Waterproof Wonders 1: Hourglass Superficial Waterproof Bronzer

As promised, months ago, I will be doing a series of posts called "Waterproof Wonders." These are my favorite waterproof/water-resistant products, without which I could never survive summer!

For my first post, I have chosen a miraculous new discovery, Hourglass Superficial Waterproof Bronzer.

Let me start with a backstory, I have melasma on my face, which only shows up after sun exposure. So, although I get very tan in the summer, my face does not. I keep sunscreen on it at all times. This results in a very dark tan body, and a face that is much lighter. To the rescue, is the Waterproof Bronzer by Hourglass. This is a powder bronzer, that is a nice matte, warm tan. I apply it with Sephora Collection Professional Bronzer Brush #44. It takes a little practice to blend well, but is easiest with this brush. Once on, this stuff is exactly as it says, WATERPROOF!!! I put it on this weekend, and was at the pool all day, in the 98 degree weather. I reapplied sunscreen over it, swam, was splashed repeatedly by my 6 year old, and wiped my face multiple times----it was still there! It was so natural looking, and didn't come off until I cleaned my face that night. If it's not already obvious, I'm in love ;) This is my new HG bronzer!!!!! It might be pricey ($45), but so worth every cent.

**Item purchased by me.

Sephora Jumbo Liner 12HR Wear Waterproof

With summer right around the corner (although with the +90 degree weather here in the south, it already feels like summer) I find myself browsing makeup counters for more "durable" makeup. A few weeks ago, while in Sephora, I noticed the Jumbo Liner 12HR Wear Waterproof eyeshadow pencils.

The pencils come in 14 different colors, and can be used as either an eyeliner or eyeshadow. They are very blendable, and layer very well. The color is a little on the sheer side, but can be layered for more intensity (which I like). The Sephora Jumbo Liners can be compared to Urban Decay's 24/7 Glide-On Shadow Pencil. The Urban Decay pencils, however, cost twice as much, and come in 12 shades. I also prefer the Sephora liners, because they don't have glitter flakes as do some of the Urban Decay ones.

Colors L to R: 05 Beige, 04 Taupe, 08 Gold, 10 Green, 14 Violet, 03 Grey
**sorry for images, they were taken with my phone

As far as their lasting power, I have worn these through a day at the pool, 3 straight hours of Zumba (both of which involve wiping my face multiple times), and they held up!! My eyes looked as good after either activity, as they did right after application!! You really can't beat that, especially for $10. My faves are: Taupe, Beige, and Gold---all layered for a neutral smoky eye.

**All items were purchased by me.

Buxom Amplified Lash Mascara Review

Buxom Amplified Lash Mascara is a new mascara released from Bare Escentuals (under Buxom line).  This is a follow-up mascara to their widely popular Buxom Lash mascara.  Buxom Amplified Lash retails for $22.00 USD while the original Buxom Lash costs $18.00 USD.


Buxom Amplified has an innovative, unique brush.  The brush changes in height by turning a dial.  With the brush extended the mascara volumizes and lengthens your lashes.  With the brush compacted, the bristles squeeze together and give your lashes even more volume and fill in between tiny spaces.  Instructions do come with the mascara.  They recommend you use to the extended brush first.  Let it dry, and the turn the dial and compact your brush.  Re-Dip in mascara and apply onto lashes.  

Overall, WOW!  Not only thick lashes, but long too!  The key with the mascara is to let the first coat dry before you move onto the second.  It did clump a little bit, but easily was able to separate lashes.  I am really loving this new mascara and brush! Definitely recommend based on my amazing results.  This product just arrived at my house today, so I will experiment more with the brush in the next couple days.  So far it's amazing!! Has anyone else tried this new brush? 

P.S.  I texted the top picture to two different people - both had the same response.  That my lashes look fake! :)

This was purchased by me.

The Zella Movement at Nordstrom

I just got the scoop on an exciting event coming up at Nordstrom stores nationwide. The Zella Movement is a national day of fitness and fashion. Zella makes amazing activewear for women, and they are partnering with Nordstrom on May 21, 2011 to host fitness events at select stores.

These events will include appx. 60 minutes of activities such as: Zumba, dance, toning exercises, walking, yoga, etc. You will also get a chance to preview the Zella collection in your store! Please visit the Nordstrom website, or call your local Nordstrom store for more details. If you will be in the Raleigh/Durham area, I will be your instructor for the event. Please join me for two of my favorite things, Nordstrom and Zumba!!! I hope you can all make it to one of these events, they are going to be a lot of fun (and how often can you have a workout party in the mall???).

Sephora by OPI Safari Luxe Nail Polish

I went to Sephora this weekend, browsing for new summer nail polish and happened upon the newest Sephora by OPI collection. The Safari Luxe, collection is inspired by trendy animal prints and chic summer accessories. The colors are fun, funky, and perfect for summer!

Bottles and swatches L to R: Don't Feed the Hand Models, Caught With My Khakis Down, Yes Your Lioness, I Don't Bite

Descriptions of the colors included in the Safari Luxe Mini Collection:

• Don't Feed the Hand Models---opaque, nude. This is the best nude nail color I have ever found!


• Caught With My Khakis Down--opaque, fatigue green.


• Yes Your Lioness--bright coral, with a tiny amount of shimmer. Almost a dead-ringer for the new Chanel nail color, Miami Peach, which is a Nieman's exclusive.


• I Don't Bite--metallic, light violet.

This set is a great value, I love everyone of the colors. I only wish they sold Yes Your Lioness in the full size. Sephora, please, please, release this one in full size. Its so beautiful!

Below, I have swatched one more of the colors from the Safari Luxe Collection (not included in the set), A Color That Can't Be Tamed ($9). It is a beautiful, metallic, mint green. Love!

This is one of my favorite nail polish collections that Sephora/OPI!! I have yet to find a color in this collection that I don't like.

**All polishes were purchased by me.