Philosphy's Newest Body Scent...

From the company that has brought you mouth-watering scents like Red Velvet Cake, Belgian Waffles and Spiced-Apple Cider, Philosophy debuts it's newest scented wash, Caramel Apple. Just in time for Halloween too (bobbing for apples? see the resemblance?).

Philosophy's Caramel Apple Wash is the perfect three-way (not, THAT kind of three-way, dirty minds) - it's a Shampoo, Shower Gel and Bubble Bath all in one 16 oz bottle! Just like every other fabulous Philosophy Wash, the Caramel Apple is a high-foaming gel with a very distinct, heavenly scent.

The color is burned candy apple red and the smell is so infectious, so sweet, so delicious, it's like I'm actually biting into the damn apple apple. Mind you, this isn't your ordinary granny apple scent - this is thick and rich with a vivid burst of caramel goodness (interestingly, it's warmer and sweeter than the more spicy and crisp apple cider scented wash).

This limited-edition Fall body scent creates quite a pang of hunger... thankfully, it's a calorie-free indulgence! Allow me to create the scene: a hot bath, you, all lathered in the warmth of a creamy caramel apple. And then HE walks in, unbottons his black trousers... and SCENE!

PRICE TAG: $16.00 for 16 oz

**The caramel apple scent is also available in a limited-edition lip shine. Again, it's calorie free! (okay, lame joke.)

Vitamin C for the Face... OH MY!

Vitamin C is the cure-all for runny noses and scratchy throats. It's the tastiest vitamin in all of the land (I like the chewable ones) and it's super good for your immune system.

Well, girlies, it's super good for your skin too!

Philosophy has this incredible product called Turbo Booster C Powder and it has 99.8% potency! Basically, it's pure topical vitamin C in a powder form that you can mix with ANY moisturizer of your choosing (I use it with my Neutrogena Sunblock - SPF 70!!!). This is such a genius dermatologist trick and so simple: add vitamins to your skin to stop premature aging!

So, why Vitamin C?! Vitamin C is an antioxidant. Antioxidant's are great for the skin. Also, the potent vitamin Lightens (sun spots, age spots and hyperpigmentation), Brightens (overall complexion and tone), and Tightens (pores and saggy skin). And it's also said to protect against free radical damage (just being outside and exposed to all of those nasty pollutants!).

I like the Turbo Boost because it tingles (so I know it's working) and it really does leave a luminous glow on my skin. The more I use it, the better my skin feels and looks. I'm not sure if it's completely fading my dark spots, but it's definitely giving me a healthier complexion! And I'm obsessed with the mini spoon that comes with the jar. It reminds me of a... tiny sugar spoon. I can't help but sing "a spoon full of sugar helps the medicine go down" every time I use it!

PRICE TAG: $35.00 for .25 oz (but remember, just a tiny spoonful of vitamin mixed with your favorite moisturizer!)

Suitable for all skin types.

SWEATPROOF YOUR FACE

We just divulged our secrets on sweatproofing your scalp, and now we have some tips and products for sweatproofing your face!

First, you'll need to start with a good, old-fashioned sunscreen (nobody wants wrinkles... and everyone knows that the summer sun is brutal for your skin's youthful glow). We're obsessed with Neutrogena's Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock with Helioplex. It's lightweight, oil-free, fast absorbing, waterproof and sweatproof (duh), non-shiny, dry to the touch (unlike old sunscreens that are creamy and cakey and leave a white residue that reeks of sunblock mishaps), and, best of all, this sunscreen protects against UVA AND UVB rays (insert YAY's here)! We also love that it comes in a variety of SPF's - 45, 55, and 70 (our protection of choice). Oh yeah, the price is pretty awesome too... $10.16 for 3.0 fl. oz.

Next, you'll want to use a primer - something that control the inevitable summer oil and shine. Try Philosphy's Never Let Them See You Shine. It reduces skin shine up to 55%, decreases appearances of pores up to 36%, and reduces sebum up to 49%! It also contains antioxidants to protect the skin from environmental hazards while still providing long-lasting oil and shine control. Bottom line - wear this primer and your face will definitely be sweatproofed! $20.00 for 1 oz. (but a little goes a loooong way!).

When it comes to cheek stains, Tarte Cosmetics takes the gold medal. Their classic, aptly named Tarte Cheek Stain swept into the hearts (and cheeks) of beauty addicts all across the world. The latest installment to their cheek stain empire is no exception: Natural Swirl Cheek Stain is "an all-natural version of Tarte's award-winning cheek stain that swirls two universally flattering shades together." Cheek stains are awesome because, unlike powder blushes, they go on and stay on... all day... no need to reapply! They literally stain your cheeks for a natural, flushed, pinkish glow that even the scorching heat can't sweat off. The Natural Swirl is amazing not only because the color is so fierce and fresh, but also because Tarte is helping to save the world through its makeup!
"In keeping with Tarte's eco-friendly efforts, they've partnered with Sambazon, creators of the Sustainable Açaí Project - an initiative to promote positive change in the Amazon Rainforest through forest conservation, improved living conditions and educational opportunities through the sustainable management of the Açaí Palm tree. Açai is an antioxidant-rich super fruit that helps fight free radicals, promotes cell regeneration, has known anti-inflammatory and skin softening properties and combats premature signs of aging." We heart companies that provide us with beautiful products while helping to keep the world a beautiful place too! $28.00 for 1 0z. (apply sparingly... dab onto the apples of your cheeks and blot outwards).

Virtually every cosmetic company makes a waterproof mascara but how many can claim that the mascara will last 24 hours??? Well, Prescriptives Here To Stay 24-Hour Long Wear Mascara not only claims this, it also delivers the results! I literally couldn't remove this mascara with merely soap and water!!! This is the must-have Summer mascara - perfect for swimming, sweating, sleeping (you know those nights when you just happen to "fall" asleep at your boyfriend's house... you don't actually want him to know that your lashes are really blonde, thin, and ultra short, do you?). This mascara never comes off, never smears, never runs! AND, it actually works wonders on the lashes. The wand is plastic (our fave) which means that it can really get deep into the lash line, lengthening the lashes and coating every inch of hair with dramatic blackness! The wand also does wonders to separate lashes, thus unclumping unfortunate mascara goo. Here To Stay is waterproof, smudge-proof, and sweat-proof! $19.50

A lip stain is crucial in sweaty, humid climates. The last thing a girl wants in a bleeding lip (and by bleeding we mean your lippy is bleeding into the cracks of your mouth... yuckness!). theBalm's Stainiac Hint of Tint is the perfect lip stain that'll rectify the bleeding lip problem (and keep your lips matte all day long). Sure, there are a ton of lip stains on the market, and you can even use a cheek stain on your lips as well, but this particular lip stain is one that EVERY makeup junkie should keep in her makeup bag year round. Not only is it great for summer - as the stain literally stays in place ALL DAY LONG - but it's an obvious choice for Fall, Winter and Spring too! You see, if you apply a stain prior to applying another gloss or lippy, you not only enhance the color, you also secure the staying power of said lippy. Stainiac is sweatproof, food proof, drink proof and kiss proof. Just a dab allows for natural, flushed lips. A little more looks like you ate a bowl of cherries, maybe a lolipop. And yet, even more, and you're lips are smoltering hot in that sexy, ravishing red sort of way. It's all in the layering, ladies! Of course, this too can be used as a cheek stain. Just a dab on the apples of your cheeks and you'll look like you're blushing, au natural style! (NOTE: Stainiac is pure red, unlike Tarte's Natural Swirl Cheek Stain which is way more on the peach/ pink side of the color spectrum). $14.00
And if you're still feeling icky and sweaty, try using blotting papers... they really do work wonders to absorbs excess oil, rid the face of perspiration and diminish shine. Clean and Clear's Oil Absorbing Sheets are a handy on-the-go pick-me-up for shiny, sweaty mugs (a.k.a. faces). We like them because they wont remove your makeup and they fit nicely in your purse... amazing for nights out on the town (and G-d knows a crowded bar/ club can really get your sweat on)! And, of course, Clean and Clear has long been a skincare brand favorite for problem and acne prone skin types... so, we trust them! $5.29 for a pack of 50


We know it's hot... and humid... and sickly sweaty... so, stay cool, stay calm, stay sweatproof, and, of course, stay beautiful!

Best of Scrubs... DAY 4, Part 2

Today's second scrub is: Philosophy's Pure Grace Scrub

What it is: Perfumed, hot sea salt in a giant tub with natural extracts to moisturize
What it does: "Scrubs away all of the dead, dull skin cells that are disguising your beautiful, radiant soul."
Claim to fame: Inspired by the fresh, clean smell of best-selling Philosophy fragrance, Pure Grace; unique and gentle glycerin-based formula exfoliates; skin will be left soft, but never oily; "tub and shower" scrub.
What we like: The enormity of this product! 23 oz. (and it feels like it)!!! And for $25.00, it's a bargain! After scrubbing, my skin looked incredibly shiny (and I mean, incredibly) and felt impeccably smooth. And the salts washed off without a problem... quickly too. This is definitely a high-powered, no nonsense exfoliator! The smell is super clean, but if you're anti-perfumes, this product is not for you... because it does leave a fragrant odor.

Rating: 8.75 out of 10