Beauty Giveaway: StriVectin-SD for Sensitive Skin

If you're like me, the thought of introducing new products into your skincare regimen can be a little daunting ... because, with sensitive skin, you never really know what the result will be! Not so with StriVectin-SD for Sensitive Skin. This brand-new product is an antiaging powerhouse developed exclusively for sensitive skin, with none of the oils or fragrances that can cause irritation and leave sensitive skin vulnerable to accelerated aging. It contains a high concentration of powerful antiaging ingredients -- nicotinic acid (niacin), peptides, Swiss apple stem cells, resveratrol and garden sprout extract -- to fight fine lines, wrinkles, uneven skin tone and texture.

And this week, one very lucky person will win a tube of StriVectin-SD for Sensitive Skin! This giveaway is valued at $79. Here's how to enter!

1) Leave a comment below, telling me why you'd love to win this giveaway.
Be sure your entry includes your email address or it will be disqualified.

2) Get an extra entry for liking The Beauty of Life on Facebook and leaving a comment on the wall that says: I want to win StriVectin-SD for Sensitive Skin!

3) Get an extra entry for following both me and StriVectin on Twitter and tweeting: Hey @BeautyChick101 and @StriVectin, I want to win StriVectin-SD for Sensitive Skin!
Be sure you are following both of us or your entry will be disqualified.

Note: You don't need to leave multiple comments telling me you've entered on Facebook and Twitter as well. Rest assured all votes are being checked and counted! One comment here will suffice. Thanks!

THE RULES:
This giveaway ends on Saturday, February 5 at midnight. One winner will be chosen AT RANDOM on Sunday, February 6. Maximum of THREE ENTRIES (one for each way listed above). For your entry on this blog, you must include your email address!! Multiple entries will be disqualified. Giveaway is open to US residents only.

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What Do You Think of the Zoya Intimate and Essie French Affair Spring 2011 Nail Polish Collections?

While I may have what I term Skittles Nails going on here, there's a good reason for it! My gal Susan and I decided to test out the new colors from Zoya Intimate and Essie French Affair, the brands' respective Spring 2011 nail polish collections, and I simply couldn't help but snap a pic! Zoya is on the left, Essie is on the right. Here's what you're looking at:

Left hand, from left to right: Dove, Gemma, Caitlin, Jules, Danii. Not pictured: Marley

Right, from left to right: French Affair, Coat Azure, Nice is Nice, Sand Tropez, Topless & Barefoot

What do you think of the collections? See any polishes you have to have? Let me know in the comments!

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My Birthday Party Mani: Zoya Caitlin

I had a little time to kill yesterday, so of course I decided to visit my gal Susan Nam at Polished Beauty Bar for a little nails date. I did actually have a reason for the visit, other than the fact that I just wanted to see Susan -- today is my birthday party and I wanted my nails to look fantastic! After playing with all of the new colors from Essie and Zoya (post on that experience coming shortly), we landed on Zoya Caitlin, from the Intimate Spring 2011 collection.

I love this color! It's such a gorgeous mix of blue and grey with a beautiful smoky finish. It's creamy beyond belief -- even just one coat was so opaque and looked amazing on the nail, though it's seen here with two.

Now that I have the perfect manicure, I simply can't wait for my birthday party to begin!

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First Look Fridays: Motions Celebrity Hairstylist Ursula Stephen

Brooklyn-born Ursula Stephen is the mastermind behind some of the hottest hairstyles in Hollywood. Does the name Rihanna ring a bell? How about Jordin Sparks or Kerry Washington? Read on to discover Ursula's favorite product by Motions (the haircare brand she works with), her top hair tip and so much more.

How did you first become interested in beauty, and what led you to become a hairstylist?
I can't remember one first time or moment that made me interested in hair -- it was a couple of things. But when I saw how happy and beautiful I made people feel, and how happy it made me feel -- I knew I wanted to be a hairstylist.

How did you get involved with Motions? What do you like about working with them?
Motions actually found me. As the story goes, they wanted the girl behind Rihanna's haircut. One of the things I like most about Motions is that they give me the opportunity to educate women.

What is your favorite Motions product and why?
One of my favorite products is the Motions Foaming Wrap Lotion. You can do so many different things with it, from sculpting a short cut to scrunching it into wavy hair. It's a great lightweight product.

What are your top 5 hair essentials?
1) Motions Nourish Leave-In Conditioner

2) Ceramic flat iron

3) Motions Light Hold Working Spritz

4) Silk scarf

5) Great paddle brush

What is your top hair tip?
Condition, condition, condition. You must love your hair in order for it to love you back -- this way you get the best styling results.

Being a hairstylist must be fun -- but what do you do in your spare time?
Ummm, that's rare. But, I love going out to eat, catching up with friends, and just really try to relax.

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What's Love Got to Do with It: Davines Love Smoothing Shampoo and Conditioner

Smooth, shiny, frizz-free hair? I thought it might be a myth until I discovered Davines Love Smoothing Shampoo and Conditioner. This duo, from one of my very favorite hair brands, has quickly become one of my shower mainstays.

I was initially intrigued by the shampoo and conditioner because of their promise to combat dry, frizzy hair -- exactly what I suffer from on a daily basis! Each is formulated with prickly pear extract for intense moisture, while rice proteins create a protective layer and olive oil acts as an emollient. (Truth be told, I LOVE any product formulated with olive oil -- it smooths, nourishes and conditions strands better than any other ingredient I've come across!)

But the piece de resistance here is definitely the combination of Vitamin E, borage oil and rice bran wax, which work to moisturize and nourish each and every strand. I've been amazed at how soft and silky my hair has been since using this duo -- I feel like a hair model!

Plus, the packaging is so unique -- I love the oversized tub of conditioner and the substantial bottle of shampoo. They just add a luxe touch to my shower that was otherwise lacking!

Davines Love Smoothing Shampoo and Conditioner retail for $22 and $25, respectively. You can find each, along with many other products from the Davines line, at barneys.com.

Disclosure: These products were furnished by a PR representative for Davines.

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Beauty Deal: Bath & Body Works on Groupon Today!

Good news for all you lovers of Bath & Body Works out there ... you can score major deals on Groupon today! Take your pick of $10 for $20 or $15 for $30 at Bath & Body Works' online store. Just click the picture above to be taken to the site! Happy shopping!

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Shea Your Way to Soft, Smooth Skin: L'Occitane Pure Shea Butter Vineyard Rose

I'm going to let you in on a little secret. I hate winter. I know, totally novel concept, right? But really, let me tell you why -- and it's not just because it's freezing and walking through the slushy, snowy streets of New York is at times completely impossible. No, it's because with the onset of freezing temperatures comes the fact that my skin cracks, peels, chaps and otherwise looks pretty unbelievably horrible. That is, until I introduced L'Occitane Pure Shea Butter Vineyard Rose into the mix.

I've long been a fan of the nourishing properties of shea butter, and with good reason -- it's the only thing that keeps my skin from looking and feeling terrible when it's 6 degrees outside! But this pretty little tin from L'Occitane really takes shea butter to the next level. It's formulated with over 95 percent certified organic shea butter from fair trade women's cooperatives in Burkina Faso, West Africa, which I just think is pretty darn cool.

A dime-sized amount is all that's needed to bring moisture, hydration and nourishment back to even the driest skin almost immediately. I've been slathering it on my hands and elbows before bed, and let me tell you -- my skin has never been softer! This is thanks not only to the shea butter but the Vitamin E found within the formula.

And the fact that it's enriched with organic rosehip oil, meaning it smells amazing? Just an added perk.

L'Occitane Pure Shea Butter Vineyard Rose retails for $15 at usa.loccitane.com.

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Beauty Question: What Do You Do When a Pimple Just Doesn't Go Away?

About two months ago, I noticed a small pimple in between my mouth and my chin. "No big deal," I thought to myself. I'd had these before -- I just dabbed on my Mario Badescu Drying Lotion for a couple nights and figured the problem would be solved.

Well, fast forward to today, and let me tell you ... it's not. This pimple will not go away, no matter what I try! I've gotten two facials, have tried masks and exfoliation, have religiously used my MB Drying Lotion ... nothing works. It will start to go away, will be on the verge of disappearing, then rears its ugly head with a VENGEANCE. We're talking red, inflamed, ANGRY.

I've made an appointment with a dermatologist for next week, since I'm getting pretty concerned. But my beauty question of the day is this. What do you do when a pimple just doesn't go away? Let me know your remedies and thoughts in the comments!

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Mani of the Week: M.A.C Style Clan

I decided to go pretty dark this week for my mani. After rummaging in my bag of not-tested-yet polishes (there are well over 100 in there!), I pulled out M.A.C Style Clan. This was one of the polishes from M.A.C's Holiday Collection for 2010, A Tartan Tale. The dark chocolate-taupe hybrid is flecked with copperish red glitter, making it a true standout in my collection -- I definitely don't have another polish that even comes close to this one! The finish was a bit more matte than I normally like, so I (of course) added a coat of Seche Vite on top.

What's on your nails this week? Let me know in the comments!

Unfortunately this polish was limited edition and is long gone, but you can find other M.A.C nail polishes at maccosmetics.com.

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When the Weather Outside is Frightful ... Reach for Caress Tahitian Renewal Silkening Body Wash!

When I woke up this morning, Weather.com said it was 8 degrees -- feels like -4. My natural reaction, of course, was to wish I could haul off and punch the weather in the face. Since that seems impossible, however, I did the next best thing -- I brought a tropical oasis into my shower with Caress Tahitian Renewal Silkening Body Wash.

This delightful body wash contains exfoliating pomegranate seeds and Tahitian palm milk to ensure that your body is nourished, protected and comforted from head to toe. The exfoliating beads are incredibly tiny, so the experience is soothing rather than jarring as it could be with larger granules.

And the scent? It's sweet, exotic, tantalizing ... exactly how you'd hope your paradise getaway to be.

Caress Tahitian Renewal Silkening Body Wash retails for $6.49 at drugstore.com.

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My Experience with Laser Hair Removal at Completely Bare, Volume 1

While I'm a fan of the dark hair on my head, when it comes to my underarms, all bets are off. I despise having to shave every day, and I finally decided to do something about it ... I'm taking the plunge and trying laser hair removal at Completely Bare! Follow my journey over the next several months as I chronicle the progress!

This past Saturday was my first laser hair removal session. I must admit, I was pretty nervous! I wasn't sure what to expect -- some people say it hurts a lot, others say you barely feel anything. I do have a pretty high pain threshold, and I'm no stranger to waxing uber-sensitive areas ... but I really just had no idea what to expect!

Thankfully, my fears were assuaged almost immediately when I first met my technician, Ildi. She assured me that the process would be quick and relatively painless, and I did feel immediately relief! Before beginning the process, Ildi made sure I was aware of the following:

1) Waxing is not allowed between laser hair removal sessions.

2) While waxing is out of the question, you can shave immediately after treatment. Completely Bare even has razors for people who don't want to walk out of the treatment room hairy!

3) You must keep the lasered area out of the sun for at least two weeks following each session. (Since we're in the middle of a freezing winter, I don't think that will be a problem!)

4) Each time the laser was used, it would shoot out a bright light. (Ildi gave me sunglasses to wear during the process.) She said it would just be a quick zap, not painful at all.

5) For the first two weeks, change in the hair would not be noticeable. But after two weeks, it should start thinning -- and, by the fourth session, should be almost invisible.

6) The entire process would take 6-8 sessions.

Then we were ready to begin! Imagine my surprise when the entire process took FIVE MINUTES. Seriously, five minutes and Ildi was done! She did about 5-6 zaps on each underarm, which were a bit uncomfortable but definitely not painful -- and, as soon as each zap was over, the pain was completely gone.

As it's only been two days since my first session, I obviously am not seeing changes yet. But I'm confident that by my next session in March, I'll already start to see some improvement! Stay tuned for Volume 2 of my experience with laser hair removal, coming March 6!

Each laser hair removal session for underarms is $245. You can also purchase a package of 6 sessions for $1350. For more information on Completely Bare, visit completelybare.com.

Disclosure: This session was provided free of charge by Completely Bare for potential review.

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Giveaway: Two Tickets to Chicago on Broadway!

My giveaway this week is a bit out of the ordinary, seeing as it's not for beauty products. But I have a feeling you'll still be pretty excited, since I'm giving one lucky person the chance to win two tickets to the Broadway musical Chicago! As a total theater buff (I started performing at only 4 years old), I've seen pretty much every show on the Great White Way -- and Chicago is definitely one of my favorites. I love every song, I love the choreography, I love the story ... and, yes, I love the hair and makeup, too!

The winner will be able to choose 3 performances they would like to attend and one will be confirmed with the box office. Tickets range from $89-$116, depending on the seats, so this giveaway has a chance of being worth up to $232!

Here's how to enter:

1) Leave a comment below, telling me why you'd love to win this giveaway. Be sure your entry includes your email address or it will be disqualified.

2) Get an extra entry for liking The Beauty of Life on Facebook and leaving a comment on the wall that says: I want to win the Chicago tickets!

3) Get an extra entry for following both me and Chicago on Twitter and tweeting: Hey @BeautyChick101 and @ChicagoMusical, I want to win two tickets!
Be sure you are following both of us or your entry will be disqualified.

Note: You don't need to leave multiple comments telling me you've entered on Facebook and Twitter as well. Rest assured all votes are being checked and counted! One comment here will suffice. Thanks!

THE RULES:
This giveaway ends on Friday, January 28 at midnight. One winner will be chosen AT RANDOM on Saturday, January 29. Maximum of THREE ENTRIES (one for each way listed above). For your entry on this blog, you must include your email address!! Multiple entries will be disqualified. Giveaway is open to US residents only.

Visit chicagothemusical.com for more info about the show!

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Happy 4th Blogiversary to Me!

This month marks the fourth year since I started The Beauty of Life. Back in January of 2007, I was already doing some beauty and fashion freelancing for some online magazines, but really wanted the opportunity to write in my own voice. I remember looking around my room one night, searching for inspiration, when all of a sudden my eyes landed on a candle by Illume. "Hey, I should write about that!" I thought to myself. And thus, The Beauty of Life was born!

It's been quite a ride these past four years. Interviewing makeup artists, hairstylists and manicurists for First Look Fridays ... checking out the latest looks at Fashion Week ... feeding my already unhealthy massage habit ... adding to my collection of over 200 nail polishes! But what I'm most grateful for is you, my dear readers. Without you, this blog would be nowhere close to as amazing a time as its been since January 12, 2007.

So thank you for reading, and I hope you'll continue to go on this beauty-filled journey with me in the years to come!

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First Look Fridays: Celebrity Makeup Artist Yolonda Frederick

Ciara. Usher. Ludacris. Amber Tamblyn. Blake Lively. Harrison Ford. What do all of these celebrities have in common? They've all experienced the magic of celebrity makeup artist Yolonda Frederick! Read on to find out which foundation is her favorite, the music video she absolutely loved working on, and so much more.

How did you first become interested in beauty, and what led you to become a makeup artist?
I have always been very creative, and my interest in makeup really developed as a result of my interest in theater and the arts in general. I was always the girl that did makeup for my friends and family! I honed my skills as a Senior Master Makeup Artist in one of Atlanta’s hottest salons, Van Micheal Salons, with multiple locations throughout the area.

What have been some of the highlights in your career?
During my years as a professional, my most memorable moments were the opportunities to do body painting on projects for Grammy Award winning artists like Ciara, Outkast, Creed, Dave Matthews Band and TLC! I love the level of creativity involved in body painting and enjoy any chance I get to do this.

I would have to say that my all time favorite look is the “Zen Goddess” I created for Outkast’s So Fresh, So Clean video directed by Dave Meyers!

Then again, I really loved the work I did on the Dave Matthews video I Did It, also directed by Dave Meyers.

What are your five makeup essentials?

1) A variety of colors of Kevyn Aucoin The Sensual Skin Enhancer Foundation

2) Lancome Hypnose Custom Volume Mascara in Black

3) Lancome Color Design Blush in Model Mocha Shimmer

4) M.A.C Loose Powder in Peach

5) L’Oreal Studio Secrets Professional Magic Perfecting Base Primer. It creates a flawless and silky smooth finish to any foundation!

Oh and let’s not forget my most favorite must-have! I can’t finish a face without my favorite kabuki foundation brush!

What are your top 3 makeup tips?

1) A clean and hydrated face. I like Revision’s skincare products.

2) I love to do eye makeup before I apply foundation so nothing gets in the way of a perfectly smooth and clean finish to the foundation.

3) I always line the lips using brisk feathery stokes with a neutral liner that can be paired with any color.

Being a makeup artist must be fun, but what do you do in your spare time?
In my spare time, which is usually on long flights, I love to write! I have co-written several screenplays with my good friend Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins. One thing that I love about my job is that I get to travel all over the world. My most recent work trips were to China and Australia!

For more information about Yolonda, check out her website.

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Luscious Lips: Yu-Be Lip Therapy

The other day, I reached into my purse at work to discover that -- gasp! -- I had forgotten to bring lip balm. Now, this came as quite a shock to me, as I normally have about 5 or 6 various balms rattling around in any purse I'm carrying. So I rushed out to the Ricky's down the street in search of a lip balm that would keep my pout feeling moisturized and nourished in a pinch.

As I stood in front of the lip balm rack (yes, there was an entire rack!) surveying my choices, the supremely friendly staffer on duty asked if I needed help picking one out. I have to admit, I was stumped by which one to try, so I took him up on his offer. Without any hesitation, Miguel (for I discovered that was his name) recommended Yu-Be Lip Therapy. "It moisturizes from within," he told me enthusiastically ... and that was enoug hfor me!

Well, Miguel sure knew what he was talking about. This innocent orange and white tube contains a balm that makes my lips feel soft and conditioned for HOURS. Vitamin E moisturizes, camphor soothes, and my lips are once again free of irritation or chapping.

Yu-Be Lip Therapy retails for $5.99 at rickysnyc.com.

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Exclusive! Celebrity Manicurist Kimmie Kyees Talks Spring 2011 Nail Trends

I have a real treat for you today, fellow beauty chicks! Celebrity manicurist Kimmie Kyees (she's manicured RIHANNA!) gave me an exclusive interview on the nail trends we can expect for Spring 2011. Check out the colors she's loving, her standout collections and so much more after the jump.


What are the colors every girl should have in her nail polish arsenal?
A lovely sheer pink or nude
A great top coat
A true beautiful blue red
One dark (Essie Wicked or OPI Lincoln Park After Dark)
For fun, she should add one bottle of neon -- even if she'll only wear it on her toes!

What brands do you see as being on the forefront of creating amazing, trend-right colors this season?
Essie has a beautiful spring collection
Zoya's spring line is beautiful too -- lot of lavender!!!

What have you been seeing in terms of celebrity trends?
Nudes. Rihanna is still wearing nude. I like to custom layer shades for her -- right now we are loving Deborah Lippmann Fashion with Sally Hansen Cafe Au Lait -- it's Gorgeous!

I have been doing the reverse French manicure a lot lately too. Ri wore it and Kim Kardashian as well!

Is there a finish on the nails that you see as being a big trend for spring?
Matte is amazing in photographs -- unfortunately for the everyday manicured woman it doesn't last long! Try a gel manicure and polish a Matte top coat over it -- when you're over the matte look, remove the topcoat and the glossy gel look will reappear with no damage. It's a 2-in-1 manicure! The super shiny glossed nail is such a beautiful look and will live forever!

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Salon and Spa Directory: Bliss Facialist Olivia

Now, I know what you're thinking. A review of Bliss, Jamie? What's new about that? You talk about how amazing that spa is all the time! But hold on, because you're in for a real treat today.

Yes, I talk about Bliss all the time. And there's a reason for that -- the spa is AMAZING. Every treatment I've had there is out of this world, no matter which location I go to or which therapist I see. (And we're talking all three New York locations plus the outposts in Chicago and Los Angeles. Soon hoping to try Hollywood and Boston, too.)

And now there's a new therapist I simply must tell you all about ... though it pains me, as I'm certain she will become so booked up it will be difficult for me to get an appointment with her! But Olivia is, hands down, the best facialist I've seen in quite some time. I went in this week for my signature facial, the Triple Oxygen Treatment. But after one look at my overly dehydrated skin, Olivia recommended the brand-new Fabulous Facial with both the Fruit Acid Wash and a collagen mask as add-ons.

And you know what? She was so, so right. Even as the facial was going on, I could feel a difference in my skin. Olivia really knows her stuff -- she knows every skincare product on the market, and she knows precisely what to do in order to bring out the very best in your skin. I've been radiating and glowing for days now!

The Fabulous Facial at Bliss Spa retails for $120. For locations and to book an appointment, visit blissworld.com.

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Beauty News: Kate Beckinsale Goes Blonde!

'Tis the season for celebs to switch up their haircolors! First we had Khloe Kardashian, then Lauren Conrad, and now Kate Beckinsale has gotten in on the haircolor trend by going ... gasp! ... BLONDE.

Though I don't think Kate looks bad as a blonde, I miss her raven tresses. I just think her natural color is so much more striking.

What do you think of Kate's new haircolor? Let me know in the comments!

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Mani of the Week: Zoya Deidra

Well, my gal Susan Nam from Polished Beauty Bar has done it again! My mom and I stopped in over the weekend for mother/daughter manis, and, as always, Susan's work knows no bounds. I chose Zoya Deidra this time -- a gorgeous shimmery mauveish purple. I love that the gold shimmer makes it look brownish green in some lights and almost pink in some others! Definitely a fun way to change up my nails for the week.

What's on your nails? Let me know in the comments!

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Steal the Look: Hairstylist Charles Dujic's Tips for Creating Kaley Cuoco's Golden Globes Look

The Big Bang Theory's Kaley Cuoco sported a texturized modern ponytail at the 68th Annual Golden Globes, thanks to hairstylist Charles Dujic. "My inspiration for this hair look [was] a collaboration between Kaley and [me]," Charles said. "The dress is very feminine, so we wanted to contrast that with a modern, texturized look."

Charles started by applying Fekkai Volumizing Foam at Kaley's damp roots and then blowdrying her hair. He then sprayed her locks with Bumble and bumble Spray de Mode and created waves all over with a 1" curling iron.

After using the curling iron, Charles flipped over Kaley's head, brushed her hair out and gathered it in a ponytail just below the crown. To finish, Charles sprayed Kaley's hair with Bumble and bumble Classic Hairspray.

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Steal the Look: Makeup Artist Robin Siegel's Tips for Creating Kyra Sedgwick's Golden Globes Look

"I was inspired by Kyra [Sedgwick's] gorgeous flowing Pucci dress from the 2011 spring collection," makeup artist Robin Siegel said of the look she created for the 68th Annual Golden Globe Awards. "Her makeup focused on her radiant skin, luscious lashes and soft lips."

Here's how Robin created Kyra's gorgeous look for the awards.

EYES:
CoverGirl Smoky Shadow Blast in Bronze Fire
Dior Amber Design Eyeshadow
CoverGirl Lash Blast Length Mascara in Black

FACE:
CoverGirl Simply Ageless Primer and Foundation in Creamy Natural
CoverGirl Simply Ageless Sculpting Blush in Plush Peach
Chanel Powder Blush Espiegle

LIPS:
CoverGirl NatureLuxe Gloss Balm in Coral

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Feeling Chubby: Clinique Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm

A lip balm and lipgloss in one? Clinique sure has got this invention licked, thanks to the brand-new Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm.

Now, I've tried lip balms/glosses before, with so-so results. But this Crayola-like crayon is definitely one of my new favorite products! It glides onto the lips softly and smoothly. Mango and shea butters condition and nourish the lips so nicely -- I have to say I feel like my pout has never been so kissable!

And the eight different colors to choose from? One is prettier than the next! Take your pick from the following shades:

Graped-Up
Super Strawberry
Woppin' Watermelon
Chunky Cherry
Mega Melon
Fuller Fig
Whole Lotta Honey
Richer Raisin

My favorite is definitely Woppin' Watermelon -- the pinkish mauve hue is the absolute perfect shade for daytime. And the fact that it lasts for hours without fading, creasing or smudging? Definitely a bonus.

Clinique Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm retails for $15 at clinique.com.

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