My Everyday Favorite, Go-To Products

It's been a really long time since I shared my "go-to" products with everyone. These are the things that I reach for in between product testings or when I'm having problems with new products. These are the ones I trust to set things back to "right" for me. You'll notice that some typical categories (such as body wash) are missing. That means I don't have 1 product I run back to over and over again.

Poolside Beauty: How I Waterproof

I am not the type of girl to go out without makeup. I need at least concealer, blush and mascara. I'm more comfortable with more. So, what to do when the place I'm going involves getting wet, and therefore losing most of that carefully applied makeup? Well... I do pare down some. But I also waterproof as much as possible.

When I was in Hawaii recently, I used these products everyday poolside. I'm sure that there are some alternatives, but I wanted to share these with you.

Secret Waterproof: This stuff really works. It survived all of my swims in the pool and kept me sweat free in the heat and humidity afterwards. I forgot it one day and used my regular Secret instead. I definitely noticed a difference! I'm taking this on all tropical vacations for now on.

Cover Girl LashBlast Waterproof: It works just as well as the original at lengthening and volumizing. It is most definitely waterproof, even if you rub your eyes and such (so, perfect for weddings). The only issue I can find is that it is very hard to remove. I've tried LashX Lash Cleanse, a few Neutrogena and Olay choices... Only Lancome seems to actually remove it, and even then it takes a few cotton rounds.

Smashbox Limitless Waterproof Eye Liner: This liner has it all. It applies easily, smudges well for the first minute or so, and then becomes waterproof. It completely stood up to everything without an issue. It removes easily with pretty much any eye makeup remover. It comes in an array of colors and even has a sharpener built into the cap!

Philosophy The Supernatural Creme Blush: Ok, yes, this is not waterproof. But, if you don't rub your cheeks it does seem to stay put despite swimming. The creme formula also makes it pretty easy to apply over your sunscreen.


I bought the LashBlast and Smashbox liner.
The Secret and Philosophy were samples.

J Lo's Wavy Hair: How to Get It

Whenever I see pictures of celebs at events, it is always the ladies with long wavy hair that have my favorite look. While there are a ton of ways to get this look (curling irons, flat irons, even hot rollers will work), Latrice Strader – Master Hair Stylist and Owner of Destiny De’Ve Salon & Spa (in Washington DC) provided some tips on how to achieve and maintain the perfect waves!

The “Right” Tools
There are a few different styling tools that will work well to achieve this loose wavy look. “A wand iron, barrel curling iron, Marcel curling iron, or even a flat iron will do the trick, providing tussled loose waves and ribbon curls,” says Latrice. You will want to use a larger barrel curling iron or flat iron for looser curls and separate smaller pieces to curl for more compact curls and waves, suggests Latrice.

Maintaining the ‘Do
To prevent this style from becoming flat and lifeless throughout the day, Latrice suggests using a leave-in serum, mousse, or styling gel to hold the style. “A light workable holding spray will also work great, and don’t forget to top the style with a finishing shine spray!” says Latrice. Sebastion, Moroccanoil, and Mizani hair products all carry a vast selection of these products for all hair types.

Lengthy & Luxurious Locks
“Hair extensions are a great way to add to more body and length to your natural hair,” says Latrice. For those looking to rock this look for an extended period of time, Latrice suggests having 100% human hair with no synthetic fibers sewn in. “Indian hair extensions are the hottest on the market right now,” says Latrice. With this hair, you have more flexibility. You can either wear it straight, or wear the texture you purchase, which can be wavy, curly, or body wave.

Destiny De’Ve Salon & Spa

A Conversation about Sunscreen with Coppertone's Dr. Elizabeth Hale

I thought this had auto-published with my Coppertone Sport review. Unfortunately, not the case.

Coppertone arranged for Dr. Elizabeth Hale to answer some sunscreen questions! Dr. Hale is a Clinical Associate Professor of Dermatology at NYU. Dr. Hale specializes in skin cancer and in particular Mohs Surgery to treat skin cancer, so you know she has a huge interest in prevention with sunscreen!


What do you tell your patients about the importance of sunscreen?
In general, dermatologists urge everyone to wear a sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher every single day. While UVB rays are the main cause of sunburn and are especially abundant in the warm summer months, UVA rays are present year-round and can pass through clouds and windows.

Does the release of this new sunscreen make advising your patients easier?
Absolutely, as an athlete myself CT Sport with Replenishing Antioxidants helps enhance the skin’s natural defenses against UV radiation during outdoor activity, which makes it a great choice for active patients.

In your mind, what are the most important features to look for in a sunscreen?
Broad-spectrum protection; UVA-blocking ingredients like photostabilized avobenzone on the label. The most important sunscreen is the one you will use every day.

In the event of a sunburn, what do you advise patients to do?
If you do slip up and get a sunburn, make sure to stay out of the sun until you have healed completely. I recommend taking an NSAID and keeping the skin moist with a good soothing moisturizer (maybe one with aloe) while it heals.

Coppertone Sport: UV Protection and Anti-Oxidants in 1 Step

Finally, I am starting my sunscreen reviews. It can be a little hard to try and be original when writing about sunscreens over and over, so I've decided to forgo that and we'll just be as straight forward as possible.

Coppertone Sport has long been one of my favorite sunscreens for intense sun exposure. Primarily I take it on vacation (I like to go on Hawaiian vacations where I sit by the pool and occasionally swim) and its waterproof/sweatproof formula definitely is appealing for that situation. In addition, my husband is more than willing to use it as it isn't too girly.

A New Holy Grail Eye Shadow Primer? Benefit Stay Don't Stray

As part of my never ending quest to try every primer on the market (it's similar to my obsession with trying every eye makeup remover, useless but fun to fill my time, and you get the benefits when I can tell you which products not to buy), I finally decided to give in to my craving for Benefit's Stay Don't Stray primer.

I have a little bit of a spotty relationship with Benefit items. I love Benetint. I've had great success with many of their primers and concealers. But some of their "amazing" quick fixes (like the Brow Zing) I've not had good luck with. So, I was a bit nervous about spending $24 on this primer, but I figured that you can only visit a product so many times at Sephora before you need to take the plunge and bring it home with you. Plus I was lured in by the promise that it is not only a primer for eye shadow, but also for concealer!

Laser Hair Removal At Home? I Try Out the Silk'n Sens Epil

I Bought It Affiliate Links


First of all, let me start this post by stating that I am spoiled rotten by my husband. I did not get this product for free, a discount, or even as a loaner. My husband let me go to Sephora.com and spend big bucks on the Silk'n SensEpil (which was cool, because I got Sephora VIB status with this purchase). He knew how tired I was of shaving every day, that I wanted to try laser hair removal at some point, and that at home laser hair removal was a cheaper option. So, you all have my hubby to thank for this review!

I think before I explain how to use this little wonder machine at home, some explanation about hair follicles and how laser hair removal works are in order. Then you'll understand why you may (or may not be) a good candidate to use this, and why it will take a long time (weeks) before you see results. This isn't instant hair removal and you'll need more treatments than when you go to a pro for laser hair removal.