.:: CybeleSays ::.

It's All In The Stick

We’re pretty fascinated with packaging and always pay special attention to it when trying out a product as presentation is everything. A few years ago, I remember being quite taken with this kind of self-dispensing brush that SUSAN POSNiCK’s Colorflo Mineral Foundation ($64 @ beauty.com) comes in. I can’t recall the first one I used but it is great for on the go. And this one is also refillable, which I never knew they could be. Or maybe just hers is? At first, I couldn’t quite figure out how to refill it but I found it. The bottom unscrews and it’s easy to get powder inside. Halleluiah! It comes in 15 different shades (even those with a really dark skin tones) and even a shimmer and a bronzer. So at least pick one of these up and you can change the powder out as needed. Now if they just sold refills for the brush part, I could use this for the rest of my makeup wearing life.

Quick Pick Palette

HARD CANDY Peace Palette ($22 @ sephora.com) is probably one of the most pocket book friendly palettes I have ever come across. It’s about the size of the average wallet! Here’s what you get:

• 4 Eye Shadows - bronze, golden beige, pink, dark plum brown
• 3 Lip Glosses - fuchsia, light pink, nude, sheer red
• Bronzer
• Anywhere shimmer shadow
• 2 Applicators
• Large Mirror

All for $22? And all very wearable colors!

Get Yer Summer On

This next one is the biggest, fattest welcome product to get you from spring into summer. ESTEE LAUDER’s new Bronze Goddess Body Oil Spray ($29.50/4oz @ esteelauder.com) is at the top of my list on those days that are extra warm even though it’s only April. My nose detects a mix of bergamot, mandarin, Tahitian Gardenia and sandalwood. And their body oil sprays are some of the lightest I have ever tried. Never greasy and they sink into the skin quickly.

This scent also comes in an Eau Fraiche Skinscent and Body Lotion.

Quick Pick

It’s made of minerals

It’s blush on one half and bronzer on the other half

It’s two hot and totally wearable colors in one compact
It’s PHiLOSOPHY The Supernatural Mineral Blush Duo in Berry/Chestnut ($25 @ philosophy.com)

Holiday Pick - Got Big?

For this season, it seems that bigger is better. SMASHBOX Light Wave Fusion Bronzing Powder & Brush ($49 @ smashbox.com) from their Beyond Beauty Holiday collection is one BIG case of bronzer (4 ½” around) and one BIG brush (3 ½” x 2”). The powder is 3 shades of silky powder called Light Wave and it smells vaguely of pina colada. Apply with the Fan Brush and hit the party.

'Tis the Season

We had to get something up asap about the fabulous TOM FORD ESTEE LAUDER Collection of products as it’s selling out everywhere. Mr. Ford has single-handedly defined summer with this Azuree Soleil collection and each peacock blue packaged item contains totally wearable colors. Choose from the Bronzee Look or Soiree Look but choose it fast cuz it's going fast! Shown here are our makeup picks including a big thumbs up for the Azuree Soleil Eau Fraiche SkinScent ($38/1.7oz). Picture sunbathing on the Mediterranean Sea with the white beaches and the fragrance you’d want to sport. This is it. Tahitian Gardenia, coconut, orange blossoms, Vetiver, sandalwood, and Myrrh. Simply beautiful. Check online for availability @ esteelauder.com

Two from Tarte

There’s a new color in the TARTE Stain or Shine Collection. Those of you who really prefer using a lip stain over lipstick will really be keen on the Rise & Shine Plumping Lip Stain in Mauve ($21), which also includes a plumping lip gloss on the other end. So one side is a waterproof pink stain topped with a light mauve color gloss and the other pumps you up. ~Lisa

If you are looking for a normal looking sunless tan, Sunburst Body Beaded Bronzing Lotion with Self-Tanner ($49/5oz) from the same collection is your answer. This 2-in-1 gives a tan and moisturizes. Apply this oil-free blend anywhere as you would any face lotion and watch as the mini bronzing beads give you a gradual and long-lasting color that you can build up as you continue to apply more. And it’s suitable for all skin tones! A great blend of plant derived ingredients gives you lots of hydration and allows me the natural looking tan I’ve been seeking. What a winner. ~Randi
Both @ tartecosmetics.com

Check Out My Indoor Tan

There are 3-steps in the CALiFORNiA TAN process to give you a beautiful, natural looking tan. Prepare, Develop and Extend. Their system offers multiple products in each category to accomplish your goal of a fabulous sunless tan. My favorites are: Exfoliating Scrub, which exfoliates and prepares the skin for the next step, and smells so fresh and clean ($18/8oz). Follow with the Tinted Self Tanner Lotion, which does double duty as a lotion and a self tanner ($25/5oz). Then there’s the Tinted Self Tanner Spray if you like a spray better and Towelettes for spot buffing. The third step enables you to extend your beautiful tan with the Tan Extender with Bronzer ($18/8oz), which is also a moisturizer with enhancing bronzers. This system leaves a pretty golden tan with no orange streaks! Check out the entire system @ californiatansunless.com ~Lisa

Bronze Babe In A Box

This next kit is a really great way to try out a self tanner and you can’t beat the price. BATH AND BODYWORKS True Blue Spa Bronze Bombshell Collection ($16.50 @ bathandbodyworks.com) contains all the essentials:Glow and Steady Daily Moisturizer (1.5oz), Gradual Self Tanner SPF 15, my favorite, (1.5oz), So Aglow Tan Enhancing Shimmer (1oz), Tan on the Run Self Tanning Face Puff (one use), Suntan Boulevard for Face 2-in-1 Bronzing Sunblock SPF 20 (5ml) and even a Bronze Bomb Shell Eau de Toilette Roll-On (.05oz). Big recommendation.

Add A Little Glow

I recently discovered Mystic Tanning and like to do it every couple of weeks but I sure do realize how much I need it when I don't have a chance to get over there. Here are a few bronzers and highlighters that help me not look so sullen and pale until I can get over to the salon again.

PHYSiCiANS FORMULA Solar Power Bronzer SPF 20 ($11.95 @ drugstore.com) is made for those who have sensitive skin (take a light hand with this one) and this one protects against UVA and UVB rays.

From the Balloonacy collection is the High-Light Powder in Mellow Rave ($22 @ maccosmetics.com) from MAC. It gives a sheer kiss of shimmer and get it quick because it's limited edition so hurry.

The Glam Bronze Pressed Bronzing Powder ($12.99 @ drugstores nationwide) from L'OREAL's Bronze Rocks collection provides the tiniest of shimmer to formulas. Available in three colors: Golden Lights, Amber Lights and Terra Lights. CLARiNS Summer Fever Brush-On Bronzer ($28.50 @ clarins.com) is an on the go tote-able. Each of the available shades, Natural Bronze and Golden Bronze, comes in a tube with a built-in brush. Very sheer powder.