Sunday, January 30, 2011

Beauty That Gives Back

I’ve donated much time over my 25 years of life volunteering for several different causes, including animal shelters, homeless shelters, the American Red Cross, the Special Olympics, Goodwill, Girl Scouts and several others. Unfortunately, in the past few years, I haven’t had as much time to give to these causes as I once did. I truly admire the people who make charity their life, who MAKE time to go out of their way to help others. One of my New Year’s Resolutions was to donate my time to at least one charity this year. Yes, one month later and I am still trying to get on track with some of my resolutions. This time around, I would love to get involved with some sort of cause that would help make women feel more beautiful. Several years ago in Girl Scouts, my troop put together toiletry kits for homeless and battered women, and it was a very rewarding experience. Perhaps I will get involved with something similar this year.

In the meantime, while I am bogged down with this heavy hitting spring semester at school, I have chosen to donate funds to charity instead. My first real job (a.k.a first non-camp counselor job) was at The Body Shop, way back in 2004. The thing that has always drawn me to TBS was their fair trade values and the fact that they were always involved in some sort of campaign to better the world around us. Of course, their products were great as well. There were always special products that one could buy and the Body Shop would donate a certain amount of the proceeds to charity. This isn’t a new idea, but it wasn’t quite as common as it is in the cosmetics world nowadays. Today, there are hundreds of beauty companies out there that are involved in charity organizations.

I have made a conscious effort lately to purchase products that will benefit some sort of worthy cause, and I have listed several of these products below. I hope that this post will inspire someone to give something back to their fellow man, because every little bit helps!


Aveda Green Science Firming Face Cream, $55
http://www.aveda.com/product/CATEGORY10562/PROD13357/Skin_Care/Moisturize_Protect/index.tmpl

This award-winning face cream is geared towards mature skin types, as it helps moisturize, firm and smooth fine lines. The key ingredient in this cream is organic argan oil, which comes from Morocco. Aveda is involved in The Targanine Cooperative to produce this oil, which enables the women in Morocco to provide for their families and communities. This co-op supports over 400 families, and your purchase of this cream helps provide for these women, as well as preserve the argan trees in Morocco. A win-win situation for sure!
Kiehl's Jeff Koons Limited Edition Creme de Corps, $27
http://www.kiehls.com/Jeff-Koons-Limited-Edition-Creme-de-Corps/919,default,pd.html?start=2&cgid=body-moisturizers

Kiehl's famous shea butter and sesame seed oil moisturizer has been a cult favorite for many years. It is perfect for that unsightly, flaky winter skin and has really stood out in a sea of moisturizers that claim to do the same. This is a true winner in my book. Kiehl's has teamed up with internationally recognized contemporary artists to help children in need. 100% of the net profits from the sale of this lotion will be donate to the Koons Family Institute, which benefits the International Centre for Missing and Exploited Children.

Lush Charity Pot Body Lotion, $20.95
http://www.lushusa.com/shop/products/body/hand-and-body-creams/charity-pot

This chocolate scented cocoa butter and almond oil moisturizer was one of Lush's first lotions, and it is still going strong. Lush donates 100% of the proceeds from this lotion to several grassroots charities around the world, including several animal rights organizations, human rights campaigns and clean ocean initiatives. Each pot will have information on the top explaining which charity your purchase has benefited. Another great product from one of my favorite cosmetics companies of all time!
The Body Shop Soft Hands Kind Heart Hand Cream, $7
http://www.thebodyshop-usa.com/lotions-creams/prod1029823

As I mentioned earlier, the Body Shop has always done a wonderful job giving back to the world. I was a little concerned back when L'Oreal purchased TBS in 2006 because they don't exactly have the most humanistic reputation. Nonetheless, they adhered to The Body Shop's values, and they continue to do a great job with their social activism campaigns. 100% of profits from the sale of this hand cream benefit the ECPAT network, which stands for End Child Prostitution, Child Pornography and Child Trafficking. Human trafficking is one of the most serious problems our world faces today, and it is commendable that the Body Shop is helping the cause.

Anthony Logistics for Men Products
http://www.anthony.com/about-us/philanthropy-2/

Anthony Logistics are products that are made specifically for men. There are so many men's products on the market nowadays, but these guys were one of the first. In the last decade, around 350,000 men have died from prostate cancer, which is the same number of deaths that were caused by breast cancer in women. Anthony Logistics donates a percentage of the profits from the sale of all their products to not-for-profit charities involved in spreading prostate cancer awareness. In a society that has become very active in breast cancer benefaction, I think we should try to focus equally on this killer of men as well. 



Clairsonic Skincare Brush BCA Pink, $195
http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P211002&categoryId=C15188&shouldPaginate=true

The beauty community has been all aflutter lately over the Clairsonic skincare brush. It has helped women overcome several skincare afflictions, and helped those without skin problems achieve an overall clearer and healthier complexion. It is quite pricy, but countless women out there will swear that it is absolutely worth it. This particular version sold by Sephora promises to donate a portion of the proceeds to fund the fight against breast cancer.  


Nest Blue Garden Candle, $32
http://www.candledelirium.com/Nest-Candles/Nest-Blue-Garden-Candle/

This gorgeous candle is a springy mix of blue hydrangea, hyacinth and forget-me-not. This line of candles is done by Laura Slatkin, the wife of famous Bath and Body Works candle mogul Harry Slatkin. When their son was diagnosed with autism, the couple co-founded the New York Center for Autism, which is an organization dedicated to biomedical research for the disease. A portion of the proceeds for each Blue Garden Candle sold will be donated to Autism Speaks, which helps spread awareness of autism spectrum disorders. 

EcoTools Makeup Brushes
http://www.parispresents.com/EcoTools_s/36.htm

These are truly some of the best makeup brushes out there - and the best part is, they are available at your local drugstore! These super soft and luxurious brushes are made from 100% synthetic hair, which is quite rare in the makeup brush industry. EcoTools is part of the 1% for the Planet movement, in which several companies donate 1% of their total sales to a network of global environmental campaigns for clean air, pure water, safe food and wild places. 
Buxom Stay-There Eye Shadow, $17
http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P267305&categoryId=B70

Buxom shadows are my newest makeup obsession. They have a wonderfully unique texture, and are named after dog breeds! Unfortunately, there is no daschund one, which is the one fault of this line! Anyways, in honor of each eyeshadow sold, Bare Escentuals (the parent company of Buxom) will make a charitable donation to Canine Companions for Independence, an organization dedicated to providing service dogs to the disabled. A wothy cause and amazing product!

Chantecaille Sea Turtle Palette, $78
http://www.blissworld.com/beauty/shop-by-brand/chantecaille/chantecaille-sea-turtle-palette.aspx

Although this palette isn't widely available quite yet, I had to include it in this post. Chantecaille's upcoming spring palette is absolutely stunning!! Chante's eyeshadows are extremely luxurious, and almost too gorgeous to even use! With this particular sea turtle edition, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to WIDECAST, an organization that helps save sea turtles in North, South and Central America and the Carribean. I can't wait to see this bad boy in person!
Josie Maran GOGO Instant Natural Volume Argan Mascara
http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P268208&categoryId=B70

Another product with beneficial argan oil, this mascara conditions and volumizes lashes for water-resistant definition.  For each GOGO mascara purchased, Josie Maran will donate one tube of mascara to a City of Hope cancer patient. After 5000 units are sold, $1 from each purchase will be donated to City of Hope's research and community outreach efforts. 
Trish McEvoy Beauty Emergency Card for Lips in Be Prepared Pink, $32
http://www.trishmcevoy.com/products/tabid/61/productid/237/catid/13/sename/beauty-emergency-card-for-lips-be-prepared-pink/default.aspx

This palette supports a cause that is very near and dear to my heart. It was designed exclusively to benefit the Girl Scouts of America, which is a very worthy cause! I have been a Girl Scout since first grade, and being a part of such an amazing organization helped me become who I am today. 100% of the proceeds of this product go to the GSUSA to develop young women of courage, confidence and character. As a girl scout, I have learned to always Be Prepared, and this is the perfect emergency beauty product to keep stashed in your purse, as you never know when you will need it!

Elizabeth Arden Limited Edition Anniversary Lipstick in Red Door Red, $20
http://shop.elizabetharden.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3993344&cp=2779912.4052003&parentPage=family

This year, Elizabeth Arden is celebrating 100 years in business! That is quite a feat in the ever-changing world of cosmetics and beauty. Red Door Red is a universal red shade that will look good on several different skin tones. Elizabeth Arden will donate 100% of the proceeds from the sale of this lipstick to Look Good...Feel Better, a global organization designed to help cancer patients look good to improve their self-esteem, and in turn, provide a better chance at a successful treatment. 
MAC Viva Glam Lady Gaga Lipstick, $14.50
http://www.maccosmetics.com/whats_new/2424/index.tmpl

This bluish-pink lipstick created by MAC and Lady Gaga is the latest edition in MAC's long-running AIDS charity campaign. Viva Glam is their newest incarnation, teaming up with celebrities to raise money for people around the worlds who are suffering from the deadly illness. 100% of the purchase price of this lipstick, and other Viva Glam products, goes to help men, women and children living with HIV/AIDS.





Hope you guys learned something from this post, and hopefully you will pick up a product or two as well! =)

Friday, January 28, 2011

Cold and Flu Season is Here!


Ahh yes, it’s that time of year again: cold and flu season. The funny thing about the flu is that it always seems to strike at the most desolate and somber time of year, which makes winters seem even more dreadful. The winter adds fuel to the flu’s fire. I’m no expert, but I assume it has something to do with the fact that we all spend a lot more time inside during the winter, breathing in each other’s germs far more than we do during the warmer months. Plus, being inside so much and out of the sun limits our exposure to Vitamin D, an essential nutrient that helps boost the immune system. Whatever. The point is, it’s inevitable. Sure, you could always get the flu shot, and many people do, but I prefer to give my body a go at avoiding the virus all on it’s own.

A few years ago when I was working in an office environment, I got the flu for the first time in my life. Sure I’ve had colds, bronchitis, strep throat and a bunch of other lovely contagious airborne illnesses. But the flu definitely takes the cake. I was practically unconscious for three days - and this wasn’t exactly a blissful, peaceful sleep. I would wake up delirious every hour because I was too hot, too cold, had to puke, had to blow my nose or take more drugs. It was vile. I was living with my boyfriend (who is now my wonderful husband) at the time, but I felt so awful that I needed to stay at my parents house those three days because I was convinced I was dying.  Well, apparently I lived through it.

Ever since then I have taken extra precautions around this time of year to try to prevent another episode of the flu. I pump my system full of extra vitamins and antioxidants, but most importantly, I pay attention to people when they say they feel ill. If someone posts on Facebook that they are sick and I run into them, I will do my best to stay a safe distance so I don’t become infected. Also, if someone is sitting by me in class and hacking their brains out, I will dramatically take out my hand sanitizer, place it on my desk, and glare at them indicating that I would kindly like them to move. Lord knows I shouldn’t be the one to move, it’s THEIR fault they are sick, not mine. Right? Plus, classroom seats are sacred.

Anyways, should you find yourself with a fever and chills this winter, here are some beauty products to help you get through it with minimal hygiene slacking. 
Bath and Body Works Anti-Bacterial Pocketbac Hand Sanitizing Gel in Cinnamon Heaven, $1.50
http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/product/index.jsp?productId=11085418&cp=4213376.4257186

I always keep one of these suckers in my purse at all times. These are perfect because they are small enough to keep in even the smallest of clutches, and they come in a wide variety of scents. The Cinnamon Heaven is a brand-new fragrance, and I am definitely digging it. I am a huge fan of warm, spicy scents, and this is the perfect sweet and spicy cinnamon roll scent. Hand sanitizers are essential for cold and flu season, and the ones from BBW are far more interesting than plain old Purell.

Booth's Shea Butter Creamy Hand Soap in Peppermint Vanilla, $5.99
http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?skuId=2149015&productId=xlsImpprod600156&navAction=push&navCount=1


The most important element of prevention is also the most simple one: WASH YOUR HANDS!!! Unfortunately, dry winter air and frequent washing of the hands often leads to extremely dry and cracked skin. So here is where this wonderful hand soap comes in. It is seriously thick, and super moisturizing as well with all that shea butter.  Of course it also smells great, and the fresh scent is a great unisex fragrance so the boys can use it too!



Neosporin LT Lip Treatment, $4.50
http://www.continualyouth.com/AquafreshIso-ActiveWhiteningToothpaste-DeepImpact-4.3oz.aspx 


One of the most unpleasant symptoms of colds are cold sores. While I have never gotten a cold sore myself, I have experienced EXTREME dry lips while having a cold, and Neosporin LT was the only thing that helped. It claims that it helps relieve the symptoms of cold sores as well. This stuff is not widely available anymore, but you can still purchase it at the above website. I highly recommend giving it a shot!
C.O. Bigelow Cold and Flu Soak Herbal Formula #122, $18
http://www.bigelowchemists.com/product_info.php/products_id/2969?osCsid=b22a3090b547515abb62fbdd53659171


I was first introduced to this stuff when I worked at Bath and Body Works in 2006. Those were the glory days of BBW, when they were introducing tons innovative brands and had a far wider range of products then they do nowadays. Anyways, I was suffering from a particularly stubborn cold one week, so I picked up a bottle of this at work and I fell in love. Just put about five capfuls of this stuff into a hot bath, soak and breathe in all the menthol-ly goodness! It has a bunch of healing oils and extracts, such as eucalyptus, willow bark, cinnamon leaf, clove, ginger and wintergreen. Unfortunately, BBW has pared down their apothecary offerings as of late, but you can still get this directly through the C.O. Bigelow Website.
California Baby Colds and Flu Massage Oil, $12.49
http://www.californiababy.com/colds-flu-massage-oil-4-5-oz.html


This stuff is not only great for babies, but amazing for adults as well! As a child, I had a particularly traumatic incident with getting some Vick's Vaporub in my eye, and ever since then, I have tried my best to steer clear of that product. California Baby Colds and Flu Massage Oil is the perfect all-natural alternative; it has eucalytus and fir needle oils to help ease chest congestion. Plus, it's not nearly as greasy as the Vick's, and it leaves the skin nice and silky smooth! An A+ in my book.
Aroma Floria Sinus Help Inhalation Beads, $6
http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?skuId=5506180&productId=prod5506180&navAction=push&
navCount=1&categoryId=cat110062&CAWELAID=202393834


Can you tell that I am really into aromatherapy? Anyways, this stuff is a GODSEND! I have constant sinus issues, no matter what time of year it is. One whiff of these lemongrass, peppermint and eucalyptus scented beads, and your sinus are immediately relieved. Sure, the relief wont last for hours, but it is a great alternative for when you don't feel like getting high off decongestants.
Yu-Be Moisturizing Skin Cream To Go, $15
http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P213539&categoryId=B70

This cream is absolutely perfect for helping with that unsightly under-the-nose crustiness. You know what I'm talking about - when you have blown your nose one too many times with that one-ply toilet paper at work and your skin is raw and hurty. Yu-Be Cream is awesome because it really moisturizes, and it actually absorbs into the skin instead of just sitting on top. This is key because you can apply makeup on top without having to worry about it just sliding off your face. Bonus: it has camphor, which can help clear your sinuses. Plus, you can use it on the lips as well. I am in LOVE with this stuff, it's a great multi-tasker. 
Clinique All About Eyes Rich, $29
http://www.clinique.com/product/CATEGORY21364/PROD11195/Skin_Care/Eye__Lip_Care/index.tmpl

When women are sick, their faces tend to get a bit puffy. For me, I am especially affected around the eye area. This amped-up version of Clinique's original version is a great solution for those puffy, tired eyes. It sinks in quickly and isn't greasy, so it is a great base for eye makeup and concealer. A little dab will be enough for both eyes, so this little jar should last you quite awhile. It's great for overworked and under-rested college students as well!
Origins VitaZing SPF 15 Energy Boosting Moisturizer, $35
http://www.origins.com/product/3858/13004/Skincare/Daily-Essentials/Moisturizers/VitaZing/SPF-15-Energy-boosting-moisturizer/index.tmpl

Ahh! This new moisturizer from Origins is absolutely outstanding! Colds and flu can cause the skin to look dull, pale and lifeless, and not to mention dry as the Sahara desert. VitaZing is a wonderfully delicious smelling tinted moisturizer that will make your skin look absolutely radiant. When you are sick, the last thing you want to do is spend a lot of time stippling on foundation, blending it and setting it with powder. This stuff actually does a pretty great job as a skin base for easy days when you just can't be bothered to go through all the steps. It instantly brightens up your face, and gives the appearance of good health, when really, you are just eyeing the room for the next garbage can to barf in. 
Kat Von D Tattoo Concealer, $25
http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P231113&categoryId=B70

I first got a sample of this product from Sephora when I was looking to cover up a tattoo for a job interview. It didn't end up covering up my tattoo, but I got the job anyways. I was about to throw out my sample, but I gave it a go on some blemishes and it covered them beautifully! This creamy concealer is perfect to cover up the redness under your nose, as well as those dark undereye circles. 
Tarte EmphasEYES Inner Rim Brightener, $18
http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P278605&categoryId=B70

I have tried several waterline brighteners, and this is definitely the best of the best. The whole idea behind this is to line your waterline (the inner line above your eyelashes on your lower lid) with a flesh colored pencil to hide the redness, and it really does make your eyes appear bigger and brighter. A quick line of the waterline with this stuff, a sweep of cream eyeshadow and a coat of mascara is a great, fast solution to perk up your face when you are feeling too sick to spend more time on your makeup. 
Nars The Multiple in Orgasm, $38
http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P191605&categoryId=B70

This is another great multi-tasking product for lazy days. When you are sick, the last thing you want to do is layer on powder because it will accentuate your tired and dull skin. The multiple is a creamy, universally-flattering pinky peach color that can work as a blush, highlighter and even a wash of color on the eyes. It's called "The Multiple" for a reason. Not only will this come in handy to perk up winter skin, it is great to highlight your tan in the summer! 

Well, that's all for now! I hope you are all lucky enough to escape the creeping crud this winter. But if not, at least you can look cute while hacking up a lung!


Thursday, January 27, 2011

It's T-Shirt Time!

If you have never watched MTV's Jersey Shore, then consider yourself lucky. For the rest of us that have gotten sucked in by the crazy cast of the shore, Thursday nights will never be the same. The tanned, loud, obnoxious and drunken antics of the cast are such a trainwreck that you just can't look away. How can their be "tanned antics" you ask? Just watch. It happens. 

The first time I ever watched Jersey Shore was in the first season, when Snooki gets punched in the face. By a dude. At a bar. I was so intrigued by the fact that a pint sized meatball of a girl like Snooki could be so annoying as to inspire a man to punch her in the face! From then on, I was hooked. Sure, these kids are pretty ridiculous but at the same time, it is quite possibly the most entertaining reality show to ever grace the small screen. The Jersey Shore cast has spawned an entirely new diatribe in American culture. They have been criticized endlessly for their promiscuous conduct, irresponsible drinking habits and their frighteningly obvious abuse of tanning beds. New Jersey-ites (not sure if that's the right word) complain that they are giving Jersey a bad name, and Italian-Americans are calling them a disgrace to their culture.  I, on the other hand, applaud them for their reckless behavior and drama-filled lives. You know why? Because it makes for some good TV.

Perhaps the best thing about the Jersey Shore thus far is the colorful range of words and phrases it has added to the lexicon of American English: grenade, smush, beatin' up the beat, GTL, fist pumping, robbery, hippopotamus, gorilla, fresh to death, and pouf are just some of the many examples. While I can do without a lot of the Sammi-Ron drama, I can't get enough of Snooki's drunken confessionals, J-Woww's massive...assets or the Situation's desperate attempts to land any female who is DTF (down to, well, you can fill in the blank). It is so over-the-top ridiculous, but you just can't NOT watch it once you start. 

Clearly, this entry was inspired by my favorite self-proclaimed guidos and guidettes: A guide to Jersey Shore beauty. You will notice that key elements here are: orange tans, big hair and tons of caked on makeup. Enjoy!

Ed Hardy Body Shots Mega-Extreme Black Tingle Formula with Ultra-Dark Silicone Bronzers, $40

Ed Hardy is the unofficial clothing line of the Jersey Shore. The girls all have their Ed Hardy bikinis and trucker hats, while the guys seem to have an endless array of Ed Hardy shirts in their closet. This indoor tanning lotion is marketed as the "Most Intense Tanning Experience Ever." I believe it, as I'm not sure you could get much more intense then "mega-extreme black tingle." If you want an authentic fake Jersey Shore tan, this is right up your alley.
GlowFusion Air Glow, $87.50
http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P174903&shouldPaginate=true&categoryId=5781

Just to make sure you have that extra-orange glow, get yourself one of these bad boys. After you get home from the tanning beds, spray this right on and you're good to go. It dries instantly so you can get right back to cooking up some delicious sangwiches and chicken cutlets.  
Too Faced Peach Leopard Bronzer, $28
http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P277302&categoryId=B70

Just in case the fake tan and the fake spray-on tan weren't enough, this bronzer will surely be the perfect finishing touch on that beautiful orange tan you've got going on. The peach tone will really make your skin glow and make people think that you just stepped out of the tanning bed - well, you probably did anyways. 


Benefit Bad Gal Eyeliner, $20
http://www.benefitcosmetics.com/

If you are trying to achieve the "Hi, I've been drinking heavily for the past five hours" eye look, then this is your eyeliner. Just line your eyes, smudge it out, and it will look like you have been drinking all day! 
Urban Decay Polyester Bride Eyeshadow, $17
http://www.urbandecay.com/categories/Eyeshadow.cfm

What every Jersey Shore girl needs is some frosty white eyeshadow to really emphasize how dark you skin is. Polyester Bride is an excellent choice, as it is littered with glitter. There is nothing so trashy-chic as smudgy black eyeliner with white glittery shadow. Ohh yeahhh!!
Ardell Demi Wispies False Eyelashes, $3.49
http://www.madamemadeline.com/online_shoppe/products.asp?cat=3

Falsies are a fist-pumping guidette's dream. When you're surrounded by a bunch of juiceheads and gorillas at the club, the last thing you want to worry about is mascara running down your face. Plus, with all the black eyeliner you will be wearing, you definitely want to make sure you're eyelashes stand out. Fake is always the way to go.

MAC Tanarama Lipstick, $14.50
http://www.maccosmetics.com/whats_new/4332/index.tmpl

This frosty nude lipstick from MAC's Cham-Pale Collection is perfect to counteract the craziness you've got going on with your eyes. The more it blends in with your skin, the better. The goal is to make it look like you've been eating salt and vinegar chips for two hours straight.
Big Sexy Hair Concepts Spray and Play Hairspray, $12
http://www.sexyhair.com/products_big.aspx#

Big is better at the shore. Big muscles, big boobs, big hair, big....well, you catch my drift. Spray and Play will keep your pouf going through long hours at the club, and even through those late night/early morning snack and smush sessions. No jersey shore girl should be without a can of this stuff.

Joico Ice Spiker, $10.99
http://www.joico.com/products/Styling/ice-hair/ice-spiker

Boys, if you are dying for the coveted Pauly D spikes, this is actually the gel that he uses to get his famous 'do. Because "150mph on the highway on a street bike… it doesn’t move! What makes you think it’s gonna move in a gelato shop?" 
Bath and Body Works Need A Margarita? Body Wash, $13
http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3307347&cp=2484528.4050548

Because your pores are leaking alcohol anyways, you may as well start fresh with an alcohol-scented body wash. This delicious lime shower gel leaves you with silky, margarita scented body wash. At the shore, you always need a margarita.
Dangerous Perfume by Sammi Sweetheart, $21
http://dangerousperfume.com/store/

Yes, this is for real. Just like every other pseudo-celebrity nowadays, Sammi will be releasing a fragrance line this spring. Coming to a check out counter display near you: the scent of sweat, stale beer and codependency.





What would be your Jersey Shore beauty essentials?

Sunday, January 23, 2011

Ho'i Hou Ke Aloha

Aloha! This past October, my husband and I got married and had the good fortune to be able to take a two week honeymoon to the marvelous state of Hawaii! Ever since we got back, we have been wishing we would have never left. The beaches, the volcanoes, the sunsets, the pineapple, the fresh seafood, and the aloha spirit of the locals...it was truly a dream come true. These 15 degree temperatures and ice-covered streets here in Cleveland couldn't be more different than the hot and sunny days we spent in our tropical paradise just three short months ago. So, I have found myself trying to recreate some of our favorite honeymoon moments. This past week I made a "hawaiian plate lunch" dinner: Garlic shrimp scampi, macaroni salad and hawaiian sweet rolls. Then a few days later, I made some kalua pork. So scrumptious!

But what I've really been craving is some Hawaiian beauty. They say that the sense of smell can be extremely evocative, bringing you back to scenes that you thought had left your conscious mind. One whiff of my coconut body splash that I brought to Hawaii can send me spiraling back to the time that my husband and I spent the entire day oceanside, sipping on Mai Tais and slathering on sunscreen. When I slather on my Maui Babe lotion, I am reminded of the night that we hiked though a volcano-decimated town in the pitch dark to see lava flowing into the ocean. And for me, smell is not the only thing that brings back memories. Whenever I use my Hoola bronzer, I remember getting ready in our cottage on the North Shore, just looking out the window and seeing nothing but sand, palm trees, and the ocean.

So here are some of my favorite products that are reminiscent of Hawaii. Some I brought with me this past October, some I wish I would have brought with me. If you are looking for what to pack on your own tropical vacation, or are just in need of some summery beauty in the dead of winter, read on!

Maybelline Volum' Express The Falsies Waterproof Mascara, $7.49
http://www.walgreens.com/store/c/maybelline-volum'-express-the-falsies-waterproof-mascara/ID=prod6030819-product

If there is one product I would never leave the house without, it's mascara. I have been loving The Falsies lately, and made sure that I picked up a tube of waterproof before heading off to Hawaii. It is not only waterproof for your days spent surfing and swimming, but smudge-proof and flake-proof as well. On easy mornings, I would just slather on some sunblock, coat my lashes with mascara and I would be good to go. 


Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick Compact in Beach, $38
http://www.bobbibrowncosmetics.com/templates/products/spp/index.tmpl?CATEGORY_ID=CATEGORY22760&PRODUCT_ID=PROD15921

When packing my makeup for travel, I am all about those multi-tasking products. Bobbi Brown's shimmer bricks are perfect for travel because they can be used as an all over color wash on the cheeks or as individual eye shadow colors. This compact in Beach has the perfect vacation colors of pearly pinks and shimmery bronzes. With this, there is really no need to bring any other eyeshadow. You have great base, contour and all-over wash colors in the palette.
The Coconut Hut Surf's Up Shea Butter Body Wash, $9.95
http://www.coconuthutbeauty.com/product_detail.php?prodID=9&categoryID=4
The Coconut Hut is one of my favorite bath and body companies of all-time. It is a home business, run by a really nice lady named Lena and her husband. The products are out of this world, far better than most of the stuff you would find on the shelves at your local Sephora. This body wash is amazing! You may be a bit shocked at first, as it is a bit on the watery side but I assure you that it is uber moisturizing...and here's the best part: you can order it in over 500 different fragrances! My personal favorites are Blue Aloha Freeze (a blueberry/citrus/banana blend) and Kauai Splash Cooler (a lemonade/strawberry/melon blend), but there is something for everyone! They have bakery scents, fruity drink scents, floral scents, designer dupes and many more. Check out the Coconut Hut! 
Redken Color Extent Sun Solar Shield SPF 12
http://www.redken.com/products/haircare/color-extend-sun/color-extend-sun-solar-screen-spf-12

I'll admit, I didn't bring this with me on our honeymoon but I seriously wish I would have. I left for Hawaii a brunette and returned...well, a much lighter brunette. The sun seriously bleached the shit out of my hair. My guess is that most people would prefer that their color stay intact in the sun; blonde highlights can turn brassy, and brown haired ladies may find themselves with a disconcerting shade of copper after too many solar rays. This stuff works great as a leave in, and really protects your hair color from fading. I will never go on a tropical vaycay without this again!
The Body Shop Aloe Soothing Moisture Lotion for Face SPF 15, $18
http://www.thebodyshop-usa.com/aloe-skin-care/prod6900032

Even with the best of intentions, you never know when you might end up with a little bit of pinkness on your face. This stuff is a godsend for crispy, burnt facial skin. Everyone knows that aloe is the best thing for a sunburn, and this soothing aloe lotion is perfect to help repair the moisture barrier on the face after a light to moderate burn. Better yet, it has an SPF of 15 so it will help prevent further burning. 
EOS Lip Balm Sphere in Lemon Drop SPF 15, $3.99
http://www.drugstore.com/qxp314045/eos/lip_balm_sphere_lemon_drop.htm?fromsrch=eos+lemon+drop

Never in my whole life have I been as obsessed with a lip balm as I am with this one. It feels AMAZING on my lips: not greasy, and leaves my lips moisturized even after the original coating wears off. It tastes amazing as well, as it has a lovely fresh lemon scent. In Hawaii, you definitely need SPF on the lips, and this one is your best option by far! 
Benefit Hoola Bronzer
http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P8940&shouldPaginate=true&categoryId=5333

I'm not generally a bronzer kind of girl, but the sun must have leeched into my brain in Hawaii, and I wanted dark, glowy skin dammit! The fact that I even had a tan was a miracle. I prefer matte bronzers, and Hoola was perfect for my light skin. No shimmer, just a nice wash of color to brighten up my tan.

Maui Babe After Browning Lotion, $23
http://www.mauibabe.com/order1.php

If you have ever been to an ABC store in Waikiki, you have seen this product. This lotion is sooooooooo good! It has a gorgeous fresh smell, almost like the ocean with a hint of green coconutty sweetness. It has aloe and macadamia nut oil in it to soothe your sun-parched skin after a long day on the beach. I used this every day on our honeymoon!



Bath and Body Works Hawaii Coconut Fragrance Mist, $12
http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/product/index.jsp?productId=10752341&cp=2484525.11155975&cm_re=home+page-_-Main+Feature-_-Island+Escape+SC

Man, I wish this would have been out back in October! Have you ever noticed how all mass-produced coconut bath and body stuff smells the same? Well this one is literally a breath of fresh air. It's not your typical sweet and synthetic coconut scent; it is like a freshly cracked coconut intermingling with the salty ocean breeze. Love it!

Kai Perfume Oil Roll-on, $45
http://www.luckyscent.com/shop/section/1/item/10101/brand/Kai/Kai.html

This right here is THE smell of Hawaii. It is perfect for a night out in Hawaii, whether you are going to a luau or having a cozy, romantic dinner on the beach. It is a very potent blend of gorgeous Hawaiian florals: gardenia, pikake and plumeria. A little dab will do ya, and when done right, this scent is truly intoxicating. 
Coola Sport Organic Mango Sunblock SPF 45, $32
http://www.coolasuncare.com/products/sport-sunscreen-spf-45-mango.html

And last but not least: the number one beauty necessity in Hawaii is sunscreen, no question. No matter how tan you think you are, you will need it because the sun is so much stronger there. The Coola sport Mango scented sunblock is amazing; it is mango scented, so you can finally steer away from that gag-inducing coppertone smell. The best part is that this broad-spectrum sunblock is also sweat resistant! And trust me, you will get sweaty.



Hope you enjoyed the latest entry. Next up: Jersey Shore Beauty Essentials: bronze, orange and tan products to help you get it in.