Well, call me a follower but if the beauty editors at magazines like Vogue and Elle, as well as celeb makeup artists are raving about a beauty brand, I just have to try it! Celebrity makeup artist, Katey Denno recently raved about the Vapour Organic Beauty moisture-rich foundations in Vogue and Elle recently featured Vapour's Aura Blush. I had to try these for myself. If you've ever read our blog before you'll know about my tireless search to find an organic makeup line that delivers. I was specifically on the hunt for a healthy foundation that did not include powder. I know folks are all up in arms about loose mineral foundations but for me, they make my pores look magnified! So, now, I've found the perfect foundation! Mission accomplished! 

What first got me excited about this brand was when I discovered that its founder had a make connection to the co-founder of Kevyn Aucoin Beauty. Eric Sakas  was the business partner (and former boyfriend) of the late and great makeup artist Kevyn Aucoin. Be still my heart, one of my favorite beauty lines (espesh their mascara, which I coined in college as "Husband Getting 'Scara). Eric went on an exhausting search to find a natural makeup that would wow its customers. He finally found his match!

Vapour uses non-comedogenic plant oils. To that, botanical infusions are added that provide deep moisture and anti-oxidant protection. Pure mineral pigments are dispersed next, which create a breathable layer that moves with the skin instead of lying flat on top of it like liquid foundations and dry mineral powders tend to do. This movement allows for a play of light, which heightens the natural radiance of the skin. Thus, Vapour provides the next generation of mineral cosmetics.

As I said one of my favorite products was the Atmosphere Soft Focus Foundation ($48.00). I was so impressed with how it gave me coverage without that icky foundation feeing. It really sunk into my pores and gave me flawless skin for the entire day I wore it. With Vapour’s Light Reflective Technology the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and pores are diminished. It really evened out skin tone and impressed me. More impressive was that I wasn't slathering my face in toxic chemicals. Made with 70% Certified Organic ingredients and 30% natural mineral pigments & vitamins. Nourishes with Organic Pumpkin and Papaya complex and brightens skin with Organic Camellia.  Infused with Vapour’s face specific infusion of anti-inflammatory Frankincense, antioxidant Tulsi and moisturizing and calming Lotus flowers.

HSN has partnered with Universal Pictures to create a 24-hour Snow White and the Huntsman event. The event will take place on Wednesday, May 30^th, across all of HSN’s platforms, including TV, HSN.com and HSN mobile.

In the epic action-adventure Snow White and the Huntsman (in theatres June 1^st), Snow White is the only person in the land fairer than the evil queen who is out to destroy her. Join HSN on May 30^th as they celebrate this breathtaking new version of the legendary tale with an HSN Snow White and the HuntsmanCollection from your favorite brands inspired by the movie.

“HSN is the perfect partner to bring the look and feel of Snow White and the Huntsman to life through fashion and lifestyle items inspired by the film,” said Stephanie Sperber, President, Universal Partnerships & Licensing.  “We know this 24-hour event featuring unique clothing, jewelry and accessories alongsideSnow White and the Huntsman footage will build anticipation for the film’s opening on June 1.” 

Check out some of our top picks from ybf’s Snow White and the Huntsman Collection and shop the collection on May 30^th.  Special features, videos and community boards maybe found at HSN.com/snowwhite.

• ybf Beauty Collectible Pewtertone Lipstick Case ($28.80)
• ybf Complexion Perfection Loose Finishing Powder ($28.50)
• ybf Luxury Lip Liners Set of 2 ($24)
• ybf Regal & Royal Crown Compact ($24.95)
• ybf Beauty Mascara & Lash Primer Duo with Bejeweled Lash Curler ($24.80)

Avon wants to help protect you and your family from mosquitoes, deer ticks and other certain biting insects during outdoor activities this summer. I’m excited to share the latest news about Avon’s legendary, bug repellent collection, as well as introduce you to Avon’s first-ever online game – the Bug Guard Game. The Skin So Soft Bug Guard collection is the go-to choice for insect repellency, featuring products that are tough on bugs but soft on you.

All products are DEET-free. Skin So Soft Bug Guard insect repellents are suitable for the entire family.  Avon’s insect repellents have the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval and contain one of two EPA-registered active ingredients, IR3535® or Picaridin. The entire collection includes:

·Bug Guard Plus IR3535® Expedition ™ SPF 30 ($14-$16) – Combined sun and insect protection in one product and available in an Aerosol spray and Pump spray.  Strong and long-lasting repellency against mosquitoes, deer ticks, sand flies, gnats, no-seeums and biting midges.

·Bug Guard Plus Picaridin ($14-$16) – Protection during dusk & dawn, which is when mosquitoes are more active.  Repels deer ticks that may transmit Lyme disease and mosquitoes that may carry West Nile virus.  Available as an Aerosol Spray, Pump Spray and travel-friendly Towelettes.

· Bug Guard Plus IR3535® SPF 30 Lotions ($14) – Repel mosquitoes, deer ticks, black flies, sand flies, gnats, no-seeums and biting midges.  Aloe and Vitamin E-enriched formulas are available as a Gentle Breeze Lotion and Cool ‘n Fabulous Disappearing Color Lotion.

     (When using Avon’s insect repellents, read follow label directions & precautions)

Also, in case you forgot to use your Bug Guard insect repellent, Avon is now offering …

·NEW Anti-Itch Spray – Provides temporary, soothing relief to itchy insect bites. ($10)

                (Does not repel insects & use as directed)

Beyond just fighting off the bugs outdoors, Avon’s Skin So Soft Bug collection also helps you swat them away virtually with the first-ever Bug Guard game! 

The goal of this innovative game is for players to fend off bugs that are disrupting a virtual family picnic using various tools and Avon Skin So Soft Bug Guard products. All Players can post high scores to their Facebook walls and share “Free Sprays” for their friends to use in the game. Additionally, everyone who plays will receive a free shipping code that can be redeemed at Avon.com.

Remember your old friends at Philosophy? You know those old gems? With the amazing different scents? Sugar cookie? Pumpkin pie body wash? Loved those!

Well, Mybody is a clinical skincare line, developed by the founder of Philosophy. Each product caters to three specific skin types: sensitive, acne and anti-aging.

One great product I think you may be interested to hear about is YOUTHIFEYE. YOUTHIFEYE is an all-in-one protective, soothing and youthifying eye treatment. The latest weapon against tired, aging eyes, YOUTHIFEYE is ideal for ANTI-AGING, SENSITIVE and ACNE skin types. It helps instantly lift and revitalize the look of tired eyes and minimizes dark circles and under-eye puffiness. It even creates the appearance of fewer fine lines and crow’s feet.

What it costs: $95.00

Where to buy: www.lovemybody.com

Let us know if you've tried it in the comments!!

Bobbi Brown's Friends & Family sale is here! Now through April 18th, enjoy 20% off on your order plus free standard shipping with any purchase of $65 or more. You don't need a promotional code to shop, simply click here to get started.

Discover the answer to all your beauty and nutrition questions on Thursday, April 19th when celebrity nutritionist Kimberly Snyder will host a chat on Equinox’s Facebook page. Fans will be invited to ask Kim any questions they have about how to achieve their ultimate beauty potential, and will have the chance to hear Kim’s invaluable advice on what beauty-boosting nutrients you should be incorporating into your everyday diet.

Author of the wildly popular book, The Beauty Detox Solution, Kim has worked with such stunning – and stunningly fit – celebrities like Drew Barrymore, Fergie and Hilary Duff. Known for her holistic approach to nutrition and wellness, Kim’s knowledge on achieving lifelong beauty covers everything from how to get glowing skin and strong, healthy hair to the secret to endless energy and maintaining your weight loss results.

Kim will be available from 11 am until noon to share her expertise and must-have secrets to help you look and feel good without sacrificing the foods you love.

WHAT: Kimberly Snyder Facebook Chat with Equinox

WHEN: Thursday, April 19th, 2012
Time: 12pm – 1pm EST

WHERE: www.facebook.com/Equinox 

Score for all those other natural-ites out there! This week a well-respected doctor announced that Thyme may be just as effective (if not more) at treating pesky breakouts as the ever-dreaded benzoyl peroxide! Benzoyl peroxide is the absolute worst! If they came up with an herbal remedy that girlies could use, I would rejoice forever!

Check out the article on NoMoreDirtyLooks.com.

The majority of people don’t pay attention to skincare until they are in their twenties- and many don’t pay it any mind until they are in their forties and it’s too late. Our skin changes as we get older and other factors, such as lifestyle and environment, also influence it to change. Every decade of life brings along its own problems that need to be confronted in their own way, and we should be sure to adjust our skincare routine accordingly.

Under 20

In your teens, your skin is structurally in the best condition it could ever be in and is the picture of health, except for the problems of acne and blackheads. During these years, it’s important to fight against problems like these, so it’s important to wash skin twice a day with a good facial wash. It’s also important to begin using sunscreen on a daily basis, because you don’t want to age prematurely during your twenties.

Roaring Twenties

Once many people get to their twenties and acne is no longer a major problem, they simply do away with a regular skincare routine. However, this is one of the worst mistakes that someone could make because this is actually the best time to start building up a healthy skincare regimen, free of harsh chemical and alcohol-based products. What’s most important in this decade is making sure that the skin stays moisturized. This is also the time to avoid engaging in many of the practices that cause skin to age prematurely, like tobacco use, excessive exposure to sunlight, excessive drinking, and illegal drug use.

Not Quite the Forties, But It’s Definitely Not Your Twenties- the Thirties

During our thirties, skin doesn’t renew itself as quickly as it did in younger years, so it’s important to help keep the process going, and it’s also important to do your part to keep fine lines from turning into more defined wrinkles. Those who care about their skin should exfoliate (at least) weekly at this age range and eat properly. They should also make sure their diet contains all the important skincare vitamins, like vitamins A, B complex, C, D, and especially E, and plenty of water. Just as importantly, they may introduce an anti-wrinkle product to their regimen to help fight fine lines.

After the Thirties

The forties are a tough time to be skin. During this decade, collagen under the skin is damaged, and cannot regenerate itself, which causes wrinkles to become permanent. Age spots begin to show on the skin, and skin becomes dryer than ever before. That’s why it’s important to continue all the good skincare habits that you’ve already established throughout your younger years during this time, and to compliment this routine with an all-natural anti-wrinkle product. While no anti-wrinkle product can totally reverse the aging process, the best anti-wrinkle creams help slow it down substantially. If you’re not sure where to start looking for one, WrinkleReview.com is a good place to start.

Overall, if you maintain a healthy lifestyle and a healthy and consistent skincare regimen, then your skin will stay healthy, too. Your skin is your body’s largest organ, and it pays to keep it healthy as long as possible, just as it pays to keep any of your body’s other organs healthy as long as possible. Take care of your skin and it will take care of you.

**This article was sponsored by WrinkleReview.com**

Mally Roncal is sharing the love again! Throughout her career, she has been a makeup artist to celebrities from Beyoncé to Jennifer Lopez and from Mariah Carey to Celine Dion. She’s known for flawless, glowing skin, which instantly makes you look like you’ve had 8-hours of sleep! Here are Mally’s easy and quick steps for getting a radiant, well-rested look:

Step 1: First, start with a good moisturizer to smooth over any dry or flaky spots.

Step 2: Next, apply my Perfect Prep Poreless Primer to fill in your pores and fine lines, creating an invisible barrier between your skin and your makeup.

Step 3: Apply a creamy concealer underneath your eyes, and then dab on any blemishes. Even out your complexion with my Ultimate Performance Foundation and a powder brush to get that diffused, airbrushed look.

Step 4: Using a highlighter, apply to the brow bone, cheek bones, temples and down the center of your nose; swirl a universally flattering pinky-peach blush onto the apples of the cheeks.

Step 5: Use my Volumizing Mascara and with the wand, apply inwards for a starburst effect that instantly opens up eyes.

Step 6: Finish by using my Lightwand Eye Brightener. Take the pencil end and draw a sideways "v" in the inner corner of your eyes. If you want to take it to the next level, take the spring-loaded powder dabber on the other end, and apply it on top of the pencil!