Tag Archives: lightweight

Clearly Waterproof

Waterproof mascara. I am so not a fan. I have never met a formula that has worked for me and it’s hard on the pocketbook when I constantly experiment with something new. It’s a necessity in life, especially during the summer months, but man oh man… I just want something that is as terrific as normal mascara.
I think I’ve found a solution. Anastasia’s “Lash Genius” waterproof topcoat is fantastic. It is a clear topcoat that you apply over your regular mascara and it instantly waterproofs, refreshes, and protects your lashes all day long. It really is genius. There’s no drying or clumping and the lightweight formula glides on smooth and dries quickly. Lashes are left touchable with a soft lacquer. It’s super easy to use. Apply your mascara as always and then swipe on 1-2 coats of this waterproof topcoat. Voila! No streaking or raccoon eyes, just fabulous lashes.

20120604-190308.jpg
Anastasia Lash Genius Waterproof Topcoat $21
available at Sephora

If anyone knows of a great waterproof mascara, let me know. For now, I’ll stick with this little wonder!

20120604-190523.jpg

Leave a Comment

Filed under Beauty

Moisturizing Sunscreen

All my life I’ve received comments about how soft my skin is. I’ve been a moisturizing fool for as long as I can remember. The thought of getting dressed without applying moisturizer makes me squirm. Just like our faces, the body needs a barrier as well. During the winter I opt for an intense lotion because Minnesota winters really dry out the skin. But in the summer, I usually use a great smelling sunscreen as my lotion. The only problem with that is they aren’t always moisturizing. Now, the makers of my favorite smelling sunscreen, Hawaiian Tropic, have created the perfect blend of moisturizer and sunscreen. And I am in love.
Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration Lotion is the only sunscreen with hydrating ribbons. It nourishes and pampers skin while providing a broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection (available in SPF 12, 30, and 50). Infused with silk protein, nourishing anti-oxidants, and exotic botanicals, this lotion is very lightweight and not greasy at all. It really feels quite wonderful on my skin and gives me a good 12 hours of moisture, even while out in the sun. And best of all, it has that signature Hawaiian Tropic fragrance. One whiff and I’m back in my childhood. Yummy!

20120515-104842.jpg
Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration Lotion $9.99
available at all major drugstores

I find this to be the perfect moisturizer for summer. My goal is sun protection, hydration, and to smell like the beach. Mission accomplished with Silk Hydration.

20120515-105257.jpg

Leave a Comment

Filed under Beauty

Summer RX For Hair

I spend a lot of time out in the sun during the summer. Not only can those rays reek havoc on your skin, but they can do major damage to your hair. Your locks can become dry, damaged, and that color you pay a fortune for fades or completely changes. It’s really important to protect your locks from the summer environments (especially chlorine). Alterna has many fabulous products for your best summer hair, but the following three are my favorites.

20120412-115517.jpg
Alterna Summer Hair After-Sun Hair Quench $20

This is a fantastic hydrating gel mask for parched hair that has spent a day in the sun. The unique texture delivers the hydration of a mask in a refreshing gel form. It is a rinse-out treatment enriched with essential minerals, vitamins, and natural humectants that instantly restore moisture. You’re left with silky, soft summer locks that shine. Most importantly, it protects hair from color fade caused by UVA/UVB and visible ray lights. This mask is a limited edition and is exclusive to Sephora.

20120412-120120.jpg
Alterna Hair Sun-Kissed Mist $20

This is a super fun product that’s really good for your hair. It’s a lightweight golden bronzing and finishing spray. The mist creates all-over shimmer, infusing your hair with a sun-kissed glow. Your locks will be super shiny and sexy. As a bonus, the mist locks out humidity to tame those icky flyaways. And like the above mask, it protects your color so you get zero fade. And did I mention how yummy it smells?

20120412-120523.jpg
Alterna Hair Sun Recovery Spray $20

This is a dual phase leave-in conditioner. It instantly revitalizes sun-parched hair, penetrating deeply to infuse moisture, improve manageability, and enhance shine. I carry this in my beach bag and spray it on my hair all day when I’m at the beach. It smells like summer, doesn’t leave my hair greasy, and really does help prevent color fade. Just spray it into towel-dried hair and style as usual (or let it air dry while you play in the sun!).

All products are limited edition (and the mask is exclusive) and are available at Sephora

I love summer hair products. They always smell like the beach and leave my hair full of body and shine. This Alterna line will not disappoint (but will sell out quickly).

20120412-121646.jpg

Leave a Comment

Filed under Beauty

Spring Fling At The Gap

I don’t go into the Gap very often and when I do it’s usually for my husband. It’s not that I don’t like the Gap, it’s just that things tend to all look the same to me. I leave kind of uninspired. So, I was very surprise that while looking through my latest magazines, the Gap ads kept catching my eye. I had to check them out and see just what they had to offer for Spring. And let me tell you-the Gap is back. Tons of color, a huge variety, and just overall freshness. It was actually hard to narrow down my favorites.

20120205-110751.jpg
Broken-in Straight Khaki $49.95
These come in tons of colors and I love the fit.

20120205-110845.jpg
1969 Lightweight Always Skinny Crop $69.95
Finally, a skinny that isn’t too long. And again, these come in many colors.

20120205-110957.jpg
Eyelet Peasant Top $59.95
Love the peasant top and this can easily go from work to play.

20120205-111049.jpg
Slub Knit Drop-shoulder Sweater $44.95
The dolman sleeve is always great-gives an off-the-shoulder vibe.

20120205-111159.jpg
Gap Pure Bubble Sweater $64
I love the simplicity and the neutral color. A good alternative for black.

20120205-111321.jpg
Gap Pure Dolman-sleeve Tunic $68
Perfect for leggings, this longer silhouette is divine. And again, love off-the-shoulder.

20120205-111434.jpg
1969 Mid-weight Real Straight Rolled Jeans $89.95
These are really cool looking and super comfy. Will work with heels or flats.

20120205-111614.jpg
Peasant Bib Dress $69.95
This is so sweet. I adore the cut and the length. Great for Spring and Summer.

20120205-111732.jpg
Utility Jacket $89.95
This is a great jacket for spring. It’s classic and will never go out of style.

20120205-111840.jpg
Belted Cape Jacket $128
The perfect alternative for a trench. It’s a more trendy silhouette, but the khaki color makes it classic.

20120205-112009.jpg
Elastic City Flats $39.95
Every girl needs a good pair of flats. These can be rolled up and stashed in your bag so you always have an out when your heels are killing your feet.

All available at the Gap

I would suggest you run (not walk) to the Gap. Spring is going to be popping with color and they have really captured that with their new collections.

2 Comments

Filed under Fashion

A Hint Of Tint

I’m not a fan of liquid foundation. I find it too heavy and not very natural looking. I’ve been using beauty balm and love it, but have found that it isn’t offering me enough moisture during this very dry winter. I pulled out my tinted moisturizer and mixed it with the beauty balm and voila-perfection. There are no dry, flaky patches and my skin is glowing.
In my opinion, not all tinted moisturizers are created equal. I’ve tried MANY and have been disappointed with most. I started using Paula Dorf’s Face Tint about ten years ago. I had read that this was what Sarah Jessica Parker used to create Carrie’s glow, so naturally I had to try it. I have been faithful ever since. It really does make your skin glow. It’s a lightweight, non-greasy formula with just a tid bit of sparkle. It gives a sheer, natural coverage while protecting skin from environmental damage and has SPF 15. It is more on the expensive side, but one tube lasts a very long time (maybe a year-it doesn’t get icky).

20120126-142429.jpg
Paula Dorf Face Tint $40 comes in four shades (I like Jet Set Glo)
available at Paula Dorf

For a more affordable option, try the new one from Sephora. It offers many of the same benefits of the Paula Dorf one, plus it reduces excess oil. This one has SPF 20 and comes in five shades.

20120126-142707.jpg
Sephora Perfecting Tinted Moisturizer $21
available at Sephora

The thing I love the most about tinted moisturizer is that it lets the real you shine through. And isn’t that really what a makeup should do?

1 Comment

Filed under Beauty