Fall Beauty Products Better Than A Pumpkin Spice Latte

‘Tis the season for pumpkin spice lattes, but this delicious flavoring doesn’t just have to be in your Starbucks coffee. To completely indulge in the seasons gorgeous scents, we’ve compiled some of our favorite fall beauty products that incorporate all kinds of flavors. From cranberry, to honey and pumpkin, here are our favorite fall flavored beauty products. Not only do they provide gorgeous scents, but they also are full of nutrients to improve your beauty health.

WEN Fall Ginger Pumpkin Cleansing Conditioner 

This limited edition of cleansing conditioner combines not only pumpkin seed extract, but also vanilla with ginger root oil leaving you with a deliciously enticing smell. Not only does it smell amazing, but it has great benefits for your hair as a non-stripping cleanser that allows your hair to maintain their natural oils and moisture unlike many damaging shampoos.

Farmhouse Fresh Face Mask Pumpkin Puree

This face mask is blended with over 90% of ingredients from American farms. It will clean out your deepest pore and even out skin tones using natural and nutritious ingredients. Oh, and it smells like fall in a jar.

Revlon Parfumerie Scented Nail Enamel Autumn Spice 

A scented nail polish seems a bit questionable but the fragrance is so light, it gives just the perfect hint to your senses. Plus it delivers a gorgeous shiny brunette color that is a perfect color to rock during the fall season.

Epicuren Pumpkin Apple Spice Peel

This incredibly beneficial formula contains a combination of pumpkin enzymes, which has Vitamin A, and Malic Acid, which is derived from apples, creating a dual action peel. It not only dissolves dead skin cells, but also protects against free radical damages, leaving you with smoother, tighter skin. All thanks to typical fall seasonal staples.

Burt’s Bees Cranberry & Pomegranate Body Butter

We just love this fruity duo of the cranberry seeds and pomegranate oils blended in this body lotion. These combined with hydrating Cocoa and Jojoba butters give your skin a seriously silky smooth finish and smells yummy.

5 Favorites

This week some of my favorite new beauty product launches include a must-have compact (pictured above), my new staple fall nail polish color from NARS, the softest and most affordable makeup brushes ever and more.  Check them out!

Cargo Cosmetics Essential Lip Color in Bordeaux

This whole line of lip colors are nice and creamy so they don't settle into fine lines, are richly pigmented and have staying power like no other.  Bordeaux is my favorite because it's very New York and right on trend for fall.

Mark Great Finish Pressed Perfecting Powder

This pressed powder gets the job done without making my face look caky.  I use it on my T-zone to help mattify my skin and as a bonus, it also makes my pores look smaller.

NARS Nail Polish in Fury

As someone who exclusively wears  dark polish, I swear NARS created this deep purple with me in mind.  It has a nice punch to it, which makes it special.

La Prairie Anti-Aging Eye & Lip Perfection a Porter

This came in a mailing labeled "NYFW survival kit," amongst other necessities and will surely be used throughout the week!  The eye cream and lip balm duo come in a luxe, lightweight compact with nice sized mirrors, making it perfect for on-the-go.  Two essentials I now can't be without.

Makeup Forever Professional Brushes

Professional makeup artists brushes in every style (76 to be exact).  Made of synthetic fibers so they're affordable, you'd never know they weren't real.

5 Favorites

When Yes To Carrots expands their line, yet again, you know I'm writing about it. The new Yes To Body Washes, ($7.99 at drugstores) are rocking my shower experience.  Check out the other products that made the cut for my five favorites of the moment. 

Sephora + Pantone Universe Elemental Energy Eye Shadow Palette, $38 at Sephora 

This palette includes 16 shades in many different textures: creamy, semi-matte, glitter, and shimmer. The pigments are vivid and feel like velvet as you swipe them across your lids.

Chapstick Mixsticks, $2.99 at drugstores.

Two flavors, one stick.  Pretty awesome.

Almay Longwear & Waterproof Gentle Eye Makeup Remover, $5.99 at Ulta & Almay Soothing & De-Puffing Gentle Eye Makeup Remover Pads, $5.99 at Ulta

Almay's eye makeup removers have always been a favorite of mine, and these two products recently replenished my stash.  Gentle and effective.

Goody QuickStyle Half Round Brush, $11.99 at Target

The microfibers in between the nylon bristles soak up water to help your hair dry quicker.

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.

A Peek at P&G Beauty Brands Through the Years

When you think of iconic beauty looks which come to mind? For me, I've always loved Twiggy's bob, Audrey Hepburn's chignon as Holly in "Breakfast at Tiffanys," Farrah Fawcett's waves and Julia Roberts' "Pretty Woman" curls.  And of course I can't leave out Jennifer Aniston's "The Rachel."  Believe it or not, throughout all of those styles and dating back even further, P&G Beauty brands have been there for women to help them achieve the decades’ most iconic looks!  I'm sure even Audrey, Jennifer and Julia have some of their fab products to thank. I spoke with a P&G rep to find out some fun facts about your favorite brands dating back to the beginning.

I feel like I've been using them forever as well, or at least for 30 of their 175 years of existence!  As a huge COVERGIRL fan I got the scoop from their P&G team and found out they made their national debut in 1961 with Clean Liquid Makeup.  Who knew?  Another fun fact, Pantene has been around for 60 years and Secret was the first deodorant marketed to women.

Check out the video below (it's super cute) to watch about a minute of how brands like COVERGIRL and Pantene have helped women beautify throughout the years.  And to commemorate P&G’s 175^th Anniversary, P&G Beauty brands are locking a time capsule away packed your favorite beauty products plus today's trends and other can’t-live-without-in-2013 items. Visit the StyleUnited by P&G Beauty Facebook page to vote on which of your favorite products you'd like to see go inside the capsule for others to see in the future when it’s open again in 2038!  Ps: I voted COVERGIRL.

*This post is sponsored by P&G but all of my thoughts and actions are my own.

5 Must-Have Travel Beauty Kits: I'm Packing Them All

Ciao!  I'm off to Italy!  Ten days away gives me a chance to test out new beauty loot and my PR friends were kind enough to send over a bunch of travel sized products to take along.  Even though I'm bringing travel sized products, I still think my suitcase will be overweight, because I'm bringing a ton of them!  As I was packing I fell in love with a few kits that stood out among the rest.  These five are worth taking along whether you're doing a beach weekend, road trip or a serious get-a-way.

Ahava Starter Kit for Men, $18

• exfoliating cleansing gel
• foam free shaving cream
• soothing after shave moisturizer
• travel bag

*Of course, Joe's bringing his Ray Bans.  I'm obsessed with aviators and often borrow his.  They're a bit big for my face, but it's what I like about this pair.  You can find them here.

VMH Hypoallergenics Vacation Kit, $28

• Armada Sport 70
• Armada Lip Balm 60+
• Essence Clark Wash Hair + Body “Big Softie” Shampoo
• Id Monolaurin Gel (mattifying anti-acne, anti-sweat-acne skin-cooling gel for face + body)

*This Jennifer Behr headband has been a summer staple of mine since 2007.  Here's a similar one by JB, double roped, just updated.

Cargo Route 66 Road Trip Kit, $34

• Limited Edition Eyeshadow in Road Trip
• Texas Liner Liquid Eyeliner
• Lipgloss in Route 66
• Travel size 3 Triple Action Mascara
• Wristlet

*I picked up these metallic gold Penelope Chilvers to wear as we tour the country.  I'm also obsessed with these wedge ones.  They also come in metallic silver, here.  Next purchase!

H2O Sea Marine Must-Haves, $19.50

• Revitalizing Shampoo and Collagen Conditioner
• Purifying Shower Cream
• Triple Butter Body Cream
• Hand Cream

*I always carry a lightweight summer scarf, because I'm always freezing in air conditioning!

Molton Brown Frequent Traveler, $55

• Warming Eucalyptus Bath & Shower 
• Ultrasmooth Coco de Mer Body Lotion 
• Travel-reviving Cempaka Bath & Shower 
• Renew Ambrusca Wash & Scrub 
• Relaxing Yuan Zhi Mist 
• Skinboost 24hr Moisture Mist

5 Favorites

It was hard to pick five favorites for this post, but trust me when I say this... everything that goes into these posts is worth every penny.  Being that I receive packages upon packages of new beauty loot daily, I can't possibly cover it all.  So here I bring you my fave moisturizer, the body scrub that's keeping my skin fresh this summer, a breakthrough in hair styling and of course, some new nail products.  Enjoy!  I've been using Restorsea's Rejuvenating Day Cream and their night cream for quite a while now and I don't see myself stopping anytime soon.  Even though the consistency of the day cream is a bit thicker than you'd expect for summertime, I'm not going to switch anytime soon.  My skin's smooth and radiant.  What more can a girl ask for?

Now this is innovative.  Last week I attended an event for Color Wow and was amazed by their Brass Banned Correct & Perfect Mousse demo.  There are two different colors; a purple mousse for blondes and a teal mousse for brunettes, which both correct brassiness.  I've never before seen color correction in a styling product and am super impressed by the technology.

While it's called a body scrub, I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of suds it created.  Nivea's Lathering Body Scrub feels luxurious.  Normally when I use an exfoliant in the shower I always use a body wash afterwards, but that wasn't the case with this.  It did both jobs really well.  The microbeads are so tiny and gently and vitamin E even moisturizes as you pamper.

Julep's Freedom Polymere Top Coat is the perfect hybrid between a gel and regular clear polish.  You swipe it on just like you would a clear top coat, but it's just a bit thicker and formulated with polymers that act like gel.  Besides leaving your nails chip-free for about two to three days longer, the shine factor is covetable. I'm also kind of obsessed with their Nail Growth Revitalizing Serum. It's no joke.

My go-to mani color for the summer isn't coral for once!  CoverGirl's Outlast Stay Brilliant Polish in Mint Mojito pops even against my alabaster skin and I'm sure will look great with a tan, too.  Plus, it lasted a full week.

5 Favorites from Jurlique, Lancome, Aerin and More...

From a powerful serum with 18 botanical extracts that makes my pores disappear to the perfect on-the-go bronzer and a celeb stylist recommended blow out spray, you're definitely going to be tempted to get your hands on at least a few of these new products.  Enjoy my recommendations!

At Jurlique's latest event, I watched a slide show of reasons why this new serum was beyond worth trying.  Convinced by the 18 botanical extracts and clinical trials, I began trying it the very next day.  I obviously haven't even given it the full eight weeks yet, but I will tell you that their new Advanced Serum Herbal Recovery made this list already because it immediately gave my skin a nice finish and minimizes my pores like no other!  I have large pores that I hate, but don't use products with silicones because they break me out.  This all natural serum really worked and after using it for a few more weeks my skins radiance should also be in check. - NOTE: This is launching in September.

Achieving volume without weighing my hair down is always a challenge.  Celeb Stylist, Harry Josh, promised me the John Frieda Luxurious Volume Blow-Out Spray would be my saving grace and of course, he was right.  I've been spritzing it on damp hair and blow drying with a round brush.  My hair is fuller and I'm glad I found something made for my hair type.

When I received Aerin's new summer collection I gasped.  Not only is it beautiful, but I actually love everything.  My favorite is the Pretty Bronze Portable Illuminating Powder.  It's a tiny bronzer that's packaged with a brush (available in two shades) so it's easy for travel.  It already accompanied me to Puerto Rico and Miami and will be a staple in my bag all summer long.

Something else I added to my makeup bag was Lancome's Color Design Palette in Plum Splendor.  Their new eye palettes are again, stunning with high pigmented, smooth shades.  I like keeping my makeup bag as streamlined as possible and this palette has everything I need to create a daytime or nighttime look.

The Mark Cosmetics Exotic Beauty Face Mosaics is so pretty!  As soon as I saw this product the design and colors reminded me of another more expensive brand's bronzer, but this one gives a luminescent glow for less than a third of the price.

5 Favorites from Kiehl's, Laura Mercier, Jin Soon & More

Since I'm just kicking off this feature, it's so hard not to do this post daily.  Of course, when it comes to beauty loot I have a ton of favorites, but I promise to always bring you a well edited list of the best of the moment.  When I walk into a drugstore, Sephora or department store, I am beyond overwhelmed with options so I hope this helps you cut through the clutter.  If you're looking for something specific and need a product recommendation, you can always reach me on Facebook! Truth is you hands and your neck give away your age quicker than your face.  That's thanks to the extra TLC we give our faces in preventative and corrective measures.  I was super impressed when I was introduced to Avon's Absolute Even Multi-Tone Skin Corrector + Hand Cream, because it has SPF 15 for protection, but also helps to even out your skin tone.  I use hand cream about eight times a day and now don't have to think about getting old lady fingers.

While Laura Mercier's Cavier Stick Eye Colour, $24was created to help enhance a smoky eye, I like using it in Rose Gold as a wash of faint color all over my lid.  It makes me look more alive and is perfect for daytime.  Believe it or not, it consists of a creamy texture that doesn't crease and stays put all day.  Promise.  Since it's creamy, if you plan on layering it, let it dry between coats or it will be sticky.

While I normally like wearing dark greys or almost black shades on my tips, I am completely obsessed with Jin Soon's new Nail Polish in Blue Iris, $18.  The electric blue pigment is so bold that it's a conversation starter all on its own.

Anything that's labeled "stress-minimizing" is worth a try.  My latest conquest has been the Kiehl's Skin Rescuer Stress-Minimizing Daily Hydrator, $40.  Truth is, it helps minimize and prevent the effects that stress can have on your skin like fine lines, blotchiness and inflammation.  Yoga classes are still helpful.

While It Factor's new product Simply It, $21.50 cuts drying time, I'm kind of obsessed with it because it makes styling so much easier and let's just say that this bob isn't always willing to cooperate.  It literally does everything like adds shine, acts like a detangler, adds moisture and is a heat protectant.  I like it because it smells so clean.  I start my day using it and even use it mid day for touch ups as a style refresher.

Makeup Bag Update: My 5 Absolute Must Haves Right Now

With the change of seasons comes the obligation to clean out and update your makeup bag.  For me, this is almost a monthly thing as I test out new products on a daily basis, but truth be told, it's very rare I find cosmetics I love enough to replace what I use regularly.  I have my makeup bag full of staples and then a box full of 'just for fun' or 'just in case cosmetics'.  What happens to the rest of the samples I get?  Let's just say my friends love me!  Well these five products have worked their way seamlessly into my can't-live-without, regular makeup bag.  Here's why. Lancome Hypnose Star Mascara

I went crazy for this mascara, literally.  After attending the press event for it's launch over the summer I skeptically gave it a try just like everything else.  Only this time, it ended up being the mascara that changed my look.  Seriously.  I used to love Lancome's Hypnose Mascara, but Star is a smart upgrade.  The brush is still shaped like a cone so you can get into the lashes in the inner corners without making a mess and it helps to separate and define as you swipe it through.  However, this cone shaped brush has two flat sides, allowing you to actually paint the mascara onto the length of your lashes for added thickness.  When I ran out of my press sample, I went to the Lancome counter at Lord & Taylor and Bloomingdales and neither of the stores had it!  I frantically emailed the publicist only to find that it's exclusive to Sephora for now, but she sent me another one for free.

Anastasia Brow Powder Duo

When in LA last week I visited Anastasia's salon in Beverly Hills and had my brows groomed.  While they hold a nice shape, they're still extremely sparse and I always have to fill them in.  I've been using Anastasia's brow pencil and have come to learn that the powder works better for people like me who have sparse brows.  It acts as a filler by being the background to your brow hairs, not trying to act like the hairs themselves.  Score.

Urban Decay Smoked Eyeshadow Palette 

This goes without saying.  When I received the updated eyeshadow palette from Urban Decay, I unzipped it anxiously to see what shades were about to compliment my fall wardrobe and potentially replace the ones I've been using.  I was greeted with a palette of 10 colors that help to create a smokey eye, but I like wearing them one at a time.  From matte neutrals to shimmery jewel tones, the palette once again, is a seasonal award winner.  My favorite shade: Loaded, a forest green.

 Giorgio Armani Fluid Sheer

If you've ever seen Blake Lively's glow from within look, and I know you have, it can be credited to this product.  It's a must have.  The lightweight, sheer liquid acts as a a great makeup base to illuminate your skin. I wear it alone sometimes and when I'm on shoots, I mix it into my foundation to get the radiant look.  It comes in all different tones, but I wear Pale Shimmer, because I'm not trying to look bronze, I'm just trying to bring out a subtle glow from my pale skin.

Cargo Lipgloss Quad in South Beach

I'm not normally one to carry around palettes in my bag, but this quad is done right.  It includes four universally flattering neutral shades that I quickly grew to love.  It's an absolute must have for me, because the colors are buildable and I like to customize my own shades.  Normally when I switch bags there's always a few tubes of lip gloss in the bottom of each, but I make sure this one comes with me no matter which bag I bring and where I go!

Man of the Moment: Tim

Ladies, meet Tim, a 27 year old cutie from Hoboken, NJ.  He's a VP Portfolio Manager and loves to play ice hockey, go to the gym and snowboard.  And yes – he's single! What’s in your medicine cabinet?

1. Gillette Mach 3 Razor- no cuts, no crying, smooth every time…. Just like me, lol.
2. Neutrogena After Shave Balm
3. Neutrogena Face Lotion with SPF 15- Look Young, Live YOUNG!
4. Degree for Men Deodorant- keeps you cool in the hottest of situations
5. John Varvatos Cologne- My little secret (not so much anymore I guess) but remember smell is the #1 sense tied to memory… the ladies love it and they always come back for more.

What product can’t you live without and why?

Most products I can go without, but a toothbrush is a must have. Your breath can turn south at any moment  (food, coffee, morning breath, etc.) and who knows when your lady wants to get intimate or if you are going to meet your next big client. The last thing you need is your breath barking something nasty.

How would you describe your grooming habits?

I’m a clean cut guy… clean shave, clean cut hair and well dressed (clean those shoes). A shape up (haircut) normally happens every 2-3 weeks and I try for a straight razor shave (if you can find a barber in NJ with the license). Keep those lines tight, just like your game.

My people at The Hoboken Man (www.hobokenman.com) take care of the basics for me, even a clean up between haircuts. I think the ladies appreciate and see effort in a well-kept man. It shows discipline and self-worth.

Now be honest, how would a woman describe your grooming habits?

All the ladies in my life, past and present, I think would agree, that I always smell good and I keep it fresh!

When prepping to go out on a date what are the three things you make sure you do?

1. Shower up!

2. The secret weapon- a dash of cologne--- A little Johnnie V. to get lucky!

3. A RESERVATION- you need to have a good game plan. Don’t even tell her, make it a surprise, but make it good and make it count!

If you could have one night with any celebrity who would it be and why?  More importantly, what would you do?

Male Celeb: Some guys may think Tom Brady, because lets be honest, he is the man (Super Bowls and Supermodels), but I would like to spend a day with Leo DeCaprio. The lady-killer himself, hasn’t had a boring day in his life. We’d probably just hop on a jet to some crazy island party and rock out… Talk about a wingman, this dude nails down the women in his sleep haha.

Female Celeb: Mila Kunis….for obvious reasons. This woman is a complete smoke show. I’d like to shop-hop with this one. Close down a few stores and let her get her fashion on. Seriously, what chick wouldn’t like that? She seems like she is a good time no matter what. Later on our date, we would get those endorphins and adrenaline pumping at the gun range (www.westsidepistolrange.com), Now that’s something to get her excited in all sorts of ways! Now that the momentum has been built the night is only going to get better from there…  Hopefully she sees this and I get a call next week to implement the plan!

What’s the first thing you notice about a woman?

I’m going to be honest. I look at 4 things right off the bat. Top to bottom-

1. Eyes- The gateway to the soul. Evil or Angel?

2. Smile- I’m a funny guy so the smile comes out a lot.

3. Boobs- Big isn’t always better, but no one is going to complain about some big bombs.

4. Bootie- A girl’s bootie can tell me a lot. Good in bed, yes or no? Healthy, yes or no? Athletic, yes or no? That’s why boobs aren’t such a big item in my book.

When it comes to a woman’s beauty what’s your sweet spot?

All women are beautiful in their own way, but it’s a combination of book and streets smarts that hits my sweetspot. Intelligent, confident and ambitious women are what I look for. I know one day she is going to manage her own business or even our awesome family.