Smashbox Photo Op

It has been a whirlwind these past few weeks (really, when is it not?), and with everything going on, sleep is often the thing that I sacrifice. Until I can get my full 8 hours on the weekend, I fake it with Photo Op by Smashbox. I love the little brush that makes it so easy to apply. The light diffusers are like smoke and mirrors that make dark circles disappear (or at least look less noticeable). I never feel like I have that racoon-eye look when wearing this and it doesn't dry up or look cakey.

There are several other Smashbox products that I like, but this is my favorite. Plus, they are still holding their "Let's Do Lunch" promotion, where they give you a free gift with every placed Tuesdays and Thursdays between noon and 5 PM EST. -g.

Bath and Body Works Scentportables

Bath and Body Works is always having some sort of sale, making for a great excuse to buy some smell-good goodies. My new favorite scent from them is Fresh Bamboo. I particularly like the new Scentportables. We just bought a house and inherited a dank-smelling coat closet. Unacceptable for my new trench!

Even after a scrub-down, it still smelled like a combination of damp down comforters and a gym locker. I clipped one of the Scentportables in Fresh Bamboo on one of the hangers in the closet and after just a few days, the closet smelled fresh again. -g.

Origins Brighter by Nature™ Skin tone correcting serum

I can't wait to try this new product from Origins, which claims to fade dark spots and even out skin tone. Plus, for the next few weeks ,when you visit your local Origins store, they will give you a free facial and a sample of Brighter by Nature. -g.

Khaki Trench

This is my latest purchase--actually, my sweet husband bought it for me (thank you)! It caught my eye at Banana Republic. What makes it an even better find--the 40% off coupon that you can use each Wednesday on any regular priced item for the next few Wednesdays. I can't wait for the first chilly evening now. -g.

Roc Microdermabrasion Cleansing Disks

I love these, especially when I'm traveling. I don't need to put them in the precious quart-size plastic bag for containers of liquids holding 3 oz or less...(I know I feel safer...).

They exfoliate really well, without irritating and contain a soothing cleanser that leaves my skin feeling really clean--no need to pack a separate face wash. I love efficiency, especially when it doesn't compromise effectiveness. -g.

Brain Candy - Up for Renewal

Last month, I had the privilage of meeting Cathy Alter, a local author whose latest book recently came out in paperback (love the cute cover). I bought the book on a Thursday night and had it read cover to cover by Monday. Cathy's writing style could have been pulled right out of emails back and forth between my friends and I. Since she's a friend of a friend, and I had a chance to meet her and her cutie pie husband prior to reading it, it was even more enjoyable and felt like an extension of our conversation.

Up for Renewal is such yummy fun--like double-chocolate Oreo gelato but without the calories. Enjoy the whole thing in one sitting--guilt-free! -g.

Phyto

One of my absolute favorites is the Phyto line of haircare. I got hooked on these products when my hair stylist recommended Phyto 7 for my torched locks a few summers ago. All that fun in the sun had really wrecked my hair. I used the leave-in conditioning formula and noticed a difference after the first use. I also upped it to Phyto 9 during the winter months when my hair was ultra-dry and prone to static flyaways. This doesn't weigh your hair down and rather than coat your hair, solving the problem only temporarily, this is like food for your hair. We may not want fat many other places, but having fat, voluminous hair that's shiny and healthy is at the top of any girl's beauty wish list.

On top of that, a friend tried the vitamin supplements that claim to help your hair grow thicker, stronger and longer and she had great results.

One final shout out--I recently tried Phyto's moisturizing shampoo and sesame conditioner. It's fabulous. A plus side to the metal containers--they're great for travel. You don't have to worry about air pressure causing your conditioner to explode all over your favorite black dress. Downside--if it's still relatively full and you are clumsy in the shower like I am, it smarts a bit more when the bottle lands on your toes.

You can buy Phyto products online at Sephora or Beauty.com. I also got a great deal on a shampoo/conditioner/phyto 7/travel case at PR at Partners in Chevy Chase, MD. -g.

Welcome

Since I'm a bona-fide product junkie, I am often asked (and sometimes give my opinion without being asked...) what works and what doesn't; what's worth spending more on and what drugstore steals do the job just as well if not better. I have LOTS of opinions on this and am happy to share some of these here. -g.