This Sephora-exclusive new product perfectly curls and separates lashes. It has a high-tech, patented round sphere at the tip of the precision wand that reaches every lash and adapts to all eye shapes. Find it only at Sephora for $27.

Sephora Summer Safari Pocket Brush Set

This wallet-size brush set includes five high-quality brushes for all your beauty needs. The brushes (including a powder brush, an eyeliner brush, an eyeshadow brush, a concealer brush, and a lip brush) come in an adorable faux-alligator-skin case available in four different colors. At $20, you'd be crazy NOT to pick up this little number! Perfect for travel or everyday toting! Available at Sephora now.

LORAC Hollywood Heat Set

Get a California glow with LORAC's latest gift set, which includes a Bronze Bombshell Eye Shadow Trio, a mini Hot & Spicy Blush/Bronzer Duo, a travel-size TANtalizer Body Bronzing Luminizer, and a mini Mocktail Flavored Lip Gloss in Tropical Dream. At $35, this summer set is a steal! Find it exclusively at Sephora.

Philosophy Never Let Them See You Shine Velvet Touch Primer

This new mattifying primer from Philosophy promises to dramatically reduce oil production, leaving you with a smooth canvas for your makeup. Touted as an alternative to blotting papers, the primer contains a powerful anti-irritant cocktail that enhances skin exfoliating and trans-epidermal water loss. Sounds good to me! And at $20 (much less than Smashbox's Photofinish Primer), its definitely worth a try! Find it at Sephora for $20.

Bliss Lover Handler

Does the idea of getting into your bikini this summer fill you with horror? Well this is the product for you. The unique formula contains an extended 8 hour caffeine release and mint oil to help increase circulation. The product should be applied to the stomach area once or twice a day and apparently clinical studies showed that over 50 per cent of women reported an improvement in tone and contour. The best thing about it? - It gets working in just two weeks, so there's no time to 'waist'(!) girls. The product retails at $36 and can be found at Sephora.

Murad Age Spot & Pigment Lightening Gel

There is no greater beauty frustration than having bad skin. What's worse - even after beating acne we're left with scars and discoloration to remind us of our struggle. Well, no more! Murad Age Spot & Pigment Lightening Gel promises to fade those scars and improve skin's clarity by exfoliating skin cells and brightening it with the number one brightening agent, Hydroquinone. Purchase wherever Murad is found (including Sephora) for $58.

Cosmedicine Healthy Cleanse Foaming Cleanser & Toner in One To Go

This two-in-one facial product is perfect for traveling - when you're skin is especially dry and irritable. Its a non-stripping face wash with witch hazel, a natural toner. It promises to remove makeup, cleanse and tone skin all in one easy step, without any irritation! In clinical trials, participants saw a 94% reduction in oiliness and an 85% reduction in sebum immediately after use, with zero irritation to the skin or eyes. Best of all, its only $10 and airplane friendly (under 4 oz.). Purchase at Sephora.

Too Faced Tanning Bed in a Tube

There's a buzz surrounding Too Faced's new Tanning Bed in a Tube, and for good reason. Its a gradual self tanner that promises no streaks or orange tints - just a gorgeous beachy glow. TBiaT imparts an instant bronze glow while it develops your perfect tan - so you don't have to wait! It retails at Sephora for $22.50.

Anastasia's Tweezers Anonymous

For the over-plucker, this kit is sure to get your brows back in shape. The kit features a compilation of Anastasia's best products, including Brow Enhancing Serum ("a gel-based formula designed to help condition, repair, and restore over-plucked and undernourished brows" - Sephora), Brow Stix three-piece stencil set, Duo Brow Wand ("a new powder featuring a dual-sided applicator with Brunette and Ash Blonde Brow Powders"), and a Mini Duo Brush. The set retails at Sephora for $55.

Medi-morphosis Self Adjusting Exfoliator To Go

A Sephora exclusive,this little tube contains a highly effective exfoliator with special stop-action crystals that adjust to individual needs and pinpoint areas requiring more attention. Its perfect for all skin types as it automatically eliminates the potential for overdoing the exfoliation process (shuts off when uniform smoothness, brightness, and luminosity are achieved). It promises to accelerate the release of cellular debris, roughness, dullness, and skin damage (without the risk of irritation, redness, and sensitivity), help erase the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, help fade pigmentation and age spots, perfect skin's appearance, and refine pores. Best of all, its only $12.50 at Sephora.

Max Factor Erace Secret Cover-Up

Style.com says that this concealer comes in a "user-friendly matte cream formula (just stroke on and blend with a fingertip)" that expertly conceals under-eye circles and blemishes. Best of all, its only $4.75 at drugstores!

Shu Uemura Rouge Unlimited Red Lipstick in RD165

Touted as complexion-flattering, these new moisture-rich lipsticks are made up of hybrid pigments "un-replicated by others" to give women of every skintone a red that works for her. Finally! With a ceramide shield to keep your lips moisturized and comfortable, this new lipstick promises to be a spring must-have! For shade choices, go to shuuemura-usa.com. Available at Sephora or shuuemura-usa.com. $23

Ted Gibson Brazen Brown Shampoo

Those who color their hair know that keeping color vibrant can take frequent touch-ups. Enter Ted Gibson's color-depositing shampoos. They are "intensely moisturizing" and contain temporary hair color to prevent fading and keep your locks looking vibrant! These color saving shampoos also contain jojoba extract and silk protein infusion to keep hair protected from harmful environmental damage. Purchase at Sephora.com or tedgibsonbeauty.com. 10 fl oz: $36.00

1. Fasio Shock-Free curl mascara(Php395/ $10). Recently discovered it while working my way through the cosmetics section of a mall here in Ortigas. It withstands my teary eyed coffee talks and looks good even after sweating it in the gym for the afternoon. I love the fact that it doesn't smudge and break into little residues because that's a big turn-off for us wearing contacts.

2. Olay Total Effects.(Php 645/$16) My little miracle bottle. Just a pea-sized dot spread on my skin and I can last without makeup! The formulation's great because it leaves your skin supple and glowing after. I am yet to give any complaints for it. I've tried the facial wash of their line and wasn't surprised that it works just as lovely :) The foam has fine sugar-like beads which gently exfoliates (i sound like the commercial. haha). hmm.. I'll include it to my shopping list.

3. Body Shop Spirit of the Moonflower body wash ($6.50). Oldskool but alavet! :) probably the most feminine I can smell ever. haha. I used it as a motivation when getting an offer from the local company handling its distribution. yes, i like it that much :p

4. Maybelline Lipsmooth. Bought this for around Php150-200 I think. The packaging wears out a bit after some time but trust me, there's more to it than its fading label :p This particular one is not scented but will make your lips look healthy and shiny :) it IS pigmented but works fine as a replacement for Chapstick.

5. The Face Shop lip plumper (around Php350). it works! it really works. just as good but not as prickly and pricey as Lip Venom

6. Max Factor Facefinity Compact Foundation (around Php650). With SPF 15, it can serve as a foundation when dabbed with a moistened puff but works perfect as a normal compact powder too.

7. Everyone loves Juicy Tubes!

8. Maybelline Dream Mousse blush (around Php300). If only it doesn't wear out so fast. Sigh! This remains one of my favorites because it looks so natural on my skin. It's sheer and is fun to apply as a bonus. :D

Being with makeup gurus opens my eyes to all these brands and products. Great value for money (because I'd rather get a massage than pay for cosmetics. hehe). I'm excited for the bronzer i'll be using after I get my tan this summer. For now, I'll scout for more reviews and suggestions regarding it.

Happy Weekend!

Max Factor Lash Perfection remains my favorite mascara. It lengthens and defines the way a good mascara should with a smooth formula that absolutely does NOT clump. It's halfway through the day now, and my lashes still look good. Other mascaras (some considerably more expensive) leave black smudges under my eyes or flake off—absolutely unacceptable—but this one doesn't and only costs about $7 a tube. Best value, and continues to be a great product. Big thumbs up!

Nars Blush in Orgasm was recommended to me after my last post about my favorite things. As I said, I've never been a big fan of rouge in general. It's the no-respect Rodney Dangerfield of my makeup bag. This color is a really lovely deep neutral pink-peach that complements almost any skintone, and I have to say, as blush goes, I like it. It wears fairly well and it comes in a nice big block of color—it should at $25 for a single tin. However, be aware that you'll have to provide your own brush. Thumbs up, but still no respect (it's not you, it's me).

Vincent Longo's Creme-To-Powder Foundation was another product recommended to me, but sorry kids, I think this might be too sophisticated for me, or maybe I just got a bum product. Then again, at a little over $50 for a small container, perhaps my expectations were too high. Directions on the box recommend applying with a foundation brush, something I didn't already have in my arsenal, and had to purchase separately. It can also be applied with a sponge for better coverage. The strange consistency of the foundation is a little like Jello and has a cool feel on the skin—not like anything I've ever used. Nifty! However, getting the foundation out of the container effectively has remained a mystery from day one. Sweeping the brush across, no foundation was picked up. Pushing the brush into the container broke the foundation up into little chunky bits that fell off the brush and applied unevenly. Using the sponge had no better effect. There isn't much product in the compact to get out either, so I suspect I'm approaching this problem incorrectly. The one good thing is by applying the foundation with the large brush, you can vary coverage as needed. That's actually really handy. At any rate, after two weeks of usage, the container is almost empty and I have no plans of purchasing any more (though I did get to learn how to use a foundation brush). Thumbs way down.

Philosophy Pure Grace Perfumed Body Lotion was an excellent freebie 2-oz sample bottle sent to me through Sephora. I love this stuff and definitely plan to purchase a full-size product when it's out. Ever since I discovered Philosophy's "The Present" I've been testing different Philosophy products and have been consistently impressed with their quality, and more than a little amused by their labeling gimmick of writing a statement of "philosophy" on the front of each product. Grace Body Lotion is a non-greasy formula that feels very silky going on and absorbs immediately. No greasy residue, no pilling. I've been using it for hand lotion and it's doing a great job. Even though it says perfumed, the smell is light, clean, and fresh—a bit like soap—totally unobtrusive if you're a perfume wearer. Thumbs up!

King of the Hill is one of the best overlooked TV series ever. Being sick for the past two weeks, mostly home trying to find something worthwhile to watch, I started DVR'ing this series and rediscovered its quiet brilliance. Seasons 1-6 are now available on DVD at very reasonable prices; I just finished Season 1 which was only $20 through Amazon. The series is co-created by Mike Judge (of Beavis and Butthead and Office Space fame) and Greg Daniels of The Simpsons—and its wry situational humor and distinctive animation style are evidence of its provenance. The series follows the daily struggles of the Hill Family, their odd extended family, and their even odder neighbors in the fictional city of Arlen, Texas in typical sitcom style. The Pilot episode (Season 1, Episode 1) introduces the many characters as Hank Hill is mistakenly accused of child abuse—its a clever commentary on what can happen when society's knee-jerk social system spirals out of control. The series is still running, into its 12th season(!), so you can catch new episodes on Sunday night on Fox or find reruns in syndication. It's great stuff, I'll tell you what. A big, Texas-sized thumbs up!

BTW, to be fair to the place where I borrowed these images, all these products may be purchased (if you so desire) through Amazon.com.

Sitter och retar upp mig på hur Procter&Gamble hanterade sin medarbetare Bringéus.

Jag är otroligt upprörd över att s.k transparenslyriker på Resumé beter sig så in i benet korkat. 

När jag kom hem igår så slängde jag mina wella stylingpreparat och andra hygien produkter från det narcissistiska varumärket.

Idag har jag köpt ny ögonskugga, och brunkräm eftersom de jag hade, hade en label som tillhör P&G gruppen. Nämligen Max Faktor!

Cosmology is the scientific study of the origin, evolution, and structure { or makeup :-) } of the stars and galaxies within the universe.

Astronomy is the scientific study of the behavior of the stars, galaxies and matter in outer space, especially the positions, dimensions, distribution, motion, composition, energy, and evolution of celestial bodies and phenomena, including stars, planets, nebulae, and galaxies.

Cosmetology is the study or art of cosmetics and their use, as well as the practice of beautifying the face, hair and skin. Famous cosmetologists you've most likely heard of include Max Factor (who specifically designed makeup for movie actors that wouldn't crack), Vidal Sassoon, Paul Mitchell and Kevyn Aucoin, who was known for doing the makeup of stars (the other kind). Please see the star-gazing cosmetology clients in the adjacent photo of a tape measure.

Now, on to the lecture, entitled "Our Dark and Messy Universe: How one particle might light the way". Great lecture, and there were two demonstrations that really helped clarify Albert Einstein's general theory of relativity, E=mc², as well as some other concepts about space for me.

One is the idea of the expanding universe where things that are the farthest away are moving away from us at the fastest rate. A local high school teacher and some of his students demonstrated the concept using 5 evenly-spaced Nerf balls on a rubber rope. As the rope is stretched, all balls are moving apart from each other, with the ones on each end moving away from each other faster because there is more stretch between each individual ball, rather than the whole lot of them just moving a specified distance.

The second concerned how it might seem that we are the center of the universe because all matter is moving away from us. In reality, it just depends upon your perspective.

Dr. Asztalos demonstrated by using two transparencies of random dots or stars, the first one being a starting size and the second one having been enlarged or expanded. When you line up the same dot on each transparency, it appears that all the other stars are moving away from that star or planet. However, if you randomly pick another set of stars and line them up, the result is the same - all stars are moving away from the chosen set, and the ones farthest away are showing the greatest distance between the original star and the expanded star.

All in all, it was a very interesting lecture with a great turnout of both students and adults. The next lecture in the series is Saturday, March 1, 2008. Check it out if you can!

If you're interested in more gifts for those who work with celestial stars, please visit Gifts for Cosmologists. If, however, you are looking for a gift for those who work with movie stars, check out our Gifts for Cosmetologists collection.

Technorati: Cosmology, Cosmetology, Astronomer, Albert Einstein, General Theory of Relativity, E=mc², Cosmologist, Steve Asztalos, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Science on Saturday, Bankhead Performing Arts Center, Livermore CA, Stars, Movie Actors, Cosmetologist, Kevyn Aucoin, Max Factor, Vidal Sassoon, Paul Mitchell, Gifts for Cosmetologists, Gifts for Astronomers, Movie Stars, Light Switch Plates, Switchplates, Sun, Moon, Stargazer, Business Card Cases, Flasks, Tape Measures, Badge Holders, Space, Unique Gifts

Jag använder en läppstift från Max Factor. Den heter LipFinity. Nöjd som
få. Sitter från morgon till kväll kladdar inte smetar inte ut heller. Perfect. Men på kvällen ska den ju av. Tidigare kunde man köpa en rengöring tillverkade av MaxFaktor, kostade väl runt 70 kr. Fungerade utmärkt. Men den säljs inte längre. Så man man
måste hitta nåt annat. Tog lite tid förstås att hitta rätt.

Men härom dan skulle jag köpa en ny remover. Gick in på ett ställe i stan . Tror att den hette Klick..eller Kvick eller Kicks eller något liknande (har lite svårt att att lägga namn på minnet). Ber personalen att hjälpa till, så att jag slipper leta:

-Här har du en som är helt fantastisk.- säger försäljaren. Kostar 3 hundra någonting.

-Va? Trehundra någonting? Finns nåt mindre dyr?

-Här har vi en annan på tvåhundra någonting.

-Men du, jag vill ha bara ha en remover. Får du procent på vad du säljer? För att prata klar språk, ge mig en remover under 100 lappen.

Jag vet inte vad andra tycker, och det finns säkert många som kan försvara varför man ska använda den dyra removern, men jag tillhör inte försvararna. Klart har man mycket pengar spelar väl ingen roll vad man lägger ut pengarna på, rika ska väl också kunna göra av med förmögenheten.

Jag har testat dyra produkter som La Prairie t.ex, och de är inte billiga Foundation kostar runt 1300 kr. Ögonkrämen 900 kr. Underlagskrämen är helt ok, men det finns lika bra i den billigare klassen. Ögonkrämen gav mig allergisk reaktion, och det har aldrig hänt med andra produkter. Dagkrämen kändes bara som en kräm från min mormors tid. Inget vidare.

Och blev min hud bättre? Inte bättre än på någon annan kräm. Nu Använder jag Exuviance och är hel nöjd.

För övigt undrar jag varför Max Factor har slutat med Removern som tillhörde just LipFinity. Jag saknar den.

Photos Courtesy of Maxfactor

EXTRA BITE...

As a little bonus, in case you want to pick up this lovely mascara, I'm gonna give you guys some tips on how to wear it. Make sure you save it to prevent walking around looking like a clown gone wrong!

How to Apply

-Apply the basecoat from the very base of the top lashes to the tip, working the wand outwards.
· Wait for the basecoat to dry (Note: if you don’t wait for it to dry the highlighting top coat won’t show up as vivid and will blend with the basecoat as opposed to highlighting lashes)
· Apply the top coat on the very tips of the top lashes and on the bottom lashes to create a highlighted look with a shot of color.
· Apply a few coats of top coat from base to tip on lower and upper lashes for a lot of color
· Apply topcoat on lower lashes only to create a multi-dimensional lash look.

Wearability

· For green or hazel eyes – try Burning Bordeux shade to make the color of eyes pop
· For blue eyes – Try 24 Karat Brown to make Blue eyes pop and add a light, gold tint to lashes (need to emphasizes gold lightens lashes)
· For brown eyes- All shades work, especially the black and pink combo to make eyes pop
· For all – The most versatile is the black/silver combination when applied correctly above.

But if any of you have spent some time in Asia, you'll know they have their own version of Sephora.  It's called "Sasa," and it's where all women go for their beauty products.  If you visit any major metropolitan city in Asia you'll find one, and it's worth a trip.

But because of the internet, you don't have to go to Asia to visit Sasa.  Their website will suffice nicely.

So why should you care?  First, they totally ship to the States and the shipping rates are very normal.  Second, there's a wide array of products that you can't get in this country (or at least are harder to find).  Shisedo has additional product lines on the site, and Kanebo has products you can find in the U.S.

But here's the biggest reason...  Some of the products they carry that CAN be found in the States, are cheaper at Sasa.com!  It could be because they're either made in Asia or more popular there than they are here.  Some brands are discounted anywhere from 20% to 30% on a regular basis, like Bourjois and Dior Addict cosmetic lines, and even some SK-II items!  These are brands that would never go on sale in America, but are always cheaper at Sasa.com.  They even offer free shipping on all U.S. orders if you purchase $75 or more.

What...a...deal!

I am grateful for the rain today, as people slow down when driving in the wet and it made it easier for me to concentrate and less dangerous for me on the roads, as tired as I am.   I have to go to the supermarket on the way home tonight, though, as I haven't done any shopping for about ten days and there is nothing in the house.

There were a few highlights to the day.  I was able to pick up my charm bracelet from the jewellers with all the charms now firmly soldered on to the bracelet.   They had also put some extra jump rings on my pendant so a chain can now go through it and I can wear it.   When I got to work, I had a package from Amazon containing a book I've had on order for nigh on three months now.   I didn't realise it was a hard back copy, but I'm chuffed.

I've also had some time to sort out some pictures from last year when the well was cleared of debris.  This meant I could fulfil a promise I made to send the pictures to someone who helped with the clear out.   I really should have sorted it earlier, and I'm glad he was able to forgive my tardiness.

Oh, and I had a nice email from the clients thanking me (and the others) for our support throughout the deal.   Well, they're welcome, but ... ah ... never again.   I'm getting too old to go without sleep and food and still work.  I just don't have that youthful exhuberance anymore. 

I do have one minor complaint from today:  Why is it when you find the perfect colour lipstick the manufacturer decides to discontinue it?   For the last ten years or so, I have been buying lipsticks in threes, because no sooner do I find a great colour then it no longer exists.  Well, it happened again today and Max Factor is the culprit.   So, they get the raspberry for today.

Max Factor has it brought out No Color Mascara and they have made my day. For one, I already have thick black lashes. Second, I am all about simple and ease of use. Just the thought of not having to worry about getting mascara where I don't want it and who cares about water proofing with this one. No Color Mascara leaves lashes soft and sexy with the clear conditioning gel.  Now, you can keep the natural color of your lashes or you can opt for one of Max Factor's other color of mascara. You can use your own lashes for the black, if you have black lashes. What will Max Factor think of next? Whatever it is, I am sure I will be in line or online buying it!!

Jergens Skin Smoothing Lotion - Get soft, buttery skin with this cellular renewing formula. It exfoliates & hydrates at the same time

Revlon Lipgloss - Moisturizing and vibrant lipcolor for under $10

Max Factor Mascara - Coats & lengthens lashes in the blackest hue imaginable

Go White - Day and night whitening toothpaste dramatically whitens teeth for a dazzling, youthful smile

Sonia Kashuk Makeup Brushes (available at Target) - for $15 you can score a whole set of high quality makeup brushes

Who says you can't be beautiful and feed your piggy bank? Let me know if you know of more inexpensive beauty finds.

n*

Ieri a Quarto Oggiano nel milanese la polizia ha arrestato 29 persone in un'operazione antidroga...voi vi chiederete:"uhmmm...e che ce ne frega a noi?" Non ve ne frega niente lo so e se vorreste fregarvene lo leggereste sui giornali ma ciò ke ci interessa è un poliziotto MOLTOOOOOOO speciale....si tratta del bellissimo, bravissimo e bonissimo Raoul Bova!!!

Raoul era infiltrato come poliziotto indossava una parrucca cn capelli lunghi ORRIBILI e un cappellino ke gli copriva il suo bellissimo viso, ke ci faceva lì? semplice: lavorava!!! No state tranquilli, fa ancora l'attore anche perchè passare da attore a poliziotto nn mi sembra un granchè (senza offesa x i poliziotti!) in realtà deve girare presto una docu-fiction e per calarsi meglio nella parte collabora già da diverso tempo cn la polizia.

Cari Scamarcio&Co. prendete esempio! Non basta essere boni o piacere alle ragazzine (cara Woman Torch mi riferisco al tuo caro Vaporidis!) bisogna anche studiare, magari in America all'Actor Studio cm ha fatto Raoul ke poi ha preso parte anke al telefilm "A proposito di Brian" cn l'attore che faceva Matt in "settimo cielo", ha recitato in "Alien VS Predator"....ne ha fatta di strada il ragazzino ke usciva dall'acqua e faceva eccitare la bella principessina Sofia in "Piccolo grande amore"...Senza dimenticare che ha lavorato cn Madonna nella pubblicità della Max Factor....Beata sua moglie!!!

Bath & Body Works Liplicious Gloss in Hot Cakes... why yes I seriously have contemplated eating this one lol I have to point out the uniqueness of this shade, which you can see in the swatch.  It is a great pinky nude that has a violet sheen.

Bonnebell Liplites 2 in Sweet Beige... I need to share with you that this is pretty much IDENTICAL to the infamous Cappuccino Liplite.

MAC Amplified Lipstick in Hot Scotch

Max Factor MaxWear in Red & White Zin... I have to say, the red can be a little clownish on me if I am not careful, but the white side gives an incredible diamond sparkle effect to every lip color it touches.

Maybelline Moisture Extreme Lipstick in True Pink

Maybelline SuperStay Lip Color in Lychee Pink

Revlon Super Lustrous Gloss in Peppermint Kiss, one of my favorite MLBB (My lips but better) shades

Sonia  Kashuk Luxery Lip Color in Sheer Pink Jasmine

Ahhhhhhhhh what the hell is that, a lip disease? LOL  This gloss is NOT meant for wearing by itself.  It is Wet N Wild Megabrilliance Gloss in Silver and is nothing but heavy silver shimmer.  It is amazing & fun though over other lipsticks/glosses.

Wet N Wild Megaslicks Gloss in Cherry Glaze

Wet N Wild Megaslicks Gloss in Cherish

Chris Crocker posts a hilarious video where he thanks the makeup and beauty industry for "empowering him" and teaching him that it's okay to "go to sleep with my makeup on".  All in all, it might just be the funniest video he's ever posted.  Hope it makes you gag and giggle as much as it did me!

Coppertone Suncare Products - 20% off with Duane Reade card

Dial Bath Bar Soap - $4.99 with Duane Reade card

L'Oreal Nail and Lip Products - Buy 1 Get 1 Free with Duane Reade card

L'Oreal Skin Genesis - Buy a moisturizer, get a serum concentrate free with Duane Reade card

St. Ives Lotion - $3.99 with Duane Reade card

Alagio Haircare - $4.99 with Duane Reade card

L'Oreal Feria Haircolor - $7.99 with Duane Reade card

Duane Reade cotton squares - $2.99 with Duane Reade card

Bic Comfort 3 Razor - $4.29 with Duane Reade card

Colgate 360 SonicPower Micro Toothbrush - $6.99 with Duane Reade card

THE BEST NEW BEAUTY POSTS - Wednesday, 5/21

Pop goes the peepers! All About the Pretty reviews Max Factor's new Vivid Impact Eyeshadow in Peach Basket.

Go mermaid! Kristen Kelly over at Beauty Addict shows you how to get the season's hottest makeup trend.

Conceal ALL your flaws! Christina Jones at eBeauty Daily reviews Redpoint Beauty Color Cosmetics' NOC-Out Cover-Up Compact.

Get star-quality skin! Jessica Matlin over at Allure reviews Make Up For Ever's High Definition Microfinish Powder.

Since you already spent most of your cosmetics budget on some Naughty Nauticals or a way to be safe in the sun, it’s about time I step up with some great summer products that are easy to find and easy to afford.  Mass market products are plentiful, and with rows and rows of colors and formulas spread out before you, it can be hard to know where to start, not to mention exhausting trying a ton of things that don’t work just to get to the one that does.  If only there was somewhere you could go to find out about products like:

Almay Smart Shade foundation. My  husband saw a commercial for this and told me I had to try it. Who am I to argue with such a smart man? Smart Shade works by, aw heck, I don’t know how it works. But somehow this lightweight foundation turns from white to a perfect tint of color while you smooth it on with your fingertips. Slightly heavier than my favorite MAC tinted moisturizer, it offers a nice natural coverage that evens skin tone and feels great.  Let me just say, 3 different people with 3 different skin tones, yet we all used the Light and we all got a great match? I’m sold.

For a portable eye shadow in fun spring colors, try:

Max Factor’s Vivid Impact eye shadow duo. This loose eye shadow has a sponge applicator attached to the base for each of the two colors. This makes it easy to apply either color on the fly, though you’ll need to tap off excess before attempting to blend.  I’ve only tried one combination, but they seem to be fairly matte, with a hint of sparkle throughout. Not quite as smooth as the loose pigments I’m used to, but the color is very true and stays well when used with a base. Several color combinations to choose from let you be mild or wild.

Found, the perfect red lipstick!!

I have invested so much time, effort, and money into finding the perfect red lipstick. Without fail, $20 tubes of red lipstick become $20 tubes of berry lipstick when applied to my pucker. I had given up until a friend gave me her most recent find. L’Oreal Colour Riche lipstick in Target Red. A true red lipstick that is worth every little penny you’ll spend on it! Light and shiny, it garnered compliments from 3 separate people during one shopping trip alone. This is it people, with a quick trip to Target your search can come to an end. Remember to pair it with a lip liner for perfectly placed, lasting color. This is a must have!

What cosmetics regimen would be complete without a good makeup remover for the end of the day? If you love Lancome’s Bi-Facil (as you should, it’s great) but can’t afford to replenish regularly, how about:

Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover. Word on the street is that this is just as effective and gentle, for a fraction of the price.  Also helpful in removing every last bit of those long last lipcolors you can never get to come off.

 I guess sometimes you really can have your makeup and remove it too!

Want to add some heat to your style? Then check out the Lash Lights Tour and get a free mini-makeover from a professional makeup artist. You'll also receive a MAX Factor Look Book that'll spice up your makeup routine. Not to mention you'll leave with other cool swag. So find your local tour date and grab a fellow diva. The heat is on!

The next orange product is #2 MAC Amplified Creme Lipstick in Morange which is a "loudmouth orange" as the MAC website describes it. It is a satiny, bright orange. I like to keep the look simple when I wear this too. I'll wear a dab of Nars Orgasm Powder Blush, tons of black/brown mascara, groom the brows, and Lancome Le Crayon in Flame (another great orange product) with this lipstick. It really adds a punch to any look.

Product #3 is great if you want a sheerer orange lip is Lancome Juicy Rouge in Nala which is a sheer, buildable orange sparkle. This product has been discontinued for some stupid reason. You can still find it online and it is well worth the search. It has a great feel and no stickiness.

Product #4 puts marmalade on the eyes: NYX Eyeshadow Single in Orange. This color makes all eye colors pop in my opinion. It makes my blue eyes look stunning. This color can be dulled down with bronzes and golds (but why dull down such a beautiful shade?) I like to wear mine with NYX Ultimate Pearl Shimmer Eyeshadow in Sahara Pearl, blend. Use Lancome Artliner in Noir, lots of black mascara, Nars Taj Mahal Powder Blush, Nars Laguna Bronzer and a sparkling nude gloss such as DiorKiss Lip Gloss in Sorbet Meringue.

Product #5 is Max Factor MaxEye Eyeshadow Trio in Queen Bee which includes an orange, lime green, and pollen yellow all with a very subtle shimmer. These colors look great together, so be creative.

I could keep going on but I feel these are currently my favorite citrus inspired cosmetics.

Maybelline Wet Shine Lipstick in Buttercup.... another favorite nude

Max Factor Maxwear in Red Appletini

Max Factor Silk Gloss #730

MAC Lustreglass in Wonderstruck

L'Oreal ColorJuice in Taheati

L'Oreal Colorjuice Stick in Personali-tea

L'Oreal Shine Delice LIpstick in Coffee Blast

LORAC Lip Polish in Luv

Lancome Juicy Tube in Strawberry Glaze

Jordana Lip Jelly in Strawberries & Cream

Hard Candy Raspberry Lip Sorbet

Cover Girl Lipslick in Cutie

Bon Bon Flavored Lip Juice in Chocolate

Black Radiance Lip Gloss in Peach Delight

Avon Glazewear in Peach Fizz

Avon Lip Frosting in Iced Frosting

Avon Whipped Gloss in Baby Pink

Almay Whipped Gloss in Nude Reflection

So I present you..with some swatches

Rimmel Lasting Finish in Chocoholic. It really is a pretty shade up close & personal on lips, but against my skin tone, not so much.

Rimmel Lasting Finish in Budoir

Revlon Push Up Plum from the limited edition collection. Really a gorgeous intense shade but so high maintenance.

Revlon Super Lustrous Lip Gloss in High Beam Tan

Prestige Melba

New York Pro Makeup... a pink shade. NYPM uses numbers to indicate their shades, a peeve of mine.

Another NYPM nude, that is sadly a little streaky.

Yet another NYPM nude, but again, has the tendency to settle in lip lines a bit, even ones you didn't know you had

And yet another NYPM nude, can you tell that I've experimented with a lot of nudes in this line?

NYC Blackberry Brandy Gloss... this was an LE color and despite its beauty in the tube, had more of a diseased look on my lips

Maybelline Lip Polish in Wrap Around Brown, a long ago LE color that is still in my stash with very high shimmer

Maybelline Wet Shine Vinyls Gloss in Pink Slicker

Maybelline Wet Shine Diamonds Liquid in Marquis Peach

Max Factor Coral Capri Silk Gloss

L'Oreal H.I.P Lipstick in Moxie

Jane Lip Polish in Earth Sign

"While basic black is fine, a well-chosen color can brighten your face and save you time by taking the place of liner or eye shadow", says B.J. Gillian, a New York City–based makeup artist. Choose a more  subtle shade that will accentuate your eyes, not stand out alone.

     This is the ultimate must have for the all night partier or club scene type or just someone who wants to make a statement!! Wouldn't it be great if they came glow in the dark, or in black light (really cool). It's a fun and unexpected change. You can go from blahto WOW in a matter of swipes, seriously. Colors range from blue to fiery red. You can also go more subtle with auburn's or cinnamon. I initially saw Max Factor's highlighting mascara, Vivid Impact Highlighting Mascara, and was blown away by the way it makes your lashes look. I thought it would just put a hint of color on your lashes...no it really COLORS them. You can also find this item with Maybelline, MAC, Avon or a thousand other brands. Just start looking around for them, you'll be amazed,I was!

You decide what color you want your lashes to be!

1. Vasker ansiktet. Rengjør med Nivea Young produkter. Varier litt om jeg bruker ansiktsskrubben eller bare vanlig ansiktsvask. Jeg syns produktene er kjempebra, og har fått mye finere hud etter å ha brukt dem jevnlig. Liker spesielt toner'en som virkelig fjerner smuss. Anbefales på det sterkeste!
   

2. Deretter påfører jeg fuktighetskrem over hele ansiktet. Myyye. Jeg har tørr vinterhud, og trenger mye fuktighetskrem, og dessuten er det verdens beste følelse å ta på. Bruker for tiden Garnier Nutritionist som jeg er veldig fornøyd med. En annen jeg har vært veldig fornøyd med er Happyderm fra Loreal.
   

3. Så lager jeg striper med foundation over ansiktet. Lager en liten stripe i panna, på hvert kinn, på haka og små prikker der det trengs. Så smører jeg det utover. Begynner i panna og smører nedover slik at ansiktshårene ikke vises. Bruker ikke et tykt lag med foundation, vil ha bare ha et jevnt underlag. Jeg bruker for tiden foundationen Max Factor Lasting Performance og syns den er kjempegod. Jeg liker ikke når foundationen blir for tynn for da er den vanskelig å legge. Denne er halvtykk og dekker utrolig bra. Dessuten er det rimelig pris på den.
   

4. Når jeg er ferdig med foundation så tar jeg på concealer der det trengs. Jeg er ofte litt rød rundt nesen og mellom øyenbryna, så da tar jeg på litt der + under øynene. Jeg tar på et svakt lag og klapper deretter forsiktig med fingertuppene til det har blendet seg inn. Jeg vant YSL touche eclat i Elle, så derfor bruker jeg den. Vet ikke om jeg hadde brukt concealer hvis jeg ikke hadde vunnet det. Ser ikke helt vitsen :)
  

5. Deretter tar jeg på pudder over hele ansiktet. Dette er jeg så og si avhengig av. Da blir huden min matt og jevn med en fin farge. Jeg liker å ha et bra dekke slik at jeg ikke ser blank ut eller at urenheter viser. Jeg har strevd lenge med å finne et bra pudder, men har nå funnet min ultimate favoritt. For alle dere som liker et dekkende resultat - kjøp Max Factor Creme Puff pudderet. Det er så genialt! Kjempe kjempe kjempe bra. Elsker det.
 

6. Deretter tar jeg på rouge. Jeg varierer litt mellom en mørk rødlig rouge og en rosa rouge - alt etter antrekket og humøret. Men favoritten er iallefall fra Isadora.
  

7. Så har jeg komt til øyenbrynene. Jeg har ganske mørke øyenbryn, men de er ikke så fine så jeg bruker Shiseido øyenbrynsskrin for å lage de litt lengre og mer markerte. Dette skrinet er det livsgaranti på, dvs at det varer livet ut. Det kan jeg si meg enig i. Jeg fikk det for snart 2 1/2 år siden og du ser nesten ikke at jeg har brukt det. Dessuten kan du bruke det som øyenskygge og kajal i tillegg. Genialt.
  

8. Så kommer øyene. Da påfører jeg først øyenskyggen. Sverger til øyenskyggene fra Isadora der du får med fire stk. Jeg bruker ikke akkurat de fargene som på bildet her, men de går i bruntoner. Jeg bruker de lyseste som grunnlag, og så den mørkeste på globallinjen. Jeg påfører all øyenskygge med fingrene. Slik har jeg mer kontroll, og det ser mer naturlig ut etterpå. Jeg anbefaler alle å prøve å venne seg til å påføre med fingrene, det er mye bedre!
  

9. Så tar jeg på flytende eyeliner. Tro det eller ei, men favoritten min er faktisk H&M sin dipliner. Penselen er god å håndtere og den varer kjempelenge. Nå har jeg ikke brukt så mange andre, men jeg er fornøyd med denne iallefall :) Jeg påfører en tynn liten strek langs hele øyekanten. Klarer meg ikke uten :)
  

10. Så tar jeg på kajal på våtkanten og litt på kanten utenfor. Dette må ikke overdrivest! Her bruker jeg Lancome sin crayol kohl eyeliner eller hva den nå heter. Den er dødsbra, og varer kjempelenge. Har brukt den i alle år.
  

11. Til slutt avslutter jeg med Lancome sin Fatale mascara. Denne trengs det litt øving med, men når du først har fått til teknikken så blir den en favoritt. Du får kjempefine, avskilte og lange, tykke vipper. Love it.
 

Så sånn er det. Det høres kanskje ut som jeg sminker meg overdrevent mye, men det ser faktisk skikkelig naturlig ut til slutt :)  Hvordan sminker dere dere?