Lips without lipstick are like cakes without frosting.  And with that, I want to wish you all happy National Lipstick Day.  That's right, today July 29, we celebrate the one beauty accessory that can bring a man to his knees.  It seems like no matter what I'm going through, a swipe of lipstick usually brightens up my appearance, making me look a lot more presentable than I'm feeling.

I have so many lipstick colors, formulas and brands and as much as I love experimenting, I always flock to the nudes, reds and pinks.  I am a sucker for a matte lipstick and often use 'Ruby Woo' by MAC or 'Red Velvet' by Lime Crime for all day glam.  For days where my lips are too chapped for matte lipsticks, I go pick up my Maybelline 'Red Revival' or Butter London "Ruby Murray."  I recently tried the Tarte Cosmetics transfer proof matte lip stain in the color 'Obsessed' and haven't been able to put it down.  The formula stays put even through a few bites of food and drinks. It does turn glossy after eating something oily but stays hydrating, which I love. 

I have my everyday brands (above) and my special occasion brands, which include colors from Tom Ford, YSL, Dior, It Cosmetics and my new favorite, Pat McGrath Matte Trance (review coming soon).  What are some of your favorite lipsticks and colors? I am dying to try new shade and formulas.  I just started using the new Maybelline Color Sensational Matte Metallics, which has a creamy formula with vibrant colors and a bit of sparkle to vamp up any look.

FYI: MAC Cosmetics is giving away free lipsticks today at all MAC stores and retailers.  So head over and snag yourself a tube.   Shop all the colors I'm wearing below this post.

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Hey Lovelies! I spent the entire night perusing the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale for beauty products I want to add to my makeup bag and ended up with so many products in my cart Le Boyfriend made me delete the cart and pick my top 10 items.  I snuck one more in for good measure though.  Even though I get a lot of products from beauty brands, there are a few of them I have not worked with but itching to try.  For fall, I am leaning toward neutral makeup with a soft, subtle glow.  My makeup picks are leaning towards that fresh off a vacay glow. Most of my picks aren't really on sale but I couldn't help but snag them.

I have heard great things about the Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation and I love that it comes in darker shade for women of color.  I tried the a few Charlotte Tilbury product and fell in love. The Matte Revolution Luminous Modern-Matte Lipstick formula is to die for and I can't wait to try the Glastonberry shade. I've only tried Tom Ford nail polishes but I can't wait to get my claws on the Cream & Powder Eye Color in Paradiso. I'm drooling over the glittering gold shimmer.

Hourglass has been a favorite of mine for a few years but I have never tried the Mineral Veil Primer. I've been reading good things about micro-current facials but these can run upwards of $200 per session at a facialist.  The NUFACE® 'Trinity®' Facial Trainer Kit + Trinity Eye & Lip Enhancer Attachment is a definite splurge, however, it makes sense to try the at-home micro-current treatment because financially it's more feasible. Check out more of my favorite beauty lust list below, including items from Le Labo, Deborah Lippmann, GlamGlow, MAC Cosmetics and Laura Mercier.

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Happy Sunday my fellow Dress and Diners! This spring weather has been so schizophrenic as of late.  Spring in New York City is still proving elusive and my skin is paying for it.  It's greasy one minute and dry and splotchy the next.  Those of you who follow me on social media know how much of a stickler I am about my skincare routine. Taking care of your skin is one of the most rewarding things a woman can do for herself now to prevent aggressive wrinkling and skin damage later on down the line. Sure genetics play an important role in how we age but using the right products each day on your skin will ensure that you look youthful as you age.

Korean beauty has invaded the United States and it seems none of us can escape the sheet masks and skin essences on beauty counters from Sephora to Target. If you're in NYC and a K-Beauty addict, you're sure to be a fan of THEFACESHOP, Face 101 Inc, Tonymoly, The Maskbar, Korean beauty product shops that offer the latest skincare products from Korean brands. Even though I haven't subscribed to the 12-Step K-beauty routine, my skincare regimen is as long as the one employed by Korean women.

I am don't believe in jumping on a beauty bandwagon just because bloggers and fashion mags say so.  I use often use the products that work for my skin type.  I have my dedicated nighttime routine that includes Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair and It Cosmetics Confidence in a Cream.  These two brands have been so kind and generous on my skin that I am addicted.  I keep using them simply because they work. I've tried several Korean beauty products and only one has become a permanent part of my daily routine.  That product is SK-II Facial Treatment Essence.


The SK-II brand has been a leader in Korean skincare for decades and though it touts a very hefty price tag, it's advanced technology and ingredients have made the product like a go to for celebs, makeup artists and bloggers.  The SK-II Facial Treatment Essence in particular, is the coveted product frequently used by brand loyalists and beauty afficianados.

What is an essence? It's a serum, except it's more lightweight and less concentrated and is often used after applying a toner to add an extra layer of hydration.  So what makes SK-II Facial Treatment Essence so special?  It is formulated with the brand's proprietary ingredient Pitera, a type of yeast that speeds up the skin’s natural rejuvenation process.  Pitera carries an abundance of vitamins, minerals and amino acids to stimulate cellular repair and promote skin regeneration.

How do I use SK-II Facial Treatment Essence? After cleanser and toner,  I add three to four drops into my palm, gently rub my hands together and apply the product to my face.  I follow that up with my serum then eye cream, moisturizer and SPF.  SK-II Facial Treatment Essence retails between $170 and $229 for a 5.4oz and 7.7oz bottles, respectively.

The boy and I are currently in Puerto Rico for a well needed five-day vacation. We left early this AM from JFK on Delta Airlines and arrived 45 minutes earlier than scheduled. A $15 cab ride later and we were at the Verdanza Hotel in San Juan, ready to get this vacay started.

After unpacking, I slapped on my Clarins Sunscreen for Face Wrinkle Control Cream with SPF 30 and my LaRoche-Posay Anthelios SPF 60 on my body and headed for the pool to enjoy a temperate 88 degree weather.


My fun in the sun must haves include: 

• Clarins Sunscreen for Face Wrinkle Control Cream
• LaRoche-Posay Anthelios SPF 60
• Clarins Moisture Replenishing Lip Balm
• Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Body Oil
• Clarins Instant Light Lip Control Oil
• Sunglasses
• Turkish Towel

I am currently chilling poolside with the beau sipping piña coladas and mini empanadas. Day one is off to a good start.