Summer 2008

At first I thought it was a little strange that Becca was so late in the game to be launching its Summer products now, but I was willing to overlook it because when they do finally decide to crank out new goodies, it's always worth the wait. However, it hit me just a few moments ago that the brand is Australian, and so it all makes sense why the model is wearing a knit hat — their Winter is our Summer!

In two weeks, get ready to check out two brand-new products: a shimmery golden-bronze powder eye shadow called Damask ($24) and a creamy champagne-pink blush called Freesia ($30). Similarly to Flirt! Cosmetics and American Beauty, Becca has created a really pretty, easy-to-achieve look.

The 2008 Nouveau Boho collection has an earthy feel with a modern edge. I haven't tried anything just yet, but from what I've heard (and from checking out the photos) the colors are muted shades of bronze, green, and gold metallics (so pretty!). To find out the rest of the already-existing colors that were used to create this look and for a close-up, peek at the products, read more

OK, it's time to get something straight right off the bat. The chlorine in pools isn't what is causing your hair to turn green; it's the copper in the water that's making you look like you've just been slimed.

Chlorine is a chemical that kills germs, and when mixed with the natural copper in the water, it can turn dark blonde hair yellow, make highlights brassy, or turn light blonde hair green. Even if your hair isn't light or chemically treated, chlorine can dry it out. Below are a few quick and easy precautions you can take to protect your hair's texture and color.

• Before you get into the pool, rinse your hair with water from the shower or the tap and apply a conditioner to help coat your hair. This will act as a shield against the damaging chemical/metal mixture.
• If possible, don't stay in the pool for more than a few hours. If you are planning to swim for an extended period of time, then it's a good idea to wear a swim cap.
• As soon as you get out of the pool, shampoo and condition your hair immediately. A great suggestion is Swimmer's Normalizing Conditioner and Swimmer's Normalizing Shampoo ($7.70-$7.98 each) from Aubrey Organics. Work the shampoo into your hair, rinse well and repeat the process for optimal results.
• Deep-condition more regularly to avoid brittleness and breakage. Shiny, hydrated, healthy hair is less likely to be affected.

Source

Summertime is all about flaunting your sexy skin. What better way to enhance it with than a collection of sultry nude lip glosses? Kissable Couture has just released The Nudes Collection, three shiny new shades to bring the total number of glosses to 13.

Each of the glosses have a light, nontacky texture, a sweet (but not overbearingly so) scent and retail for $22. The colors are deeper than the original collection: they all have shimmer, and they are all members of the golden toffee-colored family.

• Innocence, the lightest of the bunch, is a champagne-creme brulee color. It goes on sheer and would look great alone or on top of any of your favorite lipstick.
• Honesty is a creamy, rich caramel shade that has a slight glimmer of shimmer.
• Exposed is a dark, metallic bronzey-brown that is charged with oodles of shimmer.

To see close-up shots of each of the shades, read more

Recently, I introduced you to the new world of Borghese nail lacquers and their awesome double brushes. Since I'm such a fan, I thought you'd like to hear about the most recent Summer 2008 launch called Portofino Del Sole. The collection includes six shimmery shades that were inspired by the breathtaking landscape in Portofino, Italy — a Mediterranean port and destination for the rich and lavish.

I'm not much of a shimmer fan when it comes to my nails (especially reds or lavenders), but I'll rock just about anything on my toes. After trying out Florentine Gold, I'm smitten. Not only do I love the authentic, yellowy pale gold color, but I gave myself a quickie pedicure last night and was pleased that it didn't streak at all and that the polish dried relatively quickly. Also, I'll remind you again that the lacquers are free of DBPs, toluene, and formaldehyde — and they leave you with a long-lasting shine. What else is there to say besides, bellissima!

To read a description of each of the shades in the collection, read more

Due out this July is the first SPF product from Wei East: Golden Root Renewal Cream SPF 15 ($37.50). Golden root is a vibrant red Chinese herb that has been used for ages to prevent visible signs of aging. Small quantities of golden root have been added to this cream to help promote the re-growth of dead skin cells, resulting in a new and smooth surface to your skin. This 'multitasking day cream' claims to firm, hydrate and make your skin look and feel more resilient.

The moisturizer also contains white tea (a strong antioxidant), reishi mushroom (an anti-inflammatory) and Licorice (to revitalize the skin). I've tried it once and am impressed with the way the SPF scent is masked with a cinnamony-herbal essence. Also, it has a thin, spreadable texture that goes on smooth and absorbs quickly.

I was thinking that it was definitely more of a moisturizer, but the impression I get from the packaging is that it's actually more like a sunscreen. Either way, I am really excited about being able to use such a great smelling product this summer that will protect my skin, improve its appearance and above all, it won't clog my pores.

This June, American Beauty Cosmetics will launch its Summer Bouquet color story. Much like Flirt! Cosmetics (both are owned by the same company), the brand typically launches a new product or two every few months and then creates a seasonal look by blending the new products in with the old.

The inspiration for Summer Bouquet is all about florals, specifically perky pink roses. The new product for Summer is a peachy pink powder blush called Nectar Blossom. The face of the campaign is Ashley Judd, as usual, and this particular photo also doubles as an ad for its new Beloved fragrance.

For a description of each of the items in the Summer Bouquet color story, read more