Mascaras. They’re everywhere. Just go to any makeup counter or even the local drugstore and you have at least 10 types and formulas to choose from! They promise all types of things: you’ll have longer lashes, fuller lashes, more curl, more separated lashes, I’ve even seen some that say you’ll have better lashes than getting the actual extensions! And, I mustn't forget, there’s even eyelash re-growing drugs you can get from your family optometrist! Wow, prescription eyelashes! Really?!

Here’s the skinny on what I think is the best mascara that can do all of the above mentioned things, and doesn’t require too much money...or a prescription! L’Oreal Double Extend Mascara. Like many women, for years I was always looking for the best mascara. I seemed to try a new one every month or so. Then, I found this awesome find three years ago and haven’t bought anything else since.

First of all, I love that it does not smear or run. It really stays all day! It looks like your lashes are longer and fuller but you don’t get that clumpy/too much makeup look up close. It’s a two step process, where you apply a base coat and then the actual mascara. Because of this it is so easy to remove too! (this part I LOVE!) With warm water “the tubes” gently pull free and voila! Just wash your face like normal, no raccoon eyes! Hooray!

You can buy this awesome stuff at just about any drugstore for around $10. Give it a try, it’s a pretty amazing little product!

In the Pacific Northwest, we are subject to slightly extreme weather conditions. A few weeks ago: an epic snowstorm; earlier this week: sunshine; and today: rain. With weather that doesn't know what it wants to do, sometimes skin suffers. Redness, chapped lips, and dry flaky skin are all things us Seattleites are plagued with. Thankfully, there are products to help fight these symptoms and keep skin smooth and moisturized. And that's a good thing, because with weather this unpredictable it’s hard enough figuring out what to wear.

Here are a few products I've recently been loving that help combat dry winter skin:

I have sensitive skin, and winter weather only exacerbates the problem. I need to keep skin moisturized, am prone to breakouts so I can't use products that clog pores. Neutrogena's Ultra Gentle Soothing Cream ($16) and Ultra Gentle Soothing Lotion SPF 15 ($16) are lightweight formulas that really protect and hydrate skin. The lotion is ideal for day as it's a lighter fluid that has SPF. The cream is ultra-moisturizing, and I use it not only on my face, but on my neck and hands - it's that good. Soothing chamomile and feverfew calm skin and combat redness. With time, these moisturizers actually help heal skin and decrease sensitivity. I have to admit, I love products that work well and that you can get at the drugstore!

Without constant moisturizing, lips get dry and cracked in the winter. I find myself reaching constantly for my C.O. Bigelow Mentha Supreme 2X Lip Balm ($8). The balm combines minty freshness with high-gloss shine in a formula that keeps lips hydrated. The mentha formula is awesome because it actually helps to freshen breath. Kind of brilliant!

With cold and flu season in full-force, I feel like I am constantly using hand sanitizers. Unfortunately, excessive use can lead to dry cracked hands. What to do? Find a hand sanitizer that moisturizes skin! Bath and Body Works Anti-Bacterial PocketBac® Sanitizers ($5 each) does just this. The formula kills germs and has a light scent and it leaves skin conditioned not void of moisture. The I Love...collection comes in yummy scents like Cake and Cookie Dough. My daughter loves these because of their compact shape. She immediately confiscated the "I Love You" version because it is pink!

What are your go-to remedies for dry winter skin?

Valentine's Day is right around the corner, and there is no better time than no to make sure you are ready to 'pucker up' on the 14th! Refresh your lip gloss collection with some of these current favorites. They are sure to keep lips shining, moisturized and plump:

Light reflecting ingredients in Aqua Liplights by ybf add shine and come in sets of three. Choose from pinks, neutrals or wines. I received a set to try and am loving the Crystal Crimson alone and the Radiant Rasberry layered over my usual lipstick shade. These glosses go on smooth and never sticky, and can be layered with each other or other lipsticks to get the desired effect. While some glosses can actually be too sheer, Aqua Liplights have a lot of pigment, so they wear like a lipstick. But the glossy formula is lightweight. They also smell nice which is a plus!

$19.80 per set, available online at YBFGirlfriends.com.

Reviewed awhile back, and definitely still a favorite, FusionBeauty's LipFusion comes in tons of pigment-rich shades. The lightweight formula has lip-plumping properties, and lasts through a couple cups of coffee. A single tube runs almost $40, making this lip gloss fall on the spendier end of the spectrum. But I will say, the tubes do last a long time.

$38, available at Beauty.com.

To get that full-lipped pout a la Brigitte Bardot, try Soap & Glory's Super-Colour Sexy Mother Pucker™ Lip Plumping Gloss. The lovely ladies representing Soap & Glory sent me one of my own to try. It is seriously amazing. Lip-plumping ingredients like SUPERFILL™ volume-maxing microspheres expand when they fill with moisture. The formula also contains LIPSWELL™, a natural plant oil infusion, that increases blood flow to lips, giving them a fuller appearance. I love the combo of the clear gloss under my regular lipstick - it quickly fills the fine lines around my mouth. Also available in Half Naked and Yummy Plum, definitely a line worth checking out.

$15, available at Sephora.

For more lip-plumping action, try Buxom Big & Healthy Lip Polish. I got this in a sample bag and keep it handy for mid-day touchups. Not quite as powerful as the Soap & Glory version, Buxom is super lightweight and slightly stickier. I prefer it alone as it gets a bit sticky when layered under lipstick. A good back up.

$18, available at Buxom Big & Healthy Lip PolishBeauty.com.

What is your favorite lip gloss?

If you are a regular reader, you might know I am a fan of natural beauty products – I’ve been wearing mineral foundation for years (and have tried quite a few). I recently learned of a beauty company that offers vegan makeup and was excited to recieve some to try it out.

Mineral Foundation Mineral makeup is so hard to do right. I've tried brands that look too powdery, or too yellow, don’t blend well or feel to heavy. But My Delight's powdered mineral foundation is a very sheer, lightweight formula that feels great. It offers light coverage, perfect for daytime use, and the natural ingredients don't clog pores. Plus, it's got built-in sun protection, a must even in winter weather. I've only tried it dry with a powder brush, but you can also mix it with moisturizer if you prefer liquid foundation.

Natural Mascara Mascara is one makeup product that I usually stick to the mainstream brands. They seem to offer better, long lasting coverage, and less clumping and flaking. I know, it's all the yucky chemicals! But, I would rather wear natural ingredients around my eyes for obvious reasons. The Mascara from My Delight is made from vegan ingredients and goes on smooth and clump-free. Natural apricot kernel oil conditions lashes while depositing color on each lash.

Lips My Delights lip moisturizers are a handbag must-have. Throughout the day, lipstick can get dry and flaky, but a quick swipe of their lip moisturizers restore softness and smooth lines. Using coconut and jojoba oils, the natural ingredients keep lips moisturized all day long.

I'm also a fan of their sheer, vegan lip gloss for daily wear. The color is light, but it's perfect for adding some shine to lipstick or wearing alone. And I feel good about the natural ingredients.

For more information, or to purchase My Delight cosmetics, visit: MyDelightonline.com.

What It Is:
Clarins Eye Quartet Mineral Palette in 07 Smokey Passion and Rouge Prodige in 131 Passion Rose

Why This Should Be in Your Bag:

I rarely feature collections on In Our Makeup Bag and here’s why: they are big. Most makeup collections have upwards to 10 pieces and that is just too much for this column. On top of that, the quality of all the items is usually so varied that they don’t make for a very coherent review.

Clarins is a fave brand of mine that happens to put out rather modest collections. Their latest holiday fare boasts only three items: a face powder, eye quad and a lipstick. I have both the quad and lipstick to test out, so let’s see how it goes.

How To Use It:

I’ve previously reviewed Clarins Eye Quartet Mineral Palettes, but this one has a slightly different set-up. Included are two eyeshadows, one powder eyeliner and a creamy highlighter. This selection makes use rather easy. Neither of the eyeshadows stands out as the lid or crease color, so you can match them any way you please! Then, line your upper (and lower if you’re going for intensity) lash line and add the highlighter to your brow bone and inner corner. Another plus: you can use all four both wet and dry!

Find out what grade College Candy gives Clarins Holiday Eye Quartet and Rouge Prodige Lipstick here!

Like a deep cleanser, but in a towelette form. Comodynes Easy Peel Facial Treatment comes in a single-use packet, and leaves skin feeling refreshed and smooth. It exfoliates dry and dead skin cells with a simple swipe. I don't use self-tanner on my face, but I can see how this would be a great product for cleansing skin prior to a treatment. Great for travel, each packet is compact. In addition to cleansing skin, the treatment contains natural ingredients that help skin cells turn over and renew. 8 Packets for $12.99. For more information or to purchase visit: Comodynes.net.

After a shower, my hair can be unruly. I usually comb it out while it is wet and then blow-dry. A lot of combs tangle hair, but the Healthy Hair Comby by Olivia Garden is fantastic. Made from bamboo, the comb is anti-static to help control flyaways. The material is also anti-bacterial, which I am not totally sure what that means when it comes to hair combs, but I like it! With wet or dry hair, this comb runs through hair quickly and painlessly with out tugging. For more info, visit: Olivia Garden.

After my hair is dry, I like to straighten it with a flat iron. The ladies over at Clever Girl Innovations have come out with a sleek little mat for setting hot styling tools on. The GlamMat is made of silicone and is heat resistant up to 450 degrees. Set the pad on your sink or counter, and rest hot tools on top. It's raised pattern grips tools and prevents rolling. Your countertop is saved and you've got a nice little area to keep tools. What's nice about the GlamMat is that it is large enough to hold more than one styling tool. Available in black, clear, pink and purple for $21.95 each. For more information visit: Clever Girl Innovations.

Note: I was sent the above items for review purposes.

Life is busy. Very few people have the luxury of a personal makeup artist to do touch-ups throughout the day. Most of us get ready in the AM and buzz through the day until we can finally unwind in the evening. Beauty Fixation Portable Swabs let you touch up your makeup and nails quickly and easily throughout a busy day.

The folks at Japonesque, makers of professional makeup supplies, sent me some Beauty Fixation swabs to try, and I am seriously obsessed. With six quick-fix beauty treatments in the set, each pack contains 24 pre-filled q-tip-like swabs in a pocket-sized box. About the size of a makeup compact, each one fits easily into your purse, just right for the woman on the go.

I have heard of make-up remover swabs, which are ideal for cleaning up eye-liner mistakes or for carrying along to a tearful occasion. Beauty Fixation's Makeup Remover/Touch-up swabs are not only good at removing makeup, but very gentle on skin. They also offer pre-filled swabs containing other treatments. I have been using the Tinted Lip Conditioner each morning after washing my face, the subtle tint is just right for looking polished. My lips feel smooth and soft after using the formula. The Lipstick Touchup swabs have a bit of makeup remover to take away lipstick and gloss with the swipe of a hand. (Also, a lifesaver when my 4-year old decided to use my lipstick!)

For nails, their Nail Polish Touch-Up and Cuticle Conditioner swabs keep nails clean and smooth. Finally, the (genius) Pre-Tweeze Treatment for brows is a topical antiseptic to temporarily relieve pain before tweezing or waxing. Definitely bringing this to my next brow wax.

Beauty Fixation packs cost about $5 each and can be purchased at BeautyBar.com.

Brows: It's amazing how defined brows can really change up your look. But just by filling in my very blonde brows with Diorshow Brow Styler Ultra-Fine Precision Brow Pencil ($28) my eyes popped. This easy little tool comes in a universal shade and fills in brows easily and quickly.

Eyeliner: Knowing I was headed to a wedding, I knew that I might cry (yes, I am one of those people). But Dior Crayon Eyeliner Waterproof ($29) lasted the entire evening and then washed off when I wanted it to. I used Intense Brown (#594).

Eye Shadow: Quite the beauty splurge, Dior's 5-Colour Eyeshadow palettes ($58) allow you to try like 20 different color combos, making them well worth the $58 price tag. I picked up the Rosy Tan (#754) palette for the warm pink, brown and peach tones.

Lips: All glosses are not created equal! Dior Addict Ultra Gloss ($27.50) goes on smooth, not sticky, and lasts through the champagne toast. The very sheer Pink Veil (#654) color is one I will wear alone or over a darker color. This is a lip gloss I might have to hide from my daughter. She tends to over apply!

What are your favorite special occasion makeup products?

I've been using mineral foundation for about 5 years now, and love it. But as a beauty junkie, I'm always on the lookout for the next best product, trying to find something that can outdo my current favorite. I recently learned about Sheer Cover, by Guthy-Renker, a mineral-based powder foundation, finishing powder, spf and anti-aging protector in one.

I'm a fan of mineral makeup because it doesn't clog pores and is made from natural ingredients. I don’t like my foundation to be cakey, but I do need good coverage, so I prefer a loose powder applied with a brush. My favorite is a kabuki brush because it's small and you can get good coverage with it.

Sheer Cover is a lightweight formula that goes on sheer, so you can build up as much coverage as you like. I use a lighter touch for my day makeup, and build up a little more for evening. I like that it feels light on my skin, yet has lasting power. I typically wear an SPF 15 moisturizer and the fact that Sheer Cover foundation has SPF in it is a bonus. No oils and antioxidants mean my skin stays clear and healthy.

I tried a few other Sheer Cover products. The Concealer is awesome because you can mix the shades to match your skin tone. It's great for under-eye circles. The blush is a pinky peach that I've been wearing daily. I used the Base Perfector Primer religiously for the first 2 weeks, and loved how it created a smooth foundation for makeup. It is a slightly heavy formula though, so I stopped using it because my skin is sensitive and acne prone. I haven't used the bronzer yet, but will definitely be needing it as the weather cools down and I want to feel tan.

Overall, I am happy with Sheer Cover products! The entire system is available for $29 at SheerCover.com.

Shielo started as a line of volumizing and color protecting hair care products created for salons in New York City in 2001. In 2007, the line became available to clients outside of the salon, giving women access to professional quality ingredients. When they contacted me about trying out some products, I happily accepted.

Shielo Color Protect Strengthening Shampoo uses their StrandGuard Complex® to protect hair from environmental factors that cause fading and weakening. Simultaneously, it uses Expansion Technology® to volumize and keep strands flexible. Ingredients like Sunflower Seed Extract and other certified Organic Extracts keep hair shiny. I've been using the shampoo for a couple weeks now and find that not only does it smell amazing (an essential feature), but my hair is a lot more manageable. Normally, I have to blow-dry my hair after every wash, but I've been letting it air dry and it's not as out of control.

For me, conditioning is key, as daily washing can cause color to fade. I love the combination of the shampoo and Shielo's Color Protect Conditioner (regularly $24.99, on sale for $17.50), which helps protect color while adding shine and resilience. As an added bonus, products are sulfate-free.

With two young kiddos at my feet, I really need to maximize time during my hair and beauty routine. Because of this, I don't (get to) use many styling products. But one I now constantly use is Shielo's Antioxidant Leave-In Protectant ($19.99). Spray onto wet hair, to prolong your color and protect against environmental factors. Ingredients include pro-vitamins, proteins and amino acids to slow-down color loss and provide UV protection, all while being completely free of parabens. It's also a great product to use when you blowdry, because it will help protect hair from damaging heat.

For finishing, Shielo's Volume Flexible Design Hair Spray ($18.99) is a lightweight formula that uses keratin and wheat amino acids to boost hair from the root. It also uses soy proteins and other natural ingredients to help nourish and strengthen hair while providing hold. I like that this formula isn't sticky or heavy.

Shielo offers you salon quality products, using natural ingredients, without animal testing. All packaging uses post-consumer recycled and recyclable materials.

Products can be found online at Shielo.com. Get free shipping with purchases of $75 or more.

I've used the Proactiv 3-step system on and off for years now, and am always happy with the results. I've got combination skin, am prone to breakouts and also have sensitive skin to boot. Fun, huh!? Well, I found that Proactiv uses ingredients that are gentle on sensitive skin, but tough enough to fight acne. While mainly known for their 3 step system, Proactiv also has a wide selection of skin care products, from oil-free moisturizers to masks. When they contacted me to try out some products, I was excited to get started right away. Here are a few notes on the products I tried:

Proactiv Oil-Free Moisture with SPF 15 and Daily Protection Plus Sunscreen SPF 30

We all know that wearing sunscreen is imperative, but for those with oilier skin, the thought of adding an extra layer of product to your face each day seems like a breakout waiting to happen. Proactiv's Oil-Free Moisture with SPF 15 and Daily Protection Plus Sunscreen SPF 30 both offer protection from the sun's harmful rays as well as moisturizing benefits. Their lightweight formulas go on smooth and absorb quickly, leaving skin soft. Both absorb excess oil and won't clog your pores. A lightweight sunscreen and moisturizer in one. The SPF 30 has antioxidant vitamin E designed to fight free radicals and has light, fast-absorbing, invisible lotion also features low-strength salicylic acid to fight acne by reducing oil and purifying pores. I have been using both of these as my regular moisturizers for a few weeks now, and am happy with how they work!

Proactiv Oil-Free Moisture with SPF 15: Regular Price: $25, Member Price: $19.95

Proactiv Daily Protection Plus Sunscreen SPF 30: Regular Price: $19, Member Price: $16.95

Proactiv Daily Oil Control

Probably my favorite product from Proactiv, the Daily Oil Control is a lightweight lotion that you apply all over your face under makeup, for all day oil control. It instantly mattifies, but leaves skin glowing, not weighed down. It basically helps prime your skin so makeup stays put with out streaking and it helps keep pores from clogging. I use it in the morning after washing my face and moisturizing, and before I put makeup on. It seems to last all day for me, but is definitely a product you could re-apply throughout the day if needed.

Regular Price: $29.95

Proactiv Refining Mask

The refining mask is actually a couple products in one. Used as a mask weekly, soothing and cooling clay calms skin while preventing breakouts. Sulfur and Vitamin-enriched omegas balance and tone skin. I've used many skin care masks and have found that those with clay properties work best. The formula is antibacterial to help prevent future breakouts. The second way to use the refining mask is as a spot treatment. Dab on a breakout before bed and by morning it's way better! I've been using the refining mask once a week or before a night out with great results.

Regular Price: $20, Member Price: $14.95

Proactiv Advanced Blemish Treatment

We've all had it. The single blemish that needs to be treated asap because of course you get it right before an event. Enter Proactiv's Advanced Blemish Treatment. This tube of acne-fighting benzoyl peroxide (6%) helps you target the problem immediately. Dab a bit on and it starts killing acne-causing bacteria right away. The invisible formula can be worn any time, and the small tube is perfect for popping in your purse for on-the-go. If you are prone to breakouts, this should be in your arsenal.

Regular Price: $18, Member Price: $14.95

Everything above be purchased on Proactiv.com. If you become a member and get their three-step program, products are discounted.

It's no secret that eyeliner can elevate your look. Whether you are going for some evening drama, or just to add some depth to your eyes for day, eyeliner can help. But, there is nothing worse than cakey eyeliner that drags on your eyelid, making it hard to apply. Enter tarte cosmetics: emphasEYES™ aqua-gel eyeliner. A gel-cream formulation glides on smooth and hydrates skin, leaving behind deeply pigmented, dramatic color. With water being one of the main ingredients in tarte's emphasEYES™ aqua-gel eyeliner, skin is left refreshed and moisturized. The formula actually cools on contact, and soothes skin with vitamin E, cucumber and aloe. Plus, the pigment is derived from mineral pigments, offering soothing results that won't irritate skin. I love the rich colors, offering plenty of options to achieve a different look each day. My current favorite is plum, I love the contrast with my blue eyes.

Tarte emphasEYES™ aqua-gel eyeliner retails for $18. Currently they are running a buy one get one free promo! Use code AQEYE at checkout. (Offer good through 7/31/11)

What is your favorite eyeliner?

What It Is: Clarins Mosaique Bronzer

Why This Should Be in Your Bag:

Bronzer is a summer necessity, as far as I’m concerned. Even if you’re a pale lady, like me, you can fake a golden glow with the right bronzer and application. Bronzer is also essential for contouring your face and making your gorgeous features just pop! I’ve been using bronzer since my first foray into makeup and consider myself to be somewhat of an expert.

Clarins is a great, high-end brand that pumps out quality products but sometimes flies under the radar. However, with their Mosaique Bronzer for Summer 2011, they are sure to hit center stage. I mean, look at it – stunning!

How To Use It:

Like I said, bronzer can be used to add overall warmth by gently buffing it over on your cheekbones, forehead and nose. I prefer to use a giant kabuki brush to ensure even application and a light touch. However, you can also use bronzer to contour. Begin with a contouring brush (available from almost every major cosmetics brand) and swipe the bronzer into the hollows of your cheeks. Can’t find them? Make a fish face and observe the hollows it creates – apply bronzer there! I also apply around my hairline and on the side of my nose (lightly!) to slim. Get another brush, preferably a fluffy one, and buff the bronzer so it’s not too obvious.

Find what grade Clarins Mosaique Bronzer gets from College Candy!

What It Is:
Make Up For Ever Aqua Liner in #12 Mat Mocha & #14 Diamond Multicolor Black

Why This Should Be in Your Bag:
Eyeliner is a surefire way to kick your makeup routine up a notch. Daytime looks benefit from healthy dose of pencil or powder liner, while nighttime eyes are intensified with liquid. Liquid liner is also one of those milestone makeup products — when you master the application you truly deserve a medal!

Make Up For Ever (MUFE) is a fave brand of mine and one that you’ve seen me review many a time. Makeup artists, as well as myself, love MUFE for their long-wearing, highly pigmented product. Aqua Liner is a new release, with 50% polymer content to make them completely waterproof. With a wide range of shades and finishes, all your liquid liner needs can be satisfied with Aqua Liner.

Read the rest of the Make Up For Ever Eyeliner review here!

We all know how important a good night's sleep is. Over night, our skin cells get a chance to rejuvenate, leaving our skin healthy and refreshed in the morning. These days, sleep comes in small increments (my 7-month old is still working on sleeping through the night). And while I can’t say I feel refreshed in the morning, I can say I have found a night gel that makes a difference in my skin. Reviva Labs InterCell Night Gel with Hyaluronic Acid is an extremely lightweight gel formula, that adds moisture to skin and works over night to protect against free radicals. Made from all natural ingredients, InterCell Night Gel with Hyaluronic Acid is a non-greasy formula that absorbs easily and leaves skin feeling smooth and soft. While ideal for dry climates, it works wonders in any weather condition.

I received a jar of Reviva InterCell Night Gel from Reviva and have been using it for a number of weeks now, in conjunction with their Firming Eye Serum. I love the results I've gotten from the two. My skin feels firm yet soft in the morning, not greasy or puffy. Also, I love that the ingredients are natural, and I am not using products that are full of harmful chemicals.

InterCell Night Gel with Hyaluronic Acid can be found online at Reviva Labs for $14. If you do end up purchasing, be sure to review the product on the Reviva Labs website. It's a great way to help others learn about great products to buy!

Finding chemical-free beauty products can be frustrating. I want shampoo that really cleans, but without the worry of SLS and Parabens. And while I am ok with sometimes sacrificing my health for something gloriously scented, I am not ok with putting chemicals on my kids. I recently learned of a line of hair and skin care products safe and natural for sensitive baby skin.

Free of harsh chemicals and 100% vegan, Original Sprout offers a line of hair and body products that are safe for the whole family to use. The Worry-Free Formulas do not contain harmful PhytoEstrogens - which are linked to gynecomastia, early puberty, hormone disruption & fertility problems.

I was given the opportunity to try a few of the Original Sprout products and definitely want to recommend them to you.

My 3-year old is still sometimes afraid of getting soap in her eyes when we shampoo her hair. The Original Sprout Natural Shampoo is a gentle formula, safe for sensitive skin. Made from organic emollients which not only clean and hydrate, the shampoo leaves hair soft and free of tangles. It also offers sun protection and has color retention benefits, making it great for kids as well as moms. And because of it's tear-free formula, I am not afraid to use it with my daughter. It is specially formulated for sensitive kids who suffer from eczema or dry skin.

Here are some other added benefits:

* Eliminates Cradle Cap
* Free of Hormone Disrupters
* Free of Fruit Extracts & Honey
* For Babies, Children & Adults
* No Citrus Oils (Photosensitizers)
* With Natural & Organic Ingredients
* With Organic Rosemary to Help Repel Lice & Insects

After washing her hair with the Natural Shampoo, I use the Original Sprout Miracle Detangler. It not only smells amazing, but it works to quickly detangle and smooth hair without pulling. Normally, this is an activity that results in my daughter yelling "mom, your pulling my hair!" But using Original Sprout's detangler has actually become a fun experience. I love it because it works on wet and dry hair, leaving it silky, smooth and smelling wonderful.

Here are some benefits of the detangler:

* Biodegradable
* Eliminates Static
* For Wet or Dry Hair
* Protects & Strengthens
* For Effortless Combing
* Gluten, Soy & Nano Particle Free
* E.U. & Prop 65 Certified Ingredients
* Helps Repel & Protect with Organic Rosemary
* Immediately Eliminates Tangles Leaving Hair Soft & Silky

Another beauty item my daughter is a major fan of is moisturizer. Usually, the more expensive, the better. (My La Mer now lives up on the highest shelf!) Original Sprout Scrumptious Baby Cream is something I feel good about letting her use. I know she can slather on a bunch and it is free of chemicals that may harm or irritate her sensitive baby skin. It not only moisturizes and smoothes skin, but it protects as well.

Infused with Natural Zinc to create a protective sun barrier, the cream also contains organic rosemary, helping to repel insects & calm sensitive skin. The formula is non-greasy & smells amazing.

Other benefits:

* Use for Face & Body
* PH Balanced
* For All Skin Types
* Restores Moisture
* Nurtures Sensitive Skin
* Free of Propylene Glycol
* DEA, Paraben & PVP Free
* With Natural Sun Protection
* Free of Estrogen Disrupters
* No Citrus Oils (Photo-Toxins)
* Free of Fruit Extracts & Honey
* Free of Mineral & Petroleum Oils
* No Titanium Dioxide or Nano-Particles
* With Organic Rosemary to Repel Insects

All of the above products have these extra benefits:

* Soy and Gluten Free
* Cruelty Free
* 100% Vegan
* Biodegradable
* Formaldehyde & Keratin Free
* E.U. & Japan Cosmetic Compliant

Original Sprout products are naturally effective with simple, straightforward ingredients and packaging that explains exactly what the products contain. Definitely check out Original Sprout's line. You will not be sorry you did!

Original Sprout Products can be purchased online at OriginalSprout.com or at Amazon.com.

If you are experiencing dry hands, I suggest you go out and snap one of these up immediately!

MOR Cosmetics Little Luxuries Marshmallow Hand Cream ($12). Made from rich shea and cocoa butter, plus essential vitamins, your hands immediately feel the benefits of this thick, rich lotion. The formula goes on thick but absorbs easily into skin. It comes with a pair of cotton gloves to put on, letting the treatment really absorb while you sleep. The MOR Marshmallow fragrance is actually quite pleasant, not too sugar sweet. A mixture of vanilla musk and jasmine flower, sugar dipped rose petals, white carnation, and cotton candy. Yum!

They call these "Gardeners Hand" treatments, but anyone can use them. I recommend using these two products together. First, us the Crabtree & Evelyn Gardeners Hand Recovery Treatment ($20) to slough off dry skin and dead cells, leaving hands polished, smooth and soft. It is simple to use and only takes a few minutes. Simply, apply a bit of the hand therapy treatment to dry hands and rub in for 15-20 seconds, like you are applying moisturizer. Then rinse and pat dry. Your hands will feel amazingly soft. The formula contains sea salt to help exfoliate, nut oil and shea butter for moisturizing and conditioning and lavender oil and oatmeal to sooth. I am truly addicted to this therapy for keeping my hands smooth and conditioned.

Next, use the Crabtree & Evelyn Gardeners Hand Therapy Cream ($15). The rich cream formula contains glycerin and shea butter for moisturizing and conditioning. It also has clover and chamomile for deodorizing and soothing. The treatment can be used on it's own for ever day, but it truly works its magic after the hand recovery scrub. Hands will feel soft and smooth for hours.

Both are scented with fresh green clover, lavender, sage rosemary and thyme - super light and not overwhelming at all.

Note: I purchased all of the above products.

What are your dry-weather beauty must haves?

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Here's a great gift idea for the friend who never misses a party:

The Hollywood Glam Girl kit includes five evening-bag-sized Glam Girl essentials to keep her looking polished all night long. The kit includes Shimmer Top Coat Nail Polish to add glimmer to nails, either over nail polish or alone; a Nail File to combat any chipped nail emergencies; Glamour Gloss to give high-impact shine to lips; a Compact Mirror for checking out the overall look; and of course, uber-useful Hollywood Fashion Tape, essential to avoiding pesky wardrobe malfunctions.

I had the opportunity to try this kit and it has served me well! All items fit easily into a clutch or small evening bag. The lip gloss is super sheer yet has a hint of sparkle to it, and it smells like mint. The nail polish adds just the right amount of sparkle - I'm wearing it now on bare nails, but it also looks great over a color. The nail file and compact mirror are handbag essentials and are getting a lot of great use. I keep the Fashion Tape on hand for when I'm wearing tops or dresses that need a bit of strategic placement.

From the company that brought you Fashionista Flats, Hollywood Fashion Tape offers tons of solutions for your wardrobe - from apparel tape to stain remover. Be sure to check out the rest of their pre- and post-party kits.

The Hollywood Glam Girl kit retails for $19.99 and is available at Beauty.com where you can save $10 on purchases of $60 or more!

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Carmex. All opinions are 100% mine.

Living in Seattle, my skin gets dry, so having moisturizers on hand is a must. Recently, I had the opportunity to try Carmex's new line of hand and body moisturizers, and was excited to test them against the cold Seattle weather. I received both Carmex Healing Lotion and Carmex Healing Cream.

Carmex's Healing Lotion is a great whole-body after-shower solution, while the Healing Cream works best tackling really dry areas like elbows and knees. Both the formulas absorb easily into skin and are not sticky or greasy. The feel of the cream is super rich, containing 9 healing ingredients to help soften and moisturize rough skin. The Aloe and Vitamin E containing lotion is also non-greasy and feels light enough to use all over. They both feel like they are high quality formulas.

While I like how the moisturizers perform, I am not a fan of their scents. They smell like a mix of licorice and menthol, with a hint of vanilla. I have sort of a sensitive sense of smell so this may not bother some people. I would rather use the heavier cream in small doses, versus the lotion, because the scent is just too strong.

In terms of the product packaging, it's simple and bright. No frills. The cream and lotion come in easy-to-squeeze tubes. All in all, I would recommend the products for their moisturizing abilities, but not for their scent.

Carmex Healing products retail for $5.99 and are available at they can be found at Walgreens stores, walgreens.com and drugstore.com.

I recently had the opportunity to try out Reviva Labs Firming Eye Serum ($19). They kindly sent the product for me to review. I have to say, I'm kind of loving it. The formula isn't greasy, and it absorbs easily into skin. It feels more like a cream than a serum. There isn't really even a scent to it, which is nice. DMAE and Alpha Lipoinc Acid, plus Firming C Ester are the main ingredients of eye serum. It comes in a pump which is more sanitary than a tub.

I've been using the product for a couple weeks now, and feel like it has helped reduce puffiness around my eyes. (I know I've mentioned this before, but as a mom of two young kids, lack of sleep is the norm). I put it on at night after I wash my face, and in the morning before I apply my makeup. According to the package, Reviva Labs Firming Eye Serum is supposed to reduce the appearance of eye-area wrinkles, puffiness and dark circles and protect against future signs of aging.

Reviva Labs has been around since 1973 and has introduced many natural skin care products to the market. They do not test products on animals, rather in skin care labs. They take a clinical approach to natural products, helping you look younger. I will definitely keep using the firming eye serum, and recommend it to you beauties if you are looking for a new eye cream.

Where to buy: Online at RevivaLabs.com.