McBride Beauty Travel Kit

Mcbridetravel_2If your beach house is stocked with last year's slimy shampoo bottles (or your hotel room is full of bath products that smell of disinfectant), treat yourself to this travel kit from McBride Beauty. Not only do they boast a luxe line of grapefruit, cucumber, and rosewater scented lotions and shampoos, they also employ an admirably earth-friendly approach to their products, meaning no synthetic fragrances, harsh chemicals, or animal testing. Pamper yourself, paraben-free.

Check out our list of green summer necessities.

June 26, 2008

Sally Hansen Moisture Plump Lip Balm

Sally_2 Heavy lipstick in summer is about as appealing as a heavy coat. So when times call for a pulled together look this season, we turn to Sally Hansen's Moisture Plump Lip Balm: equal parts chapstick, lip stain, and plumper. Part of a new natural beauty line created with the help of 'What Not to Wear's' celeb makeup artist Carmindy, this moisturizing, avocado oil-infused formula comes in seven warm weather-ready shades--none of which will dry out or weigh your look down.

June 20, 2008

Father's Day Pick: Acqua di Parma

AcquadiparmaA quickie trip to Capri for the weekend is probably out of the question, but Acqua di Parma's new Blu Mediterraneo Italian Resort collection will make him feel like he just got back from the shore. The unisex line is made with Mediterranean spa traditions in mind, incorporating scents and textures native to the area. We suggest letting dad take a much-needed break to polish up with the Pumice Body Scrub--made with real volcanic pumice--and the sumptuous Repairing Concentrate balm, which is chock-full of repairing vitamins A and E. 

Click here for more Father's Day gift ideas.

June 13, 2008

Color Power from Essie

EssieSummer is here, so it's time to wipe off that gothic "Lincoln Park After Dark" lacquer and embrace polish shades more befitting to the warm weather (not to mention the serious neon trend of late). Essie's Color Power limited-edition set comes with four mini bottles of fun, sunny shades that will perfectly complement your beach attire. Pink and red hues are classic, while the bright yellow and iridescent blue will be the envy of your babysitter.

Click here for more summer beauty staples.

June 03, 2008

Stuff for Sprouts

SproutsWe love our verbena and basil eye cream as much as the next gal, but those stronger scents aren't going to cut it when moisturizing the kids' chapped lips and sunburnt noses. Thankfully, mother and beauty maven Kristen Bassick has created this line of completely natural lotions in kid-friendly scents like chocolate, lemon, and our favorite, Front Lawn, which smells exactly like freshly cut grass. As the Stuff for Sprouts motto goes, "Nothing weird. Nothing gross. Just good stuff for dry skin." Sounds like a winning recipe.

Click here for more kid-friendly cosmetics.

May 26, 2008

Burt's Bees Sunscreen

BurtsbeesSummer's close on our heels, and the sun will soon be directly overhead and at its strongest.  Protect your brood not only from those harmful UVAs, but from the toxins contained in most sunscreens, by using Burt's Bees' new Chemical-Free Sunscreen. The gentle potion uses natural minerals to create a barrier against harmful rays, and comes in SPF 15 or 30. (And for those that forget to apply theirs liberally, Burt's Bees also offers an After Sun Soother.)

For more summer skin tips, click here.

May 19, 2008

Weleda Birch Body Scrub

Wl0167_2 Swimsuit season is approaching, and if your skin is looking as dry and ashy as ours, we suggest you take action before Memorial day rolls around. Organic skincare giant Weleda recently introduced their new Birch Body Scrub, just in time to save our hides. The formula uses pure plant oils and extracts to exfoliate and, more importantly, diminish the appearance of cellulite, so your bod looks toned and polished when you slip on that string bikini - or modest tank suit.

For more summer skin tips, click here.

May 15, 2008

Gardener's Cleaning Gift Set

GardenkitEvery mom with a green thumb already owns the requisite spades and hoes, clogs and flower seeds. The people at Simplemente Blanco have thought of something for an avid gardener that even she hasn't realized she needs--a clean-up kit. The sweet boxed set includes a gentle brush to remove grit from under fingernails, leaf-shaped glycerine soap to wash soil away, and bath salts in divine scents for more comprehensive cleansing. Now she can tend to herself with as much care as she tends to her tea roses.

To order, email Simplemente Blanco at contactus@simplementeblanco.com. Or for 29 more bright ideas, check out our mother's day gift guide.

May 09, 2008

Anya Hindmarch Wash Bag

AnyaclutchTorn between a giving mom something practical and giving her something indulgent? Let us introduce you to our current obsession: this luxe, oversized toiletry bag-cum-clutch from the brilliant Anya Hindmarch. The quilted, dove grey patent leather wipes clean with a cloth, so mom can feel safe packing it with shampoo bottles and toothpaste on a big trip. Once in the hotel, she can unpack the products and take the pretty thing out to dinner in place of her purse.

For more useful, beautiful finds, check out our mother's day gift guide.

May 08, 2008

Chanel Sycomore

ChanelparfumClassic, elegant, stylish...if any of those words describe a mom in your life, she's probably in need of a little Chanel. Our beauty editors have fallen in love with Sycomore, the latest fragrance from the fashion powerhouse. The modern concoction stands out from more traditional floral or powdery scents with its unique combination of sandalwood, cypress, and juniper. The impression left is warm, earthy, and minimal enough to be worn day and night. Overall, a perfect new signature scent.

To buy, contact Bergdorf Goodman at (212) 872-2667. Or for more special beauty loot, check out our mother's day gift guide.

May 07, 2008

BarBar Cordless Flat Iron

CordlessironDuring the morning rush the last thing we want is to be leashed to the bathroom by a twisted, tangled cord. Naturally, we were delighted to find the new BarBar 1800 cordless flat iron. We love that it allows us complete freedom to move around while prepping for the busy day ahead. It fires up to a whopping 390 degrees in just three seconds, and holds the heat for up to five minutes at a time. By placing it back on its console to rest, re-charging is effortless and completed by the time you grab a new section of hair. You might just call this your magic wand.

And click here for summer hair protection tips!

May 01, 2008

Method Baby

MethodbabyFrom the beginning, the clever folks at Method have sought to make cleaning products--from dish soap to wood cleaners to washcloths-- affordable, all-natural, and attractive. Lucky for us, they're now dabbling in baby care. Their new baby line boasts diaper cream, body wash, and lotion that is gentle and totally eco-friendly...not to mention so stylishly packaged there will be no need to hide them under the sink.

April 23, 2008

Gorgeously Green

Gorgeouslygreen_pb_cLeave it to a Hollywood mom to show us how being more Earth-friendly can actually make you more glamorous. Author Sophie Uliano takes readers through a step-by-step process to make their lives more eco-chic. From her custom yoga program to her own line of green beauty products, the book is full of cool products (a whole chapter called "soulful shopping") and easy ways to help reduce your carbon footprint. Even Julia Roberts is a fan--she wrote the foreword!

April 15, 2008

Under $20: Mineral Makeup

Mineral Prestige's new line of Skin Loving mineral makeup is truly a no-brainer. It's easy (available in major drugstores), it's inexpensive (nothing costs over $12), and it's actually good for your skin. All the products in the line are paraben, talc, and oil free, making them suitable even for sensitive or acne prone complexions. We're partial to the 3-in-1 powder-concealer, which hides our dark circles with one quick swipe.

April 08, 2008

Pure Power

Arcona_3 Still on the hunt for all-natural products that actually deliver? As celeb moms Julia Roberts and Diane Lane already know, you want products from Santa Monica's Arcona Spa. Their luxury skincare line is free of nasty fillers, parabens, perfumes, and dyes. We're partial to the new White Tea makeup remover. As soothing as it is powerful (thanks to the additions of calming chamomile and arnica), it removes our most stubborn waterproof mascara in a single swipe. Click here for more beauty products.



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March 12, 2008

Scout's Honor

TrishmcevoylipglossAfraid of what those boxes of Thin Mints in the cabinet may do to your middle? Well now, thanks to Trish McEvoy's 'Be Prepared' Pink Maxed Out Gloss Kit you can help out the Girl Scouts and stay looking great. This portable kit comes with eight mini glosses in flattering shades of pink and nude -- perfect to layer over lipstick or wear alone. And with the net proceeds going to support Girl Scouting, you might just win a merit badge of your own. See all our favorite beauty products.

February 18, 2008

Romantic Respite

SpacenkNo time to plan a romantic three-course meal between play dates? No worries. The geniuses at Space NK have made it easy to set the mood this Valentines Day, with just one tiny box. Tucked inside are scented essentials for a sexy soak (for either one or two), including bath oil, tablets, body wash, lotion, and even a candle. So find a way to buy yourself half an hour, light that little flame, and sink into the tub for pure relaxation. Now that's the stuff of lasting love. See more Valentine buys.

February 12, 2008

Loving Memory

Mally Mally Roncal, celebrity makeup artist and mother of twins, has teamed up with nonprofit Mommy's Light to create Let There Be Light, a set of universally flattering shades for eyes, lips, and cheeks -- and a stylish way to help out. All proceeds from the pretty little kit go directly to the Mommy's Light Lives On fund, created to help children who have lost their mothers cope and keep their family traditions alive.

January 29, 2008

Nature Nurture

Remediesgroupshot_2 It's the dead of winter, and you know what that means; paper cut season! Try this Calendula Wound Cleanser, part of Dr. Hauschka's new Holistic Home Remedies line. The products are designed to support the body's natural healing instincts, and the gentle ingredients mean they're entirely safe, even for little ones. If a cut gets infected, Mercurialis Wound Rescue will relieve the pain while naturally reducing swelling, and for a nasty goose egg, Ouch! Aid Arnica compresses will discourage bruising. (Hint: for extra relief, keep them in the fridge till you're ready for use). For more home remedies, check out our story.

January 14, 2008

Gift Pick: Foolproof Sexy

Brushset_3There's something so mysterious about smudged smoldering eyes--especially how to get them. For anyone who's tried at home and ended up looking more raccoon than red carpet, Sephora's Smokey Eyes Brush Set is key. The kit includes all the tools you'll need, including super-soft brushes, a rich, volumizing mascara, and our favorite: a domed smudge-brush, crucial to achieving that haphazardly sexy look. And just in case you're still at a loss, step-by-step illustrated instructions come tucked into the soft silver case.

December 05, 2007

About Face

Facewash_2 Fun, fresh and ethical. Not words you'd usually relate to your skin care regimen. But thanks to Face Boutique's new line of easy-to-use, eco-friendly products, you'll be singing a different tune. The products are designed for women with hectic lives and little time to spare (sound like your life much?). Try Peachy Clean, their foaming facial wash with geranium oil to help balance your skin's oil levels, or In The Buff body wash with the antiseptic properties of mandarin oil.

November 12, 2007

Time for a Face Lift

Jurlique2 You scour your market for local produce, use sustainable energy, and swore off soda years ago. So why would you settle when it comes to your own skin? Eco-chic Aussie skin care company Jurlique has unveiled its new look along with a host of new products, all made with herbs and flowers hand-harvested on their biodynamic, South Australian farms. From calendula that promotes skin-cell regeneration to marshmallow that intensely hydrates, the new line of cleansers, creams and mists are sure to help you turn over a shiny new leaf.

November 05, 2007

Halloween Treat: Le Freak, C'est Chic

Polishes Feeling haunted by the impending candy rush? Pick up OPI's limited-edition Glow Out for Halloween pack, an adorable set of four mini polishes in kid-friendly colors like Boo-berry (a deep glow-in-the-dark shade of blue), Cool Ghoul, and Witch Way. They even come with little cat, moon, and bat decals, so you and your kids can create uniquely spooky styles.

October 26, 2007

Peace In A Bottle

Pacifica For those stressful days when squeezing in a yoga class seems impossible, daub your pulse points with Pacifica's new Tibetan Mountain Temple perfume. One of four new offerings from mom, surfer, and all-around-naturalist Brook Harvey-Taylor, the incense-like brew is made from vetiver and Indonesian patchouli, with just a hint of soothing ginger (perfect, according to Buddhist tradition, for anyone who's lost contact with their inner being). Breathe in...breathe out. That's better.

October 16, 2007

Green find: Bike-Churned Soap

Soaps This week, in honor of our current Green issue, Daily Find is thinking environmentally. This Bike-Blended Soap from Gaiam is made in a mixing vat entirely powered by bicycle pedaling! That means that not only is it made entirely free of synthetic scents or chemical hardeners, but it also needs absolutely no electricity to produce. Each dense, yummy bar creates a rich, mild lather and comes in scents like Oatmeal Honey and Lavender Rosemary. So go ahead and suds up--it's good for you. And for more great green tips and products, check out Nesting.

October 08, 2007

Care with a Conscience

Bcc_products_2 Avon has long been a leader in raising funds for charity. This year, as always, they continue to do their part with an expanded line of Breast Cancer Crusade products -- all of which retail for under $8. The selection includes a moisturizing SPF 15 lip balm, pink ribbon charm jewelry, and our personal favorite: FootWorks Overnight Treatment, complete with matching socks. Just rub your feet with the rich lotion before bed, slip on the bootie-like socks, and wake up with soothed, softened skin. (Particulary helpful if you were among the thousands of woman marching in Avon's recent annual Walk Around the World for the cure.)

October 03, 2007

Glow Getter

Serum_6 Packed with deliciously scented essential oils (and zero bad stuff, like sulphates or mineral oil), the U.K.-based, aromatherapeutic body care line This Works couldn't be hotter. Now, with the launch of Active Serum, that all-natural goodness is drifting north—to the face. Designed to be used alone or layered under a companion oil, the serum deploys sesame proteins, yellow-green algae, and guava to boost radiance and elasticity, and plant-based antioxidants to keep environmental evils (i.e., sun, wind, and pollution) at bay.    

September 27, 2007

Inside Job

Skincapsules2 Leave it to a model-slash-actress to suss out the best way of keeping up appearances. Monica Olsen, the Los Angeles-based founder of Skin by Monica, has added Ingestibles to her ever-growing product assortment (she also makes baby potions, as well as anti-aging brews for Mom). The peppy pills come in formulas running the gamut from health-restoring (Pure, Cleanse) to the more outwardly superficial (Young, Beautiful), and they're all positively chock-full of vitamins and minerals to detox, refresh, and strengthen inside and out. We're betting that after one just 30-day cycle, you'll be hooked on the results.

September 21, 2007

Found In: Italy

Yogurtskinproducts It seems the Italians' belief in the healing properties of good food extends beyond their kitchens. Paglieri Profumi's Cleo line of yogurt-based soaps, bath foams, and lotions are blended with sweet, natural extracts like cocoa, apricot, and strawberry. The yogurt softens and soothes the skin while promoting elasticity, and the added extracts have moisturizing and astringent properties. Best of all, they smell as delicious as they sound--and won't cost you much more than your usual drugstore go-to.

August 28, 2007

Matte Maker

Shinecontrolblotsheet Yellow school buses, apple-picking, and long pants are looming on the horizon, but that doesn't mean we don't have a few more sticky days in our immediate future. Take a swipe at sweat (while leaving your makeup fully intact) with Neutrogena Shine Control Blotting Sheets. Made from a moisture-wicking flexible polymer, they're considerably more absorbent than their paper counterparts. And the cheerful sky-blue hue lets us mentally hang on to summer just a wee bit longer.

August 23, 2007

Brush it On

Colorflo

Susan Posnick's makeup line is perfect for the gal that needs high-quality basics with no frills attached. Her most dynamic product is COLORFLO, an all-natural, hypoallergenic, sweat-proof powder housed in a self-dispensing, refillable brush. It contains a UVA approved SPF 26 blocker for the sun's harsh rays. The pure mineral ingredients jibe well with sensitive skin, and are safe to use even after skin has been aggravated by waxing, peels, and other skin procedures. Use as a light powder, or build color with additional strokes--darker shades can double as a bronzer or eyeshadow under pressure.

July 31, 2007

Smell Like Cleo

Tocca_3 Joining the ranks of long-time Tocca favorites Stella, Florence, and the classic Touch, Cleopatra Eau de Parfum is the newest addition to their fragrance family. Inspired by its namesake Mediterranean seductress, Cleopatra is sensuous and floral, with hints of warm patchouli and vanilla musk. With Tocca's signature attention to detail, every note is fine-tuned to perfection. And who wouldn't want to attract a man like Julius Caesar or Marc Antony?

July 23, 2007

Macho Beauty

Aveda Change is good, even when you're a 30-year-old line of styling products. Aveda's new line for men, called Pure-formance has a shampoo, conditioner, grooming clay, cream and pomades. Besides giving dependably perfect tousled results, the products will also be appreciated by the environmentally-conscious consumer. Aveda offsets 100 percent of its electrical usage with wind energy, and the packaging is recycled.

July 16, 2007

British Invasion

Evelom A longtime cult-favorite in the UK, Eve Lom facial cleanser is now available in the US. The unique texture of this cleanser (somewhere between a balm and exfoliating lotion) massages into skin to remove the day. Plus, we love the light eucalyptus scent. Use the muslin cloth provided to apply hot/cold compresses to skin (directions included) for the full at-home facial experience.

July 11, 2007

Summer-light Luxe Cream

Mernew_2 Anyone who's seen Oprah is well aware of Creme de La Mer's cult-following. But it's a bit too rich and heavy for some of us in the hot summer months. Enter the brand-new twist on the trusty favorite: La Mer's Moisturizing Gel Cream, an ultra-light moisturizer ideal for warmer weather and humidity. The company's patented "miracle broth" is a concoction of sea kelp and other natural ingredients to soothe, heal, hydrate, and firm. A little goes a long way...

June 18, 2007