{Beauty Tuesday}: Beauty Interview with LoveMore

Hello everyone! I am back with another Beauty Interview today, with the absolutely gorgeous & a true blog fashion icon Bel behind the stunning blog {LoveMore}.

Q: Could you give us a summary of your experience with beauty products?
I am no expert that’s for sure! But I have tried so so many different things..I tend to just get what ever is cheapest or best value (shocking I know!). So my experience with beauty products is not the best…but I’ll try and give some good advice.

Q: What is your skin type and what do you look for in skincare products?

I think my skin is more on the oily side and I tend to pick the foaming cleansers with the beady exfoliating bead things. The last one I bought was a good old Clearasil Morning Scrub..I am happy with it! I also am always looking for creams which aren’t a gazillion dollars that get rid of under-eye baggage to firm that area up..I am yet to find a product I swear by – so if anyone knows of one PLEASE let me know!!!

Q: What is your top beauty secret or product?
Hmmm…..tough one. I honestly don’t think I have a secret product which is not already OUT THERE. The only thing I would suggest is the YSL touch stick for the eye area to cover up lines/dark circles…that stick is god!!!! I need a new one as we speak but just can’t save up..it’s killing me! Also I have a ice-pack-mask I use most mornings to help me ‘wake-up’.

Q: Name 3 other favorite products and why?

ONE - Facial Cleansing Wipes!!! I am sure they aren’t the best but they are sooo good when you come home from a night out slightly out-of-it and it’s such an easy way to remove your make-up…haha.
TWO – Paw Paw, comes in handy far too often! Every girl needs Paw Paw!.
THREE – Sunblock, typical and boring I know! But for the face especially.

If you wear makeup, what are your top 3 favorite products?

A light (not heavy, heavy make-up is gross!) slightly bronzed tinted moisturizer for the face. I don’t ever wear foundation, it just feels too caked on or something…so I light tinted moisturizers to give me a little glow. Second would be mascara. And third blush! Loooove a little blush!

Thanks for joining us today Bel, that ice-pack-mask for the morning sounds really good!! xx

(photo by Liz Ham, YSL Ad, Philip Karlberg)

{Beauty Tuesday}: Beauty Interview with Made by Girl

Hello everyone! I am back with another Beauty Interview today, with the absolutely gorgeous & super talented Jen behind the stunning blog {Made by Girl}, I believe most of you are familier with it already? If not, make sure you do, it's one of the first blog I read each morning!

Q: Could you give us a summary of your experience with beauty products?

For the most part it’s been a trial and error experience for me. I think you have to try many products before you can finally decide on one that really works with your skin etc. I have to be careful what I put on my skin as it is pretty sensitive.

Q: What is your skin type and what do you look for in skincare products?

My skin is usually combination. However, there are days it seems oily, especially in my t-zone. I usually look for skin care products that are right for sensitive skin and that have SPF in them. Also, I won’t buy anything unless it’s oil-free.

Q: What is your top beauty secret or product?

I use distilled water to wash my face. Then I take a cotton swab and place about 5-6 drops of Lavender and 5-6 drops of Rosemary. It helps keep the skin from breaking out.

Q: Name 3 other favorite products and why?

1. Laura Mercier oil free foundation: (it has excellent coverage and of course, it’s oil free).
2. Mac Cosmetics Studio-fix powder
3. Lancome Juicy Tubes keep my lips from looking too dry. (I like Berry Bold and the clear gloss)

Q: Are there any other products that you love but have not mentioned above?

Aveda Brilliant Emollient Finishing gloss. This is great, it smells so good and leaves hair looking bright and beautiful! Its great for all hair types too.

Kerastase’ Oleo Curl- since my hair is naturally wavy/curly. It gives great definition as well as protects my hair from humidity. Good thing when it’s humid out.

Thanks so much Jen for joining us today and sharing your beauty secrets! I've heard so much about essential oils and should really try them out!

(image from here, here, here & stated sources)

{Beauty Tuesday}: Beauty Interview with Vicki

Good morning everyone! I am back with another Beauty Interview today, with the lovely Vicki behind the absolutely gorgeous & "french chic" blog FRENCH ESSENCE.

Q:Could you give us a summary of your experience with beauty products?

Like all women I think I search for products that are beneficial, show results and are easy to use. I follow a routine when it comes to skin care; I may change products or mix brands but I never miss cleansing, toning and moisturizing my skin. It doesn’t matter what hour of the day or night – I would not be able to sleep if I hadn’t removed my make-up. There are three things that I think are the most important when it comes to caring for the skin: I avoid the sun, smoking and too much alcohol, I drink 2 litres of water every day and I try to sleep soundly. When I was younger I could go without sleep, party on and drink as much as I liked and still walk out the door the next morning looking reasonably ok. Now, I am not so lucky…

Q:What is your skin type and what do you look for in skincare products?

I have a dry and sensitive skin – partly due to age and party due to the climate I live in. The products I preferare those that are derived mostly from natural ingredients and those that are rich in emollients.

Q:What is your top beauty secret or product?

I always add olive oil to my bath water.

I run the bath, add the scent that I prefer – usually lavender or rose – and then pour in a few drops of olive oil; it leaves the skin feeling silky smooth. As a special treatment in the winter, I will exfoliate and then apply the oil directly onto my skin.

Q:Name 3 other favorite skincare products and why?

Right now I am using Jurlique’s Moisture Replenishing Day Creme. It is a rich crème that hydrates and moisturizesthe skin and is particularly good for sensitive skin.

As the temperatures warm up I prefer to use a lighter moisturizer and will change to Dr Hauschka’s Rose Day Cream. In the heat of summer I will alternate between the Rose Day Crème and the Quince Day crème, a lighter alternative.

My other favourite at the moment is La Mer hand creme –this handcreme was given to me as a birthday gift – sheer bliss. Not sticky or tacky and quickly absorbed into the skin without leaving any slippery residue. The scent is soft and fresh and not overpowering at all.

Q:If you wear makeup, what are your top 3 favorite products?

Laura Mercier tinted Mouisturizer SPF 20 in Nude – I nevergo without this, day or night, and find the sheer texture and light coverage perfect for me. I don’t like wearing heavy make up and this provides a good base without that ‘made-up’ feeling.

Laura Mercier Cheek colour in Crushed Hazelnut – this is a light powder that is easy to apply and blends well on the skin. Again it is a natural colour and works well as a blush to wear when you don’t want to look like your wearing a blush.

And the lips:I love a lipstick and seem to be favouring MAC at themoment. For day – Cremesheen, ‘Shy Girl’ and for night– Cremesheen, ‘Spice is Nice’ Topped off with a dab of C-Thru A78 gloss.

Q: (optional) Are there any other products that you love but have not mentioned above?

Chanel – Le Crayon Khol Intense Eye Pencil in graphite –so easy to use for day and night.

The latest nail varnishes from Chanel. The rainbow brightsin pink and purple are just fabulous.

Thanks so much Vicki for joining us today and sharing your beauty secrets! I completely agree with your beauty routine & will definitely try the olive oil too, it sounds so simple yet amazing!

(images from here & corresponding links)

{Beauty Tuesday}: Beauty Interview with Cassandra

Good morning everyone! I am so excited to bring you this week's Beauty Interview with the lovely Cassandra behind the absolutely gorgeous blog Coco+Kelley. If you haven't already, do check out her effortlessly beautiful blog!

Q:Could you give us a summary of your experience with beauty products?

Ever since high school, I’ve relied on my friends who are beauty product addicts to help me in the makeup department. I didn’t even start wearing mascara until I was out of college, if you can believe that! (Dark lashes are a blessing.) Only in the past few years have I really become more aware of beauty products and trends. When it comes to skin care, I really like to stick with what I love. But, I also know it’s good to switch things up, so I try to experiment here and there with new products. I love samples! I think they hate me at Nordstrom – I’m forever asking for little trial sizes of everything.

Q:What is your skin type and what do you look for in skincare products?

I basically have combination skin, so I look for products that really moisturize but aren’t oily. Which sometimes feels incredibly impossible. I also have to adjust all my products for the different seasons, which makes things a bit complicated! I try to go fairly natural with most of my products when I can.

Q:What is your top beauty secret or product?

Well, facials are always a fantastic thing, but as far as a product goes, I would say my favorite ‘secret’ is Face Oasis by H2O(1).

When I spend a serious night out on the town (as I will be doing this weekend in Vegas!) I slather this on to ensure my skin wakes up not only hydrated but actually feels more firm: I swear it’s magic!

Q:Name 3 other favorite skincare products and why?

I’ve always been a fan of Origins, and I swear by their Checks & Balances Facewash(2). Every time I switch to something else I regret it. It’s an absolute must for anyone with combination skin.

I also love anything from Dr. Brandt. His products are fantastic, they smell soooooo yummy and they work! ALL of them! But they are a little pricey. So, if you’re going to indulge, I recommend the microdermabrasion(3). It’s the best I’ve found.

One of the biggest issues with my skin is that it does get super sensitive from time to time and that means redness! My favorite product for fighting those days is from Rodan+Fields ‘Soothe’ line(4) – it’s a wonderful anti-irritant cream. I’ve also found that Aveeno’s Ultra Calming Daily Moisturizer(5) can do the trick on a more daily basis.

Q:If you wear makeup, what are your top 3 favorite products?

The funny thing is that I basically only have three products I use on a regular basis – I’m pretty low maintenance with my makeup!

My Laura Mercier liner(1)

My Hourglass lipgloss in Verse (or any fairly nude colored gloss)(2).

And, even though I’ve had a million people tell me to stop using it, I’m addicted to BareMinerals foundation(3). It just works well on me. Other ones get soooo greasy by the end of the day!

Other than that – I just layer on black mascara and I’m good to go!

Q: (optional) Are there any other products that you love but have not mentioned above?

I’m addicted to Chanel – their glosses, cleansers, everything! They have a fantastic eye liner in black jade that I wear for nighttime(1).

Laura Mercier Satinee Creme Eye Colour makes for a fantastic eye base with just a bit of shimmer(2).

I didn’t really mention any hair products (that’s a whole other category for me!) But, I really do love the Frederik Fekkai Glossing Spray(3). It really creates a shiny finish without being oily. It’s a must for putting the final touch on my hair, whether I’m wearing it curly or straight!

Thanks so much Cassandra for joining us today and sharing your beauty secrets! I absolutely love the Origins Checks and Balances too & will definitely put the H2O Face Oasis on my wishlist, it sounds divine!

(images from corresponding links)

{Beauty Tuesday}: Beauty Interview with Anne

Hello everyone or should I say: Good morning to those of you in the US, Canada & South America, Good Afternoon to those in Europe & Africa and Good Evening to those in Asia & Australia, ok did I get that right? ;)

Today's Beauty Tuesday Interview is with the ever so talented, stylish and lovely Anne Sage from The City Sage. Not only does Anne have the best taste, she writes so beautifully too, and her posts are truely a joy to read.

Q: Could you give us a summary of your experience with beauty products?

I am an absolute product junkie. I recently moved house and had to get rid of boxes and boxes of lotions and potions that I had bought, used half of, and then tired of. I love trying new products, and I'm always mixing up my routine---perhaps even to the detriment of my skin. But going to a store like Sephora really is the adult version of a candy store, and who doesn't love candy?

Q: What is your skin type and what do you look for in skincare products?

I think my skin type is best described as 'confused'. I break out at the drop of a hat, but I also get red, dry and flakey quite easily. The worst part is that products designed to treat one issue seem to exacerbate the other, so I'm on an eternal hunt for a magic elixir that will keep my skin clear, smooth and hydrated.

Q: What is your top beauty secret or product?

1. My top beauty secret? Get a good facialist. I'm not talking about someone who will massage you into a relaxed state; I mean find an aesthetician who pokes and prods your skin into submission and then puts you on a strict home regime. I go to Polina at Flying Beauticians in San Francisco. When I told her I was a little bit scared of her she said, 'Good!' Because I'm on a tight budget I haven't had a facial in a while, and it really shows; my skin looks and feels so neglected

Q: Name 3 other favorite skincare products and why?

1. Farmaesthetics Fine Herbal Cleanser- I can't live without my mid-day face wash. I start to feel so grimy around 2 pm and I just want to splash it all away! That's why I love this cleanser—it leaves your skin feeling fresh and rejuvenated, but it's still gentle enough for frequent use. The scent is like rubbing your nose in an herb garden, and trust me that's a good thing!

2. Astara Daily Refining Scrub- I've had microdermabrasion only once, and I couldn't believe how soft and glowy it made my complexion. When I tried this scrub, I was thrilled to discover that it's the next best thing to a $300 spa treatment! It buffs away even the most stubborn dull spots with a blend of lactic acid and diatomaceous earth from the depths of the sea, then soothes with comfrey, chamomile and aloe. I will definitely be replacing this scrub when I use it all up—the true test of how great a product is!

3. Naturopatica Environmental Defense Mask- I adore masks; they're like bringing a little piece of the spa into your home. The ingredient list on this one reads more like a gourmet meal than like a skincare product; extracts of black cherry, pomegranate, tomatoes and red wine leave your pores feeling expunged of every possible toxin. It's a little pricey so I've been applying this mask sparingly for the past 18 months, but I just used my last blob over the weekend and it was a sad moment indeed!

Q: If you wear makeup, what are your top 3 favorite products?

1. Chantecaille Future Skin Foundation- I'm a big fan of make-up that also benefits your skin, and this one takes top prizes in my book. An oil-free gel forumulation with extracts of sea botanicals, it blends immediately, never looks cakey or shiny, and feels like a quenching drink for your skin. My face almost audibly sighs when I brush on this foundation.

2. Clinique Almost Make-up- On days when I don't want the coverage of a full foundation but my skin isn't clear enough to go out bare faced, I reach for Clinique's Almost Make-up. It subtly evens out my skin tone, yet unlike a tinted moisturizer it doesn't give me the greasies. As well, I appreciate the extra layer of SPF 15 protection.

3. NARS Lip Gloss/Lip Stain Duo- This is an awesome bang for your buck: wear the stain or the gloss alone, or pair them together for a completely different effect! NARS does color so beautifully, and the shades here are no exception. I especially love the Turkish Delight/Sayonara duo. The former is a Dusty Springfield mod nude pink, and the second is like a rosier, healthier version of your own lip color. But really I could shop everything at the NARS counter for hours!

Q: (optional) Are there any other products that you love but have not mentioned above?

Are there any other products that you love but have not mentioned above? I feel like the products I haven't mentioned could fill an encyclopedia! But a few that I swear by include:

1. Origins Organics Silkening Body Spritz- Spray this essential oil blend on your legs after you shave—you will feel like the sexiest creature on earth. It contains clove and rose oils, and the scent is what I imagine a medieval courtesan would have smelled like.

2. Neutrogena Sunless Tanning Spray Micro Mist- I am extraordinarily pale by nature and need help to feel confident wearing shorts in the summer. In the past I used a Clarins self-tanner but it was expensive and I had to wander the house naked and sticky while I waited for it to dry. Thank goodness for Neutrogena! Their spray tanner gives a really convincing glow, it dries on contact, and the spray applicator lets you target those hard to reach spots. What's more, the application is 100% hands-free: no more orange knuckles!

3. Glysomed Hand Cream- I spend several hours a day in the kitchen, which means I wash my hands a lot. This is the only cream that heals my dry, cracked cuticles, and it's very reasonably priced. Plus the cute packaging is such a terrific homage to Swiss International Style. I feel very design-y when I see it on the windowsill next to my sink. It's not available in the U.S. as far as I know, so I have my mother-in-law ship it to me in bulk!

Thanks so much Anne for sharing your beauty secrets! The Origins Silk Spritz and the Chanteaille Foundations sounds devine, who doesn't want to feel like the sexiest creature on earth right? ;)

(images from corresponding links)

{Beauty Tuesday}: Beauty Interview with Courtney

Today, we have the lovely Courtney from Under A Paper Moon joining us to share her beauty secrets. Courtney has worked in wedding and event floral design for the past five years and writes the most beautiful themed posts per week, don't forget to check out her wedding wednesdays either, they're packed with wonderful ideas and photos!

Q: Could you give us a summary of your experience with beauty products?Hmmm, can I just talk about lip products?

I am what you might call a bit of a fiend for them-- perhaps this is because the first adult cosmetic product I owned was a clear Cover Girl Lipslicks Lipgloss (A)! I can still remember the day I bought it with my mom; I was in fifth grade, and I felt like such a grown-up carrying the lipgloss around. I must say I've been hooked on lip products ever since.

Really though, I would say that I run two extremes with my beauty product experiences; I either am extremely loyal to a product or I switch products constantly. When I've found one that I like, I will use it forever, but I also have certain types of products where I will find myself constantly wanting to try new and different brands-- I will switch every time I need more of that item.

Q:What is your skin type and what do you look for in skincare products?

My skin type is normal/combination, but it is also a bit sensitive. I look for products that seem to work well on my skin and don't cause irritation, yet are also affordable-- not that I won't splurge on products, but I also don't yet have a budget suited for using La Mer on a daily basis (although, trust me, I am certainly curious about it!)

Q:What is your top beauty secret or product?

I have two things that rather go hand in hand. When I smile in photos, my eyes often look very small. Before a big evening out, I will smudge white eyeliner in the inner corner of my eyes and use an eyelash curler, which I zap with my hairdryer on low heat for about 5 seconds to make the curling even easier. I swear these things helps brighten my entire eye area and make my eyes look bigger in photos when I smile.

My top beauty product would have to be Smith's Rosebud Salve (B) - I put this on my lips so many times a day, I might be a bit of an addict! I love how soft it makes my lips feel, and it adds such a great touch of subtle gloss. I will layer this over or under a lip color, but most often, I wear it alone. This salve also works wonders on dry skin; in the winter, I will find myself using it on my cuticles and dry patches on my hands. It also claims to help treat diaper rashes and blemishes, but I've yet to put either of those to the test.

Q:Name 3 other favorite skincare products and why?

1. Like I mentioned above, I can get extremely loyal to a brand/product, and one case of that is with Oil of Olay. I have been using their moisturizer for as long as I can remember, and for the last number of years, I've used Olay Complete All Day UV Moisture Lotion with SPF 15 for Sensitive Skin. I use this moisturizer every day, and, on average days, I am not outside a lot, so I am happy to get my SPF coverage with my moisturizer. Of course, on days when I am going to be outside more frequently or for a longer period of time, I will use an additional, higher SPF, but for most days this moisturizer is all I use.

2. Face wash is one of the products I find myself switching more frequently than others, but in the last few months I've been using Purity Made Simple- One-Step Facial Cleanser- by Philosophy. It is absolutely my new favorite, and I think I will be sticking with this one for a long time. It is gentle, yet it leaves my skin feeling so clean. It also easily removes my eye makeup, which is a big plus for me-- I am all for anything that saves me a bit of time. And a little of the cleanser seems to go a long way, so, although it is a bit more expensive than some face washes, it seems like it will last me a lot longer than most as well.

3. The last spot is a tie for my two favorite body lotions (I know, that means four products!) The first, Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Body Moisturizer, is another product that I've been loyal to for a long time; I have used it for over 10 years now, and it's especially great in winter when my skin is drier than other times of the year. The second, Johnson & Johnson's 24 Hour Moisterizer(4), I started using probably three years ago, and I have been hooked on it ever since. It feels really light, it doesn't irritate my skin- even when I use it immediately after shaving my legs- and it makes my skin so soft. I really can't tell you how much I love it!

Q:If you wear makeup, what are your top 3 favorite products?

1. CARGO Lip Gloss. They have a such a wide variety of wearable shades that provide the nicest bit of color on your lips. It doesn't last a super long time, but I don't mind reapplying every few hours or after I eat. I also love the silver tins they use for packaging, although my collection is starting to make it difficult to zip the little makeup pouch I carry in my handbag.

2. DuWop Lip Venom- Because of the burn that comes along with it, putting this stuff on always feels a bit like a dare (in fact, I constantly dare my husband to put it on, but he's yet to take me up on it.) I have to say, I am addicted to the shine and gloss of this product, and ok, so, sometimes the burn is a bit nice too-- it makes me think that my lips are looking fuller, even if that might not be the case!

3. Another tie (sorry, I should have mentioned I am bad with favorites!) I love both of these products for the nice bit of color they add to my cheeks.Smashbox O-Glow. This adds the most perfect bit of flush to your skin, although a little does go a long way. Maybelline Dream Mousse Blush in Peach Satin. The texture of this product was a little strange to me at first, but the texture seems to make it even easier to blend. I've been using this blush for around three years now, and, most days, I use a small touch of this on top of bronzer. I feel like it adds a healthy glow to my skin.

Q: (optional) Are there any other products that you love but have not mentioned above?

I am a huge fan of Bumble and Bumble products. I love their Curl Conscious (1) line because my hair is naturally wavy (which is a generous definition-- it is not straight, but it's not curly either!) I also love their Creme de Coco shampoo and conditioner- it smells deliciously like the beach!- their Gentle shampoo and Super Rich conditioner, and I could go on!

I also really like Pureology's Purify Shampoo and Hydrate Conditioner (2). My hair feels so clean when I use them, and a huge added bonus is that their products are vegan, as well as evironmentally-friendly.

Finally, because I have nights when washing my face is the last thing I want to do, I adore products like Olay Daily Facials Express (3) so that when I feel so tired, I can still be good to myself and my skin!

Thanks so much Courtney for sharing your beauty secrets and favs with us, I have seen Smith's Rosebud Salve receiving good reviews a couple of times and you have definitely convinced me to try it! Also running out of face wash and the Philosophy one is looking very appealing to me now!

Should be back with another interview next week & then tried & tested the week after, so stay tuned my lovely readers! xx

(images from linked sources)

{Beauty Tuesday}: Beauty Interview with Mary Jo

I'm going to kick start the new series {Beauty Tuesday} with a beauty interview, with a beauty editor! That's right, as well as being a fashion designer with her own line and the writer of the amazing style blog Trust Your Style, Mary Jo is also a beauty editor! Enjoy my lovely readers!

Q: Could you give us a summary of your experience with beauty products?

I'm lucky to have inherited good skin, but I've always loved skin care products since I was a kid--for birthdays I'd beg my mom to get me the same department store products she used (Elizabeth Arden's Anti-Aging Skin Care regime).

When I first became a beauty editor about four years ago, packages arrived daily from skin care companies and it felt like Christmas every day of the week. That's also when consciousness starting increasing about organic beauty products and I got really interested in learning everything I could. It's a bit like Pandora's box, once you find out how unregulated the beauty industry is and how potentially hazardous certain ingredients (like parabens) are for not just your skin, but your health, you can't go back. Most people use on average 26 products a day, and there are ingredients in these every day beauty products linked to cancer, birth defects, etc.

I became obsessed with the Skin Deep website, which lets you plug in the products you use and find out how they rate in terms of safety. Some of the major companies I first wrote about had great socially and environmentally conscious programs in place--I very much enjoyed working with them and meeting some of the top makeup artists in the world--but I also began to learn that most of these larger companies were making products that contained known carcinogens and other questionable ingredients. I knew I had to take responsibility for my readers and look to smaller, more niche brands that contained more health-conscious ingredients.

For the first couple of years as a beauty editor, it was still pre-"Green Chic" and I had to keep making a strenuous case to write about organic products because it really wasn't that popular. I would add cheat-sheet lists to my articles that you could print out and use whether you were browsing for skin care products at Whole Foods or a top department store. I really felt there needed to be a way to help people figure out if there were harmful ingredients in the products that called themselves "all-natural," a term that can be very misleading. And now, after trying most everything on the market, I can't say that I use 100% organic products as it's actually a bit more complicated in terms of what's really going to work for your skin and health.

Realistically, I do the best I can, but sometimes the quality of organic products is just not what I'm looking for. It's a double edged sword because "green" products are not always the most effective; ie, I've tried organic shampoos that have left my hair gunky and dirty and creams that didn't moisturize my skin adequately. Organic lip gloss, blush and nail polish does not always come in the color you're looking for or last in a practical way. Of course there are exceptions, but I'd be lying if I said I didn't use non-organic products here and there. There is also the whole global warming issue to consider--having adequate Broad Spectrum SPF with both UVA/UVB protection is extremely important to prevent skin cancer and pre-mature aging, and perhaps outweighs the "organic/all-natural" issue.

Q: What is your skin type and what do you look for in skincare products?

What I look for in products as a beauty editor and what I wear in real life are completely intertwined. I do try to walk my talk the best I can. I'm approached by a lot of companies to cover their skin care products and have learned to be very selective. When I'm working on my column for Affluent Magazine, I have to take into consideration the reader--these are the wealthiest citizens in the US who travel by private jet. They can afford to buy any product they want, so it needs to be something that is truly spectacular, even if it's not the most expensive product on the market. I always try and make sure that it has health as well as beauty benefits. Since I have dry sensitive skin, (one of the hardest skin types to take care of) I always try and cater to readers who have difficulty in finding a good product that won't make their skin break out.

Q: What is your top beauty secret or product?

Ole Henriksen's Micro/Mini Peel system (1) will make you look like you just had a facial and is a great fix when you don't have the time to actually go for a real one. His products are not organic and we have had a long discussion about the need to have effective ingredients in products and weigh out the need to jump on the "all natural" bandwagon. I truly respect Ole and believe in his work. The Micro/Mini Peel system would be my secret weapon in a pinch for glowing radiant skin, second only to the Sensitive Skin Facial at his Ole Henriksen spa.

Tied in this category is Kimberly Sayer of London. I swear by everything that Kimberly Sayer of London makes. Her products use Certified Organic ingredients and I don't know what I'd do without them because my skin has never broken out since the day I started using them. I use her Eye Lift Gel (3) under her Anti-Oxidant Daily Moisturizing Cream - SPF25 (2) during the day.

At night, I always take off my makeup with Kimberly Sayer Gentle Face Cleanser (4) in the shower and then follow up with her Aromatic Night Repair Cream. I do this religiously day in and day out.

Q: Name 3 other favorite skincare products and why?

1) Lately I have also been using AB Sun SPF45 by Craig Austin, MD during the day. I'm in the sun a lot and this product has both Broad Spectrum UVA/UVB Protection. It has been discovered that SPF products must be Broad Spectrum in order to prevent skin cancer. I like it because it's not too sticky and for most of my life, I've been too lax with sun protection.

2) Peter Lamas Soy Hydrating Shampoo and Soy Balancing Conditioner, both with Certified Organic Botanicals. I tend to use his shampoo and conditioner most of the week because it's gentle and it makes my hair look and smell good. Not only is Peter committed to creating healthy beauty product alternatives for people, but he worked for years as one of the world's top makeup artists and really understands how not using quality products can ravage one's skin. He is also one of the nicest people I've ever met and I've loved the opportunities I've had to interview him.

3) About once a week I will use Kimberly Sayer Gentle Almond & Lavender Face Scrub. I love the way it smells and it's perfect for sensitive skin.

Q: If you wear makeup, what are your top 3 favorite products?

1) Tarte Natural Beauty Cheek Stain--I think it looks natural only a little better.

2) 100% Pure, it's a Natural Mascara and comes in lots of great colors--this is one of the few mascaras that doesn't get hard and clumpy on my eyelashes. I tend to be an eye-rubber and this one is so mild, it mostly rubs off.

3) Nars All Night Long Lip Gloss--a heightened natural lip color.

Q: (optional) Are there any other products that you love but have not mentioned above?

1) Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Body Lotion with sunscreen SPF 15 UVA/UVB protection

2) Opi Nail polish--I can't help myself, they are constantly changing colors to keep up with the latest fashions and send me big batches of new colors to try. It's a bit like being a kid in a candy store. If I had to admit a terrible sin, it would be that I'm dying to try the new Chanel Nuit De Russie nail polish developed by Karl Lagerfeld.

3) Soy pure Night Rejuvenating Body Butter . It's 99% natural and will smooth your feet while you sleep--it's miraculous!

Thanks so much Tina for asking me to join you!

WOW! Wasn't that amazing! I have learned so much and is dying to try out the Kimberly Sayer of London range! Thanks so much for revealing your beauty secrets Mary Jo ;)

Next Tuesday I'll be back with another interview and will also start my tried & tested posts too, hope you are all having a good day, it's freezing here (snow melting) but sunny so I'm happy! xx

(images from stated source & also tobi.com, lovelula.com, drugstore.com)