Molton Brown

I've written about my favorite lip balms before, but a year and a half has passed and I've got some newbies in the mix that I seriously can't live without. Lip balms are one of my all-time favorite products because they feel good and they provide instant relief all year round. Here are my top five picks (for now). What's your favorite?

• This small, silver Molton Brown Vitamin Lip Saver ($18) is odorless and flavorless. It spreads easily, penetrates deeply and I often find it missing in my guy's dopp kit!
• Some drugstore brands have got it right! This cool, roller-ball Blistex Cherry Splash ($2.89) is sweet, thin-textured and fast absorbing to correct dryness and chapping.
• Bobbi Brown Extra ($55) is the most expensive salve of the bunch, but it works wonders on my cuticles, elbows hands and on my lips. I can't seem to stay away from the subtle geranium smell and thick shea butter formula.
• Lancome's Baume Baiser ($25) came out as part of the Mystery Game collection. Although it's no longer in stock, you can still find a few of these indulgent padded soft rose-marshmallow scented lip balms online in the UK (and have it shipped).
• A year and a half later, one of my faves is still the amazingly nourishing Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment ($22.50). It lasts long, it's thick, it smells amazing, and I'm the first to admit that I'm a sucker for the cool screw-top cover.

I don't usually have a lot of extra time on my hands for an indulgent soak in the bath, but when I do manage some "me time" you better believe I pull out all the stops. Not only does a loofah, body scrub and an essential oil or two accompany me, but I also like to try out a new product in the hopes of creating the ultimate tub of bubbles.

I've been reading about the new Molton Brown Davana Blossom Foaming Bath Oil for some time now. It is said to have a spicy and floral aroma that can whisk all of your problems (and germs) away. Still, $67 per bottle just seems like pop-star prices. Fortunately, I was sent some to try and I thought I'd share my experience with you.

To find out how this purple potion stacks up, read more

Did you know that Brazil is climbing the ranks in global beauty and by next year it is set to become the third largest beauty market in the world ahead of France and Germany? Maybe it has something to do with the fact that the country is home to the world’s biggest rain forest, the Amazon.

Popular Brazilian beauty ingredients include ginseng (tones the skin), guaraná (stimulates production on melanin), buriti oil (rich in fatty acids), and the Brazil nut (high in selenium). Here are three beauty products that allow us to enjoy a little bit of Amazon biodiversity right here in America.

Molton Brown Invigorating Suma Ginseng Bath & Shower Gel ($25) is a lush, rich and fragrant body wash.

It is made from Brazilian suma ginseng which helps boost circulation and juniper berry oil, cinnamon, oakmoss, armoise and geranium revitalise the senses and and stimulate the energy.

For two more amazing Brazilian beauty products, read more

Sexual chocolate? Check! Sexy outfit? Check! Mood lighting? Check! What else does one need for a romantic night on Valentine's Day? Ah yes, a seduction location. With everything else standing by, all you need is to draw a bubble bath and see where the night takes you. Oh! And here's some bubbly to go with your bubbles. Check out a couple of my favorite bubble baths:

Molton Brown Inspiring Wild-Indigo Bath & Shower gel, $25. This is a unique scent and is said to be therapeutic - based on my experience it works wonders after a long day.

A couple more, read more

Last week, I told you about mineral bronzers, which are great for sensitive and acne-prone skin. But if you've got an oily complexion that needs shine control, matte bronzers are the best way to get a sun-kissed look. Made from extremely refined powders, these are long lasting and help to even out your skin tone.

To use, apply them where the sun would normally tan your face. Begin with a light application (they can get heavy fast) to the bridge of your nose, the apples of your cheeks, the top of your cheekbones, and your temples and blend well. They also work great for contouring to create sexy, modelesque cheekbones. Here are a few of my favorites.

Molton Brown Bareface Glow Bronzing Powder is a double-matte but very light bronzer made from extracted waterlily flower and meadowfoam seed oil. These vitamin-packed ingredients help condition your skin and protect it against free radicals. Buy it here for $30. Available in Sunstone (light) and the darker Desertrose.

Physicians Formula Baked Pyramid is a matte bronzer for the masses baked on terracotta tiles. It has this really cool and unique pyramid shape and provides you with a deep and exotic-looking glow. You can apply it wet for a darker finish or dry for a lighter look. Buy it in Baked Tan or Baked Bronze here for $11.95.

To see the last one, read more