stila travel girl palette

So, I've been put on "double secret spending probation" over here.

Seriously.

I am not kidding.

Need to hear back from the other stay-at-home-moms out there and see if you ever get put on this too.  I know it's not just me.

Anyway...

While my husband wouldn't exactly understand the necessity of this, I don't think he could argue with me over the fact that it's an amazing value.

For just $10...yep, you read that right...you can have this palette valued at $65!!

The Road to Radiance: Across the U.S.A. Palette is the first in a new travel palette collection that will launch every month from now through November. Inspired by fashion, people, colors and culture from around the world, these palettes follow five Stila girls, each with their own unique look, as they travel the world.

Here's what you'll get in the one you see above:

 4 Stila Eye Shadows in Snow Bunny (shimmery champagne), Southern Belle (mauve), Valley Girl (pink), City Chick (alloy)...plus, a Stila Convertible Color in Hibiscus!

In addition to the palettes, you can also read a travel journal that goes along with each...highlighting each Stila girl's adventures.  You'll be able to read about their journey and learn about their fave hot spots to visit!

Too cute right?

More will be on stilacosmetics.com soon.  So be sure to keep heading back!

my top five summer essentials

Getting ready to hit any body of water takes a HUGE effort on my part lately.  With two kids...three if the husband decides to tag along...it involves a whole lotta packing and preparing, just to sit for a couple of hours poolside.

Here's the essentials that totally make the short-list:

1. The first thing you always need is a large bag to fit everything from towels to whatever.  I'm loving this one from Pottery Barn.  It's large, cute, and can be carried by your hand or over the shoulder.  There's a pocket in front for quick access to a phone, plus the inside is lined with PVC so that wet stuff won't seep through.  You can even monogram it.

2.  Sunglasses are a must.  This season it's all about retro and these Ray Ban Original Wayfarer Sunglasses are a classic necessity.  Just pick your color and protect your peepers in style.

3.  Secret Clinical Strength Waterproof is great if you're a sweater like me.  I mean, I really don't know anyone (except for my mom) who doesn't sweat at all.  It's been so hot lately that even stepping out my front door brings on the perspiration.  With this deodorant though, I can actually feel dry where it counts and not stink.  Muy importante!

4.  Whoever came up with this kit is a genius.  The Gilette Venus Bikini Trimmer is my summertime staple.  Who wants to be that chick who isn't on top of her game down there?  Am I right?  This contains everything you need to get the job done.  My tip is this...using the bikini trimmer, go against the growth of the hair to trim really close and with to just trim a little.  So easy and no need to replace any batteries like others out there.  It even comes with an Olay Bikini cream that you use on your bikini line to keep your skin smooth.  Perfection.

5.  If I could have fit the entire Clinique Sun product line in here, I would have.  Being I'm a little short on space (and I could not find a group shot that would fit) I'll just talk about this Clinique Sun SPF 30 Body Cream.  It protects you from the sun's harmful rays, but doesn't smell all perfumey and/or beachy.  Perfect if you just want to wear it daily as you go about your day.  The beauty of this cream is the fact that using it not only provides an SPF, it also makes your skin feel soft and hydrated.  Something that's hard to find in sun care.  The fact that Clinique claims it will also repair your skin over time is just the icing on the cake.

5 minutes 5 questions with shoshanna

Recently, I had the chance to pick Shoshanna (Lonstein) Gruss's brain on all things beauty.

Shoshanna is teaming up with Venus to give her tips on how to achieve the hottest celebrity bathing suit looks of the summer!

Read on...


1. First off, you have THE most enviable hair. What products do you use to keep it looking so fabulous...especially in the heat?

I have fine hair so I use minimal amounts of product, a light/flexible hold mousse is my go-to item.



2. What are your top beach bag must-haves?

Fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice, Ray Bans and a cute Romper as a great cover-up during the day that can easily transition into a chic nighttime look with jewelry and heels.



3. Which over 30 celebs have the best beach style?

Jennifer Aniston, Cameron Diaz—they are super confident and are in such good shape, they even look better than they did ten years ago! They also know how to pick a suit to accentuate their figures, which is the most important thing in looking bikini beautiful.

4. Do you have any advice on how to get our skin bathing suit ready?

Before you slip into that fabulous bikini make sure you have gorgeous, smooth skin from head-to-toe. I love the tools in the Venus Bikini Kit, the new Bikini Trimmer, the Venus Embrace razor and Olay bikini lotion. The kit works to give you flawless skin from your bikini line to your legs. Exfoliation is s also important, and make sure not to forget your SPF/self-tanner for a gorgeous, sun-smart glow that also protects your skin!



5. What's your favorite beauty tip?

My favorite beauty tip is always make sure to drink lots of water and make sure to get enough sleep! There is nothing better you can do to give your skin a healthy glow.


Thanks Shoshanna!

Also, don't forget to head on over to the Venus Facebook page.  They have some pretty cool things going on over their right now.  In fact, they're even doing a giveaway that you MUST enter.  You can fan them here - facebook.com/GilletteVenus

mac haute & naughty lash

Releasing this month on maccosmetics.com...and sure to become an instant hit...is  M∙A∙C Haute & Naughty Lash.

With it's unique two-in-one dual wiper system, you can choose defined lashes for day, or instantly combed volume for evening.

Use the small cylinder for a natural end look; the larger one for major drama, all-in-one!

Leave it to the innovators at M∙A∙C, to allow you to customize your lashes…complete with a pink and glittery-purple cap!

Let's not forget about the state-of-the-art conditioning and hydrating formula that prevents parching and flake-outs.

Gen-ius.

Find it online, right now, at maccosmetics.com and September 2010 at all locations.

beautyblender

Hands-down, the product that recently surprised me big time was the Beautyblender™.

It allowed me to apply my foundation FLAW-LESS-LY without really any effort on my part.

Totally lived up to its promise.

The size and shape...like a teardrop...fits in your hand beautifully.

With the pointy tip you can really get into areas around your eyes and nose.  The rounded end is great for "bigger" jobs.

Perfect if you use liquids or creams on your entire face (think beyond foundation...cream blush, concealers, and eye shadows) because you can use this everywhere.

I used it with my tinted and stick moisturizer, my cream blush, and with overall blending afterwards.

Divine.

You can buy it with or without the cleanser; the Duo Pack you see above is about $35.

I'd recommend buying it with.

It might appear to be little pricier...on its own, the Beautyblender sponge retails for about $20...but your sponge should last a lot longer if you clean it regularly and the environmentally friendly cleanser will help you do that.

Just make sure you only use a tiny bit though.

Seriously.

I put waaaaayyyyy too much on the first time and it took several rinses to get all of the suds out.

Just an fyi.

Find your Beautyblender™ at beautyblender.net, Sephora.com and Henri Bendel.