http://www.asapskinproducts.com/product_details/CLEANSE/daily_exfoliating_facial_scrub-95.aspx

I was recently given a sample of ASAP’s Daily Exfoliating Facial Scrub. I tried it out and liked it — it’s kind of a retro throw back to exfoliants that were popular about 10 years ago. But, in addition to the smooth, round beads that gently exfoliate your skin, there is glycolic acid added (AHA’s) that help super-charge the exfoliation process leaving you with a fresh, renewed feeling. Collagen stimulation will have also occured, so they say, so you’re on your way to newer skin.

This product says it is gentle enough for every day use, and is the perfect prep for any serums that you apply after your morning cleanse.

http://au.tiffany.com/Shopping/CategoryBrowse.aspx?search=1&search_params=s+1-p+1-c+-r+-x+-n+12-ri+-ni+1-t+tennis+bracelet

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tennis_bracelet

Well, it’s getting to be that time of year when one starts to think about giving and dare I say, even receiving, gifts. I’ve been on a bit of a forced tennis hiatus, but have just recently returned back to my beloved sport.

Since it’s that gifty time of year, it got me to thinking about tennis bracelets. You know — the diamond, classic bracelet that Chris Evert brought to fame in 1987 during the U.S. Open.

Unfortunately, I’ve just checked the prices on tennis bracelets at the ultimate place to buy one — Tiffany’s and they are VERY expensive. So, this little wish will just have to remain a wish for the time being. Maybe my lucky lottery ticket will drift through the air right into my hand soon and I can go buy one.

http://www.imageskincare.com/ipeel_40pcglycolicretinol.html

I just had a glycolic peel using the “i peel” from Image Skincare’s range of professional products. I’d never heard of the Image Skincare line, so thought I’d check it out. It’s relatively new — founded in 2003 and based out of West Palm Beach, Florida. They claim to use the most scientifically advanced formulas available to create pharmaceutical grade skincare products geared for use by both physicians and estheticians. Well, that pretty much sounds like every skincare line out there these days — but hey, it could be really fabulous. Their website struck my as very professional and easy to navigate.

They offer a large range of both homecare and professional products. Their homecare line is broken down into 4 categories: Ageless (aging skin), Vital C (sensitive, dehydrated, rosacea skin), Ormedic (organic line), Clear Cell (oily, acne-prone skin), as well as, a sun protection and body line.

I’ll have to keep my eye open for them and perhaps give one of their moisturizers a try soon. By the way, the day after my peel my skin is feeling great — brighter, clearer, refreshed.

I just got a new Kate Spade wallet and I love it. It’s got a zipper that goes around it, so my things can’t slide out. When the wallet is closed it looks very sleek and organized. I actually got it at the Kate Spade outlet, about 1 hour east of Palm Springs, CA, which I highly recommend if you’re ever in that area. My wallet doesn’t look exactly like this white one, instead it is bright red patent leather, and has a smooth finish, rather than the quilting. I paid $70, and the full price is in the $180+ range. What a deal!

Kate Spade Wallet

I just bought a fresh tube of this all time classic mascara for summer, you know the one — it’s in the pink and green tube — the classic! I’m really trying to commit to being good about tossing mascara out after about 3-4 months, as recommended. So, I don’t want to spend a ton on the mascara, that won’t be around that long. But I do want results and gorgeous lashes, of course. This stuff rocks. It goes on great, lasts, doesn’t clump and makes my lashes long and lush. Plus it comes in waterproof or not…..I went with waterproof since I’m heading into summer.
Maybelline Great Lash Mascara

I was in a day spa the other day, buying some moisturizer, and was given a sample of “ASAP daily moisturiszer plus suncreen” to try out. I’d never heard of this skin care line and was happy to give it a go. The moisturizer has a built-in spf of 30+ which is great. It goes on more on the heavier side, which I don’t mind, and did take a bit of coaxing to completely rub into my skin. I didn’t notice any fragrance — pleasant, or un pleasant. A nice fresh, natural smell would have been great (I did notice the sample package notes that it is “frangrance fee”).

I’ve done some googling around and see that ASAP was founded in 2000 and says it’s the #1 cosmeceutical skin care company in Australia. They offer a complete range of skin care items and use no harmful chemicals, detergents, artificial frangrances (which I noticed, see above) and no animal derivatives. They say they are all about helping us achieve beautiful, healthy skin. Sounds good — no promises to look younger. I’m more on the side of aging gracefully, not trying to deny nature.
ASAP Skin Products

I just wish I had a drawer full of a wide assortment of Michael Stars tees. His shirts rock — they are so soft and luxurious, and take the ordinariness of wearing a t-shirt to a much more fashionable level. I love the super softness of the cotton, and the way they are cut long, yet fitted, with that little bit of extra pizzazz.

The shirts do come at a relatively high price point, as far as t-shirts go, but man they are worth it. Just be sure to wash according to the tag on the inside, so you don’t ruin your investment.
Michael Stars Tees

Foundation Primer
Primer is a pre-foundation conditioner that acts as an invisible barrier between the skin and make-up. I’ve been doing some research on this beauty tool and have read it’s an essential ingredient to achieve make-up that stays looking fresh and in place for hours. Primer also helps cover fine lines and skin imperfections, which helps to ensure a flawless make-up finish.

Laura Mercier was at the forefront of make-up primers and created the first one in 1995. I thought her line would be the place to start and see that her primers retail for around $30 each and come in a variety of types. I plan to chose the “Foundation Primer – Hydrating” since my skin is a tad on the dehydrated/aging side. This type also claims to “help to hold water in the skin throughout the day….and can be used alone without foundation to increase skin’s brightness, luster and texture.” All of which sound pretty fabulous to me. I actually don’t wear a lot of foundation, in fact, I mainly wear tinted moisturizer or a light dusting of mineral make-up in a powder form by Jane Iredale.

MAC cosmetics also sells a primer called “Prep + Prime Skin” and retails for around $44.
MAC Prep + Prime Skin

I am a huge fan of MAC so will put this on my list to try next. Now, I need to get to a department store to make this purchase.

http://www.cocolee.com.au/coco-lees-style-watch/2009/11/18/nicole-kidman-in-jeans.html

I really think grey is my new black. The color grey gives off a slightly more sophisticated vibe than your basic black. Also, black cothing can quickly fade and look worn out. Don’t get me wrong, black is great for many things, the little black dress, for example, should be a staple in every girl’s wardrobe. But black can look dingy and too harsh very easily, and is also way over done by a lot of people. Take a look at Nicole in her grey on grey ensemble, she looks great — casual, but chic.

I also read a blog awhile back that gave this suggestion “…..if you buy any clothing at Target, don’t buy it in black, buy it in grey, or another muted tone. It will look like you spent more money on it than you did, and not appear worn out after the first wear or two.”

http://www.mimco.com.au/Shop/Barbie-Loves-Mimco-_104/index.aspx

http://www.sassybella.com/2009/11/barbie-loves-mimco-celebrating-her-50th-anniversary/

Mimco, that snazzy Australian fashion accessories brand, has teamed up with Barbie to help make her 50th birthday a little more fun. Mimco has come up with some cute pretty-in-pink items that will thrill girls who may be a tad too old to still play with their Barbie’s but want to help celebrate the iconic doll’s big 5 – 0.

Check out the range — there are some cute ballet flats, some headbands, bracelets, totes and cosmetic cases. I don’t know if it’s really for me — maybe the flats, but then I was never really a big Barbie fan. If you were though, or know someone who was, it would make a cute and original gift. The holidays are fast approaching, and I know it gets increasingly difficult to come up with unique gift ideas.