Ready for this wonderful guide for Date Night Prep from Head to Toe? I am! I am especially in LOVE with the UD x Gwen Stefani collection, just so you know...big fan of both her and Urban Decay Cosmetics.
bliss fabulips ‘pout’-o-matic
The must-have beauty tool for women who must have beautiful lips. On Valentine’s Day, we all know your most important asset are those lovely lips. Bliss gives some much needed TLC to your kisser with this pro-powered lip-perfecting device. The ‘pout’-o-matic uses gentle rotation and a custom-designed head with massaging nubs to softly yet effectively stimulate and exfoliate your lips, buffing away flakiness and dryness. Used with our nourishing fabulips sugar lip scrub, ‘pout’-o-matic will instantly revitalize, rejuvenate and smooth.
Price: $48, Available at bliss spas, blissworld.com, ULTA and ULTA.com
Iluminage Precise Touch
Achieve smooth, touchable skin in time for your big date. The first and only personalized at-home permanent hair removal device the FDA cleared for allskin tones and is clinically proven for the widest range of hair colors. Designed as a new, sleek handheld device, the PRECISE TOUCH is designed to treat smaller body parts, such as the underarm area, bikini line and face (upper lip, side burns and chin). It is can also be used as a compact, full body hair removal device to give permanent hair reduction results.
Price: $295, Available at iluminageBeauty.com
Hello Kitty by OPI
Treat yourself to the perfect mani before Valentine’s Day with Hello Kitty by OPI. Hello Kitty® is a pop icon with fans ranging from four to forever, and she is OPI’s newest muse. Hello Kitty by OPIcelebrates all things happy, cute, colorful and sweet with these limited-edition nail lacquers and matching GelColor shades.
Price: $9.50 each, Available at Ulta.com
Peter Thomas Roth Rose Stem Cell Bio-Repair Gel Mask
Nothing is more luxurious than a bouquet of roses. Treat yourself and prep for date night with an indulgent, rose mask. Cutting-edge plant biotechnology isolates and replicates the perfect rose stem cells for maximum anti-age repair. Five rose stem cells are blended with four rose extracts in a cooling, rejuvenating gel to help stimulate cell turnover for younger looking skin that’s silky soft, radiant and youthful.
Price: $45, Available at PeterThomasRoth.com
PUCKER UP & CLUTCH ESSENTIALS:
B.LOVELY Lipstick
Make her feel beautiful this Valentine’s Day with B.Lovely, Blushington’s first ever product launch and collaboration with celebrity makeup artist, Julie Hewett. B.Lovely is a universally-flattering peach-nude lipstick that emulates the flush interior of the Blushington lounge. The shade is perfect for every kind of woman, whether you’re channeling your inner Brigitte Bardot, Blondie or Beyoncé. Beauty icons of the past and present continue to prove that this long-wear, triple-pigmented shade can be worn in any circles.
Price: $26; Available at Blushington.com
BY TERRY Baume De Rose
Treat your pout this Valentine’s Day with this ultra-rich, cult classic for that late night smooch. In an instant, your lips are smoothed, plumped and protected. With its creamy, rose-scented texture it delivers a shiny yet non-sticky polished finish. An SOS treatment that repairs, nourishes and regenerates. Its multi-protective formula also doubles as a highly effective cuticle treatment. Lips and nails have never looked – or felt – so good.
Price: $60, Available at Barneys.com
CIRCA Color Exposure Sheer Lip & Cheek Stain
Prep your lips this Valentine’s Day with this kiss- and smudge-proof stain that leaves a gorgeous color to lips and cheeks. Available in three shades, is easy to build and blend, for a hint of color that lasts and lasts.
Price: $13 each, Available at Walgreens
FLOWER Lip Radiance High Shine Lip Lacquer
Pucker up this Valentine’s Day with the ultra-luxe and highly pigmented Lip Radiance High Shine Lip Lacquer. The formula won’t fade, feather or bleed and lasts all day – from date night to late night. Available in five shades: Pink About Me, Give Peach A Chance, Cherry-O!, Autumn Rose, and Classic Nude.
Price: $7.98 each, Available at Walmart
UD | Gwen Stefani Lipstick
In case you missed it (and unless you’ve managed to avoid social media/television/the internet/human contact since October, we’re not sure how you could have) Gwen Stefani is IN LOVE. So if you’re going to lock lips on Valentine’s Day, why not do it rocking lipstick created by the woman herself? For their first-ever celebrity collaboration, Urban Decay got down and dirty with Gwen to mix her perfect shades and ideal textures. She’s worn every lip color in the book, and these eight brand-new, limited-edition shades are her must-haves.
Price: $18 each, Available at UrbanDecay.com
I know, we almost thought winter might never get here. But all good things must come to an end, and just like that we’re back in our down jackets, wearing hats and gloves…
With the editor of the Farmers’ Almanac advising to “expect a Winter Déjà vu” – in reference to the bitter lows of 2015 – it’s officially time to stock up on hydrating winter beauty essentials to protect and prevent against irritated, dry skin and hair. Below please find a breakdown of gentle cleansers, hydration boosters and protective emollients, so you’re ready for whatever the winter season may bring. I have you covered!
GENTLY CLEANSE
Caudalie Make-Up Removing Cleansing Oil (fave)
Super cleansing yet hydrating, this extra gentle oil cleanses the skin without stripping natural moisture. The advanced formula combines natural ingredients – no silicones, mineral oils or preservatives – to soothe and hydrate while removing dirt, bacteria and even the most stubborn waterproof makeup.
Price: $28, Available in February at Sephora/Sephora.com, Caudalie boutiques/US.Caudalie.com and Bluemercury
Clarisonic Mia FIT (fave)
Clarisonic invented the sonic cleansing category over a decade ago, with the device that’s since become a beauty icon. And they’re ready to shake things up again with a new look and feel, one that makes sense for the way we live today….introducing MIA FIT. Utilizing Clarisonic’s patented sonic technology, Mia FIT is the perfect addition to your winter beauty routine. The device gently removes everyday impurities and allows for better product absorption post-cleanse, resulting in smooth, radiant skin that feels as good as it looks. The gentle daily cleansing device features the Radiance Brush Head, with smooth, luxe filaments that deliver a comforting, effective cleanse on even the most sensitive skin.
Price: $189, Available at Clarisonic.com
JĀSÖN® Foaming Shower Oils (95% natural)
Made with 95% natural content, these indulgent shower gels delicately foam, nourishing and hydrating skin, without harming your health or the environment. Available in three varieties for different skin types: Smoothing Coconut hydrates and revitalizes dry skin, Nourishing Shea Butter calms irritated and problematic skin while Renewing Olive helps to maintain skin’s elasticity and promote radiance. Free of Parabens, Phthalates, Synthetic Fragrances, Artificial Colors, Petrolatum, and Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfate
Price: $10.99 each (10 fl oz), Available at Whole Foods Market and Jason-Personalcare.com
X Out™ Xtra Clean Brush
Exfoliate dry winter skin with the X Out Xtra Clean Brush. Developed with the new soft-touch silicone brush head that’s bacteria-resistant, the Xtra Clean Brush blasts dirt and oil away from the pores, helping to slough off dry skin and leave your face clean, soft and smooth.
Price: $34.95 for regular shipment members; $55 for nonmembers; Available at XOut.com
MOISTURIZE DAILY
Anthony Hand Cream (do not let them crack nor get flaky and dry)
Rough hands... It’s a touchy subject. Soothe dry, winter hands with Anthony’s Hand Cream with anti-aging benefits. Boasting AHAs to help even skin tone and reduce the appearance of wrinkles, glycerin to hydrate, wheat protein to tighten and Aqua Cacteen to replenish dehydrated skin, Anthony’s Hand Cream is an all-in-one savior for manhandling mishaps.
Price: $16, Available at Anthony.com
bliss fabulous drench ‘n’ quench
Stay hydrated all winter long. The only spa inspired cream-to-water moisturizer using transformative hydrozomeTM technology to instantly drench skin with over 10,000 marine micro-droplets for immediate hydration, leaving skin plumped, healthy and refreshed.
Price: $38, Available at blissworld.com
By Terry Cellularose Liftessence Daily Cream (fave)
This ultra-hydrating cream is a complete anti-aging daily moisturizer. Enriched with Hibiscus Extract, Essential Rose Flower Wax and Black Rose, it targets firmness in the skin cells, covering the skin in a rejuvenating film that immediately smooths the skin.
Price: $150, Available at B-glowing.com
Erno Laszo White Marble Translucence Cream (fave)
A high-performance daily skin tone-balancing moisturizer that hydrates, protects and visibly reduces the appearance of imperfections, to reveal a healthy luminosity. Richly emollient, yet fast-absorbing, the unique formula soothes and repairs skin’s moisture barrier, while helping to disrupt melanin production, to maintain a youthful brightness. The natural matte finish leaves skin feeling smooth and supple. Apply morning and evening for a brilliant complexion that is flawless and more radiant.
Price: $150, Available at ErnoLaszlo.com
June Jacobs Rapid Repair Healing Cream (great story, great brand)
This revolutionary clinically-tested face and body treatment helps soothe irritation and provides up to 24-hour moisturization. Gentle yet effective, this non-greasy formula absorbs quickly to leave skin healthy, nourished and perfectly rejuvenated.
Price: $60, Available at JuneJacobs.com
SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2 (potent and results driven)
This new intensive moisturizer is specifically formulated with the only proven ratio of natural lipids to help restore the external skin barrier and support skin’s natural repair functions, benefitting extremely dry skin. Its formula incorporates the highest concentration of three lipids, 2% Ceramides, 4% Cholesterol, and 2% Fatty Acids, which are precisely formulated to refill the skin’s natural surface lipids.
Price: $125, Available February 1st at SkinCeuticals.com
HYDRATE, SOOTHE & PROTECT
Cover FX Custom Infusion Drops (love to add to my primer and/or foundation)
Custom Infusion Drops are innovative drops that instantly transform your everyday beauty products into powerful skincare treatments that are customized to fit your skin’s unique needs. Moisturizer no longer cutting it as the temperatures drop? Boost it with the Hydration drops. Is your skin extra dull after unhealthy holiday meals and an abundance of alcohol? Amp up your serums with the Radiance or Anti-Aging drops. Nose red from a seasonal cold? Reach for the Calming drops and add a drop or two to your moisturizer, concealer or foundations.
Price: $48 each, Available at Sephora, Sephora.com and CoverFX.com
Big Cloud Wind Master Lip Balm by Dollar Shave Club
Big Cloud is a new range of skincare products from Dollar Shave Club that is designed to protect you against the ravages of the winter elements. Wind Master protects and relives chapped, cracked lips from the drying effect of wind and cold. The soothing and nourishing formula contains moisturizing Shea Butter, antioxidant rich Tea Extracts, Sweet Almond Oil, as well as Vitamins A and E and is shine-free, for a completely matte application.
Price: $4 each, $6 for twin pack, Available at DollarShaveClub.com
Laura Geller Spackle Treatment Soothing Makeup Primer (ultimate fave)
Prime, soothe and moisturize sensitive, irritated, winter skin with this lightweight, ultra-hydrating formula that glides on smoothly to create the perfect canvas for flawless makeup. Natural botanical extracts like Aloe Vera, Argan Oil and Witch Hazel soothe and moisturize the skin while green pigments diminish the redness.
Price: $32, Available at ULTA and LauraGeller.com
L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Hydra-Nutrition Facial Oil SPF 30 (always affordable and easy to find)
L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Hydra-Nutrition Facial Oil adds in natural oil that’s needed during those dry winter months. It is also the brand’s first facial oil containing broad-spectrum SPF. This lightweight, non-greasy formula soaks deeply into skin for intense, long-lasting glow and nourishment.
Price: $19.99, Available at lorealparisusa.com and drugstores nationwide
Peter Thomas Roth Marine Algae Mask
A nutrient-rich hydrating treatment that helps soothe and nourish dry, winter skin with blue marine algae and other potent humectants. This gel mask helps prevent dehydration by retaining healthy water levels in skin over extended periods and through the most intense climatic conditions.
Price: $52, Available at PeterThomasRoth.com
Proactiv Liquid SPF (daily fave)
The Proactiv+ Liquid SPF is an ultra-weightless and fast absorbing sunscreen that protects your skin from sun even in the winter months. The SPF 15 sunscreen helps protect skin without clogging pores, offering sun protection without a heavy, sticky or white residue making it perfect for all seasons.
Price: $34.95 for regular shipment members, Retail Price (Non-Member): $56.00, Available at proactivcatalog.com or by calling 1-888-710-2161
StriVectin Oxygen Infusing Soothing Mask
Working to gently exfoliate, the StriVectin Oxygen Infusing Soothing Mask brightens dull winter skin without over drying. Unlike other harsh exfoliators, the Oxygen Infusion Smoothing Mask, fueled by patented NIA-114™ and a unique self-foaming technology, is infused with radiance boosting oxygen and beta-hydroxy acids to provide purified skin for a youthful looking complexion with softer, smoother, revitalized skin.
Price: $62, Available on StriVectin.com
HYDRATE DRY HAIR
Alterna Haircare Moisture Intense Caviar Oil Crème Pre-Shampoo Treatment (you know I love you, Katie Holmes)
For dry hair, this luxurious treatment deeply moisturizes to revitalize dehydrated strands. Designed for use on wet hair pre-shampoo, it boosts the performance of both shampoos and conditioners by binding the hydrating agents in both products to better hydrate hair while also repelling minerals present in water to defend against build up.
Price: $30, Available at AlternaHaircare.com, Sephora, Ulta, Nordstrom and fine salons nationwide
Kérastase Elixir Ultime Collection (brand fave)
Transform hair into a sublime, silky, visible level of protection with four precious oils: Maize Oils, Argan Oil, Camellia Oil and Pracaxi Oil. Two new additions to the collection, Elixir Ultime Volume Beautifying Oil Mist & Elixir Ultime Oil-in-Conditioner utilize the brand’s Oleo Complexe, helping to restore strength to the hair and protects it from external aggressors, while also bringing shine, nourishment and deep conditioning to the hair. The new Oil Mist is also the brand’s first-to-market bi-phase spray oil and is designed specifically for fine hair.
Price: $44-58 each, Available at Kerastase-USA.com and Kérastase Salons
L’Oréal Paris Advanced Haircare Extraordinary Oil Nourish Lustrous Oil Serum (smells delish)
This light-weight serum contains six oils that deeply nourish dry winter hair after one use. It’s specially formulated with an oil-complex comprised of Amla, Coconut, Soja, Sunflower, Argan, and Chamomile oils to nourish hair every day, leaving it shiny and soft. Perfect for all hair types.
Price: 6.99, Available at lorealparisusa.com and drugstores nationwide
I found this to be an interesting read and in honor of National Lipstick Day on July 29th, I deemed it appropriate to share!
A recent survey compiled in a report commissioned by Heathrow Airport, “Lipstick Colors of the Year,” unearthed the most popular lip colors in major cities around the globe.
It’s no surprise that New Yorkers opt for Classic Red, (Me, Me, Me) but did you know those in Rome prefer Golden Plum? Or that Las Vegas women gravitate towards bright orange coral?
Below is a selection of lipsticks that correspond to the most popular shades in the hottest summer travel destinations.
ATHENS – BRIGHT FUSCHIA
Laura Geller Luscious Lips Liquid Lipstick
A highly pigmented formula infused with Vitamin E and a special texturizing gel, this full-coverage liquid lipstick glides on as a liquid and dries to a weightless, semi-matte finish. Never dry or sticky, this long-wearing color can be worn alone or on top of a lip primer for a colorful pout that will last.
Price: $21, Available at Ulta.com
Urban Decay Sheer Revolution Lipstick in Anarchy
For high-impact color with a rich, creamy feel, Sheer Revolution Lipstick offers bold pigments that wear sheer and shiny. Sheer Revolution hugs your lips and has a buttery-smooth application. The formula is laced with Maxi-Lip™, which helps define and hydrate lips while making them look plumper and fuller, along with Shea butter, jojoba, olive, and babassu oils, and Vitamin C and E.
Price: $22, Available at UrbanDecay.com
MIAMI – PALE ROSE PINK
By Terry Hyaluronic Sheer Nude in Bare Balm
By Terry injects life into the vision of pale pink lips. Hyaluronic Sheer Nude is a fusion of all the virtues found in a balm-gel, foundation and moisturizer. It melts into lips smoothing, filling out wrinkles and fine lines, and protecting against UV. This delicious sheer color embellishment delivers a neo-nude veil that is rosy and irresistible.
Price: $36, Available at B-glowing.com
CIRCA Color Absolute Velvet Luxe Lipstick in 03 Sophia
Inspired by the Old Hollywood silver screens, this non-drying, color-saturated lipstick leaves a beautiful velvet matte finish. The comfortable formula provides medium-to-full color coverage and is enriched with Aloe Extract and Jojoba and Sweet Almond Oil to keep lips moist, smooth and full of pure pigment.
Price: $10, Available at Walgreens
LAS VEGAS – BRIGHT CORAL ORANGE
FLOWER Kiss Stick High Shine Lip Color in Cactus Flower
A hero product, this high-shine luxury lipstick is infused with emollient oils to help improve shine and allow for a rich, creamy application. It will leave your lips with a pure, intense color payoff.
Price: $6.98, Available at Walmart.com/Flower
Urban Decay Matte Revolution Lipstick in Matte Tilt
Unlike traditional mattes, Matte Revolution is as rich and buttery as the original Revolution Lipstick, laying down tons of pigment in one swipe. It applies smoothly, hugging your lips – no dragging or skipping here – but leaves a velvety matte effect behind. The formula contains avocado, olive and babussu oils, shea and illipe butter, and vitamin C and E to hydrate and nourish.
Price: $22, Available at UrbanDecay.com
LONDON – CARAMEL NUDE
L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche La Lacque in Coco-Lacque
For the lipstick lover in search of super-pigmented color delivered in a sleek, easy-to-use application comes the new L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche La Lacque & Le Matte Lip Pens. With maximum color pay-off and comfortable, non-drying wear, these first-to-mass lip pens offer a precise application in two prestige-inspired, varying finishes: smooth lacquer & creamy matte.
Price: $9.99, Available at drugstores and mass retailers nationwide
FLOWER Lip Service Lip Butter in Nice Bloom-ers!
This superior shine, non-tacky formula has a buttery-soft texture that glides on easily, leaving leaves lips looking smooth and full. The rich texture provides an optical plumping effect and has a high percentage of emollient oil for a super-smooth, shiny finish.
Price: $6.98 each, Available at Walmart and Walmart.com/Flower
NEW YORK - CLASSIC RED
Clinique Pop Lip Colour + Primer in 08 Cherry Pop
This fun, flirty and feminine lipstick has the benefits of a built-in primer which will leave you with longwearing, moisturizing lip colour that envelopes lips in pure comfort. The smooth, perfectly modern and velvety finish lasts all day.
Price: $18, available at Clinique counters nationwide.
L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Collection Exclusive Pure Reds Lipcolour in Blake’s Red
With the popularity of the red lip, L’Oréal Paris introduces a collection of six timeless lip colors inspired by the brands’ most iconic spokeswomen. Designed to offer a red for every woman, Blake’s Red was custom-created for the perfect classic red shade with a smooth matte finish and luxurious pop of color.
Price: $8.99, Available at drugstores and mass retailers nationwide
PARIS – DUSTY ROSE
CIRCA Color Absolute Velvet Luxe Lipstick in 04 Ava
Inspired by the Old Hollywood silver screens, this non-drying, color-saturated lipstick leaves a beautiful velvet matte finish. The comfortable formula provides medium-to-full color coverage and is enriched with Aloe Extract and Jojoba and Sweet Almond Oil to keep lips moist, smooth and full of pure pigment.
Price: $10, Available at Walgreens
Laura Geller Iconic Baked Sculpting Lipstick in East Side Rouge
Introducing the brand’s first-ever baked and sculpted lipstick which boasts a uniquely quilted and curved bullet to sculpt and contour lips, creating the perfect cupid’s bow in just one swipe. The formula blends the brand’s signature baking process, artisan-baked pigments and rich natural moisturizers, including Almond Oil, to create a formula that saturates lips with creamy, vibrant color that feels weightless and provides long-lasting, high-impact wear.
Price: $21, Available at Ulta and LauraGeller.com
ROME – GOLDEN PLUM
L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Le Matte in Matte-r of Fact
For the lipstick lover in search of super-pigmented color delivered in a sleek, easy-to-use application comes the new L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Le Matte Lip Pens. With maximum color pay-off and comfortable, non-drying wear, these first-to-mass lip pens offer a precise application in two prestige-inspired, varying finishes: smooth lacquer & creamy matte.
Price: $9.99, Available at drugstores and mass retailers nationwide
Urban Decay Matte Revolution Lipstick in Bittersweet
Unlike traditional mattes, Matte Revolution is as rich and buttery as the original Revolution Lipstick, laying down tons of pigment in one swipe. It applies smoothly, hugging your lips – no dragging or skipping here – but leaves a velvety matte effect behind. The formula contains avocado, olive and babussu oils, shea and illipe butter, and vitamin C and E to hydrate and nourish.
Price: $22, Available at and UrbanDecay.com
How many colors have you tried? What colors are you favorites to wear? What are your favorite brands?
