Jenna Hipp What's Hot Now Nail Collection

Celebrity manicurist Jenna Hipp is back with the launch of a nail color collection featuring 12 of the hottest colors of the spectrum. The collection is available exclusively at Costco, and at Jenna Hipp's website for $14.99. Love the colors!

Victoria's Secret: Bombshell Forever

As a huge fan of the original Bombshell Forever fragrance, I was stoked when Victoria Secret announced the launch of Bombshell Forever.  The original Bombshell has been my go-to summer scent since I first tested in store ages ago. It's really the fruity top notes in it that I love, and the woodsy musk dry down is what makes it so irresistible. Bombshell Forever has the same qualities and if anything, it's Bombshell's big sister - sexier and more mature. The prominent notes of boysenberry, lavender flower and pamplewood make it so unique and perfect for day-to-night. If you're a fan of the original, definitely try Bombshell Forever and thank me later!

 Victoria's Secret Bombshell Forever Eau de Parfum, $49-$65*

Pantene Truly Natural Collection

I have to admit that when I find products that work for my natural hair, I tend to stick to them. Why rock the boat, right? My hair is very fragile and prone to breakage if I don't baby it, and I only use products that help to seal in moisture and protect it. I'm always interested in products that are specifically designed for my hair type, so when the opportunity to try the new Truly Natural line came, I was all ears. I have used and liked Pantene products in the past, so I was curious to see how my hair would respond to these products.

The product line includes:

- Co-Wash Cleansing Conditioner

- Clarifying Shampoo

- Defining Curls Styling Custard

- Deep Conditioner

- Shine Serum with Argan Oil

I've been able to try all of the products in the line, so I thought I'd share my thoughts on each product below.

- Co-Wash Cleansing Conditioner - I'm used to co-washing or washing my hair with conditioner instead of harsh shampoo, so I was interested to see if this would be better than the product I currently use. It has a nice "slip" to it, and did leave my hair feeling soft after use. I'd have to continue using it to determine if I love it.

- Clarifying Shampoo - With the amount of oils I use to moisturize my hair, about once or twice a month I deep clean my scalp to remove product buildup. I love that this shampoo really helped to remove buildup without tangling my hair. 

- Defining Curls Styling Custard - I'm not a fan of gels or curl definers in general, and I didn't love the way this left my hair feeling. It was a bit dry for my taste, but I think it could work for a twist or braid out style. 

- Deep Conditioner - I left this on my hair overnight as I do my normal deep conditioner, and I loved the result. My hair was so easy to detangle when I rinsed it out, and my curls were soft and defined.

- Shine Serum with Argan Oil - The scent of the serum is what really sold me, but it did help with shine as well. Definitely good for days when my hair needs an extra shine boost.

Overall, I think Pantene did a great job with these products, and for the drugstore price (most products are $4.99 or $5.99), the quality is similar to more expensive brands. I'd definitely recommend to my curly girls out there.

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective, and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

Beauty Inspiration: Jennifer Lopez's Live It Up

Miss J.LO is back with a new music video for her single, "Live It Up" and is killing it with the glow she's famous for. The 43-year-old stunner rocks two beauty looks perfect for the hotter weather. The first look is a smoky eye nude lip combo, and the second - an unexpected pop of color on the lips. We don't normally see Jennifer in a bold lip color, and I love her matching mani! 

Re-create her looks with the products below. Will you try her looks for the summer?

Riri Hearts MAC Summer Collection

Following the success of the Riri Woo lipstick (that sold out in 3 hrs!), the rest of the Riri Hearts MAC Collection is slowly trickling in with the release of the second installment on June 18th online. (collection information via Spektra).

The collection will be available online only, and if you missed out on Riri Woo the first time around, it will be available as well.

Riri Hearts MAC Summer Collection

Lipsticks $15

RiRi Woo - Matte cool red (retro matte)

RiRi Boy - A retro matte version of Up the Amp (retro matte)

Heaux - A deep berry (retro matte)

Blush Duo $26

Hibiscus Kiss - Cool Coral/Matte Neutral Bronze

 photos via

Lustre Drops $20

Barbados Girl - Light golden bronze shimmer

I have my eye on the Riri Boy lipstick, (Up the Amp in matte? yes please!), the blush duo and the Lustre Drops. What will you be purchasing?

Fragrance Launch: Sarah Jessica Parker to Release The Lovely Collection

Following the success of her first fragrance, Lovely, Sarah Jessica Parker is set to release three new scents aptly called The Lovely Collection. Keep reading for photos and more information about each scent.

Sarah Jessica Parker Dawn

The fragrance - Fresh. Soft. Illuminating.

Dawn. The word itself evokes a fresh, vibrant beauty. The scent is the essence of light breaking through a cloud of fragrant orchids and lingering with a soft glow. Top notes of fresh citrus, violet leaves and angelica awaken a bouquet of radiant orchids and the warm embrace of tahitian vanilla, vetiver and translucent musks.

New Spring Beauty on Sale!

It's the time of year for beauty lovers to indulge: Sephora is offering beauty insiders 15% off their entire purchase from now until 4/21! It's the perfect time to get that product (or products!) that you've been eyeing. Take a look at my picks (all new!), and shop, shop, shop!

Nars Satin Lip Pencil in Lodhi | Balenciaga Florabotanica Fragrance | Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tar in Annika | Nails Inc. Ice Cream & Sprinkles Collection

Spring Beauty: Get Glowing!

With the warmer months ahead (sooner or later!), I tend to reach for less and less products, and rely more on double-duty products - blush that can act as a lip color, cheek highlighters that can add a little color to my lids, etc. Add in a pretty pink lip gloss- and I'm set for the season. I was generously sent a two products from Beauty for Real recently that will be making a frequent appearance in my beauty routine. Keep reading for my review and special offer for my readers!

First up is the Get Glowing! Cheek Tint & Luminizer. This little gem is the perfect duo to have on hand in the warmer months, and the the sleek packaging (which I love) is great to keep in your makeup bag. Each product swivels out of the side of the compact, and also includes a mirror for easy application. 

Beauty for Real Cheek Tint & Luminizer in Get Lit/In the Pink, $29*

I received the Get Lit/In the Pink duo, which gives my skin a really warm, natural glow. The "glow" in the luminizer is due to a patented ingredient called Luminera which features a diamond core complex designed to capture invisible UV light particles. There's definitely a noticeable sheen to my skin when applied, but it isn't overly shimmery or glittery, and the texture is creamy and so easy to blend. I would normally use a brush for blush and highlight, but I found that my fingers gave me the control that I wanted.

Vitamin E and grape-seed extracts are also found in Get Glowing! for antioxidant protection, hydration and oil absorbing qualities. The cheek tint has the same creamy, easy-to-blend texture, and very pigmented. The color is a warm pink on my complexion, and you can definitely build the color for a more dramatic look. 

Light Up Lip Gloss in Pinkini, $22*

Next up is the pink lip gloss I've been looking for - it actually shows up on my pigmented lips! The newest  shade in the Light Up Lip Gloss range, Pinkini is a medium-toned pink gloss with a slight shimmer. I'm really impressed with the color payoff of this gloss, and it manages to be moisturizing without it being sticky on the lips. I highly recommend Pinkini if you're looking for the saturated color of a lipstick with the ease of a gloss.

If you're looking to add either (or both) of these babies to your collection, Beauty for Real is offering my readers a special offer! Enter the code SLRBLOG at checkout on the Beauty for Real site for $10 off your purchase. The code expires on May 31st 2013, so get shopping!

Beauty Inspiration: La Belle Rose

Loving the gorgeous coral and peach makeup in this editorial in the March issue of Elle Denmark. Perfect for Spring/Summer.

photos via

Get the look:

Spring Update: 8 Must-Have Essentials

It's that time of the year for a few new items to take your look from Winter into Spring in a flash. Even if you're not ready for a wardrobe overhaul, these beauties definitely pack a Spring punch!

Hover on the image to buy :)

A pretty watch in fresh white leather | A lipstick on color-of-the-moment coral | Sunglasses in a neutral hue | A fun pop art bag for Spring makeup | Bouquet stud earrings to instantly brighten your face | A cross body bag that looks great with black and white | Go-with-everything flats in black and nude

Review: Benefit Fakeup Hydrating Concealer

I was in the market for a new concealer and heard a bit of a buzz surrounding Benefit's new Fakeup Crease-Control Hydrating Concealer. When Birchbox offered me the chance to try it, I couldn't wait to get the little pink package in the mail. I have the hardest time finding a concealer that will both cover my dark under-eye circles without creasing, and not be cakey by the end of the day. My skin is combination, and I find that even a setting powder doesn't always stop my concealer from creasing after a few hours. 

Benefit's Fakeup is meant to cover dark circles and diffuse fine lines - it contains Vitamin E & apple seed extract which provides the silky finish I found when I applied it. The adorable packaging is about the size of a lipstick tube, which makes it great for carrying in your makeup bag. I really liked that I can apply straight from the tube as well. 

Benefit Fakeup Crease-Control Hydrating Concealer, $24*

 When I first opened the tube, I was immediately intrigued - the concealer itself is surrounded by the hydrator (containing the vitamin e and apple seed extract). I love how smoothly it swatched on my hand, no tugging or pulling necessary. I knew that it wouldn't pull or tug on my under-eye area - my pet-peeve with concealers!

 I applied it the next morning without any setting powder, and left it on for about 6 hours. It blended so well with just my fingers, and I'm sure it would be even better with my concealer brush. I find that it doesn't even need to be warmed up with your finger to apply smoothly - the hydrator portion aids in that. I didn't reapply it at all, and below is how it looked at the end of my day. There was only a bit of creasing under my left eye, but I think that was due more to my less-than-accurate finger application than the product itself. My skin stayed moisturized, there was no caking at all, and it didn't settle into my fine lines. I imagine if you have normal or dry skin this would also be the case.

The concealer is currently available in three shades - light, medium, and dark. The shade deep is a bit yellow, which is perfect for my complexion, but I'm not too sure of the color-match if you're a deeper skin tone than me. Overall, I think Benefit's Fakeup is definitely worth trying - I don't see myself using another under-eye concealer for a while! 

Thanks again to Birchbox for the opportunity!

Review: Koh Gen Do Cleansing Spa Water

I received a sample of the Koh Gen Do Cleansing Spa Water at an event a little while ago, and it's been sitting in my "need to try" container ever since. I picked this baby out of the bunch after I ran out of the Simple makeup removal wipes I've been using. I'm not too familiar with the Koh Gen Do range of products, but I really like this cleansing water. It successfully removes my waterproof liner and mascara in one swipe of a cotton pad, without irritating my eyes. I don't need to pull, or swipe too hard, and a little goes a long way. I also love that there's no noticeable fragrance. My one qualm is that the sample to too small: I need a full size bottle when this runs out.

Have you tried the Koh Gen Do range?

Lumene Vitamin C+ Radiant Beauty Drops

The Vitamin C+ with Arctic Cloudberry Beauty Drops from Lumene are a welcomed addition to my everyday skin care routine. I was a little unsure if I would see a difference in my skin, but in the short weeks I've been using them, I'm definitely impressed. The Beauty Drops contain Vitamin C+ which helps to brighten and change the texture of the skin, and I noticed that my face is absolutely glowing in the morning. I use one beauty drop after cleansing my face, and then apply my night cream. You can also use the beauty drops in the morning before applying your day moisturizer. 

Lumene Vitamin C+ with Arctic Cloudberry Pure Radiance Beauty Drops* - $22

Have you tried the Lumene Beauty Drops or a similar product? Did you notice a change in your skin?

February 2013 Glossybox

This month's International themed Glossybox contained products geared toward the best of the best around the world. I loved and will definitely be using all of the products in the box, and take a look at my unboxing video to see all of the products included!

GLAM Spring Beauty Board

As a part of the GLAM Beauty Board, I got the chance to test a few of the newest and best beauty items that are sure to revamp your makeup bag for the new season. Below are all of the products that I received, and those marked with an asterisk (*) are my favorites of the bunch, and I you can check out my full review of those products as well.

1.  Benefit Fine-One-One, $30 - This sheer 3-in-1 blush, bronzer and highlighter is gorgeous in person. It gives that "glow from within" look that I love, and it'll be in my arsenal for Spring and Summer!

2.  Gillette + Olay Razors in Sugarberry, $11 - Nothing is worse than dry skin after you shave, but these have Olay moisture bars that seal in moisture. My skin was not irritated at all after use.

3.  EOS Ultra Moisturizing Shave Cream, $5 - Absolutely amazing when used with the Gillette razors. My legs were super soft and moisturized after use.

4.  Kenzo Amour I Love You, $57 - The perfect Spring/Summer scent. Bonus: my boyfriend loves it on me!

5.  Alessandro Coco Mango Nail Cream, $25 - I love using this for my at-home manis, no more dry cuticles for me!

*6.  Maybelline Rocket Mascara, $6 

*7.  Philosophy Miracle Worker Eye Cream with HPR, $65

8.  Biolage ExquisiteOil Replenishing Treatment, $20 - I use this overnight in my natural hair, and as a hot oil treatment after conditioning. The scent is so addictive, and a little goes a long way.

*9.  Olay CC Cream - Total Effects Tone Correcting Moisturizer with SPF, $25

10. Burt's Bees Lip Gloss in Rosy Dawn, $9 - A pretty neutral pink color for the season, and it feels more like a lip conditioner than a gloss. 

11. First Aid Beauty Ultra Skin Repair Cream, $26 - Probably one of the most effective moisturizers I've ever tried, I use this at night after a bath. My skin literally drink in this cream, and is still soft the next morning.

Lust List: February Fashion & Beauty Picks

Cut Work Tote Bag
Ankle Boot
Taxi Print T Shirt
Illesteva Leonard Sunglasses
Laura Mercier Arabesque Collection Palette
Kate Spade Live Colorfully Purse

MAC x Rihanna: Riri Hearts MAC Collection

Rihanna has had an incredible year already, and she's continuing her takeover with a new collaboration with MAC Cosmetics. WWD reports that the collab will consist of four color collections for 2013. The first product we’ll see is MAC RiRi Woo–inspired by Ruby Woo–that will launch on May 4th and 5th.

photo via

The four collections will be released throughout 2013, and will be called RiRi Hearts MAC . There will be a total of 31 stockkeeping units, including two additional lipsticks, Lustre Drops, a Lipglass version of RiRi Woo, two eyeshadow palettes, a blush duo, false lashes, and nail colors. The third and fourth collections will be in stores for fall and winter and will feature an additional sixteen products.

I have to say - I'm so excited for this collection! Rihanna's makeup is always stunning, so I can't wait to see what's in store.

Estee Lauder Sumptuous Extreme Lash Multiplying Volume Mascara

When I received my January Glossybox (see review here), this Sumptous Lash mascara from Estee Lauder was the product I was most excited to try. I haven't strayed from my beloved Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes mascara and the Clump Crusher from CoverGirl, but I've been wanting to try a higher end mascara for a while. Aside from the beautiful packaging, this mascara is wonderful. The brush is on the larger size, and does a good job at really distributing the product to my tiny corner lashes. The formula is wetter than I prefer, but the volume I get from two coats more than makes up for it. I'm more of a stickler for volume than length, and I can really add several coats without clumping. It does sting horribly if you get even a little in your eyes, but again a minor flaw. I'll definitely purchase this in the full-size when this sample dries out.

Estee Lauder Sumptuous Extreme Lash Multiplying Volume Mascara, $25*

Best in Beauty: 6 New Products to Try Now

With Spring right around the corner, now is the time to try a few new products to really pamper your skin and prep for the warmer months. I'm getting a little ahead of myself with that last statement, but you get the idea. Here are some of the new products I've been hearing quite alot of buzz about. Have you tried any of them yet?

1.  L'Oreal Revitalift Miracle Blur - Described as a 30 second miracle to instantly erase the look of fine lines and pores, think of it as a primer, moisturizer and finishing cream in one.

2.  Algenist Multi-Perfecting Pore Corrector - An oil-free serum to refine your skin texture. 

3.  Maybelline Color Tattoo Metallics - The same cream eyeshadow we already love, in new metallic colors.

4.  ORIGINS Plantscription - An oil-free cream that is said to boost skin firmness, texture and moisture levels.

5.   Josie Maran Argan Infinity Cream - This little miracle starts as a cream and melts into an oil to moisturize every part of your body.

6.   Aesop Mouthwash - An amazing alternative to that burning mouthwash you're currently using.

Prime Time Smile

Let's face it, people notice how white your smile is, and no one will tell you when your teeth are yellow. I've wanted to whiten my teeth for a while, but haven't for a few reasons. The main reason being the dentist-hater I am; the thought of making an appointment specifically for teeth whitening is a nightmare (not to mention the hefty bill). I only go for regular check-ups, and really do not want to go more than I have to. Not only do I not want to go to the dentist, who really has the time?  I've been looking for a teeth whitening product, but I wasn't interested in the trays or strips. I didn't want to fiddle around with a tray or have to sleep with a product on my teeth, but I couldn't find a system that was same day whitening. Was there even a product that was essentially whitening for busy people? Or those with little patience? When Duane Reade sent me on a mission to try Prime Time Smile, I got my answer. 

I did a bit of browsing on the Prime Time Smile site before I shopped in-store (check out my shopping trip on Google+ here), and thought that the Dual Action System would be best for my needs. The system includes a Pre-Treatment whitening pen and a Teeth Whitening gel pen. I like the idea of a pen, and that there wasn't anything messy, too difficult to apply, or something that would be too difficult for every day use.

I like the convenience of having both products, but you can also purchase the whitening pen and gel pen separately, and you can use the pre-treatment pen for a different system.