tweezerman floral print mini tweezers

Anything cute, mini, or floral always gets my attention.

These nail all three.

Available in either pink floral, black floral, or white floral...each with a free sharpening guarantee.

Slip these itty-bitty wonders into your makeup bag, to snag a stray if the need ever arises.

You know it will.

Right now, they're only $8 on sephora.com.

The only decision you need to make is, which color are you going to go with?

biore makeup removing towelettes

Sorry things have been a little haphazard around here.

First, the kids were sick...which is just plain horrible on all levels, in case you're wondering.

Now, I'm sick, and anyone with kids under 5 years old knows that it's next to impossible to do something called "rest" when you've got them running around the house.

I mean, really.

I had to laugh out loud at my husband when he actually said well, just try to get some rest.

Uh...say what?

Have you met our kids?!

But, I digress...back to the wipes.

Even if I'm bone-tired at the end of the night, I always take off my makeup.

Always.

While I normally wear only 5 makeup products during the day (concealer, tinted moisturizer, blush, mascara, lip gloss) they all still need to be removed, along with any other unseen gunk that might settle on my face.

I mean...ew...how could you not want to remove all of that?

Gross.

I love the option I have with a product like the Biore towelettes.

You can just grab one and wipe away the day in seconds.

Seconds!!

Plus, you don't even need water.

Nada.

Thanks to ingredients like Green Tea, Vitamin E, Green Coconut Water, and Indian Ginseng, everything feels clean and not dry afterwards.

Also, each towelette is enhanced with cotton (made from 100% renewable resources...the first of its kind btw) for softness that's just feels so right.

A total no-brainer.

Find yours at any Target or mass market retailer.  You can also head to biore.com for more info about this and their other products.


disclosure: a pr sample was provided

clinique bottom lash mascara

File this under the most simple, yet genius idea for a product ever.

Clinique managed to come up with a teeny-tiny mascara wand that allows you to reach your bottom lashes, without smudging up everything around it.

Plus, the formula itself stays-put once you apply.

Later...at the end of the night?

It all comes off with soap and water.

Genius.

I tested mine out and, while I may not want to use it everyday, it was able to hit all of my lower lashes easily.

The wand itself is really, really tiny and that gives you a sorta freedom to move it around without risking a visit to clumptown.

You could even use it on those little lashes in the inner corner of your upper eyelids too, if need be.

The best part for me, is how easy it is to remove at the end of the night.

Who wants to have to tug at their eyelids to get rid of every last trace of mascara?

Not me.

Use whatever cleanser you like, add some warm water, and it's gone.

Done.

The price is wallet friendly too.

Only $10.

Definitely worth a peek.

Find yours at your local Clinique counter or clinique.com.



disclosure: a pr sample was provided

tarte 25% off!

(click the image above and start shopping)

Just popped into my inbox.

Take advantage asap!!

lubriderm men's 3-in-1 lotion

My husband is a total guys-guy.

He generally will just grab whatever lotion is sitting on the counter, smear it all over his face and body, then call it a day.

Recently though, he's been asking me about what kind of products he should use on his face.

He actually said this...do you have any face lotion that I could use? my skin is starting to look a little tired.

Say what?!

He ran out of the Clinique men's skincare that I had bought him a while back...my bad on forgetting to refill those...and really had nothing to use.

Then the Lubriderm arrived, ready for testing.

Big L was a totally willing guinea pig and used the lotion right away.

He loved that he could apply this all over...especially on his head, because he's (ahem) shaved bare up there.

It comes in a lightly scented version too (I actually like that one), but he prefers the fragrance free so it won't "compete" with his fave cologne.

Yeah, I kinda was surprised he thought that too.

He's been using it daily, for the past few weeks, and I have to say that his skin has been looking really even and feels so soft to the touch.

I mean, who wouldn't want their guy to feel all soft and cuddly really?

That's just how it works.

Find out more at lubriderm.com.


disclosure: a pr sample was provided

limited-edition clean summer escape eau de parfum

Boy, does this just smell awesome.

I am a huge fan of crisp, citrusy scents and this delivers that...in droves.

It hits all of the right notes...

Top Notes: 

Crisp Bergamot, Beach Grass, Mandarin Orange

Mid Notes: 

Water Lily, Summer Peony, Beach Honeysuckly, Orange Flower

Base Notes: 

Cotton Blossom, White Sand Accord, Driftwood, Coconut Water

So, when you sniff it, you're basically smelling summer in a bottle...bringing you back to those warm, sunny, barefoot wearing times that linger in your memory.

Love that.

Find yours at Sephora and cleanperfume.com.

disclosure: a pr sample was provided

beauty buys under $10.75...regis designline ultimate radiance collection

I was smitten the moment I sniffed the shampoo.

It smells all coconutty and fruity, but not in an annoying I'm-wearing-a-fruit-salad-on-my-head kinda way.

While it contains natural ingredients and no sulfates, the best part for me (aside from the fab scent) was how it cleaned my hair.

Amazing.

It got rid of that gunked-up feeling I sometimes get and left it feeling squeaky clean, but not stripped.

Does that make sense?

There's no matching rinse-out conditioner, which kinda bummed me out, but there's a spray Leave-In Conditioning Styler that did its job very well.

If you're hair tends to be on the frizzy side...a direction my hair can take in the summer...there's a Defrizz Spray too.

The Ultimate Radiance Shampoo ($9.95) and the Ultimate Radiance Defrizz Spray ($6.50) are both under $10...which is insane.  The Ultimate Radiance Leave-In Conditioning Styler is priced at $10.50.

All of the above are available at Regis Salons right now.

Go to regissalons.com to find a location near you.

disclosure: a pr sample was provided 

deborah lippmann girl's just want to have fun

This just screams WEAR ME! doesn't it?

A perfect shade of coral that's just so "in" I can't stand it.

The name alone makes me smile.

Will be applying it to my toes, for my next pedi thank you very much.


disclosure: just bought this online and can't wait for it to arrive...seriously DO NOT TELL MY HUSBAND. that is all. 

nars summer 2011 collection

If you weren't craving summer yet, this collection will get you started.

Read on...

The Summer 2011 Collection, created by Founder and Creative Director François Nars, boasts bright colors reminiscent of the tropics. Neon orange gives an unexpected pop of color along with bright white, coral and cantaloupe. The highlight, Cap Ferrat Trio Eyeshadow, fuses three cool-toned variations of teal for an effortless day-to-evening transition.


For exclusive details, such as behind-the-scenes images, and a Q and A with François Nars, head to their The Latest tab on Facebook!

The collection includes:

Cap Ferrat Trio Eyeshadow ($45) 

Icy sea foam, silver green, and icy turquoise

Dogon Duo Eyeshadow ($33) 

 Metallic taupe with icy green sheen; charcoal black

Exotic Dance Duo Eyeshadow ($33) 

Metallic white with silver sheen; metallic gold

Queen Soft Touch Shadow Pencil ($24) 

Citrus gold glitter

New Order Highlighting Blush ($27) 

Soft pink with gold and silver shimmer

Wonder Lip Gloss ($24) 

Sheer mandarin orange with pink and gold shimmer

Mayflower Lipstick ($24) 

Sheer shimmering raspberry

Bolero Velvet Matte Lip Pencil  ($24) 

Pink cantaloupe

Carthage Pure Matte Lipstick ($25) 

Hot pink

Kismet Nail Polish ($17) 

Metallic sunflower

Écume Nail Polish ($17) 

Opaque white

Available beginning now at narscosmetics.com.

le metier de beaute large concealer brush

I remember seeing this brush being used by a makeup artist in some random video and loving it instantly.

It literally fits in the palm of your hand and that is what makes it perfect.

The small size (don't know why Le Metier called it a large concealer brush...go figure) allows you to really get in there, attack those dark circles and whatever else you've got going on, then blend in your concealer of choice perfectly.

For what it's worth though, it is crazy expensive.

Try $50.

Yup...that's a 5 and a 0 right there.

I bought mine last year and I still can't believe I spent that much on a brush, but truth is I really love it.

Fair warning though, I could not find this online.

Neiman Marcus has it on back order, with seemingly no idea as to when it will come in.

Seeing as it's been ages since I've set foot into a Neiman Marcus store (uh...because I've got two kids who turn on their we're-going-to-do-whatever-the-hell-we-want-in-this-place-and-YOU-can't-stop-us attitudes as soon as they enter a mall) I have no idea if it's in-store or not.

So, basically I'm showing you a product that you may or may not be able to ever actually see and you may or may not be able to ever actually purchase.

Huh.

My bad.


disclosure: i bought this myself with my husband's hard earned money. he would NOT be amused, so don't tell him

love by avon and reese witherspoon

Spring has officially sprung, in my neck of the woods.

Yesterday was every bit of gorgeous.

Big L came home from work and I was able to get in a run in after dinner.

Didn't need to resort to our treadmill...so that made it more fun right there.

And I wore shorts!!

Can you believe it?

No parka!!

Hopefully your weather has taken a turn for the warmer as well.

If that's the case, you definitely need to work on switching up your heavier winter scents for some lighter spring-ish ones.

Just released this month is Love, from Avon and Reese Witherspoon.

Who I just adore btw.

Anyway, Love is the first in a trio of bright floral fragrances Avon will be introducing under Expressions.

Got that?

Here's a little about the whole set...

As an actress, mother and Avon Global Representative, Reese Witherspoon is a perfect example of the woman who does it all. Like many of us, Witherspoon wears a different hat every day, so who better to capture her modern femininity than with a fragrance for each frame of mind: Live without regrets, Laugh often and Love to the fullest.


“Wearing fragrance is one way I express my personality,” says Reese. “No matter what my mood, Expressions lets me convey my joy, confidence or sensuality – whatever I feel that day.”

I was able to check out Love, which is described as a rich textured Oriental Floral scent.

For those of you who understand the whole note thing, there's notes of succulent black cherry, a plush peony floralcy and sensual amber and woods.

This is one of those perfumes I'd definitely use for a night out with Big L.

It's sexy and perfect for dressing up, or with jeans, a tee, and a nice warm cardi for a date at the movies.

Love ($22.50) is available now, with Laugh following in May and Live soon after.

There's actually a really cute little Mother's Day set on Avon's site right now...check it out here.

The Expressions trio is available exclusively through Avon Representatives. To locate an Avon Representative call 1-800-FOR-AVON or visit avon.com.


disclosure: a sample was provided

reveal 10 by vasseur skincare

I'm not sure if other beauty bloggers feel this way, but trying new skincare products can sometimes freak me out.

Let me explain.

As I write this, I'm inching closer and closer to my fourth decade on earth.

That's the big 4-0.

A fact that is basically freaking me out more and more.

It just is.

At this point in my life, I've found products (through trial and error mind you) that just work for me.

Then a new product comes along and it sounds so amazing I want to try it.

So I either buy it, or I'm sometimes fortunate enough to have it sent to me for review, and then it sits in Product Limbo.

Product Limbo is the term I came up with for beauty goods that sit either in my bathroom drawer, or on top of my dresser, and wait for me to use them.

They sit and wait, because I am afraid to try them and have something god awful happen to my face.

Like break me out.

Or dry my skin out.

Or both.

So they sit and I stare at them and think, should I try you tonight?

Maybe?

But what if...? 


Ugh, if it breaks me out that's like a week of recovery.


See where I'm going with this?

This product sat in my bathroom drawer for a little while.

A couple of weeks ago, I took it out of limbo, threw caution to the wind, and decided to try it.

I used it at night, as a serum, and under my night-time moisturizer.

And in the morning?

I woke up to the most glowy and "awake" skin I've seen in a while.

Shocked would describe my reaction.

After using it for a week, I was deeply in love.

The price is even better.

The small (that's enough to last a while mind you) is only $20.

$20.

Needless to say, it's no longer languishing in limbo-land.

Find out more at vasseurskincare.com.



disclosure: a product was sent to me for review

gillette venus proskin moisturerich razor

Let's be real here, shaving is not exactly one of my favorite things to do.

In fact, in our new shower, it's downright dangerous.

I realized this last week, while trying to shave my legs.

It's a stand up shower, with no place to prop your leg to get proper shaving angle.

There's also nothing to hold on to.

Nothing.

Just two tiled walls and the two glass sides of the shower.

That's it.

So while bending over to try and shave my one leg, I almost bit it when I fell forward and hit my head on the glass wall.

Hit. My. Head.

Ouch.

I didn't pass out or anything.

That would have been mortifying.

Anyway...while shaving in MY shower is pretty risky, this razor makes it a little bit easier.

It gets rid of the annoying stubble and makes my legs and underarms feel both smooth and moisturized.

I'm also in love with the new holder they're using.

It's small and uses a (powerful) suction cup to hold the razor when you're not using it.

Suction cup =  no sticker residue when you remove it.

Genius.

Find out more info at gillettevenus.com.




disclosure: a sample was provided

mac mineralize skinfinish

Perfect for when you don't feel like doing your entire face, but need a quick pick-me-up.

Either spot conceal first or do a light foundation, but that's it...nothing too heavy or luminizing.

The powder is all you need.

Grab a big brush and sweep this around as you would a bronzer, or just use it on your cheekbones.

Remember to use a light hand and be sure to tap off the excess on the bristles before you apply.

A sweep of mascara, a dab of lip gloss or balm and you're done.

Glowy without looking like it's a bit much.



disclosure: a sample was provuded.  pictured is mac mineralize skinfinish in by candlelight.  

beauty buys under $10...pacifica malibu lemon blossom solid perfume

This is just essential, if you're always on-the-go.

Pacifica's solid perfumes make it easy to throw one in your bag and apply as needed.

Without having to worry about spillage.

Made of organic soy and coconut wax, as well as natural (and essential) oils...you can wear them alone or layer away.

The recyclable tin that it's housed in, is just the cute little icing on the cake.

A tip I found in a recent mag?

Rub a little onto your hands and rake it through your strands.

Everyone will catch a sweet little whiff every time your hair moves.

Find yours at pacificaperfume.com.


disclosure: a sample was provided 

bobbi brown 20% off friends and family

Plus, enjoy complimentary shipping with all orders over $65.

Get to shopping!

jell-o temptations

Eating one of these will make feel like you're cheating on your diet, even though you so aren't.

It comes in six different flavors that are all under 150 calories a piece or less!

I picked up the strawberry cheesecake, during my last grocery run.

While The Cheesecake Factory doesn't have anything to worry about, it totally gives you that I-just-had-a-nice-little-slice-of-strawberry-cheesecake-goodness feeling.

My only complaint about this one was that it could have used a little graham cracker-ish crust at the bottom.

That would have made this perfect.

As a side note, isn't the below commercial a tad bit messed up...or is it just me?







disclosure: i bought mine at my local safeway..on sale btw!

what i'm loving now...toms classic canvas slip-on

These aren't exactly the most elegant shoe out there, but they're crazy comfy.

I wear mine with skinny jeans and a tee or tank.

Feel free to wear yours with anything.

They come in lots of shades and even in a peep-toe wedge.

I have this style in an uber cute grey stone-washed twill.

So sweet.

The best part about these shoes?

For every pair you buy, TOMS gives a pair to a child in need.

Every. Single. Pair.

How awesome is that?



disclosure: i purchased mine on nordstrom.com with FREE shipping! just use the words SHOES at checkout!!

eos hand lotion giveaway extravaganza!

I've become positively OBSESSED with hand lotions as of late.

I keep one in my bag and usually one in the car.

Just in case a "dry hands emergency" occurs.

Well, lucky for everyone EOS just launched a brand new pod-shaped (re: funky as all get out), pocket-size Hand Lotion!

It's available in two scents, Everyday and Everyday in Cucumber.

They're, paraben-free, hypoallergenic, dermatologist tested, and contain ingredients like aloe, oat, shea butter, and Vitamins C & E.

How does that make you lucky too?

Well EOS is giving away 20,000 free hand lotions to celebrate the launch.

Cool huh?

From April 4th till May 2nd, EOS will be giving away 20,000 full size samples of their new Hand Lotions to 5,000 people each week who "LIKE" their Facebook fan page!

So whatcha waiting for?

Head on over to facebook.com/eos right now!!

too cute...designs by lolita stemless wine glass

For spring and beyond.

Imagine drinking your wine, or what-have-you, out of this?

This would totally cheer me up on a gloomy day.

Well...this and the wine.


Stemless Wine Glass in Ooops-A-Daisy ($16) from Designs by Lolita.

pantene pro v color hair solutions color nourishing treatment

I think that I might have mentioned that I have a little spending problem.

Didn't I?

Lately I've decided that I need to curb my desire to spend, or at least limit some of my spending to items under $100 or so.

Hey, I'm only human.

A couple of weeks back, I saw this sitting on the shelf while cruising the aisles of Target.

I've seen Pantene's new Color Nourishing Treatment advertised everywhere and figured why not give it a shot.

Being it was priced under $10, it gave me the thrill of a new purchase without the guilt of a major splurge.

Stop looking at me like that.

I do not have a problem!!

Anyways...you only need to use it once a week, like a deep conditioner.

Shampoo your hair, then apply and let it sit there while you finish up the rest of your shower duties.

Rinse it out, then towel dry, and style your hair as usual.

My results?

Touchably soft and hydrated tresses...plus color that still looks great.

Not bad.

Not bad at all.



disclosure:  i purchased this at my local target

covergirl limited edition clean compacts

What a way to celebrate a 50th anniversary.

CoverGirl is introducing new limited edition Clean pressed powder compacts in chic African-inspired prints.

Through CoverGirls’s partnership with Children’s Safe Drinking Water, each limited edition Clean compact purchased provides a week’s worth of clean drinking water for a child in Africa.

A donation of up to $50,000!

You can find the special compacts now at your local grocery and drug store...they'll be available at WalMart starting in June 2011.

It's while supplies last though, so hurry!

bare minerals firming eye treatment

I'm all about eye care.

If it's a new product and it claims to make my eye area look great, I'm on it.

Recently this came across my desk and I was immediately smitten.

The first time I used it (the first time I used it!) I noticed a difference in how the skin under my eyes appeared.

It looked like I had the most awesome sleep ever the night before.

Like my husband wasn't snoring and keeping me awake, even though I had earplugs in my ears.

Apparently, I had also somehow kicked him in my sleep to get him to stop.

Don't seem to remember that.

; )

The treatment manages to provide a tightening action that you can feel a little, but not so much so that it's annoying.

You also get enough slip with this, so your concealer/foundation goes on smooth and not cakey.

Essential in my book.

The tube factor is perfect for those of you who hate pots...I'm good either way though...and is great for travel.

Priced at $28, it won't leave you crying as you reach for your credit card.

Find it at your local Sephora, Ulta, Nordstrom, Bare Escentuals freestanding stores, and bareescentuals.com.


disclosure: a sample was provided by a rep for the company

old navy the sweetheart skinny jeans

Old Navy just "gets it" when it comes to clothing for all sizes.

These faves of mine are available in sizes 0 through 20 with three different inseam lengths.

Not all stores do that.

The Sweetheart Skinny also wins points from me, because of the rise.

It's mid-rise makes you feel confident you aren't going to expose some body part you'd rather keep private.

Let's not even go there.

I pair mine with a slightly looser top that hits around my hips.

Go fancy or casual, just remember tight on the bottom demands a looser fit on the other half.

Tight and tight will just make you look like a hooker.

Just sayin.

For shoes, you can really try just about anything.

I've seen some cute celebs sporting theirs with high heels...although heels all day would be painful in my opinion.

I tend to stick with adorable little flats and the occasional wedge sandal.

Gorgeous.

Definitely try these on at the store to get your exact fit.


disclosure: i purchased mine at my local old navy

clinique long last glosswear in clearly pink

If you were to dump out the contents of my makeup bag right now, you'd find an assortment of pink or pinkish glosses.

For example, I probably have every pink hue imaginable from Bobbi Brown.

I am totally serious.

So much so that when I go to the counter and start to get excited when I see a new shade I think I don't have, I have to pause and mentally go over the shades I have at home.

Nine times out of ten, I have it already.

Homegirl really needs to start making a list.

While I do have a gaggle of pink lippies, I'm always on the lookout for ones that I don't have.

Clinique Long Last Glosswear in Clearly Pink was one that I didn't.

Allure magazine recently listed it on their Hit List and that just piqued my interest.

It's definitely a sheer pink.

Allure described it as a watermelon pink, but when I think watermelon, my mind veers towards a slightly reddish kinda pink.

This is that gorgeous candy-pink that you automatically think of when you try and picture a pink in your head.

You know, back when you used to pretend you were a princess.

That pink.

It's glossy times five...so be warned.

There's no scent to it and it can get a little sticky, but that's a gloss baby.

I also adore the fact that it's only $14, so I don't feel too guilty about adding it to my pink pile.




disclosure: purchased with my own money at my local macy's.

lubriderm daily moisture with spf 15 lotion

Have I mentioned that it's been incredibly cold and dreary here in the DC area?

Aw-ful.

I just want the warmer temps, so I can wear some of my cute spring outfits and ditch the winter parka I'm still sporting.

Ugh.

Either way, if I'm going to be running errands around town, I find it necessary to apply a lotion with SPF to my face and body...parka or no parka.

It's easy and it's something that takes five seconds to do.

2 in 1's are positively essential to this mommy.

Clinique covers the face part and Lubrierm Daily Moisture with SPF 15 covers the rest.

They're both totally a no-brainer with their broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection combined with awesome hydration.

Each with a non-greasy feel.

While the Clinique will set you back almost $43, the Lubriderm is priced at under $10.

Both have earned their place on my bathroom vanity.


disclosure: a sample of the lubriderm lotion was provided by a rep for the company. i purchased the clinique lotion myself.