L'Occitane's Fresh NEW Fruit-inspired Lip Collection!

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L'Occitane's Fresh NEW Fruit-inspired Lip Collection:

I always get inspired when my favorite brands launch new collections. Well, this fun launch is extra exciting as it is L'Occitane's first launch in the makeup category!

L’OCCITANE is excited to introduce their first foray into color with a fruity lip collection and a multi-masking line infused with fresh ingredients from Provence and the Mediterranean Basin. Absolutely yummy and very, very sunny, and delectably scented, they’ll put a smile on your lips, a glow on your face and a spring in your step! Scrubs, balms, lipsticks and masks reveal delicious textures and delectable scents, to make every time you use them a mouthwatering moment. If you like to have fun with your beauty routine and give your face a natural glow, look no further! 

Both the lip and mask lines are filled with color, delicious textures and delectable scents inspired by the rich fruits and vegetables picked right from the markets of Provence.

Collection at-a-glance:

• Prep lips with the Delicious Lip Scrubs ($19)
• Moisturize with 3-in-1 Multi Balm ($24)
• Get a bite from the Delicious Tinted Balms ($24)
• Dress your lips up with new Fruity Lipstick ($20)
• Give skin a Radiance Scrub and glow with a Soothing or Purifying Mask ($34)

L'Occitane's Delicious Lip Scrubs let your lips enjoy a juicy appetizer that gently exfoliates, to leave them soft & smooth. Next, the Delicious Tinted Balms coat them in moisture. Finally, the Fruity Lipsticks, leave your lips looking good enough to eat! And then there’s the Face Masks and Scrubs, inspired by fruits and herbs.

3-in-1 Delicious Multi-Balm: This sheer balm is a total necesssity! I love the buttery feel and the soft scent. This is my must-have balm that I am applying every night before bed. It can be used as a primer to prep the lips for the Fruity Lipstick, as a balm to soften the lips any time of the day, or as a rich mask to pamper the lips overnight. It moisturizes, protects and delivers long- lasting nourishment. At its heart lies a blend of botanical oils from pomelo, carrot and pomegranate.

Fruity Perfecting Balm: The balm is yellow in the tube but it turns pink when it touches your lips. This is just such an easy way to moisturize your lips and get beautiful and flattering color. The ultra-effective, 2-in-1 color-revealing balm creates a unique color when applied, due to the pH of your lips with added plumping effects. Slip it into your handbag and smooth it on whenever you want. The results speak for themselves!

Delicious Tinted Lip Balms:
In this collection, there are four Delicious Tinted Balms. They boast a delicious, creamy texture with an irresistible sunny scent, which makes it difficult to choose just one! If you’re in a radiant mood, opt for the cheeky shade of Carrot Fizz. If you’re feeling romantic, reach for Grenadine in Love. Pink Calisson is just right if you’re looking for a luscious pink, and finally, Gimme Mauve offers the softest, sweetest hue. All balms moisturize to keep lips feeling exquisitely soft.

Lip Scrubs:
This collection contains 3 decadent fruity lip scrubs. I have found that the key to soft lips is a great balm *plus* routine use of a lip scrub. These are so fun to use! I just use one every few days followed by a generous application of a L'Occitane balm before bed and I wake up to soft and smooth lips!

The Marmalade Kiss Delicious Lip Scrub contains Vitamin E in a mouthwatering texture. Enriched with mandarin extract and carrot, pomelo and pomegranate oils, this gentle exfoliator is sweet and delicious on the lips. Apply to dry lips, not forgetting to massage, then rinse off with water.

Enriched with raspberry extract and carrot, pomelo and pomegranate oils, the Raspberry Crush Delicious Lip Scrub helps remove dead skin cells for smooth and comfortable lips. Apply to dry lips and massage – and don’t forget to rinse off!


A fig extract lies at the heart of the Fabulous Fig Delicious Lip Scrub, which also contains vitamin E, along with carrot, pomelo and pomegranate oils. This gentle exfoliator reveals a delicious texture that leaves lips sweet and feeling smooth! Simply apply to dry lips, massage gently, then rinse!

Fruity Lipsticks:

Nude Infusion Fruity Lipstick:
A subtle, natural beige shade, perfect for an impromptu brunch!

Pink Biscotin Fruity Lipstick:
A luminous pink shade to give a touch of radiance that’s ever so slightly seductive.

Provence Sunset Fruity Lipstick:
A natural shade that heightens the pink of your lips with a sun-sational golden brown.

Gor-juice Pomelo Fruity Lipstick:
A deep coral shade that’s so bright, it would outshine the sun of Provence!

Red-Y to Play? Fruity Lipstick:
One swipe of this red shade for a color you can wear every day; three swipes for a lot of allure!

Plum Plum Girl Fruity Lipstick:
A deep, plum-red shade that’s bold and brave and beautiful.

Flamingo Kiss Fruity Lipstick:
An original, vibrant, fuchsia shade that works with all skin tones.

Provence Calling Fruity Lipstick:
A magnetic, mesmerizing violet shade that adds a Provençal flair to your everyday look.

The Radiance Scrub:
Last, but not least, L'Occitane has an assortment of delectable masks and a scrub in this fruit-inspired collection. I got a chance to try out the scrub. It is refreshing and perfect for summer!

The Radiance Scrub is enriched with freshly harvested pomelos from Corsica, which are known to contain natural fruit acid, providing instant exfoliation to the skin. Apply a dollop on wet skin, massage with circular movements to help slough away dead skin cells and leave your complexion looking radiant. A jam- like scrub that is jam-packed with benefits.

Pricing:
RADIANCE SCRUB NET WT. 2.6 OZ. ($34)
PURIFYING MASK NET WT. 2.6 OZ. ($34)
SOOTHING MASK NET WT. 2.5 OZ. ($34)
SINGLE USE PODS NET WT. 0.2 OZ. ($6)
DELICIOUS BALMS NET WT. 0.28 OZ. ($24)
FRUITY LIPSTICKS NET WT. 0.09 OZ. ($20)

If you are looking for some fun and fresh ways to perk up your lips and skin this Summer, then look no further than this delectable fruity collection from L'Occitane! Be sure to check it out. :)

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My Skin Loves: L'Occitane's Pivoine Sublime Perfecting Scrub and Cream!

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My Skin Loves: L'Occitane's Pivoine Sublime Perfecting Scrub and Cream!

Ready for another update in my My Skin Loves blog series? This series is devoted to sharing about my very favorites new discoveries in skincare. 

My Skin:

Before diving into my review for L'Occitane's Pivoine Sublime Perfecting Scrub and Cream, lets talk a bit about my skin. I have classic combination skin. It varies from normal-oily, to normal, to normal-dry depending on the season and my hormones. This time of year I am in the normal or normal-oily category. I also describe my skin as being sensitive. I am somewhat prone to redness and product irritation. Also, I get occasional breakouts in my t-zone area. So, I just need to be very careful with my skincare selections. I want effective products that work without causing redness nor irritation. In addition, I am in my early 40s. So, I am super interested in anti-aging products and products that help me to look younger. 

L'Occitane Pivoine Sublime:

Oh how I adore this collection! The Pivoine Sublime line is based upon the Peony flower. If you are familiar with the gorgeous scent of the Peony flower, them you are going to love these decadently scented products. From the lovely scent to the pretty packaging, there is just something so special about this collection. Besides the pretty packaging and nice scent, the products themselves are fantastic formula-wise and results-wise! I have only tried out a couple items from this line, but I am already obcessed and know that I am going to want to explore the full line. 

L'Occitane Pivoine Sublime Perfecting Cream:

I have been in the market for a new moisturizing cream and this one is the winner! As we start to transition into colder weather, adding a good moisturizing cream to my daily skincare routine was a must. Previously, I was using a cleanser and a retinol serum in the evenings (and sometimes an additional serum and/or a facial oil). However, in the Summer months and early Fall, I tend to skip a moisturizer. Now that the weather is starting to get cooler, it is time to rotate a moisturizer back in! I can't express how much good this cream has done for my skin! It is an absolute pleasure to use. I love how this cream sinks in. I feel like my skin literally drinks it up! From the silky gel-cream texture to the gorgeous scent, it is a nightly treat to use this product. I can't get over the improvements in my skin. The texture is so soft and velvet-like, my pores are diminished, my fine lines are blurred, and my skin has an overall better appearance as far as hydration and plumpness. Results were immediate and very noticable even the very next morning after adding this product to my routine. I am completely hooked on this cream! Plus, it has not caused any breakouts nor irritation reactions. So, I am super pleased! This is potentially the best moisturizer that I have ever used! If you want amazing and noticable results, you must try this cream! 

The Skinny:

• Key ingredients include: Peony Extract (Pivoine Sublime Complex: Visibly corrects complexion and texture imperfections)
• Retails for $42.00

L'Occitane Pivoine Sublime 2-in-1 Perfecting Scrub:

This scrub is such a perfect compliment to the Perfecting Cream! Good exfoliation is the key to helping your products to penetrate better. Plus, exfoliation tends to keep my skin super clear and soft. With my somewhat sensitive skin, I need to be careful about not over-exfoliating. So, I tend to use this scrub only about 2-3 (max) times a week. This unique exfoliator is a gel/oil hybrid! It applies like a gel and transforms to an oil on your skin. I apply it to my dry skin and start to smooth it in light pressure circular motions then I add in some water and I continue to massage. Then I can either leave it on as a mask for a few minutes or rinse off. I like to follow up with a gentle milky cleanser and then the rest of my skincare routine. This scrub is highly effective at purging my skin's impurities and making great improvements in my skin's texture. Plus, the scent? Divine!!! 

The Skinny:

• Enriched with a skin-perfecting extract plus a micro exfoliating agent and scrubbing particles
• Retails for $28.00

If you are looking for some fantastic and results-driven luxury skincare items to add to your skincare routine, I highly recommend L'Occitane's Pivoine Sublime Perfecting Cream and L'Occitane's Pivoine Sublime Perfecting Scrub. Any other fans of the Pivoine Sublime line? I would love to hear your recommendations for what to try next! :) I am already eying the Purifying Foam, Mattifying Fluid, and the Perfecting Mist. 

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Get Scrubby with LATHER's NEW Chia Seed & Passion Fruit Exfoliating Gel

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Get Scrubby with LATHER's NEW Chia Seed & Passion Fruit Exfoliating Gel:

I just love a good scrub! So, I am very excited to tell you guys about this awesome new product from one of my favorite natural skincare brands: LATHER! 

LATHER's NEW Chia Seed & Passion Fruit Exfoliating Gel:

This super gentle exfoliator is a non-foaming and moisturizing facial scrub that was designed for normal-to-dry or mature skin. I am happy to report that while I have neither "mature" skin (well, maybe I do as I am in my early 40s) nor normal-to-dry (I am currently combo-oily), this product still works fabulously for me! Actually, I really adore using it! 

First of all, OMG...the scent! I absolutely love the refreshingly fruity scent of this scrub. Plus, the gel texture combined with the scrubbiness of the chia seeds really gives an awesome sensation when you are gently massaging it on your skin. It really gives you an amazing spa-like facial treatment right in your own bathroom. 

The Skinny:

Here is the scoop, in a nutshell, about this awesome New Chia Seed & Passion Fruit Exfoliating Gel:

• This is a gel based, non-foaming exfoliator
• “Physical” exfoliating agents include passion fruit seed powder and jojoba beads
• Also contains tropical fruit enzymes for additional exfoliation.
• Chia seed oil moisturizes, soothes and protects skin with omega-3 fatty acids  
• Price is $29.00 / 4 oz.
• Available beginning July 1 online at www.lather.com or in LATHER retail stores 

How I Use:

LATHER recommends that the Chia Seed & Passion Fruit Exfoliating Gel be used about 2-3 times a week. For my somewhat sensitive skin, I find that 2 times a week is just perfect. It gives me a fantastic boost of exfoliation without being "too much" for my skin. To use, I first cleanse my face with a gentle cleanser and leave it wet. Then I apply a small dollop of the Chia Seed & Passion Fruit Exfoliating Gel to my entire face (avoiding eye area). I very gently massage the product on my skin using sweeping circular motions. Then I let the product sit on my face for about a minute or two as a "mask" before rinsing (I like doing this with enzyme-based exfoliating products to allow the enzymes to do some extra work on my skin). 

My Results:

I am so pleased with the results of this amazing Chia Seed & Passion Fruit Exfoliating Gel from LATHER! I feel like my skin is so soft and refined from using this product consistently. Plus, I also love the instant hydration and smoothness it brings to my skin right after rinsing it off. I feel like the extra exfoliation also keeps my skin clear and bright. Not to mention, the gorgeous scent and the feel of the gentle exfoliators really makes this a spa-quality treatment right in my own bathroom. This product is a total treat to use! 

LATHER fans, what else do you love from this line? I have only begun to explore LATHER skincare and would love to know your recommendations!

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Fab Fast Friday: Favorites from Belli Skincare!

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It is time for another Fab Fast Friday! These are my posts to give you the quick scoop on things I am loving! 

Have I mentioned lately how obsessed I am with the Belli Skincare brand? This is a skincare line specifically designed to be effective and gentle for women who are pregnant or nursing. In the past 5 years I have had 2 beautiful babies and nursed them both for 1-2 years each. During my time spent being pregnant and nursing, I had to ditch many of my skincare staples that were just not pregnancy nor nursing safe. Before I found Belli Skincare, it was a struggle to figure out what worked and didn't work on my skin. Pregnancy can bring out the worst in your skin. Sure, some are lucky to have the "glow"...but, I was one who had very oily and sensitive skin in pregnancy. I was much more prone to breakouts and was in such a dilemma. I wanted effective skincare to combat the over-oiliness and acne. However, I wanted to be assured that what I was using was safe for the baby. With Belli Skincare, I knew everything was safe and the best part...it is effective, too! 

Well, now I am past my pregnancy and nursing days. However, I still use many Belli Skincare items in my everyday skincare and other items are frequently rotated into my skincare routine. 

Here are some of my favorites from Belli Skincare:

• Anti-Blemish Facial Wash: This face was was certainly well named! There is no question that consistent use of this face wash keeps my skin clear! A tube of this Facial Wash lives in my shower and I use it every day. Even when I test out other products for the blog, I always come back to this amazing cleanser. It leaves your skin perfectly balanced and clean without over-stripping it. I love the clean feel and the pore-cleansing abilities of this cleanser. Key ingredients include lactic acid (this acid naturally occurs in our bodies and it is the safest hydroxy acid to use in pregnancy), antioxidant-rich green tea, and cucumber. Love, love, love this cleanser! It is honestly in my top 5 category of most favorite cleansers...ever! (let me know if the comments if you want to hear my other 4!)

• Fresh Start Pre-Treatment Scrub: I love the invigorating feel of this scrub! This scrub can be used on both the face and the body. I am a bit obcessed with the zing of the peppermint oil in this scrub! It feels so fresh to use! In addition to the peppermint, this formula also contains ginseng and green tea. I can use this scrub a couple times a week to give my skin an exfoliation boost. 

• Acne Control Spot Treatment: During pregnancy and nursing, treatment options for breakouts are really limited ingredient-wise. It is so nice to have a completely safe treatment for your blemishes! This formula contains no salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or benzol peroxide (common acne-fighters that are contra-indicated for pregnancy and breastfeeding). Instead, this formula contains colloidal sulfur to penetrate the pores, control acne, and keep skin clear of new breakouts. 

• Pure Radiance Facial Sunscreen: This sunscreen was not only my favorite to use during pregnancy, but it is still my daily favorite today! I have such trouble with Sunscreens breaking me out. Combine this with the fact that many chemical sunscreens irritate my skin...that limits my options. This oil-free formula uses only trusted mineral sunscreens (my fav combo: titanium dioxide and zinc oxide) to provide broad spectrum SPF 25 protection. The product is lightly tinted to blend in with your skintone (works well with my fair skin). The formula is lightly moisturizing and comes in a great pump tube. I love that I can slather this Sunscreen on knowing that the product is gentle for my skin and it wont irritate my skin or break me out! 

Have you tried Belli Skincare? What are your favorites? If you are looking for gentle and effective skincare for acne-prone skin (reguardless if you are pregnant or not), this would be a great line to check out! 

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My Skin Loves: Dermalogica's Daily Microfoliant

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Raise your hand if you love exfoliation. Me, me, me (hand raised and waving)!!! For so many years I neglected to exfoliate. Well, shame on me! I was missing out. Over the past few years, I have really discovered the benefits of really good exfoliation. As a woman now in my 40s (OMG, how did I get to be 40 already? lol), good exfoliation is more important than ever. Not only does exfoliation keep my skin clear, it also has a brightening effect on my skin and it seems to be holding wrinkles at bay as well! 

My Skin:

Before jumping into this review any futher, let me give you a bit more background on my skin.  I have classic combo skin (normal-oily in Spring/Summer and normal-dry in Fall/Winter). I get everything from dry patches to oily spots depending on the fluctuation of my skin. I just turned 40 a few months ago. So, I am *very* interested in anti-aging skincare. I have no major lines or wrinkles yet (whew!). I want to fend those off for as long as I can! So far, I just have fine lines that crop up around my eyes (especially when my skin is dry). I do occasionally break out. Not all the time, but I do get breakouts still. Typically, breakouts are on my chin and occasionally by my nose. I have a few dark spots that arrived with my pregnancy. Luckily, these are gradually fading (but still bothersome). My biggest skincare complaint? My very dark under eye circles. I have hereditary dark circles plus allergies and a general lack of sleep. So, my poor eye area looks haggard! Finding good eye creams and concealers is one of the main reasons I am into skincare and got into beauty blogging! ;)

I recently added an awesome exfoliating product to my skincare routine: Dermalogica's Daily Mircrofoliant. This product has been around for quite some time now and seems to have a bit of a cult following. I actually remember trying a small sample of it years ago and wish that I had started using it regularly back then! I have been using this Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant for a few weeks now and am completely obsessed with it!

Dermalogica's Daily Microfoliant:

This is such a unique product. Believe me, I have a ton of products in my skincare arsenal and in my regular skincare routine...and none of these products is even remotely similar to this product. Dermalogica's Daily Microfoliant is in a category by itself: it is a powder exfoliant that you use after you wash your face. What an interesting way to exfoliate!

To find out more about this amazing product, please click "read more" below!

2nd Annual National #ScrubOff Day with St. Ives!

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We all know that Halloween is October 31st. However, did you know that November 1st is the 2nd Annual "National Scrub Off Day" with St. Ives? lol, I betcha didn't! Well, what better time, or better excuse to try some new face scrubs...a good deep cleaning after that heavy Halloween makeup? St. Ives has a variety of scrubs with different levels of exfoliation depending on your skin type and how much scrubbing you need. I know that I am excited to try some of these out and participate in the #ScrubOff challenge! :)

 

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Ziaja Skincare: Fabulous European Products for Body and Face (all under $10!!!)

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I just love exploring a new skincare line. Especially a fabulous line like Ziaja! Ziaja is a respected and established European skincare line that is now shipping to the USA. Would you like to know another great thing? Everything in this line is under $10!!!

Ziaja features 11 different facial and body skincare lines: Aloe, Argan Oil, Cocoa Butter, Coconut, Cucumber, Goat's Milk, Marigold, Marine Algae, Natural Olive, Orange Butter, and Men. You can search the website for products based on product lines or specific skincare need (face, toners, etc). Ziaja sent me a variety of items from the Coconut and Cocoa Butter Body lines as well as the Cucumber facial skincare line to try out. 

About Ziaja:

The Ziaja Skincare line is a Polish brand that is now available online for shoppers from the USA. The products are natural, not tested on animals, and all under $10 each! The products combine traditional components like herbal extracts and vitamins with innovative modern technology based on pharmaceutical expertise. Ziaja wants to bring you innovative products at a competitive price! The prices are really very reasonable!!!

To find out how I like the Coconut, Cocoa Butter, and Cucumber skincare products from Ziaja, please click "read more" below! :) I might have just found my favorite Coconut body scent...ever!

Review Time! Clean and Clear's NEW Morning Burst Fruit Infusions Smoothing Facial Scrub

Sometimes it is just those "little things" that perk you up in the morning! Ya'll know how much I love my bath and shower products...Often it is the scent of the product that lures me. Generally, I am not a huge fan of strongly scented skincare products. Often fragrance can just irritate my skin. So, when I first smelled this Clean & Clear Morning Burst Fruit Infusions Smoothing Facial Scrub, I thought that the scent might be too heavy for me to enjoy. However, it turns out that I really enjoy this delicious scent! This scrub smells like berries! To be exact, strawberries and blueberries (or possibly the scent is "yumberry" although I have never smelled a Yumberry...is that a real fruit, lol, or a made up word?).

It is only recently dawning on me that I adore the Strawberry scent. I am obsessed with my Model & Co Lipgloss and my The Body Shop Strawberry body spray, both of which carry an amazing strawberry scent! So, now add this facial scrub to my Strawberry Scented product "collection"! :)

This is a great scrub for my morning shower routine. I like lightweight mild scrubs for morning use in the shower as they are a one step product. If I use a scrub at night, it is a multi-step process, remove makeup, use scrub, then wash face to remove eye makeup remover residue. So, like the "Morning Burst" name implies, this is a great product for morning use!

Holiday Gift Guide for Him: NEW Evolution Man Skincare

Are you shopping for Men's Stocking Stuffers? Or is your Man just looking for some newMen's Skincare? If so, you may want to check out this new Men's Skincare line: Evolution Man.

EVOLUTIONMAN is working proof that a modern skincare and grooming collection for men can be polished and sophisticated while maintaining ethical and green formulation, packaging and business practices.  The products are offered at a mid-range price point without sacrificing high-end efficacy, quality or cutting-edge aesthetics.

If your man is like my husband, he won't want a lot of fuss or steps in his skincare routine. However, he does like something nicer than your average cleanser. This line has all of the basics covered: cleanse, exfoliate, and moisturize.

My Husband got a chance to try out some products from Evolution Man. To find out more about these products and to hear what he thought of them, please keep reading!