Top 10 Best-Selling Drugstore Beauty Products.

I'm constantly buying beauty products at the drugstore. I've mentioned before how my favorite drugstore for beauty is CVS. I'm lucky because I have two CVS/pharmacy stores in my town with a bunch of others nearby. They are building a much larger store with an expanded beauty department, I hear, and I am extremely excited. CVS recently shared with me their top-selling beauty products and I found it interesting enough to share it with you because many of these just so happen to be some of my favorite drugstore beauty products too.

You know if these 10 products are best-sellers out of all the thousands of products that CVS/pharmacy sells nationwide, then they must really be good.

1. Beauty 360 Exfoliating Cotton Rounds - I use these every single day to remove eye makeup and apply toner. I like that they are double-sided and economical. I stock up when I catch them on sale.

2. Essence Of Beauty Massage And Back Brush - I have not tried this, but it certainly looks interesting.

3. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel - I discovered this last summer and will be making the switch back to it now that warm weather is here again. I can totally see why it's a best seller as this gel instantly boosts hydration while not being overly thick. It traps water beneath the skin to plump up fine lines and wrinkle and hold it there all day.

4. TRESemme TRES Two Aerosol Hairspray - I've mentioned this hairspray more than a few times on the site and it really is a great, overall hairspray.

5. La Roche-Posay Anthelios 60 Melt-In Sunscreen Milk - I have not used this sunscreen, but you can bet that I will be picking it up on my next CVS run. The fact that it has a high SPF and the term 'milk' has me wanting it now.

6. Revlon Ultra HD Matte in Seduction - This already made my list of best matte lip products so I know it's a great choice, but I didn't know that Seduction was such a popular color. I love that CVS tracks this much info!

7. Garnier SkinActive™ Micellar Cleansing Water All in 1 Cleanser & Waterproof Makeup Remover - I told you that you needed to try this cleansing water earlier this year and I knew that this was going to quickly turn into a must-have products - it's that good!

8. CoverGirl Perfect Point Plus Eyeliner - Caci swears by this eyeliner and uses it almost everyday. We both can see why it would be a best-seller for sure.

9. Essie Nail Polish - I can totally see why this is a best-seller. I was thrilled when I found out Essie was being sold at CVS/pharmacy some years ago when they expanded their nail offerings. Having a range of Essie shades available in store is so convenient.

10. NYX Make Up Setting Spray - I have not tried this yet, but this is also on my shopping list and I will be picking this up to try next CVS trip too.

Do you use any of these best-selling drugstore beauty products?

Protect Skin with Noxidoxi.

Thank you to Noxidoxi for sponsoring today's post. All opinions are my own. Please see below for additional disclosure.

There is so much to worry about when it comes to our overall health and skin health these days. What we put into our bodies, onto our bodies and everything around us. Thinking about all of these things can make your head spin, can't it? There are so many things we can't control including things like the environment. There are things like the sun and toxins from pollution. It's overwhelming! Brands like newcomer Noxidoxi are stepping up and developing groundbreaking products to help us combat these issues with powerful antioxidant solutions. In fact, Noxidoxi is the 1st pollution detox solution for the skin and it's just what I need as we head into summer.

It's a fact that dead skin cells accumulate on the skin and halt the regeneration of new skin cells - it's basically what ages us making our skin look so old and dull. We need products to get rid of those dead skin cells and help us to regenerate new cells to reveal brighter, younger looking skin. When toxins from pollution, dirt, oil - even makeup get in the way, this process needs help.

You know I am ALL about younger looking skin and protecting it. I am up for anything I can do to get rid of these dead skin cells to reveal my best looking skin. I have been using products from Noxidoxi that uses Pollution Detoxology in a pretty simple way to help break down all of these toxins.

1. Detoxify - The products help to eliminate the dead cells that accumulate on the skin surface and halt the skin regeneration process
2. Reboot - The products use ingredients that help reactivate the natural cell renewal process as they boost natural hydration
3. Protect & Shield - The products protect skin from everyday pollutants which prevents the creation of new dead skin cells

 

The product lineup includes an easy-to-follow skin care regimen that delivers phenomenal results. I knew Noxidoxi was on to something the first time I tried it and noticed a huge difference in how much brighter my skin was. After just ONE USE.

Detox Cleanser & Make Up Remover - This is a really nice 2-in-1 cleanser and eye makeup remover that removes every trace of makeup (even waterproof mascara) from the skin. It leaves my skin feeling fresh and clean without feeling stripped. It is formulated with Olive and Almond Oil along with Vitamin C so you're getting that great antioxidant protection.

Pollution Blocker Lightweight Serum - This lightweight serum, that you only need a teeny, tiny bit of (not even a full pump) is like an instant skin brightener. This serum is formulated with such powerful antioxidants that I swear my skin responds to it right away! As soon as I apply this serum, my skin is so much tighter and brighter, it is like the serum my skin has been searching for. It shields, nourishes and protects skin from environmental pollutants with a strong combination of antioxidants and Co-enzyme Q10. Not only does it protect the skin from the outside with it's antioxidant "shield", it boosts collagen and speeds up cell turnover by keeping water trapped into the skin with sodium hyaluronate. This is why I think my skin just looks so amazing as soon as I apply it. 

Radiance Booster Detox Cream - To further protect and plump the skin, this day cream is also formulated with high doses of antioxidants and Hyaluronic Acid. It's like a gel-cream that instantly melts into my skin. It helps to restore moisture balance to the skin as it removes dead skin cells with Papain Enzyme and adds a natural radiance to the skin. I'm telling you, my skin is looking so bright when I use this regimen - it is incredible. It is a true rescue and protect system as it protects skin from everyday environmental aggressors.

Pollution Blocker Face Mist - I often feel parched in the summer months, so this on-the-go face mist is genius. Not only does it give my skin a burst of hydration, it gives it a burst of antioxidants to instantly soothe and protect the skin.

You really don't have to be as concerned with everything in the environment if you make smart choices like protecting your skin with good products choices and a smart skin care regimen. Buy Noxidoxi at noxidoxi.us.

This post was sponsored by noxidoxi. As always, all opinions are my own. Please see disclosure policy for complete information.

Kick Off Summer with Travel-Sized Must-Haves.

It's time to kick off summer with Memorial Day weekend around the corner. Now it the time to start thinking about those summer travel plans. Whether you're traveling near or far this year, IT Cosmetics will keep you looking your most beautiful all season long. With travel sizes now available of the brands best-sellers (and some of my very favorite products) each with the same skin-loving ingredients as the full-size, packing will be that much easier.

These are generous travel sized products and not teeny tiny sizes that are only going to get you through a few days. These IT Cosmetic travel sizes are sure to last a month or more, depending on the product. I have listed the sizes of each so you can get a general idea, but I will give you my thoughts on what I think each product will last with daily use below.

Look for travel sizes of the following:

Your Skin But Better CC Cream with SPF 50+ - .406 fl oz.
Bye Bye Under Eye Full Coverage Anti-Aging Waterproof Concealer - .11 fl oz.
Brow Power Universal Brow Pencil - .0025 oz.
Tightline Full Lash Length 3-in-1 Eyeliner, Primer & Mascara - .067 fl oz.
Hello Lashes Mascara (no size listed)
Hello Lashes Extensions Mascara - .16 oz.
No-Tug Waterproof Gel Eyeliner - .012 oz
Superhero Elastic Stretch Volumizing Mascara - .17 oz.
Confidence In A Cream - .5 fl oz.

I think the face products are going to last at least a month with daily use, maybe even more, depending on how much you use. I really think that the CC Cream could last about two months. If it had a pump like the full size and I could measure the exact amount so I knew I was only using one pump, then I would know I could get two months out of this. The size of the concealer and cream are very generous as well. The Brow Pencil seems a little small, pencil wise, but you don't use that much eyebrow pencil on a daily basis, so this could actually last you four to six months if you simply fill in your hairs sparingly. If you have to do a lot of filling in, then it will obviously last you less time than that. The gel eyeliner seems small, but it's .012oz compared to the .017oz you get in a full size, so you are going to get a lot of use out of this. The mascaras are smallish, and I would say these will last about a month.

Look for these IT Cosmetics travel-sized must haves at Ulta.
 

Top 10 Self-Tanners for a Perfect Faux Glow.

There is only one safe way to get a beautiful golden tan and that is with a self-tanner. There are a lot of self-tanners out there, but when you want the perfect faux glow, you need to reach for the best. With so many lotions, creams, sprays and mousse varieties to choose from, it is hard to know where to start. 

I am a big fan of self-tanners and use them regularly to achieve my perfect faux glow. In trying to find the "perfect" one, I have tested plenty self-tanners. Today, a good self-tanner will deliver believable color that lasts. All of these self-tanners that I have listed below deliver, flawless, streak-free tans; I have tested each one personally and recommend them all for the perfect faux glow. 

Each year, I bring you a list of my favorite self-tanners and every year there are duplicates because some of these self-tanners really are that good. There are new entries and discoveries so the list is updated too. If there is a self-tanner that you use and swear by, please let me know about it in the comments. I am always open to trying something new.

1. Vita Liberata pHenomenal 2-3 Week Tan Mousse
This self-tanner is extremely long-lasting and lasts the longest on me (or anyone that I know). The brand claims that it lasts 2-3 weeks, but you must follow the directions to get it to last. I notice fading around a week to ten days but still have traces of self-tanner on my legs after two weeks. It is not overly scented and the color is believable and beautiful. I highly recommend buying the mitt if you don't buy the kit that comes with the mitt.

2. Lancôme Flash Bronzer Self-Tanning Face Gel
This gel is fast-drying making it perfect for wearing under makeup or skin care. Not only does it develop into an even tan fast (in as little as 30 minutes) it is made with moisturizing ingredients so skin is nourished too.

3. tarte Brazilliance™ PLUS+ Self-Tanner + Mitt
This tinted bronze gel helps guide you as you apply so you are assured an even, streak free faux glow. The tan this one gives is dark, yet natural looking, and it nourishes the skin with its skin loving ingredients that includes natural exfoliators. Brazilliance™ PLUS+ contains a special scent technology that blocks out that tell-tall self-tanner scent which is a plus. It develops in about four hours. I like this for my legs.

4. Jergens Natural Glow FACE Daily Moisturizer Sunscreen
I use this self-tanner every other night (on my face) about an hour before I put on my night time moisturizer. The result is very natural looking and gradual as it is meant to be. It comes in a Fair to Medium or Medium to Dark shades.

5. Beautisol Self-Tanning Mousse
This tinted self-tanner has no self tanning scent whatsoever. It is super easy to apply (with a mitt), dries quick to ensure there is no streaking and it delivers a very even, believable shade of golden brown.

6. Clarins Self-Tanning Milky Lotion
I was so excited to see this because anything Clarins with milky and self-tanning is usually awesome and this one is! This self-tanner melts quickly into the skin leaving it feeling super smooth and hydrated. It does not feel like you have a self-tanner on; it feels more like a luxurious body lotion. It is scented with that of figs mixed with self-tanner but it is worth it for the glorious color that develops. It can be used on both the face or body and should be applied at bedtime at it takes time for this one to develop. The color on this one lasts a good five days and color is pretty rich on first application.

7. St. Tropez Self Tan Dark Bronzing Mousse
This foaming mousse develops into a very deep, dark rich self-tan overnight. This self-tanner dries fast which is a plus when wanting to hop right into bed. The color lasts about five days before fading and it looks natural.

8. L'Oréal Paris Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Serum
This is a fast drying self-tanning serum that leaves a beautiful golden glow on the skin once it develops. It lasts up to two weeks! When applied three days in a row, I do get a believable faux tan that lasts for about ten days before fading. This is a really unique self-tanner and perfect for the face.

9. Lancome Flash Bronzer
This bronze tinted self-tanning gel is perfect for when I need my legs darkened up fast. Color is even and streak-free, delivering a perfect faux-glow in 30 - 60 minutes.

10. Karora Express Bronzing Mousse Self-Tanner
This self-tanner is a foamy mousse with a color guide that applies with ease. I apply it with a mitt for an even, streak free faux glow. It dries within a few minutes, and the wonderful lemon smell goes away as soon as it dries. You need to shower to rinse off and stop color development. After one hour, you are left with a nice light faux tan. The longer you leave it on, up to three hours, the darker your tan. This needs to be washed off after three hours. No matter how long you leave it on, the color is even, streak-free and believable.

A press sample of the products featured have been provided for editorial consideration. All opinions are my own. Affiliate links have been used in the post. Please see disclosure policy for complete information.

Disney Minnie Beauty: Minnie-ature Cream Lip Stain Set.

I am obsessed with Disney World and all things Minnie Mouse. I'm embarrassed to tell you how many times I've been to Disney World in the last year alone. So when Sephora created the Disney Minnie Beauty Collection earlier last month, you know I had to grab it all. Out of all the pieces, which you can find here, I highly recommend picking up the Minnie-ature Cream Lip Stain Set. With five mini Cream Lip Stains in a limited-edition, collectable Minnie tin, these are long-lasting, feel super comfy on the lips and come in some of the seasons hottest shades.

If there is one product that Sephora is known for making when creating makeup, it is their Cream Lip Stains. These constantly get rave reviews, and I am happy to report that this is the same formula in the Minnie-ature Cream Lip Stain.

These Lip Stains offer a ton of coverage with long-lasting color. The formula is so soft and comfortable on the lips. That's because it features avocado oil for a texture that transforms as you wear it - seriously. As soon as you apply this Lip Stain, the initial creamy texture becomes so a silky and lightweight but leaves a stain on the lips It does not look like your typical stain, just a super long-lasting creamy color. It really is gorgeous and you need to try it to believe how easy it is to wear.

The shades in the Minnie-ature Cream Lip Stain set:

• African Violet
• Mandarin Muse
• Always Red
• Whipped Blush
• Peach Tart

The set comes complete with an exclusive Minnie charm and is packaged in an exclusive Minnie tin.

Buy the Sephora Collection Minnie-ature Cream Lip Stain Set exclusively at Sephora for $26.00.

Affiliate links have been used in this post to help support our site. Please see disclosure policy for complete information.

Summer 2016: MAC Vibe Tribe Makeup Collection.

The MAC Summer makeup collection is here and Vibe Tribe is a nod to the summer festival season. One glance and you might think it's Native American themed (see below for MAC's official statement on this) with the shades and patterns, either way, it a collection full of shades set against a background of a flickering summer sunset. Get ready, summer is here!

Lose control in lips painted reckless shades of red and coral, or a flash of gold. Let your eyes escape reality in teal, cobalt mandarin and charcoal, as free-spirited nails glisten in succulent tangerine and the perfect, buttery nude with M∙A∙C Vibe Tribe. Join the tribe. Feel the vibe.

Vibe Tribe is a complete collection with everything from eye palettes and a multi-shade powder that leaves cheeks with a shimmering glow to brushes and makeup bags. The collection includes:

Lipstick - $18

• Tanarama - Pale beige with golden shimmer
• Arrowhead Bare nude
• Painted Sunset Bright orange-red
• Pure Vanity Pale peach nude
• Hot Chocolate Dirty plum

Patentpolish Lip Pencil - $21

• Tumbleweed Soft nude
• Teen Dream Bright pinkish coral matte
• Caravamp Reddish-orange
• Desert Evening Clear with pearl (Online Exclusive)
• Rio Grande Romance Bright fuchsia

Powder Blush - $23

• Modern Mandarin Red-orange
• Adobe Brick Burnt-red
• Painted Canyon Mid-tone coral (Online Exclusive)

Cream Colour Base - $23

• Yellow Topaz - Light Golden Champagne

Eye Shadow X 4 - $33

Call of the Canyon

• Call of the Canyon - Frosty off-white
• Fool's Gold - Dirty olive gold
• Summer Sun - Frosty peach orange
• Thunderbolt - Dark charcoal with gold pearl

Wild Horses

• Brule - Soft creamy beige
• Charcoal Brown - Muted taupe-brown
• Wild Horses - Deep espresso
• Blue Mesa - Deep turquoise

Technakhol Eye Liner - $17.50

• Snowed In - Light peach off white
• Broque - Deep Brown
• Take the Plunge - Deep ocean blue

Bronzing Powder - $27

• Matte Bronze - Bare shouldered bronze
• Refined Golden - Finely spun golden with soft pearl
• Firebrush - Reddish bronze with golden sparkle

MAC Studio Sculpt Defining Bronzing Powder - $33

• Delphic - Coppery bronze with gold sparkles
• Golden Rinse - Light brick reddish bronze with fine shimmer

Gleamtones Powder - $33

• Dunes At Dusk - Multi-color

MAC Studio Nail Lacquer - $13

• Blazing Hot - Bright orange
• Skin - Light peach beige

I only tried a few pieces from the collection and out of what I tried, I would definitely recommend the Bronzing Powder in Firebrush and Powder Blush in Modern Mandarin. Worn together, this shimmering bronzer and blush is gorgeous with a tan. Use a light hand with both.

Vibe Tribe is available now at all MAC counters at Macy's and Nordstrom and online at maccosmetics.com.

MAC released a statement to Refinery29 regarding the controversy surrounding this collection: "The collection, including the visuals, product lineup, and naming, is inspired by art, outdoor music festivals, and the colors of the desert. The collection has absolutely no connection to nor was it inspired by the Native American cultures.".

A press sample of the products featured have been provided for editorial consideration. All opinions are my own. Affiliate links have been used in the post. Please see disclosure policy for complete information.

Lancôme Juicy Shaker.

Lancôme has been known for their Juicy Tubes for years. I have a feeling they are going to be known for this brand new lip product, the Juicy Shaker, that is really innovative. I'm already obsessed with this new bi-phase lip oil that looks like a sheer gloss on my lips and I'm filling my makeup bag with more colors for summer.

Lancôme Juicy Shaker is so cool and needs shaking, so get that straight up front. That's why it looks like a martini shaker, I suppose. It really is a bi-phase lip oil and when shaken, the bi-phased formula and pigments mix together to create a refreshing, addictive color. It feels like a smooth balm on the lips but comes off glossy.

Juicy Shaker is made with a lot of essential oils that make up the formula that do a lot of great things as well: Apricot oil to hydrate; Rose de Muscat Oil to plump and heal; antioxidant-rich Cranberry Oil to protect; Peach Oil to soften, and Almond Oil to nourish and condition.

The Juicy Shaker applicator is unlike what you'd expect. It is an oversized "lip cushion" that is wide at the base and narrows at the tip. You can dab it on or glide it over the lips in a sweeping motion as you would a brush.

There are 20 shades available and each one has a different fragrance and flavor.

• Apri-Cute - Sparkly Orange
• Show Me The Honey - Nude Peach
• Feedom Of Peach - Nude Peach
• Cherry Symphony - Cherry Red
• Great Fruit - Orange
• Walk The Lime - Warm Red
• It's My Jam - Cool Red
• Piece Of Cake - Terracotta Nude
• Berry In Love - Berry Purple
• Spice It Up - Spicy Brown
• Vanilla Pop - Chestnut Rose
• Good Karamel - Bordeaux
• Lemon Explosion - Sparkly Pink
• Meli Melon - Pink Melon
• Boom Meringue - Baby Pink
• Bohemian Raspberry - Raspberry Red
• Wonder Melon - Watermelon Pink
• Berry Tale - Bright Pink
• Mangoes Wild - Bright Fuchsia
• Mint To Be - Bright Blue (Clear)

The colors that I tried Apri-Cute (a sparkly orange) and Lemon Explosion (a sparkly pink) were quite sheer. Lemon Explosion just looked like a clear gloss with a hint of shimmer to it while Apri-Cute looks like a hint of peach with a bit of shimmer on the lips. I like how glossy they are the love the balm and hydrating feel that lasts a good five hours of so. I ordered a few of the brighter looking shades for summer including the Bright Blue shade, Mint to Be. I know you're thing... what? Well, it's actually a clear shade with a hint of blue in it designed to make the teeth look whiter and brighter.

Each Lancôme Juicy Shaker sells for $21 and is available now online at lancome-usa.com and at all Lancôme counters in stores such as Nordstrom, Sephora or Bloomingdale's.

A press sample of the products featured have been provided for editorial consideration. All opinions are my own. Affiliate links have been used in the post. Please see disclosure policy for complete information.