Combat Those Dreaded Dark Circles: Shiseido's White Lucent Anti-Dark Circles Eye Cream

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Combat Those Dreaded Dark Circles: 

Shiseido's White Lucent Anti-Dark Circles Eye Cream

Dark Circles...if I was to name my #1 Beauty "problem" it would be my dark circles. I am not talking about minor dark circles here. My dark circles are terrible! I have very fair skin and my dark circles are very dark purple. Plus, I also have redness and pinkness in my eye area, too. 

My dark circles arise from a variety of causes: general lack of sleep and occasional insomnia, allergies, and heredity. I know that many of these things can not be changed. I was really just destined to have dark circles. So, needless to say, under eye concealer is my best beauty friend. Because, who likes to have people tell them all the time that "you look tired"! Seriously! 

When it comes to beauty products, I really do not expect any miracles with an eye cream. If my dark circles were minor and from non-hereditary causes, then yes, I might expect more. However, I just know that some of these issues can not be resolved with an eye cream. With that said, when a product does promise to help with dark circles, then I do expect to see some result...even if it is only minor.

So, needless to say, I was excited to try out the Shiseido White Lucent Anti-Dark Circle Eye Cream. It promises to help with your dark under eye circles by targeting two major causes of purple and brown dark circles: pigmentation and poor microcirculation. Now, I don't have brown dark circles, but I do have blue dark circles and red/pink dark circles. 

Besides help with dark under eye circles, I am also drawn to eye creams that boost hydration, minimize fine lines, and have anti-aging benefits. Plus, I want an eye cream that does not irritate my sensitive eyes.  

Shiseido's White Lucent Anti-Dark Circles Eye Cream:

How it Works:

Shseido White Lucent Anti-Dark Circles Eye Cream contains Shiseido's exclusive "Dark Circle Diminisher" which defies dark circles in three ways by helping to target their root cause, preventing their formation, and addressing microcirculation in the eye area to infuse freshness and radiance into skin. Plus, the formula also contains humectant-rich "Super Hydro-Synergy Complex N" which helps to instantly hydrate your eye area skin and helps to maintain moisture for hours. So, if you are looking for an eye cream to diminish dark circles and improve eye area hydration, this is certainly an eye cream for you! 

My Results:

I have been using this Shseido White Lucent Anti-Dark Circles Eye Cream for a few weeks now and honestly really do like it. 

So, big question...are my dark circles diminished? Well, somewhat. As I mentioned earlier, I honestly do not expect any big miracles when it comes to dark circle improvement with an eye cream. So, my results were not very noticeable...but, I am still pleased. What I did notice was some "surface lightening" of the skin. So, this certainy did "brighten" my eye area. However, my dark circles really seem to come from deep within the skin. So, my dark circles are still very dark. But, like I said, I am still pleased. Even just a surface lightening did liven up my eyes and brighten the area. 

As far as other results, I am very pleased! This cream is super luxurious to apply. It sinks right in and feels lovely when applied. The packaging is gorgeous, too! Plus, this cream did not irritate my sensitive skin. I find the cream to be super hydrating. So, fine lines are diminished from the hyrdating effect. 

I do wish that this cream contained some anti-aging ingredients as that is important to me in an eye cream. So, I am currently using this eye cream in the mornings and I am using a Retinol eye cream at night for the anti-aging benefits of Retinol. 

Overall, if you are looking for an eye cream to have a slight impact on your dark circles and to give your eye area a great boost of hydration, then you should certainly check out Shiseido's White Lucent Anti-Dark Circle Eye Cream. I am really liking it and will continue to use it! 

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Shiseido Skincare Bonus: Hello Tokyo Gift-with-Purchase at Shiseido.com

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Shiseido Skincare Bonus: 

Hello Tokyo Gift-with-Purchase at Shiseido.com

I am so excited to share with you today about an adorable skincare gift set and tote bag available now at Shiseido.com!

With every order of $75 or more, you can choose a skincare bonus set which includes a limited edition Hello Tokyo tote.

Shiseido Skincare Bonus:

From now through August 27th, any purchase of more than $75 on Shiseido.com (excluding gift sets) comes with a complimentary online-exclusive “Hello Tokyo” tote with a deluxe sample set (4 different sets to choose from). Full details on the offer here! 

I was able to try out this adorable tote bag and skincare bonus so that I could share with you readers. I am absolutely obcessed with the tote bag. It is so chic and I am going to love toting my groceries and library books in this cool bag. 

I got to try out the Bio-Performance set which works to tighten and firm the skin. The samples are so cute! These are generous enough to really give you a good testing of each item. Also, these deluxe sample sizes are perfect to pack for a weekend getaway!

Stay tuned for more Shiseido reviews in the future! I am just about to start testing out the White Lucent Anti-Dark Circle Eye Cream. Hoping it works wonders on my dark circles.

Be sure to check out this deal at Shiseido.com soon as the offer expires Aug 27th! 

XOXO!!!

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Beautiful Luminous Foundation for Fair Skin! Shiseido's NEW Synchro Skin Glow

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I am so picky when it comes to foundations! I love the look of flawless and luminous skin. However, I don't want to look nor feel like I am wearing very much makeup. Also, my skin is super duper fair. So, it can be hard for me to find a good foundation match for my uber-light skin. 

Well, ya'll, I am super excited about Shiseido's NEW Synchro Skin Glow Luminizing Fluid Foundation. I just loved the idea that this is a foundation that "syncs" with your skin to create a perfected complexion! The best part? I found a fantastic match with the shade "Neutral 1"! It is an almost perfect match!!!

I love how lightweight this foundation feels. It really feels like a "second skin"...like I am not even wearing any foundation. It feels light and looks so natural while making my skin look beautiful. I really love it! 

Synchro Skin Glow Luminizing Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF20 ($45) is a light and hydrating foundation that is breathable and natural-looking. The formula uniquely synchronizes with your skin to reveal a glowing, perfected complexion with a natural finish. Synchro Skin Glow Luminizing Foundation is available in 13 shades. So, you have a great chance of finding a good match for your skintone (like I did!).

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Makeup Wars: My Top Five Concealers for Very Dark Under Eye Circles

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It is time for another Makeup Wars! I know, it has been awhile since I have done a Makeup Wars post. Well, the exciting news is that the Makeup Wars team has brainstormed an awesome list of topics. So, you readers can look forward to a great variety of Makeup Wars posts in the very near future!!! :) 

Are you new to Makeup Wars? Let me tell you a bit about it. Makeup Wars is a collaborative blog series with other top beauty blogger friends. We mutually pick topics to blog about and then link up to each others blog. For example, in this post, we are all going to talk about our very favorite concealers. We represent a wide variety of ages, skin tones, and geographic locations. So, it will be very interesting to see our collective list of awesome concealers!

Makeup Wars: My Top Five Concealers for Very Dark Undereye Circles:

As many of my regular readers know, the topic of concealers is near and dear to my heart. Actually, my hunt for the very best concealers (along with finding effective skincare for my sensitive skin) was my gateway into the beauty and makeup world! I always heavily research my concealer purchases by reading online reviews and blogs. The average concealer just doesn't work for my dark circles. I need heavy duty coverage! 

My Concealer Needs:

I struggle with dark circles. Seriously. My dark circles are so dark that they practically count as black eyes. Why do I have dark circles? Primarily, I blame heredity. I have very fair/thin skin. Also, I have allergies and generally never get enough sleep. So, I have both the blue/purple dark circles as well as redness in the area from allergies. If I walked around without concealer (which I have from time-to-time, but not often), people ask me if I am sick or tired. The dark circles are just that bad. 

So, I need very heavy duty coverage. Plus, I need that coverage to last all day. Also, I don't want the coverage to look cakey. Not to mention, I need a good match to my skintone. My skin tone is almost porcelain. In many makeup brands, the lightest concealer is still too dark for my skintone. Seriously ya'll, the struggle is real for me when it comes to finding good concelaers!

I have found some great concealers over the years. Some I have stuck with for years and some that I have loved have been discontinued (which is always heartbreaking, for real ya'll!). So, needless to say, I am always searching and always wanting to add awesome under eye concelaers to my makeup arsenal. 

Want to know my Top Five Concealers for Very Dark Under Eye Circles, please click "read more" below to find out my picks!!! :)

Fall Makeup 2016: Rouge Rouge Lipsticks from Shiseido

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When I think of Fall Makeup, I think pretty pale skin and bright vibrant lips! Shiesido has you covered for this look with their NEW Rouge Rouge lipsticks! 

Shiseido Rouge Rouge:

Shiseido's Rouge Rouge lipsticks are creamy and moisturizing. The lipstick adheres perfectly and evenly, while delivering vibrant tone to lips with maximum color payoff. 

Shiseido-exclusive Vibrant Red Technology within the collection includes five individual color technologies to find a shade perfecting suited for skin tone. 

• Basic Red: Creates high color payoff with surface-processing technology
• Blending Red: Natural-looking long-lasting color that blends with the skin
• Vivid Red: Beautiful translucent red that never looks dull against various lights
• Intense Red: More intense vivid color
• Diffuse Red: Diffuses light and has color correcting effect by emitting red light

Top Ten Tuesdays: Top Ten Foundations

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It is time for Top Ten Tuesdays! This week we are sharing our Top Ten Foundations. Over the years, I have really grown to love foundation. Nothing perfects your skin better! There are quite a few in my current makeup rotation. From liquid to powder and matte to dewy or sheet to full coverage, I really do like a variety of formulations and finishes. It just depends on my mood and what look and feel I want on that particular day. So, without further ado, here is my list! I have both high end and drugstore loves to share! :) 

Top Ten Tuesdays: Top Ten Foundations:

• Rimmel | Lasting Finish 25 Hour Foundation with Comfort Serum: This is one of my newest favorites and it is a drugstore formula! Love the smooth feel and great coverage. Not to mention, Light Porcelain is a perfect match for me! What to hear more, check out my full blog review of this beautiful foundation here. :) 

• MAC | Studio Fix Powder Foundation: This is my longest running favorite foundation! Actually, this is the first foundation that I ever wore on a regular basis. For day-to-day/everyday wear, I prefer the ease of dusting a light layer of powder foundation. The coverage of this powder is just amazing. Just an easy and light dusting really perfects my skin and leaves me looking flawless. NC15 is a perfect match for me in this foundation. I am never without this. As soon as I run out, I always buy more. Also, sometimes I layer this over a lighter coverage liquid foundation to increase coverage. Love, love, love this! 

• Laura Mercier | Silk Creme Moisturizing Foundation: This foundation has the most beautiful feel! I adore everything about it and reach for it often. This foundation comes in both moisturizing and oil-free formulations. 

• It Cosmetics | Celebration Foundation: This is a fabulous powder foundation! It is packed with anti-aging ingedients. So, like all IT Cosmetics products, it is good for your skin while giving you a flawless finish! While it is a powder, it has a luxurious creamy feel and fabulous luminous coverage.

• COVERGIRL | Ready, Set, Gorgeous Foundation: The Classic Ivory shade is a pretty good match for me in the Summer when my complexion is slightly darker. While I do wish this was slightly lighter, I still love the look, feel, and coverage of this foundation. Plus, the price is great! 

• Urban Decay | Naked Skin Weightless Ultra Definition Liquid Makeup: Like the name states, this foundation feels weightless on your skin. This foundation honestly looks like "real skin"...but better! It is so natural, so light, and so flawless while still giving good coverage. Plus the shade 0.5 Cool/Very Fair is a perfect match for me. 

• Shiseido | UV Protective Stick Foundation: This stick foundation from Shiseido is phenomenal! It is water-resistant and it contains SPF. So, it is a perfect Summer foundation for me. The shade Fair Ivory is a decent match for my skin tone (just slightly too dark...but, it works in the Summer when I am slightly darker and self-tanning). This glides on smoothly and it is a perfect small size for your purse for touch-ups! 

• Lancome | Teint Visionaire Skin Correcting Makeup Duo: I love this 2-in-1 from Lancome! It has a liquid foundation on the bottom that is packed with anti-aging ingredients (contains the active ingredient as Lancome's Visonaire Serum!!!) as well as light-refecting skin enhancers. The top flips up to reveal a creamy concealer. This is a great idea! I use the liquid all over and then use the concealer to give more coverage where I need it on my face. I love how my skin looks with this: flawless with a dewy glow. Beautiful! I wear shade #100 Ivoire. 

• tarte | Amazonian Clay Full Coverage Airbrush Foundation: As much as I have grown to love liquid formula foundations, I admit that for "easy makeup" days, I always reach for a powder formula. This is so fast and easy to apply. It has all good ingredients in it, too. I like the natural finish (not totally matte). You can build coverage from light-full depending on how you apply. I apply it with tarte's brush and it looks flaweless. Plus, this really lasts all day! I wear the shade fair-light neutral.

• NARS | Sheer Glow Foundation: This hydrating and luminous formula leaves my skin looking so perfected while feeling so light on my skin. The shade match of Siberia is spot on to my skintone in the Winter. So, this is a perfect foundation for right now! Love, love, love it!

So, that is it! My Top 10 Foundations. If I was forced to choose a Top 3 out of this list, they would be NARS Sheer Glow, MAC Studio Fix, and Urban Decay Naked Skin because those three are the best matches for my ultra light skin tone. However, all ten of these really are fabulous! So, be sure to check them out. Also, be sure to scroll through the thumbnails below to see what my fellow Top Ten Tuesdays Bloggers picked for their foundation favorites! :) xoxo

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My Tired Eyes need a Perk Up: Help for my Eyes and Lashes from Shiseido!

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My Tired Eyes need a Perk Up: Help for my Eyes and Lashes from Shiseido! 

As I have often told ya'll, my eyes are my biggest beauty trouble spot. I was unfortunately "blessed" with hereditary dark under eye circles. When I compound that with my allergies and general lack of sleep (I am a Mom of 2 kids under 3), the result is super dark under eye circles. This time of year is particularly difficult for my poor eyes as Fall's annual ragweed season has left my eyes super irritated watery and red. Searching for great products to combat my eye issues is a driving force behind my blog. So, whenever one of my favorite beauty brands comes out with eye products, I am all over it! 

Shiseido's NEW Fall Launches:

Shiseido has a great new lineup of products for Fall 2015! I, of course, gravitated towards the products for the eye area. So, I recently had the opportunity to sample:  

• Ultimune Eye Power Infusing Eye Concentrate: follows the successful launch of Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate, which is sold every 18 seconds worldwide. Ultimune Eye targets the function of Langerhans cells to boost skin immunity and strengthen the delicate skin around eyes, leaving them smooth, resilient and glowing with fewer lines and wrinkles.

• Full Lash Serum: promotes visibly full, dense lashes and brows with restorative ingredients that also target dryness, breakage and thinning problems at the root to prevent future damage. The serum was so highly coveted when it launched last year in Japan that it sold out almost immediately, creating an unprecedented wait list!

To find out more about each of these products and how I liked them, please click "read more" below!

Summer Essentials: Favorite Waterproof Makeup

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With the temps in the mid-upper 90s, it is time to embrace my no-fail Waterproof Makeup! Waterproof makeup is essential this time of year. Many days I do end up either at the pool or doing water activities with the kids in the back yard. I often do not know how my day will play out. So, I always opt for as much waterproof makeup as possible. Plus, in this heat, Waterproof makeup is much more resistant to sweat and general makeup "melt-down"!

Overall, my makeup look is very simplified (and even more so in the Summertime when I honestly just couldn't be bothered with a fussy look). So, I keep it streamlined: concealer (for under eye area and concealer or a good coverage foundation to dab over slight redness on chin and around nose area), a dab of powder, mascara, maybe eyeshadow (just a wash of color on the lids if I do), lipbalm or sheer lip gloss, and a bit of blush or bronzer applied as blush for color. If I am getting "fancy", I will do eyeliner, too.

I have a nice little assortment of waterproof and longwearing makeup options in my makeup collection right now. So, I am going to share some of my favorite picks with you today!

Summertime Essentials: Some Great Waterproof Makeup Options:

• It Cosmetics | Bye Bye Under Eye Waterproof: How amazing is it that my favorite concealer by It Cosmetics is also available in an waterproof formula?!?! This pleases me to no end! The coverage is amazing and the pigmentation is fabulous. The shade "Light" works very well with my fair skin tone. I just love that I can cover my super dark under eye circles in a waterproof way! Even if I wear no other make, I don't leave the house without concealing those bad dark circles! 

• tarte | lights, camera, splashes™waterproof mascara: This mascara gives my lashes everything that I crave (length, curl, and volume) while also being waterproof! No smudges with this mascara! 

• tarte | Amazonian clay waterproof bronzer (in both matte and shimmer finishes): Waterproof bronzers? Yes, please! I wear high SPF on my face. However, I do still crave that sunkissed glow and can get that with these tarte bronzers! I am especially in love with the matte one! Beautiful!

• Shiseido | UV Protective Stick Foundation SPF 37: This is a long-lasting water resistant foundation with a creamy feel and medium coverage. This is great for covering slight redness around my nose and on my chin. This foundation is very convenient for travel or on-the-go touch ups because of the slim and portable size. This doesn't budge until I take it off! It comes in four shades. I am the shade Fair Ivory. 

• Pixi | Endless Silky Eye Intensity Duo and Lash Line Ink: Pixi sure does know have a nice selection of waterproof liners! Right now, I am especially loving the Silky Eye Intensity Duo in the Blue Eye Intensity Shade. It is a no-smudge dual ended eyeliner with a deep matte blue grey liner on one side and a brightening opal beige on the other side. I line my upper lash line with the blue grey and brighten up my inner corner and lower waterline with the beige. It is super easy to apply and very flattering for my blue eyes! If I want more of a "liquid liner" look, I reach for Pixi's Lash Line Ink which I have loved for years! It quickly lays down dark color and it doesn't budge. The tip makes it very easy to use and is a great product to get that winged liner look.

• COVERGIRL | Clump Crusher by LashBlast Mascara: I know, I just can't stop talking about Clump Crusher! It is my all-time favorite mascara. If you haven't already, you really must explore COVERGIRL's mascaras. I am quite a fan of pretty much all of the LashBlast mascaras. Clump Crusher is water resistant, doesn't smudge, and defines my lashes beautifully with no clumps. Plus, the green tube is pretty darn cute!

• PurMinerals | Big Look Waterproof Mascara: I love this new mascara from PurMinerals! This mascara gives beautiful fullness and length to my lashes. The waterproof formula is great for Summer! 

• essence | Lash Mania Reloaded Waterproof False Lash Mascara: If you are looking for a good budget mascara, be sure to check this one out! For only $4.99, it is a steal and it leaves my lashes super dark black and full.

• essence | Gel Eye Pencil: I have long been a fan of essence's eye liners. They are so cheap and honestly so good! These glide on and lay down nice dark color. For only $2.99 each, you can afford to indulge in a variety of fun colors for Summer!

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Fab Fast Friday: Shiseido's NEW Perfecting Stick Concealer

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It is time for another Fab Fast Friday post! Fab Fast Friday is where I give you the super quick scoop on items that I am really loving lately. Ya'll know that I like to be wordy with my reviews. So, this is your chance to get the Skinny on some really awesome products that I want you to check out!

 

Finding a good concealer can be a challenge. Especially for my skin tone and coverage needs. My skin is super-duper fair (practically porcelain). Many times even the lightest shade in a brand is not light enough. Also, I have very dark under eye circles that require some pretty intense coverage and highly pigmented concealers.

Shiseido's NEW Perfecting Stick Concealer:

This gorgeous NEW concealer from Shiseido accomplishes both high coverage and a well-blended natural look at the same time!

The formula is really inventive! It contains a breakthrough "bind & fix wax" which is a networks structure that binds liquid oil and coverage powder together in a stick form. When you apply, the network deconstructs and distributes the product effortlessly onto the skin while providing phenomenal coverage with a natural look and budge-free wear! I am so impressed!!! I do find that I like wearing this concealer best around my nose area and on my chin as well as to cover any blemishes. While this concealer does fully cover my under eye dark circles, I do feel like I need a more creamy formula for under my eyes...but, for the rest of my face, this concealer is perfect!!!

I am the shade "light #11" which is a beautiful match for my skin tone. This Shiseido Perfecting Stick Concealer comes in 6 shades total. This concealer retails for $25.00. If you are in need of a fabulous high-coverage, natural looking, and long wearing concealer, be sure to check this one out!!!

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Fresh Face for Summer: IT Cosmetics, Shiseido, Urban Decay, Lancome, and Pixi!

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Fresh Face Products for Summer with Shiseido

I certainly like to go for a lighter and more natural makeup look for the Summer. Often, I skip foundations completely and just opt for some concealer, lipbalm, and mascara. However, there certainly are days that I want more coverage or a more perfected look. With that said, even when I do opt for foundation-type products, I still go lighter on the makeup overall. That makes me *really* want my skin to look good! So, when I do wear more makeup in the Summer, I want perfected skin with just a touch of color cosmetics. 

There are a few new products and old faves that I have been continually reaching for since the weather turned warm. I plan on continuing to use these throughout the Summer when I want my skin to look its made-up best! ;) 

To find out more about each of these products, please click "read more" below!

Despirately Seeking SPF: My Spring/Summer Roundup of SPFs for Face and Body!

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It is that time of year...time to talk SPFs! Wearing SPF is a big deal for me. Not only do I have super fair skin and live in sunny Georgia, but also I have a family history of skin cancer and have lost a dear friend to Melanoma. I absolutely do not mess around when it comes to sun protection. I wear it every single day year-round. However, I really up my protection during the Spring/Summer and apply more often. 

As a beauty blogger with an interest in SPF, I have amassed a huge arsenal of sun protection. Plus, there is just so much available! So, I decided to share with you my current go-to picks in my sun protection rotation. No, I don't wear all of these every day. These are just the ones that I tend to reach for, in rotation, the most. I have tested them all extensively over the past year and really love each one for particular reasons, for certain parts of the body, or specific activities.

Current SPF Rotation: Spring/Summer 2014 with Aveeno, Neutrogena, Lubriderm

to find out more about each product, please click "read more" below! :) 

My Skin Loves: My latest finds from Kate Somerville, Shiseido, and Boots (hint: I have found a new Holy Grail Product!!!)

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It is time for another installment of my "My Skin Loves" Skincare Series! This is the series where I share all of my latest and greatest skincare finds. I have had many skincare loves lately! I have really just been lucking out with many of the products that I have tried. Since I have quite a few skincare loves. I will try to break them down a few at a time in my next few installments of "My Skin Loves"

My Skin: 

Before diving into my reviews, let me give you some background info about my skin. My skin is currently sensitive and combination-oily (with it being primarily oily in the t-zone). Typically my skin is combo-normal. However, I am currently pregnant and my skin gets more oily with pregnancy. Also, my skin has been very prone to breaking out both on my chin area and around my nose. I have large pores. My biggest skin issue is probably my difficulty with my dark under eye circles (due to heredity, allergies, and general lack of sleep). I am in my late 30's. So, I am very interested in fighting fine lines and preventing wrinkles and other signs of aging.

For this installment of "My Skin Loves", I am going to highlight some of my recent favorite finds: Kate Somerville's Oil Free Moisturizer, Shiseido's Ibuki Eye Correcting Cream, Boots Botanics Rosewater Toning Spritz, and Boots Botanics Facial Oil.  I think that every single one of these products are amazing!!! These have all been fabulous additions to my skincare rotation of products. 

Spring Beauty Favorites!

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It has been awhile since I have posted a favorites post! There are just so many products that I am loving for Spring right now that I just had to share!!! This month I am all about products that help me get ready quickly, lip products for both color and moisture, and fabulously gentle anti-aging skincare products. 

We are in the midst of trying to sell our house. So, I find that I am always trying to get ready super quick. I need to be ready to get myself, the baby, and the dog out of the door at a moments notice, lol...stress! Also, since I am no longer nursing my baby, I can finally dive into some great retinol-based anti-aging products. The great news? I have found some that produce fabulous results with no negative side effects! Yay!!! Lips? Bring on the color!!! I am all-about looking natural and putting the pop-of-color no my lips. It is actually much quicker to do a simple eye and bold lips. Plus, I just love the lip shades this Spring! So fresh and pretty!

Spring Beauty Favorites with Paula's Choice, Tangle Teezer, Neutrogena

NEW from Shiseido! Spring Collection 2013

I am so excited about Shiseido's lineup for Spring of 2013!!! Shiseido has a fabulous array of new makeup and skincare products! 

The Spring 2013 Collection:

• Bio-Performance Super Eye Corrective Eye Cream ($60): Inspired by the plumping-from-within effect of hyaluronic acid injections in the skin, the formula in this new eye cream builds elasticity in all three layers of skin to lift, diminish wrinkles, and reduce dark circles with noticeable results in just one day

• Perfect Hydrating BB Cream ($33): Multifunctional with an advanced antioxidant formulation to provide the most effective and luxurious coverage available in one easy step. 

• Perfect Rouge ($25): 11 NEW shades and 9 re-formulated best-sellers of this luxurious creamy formula, now includes Hyaluronic Acid to provide long-lasting moisture and are beautifully packaged to represent the brand’s Japanese heritage

• Perfect Rouge Tender Sheer ($25): 6 NEW shades provide a gentle wash of color in one coat with the words “Tokyo Ginza” in an embossed band around the bottom of the lipstick for an element of surprise 

• Lacquer Rouge ($25): 4 NEW shades join the unique liquid lip colors launched in Fall 2012, inspired by 9,000 year-old lacquer artistry with deep pigments a wet-look finish

• Luminizing Satin Eye Color Trio ($33): 2 NEW shade palettes that were inspired by beach grass near an old island fort in South Carolina and sand dunes in the setting sun

• Luminizing Satin Face Color ($30): 2 NEW shades that deliver radiant, healthy-looking skin, from naturally fresh and sun-kissed to illuminated with delicate radiance

• Urban Environment Tinted UV Protector SPF43 ($30): Launching in March! A sheer, oil-free, tinted formula that combines anti-oxidative and moisturizing effects to defend skin against UV rays and environmental aggressors while providing flawless coverage

• White Lucent Power Brightening Mask ($68 for 6 masks): Launching in March! A mask that works in two steps by powerfully embedding Shiseido’s exclusive brightening ingredient and removing excess pigment for immediate brightening results

I tested out the Satin Color Trio and the Luminizing Face Color from this collection. Keep reading for more details about these beautiful makeup items!

Find Your Perfect Valentine's Day Lippie with this Fun Shiseido Quiz!

Valentine's Day is just around the corner! Are you looking for the perfect lipstick? This cute quiz can help you pick your perfect Shiseido shade!

Have fun!!! :)

I picked mostly Bs. So, I am "mysterious"! What are the results of your quiz?

XOXO!!!

Shiseido's New Shimmering Cream Eye Color

Nothing beats a good cream eye shadow! This new Shimmering Eye Color range from Shieido sure is a great line of long wearing beautiful cream eye shadows.

While great quality cream shadows are amazing, nothing is worse than a bad cream shadow! I have tried cream shadows on both ends of the continuum. There are so many cream shadows out there that just seem to crease right away and fade quickly. Others can only be worn over a primer sandwiched under a layer of powder shadow. After all of those steps, what is even the point of the cream shadow. Sorry, I digress! While I *heart* cream shadows, I have a love/hate relationship with the product category depending on each particular cream shadow that I try. A good cream eyeshadow should be able to be worn on its own, resist creasing, and can double as a layering product or eyeshadow base.

These new Shimmering Cream Eye Colors from Shiseido are a great option if you are looking for a good high-end cream eye shadow. To find out more and see pictures and swatches, please keep reading.

Falll 2012 Beauty Favorites!

Fall 2012 Beauty Favorites!
with OPI, Shiseido, Wet 'n Wild

It is time for a favorites post! I am so excited!!! I am especially excited because I am featuring the cute graphic above from Beautysets! Have you guys had a chance to play around with Beautysets yet? So fun! I hope to create more lists there!!!

In the past, I featured Monthly Favorites. In the future, I think I will fluctuate between monthly and seasonal favorites. It seems that I went a couple months where I was literally just using the same products. So, I skipped a few months in favor of doing a seasonal Fall Favorites post instead! I just don't want to be too repetative. With that said, if ya'll really want to read favorites posts here on a monthly basis. Please let me know! I would be happy to do it monthly if ya'll really love reading these types of posts.

There are a ton of products that I am *totally loving* right now. Some products I stumbled upon recently and some of them are long-term faves. Buckle in ya'll as this is a long list! I seriously love everything mentioned here!

If you are curious to find out what my Fall Favorite items are, please keep reading!

Sniff, Sniff! Mmm!!! Shiseido's Zen Secret Bloom (Facebook Giveaway Announcement!)

Looking for a sophisticated and delicious new scent for the Fall/Winter seasons? Look no further than this beautiful new release from Shiseido! As the cold weather approaches, I just love wearing warm and rich scents like this one. As Shiseido describes it: Discover the secret of golden flowers blooming at night.

Happy Anniversary Shiseido!
In honor of Shiseido's 140th Anniversary this year (<---OMG! Wow!), the brand launched a new and limited edition Shiseido Zen Secret Bloom Eau de Parfum. 

Immediately, I was drawn to the elegant packaging. The heavy square glass bottle's design is modern with a beautiful Asian inspired floral design. What a lovely addition to my perfume collection! Pretty packaging aside, lets talk about the scent!

Zen Secret Bloom offers a captivating contrast between freshness and mysterious warmth: combining a blend of jasmine, freesia, patchouli, incense, and a hint of black vanilla.

While I liked this scent upon initial application, it wasn't until the scent dried down and reacted with my chemistry that I fell in love. Seriously, I think I have found a total favorite new scent here! Zen Secret Bloom takes a few minutes open up and show its warmth and complexity and when it does...Swoon! This scent is just beautiful! Honestly, this scent really just smells better and better the longer you have it on.

The other true test: Does my Husband like it?
To quote him, "Wow, you smell REALLY good!" Normally, I always poll his opinion when trying new scents. I mean, I don't want to just please myself with my scents. I want him to like them too! Usually I have to prod him a bit and he will finally express "sure" or "yes" that he likes it. When I wear this, He literally approaches me without any prompting just to tell me that I smell great! He likes sexy and sophisticated scents. So, this one is a real winner with him!

Not only does this scent evoke a sexy image, it actually makes me feel like a sexier and more elegant version of myself when I wear this. This is a scent that I can wear any day that I want to feel gorgeous and put together. I am certainly going to wear this for date nights and evenings out! The more I wear this scent, the more I fall in love with it. There is no question that this scent is one of my new favorites!

As I continue my exploration of perfumes, I am finding that many of my all-time favorite perfumes are warm vanilla and jasmine scents. So, if you are a fan of those scents like I am, then you must check out Zen Secret Bloom! 

The Skinny:
1.6 fl oz retails for $68.00

Giveaway on Shiseido's Facebook Page!
Want to win Zen Secret Bloom? The brand is hosting a giveaway on their Facebook page through October 27th!  your readers have a chance to win this limited edition item on Facebook by making their Wish for the World at www.shiseidowishingtree.com.