Get Your Summer Glow On

Summer’s just around the corner which means time to get a little bronze and glow on.  We break down just the right products that will allow you to beat the heat while still looking amazing on your skin

Don’t head into summer without these every day musts:
Bronzed Eyes

Bronzed goddess eyes? We’re here for it. Dress eyes in these four gorgeous shades from new arrival Givenchy Prisme Quatuor 9 Delicate palette, featuring nine variations of colors and finishes. This year we’re seeing bright, bold lips pop up everywhere. Finish off your summer glow look with a red lip like this new Givenchy Le Rouge Intense Color Lipstick. (was $59, now $58.95)

Bronzy Cheeks

The list wouldn’t be complete without a little bronzer. The key is to go for a barely there makeup look and top it off with a little tinted bronzer. Achieve that authentic tanned look in just the right spots in four easy steps using Guerlain Terracotta 4 Seasons bronzer. This palette also works for adding a little highlight and contouring. (was $76, now $65.95)

Illuminate On Up

Illuminators can function as primers and will give a glow to your skin without much effort. Use it as a replacement for your moisturizer or as a primer before you apply your foundation. Check out NYX’s Born To Glow Liquid Illuminator Gleam and try over cheekbones, neckline, and cupids bow for a natural-looking radiance.  (was $7.50, now $7.45)

Do it Yourself Tan

No time to lay out in the sun? No problem. For an instant touch of bronze that illuminates the skin, try our go-to St. Tropez Gradual Tan Tinted Everyday Tinted Body Lotion. This ultra-hydrating body lotion gradually builds to create a healthy sunkissed glow to suit you. Remember to exfoliate regularly to maintain your tan and top-up as desired. (was $30, now $28.95)

So claim summer as a bronzed babe and use code TROPEZ for 20% off all St. Tropez products and code NYX25 for 25% off all NYX cosmetics!

Graduation Makeup Musts

The countdown to graduation is on. You’ve sent out all your invites, made post-grad dinner reservations and bought a new dress. But what’s left is probably the most important all — the makeup look that’s going to be in all those grad photos and viewed back on for years to come!

So while that might sound like a daunting task and you’re already reaching for your phone to call the first MUA available, keep calm because we made the process super simple. Follow these tips and you’ll be on your way to an A+ look.

Tip 1: Make it Last

We’re on the heels of summer which means hot and sticky weather all across the country. Plus you’ll be spending hours in the sun if your graduation takes place in an unenclosed area (as most do). So you’ll need to make sure your makeup stays put if you’re planning to take your photos at the end of a long day.

Products you’ll need? A camera-ready primer and a long-wear foundation. Our choice picks:

1. W7 Prime Magic Free Primers Camera Ready (Was $7, Now $6.95)
2. Lancome Teint Idole Ultra Wear SPF15 (Was $47, Now $44.95)

Tip 2: Say Yes to Blush

Even if you don’t wear it on the daily, you may still want to wear it for graduation. It’ll give your face a little color and dimension, and will be sure to pop in photos!

Try a warm color like NYX’s Ombre Blushes. A combination blush/bronzer like Guerlain’s Terracotta Powder Duo is another great route to take because of it’s natural look.

1. NYX Ombre Blush in Nude to Me & Strictly Chic (Was $10, Now $9.95)
2. Guerlain Terracotta Teint Natural Healthy Glow Powder Duo (Was $54, Now $48)

Tip 3: Go For Neutral Eyes

While it may be tempting to bring out your brightest shadows or dark smoky eyes, this probably isn’t the best time for it. You’re most likely taking your pictures outside (after all, natural light is best), and dark eye makeup can look a little harsh in outdoor lighting.

No worries though, because nude is totally in and we have just the right palettes to help you create high impact and versatile looks:

1. W7 In The Nude: Natural Nudes Eye Colour Palette (Was $40, Now $15.95)
2. W7 In The Buff: Natural Nudes Eye Colour Palette (Was $40, Now $19.95)

And if you want a bit of shimmery flare with your neutrals:

3. Borghese Shadow And Light Luminous 12 Color Eye Palette (Was $55, Now $39.95)

Tip 4: Stick to These Lip Colors
Just like with your eye shadow, you’ll want to stay away from dark and vampy shades. Go for a bright red or punchy pink to stand out amongst the crowd (they’ll also pop nicely in pics) or ditch the lipstick altogether and follow the neutral trend with a tinted lip gloss instead.

Our choice picks for moisture + longwear:

1. Sisley Hydrating Long Lasting Lipstick L29 Ruby Red (Was $57, Now $49.95)
2. Givenchy Le Rouge Intense Color Lipstick 303 (Was $36, Now $35.95)
3. Lancome Lip Lover Dewy Color Lip Perfector 8H Moisture (Was $24, Now $23.95)

So congrats Class of ’17! You made it! Now kill it on the stage with your photo-ready look + Don’t forget you can take 20% off all the items above with code MEM20.

Hot Tips for Hot Weather

Time to step up your warm weather skincare game ladies. Because oily skin problems are no joke. But no need to trip, we got the latest guide to keeping your beauty/makeup routine on lock for the season.

Tip 1: A Little Toner Goes A Long Way
Ever heard that saying “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure?” Well skin toners work something like that. It’s all about the before of the make-up routine. Toners help to remove oil and traces of dirt and grime. And on top of that they help shrink pores, reducing the penetration of impurities and environmental contaminants into the skin.

We’re forever swearing by Clarins Toning Lotion With Iris Combination or Oily Skin as your go-to toner. It contains sage, which firms, tones and stimulates while acting as an astringent. Being lightweight and refreshing, it’s the perfect way to balance out your skin. (was $24, now $22.95)

Tip 2:  Less is More
When you have oily skin you need to cut back on what’s feeding the problem, but without sacrificing the results of smooth and glowing skin. We recommend two-in-one foundations to cut back on layers of make-up that could be clogging up your pores.

One of the best is Shiseido’s Urban Environment Tinted UV Protector SPF 43. It’s a sheer – hydrating and oil-free tinted cream that delivers high protection against UV rays and environmental aggressors. It even gives skin a healthy, even-tone natural glow with a hint color. (was $32, now $29.95)

Tip 3:  Prime Time is Everything
While you think you may have your primer game all figured out, you should consider going the multitasking route, just like your foundation.

Philosophy’s The Present Clear Makeup feels lightweight and functions as a foundation primer, colourless skin perfector, skin barrier protector and oil-free moisturizer. It gives skin a flawless, airbrushed appearance while camouflaging fine lines, wrinkles, and pores. (was $30, now $29.95)

Tip 4: Powder the Shine Away

Keep your skin shine-free all day by being proactive and carry powder on-the-go always. Powder will absorb oil while keeping your skin tone looking even.

We suggest trying out Lancome’s Dior Diorskin Nude Air Loose Powder to finish off your look. It’s impressively lightweight and forms a genuine pollution-fighting shield that limits the absorption of harmful particles. Results: a fresh, radiant face. (was $56, now $49.95)

*Extra Fun: Try a matte blush to add a little definition to your look. Give Borghese Eclissare Color Eclipse Color Rise Blush a try for a fun look and a natural glow. (was $30, now $19.95)

Don’t forget to use code MEM20 to get 20% off sitewide now through 5/29!

DIY Spa Day Ideas

Because you deserve a little TLC – even if you don’t have time to book a session at your local spa.

Plus, it makes for a great excuse to invite over old friends or spend time with mom this Mother’s Day weekend and break out the comfy robes and mimosas! So choose one or all of the DIY treatments below and get your rejuvenation process started.
1) Aromatherapy – You have to start by setting the mood right. Lavanila’s The Healthy Candle in Pure Vanilla is made with 100% natural soybean wax to deliver a healthy, clean and soot free scent experience. Because who doesn’t want to feel cleansed and sweet with every breathe of pure vanilla? Plus the mason jar packaging is totally reusable for your next DIY project. (Now $18.95)

2) Facial – A spa essential, and we got them on deck courtesy of SK-II. This Facial Treatment Mask features a concentration of Pitera, a rich liquid containing amino acids, minerals, vitamins, and organic acids, to improve skin lucency, decrease wrinkles and lighten dark spots. Pat mask gently on cleansed skin and after 5 – 15 min, remove to find moisturized and radiant skin. (Now $16.95)

3) Hair Mask – While your face is being indulged in nutrients from the facial, don’t forget to show a little love to your hair too! Borghese Fango Active Mud for Hair and Scalp helps to smooth the hair cuticle and hydrate the scalp. Enriched with minerals and Jojoba, it’s also great for revitalizing and softening dull and dry-damaged hair. (Was $38, Now $26.95)

4) Mud Mask – It wouldn’t be a DIY Spa list without everyone’s favorite – the mud mask. And we can’t help adding another Borghese Fango product, the Brillante Brightening Mud Mask for Face and Body. Formulated with citrus unshiu peel extract, sweet almond and avocado oils, it helps minimize pores and even out skin tone as it gently soothes and refines. Results: instantly-noticeable glow. (Was $35, Now $21.95)

5) Bubble Bath – Is there really a better way to unwind than a warm bath, Amazing Grace bubbles, and no plans? Ok so this one might be better done solo, but hey we all need get a little “me” time. So turn on your favorite chill tunes and pour in Philosophy’s Amazing Grace Shower Gel to leave skin and hair feeling ultra soft and find your happy place. (Now $24.95)

So how will you be getting on your dream DIY spa day? Leave us a comment below if there’s anything else you’d add to the list!

And don’t forget you can pick up all the above 18% OFF with code MOM18 until Sunday!

How To: Choose A Mother’s Day Gift

Mother’s Day is around the corner and you may be driving yourself crazy to find the perfect gift. Wondering what will both impress her and make her think “wow I could really use this?” We have a few options for you!

Check out some of our top picks for mom based on the type of mom she is and don’t forget that we’re running our Mother’s Day sale up until Sunday. If you use code MOM18, you can save 18% off on products site-wide, these wonderful gifts included!

The Does-It-All, Needs to Relax Mom: Eve Lom Restorative Ritual 5 Piece Set

If you’re looking to pull out all the stops to thank mom for working ’round the clock, but know she doesn’t have time to book a day at the spa – then this what she needs! Gift Mom with the perfect in-home spa treatment. This Eve Lom set includes five amazing products to give skin lasting hydration and an unstoppable glow. Start with the cleanser to decongest and gently exfoliate the skin. Vary it up with the Muslin Cloth to enhance daily cleansing. Put the Time Retreat Face and Eye Treatments to work in firming and rejuvenating skin. Lastly – don’t forget the Daily Protection SPF 50 keep skin safe from UVA rays while she’s out and about! Her skin will be looking youthful and refreshed in no time – all at this amazing discounted price. (Was $280, Now $275.95)

For the Sweetest of All Mom: Lavanila Pure Vanilla Bliss 3 Piece Set

She makes your favorite dish every time you’re over, and offers unconditional hugs. So you’re debating “should I get her a fragrance, lotion or candle as sweet as her?” We make the choice easy — get all three with this awesome Lavanila set! Free of harsh chemicals and gentle on sensitive skin, the Healthy Fragrance is sure to please any mom looking for a sweet scent. Plus give mom the gift of instantly hydrated skin with the The Healthy Body Butter – perfect for anyone looking for a soft scent and cocoa butter formula boasting powerful antioxidants. The Healthy Candle is the cherry on top – it uses high grade fragrance oils to deliver an indulging scent experience and no added chemicals or dyes! And the mason jar is totally reusable for your next DIY project together. (Was $69, Now $66.95)

The How-Does-She-Do-It Fab Mom: Clarins My Weekend Must-Haves 6 Piece Set

She does it with a bomb gift set from you! No really, all fab mom’s have some sort of secret weapon skincare ritual or product and Clarins is the ultimate go-to for all things quality beauty and skincare. And if she’s a mom on-the-go, that makes this set all the more necessary. Packaged in a totally useful makeup bag to fit all 6 goodies — Three skincare essentials: the One-Step Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser, HydraQuench Cream and Hand & Nail Treatment Cream. And 3 makeup-musts: the Beauty Flash Balm, Wonder Perfect Mascara and Instant Eye Make-Up Remover. Everything she needs to keep doing it all! (Was $121, Now $109.95)

Don’t wait ’till it’s too late! Get to ordering some goodies for mom and make her feel and look amazing!