I love Benefit Cosmetics for several reasons: First, they are awesome products, in general, and second…the fabulous packaging!

Image: Sephora

And I also love their sets, such as the hot off the shelves Bright Lights Big City! , that contains a brightening face primer, a blue mascara to whiten eyes , and a pink pencil eye pencil (great to bright up tired eyes!).

The idea of this kit is, quite obviously, just to brighten you up! And who can’t use that?

This kit is compact, and will have you as hooked as I am in no time - and looking so bright-eyed and bushy tailed, people may actually believe you had a good night’s sleep last night. Which, obvs, you didn’t.

So, upon leaving the beach–and seeing pictures, I have come to the conclusion I am ever so slightly fat.

Image: Sephora

A little known truth, though, is that a good tan can mask cellulite and make you look thinner. But it’s hard for me to go the tanning route naturally–I always just plain burn!

Tarte’s new CelluFIGHT Anti-Celluite Self-Tanner is fab - it’s a hydrating, gradual self-tanner that also has an anti cellulite ability.

i.e.: It does everything I need in one adorable tube!
Basically, it uses plant and bionutrient extracts to help to cellular metabolism, and shed excess fat tissue while the caffeine helps stimulate blood flow. Plus, obvs, it’s a self-tanner, which makes you look tan, yes…but thinner too!

Note to self: It would ALSO make you look thinner if you stop eating those crab cakes.

Shades of gold and bronze are hot this summer - you’ll see it in shoes, bags, and all sorts of accessories.

Image: Nordstrom

Why wouldn’t it make it into your eye palette?

Estee Lauder’s Sensuous Gold Signature Eye Quad is a limited-edition compact that includes a variety of shades of hammered gold.

They can all be worn alone, but are designed to be blended and worn together, to create a variety of golden looks. Mix and match is the beauty of the eye quad. It’s 4 colors, but many options for looks and variants. You can even wear the darker colors as a shimmery liner.

I love to pair my shades of gold with neutral makeup and a white draping dress–it’s very Helen of Troy, and super hot!

Image: Nordstrom

Before we even discuss this product, take a moment to check out the awesome brush that comes inside.

Image: Nordstrom

Is it not a perfect little fan? (Very similar to the one you will find in my favorite product of the summer, Benefit’s One Hot Minute, part of why we love it!) - this is Estee Lauder’s Gilded Rose Shimmer Powder, and it’s a fabulous way to get an instant glow.

It’s made of what is, quite simply, baked marbleized powder. But it also has an essence of shimmering gold to it, which means when you put it on, you instantly get a fabulous sheer - almost luminous - aura.

Obviously, it’s for your face, but I’ve been using it on my décolletage - to sexy results!

For the last few weeks, Allie and I have been doing the Sim-fast Challenge…(with minor ups and downs…it is vacation/wedding/event season!)…and we have finally reached our finale!

After a month of following the plan (to the best of our ability), Allie has lost 6 pounds and I have lost 3!

“In the morning when I have extra time, I love to put milk, the powdered drink mix, and frozen fruits in the blender to make a cold and fruity smoothie. I look forward to it every morning!” Allie says.

She goes on: “For example today, I added 1/2 cup frozen peaches and 1/2 cup frozen raspberries then 1 cup skim milk and a scoop of strawberry powder.”

Allie is a teacher with a very on-the-go schedule, so Slim-Fast has been perfect for her to grab and go with. It’s a great way of saving money by not buying expensive, unhealthy lunches every day at work, as well!

I love the chocolate powder - I mix it with some vanilla soy milk and put it in the blender, it tastes totally indulgent, but isn’t!

Image: Carolyn Hsu/The Daily Obsession

My friend Carolyn, over at The Daily Obsession, also took part in the challenge with us! “I decided to take the SlimFast challenge because I had only a few weeks to get in shape for a fashion video shoot I was taking part of. As a busy city gal, I don’t always have time to cook or plan out my meals ahead of time, so Slimfast seemed like the most optimal solution for me since I wouldn’t even have to think for two meals of my day. I consumed a combination of Slimfast shakes and bars throughout my work day and then would come home and (usually) cook something healthy for dinner. I found the taste of Slimfast to be very appealing actually. In fact, one of the biggest challenges for me on the challenge was not to over-consume my allocated number of Slimfast meals and snacks per day! As it turned out- when video shoot day came, I actually fit into a form fitting dress (see picture) while managing to keep my rolls in check!”

So, we are fans. So much so, that we may continue to drink it…recreationally!

If you’ve read eBeautyDaily, like, ever, you are probably already well aware that I am a fan of Bare Escentuals.

Image: Nordstrom

Actually, to call me a fan would be like to say that Elvis sort of liked peanut butter. I am obsessed - and the new water-based Hydrating Mineral Veil has not faltered my love at all.

This new take on mineral veil is great for thirsty skin and has a cooling effect, it also helps brighten skin - but in a non-obvious not-shimmery sort of way, which helps to create a smooth finishing touch.

My advice: Best way to use this is to buff it over makeup or bare skin with a great kabuki brush!

Finding the right body care routine goes a long way toward skin health, and that is a part of the message behind a recent study Lever 2000 did. Because, if your skin is healthy and clean and hydrated - it will also be more smooth and touchable. And that’s what we all want!

Lever 2000 is actually currently doing a contest where customers can submit a photograph showcasing how their family embraces the power of touch on www.makeeverytouchcount.com.

All who enter the contest will have a chance to win a professional photo shoot and be featured in a Lever 2000 advertisement, among other prizes. In addition, each submission helps Lever 2000 support Boys & Girls Clubs of America, which provides safe places and positive programs for kids and helps them develop close personal bonds.

And to make it easier to take your prize-winning photos, ONE reader of eBeautyDaily.com will win a Flip Cam Ultra and a bar of Lever 2000!

Lever 2000

This contest follows up the study I mentioned before, “Lever 2000® Making Every Touch Count Study: A National Report on the Power of Touch,” in which parents report hugging and kissing their kids, on average, six times a day!

The study actually showed family closeness is on the rise, and most (4 in 5!) of parents say they show more affection to their kids then their parents showed them.

To have your chance to win your very own Flip Cam Ultra and a bar of Lever 2000, tell us your tip for how your family stays close. Earn extra entries by re-tweeting this contest! (I’m @alywalansky on twitter) - deadline for entries is July 15.

How unbelievably cool and sexy are these???

Image: Nordstrom

I am beyond smitten with these night sky-colored eyelashes with star motifs. They will create a fabulous twinkle on the edges of the eyes that will make you the star of ANY party!

shu uemura Mini Star Glitz False Eyelashes are not for the office - unless I guess you work in a very unique sort of company - but can sexy up that little black dress in no time at all.

I used to think funky false eyelashes weren’t for me - I’m a  pretty shy girl - but I was blown away the first time I saw myself in pictures, in them. They will add such sass to your style, you’ll be hooked in no time!

When I hear that something is a vibrating stimulator, I don’t necessarily assume it is a cosmetic!

In this case, it is. Lancôme ‘Oscillation Powerbooster’ was created especially for Nordstrom, and is the first vibrating power primer, it’s intended to help increase natural growing of lashes with a combination of Crescentia complex and vibrations (which sort of act like a lash massage!).

It’s really easy to use: First, you apply Oscillation Powerbooster to prepare and improve the lash surface, followed by your favorite mascara. This helps max out the makeup results.

Its goal is to have stronger, fuller lashes - ideally without blinding yourself. (Cause then, what would be the point???)

Image: Nordstrom

So, last night I blogged about the incredible importance of sun protection.

Image: PCA Beauty

Roughly 12 hours later, here I am, blogging from the beach.

Clearly, one would think I would follow my own advice. Especially since the OCD in me led me to take my computer TO the beach, where said advice is readily available.

That said, I am wearing sunblock, at least.

I’m scared to death of skin cancer. I am super pale, and have at least one questionable mole I’ve been living in blissful ignorance about; but let’s be honest here–melanoma, sun spots, wrinkles, burns are no joking matter.

That said, they are no reason to render ourselves indoors on an absolutely gorgeous day.

Today, I was at least smart enough to apply PCA Skin Perfecting Face & Body Hydrator SPF 30, a new sunscreen I’ve received with pigment control and is effective for both daily facial and body use.

This is not just a sunscreen, but a UVA/UVB moisturizer developed to hydrate the body and offer broad-spectrum UV protection and minimize skin discolorations. But the truth is in the pudding - I have been using it for the last few hours, and while my skin is a bit on the pink side, no burning is happening. This is a huge deal - normally I’d be a tomato by now!

So, I am a fan. And would probably be even more of one if I applied it as often as I’m supposed to. (About hourly.)