Cuddle With Color...WTF?

With Labor Day just a week away, the unofficial end of summer is almost here (yay!!). And, to get our nails ready for cooler days, nail giant Essie has launched their new Autumn colors under the slogan Cuddle With Color.

Cuddle With Color?

Really?

Who comes up with these names? Wow. Cuddle With Color doesn't make me excited about the line, but here are the shades:

• Chinchilly: A nice mushroomy shade.
• Angora Cardi: A pretty plum. (The name makes me think of Ed Wood and his angora fetish.)
  
• Mink Muffs: Dark brown. (Ok, this sounds like a really bad Burlesque name to me. Mink Miffs? Come on!)
  
• Midnight Cami: A lovely dark blue.
  
• Bright Tights: A bright orange shade. (Orange nails? Not for my skin tone, but whatever!)
  
• Pink Parka: A super hot pink. (Pretty, but summer-y.)

I like most of these shade (despite their names), except the orange and pink since I can't pull them off. I'm dying to paint my nails dark but I'm forcing myself to wait until it gets cooler. And the waiting is killing me! What do you think of Essie's line?

Beauty Product of the Week: Vitalizing Gel Body Oil

What is it? Vaseline's Intensive Care Vitalizing Gel Body Oil with Brazilian Nut and Almond Oils promises "amazing" skin. "When skin is healthy and hydrated, light reflects off the rich color below the surface, giving it an amazing natural glow. But daily showers strip natural, protecting oils from skin allowing essential moisture to evaporate.

Cocoa Butter Vitalizing Gel Body Oil, used after bathing, replenishes skin and locks in moisture for naturally radiant skin. Contains Brazilian Nut Oil - rich in essential nutrients known to boost skin's moisture barrier, and Almond Oil - naturally high in minerals and known antioxidants." Available at drugstores and big box stores for about $7.50 or less, depending on the size you get.

What did you think? Walking through Target, this product caught my eye. I'm not really sure why...but I had to try it out. I don't have super dry skin, nor am I am consistent user of body lotions. I was oddly intrigued by this product and was anxious to give it a try.

I've been using the gel body oil for about a week. In that short period of time, I've already noticed a difference. My skin feels very soft, nicely moisturized, and all around nourished. I don't think I'm radiant...not yet, at least!...but this does improve my skin's overall feel.

The scent is light and pleasant. It doesn't linger too long like some products can. The packaging is minimal, but that may have been what drew me to it in the first place. The only thing I've noticed is that I have to be careful to not over apply the gel/oil. A little really does go a long way, and if you don't allow enough time for this to absorb into your skin, it could get a bit messy.

The final verdict? I like this product. Sure it adds a step to my morning routine, but I've already noticed that my skin is benefiting from the gel/oil. As long as I don't over apply it, my skin feels perfectly moisturized. Vaseline's Gel Body Oil is like baby oil for grown ups...and that's not a bad thing!

End of Summer Giveaway!

A week or two ago, I told you about a best selling product from Too Faced that I'm in love with. It's the Too Faced Natural Eyes kit and it's amazing.

To celebrate the end of the summer, to ease the pain in starting a new school year, or just to say thank you to all my wonderful readers, I'm giving away a Natural Eyes kit to one lucky reader.

To enter: leave a comment here on this post. Tell me what you're looking forward to in the world of fall beauty/fashion. Be sure I have a way to contact you. I'll announce my winner on Labor Day, September 7th. (Sorry: This offer is only for US residents!).

Good luck!

Hair Envy at Sephora!

Beautiful, healthy hair...like beautiful, healthy skin...is a beauty building block. If your skin and hair and in great condition and looking great, you're going to look more radiant and lovely.
And now, Sephora wants to get your hair in top shape.

Bid adieu to sun damaged hair and say hello to luscious locks! Stop by Sephora for your all your mane summer needs. From sun-shielding and shine-protecting hair care to Sephora’s new prestige line of iconic and ceramic brushes, groom your hair back to beauty-full. Achieving shiny strands comes naturally this season and hair envy is sure to ensue. Check out these hair savers:

• Living proof. Leave-In Conditioner ($24) – An intensely moisturizing formula, this conditioner restores dry and damaged hair, while protecting it from humidity.
• Sephora Collection Large Detangling Brush ($26) – Discover maximum shine and control with this smart tool that detangles, while avoiding breakage, preserving the hair's natural moisture.
• Sephora Collection Boar Round Brush ($29) – Perfect for all hair types, especially fragile, this tool is equipped with 100 percent boar bristles, minimizing breakage and enhancing health.
  
• Fekkai Protein Rx Reparative Treatment Mask ($29) – Ideal for brittle and broken hair, this soy and milk formula restores and reinforces locks to prevent future breakage while leaving hair stronger and more manageable for your close-up.
  
• Sephora Collection Sculpting Brush ($20) – Maximum shine and control is a given with this tool that suits all hair types and delivers an unending variety of styles.
  
• Sephora Collection Small Round Brush ($22) – A gentle styling brush designed to create volume, shine and maximize control for lasting results!
  
• Sephora Collection Paddle Brush ($29) – A large, multipurpose brush that is perfect for fast, effective detangling and styling.
  
• Carol’s Daughter Hair Milk ($12) – Revitalize your sun-stripped hair! This lightweight, fast-absorbing lotion has the essential oil of lemongrass to stimulate natural oil production and hydrate strands.

Head over to Sephora and check out these hair products!

Recession-ista!

The infamous September issues of all the fashion magazines are hitting newsstands. I'm just now beginning the formidable task of pouring over what seems like thousands of pages of ads and only dozens of pages of actual content. I love the September issues. I love the promise of Fall Fashion--darker colors, richer fabrics. And I love thinking about new makeup collections and products.

But, of course, this year's September issues are a little bit different. Advertisers aren't paying as much or buying as many ads as in years past. As a result, the September issues are a bit thinner than we're all used to, and you'll notice many articles talking about getting the most for your money.

Why? Well...it's the recession, of course!

I keep hearing that the economy is turning around, and for that I'm grateful. I don't know about the rest of you, but I am sick of hearing about how bad the economy is, how it's affecting every sector imaginable.

Here's what I've noticed in my own world:

• I hardly bought any new clothing for the summer. I think I bought a couple of t-shirts, but apart from that, I wore everything from last year. And I've been dressing much more casually so far this year.
• My makeup spending remains insane, but that's because I'm a beauty blogger. However, I have noticed that I've been gravitating towards products that are not as expensive. And I think about prices more than I'd like, but probably still a little less than I should.
• Over the summer I've been indulging in a pedicure every 6 weeks or so. My finger nails remain undone, and I've been doing my own hair removal, so I can avoid paying for waxing. I also try to stretch out the time between hair appointments, but being platinum blonde demands plenty of upkeep.
  
• I'm craving a little bit of luxury, and try to get it where I can. If I am buying a less pricey lipstick, I want that lipstick in a deep, indulgent shade. If I'm looking for a body wash, I want one that smells good or offers up some sort of skin benefit apart from cleanliness.
  

Like I said, I am really looking forward to cooler weather, fall fashion, and fall beauty. I'm in the process of getting my own wardrobe and makeup kit ready for a "return to fashion", but I've decided that I'll stick with quality neutrals and then add less expensive splashes of fun, trendier items.

So here's my question to you: are you cutting back because of the recession? Or are you starting to pick up with your spending? And finally, how is the recession affecting your beauty budget/buying habits. Leave me a comment and let me know!

Beauty Product of the Week: 4-Step Buffer

What is it? Sephora's 4- Step Buffer is "a filing and shaping tool for nails. Whether you prefer your nails long or short, square-tipped or oval, the perfect shape is just four easy steps away. Each numbered side indicates the order in which it should be used, starting with a heavier grit file and ending with a gentle buffer." Available at Sephora for $5.

What did you think? Before I begin, there are a few things I must say about my nails and nail tools: 1) I don't like to paint my finger nails. I never get manicures done because I do a lot of typing and tend to chip my polish. 2) I have a LOT of beauty products and tools. I have a basket full of nail supplies--trimmers, files, etc. but I can never seem to find what I need when I need it. 3) Because I have too much stuff in my makeup cases (yes, plural), I really like tools and products that do many things in one.

So, that said, let me tell you about this tool. You can use this one beauty product to shape and file nails, smooth out any nail grooves or texture issues, and then buff your nails into an insane shine. This is, probably, one of the most practical, fabulous beauty tools you could buy. If for no other reason, the buffer on this baby will make your nails shine and look like they have a clear coat of polish on them.

(Sort of off topic comment: I read Anne Rice's Interview With The Vampire a zillion years ago. I vaguely remember that Rice described the vamp's nails as being as shiny as glass. I could be remembering this wrong, but that's memories for you. Anyway, after using the buffer and seeing how remarkably shiny my own nails were, I couldn't help but think of Anne Rice and vampires with glass-like nails.)

It's easy to use, it costs hardly anything, it's compact, and it does a kick ass job. Everyone should have this tool in their beauty kit.

The final verdict? For a pathetic $5, you can have amazing looking nails. This tool really does it all in an economical and space saving way. I love a good multi-tasker, and this is one of the best nail tools out there. This is not a sexy tool, but it's worth every penny.

You Say It's Your Birthday!

Today is the birthday of my most favorite person on this planet: my husband. He's a funny guy. He really thinks that August 19th should be an international holiday. He'd love for the world to stop what it's doing to wish him a happy birthday. He can't help it...he's a Leo.

In honor of all people celebrating birthdays, un-birthdays, or who just need a slice of love in the form of birthday cake, I thought I'd mention these birthday inspired beauty products:

• Philosophy's Birthday Party: This fun kit includes three body washes in vanilla birthday cake, strawberry ice cream, and chocolate frosting scents. If these don't sweeten up your birthday suit, I don't know what will! ($30)
• Philosophy's Vanilla Birthday Cake Lip Shine: A moment on the lips, a lifetime on the hips does not apply with this one! You can enjoy all the cakey goodness and you don't have to ingest a single calorie. Plus your lips will shimmer and look great. ($12)
  
• Dylan's Candy Bar's Birthday Cake Batter Collection: Just thinking about these products makes my teeth hurt! Dylan's offers sickening sweet body goodies like ice cream sugar scrub, candy butter cream, and cake batter ice cream sugar scrub. (prices vary.)
• Lush's Happy Birthday Bubble Bar: Lush products look--and smell--good enough to eat, and this one is no exception. This bubble bar smells like orange cake and vanilla ice cream. It's sure to get you in a festive birthday mood!

Happy Birthday, Mr. K!

Get to Know Lumiere Cosmetics

Mineral makeup has been very much the rage for the past few years. And for good reason. Mineral makeup is easy to apply and seem somehow new and exciting after years and years of the same old thing. I've switched over to mineral foundation years ago and have never looked back. They blend in better and feel much lighter than their liquid or pancake cousins.

If you're a mineral fan, you should check out Lumiere Cosmetics, especially if you like mineral eye shadows. I've been playing with some samples from Lumiere and WOW!! Their colors are incredible. They're very intense and highly pigmented, so if you're looking to create a dramatic, interesting look, these babies will certainly do the trick.

In playing with Lumiere's eye pigments, I found myself in complete and utter love with their rich, deep blue shades. They run from grey-blue to intense turquoise to vibrant peacock. If you're after a more natural look, they have a plethora of creams and browns (in varying degrees of sparkly-ness) that complement any look. The eye pigments can double as eyeliners and can be applied either wet or dry.

Lumiere's eye pigments are available in a handy-dandy sample size (1 gram) for $5.00 or a larger jar (2 grams) for $8.00. Check 'em out! They're pretty!

MAC Daddy

So here's a crazy confession from your's truly: I have never really used MAC products before.

Gasp.

I know it's insane. I'm a beauty blogger. I love makeup. MAC is one of the biggest, brightest stars in the cosmetics cosmos, and yet I have only ever tried their lipglass.

I'm not sure why I haven't sipped from the MAC kool-aid yet. I just never got around to it, I suppose. I wouldn't have gone near MAC in high school due to sticker shock. When I was in college, I lived in Vermont and I didn't care about fancy makeup...nor could I afford it. So here I am, at the age of 33, a makeup fiend and, for all intents and purposes, a MAC virgin.

Pathetic.

So....I have to ask you: What is YOUR favorite MAC product? What do I absolutely, positively HAVE to try? Leave me a comment and let me know!

Sunday = Funday??

I never understood why Susanna Hoffs would refer to Sunday as her "Fun Day" in that annoyingly catchy 80s song, Manic Monday. For me, Sundays are insanely busy and today is no exception.

I usually try to pre-write as many blog entries for the coming week as possible on Sundays. And today, that's just not happening. I feel like I am already behind the 8-ball for the entire week and the week hasn't really started yet. Yikes!

Anyway, be patient with me this week. I'm feeling ill prepared. Also, I am really, really, really behind on email, so if I owe you an email, I promise I'll get to it.

Ugh. I need to get my act together!

Beauty Product of the Week: Natural Eye Collection

What is it? Natural Eye Shadow Collection from Too Faced is, "an all-inclusive kit that includes nine essential shadows for all-over lid color, highlighting, smudging, and more. The kit's contents were formulated and hand-selected by Too Faced Creative Director, Jerrod Blandino, to create the most universally flattering eyeshadow look for any woman and for almost any occasion. The pure-pigmented eyeshadow formula blends effortlessly and keeps color intense and in-place all day long. Plus, this perfectly portable palette of must-have neutrals comes with a double-sided brush/sponge wand in the pull-out tray provides easy application. Three easy-to-follow "how-to" cards teach you everything you need to know to create the "perfect" natural eye." Available at Sephora and department stores for $34.

What did you think? I've never had trouble figuring out how to apply eye shadow, so I wasn't sure I'd find the "how-to" cards useful. However, I looked them over and actually used some of the info on them to create different looks.

I've used Too Faced palettes in the past and have liked them...and this product is no exception. I like the colors offered, and the fact that you can create three distinctive looks following their suggestion. You can, of course, mix it up and make your own combo since all the colors coordinate nicely.

The shadows go on well--they don't crease and they don't require any special tools. Plus they're not overly sparkly, which I appreciate. I'm not really a fan of the glittery eye thing.

The final verdict? All in all, I like this product. It's especially good if you want a little advice on how to apply colors. I also like that Too Faced has clearly labeled each shade, so that you can go back and buy a color individually if you want (older Too Faced palettes didn't provide shade names which was a pain). Too Faced products are of exceptional quality and this kit delivers. Nice!

Ready, Set, SHOP!

It's August, and that means everyone is out shopping for back to school essentials. Since I'm childless and am not currently enrolled in school, this time of year means gearing up for the coming Fall season. And I don't know about the rest of you, but I love getting ready for Fall. I love thinking about richer colors, new clothes, and--of course--new beauty products!

The awesome people over at CVS and CVS.com are helping us prepare for a new season of fabulous beauty product by offering an incredible deal--20% off all the stuff you want!

Here's what's happening...and here are some suggested ways for your to stock up each week of this event.

For four full weeks starting on August 15^th, CVS/pharmacy is making CVS.com a beauty buff’s discount dreamland! Nearly every beauty item offered on CVS.com will be 20% off through September 11 - that’s name brands, CVS/pharmacy brands, brushes, shadows, lipsticks and mascaras…you get the idea.

In honor of what’s being dubbed “Best Beauty Sale Ever!” – here are some tips for each week of the promotion.

Week One: The At-Home Pedicure

No time to make a trip to your fav mani-pedi spot this week? Don’t worry – CVS/pharmacy has everything you need to keep those feet fine in a flurry:

· CVS/pharmacy Pumice Stone/Foot Brush

· CVS/pharmacy Witch Hazel

· Dr. Scholl's For Her Ultra Overnight Foot Cream

· L'oreal Pro Manicure Nail Polish

Week Two: Applicators and Removers

CVS.com not only has all makeup products on sale, you can also find the best tools for creating, and clearing, your hottest looks.

· Essence of Beauty Foundation/Concealor Cosmetic Brushes

· Essence of Beauty Makeup Brush Travel Kit

· CVS/pharmacy Eye Make-Up Remover Pads Oil-Free

Week Three: Clear Skin 101

With all the new beauty buys to be had at CVS.com, a little skin maintenance will be in order. Here are some favorites for keeping a supple, even complexion:

· CVS/pharmacy Oil Absorbing Sheets

· Organique Exfoliating Gel

· CVS/pharmacy Daily Face Wash

Week Four: All About the Lips

From glosses that add subtle shine to bold lipsticks, CVS.com’s “Best Beauty Sale Ever” will spread a smile across any shoppers lips:

· Almay Pure Blends Lip Gloss

· Boots No. 7 Line & Define Lip Pencil

· CVS/pharmacy Anti-Aging Lip Therapy

Go get shopping! And if you do, tell me what you pick up!

(Air)Brush with Beauty

I was thumbing through my latest Sephora catalog and I noticed a new product that Sephora's proudly launching this fall: Temptu. It will set you back $225 (plus $55 every two months for foundation pods) and it will be available in stores on September 15th (it's already for sale online).

So, what exactly is this thing? Here's what Sephora has to say:

The leader in professional AIRbrushing, TEMPTU is the brains (and beauty!) behind most of the A-list work you see—the picture-perfect faces on the silver screen, the immaculate high-fashion shots. Now the brand is revolutionizing everyday makeup with its TEMPTU® AIRbrush Makeup System, a personal AIRbrushing tool designed to deliver impeccable coverage on demand. The sleek system's handheld applicator sprays with TEMPTU's natural-finish foundation, blush, and highlighter, leaving skin looking untouched—never retouched. It's easy and unparalleled perfection—right at your pretty little fingertips.

Hmmm....an at-home airbrush for applying foundation? Sounds a little frightening to me. I envision myself getting foundation all over the place, basically everywhere except my face. I'm not a makeup klutz, but I'd be worried that I wouldn't apply my makeup well with this since it's a new technology that I've never tried before.

Sephora says that Temptu is easy to use and that it's mess-free. Better yet, they claim that using will give professional results--flawless skin. People who've tried it love it, at least if the reviews on Sephora's website are to be believed.

I'd be willing to try this out, but I do have some concerns.

1. Is this really necessary for the mass market? Do the vast majority of us need something this high-tech to apply foundation?
2. Is this thing worth the hefty price tag?
3. How easy--really--is it to use?

I have no plans on purchasing this product any time soon, but I'd love to hear your thoughts on this. Would you want to try out an at-home airbrush? And is $225 plus $55 for the foundation pods a price you'd be willing to pay?

Spanish Fly!

Every season, the nail masters over at OPI introduce a line of nail lacquers inspired by exotic locations. This fall, OPI's taking us on a voyage to Spain with their Espana collection. Here are the colors (and funky new names!), as well as OPI's descriptions:

• Can You Tapas This?: a yummy shade of raisin
  
• Ate Berries in the Canaries: cool fuchsia
  
• No Spain No Gain: luscious berry
  
• Bullish on OPI: a red-hot shade
  
• Suzi Skis in the Pyreness: deep grey blue
  
• Pink Flamenco: sizzling hot pink
  
• Pamplona Purple: a precious plum
  
• Conquist Adorable Color: take no prisoners, vibrant red
  
• Here Today...Aragon Tomorrow: dark emerald
  
• Manicurist of Seville: rich sangria
  
• Give Me Moor!: stunning wine purple
  
• Barefoot in Barcelona: a luscious nude with Spanish "sole"

Wow! Let me first say that I am so glad to be thinking about dark, richer nail colors. That means summer is slipping away and that the best time of year--the fall--is almost here.

Unlike OPI's South Beach collection, there are a lot of shades in Espana that I can't wait to try out. I love the idea of a grey-blue (Suzi Skis in the Pyreness), green nails are very trendy for Autums (Here Today...Aragon Tomorrow), and there's something about a dark purple that I love (Give Me Moor!).

The Espana collection is currently available at $8.50 a bottle. What's your fave?

Beauty Product of the Week: DiorShow Iconic

What is it? Dior's DiorShow Iconic Mascara, "is the latest in Dior's dazzling range of best-selling mascaras. Created backstage for fashion shows and celebrity red carpet events, the Iconic mascara features an oblique cut brush that gives an extra lash-curling effect. With its long, skinny teeth, the plastic comb brush allows you to precisely coat each lash one-by-one-creating a long, separated fan of lashes that usually takes the skill of a makeup artist. The extra-hold formula provides a 24-hour-curl with 100% smudge-proof results. Inspired by the tailoring technique of cutting fabric on the bias to create maximum curve, the Iconic brush features soft silicone bristles that spiral around the stem to lift, curl, and separate every lash." Available at better department stores and Sephora for $27.00.

What did you think? First let me say that yes, I completely understand that we're in a recession. And since economic times are tough, paying $27 for a mascara may not fit into everyone's budget. Now that that's said, let's move on with the review of the product!

I love Dior products. They're expensive and are packaged well, so I always feel like I am really spoiling myself when I buy their products. When I first tried out DiorShow Iconic, I had super-high hopes but was a little let down. I didn't the mascara did much of anything for my lashes.

Disappointed, I put the mascara tube away and forgot about it while testing out other mascaras. Then, for no apparent reason, I pulled out the tube of Iconic and tried it once again. And this time, I was pleasantly surprised.

DiorShow Iconic made my lashes incredibly long. It's easy to apply and I had no issues with clumping. The brush is soft and flexible and does a great job. The mascara is supposed to last all day without smudging, and I have found this to be true. I wore this mascara during the super hot weather we had here in Seattle last week, and it never smudged or flaked off. I haven't cried in awhile, so I don't know if this would past the tear test.

I'm not exactly sure what changed between the first time I used Iconic and got blah results and now, when I find myself loving my long, curled Iconic lashes. Who knows...but I'm glad to see my $27 wasn't wasted.

The final verdict? I've said it before, but when it comes to mascara, it seems as though you have to pick the look you want. Do you want your lashes to look long, curled, and separated? Or do you want lashes to be thick and dark? Personally, I want both, but that doesn't seem to be an option with many mascara formulas. DiorShow Iconic certain provides an amazing amount of length, and I've never had to deal with clumps or gummed up lashes. This mascara does last a good long time, and I'd recommend it to those who are in the market or a $27 lash-lengthening mascara.

Being a Blondie

I have a personal philosophy about hair: it doesn't matter what you do with it because in most cases, it will always grow back. I will never, for the life of me, understand why girls on America's Next Top Model cry about getting their hair cut. Hell, if someone told me that in order to make one of my greatest dreams come true I'd have to cut my hair, I'd be the first one to snip off a strand.

I used to dye my hair by myself, at home. And when I did, I sort of hoped that the blonde color I picked out at the store had been switched with some wild, unexpected color so that when my hair was done, it would be bright flaming red or deep, rich dark without having to consciously make that sort of decision. But it never happened.

I've always been a blonde (even those times when I dyed my hair purple, pink, blue or some other funky color my base was always blonde). My natural color is, I think, falls in the dirty blonde spectrum. Lately I've been going platinum, with the help of my hair stylist.

If you have ever wanted to go platinum or wondered what women like Gwen Stefani have to do to keep their hair looking that white, let me tell you about somethings you'll have to deal with if you opt for the good old bleach and tone:

1. A bleach and tone is harsh as hell on your hair and scalp. You have to really want to be a platinum blonde to endure the trouble you'll go through.
2. During the process, my head/scalp often itches and, at times, burns. Waiting for the bleach, ammonia, etc. develop, I feel like I am a little too twitchy. I wiggle my legs around to keep my mind off my itchy, burning scalp. My stylist tells me I seem to handle the bleaching process pretty darn well. She says I seem to have a high tolerance for the scalp pain.
   
3. Bleach and all the other harsh crap my girl uses on my head causes my scalp to flake the first few days after being done. It's like I have a sunburn and am peeling. It's gross (and probably an overshare), but it feels good to pick off the skin flakes from my scalp those first couple of days (ick, right?).
4. Being a platinum blonde means battling with dry hair. And to keep hair from looking like straw, you really need to be good about trimming the ends. You can't have a lot of damage when going for a bleach and tone because the chemicals will only further weaken the hair and will make everything look crunchy and terrible.

I like my hair being ultra blonde, which is why I put myself through all this bad stuff. I trust my stylist, and she's already told me that she'll be honest with me about whether my hair is in good enough condition to continue the harsh process. She knows I don't want fried looking hair, and I'll let her professional opinion guide me.

Who knows, though...one day I may decide to do something totally crazy and dye my hair goth-girl black. Like I said, hair grows back...why not have fun with it?!

Skin Deep

Did you know that in the process of cleansing your skin, you're causing damage? I had no clue, but it kind of makes sense. I know that after I shower, my skin feels a little dry and tight. I even have this annoying patch of dry skin on my tummy that never goes away, no matter how often I moisturize.

Well, the folks over at Dove have been working on this and are launching a new body wash with
something called NutriumMoisture™. According to Dove, current body washes actually damage proteins and lipids in the skin’s outer layer, often leading to the loss of critical moisture which can result in dry, itchy and irritated skin. Moisture is essential for healthy, hydrated skin controlling up to 70% of skin functions.

Dove has discovered how to restore skin’s natural moisture while cleansing with body wash meaning moisture loss caused by cleansing no longer has to be a skin care concern. Unlike other body washes whose moisturizers sit on top skin, NutriumMoisture contains natural moisturizers that fully absorb into surface skin to replenish lipids lost during cleansing.

Dove Body Washes with NutriumMoisture are clinically proven to significantly reduce dryness, improve moisturization and leave skin more even toned.

Now, I am normally a bar soap user, which may be one of the reasons why my dry patch persists. I bought myself a poof thingy and have been using Dove Body Wash with NutriumMoisture for a few weeks now. The body wash lathers up nicely, which makes me feel like I am getting washed in a car wash (but in a good way!). The scent is subtle and clean, and I emerge from the shower with soft, clean skin. I'm happy to report that so far, the dry patch on my tummy seems to have gone away. Hopefully it will stay a thing of the past!

From what I've tried so far, I like this product. It's available now for just under $4. If you're a body wash user, give it a try.

One more thing: this makes me curious to know if you use bar soap or body wash. Leave me a comment and let me know.

Lip Venom V Winner...

Wow! Thanks so much to everyone who entered my Lip Venom V giveaway! It's good to come back to the blog with enthusiasm from my readers.

So...without any further delay, congratulations to Sheina Fae, my Lip Venom V winner.

I finally got around to trying out Lip Venom V. To see MY thoughts on this product, please see below.

Note: Sheina Fae will also be receiving a vial of regular Lip Venom along with Lip Venom V. I am also going to ask that she email me back with her thoughts about Lip Venom V. I want to see if my review of the product is way off base!

BITE of the Vampire

Ok, so when I initially heard about Lip Venom V, I was excited. I could care less about the whole Twilight tie in...that's just a little too silly for me, but it wasn't enough to put me off the product.

DuWop's original Lip Venom is an awesome product. It's developed cult-like status, and for good reason: the stuff is brilliant. It plumps lips up while providing both a pleasant shimmer and a surprising cinnamon bite. I love the stuff.

So when I heard DuWop was bringing Lip Venom V, a tinted version of Lip Venom, to the market I was hopeful.

But then I tried Lip Venom V, and man--I am so incredibly disappointed by this product. I am so frustrated by it, in fact, that I am a little embarrassed to be giving a poor, unsuspecting reader a product I cannot stand by. (To rectify this, my Lip Venom V winner--who will be announced later today--will also be getting a vial of regular Lip Venom.)

Let's break this down.

Here's the good:

• The packaging is fun and very DuWop-esque.
  
• The color of the product in the vial is gorgeous.
  

Now, here's the bad:

• When the color goes on your lips, it doesn't cling or absorb into the lip surface. Instead it sort of spreads itself out, finally settling in those annoying lines in your lip that you don't want accented.
  
• What color I was able to get onto my lips was not flattering. It looked like I had sucked on a Popsicle...my lips appeared stained but not in a uniform or pretty way.
• Most annoying of all: the color seems to deposit itself in the inner part of my lips...not good.
• The color sucks, but the feel of this product is all off. My lips felt overly slick, almost oily, and not at all plumped like with regular Lip Venom.
• This product provides absolutely no shimmer or shine and did absolutely nothing to make my lips look better.

All in all, I would say this is a complete and total fail of a product. Thinking I had bad luck with my first trial, I tried this product out several different times and got the same crappy results.

Save your money. Instead, if you really love Twilight, pick up the book or the movie. If you really love makeup and want to try a DuWop product, opt for regular Lip Venom.

Man....I almost feel like asking for my money back from this one!