Repurchase Worthy: 5 Products I'll Buy Again and Again

Beauty's SUCH a crowded space - there are new products to tempt constantly. And while I've always loved discovery - testing new products as opposed to rebuying past favorites - these days, I'm busier than ever and thereby less interested in exploring and more interested in guaranteed efficacy. That translates to more and more repurchases. Included in the mix most recently:

• Maybelline's new Color Whisper by Color Sensational Lipstick - this lightweight formula, available in 20 shades, is sheer and moisturizing. It's the kind of lipstick that you can apply confidently without a mirror - I love the boost darker shades like Mad for Magenta and Who Wore It Red-er (seen above) offer. Best of all, they're a steal at just $7.49. Snag online here or at your local drugstore.
• Tocca Stella, a juicy blood orange, is one of my favorite fragrances of all time. As such, I'll take it in every formulation available to me, but ESPECIALLY in the moisturizing Hand Wash, available for $18 at Beautyhabit.
• It's nearly impossible for toothpaste to be glamorous, but Marvis makes the impossible POSSIBLE. Their toothpastes, available in a myriad of unique flavors (my favorite is Amarelli Licorice, seen above, but there's also Jasmine Mint, Ginger Mint, Aquatic Mint and several others) turns a beauty chore into a beauty treat - and for that, I'll gladly pay $10.50 a tube. Explore the gloriously Italian assortment of Marvis over at Beauty.com.
• Frigid weather has REALLY taken a toll on my skin in the past week or two, so I've been relying on the heavy-duty moisture to be found in Yu-Be, the quirky yet concentrated glycerin-based moisturizer from Japan. I keep a tub bedside for urgent moisturization needs, and find myself actually enjoying the camphor scent (it dissipates quickly, for those of you who are less tolerant.) Snag Yu-Be at a Sephora store near you - they even keep handy purse-sized tubes near check out. Priced from $16-$25.
• I've recently come to believe that Dove endorses laziness. Now, now -hear me out. I base this assumption on the best-in-class performance of their Deep Moisture Body Wash with NutriumMoisture technology. This rich body cleanser is one of the ONLY I've ever used that simply negates the need for moisturizer entirely. If winter weather has your skin feeling dry, tight or itchy, pick up a bottle (they're huge and will last you forever, btdubs) at Drugstore.com, or your closest mass market retailer. 

Sweat-Proofing Your Life: Three Essentials

In the past year and a half,  I've made a real personal commitment to fitness, and it's absolutely changed my life. Not only am I slimmer and stronger, but I also have infinitely more energy and confidence. That said, while I appreciate all of the good things I've dervived from working out, there's still one thing I can do without - sweating! And though I choose primarily low-impact strength training like Mat 57 (that's Physique 57's version of pilates, for the uninitiated) and Chaise 23's Reinvention Chair, even a strength-based session can wreak havok on your appearance, making post-workout brunching that much more difficult. To avoid such 'ish, I've taken to tucking the following essentials in my gym tote - do the same and you may thank me!

Dove Clinical Protection Clear Tone Antiperspirant & Deodorant

It's not an exaggeration to say that I give thanks for this new Dove anti-perspirant and deodorant DAILY, as it not only keeps me desert-dry and smelling sweet, but it also incorporates Calendula, Sunflower Seed Extracts and moisturizers unique to Dove to ensure a more even skin tone (read: no pesky underarm darkness!) Snag at your local mass retailer or online for $7.99 at Drugstore.com.

Big Sexy Hair Weather Proof Humidity Resistant Spray

With summer rapidly approaching and global warming leaving us with a hideously damp spring, it's no exaggeration to say that a mist of Big Sexy Hair's new Weather Proof Humidity Resistant Spray is a non-negotiable, pre-workout or post. The uber-fine mist protects hair from humidity and adds just enough hold, without a HINT of stickiness. Available at Ulta for $18.95.

Always Radiant Wipes-To-Go

My lady parts are important to me, so I never leave home without one or two individually-wrapped Always Radiant Wipes-To-Go tucked in my bag. These gentle wet cloths keep your delicate parts feeling so fresh, so clean (forgive me, Outkast.) Pick them up in the feminine hygiene aisle or on the interwebz for $8.79 at Soap.com.

Make Friends With Your Hair, Dove Suggests, Very Seriously.

I don't know about you, but I can count the women I know who are HAPPY with their hair on a SINGLE hand, and on some terrible (often, HUMID) days, a single FINGER. But the folks at  Dove® Hair Care remain hopelessly (some might say blindly...) optimistic that with a little change in 'tude, women everywhere can learn to make friends with their hair. In fact, they've teamed up with one of my fave actresses-  Rashida Jones -  to launch the SHINY and NEW  Dove® “Make Friends with Your Hair” campaign.

You can learn more in the vid above, but in essence, the campaign invites gals like you and I to share our most unpredictable hair stories for a chance at a hair GLORY. Enter to win by creating a video up to 90 seconds, sharing how your hair has an alter ego by telling a story, acting out a humorous scene or even singing an original song. Three finalists will win a VIP trip to New York - the greatest city in the world, obvs - and a hair transformation by celebrity stylist Mark Townsend (it will be epic, take my word on it). America will then exercise their right to vote (it's DEMOCRACY, friends) on DoveHair.com/friends and Facebook.com/Dove for their favorite finalist to star in a Dove® Hair TV ad. Video entries are being accepted through October 20, 2011 – so, get to filming, kids!

Cheap Thrill: Dove Visible Care Body Wash

Spring's here and for pale girls like me, it can be a time of mixed emotions, to say the least. Time to pack away the Wolfords, and embrace a bare leg, my friends. And while I'm no hosiery aficionado, the seasonal transition is nothing short of hell on my sensitive skin, leading to dry and borderline scaly legs that beg for only the richest of shower oils and heaviest body moisturizers imaginable to restore a semi-happy equilibrium to my skin.

Until, that is, I met Dove Visible Care Body Wash last week and it quickly became my EVERYTHING.

This ULTRA-moisturizing body wash formula promises more beautiful skin in just a week, but to be candid, I felt a VAST improvement in my skin in just a single use. Crazy, sexy soft gams were mine, and the two formulas tested (Renewing and Softening) each smell amazing - so fresh and so clean, to invoke a little Outkast.

Learn more about Dove Visible Care Body Wash online or visit a mass market retailer or a drugstore near you to snag a bottle of your own.

FTC Disclosure: Dove sent me samples of Visible Care Body Wash for potential review, and also graciously invited me to attend the world premiere of Water for Elephants - a film they sponsored - as a guest of the brand.

Link Love: Tuesday Edition

It's procrastination central over at my desk today, y'all. Here are my fave blog links of the week, what keeping me in the know, entertained, etc:

Amber at Beauty Blogging Junkie gives me an epic case of the WANTZ with her glorious review of the new Tom Ford Neroli Portofino collection (above). I need that Body Scrub and Bath Oil like I need air, water and a French bulldog, peeps.

Marina over at Makeup Loves Me gets down with the new, utterly gorgeous Jo Malone Decorated Home Candles by David Hicks. Suffice it to say, they've got me all lit up as well.

Jet Set Girl Anne (whose hair sends me into a blind, jealousy-induced rage, for the record) reviews Water for Elephants, and HEY, guess who attended the world premiere with her on Sunday night, courtesy of Dove? Oh, right, me (and the aforementioned Amber). Stay tuned for deets this week and satiate yourself with her post here.

Wendy at nitro:licious got a sneak peek at the latest Alexander McQueen collab with Puma, and there's MINK involved. Get the scoop here.

Sarah at Style It Online has the cajones to wear a JUMPSUIT, and I admire her for it. From afar, of course. I don't want to get TOO close to a jumpsuit.

What are you reading these day, homies?

Oscar Glam: Julianne Moore

 

Last night's Oscars were extra fun as I hosted Jamie, Amber, Jordana, Sarah, Kristin and Felicia for a viewing party sponsored by the generous folks at Dove.

We munched on yummy Italian from Il Bambino, ate buckets of movie candy and dished on the night's festivities from red carpet hits and misses through The Hurt Locker's incredible win for Best Picture.

Universal favorites were few and far between, as we're gals with passionate and differing style tastes. But one star that had us in agreement was Julianne Moore, who looked close to flawless.

While I WISH she had worn the amazing emerald drop earrings that she rocks in the new BVLGARI campaign, the jewels that she wore to the ceremony were nearly as jaw-dropping.  They included:

• Three platinum and diamond bracelets and a 22+ct emerald ring from BVLGARI’s High Jewelry Collection
• Two platinum and diamond bracelets ca 1930, from BVLGARI’s Historical Archives Collection

What do you think of Julianne Moore's look?

 

Get the Look: Jessica Szohr's Fashion & Beauty Faves

Like any good New York woman, I la-la-love Gossip Girl. And while I can't survive without a little S and B on my Monday nights, I'm also a huge fan of Brooklynite Vanessa Abrams, played by Jessica Szohr.  Jessica's really a natural knock out, so when the folks at Dove shared the following fashion & beauty must-haves from their spokesperson, I knew I had to share.

 

• Growing up in Wisconsin, jeans were my wardrobe staple. This summer I’m living in jean shorts because I can wear them so many different ways. I can either wear them casually with a button down and sandals during the day or dress them up with heels at night.
• The stylists I’ve worked with have really opened my eyes to fashion trends and experimenting with accessories. This summer boho headbands are my go-to accessory because they keep my hair off my face when it gets sticky out
• People don’t realize this, but we are filming the show all summer long in NYC. To help relieve the hot city heat, I’m constantly jumping in the shower to freshen up and stay cool. I love Dove go fresh Burst Body Wash. The nectarine and white ginger scent smells so good and invigorates me at any time of day! (Jessica's not exaggerating - this is one of my very fave shower gels. It's moisturizing too - and SO cheap.)
• Filming days can be long and brutal – especially in the heat of summer – so I make sure to stay hydrated and have lots of healthy snacks to keep my energy level up. But don’t get me wrong, I definitely stray sometimes – my favorite splurge is Cheetos!
• On a warm summer day, no need to cake on the makeup! I like to keep it simple. One of my favs is Napoleon Perdis mascara – it’s all I need in the summer!

 

Win This: Dove's New Multi-Tasker

I know, I know.  Deodorant...it's SO unglamorous.  But hopefully, you'll be as excited as I was to preview Dove's new GENIUS Visibly Smooth Antiperspirant & Deodorant. This clever little stick not only fights odor and wetness (also exceedingly unglamorous) but it also minimizes the visual appearance and feel of hair over time and keeps you stubble free for longer.  Seriously...why didn't someone think of this sooner?

If you'd like to get your hands on TWO sticks of Dove Visibly Smooth - one Wild Rose and one Nature Fresh, before they even hit store shelves, enter your name and email in the box below. One winner will be chosen at random in a week.  

For more info and a $2 coupon for Visibly Smooth, check out www.dove.us/visiblysmooth.

Cheap Thrill: Dove Go Fresh Burst Body Wash

With the economy in the pooper, we're all looking for cheap beauty thrills these days - even me. A recent fave is Dove's latest addition to the Go Fresh family - Burst, a sweet, fresh nectarine & white ginger fragrance.

Available as a Body Mist, Deodorant and Beauty Bar, Burst is best served in the light, 1/4 moisturizer gel formula Body Wash.  Sold in a GIANT 24 oz bottle and retailing for just $8.49 over at Drugstore.com, this skin-softening multi-tasker is a can't miss.