HOT FOR HONEY! REVIEW of M.A.C.'s New "Naked Honey" Collection

Bees do it...now M·A·C does it! Honey, that is!

Last Thursday M.A.C. launched it's latest collection "Naked Honey" which consists of cosmetics, skincare and perfume. Below are pictures of the collection along with swatches of the product. Overall I didn't find this collection so outstanding. The cosmetic products were to close to colors that already exist in the M.A.C. lineup. I also thought the perfumes were too strong for my personal preference. I did like the Naked Honey Skin Salve which is similar to Elizabeth Arden's 8-hour creme and has a delicious honey sweet smell. What do you think of this latest collection?

LipGlass ($14)
Colors Left to Right: Queen Bee - mid-tone apricot w/multi-dimensional pearl, Buzz - dark copper brown w/multi-dimensional pearl and She's a Star - light neutral gold.

Colors with flash.

Eyeshadow ($14.50)
Colors Left to Right: Buckwheat Dark - copper brown with multi-dimensional pearl, Crème de Miel - Frosty light yellow gold, Pollinator - Mid-tone warm reddened peach with pearl.

Colors With Flash

Highlight Powder ($24.50) - A high-light powder specially created for the Naked Honey collection. It features an embossed honeycomb pattern — super-fine, impeccably pearlized. It creates soft high lights on cheek, brow, shoulders — anywhere on the body.

Colors Left to Right: Golden Nectar - Muted golden tan with gold shimmer and Honey Light - A light peachy gold with shimmer.

Colors With Flash

SMOOTH OPERATOR

Summer's almost here and no woman wants to look prickly in her shorts and bathing suit so I've put together a list of products to help you ditch the stubble, get yourself smooth and stay that way.

no!no! - A revolutionary new concept in hair removal, suitable for all hair types and skin colors.Clinical studies show it inhibits hair regrowth and can reduces hair density by up to 64% with no pain, no mess and no chemicals. With a no!no! treatment there's no pain, you don't have to wait for hair to grow long in order to remove it, and there is no skin irritation like in-grown hairs, red pimples, or rashes to cover up. Veet In-Shower Hair Removal Cream, Dry Skin Formula <5.1> $7.99
This unique In-Shower Hair Removal Cream is great for girls on the go. Its amazingly effective formula with Moisturizer Complex contains 15% more moisturizers than the previous version. It works in 3 minutes while you shower to leave your skin smooth, effectively moisturized and soft. And you'll get less prickly stubble! Schick - Intuition Plus Razor, Refreshing Moisture $9.99
The only razor that lathers and moisturizes as you shave, leaving your skin noticeably softer. No need for Shave Gel, Soap or Body Wash. The pivoting head follows your contours and 4 blades provide a closer shave.
Whish - Almond Shave Savour Hair Inhibiting Gel <7.4> $26
Men aren't the only ones who deserve to benefit from the best shave possible. That’s why Whish created products that moisturize, protect, and heal the skin during and after shaving. Whish Almond Shave Savour Hair Inhibiting Gel deeply moisturizes and softens the skin after shaving, calming irritation and preventing redness and ingrown hairs. The most amazing part is that it actually inhibits the amount of new hair growth.
Aveeno - Positively Smooth Moisturizing Lotion <10.3> $8.49
This breakthrough formula with an exclusive combination of natural soy, skin-silkening soy extract, and skin conditioners has been dermatologist tested and clinically proven to make hair softer and less noticeable within 4 weeks. Its non-greasy, fast-absorbing formula with rich emollients and vitamins helps you maintain beautiful, healthy-looking skin.
Nivea Sun-Kissed Beautiful Legs Gradual Tan Moisturizer, For Medium to Dark Skin <6.7> $9.99 (*also available in "For Light to Medium Skin")
Nivea's Sun-Kissed Beautiful Legs gives your legs an irresistible natural looking tan while minimizing the need to shave so often. The caring cream formula contains a hint of gradual tanner that builds a natural looking tan with everyday use, and makes the hair look less noticeable. When you shave less often, the tanning effect lasts even longer for year-round beautiful, well cared for legs!

PRODUCT REVIEW: LAVANILA The Healthy Deodorant

LAVANILA Laboratories - The Healthy Deodorant in "Vanilla Coconut"
<1.7> $18
What it is:
A clinical-strength deodorant that is 100% natural, safe, and effective.

What it is formulated to do:
LAVANILA The Healthy Deodorant uses beta-glucan technology to effectively fight odor while soothing, conditioning, and strengthening the skin. It goes on clean, with no sticky wetness, and delivers long-lasting, luxurious results.


About a week ago I ordered this product from Sephora online since love LAVANILLA perfume and they had a special promotion, if you ordered $25 or more you got a sample of LAVANILA The Healthy Body Butter in "Vanilla Coconut". Personally I love when I can get something extra with purchase and there is always something I want to buy or try from Sephora. When I saw that LAVANILA had a new product, The Healthy Deodorant, I decided to give it a try. I choose the "Vanilla Coconut" scent to match with my sample Body Butter.

I love the delicious Vanilla Coconut scent - it's a blend of young coconuts, hints of monoi Tiare flower and Madagascar vanilla bean. The smell is sensual and a bit tropical but not overpowering. The deodorant glides on smooth but I did rub it in to avoid white residue getting on my clothes. I didn't have to reapply even after a day spent running around on location in the hot sun and my armpits didn't smell. It's not an anti-perspirant so if you get really sweaty it won't keep you dry but it does control odor. I'm very happy I tried this product.

SUN SENSE 101

SUN FACTS:

* Dermatologists state that brief sun exposures all year round can add up to significant damage for people of all complexions, but especially those with fair skin. Such cumulative, everyday exposures are linked to squamous cell cancer. Although not as dangerous as melanoma, squamous cell cancer is still believed to be the cause of up to 20% of skin cancer deaths.

* UVA rays help age skin cells and cause some damage to cells' DNA. UVA rays are mainly linked to long-term skin damage such as wrinkles, loss of skin elasticity and dark patches but are also thought to play a role in some skin cancers.

* UVB rays are mainly responsible for direct damage to the DNA, and are the rays that cause sunburns. They are also thought to cause most skin cancers.

* Be sure to apply the sunscreen properly. Always follow the label directions. When applying it, pay close attention to your face, ears, hands, and arms, and generously coat the skin that is not covered by clothing. If you're going to wear insect repellent or makeup, apply the sunscreen first.

* For best results, most sunscreens must be reapplied at least every 2 hours and even more often if you are swimming or sweating. Products labeled 'waterproof' may provide protection for at least 80 minutes even when you are swimming or sweating. Products that are 'water resistant' may provide protection for only 40 minutes. Be sure to choose a broad spectrum product that blocks UVB and UVA rays.

RECOMMENDED SUN PRODUCTS:

BODY:
Nia 24 Sun Damage Prevention 100% Mineral Sunscreen (SPF 30) <2.5> $45
Physician recommended duo-action sun damage prevention and 100% mineral sunscreen in a weightless, oil-free lotion that absorbs instantly for complete protection.
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock (SPF 55) <3> $9.49
Neutrogena has developed a breakthrough new sun protection technology complex called Helioplex, specifically engineered to deliver very high, very broad and photo-stable UV protection. It protects with advanced broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection and combines it with Dry Touch technology to provide an ultra-light, non-shiny finish. Gentle enough for even sensitive skin.
Aveeno Continuous Protection Active Sunblock Spray (SPF 70) <5> $9.39
Formulated to provide sweatproof sun protection in a one touch spray that allows you to spray the product at any angle, even upside down. This light, non-greasy formula provides sweatproof/waterproof protection and contains patented Active Photobarrier Complex™ to provide broad-spectrum protection over time, so you can stay protected from the sun's harmful rays while you are active.
FACE:
Solar Sense Clear Zinc Advanced Sun Protection For Face (SPF 45) <.45 oz> $4.08
This all season, broad spectrum sun protection cream contains clear Zinc Oxide, a physical sunblock, which unlike chemical sunblocks, forms a shield which repels the sun's rays and prevents them from absorbing into the skin. It also contains Green Tea, nature's super antioxidant that not only helps prevent sun damage but helps accelerate skin cell renewal. This moisturizing formula with Aloe and Vitamins A, C & E, is non-greasy, hypo-allergenic, fragrance-free and instantly rubs in clear leaving no white residue.
Sun Science Hydrating Sun Mist (SPF 30) <3.4> $9.99
A lightweight SPF delivered to the skin in a fine mist of full-spectrum coverage. Ideal for dry, dehydrated skin types who want a burst of protective moisture for the face. Once absorbed into the skin, it dries clear and is non-greasy.
Peter Thomas Roth Instant Mineral Powder (SPF 45) <0.15> $30
A transparent SPF 45 mineral powder in a convenient brush applicator that works immediately to block out the sun's harmful UVA, UVB, and infrared rays to help prevent sunburn, skin damage, freckling, and discoloration. This finely milled, talc-free matte powder leaves a residue-free layer of sun protection to help skin maintain a soft, healthy and radiant look.
LIPS:
Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm (SPF 25 ) <0.25> $7
Not just any lip balm! Field-tested in extreme conditions and containing ultra-moisturizing shea butter, this is the formula if you want the best all-around lip balm in the world.
Banana Boat Aloe Vera with Vitamin E Sunscreen Lip Balm (SPF 45) $2.09
This lip balm is very water/sweat resistant, helps soothe and keeps your lips soft and supple. Formulated with patented AvoTriplex™ technology to prevent UVB/UVA damage. Ocean Potion Moisturizing Lip Potion (SPF 45) <0.15> $1.39
This all season Lip Sun Block offers the most effective protection for lips. Made with rich conditioners to help keep the lips soft and smooth with an orange/vanilla flavor.HAIR:
L'Oréal Professionnel Série Expert Solar Sublime Leave-In Conditioning Spray ($21)
This product gives instant protection for hair during exposure to the sun. With non-greasy texture, a light protective film is formed around the hair fibre to keep it nourished and protect the radiance of the hair.
Redken UV Rescue Daily Sun Milk (SPF 12) <5> $7.25
Shields hair from the damaging and drying effects of the sun. Detangles and moisturizes leaving hair with a lightweight, natural finish. Replenishes and soothes the scalp while providing SPF 12 protection.
NAILS:
Orly Sunscreen for Nails <0.6oz> $5
Protection for every color under the sun. The advanced U.V. absorbent, high-shine topcoat protects polish from damaging UV rays which can fade or yellow lacquer in sunlight.
AFTER SUN:
Kiss My Face After Sun Aloe Soother with Jewelweed & Yucca <4> $4.19
With over a thousand years of use in Native American remedies, Aloe Vera, Yucca-Glauca Root and Jewelweed are ingredients with extraordinary moisturization and anti-inflammatory properties.
AHAVA Mineral Suncare Aftersun Rehydrating Balm for Body & Face <8.5> $22.50
Treat your skin to this anti-aging blend of soothing Aloe Vera, Dead Sea minerals anti-oxidant vitamins and natural moisturizers and restore what the sun and the elements have stripped away. This delightfully light balm offers a perfect drink of cooling and calming moisture to sun-exposed skin, helping it to feel comforted, soft and healthy.
Clinique After Sun Rescue Balm with Aloe <5> $20
Ultra-moisturizing balm with soothing aloe calms sun-exposed skin. Provides a post-sun "repair" to help prevent today's sun exposure from becoming tomorrow's visible damage. Helps minimize peeling. Suitable for face and body.

PRODUCT OF THE WEEK

New Feature!  ""Product of The Week will feature a new product that I'm currently using and loving.

This is my new favorite body lotion (well, at least for this week). It makes my skin feel silky smooth and it has the added benefit of UVA/UVB sun protection. I love the fragrant smell of Cocoa Butter and this formula combines Cocoa Butter with Vitamin E to even out blotchy skin tone. Fabulous!Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula SPF 15 Body Lotion <;8.5oz>; $9.30