Tousle Me Softly

I hadn't used Herbal Essences since junior high, so torn between nervousness and excitement when their new Tousle Me Softly collection arrived in the mail. Nervous because do I really want to return to something I used when I was 13? My hair was awful then! Excited because the cheery purple bottles promised my hair would be scented with a "tousled fusion of wild violet & pomegranate." The main thing I noticed in this collection is that it's fairly heavy and weighs the hair down, which I love, but is not for everyone.

Shampoo and Conditioner for a Tousled Look: I am extremely picky about the shampoo I use, but I found that this one worked well, especially when used with the conditioner. I've always felt that the instructions to use products from the same brand was a marketing ploy, but these really complemented each other and left my hair smooth and soft.

Tousle Me Softly Mousse: My favorite product in the collection! Smelled amazing, held my waves, and really cut down on frizz.

Tousling Spray Gel: I liked it as a 'freshener' later in the day for my hair, but thought it was too crunchy when used on wet hair.

Flexible Hold Hair Spray: I know it's bad for the environment, but I believe that aerosol hairspray is an essential. My beliefs have only been made stronger with use of the Tousle Me Softly hairspray. It comes out in more of a stream than a fine mist, and left my hair looking like it was coated in a glaze.

Finishing Touch Cream: I feel like this product is almost misplaced in this line. It would be better packaged as a smoother/defrizzer than a curl enhancer. Either way, this product is great and adds tons of shine. Just make sure to learn from my mistakes--a little goes a LONG way!

One Word: Yum

The Product: Caress Evenly Gorgeous Exfoliating Body Wash, Burnt Brown Sugar and Karite Butter

The Claim: New Caress Evenly Gorgeous Exfoliating Body Wash and Beauty Bar have burnt brown sugar and karite butter that gently exfoliate and lusciously moisturize, revealing sensually smooth skin that’s even toned and polished to perfection.

The Results: I don't know if you're familiar with the Warm Vanilla Sugar scent from Bath and Body Works (which I love), but this smells extremely similar. I can't use the Bath and Body Works products because all the fragrance make me break out, but this is a perfect alternative. It's more of a winter scent, but it is just so delicious that I haven't been able to resist using it all summer! Aside from the amazing scent, the body wash has little exfoliating beads in it that gently slough off dead skin. It's really gentle, so it's perfect for every day use. I occassionaly get small bumps on the back of my arms in the summer, but this has completely gotten rid of them. The karite butter also kept my skin nicely moisturized, so I didn't need to use any lotion after. I tried the Beauty Bar as well, but wasn't a huge fan. First, I'm not a huge bath bar fan anyway. And second, it didn't have the same exfoliating and moisturizing benefits as the gel. Bottom line--buy the gel, not the bath bar, and enjoy the heavenly scent.

Breakout Central

About six weeks ago my normally oily skin decided to completely break out. I went from an occasional breakout to a 'beard' of acne--terrible cyst-like pimples on my chin and around my mouth. Having a bad hair day or an embarrassing sunburn is nothing compared to the distress I've felt at my face; it has completely destroyed my self confidence. On top of the acne, my lips are terribly chapped and peeling. I'm truly at a loss on how to handle this. I've tried a lot of products, but this acne seems to be more of an internal issue that my body won't let me get rid of. I haven't even wanted to leave the house, let alone post comments on beauty products. It took me almost a week to motivate myself to write this post.
If you've never had bad acne I'm sure this will seem very dramatic; I've always had pretty good skin and before this I would have scoffed at anyone that wouldn't want to leave the house because of their skin. It would have seemed ridiculous. But now I know better. I'll keep you updated on skin situation, but for the near future there won't be many posts on skincare products.
I have tried some great hair products lately, so stay tuned for those reviews!

Marc and Lola Love Affair

Exclusively at Bloomingdale's, Marc Jacobs latest scent, Lola, smells as fun and whimsical as it looks. The eau de toilette has notes that feature pink peppercorn, pear d’anjou, ruby red grapefruit, fuchsia peony, rose, geranium, vanilla, tonka bean and creamy musk. Described as "a modern free spirit with an irresistible attitude. Lola is an intoxicating swirl of rich layers, wrapping the skin in sensuous florals blooming with a signature note of fuchsia peony. Playfully alluring and irresistibly tempting." It smells very young to me, like something you would buy a teenager--trendy and funky, with a hint of maturity.

Today's Deals and Steals

The fabulous Gilt Groupe is having a great sale on Tarte Cosmetics. Sale starts right now, so sign in and check it out.

Sephora has started a program that rewards their 'big spenders' by sending offers for promotions and freebies. If you're not a VIB (Very Important Beauty Insider) you can still take advantage of their latest special by entering code VIBKVD at checkout. This code will send you a free early access to test samples of Kat Von D's fragrance set, Saint and Sinner.

Attention Shoppers: Gilt without the Guilt

There is a great sale on Perricone MD (Cleanse and Tone duo for $32-regularly $76) and Warren Tricomi (mini flat iron and calming serum for $58--regularly $118) on Gilt right now. As it's an invite-only site, click here if you're yet not a member and sign up for some great discounts!!!

This Reign Isn't Going To Last Long...

Smashbox's Fall Reign collection was released, and I immediately was drawn to the Reign Fusion Blush in Regal. Described as a peachy nude with both a matte and shimmer side, I ordered it and waited excitedly for it to be delivered. I instantly fell in love with the swanky packaging, and eagarly opened the compact...and stared in horror at the brownish orange shade of blush. What?!?!? I mean, seriously--look how gorgeous the color is in the picture! The blush made my face look dirty, and I can't imagine the shade would be flattering on anyone. I wouldn't have minded so much if the picture hadn't been so misleading. I feel cheated!

Best Beauty Bargain

In my top 5 products that I can't live without, Q-tips definitely make the list. It's one of those products that you use everyday but don't really think about. I use Q-tips to smudge liner and shadows, apply blemish cream, and fix mascara mistakes; there are truly dozens of uses for them. Q-tips has just launched a campaign promoting their swabs as the 'Ultimate Beauty Tool,' and is backed my famed make-up artists Mally Roncal and Troy Jensen. In addition, they've completely revamped their packaging, coming out with colorful boxes that can be kept on your vanity for easy access. At $3.19 for a box of 285, this is about the best beauty bargain out there.

101 Uses And Counting...

I have a serious case of chapped lips and have tried hundreds of dollars of lip balms and treatments, and have come to the conclusion that the more expensive products are not necessarily better, they are just more expensive. My absolute favorite for dry, scaly lips: Aquaphor Healing Ointment. This drugstore staple truly does it all. It hydrates and add shine, and is also great on dry elbows, cuticles and heels. I've also used it in a pinch to help with flyaways. If you haven't tried it before, I definitely recommend it--think Vaseline without the gooey texture and bad taste.

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Butter Me Up

The Product: butter London Hardwear P.D. Quick Topcoat

The Claim: A great topcoat is a necessity for longer lasting manicures. Hardwear protects the layers of colour beneath it, and gives a super-shiny finish. Nails look wet, vibrant, and freshly painted even when they are dry. Of course it’s also 3 Free, like all our products. In case you were wondering, P.D. Quick stands for ‘Pretty Darn Quick’!

The Results: I was in the Seattle airport for a layover last week and they had the cutest pedicure station by butter London. Never one to turn down pampering, I immediately signed myself up for one. When I left the first thing I noticed was how insanely shiny my toes were. Now, I know that matte polish is in style right now, but that is a trend I just can't get behind for toes--I want mine bright and shiny for summer. This topcoat is the best I've ever tried. It's a week later and my nails are still as shiny and chip-free as the first day; they look like they haven't dried yet. Love it! At $18, it's pricey, but can you really put a price on the happiness I get when I look down and see my gorgeous toes?

Be Still My Heart...

It is quite possible that the Trish McEvoy Simplicity Little Black Card was made with me in mind. It's basically all of my favorite shades combined into one palette. Packaged in a bright pink pouch, it includes Natural Blush, Rose Quartz Glaze Eyeshadow, Iris Eyeshadow, Navy Cream Definer, two shades of Brightening Line Minimizing Concealer, Pink Rose and Jolie lip colors, and Simply Glamorous Lip Gloss.

Nordstrom Beauty Exclusives

The Nordstrom anniversary sales starts Friday, and the exclusive beauty items are looking good. Here are a few of my favorites:

PHYTO Dry Hair Collection-
Love the product line, love the travel bag

MAC Look In A Box in Sweet Tease-
Classic, flattering colors at a great price
Chanel Glossimer in Muscat-
A sparkly neutral gloss

Living in a High-Def World, and I'm a High-Def Girl!

The Product: Cargo blu_ray Pressed Powder

The Claim: Created to provide flawless results while looking completely natural during high-definition filming, blu_ray™ Pressed Powder contains specialized photochromatic pigments that adjust with the light so that your base makeup always looks perfect regardless of lighting or setting. Photochromatic pigments adjust with the lighting so that you have natural looking makeup no matter what the setting, while ultra-fine micronized minerals fill the look of fine lines and reduce the appearance of imperfections. An irregular particle size creates light dispersion, an effect that softens the look of the skintone. This oil-free powder is perfect whether you are getting married, going to your prom, having portraits taken, or simply want to look fabulous anytime and comes in a sleek black compact for convenient touch-up on the go.

The Results: I am now a full-fledge fan of the entire High-Def line by Cargo. It started with the blush, then the concealer, and now I'm in looooove with the pressed powder. It actually reminds me a lot of the MAC Studio Finish (translation: it's heavy with full coverage), so I wear it primarily at night. It has a very slight shimmer to it that makes skin appear luminous and very photogenic. My only problem with it is that it doesn't come with a sponge or brush, so touch-ups on the go are difficult for me--I hate carrying around an extra brush in my evening clutch. However, I have received compliments on my skin every time I've worn it, so I'm happy.

Bobbi in the Nude

In my ever so humble opinion (ya right), Bobbi Brown makes the best nude shadows; she has perfected the art of girl-next-door makeup. Her latest palette, the Nude eye palette, mixes three different textures--soft matte, lightly pearlized, and metallic high-shimmer--to let you customize the look you want while still maintaining a natural look. Plus, the pallete can be refilled in customized shades when you're finished!

Included Shades: Navajo Eye Shadow (Creamy Pinkish White), Pebble Metallic Eye Shadow (Silvery Sparkle), Chino Eye Shadow (Medium Brown), Beige Linen Shimmer Wash Eye Shadow (Golden Shimmer), Maple Sugar Metallic Eye Shadow (Medium Gold Shimmer), Caviar Eye Shadow (Deep Black).