5 Favorites

While many new products hit my desk, only a few really impress.  In this 5 Favorites round up, I'm going to fill you in on exactly why a hand cream is worth $85 (no joke), hands down the best eye makeup remover out there, the nail polish shade I'm considering as my something blue for my wedding day pedicure (it's Zac Posen approved) plus more.

Restorsea Hand Cream, $85 at restorsea.com

As a fan of Restorsea skincare, when I received the email about a new hand cream launch, I immediately requested a sample.  A day later, there it was.  Now, my fiance makes fun of me for carrying around a full sized (3.4 0z) tube in my clutch.  The condition of my hands changed within about a weeks use.  They've been dry, but what has been bothering me most was my cuticles.  Now, my hands feel smooth and look presentable.  It's like a miracle cream, not just a temporary fix.

L'Oreal Boost It High Lift Creation Spray, $4.99 at drugstores

L'Oreal came out with a whole new collection of styling products and their Boost It line was made for women with fine or flat hair like me.  My favorite product so far is the High Lift Creation Spray.  After blowdrying, I spray it into my roots and tease them just a bit to create a bit of volume on top.  The formula is workable, not sticky, so it keeps the height in place without looking too done.

Morgan Taylor Nail Polish in Hide & Sleek, $5.69 at amazon.com

I dumped the new Morgan Taylor polish collection out onto my kitchen table and immediately grabbed this one – Hide & Sleek.  From the new "Purples Collection," and inspired by semi-precious stones, this hue is a potential wedding day something blue.  It's rich and reminds me of royalty.  Zac Posen even chose the shade to compliment his Fall 2014 collection during NY Fashion Week.

Klorane Floral Gel Eye Makeup Remover, $16 at skinstore.com

Dare I say that I've never met an eye makeup remover so gentle and efficient?  This is it.  Enough said.  The gel formula is gentle on the lashes and despite the fact that it has the word floral it's title, no, it won't sting if it gets into your eyes.  It's actually made with soothing cornflower.

Emi-Jay Hair Ties, Ombre 5 Pack, $10.99 at emi-jay.com

I can finally put my hair in a real pony tail!  Therefore, maybe I'm late to the game, but I'm obsessed with Emi-Jay Hair Ties.  Their a true beauty breakthrough as they look fashionable and don't cause tension.  I'm a fan of the ombre packs.

5 Favorites

This Urban Decay Naked Illuminated, $29, is a whole lot of shimmer with a little bit of bronzer.  To say I'm obsessed is even underestimating how much I like it (and I'm not really into shimmer, glitter, sparkle...).  I like the way it looks dusted across my decolletage. I guarantee once you see it in person you're going to want it, too. Like what you see?  Read on because there's a few more things I'm coveting right now.

The Body Shop Honeymania Body Scrub, $ 20, is part of a whole collection that uses Community Fair Trade honey made from the nectar of thousands of wildflowers.  I'm a big fan of gentle body scrubs and this one's exfoliating beads are large and round so it's gentle on my skin.  Plus, it makes my shower smell like flowers!

Skinceuticals Advanced Pigment Corrector, $90, not only helps to rid hyperpigmentation and brown spots, but it's also proven to keep them away.  Formulated with a potent blend of ellagic acid, salicylic acid and yeast extract, it's comparable to, yet safer than hydroquinone.

Nivea Lip Butter in Vanilla & Macadamia Kiss, $3.99, smells like a fresh baked holiday cookie, but don't worry it doesn't taste like one.   The butter-like balm almost satisfies my cravings for sweets (is that all mental?) and keeps my lips soft and moisturized.

L'Oreal Voluminous Butterfly Mascara, $8.99, has a plastic wing-tipped comb that really helps to divide my lashes as I swipe.  The curve in the brush and the bristles help to create that sexy, added lash look at the corners.  With my almond shaped eyes, it almost gives me cat eyes!

5 Favorites

I don't know where to start.  My whole regimen has taken a turn for the better lately and with each new launch and product mailing I'm falling in love all over again with the latest lotions and potions.  Allow me to present my five favorites of the moment.  You can thank me later!

Rodial Glam Balm Multi, $59, has been a staple in my bag.  I've been traveling a ton lately and this non-greasy balm is loaded with stem cells so it has plumping benefits and is super moisturizing.  You can use it as a day or night cream on your face for extra hydration, on your hands, cuticles, lips, elbows.  The options are endless.

StriVectin-AR Advanced Retinol Eye Treatment, $75, has my favorite anti-aging key word, retinol, as it's main ingredient.  My biggest paranoia lately has been fine lines on the sides of and underneath my eyes.  They make me look old and tired!  I trust StriVectin and the combination of Retinol and Niacin is a perfect blend to help diminish them quickly.

Laura Mercier Smooth Finish Foundation Powder, $45, offers lightweight coverage in a variety of shades.  I'm not one to wear foundation daily, but when I go on TV, it becomes my best friend.  Hello HD!  This powder blends seamlessly into my skin without feeling caky.  Plus, it's easy to carry around for last minute touch ups.

Toni & Guy Volume Plumping Mousse, $14.99, puts an end to the search.  The search for volume that is.  The famed UK brand just landed state side and after trying a variety of their products, I couldn't be happier.  Since my strands live for mousse, this is by far my favorite product in the line.  It's lightweight and not only offers volume, but it also gives bounce.  That's the difference.  Who doesn't want bounce?

 Gelish Mini Soak Off Gel Polish, $10 ea., come in a variety of fashion forward shades for fall.  My favorite being 'A Touch of Sass' and soak off easily without ruining your own nails.  Hey, a girl needs a gel mani every once in a while!

5 Favorites, Summer Style

This week's five favorites are all my favorite summer themed picks ranging from my new must-have body oil to self tanning towelettes I never thought I'd use (I'm more of a mousse or lotion girl) and a tan extender that really works.  There's at least one thing here for everyone. Lather Summer Nights Body Oil, $16, is a moisturizing body oil that I like to use at night after a nice, hot shower.  There are three different scents, but lavender is my favorite as it calms my mind and helps me relax.  I'm a huge fan of using body oils as opposed to lotions at night and if my skin is really dry, I'll mix an oil into my lotion and pull double duty.

Bumble & Bumble Surf Foam Wash Shampoo, $24, has a matching conditioner.  Infused with minerals and sea botanicals, they're designed to create a great base for a beachy 'do.  After all, Bumble & Bumble does have the best Surf Spray around.

L'Oreal Sublime Bronze Self Tanning Towelettes, $9.99, are a pack of tanning towelettes that if used correctly, don't leave streaks.  Intimidated to use them at first, I created circular motions all over my body and face with a single towelette and in a few hours a bronze glow developed.  Plus, they're great for travel.

Kate Somerville Tan Maximizer, $48, replaces body lotion twice a day before sun exposure.  It's great to use prior to going on vacation to help accentuate your tan. Then, after you self tan or get a sun kissed glow, continue use and it moisturizes with black snakeroot that also keeps your skin in check.

Yves Rocher Monoi de Tahiti All Purpose Oil, $9.90, smells like the islands.  It absorbs quickly into your skin to help hydrate or maintain your tan, but can also be used on your hair to tame frizzies.  You can also just put a bit on your pulse points for the fragrance alone.

Cat Deely Talks About Her Beauty Regimen, Fitness Philosophy & All She Wants for Christmas

I had the chance to chat with the host of So You Think You Can Dance, Cat Deely and found out what her makeup routine (or lack there of) is like when she's not on camera.  We also talked about her free-spirited workouts (I personally love her advice there) and what she wants for Christmas.  FYI her dream gift has nothing to do with diamonds.  Read on to find out more. 1. When not hosting “So You Think You Can Dance,” what's your everyday makeup routine like?

There is no routine! I try not to wear make-up when I'm not working. The skin is the largest organ the human body has and it needs to 'breath' as much as possible. But when I do apply make-up it tends to be very light and minimal- Chanel eyelash curler followed by Lancôme mascara. Also, Bobbi Brown concealer, Stila blusher and Clinique Superbalm in Mango. I think heavy make- up is very ageing; a subtle application looks much more youthful and beautiful.

2. What's your #1 beauty must-have and why?

I'm a big fan of a smile! They use less facial muscles than frowns, they make your eyes twinkle and nine times out of ten always get reciprocated! I like to keep a bright, white smile with Crest 3D White 2 Hour Express Whitestrips - they are so convenient, inexpensive and actually give my confidence a lift. I use them in a similar way to a face pack- every once in a while when I’ve been burning the candle at both ends or when I just need a boost.

3. How do you stay in such great shape? Do you have a work out of choice?  Trick?

The trick is to find a form of exercise that 1) Fits into your life and 2) You enjoy. I've tried lots and lots of different work outs in the past, but yoga and hiking are what I like most. I take my dog Lilly on a hike every day, just outside my house, along the canyon. I'm done in 40 minutes, and Lilly gets a walk too! Then I do yoga 3 days a week too- I have a great teacher called Camilla Bergstrom, she mixes up different styles and keeps it interesting.

4. What's on your holiday wish list this year?

Some amazing Monica Vinader jewelry. I love her stacking rings. Also, some L'Occitane home fragrance in fig. But my dream gift would be a piece of art by Harland Miller.