Lara Beauty: Anti-Aging Skincare for Sensitive Skin

Is your skin super-sensitive? Do you avoid fragrances in products like the plaque? Well, if you answered yest to these questions, then this skincare line by Lara Beauty might just be perfect for you!

Lara Beauty is a 100% fragrance-free anti-aging skincare line which was specifically designed for individuals with sensitive skin. Since many sensitivities are caused by skin reactions or allergies, Lara beauty gives full disclosure of all ingredients. The Lara Beauty website even has an ingredients glossary with all the ingredients broken down and listed so you can double check for ingredients that you may be avoiding.

I tested out Lara Beauty's Conditioning Cleanser for Sensitive Skin, Revitalizing Toner for Sensitive Skin, Polishing Microderm Abrasion for Sensitive Skin, and Anti-Aging Daily Therapy for Sensitive Skin.

For my full review and more photos, please keep reading after the jump.

Living in a Material World: Material Girl Cosmetics Fall 2011

Have ya'll heard about Madonna's Material Girl Junior's line at Macy's? Material Girl was created by the unstoppable Material Girl herself and her daughter Lourdes (Lola). Well, not only does the Material Girl line have trendy clothes and accessories for back-to-school, but also a fabulous line of Material Girl Cosmetics and Bath and Body Products!

As a long time Madonna fan and perpetual Junior's department shopper, I am so excited to try out this fun new line of cosmetics!!! Not to mention the fact that every time I whip out a Material Girl product, I can't resist singing the song (Mostly in my head, but yah, I have been known to just spontaneously burst out Madonna songs, lol!).

While the line is targeted towards the Junior's pre-teen to teen market, these cosmetics are fun and fresh for women of any age! I fully admit to being a kid-at-heart. And, I always go for cute and trendy packaging. Especially when the product itself is great!

For my review (including photos and swatches) of the Material Girl Makeup Palettes, nail polishes, and lip glosses, please keep reading after the jump.

Total Beauty: Worst Drugstore Hair Products

8 Worst Drugstore Hair Products

Whether you spent 30 bucks or 99 cents on that shampoo or conditioner, it stinks when it doesn't work as well as it should. See the worst drugstore hair products now

This is a TotalBeauty.com hair care products article There's no better feeling than finding a hair care product that works like magic. But when a product doesn't deliver on its promises, we want to cry out "false advertising!" and hide our frizzy, unkempt hair under a paper bag. See what our readers think are the absolute worst drugstore hair products here. See reviews

No. 8: Garnier Fructis Style Fiber Gum Putty, $3.99

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 6.3

"If I use too much [of the putty] it will actually flatten my hair."

No. 7: Marc Anthony Strictly Curls Curl Defining Lotion, $7.99

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 6

"It made my hair feel disgusting -- not soft at all. I threw it away after the second use."

No. 6: Frizz-Ease Straight Answer Straightening Spray, $9.99

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 5.6

"This spray weighed my hair down. Plus, my friend and I both agreed that it smelled like pencil shavings."

Want to see what was the worst? Click here!

This is a Total Beauty syndicated post which does not

necessarily reflect the opinions of this blog. This site

can receive compensation for posting this material.

What's in Her Makeup Bag? Beauty Spotlight Team

This week at The Beauty Spotlight Team, we're taking a look inside the makeup bag Visionary beauty keeps in her handbag. A post featuring sweet goodies (albeit with strange faces and little legs) and makeup, now what could be better.........lets take a look inside.

Carmex Moisturizing Lipbalm and Picnic Blanket: Review and Giveaway!!!

Hello readers!

As Fall approaches, I think of beautiful weather, picnics, football, and camping. What a great time to try out my new picnic/travel blanket from Carmex! And, of course...keeping your lips super moisturized is something you should do year round!

This review is for a kit that I got from Carmex which came with two new Moisturizing Lipbalms in Lime Twist and Vanilla and a super cute Carmex travel/picnic blanket!

Exciting Announcement: Not only am I reviewing the blanket and lip balms in this post, but also I have another Blanket and Lipbalm set to give away to one of my very lucky readers! For my full review and details on how to win, keep reading the full article after the page break.

Total Beauty: Hot Fall Hairstyles

9 Hot New Fall Hairstyles

Want people to stop and stare at your new 'do this season? Check out fall 2011's hottest styles and get how-tos for them now

This is a TotalBeauty.com hairstyles article So you don't have a celebrity hairstylist at your beck and call to get the latest styles seen on the red carpet? No problem! With these tips you can try all of fall's prettiest looks right at home. Get how-tos

This is a Total Beauty syndicated post which does not

necessarily reflect the opinions of this blog. This site

can receive compensation for posting this material.

Giveaway: OttLite Makeup Mirror (worth $69.99!)

Hey Dolls! Its time for another giveaway/contest announcement!!! 

This giveaway is for the OttLite Makeup Mirror (retail value $69.99). Not familiar with the fabulous OttLite Makeup Mirror? Well, check out my previous post review: OttLite Natural Daylight Makeup Mirror "Illuminate Your Life".

Please keep reading after the jump break for contest details and for the entry form!

OttLite Natural Daylight Makeup Mirror: "Illuminate Your Life"

Hey there dear readers!

Do many of you have a vanity area set up? As we beauty-girls know, having a great makeup mirror and good lighting is key for  flawless makeup application.

My vanity area is currently in flux as I am moving my vanity area from our guest room into our office (as our guest room is being slowly converted into a nursery). But, even in my makeup area's transitional state, my makeup mirror still has a prominent position on my vanity table. If you happen to be curious about my "old" setup, check out my Vanity Area Blog Post and Video Tour. I will do a new Vanity Area tour onces my transition is complete! Okay, sorry, I digress...back to the OttLite!

When OttLite contacted me to try out their new makeup mirror, I got so excited! I have long known OttLite to be a great brand for quality lighting. Actually, my parents have an OttLite at their house that they use in the den for their reading light. So, clearly I knew that this mirror would have high quality lighting. But, when I saw the cute options for designs on the mirror, I knew that I would love it not just for the great light, but for the cute factor as well! Hey, cute is a big thing with me! When you work as hard to get your vanity area "just right", you are going to want to top it off with attractive lighting.

For more details, photos, and my review of the OttLite Makeup Mirror, just keep reading after the page break! Also, I have an exciting upcoming announcement coming soon!

Andalou Naturals: BioActive 8 Berry Enzyme Mask

Hey there readers! I have a skincare review for you today. This review is for the Andalou Naturals BioActive 8 Berry Enzyme Mask.

Andalou Naturals is a natural skin, hair, and body care brand. They strive to create effective products that are both good for you and for the planet! They blend fruit stem-cell science with fair trade ingredients and organic product content (70% certified organic).

For more about this mask, please keep reading after the page jump.

Total Beauty: How to Hide Tired (Hungover) Skin Now

How to Hide Tired (Hungover) Skin Now

The ultimate secrets to looking refreshed -- even if you feel anything but

This is a TotalBeauty.com makeup tips article Whether it was a happy hour that turned into an all-night pub-crawl or your 2-year-old's monster-filled nightmare that kept you up all night, there are times when eight hours of shut-eye just doesn't happen. To the rescue: These makeup tips, which hide sallow, tired skin, so you can look refreshed and "awake" even when all you want to do is crawl back under the covers. Get tips

This is a Total Beauty syndicated post which does not

necessarily reflect the opinions of this blog. This site

can receive compensation for posting this material.

Glamrush VIP Preview Event: Peter Thomas Ross Oil Control SPF Lotion

Hey Dolls!

Just a quick post to alert ya'll to the latest VIP Preview promotion over at Glamrush. This is for Peter Thomas Roth's Clini-Matte All Day Oil-Control  SPF 20 for $36.00 plus free shipping. But, wait there's more! If you enter the code GLAMVIP you get to take an additional $10.00 off the offer. Now thats a great deal! This promotion ends Sunday.

What is Glamrush? Here is how Glamrush describe's their site: Redefining the way women shop for beauty, Glamrush is an engaging social shopping experience showcasing prestigious and niche beauty brands from around the world. With exclusive offers on the latest and most buzzed about beauty products, dynamic content, and visual search and an innovative game-based rewards program, the site makes shopping for hard-to-get products accessible and fun. There's more: Glamrush also features beauty discussions, tips, how tos, product reviews, and insider secrets. 

Glamrush is currently in it's beta version, but the official launch is this Fall! So go ahead and head on over to Glamrush to take advantage of this VIP deal and to sign up for the site now!

Pixi by Petra: Lumi Lux Radiance Powder

Have ya'll had the chance to check out the adorable Pixi line of cosmetics at Target? It is a higher-end line sold exclusively (I believe) at Target stores and the online Pixi site. The packaging is fun and fresh and the quality is fabulous. It is certainly a line that I am very curious to explore further! Plus, I just can't resist the "pixi"/fairy theme! :)

This review is for Pixi's Lumi Lux Radiance Powder in No. 1 Peach Petal. For a full review, swatches, and photos, please keep reading after the jump.

Total Beauty: Beauty Treatments that aren't worth the Risk

6 Beauty Treatments That Aren't Worth the Risk

We are all suckers for a quick beauty fix, but are the risks worth it when it comes to liposuction, teeth whitening, and more? Find out

This is a TotalBeauty.com spa treatments article Sure, there's a potential for things to go wrong with everything we do. But while the price of beauty may involve a little pain, some solutions to your beauty dilemmas come with a slew of surprising side effects. We asked dermatologists, doctors, and beauty experts to tell us what can go wrong with certain beauty treatments -- and the safer options that'll give you similar results. Here's what they had to say. See risks

This is a Total Beauty syndicated post which does not

necessarily reflect the opinions of this blog. This site

can receive compensation for posting this material.

Scotch Naturals WaterColors Nail Polish

Hey Dolls!

Do you love the look of clean and polished nails but hate dealing with the fumes? I know there are many polishes out there that are toluene, formaldehyde, and phthate free. But, those polishes still have strong fumes! Don't get me wrong, I love my polish...I just hate the fumes! I actually prefer to deal with the fumes and have painted nails than skip the polish all together. I know, I know...priorities, right!?!? LOL, I am a NUT! What can I say, I am a "high maintenance" girl who loves pretty nails!

Well, if you are finding that polish fumes are preventing you from painting your nails, then boy did I find a product for you! Scotch Naturals has developed a line of WaterColor Polishes that is absolutely fume-free!!! I mean, this polish has literally no smell at all! Amazing! Are fumes not an issue for you? Well, if you are a lover of non-toxic and eco-friendly cosmetics, then you will want to find out more about this product as well!

If you want to read about this very inventive natural product: Scotch Naturals WaterColors Polish (from Nature's Basin), please keep reading this article after the jump break!

August 2011 Birchbox Box Opening: Beauty Innovations

Hey dolls! It's time for my monthly Birchbox post! As ya'll know, I look forward to my Birchbox every single month. I mean, a beautifully packaged gift box full of deluxe beauty samples? Whats not to love!

Not familiar with Birchbox? Well, be sure to check out my Birchbox Intro Post as well as previous month's Birchbox posts: January 2011 Birchbox, Feb 2011 Birchbox, March 2011 Birchbox, April 2011 Birchbox,  May 2011 Birchbox, and June 2011. In a nutshell, Birchbox is a monthly sample subscription of a gift box filled with 4-5 deluxe sized samples plus occasionally a "treat" or an "extra". The subscription is about $10/month and it includes the monthly Birchbox, access to the fabulous member's only Birchbox website, free shipping on full sized products included in the current month's box, and opportunities to earn Birchbox points for reviewing the products on the Birchbox website (accumulated points go towards discounts on purchases). For me, Birchbox is not only totally worth it, but also totally *fun*! 

So, lets go ahead and get to this month's box! For details about what I found inside, keep reading the full article after the page break! 

Total Beauty: Best (and worst) Lip and Cheek Stains for Summer

11 Best (and Worst) Lip and Cheek Stains for Summer

You'd be surprised to find out which stains from high-end brands turned out to be doozies -- see them now

This is a TotalBeauty.com best and worst makeup products article Lip and cheek stains are the perfect solution if your makeup tends to melt off in the hot summer months -- but only if they're amazing. Readers say some finds from Benefit, Tarte, and CoverGirl left them glowing and rosy -- while others were big disappointments. Check out our best and worst lists now. See reviews

The Worst: No. 3: Laura Mercier Lip Stain, $20

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 6.1

"OUCH! Please use this stuff if you like the sensation of your lips slowly trying to escape to your gum lines."

No. 2: CoverGirl Outlast Lip Stain, $7.29

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 6

"I kept hearing great things about the lasting power of this product, but I got it in two different colors and it didn't last very long at all."

No. 1: Revlon Just Bitten Lip Stain, $6.99

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 4.7

"Although this stain wasn't drying to my lips, the color didn't last long. Within the hour, it was already gone. A big disappointment."

Want to see the best stains now? Click here!

This is a Total Beauty syndicated post which does not

necessarily reflect the opinions of this blog. This site

can receive compensation for posting this material.

Total Beauty: DIY Hair Treatments for Summer-Ravaged Hair

3 DIY Hair Treatments for Summer-Ravaged Hair

Love the sun, but hate what it does to your once-silky hair? Restore moisture and shine to your dried out tresses with these recipes

This is a TotalBeauty.com budget hair care article Summer's all about the sun, beach, and outdoor activities -- great for your weekend plans, but destructive to your poor hair. If the last thing you can afford to drop a bunch of cash on right now is some fancy-pants salon revitalizing treatment, read on. These DIY solutions will wow you. Get recipes

This is a Total Beauty syndicated post which does not

necessarily reflect the opinions of this blog. This site

can receive compensation for posting this material.

Giveaway: Pro Beauty Tools Curl Wand

Hey there readers!

I have a new Giveaway for you!!! One very lucky reader will win a Pro Beauty Tools Curl Wand valued at $29.99! I have one of these myself and I love it!!! It helps you to create modern and beautiful looking waves in just minutes! Check out my review post here: Pro Beauty Tools Curl Wand Review.

If you are interested in entering, keep reading after the jump break! Don't miss out on this fabulous Curl Wand!