Rihanna's Fragrance

Just like seemingly EVERY celebrity out there, Rihanna is coming out with her own fragrance "Reb'l Fleur." Loving the bottle, very unique, just like the singer!

I came across the image while I was on Cocoperez (such a guilty pleasure) and thought it was interesting. What do you guys think of the bottle & name? Are you getting sick of celebrity fragrances?

Best of Beauty

Hi loves! Happy Friday! So I've been devouring my October issue of Allure magazine, because it has all of the editors "Best of Beauty" picks! For those who don't know, the editors and their staff tests hundreds and hundreds of beauty products in every category (makeup, skincare, fragrance) from all different brands and come up with the Best of Beauty SUPER list! It's interesting to see what they've chosen and WHY they like it so much.

There are so many things I want to try, but have been trying not to spend tons of money on makeup (too bad it's not working...)

So I have to ask my makeup addicts - what are you loving for Fall? Share your favorite new products with us!

OR, is there a new beauty trend that you've wanted to try?

Sunscreen Sexy & Lip Balm Moisturizer

Hi chicks! Had a bit of writer's block the last few days - now i'm back!! I purchased to different facial sunscreens + a new lip balm. Let me know what you think! xoxo

Two New Facial Sunscreens

Aveeno Continuous Protection Sunblock Lotion (Face - SPF 30)

I purchased this one on a whim (I know, sooo unlike me, right?) I have the Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Body Lotion, which is always rated the #1 lotion in Allure, so I trusted their sunscreen on my face =)

I also looked for something that was oil-free, which it is. It's also water-resistant, and promises longer-lasting sun protection. I'm Italian and already have olive skin, but decided that I need to start protecting my face to prevent looking like an old, wrinkled boot in a few years. Being a beach bum, I'm down the shore at the beach almost every weekend in the summer - it definitely takes its toll!

OK, enough of that. I do like this sunscreen! It dries fairly quickly, and my foundation goes smoothly on top of it. The scent is pleasant, but not in an over-powering way. It hasn't made me break out (thank GOD) so i've continued using it =) All in all, worth the money in my opinion ($9.99)

Neutrogena Ulta Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock (SPF 45)

I've seen this on many of your beauty blogs, and just had to grab one for myself! Of the two sunscreens, I've been favoring this one! I actually grabbed the SPF 45 by mistake - I was going to buy the SPF 30, but oh well =)

This product promises Ultra Light & Clean Feel - and it provides just that. It goes on smooth and has a nice dry down. Like the Aveeno, my makeup goes on perfectly on top of it and doesn't feel greasy. It is also oil-free (a MUST) and waterproof. Since it is Neutrogena and they are known for their skincare products, I actually see my skin improving! It's very clear and soft and i'm loving every minute of it!

I think I will continue to alternate the two sunscreens just to give them both a fair chance. Do you guys have any other sunscreens that you love? Now, on to my new obsession!

Rosebud Strawberry Lip Balm and Moisturizer

Simply put, obsessed. I use this lip balm every single day! It is perfect - silky, soft, smooth! I use it before work, during work, after lunch, while on the phone, before bed (get the idea?)

It leaves my lips insanely soft - I barely have any flakes or anything! I also love putting it on, letting it set in for a few minutes, blotting it, then applying a bold lip liner and lipstick. It lays a great foundation to put any type of lip color on top, and it lasts longer. Since it contains moisturizer, it protects lips from the suns harmful rays. I bought it at Sephora, and will definitely be returning for more!

Do you have a favorite lip balm?

The Skincare Dream Team

Behold. The only thing that has EVER worked for my skin. If you possess perfect skin and don't need to use any skincare products (boo, hiss!) then read elsewhere! If you are like me and have breakouts once in a while, you need a system that works.

Now, i'm not trying to sound like an advertisement (because, of course, these are all my own personal opinions!) but you do need a "system." What I mean is, treating breakouts simply cannot be done with just one item - like a face wash for example. The reason a system (meaning a group of products) work far better, is because the multiple products combine forces to treat all skin issues at once.

The Clinique Acne Solutions clear skin system is fairly new to the Clinique brand. Clinique has always been king of the 3 step systems - they have a system designed to target practically every skin type, and assigns your skin type a number - 2 is for Dry Skin, 4 is for Oily Skin, etc. so you can easily chose products that will work best for you. THIS is the Skincare Dream Team:



The Acne Solutions 3 Step is the newest system and I have to say it works AMAZINGLY for me. It comes with a cleansing foam, toner, and clarifying lotion. The combination of products together just leaves my skin clear, soft and glowing. I ran out of the system (since you do have to use it religiously in order for it to work properly) and didn't purchase it again for a while. I figured EH, my skin is clear...do I really NEED it again? WELL, obviously I was wrong. I stopped using it and my skin went right back to its old ways. So, alas, it is once again being proudly displayed in my bathroom cabinet.

This post may seem to be a bit one-sided, but please know that I have tried many things before finding this skincare gem. I gave Proactiv a try back in the day, but it didn't work for me at all. I've tried many dermatologist prescribed creams, face washes, and so on. My skin didn't budge. So if you are on the market for something that actually works, give it a try. The starter kit (pictured above) is fairly cheap at $32.50 for three items. Truly worth it in my eyes!