WEEKLY MUST-HAVE: Per-fekt Body Perfection Gel

Sometimes, there just aren't enough hours in the day. The beach beckons your name but, sadly, you have to work overtime for that Monday morning presentation. Or, perhaps, you're that rare type of girl that loathes laying out and catching rays.

When tragedies like the above strike, it's nice to know there's an alternative that doesn't consist of streaky self-tanners, tanning beds or spray tans. There's Per-fekt Body Perfection Gel for those days - and nights - when your body yearns for the instant glow of a tan but time (and the sun) has escaped you.

Per-fekt Body Perfection Gel is a gel-like lotion that evens out skin tone while creating the perfect bronzed color. The formula comes in Brilliant, a sun-kissed beige, Golden, a warm tan, Exotic, a rich chocolate, and, most recently, tan, a natural tan. The sheer matte gel reminds me of another favorite, Scott Barnes Body Bling, except that Bling contains an overload of shimmer and has a tendency to get on your threads (although it does leave your gams looking gorgeous). Per-fekt is matte so it doesn't have the shimmer quality and it dries/ absorbs into the skin much faster so you don't need to worry about leaving marks on your clothing.

Both are great. I still love me some Bling for that special night out but for everyday use, Per-fekt is less of a mess and hassle and still achieves the overall desired effect of a sun kissed bronze hue. And, of course, my favorite part, it's only a one night commitment -- washes off with soap and water!

No excuses for pale skin - go get your tan on asap.

PRICE TAG: $48.00

WEEKLY MUST HAVE: Weleda Sea Buckthorn Body Oil

Weleda is definitely one of my favorite drugstore organic brands. It's so well priced, there is no excuse not to add organic into your  beauty routine.

Their summer products are amazing, from the new Citrus Deodorant Spray (Rose is one of my must-haves, but Citrus makes a great summer scent), to the Refining Toner, a great pick-me-up for all skin types. But what I'm really obsessing over is the Sea Buckthorn Body Oil, a delicious musky citrus oil that leaves skin soft and smooth and looking 10 LB's thinner!

Let's not kid ourselves: summer is a time to show some skin. And while we like to give a little leg, a dry, crispy thigh is less than cute. But slather on the oil and you've got yourself a body to envy - not to mention that the oil is actually healthy for your skin, packed with antioxidants and vitamins.

I like to use oil directly after showering, while my body is still wet, prior to a towel dry. I let the oil naturally absorb while I do my hair and makeup and then I'll get dressed. I still have a faint hint of oil left on my body and people always recognize how lean my limbs are looking -- and compliment the delicious scent that the oil exudes, all natural, no perfume necessary!

If you order now from the Weleda website (click here), you will receive a FREE full size Sea Buckthorn Body Wash to go with your new Body Oil! Enter "SEABUCKTHORN" at checkout.

We love FREE almost as much as we love glistening gams!

PRICE TAG: $25.00

WEEKLY MUST HAVE: Tarte's Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush

Blush can really turn your entire face around. It literally can make you smile - without ever having to move your lips. While Tarte is known for their cult-favorite cream blushes and cheek stains, they've recently launched a powder blush made out of Amazon clay and it's swoon-worthy!

 flush

Tarte's Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush was inspired by their best-selling cheek and lip stains. I actually like them MORE because, applied with a brush, you get a very natural effect that you can build on from day to night for a more dramatic, intense evening look.

 natural beauty

And the 8 shades are so sensational, I literally want to wear each one day after day. But I do have a favorite (or two). Number One favorite has to be Natural Beauty - a perfectly red-hued girly girl blush. Number Two is Flush, a deep berry that gives you that seductive, flirty "flushed" effect. Other colors are light pink, bright pink (great for summer), even a coral and a nude.

A word (or several...) from the company:

"These solar-baked blushes are infused with Amazonian Clay, nature's most perfect ingredient. These nutrient rich
and skin-nourishing Amazonian clay blushes restore harmony for a flawless finish that lasts all day.

The soft blush is great for all skin types:
Oily skin: Amazonian clay minimizes oil in and around pores to balance skin and keep product in place
Dry skin: Amazonian clay hydrates skin naturally to restore moisture so your blush wears better & longer
Dull skin: Amazonian clay improves the appearance of skin clarity and skin texture
Combination skin: Amazonian clay is completely intuitive; gives skin an overall smooth & even appearance"

The color lasts for hours (not exactly 12, but close enough) and, as with all Tarte products, the blush is made sans parabens, sulfates, synthetic fragrances and petrochemicals.

Good for the environment = Good for your skin.

PRICE TAG: $25.00

WEEKLY MUST HAVE: Caudalie Quenching Sorbet-Creme

Long live the face creme! While every other blog and media outlet will be inundating you with royal coverage, I thought, why not discuss a great cream to make us all feel regal?

So enters Caudalie Quenching Sorbet-Creme. While we all can't be real life royal heiness', we can definitely feel (and look) like royalty. And that all starts with the complexion.

Why I'm liking Caudalie Quenching Sorbet-Creme:

• it's lightweight
• hydrates well but absorbs easily
• makes my skin feel nice ans smooth
• leaves my face glowing
• contains natural ingredients like grape-seed polyphenols, anti-oxidants, camomile and shea butter that recharge the skin
• the packaging is pretty and pink
• great for sensitive skin that still needs moisture
• paraben-free and made without mineral oil
• perfect to apply prior to makeup, gets the skin nice and moisturized

I think it's the perfect spring/ summer face moisturizer and I LOVE that it's in a pump (this way your dirty hands don't contaminate the cream. 

A word (or several...) from the company:

"With its ultra-natural formula, Quenching Sorbet-Crème deeply hydrates all skin types, even the hyper-sensitive ones. The skin is instantly rehydrated, softened and soothed. Skin is immediately relieved of tightness and irritation."


Here's to hoping that HRH Kate Middleton used such a fab creme!

PRICE TAG:  $40.00 for 1.3 oz

WEEKLY MUST HAVE: David Babaii Bohemian Beach Spray

This week, our must have is coming a bit early. I'm taking a (much needed ) vacation, so I'm going to be radio silent from Beauty Banter for a few days. I'll try and check in early next week with a beachy update (perhaps a Spring Break Glam post?)...

In honor of my surf and sun vaca, I thought I'd post about one of my all time favorite vacation hair fixtures - David Babaii's Bohemian Beach Spray. I'm a sucker for au natural beach curls when lounging ocean-side and nothing helps to make a wave like a little beach spray (ocean water works wonders on the locks too). I have long been obsessed with John Frieda's Beach Spray - it had the perfect mix of shine, wave and hold sans the crunch factor - but, sadly, they discontinued. David Babaii's Bohemian Beach Spray is a pretty good alternative.

A word (or several...) from the company:
"Bohemian Beach Spray is an eco-friendly non-aerosol styling spray that works for all hair types.  It can be used on wet or dry hair to create various hair textures and volume. Globally sourced, Bohemian Beach Spray contains sea salt from the Dead Sea in Israel for naturally enhanced texture; mineral  rich Volcanic Ash from the Vanauatu Islands of the South Pacific for increased volume; a trio of Blue Algae, Mango and Kiwi  that keep hair thoroughly hydrated.  Shea Butter, Jojoba Oil, Hemp Oil and Cupuacu Butter further aid moisture retention. This extraordinary blend works together to create texture or volume, while strengthening and moisturizing. "

So, it's got the organic thing going on which I LOVE and it's good for my hair yet it still gives me that beachy, messy, just-stepped-out-of-the-ocean -curl thing. Au Natural never looked so good.

Vacation here I come! Hey, my hair gets a well-deserved vaca too!

PRICE TAG: $16.16

WEEKLY MUST HAVE: Tarina Tarantino Pearl Glow Primer

I'm not going to lie, I don't always use a primer in the winter months. My skin is more sensitive and dry and I just don't feel like I need the added coverage. But come Spring and Summer, and a primer is the first step to my everyday makeup routine (when I wear face makeup).

But Spring is all about perfect, glowing, dewy skin - and if you weren't blessed with it via the gene pool, then you better fake it.

Which leads us to my current discovery: Tarina Tarantino Pearl Glow Primer. It gives you that ethereal, "glowing from the inside" luminosity. It's super light and, like all primers, should be applied after a moisturizer, prior to makeup. Think of it as carrying around your very own hand held lighting equipment - for that perfectly highlighted, pop of pearl shimmer. It makes your skin that beautiful.

I'm semi-obsessed with this specific primer because it looks so good alone, sans makeup. Truth be told, I have yet to wear it with makeup at all! And when I apply after my morning moisturizer, I use nothing else, yet people stop me and ask what's different about me? Am I well rested? Did I just get a facial? A peel? The secret to my glowing skin... a glowing primer.

Pearl Glow reminds me of another longtime favorite: Fresh Twilight Primer, although the Fresh one is definitely more creamy in consistency, hence it is a bit thicker and heavier on the skin. I think I'm actually preferring Tarina Tarantino's lighter, liquidy fluid. It casts a softer glow and doesn't cake up even the slightest. I have a feeling it'll look pretty fab with makeup on too. Will try it tonight, but I'm sure that it won't disappoint.

PRICE TAG: $32.00

WEEKLY MUST HAVE: MAC Studio Fix Lash

If I had a dollar for every time I said I have found my new favorite mascara... I'd be a very rich girl. Well, ladies, I've done it again. Another find, another must-have. MAC Studio Fix Lash Mascara. And to think, it was just idly sitting in my drawer this entire time.

I recently did a clean out of all of my mascaras. It was time. They were getting old and clumpy and not applying properly which was frusterating the sh*t out of me. That's when I decided to look in my drawer of tricks (goodies) for a new mascara. And then I found it. MAC Studio Fix Lash.

With it's skinny plastic applicator, it gets the formula in those hard to reach places - like the inner corners of your eyes and directly on the lash line. With one application I have mega volume, clump-free and the perfect separation. The color is that dark black, almost like falsies. And it stays on all day without so much as rubbing or flecking off.

A word (or several...) from the company:

"Innovative, mousse-like formula gives superior definition, volume and lift by filling in sparse lashes for a dramatic effect. New moulded brush prevents clumping. Rich in pigments. Long-wearing polymers quickly coat from root to tip. Keeps lashes light, lifted, supple, and full. No clumping."

I've got to assume that this is a makeup artist favorite because the applicator really allows you to get into the lash line while the formula gives you that fake lash look. And it's SO easy to apply - how can you not go gaga over it? Perfect finish to a smokey eye. Or great to wear alone for a heavy lash effect with a bold red lip. LOVE IT!

So, if you're like me and on a constant quest for the best mascara, you must try this one! And let me know your thoughts!!! Do you adore as much as we do? 

PRICE TAG: $14.00 (I must say, very affordable for a high end mascara in these current times!)

WEEKLY MUST-HAVE: Yes To Cucumbers Facial Towelettes

Envision this: It's late at night. you've just gotten home from an evening of drinking and dancing. You're exhausted and the last thing you feel like doing is washing off your makeup.

Does this sound relatable?

If so, I've got the solution for you. While I've reviewed a variety of facial cleansing wipes over the years on this site - clearly, I'm a fan - I've recently discovered yet another one that makes my face happy and, in turn, makes me happy. It does the 3 MUSTS - removes makeup, cleanses my skin and doesn't make me break out. The bonus with Yes To Cucumbers Facial Towelettes is that the cucumber, aloe vera and green tea are so refreshing, my skin actually glows after wiping. They're also 98.7% natural, a major bonus as I'm trying to use all, or close to all, natural products on my skin ( I notice a huge difference in my skin's texture when I go natural and organic).

The wipes are blended with organic cucumber (to nurture), aloe vera (to soothe) and Dead Sea minerals (to lock in the goodness). They easily and effectively remove all makeup and grime. Great to use as a mid day pick-me-up or after a work out (perhaps yoga or hiking?). For me, I love them late night because that's when I'm the most lazy with my skin care regimen. But I must admit, I rarely ever skip washing my face.

I'll usually use the towelettes as a makeup remover prior to using my cleanser. It's just a great way to remove the makeup that my cleanser may have a tougher time getting to. So, I'll wipe with the towelette and follow up with a quick face wash. A dab of moisturizer, some eye cream (always! - I'm a stickler for the eye cream. Wrinkles are NOT an option), and then I'm good to go. Alas, if I am feeling oh-so tired and I just can't make it to the sink, I do feel rest assured that Yes to Cucumbers Facial Towelettes will hold me over until morning comes....

PRICE TAG: $4.49 (for pack of 30)

WEEKLY MUST-HAVE - Jason Cocoa Butter

This isn't just a must-have, this is an obsession, must run out and buy in bulk asap. I was debating putting this as a "Drugstore Find" because, well, you can find it in a drugstore and the price is so reasonable, but, after a vicious fight with myself, I opted for the "Weekly Must-Have" posting because EVERYONE must own this product ---

Jason Cocoa Butter Ultra-Intensive Moisturizing Creme - the one cream you need to own right now during these brutal, frigid winter months. Everyone knows that cocoa butter is a great source of moisture and hydration but I have never found a cocoa butter that I like more. The consistency is like whipped butter milk, the scent, a soft yet rich coconut meets vanilla (two of my favorite scents!). It comes in a jar, slather it on your body, paying close attention to hands, feet, knees and elbows  - the end result - skin that is hydrated, smooth, soft and radiant.

A word (or several...) from the company:
"JASON has developed this 70% Certified Organic Cocoa Butter Creme to impart luxurious softness. Cocoa Butter, Jojoba and Avocado Oils, blended with Vitamins A & E create a high-performance renewal moisturizer that results in a smoother, more radiant complexion. Perfect for use in punishing environments of sun, wind and high altitudes. Also wonderful during pregnancy for a stretching belly."

NOTE TO SELF: Helps with stretch marks... bonus! 70% organic... extra bonus!

I have used practically the entire 4 oz jar in one weekend because I am so obsessed wtih the feel and smell of the cream. It's equal parts refreshing, soothing and moisturizing and literally will leave you smelling good enough to devour.... men, beware!

PRICE TAG: ON SALE! $4.99 BUY IN BULK!

WEEKLY MUST-HAVE: COCONUT WATER!

I'm seriously obsessed. I drink at least one daily. If I could I'd drink it all day long. Coconut water is "known for being a light moisturizer that also decreases excessive oil on the skin, which could make it beneficial for smoothing out combination skin as well." source

"Coconut water is low in fat and calories, has no cholesterol, and has a natural balance of sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium- making it a healthy electrolyte drink. It has even been used intravenously to stabilize electrolytes... Since it regulates the functioning of the intestine, the coconut water propitiates to the user a smoother and pretty skin. Beyond ingested, the coconut water can also be used directly on the face, for skin hydration." source

I love that there are so many benefits to coconut water but what I really adore is the taste. It's part refreshing, part hydrating, not too sweet, not too bitter, just the right amount of flavor mixed with water. It taste quite like a coconut watered down.

Coconut water has become so sought after that they basically sell it in every liquor store/ bordella/ gas station/ convenience store/ supermarket near you.

Zico is a great choice (the one I drink). You can find it in a plastic bottle or a cardboard box. It retails for around $3.25.
VitaCoco is also very popular and comes in a cardboard box. It retails for about the same amount.
If you desire completely fresh coconut juice, they have that too. It's harder to find but if you type in "fresh juice" and your location, you should find a place that makes fresh juices and, alas, coconut water too.
In NYC, Liquiteria is a great option. In LA, try Beverly Hills Juice.

WEEKLY MUST-HAVE: Neo Strata Foaming Glycolic Wash

Neo Strata brings me back to my years in high school. I used to use the AHA Toner religiously. Just recently, Neo Strata re-entered my life in the form of a Foaming Glycolic Wash, AHA 20.

While being a teen, AHA helped to fight acne flair ups. As an adult the same exact ingredient is used to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles. Worth noting, I think I got a head start on this. Maybe teen acne isn't that bad for the skin afterall!

This wash is truly genius. It foams on application and washes away all dirt and grime without leaving a residue. It doesn't over dry or strip the skin of natural oils but it DOES CLEAN! You can use morning and evening without fear of irritation.

Benefits of AHA Foaming Glycolic Wash:


Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
18% Glycolic Acid
Self-foaming delivery
Soap-free
Mildly exfoliates
Creates an even skin tone
Treats and prevents acne blemishes

While the packaging looks more medicinal then cosmetic, the ingredients really work and this is a cleanser that can be used by those young and old to fight acne and aging. I am so thrilled to have rediscovered an old gem!

PRICE TAG: $29.99

WEEKLY MUST-HAVE: Chanel Inimitable Mascara

Oh where, oh where has this mascara been hiding?! I've discovered my newest holy grail mascara just in time for the holiday season. If you're in the market for a new mascara, pay close attention.... I'm hearting Chanel Inimitable Mascara in Black.

Let's start with the applicator - always a telltale sign of what's to come. This mascara boasts a thin plastic applicator, great for getting into those hard to reach places. The formula is outstanding. It volumizes, lengthens, curls and separates all while coating eyes with the blackest black. What I really notice when wearing this mascara is how it doesn't clump... SIGH. While my lashes are long, long, long and thick, they're also clump-free and pure batty lashes. I was noticing with my old must-have, Dior Extase, that my lashes were clumping like crazy and while the formula delivered lengthy lashes, it didn't do much in the separation department.

A word (or several...) from the company:

"A sophisticated formula and unique brush design combine to deliver lush, long-wearing colour so precisely that each lash, even the finest, is perfectly defined and separated. Pro-Vitamin B5 hydrates and conditions lashes to keep them supple and healthy-looking."

I've discovered my new daily must-have mascara --- what have YOU been wearing?

PRICE TAG: $30.00

WEEKLY MUST HAVE: Oribe Signature Moisture Masque

Temps are bitter and my entire body is feeling the chill --- even my hair. Dehydrated and brittle strands are never stylish. That's where Oribe Signature Moisture Masque enters the picture. It's one of the most amazing hair masks I've used in ages.

This paraben-free, color safe mask is just what you need for the frigid winter season. I apply once or twice a week but you can use it everyday too. The deep treatment is weightless and leaves hair fully hydrated, manageable and smooth. 

Made from some of the best ingredients, Oribe's Signature Moisture Masque will have your hair looking sleek and reinvigorated.... within the first use!

A word (or several...) from the company:

"• Lychee Extract defends hair from oxidative stress, photo-aging and the deterioration of keratin.
• Watermelon Extract, from the Kalahari Desert, provides natural protection against oxidative stress and deterioration of natural keratin.
• Kaempferia Galanga Root Extract delivers natural UV protection.
• Keratin-Derived Active penetrates the cortex and creates a shield on the surface of the hair to fortify and provide anti-aging protection.
• Amber Extract contains antioxidant, conditioning and strengthening properties.
• Sunflower Seed Extract delivers incredible shine.
• Macadamia Nut Seed Oil, from the Australian rain forest, provides smoothing and antioxidant properties.
• Wild Mango Butter increases shine and combability."




Everyone's hair deserves a little Rx... here's your prescription!


PRICE TAG: $59.00 for 5.9 fl oz

WEEKLY MUST HAVE: Kate Logan Beauty Shea Salvation Balm

If your skin is anything like mine, than the harsh winter takes a brutal toll on the hydration factor. Well, lucky us, UK cult favorite, Kate Logan Beauty, has the perfect remedy.... and I'm OBSESSED.

Shea Salvation Balm is a miracle worker for chapped skin. It contains antioxidant rich Rice Bran, super healing Lavender and soothing Shea Butter to moisturize the dryest of skin. Use it all over your body or just spot treat (i.e. use on hands, feet, elbows, etc.). The Balm is a bit grainy until rubbed together and then it bursts into a wonderful oil that smells of lavender and coats the skin with its intense moisturizing abilities.The result: soft, smooth, healthy and hydrated skin!

Like all Kate Logan products, the Shea Salvation Balm comes in the prettiest of glass jars and looks like a handmade recipe. Actually, it is handmade so the packaging suits the product. There is a "created on" date and a "use by" date so that you get maximum effectiveness from the formula. The jar is small enough to keep next to your bed and pretty enough to flaunt on your counter.

Salvation Balm is a winter life saver. Your skin's never had it so good!

PRICE TAG: 16.99 POUNDS for 60 ml (a little goes a loooooong way)

WEEKLY MUST HAVE: YSL ROUGE PUR COUTURE 1

A red lip is vital for the holiday season. While I've always been keen on MAC's reds, I've just discovered that YSL makes a pretty bad ass red too: Rouge Pur Couture in Le Rouge #1.

The entire Rouge Pur Couture collection explores our love affair with orange, red and fuchsia colors. But Le Rouge is my favorite, a fire-engine, candy apple red hue that awakens the pout. As Ciara (a fan of Le Rouge) puts it, "YSL Pur lipsticks are amazing because they have serious staying power!" It's true. The lippy stays on through food, smiles and even a few pecks.

I'm obsessed with Le Rouge because it is the perfect red. Not too deep or crimson, not too orange and not too burgandy. It is a straight-up RED that looks amazing on brunettes (as I am at the moment).  If it's not the perfect red for you, rest assured you will find the right hue in the Rouge Pur Collection (click here).

**TIP** When wearing a red lip, it is important to let the lip be the focal point of the face, so don't overdue the eyes and cheeks. A clean, flawless complexion is always a plus and a few coats of mascara should be all you need.

PRICE TAG: $30.00

WEEKLY MUST HAVE: Mario Badescu Drying Lotion

Few things are as annoying as a zit. They seem to pop up at the most inopportune times. Like right before that special evening out. Or class pictures. You get the drift.

Anyway, I've found few products that work as well as this oldie... Mario Badescu's Drying Lotion. I've been using it on and off since high school and I swear it's saved me many of embarrassing moments. It's a spot treatment, used with a q-tip so your hands never touch the product making sure not to add bacterias and germs to the formula therefore transmitting it to your face. I use it before bed and sleep with it overnight. You aren't meant to rub it in, just dab and let it dry. It does it's work, trust me. by morning the zit is seriously diminished. Like magic.

A word (or several...) from the comany:

"Formulated with salicylic acid, calamine and other quick-drying ingredients, this product will shrink ugly whiteheads virtually overnight while you sleep. While other acne spot treatments can irritate and dry delicate or sensitive skin, this product is safe and effective for all skin types.
BEAUTY TIP: Great for back acne and breakouts on the chest. The Drying Lotion will also take the itch out of mosquito bites fast!"

PRICE TAG: $17.00

It's a steal!

WEEKLY MUST-HAVE: Ole Henriksen African Red Tea Exfoliating Lip Salvation

If you are an avid reader of this blog (which you should be), then you are well aware of my obsession with lippies. I love them all - clear ones, colored ones, sticks, tubes, glosses... all of them.

My latest discovery comes courtesy of an article I did for style.com in which Katy Perry discusses the items in her makeup bag. Ole Henriksen's African Red Tea Exfoliating Lip Salvation was one of her must-haves. Said Katy, "this is an exfoliating lip treatment that's amazing after a long day of lipstick. It keeps my lips feeling moist and fresh, and it tastes good, too."

I couldn't agree more. The Red Tea Exfoliating Lip Salvation is both hydrating and refreshing. It goes on with the slightest shade of pink -- more like cranberry -- to the pout. I swear, I feel exfoliating crystals working their magic getting off all of the dead skin (but I could be totally wrong) although it definitely does leaves lips smooth and kiss-worthy.

A word (or several...) from the company:

"This petroleum free lip salve is filled with emollient and conditioning extracts and antioxidant-rich African red tea. African red tea Strengthens the skin’s outer layer, slows the aging process, calms and soothes the skin."

The paraben and sulfate-free lippy comes in a jar and is applied by using your finger. Dab and go.

PRICE TAG: $15.00

WEEKLY MUST-HAVE: Fresh Sugar Plum

Fresh Sugar Plum Lip Treatment with SPF 15 is my newest obsession. I've only had it for 2 days and I am constantly applying to my lips. 

Like the cult-favorite Sugar Rose Lip Treatment, Plum offers sheer coverage or buildable color. It gives the most amazing berry sheen to the pout, very natural, quite like you just ate a plum or basket of berries! Almost a stain of color but the lip treatment is tres tres moisturizing leaving lips looking fab and feeling healthy.

A word (or several...) from the company:
"It's formulated with sugar, a natural humectant that prevents moisture loss, and a superior blend of nourishing oils and protective waxes to soften and smooth dry lips. Antioxidant-rich vitamins also work to defend against wrinkle-causing free radicals. It also provides essential year-round protection from damaging UV rays with SPF 15."

"On a recent summer vacation, we spent time on a farm in France where there was a magnificent plum orchard that stretched to the horizon—plum trees as far as the eye could see. At first light, the sun would stream through the orchard, warming the irresistible, juicy plums. Ripe for the picking, I tasted one and was surprised at how the deep, dark skin of the plum gave way to a translucent burgundy pulp. Inspired by this unveiling, I created Sugar Plum Lip Treatment SPF 15, a dark bullet that delivers a mysteriously sheer and utterly sensuous tint."—Alina Roytberg, Fresh Co-founder




Sure, rose is super chic but plums are in season....


PRICE TAG: $22.50

WEEKLY MUST HAVE: Tied Up And Tousled

Accessories really make the outfit. Hair accessories are no exception. I've just been introduced to the most fabulous line of hair gear -- Tied Up And Tousled -- and I literally haven't taken the band off of my head since receiving it.

SEE: 3 different nights, 3 different outfits, all with my fab Tied Up And Tousled goddess band.

Wear them low or high, across your forehead or in your hair, these headbands are the best. They are self-adjusting (with an elastic or string back) and one size fits all. They have lace ones, metallic ones, string ones and even blinged out ones. Seriously, anything that you fancy. And some of the headbands are one-of-a-kinds! Check out the site by clicking here and live on the wild side.... start to accessorize that head of yours!

PRICE TAG: The one I'm wearing is called the "Angela" and is $24.00

WEEKLY MUST-HAVE: Olivina Hand Creme

I'm a sucker for a good hand cream. In fact, I have hand cream stashed away in every room of my house and always carry it in my purse when I am out and about. So, you can imagine my excitement on discovering my newest must-have hand cream: Olivina Hand Creme in Honeysuckle Rose.

Let's start with the scent, a combination of rose garden meets honeysuckle blossoms to deliver a powerful and intoxicating floral fragrance. If you despise floral, this is not the hand cream for you. I, on the other hand, love a fresh rose scent and this offers exactly that. Whenever I apply to my hands, my friends immediately ask for a dollop of their own. It's that contagious.

The consistency is somewhat thick and ultra creamy but absorbs leaving hands feeling silky and hydrated. A little goes a long way so no need to waste. And the tube is so pretty, it's the perfect on-the-go cream: compact and delicately feminine.

The nourishing ingredients work to keep hands moisturized throughout the day. "Grapeseed and extra virgin olive oil conditions skin, while pure shea butter, coconut, sweet almond and rose-hip seed oils help maintain skin's moisture balance."

Give your hands a rest. Treat them to a delicious treat... they deserve it!

PRICE TAG: $16.20 for 2.5 oz