Since our guest blogger Lisa enlightened us with how to ‘Look Hot While You Sweat,’ I thought I’d share how to stay fresh while you sweat. It’s  not as witty and fashionable as Lisa’s post, but I can guarantee that most of you who are reading this want to be ‘sure’ at any given time (sidebar– remember those Sure deodorant commercials?). If you’re going to look hot while you sweat, you better darn well smell good too.

Introducing DeoDry™ Dry Effect Deodorant from The Body Shop. I have tried a lot of different deodorants and this magic stick of freshness is pretty darn close to perfection. It goes on clear, something other deodorants only claim to do. It also keeps me pretty dry and smelling pretty pleasant, even after a long sweaty work out  at the gym (just being honest).

What really sold me was the fact that this deodorant doesn’t contain parabens or aluminum salts! Parabens are  preservatives used in products like shampoo, makeup, lotions, etc that have been shown to mimic the hormone estrogen. Aluminum salts are mostly found in over-the counter deodorants and antiperspirants that basically help plug the sweat glands so you’re not drenching your favorite tops — definitely an unsure moment waiting to happen.  Both ingredients may be linked to breast cancer.

DeoDry™ contains natural ingredients like Community Trade aloe vera, Community Trade alcohol & volcanic minerals. It comes in three fabulous scents (my fav is Fresh Floral) and as a stick or roll on. So don’t sweat it, The Body Shop has your back (and underarms).

I have a confession to make.  Late at night when I can’t sleep I like to watch QVC.  There’s something soothing about those crazy hosts who are desperately trying to convince you that ‘Today’s Special Value’ will change your life.  Of course, I especially love the beauty shows.  QVC sells some great product lines, including Philosophy, Smashbox and Bare Escentuals).  One night I found myself mesmerized by a hair stylish named Nick Chavez.  His products were turning flat, lifeless hair into these giant, beautiful, poufs right before my eyes.  I instantly knew that these products were for me.

As a child of the 80’s, when it comes to hair — the bigger the better.  I couldn’t resist; I ran to the QVC store at Mall of America the next day to pick up two products – Nick Chavez Volumizing Hair Flocker ($35 for two 8 oz cans) and Amazon Infinity Mist ($19).  I purchased the Hair Flocker based on what I saw on TV.  The way Nick was fluffing and ‘Flocking’ hair with this product was nothing short of miraculous.  It was like a work of art.  Unfortunately I was disappointed.  After using this in the morning, my ‘Flock’ turned to ‘Flat’ within an hour.  The Flocker was too heavy and sticky for my fine, delicate locks and this product was not for me. 

The Amazon Infinity Mist was much better. This comes in a spray bottle and claims to ‘add lift, dimension, volume and style to even the limpest locks’.  I found that this product provided great volume without weighing my hair down.  You are supposed to spray directly on to damp hair, but I didn’t feel like I was getting the right coverage with the spray bottle and ended up spraying on my hands and working through hair that way (which worked great).  This gave my hair a thicker texture with out the heavy feeling that other volumizing products sometimes leave.  A winner for flat hair; I will definitely repurchase.

I love the look and feel of glossy lips, so was excited to check out the new Bobbi Brown Treatment Lip Shine SPF 15 ($22 at Nordstrom).  They did not disappoint.  They’re like a lipstick with a built in gloss (so you essentially get two products in one).  The Lip Shines also comfort dry, chapped lips with natural cocoa butter, shea butter, jojoba and avocado oils.  I purchased Plumberry, a sheer brownish plum with just the slightest bit of shimmer. Lovely, subtle and moisturizing.  With SPF 15, this one little product has it all!

I never jumped on the Bare Minerals bandwagon, though not for lack of watching the infomercials repeatedly in an entranced state. I couldn’t find a shade that matched my skin tone, and I prefer a sheer, dewy finish to the rich, powdery coverage synonymous with mineral makeup. Ironically, I’m crazy about the Bare Escentuals SPF 30 Natural Sunscreen ($28 at Sephora). For one thing, the powder has a built-in twist-up brush—an engineering feat I’ve always yearned experience. For another, who wants to schmear a fresh coat of sunscreen over her makeup every recommended 4 hours? I’d much rather pop this sleek bullet into my handbag for touch-ups throughout the day. The micronized titanium dioxide mineral powder not only physically shields against UVA/UVB rays (a great alternative to anyone who is sensitive to chemical sunscreens) but sets makeup, blots oil, and has just enough tint to even out skin tone. On hot summer days it’s all I’ll be wearing on top of a lightweight moisturizer, which is about as low-maintenance as I get. 

My legs are glow-in-the-dark white.  Ghostly.  Without anything on them, in the dead of winter I can walk around bare legged and look like I have white tights on.  As you can imagine, self tanner is an important part of my beauty routine, especially in the summer.  I’ve recently discovered Lancôme Flash Bronzer Self Tanning Gel ($31.50 at Macy’s, Nordstrom and Bloomingdales) and it’s one of the best I’ve used.  It’s a tanning gel made especially for legs (although I’ve found you can really use it anywhere) that goes on bronze, which helps avoid streaking (because you can see if you’ve got a streak or if you missed a spot).  You are left with a natural looking, sun-kissed glow.  A bit more expensive than my usual self tanners, but well worth the price.

It’s not every day that I endorse a $225 product, so when I say that the Temptu Airbrush Makeup System is worth every penny, you must believe me. Some of you will like this, others of you will curse my name under your breath for tempting you with YET ANOTHER amazing invention.

Airbrush makeup isn’t a new concept; the technology has been used for more than a decade on TV and movie sets, and by wedding makeup artists, to create a flawless, photo-finish. It was only a matter of time before a consumer version—something that even a beauty novice could wield—hit shelves. Lucky for, you it’s now available at Sephora stores nationwide.

This electric, hand-held device sprays out a mist of foundation so fine that you won’t think it’s working—until you notice that your pores are disappearing before your eyes and that your skin takes on a dewy glow that’s usually only begotten from good genes. Application is goof-proof thanks to a setting that let’s you control the level of coverage—anywhere from sheer to camera-ready.

In addition to foundation “pods,” there are beautiful blush shades and the absolute best highlighter I’ve ever used. It’s the first product that gave me that C-shaped sheen around my eyes and cheekbones that all the celebs seem to have on the red carpet. How tempting is that?

While I love the idea of waxing at home, I’ve been apprehensive about whether or not I can inflict that sort of pain upon myself (heck, I can barely rip off a bandage!).  The Bliss Poetic Waxing at home hair removal kit ($45 at Sephora) was originally developed for use in the Bliss Spas.  You heat the wax in the microwave and unlike most at-home waxing kits, this one doesn’t use strips.  The wax hardens on your skin and you peel it off.  This aromatherapy-based hair removal system includes the following items:

– 5.3 oz microwaveable cup filled with Bliss Poetic Wax
– 1.0 oz Bliss Poetic Waxing Super Skin Cleanser
– 1.0 oz Bliss Poetic Waxing Pre– And Post-Waxing Oil
– 3 x large spatulas
– 3 x small spatulas

When I first tried this system, it took several rounds in the microwave to get the right consistency and temperature, but other than that I found it very easy to use.  The wax is a bright blue color that makes it easy to see exactly where the wax has been applied, and it’s able to catch even the shortest hairs.  As for the pain factor, although not exactly pain free, it’s manageable (and worth the end result!).

It might come as a surprise to some of you, but Minnesota is not the epi-center of the universe. Which is one reason why we’ve had to pine away ever so patiently for our very own Jo Malone store. It’s here now, inside Nordstrom, and it was worth the wait.

 But let’s back up.

 This coveted fragrance collection started out as so many good things in beauty do, when London facialist Jo Malone whipped up a batch of nutmeg & gingner bath oil in her tiny kitchen. One of her clients ordered 100 bottles—and the rest, as they say, became a fragrance empire. Jo Malone scents are incredibly distinct. The rich, spiciness of the Pomegranate Noir, and the juicy pureness of the Nectarine Blossom & Honey are enough to make me weep. Don’t even get me started on the exquisite cream and black packaging. Smell for yourself, but don’t say I didn’t warn you.

Have you ever purchased a product simply because you like the name?  I have an entire drawer filled with lipsticks I never use, which I bought based on the name (Sheer Temptation, Fawn Fatale, Saucy Sangria.… you get the picture).  On a recent walk through Sephora I purchased the Josie Maran Bear Naked Wipes ($12) for exactly that reason (something about ‘Bear Naked’). Luckily, these wipes have proven to be a good buy.  I know that you’re always, no matter what, supposed to remove make-up before you go to bed.  I even read once that if you don’t, it will age your face by ten years (not sure if that’s true or not, but it certainly stuck with me!). I’ve found that these ready-to-go wipes are the fastest, most refreshing way to take my makeup off after a long day. The cloths are gentle on my skin, but they’re still able to remove waterproof mascara. A great back-up for those nights when I’m just too tired to wash my face.