Perfect Polish: Watermelon by Essie

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I just bought my fourth bottle of Watermelon by Essie. Never in my life have I finished a bottle of nail polish – now four! Watermelon is the polish I always come back to, year after year. Best for warmer weather, Watermelon is cheerful, youthful and flattering on the skin. It can appear many different colors – bright pink, red and almost neon, depending on the light.

Watermelon applies opaque in one coat. I always use two coats for both manicure and pedicure. I find Essie nail polishes super easy to apply. The thin brush promotes control and ease.

If you are looking for a great spring/summer shade that is refreshing and juicy, try Watermelon by Essie.

Perfect Pink: NARS Gaiety

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NARS Gaiety is my current perfect pink blush. It creates the perfect youthfulness and will instantly brighten your day… and complexion.

Described as a “bright candy pink,” the cool-toned pink has a strong blue-base. The buildable color allows for a sheer wash of color on the cheeks or layer for a bold pink flush. The color is matte with tiny specks of silver sparkle, that when applied offers a soft subtle sheen – perfect for the apples of the cheeks.

NARS blushes are long-lasting and true to color. I love Gaiety in the summer, when tanned/bronzed skin needs a flush of color. The contrast of the warm tan and cool pink reflects youthfulness and fun.

Glow-T’s Mineral Powder Foundation Awards

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Glow-T’s Mineral Powder Foundation Awards. 

Trust me, I have tried them all. I am a true fan of mineral powders for texture, coverage, finish and added benefits. To date, here are my picks:

BEST TEXTURE: Korres Wild Rose Mineral Foundation

This talc-free, loose powder foundation contains Korres signature Wild Rose Extract, a natural source of vitamin C that helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and skin discolorations. The texture is lightweight and feels like it allows the skin to breathe. It glides on the skin with a silky-smooth texture. The coverage is very sheer which makes this the perfect setting powder, for the brightening benefits and SPF 30.

BEST COVERAGE: Youngblood Natural Mineral Foundation

Originally developed with leading doctors and for use in a medical setting, Youngblood minerals are some of the finest available. The Natural Mineral Foundation is no joke. The ultra-fine powders provide the most full-coverage I have seen, yet still feels light on the skin. It produces a flawless, glowing complexion and covers any blemish or discoloration properly. Perfect for all skintypes, it is enriched with minerals that provide UVA/UVB protection and is completely free from talc, perfumes and chemical dyes.

BEST FINISH: Laura Mercier Mineral Powder SPF 15

This finely milled powder is composed completely of natural elements with 15 active amino acids. It helps to clear the skin of toxins, promote healthy skin-cell growth and fight the aging process. The real selling point is the amazing satin finish this product produces. It makes skin look incredibly youthful and luminous. While buffing this product into the skin, it almost feels like a cream and smooths over the skin effortlessly. The water-resistant powder is long-lasting and provides medium coverage and the shade selection is full of neutral tones that look natural on the skin.

BEST IN SHOW: PRIORI CoffeeBerry Perfecting Minerals

The All-In-One mineral powder foundation. Treat/Cover/Protect. The only mineral line that contains CoffeeBerry, a powerful antioxidant that fights free radicals and the causes of aging skin. This foundation feels weightless on the skin. It contains light-diffusing minerals that reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles producing a smoother more perfected complexion. It not only evens-out skintone and redness, but treats the underlying causes. Recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation, this is the best choice for broad spectrum UV protection: SPF 25, UVA 10, PA+++. When I wear this foundation, I think of it more as skincare than makeup. It gives me the perfect coverage and glow, in which I even feel comfortable wearing it to the gym. This is my pick for a Mineral Powder Foundation, it is truly in a category of it’s own.

NYFW Spring 2012: Best in Beauty

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Glow-T’s Best in Beauty for New York Fashion Week Spring 2012 .

Best in Hair ~ Jill Stuart: Inspired by fairytales, the hair appeared feminine, youthful and bohemian. Kerastase added texture, volume and a significant side sweep part that gives the illusion of bangs.

Best in Makeup ~ Lela Rose: Inspired by sin city, this look is fresh and glamourous. Bare Escentuals transitions Fall’s metallic trend to Spring with a new pressed eyeshadow-quad used in the show. I am loving the combination of metallic-toned eyes paired with sun-kissed skin.

Best in Nails ~ Wes Gordon: Inspired by powerful women, CND nailpolish used the color Poppyfield, a nearly-neon, coral color. This shade is energetic and potent. Continuing a Fall trend of matchy-matchy makeup, a parallel lip and cheek stain is used.