{Beauty Bloom} Spring's Must-Haves: The Sunday Ed.

DKNY Be Delicious Parfum 

This is still around. O, yes it is! I started wearing this the minute it hit the market some 18 year ago! Loved it. It was my eery day, flirty scent. Everyone knew it was my fave perfume at the time so my bestie would always gift me a new bottle when I'd run out. Yes,  I used to wear it that religiously. And then I fated out as newer, sexier, more adult perfumes started coming out. But it's back! And my goodness it's so perfectly suited for where I am in my life: coquettish, fresh, springy and just happy. It has lovely notes of citrus and crisp apple. What's not to love about a perfume that's been able to stay around for two decades. And, I hear it's the number one choice of scents among Latinas, 18-35. Who.Knew.

MICHAEL KORS Sporty Citrus

This is for the flirty but more mature woman... Its' like that. Just so sexy. So fresh and so clean. It's like cotton candy meets blood orange meets lemon meets bergamot. It's just good. I now just need some shower gel, body soufflé, and talc to complete the stash. That kind of layering really takes it all up a notch. Or two. This, new from Michael Kors.

LAURA MERCIER Golden Honey Musk Soufflé Body Cream and Honey Bath 

I featured this in the B! Inspired Luxe Holiday Gift Guide issue but it's so good it needs a bit more attention. I've been using it for a few months now, and thought it debuted last year, it's that one duo that won't ever go out of trend or season. It's perfect forever. The bath is the answer to a long day of hustling around the city. Or, the inviting way to start a crazy day. It's ultra creamy and luscious. And in honey musk, no less. A bit of sweet paired with strength. And the soufflé is a perfect way to finish off the bath experience. Soulfés are so sensual and wonderfully inducing into that place of sheer bliss. It's relaxing. Its pampering.

L'OCCITANE Shea Butter Collection 

Why hadn't they come out with this sooner?! I mean, really? Every woman I know loves anything and everything shea butter. But when a fine Provence, France house makes it, you know it's bona fide amazing. Start with the cleansing milk, move on to the oil (you'll loosen up all those tense parts), and finish off with the cream. Apply the cream very generously on your hands and feet. You'll want to keep this replenished.

PINKS, NUDES, AND PASTELS 

Clinique's Nutcracker Suite collection which debuted in November is a gem. It's a few months old but  it doesn't mean you can't enjoy it's ultra pretty colors. In fact, today would have been a great day to pull out this soft but vibrant Act II palette. The purple is bold but neutralized with the off white. Try it. Urban Decay's super famous "NAKED" palette's Flushed bar is what you want every day. It's not fussy, complicated or too glammy. It's what you'll go to for bronzing and highlighting your beautiful cheekbones. It has blush, too so there you go. All-in-one.  If you follow me mourned social and on my blogs, you can probably guess my favorite makeup for the its cost and true effectiveness, is L'Oreal. I've never ever gone wrong with any of their products. Well, I can think of one... can't even remember it, it was such a fail. But between their True Match line and mascara, I always feel great about my look, not matter how light I go. Their new Brow Stylish Designer pencil in Blond is idea for light brunettes or someone like myself with thinner brows needing some filling in. The applies like soft gold and lasts a long time. Fret not, girls! Eyebrows don't have to be full anymore. I have a few more to test out for you... stay tuned. 

Bobbi Brown makeup never fails. Her lip colors are the business. But every now and then she'll do a brick that does me well. Her latest brightening brick is in my travel makeup case. It does a bit more than the Urban Decay bar does, and travels much lighter. It's compact. Has pretty colors, great shimmer and will add some glow when the sun's not all the way out. 

Use the Shiseido blush brush for all of your blush and illuminating applications. I'v not used such a soft and free from flaking brush since Estée's collection from about 2 years ago. I love the flow of this handle - - super light. And it comes in a cute plastic casing to keep clean. I wish all makeup companies would do that. 

And, I don't think it's out in the market yet, but I'm screaming over Shea Moisture's haute magenta lip gloss, aptly called "Envy." It has a gorgeous iridescent layer that'll make you say "prune" more often than you will ever care to admit practicing. It's sexy. 

Spring has finally sprung! We've all heard that before. But with temperatures still hovering in the 50s, at least here in DC, and even a bit chillier in NY, I'm still wearing some of coats and layering up. I'm begging to enamor myself with some luscious beauty offerings that will inarguably invoke sleeveless tanks, floral aromas in the house, citrusy, flirty eyes, and seductive skin.

And, today was Easter Sunday. Today was a day of reflection, relaxation, family time, friendly time, good eating, and gorgeous wardrobing. Today is when most people will pull out their "Sunday's Best" for church or brunch. I don't celebrate Easter as the rest of the Christian world does, rather Passover. I won't get into the historical references of Easter vs. Passover, but I've always loved the dressing up part on Saturdays for church. My mother took great care in dressing my sister and me in very like fashion. Most of our fancier clothes were handmade by my grandmother and quite a few by my mom herself. Those were the day! Couture lifestyle at an early age. And it was great!

In getting dressed, my mom always taught us the importance of being and staying pretty. It was never about makeup as she never allowed me to wear any at all (I wish I would have taken heed once I was of age!), but about maintaining and treating ourselves like dolls and queens. She used the best products, mostly Clinique (the vintage stuff is amazing!) and Estée Lauder. Older brands like Cody and Mirta de Perales (and pretty much anything out of Burdines) were part of her daily routine.

Her beauty regimen has been the basis for my lust and love for all things beautiful and luxurious.

Since spring is clearly still hiding, here are some lovely products to get you started on feeling fresh and beautiful. Some are new. Some are cult classics. Some are every day. Some are special for a "just because" day. All are perfect for ushering you into warmer weather and a sexier you!

Here are few I'm completely loving on right now. They are giving me that good, good feeling of flirty, womanly and definitely bring about new seasonal changes. I'll have tons more to share with you as I test, dibble and dab in some of Spring's best in makeup and beauty!

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{Beauty Bloom} Sensual & Essential Body Oils

We’re seeing the end of summer, but there’s still plenty to enjoy in this heat. I’ve just landed in Miami to take a few ‘me' days and forgot to completely consider the heat I’m far from befriending. It’s one thing to be 85 in DC; it’s another to be the same in Miami, though there’s water. But that’s the redeeming element: la playa. 

I’m not sure if i’ll make it so South Beach on this trip, but just in case, I brought a few of my favorite body oils, most which hit shelves and counters this summer. We all need body oil to hydrate and make our skin supple again… Heat, especially dry, can suck the life of our cells. And no one likes crackling, chapped anything. 

I love these four for different reasons. So from my outdoor and all-day testing, here’s what I’ve got for you!

Jergens Shea Beauty Oil

Keep this stocked up! Gift it to your mother, your sister, your best friend, your neighbor… I’m telling you. It’s that essential body oil for every day, all-purpose use. Take it the beach for the best bronzy and shimmery effect. It’s only $10. Definitely a keeper. I featured it on my beauty and fashion segment earlier this year on ABC’s Positively Tampa Bay but it wasn’t a live spot so it got edited out. 

Bobbi Brown Beach Body Oil 

I fell in love with this last year, actually. At the time was I quite faithful to Neutregena’s body oil which I still rank top 5, but this right here is just as sexy as it gets. It’s light with a hint of rose hue and an elegant scent which takes me to Monaco for some reason. Of the five I’m using this season, this is my luxe one reserved for the weekends while brunching with the girls. It’s not greasy, too thick or overpowering. It’s perfectly balanced. Use sparingly... it is $32 for a little over 3 oz. But it’s so worth it. 

Laura Mercier Verbena Dry Oil Mist 

This is oh-so-perfect for traveling and for when you need a quick misty boost to your face and hands. The lightest of the oils, it’s not intended for full body application. At least not for my lifestyle. The lemongrass fragrance will keep you feeling super fresh all day and have your girls asking what you’re wearing. Seriously.  Tell them or not. I think some beauty secrets are good to have. This is super luxe. Super. $45 for a bit over 3 oz., too. Yeah, luxe, girls. 

L’Occitane Jenipapo Oil 

This sensual oil is from their Brazilian collection which came out earlier this summer in honor of the World Cup. I loved the face veil I featured in a previous post so much I had to try the oil. It’s more for beach days and all day trekking if you’re on an excursion or traveling to hot destinations. It’s got SPF content to protect you from damage, which is a must-have feature. My moto is, anything hailing straight from France, especially Provence is worth owning. It's $30... you know the range. 

What are your fave body oils this summer? What have I missed?! 

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{Beauty Bloom} 8 Great Summer Mascaras

We all wear mascara. If you don't, something is totally wrong. It is the ONE essential makeup product no girl should leave the house without. Gloss is debatable, but you have chap stick, so it doesn't count. But mascara?! Oh, it does the trick of instantly highlighting our dull look, especially in the morning, and draw attention to our questionably most attractive facial feature.

Scientific research has shown that men are drawn first to women's eyes. They say so much about our genuine personality and give certain people a deep look into our souls. Seriously. I've always been fascinated by our eyes, the way we use them, the way they interlock with the opposite sex, and the emotion they tell. Mascara is a great tool to bring all those things to the fore, not to mention beautify them even more!

Clearly, I'm fan. A big, big fan, and hence always on the hunt for the best lash enhancers.

I don't wear falsies unless I'm on TV, and fortunately I have pretty long natural lashes w/out anything on them, so when I do wear any, it looks like I could possibly have some faux ones on. My sister calls them tarantulas. She just don't know the good biz. I'm trying to convert her. Just to plain mascara. Not falsies.

During my beauty segment last week on ABC, I had some of these mascaras laid out to share with the viewers, but if you know how TV works, it moves too fast and I wasn't able to get to everything I think you should know about! So here we are.

For summer, I've been testing out a bucket full of lash defining sticks that work for different looks and occasions. Some worked super well, others were mediocre, and others were so good, I had to fight to get it off after 3 washes --- does that make it good, after all??

Here are my findings with a straight to the point review of each. I have eight for you. From left to right, except the 4th. That was accidentally thrown into the mix!

UNO. 
LANCOME HYPNOSE 'DOLL LASHES'

A really pretty and delicate look with only one application. It's not too thick or too full, making it perfect for early evening, not so fancy events. It's pretty black and super smooth. And from two applications, I didn't notice any clumping. For $27.50 it's good mascara you could use every day.

DOS. 
LANCOME OSCILLATION 

I was really excited about trying this one out. Anything with mechanics in it, promising to give me the best lashes ever, makes me ultra giddy. But, wah, wah. Did not live up to the hype at all of oscillation 7k times to mimic the movement of MUAs. The oscillation button does nothing other than make your wand vibrate a bit. I didn't see a single bit of difference turning it or not. I did love though how the brush separated my eyelashes in a noticeble way. For that reason alone, it'd use it. Just don't buy in to the oscillation bit. They have a power version which I've yet to try so maybe that ones does do something. If I try it, I'll let you know!

TRES. 
EM LASH GALLERY

This dramatic volume effect mascara is simply great. It does everything it purports to: doesn't clump, which is so key. I never curl my lashes and it did gave me a bit of that effect which is nice and a different look for me. What would have been perfect is the curl AND some volume, and fullness. I'm good with curl and fullness.

CUATRO.
SMASHBOX FULL EXPOSURE

I've quickly become a Smashbox snob, gravitating to all things for eyes from them. Their navy blue always sharp liner is my new favorite thing for day wear. But this mascara's brush shape gives you some serious length. My natural lashes don't require much so this one gave me great drama, and again, no clump. One application was good, but two knocked it out the box. It'd only use it for serious drama for evening events. It's too much for daywear.

CINCO.
ARTISTRY BEAUTY SIGNATURE EYES VOLUME

I think I've talked about this one before. By now, you should know I love AB's eyeliner like I love my dog Paris -- it's super loyal, always there when I need it, and sticks around. Seriously. But the mascara can up it's game a bit. I like the separation of lashes it creates, but I have to apply it several times -- like 3 -- to get a decent looking amount of volume. If you're looking for light lashes, then this is it. But if you like drama, go for something else. I did like the roll effect it has, though. It's an interesting technology I've not quite figured out, but when you wash it off, it rolls right off onto your fingers, eliminating smearing. Now that I can get used to all day! That alone makes it a winner. No one likes to go back and wipe mascara off several times after you've washed your face. Their site says it creates 600% more volume, which I don't see, but I'm willing to give it a go again!

SEIS. 
BOBBI BROWN LASH GLAMOUR EXTREME LENGTHENING & EVERYTHING MASCARA DUO

You need this in your life for when you can't decide what look you want. The extreme lengthening side gave me some seriously separated lashes and decent length, while the everything side created a nice clean separation with a better amount of length. I'd definitely double and layer using both sides. That's the only way to get volume with this stick.

SIETE. 

BOBBI BROWN SMOKEY EYE

This worked well for me  because I'm biased toward anything kohl. It's the new thing. It's richly pigmented,  so use sparingly. It's also small enough to carry in your small makeup pouch so it's good for everyday carrying around and evening application after your morning stroke has worn off. Ididn't find it to do anything super spectacular but it coated my lashes really well. Like really well. Two apps and you're good. 

OCHO. 

LAURA MERCIER FAUX LASH

Well I just simply fell in love with this this super thick, rounded brush mascara. It's so creamy and comes off rather easy -- not too messy. Singularly it was good. But when I played around with it and layered it over the Lancome Oscillation on one eye, I knew it was great. It layered so nicely even tho the first layer had already dried. You know sometimes layering a few minutes apart is impossible. But it worked! So I tried it wit the EM mascara and I loved the look it gave me. Good length, though not the best; great volume and depth, and no clumping. The picture below of my left eye only has two applications on my top lid with two different mascaras -- EM and LM. 

These are the fun, go-to summer mascaras I've loving on. If you read B So Chic! regularly, you know my absolute favorite for every day is L'Oreal's Voluminous. I've been using that one for over 10 years and it just works really well for me. Aside from that one being mainstay wherever I go, I've featured Estée Lauder's sumptuous extreme waterproof multiplying mascara, which is borderline too good! See my IG picture from last week when I was having a bit of an issue with it!

And Clinique has some good stuff, too. I've not played too much with them so when I do, I'll make sure to fill you in!

What's your go-to mascara? Is there one I have to know about?! I'm always open to trying out some lash-lenghtening, volumizing, dramatizing product!

Was this review helpful? Let me know in your comments. Or Tweet it out and share with your girls! 

Don't miss my segment on ABC's  'Positively Tampa Bay' talking about summer fashion and beauty trends! 
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How to create an at home spa with almond and milk notes

Creating a spa ambiance at home is so doable that I had to share. Going to the spa is one of the best luxuries we can treat ourselves to, but when you're on a budget, don't have time, or simply need that experience without planning, there are some fabulous things you can splurge on that'll take you the mile. The good long mile!

I've been on this de-stress, do anything I can to keep calm (literally keep calm) journey for the past few months as my work piles up and my plans keep changing which I can't really control. So I went on a little virtual shopping trip and found some over-the-top products that helped me find that "ahhhhhhh" moment I've been begging for!

You have to create the ambiance, first. This is so key to putting you in the mental space.  A cluttered bathroom will just stress you out. I cleaned off my entire counter, making room only for candles. Go for scents that relax. Lavender will kick start the process.

I have a little vintage pineapple night light I keep in there. That kept the lighting right where I needed it to be. Too bright will just kill the vibe. If your bathroom is large enough and you have a tub, you can bypass ceiling lighting and light up your oasis with candles. The more the better!

So here are the products I think will really leave feelings ultra relaxed and ready to take on the world! It's all about the feeling and real effects. This is for both in bath and facial treatments.

START WITH...

Filling your bath with this super luscious and aromatically intoxicating amber vanilla honey bath. I wanted to stay in the tub longer than my skin could take it was so perfect. Laura Mercier created this high end bath with her two fragrances inspirations: amber and vanilla, to create a soothing experience. The creamy wash is probably the best I've used. A finger tip's worth will lather enough for three thorough hand-washes. For a full bath, use the honey stick to twirl the emulsion into super warm water. It'll turn into a soft but really foamy layer in no time. Shuffle your legs around, too, for more foam -- I've always found that therapeutic. That'll lift notes of sandalwood and citrus which I find stand out the most. Seriously, I think I've found my new body wash. It's too good to just use for sensual spa days at home! Lay and bask in its luxe.

Rinse off after soaking in that decadent amber vanilla bath and move to exfoliating your body with ESPA relaxing salt scrub. Your body's already clean, but this scrub with bits of Dead Sea particles will polish your skin and leave a subtle glow and radiance. I particularly like softness of it. It's not as abrasive as other scrubs I've used. This also has notes of almond which are noticeable and will layer nicely above the Mercier honey bath. 

While still wet, gently, but thoroughly apply some of L'Occitane's (surely one of my absolute favorite everyday brands) Supple Skin Oil all over. This right here! Another almond-saturated product, this will seal your open pores and leave your skin ready and sexy for the night. My skin was smoother than the softest rose petal. And I wasn't paid to say that. It was so divine. I typically let the oil dry off on its own. That can take up to 6 or so minutes so just relax and enjoy the ambiance you've created.

You should be in a state of blissful lush right now.

I finish with applying L'Occitane's Almond Milk Concentrate. Another 5* in my book of make a girl feel and look fabulous. This stuff just works. So much, it was out stock at Nordstrom the last two times I went in to grab more. I've gone through that jar already because I found myself using it every other shower. It's super supple and goes a long way, too, but I love lathering up and making sure I cover every knook and cranny on my body.

FINISH WITH... 

Your face. Now that your body's a gem, rejuve your face with some essentials. Luxe line by Erno Laszlo of NY has an amazing full rounded collection of products for the girls an fellas that scream "do me right!" This ph balanced finding pre-cleansing oil pull away impurities before you do a final wash on your face. It leaves your skins surface feeling supple, tight and as clean as possible for an additional layer of cleanings. Sometimes, especially when doing spa treatments, two rounds of cleansing is necessary. The point is really wash away impurities and leave us feeling so rejuvenated we look foreward to getting back to the norms.

Finish off with ESPA's Hydrating Cleansing Milk. I thought it'd great to finish super smooth and soft where your skin can really feel the effects of soothing treatments. Nothing too harsh. It subtly takes away anything left behind, which at this point of our spa treatment, should be nil! And get this, this also has almond oils infused in the cleaner.

As a bonus, though I didn't include here, wrap your full face with Orico London Superico Face Oil --- my obsessive addiction these days. It's just a bonus. You've done enough already!

This is it! It's a process, but so worth the experience of not only taking time for yourself, but also knowing you took time to get to know products that really leave you feelings super special and glowing. There's something for feeling wonderful after a long week, month, or season of stress.

Find all of these of fab products at your local Barney's, Nordstrom, Sephora, L'Occitane Boutique. You'll splurge for sure but you're worth it!

So share with me! What's your at-home spa routine?!  Was this helpful?

See my previous post on treating yourself to a private massage on the beaches of the Caribbean! 

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