Lipgloss Break

Miracle Skin Transformer

I've been crazy about tinted moisturizer with SPF this summer. I don't keep this in my beach bag, but I definitely put it on before going out in the sun. Miracle Skin Transformer is something I've never experienced before. A hydrator, enhancer and protector, all in one. I'm normally not one to fall for the 'air-brushed' look scheme, but the Skin Transformer does leave my skin pretty flawless. It reminds me of Smashbox Photo Finish, but without the breakout.

Miracle Skin has a similar texture to Smashbox's Photofinish, but it's a tinted formula. With SPF and moisturizing ingredients, I wear it by itself to give my skin a break from makeup. I usually put my moisturizer on first, and then Miracle Skin, which makes my skin super soft and gives me a matte finish. I normally use foundation for light skin, but since I have a bit of color from the summer, I used the medium color and it does a great job at covering my blemishes.

Some of the ingredients:

Saw Palmetto Extract
Passion Fruit
CO Enzyme Q10
Vitamin K & A
Vitamin
Antioxidants
SPF UVA/UVB
Ecophysalis

Comes in 4 shades:

Colorless
Light - fair and natural skin tones
Medium - sun kissed looked, this is the one I used
Tan - for darker and deeper skin tones

Visit the Miracle Skin Transformer site for a free sample!

Note: This review includes products that I received as samples, provided by the brand company or a PR rep. Please click here for more information regarding my disclaimer.

Color Finder

Discover which makeup and hair shades will look best on you

This is a TotalBeauty.com makeup article

This trusty color finder will point you to your most flattering eye, lip and face makeup hues, plus offer up product suggestions.

Get started

China Glaze Fight like a Woman Collection

Join China Glaze Nail Lacquer this October in the battle against breast cancer, one nail at a time! The professional line of nail lacquers brings on the fight with three powerful pinks. Inspired by the women who fight everyday and those that support them in their battle, these fabulous shades are sure to help you defeat the toughest opponents with style and class. China Glaze representative Rachel Schafer voiced that “in an industry dominated by women, for women, it is important that we strive to work together towards finding a cure.

The three colors in “Fight Like A Woman” include:

Encouragement – A baby pink shimmer that brings on the cheer

Endurance – Power through the punches with this raspberry shimmer

Empowerment – Stand up tall with this cotton-candy crème on your nails

A portion of the proceeds will benefit the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), an agency of the World Health Organization dedicated to the science of cancer and promoting international collaboration in cancer research.

The “Fight Like A Woman” Collection will be available at professional beauty supply stores and select salons this September. Availability will be very limited internationally.

Lorac Fall Collection

Lorac's new Fall line, Private Affair.

Future Pros Style Awards

Every year, the Empire Education Group asks its cosmetology studetns to vote on their favorite beauty brands, industry stars and tools. Here are the results for the annual Future Pros Style Awards!

Best Hair Pro: Nick Arrojo

Runner Up: Oscar Blandi

Best Makeup Pro: Laura Mercier

Runner Up: Carmindy

Best Curl Brand: LaCoupe

Runner Up: Alterna

Best Drugstore Makeup Must-Have: Maybelline Great Lash Mascara

Runner Up: Q-Tips

Best Hair Tool Brand: CHI

Runner Up: Conair

Best Shampoo & Conditioner Brand: Goldwell

Runner Up: Redken

Best Place to Shop for Beauty Products: Local Beauty Supply Store

Runner Up: Sephora

Best Nail Care Line: OPI

Runner Up: Creative Nail Design

Best Straightening Brand (non-chemical): John Frieda

Runner Up: Fekkai

Best Concealer Brand: MAC

Runner Up: Physicians Formula

Best Styling Brand: Goldwell

Runner Up: Redken

Best Skincare Company: Olay

Runner Up: Repêchage

Best Mascara Brand: Maybelline

Runner Up: MAC

Best Overall Cosmetics Brand: MAC

Runner Up: Maybelline

Best Overall Hair Care Line: Goldwell

Runner Up: Redken

Best Beauty Device: Neutrogena Wave Power Cleanser

Runner Up: Zeno Acne Clearing Device

CND Shellac Manicure in Romantique

My best girlfriend Tina gave me an at-home Shellac manicure last night. After 25 minutes, and a bottle of wine (!), my nails were painted with a base, 2 color, and a top coat, and out the door dry!

Romanitque is a soft pink that will go with basically any outfit and accessories. It could also be used for a stand-out french manicure base.

I highly suggest trying a Shellac manicure out for your next event or maintenance manicure. Check out CND's website to find the location nearest you! I paid $25 for my last Shellac manicure, but I've heard of salons charging up to $40 (and up to $80 in NYC). I would suggest calling around for the best price in your area.

I'd love to hear your experience with Shellac...comment below!

The Top 10 Long-Wear Liners
Total Beauty editors put these eyeliners to a daylong test -- and they passed with flying brown, black and charcoal colors
This is a TotalBeauty.com eye makeup article Just in case you need eyeliner that lasts all day (and beyond), we tried 'em out and found that they do in fact hold up their end of the long-lasting bargain. See makeup

Almay Liquid Liner, $6.75
TotalBeauty.com editor rating: 9.5
"I don't know why the average woman would need an eyeliner that lasts 16 hours like this one claims and does, but I appreciate the fact that it goes the distance …"

Kat Von D Tattoo Liner, $18
TotalBeauty.com editor rating: 9
"Confession -- before I tried this 'Tattoo' brush tip pen liner I was a bit nervous it might never come off …"

Tarte emphasEYES, $18
TotalBeauty.com editor rating: 9
"First off, this automatic pencil liner goes on super smooth like a liquid …"

Want to see what other seven liners made the list? Click here!

Estee Lauder Pure Color Eyeshadow

Estee Lauder is introducing New Pure Color Eyeshadow - 48 shades in 4 dynamic finishes inspired by world-renowned makeup artist and Estee Lauder Creative makeup Director Tom Pecheux. The collection uses exclusive True Vision Technology that incorporates intense pigments for saturated, color rich application. The four finishes - matte, satin, luminous and metallic - animate the eyes for an alluring and enticing look.

The NEW Pure Color EyeShadow collection will be available at all Estée Lauder counters nationwide and www.esteelauder.com this month!

Haircut Bucket List

See which hairstyles you should try before you're six feet under

This is a TotalBeauty.com hairstyles article

Some of these haircuts are maybe just a subtle, hipper version of your own, while others are more of a hairdo leap of faith -- either way, life's too short to rock the same safe hairstyle.

See hairstyles