Friends, I have an excellent product to share with you. Recently, I was very generously gift a Time Defiance Skincare set by Artistry. The set includes a facial clenaser, a toner, a night lotion, and a day lotion with SPF 15. Anyone who has 
read my blog or any other postings in this column - well, you know I am kind of a skincare fiend so I was really excited to try this out.
I started using it during the Miss America pageant, following the instructions to cleanse, tone, and moisturize both in the morning and at night.
And? I am in love. I have serious grown up feelings for this product line. Seriously.
The cleanser is SO moisturizing and smells SO good - my face feels super clean but also soft and pampered - a real bonus in this cold Michigan winter.
I don't usually like toners, to be honest. I think they can be drying and kind of a waste of money, but this toner is almost like a gel and really smoothes my face and preps it for the moisturizer. I ended up gettng the combination skin formula, which comes with skin lotion and not skin cream. I wasn't sure it would be enough for my winter skin, but it is!
My skin hasn't been this nice since, well...maybe ever? Don't get me wrong - I take good care of my skin. But this product line has cleared up problem areas I have had since I hit puberty. Have I mentioned I am in love? 
You can get more information about these products, and buy them, at : www.artistry.com
Photos Courtesy of Artistry
This ordinary-looking chapstick is a wonderful way to keep lips hydrated, with the added bonus of a nice, rosy color. This is great alone, but even better layered under lipstick for a boost that is both moisturizing and colorful. We buy them by the hand full. Available at most drugstores.
This nutrient-rich detangler reveals texture, enhances the performance of styling products and quickly re-freshens already styled hair without weighing it down. Although this line is a bit pricey, my hair goddess Mary suggested it and my hair is thanking me for it by being super shiny and sleek. You have to love a product that makes your OTHER products work that much harder. Hint : try out the travel size before investing big time. Available at most hair salons and Trade Secret locations.
This is an eye shadow that comes in a cute little pot that has a cream texture when you apply it, but it dries to a really rich, vibrant, crease-free shimmer. It comes in a variety of neutral tones which allow for great layering, and also a variety of more bold and daring shades that MAC has become known for. It dries completely, to the point you can layer powder eye shadow over it and it still won’t crease. Check your local store for a full line of colors – the Web site only lists a few of them. for eyes.
Cover Girl’s Outlast Lip Stain is shaping up to be a new mainstay in our beauty collection! This line offers colors that are muted and mature. Cinnamon Smile, Melia's selection, went on lightly from the felt-tip applicator and gave you enough time to spread it around and shape the liquid to your lips before it dries fully into your lips in about 15 seconds, leaving you with a perfect, matte stay-put pout that you could even layer overtop of.
Microdelivery exfoliating wash
I know what you're thinking - carrot lip balm? But bear with me. This product line is one of the best affordable organic lines available. Most commonly sold at Target, Yes To Carrots offers makeup remover, face wash, body butter, lip balm, and more.
If you have forever longed for more volume for your fine locks give Sunsilk Daring Volume shampoo and conditioner a try. I admit it, after trying lots of different brands you can buy at drug stores only to be disappointed, I just felt that I’d better stick to the products my stylist recommended. But these can be pricey, and with today’s economic conditions, we are all finding a need to cut back in certain areas. I couldn’t believe that this shampoo actually delivered what their commercials promised.
As you know, Artistry is the new skincare and cosmetics sponsor for the Miss America Organization. I have had the chance to try some of their product and I have been very impressed with it!
That's right - the make-up being promoted by Ellen Degeneres has become one of our favorite things!