A First Date Necessity (Don't Leave Home Without It)

If your summer activities include lots of BBQ's, food and drink merriment, and socializing in close proximity to others at bars, you're gonna need to Wisp. If you find yourself checking your breath out in public, you're gonna need to Wisp and finally, if that stick of gum isn't getting rid of your cheesy nacho-margarita breath, you're gonna need to Wisp.

 

Colgate Wisp (4-pack, $2.49) is a portable mini-toothbrush on one end and soft toothpick-like pick on the other. Umm.. Genius! More importantly, these single-use brushes don't require water or rinsing and freshen your breath as you brush, by releasing a safe to swallow minty liquid bead.

 

I know Jessica Simpson says she doesn't like how her regularly brushed teeth feel, but here on planet Earth, most people ENJOY the feeling of clean teeth! I do and lets be honest there are definitely times when a mint just doesn't cut it. I'm sure you can think of a few instances when a having a toothbrush handy is very needed and very necessary!

 

I, however, love it because I'm always looking for ways to avoid exposing my dragon breath to others and remove the ever-present giant wad of spinach (ok more likely a huge hamburger) in between my teeth while out in public. Pleasant, right?

 

Seriously though, I love having something on-the-go that freshens my breath and discreetly cleans between my teeth and gums. Disclaimer: I'm not saying  you should whip this out at the end of dinner in the middle of a restaurant! I'm just saying it's itty-bitty! Throw it in your purse! Go to the ladies room or a dark corner!

 

So enjoy having free reign to scarf down those onion rings on your first date! You have Wisp to bail you out of trouble!

 
 

Hair Play by Shu Uemura & V Magazine

Shu Uemura Art of Hair stylist, Conrad Dornan, and model, Coco Young teamed up to make a dreamy, interesting interview/hair tutorial video with V Magazine. Young, a model and film/photography aficionado, is inspired by legendary fashion photographer Helmut Newtown and his photo book provides the style inspiration for the hair looks created in the video. Please note, the photos in the book do contain nudity (Newton was known for his nude studies of women). Also please note, you're not really sure where the video is going and what the overall feel of it is until a few minutes in. The tutorial Dornan does of how to create seriously beautiful hair styles is well worth the few minutes of awkward interview time. Check out the beautifully wrapped-around braid and 70's inspired siren curls Dornan creates. I love the hair art and he makes it look so easy to recreate! What do you think of the video?


HAIR PLAY from V Magazine on Vimeo.

Get Your Dirty Hair To Look Good This Summer!

Designer Lela Rose recently presented her 2011 Resort collection and collaborated with some amazing professionals to get her models looking beachy beautiful and summer irresistible. Beauty.com had Michael Shaun Corby, Alterna and celebrity makeup artist Napoleon Perdis transform the gals into warm weather vixens with coral lips, peachy/nude eyes and casual faux bobs. The makeup was subtle yet mesmerizing and the hair looked effortless chic.

Having a great warm weather hair style is important in the summer. I tend to be out and about much more when it's nice out and want my hair to be a willing participant in all the fun. Unfortunately, humidity often puts a giant sweaty damper on my hair's parade. Fortunately, thanks to Beauty.com I had the pleasure of trying out some summer-friendly products and my hair is officially hooked.

Alterna Caviar Anti-Aging Dry Shampoo has saved me from the days when a good hair wash is needed but impossible to squeeze in. Girls you understand. Unless you have an adorable cropped bob, the hair washing process can take what feels like forever. I'm not a fan of walking around with wet hair on my way to work and I have to set aside some serious blow drying time to have it not look like a bird's nest. Also, since I've been trying to work out as much as possible (we'll see how long that lasts) it feels like I have to wash/dry every day. Not a big fan of that either. I look best with at least day-old hair. Amazingly, this dry shampoo takes the sweaty oils out of my strands and adds sexy volume in its place. I know! Amazing tradeoff right!?

I've also been using Alterna Caviar Anti-Aging Working Hair Spray which makes styling my 'do actually manageable. The spray is infused with caviar (a rich source of Omega-3 fatty acids) and the Age-Control Complex increases the elasticity and strength of your hair. I've never had the type of tresses that cooperate when I want a pretty ponytail, a voluminous pompadour, or general sleekness (frizz, cowlicks and rattails have been my hair's usual MO), so I'm realizing how important my relationship with hairspray really is. It's been sort of a revelation that when you spray it on, your hair actually does what you want it to do. How novel!

These two hair tools are perfect to throw in your work, gym, or beach bag, especially when you're not sure what you're going to be doing after and how much time you'll have to prep. Both helped extend the life of my blow out and made my hair looked refreshed, polished and ready to be seen-anywhere.

So remember, you can transform your dirty strands into your best hair day ever by using the right products! Thanks to Beauty.com and Lela Rose's team for introducing me to such runway ready products!

Excess Baggage? Eye Opening Beauty Tips

When applying concealer under the eyes, mix it together with a little primer and then lightly dab it around the eye bone. The primer will not only help spread the concealer more evenly and smoothly, it will also keep your makeup on longer and prevent it from creasing. Apply a few dots of a hydrating eye cream beforehand to add moisture to the skin and to prevent flakiness (which makes the delicate area look wrinkly and dehydrated). Eye cream should be used at night and in the morning and/or as a part of your general skin care regimen. As we grow older the skin under the eye becomes more and more delicate and can wrinkle if we don't properly care for it. A moisturizing eye cream and the right concealer can take years off your face and make it look brighter and more alert.

Primer:

I love Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer. This makeup artist fav. is a silky formula that fills in fine lines and pores and feels unbelievably light on the skin. It's also a Best of Sephora winner and been featured in countless magazines.

Korres Quercetin & Oak Age-reversing Primer is another great lightweight primer. Quercetin is a powerful antioxidant and Oak extracts repair fine lines and enhance skin texture. It also contains Hyaluronic acid, which provides immediate moisture and softness. Translation? It'll extend the lifespan of your makeup and boost your skin's appearance. Plus, it's Silicone-free so it won't clog your pores.

 

Eye Cream:

Finding a noticeably effective eye cream, on the other hand, is like searching for The Holy Grail. A daunting task that produces many beautifully packaged fabrications. It's not that these eye creams aren't good it's more that they just don't perform the changes they say they're going to.

I'm not trying to name names, but some of the creams I've tested out don't address my under eye puffiness and dark circles as effectively as they say they will. Surprise disappointments? While I love Estee Lauder's Advanced Night Repair Serum their Advanced Night Repair Eye Cream didn't improve my eye concerns. Another surprising disappointment was Lancome's High Résolution Eye Refill-3X Triple Action Renewal Anti-Wrinkle Eye Cream and High Resolution Eye Collaser-5X Intense Collagen Anti-Wrinkle Eye Serum. I used both daily and never saw any improvement to the skin. Both products promised improvement to the eye area within 3-4 weeks but unfortunately my skin looked exactly the same. The serum even felt a little cakey on.

Next eye cream on my list? Shiseido's White Lucent Brightening Eye Treatment. The brand's White Lucent skin care line has garnered plenty of accolades and their eye cream won the CEW's Beauty Award for Best Eye Treatment last year. The cream addresses both melanin formation and poor local micro-circulation, two major causes of dark circles. The Multi-Luminizing Powder contains light diffusing properties that bring luminosity to the eye area. Since I just started using this, the verdict is still out. The cream does feel great on the skin (especially after storing it in the fridge) but I'm still not sure if it's helping my dark circles.

Stay tuned!

Are there any eye creams you've tried that you either love or hate? Are you still on the quest for a great eye cream too!?

The Beauty Buff Reader Q & A-Luscious Lips

A reader recently asked me how to make her lips look fuller. It's a common beauty concern that many women have and one that can be achieved with the right products and lip shades. To me, makeup is always the answer over surgery and those weird non-surgery yet still scary procedures like Restylane or Juvaderm fillers and injections. Eww! I really can't imagine walking around with weirdly inflated liquid lips all day and can't think of a celebrity who has looked even remotely good with big blow fish lips. Jessica Simpson, Lisa Rinna, and Donatella Versace-I'm talking about you!


Makeup artist Carola Gonzales (who works with Kerry Washington and The Office's Mindy Kaling) gave me a few tips and tricks to help enhance your pout. You can either use a lip enhancing product or create the illusion of bigger luscious lips with makeup. 

Lip Enhancer

"A lip enhancer that works is Physicians Complex Lip Enhancer with Applicator" ($59.00) The silicone-based enhancer increases blood circulation through your lips which then plumps them.

Enhancement with Makeup






To add oomph to your pout with makeup Gonzales recommends lining the outside of your lips with a neutral lip liner (MAC makes great lip pencils like fan favorite, Spice, $13.00) that's as close to your natural lip color as possible. "By simply lining the lips, you will get the appearance of fuller lips," says the makeup maven.

Then apply your favorite lipstick on your smoocher and over the lip liner to blend both colors. Add a lighter lip gloss on the center or middle of your lips to add volume. 

Gonzales says the middle of your lips should be lighter than the outer edges, because it gives your lips a luscious, fuller appearance. Make sure the lip gloss is at least two shades lighter than the lipstick shade you use.

Check out Bella Sugar's picks for favorite nude lip liners.


Voila! Angelina Jolie, here you come!

Win Kourtney Kardashian's Hair Care Secret Weapon

For years hair stylists would travel overseas and smuggle back one prized possession: Elnett Satin Hairspray. L’Oréal Paris's cult classic golden bottle has been a favorite among beauty professionals for years and seen on the tresses of many a leading lady. The 'only sold overseas' product officially debuted on the shelves of Target in the fall of 2008 and is now available in over 30,000 retailers. In fact, as of January of this year, it's  become available at mass market retailers and drugstores nationwide.

The formula gives you a clean, strong hold with lots of shine and plenty of humidity protection. I love it because even after giving my hair a healthy dousing of it,  I can easily run my fingers through my strands. I kinda also feel like a movie star when I flip my hair over, wave my Elnett wand all over my head and then turn around and marvel at my glamorous Penelope Cruz waves. Ironically, Penelope is a spokesperson for the brand, which is fitting because she's the perfect blend of glamour and sophistication and has UH-MAZING HAIR Check out her commercial!

  

It comes as no surprise that another one of Hollywood's best heads of hair, Kourtney Kardashian, is a super fan. The Kardashians are known for their amazing, cascading locks and with all the free beauty swag they must get, it's nice to know they still have their fav products that they personally stock up on. Check out KK at Walgreens getting her petite little paws on as many bottles as she can!

Since everyone deserves to have a good hair summer, I think an Elnett Hairspray giveaway is in order! Our friends at L’Oréal Paris have two bottles of this hair magic ready to gift to two fans of the The Beauty Buff. Don't be surprised if you get mistaken for Kourtney K after spritzing on some of this fairy dust!

Anyway to enter comment below and tell me what kind of fab style you want to try out with your free bottle and you could win it!*

*Limited to US residents only.

 

Summer Skin Essentials: Portable & Natural Palettes

Portable makeup is essential in the summer. The chances of it all gooping off your face at some point during the day (even on your 10 minute morning coffee run) are high and therefore touch-ups are essential. Looking impossibly fresh and natural is another way to successfully achieve summer makeup. Letting your skin breath a little is a nice little present to it (even if it's just reserved for during the day). I recently saw a woman who had a full face of makeup (and not the right shade) pancaked on. She had coated her features in unflattering (night-only appropriate) shades and seemed intent on having ever crevice covered in cosmetics: full lip liner, deep burgundy lipstick, eyelid to brow eye shadow (in a dark, sparkly hue) and harsh, heavy black liner. This sighting was at 10 AM on a Tuesday morning and I was embarrassed for her.

 

Instead of taking the Lady Gaga approach to day time makeup, opt for more neutral, earthy shades that'll draw attention to your natural sun-kissed skin; because summer is all about skin.

 

I've been loving the pocket-size palette, the supernatural coloring book by philosophy. The iPhone-sized makeup book fits neatly into my  purse and contains a variety of lip, cheek and eye shades with a convenient built-in mirror. It's great for throwing together a super natural face while on the run. The palette contains a cream and powder blush, a bronzing powder, two lip glosses and two flattering eye shadow shades. I adore the powder blush in true. It gives the perfect flushed, just got back from a run color to your face. The shadows work on me as perfect base shades but on lighter skin could add great brightening contour to the eyes. By adding eyeliner and a swipe of mascara, I look pulled together and not overdone for a day in the office.

 

Philosophy is a great brand known for their delicious, wildly popular bath and shower gels and skin treatments. Their makeup line provides the skin with the same radiance and care. If you're a fan of their palette format but want super girlie pinks try their color of grace book which includes pinkie shades for the face. Or if a flushed cheek is the key to your makeup regime, test out their cream blush line, the supernatural-lit from within healthy cream blush. I've been using shade warm all over as a highlighter on my eyes and love how natural and sheer it looks.

 

So keep your gorgeous skin the focus this summer and let your makeup highlight your all-natural assets. Don't worry though, your evenings out can be exclusively reserved for experimenting with dramatically wild shades and looks.

 Shop at philosophy.com now thru July 23rd and get $10 off any $50 purchase by entering promo code 10off50 at checkout. Stock up on all your favorites and save some cash peeps!
 

Brand Spotlight: Yu-Be Skincare

I've been raving about Japanese skincare brand, Yu-Be for some time now. I voted their hand creams one of my all-time favorites and praised their skin softening polish (which uses rice bran and walnut shell powder to slough away dead skin) while discussing skin smoothing techniques but it's high time I talk about the brand as a whole. I'm a huge fan of the line and love their products because they work! Plain and simple. They do what they say they're going to do, which is smooth and soften your skin.

The line was founded over 50 years ago by a Japanese pharmacist and has been a favorite there ever since. It's one of the country's most trusted skincare lines today and not to stereotype but Japanese people are known for their gorgeous skin and flawless complexions. Yu-Be products combine Vitamin E, Vitamin B2, and camphor to sooth the skin. Not gonna lie, the camphor does have a strong medicinal odor which I personally don't mind but some people definitely do. While their treatments don't smell like sugary, floral aromatic treats-like many other products, they do work wonders on your skin, absorb quickly and leave it velvety for hours. The smell is almost like a reminder that this product means business! The fragrance is indicative of the ingredients seeping into your pores and working their magic on the surface. So for me, the smell is a fair trade-off.

Look, Yu-Be is legit amazing for your skin. If you want super smooth limbs, get their Foaming Skin Polish ($18.00)  and Body Lotion ($29.00). Not to toot my own horn (toot!) but a friend recently asked me how I got my skin to be so smooth. I was happy someone noticed but even happier to dish on my techniques and tools. In the shower, I first lather on the skin polish, rinse it off and then lightly scrub with a pumice stone (available at any drugstore) to smooth the skin just like you would when using sand paper. I then lather on their body lotion and I'm all set for the day. They also make a great Moisturizing Cream ($24.00) that's effective on cracked heels and the rough patches on your knees and elbows.

I particularly love how lightweight yet effective all their products are on your skin for the summer. Soft, smooth skin is always important, but when the weather is warm and you know you're going to be exposing more skin and wearing less clothing, it's key to make that skin as touchable and polished as possible. So if you're looking for a serious skincare army, look no further. Get Yu-Be products online at Yu-Be.com, Sephora.com, Skinstore.com, and Beauty.com.

 
 
 

Drugstore Find: Lierac-Creme Mesolift

I don’t need to tell you that that drugstores are unofficial beauty meccas, I have no doubt you already know this. You might, however, not know one of my favorite drugstore brands, Lierac. I've been loving their lightweight yet nourishing anti-aging cream, Creme Mesolift ($54). The thick orange formula is great to use for all seasons and full of antioxidants: Vitamins A, C, E, B5, B6. As someone with dry skin, I hate using moisturizer and then feeling like I need to reapply it five minutes later. This face potion seeps into your skin but doesn't make it feel oily or greasy. People make the mistake that because it's so humid out and you tend to sweat more in the summer, you don't need a good moisturizer. You do! Face creams help your face stay plump and youthful-looking. Lierac is a great option and will keep your precious skin toned, energized and radiant. Plus you can restock whenever you need more toilet paper! Go test this and other Lierac products out the next time you're making a drugstore run. You'll find a slew of amazing skin treatments that rival any department store brand. CVS has definitely become one of my favorite beauty meccas and Lierac is one of the reasons why! It's kinda nice to get the skin care essentials you really want and need in the same place you get your fabric softener and cold medicine, isn't it!?

 

MAC Collaborates With Alice + Olivia

Hip, colorful and fun are adjectives that could be used to describe hot designer brand, Alice + Olivia's Fall 2010 collection. Instead, I'm referring to the label's even hotter collaboration with MAC. The collection, which launched July 8th, features limited edition pigment, nail lacquers and lip glosses. Founder Stacey Bendet created a collection (inspired by the label's bright fall 2010 mood board) even trendier and whimsical than her own colorful frothy confections. Plus the packing of the products (also a reflection of the brand's mood boards) is edgy and totally fabulous. You literally want to keep each pigment package out on display for everyone to see. Paints and pigments in jewel-tones hues add the perfect zest to your summer to fall wardrobe transition. I've been dying to experiment with MAC's pigments (makeup guru's constantly rave about their deep, smokey-eye effects) and this collection is inspiring enough to test the drama-educing waters. I can easily see myself wearing sparkly fun makeup for a night out using their Pigment in Later (a deep black with purple undertone), Dazzleglass Creme in If It Sparkles (a shimmery pink gloss) and Nail Lacquer in Morning.After (a creamy turquoise). I'm not sure how much the neon yellow shade, I.Want.Candy will compliment my lips and skin tone so I'll leave that to the more adventurous types. What do you think of Alice + Olivia's fab collaboration with M.A.C.!?

 Check out the shades available:

Pigment ($19.50) Later – Black with a transforming purple pearl If It Sparkles – White with transforming pearl Partylicious - Turquoise mixed with silver pearl accents

Dazzleglass Creme ($18) Sparklicious – Creamy, pale pink-white If It's Pink – A hot, almost 80' pink I.Want.Candy – a shocking yellow with glints and glimmering sparkles

Nail Lacquer ($12) Morning.After – A creamy, rich turquoise So Rich So Pretty – A frosty purple with hints of pearl Military – Black matte with silver suede pearl


The nail lacquers are pretty gorgeous. The shades are edgy, wearable, and absolutely perf. for summer. I imagine die-hard polish princesses like Ms. Katy Perry will want to indulge in these pop-art hues. The hip colors scream celebrity nails and I have no doubt in my mind, our favorite artfully-decorated pop stars will be rocking at least one of these glamorous bottles on her hand.

 

Beauty By The Beauty Buff

Since I'm the authority on all things beauty, I had to share a few pictures I took from a really beautiful, special weekend and place: the Boston Harbor for Independence Day. Happy Birthday America!

This is my version of beauty, what's yours? Did you go anywhere beautiful recently? I want to know! Share with us! Beauty is certainly about the way you feel in your surroundings and being in a place that makes life feel a little more beautiful. The colors in this setting were remarkable and it honestly felt as though someone was painting the sky brilliant shades or pink, orange, blue, purple, mauve, and shocking pink, right in front of me as each minute passed. There was an electricity in the air and it can only be explained by the vividness and magic of the sky. To top it off, the night ended with an explosion of colors, textures and breathtaking scenery, which only made the evening more magical. The Beauty Buff is Lady GAGA over gorgeous colors and it was a truly beautiful night because I was surrounded by a myriad of ever-changing rainbow color explosions.

It was a beautiful way to spend a special evening! Happy 4th and happy summer people!


Pictures by Avantika Wagle

Nordstrom Annual Anniversary Beauty Exclusives Event!

If Nordstrom is your beauty hub, you're going to want to read this: The Nordstrom Anniversary Beauty Exclusives Event is back ad bigger than ever. For over 40 years Nordies has had a blow out anniversary sale with tons of goodies for its loyal shoppers and you get some of the sweetest deals in the cosmetics department. From July 16th through August 1st, patrons will get the opportunity to scoop up unique limited-edition items from their brand favorites. What's so great about the sale, is because it's such a huge event, some brands preview their fall product launches while other super-duper expensivo brands have products that are way more affordable and a way bigger bang for your buck.

This year, over 100 beauty brands are participating. Brands like MAC, Chanel, NARS, Kiehl's, Laura Mercier, Dior and Bobbie Brown all have great deals and steals in store for us. The sale begins July 16^th, and customers both in store and online can purchase the limited-edition Nordstrom Beauty Exclusives.

Here are some of the amazing deals:

Bobbi Brown "Must Haves" Collection ($75; $150 value)

Bobbi created an exclusive collection with a 5 well pan eyeshadow palette, dual ended brush, full size lipstick, Lip gloss Everything Mascara, Caviar Ink Gel Liner and Liner Brush.

Laura Mercier Fall "On the Go" Collection ($65; $163 Value)

Laura Mercier created an exclusive set featuring a full size Long Lash Mascara, Double ended exclusive lip glace, split pan exclusive cheek color duo, double ended eye brush (smudge/angled eye color) and a luxurious cosmetic bag.

MAC Look in a Box in Frisky Girl, Miss Violet and Tawny One ($49.50; $87 Value)

M·A·C Look in a Box offers one perfect, complete makeup look. Fancy yourself a fabulous Frisky Girl, a vehement Miss Violet or a totally Tawny One. Simply follow the how-to guide therein, et voila! Simplicity without duplicity—three personalities any girl would want to try on. A gift for all those wanting to make a great look, easy.

Juicy Couture Viva la Juicy Anniversary Gift Set ($75)

Answering the prayers of Juicy girls everywhere, Juicy Couture created this keep-sake hat box filled with their signature fragrance, body cream and compact mirror.

 

Deborah Lippmann All That Jazz Set ($40; $54 value)

This collection, includes 3 fashion forward colors in Razzle Dazzle, Some Enchanted Evening & Lady Sings the Blues in a silver signature box.          

 Bliss Fabulous Foaming Face Wash Set ($34; $58 Value)

This supersized version of Bliss’ Fabulous Foaming Face Wash is more than double the size of the original cult favorite.  This two-in-one exfoliating face wash and fresh, fruity cleanser contains rose hip extract, milk thistle, passionflower and chamomile in a non-stripping formula that's clean but never squeaky.

Kiehl’s Creme de Corps with Pump ($70.00; $89 Value)

With this jumbo version of Kiehl’s cult-favorite all-over body moisturizer, you are sure to not run out of stock until next anniversary sale rolls around.

Anthony Logistics Glycolic Cleanser ($35 for 32.0 oz; $80.00 Value)

The #1-selling product from Anthony Logistics For Men is super-sized for a super value. Glycolic Cleanser helps fight the effects of premature aging by helping to erase fine lines and wrinkles. It leaves the skin smooth and fresh and ready for shaving.

Limited Edition Must-Haves

Chanel Quator Boutons de Chanel ($65)

Shade combinations ranging from matte to frost to satin for multiple looks, contrasting or complementary. Apply dry for subtle shadowing. Slightly moistened applicator gives a more intense shade. Organic polymer derivatives ensure smudge-proof long wear, particularly in high temperature or humidity. Dermatologist tested.

Dior 'Ready-to-Wear Palette ($54)

A deluxe palette of Ready-to-Wear shades, straight from the runway! Palette includes four eyeshadows, two lip glosses, a blush, a three-tone bronzer and mini brush applicators.

Lancome 4 Piece Brush set with black and coralbag ($59; $133 Value)

This undeniably chic brush set takes a cue from the ombre trend seen on the runway.  

PURE Scent Spray by pureDKNY ($42)

Be the first to experience the new PURE by pureDKNY before its available anywhere else. A drop of vanilla sourced from Africa, a drop of goodwill. A soft floral scent with a signature vanilla accord. pureDKNY supports local communities by taking small steps to help make a difference, pure and simple.

                                                                 

Estée Lauder Pure Color Gloss by Tom Pecheux ($18)

Four limited-edition shades by Tom Pecheux, world-renowned makeup artist and Estée Lauder Creative Makeup Director. Tom chooses his favorite shades of the season—the colors he keeps in his personal tool kit and uses backstage at fashion shows and photo shoots. Pure Color is lip gloss with the power to light up your face. True Vision™ technology transforms ordinary color and makes it extraordinary. You'll want them all.

Gifts With Purchase

Lancôme (Free Gift with any Lancôme purchase of $32.50; over $100.00 Value)

A must-have for any Lancôme addict.  Choose your basics, serum, color product and lip color encased in a stylish black tote emblazoned with a Parisian floral design.

Estée Lauder (Free Gift with any Estée Lauder purchase of $29.50; $110.00 Value)

Be rewarded for any Estée Lauder purchase during the Anniversary Sale with this delightful gift containing an assortment of must-have products.

La Prairie Anniversary gift with purchase (Free Gift with any La Prairie purchase of $300; $120 Value)

Enjoy a luxurious gift of La Prairie essentials including samples of Skin Caviar Luxe Eye Lift Cream, Anti-Aging Anti-Wrinkle Line filler, Cellular Cleansing Water & Cellular Hand Cream in a coveted La Prairie signature weaved bag.

Note: All product descriptions are written by the brand and not by The Beauty Buff.




Hope you all take advantage of this amazing shoppertunity!

Food For Thought: Eat The Way You Want To Look!

You are what you eat, right? Well if that's really true than I'm pretty sure I'm a giant slab of  cheese.

According to the beauty and well-being website RealBeauty.com, certain foods not only help you look and feel better but also help you shed a few lbs in the process. So by consuming foods rich in nutrients, anti-oxidants and vitamins, you and your body will become the pillar of health  you know you want it to be.

 

Here's what Real Beauty recommends munching on to look glowing and feel fit:

 

Wild Salmon: You knew seafood was gonna make the cut. Fish like salmon, trout and herring all contain omega-3 fatty acids which play a key role in maintaining smooth skin. They contain oils that help lubricate and reduce inflammation that causes redness, acne and scaly skin.

 

Sweet Potatoes: They are so delicious when baked and made into yummy fries. Sweet Potatoes keep your skin silky smooth. They're rich in beta-carotene which when ingested turns into vitamin A and is great for your skin. Carrots have the same effect, but I personally love me some sweet p's.

 

Watermelon, Cantaloupe, Mangoes: Lucky for us, these fruits are delicious, juicy and perfect for summer enjoyment. Melons are heavy in carotenoids which help protect your skin from sunburn-in addition to proper sunblock usage. How great does it sound to be sitting on a beach, with any of these yummy sun-protecting fruits!?

Kiwi-This little fuzzy fruit is packed with tons of vitamin C. Fruits like kiwi, oranges, and grapefruit are great for the skin. According to Real Beauty, "Vitamin C stimulates collagen synthesis and protects against wrinkles". A study done by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, showed that women who had a diet high in vitamin C foods had fewer  wrinkles and noticeably more moisturized skin.

Dark Chocolate-Um, yes please! A small piece of dark chocolate will provide high levels of cocoa flavanols which are associated with softer, more hydrated skin. The key is portion control here! Bonus: if you stick to eating one tiny piece of chocolate it could actually satiate your sweet tooth and prevent you from grabbing a bag of candy or other dessert high in sugar and calories.

Yogurt-This versatile food makes your skin and nails glow. It's a great source of protein and has been found in studies to help stimulate fat metabolism and decrease your waistline. Plus it contains biotin , which is great for increasing nail and hair strength

Broccoli-I probably didn't need to tell you this was good for you. You've been hearing it your whole life! This super vegetable has been proven to keep your gum's healthy. Citrus and peppers also have the same effect. So once and for all, don't forget to eat your vegetables!

Oysters-Oysters can be an acquired taste. Luckily, I love them. Oysters are a great source of zinc which helps keeps your hair and scalp healthy. Dark meat chicken, turkey, crab, dairy or beans also provide zinc, as do some multivitamins like One A Day. You would probably know that for a fact, if you've had one on an empty stomach and felt immediately ill. The zinc makes you feel beyond nauseous if you don't take it with a full stomach.

Capsicum-Hot peppers will boost your heart rate and speed your metabolism by 23 percent for an hour and a half after eating a meal with them. That's because of a compound found in them. Peppers also contain vitamin C-a notorious do-gooder for the skin and immune system.

Nuts and Seeds-It's always great to have nuts or seeds on hand (in a ziplock bag) because they're portable (throw them in your purse) and filling when you need something to eat on-the-go or in a pinch. They also contain anti-inflammatory and immunity-enhancing nutrients, including vitamin E that help reduce skin flare-ups.

Dark, Leafy Greens-Another Duh! vegetable. You know these are good for you. Your parents were always making you finish your greens. Well, now you should be doing that on your own. Greens like spinach and arugula have loads of antioxidants which help keep your complexion radiant and skin blemish-free.

 

Thanks to Realbeauty.com for the fantastic article and useful tips!