Favorites... Summer Hair Products

Summer is a time when hair doesn't necessarily look it's absolute best - but it should - cause you're rocking a tan and feeling great! Factor in humidity, sun damage and chlorine, and hair can tend to be coarse, frizzy and even dull.

Here are my favorite summer hair products to have your hair in perfect beach-chic shape in no time!

1. A dry shampoo. Major necessity. I live for Klorane Gentle Dry Shampoo With Oat Extract. It takes the oil out of my scalp and gives me perfect second day hair. I use it constantly in the hot and sweaty summer months.

2. An awesome curling agent. Something with a natural beachy wave kick. Bumble and Bumble Curl Conscious Reactivating Mist is a favorite, but John Frieda Frizz-Ease Spiral Style Curl-Defining Spray Gel is also great because it keeps frizzies at bay.

3. A Hair Mask is vital. Aveda makes one perfect for post sun. Sun Care After-Sun Hair Mask. It restores weakened hair Tamanu oil, shea butter, coconut  and palm oils and contains 100% certified organic essences of neroli, ylang ylang and citrus.

4. Hair Sun Protector. Like your skin, the sun can damage your hair as well. Especially, color-treated hair. Invest in a hair SPF. Try Phyto Plage Protective Beach Spray Maximum Sun Protection Hair Sprays. It provides a UV filter, prevents color oxidation and preserves hair shine.

5. Frizz-free product. The humidity has a tendency to make hair puffy and frizzy. You'll need an oil or serum to counteract. Try Ouidad Shine Glaze, a serum that smooths flyaways while adding sheen. Good-bye puff!

FAVORITES: Natural Sunscreens

Summer is most definitely here (finally!) and I, for one, have gotten my first tan of the season. I, of course, applied SPF to both face and body and, in my current quest to switch to as many natural and organic products as possible, I used a natural sun block for the very first time: Alba's Aloe Vanilla SUNBLOCK Mineral SPF 30. It was fabulous. Rich, super creamy with an incredibly fragrant vanilla smell. Not like those beachy, sunscreen smells we remember years (and tans) past. This was more like a lotion scent, something I could wear around for the day and not get nauseated by.

And it got me thinking - there must be tons of fabulous natural sunscreens on the market place... so I did some research. And there are.

Here, 5 great natural sunscreens for your tanning pleasure:

Burt's Bees Chemical-Free Sunscreen SPF 30 - This 100% natural, non-whitening formula provides broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection and helps keep skin hydrated without using chemical sunscreen actives like octinoxate and oxybenzone. Instead, titanium dioxide, a naturally-occurring mineral creates a micro-fine barrier on your skin to reflect the sun's harmful rays. $11.50

Jason Natural Cosmetics Sunbrellas MINERAL Natural Sunblock, SPF 30 - This hypoallergenic sun block is extra mild and safe for use on babies and sensitive adults. Enriched with Chamomile and Marigold Extracts, this sun block not only protects but soothes. No Mineral Oil, Petrolatum or Waxes, Fragrance-Free and Paraben-Free. $14.99

 Aveeno Natural Protection Sunblock Lotion SPF 30 - contains MINERALBLOCK Technology with 100% naturally-sourced active ingredients, a more natural alternative. MINERALBLOCK Technology forms a protective barrier on top of baby's skin that scatters both UVA and UVB rays. This oil-free, non-whitening formula is also fragrance-free, waterproof, and hypoallergenic. $10.99

Badger SPF 30+ Lightly Scented Lavender Sunscreen - Certified Natural & Chemical-Free - Uncoated, Non-Nano Zinc Oxide Sunscreen with Superior Broad Spectrum UVA and UVB Protection. Certified Organic ingredients, are naturally water resistant, safe for children of all ages, block both UVA and UVB rays, and thoroughly moisturize while they protect you from the sun. $16.00

Alba Aloe Vanilla SUNBLOCK Mineral SPF 30 - Certified organic Aloe Vera and Chamomile moisturize and soothe skin. Grape Seed Oil, Tea Tree and Vitamin E provide antioxidant protection. Helps prevent sunburn with an effective, mineral-based, UVA & UVB broad-spectrum reflective barrier. $9.95

FAVORITES: Summer Sprays

It's hot out there and, if you're anywhere east of Arizona, chances are it's humid as well. There's nothing like a mist of water to cool you off. Remember those spray cans with the fans built in? You would add water, turn on the fan, and it was like your own, mini outdoor mist machine? Well, it did the trick, albeit not very chic.

These days, we have a variety of sprays to choose from all by top skincare brands. While they're the perfect refresher to a hot summer day, some also work double duty as a toner to nourish the skin, adding moisture, vitamins and antioxidants while removing dirt and sweaty grime. Now, you tell me, could your water mister do all this? I think not!

Here are 5 of my favorite sprays for summer:

1 - Epicuren Protein Mist - A vitamin mist that works to rehydrate all skin types. Meant for use after cleansing, but the bottle is small and so convenient for on-the-go and the sweet scent is so refreshing, I like to spritz throughout the day. Bring on the vitamins! $24.00

2 - Organic Pharmacy Rose Facial Spritz Toner - Cover your face with one of my favorite scents - rose - which also helps to calm red, irritated and sensitive skin. Refreshes as it hydrates, ideal for dry and sensitive skin types. You can use as a toner or multiple times a day for a quick pick-me-up.  21.50 POUNDS

3 - Tata Harper Hydrating Floral Essence - Great for all skin types, this mist hydrates while improving the appearance of pore size and oil control. It's light, fresh and refreshing with a wonderful breezy scent. Again, can be used as a toner but is a lovely daily spritzer to freshen up on-the-go. $65.00

4 - AMOREPACIFIC Moisture Bound Skin Energy Hydration Delivery System - Free of sulfates, synthetic dyes and petro-chemicals, this lightweight, oil-free botanical mist made from bamboo sap and red ginseng is the ultimate refresher. Suitable for all skin types, anytime, anywhere. Freshen up in style! $35.00

5 -  *DRUGSTORE FIND* Heritage Jasmine Water Spray - These aromatherapy waters come in a medley of scents (I'm loving Jasmine for summer) and are the perfect mist to refresh face and body all day long. Pure essential oils offer the natural scent that is literally water mixed with a dose of exotic flavor. And you can't beat the price: $5.81

TIP - To use any of the above sprays as facial toners, simply mist onto cotton ball and swipe onto face until clean. It's as easy as that!

FAVORITES: Rose-Inspired

There's something about roses that make a girl go gaga. A nice bouquet says so much without saying anything at all. It's no wonder, really, that there are a bevy of products that bring us back to that special feeling that only a long stem rose can induce.

Well, that and rose oil does have quite a few beauty benefits: it's "anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, bactericide and stimulating (source)." Rose Hip Oil keeps the "skin hydrated and nourished and helps reduce the appearance of scars... Rose hip oil contains a high amount of natural tretinoin, a form of Vitamin A. Tretinoin has been known to reduce and protect the skin from damage that may be caused by the sun. It also aids the skin in producing collagen and new skin cells. (source)."

Combine a great scent with a powerful ingredient and you've got beauty magic! Here are 5 of my favorite rose-inspired products:

Jurlique Rose Shower Gel - The entire bathroom will smell like a rose garden - and not in a perfumey, fake way - in a feel-good, fresh way. Plus, I love how Jurlique suds oh-so well, and makes my skin feel super soft... ready to be touched! There's a matching lotion, too. BONUS! $22.00

Weleda Wild Rose Deodorant - I can't write a deodorant post without mentioning this product, let alone a rose-inspired one. It is such the perfect smelling rose, I'd bottle it up and spray it on my body all day long if I could. Oh wait - Weleda's done that! Really gives new meaning to sweating roses... and it's not harmful for you, free of aluminum and such. $8.30

The Organic Pharmacy Double Rose Rejuvenating Face Cream - I dedicated an entire post to this incredibly light and brilliant face moisturizer (click here for a recap). Smells delish, as would be expected, and it leaves skin literally glowing. Also comes sans all those terrible chemicals. Just pure... roses! $71.92

Fresh Sugar Rosé Tinted Lip Treatment SPF 15 - The cult-favorite lip balm with a hint of rose hue is also a favorite of mine. Comes with a light SPF to protect your pucker in sun and swim season, but also gives your mouth that natural glow that only a good rosey redish tint can - and all while keeping your lips hydrated! $22.50

REN Moroccan Rose Oil Sugar Body Polish - This could, quite possibly, be my favorite rose-inspired product that I've tried thus far in my life. I've written about it time and time again and used it for years - it is literally like bringing the spa to your bathtub. A sugar body polish, scented with the finest, freshest roses that leaves skin deliciously smooth and radiant. Your tub is not complete without a tub of REN's body polish.  $60.00

FAVORITES: Lip Stain

I'm back!

Sorry, I've been a  bit MIA, I was actually in MIA (as in, MIAMI) and took a few days off the blog. But, alas, I am back in NYC and it's finally beginning to feel like Spring.

So, to celebrate my return - to blogging and NYC - I thought we'd start off with a timely FAVORITES post, the trusty lip stain. Absolute perfection for spring and summer, especially while running from pool to ocean - stays on all day, sweat-proof and doesn't look like you're actually wearing much makeup at all!

To recap my Girls Guide to Stains, click here. 

As for some of this season's favorite stains, have a read:

Benefit Benetint - I cannot write this post without mentioning the purveyor of stains near and far, Benetint - a true, blood red lip stain that doubles as a cheek tint too. Gives lips a natural flush hue.

Josie Maran Magic Marker Lip & Cheek Stain - With 9 wonderfully pigmented colors to choose from, there is something to suit every lip. And the marker makes application fun and precise.

CoverGirl Outlast Lip Stain - DRUGSTORE FIND! Another pen, with so many colors to choose from. Fun, easy, precise application. Not to be used on cheeks. Really leaves a nice stain on the pucker!

Smashbox Limitless Lip Stain & Color Seal Balm - NEW! A 2-for-1 - a stain on one side, a lip balm on the other. Wear alone or together for added shine (with a hint of hue). Choose from 6 color combos.

The Balm Stainiac - Comes in 3 colors and is fitted with a wand and sponge applicator. Gives great natural color to the lips that stays put for hours.

FAVORITES: Hair Oil

Winter played mind games on my healthy hair. Frigid temps left my ends kind of fried. Now that Spring is upon us, dare I be seen with any type of frizz. That's why I'm all about beautifying my strands with a few extra drops of hair oil...

NOTE: While researching for this post, I noticed that a few of my favorite hair oils are no longer being manufactured... Ojon's Conditioning Shine Serum, Chris McMillan Hair Glossing Serum... sadness!

Here, my favorite hair oil of the moment:

Kerastase Oleo-Relax - I don't think there will ever be a time where I will not love (and live for) this product. It's the right amount of oil mixed with the right amount of shine. My hair always looks like a million bucks after a few pumps. $25.00

Liquid Keratin Sealing Shine Serum - A rather new product that I've been using on my mane and I'm quite impressed. Two pumps and you're shining like a salon visit. FYI - Keratin proteins have long been used to tame frizzy, unmanageable hair. $29.00

BB Defrizz by Bumble and Bumble - Great for curls, used on damp hair will define them. Used on dry hair will control them. Again, a few squeezes and you're good to go. No more frizz. $25.00

L'Oreal EverPure Smooth Frizz-Free Serum - A great drugstore find that is also sulfate-free. Keeps frizzies at bay while leaving hair extra shiny and beautifully healthy.  $8.99

Any type of body oil - this is more of a DIY trick, after you're finished rubbing the oil onto your body, take the remainder left in the palms of your hands and gently pat onto your hair. It'll make your locks smell delish while giving them a nice, hearty dose of shine. And it's basically a freebie!

What's your favorite hair oil?

FAVORITES: Brow Tools

The F/W 2011 runways saw their fair share of defined brows. And I'm going to get a head start. this Spring, it's all about the arch for me. I suggest you do the same.

Here, 5 of my favorite brow tools to keep those arches in top form:

Anastasia Brow Duality - Comes in 2 dual shades, camille and sand, and shell and lace. Use on the brow bone to highlight and cover up stray hairs in between waxing appointments. $23.00

MAC Brow Set - A tinted brush-on gel that slicks brows into shape - and keeps them there. Comes in a variety of colors. $15.00

Shiseido Natural Eyebrow Pencil - My eyebrow specialist, Sue Ellen of the Pierre Michel Salon, uses this on my brows. It goes on smoothly and gently and helps to cover any sparse areas. $20.00

Anastasia Brow Fix Clear Wax Pencil - Tames unruly brows and is great to use after a powder. I like it before bed to keep my brows in place while sleeping. $21.00

Laura Mercier Brow Powder Duo - Really gets into the nooks and crannies of your brows and covers up any sparse areas to give you full, defined arches. Comes in a variety of shades, 2 per compact to mix together for the perfect color combo. $24.00

What's your favorite brow tool?

FAVORITES: V-Day Must-Haves

Happy Valentine's Day Beauties! To make this day of love extra special, I thought I'd share with you my must-haves for making the holiday extra sexxxy.

Weleda Pomegranate Regenerating Body Oil - A deliciously scented body oil that works just as fabulously for a massage from that certain someone.

PURE FIJI Coconut Milk And Honey Sugar Rub - Take a lovely bath with your lover and rub this delight on each other... you'll end up with more than smooth skin, promise!

Lush Sakura Bath Bomb - You know that bath you're bound to take, you'll need a bath bomb to sex things up a bit. The Sakura is perfumed with mimosa and jasmine flowers...

Urban Decay Midnight Cowboy Shimmer Lotion - This one's just for you. Add a little shimmer to those limbs. Enhance your ASSETS, he'll take notice and if you're lucky, those clothes won't last on you for long.

Miss Marisa - The tropical scent that makes all the boys run wild. It's roll-on and small enough to fit into your clutch for constant reapplication. Use it all night long and drive him crazy.

LET US KNOW HOW IT GOES! 

KEEP IT SAFE (AND SEXY), LADIES!

FAVORITES: New Years Eve Necessities

It's the day before New Years Eve which probably means that you are securing last minute party plans, a designated driver!!!!, getting that mani/ pedi you so desperately need, possibly a blow out... how about a makeup run?

Here are my top 10 New Years Eve Necessities:

1. False Lashes - It goes without saying that drama is key for the holiday. Try Ardell Lashes, a favorite of Katy Perry!

2. Body Bling - A moisturizing, shimmering body lotion that highlights all of the right spots.

3. Concealer - Nobody needs to know you're partying all night. Hide imperfections with Amazing Concealer, the perfect antidote to bags and blemishes.

4. Mascara - Oh the power of lashes! Nothing says chic like a red lip and loads of lashes. Try my newest fave, Chanel's Inimitable Intense.

5. A smokey eye - Put some punch into that smokey eye with MAC's Cinderfella eye shadow, a black and silver-speckled concoction.

6. Pinky Cheeks - Smile like it's a new decade! Try Dolce & Gabbana Make Up Luminous Cheek Color in Provocative.

7. Black Liner - Give another added drama to your eyes with black liner. Use on the upper and lower lid. Try Sue Devitt's Eye Intensifier Pencil - it's great for smudging too!

9. Highlight - Add an iridescent shimmer to brow, cheek and collar bones. Jouer makes my all time favorite highlighters! Try Champagne or Camillia.

10. A Red Lip - NYE would not be complete without the red lip. This is one time where it's not only suggested, but applauded, to wear a red lip and smokey eye! Here are some favorites: MAC Matte Russian Red, Revlon Color Stay in Rouge, Revlon #315 and Josie Maran in Devious.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

xoxo,

Beauty Banter

FAVORITES: Body Lotion

It's so cold outside that my skin is cracking -- literally, cracking in half. This is the time of year when I haul out my heavy duty moisture creams to rehydrate my dehydrated skin.

If the weather's got you parched, try some of my tried and tested favorite body lotions for winter:

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream - An incredible moisturizing lotion for dry, irritated skin. Thick and non-greasy providing immediate improvement. Free of parabens, sulfates and synthetic dyes. $28.00 for 6 oz.

Kiehl's Creme De Corps Soy Milk and Honey Whipped Body Butter - The Jeff Koons illustrated jar makes this a lotion worth displaying. The actual cream is so thick and hydrates on the spot with long lasting results. The smell is faintly sweet. $35.00 for 8 oz.

C.O. Bigelow Derma Remedy Intense Dry Skin Therapy Body Lotion - Lactic Acid naturally aids in the shedding of dead skin while helping to stimulate healthy skin cells. Hypoallergenic and no artificial colors. Fragrance is benign. $18.00 for 6.7 oz.

Amore Pacific Time Response Skin Renewal Body Creme - To me, this is like the diamond of body creams. So thick, so smooth, so moisturizing. It has a very fresh scent and keeps your skin hydrated all day long. Is also anti-aging with GCG, a green tea polyphenol and healing Asian botanicals to provide healthy skin. $220 for 6.7 oz.

DRUGSTORE FIND:
Aveeno Skin Relief Moisturizing Cream - Provides long lasting relief from dry, irriated skin at a fraction of the price. The giant tub holds a formula of Natural Colloidal Oatmeal, cocoa and shea butters and contains menthol to cool dry skin on contact. Scent is slightly menthol. $11.79 for 11 oz.

FAVORITES: Candles for the Holidays

Nothing makes it feel more like winter than cozying up to the fireplace, eggnog in hand, singing Christmas Carols. Well, I don't have a fireplace, and I'm not really into eggnog, but what I do love is a candle that can embody all of this holiday spirit!

Here are my favorite candles for the holidays (they make GREAT gifts too!):

Jo Malone Pomegranate Noir Candle ($65.00) - a spicy blend of pomegranate, raspberry, frankincense and patchouli that smells like Christmas morning.

Fresh Cranberry Petite Candle Trio ($45.00) - Three mini candles in the cranberry family: chardonnay, pinot noir and bourbon. Burned together, the sweet aroma is reminiscent of a Holiday dinner.

Nest Holiday Candle ($32.00) - a spicy nod to the Holidays with notes of pomegranate, mandarin orange, pine, cloves and cinnamon. Like walking through the woods on a brisk winter day.

"Frosty's Party" Candle by Lolita ($21.95) - Snowmen painted on the tumbler give this candle the ultimate holiday feel. The scent is a sweet mix of Vanilla, Peach, Coconut, Orange, and Apricot, layered with White Chocolate, Strawberry, Rum and Almond. Bring on the Christmas Carols!

Aroma Naturals Wish Peppermint + Vanilla ($16.50) - Notes of peppermint and vanilla give this a warm yet refreshing classic Holiday smell. Think candy canes and mistletoe...

What I'm Thankful For...

Here's the 5th Annual What I'm Thankful For List... To review the past 4, click here.
This Thanksgiving, I am thankful for:

Alora Ambiance in Fico Diffuser - I love anything that makes my house smell fabulous. This fragrance has more of a summery scent and was my go-to for the sunny months. 

Dior Addict Crystal Gloss - Shine plus a hint of pinkish tint. Can my lips look any better?

Kate Logan Shea Salvation Balm -a lavender scented shea butter that hydrates the driest of skin.


YSL Touche Eclat - Say goodbye to tired eyes; highlight and illuminize your finest assets.

Sud Pacifique Eau de Voyage Mora Bella Fragrance - a floral fruity concoction that combines sweet and musk without the "perfume"aroma.

REN ClearCalm3 - an all-natural treatment to abolishing acne, sans the harsh chemicals. The entire range is magnificent.

Fresh Sugar Plum Lip Treatment with SPF 15 - a moisturizing lip treatment with a berry stain... and added SPF... thank you Fresh!

Steamcream - the UK favorite that moisturizes while looking fetching in a tin.

Amazing Concealer - Covers up all imperfections, and, let's face it, nobody is perfect.

YSL Rouge Pur Couture 1 - It goes without saying, red lips for the holidays are HOT. This color is the HOTTEST.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING BEAUTIES!

May you eat well and not gain a single pound!

See you on Monday...

5 Favorite Eye Illuminators

I use an eye illuminator to make my eyes appear larger, brighter, and -- surprise, surprise -- less tired. You can also use an eye illuminator on your brow bone to highlight and make your arches look more pronounced or simply in the inner corner of your eyes for a bit of pop.

Here are 5 favorite Eye Illuminators:

1 YSL Touche Eclat - Probably the most famous of illuminators (definitely one of the first), Touche Eclat adds a radiant touch to undereyes, lips and side of nose.  $40.00

2 Murad Eye Lift Illuminator - Free of parabens and sulfates, this illuminator is meant to minimize the look of dark circles while lifting, hydrating, and de-puffing the eye area. $35.00

3 Anastasia Cooling Eye Brightener - Applied with a wand, this creamy concoction (with caffeine) helps to cool, tone and de-puff tired eyes. $21.00

4 Benefit Eye Bright - A pencil/ stick applicator perks up tired eyes. Apply to the inner and outer corners and blend. They call it "a nap in a stick." Amen. $20.00

5 Tarte The Eraser Concealer - Most similar to YSL's Touche Eclat, Tarte's Eraser covers up imperfections while illuminating the area. $21.00

5 Favorites For August

Since all good things come in 5's (I'm making that up), here are the 5 things you must own this August:

1 BeautyBlender Makeup Sponge - because it makes applying makeup effortless, gives skin that airbrushed look, great for on-the-spot application but just as amazing for foundation, AND works wonders to flawlessly apply a self-tanner.

2 Elta MD Sunscreen - because sunscreen is mandatory and they make a sunscreen to suit every skin concern.  Zinc is the active ingredient and, for sun worshippers, zinc is like kryptonite - the sun can't get through.

3 Caudalie Grape Water - because it's hot and a nice mist of something refreshing is just what the Doctor ordered. This preservative-free, plant-based grape water hydrates, soothes and refreshes all day long. Great for trips to the beach -- or pool.

4 Nude Smoothing Body Refiner - because summer is a time to let the skin be seen and nobody wants flabby areas out on display. This lotion is an anti-cellulite treatment with peptides, amino acids, fig, mountain ash, green coffee and ginger to smooth and firm the skin. And even if it's just marketing malarkey, it still smells delish and goes on like velvet.

5 MAC Eye Kohl in Rosemary and Thyme - because I'm in a khaki state of mind and eyes look divine rimmed in a mossy green hue. This one is from MAC's summer collection, To The Beach. And that's exactly where it should be worn. Well, at a clam bake on the beach.