Sephora by OPI Goes Wild

The latest addition to Sephora by OPI’s already-massive rainbow of nail colors aligns perfectly with one of the season’s most sought-after trends: safari chic. While last fall saw a plethora of black, gray, and other dark tones, this season is calling for neutral shades paired with little pops of color for contrast. The Safari Luxe collection has just what you need to get the trend.

“Animal-print fabrics, python-leather pumps, big stacks of gold bracelets—‘safari chic’ is one of the hottest trends to hit the runways,” said Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, OPI VP and artistic director, “We came up with a nail lacquer collection as stylish and fun as the trend itself. Just like a leopard-print scarf spices up an outfit, each summery shade in Safari Luxe adds instant edginess to your wardrobe.”

Get stylish army green nails with Caught With My Khakis Down or go with Don’t Feed the Hand Models for a sweet, soft pink-beige. For bold color, choose from Once a Cheetah, Always a Cheetah burnt orange or the I Don’t Bite muted purple with glittering accents. In addition to nail polish, there are three new animal-inspired Chic Print nails to choose from, including zebra, leopard, and giraffe. Go ahead—unleash your animal instincts and embrace these must-haves nail shades.

What's Your Seasonal ShakeUp?

Magazines and blogs are celebrating the coming of spring with a plethora of tips, product picks and must-dos to take your routine into prettier weather. There are promises of less-frizz (hint: Brush less), kissable lips (did someone mention gloss?) and sexy legs (why, hello, self-tanner). But are all of these tips and tricks really necessary? Personally, I’ve got to slather on some more moisturizer in the winter and camouflage my pasty legs in the summer, but I don’t know how often I switch up my cleanser, per say. I certainly amp up the sun protection and add a dab of cellulite-firming cream onto my thunder thighs, but I don’t wash my hair any differently. What about you? Do you switch your routine, pick different products or engage in another approach to beauty because it’s a change in season? Swak –Jenna Mahoney

Beauty Gallery: Royal Blue

We're full of anticipation for tonight's ceremony of the century, and can't wait to find out who the bride wore. The big beauty question on our mind is will she put her gorgeous silky strands in an up-do. To calm our jitters and to stay awake (the pre-show starts at 1 a.m. PST!), we created this enchanted gallery inspired by the Royal Wedding.

To Do: Update Your Sephora App

Blackberry and Android users, please cover your ears: We're announcing an update to our Sephora for iPhone app. Version 1.2 debuts with two new features. The Try It On Tool gives you access to our vast library of nail colors from SEPHORA by OPI. Want to know if you can pull off chalky pastels and bowling ball hues? Create your own virtual hand twin by customizing your skin tone, nail shape, and length, and see for yourself.

The other feature we think our iPhone-carrying beauty obsessives will love is Sephora Hot Now. It is our it-list of breakthroughs, under-the-radar finds, and products that made us believe.

Go here to download version 1.2, and if you haven't already, be sure to go to the "Mobile Offers" section to receive a promocode for a free Sephora iPhone case. It has our chic piano key stripes, and a very slim, stylish "S" on the back.

If you don't have an iPhone (I'm sure you have a good reason—This blogger won't switch because she loves her Blackberry keyboard), you can still shop Sephora on your smart phone at m.sephora.com.

In Hot Water

One of my favorite things to do whenever I’m at a five-star hotel is to take a bath. I love dousing the fancy labeled shower gel under the spray of the water to create big bubbles. Watching TV from my soapy spot is an extra bonus of being in a pampering hotel. But it looks like I may have to curb that habit if I’m ever visiting a cold climate, since according to a recently released study, it may be considered a health risk. The researchers examined more than 10 thousand people who suffered from a heart attack and found that the incident rate was higher among those who bathed in hot water on a cold day. Those people were compared to exercisers, sleepers and people who were engaged in “non-specific” activities at the time of cardiac arrest. Personally, I’m not going to start soaping up, but I thought I’d share the news.--Jenna Mahoney

Supermodels Anja Rubik and Sasha Knezvik Celebrate DKNY Women Launch

Supermodels (and engaged couple!) Anja Rubik and Sasha Knezvik were in Times Square last Friday, celebrating the launch of DKNY Women. Featured in DKNY's new campaign, this sexy pair reenacted their steamy embrace on top of a taxicab, capturing the NYC-inspired vibe of this alluring new fragrance. Describing the scent, Anja said, "It's very energetic. It has citrus and floral notes, and the bottle is inspired by New York skyscrapers."

Anja admitted she's "kind of old-fashioned" when it comes to applying her fragrance. She said, "So it's a little behind the ear, a little bit inside the elbow, and behind the knee."

Anja also shared with us some of her favorite beauty tips. "Always curl your eyelashes, even if you don't use mascara," she said. "Hairspray on the eyebrows keeps them in place. When you put on foundation, put it on your neck as well. And moisturize a lot before applying so that it doesn't get too dry."

The event was part of Fridays at the Sephora Beauty Studio. Clients met and took pictures with Anja and Sasha at Sephora Times Square, while enjoying DKNY Women fragrance samples, free Express Services, tasty treats, and DJ-spun tunes.

Check out the video below where Anja and Sasha reminisce about how they first met and why New York holds a special place in their hearts.

Techie Tuesday: Tända Zap

Have you ever gotten a glimpse of a pimple before bed and then dreamed that it’d be gone in the morning? Of course—who hasn’t? The new Tända Zap, a pocket-sized blemish fighter, is here to make that a reality for your skin. It may be small, but it’s powerful enough to get the job done, and fast.

Similar to Tända’s original light therapy skin tool, this smaller version is equipped with blue-light technology that works to get rid of acne-causing bacteria with subtle vibration. It opens up pores so the light may treat, reduce, and fade blemishes. This miniature beauty tool effectively works to get rid of blemishes within 24 hours of use and is proven safe for all skin types and tones.

With a commitment of staying effective for 1,000 uses, the Zap is 10 times more valuable than many other portable skincare tools. And the small, handheld size makes it easy to pack in your purse for treating blemishes on the go.

The Science of Algenist

Start the week with a science lesson, compliments of Algenist. Here, watch their skilled scientists explain the technology behind the brand’s star ingredient, alguronic acid, a powerful wrinkle- and dark spot-remover for all skin types.

Josie Maran Bares All For Earth Day

In honor of Earth Day, Josie Maran has teamed up with Women’s Earth Alliance, and organization that assists female community leaders worldwide address crucial issues like food and water safety. “The Women’s Earth Alliance is very dear to my heart,” says Josie. “That’s why this Earth Day, I’m exposing my beauty secret—Argan Oil—in an effort to raise awareness and funding for this vital cause.”

To share her secret, Josie has created a video called “My First Time?” that takes place on a beautiful Malibu beach, revealing her radiant, healthy skin. Watch the video above to see the benefits of Argan oil, the foundation of her eponymous beauty line. Then, visit the Argan Oil page on Sephora.com and "like" it. For every "like" through May 31, Josie will donate $1 to Women's Earth Alliance. Help Josie raise funding for this unique organization by simply clicking a couple of buttons.

No Sweat: The Latest Laser Treatment

Finally! We are welcoming spring in New York City. The sun is shining a little brighter and with the advent of such a change in season also comes the donning of tank tops. Just in time for the baring of underarms comes news about a laser treatment. designed to curb sweating in the underarm area. Designed for chronic, extreme sweaters, the treatment, which is actually a 30-minute operation, destroys and removes the offending glands in the area. It is said to cost about $3,000 and so far, the results appear to be permanent. —Jenna Mahoney

1,000,000,000 Trees: LAVANILA + The Nature Conservancy

How does all-natural brand LAVANILA celebrate Earth Day? By partnering with Nature Conservancy to plant one billion trees. That's a lot of zeros, which is why LAVANILA hopes you can help. For every new Facebook like LAVANILA receives now until April 22nd (11:59 EST), the company will plant one tree. They're not asking for anything in return—just your support and commitment to keeping our environment healthy for people and animals. For more information on Nature Conservancy, visit their site. To kick off your Earth Day, go to LAVANILA's like campaign here.

Introducing: Perricone Acyl-Glutathione

The latest creation from Dr. Nicholas Perricone has us tongue-tied—partly because of the extensive name and partly because it sounds like a dream come true. In an effort to address accelerated signs of aging and completely restore skin, Dr. Perricone has developed the mother load of skincare formulas—Acyl-Glutathione. Your forehead creases, eleven lines (between the brows), smile lines, and marionette creases (above the chin and below your lips) will soon become faint memories.

The name, Acyl-Glutathione, comes from the patent-pending molecule created to replenish your cell’s glutathione, one of the top antioxidants around. If you experience a decrease in glutathione, it could appear in your skin in the forms of fatigue, wrinkles, dehydration, or change in skin texture. Dr. Perricone’s new product works to fix those deficits by bringing life back into your skin and defying signs of aging along the way. After just 30 days of continued use (just a dime-sized amount, twice a day), you’ll notice a decrease in the appearance of fine lines, creases, and wrinkles, and a boost in hydration.

Dr. Perricone’s recommended application:
After cleansing skin, apply Cold Plasma and follow with Acyl-Gluathione. Here's the best way: Warm up a small amount of product between your hands. Using the pads of your fingertips, spread from the center of the eyebrows towards the outside of the forehead. Then, using the palms of your hands, proceed over temples, cheekbones, and sides of nose in a gentle patting motion. Conclude by sweeping upwards from the neck to the chin and jaw line. Finish your routine with Face Finishing Moisturizer. Apply morning and evening on clean skin for best results.

Here some of the results seen after using for just four weeks:
 

• 85% saw improvement in how thin, fragile and “papery” skin looked and felt

• 77% agreed their skin bounced back from sleep creases and indentations

• 93% reported a reduction in the appearance of skin sagging

• 90% saw an increase in the tightness and firmness of skin

• 85% saw an increase in the level of hydration and reduction in pore size

• 93% saw an increase in the natural radiance of their skin

Eau du Blood Type

A few weeks ago, there was quite a buzz in the beauty blogosphere about a bacon-flavored perfume. Personally, with the exception of banana-scented anything, there is nothing I find less desirable than smelling like some cured meat. And then I heard about the unisex Blood Concept perfumes. That’s right, in the latest oh-no-they-didn’t from the land of fragrances comes a series of unisex scents based on blood type. Actually, the perfumes hail from an Italian company and although they may first appear to be something out of a gothic novel, they’re actually simply a blend of floral-free, natural scents (like tomato and thyme) and some top metallic finishing notes. No word yet on where you can get your own dropper bottle. (Said in my best Thriller voice). –Jenna Mahoney

A Good Mood in a Bottle

When we want a boost in confidence or feel alive and free, we reach for a bottle of our favorite scent -works every time. It's an exhilarating discovery, which we tell everyone about in our new guide to blends, and the feelings they enhance. Did you know, for example, that vanilla can act as an aphrodisiac, and studies have found spicy notes, like pink peppercorn, boost focus and drive? Take a look at our ode to fragrance here. Enjoy! Life is too short to be deprived of bright bouquets, serene woods, and all the pleasures aromas offer.

Ingredient Spotlight: Red Algae

Have you ever considered putting algae on your skin? Neither had I—that is, until Dr. Perricone introduced it as a skincare ingredient. The skincare expert discovered that algae, or more specifically red algae, benefits skin in many ways, such as firming, smoothing, and retexturing. The colorful pigment in red algae, known as astaxanthin, is a powerful antioxidant that works to improve elasticity and moisture retention. (It’s also the reason for the pretty pink coloring of salmon and shrimp.)

Due to its ability to block ultraviolet damage to the skin, astaxanthin has often been referred to as nature’s sunscreen. It also fends off free radicals and works to reduce cell damage while reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Dr. Perricone first put red algae to good use in SUPER’s Night Recharge. The red algae in the serum works to brighten and smooth skin overnight. It renews skin while you sleep so you wake up with a healthier, gleaming complexion. His second and latest creation featuring red algae is the SUPER Crinkle Eraser serum (pictured, right). This one is great for morning and night, and works to tighten skin and improve resilience. Bonus: The red algae gives it a fresh, sweet scent.

Red algae is one of the ocean’s richest source of minerals, making it a perfect skin-saving ingredient. Just don’t go slapping on slimy seaweed on your face—it won’t have the same effect.

Introducing: Dr. Jart+ Beauty Balms

The latest doctor to grace Sephora with his expert skincare knowledge is Dr. Jart. Blending his medical background with a large team—21, to be exact—of skilled dermatologists, they’ve created breakthrough beauty balms using scientifically certified ingredients. His debut launches at Sephora, Beauty Balms, are a multitasking type of formula that's already a beauty sensation in Asia. These one-step makeup/skincare solutions provide moisturizer, sunscreen, and treatment serum (and even some coverage) in a single bottle.

The Premium Beauty Balm, works to brighten and smooth out skin. The lightweight formula contains SPF 45 and antioxidants to protect skin from environmental factors and restore firmness. It’s packed with a bio-peptide complex, an antiaging property that works to make skin appear more youthful and hide imperfections. The lightweight mineral sunscreens act as a great base for makeup application.

His second product is the Water Fuse Beauty Balm. This one is made up of 50 percent water, so it hydrates and refreshes skin. A mix of seawater extract and hyaluronic acid are the top moisturizing ingredients, while a healthy dose of aloe calms skin and reduces redness. It’s an oil-free formula that protects with SPF 25 and soothes skin with a cooling effect.

Due to the smoothing properties in both balms, the need for foundation and concealer is lessened. Too good to be true? Find out for yourself and let us know what you think—both are now available on Sephora.com.

When Is Pink Polish a Bad Thing?

I have a serious addiction to a certain preppy catalog. I blame my obsession with all things in these pages to the fact that the creative director shares my name and neighborhood, although I swear I’m not a stalker. And it also doesn’t hurt that the company once named some items in homage to me and my wedding (a good friend is a copywriter there). Needless to say, I pour over those pages almost as intently as I do my beauty bible Sephora. This week, however, my beloved clothing catalog is coming under fire for an image in which aforementioned name sharer is painting her son’s toes a perfectly spring-into-the-season pink. And a bunch of conservative pundits have called the image “transgendered child propaganda,” as well as pinning it to the devolution of gender identities. The same piece goes on to say the depiction of a boy painting his toe nails pink is “hostile to the gender distinctions” and that it in turn may threaten the human race. I read somewhere the other day that way back when boys and girls were all clothed in white dresses when they were young for the simple reason that it was easy to keep clean—hello bleach—and that it was affordable to pass on clothing across genders. And that the introduction of gender identifying colors didn’t actually happen until much later when science made it possible for parents to prepare the nursery. If it was ok for boys to dress in girls clothing and vice-versa before women’s suffrage when there was little confusion of gender roles then why exactly is neon pink nail polish on a boy a bad thing?–Jenna Mahoney

It's That Time Again: 15% off for Our Beauty Insiders

The Beauty Insider event you've been waiting for, Sephora's annual 15% off sale, starts tomorrow. It's 7 days of savings we're officially calling Chic Week. The news itself is already giving us a euphoric high, but there's some fine print you should know about.

1. To get the discount, you must be a Beauty Insider. Go here to join and not to worry, it's free and easy.

2. In the U.S. and Canada, all stores will be celebrating Chic Week. Bring in your savings pass to use your discount.

3. U.S. residents can also get 15% off online at sephora.com with promo code CHICWEEK entered at checkout.

4. Last but not least, as we mentioned earlier, it's 7 glorious days to shop 'til you drop, starting this Friday April 15 and ending Thursday April 21. We suggest not wasting any time and compiling a shopping list—STAT. If you're looking for inspiration, we'd suggest checking our Chic Week Pick of the Day on our Facebook page or watching videos of our Beauty Insider hauls from real-life beauty obsessives who really know their stuff.

Happy shopping!

New: Illamasqua Toxic Nature

Illamasqua never fails to impress us with their creativity in shades and formulas. Their latest collection for summer, Toxic Nature, is no different. The line was inspired by the idea of “nature fighting back against the genetically modified society that plunders it.” Pretty intense—but the mix of muted and neon, acid-like shades are genius.

Their newest product, the Cream Pigment, is a very rich, highly pigmented cream that may be used on the eyes, face, lips, and body. The four shades range from neutral to dramatic: Bedaub (mint green), Hollow (toffee), Dab (lilac), and Mould (grape). It’s a water-resistant and crease-resistant formula that leaves a matte finish. Artistry note: Hollow is great for sculpting cheekbones on light-to-pale skintones.

They’ve also released four new colors of their chip-resistant nail varnishes, including peach, gray-mauve, shimmering lime, and pearlescent brown-gray. Keeping to the mold-breaking theme, they’ve also created a glittering nude liquid eyeliner. There are two new sheer lip gloss shades in fuchsia pink and coral peach, with lipstick counterparts in fuchsia and bright orange. Wear them together for bold color with a high-sheen finish.

Find these new toxic shades today at Sephora.com and in stores on April 14.

Freeze Frame: The Newest Anti-Aging Weapon

Move over, Botox, there’s something cooler. A California-based company has been testing a new anti-wrinkle injection that’s literally stone cold. The new technique, which is promising to be toxin-free and appears to be just as effective as popular fillers already on the market, is comprised of a patented coldness. Called cryoneuromodulation (say that three times fast), the procedure literally freezes fine lines post injection. The theory goes: The cold freezes the nerve, which in turn interrupts the single and relaxes the muscular movements that cause wrinkles. Scientists claim the effect is temporary as is the feeling of being cold (natch). Apparently common side effects include redness in the injection area and headaches. So far, the company has only released on clinical study, which was conducted on less than 35 people. FDA approval and application may still be a ways off. But would you opt for this over other fillers? Swak –Jenna Mahoney

This Friday at the Beauty Studio: Bite Beauty

We've already touted Bite's astounding clinicals—each lipstick tube contains an astounding five glasses worth of red wine resveratrol. This marvelous news comes just in time: The NY Times reported the average woman ingests 5 to 7 pounds of lipstick in her lifetime. To put it in perspective, that's the weight of an average newborn baby!

But, we're not only drawn to the good-for-you, antioxidant-loaded formulas. The colors are gorgeous too, and even more beautiful in person. If you're a New York lovely, we're inviting you to an up-close-and-personal introduction to our new lip obsession. This Friday, April 15th, the Times Square Sephora store is hosting Bite's brand pros. Come and get made up in a stunning array of colors and creamy textures.

Sephora's New Sound

When I was little, two of my favorite things to do were put on my mom’s red lipstick and dance on my dad’s feet. Some things never change. (Ok, well maybe a little.) There’s still not much else that makes me happier than finding that perfect shade of lip gloss, or when my iPod shuffle plays one favorite song after another. At Sephora, we love music almost as much as our mascara—and now we’re sharing that love with you.

Starting today, April 11th, Sephora store locations will have a carefully curated new sound, created with our stylish and sophisticated clientele in mind. It includes a mix of hand-selected mainstream artists, as well as emerging talents we think you’ll really like listening to.  Because what’s more fun than shaking a tail feather while you explore all the amazing products Sephora has to offer? --Liz Green

Tried & Tested: tarte Amazon Clay Liner

You may already be aware of our obsession with Amazonian clay. It’s a pretty spectacular ingredient when used in beauty products due to its high concentration of nutrients, which Tarte knows all too well. The latest addition to their collection of clay-based makeup is a waterproof eyeliner. Using only natural minerals, the formula works to balance your skin, reduce dryness, and smooth its texture.

This limited edition set includes three shades (green, bronze, and black) in air-tight jars and a double-ended brush. The beauty of applying liner with a brush is that you have complete control over how thin or thick of a line you create, but the beauty of the brush included in this set is that you can create multiple looks. One end is thin for precise application while the other is bigger and rounded for creating wide lines or smudging. "You can create a thin, defined line by using the pointed side of the double-ended brush or a thicker, tapered line for a dramatic cat eye,” says Maureen Kelly, founder and CEO of tarte. And the colors are great. The liner set includes pots of green, brown, and black, which is super sleek and blacker than black. The green is also a winner, as it matches my eyes nicely when they change from hazel to green, which happens depending on my mood. (I swear—they’re like built-in mood rings.)

These formulas are waterproof and won’t move an inch throughout your day. “I love that they are budge-proof, sweat-proof, and perfect for those with oily lids,” says Maureen. Staying true to her natural practices, Kelly uses a botanical waterproofing agent that’s made up of plant waxes. I test-drove it last week on one of our summer-like days here (70ºF might not be notably hot for some of you, but it’s a big deal in SF). The slick liner stayed put throughout the work day, happy hour, and then a long, leisurely dinner–not to mention walks to and from in the heat.

Free Clinique Serum with Any $25 Purchase

The number one rule to finding skincare that really works is simply to try it. Sometimes, you know right away by the texture or scent. For serious skincare that targets specific concerns, we think it takes more than a dab and sniff. That's why we're really excited Sephora is offering an exclusive deluxe sample of Clinique's latest treatment, a Pore Refining Serum—free with any $25 purchase in store or on sephora.com. We've seen this new formula everywhere on TV, magazines, and the Internet (our blog included). Everyone is talking about its resurfacing complex that whisks away dead skin for tighter, smoother skin and visibly smaller pores. If you're at all curious what it might do for you, here's your chance. Get all offer details here.

Bumble and bumble’s Must-Haves

We’ve been anxiously awaiting the launch of Bumble & bumble on Sephora.com. Now that it’s here, we felt we should share with you the top four must-have products as told to us by their expert stylists themselves. Here, they’ve helped us break down what to buy, why you need it, and what it can do for you. 

Surf Spray
What it does: Sexy, salty, sun-dried, and windswept styles—whenever, wherever.
Product combo: Layer Surf Spray on top of Grooming Creme for a soft, flexible, beachy texture.
Stylist Tip: "It gives an incredible beachy texture - it's like a holiday in a bottle. And it smells great! I also use it if I want an edgy, matte look." —Jimmy Paul, Bb. Editorial Stylist 

Bb. Texture
What it does: Gives hair that elusive, undone-yet-done quality, with a hint of grit, hold, and a tousled, shine-free finish.
Product combo: Layer Spray de Mode on top of Bb.Texture for matte texture with flexible hold.
Stylist Tip: "Adding Texture makes hair come alive—that matte, unfinished quality makes it sultry and real." —Rolando Beauchamp, Bb. Editorial Stylist

Thickening Hairspray
What it does: Helps fine hair achieve styling lift-off, but also works wonders on any hair type—thick, thin, or otherwise.
 Product combo: Later Thickening Hairspray over Tonic Lotion for a blow out with volume.

Sumotech
What it does: It's not a wax, not a paste, and not a cream, but a mid-weight molding compound that's a combination of all three (and a miracle of modern technology).
Product combo: Layer Sumotech on top of Does it All for a shiny texture and strong hold.

Dude Looks Like a Lady

A few days ago, a prominent gossip doyenne lamented about the changing face of men and women. She wrote about how she dislikes the fact that skinny jeans, long hair and platform shoes are now considered appropriate for men and women and that gender-bending seems to have taken a turn into the du rigeur realm. While her complaints on the sartorial and vanity habits of us all irk her, it appears that science has proven that men and women are, in fact, looking more alike. Anthropologists at North Carolina State University examined a slew of human skulls from Spain and Portugal and found that over four centuries, women’s features have become larger over time. And this shift in facial features has meant that women now have more of a resemblance to women. So, maybe all this nail polish swapping and talk of ‘manscapping’ is based in science. –Jenna Mahoney

Beauty Tongue Twisters

There are many long, confusing words in the beauty world that can be difficult to pronounce. We decided to pick out a few of the ones that give us the hardest time and break down the correct pronunciations. From sunscreen to skincare, learn what’s in the products you’re putting on your face—and just try and say these five times fast.

Ole Henriksen = Oo-lah Hine-rik-sun
The founder of the award-winning skincare brand and an expert on acne treatment (pictured, left)

Hyaluronic = hi-uh-lur-on-ik
An ingredient used in skincare and makeup products to hydrate skin
Found in: NARS Velvet Gloss Lip Pencil

Tocopheryl acetate = toe-kof-er-ul a-suh-tate
A type of vitamin E that provides skin with antioxidants and protection from UV rays
Found in: Dermadoctor Wrinkle Revenge 1 Facial Cleanser

Acyl-Glutathione = ay-sil gloo-ta-thigh-on
A revolutionary antiaging ingredient that treats dry skin, reduces the appearance of wrinkles, restores elasticity, and shows results in as early as 30 days
Found in: Perricone MD Acyl-Glutathione

Tocotrienols = Toe-koh-try-uh-nals
Another form of vitamin E that protects skin from free radical damage
Found in: Perricone MD More Than Moisture SPF 30

Avobenzone = ah-vo-ben-zone
A popular ingredient in sunscreens that absorbs all UVA rays
Found in: Supergoop! SPF 30+ Everyday

Sephora & tarte's Discover Amazonian Clay Sweepstakes

Since discovering tarte's Amazonian Clay a few months ago, we promptly ditched our previous powder and have been using Provocateur Amazonian Clay Shimmer Powder ever since. Our skin has never looked better. We would love for you to try tarte's amazing new makeup for yourself—and on us!

Sephora's Facebook page is hosting a tarte sweepstakes. Three lucky winners will receive 18 of the natural brand's products worth over $500. Each prize package features nutrient-dense Amazonian Clay from Brazil's rain forest, which intuitively balances your skin's oil and moisture levels. It's truly a staggering breakthrough in makeup we can't stop talking about. Enter here, and good luck! We hope you win.

Behind Benefit’s b.right Skincare Designs

Last week, we welcomed Benefit’s new line, b.right Radiant Skincare, with wide-open arms. The collection of skincare essentials features luxurious, lightweight formulas that moisturize, refresh, and brighten. And have you seen the packaging? Hands-down, some of the prettiest bottles we’ve ever seen. They created sea glass bottles and faux cork tops packaged in pastel sea-inspired boxes. We asked the Benefit leaders, Jean & Jane Ford, how they came up with such unique, thoughtful designs. Here’s what they had to say:

“Sea glass provided inspiration for our skincare bottles and jars. Our grandfather was an artist in Baja, California, along the Sea of Cortez. He fished, painted and ‘shell walked’ collecting sea glass, drift wood, and shells that would later become a still life. Upon the completion of a painting, his ‘sea treasures’ were parceled out to us. In my imagination ‘sea glass’ held mystery, beauty, and intrigue. So I would anticipate his return and adore the sea glass he gave me. Each piece was safely stored in clear, Depression glass bowls.” —Jean Ford

 “The use of cork art for the bottles and caps gives this skincare collection a unique feel and experience. There's a pleasant touch to cork. It holds heat and cold. It has a velvet patina but with its play of variegated color, cork translated really beautifully, we think, so that each piece has its own personality. The lids and caps use hydrographic technology to create a more organic look & feel of cork.” —Jane Ford

“Benefit embodies what is modern, but with a nod to the past. This collection has a fresh and modern feel with a nod to an apothecary past. The design and creation of our skincare packaging was a result of our sea glass treasures and also bringing into play the ever so slight Depression glass faceting and knobbing of the late 1920s.  We both felt most gals would appreciate this and feel its comfort. And to my delight, it turned out so beautifully that it’s on full display in my freshly painted bathroom.” —Jean Ford