03.08.2013
Kiehl’s Partners With DonorsChoose.org

We all know about my obsession with Kiehl’s…but not only do they make good products (seriously, they’re amazing), they also make good choices.  I love the fact that they are so philanthropic and what I love even more is the fact that they’re giving us a CHOICE.

In their latest do-good project, Kiehl’s has partnered up with DonorsChoose.org, so you can actually have a say where the money goes for your purchase.

Beginning March 11 through April 15, Kiehl’s will offer its 3.4 oz Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate in a specially-designed carton that highlights DonorsChoose.org. Consumers will receive a $50 Donors Choose gift code, which they can use online to donate to science and education programs across the country. You get to choose where your donation goes…I like CHOICE people…it’s all about the CHOICE. And, as an added bonus, the winning organization sends out handmade thank you notes.  Tres cute.

DonorsChoose.org is a remarkable nationwide organization that makes it easy for anyone to help students in need. Through DonorsChoose.org, public school teachers can post requests for their classroom, requests that can include anything from classroom computers to books, art supplies to other teaching materials. Donors can search by location, school or subject to find projects and donate to those that most inspire them. Once projects are fully funded, DonorsChoose.org then purchases the requested items and delivers them to the teacher – ensuring the funds are used specifically for the posted project.  Donors are then personally thanked with letters and photos from the teacher and students.

When all’s said and done, $50,000 will be distributed to worthy educational causes through the Kiehl’s and DonorsChoose.org partnership, which is nothing to scoff at, especially when you’re also getting an AMAZING skincare product to boot.  And where did I chose to donate?  Well, I’m from New York…and I’m absolutely terrible at math, so there you go.

02.05.2013
Inspired By: Chocolate


If I have one true love on this planet, it may very well be chocolate.  In fact, I’m craving it right now (and trying to fight it off!). UGH.  I may actually make a trip down to my apartment building’s vending machine since I just read some really cool info from Dr. Murad.  According to the skin expert, “before there was medicine, there was food.  And before there was food, there was chocolate!”  It’s all about moderation, accoring to the Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine at UCLA and founder of Murad Skincare.  Chocolate invokes the feelings of comfort, romance and happiness. It’s given as gifts for major holidays and is an ancient delicacy that was exclusive to the upper class.  Here are a few chocolate myths…sign me UP.  There’s a Twix bar downstairs with my name on it…

  • Contrary to what you grew up thinking, chocolate does NOT cause breakouts
  • Chocolate contains flavonoids, which act as antioxidants and protect the body from aging caused by free radicals
  • Chocolate is a slight mood elevator, as it contains phenyl ethylamine
  • The carbohydrates in chocolate raise serotonin levels in the brain, resulting in a sense of well-being
  • Cacao contains antibacterial properties that fight tooth decay


Too Faced Milk Chocolate Soleil Matte Bronzing Powder with Real Cocoa:
 I just adore this bronzer.  Not only does it smell delicious, but it also give me a great shade of bronze that’s not orange or too fake looking.

LUSH Chocolate Whipstick: I usually end up licking this off about two minutes after applying.  If you could bottle up chocolate in a little pot, this would be IT.

Demeter Chocolate Chip Cookie Cologne Spray: Demeter has the most amazing scents so it’s not very surprising that they have a chocolate chip cookie fragrance.  I mean…if you’re hungry, spray this.

Philip B. Chocolate Milk Body Wash & Bubble Bath: Like we learned above, chocolate has a lot of benefits for your skin, so why not use it as a body wash?

The Body Shop Cocoa Butter Body Scrub: I love me a good body scrub and guys, this IS a good body scrub.  It exfoliates but doesn’t leave your skin dry or rough.  Plus, the smell is an obvious bonus.

01.03.2013
New(ish) Beauty Favorites


I try a LOT of beauty products and yeah, a lot of them are really good…but every once in awhile you get a group of favorites, and here they are:

Kiehl’s Powerful Wrinkle Reducing CreamStructural support is monumental in preventing wrinkles—picture, if you will, a standard mattress.  When it’s brand-new, the coils are tight, the elastic is firm, and the mattress is soft and smooth.  But, after years of use, that same mattress sags and wrinkles.  This cream nourishes your own “mattress” -your skin, and keeps it firm, smooth, and moisturized, thanks to the lovely copper ingredient.

Phyto Revitalizing Shampoo: I used this shampoo for the first time today and was immediately wowed.  It’s said to improve the density and luster of temporary thinning hair with this unique combination of botanicals, preparing the scalp for Phytocyane Treatment. Gingko biloba and cinchona bark energize scalp and stimulate micro-circulation while grapeseed procyanidins combat free-radicals and protect the hair bulb. Hair becomes fuller, thicker and more lustrous, even after one use, as I proved today.

Make Up For Ever Pro Finish Multi-Use Powder Foundation: Lately I’ve been really into liquid foundations but after going to an event in New York where the makeup artist used this on me, I was SOLD.  The best thing aboutthis powder foundation is that it can be applied dry (for a full, matte finish) OR wet (for a sheer, satin finish).  Seriously.

10.19.2012
Spray Tan with Infinity Sun

A few days ago, I got THE MOST AMAZING spray tan ever and I even tweeted this, which, I admit, kinda makes me hate myself.  I shouldn’t care that I look better with some color but, fact of the matter is, I DO.  It is what it is, right?  But in all honesty, I was extremely impressed with the quality of Infinity Sun’s spray tan; the all-natural product was applied perfectly even and the color was natural and not orange at all (Jessica Alba, Brooke Burke and Britney Spears are all fans).   

As someone who used to go in the automatic spray tan booths, I can definitely see a big difference in the quality here, since the spray is actually customized by a person, and not automatically sprayed on by a machine.  And yeah, I know getting naked in front of a total stranger can be a little weird but after a few minutes, you’ll be fine- don’t worry.

 

photo: me at the Stella & Dot Breast Cancer Awareness event wearing Banana Republic dress, J. Crew bracelet, nude pumps c/o Sole Society.

08.23.2012
Inspired By: Ice Cream


DEMETER Fragrance Vanilla Ice Cream: It’s basically just summer vacation in a bottle.  Enough said.

Freeze 24-7 IceCream Double Scoop Intensive Anti-Aging Moisturizer: Besides an awesome name, this nourishing moisturizer (perfect for my dry skin!) firms and even tones the skin for immediate long term benefits.

I Love…Vanilla & Ice Cream Shower Smoothie: I mean, who doesn’t, right?  I love an awesome body wash, as you probably know, so smelling like an ice cream shop in the shower always makes me uber happy.

Slatkin & Co. Root Beer Float Candle: A treat that always delights…sweet root beer poured over pure vanilla ice cream, with a touch of nutmeg will literally FLOAT through the room when you light this candle.

Philosophy Marshmallow Cone Lip Shine: The taste of marshmallow ice cream that’s fat free?  I’ll take it.  This lip shine is also super hydrating and really softens your lips.