This stuff is no joke! I have never used anything like it before so maybe that is why it is so cool to me but I think you guys will love it.

It is a gel consistency with a light clean ( a little citrus) scent and you put a thin layer all over your face (not your eyes or lips), wait about 10-15 seconds and start massaging your face small circular motions. You will feel the dead skin just coming off in your hand. It is SO cool! When you are done just tissue off and rinse for a glowing complexion ready for the world!

I wouldn't use this everyday but maybe twice a week. I think it will be great in the summer too.

This is what their website says about it:

• You can't beat a luxurious buff and polish to prime your skin for optimum moisturizing and send dead skins cells on their way.
• This fabulous exfoliate is gentle enough to be used on your face or any place you have dry or dull skin.
• We use papaya and pineapple enzymes (instead of harsh scrubs and chemicals), our exclusive comfort blend of antioxidants, aloe vera, vitamins C,A, E+ and a dose of TLC to ensure your skin glows.
• Did you know, you can also use our exfoliate for a weekly manicure and pedicure!

European Wax Center - The Exfoliate

Photo By: Temptalia

Getting naked has never had so many options until Urban Decay released their highly popular Naked palette back in 2010. It's now four years later and we still love being naked!

Urban Decay followed the release of the Naked palette with Naked 2, a foundation, powder, BB cream, luminizer, blush palette, Naked Basics (amazing!), eyeliners to go with each palette, and now the Naked 3 palette with all of it's rosy "cheek" glory. ;)

For those of you who haven't heard of these or you have but haven't had the chance to look into them, this is for you!

Each palette has its share of shimmers but also a few mattes (great for blending) and have at least one pale highlighting shade and a deep shade for lining and/or adding depth.
Naked - The original. This palette is more bronzed than the others but it does include a highly pigmented steel shade. I find it to be more warm toned overall. A lovely collection of shades to go from day at the office to night on the town and from smokey to sweet.

Naked2 - The cooler cutie. This lady has the same effects as the original but in a cooler section of town. She can go smokey or subtle but with shades more on the pewter side than bronze. But don't get me wrong she does still have some warmer shades like Half Baked (which is also included in Naked).

Naked3 - Rosy and seductive, Naked3 has a gorgeous range of pink neutrals. This is absolutely stunning on blue eyed beauties! The colors range from a matte ivory to a shimmering blackened plum.

Naked Basics - One of the best basic palettes I've ever come across. Retailing at $27.00 this is a real steal. I go no where without my basics palette. A collection of mattes ranging from a buttery ivory to a deeply pigmented blackish brown this palette is the epitome of classic.

Naked*

Naked2*

Naked3*

Naked Basics*

Naked*

Naked2*

Naked3*

They are expensive, retailing at about $50 a piece so if you are questioning whether or not you "need" all of these I would definitely go to Sephora or Ulta and do some swatching. See what fits your skintone best and which palette you think would be the most useful or different from what you already own. I find I use each of these just as much as the other. They are great for travel because you have a variety of shades and looks at your fingertips (or brush tips). They even all come with a brush as well (except for the basics).

" BETTE DAVIS once said that she owed her success to brown mascara. But if Davis were alive today, the actress with the famously dramatic eyes might give the same credit to her mascara brush. "   (NY Times)


I've collected some of my favorite lash products to share with you. These are by far the best lash enhancing tools I have come across. Like I have said in previous posts I like long and thick (spidery) lashes. I put on multiple coats of whatever mascara I am wearing. These ladies add some serious drama. 

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Loreal Telescopic Shocking Extensions - Length like no other! This baby can give you volume plus length in a few swipes. The brush is great for your lower lashes too because it is slim and has sort of that comb like shape. The tiny bristles grab each lash and extend them for miles. It comes in waterproof and regular. 

Maybelline New York The Falsies Mascara, Black Drama - This baby has lash fibers right in the mascara itself. They build onto each other as you layer. I love the brush and texture. This is definitely a keeper in my book - a great way to have the falsie look without the glue and sometimes the weight of a strip of false lashes. 

Dior Extase - This was last week's Friday Favorite and it will continue to be a favorite for a long time. I think it's similar to Covergirl's Clump Crusher Extensions in that the formula has a similar texture but this one is much more black and needs fewer coats. Friday Favorite - Dior Extase

Dior lash plumping primer - A great addition to the Loreal Telescopic Shocking Extensions or any of these for that matter... It prepares your lashes before your mascara and adds that crucial extra layer for extreme length and conditioning too. I feel like it protects my lashes from harsher mascaras. 

Benefit They're Real - This mascara is no joke. This formula will create that false lash effect quiet simply. I do find it is harsher on my lashes so I don't always wear this. It does not say it's waterproof but I feel like it is that is how strong it sticks to your lashes. I definitely need to work with this to get it all off at night but that would also be from how many coats I use too. 

DivaDerme Lash Extender Lashes in a Bottle - Lash fibers are an interesting product. What you do is put a coat of mascara or primer on your lashes and then swipe the fibers on your wet lashes (the come with a mascara like brush) then add another layer of mascara for instant false lash drama (layer for even more drama)! I have sensitive eyes but this does not bother me. I would just be careful since they are small fibers and can fall in your eyes and cause irritation. 


Covergirl Clump Crusher Extensions  - Clump Crusher Extensions is not the blackest mascara on the planet but this feathers out and lengthens my lashes beautifully. I love the light texture. My lashes never feel brittle when it dries. It's a mascara that I feel like I need to use a lot of coats to get the desired effect but it is worth it in the end. The brush and formula help prevent clumping. It's a real steal. 

Tony Cenicola/The New York Times

Here is an interesting article about mascara and how it has changed... The Art of the Lash Advances

It comes in two colors, light/medium and medium/deep. I have been using the medium/deep since my hair is dark right now. I find that it accentuates my brows and dries to a quick (not crunchy) finish. I have never used a tinted brow gel before, this is a new thing for me and so far I have to say it's awesome! The application brush is small so it makes filling in your brows easy and mess free.

This is what Sephora has to say about it:

What it is: 
A brow-volumizing fiber gel. 

What it does: 
This innovative brush-on fiber gel adheres to skin and hair creating brows where before there were none. It builds easily for thick, lush arches, thanks to a tapered brush for blending and a precision tip for shaping. The fiber gel is water resistant, long lasting, and buildable for natural-looking brows.

BB Creams and/or tinted moisturizers are a great for summer (or anytime) and when you are in a rush and want to give your skin that extra oomph.

BB creams or "beauty balms" are very popular in Asia and slowly made their way to America. Now every brand possible has their own version although some are definitely better than others. Beauty balms have many benefits. Yes they have nice coverage but also skin benefits. Each one has their own specifics but most of them claim to even skin tone, clear and prevent breakouts, moisturize, and much more including the great SPF.

MISSHA M Perfect Cover BB Cream No.23 Natural Beige SPF42 PA++ - a classic BB cream and a fantastic one at that. This is the epitome of tinted moisturizers. It has a rich thick texture but does not look pasty or mask my skin. I do see benefits such as clearer and softer skin when I use this. I feel my skin looks fresher too. This also makes a nice prep for foundation! If you are looking for a product that is everything a BB cream should be then this is it, hands down!



Neutrogena Healthy Skin Glow Sheers, SPF 30 - I use this in the summer for something quick to even out my skin and moisturize. It is also great before the beach. I like the color it gives my skin and I do find that it benefits the look of my skin over time just maybe not as well as the above creams.


These are both worth checking out but if I wear to pick one it would be the MISSHA M brand.

I have yet to try out any CC Creams (color correcting). I plan on trying out the Smashbox brand because I have heard great things about their CC and their BB creams but they are pricey at close to $40 a bottle.

Besides oil I do use face lotion or cream preferably with an SPF in the morning. If my skin is very dry then I will put argan oil on first and follow with one of these lotions before my makeup. It helps keep my skin comfortable and fresh throughout the day.

Neutrogena Healthy Skin Radiance Cream SPF 15 - This is a really great moisturizer. I see a difference in my skin tone and a definite radiance when I use this regularly. I can tell the difference within a few days. It is light but makes my skin feel nice. You could use this year round if you are looking for a light moisture lotion.



Neutrogena Visibly Even Daily Moisturizer, SPF 30 - This is great for summertime I would say. It is lighter a light fluid like texture. I like that it evens my skin tone, especially when used with the Visibly Even facial cleanser.

Jergens Glow Face Daily Moisturizer Sunscreen SPF 20 - I use this all year on and off. I like to give my face some color throughout the seasons to look healthy. This isn't something I would pick up on my dryer days but for the average day, yes.

MAC Cosmetics Strobe Cream - Mac did a great thing coming out with this. It gives your skin an irridescent quality and wakes everything up. This cream is not sparkly... think pearl.

Josie Maran Argan Glow Whipped Gradual Tanning Lotion - I can't find this anywhere right now but I had to share it anyway. I have a backup thank god. This stuff is so awesome! It gives nice color on my fair skin gradually and doesn't smell funky like some self tanners. It does have radiance or fine glimmer to it. If you put this on your face it will sparkle. I know not everyone likes that but if you use a powder or foundation (or bb cream) on top you can't tell. I love that it has argan oil included in its ingredients plus it is gentle enough for your entire body including your face. It is vanilla scented and I'm obsessed with it. Keep your eyes open for when this (hopefully) comes back! It is thick enough for comfort but not overbearing or greasy with or without makeup on top. One of the best things about this too is it has a pump! Yay!