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.

Tigi-Tastic

New make-up never gets old. New GOOD make-up is even better. 

TIGI, more known for its innovative hair care products, also offers a full line of fabulous cosmetics. 

The Glow Blush in Haute was a little intimidating for me at first- I'm more of a naturally enhanced rosy pink cheek, and this hue looked a little too golden/brown in its packaging. Once applied though, it left a super flattering shimmery flush that lasted all day. 

But even better is the Black Patent Liquid Eyeliner. Since trying this for the first time I have been on a total cat-eye trip, if that tells you anything!  

The liner boasts a patent shine that won't smudge or smear and man, did it deliver! I absolutely LOVED the glossy effect! Plus, true to promise, it didn't budge. Application is very manageable too, with a sort of a brush/marker hybrid tip. 

Props to TIGI for adding some extra oomph to my spring make-up tricks! 

Tarte gives you The Glitz

Putting On The Glitz Limited Edition Color Collection & Clutch
Tarte wants you to be the best looking girl at the party/work/convention, and they are giving you the necessities here!

Each set includes:

3 interchangeable palettes for a total of 18 eye shadows, 1 Amazonian clay 12-hour blush, 1 Amazonian clay shimmering powder and 1 park ave princess Amazonian clay bronzer

maracuja-infused lip gloss

reusable purse that features 4 credit card slots and a removable mirror

detailed "get-the-look" instruction card 

My favorite is the Girl's Night Out palette. 


As always, Tarte products are awesome: well wearing, natural, good for your skin.


Buy this now before it disappears!

Temptu: Build-a-Bundle AIRbrush Makeup System

As someone who doesn't usually even wear foundation, the Temptu AIRbrush was very intimidating to me. The instructions and DVD made it seem so easy, though...

I tried it before going out with the girls one Friday night.

Hello, FLAWLESS SKIN!

I didn't use the highlighter--I'm pretty good about providing my own shine, but the foundation and blush were OUTSTANDING.

The application was super-easy. The hardest part was getting the little plugs to stay in place when I was done.

It took about 3 minutes. The last time I wore foundation & blush took me close to 10.

I think I could get it down to about 1 minute.

My friend commented on my great skin, and I got a truly horrible pick-up line*, so I am counting my first Temptu outing as a complete success!

More expensive than I am generally comfortable with, but they have some great sales, and sometimes Sephora will even discount.

Worth the investment!!!

*If I were a squirrel, would you let me out my nut in your hole. That is what he said. For reals.

Vapour Organic Beauty Products

Aura Multi-use Blush Classic & Trick Stick

Vapour has won Allure's 2010 Best of Beauty Award, and for good reason. Both of these products are beautiful and multi-functional. The classic blush stick can be used on the cheeks as well as highlight your eyes. It could even be applied to your lips. The Trick Stick can be used to highlight any part of your face - from brows to cheeks. It provides a warm glow to your face. The best thing about these products is that they are both made with 70% organic ingredients. Keep these in your purse and you can forget about carrying anything else!

Global Goddess~Chair Cheek Color

This easy to apply and blend cheek color comes in a pretty case and a variety of natural blush colors. It is infused with ginseng and green tea which is intended to fight free radicals and prevent premature aging, as well as claming and balancing skin. Honestly, I cannot speak to these promises, but am definitely comforted and enlightened by the idea-a girl will take what she can get when it comes to skin care, am I right?

Over all, this is a beautiful product that leaves me with a healthy glow to my face and a hopeful intention to care more for my skin at the same time. I would fully recommend this product-particularly in "Chowrasta", a color I have grown very fond of.

FROM BROWNSQUARED

RAMY~Juicy Cheeks, Sheer Intense Cheek Color

RAMY-Beauty Therapy's Sheer Intense Cheek Color in "Pure Juice" comes in a cute, simple, mirrored compact with a convenient mirror. At first peek, this shade looks as though it would be even too dramatic for Barbie herself, but once applied, it really is a sheer, glossy, perfect highlight for any cheek. Under powder for day, and less blended for night, this adorable little gem of a product is my new go-to for dull winter skin, or when I need a bit of brightening up in my make-up regime. I'm hooked!!

FROM BROWNSQUARED

Joey New York Blush

Joey New York
Chiseled Cheeks Powder Blush
"Kind" - True Coral

This is my first experience with a Joey New York product. The blush comes in a trendy little case, and provides vibrant colors to your cheeks. No complaints here. Blends well, goes on with light application, and still seems natural. I am intrigued by the Joey New York company, and would love to try the collagen boosting lip gloss or any of the skin products. Check her out at: http://www.joeynewyork.com/