Fave New Find!

After a wonderful tropical vaca several weeks ago (more on that later), I returned with bronzed skin... that peeled in huge patches. Not so glamorous! I an attempt to remedy my lizard skin, I used an Origins scrub (not any better or worse than the next body scrub) and then moisturized with my Body Shop Vitamin E body butter. That helped a bit, but my skin was still feeling a little parched and needed all the help that it could get. Here's where my new fave body wash comes into play! I was at my local grocery store, trying to find the most moisturizing body wash they had, when I stumbled upon a $7 tube of Neutrogena's Rainbath Deep Moisture. At first, I nearly ignored it because I had remembered my grandma having the original Rainbath oil and hating the smell... but this stuff is wonderful! Its scent is called "Butter Cream" and it smells just like frosting. Love anything that smells cupcake-like, but this body wash actually restored my skin back to the soft, bronzed state I had originally intended. Post-vaca or middle of winter, I'm hooked!

More Make-Up HGs

Now that I'm back from NYC and have been using a select few products due to time, weather, and space constraints, I have a few makeup recommendations to pass along.

MAC tinted lipglass in Lust- the perfect everyday lipgloss. The website calls it a "soft muted pink," although I would describe it more like a terracotta-tinted rose. Nonetheless, it looks polished and natural, and photographs beautifully. Love that lipglasses aren't extremely sticky or gel-like, and last longer than basically all other types I own.

I had my nails and toes done this Saturday with OPI's Miami Beet (from the S/S '09 South Beach Collection). Sort of a dark pinky red, it looks great with my NW 15 skintone and seems to be a very wearable cream nail color for this time of year.

Last but not least, I REALLY missed L'Oreal's Vive Pro Glossy Curls mousse while I was away (since I wasn't able to bring such a large aerosol can in my carry-on). This stuff is incredible. My hair is quite straight and thick, although has started to get a slight wave to it recently. No product has ever allowed me to get beach waves quite like this one, and it doesn't leave my hair looking crunchy or soaked. Highly, highly recommend.

Simply Shabby Chic (& Cheap!)

Proof that home goods don't have to be expensive to look great and still be quality made? Target's Simply Shabby Chic line by Rachel Ashwell.

I own several of the furniture pieces (in addition to bedding, a couple lamps, and bathroom accessories), and they blend effortlessly with my more expensive stuff. They sort of finish my decor, and I can't argue with that (especially at a great deal). I actually make sure that I check out the Shabby Chic area during every Target visit I make, all in hopes that I'll find something new or on clearance. With Rachel Ashwell's original Shabby Chic line now gone due to bankruptcy, I'm so glad that this line is still available... it's quite possibly the best brand pairing that Target has ever introduced.

A few of my favorite things:
I'm so happy with the smocked duvet cover I bought for $80 back in the spring. It's soft, lightweight, and gives my room an ethereal, girly touch. (Not that the pink walls and cream trim aren't feminine enough! HA!)

The nightstand was the first piece I'd ever purchased from the Simply Shabby line. I can't remember how much I paid for it a few years ago, although it's $170 now. Such a great price for a solid, pretty table with cute "glass" knob pulls.

I bought a large table I use for a vanity (similar to the computer table shown above, except with a pullout drawer and glass hardware) in early 2008, and this is a piece that I literally use at least twice a day. I needed more counter space for all of my makeup and styling tools, so I replaced my real vanity with this table and haven't looked back since. Like the nightstand, it's sturdy, looks great, and has held up perfectly.

Beach-Inspired Polyvores

Seamfoam & Gold by beautywithabow featuring Anthropologie bags

Classic Beach Glamour by beautywithabow featuring aerie

HG Mascara

It seemed that I was on a constant search for the perfect HG (Holy Grail) mascara until this past year when I stumbled upon Christian Dior's DiorShow Iconic.

DiorShow Iconic in "Noir"- $27 at Saks

I tried the original DiorShow formula with high hopes, but walked away with clumpy, flaky lashes- not the look I was after. I was definitely skeptical when I tried Iconic, but to my surprise, it's everything that the original claimed to be (and wasn't). Iconic gives you lashes that are dark, dramatic, and long in an easy, nonmessy application. It lasts all day, and doesn't leave you with dreaded raccoon eyes either. You definitely have to use a decent eye makeup remover with Iconic (as it clings to your lashes), but I've found Clinique's works perfectly with it. As always, I use my Shu Uemura eyelash curler before using this (or any) mascara, and it holds a curl much better than any other mascara I've tried. Just the perfect mascara, honestly. HG!