Kiehls Limited Edition Rare Earth Cleansing Masque

Credit:  Mariano Vivanco

Kiehl's is at it again. For this year's Earth Day, the brand partnered with Chloe Sevigny and Michael C. Hall to design labels for the Limited Edition Rare Earth Cleansing Masque. All of the net proceeds benefit Waterkeeper Allilance,  a grassroots advocacy organization with nearly 200 member organizations. The masque detoxifies skin with fairly traded Amazonian White Clay. Check it out in stores or online today.

How to Make a Ponytail More Glam

Just because a ponytail is your go to style when you're rushed, having a bad hair day, fighting frizz or all of the above, that doesn't mean it has to look sloppy. Check out this video with tips from Mika Rummo, stylist at Salon AKS in New York for tips on how to make a ponytail more glam. Pay close attention and you just may recognize that hair model! Watch the video now.

Pixi's Week of Wakeup Makeup

Pixi's Week of Wakeup Makeup has plenty of colors to keep you looking fresh on your next vacay. With 21 eye shadows, 7 cheek powders and 8 lip glosses, you'll find a look for the poolside, an afternoon wine tasting and some late night dancing. The Week of Makeup is only $34 and available on the re-designed www.PixiBeauty.com and at Target.com and Target stores. Here's a peek of the pinks, peaches, nudes and more:

Estée Lauder Sumptuous Extreme Mascara

We try so many mascaras, it isn't easy for one to stand out. Estée Lauder's Sumptuous Extreme Mascara did just that. It does a bang up job of volumizing your lashes without the usual problems that go with it like flaking and smearing. We took a couple of passes through our lashes to smooth out the occasional clumps. At $23.50, it's more expensive than your drugstore alternatives; but the results are worth it. Lastly, we know packaging is far from the most important product feature, but Sumptuous Extreme comes in a show-me-off gold tube. Look for Estée Lauder gifts with purchase this month at Nordstrom, Lord and Taylor, and Macy's.

This review was based on a free sample.

April Is National Rosacea Month

Being of Irish descent, I know the problems of fair skin a little too well. Not only do us lighter skin ladies have to be extra careful in the sun, we're also at higher risk for a skin condition called rosacea, an inflammatory skin condition. The most noted characteristic of rosacea is persistent blushing—even when you're not embarrassed or in the presence of your crush. A flare up of rosacea can be triggered by anything from an intense Zumba class, that glass of pinot noir you had after work or even hot weather.

The good news is that rosacea can be treated and you don't have to suffer alone. April is National Rosacea Month, which was started by the National Rosacea Society to help educate people about the condition. A few facts:

• Rosacea affects 16 million Americans, many of whom don’t know that they have it. 
• Rosecea is often undiagnosed or mistaken for other common skin issues such as sunburn, allergies or acne.
• In addition to flushing, rosacea is characterized by redness, bumps and blemishes on the face.
• Though rosacea is more common in fair skinned women, it can affect women and men of all skin tones.
• While there is no known cure for rosacea, it can be managed through lifestyle changes and medication. If you think something is going on with your skin, head to the dermatologist.

For more information about rosacea, click here. 

Full disclosure on this post: I’m participating in this contest sponsored by Galderma Laboratories, L.P. to win a trip to the Emmy’s.

Supermodel Hair Made Simple

Who wouldn't want supermodel model hair like Gisele's? Daily Makeover breaks down what it takes to grow your hair out to her shiny, sexy length. Hint: it'll take more than just a good conditioner!

Spring Nail Trends 2011 from butter London

We're fans of butter London nail polish mostly because of their gorgeous colors and the smooth and shiny finish. Their grays and neutrals over the past few seasons were the most wearable and attractive we wore. This spring and summer's collection is inspired by the Impressionist style prints that were on the runways from New York to Paris-- think of Monet's art when you imagine these colors. As always these lacquers are non-toxic.

The colors include Lady Muck, a powdery periwinkle blue, slightly on the grey side and infused with pearl pigment for a soft, sexy sheen; Teddy Girl, a pale retro bubblegum pink; our favorite, Blagger, a striking cobalt blue; Dosh, molten apple green with a touch of metallic gold; and Hen Party, a sheer opal lacquer that can be worn alone or as a top coat.

Famous fans include Kate Moss, Miley Cyrus,  Rihanna, Mandy Moore, Hilary Swank, Amy Adams, Kelly Osbourne, Heidi Klum, Daisy Lowe and Courtney Cox.

Lacquers run $14 each at www.butterlondon.com.

Spring's Hot New Manicures

Whether you're Gaga for the crackled nail polish, hot for bright pink, or you've got the blues for Essie's Coat Azure (pictured above); there are plenty of new colors that'll help you welcome springtime. Daily Makeover gave their picks for ten of spring's super-cool manicures. Which is your favorite? See them all here.

Review: SkinCeuticals Blemish + Age Defense

SkinCeuticals latest, Blemish + Age Defense, arrived just in time for my most recent breakout. Sadly I still get them even though I've passed my thirtieth birthday.  Blemish + Age Defense was designed specifically for those of you in my position, looking to control adult acne and prevent aging. The combination of dioic acid and alpha and beta hydroxy acids inhibits oil production, controls acne causing bacteria and fights surface lines and wrinkles.

I used it for the first time three nights ago. There was significant stinging with the first application (be weary if you have uber sensitive skin); but my skin is acclimated to it now. My skin feels smoother though there is some flaking on my forehead. Product directions recommend less frequency if you have discomfort or peeling, then slowly working up to a couple of times each day. My skin has cleared up in just a few days and I'm hoping it'll stay that way. In the meantime, I'm also watching the lines around my eyes. It took a lot longer than three days to make them so expecting results this quickly is too optimistic; but I'll let you know in a few weeks!

Learn more and order Blemish + Age Defense at www.skinceuticals.com.

This review was based on a press sample.

Travel Survival Kit

Here's a little something that should be in everyone's carry on: the Ms. and Mrs. Minimergency Travel Kit. It has all those little things you're likely to need—and just as likely to forget to pack. It contains: Hairspray, clear nail polish, nail polish remover, emery board, lip balm, earring backs, clear elastics, sewing kit, double-sided tape, stain remover, deodorant towelette, pain reliever, tampon, breath freshener, dental floss, and adhesive bandages. Plus it all comes in an adorable metallic pouch.

The Mr. and Mrs. Minimergency Travel Kit is $12. Available on MsandMrs.com.

Batiste Dry Shampoo Review

Anyone who knows us, knows that we can't live without dry shampoo. It helps make our blowouts last upwards of a week and ensures that we can go on a weekend trip without having to pack styling products (save for hairspray). We recently tested out the Batist Dry Shampoo, and it's fast becoming a fave.

The Pluses:

• It's an aerosol so it sprays evenly across your hair.
• It works well--we generally start using it on day 3 of a blowout and don't need it again until day 5 (we generally wash our hair once a week).
• It smells great. We tested the Blush fragrance, which has a slight powder-y smell. It neutralized bar odors from the night before.
• The price can't be beat. A 5.5 oz can sells for $2.99 on Amazon.

 The Minuses:

• The spray is pretty forceful and gives our hair a white-ish cast. The trick is to let it set for a few minutes, then either massage it in with your fingers or brush it through, depending on what look you're going for.

The Batiste Dry Shampoo currently ranks as our second favorite. The Neil George spray takes the top spot, but it's also $18 for a can that's smaller.

Batiste Dry Shampoo is available on Amazon.
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This review is based on a free sample.

New Matrix Biolage Hydratherapie

We've been Matrix Biolage users for years, most recently impressed with the Colorcaretherapie line. Their newest Hydratherapie system of hydrating hair products is perfect for dry hair whether yours is a product of too much processing, the dry winter air, or just your hair's natural state. Hydrotherapie uses aloe and passion fruit to continuously moisturize hair in its shampoo, conditioner and softening mist. Matrix is giving away 200 hydratherapie gift baskets, valued at $62 each. Sign up for your chance to win at http://hydratherapie.biolage.com/free-sample.