They’re (Almost) Here: DD Creams

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You’ve heard of BB (beauty or blemish balm) creams—those seemingly tinted moisturizers that pack a punch with major skin benefits. They can be used in lieu of a foundation or as a primer and go on flawlessly. It’s no wonder they’ve become so popular.

You’ve heard of CC (color correcting) creams. While the BB cream really focuses on providing skincare benefits with a hint of color, the CC cream really strikes more of a balance between color and skincare.  

And now, the beauty world is getting ready to unveil DD creams. What! Yes, it’s true. DD, which stands for daily defense, is rumored to be a product that focuses more on the body and feet rather than the face. The cream is supposed to be very heavy duty in order to provide serious moisture for skin. 

Supposedly there are a few products already on the market—one intended to help heal cracked and dry feet and the other that has sunless tanning agents. Doesn’t seem like a continuation of the BB/CC trend, but more a marketing scheme to get people to buy. Nevertheless, it will be interesting to see how the new DD creams differ from existing body products and what benefits they offer.

Have you tried BB or CC creams? Will you try a DD cream?

Health: Top 10 Benefits of Drinking Water -- Some May Shock You!

It's not a secret, we hear it all the time "Drink more water!!" So why is it so hard to listen? I constantly have to remind myself to get up out of my chair and fill up my cup. After jotting down the top 10 benefits of drinking water that I could think of, I knew I had to share them with all of you. They are great reminders on why filling up your cup several times a day is SO important.

1. Helps You Lose Weight: Yes, it's true! Drinking water reduces your hunger (it's a natural appetite suppressant) and helps raise your metabolism. Sometimes our bodies play a nasty trick on us when we're thirsty and instead it comes off as hunger. Next time you start to get hungry grab a big glass of water, drink up and wait a few minutes.

2. Improves Skin: Drinking water helps to keep your skin moisturized and glowing. It really helps to fight aging and keeps your wrinkles at bay.

3. Flushes Out Icky Toxins: Get rid of that toxin buildup by flushing them out with H2O. Ever wonder what those knots in your back and neck are made of? You got it, toxins! Trust me, you don't want that stuff sticking around in your body.

4. Boosts Energy: Dehydration drains your energy instantly. Feeling sluggish? Grab a few glasses of water and you'll be amazed on how much better you feel.

5. Keeps You Regular: Yes, I said it. It keeps all things in your digestive track moving. Having issues? Drink up!

6. More Effective Workouts: Being properly hydrated for a workout is critical -- especially if you're planning on sweating a lot. Dehydration can keep you from hitting your athletic goals by slowing you down and making it harder to get that extra rep in.

7. Cures Headaches: One of the main causes of headaches are dehydration. Drinking more water could prevent headaches from starting and help cure current ones. I notice a huge difference when I'm drinking the correct amount of water and how clear I can think.

8. Keeps You Feeling Young: As we get older our joints become less lubricated and this causes so many aches and pains. Drinking more water helps keep everything properly hydrated -- leading to less joint pain

9. Makes You Happy: No joke! Think about how happy you are when your body feels good and everything is in perfect running condition. I can't help but to have a skip in my step when I'm thinking clear, have high energy and my skin is smooth.

10. Keeps Your Wallet Full: Water doesn't cost you a dime (unless you drink bottled water). You can drink up as much as you want and don't have to worry about how much your spending.


Need some help on how to get more water in your body every day? Here are some of my quick tips:

1. Use a straw - seriously you'll be amazed at how much quicker you drink your glass of water.

2. Keep track of every glass you have. This will help remind you to drink up if your falling behind your goal for the day.

3. Use a clear cup. You'll be able to see your progress and will know when it's time to go fill up.

4. Put a reminder on your phone, your computer, your dog, basically anywhere you'll likely see it.

Do you drink enough water? What are your favorite reasons for drinking up?

No Makeup Sundays

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Some days I wake up, drag my tired self to the bathroom to begin getting ready and when I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror and look at myself without makeup I want to run away. I can’t help but focus on the unevenness, redness and breakouts (when I have them). Other days, like today, I think hey, my skin doesn’t look half bad. 

I know that giving your skin a rest from makeup is a good thing, but I can never seem to bring myself to just not wear makeup. And it’s not even totally about being self-conscious without it—makeup is a hobby of mine and I enjoy wearing it. I love trying out new combinations and techniques and figuring out what does and doesn’t work on my face. 

Sunday is usually my day to get things done around the house, blog, go to the gym, spend time with family or grocery shop. It’s usually a pretty low key day. Even though there’s really not much going on for me on Sundays, I always go through my usual makeup routine which includes foundation, concealer, blush, eyeshadow/liner and mascara. I might go through that whole routine even though I’m just running out to Target! It’s just habit.

So, I’ve decided that going forward I’m going to try to institute a personal no makeup Sunday policy. Those of you reading this who really know me, I’m sure your jaws have collectively dropped. When you think about it though, there are a bunch of great reasons to skip makeup application one (or more) day(s) a week:

• It will let your skin breathe and heal. Not putting foundation or concealer on your face will allow your skin to restore itself. If you’re suffering from breakouts, your skin can just work on repairing itself without anything caked on it. If you sometimes find your eyes getting irritated from your eye makeup or your skin reacts to certain products, you can avoid any sensitivity or irritation by just not putting anything on. 
• It will save you time. I usually take about 15 minutes to do my makeup in the morning. Why bother on a lazy day? Spend those extra 15 minutes at the gym, with your family or even sleeping in a little longer!
• It will save you money. Wear an expensive foundation? Stretch the time one bottle lasts by not using it one day per week.
• You’ll look more youthful. Sometimes foundations, powders and concealers can settle into fine lines on the face or accentuate dry patches. When you skip makeup, those flaws won’t show as prominently and your skin will just look natural.

I totally understand the issue of being self-conscious without makeup. If you can’t commit to or just plain don’t want to not wear makeup, try cutting down a little. There have been days where I’ve skipped foundation and just used some concealer on breakouts or areas of redness. It makes your face look and feel lighter and gives it a break from absorbing whatever makeup you apply.

I still plan to continue with my regular skin care routine, which includes cleansing (exfoliating once or twice per week), moisturizing, using an eye cream and applying lip balm throughout the day.

This is definitely not a new concept, but it’s one that’s new to me. Are there days you forgo wearing makeup? 

Review: Make Up For Ever HD Concealer

I'm always searching for a great under eye concealer to camouflage my dark circles. No amount of sleep or coffee can help me in this area. I spent some time at Sephora to search for a new brand to try. The consultant listened to my concerns and had a few brands for me to try. She raved about the Make Up For Ever High Definition Concealer and told me it was worth the price. After sampling a few different shades I picked it up in color 315.

The concealer has a silicone applicator, making application easy and mess free. I really liked how soft and flexible the applicator was and didn't feel like I was wasting product on a brush tip. I am not sure how I will feel about it once the product runs low, but so far I really like the applicator.

This concealer works great! It goes on smooth, is easy to blend and doesn't settle into my fine lines that are beginning to form under my eyes. I really like the finish and it stays on all day after I set it with some translucent powder. I have really dry skin (especially in the winter) and this product does not dry my skin out at all. It doesn't look like I've put a ton of makeup on under my eyes like other brands sometimes do. Another major bonus? The HD effect really works! I really love the way it photographs. 

So far I'm very happy with this purchase. If you're looking for a new under eye concealer I suggest giving this one a try! 

What is your favorite under eye concealer? Do you have trouble with dark circles too?

Training for an Obstacle Race

Well, I’ve gone and signed up for my first ever obstacle race. No turning back now. This June I’ll be participating in the Warrior Dash, a 3.10 mile course that’s going to force me to run, jump, climb, crawl through the mud and more. Sound fun? Check it out here.

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Though I feel like I’m in good shape, I am definitely not a runner. Over the next few months I’m going to be training like crazy to make sure that I can complete the race and, of course, that I don’t hurt myself while trying to run this thing.

While I haven’t come up with a set training plan, there are a few things I know I’ll need to incorporate in my gym routine over the next few months:

• Running: Of course. This will be my biggest challenge with the race. My goal is to run at least three times per week on a treadmill at a jogging pace until I’m able to complete 3.10 miles, and perhaps even a bit more. Once I’m able to cover that distance, I’m planning to work on increasing my speed. As soon as the weather gets nicer, I’m going to move my training outside so I can get used to the terrain.
• Strength Training: I’ve been hitting the gym regularly and lifting weights. I’m planning to continue with my weight lifting routine with the goal of increasing the amount of weight I lift and incorporating some new moves.
• Full Body Exercises: I don’t do them now, but I’m going to incorporate exercises like burpees, mountain climbers and medicine ball slams. These exercises not only provide cardio benefits, but they work multiple muscle groups. I haven’t decided exactly which full body exercises I’m going to do or how often I’ll do them, but I’m planning to incorporate those types of activities just after running in order to help simulate running to and completing an obstacle. 
• Stretching: No matter what I do at the gym, I try to spend a few minutes stretching. And, though I sometimes skip, I try to do some stretching exercises before I go to bed each night. I want to make it a goal to continue this. I think maintaining flexibility in my body will only help me during the race since I know I’ll have to crawl, climb and do other moves I don’t regularly do. 

With this race, I see it as more of a challenge to complete rather than something I need to win. Though, I’m sure my competitive nature will help fuel me the day of the event. Not only that, I see this as a way for me to stay motivated, get to the gym more and train my heart out over the next few months. No matter how I do in the race, I’ll be putting in a lot of effort over the next four and a half months to get myself in better shape. I'll post more updates about my training over the next few months!

Another fantastic thing about this race is that the organization partners with St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. Participants have the opportunity to sign up to be a fundraiser, which I’ve done. I’m hoping to raise at least $300 for St. Jude’s. If you feel inclined, please check out my fundraising site and donate if you are able! And please pass the word along if you can. Thanks in advance!

Have you participated in any obstacle races? Tell us how you did in the comments!

Southwestern Black Bean Casserole

 

My future MIL shared this recipe with me and I couldn't wait to try it. Mexican and vegetarian? Sign me up! I made some changes to it so that it would include more whole ingredients instead of the reduced fat variety (which are actually worse for you than the real thing but that's another post for a different day). My fiance and I loved it!

 

Adapted from here.

 

 

What you'll need:

    2 (15-ounce) cans black beans, drained
    2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
    2 garlic cloves, minced
    1/2 cup vegetable broth
    1 teaspoon cumin
    1/4 teaspoon black pepper
    Salt to taste
    2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (I used more than this because I love the stuff)
    6 corn tortillas (cut two of them in half)
    12 ounces salsa
    1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

 

What to do:

1. Preheat oven to 375°.

2. Drain beans, and set aside.

3. In a medium skillet, add oil; heat over medium-low heat. Add garlic and saute until tender (about 4 minutes).

3. Add black beans and broth, and continue cooking approximately 3 minutes. Add cumin, black pepper, salt, and cilantro; stir to combine.

4. Spray the bottom of an 8x8-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray or line with foil (I do this for easy clean up). Add 1 and 1/2 tortillas, 1/4 black bean mixture, 1/4 salsa, and 1/4 cheese; continue layering until all ingredients have been used.

5. Cover casserole dish with foil, and bake approximately 20 minutes or until cheese is melted. Remove foil, and continue cooking 8–10 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool for about 5 minutes before cutting.

6. Garnish with sour cream, more cilantro, tortilla chips or whatever else comes to mind! Enjoy :)

 

Let us know if you try this! Are there any other good Mexican recipes you'd like to share? Leave them in the comments!

 

 

Review: OCC Lip Tar

If you follow trends in the beauty world, you’ve likely heard of Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics (OCC) and their revolutionary Lip Tar. I admit, it’s a product I’ve been lusting after for quite a while. I finally got my hands on one of their 40 colors. Believe me, it was no easy feat to pick out just one. 

OCC Lip Tars are designed to be lipstick in a squeeze tube. The product combines all the best parts of a lipstick and gloss—the longevity and saturation of a lipstick and the creamy smooth texture of a gloss. Each Lip Tar comes in a cute little zip package with a miniature precision lip brush to apply the product. Super convenient!

The product is made with hemp and peppermint oils and vitamin E. Another great thing is that it’s vegan AND cruelty-free. 

I purchased my lip tar in the color Femme, which is described as a true baby pink. The instructions say to “apply the tiniest bead of Lip Tar.” They aren’t kidding. The first time I tried the product on I used way too much (even though I didn’t think I was using that much) and my lips looked like they were an opaque electric pink! I’ve now learned that really all you need is a drop about the size of a pinhead. No joke. Once I figured out exactly how much to use, I was really happy with how the Lip Tar looked on me. 

(Left: blended, Right: not blended)

Though the Lip Tar is thick and creamy, it doesn’t look or feel heavy. It provides a nice moisturizing look to the lips. The only negative I found is that the product seems to settle into lip lines. But, that’s easily remedied by putting a clear gloss over the top. In fact, OCC does make a clear gloss that I might have to check out. 

When I purchased the product I thought $16 was a little steep for the amount you get in the tube, but I now know that this tube would last months and months even if I used it every day. I’m really looking forward to trying out some of the other colors in the line.

Have you tried any of the OCC Lip Tars yet? What’d you think? 

Amanda's January Birchbox

I can't believe I'm already reviewing my first Birchbox of 2013! I was happy with the range of samples I received this month. However, I was a little sad because most of the sample sizes were very tiny! I know some months are better than others in terms of sample items and the sizes of the products so I'm not too worried about it! I did get some great stuff this month.

1. Ojon damage reverse™ Instant Restorative Hair Serum

According to the Birchbox Breakdown: Our hair behaves in strange and mysterious ways—one day it’s limp and lackluster, and the next it’s a poofy ball of frizz. Fortunately, this golden serum is capable of fixing all our temperamental hair woes. Rich in exotic Ojon oil from Central American rain forests, it instantly neutralizes flyaways, boosts shine, and adds softness while repairing years’ worth of self-inflicted hair damage. We use it on damp hair as a pre-blow dry treatment and heat protectant and on dry hair as a leave-in styling aide to keep hair shiny and frizz-free for up to eight hours. 

My review: I thought this hair serum worked pretty well. I'm very happy with my current brand, but it was nice to see what else is out there. I HATED the packaging though -- the lid on the top of the sample didn't stay tight and it got everywhere. Luckily my smooth hair made up for the mess it created :)

 2. alessandro Nail Polish in Blue Lagoon

According to the Birchbox Breakdown: It doesn’t matter how many times we’ve given ourselves a mani—we always end up with stray polish all over our cuticles. Luckily, this German brand is out to make the whole affair easier. Considered one of the premier professional lacquer brands in Europe, alessandro crossed the ocean to bring us its rock-solid formula and specially designed bottle. With both bright, flashy colors and universally flattering neutrals, you’re bound to find a shade you love.

My Review: I wanted to love this because the bottle was super cute and I loved the color. I don't own anything like it and haven't rocked blue nail polish since middle school. This color was awesome though and great for the winter. However, only hours after I polished my nails (with a base and top coat too) they chipped -- bad! Two days later they look terrible and I will have to remove it tonight. Sigh, I wish this wasn't the case.

3. theBalm® cosmetics Put a Lid On It™

According to the Birchbox Breakdown: This eyelid primer is the Thelma to your eye shadow’s Louise. The velvety formula guarantees that colorful shadows stay bright and smudge-free for hours. Suitable for all skin types and tones, the sheer formula blends in seamlessly and doesn’t leave any kind of residue on your lids.

My Review: This is my third theBalm product that I've received from Birchbox and I was very happy once again with this eyeshadow primer. It goes on silky smooth, doesn't crease or cake at all and helped my eyeshadow to blend perfectly. I love this stuff! I wish the sample was larger because I will be so sad when it runs out.

4. Harvey Prince Skinny Chic

According to the Birchbox Breakdown: Despite our best efforts to stay healthy and eat right, every day we experience an inevitable afternoon slump a few hours after lunch. In lieu of downing yet another cup of coffee or reaching for a sugary treat, we’ve been spritzing on this chic new scent from Harvey Prince. The fresh and fruity blend of apple, mint, and grapefruit is specially formulated to keep us energized—and curb cravings to boot. (Which is not to say we don’t condone the occasional cookie. Or two. )

My Review: I unfortunately didn't feel the energizing and curbed craving effects that this product claims after I used it. The scent itself was okay but not something I typically go for. I won't be purchasing this scent.

5. Fresh Lotus Youth Preserve Face Cream

According to the Birchbox Breakdown: Life can be a bit of an emotional roller coaster, so it’s no wonder that we laugh, frown, look confused, and express surprise more times than we can count on any given day. While there’s nothing wrong with letting our feelings show, we’re not so crazy about the expression lines (ahem…wrinkles) that develop as a result. This brand-new moisturizer from Fresh is made with a proprietary blend of seven actives to prevent and treat all the signs of skin aging while keeping skin moisturized day and night.

My Review: I really liked this moisturizer a lot. It smelled exactly like fresh cut cucumbers (my favorite) and really hydrated my dry skin without making me feel greasy. I love the Fresh line and can't wait to continue to use this moisturizer. I wish the sample was a little bigger though!

Want to receive for your own Birchbox? Click here to sign up!

Adrianne’s January Birchbox

It’s the first Birchbox of the new year! January’s products are focused on freshness and making 2013 the best year ever. This month’s box even came with a fold-out poster with 25 ideas on how to make 2013 great—with beauty ideas and fitness tips to ways you can maximize your happiness. What a fun idea!

1. Oscar Blandi Hair Lift Thickening & Strengthening Serum 

2. Oscar Blandi Pronto Dry Styling Heat Protect Spray

3. Juicy Couture - Viva La Juicy 

4. Eyeko Skinny Liquid Eyeliner 

5. Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentrè (24-Hour Miracle Cream) 

1. Oscar Blandi Hair Lift Thickening & Strengthening Serum: The idea behind this serum is phenomenal—a weightless gel-like formula to thicken, protect and strengthen hair. According to Birchbox, this product is designed to add moisture to hair while making hair appear more than 40 percent thicker. For me? I did notice that my hair looked thicker after applying and blow drying my hair. But, as with most styling products my hair deflated after about an hour after styling. Not only that, the serum seemed to gunk up my hair and made it feel un-clean even though I just shampooed. I wouldn’t purchase this one. I’d rather have my hair feeling clean than weighed down with a product that only works for about an hour. 

2. Oscar Blandi Pronto Dry Styling Heat Protect Spray: I try to take really good care of my hair, and that involves not heat styling too much. I can’t get around blow drying my hair, but I do try to avoid using a curling iron or straightener every day. Heat protecting sprays are a must for anyone who uses heat to style their hair. This product has a very light lemony scent, which smells wonderful. To use it, all you have to do is spray it on towel-dried hair before you use your blow dryer. I tried spraying this on my hair before a couple of blow-outs and noticed that my hair felt very smooth and looked shiny, but my hair felt a little weighed down and gritty. 

3. Juicy Couture - Viva La Juicy Perfume: Fruity. Playful. Floral. Sweet. Just a few words to describe this lovely perfume. I can vouch for this product because I’ve had the opportunity to test it with more than just this sample. I actually purchased this perfume a couple of years ago and really loved it. It’s a wonderful scent. It’s bold, but not overpowering. The bad part? Ninety bucks for a bottle. The price is the ONLY reason I haven’t repurchased this fragrance. 

4. Eyeko Skinny Liquid Eyeliner: I was recently on the hunt for a liquid liner and found one that I really like. It figures that I’d get a sample this month. Last year I tried an Eyeko eye crayon and wasn’t terribly impressed, so I had mixed feelings about trying another one of their products. But, I am happy to say that I was blown away by this product. 

The best way to describe this product is to liken it to a Sharpie marker. It’s a pen that contains a felt tip—no messy dipping into a tube of eyeliner. The color is dark and intense and it really does go on exactly like a Sharpie marker. The formula isn’t gooey or messy and there’s practically no drying time. I would definitely purchase this eyeliner in one of the other five colors they have available. 

5. Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentrè (24-Hour Miracle Cream): Is it possible to be in love with a face cream? Because if so, I am. I had heard of the Embryolisse skin care line through some blogs I follow and have been hoping to try their face cream. It’s made with aloe, shea butter and soy proteins in order to make the formula thick and moisturizing. According to Birchbox, it can also be used as a makeup remover, baby cream and soothing agent post-shave! I am perfectly happy with using this cream as a moisturizer. Though the cream is thick, it’s not too heavy and doesn’t leave behind any kind of oily feeling. It goes on easily and leaves the skin feeling incredibly smooth. And if that weren’t enough, the cream has a very sweet and fresh scent. If you’re looking for a new facial moisturizer, this one is absolutely worth a try. You won’t be disappointed!

Have you recently discovered any beauty products that you fell in love with? Share in the comments?

Fashion Trend: Leather Jackets

I love the look of leather jackets. They add a little edge to any outfit and I always feel like a rock star when I wear mine. I have a fake leather one from Forever 21 and it's held up for several years (shocking I know). I don't think I could splurge for a real leather jacket but there are several imitation ones out there that look and feel like the real deal. Here are some of my favorite ways I've seen this look pulled off.

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So what do you think? Do you like this look? 

I'm thinking light caramel and blush colored leather jackets are on my list this year for spring!

Clinique Product Review: Part Two

If you didn’t get a chance to check out part one of my Clinique products review, click here. For this post, I’ll be reviewing two different concealers and a lip gloss. 

Clinique Airbrush Concealer

In my first review, I wrote about Clinique’s All About Eyes Rich eye cream. Part of the reason I bought the eye cream was to help treat fine lines, puffiness and dark circles around my eyes. Since I’ve always had a problem with dark circles and it’s too soon to see results from the eye cream, I decided to purchase Clinique’s Airbrush Concealer.

The concealer comes in a tube with a brush affixed on the end for easy application. The product itself is a liquid intended to provide sheer coverage and soften lines and wrinkles and brighten any discoloration or shadows under the eyes. It comes in three shades—fair, medium and neutral fair. I purchased mine in shade neutral fair. 

To use the concealer, all you have to do is twist the bottom of the applicator until the product appears at the tip. Then, just brush it on underneath under the eyes. Since it’s an illuminator, it can also be used on other areas on the face that you want to brighten, like the sides of the nose. After applying, gently pat the product on the skin with your finger to blend. I use the product after applying my foundation and eye makeup.

So far, I’ve been happy with the results. It’s not a miracle product that completely erases all of my undereye darkness, but it does do a good job of brightening the area and providing some coverage. I look more awake when wearing the concealer. It also matches my skin perfectly. The liquid consistency is excellent and easy to blend, unlike some heavier cream concealers. 

One tube of product costs $19.50. Definitely worth it if you are looking for a sheer liquid undereye concealer. If you suffer from extreme dark circles or discoloration under your eyes, you might want to skip this one in favor of something that offers more coverage. 

Clinique Even Better Concealer

Yes, another concealer! I purchased this one to cover up blemishes and dark spots on my skin. I’ve been using Benefit’s Erase Paste for the past year or two and I’ve been pretty happy with the results, but I’ve noticed that the areas where I apply it look dry and/or flaky after hours of wear. So, I was looking for something to provide full coverage and work on my dry skin.

The concealer comes in 12 shades and can be purchased for $19.50. That may seem a little steep, but a little of the product goes a long way and it will last you a very long time.

To apply, you can either use a concealer brush to pat the product on the skin or your finger to dab it on. (I prefer using my finger—the warmth helps blend out the product.)

So far I’m on the fence with this one. The color I purchased, Buttermilk, is the perfect match for me and it does cover. However, the product is thick and a little difficult to blend. Clinique also claims that the concealer has a brightening effect, but I’ve not noticed this. 

Some of the customers who posted reviews about the product on Clinique’s site say that they use the product for undereye circles. I can’t image using this concealer for that purpose! I assume because of the consistency that it would accentuate any fine lines. And, because I found it hard to blend I wouldn’t want to use it on the delicate skin under my eyes.

The bottom line is that the concealer does work in terms of covering blemishes—you may just have to spend some extra time blending.

Clinique Long Last Glosswear in Air Kiss

I discovered Clinique’s Long Last Glosswear through a sample from Sephora. When my sample ran out, I knew I had to get my hands on the full-size product. The gloss comes in 18 shades; three are non-shimmery. It’s $15 for one tube—not too bad considering how long it will last. 

I purchased the color Air Kiss, which Clinique describes as a midtone pink with gold shimmer. I would actually classify it as more of a very faint peach. The color is very neutral and provides a subtle hint of color and high shine to the lips. I really think it’s one of those rare universal colors that will look good on anyone with any kind of skin tone. It looks good with any type of makeup I choose to wear. And, you don’t have to wear the gloss alone. It can be layered over a lipstick or lip liner to add a layer of shine. 

Clinique claims that the gloss will last for eight hours. Though I haven’t experienced wear that long, the gloss does stay on quite a while. It will come off when eating or drinking or after a few hours, but overall I’m happy with the results. It’s a little bit sticky, but that stickiness helps the gloss stay on. I’ve found with other sticky glosses that they tend to dry out my lips, but this gloss does nothing of the sort. It’s also very thick. Some people may not like that, but I do like a thick coat of gloss on my lips. 

As you can probably tell, I’m hooked on this gloss and am really looking forward to trying it in a few other colors!

Are you a Clinique fan? What are your favorite products?

Beauty: Favorite Golden Globe Red Carpet Hair & Makeup Looks

I absolutely love awards season. Watching the celebrities get all done up with their hair, makeup and outfit choices that they get to pick out is so fun to watch. It's been inspiring me with some ideas for my upcoming wedding and even my everyday hair and makeup. On my personal blog I went over my top 5 overall outfit looks. I wanted to share my favorite choices for hair and makeup too! 

Giuliana Rancic

I love Giuliana's cat eye and burgundy lip. The lashes complete the look to give her a little pop without being too much.

Rachel Weisz

Rachel has a similar look to Giuliana but her eyes are scaled back a little bit. This complements her hairstyle very well. I love the soft romantic curls on her! 

Jennifer Lopez

I didn't love Jennifer's dress (at all) but I thought her hair and makeup looked beautiful. Her skin looked radiant and I loved the smokey eye and nude lip. The hair looks great swept to the side and curled. 

Kerry Washington

I thought her bold eye and nude lips looked great on her. The purple really stood out and made her eyes the focal point. I love her sleek bob and bangs on her too. 

Zooey Deschanel

I think Zooey's hair and makeup looked amazing on her. She brought out her beautiful blue eyes without looking overdone. The bold lip doesn't overpower the look and the color is perfect on her. I love her curled ponytail and the way her bangs frame her face. She's making me want to cut mine again!

Jessica Alba

Jessica's red carpet look from head to toe was my favorite of the evening. She looked amazing in that pretty coral dress and her hair and makeup complemented the look very well. I love the bold coral lip and neutral eye. I definitely will try to recreate this look for a night out!

Amanda Seyfried

Amanda's eyes are hauntingly beautiful. The natural makeup really played them up without going overboard and I love the soft pink lip on her. Her hair looked natural, soft and romantic. 

Kate Hudson

Kate's overall look was another favorite of mine. I think her toned down hair and makeup looked great with her dramatic dress. Kate's hair is polished and I really like all of her layers and her makeup is so subtle yet so beautiful on her.

What did you think of the Golden Globes beauty and fashion this year? What celebrity was your favorite of the night?