Beauty Product of the Week: Go With The Grain

What is it? Go With The Grain from mark (an off-shoot of Avon) contains "vitamin-rich adzuki beans and rice bran - two traditional Japanese exfoliators - blended with corn cob provide mild exfoliation." Available online for $9.00.

What did you think? I lived in England when I was a freshman in high school and again while in college. While there, regular trips to the Body Shop were a must. Along with strawberry bubble bath and satsuma lipgloss, one of my favorite Body Shop products was Japanese face washing grains. They exfoliated my skin and felt great...I adored this product, but its no longer available.

However, Go With The Grain from mark is pretty damn close to my once-loved, now gone Body Shop product. In some ways, it's even better. The mark product is better packaged and much easier to use. You just pour out some of the grains into your palm and then add your favorite face washing product. You mix the two together and viola! Your normal face wash gets an instant upgrade. Your face is cleansed and gently exfoliated at the same time.

The package is designed to fit on top of mark's face wash, but since I use Purity Made Simple, the jar just sits on my vanity. The weird "donut-hole" design just makes the bottle easy to hold, especially if my hands are wet.

Final verdict? Go With The Grain does what it says it will: it turns your face wash into a gentle but effective exfoliator when you're wanting to slough away some of your dead skin cells. It's easy to use, it smells good and clean, and the price is right. I recommend it.

Whip Your Face Into Shape

How are you doing with your New Year's resolutions? Still sticking to that diet, your plan the exercise five times a week, or your goal to become more organized?

Well, if you want a quick, easy way to get at least part of you in shape, all you need to do is head over to Sephora. There you'll find thousands of products that will shape up your look! While you're there, check out these products...they'll get your gorgeous without breaking your budget (because I know that saving money is probably on your list of resolutions!):

Make Up For Ever Glossy Full Couleur Collection ($35 a $60 Value) – Three ultra-pigmented shades that give your lips a pop of color and a minty fresh taste. Nothing feels better than slick lips, and that shot of mint will revitalize you.

Stila Travel in Stila Style ($40 a $125 value) – Zip through the security lines with this all-in-one kit that holds makeup essentials in a clear pouch…perfect for carry-ons! One of my goals for 2009 is to travel more...this kit looks perfect for me!

Smashbox Jumbo Photo Finish Foundation Primer ($49 a $72 value) – Creates the perfect foundation canvas while reducing the appearance of fine lines and pores for softer skin. Smashbox's primers are legendary...and pricey. Grab this one up while it's on sale.

Bare Escentuals Buxom Babes Diamond Lips ($28 a $36 value) – A collection of four glosses that slick and shine your pout to perfection. Buxom Babes lipglosses are incredible...they're one of my favorites on the market!

Too Faced The Smurfette Collection Eye Shadow Collection ($32.50 a $58 value) – Try this palette of four smurf-tastic colors for a seamless blend of gleaming color. Oh! Retro! Who didn't want to be Smurfette? The only problem she had was that she had a closet full of one one style of dress. Still...Smurfette rocked.

Korres Wild Rose Triple Benefits Color Collection ($35 a $47 value) – A paraben-free lip butter, concealer, and eyeshadow packed in an adorable ruby-red case. Korres makes high-quality products that are always worth a look.

Blunt Bangs for Spring 09

I never know what to do with my hair! When I go to a salon, it usually goes like this:

STYLIST: What would you like to have done today?
ME: Oh, I don't know. I guess just make it blonder and trim it.
STYLIST: Do you want to add layers or change your part?
ME: Sure...whatever...I don't know. As long as my new style is easy to maintain...

See? That's pathetic and hopeless. And I know I am not alone when it comes to hair confusion/fear in the stylist's chair.

Well, I'm finally here to help you and myself. Nicholas Penna, Jr. of SalonCapri outside of Boston is predicting that blunt bangs are going to be hot this spring...and he was good enough to share some tips on how to get this look the next time you go to the salon.

Nicholas Penna, Jr. of SalonCapri:

1. What is the hot style for Spring?
Blunt bangs are the hot style for spring because they add edge to hair. For a long time, soft hair was the trend and now there’s a change with some attitude. Celebrities such as Kate Hudson in the new movie Bride Wars and Erin Lucas from MTV’s newest reality endeavor, The City, are both sporting blunt bangs which makes it even hotter.

2. What hair type does this style work best on?
Blunt bangs typically look best with straight hair that is cut all at one length. However, we've recently seen stars like Kim Kardashian wearing her blunt bangs with wavy hair creating a contrast between the hip, edgy bang with romantic, tousled hair. Another variation to the blunt bang is to incorporate angles that frame your face, such as Anne Hathaway’s haircut.

3. What face shape do these bangs look best on?
Blunt bangs work well for everyone, if done right. Many times, younger people can pull off the style the best, but virtually anyone can sport this look. The best face shape for blunt bangs is a longer, oval-shaped face.

4. What are some other great bang choices for girls who do not have the appropriate hair texture/face shape?
Longer bangs that can be pushed to the side of the face add movement to the hairstyle, such as the side swept bang. This type of bang is the most universally worn and can look great on many different face shapes/hair textures.

5. Additional tips...
Blunt bangs add to style to your look, even when your hair is pulled back into a ponytail. You can just blow out your bangs and throw your hair back. It adds an egde to your look and gives you a change that's not as drastic as a shorter haircut.

I think that this style is definitely going to last well into this season. It is a faddy look, but I think it’s one that will stand the test of time. As it evolves, I imagine people will start to wear the bang in different ways, more tailored to their personality.

There you have it! One great idea for a new Spring 'do!

Good Face on Facebook

I am slowly figuring out all the social networking sites out there. I have a never-used MySpace page that I'm probably going to delete one day, I just started using Twitter, and now I'm getting into the scary world of Facebook. Man...everyone in the world is on Facebook! It's odd how small the world gets with technology.

Anyway, Sephora is also getting in on the "using technology to further their brand" act, and is partnering up with Allure on Facebook for a new sweepstake. Starting tomorrow, January 27th, you can go to Sephora's Facebook Fan Page and vote on your favorite Sephora PRO Beauty Team member. On their Facebook Fan page, you can view videos and interview the Sephora makeup Beauty Pros. When you find your fave, you enter that person's name and you get chance to win.

Here's what's at stake for the Beauty Pros. The winner...the MVP (Most Voted Pro) and the Sweeps winner get:

• An all expenses paid, three-night stay in San Francisco
• A trip to Sephora University for the Allure photo shoot
• A feature in a Summer 2009 issue of Allure Magazine
• The Allure sweeps winner will receive a complimentary makeover from the winning Sephora artist
• Plus, the MVP will be awarded their very own monthly blog column on Sephora.com

Man! I would love to win that monthly blog column! Too bad I'm not a Sephora Beauty Pro team member!

Anyway, go over and visit Sephora's Facebook page and be sure to vote before February 10th. You could win some exciting stuff and help out your favorite Beauty Pro!

Lipgloss With Benefits!

Here's some information I recently received about a great deal on lipgloss from Kaia House, the leading retailer of natural and organic beauty products in North America.. And if that's not good enough for you, a portion of the lipgloss price goes to humanitarian organizations like The Carter House.

Read on for more information from the folks at Kaia House:

Kaia House is launching the first in our line of organic lipcare products with a twist: Kaia House's Speak Freely for Humanity Vanilla Lip Balms contribute a dollar from each purchase to humanitarian organizations, such as The Carter Center. And they're promotionally priced at just $3 until the end of January!

Founded by former president Jimmy Carter, The Carter Center is dedicated to brokering peace between countries who are at war or at risk of going to war, easing transitions to democracy, and fighting disease such that every individual may have access to the basic human rights of living in peace, safety and health. (Here's a link to a video at cartercenter.org for more information: http://www.cartercenter.org/news/multimedia/GeneralTopics/CarterCenter25thAnniversary2007.html)

Please check out our Speak Freely for Humanity Vanilla Lip Balm at kaiahouse.com (http://www.kaiahouse.com/kahospfrvali.html) and speakfreelybalms.com. Flavored with organic vanilla and made with 87% organic ingredients, this lip balm encourages you to speak freely for humanity and for the environment. It's super smooth and creamy, and packs SPF 15 to boot. Great to moisturize your lips all day long or for use under lipstick or gloss.

The Eyes Have It on HSN

If I had to pick my hands-down favorite beauty product, I'd pick mascara over all others. That might seem weird, especially given my lust for lip products, but mascara is the one product I wear the most often. Even if I'm slumming in an Iron Maiden t-shirt with dirty hair and no other makeup, I'll throw on a fast coat of mascara. It just makes me look a little more put together (even if I'm not!).

Because I'm such a fan of mascara, I've tried a lot of different types of mascaras in my day and have definite opinions on what I like and what I don't. And even though I have a few favorites, I am always eager to try new brands that hit the market.

Over at HSN's continued beauty-lifestyle online series, Faces of Beautiful You, they're featuring two new mascaras...and I'm here to tell you all about them!

IMAN GLOBAL CHIC LONG AND LUSH MASCARA DUO, $19.95
Iman is the stunningly beautiful model and wife of David Bowie. And now she's making her mark in the wonderful world of beauty products.

Her Long and Lush Mascara Duo is an intriguing product. The long, lean, sleek golden tube opens on both ends. On one side, you'll find a luxury defining comb that will add length and separate the lashes. On the other end, there's a more traditional looking mascara brush that will thicken your lashes to pump them up. Using both ends will give you an amazing amount of both length and definition. Iman's product comes in both black and brown.

GLOBAL GODDESS EXOTIC EYES BLACKEST BLACK MASCARA, $23
I've mentioned Global Goddess products before on my blog. They're making products inspired by beauty secrets from around the world.

Their mascara is designed to give you the darkest lashes possible. If you think you can't pull off dark lashes because you're like me, a pale-skinned blonde, you're wrong. No matter what mascara you use, if you're not sure what you like, go with black. I promise it will look good...it will give your eyes an unmatched look. The shape of your eye will be better defined and your lashes will look perfect.

Global Goddess mascara also contains Japanese camellia oil, Indian Mowrah butter, fibron and carbon black and African beeswax. This combination of unique ingredients helps thicken, strenghten, condition and hydrate lashes. You'll have all-day definition and softer, healthier lashes...not bad!

Head over to Faces of Beautiful You for more information about these products. While you're there, check out the Faces of Beautiful You widget. The widget allows users to customize their own virtual beauty bag with a multitude of interactive features. Fans can watch episodes on the widget itself, read and write reviews on featured products, receive fan-only offers and discounts on HSN products, and get the latest makeup and beauty tips. The virtual mobile phone feature even allows fans to get up-to-date information via text messages on the cast and upcoming episodes! Find out more or grab the widget at www.facesofbeautifulyou.com/widget.php

Everything Zen

With the economy the way it is and with all the bad news in the world, it's easy to get a little worn down. A few posts back, I talked about ways that you can be good to yourself and I mentioned that I like to use wonderfully scented body moisturizers to give myself a moment of tranquility before heading out to face the day.

Well, it looks like Shiseido and I are in step! This spring, Shiseido Zen The Fragrance introduces Zen Perfumed Shower Gel and Zen Perfumed Body Cream, new aromatic indulgences for the body. Shiseido Zen blends the citrus freshness of the now extinct Blue Rose with the spicy, warm base of Amber. Combined with the spicy truffle notes of Patchouli, Zen is a scent that is subtle yet seductive enough to be worn year-round.

Both new Zen body products include Loquat Leaf Extract from the exotic Biwa plant to provide increased moisturization for supple and smooth skin. The Biwa plant is native to Japan and has traditionally been used as a remedy for various skin and health ailments.

Zen Perfumed Shower Gel($35) indulges skin with a rich lather and a dewy touch. Zen Shower Gel gently exfoliates and rinses clean, leaving skin luxuriously moisturized and fragrant. Specially formulated to also be used as a sensual bubble bath or as a fragranced hair shampoo!

Zen Perfumed Body Cream ($58) melts into skin with its velvety texture. Incorporating the most advanced skincare technology, Zen Body Cream provides long-lasting hydration and re-texturizing benefits without leaving behind a sticky residue on the skin. After application, the body is lightly scented with the aromatic essence of Zen.

Available at fine department and specialty stores nationwide beginning April 2009. The Shiseido Zen collection is also available online at Macy’s, Nordstrom, Bloomingdales and Dillards retailers. For more information or to find a store location near you, please visit www.sca.shiseido.com.

Want to try it now? Well...here's your chance! I'm giving away a bottle of Zen Perfumed Shower Gel to one of you lucky readers. All you need to do is leave a comment on this entry--be sure to include your email address or email me at asklydia@hotmail.com. The contest closes at midnight Pacific Time on Wednesday, February 4th. A winner will be announced on Thursday, February 5th. Good luck!

First Lady Fabulous

Yesterday was an incredible day. It was inspiring and emotional to watch the inauguration. I am feeling hopeful about the future now that President Obama is in charge. And how exciting that he's bringing a dynamic, young, energetic family to D.C. with him. It's going to be interesting to watch the Obama girls grow up, and I know we're all going to be looking to Michelle Obama and talking about her fashion choices. We have a First Lady with style back in the White House.

Today, I am going to give you some hints on how to get two Michelle Obama-inspired looks. Two suggested inaugural makeup looks, created by her longtime friend and makeup artist Ingrid Grimes-Myles, were inspired by chic and classic neutrals for daytime and high-society glam with deep, rich purples for evening. (Note: illustrations below courtesy of Stuart McKenzie/EyeCandy.co.uk)

Now you can recreate the elegant yet effortless look of Mrs. Obama by following these how-to makeup application tips from Ingrid and new product recommendations:

All suggested product available at Beauty 360, CVS/pharmacy’s new prestige beauty store. (www.beauty360.com).
10-minute Face for Day

Face:

1. Begin with a cream foundation for all over coverage, using concealer under the eye and where needed. Follow with a pressed powder.
2. Contour with a powder that is a shade and a half darker then your natural skin tone. Apply on the sides of nose, from the ear to below the cheek and around temples and forehead. Blend well.
3. Apply a blush in a raisin shade on the cheeks, then add bronzer where the sun would naturally tan the face.

• Keep your skin glowing with a healthy diet, exercise, a diligent skincare regimen and make sure to keep your brushes clean.
  
• Using a contour powder about one and a half shades darker than your skin can add definition and create a more polished look, especially for important events.
  

Eye:

1. Use a neutral shadow all over lid in a yellow or bisque shade. Then apply a coordinating earth tone, such as a nutmeg, in the crease and along the lower lid and blend.
   
2. Apply a soft brown liner at the lash line and bottom lid, keep it subtle. For more impact, add a black liner to the top lash line.
3. Finish with black mascara
   

• Brows are the workhorse of the face. Shape your brows so they start above the inner eye, arch at the end of the eye iris. Fill in with a pencil where needed.
  

Lips:

1. Line with a neutral, mahogany shade and fill in the whole lip, layering two-three colored pencils.
   
2. Add a coordinating lipstick or gloss on top for some sheen.
   

• Layering liners before lipstick helps make the color last all day.
  

Suggested Products

Skin Prep

• Cleanser: Ahava Cleansing Milk $24.00
  
• Moisturizer: Sampar Barely There Moisture Fluid $45.00
• Face Prep: Borba HD Light Effects Serum, $50
  
• Lip: Borba Cashmere Fiber Lip Kit $10.50
  

Face

• Primer: Laura Geller Spackle: Under Make-up Primer $23.00
  
• Foundation: Laura Geller Phenomenal Foundation in Deep $36.50
  
• Concealer: Laura Geller Crease-Less Concealer in Deep $23.50
  
• Pressed Powder: Paula Dorf Pressed Powder in Pecan $30.00
  
• Contour Powder: Mineral Essence Deep Dark with red to blue undertones (D3) $22.00
  
• Blush: Paula Dorf Cheek Color in Sweet Cheeks $20.00
  
• Bronzer: Laura Geller Bronze-N-Brighten in Regular $29.50
• POP Beauty Blush Cake in Natural in Nudes $18.00
  
• Mineral Essence Blush in Glamour or Elegance $16.00, $18.00
  

Eyes

• Neutral Shadow: Model Co. ColourBox Eye Shadow in Seychelles $20
  
• Earth Tone Shadow: Model Co. ColourBox Eye Shadow in Portofino $20
  
• Mineral Essence Blush in Glamour or Elegance, $16.00, $18.00
  
• Eye Liner: Laura Geller Eye Liner in Mocha $15.50
• Liquid Eye Liner: Bloom Liquid Eyeliner in Jet Black $23.00
  
• Mascara: Fusion Beauty - Lash Fusion in Black $39.00
  

Brows

• Brows: Model Co. EyeBrowz Designer Brow Kit $38.00

Lips

• Lip Liner: Paula Dorf Lip Liner in Retro $19.00
  
• Lip Liner Base: Paula Dorf Lip Liner in Rendezvous & Poetry $19.00 each
  
• Lipstick: Laura Geller Lip in Coral Chiffon $15.50
  
• Lip Gloss: Model Co. Disco Lights in Wow Pink $24.00
  
• Marina Cosmetics Lip Gloss in Sandcastle or Manila Mango $22.00
  
• It Cosmetics Pencils Dual Ended for Lip in Attract and Energy $22.00
  
• BLOOM Lip Definer $15.00
  

After 5- Face for Evening

Repeat steps from 10-Minute Face
Face:

1. Add subtle shimmer on the brow bone
2. Pump up cheek color to complement your color of dress
   
3. Add bronzer above the cheek
   

• Try products that combine 7-8 shades in one pressed powder for a more natural blended look.
  

Eye:

1. Add shadow with a deeper pigment and more prominent color and blend into the crease and lid for more drama.
   
2. Apply a charcoal or dark navy shadow from the lash line up, from the inner eye out and blend over lid for a smoky look.
3. Apply a strip of lashes to the top lash line.
   
4. Line the top and bottom lid with a liquid eye liner to make them really pop.
   

• Lash strips are easier to apply then individual lashes.
  

Lip:

1. Add more gloss for high shine in the evening.
   

• When creating a smoky eye, keep the lip a more neutral tone, avoid bright colors.
  

Suggested Products

Face

• Shimmer: Model Co. Model Co -Luminosity Highlighting Serum $32.00
  
• Blush: Laura Geller Blush-N-Brighten in Berry $29.50
  
• Bronzer: Model Co. Glow Summer Bronze $36.00
  

Eyes

• Eye Shadow: Mineral Essence in Merlot $15.00
  
• Eye Shadow (Lash Line): Paula Dorf Eye Color in Hussy $20.00
  
• Liquid Eye Liner: Bloom Liquid Eyeliner in Jet Black
  
• Mascara: Paula Dorf Lash Color in Licorice $19.00
  

Lips

• Lipstick: Paula Dorf Color Sheer in Innocence $20.00
  
• Lip Gloss: Paula Dorf Lip Slides in Petal $20.00

I'm Back...Sort of!

I'm back from vacation and was hoping to have a whole bunch of new beauty posts ready for you to read today. However, life gets in the way of my writing and I need one more day to get my act together. I'll be back tomorrow (Wednesday) with a fresh post.

Until then, enjoy watching Barack Obama's inauguration. It's a good day for the country...and it's the end of an error.

Later!

Pardon the Interruption

Ok, everyone! I'm heading off for a mini-vacation over the weekend. I know I should be doing something for others, like participating in the MLK, Jr. Day of Service, but I need to do something for me. I'm going down to the Oregon coast for a few days and will return by Monday with new posts. I have so much to tell you about, but for now, I need a break.

Enjoy the long weekend! I know I will.

Get Ready for Spring With NARS

I don't know about you, but I hate winter. The long nights, the cold weather, and the gray days are disheartening. I'm dreaming of sunshine and blue skies.

Apparently NARS read my mind and is tempting me with thoughts of Spring by sending me information on their new Spring 2009 line. Their new collection is inspired by the 1970s and boasts pastel hues and berry shades. The collection is described as both strong and sophisticated, and everything they offer will be top-notch quality since it bares the NARS name.

Here are some highlights. Some of their new shades sound very intriguing!

NARS Blush Duo - $37 François Nars has always considered blush a critical beauty building block. The double compact opens to reveal one highlighting and one sculpting shade, allowing you to literally shape your desired look. Shade: Hungry Heart - Iridescent gold ivory and pink sand with golden sheen.
NARS Duo Concealer - $30 Since the skin on your face is not created equal, one shade of concealer usually won’t suffice. This new palette features two complementary shades that can be blended together or used individually. Creamy and completely crease-resistant, the Duo Concealer is lightweight but still able to provide smooth, opaque coverage to eradicate skin redness, imperfections, and under-eye shadows. Shades: Vanilla/Honey - Fair complexions, Custard/Ginger - Light to medium, and Praline/Toffee - Medium to dark complexions.

NARS Duo Eyeshadow - $32 To celebrate spring’s delicate femininity, François Nars introduces two new shimmery and frosty hued Duo Eyeshadows to the collection. New Shades: Egea - Frosted sage and smoky lilac, Hula Hula - Strawberry with gold particles and hazelnut with gold glitter particles

NARS Single Eyeshadow - $22 Whether your mood is classic or playful, these three new Single Eyeshadows provide all the color combinations necessary to complete your makeup look. Go for a subtle, natural look with shades of pink and gold or a touch of sophistication with a sweep of the matte dusty red hue. New Shades: Baby Girl - Cotton candy with golden undertones and gold particles, Grenadines - Matte garnet, Night Sun - Bright marigold with gold particles

NARS Multiple Duo - $45 This two-in-one convenience pairs the complementary colors of Orgasm and South Beach of the versatile, multi-purpose cult favorite for eyes, lips and cheeks. New Shade: Orgasm/South Beach - Peachy pink and apricot with shimmer

NARS Multiple Bronzer - $37 NARS extends its Multiple Bronzer shade range with this new hue. Rich in anti-oxidants, this bronzing stick is formulated to strengthen, support and repair the skin while creating an all-over warmth and contour for the entire face. New Shade: Cap Vert - Medium to dark complexions with red undertones

NARS Lip Gloss - $24 Drench lips with this new sheer and shiny shade to echo the delicate and fresh feel of the season. New Shade: Sweet Revenge - Sheer pink grapefruit

NARS Lipstick - $24 This new sheer jewel tone adds a pop of color, for juicy berry-stained lips. The creamy formula glides on smoothly and leaves a hint of sexy shine. New Shade: Shrinagar - Metallic raspberry

The Spring 2009 line from NARS is available here.

Be Kind To Yourself

Holy guacamole! It's been a hell of a week and it's only Tuesday. This is not a good sign for me, and I'm sure I'm not alone.

Now that the holidays are over, all we're left with is the residual signs of excess: debt from buying too many gifts, extra pounds from all the yummy things we snarfed down, and a feeling of exhaustion from all the get-togethers and now getting back into the swing of things at work. In my humble opinion, January sucks. Sure we have the whole fresh start with a new year, but once we're a week or two into the month, we get into the wintertime blahs.

My advice for all this: Be kind to yourself, now more than ever. How? Well, here are some things I do:

• Pamper yourself with a mid-winter pedicure. Even though no one will see your perfectly painted toenails, you'll feel better. And looking down to see 10 lovely bright red toenails will lift your spirits. Plus your heels will feel softer and smoother. Good stuff.
• Go for a brow wax. There's something so cathartic about having my brows waxed. I love the way it feels, as sick as that may sound. But what's better than having my stray eyebrow hairs yanked out of my face is the way a brow wax looks. It's subtle, but having cleaned up, professional shaped brows does wonders for your looks. Plus it's relatively cheap and quick.
  
• Give yourself an at-home facial. If you have a microdermabrasion kit, use it. If not, head down to the drugstore and pick up a fun, inexpensive face mask. Slather it all over your skin, lie down on your bed and relax for 15 minutes. Your skin will look better and you'll feel more rested. Don't forget to apply a decent moisturizer and lip balm once you're done.
• Take a bubble bath. We just celebrated National Bubble Bath day last week...if you weren't able to participate, go ahead and indulge whenever you get the chance. You deserve 30 minutes to an hour of alone time, and bubble baths force you to turn off the TV, hang up the cell phone, and step away from the computer.
  
• Shave your legs. During the winter, I don't shave my legs as often as I do in the winter. Sometimes I forget about it completely for far too long. My husband doesn't complain, but there comes a point where I get downright irritated with my hairy legs. I take time to shave my legs, making sure not to miss any patches. And I follow up a shave with a whole hell of a lot of moisturizer, especially in the winter. It feels so good to have smooth, satiny legs!
• Start each day with a wonderful body moisturizer. Instead of applying perfume, try using a scented body moisturizer. Doing so will provide double duty: your skin will be soft and touchable, and you'll smell great. No one else may notice, but that's ok. You'll know you spent a few minutes in the morning lavishing attention on yourself...and there's nothing wrong with that.

If you don't take the time to be kind to yourself, no one else will. You have to treat yourself the way you want to be treated.

These are just my suggestions. What do you do to pamper yourself when you need a little TLC? Leave me a comment and let me know!

The Land of Milk and Honey

Long, long ago women like Cleopatra used to bathe in milk to make their skin look and feel amazing. Well, now you, too, can indulge in the comforts of milk with Perlier Milk and Vanilla Bath and Body Duo, featured in HSN's Faces of Beautiful You series.

I've been using the Milk and Vanilla Body Mousse for a couple of weeks now and I'm hooked. It smells great, the texture of the product is incredible and absorbs perfectly into the skin, and it leaves my skin moisturized like nothing else. This has been a particularly harsh winter and my skin has been dry and gross as a result. The Milk and Vanilla products have given me much needed hydration.

These products not only work well (and smell yummy!), they're also packaged in a clever way. They look like retro milk bottles and even come with a carrying caddy. Use the bath mousse body wash in the shower and then follow with the body mousse once you're out and dried off for the best results.

This duo makes a great wintertime gift...or just get one for yourself to treat yourself right!

Beauty Product of the Week: Soy Lotion Candle

What is it? I mentioned this product a month or two ago and many of you seemed interested in it. Available exclusively at CVS, the Soy Lotion Candle will "turn your home into a spa. Use this 3-in-1 candle, lotion and massage oil made from all-natural soy. 100% pure oils protect and soften skin. Soy candle melts at a low temperature for a warm, soothing, spa-like effect. Soot-free. Burns 30% longer than wax candles." Available in Passion Flower, Pomegranate Apple, Citrus Coconut, or Purple Fields for $9.99 each.
What did you think? This is an intriguing product. Many of you expressed interest in pouring hot wax on your skin, and I was anxious to give it a try myself. This is a good sized candle that provides 50 hours of burn time housed in hefty frosted glass. As a candle alone, it's a pretty good deal.

Here's the fun part: as the candle melts, the wax pools inside. When you have enough liquid wax to work with (after at least 30 minutes of burning), you just pour it on to your skin. It feels great going on...very warm and relaxing. Once on your skin, you rub it in like a normal lotion. It leaves the skin feeling very saturated and moisturized.

Now, I do have to share a few words of caution here:

1. When you pour out the wax, you have to be careful of the wax dribbling down the side of the glass. If you're not vigilant, you'll end up with a mess on your hands.
2. The "lotion" really is just wax, so it will make your skin feel slightly sticky. And water resistant.
   
3. This is best used with a partner, probably as a back rub. If you use it by yourself, be careful not to get the wax on your clothes, sheets, towels, whatever. It's kind of messy.
   

Final verdict? Despite my words of warning, I like this product. It's unique and the feel of the hot wax going on my skin was very pleasant. This would make for an excellent Valentine's Day or "intimate" gift. Plus the price is right!

White Sands for Shiny Hair

Since the middle of November, I've been doing in-depth hair care research: I switched from using my normal products (see my earlier posts here and here) and have been using White Sands products almost exclusively. And you know what? My hair has been super shiny thanks to White Sands.

Never heard of White Sands? Well, here's a little background on the company (from their website):

White Sands products use cutting-edge science with natural botanicals that make each formula dynamic and unique. White Sands formulas use ingredients that create heat shields, which behave like a second skin.

As the shield protects your hair from UV rays and thermal stress the hair is allowed to breathe. White Sands products supply ultimate protection with a moisture balance that offers lasting hold and resists humidity.

White Sands blends natural botanicals, such as Heliogenol, lemon grass, and chamomile, that provide hair color protection and color enhancement. These high-performance formulas transform hair into beautiful, flawless hair.

The White Sands line of Beauty Products are the best kept secret in the beauty business. Designed by master-stylist Fernando Salas, White Sands styling aids offer weightless, long-lasting hold that won't dry out your hair. White Sands' nourishing shampoos and conditioners keep your hair healthy and looking beautiful.

And here's what I think of their products:

Volumizing and Color Secure Nourishing Shampoo and Volumizing Conditioner: these products are designed to be safe for colored hair while providing increased volume and healthy, clean hair. Together, the shampoo and conditioner left my hair shiny and easy to manage. After my shower, my wet hair was less tangled than with other hair products. Sure, I missed the wonderful scent and lather of Pantene, but the shampoo and conditioner were decent products.

Designer Gel (firm hold): I haven't used a gel in ages. I took the advice on the back of the bottle and applied it mostly to the roots of my hair. After a blow dry and style, my hair seemed to have more volume and was less fly-away. Bonus points: the gel didn't flake off after a few hours of wear like some lesser products do. Overall, a very good hair styling product!

Porosity The Fix: according to their website, White Sands calls Porosity make-up for hair. If you color or bleach your hair then you know the hair has variations of dryness and texture. Porosity works like a foundation or a concealer to temporarily fill the blemishes in every strand and create the impression of illuminating, flawless hair. I sprayed this product on my wet hair after showering. The results? My hair was shiny and extraordinarily healthy looking. Good stuff!

If you're in the market for products that will leave your hair shiny, manageable, and radiantly healthy, give White Sands a try. Visit their website for ordering info.

Thursday is National Bubble Bath Day!

I've said it before and I'll say it again: there is a holiday for just about everything! Want proof? Thursday, January 8th is National Bubble Bath Day!

Get ready for some fun in the tub and the ability to wrap yourself in luxury soon after! National Bubble Bath Day is a day to relax and forget your worries, and there’s no better way to do so than with fabulous ecoTOOLS bath accessories and an amazing double plush robe from KN Karen Neuburger.

There is nothing better than spending an evening sitting in the bathtub reading a book or relaxing. When it comes to scrubbing yourself clean, proper tools are always a bare necessity. The ever-clean and ever-green ecoTOOLS bath accessories collection has everything any bathing aficionado could ever desire.

The Bamboo Bristle Bath Brush ($5.99) is the perfect treat for those that are looking for a deep exfoliating clean. This wide brush comes equipped with a long handle to get hard-to-reach places. The bristles are perfect for brushing away dead skin and bringing out that inner glow. The Exfoliating and Smoothing Bamboo Foot File ($1.99) is all you need to smooth away dry skin and make feet baby soft. Perfect for use in the bathtub, wet the brush and scrub away to unearth smoother soles. Finally, the Bamboo Bathing Sponge ($3.49) might win an award for being the best bathing sponge ever! Not only does this wonder sponge cleanse the skin and leave it feeling soft, supple and downright delicious, its extraordinary natural breathability absorbs and evaporates water quickly making it a great accessory for your bath. Bamboo is antibacterial by nature and is 100% naturally grown, without assistance from man. It thrives without using any pesticides or fertilizers and naturally kills almost all bacteria, so it stays fresher and odor free for longer making it more hygienic and healthier for your skin then the synthetic alternatives.

Because the fibers are machines washable, you can clean it when it gets dirty. Simply toss the sponge in your washing machine on gentle cycle and hang to dry. This allows you to use your sponge for longer and therefore lessens the amount of greenhouse gasses emitted during the production of the more disposable synthetic alternative.

Celebrity fans of the ecoTOOLS brand that have already discovered the eco-conscious and affordable bathing accessories include Kate Hudson, Courtney Cox-Arquette, Alicia Silverstone, Kelly Rutherford, Olivia Wilde and Mariska Hargitay. ecoTOOLS products can be found at Ulta, Rite Aid, Kmart and Walgreens.com (or, find a store nearest to you at www.eco-tools.com)

National Bubble Bath Day doesn’t have to end when the bath does! This year, extend the life of your holiday by continuing to pamper yourself out of the bathtub as well by having a KN Karen Neuburger Double Plush Robe waiting for you!

The 48” length robe features side pockets and a shawl collar. The robe ties in front for security and durability. The robe is also doubled-lined so that the plush feature is inside and out ensuring that that you feel as good as you look! With plenty of choices, this robe comes in cream, pink, white and chocolate brown. Retailing for $96.00, this little slice of heaven is the perfect way to treat yourself after a relaxing bath just as celebrity fans Courtney Cox-Arquette and Mariska Hargitay are already doing!

The Double Plush Robe is completely machine washable and maintains its shape wash after wash. This fantastic robe is a perfect for lounging around the house or taking a nap on a cold day. The KN Karen Neuburger Double Plush Robe is available exclusively online here.

Happy Bubble Bath Day!

Reader to Reader Recommendation

I started this new feature last month and am pleased to bring you another product recommendation from a fellow Kiss and Makeup reader:

Hey Lydia, dedicated reader here! I just wanted to suggest an AWESOME drugstore moisturizer. I use it daily. It's Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion. Its not meant for use JUST for your face, it is meant for your whole body. It is PERFECT for people with sensitive skin. It is unscented. I love this moisturizer because it is great year around. In the summer, i use it as my night moisturizer, and in the winter months, i use it during the day! It has really helped my dry skin here in TN on my cheeks and around my nose without irritating my skin or causing me to breakout. Its super cheap. 10 bucks for a HUGE bottle and is available in most drugstores and big box stores.

Thanks for the recommendation! I've never used this product before, but I love that it's unscented and that it can be used on the face and body. Drugstores are chock-full of reasonably priced products that do incredible things. I'll have to keep Cetaphil in mind the next time I need to buy a moisturizer.

If you have a product you want to recommend, be sure to email me at asklydia@hotmail.com.

Coming Soon From Anastasia

Anastasia's family of eyebrow products never fail to impress. I've tried many Anastasia products in the past and have even gotten my mother addicted to their brow gel. Coming soon from Anastasia is a new product, a Highlighting Brow Kit.

This kit will be available at Sephora later this month, and you'll want to give it a try as soon as you can get your hands on it. Anastasia is touting the kit as being revolutionary because it is the first baked brow product to hit the market. It’s a palette that consists of a trio of terracotta baked brow powders with a trio of baked highlighters.

The powders are easy to use and add subtle definition to your brow while highlighting your brow bone. You can use the powders wet or dry to get further control and blending to make your brows look their best. Here's a hint: applied wet, the brow powders can be used as eyeliner while the highlighting powders can be used for an all-over eye shadow. You could just buy Anastasia's Highlighting Brow Kit and a tube of mascara and have a complete collection of makeup for your eyes!

Both the brow powder and the highlighting powder contain Anastasia's exclusive Balkan Botanical Infusion (rare plant and herb extracts found only in the rich soils of Romania) which is known to calm, soothe, and soften the skin. They are also lightweight, so you won't even notice you're wearing anything around your eyes.

Making changes to your eyebrows adds a refinement to your look. Keep an eye out for this product at your local Sephora later this month. The Anastasia Highlighting Brow Kit retails for $32.00 and is worth adding to your makeup kit!