Beauty Products of the Moment– The Hits

A few months ago I went through some of my fave beauty products of the moment.  Since that point I’ve added quite a few more products to my arsenal. Some I’ve loved and wondered how I survived without it while others I’ve found myself wondering what the big deal ever was.  Here are my fave new products that I’ve tried in recent history.

Lierac Initiatic Fluid, $48* – This lightweight lotion glides easily over my skin and absorbs quickly to leave a matte finish that is perfect applying make-up over or going bare faced.  It’s a moisturizer designed to combat the first signs of aging and incorporates anti-oxidant rich goji fruit extract and a hi-tech peptide that protects mitochondrial DNA and stimulates cellular metabolism.  While all that sounds good and fancy I love the texture and delicate scent.  There is something about it that sort of tingles my skin in a very gentle refreshing way and I feel like something good must be happening.  I’ve always been a believer that prevention is the key to staying youthful, so I love that it’s a lotion designed to do exactly that.  Since it’s not at all greasy, I’ve been loving it for those hot summer days.  The only thing that would make it absolute perfection would be the addition of a sunscreen.

Suave Professionals Dry Shampoo Spray, $2.74* – I’ve been using dry shampoo for quite a few years as it’s a great time saver for those days when you don’t have time to wash your hair, after hitting the gym for a refresher or on summer days when you feel less fresh than a daisy.  I’ve always depended on pricier brands like Ojon or Klorane which I’ve picked up from Sephora but I was super excited when Suave launched their super affordable version.  Not only does it leave no icky residue but it smells fantastically fruity fresh, unlike other dry shampoos that I’ve tried it the past that smell only decent as best.  As with all dry shampoos to prevent the nozzle from clogging, shake thoroughly (30 seconds is best) and short blasts all over your head are all that’s needed.

Mario Badescu Drying Lotion, $17 – I’ve heard of this stuff for years but I finally had a chance to try it for myself in the last few months.  After years of struggling with trying to keep a clear complexion after a unfortunate incidence of adult acne, my skin is finally calming down to pretty manageable levels.  However that doesn’t stop me from getting the occasional volcanic eruption or two.  I will be honest this stuff stinks in a Buckley’s Mixture kind of intense way that can clear your sinuses and it’s not very attractive so not for use while in the company of others.  You will feel a deep down burn that you know that it’s sort of killing germs and drying out the zit while you sleep.  And while it didn’t make it vanish overnight, the deep down pain that hurts my entire face disappeared. After my 3rd night of using it, the pimple was pretty much vanquished into a tiny almost memory.

Lierac Sensorielle, $34* – This multi purpose oil for face, body and hair is my latest obsession.  I love the smell of jasmine, camellia and gardenia that calms my spirit.  When I first received this product I was obsessed and couldn’t stop applying it all-over myself.  It also happened to be an incredibly stressful week for multiple reasons – so the scent actually helped me to feel relaxed while using it.  The bottle is also so simple and pretty that I don’t mind having it prominently displayed on my vanity.  The oil incorporates 4 botanical oils including  Argan Oil, Hazelnut Oil, Sweet Almond Oil and Grapeseed Oil that nourish, hydrate and are full of antioxidants that regenerate and re-texturize skin.  More importantly it really does moisturize and moisturize well.  Lately I’ve preferred using oils to moisturize my body and when applying it on slightly damp skin after a shower - a little really goes a long way and I promise you won’t feel greasy afterwards.  If you are afraid of trying oils, this one is great because you can also put some in your bath to created a luxe milky bathing experience.  You can also use this oil as a massage oil and a little in your hair helps tame frizz and smooth ends.

CoverGirl NatureLuxe Gloss Balm , $5.99 – You might remember me mentioning it last week but it's like a hybrid between lipstick and lip balm - it feels soft and not sticky but gives a fun hit of sheer color. It also has SPF 15 which is perfect for protecting your lips from sun damage.  I have pretty pale lips and am not always up to the challenge of keeping perfect bold lips all day and I don’t always feel in the mood for a gloss, especially when it’s windy out.  This seems to be the perfect no fuss solution and I’ve gotten so many compliments while wearing it.

Phyto Phytomist Instant Hydrating Conditioner, $26* – After having my scalp analyzed and learning that I had a rather greasy scalp I was told that I could cut out conditioner from my hair care routine.  However, I think the idea of not using conditioner at all freaks me out.  Fortunately Phyto makes a super lightweight conditioner that you can spray on your hair and it’s been great for keeping me de-tangled.  It smells subtly like greenery and flowers but it’s not overwhelming and I love that it’s super quick and only takes me under 30 seconds to spritz myself.

*Full disclosure: Asterisk indicates that I received a complimentary sample

Pat McGrath x LeSportsac Launch

After working a nearly 12 hour day the question of stopping by an event after work was a big question mark in my head. But it was in Soho which is technically in the way home and it was for LeSportsac which has long held a soft spot in my heart for the durable lightweight bags that are perfect for traveling and life on the go. With only 30 minutes left I made it to the Penthouse suite of the Mondrian Hotel. I was greeted by a cheerful uber feminine suite full of fresh flowers and lipstick kisses on the walls and windows.

There was a CoverGirl make-up area where 2 make-up artists were on hand providing tips and little mini refreshers to guests, the bags prominently on display and a mini bar area.

After grabbing a drink I stepped out onto the balcony to experience a sweeping 360 view of the city including the Empire State Building, Downtown Manhattan skyline and the Brooklyn Bridge while soaking in tunes from DJ Mia Moretti.

NickyDigital was on hand with a photo booth set up and while I was hanging around, I bumped into one of my fave blogger ladies Midtown Girl, Amy and her beloved Midtown Pup, Dolce (who was making a fashion event debut). Adorbs!

Although, I arrived late into the evening and they had previously ran out of gift bags, I did not leave empty handed after a super sweet make-up artist walked me through some of her fave CoverGirl products and loaded me up with some complimentary samples to check out. While I haven't had a chance to use many yet, I am already in love with natureluxe gloss balm. It's like a hybrid between lipstick and lip balm - it feels soft and not sticky but gives a fun hit of sheer color. It also has SPF 15 which is perfect for protecting your lips from sun damage.

As for the Pat McGrath collection itself, there were 8 pieces designed specifically with the organization level that a pro make-up artist needs. The pieces are convenient for life on the go. Who better understands that then the woman who is behind so many amazing runway looks at fashion shows around the globe and also the Global Creative Design Director of Proctor & Gamble – which of course includes CoverGirl.

“Between shows my team does not have a moment to second-guess where they’ve packed even just a single shade of lipstick. For this year’s LeSportsac collection, I incorporated some of the same techniques for product organization that we use backstage. For the 2011 collection with LeSportsac, I was inspired by the shade palette and sleek bullet of COVERGIRL LipPerfection lipcolor; it’s one of my backstage essentials.” – Pat McGrath

The collection will feature brand new styles from the small “Kiss Case,” ($25) that is designed to hold five favorite shades of COVERGIRL LipPerfection, to the “Professional Carry All” tote ($120) that can fit the seven other pieces of the collection. The lipstick print is so appropriate and ultra feminine in a non-syrupy sweet way.

The collection will be sold at LeSportsac boutiques and online beginning in June 2011 and a coupon for a COVERGIRL LipPerfection lipcolor will accompany each purchase.

My make-up collection is in need of a major organization overhaul as is my wardrobe! How are you keeping your cosmetics organized? Any tips?

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