "switch-outs", meaning specifically and only for when I was pregnant.  Although some of the makeup and hair products I still use.  I linked the Sephora website on some of them so you can quickly read descriptions and reviews. 

For facial skin care...cleansers, moisturizers, etc...
BELLI
http://www.belliskincare.com/exfoliator-body-lotion-wash-benefits.html
They make products specifically for pregnant women and they are a great alternative!  Pricey...but worth it.

Fragrance...
LAVANILLA
http://www.sephora.com/search/search.jsp?keyword=lavanilla&_requestid=195168
Several scents to choose from, a little fruity for my normal taste in perfumes, but good enough to add a scent to your body without adding harmful chemicals.  They also have a baby care line that I still use for my daughter (again...pricey, but worth it)

Lipstick...
KORRES Mango Butter Lipstick
http://www.sephora.com/mango-butter-lipstick-spf-10-P199108
Some of the best mostly neutral shades, with lots of moisturizing power and without parabens, phthalates and sulfates.

Haircare...
Basically I'd just stick with something sulfate and phthalate free.  Some good brands include
LIVING PROOF and ALTERNA
http://www.sephora.com/living-proof
http://www.sephora.com/search/search.jsp?keyword=alterna&_requestid=197107
Check the product information section to make sure its free of the harmful stuff because not every single product in these lines is.

These are the main areas I felt required a "switch-out".  (Don't forget about ammonia-free hair dyes which many salons now carry).  I pretty much kept the rest of my makeup the same.  However...for those that really want to re-vamp it all to a more natural routine...I'd try products by TARTE, KORRES, or JOSIE MARAN.  Sorry...but I really DO NOT LIKE bareMinerals.

Hope this helps any mommys-to-be (or just put it away for the future :)!

Highlight of My Life (or Face :)

It's a tried and true old school product that has been around forever...but it never gets old and there is nothing quite like it out there.  Other brands have tried, but truly nothing comes close to it...

Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat

http://www.yslbeautyus.com/Touche-%C3%89clat/141YSL,default,pd.html

It's the highlighting pen everyone needs!  And when I say pen, it's really like a pen...there's a little clicker at the bottom that you push to dispense product onto the brush.  You can literally paint lines on your face with the brush and then blend them in with your finger.  Makeup artists have been using this for years and years...it's what brings that glow to your favorite stars!










Why do you NEED a highlighter in your makeup bag...

1. It helps hide dark circles by drawing attention to the light underneath
2. It adds radiance and brightness to your face
3. You can use the slightest bit under eyes, under brown bone, above and under lip, and wherever a little brightness would help.

Why you specifically NEED Touche Eclat...

1. There is NO OTHER highlighter that works this well
2. It will cover fine lines and any signs of fatigue
3. It's super easy to use
4. They just added more 5 shades
5. A variety of shades you never expected will work on you as long as you blend well and use it in the right places.

Some may confuse highlighter to concealer...which it kinda is.  But I think the main difference is that you usually go for a much lighter shade and its not really what I would use to cover circles, blemishes, or dark spots. Its about the brightening effect beyond your concealer. 

Read my prior post on contouring for more info on highlighters and go pick up Touche Eclat...your face will literally glow!

Life's Little Moments of Joy

When my little 19 month old daughter woke up this morning, and I went to get her, the first thing she said was "Mama...Mate-up!".  Her word for "makeup". 

Meaning she knows its what we do every morning, I put it on, and she pretends to with closed tubes and clean brushes.  

Like mommy, like daughter.........LOVE IT!

I cheated on my Mascara!

For those that know me...you know the one item I can never live without, and would force me to move out of the country if it were discontinued is....DIORSHOW!  It is the best best best mascara I have laid my lashes on!  (See earlier post). 

Well last week, after a recommendation from a friend some time ago, and because I got a sample of it...I tried another mascara and LOVED it!  I have tried many samples of mascara during my Dior love affair, but NONE ever compare.  Well...this one ladies is definitely a contender!  Note...I said contender and not a winner.  I still love Diorshow and will continue to use it forever and ever...and ever!  However my latest find (and it has been around for a year or so), while it does not deliver the drama of Diorshow that I want...does one thing everyone will love...SEPARATE, SEPARATE, SEPARATE!  That translates into defining each and every single tiny lash so that you look like you added a bunch of long feathery falsies!  And don't we all just want to walk around like we got out of bed with faux lashes (well I do!)  It lengthens literally one by one. 

Contrast Diorshow which is a more overall effect...lengthens, thickens, curls, adds major drama!  But if you are looking for something a little more subtle for daytime (and work) then I think Benefit's They're Real! Mascara is a must buy!

http://www.benefitcosmetics.com/product/view/theyre-real



Something about those little tiny bristles pulls up and coats each lash individually, creating the best wispy lash look you have ever seen!  I still love my faux lashes once in a while, but why not be able to save all that tweezer/glue/press/risk a lash on cheek FUN!, and just use They're Real, and mean it!

 

Love Laura!

On an endless search to find the perfect under eye, eyelid, and blemish concealer....I finally reached the conclusion of a beautiful face story with Laura Mercier.  All 3 areas require a different type of formula for an even toned, natural and clean look.

Under eye...has to conceal the dark circles with a shade lighter than your natural skin tone which you can blend down to match the face and cover and set with translucent powder.  Most important...it HAS to be a creamy consistency or it will 1)not blend well = raccoon eyes 2) look cakey or flaky and 3) get in between any lines (wrinkles...gasp!) you may have.

Blemish/Discolorations...drier consistency here works...because you do not want to highlight what you are trying to cover with even the slightest bit of shine

Eyelid (which means right under the brow bone, not the actual lid)...while the formula itself is up to you...this is where you go a lot lighter in shade than you think to really perk up and brighten your peepers. 

So here I am....NEVER have I ever wore foundation that just manages to even out the entire face in one, and now requiring 3 products to do the job!  After lots of trial and error with concealer I finally stopped looking when I found Laura Mercier.  I think they are absolute experts when it comes to foundations and concealers...they have figured out not only what formulas work best where but also exactly how your face will and should take to them regardless of you skin tone or problem areas.  If you are ever shopping for a new product that covers imperfections, I suggest a quick drop by at the Laura Mercier counter!  I promise you will not only find your perfectly matched shade but will also find a product that delivers what it says it will.  There is a reason they call their line "FLAWLESS FACE". 

For under eye I use...

Laura Mercier Secret Concealer
 http://www.lauramercier.com/store/shop/Concealers_Secret-Concealer_prod220006#ColorSampleLink_sku60007

Moisture rich and will not set into any lines and wrinkles.

For eyelid and discolorations I use...

Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage

http://www.lauramercier.com/store/shop/Concealers_Secret-Camouflage_prod220004?currentSkuId=sku120002#ColorSampleLink_sku120004

I use the lighter shade on the lid and the darker on any discolorations.  Just got lucky on that 2-in-1!  Secret Camouflage is a best seller and top rated on most beauty sites/magazines.  It's a dry consistency so do not use under eye!  Otherwise...a flawless face awaits!

I also use Laura Mercier's Primer on my eyelids before applying shadows.  Primers are AMAZING and a must for shadow staying power and flawless (love that word!) application.  

http://www.lauramercier.com/store/shop/Primers_Foundation-Primer---Oil-Free_prod210042

Finally to set my under eye concealer I use...

Laura Mercier Pressed Setting Powder

http://www.lauramercier.com/store/shop/Powders_Pressed-Setting-Powder_prod220014

 Just the slightest, lightest touch!  It might last me forever.

I know everyone has their favorite face products...but if you are ever in the need for a new pick me up...I suggest giving Laura Mercier a visit!!  Warning...they are pricey.  But for me, this is basically how I clean up my face and try and look like I'm not wearing a thing (before I add more goodies on top:).  

And so, I gladly say....Flawless Awaits....