It seems that at all times, I am carrying around a half dozen shades of lip color…which makes an adorable little purse a near-impossibility!

That’s why I love mini sizes - it lets you have the option, and yet with a lot less to carry around! (And a lot less commitment!)

Thus, there’s currently a set of mini Stila Lip Glazes in my bag. Each comes in a the form of a cool clickable pen, and the set includes Brown Sugar (shimmering golden nude), Apricot (melon nectarine), and Starfruit (shimmering coral).

I’m all about the glaze during the summer months - it’s a great way to have gloss and shine without the matte look of a lipstick. Plus, the shades = totally cute!

Image: Sephora

As I’ve said a million times, I’m all about gifts with purchase - especially when it comes from my very favorite people.

My friend, the brilliant (and dare-I-say debonair) Dr. Jeff Golub-Evans, contacted me recently to tell me that his New York Center for Cosmetic Dentistry has a pretty spectacular bag of goodies they are giving away with “spring cleanings” (and assorted other services) currently.

Not getting a service done? You can BUY the kit for $20 (in person, or I hear, online through their web site if you email them) - and it includes stuff that’s worth way more. Here’s what you will find inside:

Elgyidum Refreshing Mouthwash

Opalescence Whitening Toothpaste

Zoom Whitening Pen

NYCCD collapsible travel toothbrush (and case)

Crest Glide Floss

BreathRX Breath Mints

and a coupon for 15% off your next service

Each of the products are trial-sized, but they are all super premium brands, and all given the A-OK by Golub, who is a dentist to stars like Kim Cattrall, Hugh Jackman, and, well, me.

I am rocking the pink case (of course), but it comes in a few gender-friendly colors - it’s so so great for my upcoming trip to Montauk!

Image: NYCCD

I have fab this evening, and it involves wearing a new dress - obv. I had to shave my legs.

Of course, I am the biggest klutz on record, and I nick more than a razor!

I have tried a ton of gels - both shaving and after-shave treatments - to varying success, but my heart currently belongs to a single blue gel.

Shaveworks’ The Cool Fix works great on ingrown hairs too, but also razor bumps, razor burn, and redness.

It uses exfoliating agents to help release trapped hairs from underneath the skin, and also soothes - so it’s also great for those irritated, dry patches.

Granted, I could just be more careful. But since I won’t be - and stuff happens anyway - this is the way I’m going to go.

Image: Sephora

My summer is, thus far, missing a glow.

And, granted, this can very well describe my personal life, but I am in fact talking about my skin.

However, I am hoping this is about to change, and it’s due to Givenchy’s Prismissime Mat & Glow.

I’m super pale - blonde and blue eyes - but it really imparts just the right touch of caramel to my complexion.

This palette lets you choose your texture—matte or pearly—to match your mood. I like blend, shade, or apply in touches, to everywhere from my face, eyes, or shoulders.

So, go ahead - be sexy! Or at least brighten up what has been the drabbest summer ever.

Image: Sephora

You have heard it before.

“Less is more!” “The natural look!”

Generally, everyone wears makeup. Everyone looks better in makeup. But, ultimately, we all look better when we look like we are not wearing any, but actually are.

Maybe created with this in mind, Perricone MD No Foundation Foundation promises to offer translucent coverage “allowing the natural health and glow of skin to shine through while protecting the complexion against damaging UV rays.”

OK, what does all this mean?

Basically, it works as a dose of specially treated pigments blended with light diffusing mica. This all helps to soften lines, wrinkles, pores, whatever, for a dewy (but flawless!) look.

Personally, I like this because it may make me feel younger. It includes DMAE and Alpha Lipoic Acid, which can help reduce wrinkles over time!

That’s the best reason ever to wear a foundation!

Image: Sephora

When it comes to Bare Escentuals, I am no newbie - in fact, I give it pretty much deity status.

I know a lot of you are still new to it, and mineral makeup in general, though.

For you, I recommend you go out immediately and get yourself bareMinerals Newbie Complexion Kit

This kit includes:
- 2 x 0.03 oz shades of bareMinerals SPF 15 Foundation
- 0.02 oz bareMinerals Mineral Veil
- 0.01 oz bareMinerals Warmth All-Over Face Color
- Mini Flawless Application Face Brush

Why do you need this?

It’s quite simply a great starter kit, and comes with two shades of foundation, so you can find your perfect match. Why do you want mineral makeup? Well, not only does it not clog your pores in the way liquid might, but it’s a lighter, and yet, even coverage - great anytime, but ideal for summer!

Image: Sephora

I’m going to the beach with some girl friends this weekend, and as I am ghastly pale, sun sensitivity is as much an issue as my jelly butt issues.

Korres Watermelon Sunscreen Stick SPF 30 has been a fabulous find for my sensitive face - it’s super easy to apply, easily fits in my cutest of purses, and - most importantly - works!

As in works, I mean, I don’t end up with an ugly blotchy sunburn by the end of the day. It also has a cool but natural-looking iridescent touch, and is sweat-proof! You probably want to consider it, too, if you hate checking luggage - it’s NOT a gel or a liquid, and thus carry-on bag friendly!

I heart it, like, to the point we’re going together to Montauk next week.

Image: Sephora

I am quite the fan of mouthwash, and how can I not be???

Regardless of the trend, fresh breath in the conquest of beauty is a no-brainer MUST. How much money is spent to look and feel your best; but if you open your mouth and offend someone with your breath, the conversation is over and you’ve wasted all that money.

I got immediately excited when I read about SmartMouth Mouthwash, which is the only mouthwash on the market that prevents bad breath for 12 hours after use.

Of course, I didn’t believe the hype. I’m trained to be a hardcore journalist, after all. So, I tried it out. I used SmartMouth and then went about my daily life - coffee, salad with a scoop of guac, night out with apple martinis and crab cakes - I may end the day booze-logged, but my breath - still minty fresh!

Image: SmartMouth

I go through more body butter than I go through real butter (thank god), and so I try to avoid using the super luxe stuff by a means of economy.

However, I am smitten with Korres Body Butters!

These were developed exclusively for Sephora, and each formula is enriched with shea butter which is great for softening the skin; it also contains a blend of sunflower, almond, and avocado oils to restore elasticity and smoothness; and quince extract to heal and nourish.

So while it may seem like this body butter is the makings of a good salad, it’s actually the making of good skin. Then again, so is a salad. But anyway, it’s really really awesome - try it!

Image: Sephora

Recently, my good friends from Suave paid me a visit and brought a shopping bag full of their latest bath products - I am in love!

I fell in love with the Suave body wash months ago, and as they develop new varieties, I keep on becoming a bigger fan. In my shower now - Suave Naturals Lavender Vanilla Calming Body Wash.

It’s infused with lavender + vanilla extracts and also has the very skin-conditioning vitamin E, which all work together in a way that actually does calm not only my skin but my MIND. (Believe it or not. And my head - usually a very scary place.)

As an interesting side note, I noticed after getting out of the shower that I was using the coordinating lavender-vanilla deodorant as well. Me? Monogamy in product lines? Craziness.

Image: Wegmens