2 neutral manicures with Dermelect Debonnaire + Naturale

i was recently sent 2 nail polishes from Dermelect {Natural and Debonnaire}, both of which fall into the much-loved category shade of neutral. this got me thinking about neutral polish….

neutral nail polish colors {which can range from everything as light as bone to as dark as mahogany} are very hot this season. anything but boring, neutral nails offer a refreshing and chic alternative to the traditional bright summer nail and though a more toned-down look, nude tips are gorgeous, coordinate with anything you choose to wear, and it gives hands the appearance of long, elegant fingers!  

neutral nail polish shades can also be worn by anyone. what neutral do you prefer? depending on the look you're trying to create, staying in the skintone range should be kept in mind.

in any case, i am loving Naturale and Debonnaire {which can be found at Ulta}.

so pretty, right?

the entire collection of 'ME' Dermelect nail polishes offer more than great color ~ these polishes are infused with peptides, vitamins and hydrating ingredients to strengthen and treat nails.

you should also appreciate that the formula is fast-drying and free of DBP, toluene and formaldehyde!

Debonnaire

Naturale

Debonnaire

Naturale

what are your favorite neutral shades? visit dermelect.com to see more nail lacquers in the 'ME' collection. 

summer beauty: skin-perfecting, melt-proof products

temps are rising, beauties! are you prepared?
to make sure you don't melt  are, you need the right products. check out the following skin-perfecting, melt-proof suggestions of items to help you {beautifully} beat the heat…

you spend time applying makeup to last, so that's what it should do, right? the key is always to start with a good base. mattifying formulas combat shine while locking makeup in place. a product like Dermelect Cosmeceuticals Pore Revolution & T-Zone Mattifier features ingredients that absorb oil, minimize the appearance of pores and smooth the look and texture of skin. apply Palladio Beauty’s Foundation Primer over it to keep oil at bay and create an extra-sleek canvas.

after prepping and priming your skin, applying an oil-absorbing foundation like Palladio Beauty Dual Wet & Dry Foundation will provide coverage while helping to maintain moisture in the skin. complete this step by setting with a powder like glō minerals Matte Finishing Powder. 

next, you'll want to incorporate fun, bright hues to your look {it is summer after all}! quench your thirst for beauty and add pigment to cheeks and lips in the form of a stain {a fabulous way to keep color in place through any heat wave}. glō minerals Powder Cheek Stain offers a lasting, flushed effect and Palladio Beauty Lip Stain is a waterproof formula that promises to not budge or dry out your pout.

and finally, just before applying mascara and running out the door, quickly spritz on a facial mist {try glō minerals Moist Hydration Mist, perfect for humid climates} to hydrate and ensure your makeup will stay in place. using a setting spray is the not-so-secret secret in my makeup routine. perfect for the humid climate, you can carry with a bottle with you to refresh throughout the day and give skin a burst of moisture.

interested in ordering or finding out more info regarding any of theses beauties? be sure to visit their respected websites: dermelect.com, palladiobeauty.com and gloprofessional.com.

pampering your feet between pedicures...

sure, we're heading into the fall season, but that's no excuse to let the appearance of your feet go. it's easy for me since the weather is still quite warm where i live; shoes that leave feet exposed are still being worn in heavy rotation. to keep my feet {heels especially} in tip-top shape between pedicures, i've been using some products that can be used year-round, and i think you'll love them, too...

The Best Pedi Prep Ever! is made by Julep, and you guessed it, is a prep for smoothing away pesky calluses and rough spots thanks to the exfoliating alpha hydroxy acids and soothing chamomile it contains. after rolling on and letting Prep sit on my feet for a couple of minutes, i run the foot file over rough areas, rinse, and my skin is left perfectly smooth, ready for those sandals.

at night, i've been pampering my feet using NightCare's Heel Treatment Kit. included in the kit are a pair of Moisturizing Gel Heel Socks, lined with what the brand calls Viso-Gel, and a tube of vitamin-enriched Intensive Healing Foot Cream. it's such a treat to apply this before bed. any dryness is eliminated overnight. the gel socks work well alone and the lotion can be used solo, too, but as a team they are truly at their best.

i've also been using Dermelect Cosmeceuticals Runway Ready Foot Treatment. this yummy-feeling formula is infused ingredients that sooth, soften and energize feet. argan oil {anti-oxidant rich with vitamins A & E}, moisturizing shea butter, hydrating hyaluronic acid and exfoliating AHAs and BHAs work together beautifully, and i've noticed a positive difference in my feet. i really enjoy the cooling sensation, perfect to pep up my feet before a run {and of course, give them a boost in moisture while i hit the road}.

how do you keep your feet looking fab between pedis?? let me know in the comments!

for more information, visit julep.com, nightcareproducts.com and dermelect.com

NightCare and Dermelect products sent to me for review consideration; pics taken by me :)

Summer Beauty: Shine-Control Products

with summer comes skin that has a nice glow...

oh, who am i kidding? it's crazy shine! combination and oily (sometimes even dry) skin types can act, um, differently in the summer (i like to call them oil fits). i know i'm especially prone to glowing more-- can you relate? to control this, mattifying or shine-control products applied before applying tinted moisturizer, foundation or powder is critical for keeping your (and my) oily skin in check.

here are some to consider:




MAC Shine Control Lotion is a light, oil-free formula designed to keep skin in balance. it contains antioxidants to give skin a treat, and it absorbs beautifully into skin. for the rest of the day it keeps skin balanced, preventing oil production from going into overdrive.

Dermelect Cosmeceuticals Pore Revolution & T-Zone Mattifier (pictured at top) is a powdery cream that works to control shine, reduce the appearance of large, clogged pores, and also contains salicylic acid and watercress extract to keep skin clear.




Philosophy Never Let Them See You Shine Primer works best when patted onto skin. the soothing product helps control shine during the day and can even be applied over makeup.



Smashbox Anti-Shine offers skin to a cool, refreshing, water-based option. this gel-to-powder formula gives skin a natural, matte finish that lasts through a 6-8 hour day.



CoverFX Clearprep FX Matte Foundation Primer and Anti-Acne Treatment uses its dermaveil-matte technology to control shine and treats problem skin with willowbark extract (a beta-hydroxyacid), salicylic acid, and natural fruit alpha-hydroxy acids. smooths skin to prep for makeup, but can be used alone.



tell me: what is your favorite shine-control product?

xo