Kneipp Deep Sleep Mineral Bath Salt - Valerian & Hops

If I am not mistaken, Sebastian Kneipp, one of the founders, a priest who at 28 contracted the deadly [at the time] tuberculous and was cured by hydrotherapy. Which lead him to found Kneipp with his pharmacist friend who shared the same natural product ideologies. Naturally, baths are an excellent way to relax, lull you to sleep, a treat for a hard day at work and for health reasons. While, I knew Kneipp was a good trusted brand -- I was bit wary to try the bath salts. I don’t know why, I am kicking myself for not trying earlier. After returning from exhausting day of errands and family gatherings, I was already super tired, exhausted and sleepy. I decided a bath would have been a perfect way to unwind and take it easy. When I open the packet, the air was flooded of Valerian and Hops [I am not sure what either smells like but I guess it has to be the scent I was sniffing :) ]. The blue salt crystals turned the bath water into a beautiful azure blue color. The color you imagine the water being in tropical islands [and also hiding sharks under their alluring surface]. I immediately slipped in and was immediately transported into a Greek soaking tub. I started to relax; I felt my tension melting away. The water was still fragranced and left my skin softly  scented and my skin soft to the touch. While the blue color didn’t stain my tub, I wouldn’t recommend using anything white near it [towels, mats] or porous colors though. Even after my bath, the scent is still wafting through the air. How was I feeling after the bath and was I able to sleep better? I am having trouble staying awake to write this review but I don’t feel the disgusted I - want - to - sleep - get - out - of - my - way but more like I am at peace and I could go for a nice nap. Which right about now, sounds great. Good night! I am happy to report, I did have a restful deep sleep last night. I am totally in love with this bath salt.

OPI Nail Polish - NL F15 You Don't Know Jacques

The nail polish was creamy warm taupe color but look a bit like mud. The nail polish was more watery than other OPI colors I have tried. I had to use multiple coats to get full coverage. I did notice when my nails did try there was some bubbles and rough spots.

Epionce Intense Defense Anti-Aging + Repair Serum

Photo Source - Epionce

This intense serum is like a skin care multivitamin for your skin. It is packed with fruit, botanical extracts and Niacinamide. The potent cocktail promises to reverse fine line, wrinkles, improve skin tone, smooth, soften and improve firmness, elasticity and texture. The creamy formula went on smoothly and left my face feeling soft and firm. I must say, when they say intensive hydration, they really do mean intensive. I used a little bit of the serum on my face and face look like my face was drenched with water. It did take a bit of work to work in all of the serum into my face.The only parts I didn’t like is that my hands were sticky from the lotion and my face did get a bit dry towards the evening. Overall, it was too pricey to buy again and I found other products that work a lot better for less money.

Caress Daily Silk Silkening Body Wash Nature's Silk

This irresistible blend of white peach and silk blossom with triple silkening moisturizer that softens and smooths skin to the touch. The body wash provides a luxurious lather and imparts a soft delicate scent. I love how soft my skin was and the soft scent is perfect for the treat for the “It’s hot as hell, why am I wearing clothes” summer.

Caudalie Divine Oil

Photo Source - Sephora

I love this floral scented oil. I also like it could be used for on body, face, cuticles and hair. The oil is packed with argan, hibiscus and sesame oil.  Rose, grapefruit, spicy pink pepper, cedar, vanilla and white musk lend their extracts to create this intoxicating scent. I smoothed on some of oil after my bath and my skin was soft and silky. I couldn’t stop smelling and rubbing my skin. I absolutely want to buy this by the gallons and pour into a bath and just marinate it. [Try not to imagine that]

Lucky August 2013

New Pants Styles to Try-

“The Track Pants - Paired with minimalist pieces, this sporty, slim cut is polished enough to wear to dinner.

The Cropped Wide - Leg Trouser - Fashion forward and surprisingly flattering, this ‘40s inspired style creates a sexy hourglass shape.

The Slouchy Leather -  Give your boyfriend jeans a rest and wear this equally laid-back but way more luxe pair.

The Graphic Print  Trouser - An eye-popping motif takes this work-ready cut from basic to quirky chic.”

New Golden Powders to Try -

Nars Puerto Vallarta Multiple

MAC Cosmetics Bronzing Powder in Refined Golden

Bobbi Brown Sheer Color Cheek Tint in Nude Beach

DiorSkin Nude Tan Paradise Duo Blush in Coral Glow

Guerlian Meteorites Pearls

Yves Saint Laurent Terre Sharienne in N. 30 in Terre Tan

Elizabeth Arden New York in Bloom Radiant Bronzing  Powder

Multi-Tasking Skin Cream

SK II Essential Power Cream

Estee Lauder Advanced Time Zone Night Age Reserving Line/Wrinkle Creme

Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream

Shimmery Body Oils

Clarins Splendours Shimmer Body Oil

Guerlian Terracotta James de Gazelle

Caudalie Dive Legs Tinted Body Lotion

Nuxe Hulle Prodiguese

Summer Florals Perfumes -

Lanvin ME Eau de Parfum

Crabtree and Evenlyn Somerset Meadow de Toilette

Prada Candy L’Eau

Anna Siu La Vie de Boheme

Joie Folle de Joie Eau de Parfum

Taylor by Taylor Swift Eau de Parfum

Mastering Brows -

“1. Don’t tweeze more than once every three to four weeks. This keeps brows from looking too thin.

2. Draw an invisible line straight from the outer corner of your nose. Your brow should start here and end along a line from the corner of your nose to the outer corner of your eye. The highest part of your  arch should line up just outside your pupil.

3. Shower first to open your pores, soften your skin and make tweezing easier. After use aloe gel to prevent redness and bumps.

4.  Pull hairs in the direction of growth one by one working in natural light.

5. Use a regular not magnifying mirror, otherwise you can end up with a hole. If you can’t see the hair in a regular mirror, neither can anyone else.

6. Don’t make the ends too thin, and feather them outward - this gives the eyes a bit of a lift.

7. Overcutting brows can be as detrimental as over-tweezing. Brush brows straight up and trim hairs one at a time.

8. It is a myth that you should never tweeze from the top. The truth is most people need to take a little off the top in order to get the perfect shape.

9. If you chair your hair color, change your brows to match. Darkening brows adds fullness. Don’t dye them yourself - get it done at a salon.

10. Delicate features look best with thinner, more elegant brows. Thicker ones are perfect with stronger bone structure.”

Your Ultimate Brow Kit

K. Streicher Beauty Apres Calming Cream

Sania’s Brow Bar Angle Mechanical Pencil

Cle de Peau Eyebrow and Eyeliner Compact in 1

Lancome Le Crayon Poudre in Taupe’

End of the Summer Hair Rescue -

Keratase Spray a Porter

Organiz Moroccan Sea Salt Spray

Bumble and Bumble Surf Foam Wash Shampoo

Shu Uemura Muroto Volume Pure Lightness Treatment

New Star Ingredient - Camellia Oil

“These antiaging face concoctions are infused with oils from the ultra - hydrating, antioxidant rich camellia flower, called tsubaki in Japanese. They leave skin dewy, plump and smooth in seconds.

Lancome Absolue Sublime Oleo Serum

Boscia Tsubaki Beauty Oil

Tatcha Gold Camella Beauty Oil

Family Circle August 2013

Shades of Summer -

New York Color Show in Fierce N Tangy

Orly in Mayhem Mentality

Mary Kay in Pink Bamboo

Essie in The More The Merrier

Jin Soon in Poppy Blue

Latina August 2013

White Hot Nail Polishes to Try -

Maybelline Color Show Nail Lacquer in Porcelain Party

Sally Hansen Sugar Coat Textured Nail Color in Sugar Fix

Candie’s Glitter Nail Polish in White Noise

Layla Gel Effect Nail Polish in N01

Tom Ford Nail Lacquer in Vapor

Tips for Damage Control for your Hair -

Philip Kingsley Paddle Brush - “Your scalp is the source of healthy hair. It’s important to stimulate it a little each day simply by brushing from roots to ends.”

Oribe Signature Moisture Masque - “Rub a dime - sized amount of deep conditioning mask through dry hair before the beach or pool. It protects strands from saltwater and chlorine”.

Dove Nourishing Oil Care Shampoo and Conditioner - “Summer’s harsh elements, such as the sun’s UV rays, cause hair to become dry and brittle. Keep split ends under control with shampoos and conditioners that contain oils like almond and coconut”.

Living Proof Satin Hair Serum - “Stay away from hair care products with alcohol as the primary ingredient. It can dry out stands and cause breakage”.

Clear Scalp and Hair Beauty Therapy Damage and Color Repair 7 Day Intensive Treatment Tubes - “Creating a solid foundation with a well-nourished scalp not only gives you strong, beautiful hair but can help you get to a longer length faster”.

New Bronzer Products to Try-

Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Sheer Colour SPF

Too Faced Bronzed and Poreless Pore Perfecting Bronzer

Nars Multiple in South Beach

Mary Kay Facial Highlighting Pen

Physicians Formula How - To - Wear Bronzer

Tarte Park Avenue Princess Bronze and Glow Matte Bronzer and Cheek Tint

Laura Mercier Illuminating Powder

Glamour July 2013

Just in the perfect timing for summer travel - carry on essentials

The Wet Brush Squirt in Pink

T Spheres Pep Up Aromatherapy Massage Balls

Kate Somerville Dilo Oil Restorative Treatment

Revlon Baby Stick for Lip and Cheeks in Pink Passion

Garnier Skin Renew Anti-Puff Cooling Eye Roller

Sephora Target Eye Remover Swabs

Pacifica Purify Coconut Water Cleansing Wipes

Shiseido Sun Protection Compact Case and Foundation

Fresh Scents to Try this Summer

Clinique Happy Summer Spray

Issey Miyake L’Eau D’Issey Summer Limited Edition

Yves Saint Premieres Roses eau de toilette

Giorgio Armani Code Summer for Women

CK One Summer eau de toilette

Master Your Mani - Pedi

“Step 1 - Smooth your feet. It best to pumice calluses while skin is dry.  If you do it in the shower, you may take off too much skin.

Step 2 - Hop in the shower. The heat will soften nail beds. Grab a washcloth and conditioner, and push back cuticles on hands and feet. After, use cuticle nippers to snip away hanging bits only.

Step 3 - Define your shape. Trim nails while you’re still damp. Water softens them and prevents splits while they’re being cut. And file carefully! Find a file with a grit between 180 and 240.

Step 4 - Prep and polish. Do your toes, then your fingers. To get the smoothest application, first remove oil from the nail with polish remover. And don’t forget base and top coat.”

Lucky June/July 2013

“The Best Bikini for Your Body -

If you have a Big Bust : Extra wide straps are not your only solution, we promise! If you’d prefer a top with skinny straps, just make sure it also has underwire, which will keep you from feeling overexposed.

If you have a Small Bust : Skip  padded tops, which can end up making your chest look overstuffed, and fake your curves with tops that feature feminine ruffles and bold patterns instead.

If you have an Hourglass Shape : Embrace your bombshell body with a retro-inspired  suit. Vintage cuts are especially designed to show off things like a tiny waist and killer curves. “

New SPF Products to Try -

Clarins Sunscreen Spray Oil - Free Lotion SPF 15

Sun Bum Pro Premium Face Stick SPF 30

Shiseido Sun Protection Compact Foundation SPF 34 in Limited Edition Case

EOS Lemon Drop Smooth Sphere Lip Balm SPF 15

How to get a Great Self Tan -

“1. You can exfoliate furiously, but the key to a seamless, glowy finish is to use a lots of moisturizer, especially anywhere you’re dry - your elbows, knees, etc. It blends everything perfectly.

2. Feet are the toughest spots to get right. Use lots of moisturizer [before and/or after the tanner  - it works beautifully either way] and blend like crazy.

3. Do you hands last. Wash the tanner off your palms thoroughly with soap and water. Let them dry; put a dot of tanner on the back of one hand and rub the two backs together.

4. Do it the day before you need to look fabulous. If you miss a spot or overdo, you can correct it the next day. Oil, soap and  a washcloth will tone down most mistakes.”

The Best BB for Dark Skin

Maybelline New York Dream Fresh BB in Deep

L’Oreal PAris Magic Skin Beautifier BB Cream in Deep

Tarte BB Tinted Treatment 12 Hour Primer Broad Spectrum SPF 30

Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream SPF35 in Dark

Dr. Brandt Pores No More BB Matte in Medium to Dark

The Fishtail Braid by John Barrett owner of eponymous salon.

“1. Divide the sections of hair you want to braid into two pieces. Take a small outer piece from one side and cross it over to the inside of the opposing side.

2. Repeat with small outer pieces crossing over to become part of the inside of the first section.

3. Keep crossing small outer pieces into the opposite inside until braid is complete. Pull aparty for a more relaxed look.”

Beachy Waves-

“Thin Hair - Coil damp hair with thickening mist into pin curls. When it is 60 percent dry, go over with a diffuser to set curls - run fingers through.

Curly  Hair - Flat iron each piece - not too straight to stretch the curls out into waves.

Long Hair - Braid damp hair and leave overnight or until it’s dry.

Short Hair - Wrap small sections of hair around curling iron and tousle.

Seventeen August 2013

How to get curly hair for your hair type -

“Straight - Loose, bouncy curls are the easiest for you to rock. Add mousse to wet hair for staying power, and blow dry. Once  hair  is 100 percent dry, hold a 1.5 inch curling iron vertically and wrap 2 inch section of hair around the closed barrel. Hold for a few seconds and then finish with a blast of hairspray so the curls last all day.

Wavy - To amp up your natural waves, scrunch in a lightweight curl gel and blow-dry hair upside down for extra volume. Spritz with flexible hold  hairspray, and let them set while you do your makeup. Unpin them and rake your fingers through your hair for a natural tousle.

Curly -  Play up your natural texture with a diffuser. The fingers spread out the air so strands don’t frizz. Just add a little smoothing cream first, then point the dryer up for more volume or down for less.”

Curl Commandments-

“No Frizz Ever -  Leave in conditioners are a curly girl’s BFF. Coat strands in a downward motion to smooth hair cuticles while also locking in moisture. Follow with your favorite styling product and twist curls into place with your fingers. Then it’s hands-off until hair is dry.

Pretreat your strands -  thick, unruly curls will benefit from a hot oil treatment before shampooing - work it through dry  locks 15 minutes before jumping in the shower. The slick stuff helps moisturize and make your tresses easier to untangle.

Revive second day curls - You will get too dry if you wash every day, so mist just the frizzy pieces with a mix of leave - in conditioner and water. Then shape curls into place.

Trim often - You’ll know you’re due for a date with the scissors when it starts becoming harder than normal to detangle your hair - it’s a sign you have lots of split ends that need to be snipped”.

Ladies’ Home Journal July 2013

“Three Steps for Younger - Longer Skin

1. Cleanse Less but Exfoliate Daily  - Wash your face once a day instead of twice a day. Skip the morning suds. The best formulas combine humectants, like glycerin and hyaluronic acid, with mild fruit acids or non - scratchy microbeads.

2. Make Your Moisturizer Multitask -  Look for broad - spectrum sunscreen, protective antioxidants, and wrinkle - fighting peptides. Also, don’t skimp on sunscreen.

3. Wear Retinol to Bed  - Vitamin A repairs skin at every level. Prescriptions versions are more potent but are more irritating and pricer than over the counter drugs.”

New Products to Try This -

Laura Geller Pout Perfection Waterproof Lip Liner in Buff

CoverGirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3 in 1 Foundation

Josie Maran Coconut Watercolor Cheek Gelee

Alba Botanica Good and Clean Foaming Cleanser

Living Proof Satin Hair Serum

Veet EasyWax Electrical Roll On Hair