Beauty Blog Coalition Weekly Roundup

• The Click You're It! Holiday Eye Palette started an obsession! Check out Mama Fashionista's top picks from Smashbox Cosmetics.
• Retrodiva has a holy grail alert! If you have oily skin and are tired of the "makeup slide" you will need to check out her new holy grail must-have.
• Glitter.Gloss.Garbage changes her mind about her favorite travel atomizer. It's Flo and she's giving one away!
• BlushingNoir has found the perfect Summer lip color in the MAC Beth Ditto Collection! BOOYAH!!!
• Blushing Basics shares her [awkward] style evolution with you. So she had a few-several-different hair colors, so what?
• You know you should wear some sort of sunblock every day, but so many people just won't! Here are 10 effective alternatives to sun block for Summer, suggested by The Advice Sisters, that will save your skin without having to apply a traditional cream or lotion.
• If you are looking for the perfect sun-kissed blush- then Lola from Lola's Secret Beauty Blog wants to share her love of Chi Chi Liquid Blush from Susan Thompson Cosmetics. It is a gorgeous must-have blush for the summer months!
• Want to win the latest from Suave Beauty? Curls N Pearls is giving away three sets of Everlasting Sunshine Body Wash & Lotion! Just leave a comment to enter!
• Harshleen from BeautyTidbits lists her top summer beauty picks. Check out the makeup products she’s totally hooked on right now!
• TheFabZilla was surprised to see "Made in China" label from tarte's eyeshadow palette. Known to be cruelty-free, she asked the company regarding their no-animal testing policy. Read tarte's response as they explain the difference between "made" and "sold" in China.
• Stephanie Louise of All Things Beautiful is showing off some fab Pacifica fragrances, all perfect for travel! From California Star Jasmine to Hawaiian Ruby Guava, something will definitely catch your fancy!
• Its that time again.. see what Geniabeme got in her June Little Black Bag! Theres lots of pictures of all her goodies!
• Phyrra is entrenched in an epic Battle of the Taupes! See which Taupe comes out on top!
• Marcia from Beauty Info Zone is also entrenched in the Battle of the Taupes. She and Phyrra didn't pick the same taupe so come see what taupe comes out on top for her.
• Laura from My Newest Addiction shares photos and opinions on the Zoya Beach and Summer Pinterest Trio!
• Jessika from polish insomniac jumps into the Makeup Wars - Battle of the Taupe Shadows with her guns blazing - is her Wet n Wild shade a winner in your book?
• Freshly back from Palm Beach, the Beauty Professor shares swatches of ALL twelve shades of her latest foundation discovery from Le Metier de Beaute.
• Do you know how many Indie Polish Brands are out there? Gia of Bottles and Bottles of Polish found a list of 166 brands, with links included- see which ones you like, and support small businesses by rocking a fabulous manicure!
• The Makeup Wars have started! Several beauty bloggers are battling it out over who makes the best taupe eyeshadow. See what taupes that were sent to battle from Pammy Blogs Beauty's makeup collection. These Makeup Wars girls love their taupes! 
• Ro shows us how to achieve her simple summer makeup look on Creatively Yours by Ro.
• Zoya Isabel is a gorgeous shade of shimmery red...but what happens when it gets the doticure treatment?
• Happy Summer, everyone! Check out Anisha's California sunset inspired look using Sugarpill eyeshadows. It's fun, colorful, and oh-so-very wearable!
• Kim Porter is giving you the opportunity to win stylish Jamberry Nail Covers.  These easy to apply, stylishly designed nail covers will keep your nails on-point all summer long!
• At Midnight Manicures, check out Water Marbling with Patricia and see this nail art technique at it's best.
• Spontaneous Chic got to try out and and couldn't wait to post an Armour Beauty review.
• The Big Reveal has finally come, says Emily Hudspeth! Part 3 or "The After" of the makeover series for this soon to be new mom is up! Now is time to show her as an "after". Next up, her makeup lesson.
• The Crumpet and 5 other Super Brits have been doing a Superheroes and Villlains nail art challenge - check out her Wonder Woman nails here -
• Lynn at Oh So Lacquered does some nail art this week and reveals the inspiration behind a simple stripe accent nail.
• Beauty from Liz is excited, because Maxfactor decided to sell nailpolishes in Estonia. Of course she got Fantasy Fire, but what else, please read here.
• Check out Beauty and Fashion Tech's MAC Satin Taupe and NARS Lhasa swatches and makeup look in the Makeup Wars Battle of the Taupes!
• Girl Gloss reviews Revlon Colorstay Overtime Lip Color.
• BeautyJudy found a mate for her bottle of French's Spicy Brown mustard. Bye bye, hot dogs. No, seriously. Check out this indie polish!
• Cosmetically Challenged says summer doesn't mean you can't wear foundation! Tinted Moisturizers allow you stay beautiful and protect you from the sun.
• Get a bronzed glow without the sun damage. Enter to win Borghese Splendore Body Bronzer from Lipgloss Break!
• Mina finally found a natural bar soap she loves, head over to Fabulous Awesomeness to see what she thinks of Reviva Labs Seaweed Soap!
• The weather in Estonia is getting warmer and warmer and so Miss L from Beauty by Miss L decided to do a bright summery water marble mani.
• Want big hair with lots of oomph? Hello Dollface tries new BangStyle for voluminous hair.
• Nails Beautiqued is showing how nailart doesn't have to be difficult.  Nail Modes to the rescue!
• Perilously Pale has found her perfect pinky nude with Giorgio Armani Rouge d'Armani Beige.

Yves Rocher Monoi de Tahiti Oil Review

I am a huge fan of cocoa butter, but Monoi de Tahiti (Traditional Gardenia Oil) by Yves Rocher, has made me rethink my daily moisturizing routine just a bit. Instead of my normal cocoa butter lotion, I’ve been using this oil. I get the same comfort knowing that my skin is being nourished and hydrated with coconut oil, as well as smelling sweet and delicate from the gardenia blossoms that are combined – all in one oil. I love the feeling of this luxurious oil on my skin.

I love the feel and smell of this luxurious oil on my skin. The scent is lovely and reminds me of vacations in tropical destinations. I was able to get dressed right after application without having my clothing stick to me and the scent and moisture has stayed with me all through the day. Not a drop gets wasted! Anything left on my fingertips (after application to my body), goes directly into my hair. It adds a brilliant shine and doesn't weigh my hair down. This oil gets HUGE love from me!

You can find Monoi de Tahiti oil by Yves Rocher on their website. It retails at $7.50.

By Lipgloss Break Guest Blogger, Tina

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.

30% off butter LONDON

butter LONDON's Family & Friends event is on! Now through June 27th take 30% off your entire order! Enter code FFSUMMER12 at checkout.

Check out my post on butter LONDON's new Lippy collection!

Giveaway Break - Borghese Splendore All Over Body Bronzer

Last year I wrote about one of my beach bag necessities from Borghese, the Splendore All Over Body Bronzer. This bronzer is great for creating a bronze glow without the sun damage. I dust it on my face, shoulder and legs to give me a nice sun-kissed look.


This year...we're giving it away! Borghese and I want to send one lucky reader their own Splendore All Over Body Bronzer to fake a glow, just in time for the beginning of Summer!

***Giveaway***

Enter to win a Borghese Splendore All Over Body Bronzer! 

Fill out the form below to win! For extra entries, you can sign up for my mailing list, post a link to this giveaway on your blog, follow my blog, follow me and retweet on Twitter , follow me on Pinterest or become a fan on Facebook; just make sure to list the entries in your comment. Enter up to once a day!

This giveaway is open to US residents only. The contest will end on Friday, July 20th. I will randomly select one winner and announce them on Lipgloss Break, so keep checking to see if you're a winner - Good Luck!

Home on the Upper West Side

Well, I made it to the city with my 2 suitcases (one weighing 50+lbs) and a laptop bag. It also helped that Mike surprised me at the airport to help me out :).

I'm discovering quickly that the Upper West Side is just my style. The picture to the right is in front of our building. Walking distance from our studio on 89th and West End are 3 grocery stores, a nail salon at every corner, and great restaurants and bars. It's super family friendly, kids are running around everywhere!

As soon as I got in we tried Hi-Life Cafe for a late breakfast. Their omelets were delicious, and the starter bread basket was even better. They give each table mini muffins and cinnamon toast with strawberry butter - irresistible.

We were so busy exploring we totally forgot to eat lunch! For dinner we did NY style Perfecto Pizza. Mike can normally eat a large himself and the both of us didn't even put a dent into a large round pizza here.

5 things I've learned so far in NYC:
1 - The subway system. I'm still getting use to which trains are express trains, but for the most part, I can navigate them
2 - Iced coffee is the new black
3 - You have to be a creative thinker when it comes to utilizing space. I miss my bathroom counters!
4 - The rude NYC stereotype is not true. Someone came up to me and Mike yesterday while we were looking at our phones and asked us if needed help finding something (we must have really looked touristy!).
5 - Keep your eyes peeled at all times for celebrities. I crossed paths yesterday with Dr. MacNamara from Nip/Tuck *lovey sigh*

Beauty Blog Coalition Weekly Roundup

• Is your hair and skin dry and damaged? MyStyleBell explains the difference between Argan Oil and Grapeseed Oil and explains which one is better for your hair.
• Are you interested in trying a monthly sample service for beauty products? Emily has tried a few and was happy with the first impression of Sample Society by beautybar.com. See what came in the June Sample Society box!
• Everything has a scent, even cold!  Designer Serge Lutens celebrates it in his avant-garde, new fragrance, l'eau Froide. Alison Blackman of the Advice Sisters checks out the fragrance and gives a report.  Cool yourself all Summer long!
• Miss L from Beauty by Miss L tried L´Oreal Youth Code Luminize Super Serum and now shares her thoughts about it.
• Confessions of a Sarcastic Mom showcases polishes inspired by the movie Snow White and the Huntsman.
• Glitter.Gloss.Garbage has swatches of MAC Casual Colour.
• Brooke from BlushingNoir shows you what is in her first (and second!) Little Black Bag with this open box video!
• BeautyJudy wear-tests, reviews and shares swatches of Dermelect's new ME Anti-Aging Color Nail Lacquers. Do theydeliver on the company's promise of chip-resistance and nail strengthening? Find out!
• BeautyTidbits is giving away a bunch of new NIVEA skincare goodies and a trendy beach tote to get you ready for the beach season!
• Phyrra brings you the best in bright hair from Premiere Beauty Orlando.
• The Pink Sith yammers on about mermaids and cable TV, but she shows you some awesome pictures of Models Own Nail Polish in Indian Ocean while she does it.
• Take the headache out of nail art and try this simple trick from Blushing Basics.
• Are you looking for a great peel for summer-ready glowing skin? Lola from Lola's Secret Beauty Blog is a huge fan of Suki Renewal Bio-Surfacing Facial Peel because it's natural, vegan, and highly effective!
• There are some big-name must-haves out there, but when you shop locally a whole new world can open up for a beauty enthusiast! Follow Bailey around a farmers market and see what local beauty she finds.
• Beauty Info Zone wants to teach you about double cleansing with Dermalogica PreCleanse. They also want one US reader to win the product to see how great it is for themselves.
• Beauty and Fashion Tech looks at some truly odd beauty items with The 8 Strangest Beauty Products.
• Girl Gloss has a MAC Casual Colour Collection Swatch of the Shade Keep it Casual.
• How do you remove your makeup? TheFabZilla tried a gamut of ways but got hooked with Micellar water. Check out her recent faves.
• It is Giveaway time over at Pammy Blogs Beauty! So, head on over to enter to win a Total Beauty Collection sample box!
• Polarbelle spends a little time getting her nautical on with the Mac Hey, Sailor eyeshadows.
• Nails and Noms shows us some pretties from the new indie kid on the block, Cirque Nail Polish with their Dark Horse Collection!
• The Makeup Divas shares swatches and reviews MAC Ditto Shade & Smoke Shadow Liners.
• Have you been searching for a Polish that wears like a Gel? Midnight Manicures presents Dazzle Dry, it's vegan, big 5-Free and dries in 5 minutes!
• Want a tan without the wrinkles? Lipgloss Break reviews Dr. Dennis Gross's New Glow Pad sunless tanning towels.
• Playing Russian Roulette with your Hair? Cosmetically Challenged gives you three tips to help keep you and your hair safe.
• Stephanie Louise- All Things Beautiful is traveling across the country & shows you the L'Occitane Verbena Sachet & Fragrance/Gloss Duo that are traveling must haves!
• Gia of Bottles and Bottles of Polish wore 3 purple polishes at the same time- check out how amazing they looked together
• Where the party at? Lynn shows you the After Party on her nails over at Oh So Lacquered.
• Always on the search for great makeup, Christina of Curls N Pearls shares a review of the RevitaLash Spotlight Highlighting Pencil. Check out what she thinks!
• Nails Beautiqued has some summertime fun mouthwatering hues for your nails?  Checkout Jessica Gelato Maio Collection.
• Always looking for the best in skin care, Spontaneous Chick posted 4 avocado face masks that work.
• Hello Dollface copies Julianne Hough's natural makeup for a pretty daytime look. Will you see Rock of Ages this weekend?
• Geniabeme has a bright FOTD using Kiss My Sass Cosmetics!
• Do you believe in happy endings? Mina of Fabulous Awesomeness swatches the Fairytale Collection by Cult Nails!
• Katia-Blondycandy went to Beauty Trend Show at Nordstrom in South Coast Plaza and was lucky to get two great makeovers from YSL and Guerlain. Watch her funny photos and read advices from best makeup artists.
• Want a colorful, dramatic, and edgy look? Nancy from The Dark Side of Beauty shows us how to create it with the Sugarpill Burning Heart palette!
• Perilously Pale shows us how to achieve the on trend anti-smokey eye look with the new Maybelline New York Luminous Lights Quads.
• Beauty from Liz shows beauty products that she has purchased in May. Maybe it is interesting to see what you can buy when you live in Estonia?

butter LONDON Lippy

butter LONDON has released a line of lip glosses that match their nail polishes. Lippy Lipgloss is lacquer-like gloss that is long lasting with great colors. Lippy launched in March at Ulta, in 5 different colors: Primrose Hill Picnic, Snog, Trout Pout, Yummy Mummy and Teddy Girl.


Dictionary Definition:  LIPPY – British slang for someone who makes impertinent or cheeky remarks.  (Glosses are $17 each)


Matchy matchy is in, match your toes and nails to your lips!

pictured: Trout Pout polish and lipgloss

And the Winners are...

Mally Beauty Giveaway - jslbrown_03
Eucerin Calm line - Jesskaufman

Stephanie Johnson cosmetic bags


Congrats to Marilyn! She won the Stephanie Johnson cosmetic bag giveaway. Her empowering moment was 'When I received my college degree after much hard work.' Congrats Marilyn - that's a huge accomplishment!!

China Glaze Summer Neons

Hot hot hot!

· Pink Plumeria: Light pink with gold shimmer

· Under the Boardwalk: Fluorescent raspberry

· Splish Splash: Bright sky blue shimmer

· Love’s A Beach: Sizzling hot pink

· Hang-Ten Toes: Bubblegum neon with iridescent purple shimmer

· Beach Cruise-r: Glimmering fuchsia grape

· Orange You Hot?: Bright orange with attention-grabbing gold glimmer

· Surfin’ For Boys: Glistening bright coral

· Flirty Tankini: Shimmery strawberry smoothie pink

· Ride the Waves: Dark ocean blue

· I’m With the Lifeguard: Glimmering lime green

· Sun-Kissed: Hot highlighter yellow

Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Glow Pad

I'm a self tanning queen, especially in the summer. I don't like to bake in the sun (no wrinkles please!) so I like to use a self tanner to give myself some color in the summer.

I just tried Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Glow Pad and loved the color it gave me. It's a large towel that covers your whole body. The towel has little scrubbers in it so it acts like an exfoliator for a smooth application. Right after I applied the towel to my skin I followed up with an unscented lotion, to help ensure an even application (and for extra moisturizing!). 

I applied the towel at night, waited about 10 minutes before getting dressed, put on dark loose clothing, and then went to bed. I woke up the next morning looking like I just got back from the Caribbean! I saw my mom that day, who can appreciate a good self tan job, and she said 'oh my goodness, you are TAN!' I went over my legs and arms twice with the towel, which makes me think my tan came out even darker than normal. I did have one streak on my leg (my fault), which I fixed by scrubbing with a damp wash cloth. 

I love this type of packaging for traveling. They fit nicely in a makeup bag and you don't have to worry about these leaking in your luggage and the carry on liquid rule.

Glow Pads retail at $48 for a box of 8 pads. Definitely worth the splurge if you want a tan for a special event or vacation, or while you are traveling.