Since I’ve moved, I’m lucky enough to be near an express train to take me to work in 20 minutes if needed.   However, that involves a nice walk up four avenues and across five blocks.   Given the hot and heavy weather we’ve been having I find myself becoming a sweating mush pile by the time I reach the track.   Not such a pretty picture.   By the time I get to the office, my makeup has sunk into my skin and I look like I just ran through the Lincoln Tunnel.   It really got me thinking about what I’m putting on my face, and how I can be sure I’m treating myself right in this summer heat.

Since I started in beauty PR, I have more and more appreciation for quality, multi-tasking makeup that is going to treat my skin right.   Us PR girls are far too busy to worry about skin issues or foundation running down our chins, so it’s important to look for products with trusted science to back up their beautiful results.

Last night I had the wonderful opportunity to head to Bergdorf Goodman and experience Le Metier de Beaute first hand. The team introduced me to a product that is going to change my life – Peau Vierge.   What started as a “tinted treatment” (a tinted moisturizer for us busy/lazy girls) and blossomed into the brand’s very first line of skincare.   The Complexe treatment feels like silk going on, and less than a dime size amount is used to cover the entire face.   The result is glowing skin, without the silicone, parabens and mineral oils that are found in other makeups (last night I found out that my daily foundation is actually bringing a property of iron into my skin that is similar to rust. Um, ew).   The coverage is medium to full, and guess what, it has SPF – a MUST HAVE.

You can find Le Metier de Beaute at Bergdorfs, Nordstrom, and Neiman Marcus.   Though the tinted treatment will cost you a pretty penny ($125), considering the small amount you need to use on the face, and the results you are guaranteed to see on your skin within 7 days, it is more than well worth it.

How does your makeup hold up in the winter? Have you tried Le Metier de Beaute before?

As huge fans of Bethenny Frankel, we were excited to hear that she  recently launched a new line of skincare products including those that are great for on-the-go girls like us. The line ranges from body lotions to scrubs  to cleansing cloths that are all extremely affordable. Below is my skinny on two of the products from the skincare line.

Skinnygirl Face & Body Tinted Daily Moisturizer ($10.99)

This moisturizer helps even out skin tone without the use of heavy makeup products. Plus it has SPF 15 to prevent signs of aging from the sun. I personally loved how light it felt on my skin.

Skinnygirl Smoothing and Firming Body Lotion ($9.97)

With cranberry extract and coconut oil, this body lotion both smells amazing and leaves your skin extremely rejuvenated. Hopefully I’ll start to notice more firmness  in my thighs as I continue using the product.

You can find all Skinnygirl Skincare products at Walmart and on Walmart.com. Thanks to Bethenny’s team for providing us with samples!

Will  you try Bethenny’s new skincare products? We can’t get enough Skinnygirl!

Maybe it’s the aftermath of CEW craziness.   Maybe it’s my continued obsession with Pinterest.   Maybe it’s the crazy sunny and spring-like weather we’ve been having in New York.   Whatever it is, I’ve been inspired to take a bit more care of myself and put my best face forward.   That includes doing a little revamp of my makeup bag.   Here are a few beauty items I’ve been loving in the past weeks:

Dolce  & Gabbana Powder Foundation in Buff: This powder foundation was recommended to me by my hairstylist who I’ve been seeing since I was 16.   I’ve been a bare minerals girl for AGES, and I wasn’t sure I could switch to a “real” foundation.   D&G seduced me.   I always prefer to have my color matched in store, and once the formula fell on my face I knew I was in love.   And being a powder foundation, you can go as light or as heavy as you need, depending on the occasion.

Stila In the Light Palette: I’m a big fan of eye shadow palettes. I’m usually a brown eye shadow girl during the day, but having a full range of colors right in front of me inspires some creativity.   This formula stays on eyes and looks great all day long, even under harsh office light.

Classic red nails, of all shades: Because of the crazy (wonderful!) weather we’ve been having, we’re in a weird transition between winter and spring seasons.   Que classic red nails to tie me over until I experiment with some pastels and funky summer brights.   Colors I’m rocking right now include Essie Fishnet Stockings (a sexy, ever-flattering red) and Julep January (a little more bright and spunky).

Next on my list to try – super bright lipsticks (Gal Meets Glam is an inspiration of mine with lip color – love her lipsticks always!).   What are you looking to test out?   Want to challenge us to try something and share the details?   Let us know!

Recently I was approached by the folks at Free Your Mane to test some of their natural, environmentally-friendly hair care products. After dying my hair black a few weeks ago, I’ve been searching for a good new hair product and in particular, a new hair masque to keep my hair conditioned (I hate how dry my hair gets after a dye!).

The  Free Your Mane Intensive Hydrating Hair Masque  ($20) was exactly what I needed.  Once a week I use the product by combing it through my hair and letting it sit for 15 minutes. After every use, my hair feels extremely soft and conditioned. It works well to seal split ends and reduce frizz, which will come in handy this summer.

I also got to test the Restorative Hair Oil  ($25) for application after shampoo/conditioner. This leaves your hair smooth and hydrated and protects  hair from heat damage and over-processing. I instantly noticed a difference and it also works great as a detangler. For those in the city, these products can be found at Ricky’s.

Do you have a favorite hair masque or oil? Share it with us!

Yesterday I was introduced to new stress relieving concept – office yoga.  As PR professionals, we are constantly hunched over our desks typing away at the computer prompting back pain. Little did I know, you can actually do an entire yoga workout within your deskspace. Below are the top three yoga stretches I now enjoy doing at my desk.

Neck Rolls: Close your eyes, sit up straight, and let your chin drop to your chest. Slowly roll your head around in a circular motion from shoulder to shoulder. Switch directions.

Wrist Stretch: Stand up (or stay seated), hold your arms straight out to your side and tilt your hands up stretching your wrists. Feel the burn?

Spinal Twist: Sitting up straight with your feet flat on the ground, twist your torso to face the back of your chair. Repeat on your left and right side.

Do you have a preferred office yoga stretch?

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As of lately, I’ve been really into using different body products to stay feeling fresh and clean, especially after a long day in the office. There are certain products I’ve used for years that I couldn’t live without, and others that are new to the group. Either way, I’m open to suggestions and would love to hear what body/face products you like to use after the shower. Below are a few of mine.

1. Jergen’s Natural Glow Revitalizing Daily Moisturizer – To maintain some arm color

2. Neutrogena Body Clear Body Spray – To keep your back clear

3. Body Shop Almond Body Butter – To have smooth legs and hips

4. Neutrogena Clear Pore Oil-Eliminating Astringent  - To remove excess makeup

5. Neutrogena Light Night Cream – To keep your face moisturized all night

6. Mederma Scar Cream – To reduce the appearance of scars

What body products are part of your after shower routine?

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