My Top 3 Beauty Products for Summer

We had our first real day of summer on Sunday!  YAY for us Vancouverites. 

I spent the day walking the pier with a girlfriend, having beer and yummy eats on a patio with said friend and was having such a good time that I forgot to apply sunscreen to my back.  So I also got my first sunburn of the year....Ah, good times.

The sun (and my brightly colored maxi dress) got me thinking about my favorite colors and products for the summer.  Typically I would list off a TON of products that you HAVE to buy but, being as frugal as I am (ha), I've narrowed it down to your three 2011 summer must-haves: a good orange lipstick, a fabulous bronzer and a coral blush.  My personal picks for this year are Revlon's Colorburst Lipstick in Peach (075), Gosh Cosmetics' Giant Sun Powder (001) and Elizabeth Arden's Pure Finish Mineral Cheekcolor in Sunkissed Coral.

Revlon's Colorburst Lipstick in Peach has been my go-to shade for about a month now.  At first I thought I couldn't pull off an orange tone but I'm happy to say I was wrong.  I've been rocking this shade at the office, dinner dates with Allan and even around the house.  (it makes me feel glamorous.)  By the way, it only costs about about $9 CAN so I highly recommend it.

Gosh Cosmetics is slowly becoming one of my go-to product lines.  The line is price comparable to MAC (maybe even slightly less) and is almost as pigmented as MAC items.  And the best part is, it's available at all Shoppers Drug Mart locations.  Anyway, I was needing a new bronzer and decided to upgrade from last year's Rimmel purchase and this HUGE compact caught my eye.  As soon as I put it on my skin, I fell in love: it's smooth, has a fabulous golden tone and the perfect shimmery finish.  Well worth the $25 CAN.

Elizabeth Arden (the line) occasionally shocks me, like they did with this awesome blush color.  It's part of their Bronze in Bloom 2011 Collection and, best of all, it's mineral.  I love the soft color, the matte texture and the packaging, which is pretty much the best part.  Because it's a loose blush, there is a chance that the product could spill HOWEVER they created a snap close lid AND a turn-dial that, once turned to the right, enough product comes out for one use.  Genius if you ask me.

Oh look, it's me...ha. Here I am with the lipstick, bronzer and blush on.  See how shimmery everything is?

And an eery up-close shot.  However, you do get to see beautiful orange hue of the lipstick and the golden tone of the bronzer.  Sigh, I love these products.


NOTE:  For those ladies that live in Canada, check out the magazine FLARE (July 2011 Issue).  In the center of the magazine you'll find a coupon for the Bronze in Bloom Collection sold at the Bay.  With this coupon, if you purchase one of the BIB products, you'll get a free full-size Ceramide Lash Extending Treatment Mascara.  You should definitely take advantage of this!!!


XO