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!).

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.

Wow – can you say a-m-a-z-i-n-g?!  I’d been hearing about the Living Proof, Full Thickening Cream ($24 at Sephora) and how fabulous this new hair product  is for so long that I actually ran to Sephora the first day it was in stores to pick some up, and I must say – it did not disappoint.  This innovative new product actually deposits ‘thickening points’ on the hair strands, creating a thicker surface that somehow enables fine hair to act like full hair.  I don’t understand all the technical stuff, but I can say that it does the job.  It’s a cream you apply to damp hair, combing through for even distribution.  Blow dry as usual, and you’re left with significantly more volume.  This is different from most thickening products, which always seem to leave you with that ‘crunchy’ look and feel.  Instead this product really makes your hair seem thicker (without feeling like you have a ton of product in your hair).  And your ‘do’ won’t collapse after an hour.  $24 may be a bit expensive for just 3.7 ounces, but for fine-haired gals like me, definitely worth it!

I’ve found the Bliss skincare line to be hit or miss, but as a fan of the famous Oxygen Facial at Bliss Spa in NYC, I was interested in checking out the new Bliss Triple Oxygen + C Energizing Cream ($54 at Sephora).  They say this is like an at home version of the Bliss Spa Triple Oxygen Treatment Facial and that you’ll see results after the first use.  This cream delivers oxygen and vitamin C to the skin, which should revive dull, stressed skin leaving you with that ‘just-out-of-the-shower’ look.

The cream has a slight citrusy scent and is really lightweight (fine for daytime use).  It might not be hydrating enough for someone with dry skin (my skin is combination and at night I feel like I need something heavier for my dry spots).  That being said, I do think this moisturizer had a brightening effect and I found it to be an excellent, nonirritating moisturizer for daytime.

Delicate, sweet, and a little bit spicy, the scent of roses never goes out of style. It’s a classic. But bottling rose is no small feat. Too sweet and it becomes cloying; too floral and it reminds me of stale old-lady perfume. Happily, the latest crop of rose-scented products are perfectly realistic yet utterly unique. Do take the time to smell these:

(Left to right)

Antica Farmacista “Peonia Romantico” Home Ambiance Perfume – Like filling your home with a fresh bouquet of peonies, roses, and citrus blossoms. It would makes a fantastic gift as well! $62 at Nordstrom

Dior Crème de Rose Smoothing Plumping Lip Balm – I have been eyeing this chic little pot for a while now. It’s like the grown-up version of Rosebud Salve—with SPF and lip-plumping action. I die. $25 at Nordstrom

Korres Japanese Rose collection – A richer rose, thanks to the addition of quince. I particularly love the velvety, avocado oil-infused body butter. $20 and up at Sephora

Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb La Vie En Rose – Spiked with pink peppercorn, this fruity-floral fragrance is lovely yet sexy, perfect for spring yet heady enough for a night on the town. $80 at Sephora

By: Elizabeth Dehn of  Beauty Bets 

Happy Spring! It’s officially time to swap out your Uggs for ballet flats, your pea coat for a trench, and your facial cleanser for something with a little more muscle. Seasonal changes are notorious for wreaking havoc on complexions, causing break-outs, dryness, and irritation. Your best bet is to start transitioning your beauty regimen now, so your skin isn’t shocked when the weather really heats up. A gentle yet deep-cleansing face wash is essential for keeping skin calm and balanced. I got giddy this week when I broke out my current favorite: Ole Henriksen Red Tea Foaming Cleanser ($30 at Sephora). Fantastic for all skin types, this cleanser starts out as a liquid but turns into a luxurious, creamy foam. It leaves my skin squeaky clean yet infinitely soft, easily removes makeup, packs a powerful punch of face-saving antioxidants, and smells bright and fresh—just like spring.

There is something about sheer red lips that gives off an innocent, Snow White sort of vibe.  I am a fan of this look year-round.   Here are a few I recommend:

Stila Lip Glaze in Cranberry ($22 at Sephora and Nordstrom) – One of my favorites, these lip gloss ‘pens’ provide a thick and sticky gloss that will stay on your lips forever. Easy application and nice buildable color.

Benefit Benetint Lip Balm ($20 at Sephora, Macy’s and Nordstrom) – This is a natural looking balm that provides a ‘barely there’ (but buildable) color. Product comes in a darling ‘pot’ and is extremely hydrating.

Fresh Sugar Lip Gloss in Cherry ($18 at Sephora) — This is a sheer red gloss that goes on smooth and provides SPF 15. With moisturizers like shea butter, jojoba oil and Vitamin E, this one will drench your lips with natural, sheer red.  As an added bonus, it smells great and has Fresh’s signature citrusy scent.  Dee-lish.

On a recent search for a new mascara I stumbled across Imju Fiberwig ($24 at Sephora).  Fiberwig is a top selling mascara in Japan and claims to be ‘resilient to tears, sweat and oil’ while providing ‘false eyelash-like results’.  This product comes in one color (black), and upon application the ‘fibers’ coat the surface of each lash.  While this product does not flake or smudge (goodbye raccoon eyes!), I did find that it took several coats to lengthen and it doesn’t really seem to add volume at all.  It also would not hold the curl in my lashes (which were sticking straight out by lunch!). Overall a very average mascara. Beauty Blog Rating: C