Bring on Summer Baby!

It's finally somewhat warm and somewhat sunny! Sandals and beach trips are surely but a few short weeks away!

I don't know about you, but when the weather changes, my makeup game also gets antsy. And this season, I am relying on some tangerine dreams, an industry favorite and one amazing new kid on the beauty block.

Sephora Orange Pop blush: This looks a little bright in the pot, but once applied, gives a light, flattering, long lasting pop to cheeks. I was relying on rosy pink for so long and this provides a much needed, yet still natural jolt. 

Deborah Lippmann Nail Lacquer in Girls Just Want to Have Fun: I saw this color and had to have it. It's punchy, it's fun and it lasts. Lippmann's colors always go on smooth, opaque and are never clumpy. DEFINITELY worth the higher price tag!

Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat: Loved by models, celebs, editors and makeup artists everywhere, this luminizing pen "brings light and radiance to the skin."  I have been without this gem for some time- hey, it's a bit difficult to justify the price tag- but I forgot how worth it it is. You really can SEE the difference. I was feeling and looking a bit tired (pregnancy problems!) and just a little swipe under the eyes after concealer changes the game. I even had a co-worker comment on how fresh I looked! Money well spent if you ask me.

Smashbox Full Exposure Waterproof Mascara: This new mascara offering is the JAM. I wasn't used to such a large brush, but once I figured out how to work with it (Tilt head all the way back! Start with the tip!), I loved the long, non clumpy, dramatic lashes it left me. Plus, it didn't even smear an inch after a good cry (again, pregnancy problems!). My new summer lash staple indeed.

Black Friday Deals

SMASHBOX COSMETICS

Skip the long lines at department stores and still save with Smashbox’s Black Friday Friends & Family deal! Enjoy 20% off orders on Smashbox.com for purchases of $50 or more. To receive the discount, enter the code FRIENDS2012 when checking out. (Discount Dates: November 21^st – November 26^th)

LUMENE

In honor of Black Friday, Walgreens is offering 40% off all Lumene products! All good things must come to an end, though. Be sure to head to your Walgreens (or Walgreens.com) by 11:59pm as promotion ends after November 23^rd.

Smashbox Halo Hydrating Reflecting Powder

In the words of SJP, "Hello, Lover."

This is my new favorite powder. With a tiny twist of the base, the perfect amount rises to the top ready for use. And it comes with a lovely, soft brush for application. I use it to set my under eye concealer but it works for simple overall coverage. A formula of 48 minerals and 11 amino acids that delivers anti-aging benefits with a 33% decrease in fine lines and wrinkles in just 10 minutes! #lovingit

Laura Geller Brow Marker and SmashBox Brow Tech

Let me start by saying that my brows are 1-2 shades darker than my hair color (and yes, this is a naturally occurring phenom, which I sometimes address by coloring my hair to make them match my brows). Being very dark brown, my brows are a prominent feature. They require daily maintenance (plucking the ones that are too many or shouldn't be, and trimming the ones that have gotten unruly and too long). As we all know, maintenance can be tricky, as evidenced by a little bare spot in my left brow, and if I get too cut trim-happy, I end up exposing it. Which is what happened this morning.
I thought I'd give Laura the chance to help me out. I'm happy to report that Brow Marker goes on easily, doesn't have the tell-tale look that pencil gives, and has wonderful staying power. I tried it in brown (it comes in either Taupe or Brown). If only it were dark enough to match my real brow hairs, I would have declared a blessing from Aphrodite.
But, since it didn't quite match up, I turned to my reliable old friend, SmashBox Brow Tech in Brunette. If you use a light hand, Brow Tech is wonderful (get carried away, and you look like either Frankenstein or his lovely Bride). It comes with wax which (depending on the coarseness and determination of your brow hairs) does a fairly good job of reigning them in. Again, restraint is the word, or you'll look like you have greasy brows - what an image! Brunette is the perfect color for dark brown/almost black brows! It also comes in Auburn, Blonde, Grey, Taupe, and Soft Brown (available on QVC with a free full-size Smashbox Soft Lights Quad in Allure).
In summary: Brow Marker is great, just be sure the color is right for your brows; and Brow Tech is great if you have a little self-control, and has colors to suite everyone.
Laura Geller Brow Marker does not appear on her website, and is not avaiable online at Sephora. To buy, visit QVC or BellaSugar. Brow Tech is available at Sephora, QVC and Smashbox.
Happy Brow-sing!

Smashbox Photo Finish

Gotta have it! Use daily as a base or on special occasions under foundation or powder for FLAWLESS coverage all day. Introduced to PF by a friend at a wedding, bride looked perfect all day, despite the heat and sun in Mexico! I've ordered it from Smashbox and Sephora.
Smashbox description:
Create a perfect canvas for foundation application with this silky blend of vitamins A & E, grape seed extract and green tea. The best-selling formula helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and pores for visibly softer skin. Wear under foundation to increase its longevity, or alone for a velvety-smooth finish.