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Lisa has a beautiful Valentine's Day
Whether you plan to spend Valentine's Day with your honey, or out partying with your friends (and possibly looking for a sweetie), you want to look totally sexy and have it seem totally effortless - yeah, just about as easy as getting rid of those last 7 pounds you gained from the holidays! Fear not, gentle readers, because I have been experimenting with some new products, and have picked 10 items that I feel will help you look your absolute best for V-day or ANY day, for that matter. From skincare to makeup, here are some products that will help you rock your inner goddess.
Apivita Express Deep Cleansing Mask with Green Argile (6 packets for $24 at beautyexclusive.com)
I was a little worried that a clay-based mask would irritate my complexion, since a combination of pregnancy and arctic weather has left my face on the dry side. Thanks to the gentle combination of Green Clay and Propolis, this mask from Apivita deep cleanses pores, removes excess sebum, and moisturizes beautifully. I also love the little packets, which keep the product fresh, and are very travel-friendly.
Nars Lipstick in Kiss ($23 at sephora.com
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This full-coverage, reddish-copper shade has a bit of shimmer, and looks great with my brown hair and olive-green eyes. You can blot it for more of a stained finish, or apply full on for sexy lips that beg for a smooch.
Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil ($15 at sephora.com
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Seriously, the best eyeliner I have ever used! The formula is super-creamy and blendable upon application, but in about 30 seconds, it sets to a near budge-proof finish. You can do a classic, old-school cat eye, or blend it down for a smoky effect. I already have Zero (creamy black, no shimmer), Covet (vibrant, shimmering teal-green), and my favorite, Baked (creamy, shimmering bronze very close to their older "Alley Cat" color). They just came out with some new shades I'm sure I'll purchase soon!
Flirt! Peek-A-Blush Sheer Powder Cheek Color in "All Dolled Up" ($12, at Kohls.com)
I seriously love splurging on makeup at Kohl's! The quality is great, and the prices are very reasonable. I wanted a new powder blush, and this warm pink caught my eye. Sheer and fresh, it gives cheeks a totally natural flush. I always get compliments on my complexion when I wear this color - people always say, "You look so rested!" Considering that a good night's sleep is hard to come by in the third trimester, I can attest to how magical this color must be :) For day or night, a totally perfect shade!
Neutrogena 3-in-1 Concealer for Eyes (about $10 at CVS)
Finally, a concealer that combines coverage, moisturizer, and sun protection all in one step! This product has made my morning routine more streamlined, which I always appreciate. It blends beautifully, and refuses to settle into fine lines. While it isn't as opaque as some formulas, it covers my circles really well most of the time. If you have a few super-dark spots on a particularly bad day, just dab a touch of traditional concealer over the top - it won't gunk up or appear too heavy. (By the way, right now, I am enamored with Cover Girl Smoothers Concealer. I love it so much, I bought 3 tubes!)
Korres Shower Gel ($11 at beautyexclusive.com)
Moisturizing, deliciously-scented shower gel at a really nice price! With Active Aloe Vera Juice (rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Zinc and Antioxidant Enzymes, which supposedly enhance skin's immune system) and Wheat Proteins, skin stays moisturized even in sub-zero temperatures. I love the bitter almond and fennel fragrances, and can't wait to try the mint tea! Your sweetie will be looking for excuses to touch your soft skin!
Talulah Skin Care Calendula Cream ($22 at talulahskincare.com)
An amazing moisturizing salve that handles everything from dry lips to rough heels, and all the bits in-between! I could do an entire review on all the great products in this line (the Vanilla Bean Cleanser and Oma Serum #1 are to die for!), but this cure-all potion should be in EVERY medicine cabinet! Start using it on your lips and cuticles at night, and watch the transformation!
Estee Lauder Limited Edition Brilliant Shimmer Powder ($32 at esteelauder.com)
Soft, golden and platinum shimmering powders are housed together in this pretty compact. Blend them together and apply (with a light hand) and your face will have a soft, candle-lit glow. This is a limited holiday edition, so be sure to scoop one up before they are all gone.
Cake Beauty It's a Slice Body Lotion ($22 at cakebeauty.com)
This lightweight lotion, rich with coconut oil, mango butter, macadamia nut oil, and aloe vera, absorbs instantly, and does a great job of moisturizing without feeling heavy or sticky. The vanilla and orange scent is luscious and sweet, without being too cloying - definitely the perfect come-hither scent for the holiday.
Sweet Grass Farm Soy Wax Clean Burning Candles ($8.95 at sweetgrassonline.com)
What's Valentine's Day without a little ambiance? These candles from Sweet Grass Farm are deliciously-scented, and made of soy wax. If you're not familiar with soy wax, here's the scoop: it is much healthier for you! Typical paraffin candles release toxins and lots of that black soot - blech! These candles burn MUCH cleaner and they are made from 100% USA grown soybeans, a renewable resource! And, at $9 for an 8oz candle, they are incredibly affordable. You’ll want one in every scent! I personally tried the green tea, which is crisp and fresh. Other scents include lavender, citrus-basil, New England woods, baked apples and cream, maple sugar, blueberry, white lilac, and coastal bayberry. If you are worried about an open flame in your home, but still want fragrance, consider their fragrance sticks, which you can find online.
Enjoy the holiday, however you choose to spend it!
- Lisa
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Posted February 12, 2007
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