It was that wonderful time of year again, and by that I mean Sephora's VIB 20% event. I went with something that I could use everyday. This beautiful eye shadow quad by Clinique called Morning Java will flatter many a skin tone and it's easy to use because it's basically paint by numbers for your eyes as it is numbered from left to right with an instructional guide on the mirror. Of course you can mix it up any which way you'd like, but if you do suggested method it's quite beautiful on. (Pictures to come!) I have a memory of Clinique eye shadows lacking in color payoff and pigment, but the formula has changed quite dramatically.  Clinique has been known for their great skincare for eons now, but they are definitely making a name for themselves in color cosmetics as well. I have been wearing their cake liner for almost 20 years because it was the only liner back then that would stay put all day. These are nicely priced at $28 and they're a great size to just throw into your purse and go.  Wear this quad over a sheer primer and it will last and flatter just about any eye color.

These cooler, drier temperatures are already taking a toll on my skin. Living in an apartment where the heat is on full blast does not help matters either.  These are my two favorite products for sloughing away dry skin.

Trader Joe's Lavender Salt Scrub.
It might be hard to believe, but this scrub is pure luxury. When you open it, the lavender just takes over your senses and you're practically transported to some divine exotic location where lavender grows in abundance. This salty scrub is saturated in sweet almond oil, and other natural oils and does double duty in the shower to exfoliate and then puts moisture and goodness back into the skin. You will not need a moisturizer after this! It's wonderfully oily and rich. Also, it's reasonably priced so I'd recommend this as a gift this season as well, as long as you know someone loves lavender and bath products.  Do yourself a favor, and when you're over there at Trader Joe's picking up gyoza from the frozen section, wander over to the beauty section of the store-- you will be happy you did.

Bliss Lemon + Sage Body Scrub
This is a product I've used for a long time. Unlike the the Trader Joe's scrub, this is one you use before showering. This velvety scrub works to get rid of dead skin sitting on the surface, so it's a lot like dry brushing, and when you're done giving all your parts a good scrub, it does rinse off leaving a very very light coating of oil (jojoba) on the skin. It smells fantastic, if you love citrus and sage as much as I do. And it's an old time favorite. I believe this had quite the following when it was first introduced because a lot of scrubs were either oil based, like the one above and/or they weren't all as effective. Bliss also makes their Lemon + Sage lotion if you want to go crazy.

With these scrubs you also get the added benefit of increasing circulation in the skin and body, and I've read over and over again to work your way up to the heart and towards the heart as you massage these scrubs in. You'll feel great and pampered, and sooo soft!