Nordstrom 2018 Holiday

LET'S GO GIFTING

WITH NORDSTROM

The Christmas countdown is officially winding down, and if you're still dashing around doing last minute shopping (or in need of that one special gift), the clock is ticking. So what better way to go gifting, than with my very good friends Nordstrom? I had the ultimate pleasure of attending the Nordstrom 2018 Press Preview eight weeks ago - my second time attending - back on October 24th, when brands reps unveiled Nordstrom's 2018 holiday selection. This event may very well rival my Superbowl (covering backstage beauty at New York Fashion Week)... HANDS DOWN! The "heavenly heavy haul" may also be why:

  

Products inside my 2018 Nordstrom Holiday Press Preview #NordstromBeauty

Nordstrom holiday bag roll call: 👉🏼 #LaMer #LaPrairie #CleDePeauBeaute #LimeCrime #AnastasiaBeverlyHills #WanderBeauty #LauraGeller #TrishMcEvoy #Becca #LUXIEBeauty #SigmaBeauty #BeautyBlender #BeautyBio #MakeUpEraser #Kiehls #Elemis #DeborahLippmann #ToryBirch #JackBlack #CarolinaHerrera #Prada #JohnVarvatos #LeLabo #AnticaFarmacista #CREED #YSL #Diptyque #Patchology #Starskin #BenefitCosmetics #TooFaced #HourglassCosmetics #Stila #CharlotteTilbury #Chantecaille #BobbiBrown #Burberry #NARS #Dior #UrbanDecay #WinkyLux #EveLom #DPHueACV #MurdockLondon

Vaseline® Clinical Care

VASELINE CLINICAL CARE

FOR EXTREMELY DRY SKIN

The bitter blast of winter is here, bringing with it rough, dry and cracked skin. It seems that no matter how much lotion you use, dry skin just won't go away. Well, Vaseline® introduced Clinical Care™, a breakthrough line of dermatologist-tested body products aimed to rescue hard to heal dry skin during moments you need it most. There are six products in the Clinical Care range, and I received a mailer from Vaseline reps, and thoroughly tested three in the line for one week, and the results are amazing. My skin is smooth and supple; hydrated all day - and night.

The new lotions contain a Barrier Repair Complex™ – a unique formula made up of glycerin, pro-lipids, and Vaseline Jelly, that when combined strengthen skin’s moisture barrier, transforming it from extremely dry to healed in five days. The specially designed blend of Glycerin delivers moisture directly to skin, with Pro-lipids serving as building blocks to create a moisture barrier, and iconic Vaseline® Jelly to help lock in moisture. This trifecta of ingredients quickly rescues very dry, rough skin.

Vaseline® Clinical Care™ range can be used daily, is Dermatologist-tested and hypoallergenic. Let's take a further look at the six products in the line: 

NEW Coco Cabana Cream

INTRODUCING SOL DE JANEIRO

COCO CABANA CREAM

It's been a great weekend, especially with Sol de Janeiro's NEW Coco Cabana Cream launching yesterday (8.1 oz./240mL - $45.00). It's no secret that I am addicted to their Bum Bum Cream (pronounced boom boom), and it's one-of-a-kind delectable scent, but this new cream is out of this world. Think coconut and sugar, and this cream is a moisture magnet oil-in-water body cream that provides 72 hours of moisture. SWEET!

I've had the pleasure of test driving this divine new cream since attending the product launch with Sol de Janeiro on November 8th, and what an event it was: Brazil Carnaval theme, four floors of event space complete with Samba dancers and a synchronized swimmer - check out stills from my Instagram stories:

Dove Deodorant

FALL FABULOUS & WINTER WONDERFUL UNDERARMS WITH DOVE DEODORANT

With fall weather rounding into winter (we're already into the holidays and winter begins on December 21st), I have been wearing chunky sweaters and long sleeves since October, and it's easy to neglect your underarm area since they're undercover. I personally still go sleeveless indoors, so my underarms must always be smooth and look immaculate. This is why I trust Dove Advanced Care Antiperspirant and Dove Dry Spray for soft, smooth and healthy looking underarms (and no dark spots - clear skin!) See how below: 

A fan for years, and it still thrills me whenever Dove sends me a package (or "Love from Dove" as I call it). More importantly, Dove products are now cruelty-free accredited by PETA. I love Dove deodorants all year round, especially during the harsh winter, when I notice I have super soft underarms - all while receiving top-notch sweat and odor protection that I rely on with my stress-filled, busy days. 

                                    

Dove Advanced Care Beauty Finish Antiperspirant provides 48-hour odor and wetness protection plus the added skincare benefits of NutriumMoisture™, which is designed to help skin retain its moisture balance over time and aid in the skin’s natural renewal process. The formula helps prevent conditions such as irritation, uneven skin-tone, dryness and red marks with ¼ moisturizers and NutriumMoisture™ for softer, smoother underarms.

Dove Beauty Finish Dry Spray Antiperspirant has all the care of Dove that goes on instantly dry for a cleaner feel. It provides 48-hour odor and wetness protection with ¼ moisturizers for added skincare benefits.

For more information, or to view all of the collections in the Dove line, please visit www.Dove.com

~Evelyn Lugo

Palmer's Coconut Oil Face Glow

GET YOUR GLOW ON WITH NEW

PALMER'S COCONUT OIL FACE FORMULAS

With the cold weather here, I'm ready to get my coconut glow on thanks to Palmer's NEW Coconut Oil Formula face products: Coconut Sugar Facial Scrub, Coconut Water Facial Moisturizer and Coconut Monoï Luminous Hydration Facial Oil. These three new additions to the Palmer's Coconut Oil Formula with Vitamin E line not only smell coconut-y delicious, but provide 24-hour moisture, are non-comedogenic, hyper-allergenic and are also Dermatologist tested. 

When Palmer's sent me this mailer, I could smell the coconut before even opening the box. Okay Ev, we know it smells great, but how does it feel on your skin? Definitely deserving and divine! My skin is rosy, dewy, feels silky smooth and has this undeniable glow that just cannot be ignored. Getting your coconut glow on with Palmer's is even better, since these products are certified organic extra virgin coconut oil, formulated with sustainably and ethically sourced  ingredients, FSC (Forest Stewarship Council) and packaged with recycled packaging. Also, free of:

• GMO
• Gluten
• Parabens
• Mineral Oil
• Sulfates
• Phthalates
• Harsh Chemicals

#Palmers #CoconutEscape #CoconutRadiance

IT Cosmetics QVC TSV

IT COSMETICS NOVEMBER 2018

QVC TSV AIRS TONIGHT

IT Cosmetics will be on air on QVC tonight at midnight to debut their November 2018 TSV! You can find the kit → here.

IT Cosmetics’ IT’s Your Top 5 Superstars & More! 6-Piece Holiday Collection gives you the power to feel your most beautiful this holiday - and beyond! This Today’s Special Value is scheduled to debut on QVC Saturday, November 10, 2018 at midnight (ET) and will be offered for one day only!

This exclusive six-piece collection features five of your best-selling favorites for skin, complexion and eyes - and a perfectly paired brand new brush! Prep your skin with: Confidence in a Cream to intensely moisturize and reduce the look of fine lines. Then, use your included Heavenly Luxe Dual-Ended Buff & Blend Brush No. 23 to apply Bye Bye Under Eye Concealer to conceal the look of imperfections and Celebration Foundation for a flawless-looking finish in 30 seconds. Sweep Superhero Mascara through your lashes for the look of super volume, super length and super elastic stretch in one coat, then finish your IT Girl look by gliding Je Ne Sais Quoi Lip Treatment Serum onto your lips for a natural flush of color that lasts!

Dove Dry Shampoo on CURLS

DOVE DRY SHAMPOO

HOW-TO FOR CURLY HAIR

I'll admit that I was convinced that because I have curly and dark hair, that using dry shampoo was simply not an option for me. Not unless my hair was blow-dried straight. Even then, I had a really bad experience where after using dry shampoo, my hair was completely chalk white. I used the wrong technique. And yes, I have tried another brand of dry shampoo for dark hair, but only ended up with a gummy mess when I tried to comb through it (hey, I followed the instructions.) Right then and there, I gave up on dry shampoo. 

Thankfully, Dove Hair Stylist Cynthia Alvarez has great dry shampoo tips for us curly girlies. Remember my haircut with Dove back in 2015 for the Dove #LoveYourCurls campaign with Cynthia? Great times! Check out Cynthia's guide to dry shampoo below, which I tried, and loved (and yes, I was holding the can way too close to my roots!) 

Dove Dry Shampoo retails for $3.99, are formulated for all hair types and colors, and are available at food, mass and online retailers.

~Evelyn Lugo

Stila Halloween

QUICK & EASY HALLOWEEN 

LOOKS WITH STILA COSMETICS

If you're searching for last-minute Halloween looks, can't find a costume, or need a creative, yet easy make-up look, then look no further. Stila Cosmetics has a three ghoulish  and glamorous Halloween looks for you: FrankenGLAM, Magical Mermaid, and Dual Joker - with how-to-steps and the Stila products used to create the looks. 

1. FrankenGLAM

Products Used:

#DoveXDunkin Sweepstakes

DOVE x DUNKIN' SWEEPSTAKES

WIN A YEAR'S SUPPLY OF 

DUNKIN' COFFEE & DOVE DRY SHAMPOO

Dove and Dunkin’ are encouraging women everywhere to share their ultimate life hack for the chance to win a year’s supply of Dunkin’ coffee and Dove Dry Shampoo, open through November 8th and has already received major social buzz from celebs like Sara Foster and Bethenny Frankel!

Entering the contest takes no time at all, contestants just need to snap a photo and share how they run on coffee and dry shampoo on Instagram or Twitter using the hashtags #DoveXDunkin and #DxDSweepstakes.

• For official rules and regulations, visit DovexDunkin.com

• NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Void where prohibited. Dove Hair & Dunkin’ Donuts Ultimate Life Hack Giveaway is sponsored by Conopco, Inc., d/b/a Unilever. Open to legal residents of the 50 U.S. & D.C., 18 & older. Begins 9:00 a.m. ET on 9/27/18 & ends 11:59 p.m. ET on 11/8/18.

REDKEN All Soft Mega

REDKEN ALL SOFT MEGA
FOR SEVERELY DRY, COURSE HAIR

Well, cold brisk weather is here again and that means dry air and hair, with lots of frizz for my curls. Between wearing hoods, hats, the heater and cool crisp air, my hair gets a lot of friction and needs help to stand the test of the temps. My friends REDKEN sent me their All Soft Mega line - for severely dry, coarse hair - earlier in the year (back in March) after its launch in February, and I can honestly say that this super-food infused hair care system, which was specifically designed to soften, nourish and replenish, brought my curls back to life. 

Infused with a nourishing mix of sacha inchi extract, aloe vera gel, cactus extract, and Redken’s exclusive ROOT-CORE-TIP (RCT) Protein Complex to treat hair from the root to the core to the tip. Dry, coarse and unmanageable hair can now be touchably soft, smooth and full of shine. All Soft Mega range includes a Shampoo, Conditioner, Mega Mask, Hydramelt Leave-In Conditioner and, a first for the brand: a NEW! Recovery Tissue Mask Cap, designed to be used weekly for just ten minutes in the shower. Inspired by Korean Beauty and its trending hydrating facial masks, the NEW! All Soft Mega Recovery Tissue Mask Cap delivers intense moisture to severely dry, coarse hair to increase hydration and manageability. It’s like a hydrating facial for your hair!

Redken All Soft Mega line is available at Redken salons nationwide, ULTA, Beauty Brands, JCPenney, and lookfantasic.com

Palmer's Flax Seed Gel

PALMER'S OLIVE OIL FORMULA

NATURAL HOLD FLAX SEED GEL

Palmer's Olive Oil Formula Natural Hold Flax Seed Gel - sent by brand reps

Here again for some "true tangle talk" (aka any and all things hair), given my recent mishaps with testing products that would either snag and tangle my hair, leaving styling products powerless against frizz, and my hair a mess. My mane is saved, thanks to Palmer's, who sent me samples of their Palmer's Olive Oil Formula Natural Hold Flax Seed Gel (7 fl. oz./200 mL). Perfect for a strong hold, minus that crunchy feel. Ideal for wash-n-go's, twist outs and all types of curly styles and curl patterns. Can also be used for sleek styles for more definition. 

Why flax seed? When boiled in water, flax seeds produce a natural gel which offers the perfect amount of hold for curly styles. A DIY social media craze that unfortunately is a long, tedious and messy process (yes, I tried and failed), Palmer's Olive Oil Formula takes out the guesswork of the DIY process and is formulated with Aloe Vera and: 

• Avocado Oil - ideal for healthy hydration
• Aloe Vera - packed with proteolytic enzymes, helps revitalize scalp, leaving hair smooth and loaded with shine
• Honey - as a natural humectant, helps retain moisture in hair
• Olive Oil - contains essential fatty acids and lipids that moisturize and nourish hair and scalp
• Jamaican Black Castor Oil - moisturizes, strengthens and helps prevent breakage. Ideal for dry, itchy scalps
• Linseed Oil - loaded with essential fatty acids, this oil nourishes dry, brittle hair
• Moringa Seed Oil - powerful oil that packs a punch by helping fight flaky scalps and split ends, making hair stronger and promoting a healthy scalp for optimal growth

Plus, Palmer's Olive Oil Formula Natural Hold Flax Seed Gel is free of alcohol, silicones, sulfates, parabens, phthalates, mineral oil and gluten. An ultra-defining gel that offers a firm hold, while keeping your hair moisturized. Available at Walmart, Walmart.com and Palmers.com 

#DoveXDunkin

Dove & Dunkin’ Celebrate “Running on Coffee and Dry Shampoo” on National Coffee Day September 29th

ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, N.J., September 27, 2018 – The pairing of coffee and dry shampoo is the ultimate life hack women everywhere are embracing to help them get through their hectic mornings and busy days, all while rocking beautiful, instantly refreshed hair. To celebrate ladies who are running on coffee and dry shampoo and to let others in on the secret, Dove Hair and Dunkin’ are teaming up around National Coffee Day (September 29) to offer the chance to win* a year’s supply of Dunkin’ coffee and Dove Dry Shampoo and host a pop-up styling café in New York City on Monday, October 1st (see details below).

“Social media has exploded with women sharing how coffee and dry shampoo are their secrets to getting up, out and on with their day… taking them from the gym, to the carpool, to the board room,” says Piyush Jain, Vice President of Hair care for Unilever. “We’re excited to bring together this unlikely but perfect pairing in a surprising collaboration between Dunkin’ and Dove Dry Shampoo.”

#DoveXDunkin Styling Café: In NYC, a #DoveXDunkin pop-up event right in the middle of busy New Yorkers Monday morning commute, passersby can receive a free small Dunkin’ coffee (iced or hot) and enjoy a complimentary mini-styling appointment using Dove Dry Shampoo to first cleanse and refresh hair. Attendees will also have access to exclusive giveaway merchandise including #DoveXDunkin tote bags, hair ties and travel cups (while supplies last)

o When: Monday, October 1, from 7am-3pm ET

o Where: Flatiron Plaza, NYC (intersection of 23rd and Broadway)

Dove and Dunkin’ are encouraging women to share why they run on coffee and dry shampoo for the chance to win* the ultimate life hack – a year’s supply of Dunkin’ coffee and Dove Dry Shampoo! To enter the sweepstakes, submit a photo of your busy morning and tell us why you run on Dunkin’ coffee and Dove dry shampoo using hashtags #DoveXDunkin and #DxDSweepstakes on Instagram and Twitter or by visiting www.DoveXDunkin.com. Entries are open now through November 8.

Big Bum Bum Cream

SOL DE JANEIRO LAUNCHES

BIGGEST BUM BUM EVER

Fans asked (I prayed hard and waited long) and Sol de Janeiro listened, they will be launching the first BIGGIE BIGGIE BUM BUM CREAM TOMORROW! A super-sized version of the cult-favorite cream, bigger and better than ever, comes with a new surfboard spatula, calming all bum bum anxiety, helping soak up every last inch of the skin tightening ingredients and award-winning formula. 

Infused with all-powerful, caffeine-rich Guaraná extract and our skin-loving cocktail of Cupuaçu Butter, Açaí and Coconut Oil. Addictively scented with Cheirosa ‘62 notes of Pistachio and Salted Caramel, the bigger, the better! SRP: $75 USD/500ml ($100 Value) Available: 9/20 on SoldeJaneiro.com

BIC Soleil Balance

FLAWLESSLY SMOOTH SHAVE

WITH BIC SOLEIL BALANCE

Shaving isn't just for summer (I am hairless all day, everyday, year-round). That's why I had to check out BIC's latest razor, sent by brand reps: BIC Soleil Balance. What is it? a budget-friendly ($5.99 for a pack of two), 2-in-1 razor that makes shaving easier. How? Five flexible blades that provide silky, smooth closeness, and moisture bars with Shea Butter that let you skip the shaving cream. 

essie Mercury in Retrograde

ESSIE MERCURY IN RETROGRADE COLLECTION:

 KEEP CALM & MERCURY ON (IT'S FINALLY OVER)

essie Mercury in Retrograde Collection, sent by essie reps

It's okay, you can come out of hiding now. Mercury Retrograde is over (still give it a few days though). No one feels the brunt of Mercury Retrograde more than a Gemini (me, as it's my ruling planet, another reason why I was quiet with my blog posts) and during tough times like these, is when I need to staple my mouth shut and be on guard against communication errors, electronic breakdowns and mishaps. Thankfully essie launched two out of this world shades, that helped me sparkle through all of those Mercury-made-me-do-it moments. So grateful for essie reps for sending these to me during the Mercury mayhem. Check out essie's Mercury in Retrograde collection: Keep Calm & Mercury On ($9.00 each, available exclusively at Ulta.com and Ulta stores nationwide.) 

Infused with celestial pearl particles, this sparkling shade duo in essie's Mercury in Retrograde collection was sure to help you point your fingers in a much clearer direction (or at least I seem to think so!) Mercury Retrograde may be over for now, but I'll be sure to nail mischief down by rocking these stunning shades on my fingertips. 

essie Mercury in Retrograde Collection: Keep Calm & Mercury On

essie keep calm ($9.00) keep cool in a tranquil shimmer sky blue.

essie mercury on ($9.00) a sparkling royal purple that had me falling into orbit.

~Evelyn Lugo

Frédéric Fekkai The One

The One by Frédéric Fekkai 

THE TAMED ONE COLLECTION

The One by Frédéric Fekkai The Tamed One Collection was sent to me by the brand reps on Thursday, just in time after battling the week-long heat, rain and humidity in New York City.  I was already armed with a top curly bun, determined to fight frizz. After one use, I can't get enough of how amazing my hair feels - and smells! WHAT IS IT? An amazing trio: Frédéric Fekkai Anti-frizz Shampoo ($28.00 8.5 oz.), Anti-Frizz Conditioner ($28.00 8.5 oz.) and Anti-frizz balm ($28.00 3.4 oz.) that is infused with hydrating French Sea Lavender, and provides up to 72 hours of frizz-fighting protection. WHO IS IT FOR? Frizzy/Hard to Manage Hair. This curl-gurl is raising her hand (you just can't see me.) #EvApproved

FRAGRANCE: The sparkling and vibrant scent evokes the mystery of the ocean through an enveloping wave of refreshing, watery accords and the embrace of addictive, sensual musks that will transport you to the luxurious Mediterranean Sea. This high-performance Anti-Frizz collection is formulated with nutrient-rich French Sea Lavender to help tame tresses and lock out humidity for smoother, more manageable hair.

KEY INGREDIENTS/BENEFITS: Powerful NORWEGIAN SEA EXTRACT: Fédéric Fekkai's exclusive marine technology helps transform hair from the inside out by protecting against external pollutants and environmental conditions.

• Helps to repair damaged strands
• Powerful environmental protectors
• Prevents against future damage
• Hydrating, lightweight formula
• Split end mending ability
• Sulfate & Paraben-Free
• Locks out humidity

PRICING and availability: Available at Ulta Beauty stores nationwide, Ulta.com and Frédéric Fekkai Salon Locations.

THE TAMED ONE Anti-Frizz Shampoo 8.5 oz $28

THE TAMED ONE Anti-Frizz Conditioner 8.5 oz $28

THE TAMED ONE Anti-Frizz Balm 3.4 oz $28

Palmer's Natural Fusions

PALMER'S NATURAL FUSIONS: 
THE POWER OF NATURE FOR BEAUTIFUL HAIR

I'm back after a month-long blog break, and what better way to get back into the swing of things, than a hair review? Now, I wasn't away doing all things non-beauty, I was actually taking the time to focus on testing an arsenal of hair and skin products that have taken over my apartment the past six months, and Palmer's newest hair collection is one that I have been loving since the event launch back in March: Palmer's Natural Fusions, a hand-crafted 8-piece collection, available at Walmart and Walmart.com. #NaturalFusions

What are they? Palmer's Natural Fusions are pure products that are Naturalista-approved, free of sulfates, mineral oil, parabens, phthalates and dyes. No animal ingredients or testing either and formulated with ethically and sustainably sourced ingredients. Also, created for the anyone intrigued by DIY at-home concoctions (raises hands, as I myself mix a slew of products for just the right amount of hold and scent). I personally love the DIY Cocktail Kits to mix into my shampoos and conditioners; I even used them on my skin and in my aroma diffuser (only eucalyptus and tea tree oils).

Palmer's DIY Cocktail Kits retail $13.00

Dove Anti Stress Micellar Water

NEW DOVE ANTI-STRESS MICELLAR WATER

BODY WASH & BEAUTY BAR

Dove mailer sent by brand reps

Last week brand reps sent me the NEW Dove Anti-Stress Micellar Water Body Wash and Beauty Bar, perfect for counteracting the effects of pollution. See, every day, your skin is exposed to pollutant particles that are up to 20 times smaller than skin's pores. Dove is the first to bring micellar water technology to the mass U.S. Body Wash market, offering gentle cleansing combined with the power of micellar technology, to refresh and gently cleanse away pollutants and environmental stressors like dirt and impurities. My favorite is the scent: clean, floral and sweet. Also, they're sulfate-free! Dove is all I use in the shower, both body washes and beauty bars (which I have used for years to wash my face and remove my mascara). 

Dove Anti-Stress Micellar Water Body Wash (SRP $5.97 - 22 fl. oz) 

• Sulfate-free

• Provides softer, smoother skin after one shower

• Notes of floral, relaxing chamomile and sensual sandalwood

• Refreshes skin while gently cleansing away pollutants and environmental stressors

• Mild body wash formula has Dove's gentlest cleansers, Glycinate and DEFI, combined with NutriumMoisture technology

Dove Anti-Stress Micellar Water Beauty Bar (SRP $3.49 - 2-bar pack)

• Sulfate-free

• Formulated with signature 1/4 moisturizing cream

• Refreshes skin while gently cleansing away pollutants and environmental stressors

• Replenishes nutrients lost during cleansing, leaving skin soft and smooth

Dove Anti-Stress Micellar Water Body Wash and Beauty Bar are available at food, drug, mass and online retailers. For more information, or to explore all the other ranges in both body wash and beauty bars, visit: www.Dove.com