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Let’s start off with some easy questions: love an all over luminous, lit-from-within glow? Hate looking flat or chalky? Need a blush that is build-able but impossible to over-apply? Want a powder that is smart enough to adjust to different types of lighting to cast your skin in the most flattering glow?

Well, if you answered yes to any (or all, as in my case) of those questions, then run (don’t walk) to check out Hourglass Cosmetics’ new Ambient Lighting Powder – a blush/finishing powder that is formulated with state-of-the-art illuminating and color-correcting technologies that manipulate and filter out harsh light, delivering a soft finish to every skin tone. The powders come in six universal shades:

• ETHEREAL LIGHT: A cool white powder that mimics a moonlit glow
• DIFFUSED LIGHT: A soft, warm, pale yellow light powder that reduces redness.
• RADIANT LIGHT: A warm light, golden powder that enhances complexion
• MOOD LIGHT: A lavender powder that brightens complexion like a soft, pink light.
• DIM LIGHT: A neutral peach beige powder that works as an all over highlighter.
• LUMINOUS LIGHT: A champagne pearl powder that creates a soft, incandescent candlelit glow.

While the lighter shades work best as a highlighter or radiant finishing powder, the more pigmented shades also double up as blushes. I apply  my Radiant Light to the apples of my cheeks with a slightly heavier hand, layering the color for more impact. Then, I lightly dust a coat all over my face, paying particular attention to areas I want to highlight, such as the forehead, chin, and nose. The result? A very pretty, better-than-natural finish with a hint of all over color and a luminous glow. Check out all the shades on Sephora.com.

As a brand ambassador for Simple Skincare for the past year, I’ve really grown to love the products. They are effective yet very gentle on the skin and many of them (such as the Cleansing Facial Wipes I live by!) have made their way into my daily routine, travel luggage, and gift bags for friends. Having talked about these products for so long, I really wanted to give readers the opportunity to try them as well – on TDO – so we’re hosting our first Simple giveaway (directions below).
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No..this post isn’t about weight training, or building muscle, or getting curves even though all of those are also on our list of must-dos for 2013. No…this post is about BB Cream, specifically Naked Skin BB Cream, recently launched by Urban Decay.  The Naked Skin Beauty Balm is loaded with anti-aging and skin loving ingredients — so much of it, in fact, that the brand says you can actually replace your morning treatment routine with this one cream. The formulation combines natural ingredients such as vitamins and watermelon extract with proprietary high tech ingredients designed to help boost skin firmness and elasticity. Of course, as any self respecting BB cream would,  the Naked Skin Beauty Balm moisturizes, primes, and is loaded with broad spectrum SPF protection.

However, what’s different about this product is that instead of coating the skin with foundation-like color, Naked Skin Beauty Balm contain optical blurring pigments that are designed to diffuse light and blur flaws — all without creating a made up look. Even though I applied a liberal amount of the BB cream to my face, my skin still looked ..well, naked, though more refined with even skin tone and smaller pores. The product also has a soft matte finish that helps protect against shine but still allows skin’s youth and radiance to show through. I would recommend Urban Decay’s BB Cream to gals who already have pretty even skin and love the all-natural look, but want the confidence of having a little something on their face to achieve a more radiant and perfect finish. With Urban Decay BB Cream, we definitely looked great — naked. Now for the rest of the body…

$34 at Sephora.com

I first fell in love with Stella McCartney when she launched her inaugural collection for Adidas. I remember looking through the collection photos thinking I’d never seen workout wear like that before — sleek, strong and geometrical, but also sweet and girly with its light pinks and dusty roses. I longed for a body to pull the clothes off, to be a Stella McCartney girl — equal parts strong and feminine. (more…)

As you know, I’ve been trying out Vaseline Intensive Rescue Repairing Moisture Lotion for the past few weeks and the timing could not have been better! As soon as I received the products, the temperature in New York took a major dip, resulting in tight, itchy skin and extra chapped elbows and heels. Since Vaseline Intensive Moisture Lotion promises to relieve dryness in only one use and actually help heals skin from after just three uses, needless to say, it was a very welcome addition to my beauty routine.

For the past few weeks, I applied the product daily – mostly after showering in the morning (and before venturing out into the cold) and whenever a particularly dry spot needed some extra TLC. The non-greasy finish and scentless formulation made it super easy to use – I never had to worry about it getting on clothes or skin or causing any kind of irritation. Plus, the product spreads well so it’s easy to moisturize my entire body quickly and effectively. Shortly after embarking on the Winter Skin Challenge, I stopped noticing my skin completely – as in no more itchiness, no more tightness or dryness that caused me to feel uncomfortable in my own skin.

This week, I took the challenge to a new level when I decided to venture out and go ice skating for the first time (ever!). Since its been fairly cold and windy all week, I took extra care to apply the lotion everywhere but especially on my hands and arms because they would be exposed to the elements. Plus, as a first timer, you bet I’d be gripping the side rails the entire time! Vaseline Intensive Rescue Repairing Moisture Lotion helped keep my skin feeling comfortable and moisturized the entire time so I could focus all my energy on staying upright instead of being uncomfortable – a savior for dry skin and novice skaters.

We’ve teamed up with Vaseline to give away five sets of a 10oz. bottle of Vaseline Intensive Rescue Repairing Lotion and a 7.5oz jar of the classic Vaseline Petroleum Jelly so you too can feel comfortable as you go about your winter activities. Entering is easy:

- Simply tweet to us at @TDailyObsession and to @VaselineBrand telling us your favorite winter activity and the hastag #Vaseline. We’ll be picking winners on Friday January 18!

One of the nicest things about being a Simple Skincare Ambassador is constantly being introduced to (and inspired by!) empowered women who are really making a positive difference in their communities. By partnering with the MAKERS program, Simple provides these women with funding to further the work they are doing, whether its foster youth advocacy or fighting against human trafficking.

In the past such trailblazing women such as Sheryl Sandberg, Hillary Clinton, and Diane von Furstenberg have all been celebrated by the MAKERS program. But what is really inspiring is the new crop of women that are now being recognized and honored as a Next MAKER. We wanted to take this opportunity to introduce you to introduce you to one of the Next MAKERS, Olivia Joy Stinson, a 19-year-old who is the founder of Pen Pals Book Club For Children of Incarcerated Parents. Click through to watch the video and be inspired (honestly she has an amazing story!!!)

When it comes to corals, Benefit makes, hands down, some of the most beautiful and wearable ones on the market. I have been a long time user of ChaChaTint, a juicy mango stain that gives your cheeks that perfectly sheer wash of color. Then last year, I was obsessed with Hervana, which I used every single day in the morning and then again before heading out of work. Just one swirl over its pretty surface of peach, coral, and berry triangles, produced an angelic flush that worked with any makeup look I was going for. And now, my reach-for product is Benefit’s Fine One One (which by the way, I always mis-read as “One Fine Day,” because it is, every time I use it), a cream blush stick that combines pink champagne, sheer watermelon, and soft coral to produce color payoff that you can build from sheer and natural to bright and cheery.

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What’s better than a new lip wardrobe to start off the new year? I could not have been more excited to get my hands on Clinique’s new Chubby Stick Intense set, which is now everywhere : on my vanity, in my handbags, strewn across my work desk, even a spare stick or two stashed in my favorite coat pockets. With 8 colors running the gamut from a pretty dusky nude (Curviest Caramel) to a rich wine purple (Grandest Grape), and a a few vibrant pinks, reds and corals in between, there’s something in the set for practically any makeup mood I could be in. But what I love best about these is that at they also double as lip balms — packed with mango and shea butters that help nourish, soften, and smooth lips. The light, creamy texture stays moist on the lips throughout the day and the rich color payoff doesn’t fade even after hours. Users of the original Chubby Sticks will notice that the Intense set is much more pigmented and just one swipe is enough to give your lips that rich pop of juicy color. I would also particularly recommend this product for winter months when my lips are always cracked and normal lipsticks just accentuate the dryness. The Intense Chubby Sticks, on the other hand, immediately help smooth the surface and provide a light glossy finish that hides any hint of wintery patches. My favorite shades? Curviest Caramel for anytime wear, Chunkiest Chili for day or night red, and Roomiest Rose to bright a complexion. $16 each at Nordstrom or wherever Clinique is sold.

If the state of current affairs has got you a little down…well I don’t blame you. As an avid news reader and a bit of a worrywart, I find myself constantly stressed out these days about everything ranging from my 401k to how safe I am on the subway. Obviously all that stress can’t be healthy, so here’s a bit of good news: Eve Salon’s limited edition Currant Affairs pedicure will help you unwind and relax, and the delicious spiked tea that comes with the service will definitely take any remaining edge off.

We’re pretty big fans of Eve Salon here at TDO — in fact, I’ve been known to trek downtown and crosstown to check in for my manis and pedis throughout the years. They’ve got a friendly, cheerful ambiance that balances neighborhood warmth, top notch service, and (most important of all) spic and span cleanliness. Plus their rotating special seasonal services are always a draw. The Currant Affairs pedicure features 45 minutes of softening and pampering for your feet with a selection of rich, berry colored polishes to match (though, of course, you can choose any shade you like). Sink back into the plush pillows as Whish’s limited edition Black Currant Sugar Scrub sloughs off any wintery patches and Black Currant Body Butter helps soften and smooth every edge of your feet. Indulge with a cup of Stash’s Blackcurrant tea, which can be kicked up a notch with a splash of Creme de Cassis (highly recommended). I also love taking the time to give my overactive mind a break too, with Eve’s ever-growing stash of current reading material — of the celebrity and gossip kind, of course.

Eve Salon is located at 55 W. 8th St. in NYC.  For more info, visit evesalonnyc.com or call 212-807-8054.