The Nail Files: Fresh Releases from OPI, Essie, Sally Hansen & More!

It's almost that time of year when the weather's warm enough to break out the sandals.  And, what better way to celebrate the bearing of toes (and toenails) than to dive into some of the new Spring/Summer polish releases!?!  Continue reading to get a look at the gorgeous new collections being released by OPI, Essie, Sally Hansen, Zoya, Nars and Orly . . .

Break Out the Base Coat!

Sephora Sightings: Coupon Code & Pantone Universe

Oh Sephora, you never cease to amaze me . . . This week I was thrilled to see a hotly-anticipated Beauty Insider coupon code in my inbox.  This little baby can be redeemed both online and in stores.  Run (don't walk) to your local Sephora fast, the 15% off Chic Week promotion ends on April 5th!  I think I'll use this discount to check out some items from the fabulous new Pantone Universe collection . . . Tangerine Tango anyone?

Orange you excited about Pantone Universe?

Cheap Thrills: Queen Helene Mint Julep Mask

From DDF's Sulfur Therapeutic to Proactiv's Refining Mask and even the Clean and Clear Blackhead Eraser, I've experimented with my fair share of skin clearing facial treatments.  And yet - time after time, tube after tube, year after year - I always come back to my Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque.  What makes this little drugstore find so incredibly noteworthy?  Continue reading to find out!

$4.77 for 8oz
Available at Amazon.com

Queen Helene, Unmasqued ...

Bath & Body Bonanza: Philosophy Goodies

If you're like me, your New Year's resolution probably involved something about finally 'getting in shape.'  A major part of this is, of course, cutting back on many of the delicious goodies that added inches to your waistline in the first place.  If you're still mourning the loss of your favorite sweet treats, wipe off your tears and hop into the shower!  Philosophy has recently released a whole plethora of yummy three-in-one shampoo / shower gel / bubble bath products.  So, even if you can't eat a cookie at least you can smell like one! Nom, nom, nom ...

$16.00 for 16oz
Available at Amazon.com

Cookies and cakes and cinnamon buns, oh my!

Lip Balm Lollapalooza: Stick It To Me

Easily slipped into your pocket, handbag or clutch, stick lip balms are an important staple in almost every beauty addict's arsenal.  From drugstore classics to high-end hall of famers, keep reading to find out the good, the bad and the balmy on some of the most popular stick lip products out there!

$2.16 for 0.17oz
Available at Amazon.com

Nom alert! Yes - this chapstick is in fact as delicious as it sounds.  While I’ve tried many other varieties in the Nivea 'Kiss of' family, milk and honey remains my all-time favorite.  The rich, emollient, dark yellow product glides on easily and leaves lips feeling glossy and soothed.  It has a very light, pleasantly sweet smell, though I’m sad to report the balm is flavorless (wouldn’t a dose of honey flavor be divine?!?)  In terms of moisturization, milk and honey does a better job than most.  My lips are left feeling smooth and hydrated for at least two hours after application. The only real downside – the tube didn’t last as long as I’d like it to (approximately three weeks with daily use).

 The bottom line: A delicious and effective moisturizer worthy of repurchasing

Want to stick it to me?

Lip Balm Lollapalooza: Potty Mouth

Potted lip products - ah, such a love hate relationship with these things. While they can be messy (and a bit unsanitary) to apply, something about them intrigues me.  Maybe it's the fact that you get a fabulous cuticle treatment every time you dip your finger into the pot (who doesn't love a multitasking product?) or maybe it's because digging into that little well of product gives me a weird sense of gratification ... Either way, I've had my fair share of experience with these pint-sized wonders and I'm happy to share my reviews with you!

$1.50 for 0.25oz
Available at Amazon.com

Just like listening to the Spice Girls, good old Carmex brings me back to my childhood.  A classic standby, Carmex offers a refreshing menthol feeling and glossy finish - not to mention a price tag that's hard to beat.  The consistency of the yellow gel is rather delightful - slippery enough to glide easily on the lips, but sticky enough to adhere for decent lasting power.  I enjoy the signature scent, but keep in mind that it may not appeal to everyone.  On the downside, Carmex doesn't provide enough moisture for my very dry lips.  While the balm feels soothing when initially applied, it returns my lips back to their desert-like state as it wears off.

The Bottom Line: A decent buy for the cheap price, but not moisturizing enough for chronically chapped lips

Want to read more about my potty mouth?