A Word About Your Bikini Line, Mister

Both Sean Combs and Jay-Z admmited to US Weekly that they've hopped on the bikini-waxing bandwagon: They remove hair down there.

This is taking manscaping to a new level - publicly admiting to plucked privates, no less! As many of you know, I'm a huge fan of all the fellas keeping as tidy as we girls keep ourselves. Why shouldn't they?

In fact, Sean, Jay-Z, and all you other clean-meaning boys, your nearby Sephora is a great place to start a hair erasin' smooth-down.


Bliss Bikini Perfect Deluxe - Spa Edition
The wet-dry trimmer you can take in the shower! And this kit includes all the trimmings (no pun intended - unless you boys thinks that's funny).







no!no!
The at-home laser alternative! Bonus: Use it often enough and it slows down hair growth!






Bliss Poetic Cosmetic Waxing Kit
All you need to wax-on, then wax-off! And check out the I-can't-believe-how-brilliant-this-is wax in a microwavable cup!

No Scents In Committing When You Have A New One Every Night

Last Saturday made it official: It's summer. You know what that means?

The summer fling!

Time to pick two, three (four? Naughty!) numbers to keep you amused by day and ocupado by night. No commitment required, honey: These hot tickets weren't built with strings - just built for pockets.

Mini-perfumes and rollerball fragrances are the perfect no-commit spritz. They cost a fraction of their full-size counterparts so you can play the perfume field. Plus, they're so teeny you can stash a mini in every bag, purse, and pocket you own - they definitely love travel (sorry, airport security, but these sniffers stay in the carry on!)

If you're locked in a relationship with a 6-ouncer, it may be best to tuck it away for the summer. Otherwise, it may get jealous when you start stepping out with one -or more! - of these:

Pucci Vivara To Go
Interests: Beach, bbqs, and hot sunny days
Perfect Date: Pool party with the whole crew

Juicy Couture To Go
Interests: Shopping, makeovers, and reading dishy gossip mags
Perfect Date: Lunch al fresco at a trendy bistro

Fracas Eau de Parfum Roll-On

Interests: Art-house flicks, indie music, backpacking through Europe

Perfect Date: Wine country picnic for two

Got room in your handbag for a few more? Of course you do. Sniff 'em out here!

Bare It: We Dare You

Is your own bare skin even sexier than actual clothing?

No, neither is mine. Which is why I'm target locked and loaded on our newest campaign: Dare to Bare Your Skin.

If you'd opt for "Truth" over "Bare" this is the spot for finding the scoop on serious skinlove. The truth on sun protection, the truth about wrinkle fighters, even the straight dirt on making blemishy boo-boos go bye-bye. All right here.

If you're past the point of truth and are ready to go bare, give yourself a no-makeup makeover. (Cheat! Copy the movies in an easy how-to video).

With the official first day of summer practically just hours away (this Saturday, in fact. Not that my cellulite is getting worried), Dare To Bare is a manual for making your skin look so polished, buff, gold, and fabulous, that out of respect alone, UVA rays don't even touch it.

Ban Hand Tan: Anti-Aging At Your Fingertips

I have a farmer's tan right now. Actually, more like a hay baler burn.

I'm not proud of this. Nobody would be. I'm like that one weird kid everyone had in their kindergarten class who assumes that a seat behind the teacher's desk guarantees invisibility, so proceeds to do things like excavate and relocate the contents of his nose in full view of the rest of the class. I can't see UV rays, so that means UV rays can't see me! Guess I'll roll up these sleeves and flop out on the park bench!

In contrast to my lobster-like appendages, my hands are as lily white as the top three inches of my t-shirt covered shoulders. So there's my silver - or at least undamaged - lining: I'm good at loading up on hand cream. The efficacy of the Sephora BODY Nourishing Hand Cream SPF 10 I stash in my purse and use like an addict is obvious. The results are in, and they're still pasty white.

I'm using my tomato-colored limbs as an example of just how important it is to use sunscreen everywhere. Neck and hands especially - they're the most often overlooked, and the fastest to give away your age if you don't show them a little SPF sweetness.

That's not just my exspurt 'pinion, neither. "You can always tell how old someone is by looking at her neck, chest and hands," says Tina Alster, M.D., director of the Washington Institute of Dermatologic Laser Surgery in Washington, D.C. Sun makes you age faster than you think.

So learn a little something from the lobster claw girl. Use Sephora's interactive guide to find your smartest sun picks, and then load up with sunblockers to keep your skin looking human. Not crustacean.

Tried + Tested: Tarte Glam Gams Leg Bronzing Stick

If greenness is close to godliness then Maureen Kelly's new paraben-, phthalate- and sulfate-free Tarte Glam Gams Leg Bronzing Stick ($30) is downright heavenly.

Sure, the golden tinted body shimmer imparts a glam glow, but it's also packed with ultra moisturizing passionflower, restorative Barbados cherry and that anti-aging powerhouse from Brazil, acai.

It may sound like a whole lot of over-extra stuffo to add to a simple leg shimmer, and I won't disagree, but all these additives give a little zingazing. The color goes on smoothly and sparkly, the staying power is top-notch (not to mention water-proof!) and there's even a sweet subtle scent of gardenia.
Application hint: To get the ultimate evened bronze apply your fave moisturizer over the shimmered hue. You'll feel like you've been kissed by Midas.

Oh and a portion of the proceeds of this little piece a heaven go to promote fair trade, sustainability and the Amazon rainforest. Indeed, green is good.
-Jenna Mahoney

Smells Like A Sweet, Sweet Summer

Reasons to love summer:
1. Vacations involving sparkling beaches
2. Strappy sandals
3. Summer fragrances at Sephora

Summer means switching your scent to something fresher (shopping excuse!).

For one, a lighter l'eau contains less alcohol - some are even alcohol free. Why? Because when sun hits skin splashed with alcohol, it can actually stain. Ick! Besides, do you really need a drying dose of alcohol in your summer skin routine?

Secondly, the lighter scent of a summer fragrance is just simple math. Humidity + Heavy Scents = Nothing you'd want to stand next to on a crowded subway in the middle of a hot summer.

So tuck your favorite musk into a drawer, and start the season with a magnifiscent summer scent like:


Jean Paul Gaulthier's Classique Summer







Givenchy Very Irresistible Summer Cocktail









DKNY Be Delicious Charmingly Delicious

Look Of The Month: Miss June

Everybody loves a Calendar Girl, and now that June's here (hellllooo, summer!), it's time to take a page out of Miss June's playbook.

This month's Calendar Girl look is all white-hot brights, hothouse hues and tropical pinks. Pretty and perfect for a sizzling summer, isn't it?

It's easy to get this look: Easy 'cuz we've got the play-by-play tutorial right here!
All you need is a bag filled with your favorite candy colors, like:


Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil
(hint: try Electric!)




Dior Rouge Dior Replenishing Lipcolor






Benefit Thrrrob!
(Oh , let 'em whisper!)





Want more pretty? Makeup artist Fiona Stiles tells us how she made Miss June's look sizzle!

30 Days Of Bronzing: Vincent Longo Hydro Stick

On your mark, get set, GOLD! We're bringing you 30 solid-gold days of bronzers, as reviewed by Sephora's own!

Bronzer:

Vincent Longo Hydro Stick

Reviewer:

Joyce Dulanas, HR

Gettin' Golden:

"Being a Filipino woman and having that darker skin tone, I love accentuating my skin color with bronzers. What I love about this bronzer especially is the sleek "no mess" packaging. I also adore its cool gel consistency, and how easily it just glides right onto my cheeks.

It's a bit peachy-toned, so I could totally see myself smothering this bronzer on my arms, legs, and chest for that sparkly, glow-y, "I just came back from the Greek Islands!" look. Plus, this bronzer just goes on so smoothly, the coverage is flawless - it almost feels like I’m putting on lotion!"

Her Other TANtalizing Picks:

Caudalie Beauty Elixir

"This product is magic! I can count on this elixir to keep my makeup on instead of sweating right off in the summer heat. And spritzing it on my face when I'm out in the hot sun makes a world of difference. "

Shiseido Brilliant Bronze Tinted Self-Tanning Gel

"This gives my vacation tan that extra punch with all its glittering sparkles. And unlike some tanning gels, Shiseido smells really, really good."

Korres Body Scrub
"Before applying anything, make sure to exfoliate with Korres Body Scrub! You'll be extra smooth and silky for when you apply Shiseido’s tanning gel. And the watermelon scent is perfect for summer!"

Practicing Safe Sun & Gorgeous Givebacks

We introduced our Sephora Sun Safety Kit back in April. On the outside, we were hauling umbrellas and sweaters to work, but on the inside, we were thinking, Bronzers! Sunblock! Fruity-scented face creams in pocket-sized bottles!

The Sephora Sun Safety Kit was therefore stuffed full of goodies we thought every girl needed in her beach bag: SPF 30 face lotion, eye creams, and lip balms from amazing brands like Korres, Bliss, and Murad.

We also decided to donate 100% of the net proceeds to the Skin Cancer Foundation. Since the launch of our kit, we've raised more than $300K for the Skin Cancer Foundation. Yay!

Still, we know who the credit goes to here, so a huge round of mega-thanks (and way to stay sun safe!) to all you Sun Safety Superbeauties. Getting your gorgeous faces properly sunblocked is good, but helping a charitable cause is better.

We've only got a few kits left at select stores - so if you'd like to snap up a kit of your own, we recommend calling your store first.

In the meantime...well, we hate to get all mushy on you...but thanks for making beauty a good deed this summer.

30 Days Of Bronzing: Bare Escentuals Faux Tan All-Over Face Color

On your mark, get set, GOLD! We're bringing you 30 solid-gold days of bronzers, as reviewed by Sephora's own!

Bronzer:

Bare Escentuals Faux Tan All-Over Face Color

Reviewer:

Gina Siu, Store Planning

She's Golden :

"I liked the texture of the powder and the shimmer was a nice touch, but this particular color had a bit too much red in it for my skin tone. I love how soft this powder felt on my face, though, so for my coloring, next time I'll opt for Bare Escentuals Blush in Fresh, which is a light, toasted caramel color.

Did I mention I fell in love with the brush? It was soft, and the brush's fan shape distributed the powder flawlessly on my skin. And I loved the subtle shimmer of the powder!"

Her Other TANtalizing Picks:

Clarins UV Plus SPF 40
"This lightweight sunscreen is a must-have for summer! I love it because it protects my skin from harmful rays without any greasy feel. "

Laura Mercier Mosaic Shimmer Bloc

"I love the slight amount of shimmer and the light coverage. Makes my face look fresh and glowing! "

Juicy Couture To Go

"I love the smell as well as the rollerball portability! I get compliments almost everyday."

30 Days Of Bronzing: Sugar Tropic Tan Illiminating Liquid Bronzer

On your mark, get set, GOLD! We're bringing you 30 solid-gold days of bronzers, as reviewed by Sephora's own!

Bronzer:

Sugar Tropic Tan Illuminating Liquid Bronzer

Reviewer:

Laurette Puhlmann, Merchandising

Golden Girl:

"I loved the scent - very tropical! Made me want to pack up for the day , put my sundress on and head to the beach!

It gave my body a sheer, golden tan color, and wasn't too shimmery, which I felt looked more natural. Extremely bendable and didn't stick to my skin, either. It stayed on all day and was water resistant and transfer-proof. It really didn't budge!

This packs in moisturizing benefits, and still manages to be non-greasy and fast-absorbing. Nice!”

Her Other TANtalizing Picks:

NARS Mini Monoi Body Glow II Set
"This is the scent of the Tiare flower, one of my favorite scents."

Laura Mercier Lip Stain in Mulberry

"The look of a stain, with the feel of a balm. I love this!"

Lorac Hot Flash

"Just the right amount of flash color to perk up a tan on your face! "

This Is A Public Service Announcement

Hello. This is a Public Service Announcement from your hair.

Yes, all the bright and shiny strands currently pulled back into your, "It's still the weekend!" messy bun. Thanks for using the no-snag rubber bands, BTW.

Since the regular editors of this blog are off for the holiday, we locks thought this would be a good time to ask you for a tiny favor. Really tiny. Just one word.

Sunscreen.

Look, we need it too. We're as proud as you are of the color you sat in that stylist's chair for four hours to get. Sunscreen keeps your color fresh and pretty.

Plus, while we love you maximizing the blow-outs with dry shampoo, we're not big fans of the amount of frying you do to us. Beer battered cod gets less fry-time than us, but we're not complaining. Just don't put us in direct sunlight after 30 minutes with your flatiron and expect us to be happy.

We know you'd rather be playing with us, so we're making this easy:
Summer hair savers!
Sunscreen just for hair!
Special color-keepers!

Thanks for your prompt attention to this matter. Loveyoumeanit!

30 Days Of Bronzing: Make Up For Ever Mat Bronze

On your mark, get set, GOLD! We're bringing you 30 solid-gold days of bronzers, as reviewed by Sephora's own!

Bronzer:

Make Up For Ever Mat Bronze In #2 Medium Bronze

Reviewer:

Stacy Baker, Marketing

Goldie Fox:

"I love how lightweight the color is. It's just a slight dusting of color that looks completely natural, but gives enough color to completely hide imperfections.

I also test-drove the bronzer as a blush to brighten my cheeks and give a hint of definition.”

Her Other TANtalizing Picks:

POP Sparkle Sauce

"One drop on lids makes shadow water-resistant and amps up the color. Even better, once you apply, shadow doesn’t come off until you’re ready to take it off — hours and hours and hours later."

Kenzo Amour Indian Holi

"I’m completely obsessed with its slightly sweet, slightly spicy scent that instantly transports me on an exotic fantasy vacation (for a fraction of the price of airfare!). Not only that, it’s light enough for summer but still gets noticed."

Laura Mercier Stick Gloss in Cranberry.

"I have no idea what makes this lipstick tick — perhaps that’s why I can’t get enough of it. It glides on sheer like a balm, delivers a rich, vivid, long-lasting finish like a lip color, and melts into lips so it feels like you’re wearing nothing at all. It’s complex and simple, and I’m totally hooked. And the shade? It’s the perfect new red. "

30 Days Of Bronzing: Dior Bronze Sun Powder Spray

On your mark, get set, GOLD! We're bringing you 30 solid-gold days of bronzers, as reviewed by Sephora's own!

Bronzer:

Dior Bronze Sun Powder Spray

Reviewer:

May Li Pham, Merchandising

How She Got Her Glow:

"This is a spray-on application, and it takes a round of practice! My first application was a bit scary as I sprayed it too close to my face and didn't move my hand enough to spread it around. But it was easy to correct - I just used a powder brush to even out the product.

The second time, I got the application down great – sprayed it far away from my face and applied it evenly. The result was superb. I didn’t even feel like I was wearing any makeup. The girls in the office loved it – I looked like I came back from holiday!

This is perfect for the girl who wants an instant tan. And by the way? It's smudge-proof as soon as you put it on. Love that!"

Her Other TANtalizing Picks:

Sephora Beach Glow Melted Body Butter

"This is super-moisturizing. I love the texture, it is soooo soft. It smells delicious, and leaves a great finish on my skin."

NARS The Multiple In Orgasm

"It gives that perfect hint of pinky-peach on my face to make me look fresh."

Sephora Lush Flush

"It just gives that perfect flush."

BBQ'd Beauty: Memorial Day Makeup Strategies

Memorial Day = BBQ Day.

At least, that's what it seems like. I'm not sure how this holiday was observed before the advent of outdoor grilling, but I have more invitations to barbecues than I have actual friends.

The average person will entertain themselves at these cook-outs by eating at least one burger or one hot dog, chips, coleslaw, potato salad, and any number of desserts festooned with coconut or suspended in Jell-O.

That's more than 1,500 calories for just for one meal. Yeah...how hungry are you not right now?

In my book, there are two ways to approach this:

1) Prevention
Slather on your glossiest, juiciest, slippery-est high-enamel gloss. The kind that, once applied, is so slick and looks soooo fantastically good, you'd physically slap any person or bat away any food plate that so much as threatened to muss your mirror-finished lips .

For this, it's best to go with what the models are wearings: Dior Dior Addict Ultra Gloss Reflect.

2) Acceptance
Oh, just give in. There are 364 other days to be all diet-y. Go slap on a lip stain that plans to stick it out through greasy drumsticks, salads dressed in oil spills, a third glass of wine - and still be visible on your lips when you whisper to your host, "What flavor is that delicious gelatin dessert?"

Go with the ultimate stay-put pro: Stila Long Wearing Lip Color.

30 Days Of Bronzing: Laura Geller Baked Body Frosting In Honey Glow

On your mark, get set, GOLD! We're bringing you 30 solid-gold days of bronzers, as reviewed by Sephora's own!

Bronzer:
Laura Geller Baked Body Frosting In Honey Glow

Reviewer:
Tiffany Lei, Marketing

Gonna Glow:
"This bronzer feels great and goes on smoothly and evenly. I normally use a darker shade of bronzer to help contour under my cheeks and define my nose and chin (and sometimes to enhance my cleavage!), so the color of this bronzer was a little too light for contouring on my medium skin tone.

Still, it worked beautifully for highlighting. The shimmer adds a glow to my face that helps make me look less tired.

This formula is rich enough to be used as an all-over body bronzer, especially on legs, arms, shoulders and chest - I wore it everywhere and got a nice all-over glow."

Her Other TANtalizing Beauty Picks:

Make Up Forever Aqua Eyes
"I love this because I spend a lot of time in and around water. It glides on smoothly and really stays put. MUFE colors are really pigmented - I normally use navy or blue with green highlights because they brighten my eyes without being too outrageous."





Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer
“This is my secret 3-in-1 must-have item. Since I spend a lot of time in the sun and water, my skin gets dry. With this, I can moisturize, apply SPF and get light makeup coverage in one fell swoop. It’s perfect for touch-ups."











DDF Daily Cleanser Pads
"These are great for freshening up anywhere. I take these on the plane, to the beach, and on camping trips. It leaves my face feeling clean and prevents breakouts. Plus, I have sensitive skin and these are gentle enough for everyday use."




More of The Bold & The Bronze: See all 30 golden days of bronzing at Sephora!

30 Days of Bronzing: Lorac TANtalizer Baked Bronzer

On your mark, get set, GOLD! We're bringing you 30 solid-gold days of bronzers, as reviewed by Sephora's own!


Bronzer:
Lorac TANtalizer Baked Bronzer

Reviewer:

Rene Shepard, Merchandising

Go Go Glow:

"It gave me a luminescent, natural look. I didn’t have to use much to get this look, either. I applied it to my entire face, and even though I have oily skin, it stayed on all day.

Plus, although the compact is somewhat big, I love the hidden mirror!"



Lavanila Pure Vanilla Healthy Lip Butter
"This lip butter feeds the lips with 30 essential vitamins and minerals and has an SPF of 8. I use this first, then layer on my favorite lip gloss."

Michael Kors Leg Shine To Go
"Love Love Love! this product. It gives me a little bit of fragrance on my legs and has a hint of shimmer. Trust me - your legs will look great in mini-shorts."





Aquolina Pink Sugar Body Spritzer
"This is a great lighter version of the original scent. It will definitely remind you of going to the summer fair as a kid."




More of The Bold & The Bronze: See all 30 golden days of bronzing at Sephora!

30 Days Of Bronzing: Tarte Bronzer In Park Avenue Princess

On your mark, get set, GOLD! We're bringing you 30 solid-gold days of bronzers, as reviewed by Sephora's own!
Bronzer:
Tarte Mineral Powder Bronzer In Park Avenue Princess

Reviewer:

Artemis Patrick, Sephora.com

Gold Coast Gal:
"I love the texture and feel of this mineral-based powder. It definitely has a very 'golden' hue to it.

I’ve been using Park Avenue Princess, but if your skin already has some color, I’d suggest using Hotel Heiress, which has a deeper bronze shimmer to it. However, because of its pearly gold shade, you can also use the Park Avenue Princess as more of a highlighter around cheekbones and your nose, even if you are an olive-skinned girl.

I also used this as an eyeshadow for a slight, subtle glow around my eyes. I never looked overdone with this product, and it really left my skin glowing and bright!"


Cosmedicine Medi-Matte Oil Control Spray
"A fabulous spray that keeps my face from looking shiny all day long - and it actually reduces the appearance of pores! Comes in a 2-oz. size, so perfect for travel, too."





theBalm BalmShelter SPF 17 Tinted Gloss
"These glosses not only look pretty (and are yummy!), but also carry SPF 17 so I can protect my lips from the sun. "

Dior Diorshow Waterproof Mascara
"Curvy, long lashes that look like they belong on a runway - and waterproof, too. What more could a girl ask for?!"





More of The Bold & The Bronze: See all 30 golden days of bronzing at Sephora!

Trend Alert: Teal & Bronze

Hot new couple spotted! Teal Liner and Bronze Eyeshadow hooked up for the summer, and have been seen making eyes all over the most glamorous faces in town.

TeRonze coupling is an easy look to pull off, too. It looks like the work of a pro, but thanks to a heap of new matchy-matchy summer palettes, you can make this your favorite summer fling without a second thought.

True stuff! This summer lover is for all eye shades - not just blue. Teal makes every eye color pop - if you've never ventured into teal territory before, you're in for a major treat when you see what it does for your peepers!

Our favs? Glad you asked:


Smashbox Oasis Shadow & Liner Quad







Stila Eyeshadow Palette







Sephora Colorful Eyeshadow Palette



More! More! More! Are you a pencil & shadow kinda gal? Prefer your pigments loose? Or how about teal with a mineral twist? We've got more Teal & Bronze picks at Sephora.com.

30 Days Of Bronzing: Sephora Luminous Trio Bronze

On your mark, get set, GOLD! We're bringing you 30 solid-gold days of bronzers, as reviewed by Sephora's own!


Bronzer:
Sephora Luminous Trio Bronze

Reviewer:

Deana Rabbach, Beauty Insider

Giving In To The Glow:

"I like lighter bronzers because too much color can make a face look dirty. This bronzing powder from Sephora is very unique because you absolutely can’t overdue it. It’s light and subtle and gave my skin just the right amount of glow.

More than any other bronzer I tried, this one really lights up skin, too. You can use it all over your face and especially on your cheekbones to highlight and brighten your face.

I also used this as an eyeshadow for a slight, subtle glow around my eyes. I never looked overdone with this product, and it really left my skin glowing and bright!"


Lancome Flash Bronzer Medium Colour Oil-Free Tinted Self-Tanning Lotion for Face with Vitamin E
"I don’t tan my face anymore, but I look and feel better when my face has some color to it. I use this to get perfect, natural, sun-kissed skin. It isn’t oily, doesn’t clog my pores, and is super-easy to apply."