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Time Defiance Skincare by Artistry
Thursday, 03 February 2011 16:19Friends, 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
Burts Bees Replenishing Lip Balm with Pomegranate Oil
Wednesday, 05 January 2011 13:02Posted Thursday, March 05, 2009
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.
Check it out here!
Bumble and Bumble Prep Spray
Wednesday, 05 January 2011 13:00Posted Thursday, March 05, 2009
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.
Check it out by clicking here.
MAC Paint Pots
Wednesday, 05 January 2011 12:57Posted Thursday, March 26, 2009
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.
Visit your nearest MAC counter or buy it online here.
Cover Girl’s Outlast Lip Stain
Wednesday, 05 January 2011 12:55Posted Monday, April 27, 2009
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.
Click here and check it out!
Philosophy Face System
Wednesday, 05 January 2011 12:52Posted Monday, April 27, 2009
Philosphy products are favorites of a few staff members. They suggest:
Microdelivery exfoliating wash
Purity one step facial cleanser
Hope in a jar
Hope in a tube
Use purity at night. Exfoliating wash in the morning. Hope in a jar and tube both night and morning.
And it's a good value! Just remember, a little goes a looonnnggg way. The scent is light and clean. Jenn swears by this system, and she looks wonderful!
Check out all these great products on their website.
Yes to Carrots C Me Smile Lip Butter
Wednesday, 05 January 2011 12:50Posted Wednesday, July 22, 2009
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.
I recently picked up the organic, paraben free carrot lip butter and I am in love. It goes on smooth, has a mild, pleasing flavor and really lasts a long time. It isn't waxy and it doesn't make me feel like I have to keep reapplying, like Chap stick does. Best of all? Just fill in your lips with your favorite lipliner and swipe this lip butter over it. Instant subtle lip look.
Visit their website to learn more about their amazing product line.
Bump-It
Wednesday, 05 January 2011 12:48Posted Tuesday, November 03, 2009
If you are a pageant person, chances are you have heard of or even tried the magical Bump-It hair accessory.
On a whim, I ordered a Bump-It set from a catalogue and when it arrived, I was in love. Personally, I don't have a ton of hair and I do a lot of backcombing and hairspraying everyday to create the illusion of full hair. With the Bump-It, it's a lot easier and my hair never "falls" under the weight of product or over time.
Now, all the girls in the office have Bump-Its and, I have to tell you, we look great.
You can buy Bump-Its at stores like Walgreen's or Target or visit www.bighappiehair.com
Sunsilk Daring Volume Shampoo and Conditioner
Wednesday, 05 January 2011 12:45Posted Tuesday, November 03, 2009
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.
My hair immediately had visibly more lift, but still felt soft and was natural-looking. And the Sunsilk Daring conditioner also gets a thumbs up. I’ve often found that conditioners for fine hair don’t actually condition. This product softens making combing wet strands easy, but doesn’t weigh the hair down. I’m still a sucker for salon-quality styling products but I’m at least now open to at least trying something “off the rack.” Do you have any favorites to recommend? We’d love to hear from you!
You can buy Sunsilk products at most drugstores and chains like Target, Meijer, and Wal-Mart.
Artistry Time Defiance Face Lotion
Wednesday, 05 January 2011 12:42Posted Thursday, February 11, 2010
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!
One of my favorites is Time Defiance Face Lotion for evening. It comes in this nifty pump bottle. The product itself is not very heavy...it's really more of a serum. It smells heavenly and instantly perks up my skin. I put it on at night before I go to bed, and have even been using it under my moisturizer during the day. I love that it makes my fair skin look vibrant, even in the Michigan winter!
Check out all their Time Defiance products on their website.