I LOVE the idea behind this line–maximum-coverage SPF protection in all products, plus major concealing for things like rosacea or acne-scarring.  The founder, Nicole Paxson, was recently featured in Marie Claire Magazine.  Her story is quite inspiring-diagnosed with the disfiguring disease lupus, she has gone through medications, steroids, and  chemotherapy to control the symptoms of swelling, fatigue, welts, and the telltale “butterfly” rash that develops on the face of lupus sufferers.  Her cosmetics line is the result of years of mixing together foundations, concealers, and powders until she found the right consistency and shade to even out her complexion.  Says Nicole:

My looks are something I can actively affect, enhance, change–not simply to fit in, but to help people notice me for me and not my physical differences.  To me, taking control of my looks–owning them–gives me confidence and comfort.”

My favorite for the face?  The Cream Foundation with SPF 30.  Long story short:  I didn’t think I was applying anything on my face until I looked in the mirror and I noticed the blemishes on my face were all covered and everything looked even.  

And for the body?  The Zerene Pudding with SPF 29 takes care of any blemishes and discolorations all over your body.   I put this on my arms to hide the little bumps I sometimes get, and it looked all clear afterward.  (This will solve my problem of the strapless dress I will be wearing next month for my friend’s wedding.  Pretty fantastic!)

I’m definitely guilty of this.  Seriously, you can be saving SO MUCH money by only using the “just-right” amount of these beauty products:

Foaming Cleanser:  A pea-sized amount (it’s ultra-concentrated, so a dab is all you need–whichever one you use!).

Cream Cleanser:  A quarter-sized amount (because it’s less concentrated!).

Face Moisturizer:  A dime-sized amount.  Also, don’t over-rub, just dab!  When you keep rubbing it in, the cream tends to rub off on your hands, not on your face.  To get the most benefits, slather it on your face and dab it in.  Then wait a few minutes for it to really sink in before applying make-up, if you’re using any.  You’ll see and feel that the lotion/cream sinks in by itself, so you know that it’s going to do its job!

Eye Cream:  A half pea-sized dot on the tip of your index finger.  Use the same advice as was given above for your face moisturizer for the most beneficial application!

Storing Tip:  Also, this is weird, but storing most products in the bathroom decreases their shelf life because of humidity.  Try keeping them out of sunlight and away from moisture!

(Product amounts courtesy of Cosmopolitan beauty)

It’s about time for swimsuit weather, which means sun, sand, and, for some of us who choose to endure the pain, bikini waxing.  If you’re like me, you don’t trust just any old salon to get the job done–but with fancy salons, come fancy prices!!  So I made the decision to DIY the project instead of outsourcing and honestly, it wasn’t that bad!!  I got some advice first, of course, so I wanted to share some tips with you if you’re thinking of doing it yourself!!  (These work!!): 

 Scrub:  I read this great tip in Cosmo:  Use your regular face scrub to exfoliate your bikini area before and after waxing to prevent ingrowns.  Now, for the long run,  my secret weapon is Tend Skin Liquid ($20 at Sephora)–this has worked like a charm for years, and the bottle lasts for months!

 Pain Relief:  Advil is not bad, but I really love PRE-Kini ($7.99), which is an all-in-one shaving gel, moisturizer, and aftershave that you can find at the drugstore.  Use it before to numb the area, and you can use it afterward too for some soothing of your skin if there’s any irritation!

Wax:  I think Sally Hansen should have a trademark on home wax.  There are two that I love:  Sally Hansen Naturally Bare Honey Wax for Body ($9.98) .  (I have seen some pretty complicated recipes for homemade wax.  If you know a good one, let me know!  But I found it’s easier to buy the concoction at the drugstore–this one is natural, inexpensive, and does the trick!! )  I also really like Sally Hansen Extra Strength Brazilian Bikini Waxing & Shaping Kit ($8.99)–read all about it here!  It comes with everything right there in it, so no need to find old shirts to cut up for waxing strips.  Pretty amazing stuff!!

Are you shiny? How about being shiny in some areas and dry in others? Hellooooo combination skin - story of my life. Thank goodness I found out about one of Avon’s secrets that promises to even out my troubled areas. Before applying foundation, be sure to use Avon’s magiX Face Perfector. It’s a colorless primer that evens out combination skin and keeps it matte all day long.

You mean I won’t blind a passerby with my forehead anymore? Dreams really DO come true.

Contact an Avon representative for more information.

I had heard about the brand Urban Apothecary and its star-studded clientele, but I thought they were just famous for their make-up!  So apparently their Haute Tub Spa Fizzies  ($17) are making waves too.   According to Beauty of a Site, Angelina Jolie became addicted to them while filming “Lara Croft, Tomb Raider.”  The production company ordered them by the dozens to satiate her obsession (Wow. It’s a rare treat at my job when someone brings in a dozen donuts, never mind high-end beauty products!).   Said the mother of four (um, six??):

I felt exhausted but excited by the challenge [of rigorous filming and training for the role].  So many nights I went home with injuries, soaked in the bath with my Spa Fizzies and tried to get through to the next day.”

Her faves are the Mineral Spa (think sea, lemongrass, and algae–the good kind!) and TLC (eucalyptus, lavender and lemon). 

(Bauer-Griffin)