Chantecaille Cleanser

Chantecaille Rice & Geranium Foaming Cleanser

I’m not one to splurge on expensive facial cleanser but this one is definitely worth it.  This rice & geranium formula is extremely gentle (perfect for sensitive skin) yet it does an incredible job of washing away makeup and impurities.  It’s also lovely first thing in the morning as it is really refreshing on the skin.  The formula contains rice bran which exfoliates (definitely that time of year – out with the old (skin) and in with the new!) and it also contains geranium (a natural antibacterial agent) – who knew?  This combo gives your face a one-two punch & leaves you fresh & gorgeous.  I will say this formula is probably best suited for those with oily skin as it additionally contains seaweed which regulates sebum production (it really made a difference in how well my makeup lasted throughout the day).  It easily lathers up and feels and smells super luxurious.  Yummy!

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/chantecaille-rice-and-geranium-foaming-cleanser/3089390?cm_cat=datafeed&cm_ite=chantecaille_rice_and_geranium_foaming_cleanser:294433&cm_pla=skin/body_treatment:women:cleanser&cm_ven=Froogle&mr:referralID=NA&mr:trackingCode=4277BF6E-1968-DF11-9DA0-002219319097

Sidebar (Mikoh Swimwear)

Mikoh Swimwear

My sweet hubby bought me a gorgeous Mikoh bikini for Valentine’s Day that I have been lusting after for many months… here’s to hoping I can squeeze my a** into it for our anniversary trip in May.

I love how my girlscout cookies arrived the day before I try on the swimsuit.  Timing!!

If you’re not familiar with Mikoh – I highly recommend, the quality is amazing and the suits, though tiny, are surprisingly flattering.  I'm obsessed with the fringe on the black one I chose.

Thanks Bubby!  Love you!!

http://mikohswimwear.com/

And because I'm dreaming of white sand and turquoise water... here's a shot from my October tropical trip to day dream about... How cute would I look sitting on a lounge chair in my new bikini sipping a frozen drink on that beach???!!

Fresh Age Delay Body Cream

Fresh Sugar Acai Age-Delay Body Cream 

This is a decadent body cream that really invigorates and nourishes dry, tired skin.  I use it before bed and not only does it smell “fresh” (hence the name) and fabulous but you wake up with the softest, smoothest, healthiest feeling and looking skin.  This cream is extremely hydrating, offers anti-oxidant protection and restores skin’s elasticity.  Plus, it contains natural alpha-hydroxy acids that gently exfoliate skin.  

Perfect for sloughing away all those dead skin cells we all accumulate under layers of heavy winter clothing and months of cool/dry air.  We sometimes forget that body exfoliation is just as important as facial exfoliation, especially during the winter months. I’m in love.  Buy it for yourself for Valentine’s Day!

XXOO & Happy Valentine’s Day by the way…

http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P199900

By Terry Coral Liquid Blush

By Terry Rose De Rose Sheer Liquid Blush in Coral Rose

The first day of Spring is technically March 20 but as soon as Feb. hits I shift into Spring mode.  Bring on the light self tanner and bronzer… when the seasons shift, it’s usually necessary to make a few minor makeup changes.  My most important?  Switching from a “cool” tone pink blush to a more “warm” peach/pink/coral blush.  I love Terry’s formula b/c it’s error proof and super blendable.  It can also be used as a highlighter for brow bones, cheek bones and décolleté.  This blush is like velvet and the coral rose color is gorgeous for spring & summer.  (See my previous post about the fresh color from 11/15/11).

http://www.byterry.com/make-up/complexion/blush/rose-de-rose-anglais.html#

L’oreal Elnett Satin Hairspray

L’oreal Elnett Satin Hairspray

I maybe use hairspray 5 times a year but, when I need it, I always use L’oreal Elnett.  Elnett has long been considered the gold standard of hairsprays by stylists and has equally as long been a constant presence backstage in the runway world.  The matte gold bottle is hilarious and hasn’t changed much since its creation during what had to have been the Studio 54 era.  Anyhoo, this product will hold barrel curls or waves perfectly and for hours and hours.  It will keep fly-aways at bay and never ever feel hard or stiff.  Whether you’ve got a black tie gala, a costume party, or a wedding up-do… this drugstore cheapie is the product for you.  After you spray – your hair is still totally brushable. More added umph – it protects against humidity (I can vouch for this as it just got me through a Bahamas wedding with rain) and it adds brilliance and shine while securing hold.  I buy the travel size bottle and it lasts me years.  No exaggeration.

http://www.drugstore.com/products/prod.asp?pid=280638&catid=183510&aid=338666&aparam=280638

Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil (Shampoo)

Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil Shampoo

I know, it sounds odd to use an oil based shampoo but, my scalp has been so dry & irritated (prescription shampoo and cortisone providing no relief) that buying this was kind of a last ditch effort as I’m currently shedding scalp skin like a snake.  Hot, right?  More like hot mess.  My hair has also been lacking its usual gloss and luster.

The premise behind an oil based cleanser is, that oil removes oil.  This is true.  People with oily skin swear by oil based cleansers so I thought, why not?  Plus, I am a major supporter of all products Shu Uemura. 

The shampoo removes product build up but leaves good oils behind.  The result is 2^nd day hair (you thick haired people get this reference) that is shiny, hydrated, and about 100 times more manageable. Obviously, this product is not for everybody.  I would say I have longer, thicker hair than 99.5% of the population and on a good week, I wash it twice.  The formula calms and balances the scalp and if your scalp is happy… it shows in your hair.  The formula lathers up luxuriously and smells amazing.  I realize $55 for shampoo is a little steep but it is SOOO worth it for anyone who has tresses or a sensitive scalp in need of some TLC.  Honestly, this provides immediate relief and gratification and creates a salon-worthy blowout in about ¼ of the time minus the tired arms and multiple brushes/tools.  This just made my day, month, year!

http://www.shuuemuraartofhair-usa.com/haircare/cleansing-oil.htm

Trifecta

Stila Lip Glaze

There was a time when I was obsessed with Stila… I will admit, as of late, the brand has fallen off my radar but, my passion was reignited when I got a trio of their glosses as a Christmas gift.  The shades Stila offers really are quite fab and diverse and for some reason I really like the clicker tube the glosses come in (it allows for the ideal amount of product each application) – what I do not like, is the very small amount of gloss in each tube.  I like the paintbrush applicator and love how well the glosses last.  These glosses are super high shine and supposedly the tubes are twice the size they used to be – major plus.  The glosses are sweetly scented but are definitely not over powering. The shades included in my “cool” tone trio were: grapefruit (pinky coral), seashell (pale neutral pink), & raisin (deep plum). A fabulous trifecta of colors!!

Here is a link to the gloss/ glaze at Sephora:

http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P81311&om_mmc=Googlepla&_requestid=42976&cm_mmc=us_search-_-GG-_-pla-_-{keyword}&ci_src=17588969&ci_sku=1008572