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Warm weather finds
We are still getting some cool nights here in the Midwest, but warm, sunshine-filled days are here to say. I love spring and summer, but as the days get hotter I seek simplicity in my product routine. I have found some great new items to make looking great in the heat easier than ever! So, without further adieu, here is my annual warm weather color report.
Estee Lauder has some items I'm really excited about this season. EL has been a favorite of mine for years because of their quality products and beautiful seasonal color collections. I really look forward to their new items, and always pick up a couple of new goodies each season.
For spring 2006, we get their take on "Mediterranean Colors", a collection of lush, feminine hues that focus on papaya and berry shades for lips and cheeks, with accents of green, ivory, and beautiful browns. If I close my eyes (and have a rum drink or two!), I can almost feel the warm, ocean breezes and taste the tropical fruit!
For lips, Pure Color Crystal Lipstick ($22) is a forever-staple in my cosmetic bags. The colors are beautiful and moisturizing, and have a hint of fig scent that smells so delicious. For day, I love the new, sheer shades of Ripe Papaya and Sweet Lychee. They look great with a neutral work look, and add a bright pop of color that still manages to be subtle and pretty. For evening, the richness of Red Apple makes for a sophisticated mouth that is the center of attention. All you need is a swipe of barely-there nude cream shadow (try Benefit Cosmetics cream shadow in Naughty Feather, $14) and Estee Lauder More Than Mascara Moisture-Binding Formula ($21) in Rich Black. Normally, I won't spend so much on mascara when there are such great, inexpensive brands at my local drugstore, but this tube reminded me of why it is a nice splurge every once in a while. This mascara moisturizes lashes, and has excellent pigment that offers subtle thickness and length that is perfect for work. I also like its traditional, full brush; it coats lashes evenly and completely without gunking them up.
For eyes, try EL's silky, richly pigmented Eye Shadow Quad in Charming Pink ($37). The only negative aspect of purchasing a multiple-color eyeshadow compact is you typically get one color that you will never use, and while that also holds true for this one, I like the other colors enough that it makes up for it. Charming Pink contains three beautiful pastels (soft shades of pink, mint, and butter) and one crazy shade of bright fuchsia that will never touch my own lids. If my skin was darker, it would probably look great, but my pale skin does not do well with bright pink around the eyes!
In June, Estee Lauder will debut its newest lip gloss, High Gloss Lip Gloss ($16). Considering my well-known lip color addiction, I was very fortunate to get to try this new item before it hits the Estee Lauder counters. I love luxury lip gloss, and this one is especially nice. It is really shiny, with no stickiness at all, and the colors are just fantastic. I especially like Jewel (sheer brownish-burgundy), Bronze (shimmering golden brown) and Rose (pinky-gold). The slant-tip applicator is great for keeping applications easy and mess-free.
During the summer, I am always looking for a multi-tasking day moisturizer that contains sunscreen. Estee Lauder DayWear Plus Multi-Protection Anti-Oxidant Lotion SPF 30 (1.7 oz for $38) has a host of hydrators and anti-oxidants like South African Red Tea, White Tea, White Birch, and an Estee Lauder exclusive called Eukarion that promises to activate skin's own defenses against free-radicals, and the damage they cause. Aside from the complicated, scientific mumbo-jumbo, I found this lotion to be a great, lightweight moisturizer that made my skin look smooth and glowing, without breaking it out. I have been using it daily, and my skin has responded beautifully. I also like the fresh cucumber scent! The lotion comes in different formulas, depending on your skin type. I personally chose normal/combination for my skin's cranky, split personality.
Once again, Benefit Cosmetics has put out the cutest seasonal color palettes! The Benefit "Beauty Salon" has created three adorable palettes in shades of nude, pink, and peach. Each mirrored palette contains one eye shadow, one cheek cream, and one shimmering lip gloss that will work with a variety of skin tones. Heel's Low, Hair High is a collection of wearable nude shades, I Can't Hair a Word You're Saying contains a pretty collection of petal pinks, and Look Me Up and Comb Me Over is soft, peachy perfection. Each palette is a mere $22, and will delight any makeup maven. Perfect for yourself, or gifting to a fellow cosmetic junkie!
In my opinion, Neutrogena has really become one of the best drugstore lines available. I love their newest products, and I tend to linger in their aisle at my local Walgreen's. I adore their new Mineral Sheers Powder Foundation (about $11) because it provides coverage without being overly-shimmer-y like some brands, and the pure mineral formulation means no break-outs! The fact that the brush is included is ultra-convenient, which means it goes with me on all my business trips. MoistureShine Lip Soother Cooling Hydragel ($6) is a perfect everyday lip protector because it has just a hint of color, yummy fruity flavor, and SPF 20 to protect my kisser from sunburn.
I also love Neutrogena hair products, and have been using their Triple Moisture Silk Touch Leave-In Cream (about $7) almost every day. On days I am just going to be around the house, I rub a small amount into my damp hair and let dry naturally. While it does not give much hold per se, it does keep frizz under control and makes my hair shiny and soft. On days I need a bit more control, I mix it with another new favorite: Aquage Illuminating Gelade (4 oz for $14). This product is a cross between a gel and pomade, so it gives super control and shine without being sticky or too greasy - it really is a great combination! You can apply, scrunch, and let hair dry naturally for soft waves and texture.
When it comes to washing my face during the warmer months, I need something that will keep oil at bay, but not dry or over-strip my skin. A new favorite facial cleanser of mine is Simply Divine Botanicals Black Velvet Foaming Facial Wash (4oz for $20). While it looks a little scary in the bottle (it is a dark brown with little bits), it cleanses beautifully with 100% organic aloe, oils of avocado & jojoba, and a host of essential oils and extracts. I find it does a great job of speeding the healing of blemishes, as well as making my pores appear a little smaller. It also smells lovely without the addition of any synthetic perfumes or fragrances. I also like using it when the acne on my back flares up! The only downside is that it can be a little messy in a light-colored shower because of the dark brown color :)
With all of these great new items, it looks like it is going to be a beautiful summer! Pare down your beauty routine with these great new products, and get out there and enjoy the beautiful weather!
- Lisa
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Posted May 21, 2006
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