Seven Tips for your BEST Skin

7 Tips for Your BEST Skin

Keep your skin looking flawless with these 7 holistic skin care tips

This is a TotalBeauty.com healthy skin article While you may have your cleansing, toning, and moisturizing skin care routine down pat, there's something you're missing in your scrupulous upkeep: everything else. If your skin care routine stops at your bathroom, you're not getting the best skin you can have. From the food you eat to the workout you choose, see how to change your lifestyle habits to get your healthiest skin from within. Get tips

Summer Travel Essentials: Cute workout gear by Marika

While traveling this summer, it's important to also keep up with your fitness routine. (Don't have one? Start one today with quick 15-20 minute jogs or stretching exercises, but be sure to consult your doctor first.) Anyway, there's tons of fitness wear options available out there but for this summer's travel essentials I'm interested in the Marika active wear. I was particularly drawn to Marika when I learned about its Miracles line-active shapewear to make you look and feel slim! At a preview at their showroom in NYC this month, I saw some fantastic products they have currently and are coming up later this Fall, including their new fitness accessories line such as resistance tubes, fitness balls, core balls, yoga mats and more! I'm personally looking forward to adding these to my own collection (except the yoga mats which I have a few already.)

I'm loving their tie-dye and prints for the tops to make it less boring when working out. They also have sports bras that have removable cups which gives you the option to make it however you want it to. Their pants for the Fall also will be available in different lengths which is great since since if your legs are shorter or taller than the regular sizes. I'm also excited to for this fall their coordinating tops and bottoms as you can see above in the purple tank and matching yoga pants.

I received the Marika Tek Trinitiy Tank to review and it's now one of my favorite workout tanks. It's incredibly light and perfect to wear when it's like a hot day today (reaching 90's). Its dry wik fabric absorbs sweat and it just feels comfortable. Its racerback and sporty looking and can easily be worn the rest of your day. This will definitely be packed in my bags for my summer vacation.

Summer Travel Essentials: Dorfman Pacific hats!

Now that you've got your skin protected from the sun, why don't your provide additional coverage to your face and neck with Dorfman Pacific's summer hats? I got a preview of their summer collection (as well as a Fall sneak peek) in their showroom this month and boy, I have never seen so many hats in one room! For the summer, it's important to look for a wide-brim hat (shown below) and depending on your personal taste, in either a cotton or straw material. The bright colorful cotton hats on the left are from the Scala Collezione collcetion is in my personal closet because they're easy to wear, have an adjustable string inside so it fits most head sizes, and it's frankly easy to tote. You can squish it in your bag and take with you wherever you go!

The hats on the top right are from Tommy Bahama and also offer some great colors and styles to wear. If you're interested for more wide-brim hats that scream "luxury resort living" the Callanan Resort collection have some great sophisticated styles and focuses on detailing! As you can see, each hat looks different from the shades of white/tan/beige to the detailing in the ribbon trims and bows.

More Hats below!! I loved the different vibrant ribbons and seashell trims for these hats from the Cappelli Straworld collection. If you're on the wild side, I suggest the hats with the animal print ribbons.  If you're feeling a bit more western and love the cowgirl theme, Tropical Trends has some beautiful cowgirl hats with beaded detailing to complete your western look (shoes not included).

As you can see, Dorfman Pacific has their own and licensed brands of hats to suite whatever your style, preference and liking may be for this summer. It's definitely a summer travel essential!

Summer Travel Essentials : True Natural's Sunscreen & Self Tanner

Summer is my favorite season and is my favorite time to travel! The weather is great and everyone deserves a break in the middle of the year. If you're planning for a weekend or weeklong getaway, make sure you pack my Summer Travel Essentials!

First, sunscreen! You'll be outdoors a lot so you must protect your skin. At this year's International Beauty Show, I discovered the brand True Natural. I met the founder, Uli Jacob, and was so inspired by her passion of an all natural sun protection line. She was excited to tell me that their line was now available at Whole Foods, which means these are accessible.

I myself was happy to learn this natural brand had a sunscreen lotion that is 100% mineral based and boasts an SPF 50. Uli also told me that this doesn't contain titanium dioxide so you don't get the whiteish formula. The baby & sensitive lotion will definitely be in my luggage!

Another intriguing product is their all natural self tanner for face & body. If you're looking for a natural, subtle glow in about 3 hours- this is your go- to product. It's moisturizing as well. Great for a last minute tan w/o baking!

Thanks Uli for introducing me to these wonderful products and letting me review these for my readers!

Stay tuned for more summer travel essentials!

Vaseline's Total Moisture lotions

Yes!! Summer has arrived and while you're wearing your tank and short shorts, make sure you stay moisturized with Vaseline's Total Moisture lotions. Available in three scents and formulas, these lotions all have the Stratys 3-a multi layer moisture system to make your skin absorb the moisture quickly.

Which one is your best fit?

Use Cocoa Radiant - if your skin needs more moisture than normal. Made with cocoa butter, this lotion is perfect for rough knees, bottoms of your feet, elbows and wherever else you may need it. I recommend using this once a week for healthy, glowing skin.

Use Total Moisture with Pure Oat Extract - for the original Total Moisture lotion in a clean, simple scent. It instantly absorbs into your skin and feels great w/ no sticky residue.

Use Aloe Fresh- if you want your skin to feel light and refreshed! Made with pure aloe, this is my favorite everyday lotion for this summer. It keeps my skin cool and moisturized every time I use this.

Note: I received this product for review purposes to share my thoughts with my readers.

Hair Updos for Summer

12 Pretty Updos Perfect for Hot Weather

Leaving your hair down may look cute, but it won't for long when it turns into a sweaty, sticky mess. Stay cool (and looking hot) with summer's prettiest updos

This is a TotalBeauty.com hairstyles article With temperatures rising, we resort to one of two options: chop off our hair or toss it up into a boring ponytail. Well, not this summer! This season, we're wearing one of these chic new updos that'll not only keep you cool, but make heads turn, too. See updos

Avon Skin So Soft Bug Guard collection

The official first day of summer will be here in just a few, but the BBQs and picnics have already started! While you're outdoors, sipping and snacking, the last thing you want to think about are icky bug bites. Luckily you don't have to, thanks to Avon's Bug Guard Collection. They contain classic items such as their Bug Guard Expedition SPF30 Aerosol or Pump Sprays so you can get the SPF protection as well, the Bug Guard Plus Picardin in Spray or Towelettes (shown below) and the Bug Guard Plus SPF 30 in a lotion  formula. This year, Avon introduces a new Anti-Itch bug spray so in case you do get bitten, you can get temporary relief. (shown below)

The Bug Guard Plus Picardin towelettes ($14) are easiest for me take with because I can pack a few here and there in my different travel bags.Each bag comes in a pack of 8 individually wrapped towelettes and I would say one is good enough to use on both legs and arms. They're formulated with Vitamin E and aloe so your skin stays soft as well. The Anti-itch spray was handy when a pesky mosquito flew into my room and bit me a few times at night. Hence, my surprise bites in the morning were easily relieved with a few sprays of Avon's Anti-Itchy spray ($10).

Dove says "Show Us Your Skin"

Dove's new campaign “Show Us Your Skin” launched in April, let real women show their real skin through billboard ads in the heart of New York City's Times Square. It continues online on their Facebook page in which women all over can submit their photos and view gallery here.I personally think it is a great campaign to be a part of to show everyone that women comes in all shapes & sizes and that everyone is beautiful! Of course if you want to have that beautiful skin, you have to take care of it & moisturize!!

Dove has a new VisibleCare Toning Body Wash that is formulated to moisturize and help promote elasticity in your skin. They claim you can see results in just one week and with continued use, see even better results. I've been using this for past several weeks and after the first week, I noticed a slight difference that my skin felt firmer after usage. (It could also be that I upp-ed my strength workouts during the same time.) But after another week went by, my skin felt smoother and moisturized so I'm definitely liking the results. I'm used to using exfoliators as well so a adding a big of brown sugar helps making the body wash a bit more "scrub-like." :)

(Disclaimer: I received this product from this company's PR agency to test, try and share my thoughts with my readers.) Check out more blogs @ TotalBeauty.com

Smartdogs Comfort Slippers by Grandoe Review

Smartdogs by Grandoe is introducing a line of antibacterial slippers this summer. The Women's Synergy Thong Slipper provides a heel cushion, antibacterial mesh for your feet, and a patented honeycomb footbed for ultimate comfort. Instead of the normal two straps for thongs, there's an extra one that goes across your feet for additional support. The blue/green combination and mesh material makes these slippers sporty and fun to wear. Did I mention how incredible cushion-y these shoes feel? Every step feels supported and plushy which is great. They're also good to wear at the beach and near the pool because they're washable and can pretty much water-friendly when you want to take a quick dip.

Take 15% Off! These slippers retail for $45 but for being a loyal reader, you can save 15% on your next purchase with the code: SUMMER12 by July 31, 2012. Give your feet something to smile about!
(Disclaimer: I received this product from this company's PR agency to test, try and share my thoughts with my readers.)

My June Birchbox

This month's Birchbox was again ah-mazing. I've been impressed with the past few months already so I was quite pleased when I received my June box. First two items that popped out, not only because they weren't wrapped in the tissue paper, were the Cynthia Rowley designed bandaids and the Eyeko Skinny Liquid eyeliner. How did Birchbox know I needed new bandaids? Perfect for any cuts or emergencies with new shoes, these designer bandaids are super cute. I also immediately tested the liner and loved its super fine pointy tip which will make all applications precise. (need that steady hand though!) Also the formula didn't smudge which is perfect.

The other items were theBalm's Stainiac in Beauty Queen - a two-fer- cheek and lipstain, Yu-Be moisturizing skin cream sample and Melvita's Rose Floral Water mist. Also a Birchbox Man extra- a cologne in honor of Father's Day- was included in my box. The 6 items in my box were pretty spot-on with their theme JetSetter as I will definitely be carrying these on my getaway next month!

Birchbox has already announced its partnership for July's curated box with Glamour and I cannot wait! I officially joined last July and I'm excited to celebrate my one year anniversary with Birchbox next month! If you haven't joined yet... what are you waiting for? Get your Birchbox goodies!

Melt-Proof Makeup Tips for Summer

8 Melt-Proof Makeup Tips for Summer

Get your makeup to stay not stray this summer with these melt-proof tips

This is a TotalBeauty.com beauty tips article Does your makeup always melt in the heat? It is possible to steer clear of smudging eyeliner, running mascara, and dripping foundation. We talked to experts to get the pro secrets on how to stay cool and looking cute poolside. Get tips

New Sally Hansen products including Rock of Ages

On a recent trip to a drugstore, I spotted these new Sally Hansen Salon Effects nail polish strips from the limited-edition Avril Lavigne Collection. From what I see these designs are rocker-chic, so they're perfect to wear at your summer concerts. Get 'em while you can! And I also saw these NEW Pedicure Salon Effects which are also a great idea.. I mean, why should your hands have all the fun? Your toes need some love too! It would be fantastic if the prints were matching the prints on my nails too. I loved the floral pedicure prints below.

 

And for a special collaboration with the new movie, Rock of Ages, coming out in theaters June 15, a special collection with more rocker-patterns are coming your way! My favorite would have to be the zippers (third one from the left) since they're subtle yet still contain great detailing. Haven't seen these out yet, but I'll be sure to look for these on my next trip. 

TotalBeauty's 8 New Beauty Products Perfect for Summer

8 New Beauty Products Perfect for Summer

Get your skin, hair, and nails ready for the warmer weather now

This is a TotalBeauty.com beauty products article Are your pasty skin and drab hair not ready to see the summer rays? Not to worry: We've got everything you need to get your skin, hair, and even your nails on trend. These 8 must-have products for summer will have you looking your best in no time. See products

TotalBeauty's 10 Retro Styles to Try

10 Retro Styles to Try Right Now

Pin curls, big blowouts, and finger waves get a chic modern upgrade. See how to make these retro looks work for you

This is a TotalBeauty.com hairstyles article Just as bug-eyed sunglasses and color-blocking are circling back into fashion, the pin curls of the '50s and scarf-tied updos of the '40s are back -- but with a twist. We asked leading stylists for expert tips on how to update these retro looks to look chic and modern now. Get tutorials

New Kushyfoot styles including Open Toe and Sandals

KushyFoot's ultra portable Flats to Go are perfect for tired, sore feet from high heels and/or uncomfortable shoes. This Spring and Summer they have two new designs -Open Toe and Sandals. The pair that I received for review purposes were the Sandals Flats to Go in a cream color (only available in Cream and Slate.) As you can see, its grecian style makes it a bit fashionable than the traditional flats and exposes more of your feet (toes and sides of the foot.)I definitely found them to be pretty comfortable as well but don't recommend wearing them for a long time as the soles are thin. They come in quite handy and include a reusable pouch to place in for use next time you're out on the town. Also, a must-pack for my upcoming summer vacation!

(Disclaimer: I received this product from this company's PR agency to test, try and share my thoughts with my readers.)

The Makeup Show recap

The Makeup Show- one of the best beauty industry expos- was spectacular again this year. I attended their Blogger Preview which was the day before the show to get a sneak peek of the brands and their must have items, including the Make Up For Ever aqua shadow sticks! The amazing James Vincent once again spoke to us about his industry favorites. I always love hearing experts talk about makeup because it gives me insight to what is out there- beyond what I do at home. :)

Here are a few pictures that I took at the Makeup Show:

Nature's Beauty Works is a new brand for me but they sell several different types of beauty cleansing cloths and wipes. They even have GLOW tanning wipes.

Benefit's Brow Bar and makeup. Their new book Raising Eyebrows will help you get the perfect brow for your face shape. Special show price of only $5!

Make Up For Ever showcased their new Aqua Shadows and their brilliant colors for makeup professionals.

Fitness Magazine's Meet & Tweet conference- Recap #1

In May, I attended the Meet & Tweet Blogger conference hosted by the fabulous Fitness Magazine. It was an incredible day surrounding myself with bloggers alike and many #FitFluential beauties who love health, fitness, food and beauty. There were so many great panels and brands represented at the conference. There was a mini fashion show (from GYM to Street-looks), discussions on how to make $$ from your blog and beauty secrets from Laura Geller herself! As always, I loved checking out the new products that were showcased at the conference. And as a special bonus to visiting the booths, at the end of they day, they gifted us a huge bag full of goodies. Thank you to FITNESS magazine for an amazing day and happy 20th birthday! Below are the many booths at the conference.. stay tuned for more!

VICHY products

Pure Protein- sampled their Shakes- yum!

Three new flavors of the V8 V-Fusion drinks. My favorite was the Mango and the Wild Berry came in a close second.

Reebok's new RealFlex Transition sneakers- first booth I visited and loved trying these on! Got a pair to take home and love love love them for my workouts! Not only do they feel light, the soles are comfortable and I feel like I have great support.

Oakley sunglasses- sporty & chic and w/ special technology to make the nose pads stick to your sweat. :)

Shoe fittings for a pair of Birkenstocks !! Natural slippers and great to wear pre & post workouts.

Already love, have and USE the Schick Hydro Silk shaver.

Stay in the sun with Scala's Ribbon Crusher hat

Happy June! It's almost summer and if you're going to the beach or just outdoors for a while, there's no reason why you shouldn't, as long as you wear proper SPF sunscreen and a hat to protect your scalp, hair and face! I received for review the Scala Collezione Ribbon Crusher hat which boasts a 4 inch brim but more importantly SPF50 protection. I use this whenever I am out. (it's been a savior!) Not only does this protect your scalp, and face from the sun, it's also quite cute with the ribbon tie (doubles as an adjustable tie so it can fit all head sizes). In case your SPF wears off, your skin will be protected. This hat comes in other colors such as blue, black and white.

For a limited time only (through 6/30/12) you can get this hat for $24 using promo code: SunHatSave20 at http://www.hartfordyork.com/product/6705/scala-womens-hats