Endless Possibilites: L'Oréal Paris Colour Riche La Palette Lip.

I've been obsessed with L'Oréal's La Palette's (for eyes) since they made their debut early last year. I used La Palette Nude most of the last year, and it remains on my makeup vanity and gets a lot of use to this day. Imagine my excitement when I received a package from my friends at L'Oreal containing the brand new L'Oréal Paris Colour Riche La Palette Lip. There are three of them!

La Palette Lip is no ordinary lip palette. Each palette contains eight vibrant shades in a beautiful range from light to dark in multiple finishes. It features the brands creamy Colour Riche formula that glide onto lips and blends with ease. The formulas come in both creme and matte finishes, and each palette even contains one highlighter shade. 

Use each shade alone, mix them to create your custom lip color or get all fancy and try on an ombré look - the possibilities are endless.

Using a cream lip color with a brush is different than just applying a lipstick straight out of the tube. Start by applying the lip color in the center of your upper lip, then work from the center to the outer edges of your lips by following the contour of your mouth. Next, gently glide the brush across the entire bottom lip. Finally, use the highlighter to enhance your lips by applying it right in the center of your lip or right at your cupids bow. 

There are three LA Palette Lip palette's: Pink, Plum, and Nude. The Nude palette contains a few nude shades that transition into some brown shades. The Pink palette are your everyday nude shades and then transition into your rose and pink shades; this palette is my favorite. The Plum palette contains plum, berry, and purple shades.

Shop for L'Oréal Paris Colour Riche La Palette Lip at your favorite drugstore, ULTA or mass retailer for $16.99 each. 

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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.

MAC X Taraji P. Henson Launching September 2016.

I am a HUGE Taraji P. Henson fan, so when I got the news that MAC (you know how much I love MAC Cosmetics) was collaborating with Taraji to create a capsule collection, I just had to share the news. If you want Taraji's signature nude lip, beautiful glow, and strong-winged eye, this collection will fill your needs. Cookie fans are not going to find the bold lippies here but are going to get an accurate representation of Taraji herself.

Taraji P. Henson has won the world over with her fearless performances, powerhouse confidence, and charismatic spark. From her flawless skin to the quintessential nude lip and perfectly defined noir eye, her namesake MAC collection is as fierce as Taraji herself. 

Take a look at the gorgeous products from the MAC X Taraji P. Henson collection:

Lipstick - $17

• Strip Me Down - Deep tone beige (matte)

Mineralize Skinfinish Natural - $33

• Taraji Glow - Reddish brown

Mineralize Skinfinish Highlight - $33

• The Truth - Soft bronze coral with golden shimmer

Haute & Naughty Too Black Lash - $23

• Black

Penultimate Eyeliner - $21

• Rapidblack - True black

Brush 187 - $42

• Duo Fibre Face

The MAC X Taraji P. Henson Collection will be available at maccosmetics.com on September 6th. Get it fast because I have a feeling this one will sell out.

The Estée Edit: Top 5 Recommendations.

Earlier this year, the Estée Lauder brand introduced us to The Estée Edit. With the millennial woman in mind, this brand is focused on creating cutting edge products and stuck to Estée Lauder's philosophy that "beauty is an attitude". Inspired by Estée and curated with some of this year's hottest social influencers, the collection is filled with products that include everything from scrubs and moisturizers to bronzers, illuminators and one of the best double-duty products I've ever used. 

I have been using a lot of The Estée Edit products over the last month or so and have a few recommendations from the new brand for you.

The Estée Edit Beam Team Hydrate + Glow - $42

I am obsessed with this double-duty product! This moisturizer is a beautifully lightweight, illuminating product that takes care of daily hydration plus it gives me a bit of a golden glow at the same time. And, hidden in the cap is a little shimmer balm that I smooth on the top of my cheekbones and in the center of my lips. It's amazing. 

The Estée Edit Rescue Balm for Face + Body - $50

I have spent way too much time outside this summer, and my skin id dehydrated and stressed. This Rescue Balm has been the answer for me! I have been smoothing it all over my face, neck, and decolletage every night and let me tell you, my skin not only feels so much silkier smooth; but it also looks healthier too. This balm is oil-infused with over 20% oils of 12 fruit and nuts (it is NOT greasy at all) to seriously drench and re-hydrate my skin instantly.

The Estée Edit Skin Glowing Balm - $36

This is an excellent tinted moisturizer that offers just the right amount of moisturization and coverage in one. One pump is enough coverage for me as it's a thicker liquid that spreads out evenly over my face and blends easily with my fingers. There are 12 shades to select from, and they are pretty forgiving - I could have easily worn three different shades. The finish is described as radiant, which is beautiful and natural as it lends a soft glow to the skin.

The Estée Edit Flash Illuminator - $28

This illuminator is dreamy and can be used in so many ways. I have been using it alone over my cheekbones for strobing, mixing it into the Skin Glowing Balm (or other foundation) for a little extra glow, and even into my body lotion for illumination. It's such a versatile product. It is a true balm and stays where you apply it. This comes in five shades. There is the spotlight shade that I think everyone needs. Spotlight looks white out of the pump, but as you blend in, it becomes a mother-of-pearl shade that looks stunning on the skin. The other fours shades are more bronzey-shades in various tones.  

The Estée Edit Cocobalm - $22

This coconut scented lip balm adds sheer color, lots of shine and subtle sparkle to the lips. I like how hydrating this balm is and I'm obsessed with anything coconut! Cocobalm is formulated with coconut oil so lips are most certainly nourished while wearing. 

There are quite a few products that I haven't tried that are definitely on my wish list. The Estée Edit just launched a few new products that I have my eye on too. Here's my wish list, just in case you want to try a few things too.

Makeup

• The Estée Edit The Barest Lip Color
• The Estée Edit The Barest Contour Lip Liner
• The Estée Edit Inside Track Eye Kajal (new for fall)
• The Estée Edit The Barest Bronzer

Skin Care

• The Estée Edit Stress Relief Eye Mask
• Late Night Eraser Brightening Eye Balm with Pink Peony
• Radiance Activator Treat + Prep + Glow

The Estée Edit products are exclusive to Sephora, so you will only find them there. 

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.

Late Summer Beach Day Essentials.

Introduced by Simply Stylist, I've partnered with Dove to bring you today's post.

Just because it's the end of August, it doesn't mean that I'm not still enjoying some days relaxing at the beach - summer is not over for another month! I love late summer beach days; the water is warmer here in the Northeast, and the beaches themselves are less crowded. I finally have my beach day routine down knowing which essentials are absolute musts.

I take a “less is more” approach when heading out to the beach (no makeup) but always make sure I'm protected as far as my hair, skin, and eyes are concerned. I always pack my favorite sunscreen, a large hat to protect my face, and with my favorite sunglasses. An absolute MUST is an antiperspirant, and I depend on Dove Advanced Care Antiperspirant for its 48-hours of odor and wetness protection. Not only am I assured that I will stay fresh and fierce while enjoying my beach day (both in and out of the ocean), but I also like that my underarms are getting softer and smoother from the NutriumMoisture formula.

Did you know that nearly 2 in 3 women have experienced an underarm issue such as irritation, uneven skin tone, dryness or problems beyond odor and wetness? I often get irritated after shaving and the uneven skin tone beneath my underarms is an issue I deal with too. Dove Advanced Care Antiperspirant helps alleviate both of these problems, so I'm confident when going sleeveless. 

Dove Advanced Care Antiperspirant is offered in a wide range of signature Dove fragrances and is available for sale at your favorite drugstore or mass retailer. If you have skin tone issues like me, try the Clear Tone version; it's formulated with calendula to help restore skin to its natural tone. 

Get out and enjoy those beach days while you can and be sure to pack your essentials.

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10 NEW Makeup Must-Haves for Fall.

There are so many great new makeup products launching for fall and I've already been trying a lot of them. While some of them are good, some of them are really great and have become staples in my makeup bag - so much so that I am considering them must-haves for fall. Today I'm sharing top 10 favorites for fall that I've tried so far. 

1. Urban Decay All Nighter Liquid Foundation
This is a long wearing foundation with a beautiful soft natural matte finish. It offers full coverage without looking full coverage as it looks very natural on my skin. With 24 shades to choose from, there is a match for all skin tones. $40 at urbandecay.com, Sephora, Nordstrom and Ulta. 

2. L'Oréal Paris Pocket Eyeshadow Palette
This portable little palette packs a punch with four greatly pigmented shades! Complete with all coordinated colors and one that is made to be an eyeliner, you can blend and create a natural or smokey eye in a flash. There are eight color combinations for an infinite number of possibilities. I like the palettes in Boudoir Charme and French Biscuit for fall. $9.99 at drugstores/mass retailers. 

3. bareMinerals GEN NUDE™ Radiant Lipstick
I am obsessed with a nude lip and this fall, bareMinerals is making a tremendous impact on the nude lip with their new GEN NUDE™ collection. The star of the collection is the Radiant Lipstick. This lipstick is super creamy and very hydrating! It comes in the most flattering nude shades (20 in all) made to work on all skin tones. I don't know if I can even recommend individual shades because I like so many. Get to Sephora or Ulta and start swatching! $20 at Sephora and Ulta. 

4. Lancôme Juicy Shaker
The Juicy Shaker came out for summer, but I've been using it so much that I am highly recommending it for fall; it's really innovative. The Juicy Shaker is a bi-phase lip oil that looks like a sheer gloss on the lips but feels like a smooth balm. The colors range from nude to softly bright (great to transition to fall. You need to shake them to activate. $21 at lancome-usa.com and all Lancôme counters in stores such as Nordstrom, Sephora or Bloomingdale's.

5. L'Oréal Paris Colour Riche La Palette Lip
This 8-pan lip palette contains eight shades in both cream and matte formulas plus one sparkling highlighter shade to wear on top or in the center of your lip. I love that you are unlimited in how you can wear this - mix, match and layer shades for you own customized lip shades. Choose from a palette of shades in Nude, Pink or Plum. $16.99 at Ulta, your favorite drugstore or mass retailer.

6. Urban Decay NAKED Ultimate Basics
This palette doesn't come out for almost a month, but just looking at it and hearing all about it, I know that it's going to be a must have. This palette takes the NAKED Basics palette to a new level. It has 12 all new matte nude shades that range from really light and fade into darker shades. The shades are all infused with the brand's proprietary Pigment Infusion System which makes their shadows super creamy and blendable - they are some of my very favorite. I can't wait to try the palette and know it will be a favorite because I use Naked Basics and Naked 2 Basics all the time. 

7. MAKE UP FOR EVER Artist Rouge Lipstick
If you are looking for a bold new lipstick for fall, start here. Bold color doesn't end here, though, Artist Rouge Lipstick features a very long-wearing formula that is incredibly creamy and even hydrating. There are what seems to be an endless amount of shades to choose from in both matte and satin finishes; there are 15 matte finishes that are so perfect for fall and 30 satin shades in so many colors that I can't even start to pick a favorite. $22 at Sephora.

8. L'Oréal Paris Infallible Pro Glow Foundation
For glowing skin and all-day wear, this new drugstore foundation is your answer. I am so impressed at both the long wear and natural looking glow that this foundation gives. It's extremely lightweight and easy to apply and blend with a creamy texture. I spread it over my face with my finger then blend it out with a beautyblender sponge. It offers a medium buildable coverage with a gorgeous, natural glow - not too much. $12.99 at drugstores and mass retailers. 

9. Urban Decay Razor Sharp Water-Resistant Longwear Liquid Eyeliner
Liquid eyeliner has come a long way as far as texture and wearability. It's one of the things that I've perfected recently too so I'm obsessed with different shades, especially for fall. This new lineup has me covered with its super skinny fine-tipped brush so getting your line super sharp is a breeze. There are 20 stunning shades including lacquered creams and must have metallic finishes.  $22 at urbandecay.com or Sephora.

10. bareMinerals GEN NUDE™ Matte Liquid Lipcolor
Like the new Radiant Cream Lipstick, there is an array of nude shades to fall for here, but this is a matte liquid version that is so popular right now. bareMinerals does not disappoint with this formula, as they've made this one super smooth and creamy while offering full-on matte color that is actually hydrating. The color is full coverage and beautiful. There are 20 beautiful matte nude shades to select from. $18 from bareminerals.com, Ulta and Sephora. 

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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.

Clinique 3-Step Skin Care + Sonic System.

The Clinique 3-Step Skin Care System is one of the most basic and one of the best skin care systems out there. It was the first way I was introduced to skin care when I was in my late teens when my Mom brought me to the Clinique counter. While the products have been upgraded a bit, the system has remained true to its core with the simple 3-step process, which takes just 3 minutes. With the addition of the Clinique Sonic System, skin is more clean and clear than ever before.

When my skin is feeling stressed or dehydrated, as it has been lately, or when I experience a freak-out, I always go back to the Clinique 3-Step Skin Care System. This system always seems to get my skin back on track and back to normal.

The Clinique 3-Step Skin Care System includes 3 products, and you guessed it, 3 steps. There are multiple products, each designed for your skin type. No matter what kind of skin type you have, there is a product for you. If you are dry, oily, normal, etc., there are different product choices for each step and of course, you can mix and match products. 

Step 1: Cleanse
You start with a selection of cleansers to leave the skin clean and feeling fresh. I like the Liquid Facial Soap. This is a very mild cleanser that has a beautiful soft later. It cleanses my skin while removing all of my makeup, even stubborn and hard to remove long-wearing products. Sometimes, especially in the summer, it's great to pick up a different cleanser like the new City Block Purifying Charcoal Cleanser Gel. This cleanser contains natural charcoal that helps to clean out the oil and dirt that build up in the pores.

Step 2: Exfoliate
In this step, you exfoliate all the gunk and junk from your skin like excess oil and dry skin flakes that dull the skin with a toner. I go between using Clarifying Lotion 2 and Clarifying Lotion 1. I use Clarifying Lotion 1 in the winter months when my skin is drier and Clarifying Lotion, which has more of an astringent feel, in the warm weather months. I one of the Clarifying Lotions as my toner year round. 

Step 3: Moisturize
Skin needs moisture to maintain its optimal hydration level and a moisturizer based on your skin's specific needs is the final step in the 3-Step Skin Care System. If you have dry or normal skin, you will use the Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+ (see my complete review here), or if you skin is oily you will use the Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel.

The newer addition to the 3-Step Skin Care System is the Clinique Sonic System Purifying Cleansing Brush. Now, I often talk about my love for the Clarisonic devices, and this is similar to the Clarisonic in that it is a sonic system, yet it's different in the way that the brush is tilted and the brush itself. I actually feel like my face gets cleaner when using the Clinique Sonic System. With the unique tilted brush head plus the sonic technology and the two types of bristles that thoroughly clean hard to reach areas of my face, I never experienced this kind of clean before. Areas like my chin, forehead and nose get super clean - right where dirt and oil like to hang out. The entire cleanse with this brush only takes one minute.  I think of the Clarisonic as a skin care system for anti-aging and the Clinique Sonic System as a cleansing system. I highly recommend both. 

Clinique products are available at clinique.com and at all Clinique counters (where a consultant will help you find the right products for your skin type) in stores like Nordstrom and Macy's. It's also available at Sephora and Ulta. 

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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.

MAC Good Luck Trolls Collection.

There is something about a fun, bright makeup collection that just calls me sometimes, so when I saw the new MAC Good Luck Trolls collection to coincide with the movie, I was all over it. Featuring stunning and soft Beauty Powder's and shadows that will set your eyes off in a bold blaze as hot as a summer's night, this collection is not to be missed - even if you are usually a neutral makeup fan like me. 

Hair we go! The wild-haired dolls bring their rainbow tufts, bejewelled bellies and lucky charms to M·A·C Good Luck Trolls - a crazy-hued collection as silly as the creatures themselves. From Lipglass in Bubble Butt to Eye Shadow in Suns Out, Buns Out and Beauty Powder in Glow Rida…being a troll has never been so glamorous!

The MAC Good Luck Trolls collection includes the following makeup products:

Beauty Powder - $28

• Glow Rida - Iridescent powder matched in Beauty Powder, Beige
• Play It Proper - Pastel soft pink with sparkles

Eyeshadow - $17

• Paradisco - Bright pinky-coral with pearl (Frost) 
• Black Tied - Black with silver sparkle (Velvet)
• Silly Vanilly - White with very fine silver glitter (Satin)
• Suns Out, Buns Out - Mustard yellow with pearl (Veluxe Pearl)
• Atlantic Blue - Cobalt blue (Matte)

Pigment - $22

• Chartreuse - Frosted chartreuse green

Glitter - $22

• Fuchsia - Fine fuchsia glitter
• Reflects Transparent Teal - Very fine reflective teal glitter 
• Reflects Purple Duo - Very fine reflective violet glitter

Chroma Craze - $25

• Tease and Thank You - Bright cobalt blue
• Good Luck Locks - Bubblegum pink

Lipstick - $18

• Can't Be Tamed- Sheer lime yellow (Cremesheen)
• Sushi Kiss - Mid-tone coral cream (Satin) 
• Dance Off - Pants Off Frosted hot pink (Frost)
• Midnight Troll - Rich blue (Matte)

Lipglass - $17

• Bubble Butt - Magenta with fine pink and blue glitter
• Twerkquoise - Transparent sky blue with fine pink reflect
• Saint Germain - Light cool pink 
• Glitter Grunge - Sheer berry with extra fine silver sparkle

Both Beauty Powder's are gorgeous and you cannot go wrong with either one. As usual, they are soft and gorgeous on the skin. If you are not that into brights but really want something from the collection, the Beauty Powder is the way to go. Another option is the Lipstick in Sushi Kiss, which is a real pretty coral that is great for summer and fall and Saint Germain Lipglass, which is a soft, bubblegum pink. 

You've got to see the great little video compilation that MAC and DreamWorks Animation have put together.

MAC Good Luck Trolls is available now at maccosmetics.com and MAC counters in Nordstrom. 

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.