Father's Day Fabulous: The Best Skincare and Grooming Kits for Dear Dad

We all know that men are sometimes a little suspect of skincare (the "girly man" moniker is hard to shake once your buddies find little boxes of moisturizer and masques on the bathroom counter.) However, when it comes to fabulous skin care and shaving kits, they make amazing gifts for men who wouldn't necessarily buy them for themselves. Looking for a fabulous Father's Day gift? Here are some suggestions:

Anthony Logistics For Men The Perfect Shave Kit ($50) - This shaving kit is fabulous for home and for the locker at the gym and comes equipped with a cleanser, pre-shave oil, shave cream and after-shave balm that when used together will help eliminate ingrown hairs, irritation and razor burn. Doesn't his skin deserve a break? Doesn't your CHEEK deserve a break? Help him get rid of rough shaved skin with this fabulous shaving kit.

Anthony Logistics For Men The Tool Kit ($18) - Any woman who's been subjected to an intimate moment ruined by a ragged fingernail can attest to the importance of well-groomed hands. This portable nail kit contains a stainless steel nail file, nail clipper, tweezer and grooming scissors, and comes in a brushed aluminum canister (you know, metal = masculine). It's also quite portable, so, you know, get this for him.

AHAVA Mineral Men’s Collection Gift Set ($47) - I've long been a convert of all things AHAVA and this skincare set is perfect to tame the unique needs of men's skin. Dad will look his absolute best with this set containing Mineral Shower Gel, Foam-Free Silk Shave Cream and Soothing After-Shave Moisturizer. The power of Dead Sea minerals and a proprietary blend of Gingko, Ginger and Ginseng extract will help him cleanse, nourish, and moisturize his gorgeous face. 

Molton Brown Father’s Day Gift Set ($58) - I've never met a man that isn't completely wild about Molton Brown products. This set of the company's most masculine scents brings a whole new experience to bathing for your favorite guy, with their two sizes of their cult favorite re-charge black pepper bodywash,a  re-charge black pepper body hydrator, and the new addition to the brand, buchu bodywash, which gives a cooling boost of energy in the shower. It's kind of a necessity (and feel free to borrow it.)

L’Oréal Paris Men's Expert Hydra-Energetic Ice Cold Eye Roller ($10.99) - It doesn't matter if you're male or female, undereye bags are just not cute. Treat the man in your life to this breakthrough eye treatment applied with a soothing rollerball that glides gently over the puffed area to deliver instant relief. It's ok to have sleepless nights, you just don't have to LOOK like it. Great for Dads on the go, late-night working fathers or, let's all be honest here, fathers of newborns.

Naturopathica Clarifying Facial Wash ($28), Soothing Shave Cream ($26) and Daily Defense Moisturizer For Men ($58) - If you've got an eco-chic dad who's really into botanicals (and even if they aren't), Naturopathica is a great solution for skincare. The face wash contains a sulfate-free foaming cleaner with a refreshing blend of Cypress Oil, Aloe and Lime that will gently remove dirt and grime while maintaining his natural moisture. The shave cream contains Cypress Oil, which acts as an antiseptic to calm razor irritation, and Wild Oat Beta Glucan that lifts the hair shaft for an exceptionally close shave. The moisturizer contains a lightweight blend of Vitamins A, C and E combined with Oats and Aloe to nourish his skin. You'll thank me later.

Any of these fabulous skincare options will make dear Dad a happy camper. I mean, really, another tie? Let's break the mold this year and get him something he'll really love. :)

Fashionable Father's Day: Robert Verdi's Picks for Dad

We all love hearing about the new and stylish discoveries of our favorite lifestyle guru and celebrity stylist, Robert Verdi. At a recent tweet-up, Robert gave his picks for fabulous Father's Day gifts. Not sure what to get dear old Dad? Read along for some really great picks:

For Inspired Dads (idealistic, engaging), he suggests John Bartlett's Tiny Tim T-Shirt. The fantastic tee is supersoft and features a silhouette of the designer's own beloved rescue dog with three legs of the same name. The shelter named him that because they found him on Christmas Eve. All together now: "Awwww!" The shirt comes in multiple hues and is not only cool but comfortable.

Modern Dads will appreciate iconic potter/interior design guru Jonathan Adler's new Pop Candles. The smells are derived from favorite organic smells like Tomato, Grapefruit and Watercress (and they smell DIVINE!) Best of all, when the candle is finished, the container can be used as a highball drinking glass. Get the Tomato candle, it really does smell like a tomato vine and is positively delicious to burn.

Classic Dads will appreciate Kenneth Cole Vintage Black, which has been described as "zesty lime and grapefruit combined with classic lavender and woods = a combination that is cool and vintage with a modern flair." It has a very power-suit-by-day/black-tie-by-night kind of scent that is just beyond.

Dads on the Go will appreciate the Vaseline MEN line of products, like their Cooling Hydration Body Lotion which will instantly cool his skin on contact (perfect for a shower after the gym or a hot day in the sun) and absorbs within 15 seconds. The entire line absorbs quickly, is non-greasy and a great way to care for his face and body. Check out the line at your local drugstore or superstore.

Professional Dads always appreciate a little time away from work and the family to unwind without anything fussy. If you're in NYC (or you're planning a trip here), send him to John Allen's, a men's grooming studio that offers skin, hair and nail care in an environment that is completely guy-friendly. The hardwood and leather environment offers quick and easy services, amazing products from John's own personal line, a billiard room and a full bar. The Full Service Experience takes just 15 minutes for shampoo, condition, haircut, manicure, shoeshine, and beverage! Yes, that's what Willis was talkin' 'bout.

Jet-Setting Dads will appreciate the luxurious Coach Transatlantic Travel Kit, a gorgeous dop kit made of premium, glove-tanned leather and of a generous size to hold all his toiletries. It's a way to keep him well-groomed in style.

Savvy Dads that appreciate sharply-pressed suits will appreciate a Rowenta First Class Travel Iron. He can keep it at his desk and steam his suit before a big meeting (or a tuxedo before a night on the envelope circuit.) It's compact, light, heats up quickly and won't spit water, all of which make it a perfect winner.

Stylish Dads will appreciate a pair of the brand-new BOSS Men's Modern Aviator sunglasses.  This stylish US-exclusive collection just hit stores this month and are not only very flattering to a multitude of face shapes, but they're prescription ready! Love it when a plan comes together!

Ladies go crazy for a sharp-dressed man, so make sure the Dapper Dad remains happy with a great suit at the right price. Classic JOE Joseph Abboud Suit Separates from JC Penney are a sleek suit with an American cut that will make him look and feel like a million bucks for the extremely affordable price of just $179.99. Yes, people, it's beyond great.

Fathers that are Young-At-Heart (and a little bit rock n' roll) will appreciate uber-cool Jan Leslie cufflinks. Artful, inspired and extremely well-made, they'll add just the right touch of style to your man's inner rock star aspirations.

Tasteful Dads appreciate high quality accessories, like this Cole Haan Seton Tuxedo Wallet in rich black calfskin leather. Four pockets and a currency sleeve will keep all of his essentials organized in a luxurious, slim design.

Sleek Dads appreciate quality design, so an architectural luxury like a Skagen Denmark men’s watch should be right up his alley. The signature slim mesh band whispers taste and the high-quality materials will ensure he'll have it for years. Oh, and the price point won't kill your wallet, either.

If you've got a Do-It-Yourself kind of Dad like mine, then the Stoner Solutions Invisible Glass Ultimate Glass Cleaning Kit is perfect. This all-in-one kit contains revolutionary products to clean the windows in Dad's car with minimal effort and dries quickly with a streak-free shine. It cuts through PERMANENT MARKER, people. I'll be shipping this one home.

Got a dad who fancies himself a bit of a gourmand? Well, then, brunch is now served with a jar of McClure’s Spicy Pickle Brine Bloody Mary Mixer.  Now, let's be clear here: it's not for wussies. This spicy mixture packs a kick of spice and brine from the McClure’s great grandmother Lala’s original pickle recipe. Just add his favorite vodka or gin and some garnish (pickes, olives, more horseradish for the daring) and serve it up. I've been told you can also cool a mean spicy shrimp and rice with it. Yum.

Handy Dads will appreciate the original Leatherman Skeletool (and actually, get one of these for yourself, ladies.) This all-in-one tool weighs in at a mere five ounces and contains all the tools he'll need to fix pretty much anything: a stainless-steel combo blade, pliers, bit driver, removable pocket clip, and a carabiner/bottle
opener. It's the MacGyver of pocket tools.

Lastly, Cool Dads aren't afraid to shave their heads and let their craniums become their crowning glory. Make it easy for him to groom his dome with the Headblade tool and accompanying products. He can just slip his finger through the ring and tighten that sexy bald look in a snap. Gotta love it!

Really, it doesn't matter what kind of Dad you have, just make sure to celebrate the fathers in your life this Sunday. Hope these product suggestions from Robert gave you some great ideas!

Obsession of the Day: Dermalogica UltraCalming Skincare Treatment Kit for Sensitive Skin

I have to say that I am maniacal about my skincare regimen and of the three products I rotate and use regularly, I have one that I will swear by without fail: Dermalogica.

The company that is greatly responsible for my (so far) wrinkle-free complexion has just come up with something that I've been testing for about a month and I'm officially obsessed with: the new Dermalogica UltraCalming Treatment Kit ($40), designed to supply relief for those of us out here with sensitive skin. You know what I mean: itching, redness, heat, stinging and dryness caused by pollution, environmental factors and - quite frankly - the wrong products. It can be irritating, sure, but evidently this condition can cause permanent cellular damage, which can lead to more serious skin conditions and premature aging, which, you know, would kind of suck.

The system contains five products that contain a proprietary complex that mitigate your angry skin's inflammatory response to those environmental factors, providing immediate and long-term relief. The kit includes their UltraCalming Cleanser; an UltraCalming Mist, which is amazing to keep on your desk or in your gym bag; an UltraCalming Serum Concentrate, an all-day hydrator and a fabulous under makeup addition; the UltraCalming Barrier Repair, my personal favorite waterless moisturizer that melts right into your skin and keeps you smooth and hydrated; and the UltraCalming Relief Masque, which is a fabulous masque that helps skin recover from any damage and sensitivity. I adore all these products and for those of us who have sensitive skin, this collection is a must have.

I mean, after all, when accused of being too sensitive, sometimes it can be true. No need to suffer from irritated, red skin this season. Help is here: Dermalogica.


Dermalogica UltraCalming Treatment Kit ($40), available via their website

Attention Gentlemen: Get In on The Lab Series Skincare For Men Event at Bloomingdale's!

Dudes, let's chat for a moment.

I know some of you think that it's not exactly masculine to use all those fancy face creams, that it's more masculine to let your face weather like an old Western saddle, only to be cleaned by water and bar soap. Ok, so that might be cool to people who don't have the option to use these tools but can I be honest? Dry, flaky skin on a guy is SO NOT ATTRACTIVE. I don't care if you have Johnny Depp's cheekbones (or anything, for that matter) or Zac Efron's hair: if your skin is in poor condition, we tend to kind of think, "Ew." Double goes for ragged fingernails, but that's a whole other discussion.

Consider this post a PSA to head to Bloomingdale's flagship on 59th St in NYC from today, June 4th, through June 10th, where skincare line Lab Series Skincare for Men will be on hand for some serious male (skin) bonding time: complimentary grooming services- including aestheticians, shoe shiners and manicurists- will have you ready to face the summer and all those lovelies who have to look at that mug of yours. If you're a dad, consider this a Father's Day gift that will keep on giving.

Additionally, if you're a Foursquare junkie like the rest of us, check in to the Lab Series at Bloomingdale's Foursquare venue TODAY, June 4th, at the counter and you'll receive exclusive Lab Series samples and every 10th person who checks in will receive a complimentary full-sized product!  Um, hello? FREE. Yes, that's what Willis was talkin' about!

Get thyself to Bloomingdale's today and check out a new skincare regimen. After all, you know that your amour has fabulous ways of saying "Thank You." This would be the nicest way to take one for the team you've ever known. Go check it out.

Attention Beauty Lovers: Make Like Kristin Davis of Sex and the City and Check Out Summer Stock Up!

Any of us who love beauty and freebies (and really, is there any better combination) should check out the Summer Stock Up events happening today and tomorrow here in Manhattan. The Beauty.com and AtHisBest.com are teaming up for the summer’s largest beauty giveaway of beauty and grooming products for the next two days and if you stop in, you can get a scoop of some of the 75,000 products available!

I mean, do names like philosophy, Too Faced, Bare Escentuals, Darphin, Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare, Tarte, Oscar Blandi, Stila and Bliss catch your eye? Yep, thought so. Hey, and if you want to bring your guy (or your gay husband, whatever works), they can make out like bandits with labels like Anthony Logistics, Mission, GO SMiLE, Clif Bar, Shaveworks The Cool Fix, Stinger and Schick.

Logistics are as follows:

Friday, May 21st:       
8:00am – 7:00pm 
59th Street and Fifth Avenue (in front of the Apple store)
Products and experts featured: Peter Thomas Roth, Stila, Borghese, Zeno, BareMinerals, Caudalie, Tarte, Origins, Anthony Logistics, Somme Institute, Too Faced, Korres, and Urban Decay

Saturday, May 22nd: 
10:00am – 6:00pm
13th Street and Ninth Avenue  (Meatpacking across from Pastis)                    
Products and experts featured: Jane Iredale, Somme Institute, Mission, BareMinerals, Darphin, Origins, Korres, and Pop Beauty

I mean, you never know who you could meet. Kristin Davis of Sex and the City stopped by today. Swag and celebrities? Look at you, high roller!

Be sure to check in on Foursquare and follow these people on Twitter for up-to-the-minute scoop:  @beautydotcom, @AtHisBest, @AlisonBrodPR.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab some swag and then meet the girls for Happy Hour. Here's raising a glass to a beauty product-filled weekend!

Obsession of the Day: Jeune D'Age Organics Skin Care

Sometimes testing beauty products can be interesting. I mean, look, we're all born with one type of skin and one type of hair. So, when I got the chance to let my fabulous mother test a well-trusted organic line of skincare for her mature skin (don't let her read that word, she'd kill me), I signed her right up. Six months of consistent use later, I'm beyond thrilled with the results and ready to tell you about it. For those seeking ultra-moisturizing, luxurious skin care that's organic and healthy for you, please look no further than my mom's new glow from Jeune d'Age Organics.

She's been using the Anti-Aging Serum (photo above, $39.95 for a box of 30 packets), which contains amazing antioxidants and ingredients like hyaluronan (a dermal hydrator that plumps and smooths), DMAE (a compound that's naturally produced in the body that when applied topically lifts and tones), CoQ10 (a strong  antioxidant that helps carry more oxygen to cells, encouraging renewal), açai (another strong antioxidant) and retinol palmitate (Vitamin A), which exfoliates and helps promote collagen production while reducing wrinkles. Even better, it comes in a flower seed box. When you're done with the box, plant it and it will grow gorgeous flowers. My mother (a very accomplished gardener) liked this almost as much as she loved the products.

She follows this with the Previor Face and Body Lotion ($29.95), which she smooths on over the serum. The lotion contains coconut oil, olive oil (which is rich in vitamins and helps to and repair cell membranes), shea butter (known to soothe rough, dry or chapped skin), vitamins A and E, and green tea (to help with elasticity as well as inhibiting the formation of freckles and dark spots).The result is incredibly-hydrated, smoother skin with less hyperpigmentation.

These two products combines have given Mom some amazing, smooth and fabulous skin. If you're looking for a fabulous anti-aging solution for your beauty routine, I highly recommend this beautiful set of beauty products. Even if you're not, there's a certain holiday coming really soon (cough: Mother's Day) and you might consider some beautiful skincare for a spectacular woman in your life.

Jeune d'Age Organics, available via their website

Cheap Thrill of the Day: Biore Makeup Removing Towelettes

How many times have you fallen asleep in your makeup? I don't care what your excuse is (all-night bender, late work night, kids, too busy..with..someone), it's a bad practice and nothing makes you look and feel more "ew" than waking up covered in day-old foundation and bleeding eye makeup.

Here's a solution to keep you from looking like the Blair Witch tomorrow morning: keep makeup removing towelettes on top of your nightstand and a trash can right underneath. Walk in, throw the clothes on the floor, put on pajamas, grab a towelette and wipe your face. Trust me, if you're wearing a lot of makeup, it doesn't matter how out of it you are: you won't be able to resist wiping until you can't see anything else on the towelettes. Here, take two. Dispose of them in the trash can. Slather on a little night treatment and call it a day.

Best of all, a package of these super-effective makeup remover towelettes from Biore cost around $7. That's worth it not to have that shocking experience in the bathroom mirror tomorrow morning, right? Yep, thought that might be the case. Get the towelettes, ladies.

Biore Makeup Removing Towelettes ($6.49), available at Target

Beauty Directory: Get Mind-Blowing Skin and a Posh Mani-Pedi at Wei Lang Spa

I've recently made some changes in my life and after a stressful couple of weeks (moving, changing jobs, etc), my skin was in need of some serious TLC. That's when a sweet angel from heaven named Rebecca (a friend) made a recommendation for a little rejuvenation and happiness: the Wei Lang Spa.

Located right below Houston in New York's ultra-hip Soho shopping district, I ascended to the fifth floor and was buzzed into an immaculate day spa that one can only describe as impossibly chic. I was greeted warmly and then escorted back for a facial with Anne. After discussing what I do to my skin (not a lot), the condition of my skin (dry, I don't exfoliate as often as I should) and what I wanted to get out of the facial (hydration, soothing experience where I just needed someone to pet me like a cat for an hour), Anne got to work on what I can only describe as One of The Best Facials Of My Entire Life.

I almost feel badly for putting that in print but I'm not kidding: Anne is magic. I fell asleep during this facial. That's how gentle and soothing she is. A mixture of masques were applied including Cle de Peau (which I believe Wei Lang is the only salon licensed to administer the Cle de Peau facial in the US) and I emerged with skin that positively glowed from the inside out. Wei Lang also uses Sco, Colorscience and IS Clinical products. Only the best, people.

Next up was a mani-pedi. Now, this is an exclusive spa, folks. There aren't tons of other clients running around. There's one pedicure station, one manicure table. You are the only focus in the room at that time and it's pure heaven on a stick. My manicurist got to work, giving me a fantastic manicure and pedicure with Chanel colors that are just gorgeous (she has Peculiare, people - just saying). MAC, Zoya, Chanel - it's manicure magic. My mani-pedi and face looked so amazing that I actually had to book an emergency blowout to make sure that the whole package was worthy of my glowing hair and skin. I would have dressed better had I known my skin was going to look that good.

As an exclusive day spa here in Manhattan, Wei Lang offers a very concise menu of services: facials, makeup applications, nail services, waxing and massage are what's offered and the reason is very simple: whatever they do, they do it WELL. The prices are absolutely affordable, from $130 for a Wei Lang signature facial (what I received and I will be going back for more, no doubt) and between $25-55 for nail services. Click the link below for more information and a menu of services.

I try not to promise to return to a location but I will break that tradition: Wei Lang Spa has found a customer in me.

Wei Lang Spa
584 Broadway (between Houston and Prince), #506
New York, NY 10012
212.925.7570
by appointment only

FTC disclosure: services received for review

Cheap Thrill of the Day: Nair Shower Power Max Hair Remover

Warm weather is here and it's time to start taking things off. I mean, not literally (don't get crazy on me), but we all know that when the temperatures rise, the amount of clothing goes down. This means that more of you is exposed and, well, body hair is simply not an option.

My cheap thrill of the day is a hair remover that not only smells decent (lavender infusion actually makes it smell nice) but it's built to work in the shower. Simply pump (yep, it's a pump design, anti-slip magic for those of us who aren't coordinated) some of the product in your hand and smooth it on your dry legs before you get into the shower. Go ahead and wash your hair because the heat of the shower activates the product so that in a mere three minutes (no more than ten), you use the provided sponge to wipe it right off and it takes your hair with it. Genius, right?

Best of all? This product is a mere fraction of a wax appointment and is available via your local drugstore, Target or other super retailer.

Spring is, well, springing, so go ahead and grab some of this fabulous Nair product for your own shower. Because with spring flinging and date nights coming, you never know when you're going to need touchably smooth legs in a hurry, ladies. This is the ultimate "he's-coming-over-in-half-an-hour" product.

Nair Shower Power Max Hair Remover ($10.99), available at drugstore.com

Eco-Chic Beauty: Kiehl's Limited-Edition Earth Day Celebrity Project Shot By David LaChappelle

I'm a lifelong fan of Kiehl's, so when I heard about their new eco-chic initiative, I felt I had to pass it along. In honor of Earth Day, Kiehl’s has announced a Limited Edition Label Art series for their 100% natural and ECOCERT-certified organic Açaí Damage-Protecting Toning Mist ($26), a product that refreshes and soothes skin all day with a high-concentration mixture of organic Açaí berry, aloe vera, lavender and rosemary essential oils. The labels have been designed by four "friends" of Kiehl's, actress Julianne Moore, artist Jeff Koons, surfer Malia Jones and rapper/musician/style mogul Pharrell Williams. 100% of Kiehl's net profits up to $200,000 will benefit the Rainforest Alliance, a charity dedicated to conserving biodiversity and ensuring sustainable livelihoods within that area.

What's even more cool than that? Celebrity photographer (and artistic genius) David LaChapelle has captured each celebrity in his own unique artistic style, lending lushly-saturated photography to the campaign. The fabulous product comes in four different labels designed by the celebrities and, well, it's a fabulous endeavor for a great cause. So go check out this fabulous facial product that gives good face as well as it gives back.

FSB On the Scene: The Glam Network Aveeno Ageless Vitality Rooftop Luncheon

Every once in a while I receive invitations that are just too hard to pass up (actually, let’s be real here – MOST of them are hard to pass up) but when my fabulous Glam Network and Aveeno invited a select group of us to preview their newest products atop the Gramercy Park Hotel over lunch, I jumped at the chance (no, seriously, I jumped when I got the invite). As a matter of fact, I called Contributing Fashion Editor Bryn Taylor to come with me because, let’s face it: sometimes you just need some fun in the sun with your girlfriends and soothing face products to recharge your attitude and your look.

I would first of all like to thank whoever ordered what we shall now refer to as The World’s Most Perfect Spring Weather for this luncheon. Bright sunshine, almost 90 degrees and there we were, nestled among the foliage on elegant outdoor furniture for cocktails with the scientists from Aveeno and each other. It’s always fun to attend a Glam event where we can share ideas, talk about our favorite products and brainstorm over social media.

Lunch was exquisite as well.  Sea bass, chicken, roasted veggies and a whole tray of mini desserts arrived over wine and coffee. Is this how bloggers spend every afternoon? No. But we really love it when we do. ☺

But you want to hear about the products, right? Well, after over a week of experience with them, I’m happy to tell you that they’re pretty fantastic. The Aveeno Ageless Vitality Elasticity Recharging System products work by using bioelectric energy to heal your skin.  Here’s a quick way to explain it: when you burn or cut yourself, your body sends that same energy to the area to tell the cells to regenerate and heal the wound. This product works the same way: you apply the first serum to wrinkles and fine lines, then smooth on the activating moisturizing cream and it activates your body’s own energy to regenerate youthful, smoother skin. Used over a four-week time period, you can see smoother, healthier skin. I’ve been using it for a week and I can already see some gentle changes in my forehead.

The treatment systems come in Day, Night and Eye-specific formulas and retail for $39.99 at your local drugstore, Target or Wal-Mart. Considering costly chemical treatments and laser treatments cost in the thousands, I think we can safely say this is a cost-effective way to handle the wrinkle/fine line situation, don’t you?

A little fun in the sun to introduce amazing skin care? What a glam way to spend the day.

FTC Disclosure: Products received for review at paid luncheon

Beauty Necessity: Vichy Aqualia Antiox Skincare

One of the things that you’ll notice about a lot of us bloggers is that we’re constantly into our skin. When you’re out five nights a week covering events, it can take a huge toll on your face. Finger foods, cocktails, multiple product samples and late nights are just the beginning of the issue. Add to that the pollution of the city and other environmental factors and it has most of us holed up indoors on weekends slathering on products attempting to apologize to our tired, weary skin.

I recently received the best way to say I’m sorry to my face: Vichy Laboratories Aqualia Antiox Skincare. A new offering from the French skincare company, this is skincare that works over time to correct skincare damage, rehydrate and refresh tired and mistreated skin. The Aqualia Antiox “New Skin” Result Deoxidizing Fresh Treatment ($45) is a bottle of sheer magic. Used for 21 days as part of your current routine, it contains two powerful, highly-concentrated portions of pure Citrus Polyphenol™ (in a liquid serum) and pure 10% Vitamin C (as a powder sachet), antioxidants that when mixed become an incredibly effective serum that creates a youthful rosy complexion, even and healthy skin tone, and an enviably smooth texture. I’ve been using the product for the requested 21 days and honestly, this product delivers like Domino’s. Not only is my skin completely hydrated and smooth, but it actually feels like it makes my normal skincare routine more effective. I’ve been layering the serum on under my night cream before I go to sleep and I wake up to grateful skin. Considering that I put my face through its paces regularly, that’s saying something.

The other item that is a must-have from this fabulous skincare line is the Anti-Fatigue Ice-Effect Stick ($28).  For those of us who suffer from under eye circles and/or bags under our eyes , this is a handbag secret weapon. The stick has a cooling effect that soothes the skin under the eyes to relieve puffiness and diminish dark circles. Everyone from the cocktail set to busy moms on the go or even corporate desk jockeys can benefit from this little item of goodness.

So when you see me walking around with a little special glow, now you’ll know. I’m glowing with love….for these fabulous Vichy products.

Available via the Vichy website


FTC Disclosure: samples received for review

Beauty Quickie: Take a Spring Staycation with Suave Mango Mandarin Body Wash

You know how certain scents are comforting to you in the winter when you feel like you need something cozy and enveloping? Well, it's time to kick it up for spring with vivacious scent. I was recently introduced to a little cheap thrill that you need to get ready for warmer weather: Suave Naturals Mango Mandarin Body Wash.

This fantabulous (Is that word? I guess it is now) body wash is infused with mango and mandarin extracts for a scent that is truly a tropical shower experience and it contains Vitamin E to moisturize and protect your skin. I mean, we'd all like to get off to the tropics and take a vacation but not everyone can afford it. You can, however, afford this amazing body wash and send yourself on a mental vacation for the completely wallet-friendly price of $3.49. I've been using it to remind myself that spring really is coming, even though I had to break out my winter jacket yet again last night.

So let's try something fun: Pick this body wash up at your local retailer. This weekend, turn up the reggae and lather up with this wash to set yourself in the right mood. Add a little self-tanner while you're at it. Return to work on Monday singing "I Shot The Sheriff." When they ask you where you were this weekend, just smile. Suave and I will keep your little secret for you. :)