Sun Safety Kit - A Beauty Break

In April, Sephora and The Skin Cancer Foundation are proud to unveil the fifth edition of the Sephora Favorites Sun Safety Kit ($148 Value). This annual partnership in sun protection is one of Sephora’s most popular kits. The collection features SPF must-haves where 100% of the net profits will benefit The Skin Cancer Foundation. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer found in the United States and is also one of the most preventable. Help others become aware of this growing problem while defending yourself against the sun’s harmful rays.

Every year I look forward to the Sephora Sun Safety Kit because I get to try tons of different sunscreens and sunblocks without shelling out the big bucks for products that don't actually work with my skin. HELLO! $148 value for just $25.00! This year's kit includes:

Bare Escentuals bareMinerals SPF 25 Mineral Veil SPF 25 Mineral Veil (.03 oz.) –The ultimate finishing powder just got an extra dose of sun protection, for even more beautiful benefits. Apply using the Mini Flawless Application Brush that’s included to ensure medium-to-full sun protection.

Boscia Oil-Free Daily Hydration SPF 15 (.5 fl oz.) – An ultra-light, sun-protecting moisturizer that controls shine, refines pores, provides continual moisture, and fights signs of aging.

DDF-Doctor's Dermatologic Formula Mattifying Oil Control UV Moisturizer SPF 15 (.5 oz.) – A daily protective moisturizer that instantly minimizes shine while also helping to protect against harmful UVA/UVB rays.

Murad Essential-C Day Moisture SPF 30 (.7 fl oz.) – A patented formulation designed to correct, protect and hydrate with powerful Vitamin C and UVA/UVB protection.

Ole Henriksen Fresh Lips SPF 15(.5 oz.) – Say farewell to dry and chapped lips with this luxurious lip balm that protects, hydrates and plumps with the help of beta hydroxy acids to slough excess cells, antioxidants to heal and nourish, and SPF 15 for daily sun protection.

Peter Thomas Roth Max Sheer All Day Defense Moisture Lotion - SPF 30(.5 fl oz.) – An ultra-light, two-in-one antioxidant sunblock and hydrator that is oil and fragrance-free enriched with hydrators, anti-oxidant vitamins and SPF 30 protection.

Philosophy Hope Oil-Free SPF (.4 oz.) – This gentle, fast-absorbing daytime lotion provides optimal hydration to revitalize skin and strengthen its natural moisture barrier, while preventing sun damage.

Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion SPF 60 PA +++(.23 fl oz.) – Prevent sunburn, cell damage, and premature signs of aging with this UVA/UVB-blocking skincare essential.

Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer SPF 15 with Dermaxyl Complex (.25 fl oz.) – Prime, protect, and correct in just one step! The revolutionary formula contains DERMAXYL COMPLEX™ for anti-aging benefits and SPF 15 to guard against harmful UVA/UVB rays.

Supergoop! SPF 30+ Everyday Spray For Face & Body (.33 fl oz.) – Formulated for daily use, this ultra-lightweight face & body lotion provides photostable UVA (PA++) and UVB (SPF 30+) protection while keeping skin soft and hydrated.

Supergoop! SPF 30 Sunscreen Swipes with Zinc for Sensitive Skin (1 swipe/pouch) – A water-resistant, broad-spectrum SPF 30 refreshing sunscreen wipe formulated with Zinc and green tea to calm, soothe and protect sensitive skin.

TanTowel Plus Self-Tan Towelette For Face & Body—Medium to Dark Skin Tones (.50 fl oz.) – This easy to use self-tan towelette offers a uniform, natural looking glow with no streaking, mess, or fuss. And for proper sun protection, use with a SPF 15 or higher.

Visit Sephora.com to get yours today!

Beauty Read: Can You Get Hooked on Lip Balm

Here is the thing, while we love doing our own product testing and providing you guys with reviews, we were not the chemistry wiz like the writers over at The Beauty Brains. If you really want to know why a certain products works and get behind the marketing ploys by learning how exactly the ingredients work then you should really check their site out or buy their new book, Can You Get Hooked on Lip Balm?: Top Cosmetic Scientists Answer Your Questions about the Lotions, Potions and Other Beauty Products You Use Every Day

As soon as I started reading the book, I was hooked! That's probably because they start right out with hair care dispelling myths and even bashing some super popular brands. When I say "bashing" I really mean breaking down their marketing tricks and giving the real deal to consumers. The book is in a really simple and easy to read format that allows you to skip around, read things you want to know about, and skip others to read for another time. It's great! I highly recommend you check it out before you buy another cosmetic item.

Colorful Bandhani Dresses Designs

Colorful BandHani Dresses Designs-
Made of high quality cotton. Elegant design available in enticing colors in the band Hani. Lots of variations and patterns Shibori, lehriya, batik, embroidery, Chikan work, etc. to choose from.

Ayurvedic Skin Care

I've written a lot in the past about Ayurvedic hair care, but lately I haven't really been using too much of the shikakai and alma combination. Instead, I've been turning to henna for stronger hair. However, now I've been alerted to a skin care line that is based in Ayurvedic practices. The line is called Pratima and on the website there is a quick quiz that you can take that reveals your Dosha.

What's a Dosha?

Within the Ayurvedic practice your dosha is mind and body type. Pratima uses your dosha to determine which of their products would be best for you, based on your dosha. Overall, there are three different dosha's that you can fall within: Vatta, Pitta, and Kapha.

Now I haven't tried any of the products, so I can't say whether or not they are any good but it's interesting. Pratima has a full line of skin, body, and hair care products. Visit their site to check it out.

9 HABITS TO BE BEAUTIFUL

1. Get an Early Start
Make a habit of washing your face a few hours before bed. If you wait until you're tired, you're more likely to blow it off -- allowing "toxins and dirt to stay on there all night," says dermatologist Laurie Polis of N.Y.C. Another consequence? You miss the best time to treat your skin. "At night there's more blood flow to the skin's surface, and there's nothing else on your face to interfere with absorption," Polis says.

2. Sleep on Your Back
Note to Audrey Hepburn fans: Lying on your stomach is bad for "beauty sleep." The average head weighs 7 to 8 pounds -- a lot of pressure to be putting on your face every night. In fact, many dermatologists say they can tell what side of the face people sleep on by the number of wrinkles there.

3. Get a Lift
Sleep with your head elevated on two pillows, or put the headrest area of your bed on 2- to 4-inch pieces of wood. Gravity helps lymph and blood flow so fluid won't accumulate, Polis says.

At night you don't need to worry about eye treatments smearing your makeup, so slather on the richest formula you can. Polis swears by Aquaphor: "It conditions lashes and hydrates the delicate eye skin really well."

4. Sneak a Glow
Mix a drop of self-tanner into your night cream or use a cream that contains a bit of tan-producing DHA.


5. Avoid Carb Face
To wake with defined cheekbones, eat a high-protein, low-sugar dinner (try salmon and asparagus, a natural diuretic). Skip the rice, pasta and potatoes. "When our diet's high in glycemic carbohydrates, our features take on a soft, doughy appearance," says Connecticut dermatologist Nicholas Perricone.

6. Wrap It Up
To minimize A.M. frizz, sleep on a satin pillowcase or put your hair in a silk scarf. "Those fabrics are much softer than cotton, so there's less friction," says Harry Josh, a John Frieda stylist.

7. Find Your Inner Ballerina
Pile hair into a twist on the top of your head (use a scrunchie to avoid crimping). "In the morning you'll have major volume and beautiful waves," Josh says.

8. Turn on the Hair Conditioning
Sleep with a moisturizing treatment in damp hair overnight. We like Philip B. Katira Hair Masque, but any rich conditioner will do. Rinse in the morning.

9. Pop a Rooster Pill
Trust us, we were skeptical. But after swallowing two Wake Up on Time pills at 11 P.M., we found it much easier to get out of bed seven hours later. Created by a sleep-deprived single mother, the pills contain an energizing blend of thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamins B6 and B12 and guarana-seed extract. It's formulated with a coating that releases ingredients into your bloodstream toward the end of your last sleep cycle, so you wake up feeling clear-headed, not fuzzy.

Rock the Look: Adrienne Bailon in NYC

Actress and singer Adrienne Bailon was spotted shopping in Manhattan looking sun-kissed and carefree. Recreate her beauty glow by using the tips and products below, straight from the hair and makeup pros who created it: Lancôme artist Ewa Szwed and Hair Rules Founder Dickey.

For her makeup, Adrienne wanted a very "J-Lo" inspired look—in other words: glowy, sun-kissed skin. To achieve this, Ewa utilized a warm palette of colors, a few lash flares, and sumptuous lips.

For her hair, Adrienne wanted to achieve an "intentionally undone" look, messy but still sleek, which is a perfect style for a shopping excursion.

Rock the Look:

For her skin the following products were used:
Teint Miracle Foundation
Ageless Minérale Powder
Maquicomplet Concealer in Dore
Tropiques Minérale Bronzer in Natural Copper

Her brows where then shaded in with:
Le Crayon Poudre in Taupe
Color Design Eyeshadow in Filigree (to highlight brow bone)

EYES:
Hypnose Drama in Excessive Black (3 coats)
Individual Lash Flares
Le Crayon Khol in Black Ebony (smudged in upper and lower lash line)
Color Design 5-Pan Shadow & Liner Palettes in Coral Crush & Bronze Amour

CHEEKS:
Blush Subtil in Cappucine (for contouring)
Color Design Eyeshadow in Filigree (to highlight cheek bone)
Blush Subtil in Shimmer Pink Pool

LIPS:
Le Lipstique in Sheer Natural
L’Absolu Rouge Lipcolor in Rich Cashmere
Color Fever Gloss in Flushed Rose

HAIR:
Hair Rules Blow Out Your Waves (pre-heat styling)

Using a cool setting on the blowdryer, Dickey removed 80% of the water from Adrienne's hair. "When you're working with someone like Adrienne, who has beautiful hair but has to change color frequently for various roles, it's important to always remember that the health of the hair is paramount. By gently taking out the water before heat styling, we're doing less damage." Next Dickey used a warm flat iron to smooth hair out to achieve a soft look, but one that still had movement. He finished with a medium barrel curling iron, wrapping small sections at random, to add to the "piecy" and undone look that Adrienne wanted.

Aerin Lauder Launches AERIN LLC

After years of being heavily involved with her family's company Estee Lauder, Aerin Lauder is striking out on her own! Aerin Lauder is launching AERIN LLC, a new luxury lifestyle brand. But don't think Aerin is turning her back on Estee Lauder, Aerin will continue to be actively involved in the Estée Lauder brand, serving as creative consultant and becoming its Style and Image
Director. She will also continue as the brand’s global ambassador and spokesperson, a position she has held successfully for many years. Ms. Lauder will also remain a member of The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. Board of Directors, which she joined in 2004.

The Estée Lauder brand will be the exclusive beauty partner to AERIN LLC in launching a beauty line under the AERIN name to be sold at select Estée Lauder counters. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed. AERIN LLC is a stand-alone company wholly
owned by Aerin Lauder. I'm so hoping that the beauty products under AERIN LLC will be fun and youthful with the same legendary quality of the Estée Lauder brand.

“I’m thrilled to continue playing an active role in the iconic Estée Lauder brand, including serving as global brand ambassador and spokesperson. At the same time, I look forward to pursuing my vision to create the AERIN brand. As I launch this new business, I am excited to have the extraordinary team at Estée Lauder as my partner in creating a beauty collection that will reflect my new brand’s style and spirit. I look forward to our future together.”

Aerin Lauder

Personally, I can't wait to see what AERIN LLC has in store for us!

Kimora Lee Simmons Love Me Fragrance

Kimora Lee Simmons has unveiled the latest addition to her dazzling fragrance portfolio: Baby Phat L♥V ME by Kimora Lee Simmons. The perfect fusion of sweetness and strength, passion and perseverance, L♥V ME is a confident and playful scent housed in a bold, statement-making bottle.

This powerful, flirtatious fragrance captures the essence of feminine strength and says to the world, “LOVE ME for the essence of who I am… Admire me for my strength and spirit. Cherish me for my passion and drive. Respect me for my aspirations that DARE ME to dream. What’s most important is that you LOVE ME …for me.”

The Oriental Musk fragrance opens with a fresh fusion of Apricot Blossom, Tangerine, and Passion Fruit that unfolds into an exotic floral bouquet of Frangipani Blossom, Jasmine Petals and Tiger Orchid with a soft, sensual drydown of Vanilla Blossom and Sandalwood. Complete with eye-catching fuchsia packaging and inspirational messaging, Baby Phat L♥V ME by Kimora Lee Simmons celebrates independent girls who aren’t afraid to follow their hearts and live each day as an adventure.

Baby Phat L♥V ME (1.0 oz) retails for $28 in select stores nationwide, such as Walmart, Walgreens, CVS, Kohl’s and Kmart.

Wondering about the Kimora Lee Simmons and Baby Phat split and how the fragrance has both the Baby Phat name and Kimora's on it? I know I was, well here is the deal. It basically boils down to a licensor issue. Baby Phat is still licensed and partially owned by Coty Fragrances and Kimora is still associated with the brand through Coty.

Spa Week Idea: Beaura Spa

Spa Week is coming up sooner than you think! It starts April 11th and runs through the 17th, have you booked your services yet? If you are in the Jersey area you should check out Beaura Day Spa for the Heat Infused Tranquility Massage. Want a full review of the spa and services? Read this!