.:: CybeleSays ::.

Which season excites you the most? I love the Christmas season, well, that’s not really a “season” per say so if I have to pick one, it has to be Spring. The colors the smells, it’s just exciting. To celebrate its arrival, I’ll be doing an on-going feature of some of my favorite scents that have come out recently that are really helping feel the season. Will you be picking any of these up for yourself?

FRUITS & PASSION Avocado Lip Balm ($5 @ fruitsandpassion.com) from the Nourishing Collection – Mmm, I love me some avocado this time of year and this balm has all good things for lips like Shea Butter and 10% avocado oil.

LISE WATIER Folies Neiges Eau de Toilette Spray ($75/1.7oz @ lisewatier.com) – this may have come out last fall but the timing is so fitting right now! It showcases citrus notes, imbued with fruity, refreshing accents of orange and mandarin.

NIVEA Touch of Sparkle Cream Oil Body Wash ($6.99/16.9oz @ drugstore.com) – I have just come to realize that I love the smell of the White Calla Blossom and this one is more than satisfying my desire. The name of the product makes it seem that it will leave behind some kind of shimmer or sparkle but I didn’t see any, which is probably better.

HILLHOUSE NATURALS 100% Soy Wax in Tin Candle in Bloom ($12.50/5oz @ hillhousenaturals.com) – if you really need to set the mood on a warm evening, light this one to disperse the smell of water lilies, fresh bamboo, jasmine, teak and pure lotus flower. So lush!

CARESS Velvet Bliss Beauty Bar ($9.99/4-pack @ drugstores nationwide or drugstore.com) – soap scents are getting creative these days. How about this combination of Blackberry and Vanilla Essence?? Lather, rinse, repeat. Lather, rinse, repeat …

Disclosure: Samples of these items were provided to Cybelesays.com for review purposes.

Vitamin C is good for more than just colds. When it comes to beauty products, it can really help slow the hands of the clock. It’s a natural anti-oxidant that fights free radicals and has been proven to work on those age spots and strengthen collagen and elastin in the dermis. Here are two that are at the top of my list right now.

LISE WATIER Vitamin C Skin Perfector ($43/30 caps @ lisewatier.com) – 12-hour time release caplets and the formula contains micro-diffusers to deflect the light.

KOH GEN DO Macro Vintage Nano C Powder ($61/7-day supply @ kohgendocosmetics.com) – This highly concentrated powder can be used straight up or mixed with a lotion or cream. The breakthrough technology makes it easy for it to absorb deeply into the skin and claims to last up to 48-hours.

I’ve heard quite a few times that vitamin C is pretty unstable so if you buy a product off the shelf that contains vitamin C, chances are, it had some inside when it was manufactured by has long since lost its potency when it hits your hands. By packing it in these individual coffee creamer-like containers and tabs like these, no air can mix with the formula beforehand. This is another reason I am recommending both of these. And yes, they are on the pricey side but they are really concentrated so maybe substitute them for your monthly facial.

Disclosure: Some of these items were provided to Cybelesays.com for review purposes.

Powders? Liquids? Creams? Which form do you like your mineral foundation? Here are two to choose from that are just coming out and get high marks from us.

Everyone is getting into the shaved off mineral powder and I’m loving it! CLINIQUE Superbalanced Powder Makeup SPF 15 ($34.50 @ clinique.com) is the latest one to hit the scene and if you need to control the oil on your face, this is one for you to try out. And this one is not your typical tap and buff mineral powder. The formula is super refined so just use the enclosed brush to apply like a regular face powder. Available in 8 shades.

LISE WATIER Mineral Brush Foundation ($35/1oz @ lisewatier.com) – contains a brush built in the top to dab and blend, dab and blend... and this is the first formula to be created with a tourmaline base,  vitamins A and E and even chamomile to soothe the skin. Available in 12 shades.

If you have an oily t-zone, you may want to try LISE WATIER’s Base Miracle ($28/.85oz @ lisewatier.com) for your makeup primer. This one will not only give you a smooth looking finish but it helps control oil production throughout the day. It’s light going on and leaves a nice matte finish, which I’m pretty sure has to do with the Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone ingredient it contains. This has to be the smoothest makeup primer I have ever felt on my face, so just think about how even your makeup looks going on top of it.

LISE WATIER’s new Portfolio ($29 @ lisewatier.com) palette arrived just in time. I ran out of my zit cover so I gave this one a shot and while I was at it, tried some of the others on my other features. Let’s see, we got green to neutralize the redness of a blemish, lilac for dullness around the eyes, ivory for under-eye circles, brown to sculpt, and a yellow/beige to hide blue veins. You can really find something in this wheel to fix whatever is bugging on your face! And each cream contains chamomile (to calm) and vitamins C and E. This is a makeup bag staple.

This current collection by LISE WATIER is right up my alley. Not only is the packaging and colors beautifully bright but the name of the collection is the Sea Belle Collection. Say it out loud! It’s exactly how my name is pronounced! The only other time I’ve ever seen my name in beauty lights is with a Stila nail polish from many years ago named Cybele (it was a sheer grape color).

Back to the collection. Sea Belle is all about balancing bright bold color on one feature with sheer and nudes on another. Think sunny resorts and world famous ports – bright blues, sea foam greens and of course the ever present reds for nails and lips. So get nautical and let these put you in a total vacation mood.

Metallic Liner in Deep Ocean ($18)
Nail Enamel in Rouge Star ($7)
Rouge Sublime Lipstick in Rouge Star ($18)
Gloss Twilight in Corail ($22) – comes with a mirror on the side and the inside of the cap lights up!
Eye Shadow Quartet in Lagoon ($35)

Is it me or are mascaras coming out fast and furious these past couple of weeks. I’ve tested out quite a few lately and am having a problem keeping up! What a problem to have, right? Here’s a few that score high marks with us.

1. LISE WATIER 24Hrs Glam Mascara ($20 @ lisewatier.com) – this waterproof lengthening mascara wins the coolest packaging award. Meow! The brush incorporates an elastic polymer formula with a 3D waterproof film. I’m not sure exactly what that means but if you want volume, this gives it ten-fold.

2. PRESCRIPTIVES MotorEyes Instant Action Volume Mascara ($32 @ qvc.com) – pull that tab and that sets the battery working and, like the name says, you wand goes into vibration mode to help give each lash hair fuller coverage.

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Surprise your eyes with a liner like blue or grey. They’re a nice alternative to the everyday black. Here's a few we recommend.

1. LISE WATIER Eye Shine in Marine ($16 @ lisewatier.com)

2. JOSIE MARAN Eye Liner in Charcoal ($18 @ sephora.com)

3. KORRES Eyeliner Pencil in Gray 6 ($16 @ sephora.com)

4. GLOMINERALS gloPrecision Eye Pencil in Twilight Blue ($16 @ glominerals.com)

5. YOUNGBLOOD Eye Liner Pencil in Slate ($11 @ ybskin.com)