Tarte's New 100% Waterproof Collection Inspired by Syncronized Swimmers!

If you're a Gleek like me (a fan of the show Glee) then you obvi saw the episode with the synchronized swimmers, the Aqualillies?!?!?!


Anywho - Tarte Cosmetics was so inspired by them, that they created a whole collection of 100% waterproof cosmetics for the retro swim-cap wearers in all of us!!!


Check out the whole collection at Ulta, coming next week!

The collection is ADORABLE (how will I live without that cosmetic bag?)

The "Lights, Camera, Splashes" Mascara is a staple item in the Tarte line, but was a perfect throw in with this collection for sure!  It's def one of my top waterproof mascara picks! (always $19)

The Amazonian Clay finishing powder is also a key item (I just blogged about it this week) and it was also added in here with limited edition packaging (still $29)

Clearly, the key item here is the palette, which is so eye catching!

I honed right on on the bronzer and blush, which have major staying power because of the amazonian clay!

and the shadows can create SO many looks:


Hold on, let me put on my shower cap (perfect for protecting a great blow out!)

heheheheheee!!!!

There is only one super long wearing lipstick shade in the collection, and that's because it is a universally flattering coral-red that makes your skin look great and teeth look white and it STAYS ALL DAY!


Next we look at the glosses, infused with Maracuja Oil

Truthfully, glosses aren't my thing.  They are very pretty, and hydrating.  But they don't hold up next to that amazing lipstick!

Next, we take a look at the ultra-waterproof eyeliners, AND the awesome applicator brush that comes with it!  As if the turquoise color of the brush wasn't enough, its actually totally functional, because the angle allows you more precision during application!

There are two liner shades, the deep inky black that is perfect for every summer day, swimming or not.  Then there is the unique blue/green shade that is synonymous with the packaging of the collection itself:


Check out the two distinct looks below, I am loving them!


If you're only able to grab one this from the collection - grab the waterproof eyeliner!  You'll get tons of use out of it and you'll also nab a great applicator brush for only $22


If you can treat yourself to one more item, make it the lipstick - I LOVE it!


Check out some of the Aqualillies modelling the collection and get inspired to re-create their looks!!  Happy Swimming!!!!!

Neon Ombre Lips - an Inspiration!

I'm working on perfecting some of these looks!  Check them out!







I'm loving this tutorial someone posted on tumbler:

Two-tone lips, a great $12 product to try!

The two tone lip is taking off, not just fashion models in crazy outfits are doing it, no, women all over are giving it a try - and BITE cosmetics is making it easier than ever with their new product:


"Lip Layers"

Its a dual-ended lipstick with complimentary shades so you can pull of this trend flawlessly (now the only part you'll have to master is not mashing your lips together!  LOL!)

BITE knows lips, because that is what they do!


This product is BRAND new and only at Sephora
http://www.sephora.com/lip-layers-P378654
and guess what?  Its only $12!!!

2 lip colors for $12?!  What are you waiting for?

What's even better is that BITE's products are made from food-grade ingredients, not synthetics or petroleum based ingredients - aka: you can take a 'bite' out of it and it safe enough to eat!  (uh, don't do that, you'll waste a great lipstick!)

Create that ombre lip look with their bold shades in several ways:

Dark on outside, light on inside:


OR reverse that:


OR, this one is super popular, go for one shade on top and the other on the bottom


Skip the bold all together, and go for a nude ombre lip with BITE's other dual-ended product in the nude shades

Apply the dark on the inner part of the lips:


OR: Dark on the outer corners


This is a great product to get you started on this huge trend, because its formulated to be applied right from the tube and its a really fair price for a healthy lip product!

Tried and Tested: The Best Facial Suncreen

I know I know.....SUNSCREEN, you're probably sick of hearing me talk about it - but too bad!!!  Get it on NOW!

When it comes to the time of year when the sun is out more, it isn't enough to just wear a moisturizer and BB Cream with SPF 15 or 25 in it, you really need more!

Oh, and layering SPF isn't like adding, SPF 15 and SPF 30 is NOT then SPF 45!  Its really only about SPF 30 with a little boost! 

Dermatologists recommend that we wear at LEAST SPF 40 each day now to block free radicals, and we should be reapplying during the day (more on that later)

The best I've tried is Clarins' UV Plus Day Screen SPF 40


The formula is sooooooo smooth and soft, it absorbs quickly and isn't like any other regular sunscreen, it is meant for the face (read: it won't clog pores or build up oil)

You can buy it for $40 at Sephora.com and it will last you the summer - and you will notice your skin will look healthier and more vibrant, because it will be 100% protected from free radicals that break down collagen in our skin!  Which means your skin will be able to regenerate and fight wrinkles because it won't spend  it's "energy" fighting damage!

ALSO, if you're a minimalist and don't wear foundation, you might like the thought of this product in a tinted shade, which will serve as a skin tone evener (I prefer this when I am on the boat or the beach)

http://www.sephora.com/uv-plus-hp-day-screen-high-protection-tint-spf-40-P374107?skuId=1426394

Did you know only 1 in 5 people wear sunscreen on a daily basis?!  C'mon ladies, I want my followers to be 100% of the group!  Don't worry, you'll STILL get tan (sunscreen just blocks the damaging rays) and forget that anyway - get a faux tan from a tanner or bronzer - its way healthier!!!

2 million people a year are diagnosed with skin cancer, don't wait until its too late!!!!

How to have a 'nude tude'!

This eyeshadow palette from "The Balm" cosmetics is so damn cute, I don't think I would care what colors were in it, I still NEED to have it (but thankfully the colors are amazing basics!)



This adorable palette features 12 shadows in shimmer and matte shades in the entire 'nude' spectrum



You can create some very soft (to bold) eye looks:


The best part of the palette is the 'nude' pinup girls, its totally cheeky!


This $36 palette (available on www.birchbox.com, at Ulta stores and online) is able to hold its own against Urban Decay's Naked 2 palette ($50) which also has 12 shades (but comes with a lipgloss)

For both palettes the brush it comes with is awful (I threw mine right out) - so that factor is a wash.

The Naked 2 palette is more pigmented and bolder, but I am a sucker for cute and kitchy - so I prefer the Nude Tude all day long!

PLUS, I am a huge fan of the matte black in this kit, it blends perfectly and has some staying power!  They knew what they were doing!!!

Check it out!  Get your nude on!

My Preferred Face Powder

I received Tarte's Smooth Operator Micronized Clay Finishing Powder with PM20

as a sample in a kit, I was excited to try it....and then I did and threw out all my Bare Essentuals Powders!  No joke!  This blows the competition away (even the Make Up For Ever HD Powder, which is very well liked and even more $$!)

It's colorless, which might seem odd to most of you, because you're used to using a powder that makes your foundation.  But no more!

What does it do that I love?

- makes pores smaller
- absorbs oil
- holds in moisture
- reduces dryness and flakiness (that's the amazonian clay!)
- can be used all over with a powder brush or on top of a blemish or under eye by patting on with your finger

It retails for $29
http://www.sephora.com/smooth-operator-micronized-clay-finishing-powder-with-pm20-P266113?skuId=1261114
(and that should last you 3-4 months if you use it every day)

But I've also bought a bunch of sample size ones off e-bay for $10 and I keep them in my purse or desk! 

You'll never buy any other loose powder again!

If I could only wear ONE product on my face each day...

It would be Dr. Jart's Black Label Detox BB Cream


This BB cream is outstanding!  It is the perfect all in one!

Have I lost you?  Here's a blurb on BB Cream:
Beauty Balms or B.B. Creams were originally developed as a perfect post-procedure cream used to treat, hydrate, prime, protect, and camouflage the skin. Great for all skin types including those with sensitive skin, these versatile “five-in-one” formulas are designed to do it all: treat with high levels of active skin care ingredients; moisturize and smooth dehydrated skin; prime and perfect skin’s surface; camouflage and color correct the skintone; and protect skin from the sun with SPF. They can be used as a last step for their skincare benefits or used on their own as an instant beautifier.

So why is this one so amazing?!  Because it also fights blemishes and helps rid you of blemish spots (from previous breakouts!)  This formula is super smooth too, and glides on.

From Sephora.com product description:

What it is:
A purifying face cream that provides age defense, and hides uneven skintone and blemishes.

What it is formulated to do:
- Botanical Formula to purify and calm blemish prone or sensitive skin while also combating dark spots and pollutants for an enhanced radiance
- Features SPF 25 sun protection
- Comes in one universal shade

Perfect and protect skin instantly with this all-in-one multifunctional Beauty Balm. This triple-action formula naturally covers blemishes and uneven skintone, and contains botanical actives to purify and calm blemish-prone or irritated skin. Arbutin works to erase unwanted dark spots, while caviar extract and antioxidants protect skin from inner and outer pollutants for an enhanced radiance.

There are 2 sizes, $18 and $36:
http://www.sephora.com/product/productDetail.jsp?keyword=DR.%20JART%2B%20Black%20Label%20Detox%20BB%20Beauty%20Balm%20P374568&skuId=1422617&productId=P374568&_requestid=3618220

Don't fret on the 'unoversal shade' this is a sheer product that combines well with any other foundation or concealer (although you won't really need it) and I am very fair and with a bit of HD powder over it, it blends on me.

My Tip:  Go to Sephora and get a sample.  They love to give samples at Sephora, and it will be enough to use it for a few days, enough to get a feel for what the product will be like.

Also works great with:
Black Label Cleaning Foam (clears out pores)


and looks best when combined with a 'clear' finishing powder.  I prefer Tarte's Smooth Operator Powder

It seals in makeup, evens tone, absorbs oil, and creates a photo-quality finish on skin that lasts all day!