Nars is known for its blush. Their (in)famous shade, Orgasm, is hit, both for it’s cheeky name and it’s wearability. But this fall, it’s got competition. The runways were awash with natural, flushed faces, and I’m loving this look created with Nars’ latest shade, Douceur, for Thakoon. Brand new for fall, the sheer pinky-brown hue flatters most complexions, and like all of Nars’ blushes, it goes on sheer to give you a healthy glow.

–Becky Ellis

If you’ve been dying your hair for years or are just starting to get a few errant gray strands, this is a must-have product. After all, who wants to run to the salon (or the drugstore) every time a quarter-inch of gray starts to show? TouchBack delivers hair color in a convenient marker-like applicator. Available in eight shades, it bonds to your hair and blends with your permanent color for a natural look, and it contains no ammonia or peroxide so it it’s gentle on your locks. If you’ve been burned by hair-coloring wands before, know that this one has won coveted awards from both Allure Magazine and the Cosmetics Industry Women. It won’t flake off–even when you brush your hair.

–Becky Ellis

It seems like simply washing your face should be enough, doesn’t it? After all, washing usually… well… gets things clean. But invariably, when I follow my (necessarily gentle) facewash with toner, I see plenty of make-up left behind: residue from foundation , traces of blush and bronzer, streaks of eyeshadow and eyeliner. Yuck.

I like simple solutions, so rather than adding a step to my evening routine, I’d rather have one do-it-all product. Finding something that lifts make-up while being gentle on my skin, however, has been tough… till now. Biore just launched Makeup Removing Towelettes with Green Tea. The ultimate in clean simplicity, each towelette annihilates makeup and grime while nourishing your skin. Obviously, the process is made even simpler by the prepackaged towelettes–you don’t even need a washcloth!

–Becky Ellis

Naturally, I needed to jumpstart my color, so I knew the best way to do it is with a deep conditioning mask. It’s the hero hair product that makes your hair super-soft and leaves behind moisturizing ingredients (dry hair makes hair look dull and drab) that boost shine and vibrancy. Phyto, long known for rescue-type hair treatments, has recently revamped their hair mask line with new packaging and formulations. The reformulations are free of silicones and parabens, and the Phytocitrus Mask has color-saving ingredients like grapefruit extract, that restore my hair’s ph level to lock in color. It’s also filled with shea butters and sweet almond proteins to hydrate and leave my dry, frizzy locks, feeling soft and smooth. Look for the new packaging soon too, that boasts 60% less plastic.

For those sunny days, when I’m not wearing a hat, I need to make sure to coat my hair with a leave-in conditioner like Warren Tricomi Protect Organic Hair Shield. The SPF saves my color and keeps my tresses from feeling fried, and the silky moisturizers make it look vibrant and shiny. I’ve got to be vigilant about this and do it every time I rub on sunscreen. Anything to prevent fade out, now back to the frizzies… 

Neutrals are nice, but summer is a great time to take a cue from nature and add pops of color to your look.  This season, purples are hot, and surprisingly easy to wear. For daytime, sweep a pale purple, like Anna Sui Eye Accent in Vivid Lavender (above), up to your brow bone and lightly under your lower lid (On darker-skinned gals, I like Stila’s Eye Shadow Pan in Wisteria (below), a brighter, shimmering lilac). It’s a subtle wash of color that will brighten up your face.

For evening, add a deep purple or plum, like the one found in Cover Girl’s Eye Enhancers 4 in Berries & Cream (at bottom) to the crease and lash line. It’s a sultry, summery alternative to the smokey eye.

Stila’s Eye Shadow Pan in Wisteria

Cover Girl’s Eye Enhancers 4 in Berries & Cream

–Becky Ellis

Frizz-free hair starts in the shower, so switching up my shampoo recently to include a smoothing one, was a smart move. Pantene has always been a go-to brand for me–I think they have good quality haircare at very reasonable prices–so I was anxious to try  out their new Hair Solutions line, specifically designed to transform your hair to what you want, ie smooth and frizz-free. It has complete shampoo, conditioner and stylers by hair type, in fine, medium to thick, color or curly.  I choose, of course, the medium to thick type that promises to convert my locks from untamed mess, to smoother and sleek strands. It’s got guar and patented micro-smoothers that smooth rough cuticles (a symptom of thick hair) and helps to lock out frizz.

It’s been a week of the shampoo and conditioner combo, and I am happy to say, my hair has been pretty frizz-free. The volume is less, and it really feels smoother. I’m anxious to try out the styling products too, which I will be doing in the next few days, along with some other frizz-free solutions. Who knows, with hair this good, I may just skip the Brazilian. Stay tuned.

I spent years on a quest for the right eye cream, and finally–Finally!–I’ve found a few that have earned their mettle. Here are three options at three different price points, and not only have these been road-tested by picky beauty editors, they’ve been road-tested by me (or someone close to me!).

$$$: Freeze 24/7 Eyecing Fatigue Fighting Eye Cream (above)

If you want instant gratification in addition to long-term improvement, Freeze 24/7 Eyecing Fatigue Fighting Eye Cream is the gold standard. Ingredients in this cream tighten and brighten in just minutes, while others stimulate cell turnover and boost collagen elasticity for better results over time. In addition to winning awards  from magazines like Redbook and Star, this has garnered recognition from beauty industry powerhouses like the Cosmetic Executive Women and Women’s Wear Daily. I can throw my own recommendation on the heap, too!

$$: StriVectin SD Eye Cream

StriVectin’s anti-wrinkle complex is beloved by every magazine editor under the sun, and has been featured in women’s magazine all over the world. It’s also the favorite of my oldest friend and mother of an infant: She ran out of it and tried another cream but immediately noticed a difference and switched back! It reduces fine lines by building collagen in addition to reducing dark circles.

$: RoC CompleteLift Eye Cream

RoC CompleteLift Eye Cream is another product that has earned my personal recommendation. While most eye creams focus on the under-eye area or crow’s feet, this firms skin all around the eye, including the eyelid, for a visible lift.

–Becky Ellis

Arm yourself with this cool sun kit from Sephora. Think of it like a Whitman’s Sampler–you choose from twelve SPF makeup, sunscreen and self-tanning products from brands like Bliss, Jack Black, Clarins and Kate Somerville, all in travel-ready sample sizes. They’re housed in a shocking pink makeup case (cute to throw in a bag for the pool or beach) and come with two UV monitoring bracelets that let you know when you’ve reached your ray limit. And the best part? It’s valued at $90, but only $25, with 100% of the net profits being donated to The Skin Cancer Foundation. Not only are doing something good for you skin, but giving back too;  what more could you ask for under the sun?

So in honor of Independence Day, I found a bronzer, Revolution Organics Freedom Glow Beauty Balm, that celebrates freedom, by doing it all in one lovely little tube.  First, it’s  made with only natural ingredients–85% of them are certified organic–so there’s some freedom right there. Second, you can use it all over–think cheeks, eyes, lips and anywhere your body needs some glow–so you’re not restricted to just one spot. It’s available in three lovely sunny shades that let you get your glow on in whatever works with your skin tone, whether it peach, warm golden or rosy. And this weekend, when I’m celebrating that freedom decked out in red, white and blue, it’s good to know my face will be too.

It’s rare when you suddenly find that a great brand has slashed his prices, but that’s exactly what happened with Hard Company. Years ago, the make-up brand was sold in Sephora and specialty stores, but last year, it brokered an exclusive deal with Walmart, the ultimate budget retailer, and… well… they rolled back prices. Now, the once-pricey products can be found for a mere $5-$8. The other great news? The quality is as good as ever! I use the tinted moisturizer, Sheer Envy, every day. It provides great coverage and SPF 15, and at just $8, I don’t worry about wasting it.

Hard Candy also has a huge array of colors, including on-trend brights and shimmers. So if you want to play around with the latest hues without doling out a lot of cash, it’s a good place to start! Check out the whole line!

I’m all for anything that will make my morning routine faster, easier and more pleasant, and Spongeables seem to fit the bill on all counts. In tons of fragrances and formulations, these sponges have the shower gel built right in, and they cleanse, exfoliate and moisturize in a single step. They’re packed with olive oil, shea butter, vitamins A and E and botanical extracts and contain enough soap to last anywhere from 3 to 20+ showers (they’re labeled accordingly).

They have something for everyone: Lavender Nectar lasts for 20 or more washes and has an exfoliating, so it’s perfect for every day. I love the idea of using the “low-dose” sponges (3-8 uses) for travel; just pop one in your suitcase (no need to put it in a plastic baggie!) and throw it away before you come home! No worries about liquids, spills or mucky wet soap holders. The duck-shaped Fruitilicious Spongeables (lots of bubbles for kids age 3 and up) are perfect for little ones, and Clean Power for Men is just for the guys. There’s even a Pedi-Scrub Foot Buffer to pumice your feet!

I’m a bit of a broken record when it comes to sunscreen. Skin damage is cumulative, and it starts from the time we’re kids. Problem is, it’s hard to get the wee ones to sit sit still for sunscreen application. Shady Day is a Mom-owned, Mom-focused company that came up with all sorts of creative ways to get kids slathered in SPF as quickly and painlessly as possible. First they created the Shady Day Sun Protecting Wipes SPF 30 (above). Individually packaged towelettes contain enough sunscreen to protect from head to toe, and they’re easy to apply (just wipe–no extensive rubbing necessary). For concentrated applications or touch-ups on easy-to-burn areas like the nose, they’ve got the Shady Day Stick SPF 30, and for more all-over protection, Shady Day Spray SPF 30, a low-oil formula that absorbs fast and dries quickly. In addition to winning awards from major parenting magazines, all products are dermatologist- and mom-tested… and kid approved. Plus, the wipes and stick are great non-liquid items to stash in your carry-on bag!

Well, being a beauty junkie and all, I’ve resorted to tricking out my dad’s dop kit with rad, funky grooming products that he would a) never know about and b) never buy for himself. This isn’t really genius, but more of an essential, the kind of stuff he will truly appreciate and would have never thought of (not any of them being obvious, of course). The key is to look for products that fly under-the-radar with him.

If your dad, like mine, is short on time, a one-step sudsy soap can be a timesaver–just wash all over and go. Philip B. Nordic Wood Hair and Body Shampoo with a woodsy, evergreen, spruce scent is moisturizing for hair, body and scalp, so dad can get in and out of the shower in minutes.

My dad’s also a big country music fan, so when I spotted the McGraw by Tim McGraw bottle of cologne, I thought I’d get this for him too. The leather edge top and clean lines look nice displayed on the bathroom counter, and the notes of bergamot, lavendar, moss and even aged-whiskey will envelope him in a rich, spicy fragrance he’ll love just as much as Tim.

And finally, there are some cool shaving products too. I’m hot right now on this Acqua Di Parma Colonia Shaving Gel. Not only do I love, love, did I say LOVE, the packaging–so sleek, so Italian, so sophisticated–but I also think the product  would work wonders on my dad’s sensitive skin. The gel is a lightweight creamy concoction that instantly foams into a rich lather when mixed with water, that moisturizes and leaves behind a light scent. The collection also has other shaving and after-shaving products, all designed to make a man’s skin look and feel like a million bucks. After all, isn’t that the least we can do for dear Dad? 

The first official day of summer is barely more than a week away, but the heat has been scooching steadily upwards for months. We’ve had temps in the 80s and 90s the last few weeks, and–as one of the rare souls who doesn’t have air conditioning–I’m always trying to stay cool. Last week I got a great tip: Keep a bottle of body mist in your fridge to spritz when you need a refreshing cool-down in the summer. So simple, so brilliant! And with these Calgon Body Mists (less than $7), so cheap! Pop one in a cooler when you’re spending a day at the beach or the park. The chilled mist on your skin will cool you down, and the scent will pick you up! (I like coconut sorbet because it smells so summery, but this comes in 18 scents, including Lavender Vanilla, Hawaiian Ginger and Paradise Flower and Hibiscus.)

What’s your favorite tip for beating the heat?

As for lips, I usually swipe on a clear gloss, but this year, I’m switching it up. Inspired by the new nude colors that teeter on peach, tawny and pink, I’m going for a nude lip. Not a totally matte one, mind you, but a moisturized, semi-gloss, almost sheer finish that just adds that hint of tint and is the perfect counterpoint to a bronzed, fresh-off-the-beach glow. The key is to keep it looking natural; when picking out a color, make sure you look for a hint of a hue that complements your skin tone (for instance, if you’ve got a darker skin tone, go for a deeper one that matches it) and one that keeps your lips in line with the rest of your look, ie easy, breezy, not over-the-top. Stash it in your bag for quickie touch ups that you need after a long day at the beach or hanging in your backyard.

Some of favorites this season, below:

Guerlain Kiss Kiss Baby Lipstick in Rosy Nude–it’s a balm, but delivers a lush look with a hint of pink tint.

Clinique’s Long Lasting Soft Shine Lipstick in Creamy Nude is the perfect balance of nude and peach.

Loreal’s Colour Riche Lipstick in the Fairest Nude, is a classic nude that won’t overwhelm, and works well with most fair to medium skin tones.

Who else remembers when tooth whitening was an expensive procedure you could only have done in a dentist’s office? In the last 10 years, at-home tooth whitening has become safer, faster and cheaper, and it seems to have culminated in this little Listerine Whitening Pen.

With the Listerine Whitening Pen, you can whiten anywhere; no strips or mouthwashes or trays are required. Just twist the end and brush the gel onto your teeth. Within two weeks, you’ll have whiter teeth. How genius is that? It also kills bad breath, so it’s a fantastic 2-in-1 device. Has anyone tried it?

 Rene Furterer Spray Gloss is what Barbosa primed freshly dried hair with before he used the curling iron. The B5 vitamin formula smoothes and seals the cuticle, so hair looks oh-so-shiny and sleek.  

He then combed through the waves with his fingers, and spritzed a bit of Rene Furterer Fioravanti No-Rinse Detangling Spray  on them. The vitamin C rich formula conditions,  making hair look and feel naturally soft with a light, flexible hold.   

Will you be seeing SATC2 this weekend? You know I will.

We’re just a few weeks away from the first official day of summer, and if you haven’t already been trolling the sunscreen aisles for sun protection, it’s time to get started! Here’s something that will make the selection easier: Consumer Reports tested 12 leading sunscreens and just released the findings. The magazine has never had ads–so you never have to worry about undue influence from companies spending money to get their products in the pages–and the products were tested by an outside lab to see how well they kept volunteers from burning.

Two of the best? Banana Boat UltraMist Continuous Spray SPF 30 (above) and Aveeno Continuous Protection spray SPF 50 (below), both of which are under $10. (One of the most expensive sunscreens–at $18.82 an ounce–ranked near the bottom!) Experts added that many of the sunscreens, including drugstore brands, performed very well, so consumers should factor in the smell and feel of the product to ensure they enjoy (and therfore, will wear) it.

Which leads me to my most favorite shaving product (if I had to pick one): The Schick Intuition Plus razor, with built in cream. It’s a moisturizing solid surrounding the razor blades, that when activated by water, lathers to become a smooth, foam-less cream that helps the whole razor effortlessly glide along your legs. After, you’ll have smooth, moisturized skin. While this razor has been around for a while, the Plus version is even better than the original, with mega-moisturizers like aloe and shea butter for a richer lather. One tip I’ve learned over the years–the solid gets smaller each time it’s wet, so if you plan on keeping it in the shower, use the cover to keep it dry. But what I love about is that this chore seems less like one every time I use it. And for that, it’s a keeper.

Once I got home and downed a Zyrtec, I felt a teeny bit relieved. But I still had to deal with the crimson complexion. Over the years, I’ve tried most every redness-relieving cream and serum on the market. All claim to calm down skin, and while most do, the red look is harder to erase. Thankfully, I have two go-tos that save my skin from wearing a permanent scarlet mask the entire allergy season:

Clinique Redness Solutions Urgent Relief Cream, $30 is the best for quick relief of red, itchy spots (like around my nose). It’s got a derivative of hydrocortisone in it, that quells the crimson, and makes your skin feel normal again.

For all over my face, I like Decleor Harmonie Soothing Cream, $70. Yes, I know it’s a fortune, but when you’re desperate and searching for that miracle redness soother like me, this is well worth the extravagance. Not only does the natural blend of plant extracts and essential oils calm, but the green tinge minimizes the red look, that after a few minutes essentially disappears. Then I’m back to being me, allergy-free.

Spring has sprung and, although April is over, showers continue to outnumber flowers. While rain is great for nature, it’s not so great for my hair. A good umbrella can keep me from getting soaked, but the moisture inevitably leaves my hair a frizzy mess… unless I’m using the right styling product.

I wrote about got2b’s all-in-one wonder, Smoothing Lustre Lotion, last month, and it’s a great option. Here are other road-tested products to help you stay stylish when the rains come down.

Garnier Fructis Weightless Leave-In Anti-Frizz Serum (above) is a fantastic, inexpensive option, and I love that you can use it on both damp and dry hair.

When I want big, beautiful frizz-free body, Jonathan Create Smooth Anti Frizz Volumizing Serum is my go-to product.

Logics Gloss Balm is a great finishing product that adds tons of shine as it smoothes flyaways.

Taming my tresses is my new obsession right now, and while I’ve been working every silcone and shea butter concoction I have in my medicine cabinet, I came across the Hair Rules line, made specifically for textured coarse hair types. Anthony Dickey, stylist extroadinare who counts Alicia Keys and Michelle Obama as clients, is the genius behind these texture-type products. They help the tress-stressed transform hideous hair days into better-conditioned, frizz-free, luscious locks, that look gorgeous au natural or styled. You pick the texture closest to your own–kinky, curly or wavy–then follow with the specific products. The secret is a combo of natural extracts and a ton of humectants, like honey, coconut oil and my favorite, shea.

Check out a few of the styling products that instantly transform texture, and are especially cool-looking in your bathroom with the groovy graphics on the packaging:

Kinky Curling Cream, $20

Curly Whip, $20

Better hair days ahead, for sure!

Doesn’t the title say it all? It’s what women all across the country strive for, only in this case, it doesn’t involve cardio or collagen. Only a little lip gloss.

Huge Lips, Skinny Hips is the first lip gloss made with hoodia (the appetite suppressant); moreover, it’s a straight-up great gloss. It has plumping agent that works without that weird burning sensation, is silky rather than sticky (so your hair doesn’t end up glued to your face on a windy day) and has a light sheen instead of an ultra-glossy lips-of-glass look. Worship Kate (ie, Mauve Shimmer) is my favorite, but they’re all subtle enough to work on everyone. And the taste… so good I apply it just for that! (After a recent experiment with a drugstore brand that looked good but made me smell like I had Jolly Ranchers glued to my face, I came back to this!)

Now you see it, now you don't, Sweep Away, $20

I’ve always been on the search for a good eye makeup remover. My quest has taken me all over, from drugstore standbys to designer names to niche brand products, and I have yet to find one that fits my tall order: Wipe away mascara totally away so when I wake up, I don’t see a trace from the night before. I had literally given up, until this past week, when I came across Sweep Away by Paula Dorf. I’ve always loved the Paula Dorf makeup brushes–they are pro-quality, feel silky soft, and make anyone a whiz at applying makeup–but haven’t really ever used one of her products. The Sweep Away has been around, it just didn’t get on my radar until I saw it last week.

The labeling on the package reads “because oil and water don’t mix” and you need to shake it up to get the full makeup-off effect.  The ingredient list includes cucumber extract and soothing cleansers to dissolve away any speck of makeup. I didn’t expect a lot; in my experience nothing seems to penetrate waterproof mascara 100%. I used it that night,and the next morning looked into the mirror expecting to see the tell-tale black. But my skin was pale and bare. No flakes, not a drop of mascara or any dark shadows lurking in the corners. I was estastic; you would think I discovered the holy grail. But hey, it takes a long time to find something that works, and when it does, you want the whole world to know. So in this case, I’m literally buying it up as we speak. Did I mention it works on that stubborn long-lasting lipstick too? It’s a miracle product in my mind; maybe even the holy grail of makeup remover.

We all know that there’s no gift large enough or expensive enough to adequately express appreciation for everything our moms have done for us. Childbirth alone would warrant a car or a house or a trip to Paris, and just forget about the debt we owe her for our teen years.

Of course, moms often don’t care about the gift at all (think of those twig and popsicle stick houses we made a summer camp) but just love to be remembered. If you’re on a budget (or if your mom, like mine, wants you to save your money rather than buy her things), these three gifts are beautiful ways to show your mom you’re thinking about her, without draining your bank account.   

(Above: Print Condition Scarf, $16)

Voluspa Pedestal Candle/ Santiago Huckleberry, $16

Crabtree & Evelyn Gardeners Hand Therapy Cream, $15

Is your mom a designer mom? Does she like the finer things in life? If the answer to those questions is yes, and if you don’t want to pay out the wazoo to make Mom happy this year, get thee to the Gilt Groupe Mother’s Day sale NOW!!

Gilt Groupe is an invitation-only site (just sign up and they’ll accept you) that will send you a daily list of the hottest deals on designer gear around, at a fraction of what you would pay normally. And the sales today are amazing! These are just a few examples of what’s for sale, but the selection is fantastic and includes deals from Judith Ripka, Tara pearls, Proflowers, Furla handbags, Clarins beauty products, Trovata Lounge, and much more. But you MUST get there now, because everything is SELLING OUT! I just checked on the blue topaz pendant below and it’s already sold out!

Go here to sign up for Gilt if you’re not already a member.

Although it’s not a new line, I first discovered got2b a little more than a year ago with the release of their Guardian Angel collection, a selection of sprays designed to protect your hair from heat styling tools like blow dryers, curling irons and straightening irons. I was hooked. Next out came Fat-Tastic, which I loved even more. It plumps and thickens my fine hair, enabling me to get truly gorgeous body. And just this weekend I came across a trial size bottle of their latest product, Smooth Operator Smoothing Lustre Lotion. My hair, while fine, is also weirdly prone to frizz. Piling on styling products for hold, shine and frizz taming just weighs it down, but Smooth Operator does it all: It smooths and shines, controls fly-aways and protects against heat tools and UV rays.

This is my new go-to product, but whatever your hair-styling needs, check out got2b. They have a wide range of options, almost all under $6 or $7 each, and I’ve always been thoroughly impressed with the results.

Buy this cream and plant a tree without getting dirty!

Yes, Earth Day has arrived!  I’ve been celebrating in little ways including writing this with the lights turned off (FYI, natural lighting does wonders for cutting down on computer screen glare). I’ve also spent most of the morning outside, toted my recycable coffee mug (filling it up the local Starbucks and saved a dime) everywhere and plan to hoof it into to town to pick up a prescription instead of driving (it’s a workout too!).

To further enhance the festivities, I came across this amazing offer–for every emerginC skincare product you buy today, the company will plant a tree in an effort to create a more green environment for future generations. Pretty cool, huh? What’s even cooler is that their all-natural products are filled with potent plant-based ingredients without nasty parabens, synthetics and colors. I’m going to try the Earth-Hydrating Phytelene Cream, with phyletene minerals rich in copper, magnesium and iron, that help boost collagen and elastin production. It’s also filled with other good stuff, like antioxidant green tea, olive oil, and rosemary and lemon extracts for optimal moisturizing. With all this and the tree thing, I’m seriously thinking about investing in a new skincare routine. You can get in on the action too by checking out their skin (and earth) savers; after all, you can never have enough trees.

When you think of the Avon Lady, are you still thinking of prim women and home shopping parties? Then you haven’t met mark! mark is Avon’s chic, super-affordable line for the woman on the go. They’ve got a huge range of skincare, hair care and cosmetics products (most are under $10!) as well as cute clothing and accessories at great prices.

Their latest partnership is with hot handbag designer Carlos Falchi, and tomorrow at 7 pm EST / 4 pm PST, I’ll be tweeting from the debut of mark’s Carlos Falchi Rio collection (that’s his adorable tote, below–available soon!). I’ll also be getting beauty and fashion tips from stylist Britt Bardo and make-up artist Anthea King. Do you have any beauty or fashion questions you want answered? Post them in the comments! I’ll ask the experts and tweet you a personal reply!

In the meantime check out the great collection of mark products on Shop.com and follow us on Twitter!

It’s almost time for backyard barbecues and days at the beach, and in the quest for perfectly smooth legs for summer, I discovered King of Shaves. This boutique shaving brand started in the UK, when Will King started experimenting with his girlfriend’s beauty products. When he discovered that her essential oils gave him the softest, closest shave he’d ever had, he ran out and started concocting his own guy-friendly oil. Friends loved it, Harrod’s bought it, and voila! A hit was born!

Their K-Series Alpha Shaving Oil is, ostensibly, for men: used alone or under a traditional shaving cream, it will leave your man’s face soft and smooth, with fewer nicks, cuts and bumps (and less stubble brushing against your cheek). It comes in original, cooling menthol and sensitive skin formulas, and one little bottle lasts for 100 shaves (you only need a few drops). But the truth is, it’s great for your legs, too. King of Shaves’ Master Barber Diane Wood gave me a hot tip yesterday: If you’re dashing out the door when you notice that you missed a spot while shaving your legs, there’s no need to jump back in the shower. Just rub a little of this oil on, shave and go!

King of Shaves is the number two shaving brand in the UK, and climbing the ranks here in the U.S. They have shaving creams and gels, too, and just launched a new women’s line, Queen of…, which is currently available in limited stores in the Northeast. It’s affordable, cheeky, and fantastic for your skin, so as soon as it’s available here, we’ll let you know!

So when I spotted this Cake Beauty Satin Sugar Hair and Body Refresher, I knew it was right up my alley. The powder-y, sugar-y dry cleanser is exactly the kind of stuff that’s got gym bag written all over it, and perfect for those days I can’t grab a shower (hey, I work from home,after all). You rub a bit on your scalp, and it absorbs oil while adding just the right amount of texture and fullness. After I massage it in,  I usually blast my hair with a hot blowdryer for a minute to make sure it soaks up excess oil and to give me a “I-just-washed-and-blow-dried-my-hair” look.

 Unlike other dry shampoos, it comes in two shades–a cocoa one for darker hair people like me, and a yellow-cake color, for lighter tones–so you don’t have that tell-tale white residue leftover, or any hair looking kinda prematurely gray (which is what I’ve found with other dry shampoo formulas). And the big bonus is this stuff is body-friendly too, with a sugary, sweet scent, that instantly refreshes you without a drop of water.  The bad news? When the product hit the shelves at Sephora, it sold out instantly. The next shipment is happening soon, so check back here to see if you can score one in the next week. It’s worth the energy–this is one time even I wouldn’t procrastinate.

If you don’t believe hype from users like Jennifer Lopez, Kylie Minogue or Kelly Osbourne, believe me: StriVectin’s Overnight Facial Resurfacing Serum is a life-changer.

I got this as a gift from a friend who knows that exfoliation is the bane of my skincare regimen, and almost immediately, my skin was transformed. Rather than an abrasive exfoliant that tries to scrub away dead skin cells, this serum gently disolves them while you sleep. Now my skin is super-soft, firmer, and has a more even tone and few blemishes.  The $59 price tag may seem steep to some, but a little bit goes a very long way. And if that’s not enough, they have this guarantee:

“Use our StriVectin Overnight Facial Resurfacing Serum before you go to bed.  If you don’t wake up each and every morning with a smoother, younger-looking, more vibrant complexion, we’ll (manufacturer) give you your money back.”

Has anyone else tried it? What do you think?

Zebra stripes and pink bronze are the perfect match for an exotic glow.

Ok, we’re basically skipping spring here on the east coast and flying straight into summer. Not that I’m complaining about the 80-plus degree weather at all, but I’m a little unprepared. I’ve had to head to the attic to fish all my shorts and short-sleeve shirts from the storage bins, and go on a hunt for my flip-flops lost within the depths of my messy closet.

I’ve also been rummaging through the medicine cabinet and my makeup drawer looking for my summer stash. I’ve become a big fan of Scott Barnes Body Bling, ever since I snagged one from my swag bag at his book party. One coat of his light-reflecting, tinged moisturizer is the push my legs needed to come out of hibernation. Use a light hand (too much can look like fake makeup) and you’ll get an even, no-streak, no-waiting application. It’s also great if you apply it on top of one those build-it self-tanners, like Jergens Natural Glow, to add color while you’re waiting for the self-tanner one to take.  (I like their Express formula, because you get natural-looking color in three days.)

For face right now, I’m all about the Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess Collection. It recently made its debut again, just in time for the spring/summer sun. My bestie is usually a bronzing powder (the Bronze Goddess Soft Matte Bronzer is a perennial favorite) , but I just started using the Bronzing Gel, and loving the results–a subtle hint of tan with a golden shimmer that’s got a fresh-off-the-plane from St. Barth’s look. There’s also a peachy-pink Exotic Bronzing Blush that’s new to the collection, that I can’t wait to get my hands on. Not only is the golden compact with the zebra-like stripes of pink and peach so cool and summer-y looking, it’s a winner because it enhances a tan tone and gives you natural, pink radiance. It’s limited-edition just like the weather right now (temps are supposedly cooling down this weekend) so I need to act fast before the real summer comes. When it does, I can’t wait for all its bronze goddess glory.

One area that could use a bamboo boost, are my makeup tools and brushes. I spotted this  boar’s head bristle brush made entirely with bamboo from Sephora. The look is pure dressing table chic, and the paddle brush part is ceramic coated, which means it heats up instantly when you use it with your blowdryer, for sleek and shiny tresses.   

Bamboo fibers are surprisingly versatile–besides exfoliation, the sap is packed with minerals that make it the perfect ingredient for moisturizing hair and skin products.

Zia Natural Skin Care Bamboo Exfoliant is gentle scrub that removes the top layer of dead skin cells to reveal a fresher, brighter layer of skin underneath. Bamboo fibers exfoliate, while soybean oil, yucca and rice bran help to soften and smooth.

The Aeto Bamboo and Wild Mango Fortifying Mask has bamboo extract to strengthen weak locks–they claim at least 40% less breakage after four uses–and repairs hair with a lush mango butter.

There’s also more bamboo-enhanced products on the horizon, including a reusable powder compact made entirely from bamboo (the makeup inside that you buy separately, also contains silkening bamboo extracts), from Physcian’s Formula . It’s so Asian cool, that I might have to snag one to add to my ever-growing collection.

Modern Flowers Nail Polish by Sephora

I am not a huge fan of purple. For some reason, purple clothing always seems like a great idea to me, then when I see it in action, it just doesn’t seem to live up to its potential. The exception to that rule is when I see purple in accessories like hair clips, belts, or…nail polish. Yes, nail polish. And the particular shades of purple that Sephora chose for their brand new Modern Flowers collection by Opi is particularly stunning. The colors are inspired by spring flowers and have fun names like “Leaf Him at the Altar” (ok, that one is not so nice), “Handpicked for Me, “It’s Bouquet with Me, and “Iris I was Thinner”.

The colors turn your finger nails into tiny buds of spring flowers and somehow manage to be pretty and edgy at the same time — a great choice for spring. And the mini collection is great because you don’t have to commit to all four colors for very long. The four colors contain about .0125 ounces of polish and will run you $18.

You’re no slave to fashion. When magazines are touting bum-high short-shorts or six inch shoulder pads, you know that you’re better off passing. But beauty trends are so much cheaper and easier to employ, so when a quirky one comes along, it’s fun to indulge. Case in point: Neon nail polish. Seen on the runways of Zac Posen and Rag & Bone for spring, it’s a wacky, but harmless, way to infuse a little zing into your everyday style this spring. And if neon green nails are too much for your fingers, try it on your toes! Unlike giant bangs or lids covered in frosty blue eye shadow, it’s not so brazen as to invite decades of mocking from your kids and grandkids.

(Above: Funky Limelight, by Essie)

Makin Whooppee, by Lippmann Collection

Flower Power Collection, by Shades

Oh, retail is so fickle right now. When consumers conserve their cash, pretty soon companies start conserving theirs, and before you know it your favorite products and brands are being discontinued. (RIP Prescriptives, Max Factor & White Cloud Diapers, among others) To that end… I just got word that the (awesome awesome) brand, Shu Uemura, is shuttering all its retail locations in the U.S.

Shu Uemura makes fantastic haircare and cosmetics, and is universally haled as having the best eyelash curler known to (wo)man. Fortunately, the company is keeping online sales going, so you can still get the goods right here. Hooray for online retail!

(P.S. Shu Uemura makes one of my all time favorite hair products: Depsea Foundations. I always assumed they must just be vials of lightly scented water, but not true! The Smoothing, Moisturizing and Repairing formulas protect and nourish my hair, and make it look smoother, shinier and healthier, even without styling).

Haven’t checked out YOOX lately? Now’s the time to do it. YOOX has an amazing web site — you can shop by color or by designers like Stella McCartney, Trovata, GUESS, and more — and the best part is that right now, everything is up to 80% off! This sale is over tomorrow, so don’t wait!

Jax Matte Print Jersey Floral Dress sale $59.99

My favorite spring trend this year is definitely the fixation with floral dresses that every major retailer seems to be touting. It used to be that most of the floral dresses you’d find were shapeless moo-moos resembling your living room curtains, but now designers have seemed to found a way to make floral patterns chic, even edgy, in many of today’s styles. Every woman should definitely have a gorgeous floral dress in her closet (I am crazy about the Jax Matte floral print dress above), but I also love adding florals throughout my wardrobe, home, even my beauty products too. Check out some other fun florals that will help get your mind, body, and soul in the spirit of spring!

Floral Shoes

Madden Girl Floral Sandals, $45

Floral sandals are a fun way to get in the spirit of spring and draw attention to newly manicured toes very nicely, too! I love these Madden Girl floral thong sandals that come in gorgeous gold or a fresh purple color. The flower is pretty and tasteful and a nice size, not totally overpowering the shoe. Perfect for spring!

Floral Headbands

Cara Accessories Floral Headband, $34

Gossip Girl helped launched the floral headband craze and now it seems like there are a million gorgeous styles and fashions to choose from. Whether they come with feathers, beads, or jewels, I love the range of floral headbands from Juicy Couture, Cara Accessories, and other leading names in jewelry.

Floral Wall Art

Delightful Daisy Wall Frames, $19.50

I love wall frames and decals! They’re a great way to add some personality to any room and are vibrant and inexpensive. Plus you can easily take them off when you get tired of looking at them, or when the seasons change. I love these Delightful Daisy Wall Decals from Delight.com. I also love these Sumersault Mod Floral Wall Decals from Target and these nylon floral decals, also from Target.

Floral Knickknacks

I was originally going to feature floral handbags for the fifth floral must-have under $50, but as I was searching for just the perfect handbag, I came across this adorable handbag holder from Spring Street Designs. What a clever idea! Instead of leaving your purses all over the floor (not that I do that of course) you can add them to your wall, like art, with these cute floral hangers! Brilliant!

I have about a bazillion complexion-correcting products in my cabinet; I’m partial to tinted moisturizers, but have a bevy of concealers and foundations for when I need more coverage. I’m looking forward to clearing out my medicine chest, though, because I just discovered Three Custom Color’s Creme Concealer / Foundation, which is an ultra compact concealer, foundation and tinted moisturizer in one. Use just a dab on a pimple, scar or spot to conceal, or use it on the whole face as a full-coverage foundation. My favorite part, though, is you can mix a tiny bit with your favorite moisturizer (it’s super concentrated, so a little goes a long way) and use it as a tinted moisturizer when you just want to even your skin out a bit. I love that you can build as much or little coverage as you need, without buying (or storing) tons of products. And because it’s a small creme compact, you can toss it in your purse with no risk of mess or spillage.

 Fast forward to today, and there are a slew of “charged” skincare products making their way to your medicine cabinet. They may not have a battery-operated patch (which seems kind of messy and time consuming) but the idea is similiar using bioelectricity: When mineral conductors in a serum or cream are activated, they emit positive electric micro-currents (which you can’t feel), adding a stimulating boost to your skin, jumpstarting collagen.  The results? Smoother, softer skin that looks and feels firmer. Look for more creams laden with gemstone ingredients, like tourmaline, gold or ion particles that are naturally charged in the months ahead.  Here are two of the latest to try:

Neutrogena Clinical  is a two-step system with an ion-charged serum that contains copper-coated zinc particles that activate when you apply a daily moisturizing cream. Once these ion conductors get going, they send micro-current signals to collagen , reving it up to produce more (kind of like adding a battery).

L’Oreal Ideal Skin Genesis Complexion Equalizer has the gemstone pink tourmaline in its newest cream. The active ingredient has natural charging power, that once it sinks into skin, stimulates microcirculation and makes skin look more radiant. The cream also contains a hearty dose of vitamin C for antioxidant protection and skin clarity.

Clinique Spot Corrector, $49.50

Sun spots–you may be the person who has shunned the sun most of your life, used 45SPF from birth, and never, ever had(or hope to have) a pesky dark patch. But if you’re like most of us, you’ve got a few dark brown patches and mocha-tinged spots here and there. I fall into the latter category, and while my spot is not enough to call in the big guns (I’m talking derms here), it is annoying enough that I need to gently tap on concealor each morning to camouflage it.

But that was before Clinique sent me their new Even Better Clinical Spot Corrector a month ago. Its claim is to be as good as an RX product, that protects, nourishes and lightens up discolouration with their unique CL-302 complex (featuring a rare botanical extract from Southeast Asia, glucosamine, salicylic acid, yeast extract and a potent Vitamin C derivative). I was unsure about it at first–my skin is super-sensitive and reacts sporadically to brightening products–but it claimed to be gentle enough even for the most delicate of skin. What I loved  about it was the lightweight serum formula, that slipped easily under moisturizer day and night. I tried it both AM and PM for a month (no reaction here, luckily!) and I have to admit, though not gone, the spot is definitely looking lighter. The other day, it was definitely less noticeable than before. While Clinique says it may take more time to fade (hey, Rome wasn’t built in a day, as they say), it’s on its way. And the bonus? My skin looks clearer, brighter and more radiant.

L'Occitane Cherry Blossom Eau de Toilette

Maybe because it’s finally feeling like spring on the east coast (after all that rain last weekend, we definitely deserve it.) Maybe it’s because I chose a cherry blossom screensaver on my Windows Live home page. Or maybe because I remember going to the Cherry Blossom Festival in Virginia when I was ten. Either way, it’s been on my brain lately, and for good reason. I’m totally in love with L’Occitane’s fragrance, Cherry Blossom. 

I’ve been spritzing the eau de toilette on every morning; the notes of cherry blossom, freesia and lily of the valley remind me that spring is here (almost!). The pretty pink-tinged bottle, is an instant uplifter. So much, that I’m also scoping out other ways on Shop.com to get this scent into my daily routine. I discovered they’ve got a complete line of bath products and a cool shimmering lotion that once applied, leaves an iridescent glow on your skin. I’m going to give them a whirl, after all, one can never have too much cherry blossom!

Tomorrow is St. Patrick’s Day, and if you don’t want to don head-to-toe leprechaun gear, check out this video by internet sensation Lauren Luke. This YouTube-made success story launched a make-up line last year, after rising to internet stardom doing online make-up tutorials for fun. She just posted this one on how to create a festive eye for St. Patty’s Day (no pinches for you!), and you can use her My Luscious Greens palate to get the look. It’s easy being green!

The latest trend in hair care? Looking at your  hair cut, rather than your type. HerCut is a line of cleansing and styling products all meant to give you the same salon-worthy results of a fresh haircut.

The premise goes like this: There are five basic  haircuts that all stylists live by–the shag, the bob, the pixie, the blunt cut, and long layers–and there are customized polymer ingredients to maximize the shape and style of each cut. While the line has shampoos and conditioners by hair type, the unique part is the heat-activitating catalysts. These styling products address the specific needs of the cut, ie the Bob formula has a polymer that anchors the ends giving the hair a forward swing; the Shag has molecules that keep pieces separated and textured.

I thought the whole idea might be a flash-in-the-pan gimmick, until I saw that Ric Pipino, stylist to stars and owner of numerous salons, recently launched his own line of cut-enhancing products, called Revolution in Cut. I have a good feeling this idea is going to catch on with big guys. Stay tuned!

First there was the Brazilian Bikini Wax. Then the Brazilian Blowout.  And recently, I’ve come across a few products that are touting their Brazilian roots. So here’s a question: Why is it that all the novel beauty treatments are from Brazil?

While I don’t know if I can blame it on Rio, I can surmise it’s probably because they’ve got a reputation for hot, sexy, perpetually tanned women in thonged bikinis. Or that they’re pretty much ground zero for plastic surgery everything (ahem, butt lift, anyone?). 

With all this sudden interest in Brazil, I’m teetering very close to going somewhat native. I’ve seen the smooth, glossy results of the Brazilian Blowout and I’m just about ready to plunk down the money at a salon.  Anything that transforms my frizzy locks into long, luscious strands, and instantly looks fab with the flick of blowdryer (instead of enduring tedious, and time-consuming blowouts) is worth it in my book.  I’m also trying out a few of the fresh Brazil-based products that have come across my desk, assuming they’re worth it too:

Rodial Brazilian Tan is newly reformulated, and gives a gradual, natural glow with moisturizing antioxidants and coconut oil.  There’s also a new airbrush mist if you don’t like a cream, that gently deposits color from head to toe.

The one-step Brazilian Peel (available soon at Sephora) is mistake proof treatment with 30% glycolic acid and Acai, the antioxidant rich super fruit from the Brazilian rainforest. It removes the upper layer of dead skin cells in less than 10 minutes, to reveal a softer, brighter tone underneath. It’s five times stronger than average at-home peels and gives pro results in the privacy of your own bathroom.

I’m now getting kind of obsessed. Maybe a trip to Rio really is in my near future.

Luckily, you can easily get this year’s red carpet look for less by shopping online for some of the key trends we saw on Oscar night. I’ve picked five of my favorite Oscar fashions and found a much cheaper alternative for you…let me know what you think! Oscar dresses for less…my favorite blog post to do. Ever.

(note: all photos below are courtesy of Donato Sardella/wwd except for the Robert Downey Jr. shot, courtesy of justjared)

One-shouldered Goddess Style

Tina Fey in Michael Kors; A.B.S. by Allen Schwartz One-Shoulder Dress sale $224.99

One-shouldered dresses abounded on the red carpet — Tina Fey, Sigourney Weaver, and Molly Ringwald are just a few of many goddesses struttin’ the trend on the red carpet. The dignified silhouette of a one-shouldered dress is a great way to show off toned arms, chest, and back while remaining modest, which is why it’s perfect for the classy yet svelte figures of these A-list celebs. A.B.S. by Allen Schwartz makes wonderfully gorgeous designer-style gowns at just a fraction of the price — I love this elegant one-shouldered jersey dress with rhinestone detailing, and at only $224.99 from Bluefly, you’ll still have money leftover for chandelier earrings to wear with it!

Regal Royal Blue

Gabourey Sidibe in Marchesa; J.S. Boutique Beaded Cluster Gown only $117.90

Royal blue was certainly the couleur du noir on Sunday — Gabourey Sidibe, Mo’nique, Mariah Carey, and Maggie Gyllenhaal donned some form of royal blue in their gowns, a sharp but beautiful contrast to the spring pastels that I thought’d I’d see on Sunday. Gabourey’s royal blue Marchesa dress featured an interesting twisted bodice design with glittery floral detailing. I wasn’t fond of the detailing on the bodice, so I found a similar style in this JS Boutique beaded cluster gown that features a twisted cluster bodice, but with some sparkly detailing on the hip instead. Tell me what you think about it!

Lacy Days…

Sandra Bullock in Marchesa, JS Collection Lace and Chiffon Empire Gown, only $124.97

I was a huge fan of Sandra Bullock’s dress — I loved the delicate lace top, the daintiness and elegance of the silhouette, and even the color (and I’m not usually a fan of beige or golden dresses, especially on lighter skin tones). I found a similar dress from JS Collections, this JS Collections Lace and Chiffon Empire dress for only $124.97. My only critique is that I thought the gown was a bit matronly for Sandra — but she balanced that out with some stunning bright red lipstick which was a bold and youthful move! Wanna know what she used? Chanel Rouge Coco #22 Paris…you can get it here.

Rockin’ Red on the Carpet.

Penelope Cruz in Donna Karan, Laundry by Shelli Segal Charmeuse Dress only $173.80

Let’s face it, Penelope Cruz could wear a dress made out of dirt and still look good. So I guess it doesn’t matter much that I was not that impressed with the red swirling tornado of her Donna Karan dress. It needed something… like another dress that wasn’t so monotone right on top of it. But she still looked great, and I have a warm spot in my heart for people who pull off red dresses well. So I found a similar style in this Laundry by Shelli Segal Ruby Lipstick Strapless Charmeuse Dress for only $199.99.

The Accessory Blues

Robert Downey Jr. in Oliver Peoples Sheldrake Sunglasses; Tommy Hilfiger blue sunglasses, $69.99

I’m pretty convinced that the only reason male actors get invited to walk on the red carpet is to help prevent the ladies from tripping on their own gowns. They get completely overshadowed by all the gown talk — and that’s why I’m taking a special moment to call out two lovely lads that made a pretty impressive appearance at Sunday’s Oscars. Robin Thicke was pretty stylin’, with a perfectly manicured hairstyle, custom tuxedo and Burberry shirt. And who could forget Robert Downey Jr., breaking out the blue Oliver Peoples Sheldrake custom-tinted sunglasses and baby blue bow tie? I found a similar pair of Tommy Hilfiger blue sunglasses for $69.99 at Target and a solid blue bow tie from Krisar Enterprises for only $9.95!

Bonus red carpet look hint: pack it all in nicely with Victoria’s Secret Slimtastic body shaper — the stars swear by it!

What do you think about these 5 red carpet looks for less? Please leave a comment below…

For a long time, I couldn’t understand why anyone would spend more than $30 on a hair dryer. After all, it’s just spewing warm air. Then, in a post-break-up buying spree five years ago, a friend talked me into buying a high-end dryer, insisting that they really do make a difference. She was right. In addition to lasting longer, they make styling your hair faster and easier.

I recently got a Rusk Go Green Hair Dryer, and it’s the best one I’ve used–better than dryers I’ve tried at twice the price. First, it’s eco-friendly. It’s made with 100% recycled materials, printed with soy ink, and consumes 26% less power energy than other dryers. But that’s not why I love it. I love it because it seriously cuts drying time for my long hair, and its high-power, coupled with its 3 heat settings, 2 speed settings and Cool Shot button, make it easy to get smooth, shiny hair without employing a curling or straightening iron. That means less time spent getting ready each morning, and less heat-damage to my hair.

Rusk is a professional products company, which means they market primarily to salons and spas. These kinds of products are high-powered and durable enough to stand up to the use, wear and tear of professional stylists, so you know they can handle any kind of hair you’ve got!

P.S. I found the Rusk Go Green Dryer on sale for $75 (down from $129.99). If you’re interested in hearing about sales and great deals in real-time, follow us on Twitter!

Oscar season is great for a dose of glitz and glamor, but not often helpful in the way of fashion tips. Everyone looks stunning, but most of us don’t have the occasions–let alone the budgets–to copy their style. What we can copy, though, is the fabulous hair. I particularly love Natalie Portman’s beautiful updo at the star-studded Vanity Fair party. Nexxus’s Kevin Mancuso (author of The Mane Thing and stylist to stars like Sienna Miller, Blake Lively, Naomi Watts and Taylor Swift) did Natalie’s ‘do, and he was kind enough to give us some how-to tips so the rest of us can duplicate her chic look at home.

1. Shampoo and condition hair with body-building products to give hair lift. (Kevin uses Nexxus Diametress and Sublime Volume)

2. Apply a volumizing spray gel (his pick: Nexxus Lavish Body) from roots to ends, then blow-dry with a paddle brush, directing hair up and away from face and lifting at the root.

3. When roots are almost dry, switch to a round brush and blow-dry ends, smoothing as you go.

4. While hair is still warm, transfer one-inch sections to Velcro rollers and let completely cool, then remove and tousle hair with a bit of smoothing lotion, such as Nexxus Sleek Finish.

5. Remove a one-inch front section of hair and then pull the rest gently back into a mid-level ponytail, securing with an elastic.

6. Use bobbi pins to artfully sculpt loose ends into a soft updo.

7. Use a flat iron to smooth front curl and help position hair around face, then finish look with a light misting of a hairspray, like Nexxus Comb Thru.

The cheeky names, the quirky packaging… I’ve always found it hard to resist products from Benefit Cosmetics. They’re really good products, of course, but they’re also just so much fun.

Last month, Benefit launched their latest wonder-in-a-box, Sugarbomb. Like their bronzers (Hoola) and luminizers (Georgia, Dandelion, Dallas), it comes in a cute little box with a wide, easy-to-use brush. Just swirl the brush over the palate of four peachy-pinky shades (peach, rose, shimmering pink and soft plum) and swipe onto your cheekbones to give yourself a gorgeous, natural flush. Like all things Benefit, it’s easy, and looks as good on your bathroom counter as it does on your face.