What's in My Shower Right Now

And no, it's not Jon Stewart, much to my chagrin! :-)

Here are the beauty products currently in my shower:

• Neil George Everyday Shampoo ($20)- smells delicious, like Orange Blossoms, and doesn't weight my fine hair down
  
• Neil George Everyday Conditioner ($22)- same scent as the shampoo and detangles very well
  
• Neil George Intense Repair Treatment Mask with Indian Gooseberry ($38)- good for restoring shine and moisture
  
• Neil George Detangle Nourish Spray ($24) detangles and protects my hair from heat styling.
  
• Oscar Blandi Marine Mud Treatment ($26)- I use this as a deep conditioner every now and then
  
• Philosophy Amazing Grace 3-in-1 Milk-Based Shampoo, Bath and Shower Gel ($22)- I love the way this scents my skin
  
• Red Flower Ocean Purifying Body Wash ($20)- smells just like the ocean somehow and I love the pure ingredients
  
• California Baby Super Sensitive Shampoo and Body Wash ($11.49)- for sensitive, winter skin
  
• LaLicious Island Guava Sugar Souffle Moisturizing Body Scrub ($34)- see my previous review of this incredible line here
  
• LaLicious Coffee Bean Sugar Souffle Moisturizing Body Scrub ($34)
• Nude Skincare Facial Cleansing Wash ($34)- I've reviewed this before. I always wash my face in the shower
  
• Pangea Organics Facial Scrub ($32)- exfoliates with Adzuki Beans. This is too rich for my skin in the summer but is perfectly moisturizing come winter
  
• Carol's Daughter Body Aches Bath Salts ($18)- I don't take baths, but I sprinkle some of this on the floor of the shower for an aromatherapy treatment. It's great for days when you feel stuffy or have a headache
  
• Alba Mango Vanilla Moisturizing Shave Cream ($5.99)- I'm not a fan of the product but it smells incredible
  
• Detangling Comb
• Pumice Stone- for my feet!
  
• Mach 3 Razor- until I'm finished with my laser hair removal treatment
  

My Current Skincare Routine

When it comes to skincare, I'm pretty fickle and pretty picky. If a product doesn't work or upsets my normal to dry, sensitive skin, I toss it rather than try to make it work. The products I use have to be (synthetic) fragrance-free, keep my city-weary skin clear and smooth, not contain parabens, and comprised of mostly natural (preferably organic) ingredients. I know, I know. The FDA has said parabens are safe. And the concentration purportedly used in most sincare products falls far beneath the accepted threshold. And natural is not always better--after all poison ivy is natural. And chemical ingredients can be powerfully effective and gentle on the skin. I can't help it though. For some visceral reason I can't get around this preference and feel like my skin looks its best when I stick with products of this ilk. To that end, here is what I've been using lately and my thoughts.

Clinique Take the Day Off Balm ($27)- this solid cleanser in a pretty purple pot emulsifies when you smooth it over your face, breaking down even the toughest eye makeup. I use it all over and then rinse. The directions indicate that a separate cleanser isn't necessary, but I always follow up with one as I am a fan of double cleansing (using one product to simply remove makeup and another to cleanse the skin).
Nude Skincare Cleansing Facial Wash ($34)- Nude uses organic ingredients when possible and the packaging is recyclable. This cleanser smells of bitter orange water and gently foams to cleanse my skin without over drying. I wouldn't call it moisturizing, but because it doesn't strip my skin, in the heat of summer I do not even need a separate moisturizer. I also credit this for keeping my skin breakout free. The price may seem steep but just one little pump is needed and I anticipate it lasting several months.
Kate Somerville Total Vitamin Antioxidant Face Serum ($65)- I've been diligent about sun protection since my early teens so I don't have any age spots or real discoloration to contend with, but I live in NYC where the smog, pollution, exhaust, and general icky grime can really take a toll on skin. Couple this with the amount of time I spend outdoors walking around, and I need a serious preventative antioxidant. This light serum is Vitamin C based, sinks right in, and doesn't irritate my skin or clog my pores. Since I'm using it for prevention it's difficult to tell if it's working, but that is true of all products used for this purpose I suppose.
Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Gentle ($65)- As much as I love it, NYC is really tough on skin for the reasons mentioned above. Your pores fill with all of the muck and some serious degunkification is required! I tried the regular ExfoliKate and it was way to harsh for my sensitive skin, but this is perfect. In 2-3 minutes the product has dissolved the dead cells and cleaned out my pores. You get some manual exfoliation from the little granules it contains and are left with clear glowing skin.
Aveeno Pure & Free Baby Sunblock Lotion SPF 60+ ($11)- this contains all physical sun blocks (I won't use chemical sunscreens) and while it's not featherlight, it hasn't clogged my pores either. It is chock full of chemicals so I have Devita on my list to try next.
Jurlique Balancing Day Cream ($40)- This is indicated for combination skin, but I think it would be too heavy for anyone leaning towards the oily side. It's a bit thick but does absorb, and has a distinct floral smell (though the fragrance is of natural origin). I love using this after the Kate Somerville enzyme treatment. I warm a tiny bit between my fingertips and pat in on to my skin, leaving it moisturized and smooth. It's not a miracle--you won't suddenly look 18--but it's a great basic moisturizer with antioxidant plant oils that creates a good base for makeup.
Stem Organics Hydrating Face Fluid ($58)- I use this in the winter when I need something more hydrating than the Jurlique. Despite its more fluid texture, this is a highly moisturizing product with macadamia oil, shea butter, vitamin E and a host of nourishing extracts and oils. This is definitely indicated for dry skin, though the brand makes a version for normal and a version for oily skin and they come packaged in dark glass bottles with air tight pumps to preserve the antioxidants. You never hear about this line but it is absolutely fantastic!
Skyn Iceland Icelandic Relief Eye Pen with Biospheric Complex ($20)- I suffer from the world's worse undereye circles (so bad that I've had makeup artists tell me there's simply nothing they can do for them when I've sought concealer advice) and even though I logically know better, I'll still try any eye cream that claims to help with my shiners. This one not only claims to do that, but says it combats wrinkles and puffiness and contains optical brighteners. Plus it comes in a hygienic, travel friendly pen and the price is right! This eye cream is fine. Just fine. I've been using it consistently for several months now and have noticed no change in the darkness under my eyes and I haven't seen any of the claimed brightness. Concealer does go on smoothly over this but that's about it. I'll finish it up and move on the next eye cream with lofty claims!

Here is my routine:
AM:
Kate Somerville Total Vitamin Antioxidant Face Serum
Aveeno Pure & Free Baby Sunblock Lotion SPF 60+
Skyn Iceland Icelandic Relief Eye Pen with Biospheric Complex

PM:
Remove makeup with Clinique Take the Day Off Balm
Nude Skincare Cleansing Facial Wash
Moisturize if needed either with the Jurlique Balancing Day Cream or Stem Organics Hydrating Facial Fluid
Skyn Iceland Icelandic Relief Eye Pen with Biospheric Complex

Twice a week:
Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Gentle

That's it!

What's In My Shower Right Now

I am definitely a shower and not a bath girl. Here is what's I've currently got crammed in there:

• Organix Coconut Milk Shampoo
• Organix Coconut Milk Conditioner
• Neil George Intense Repair Mask
• Neil George Detangle Nourishment Spray
• Neutrogena Anti-Residue Shampoo
• Red Flower Ocean Shampoo
• Red Flower Ocean Conditioner

• Nude Skincare Facial Cleansing Wash
• Philosophy Amazing Grace 3-in-1
• Origins Ginger Burst Body Wash
• California Baby Sensitive Baby Wash
• Dr. Bronner's Tea Tree Soap

• Carol's Daughter Body Aches Bath Salts (I sprinkle these on the floor of the shower for an aromatherapy treatment)
• LaLicious Sugar Souffle Scrubs in Coconut Cream, Coffee Bean and Island Guava
• Pangea Organics Facial Scrub- Egyptian Geranium with Adzuki Bean & Cranberry
• Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Gentle
• Avalon Organics Shave Cream
• Clarisonic Mia

Testing Testing 123: Eye Creams (Part 4)

I've been using Nude Skincare Advanced Eye Complex for several weeks after generously receiving a sample of it from Nude. To reiterate my eye area concerns, I have the world's worst dark circles that are hereditary but exacerbated by allergies, puffiness and dryness that concealer magnifies.

"The complete eye treatment, this cream firms and lifts the delicate skin around the eyes while reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Pure Acacia Extract delivers an immediate, dramatic lift, powerful antioxidant CoQ10 and Organic Mountain Ash diminish dark circles and puffiness and Milk Peptides stimulate collagen production to tone the eye area. Contains anti-aging probiotics."

The Advanced Eye Complex retails for $88.

I love my Nude Facial Cleansing Wash and was really hoping to love this too! Luckily, it's a really nice product. I didn't notice a big difference in my dark circles but frankly, I don't think that anything short of filler injections will lend a serious improvement. I just have to give up on the notion that a topically applied eye cream can really effect hereditary circles and the thin skin under my eyes that allows the blood vessels to show.

I was impressed with the way the Eye Complex worked on my puffiness. Over the last few weeks the puffiness has definitely diminished, and the mornings when I wake up with it, I apply some of this and wait a few minutes for the swelling to go down. I also use it on my eye lid on days when they are puffy and see an improvement there as well.

The Advanced Eye Complex also provides a really nice base for my under eye concealer even though it is silicone free. I have not experienced any milia at all since using it which is sometimes a problem for me when I use a really moisturizing cream. This product has a nice fluid texture and dispenses though a hygienic pump. It absorbs quickly so that your concealer looks fresh but still provides hydration.

I really like to support natural and organic lines, those with quality, effective products but without ingredients like parabens, propylene glycol, phthlates, GMOs and am happy that Nude Skincare is available in this niche. After my success with the cleanser (which now comes in a small size with a smaller price tag) and now the eye cream, I'm interested in trying the moisturizer and possibly a mask.

Does anyone else have any experiences with this line?

Clarisonic Mia- Day 2

I received my Clarisonic Mia from Skinbotanica on Wednesday (I ordered late Saturday night). The instructions require it to charge for 24 hours before use, so I've had two days to play with it. I used at both nights with my Nude Facial Cleansing Wash, after I've used Clinique Take the Day Off Balm to remove my makeup. Here are some initial impressions:

• I've countless presentations on QVC with that silly fluorescent makeup demonstrating that cleansing alone leaves makeup trapped in pores, lines and wrinkles. The models always show the brush head after using it to convey just how much "hidden" makeup the Clarisonic removes, so I was expecting an icky brush head after using it. After all, just cleansing isn't enough. Lo and behold, the brush head was white as snow.
• The Sensitive brush head feel much rougher than I anticipated. I use it delicately and just for the prescribed 1 minute but it feels quite scratchy. I think that I need to purchase the Delicate brushes, but that's an additional $40 investment. After using it for 2 consecutive day, I think I'll cut down to every other day as my skin is a bit irritated.
• While it's too soon to see any actual skin improvements, my skin feel soft to the touch and has that "clean" sensation, similar to after you've used a scrub or peel. I didn't notice any difference in how my moisturizer sank in.
• I'm hoping that this will eliminate some clogged pores I've been getting, ensure that all of my sunscreen is completely removed at night and will help with some dullness. Time will tell but I'm hoping to become one of the people who can't live without their Clarisonic!

Do you have a Clarisonic or Clarisonic Mia? What if any results did you see? Do you love it?

Holy Grails

I, like most beauty junkies, go through phases where I love a certain product. Sometimes the infatuation lasts a few days, sometimes weeks, but there are very few items that I consider true holy grails--things that I'd absolutely replace right away since I would never want to be without them. Here they are:

• Clinique Take the Day Off Balm- I am not a Clinique skin care user apart from this product (though it was my gateway to higher end brands way back in my early teens) but this product is just amazing. Just a little bit completely dissolves all makeup with no irritation. I rinse it off and follow up with my normal cleanser since it does leave a bit of a film, but those with dry skin could probably just tissue it off.
• Bobbi Brown Baby Lipstick- I've posted about this several times. The formula isn't my favorite but the color is so perfect I won't let it go.
• Origins Silk Screen Powder Makeup- I don't wear foundation, but do like a powder in my T zone but to make me matte and for a little redness around my nose. Every time I stray from this I regret it. It's silky smooth, covers just enough and keeps shine at bay. There are plenty of shades from which to choose and Porcelain matches me perfectly.
• Korres Mascara- length, thickness, a rich inky black and it's all natural! No flaking or smearing either. A tube does start to dry out quickly but being much more reasonable priced than brands like Chanel and Lancome, I don't mind replacing as often as needed.
• Benefit Kohl Eye Liner in Sable- this is unfortunately discontinued but it might reappear if Benefit has a clearance sale. This dark brown lasts forever on the waterline. It's more tenacious than it's counterparts dubbed long-lasting or waterproof. The best.
• Rock and Republic Rumor Mousse Blush- A+ in terms of both color and formula.
• Chanel Brush #3- the best for adding a deep eye shadow color to the outer corner
• Lancome Artliners- these are the easiest to apply and never run, flake or smear. I have half a dozen and hope they come out with new shades soon! I much prefer these to their new Ink Artliners in the pot.
• Bare Escentuals Soul Eye Shadow- this best lid-brightening base
• Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Gentle-keeps my skin clear and smooth with minimal effort (but a maximum price tag!)
• Rubis Tweezers- the sharpest and most precise.
  

Honorable Mentions:
These are products I trust and rely on and use all of the time, but as of now would not send me into a fit if they couldn't be replaced, either because I think they could be duplicated or I haven't had them long enough to truly call them a Holy Grail. They could achieve that designation though!

• Nude Facial Cleansing Wash- free of all the yucky stuff I don't want on my skin yet keeps my face looking great
• Paul and Joe Face Color 16 Canyon- such a flattering combination! I can't wait to try more shades.
• Kevyn Aucoin The Essential Eye Palette #1- my eyes look great every time I use this
• Desert Essence Organics Coconut Hand and Body Lotion- the most divine scent ever. I just wish it didn't fade quite so fast!
• Stem Organics Hydrating Facial Fluid- I love this for the fall and winter, but it's just a bit too rich come spring and summer.
  
• Bobbi Brown Forest Shimmer Ink- less harsh than black, more interesting than brown, this color is perfect on green eyes.
  

Greetings from LA!

Wow! Coming from the freezing, windy cold of New York City to the sunny, warmth of LA has been a very plesant experience, I have to say! I got in last night and prompty went right to the Century City Mall before they closed. It's a good thing it's within walking ditance of my hotel since my much-beloved Nude Skincare Facial Cleansing Wash leaked on the plane and I'm loathe to go without it. I picked up a spare at Sephora.

My shopping rule for this trip was to only buy things I am unable to get in New York, or are at such a good price I am required by the "shopping code" to buy them immediately. The shopping code kicked in last night when I found a pair of Via Spiga patent flats in my size at Bloomingdales marked down from $165 to $45.

Today I spent the afternoon walking around Beverly Hills. Before I left for LA I asked everyone what I absolutely HAD to do out here and the consensus was A. Sprinkles Cupcakes and B. Garlic Noodles at Crustaecean. I was hesistant about Sprinkles since I'm such a fan of Crumbs Cupcakes but I have to say, the Sprinkles are delish! I had a banana with dark chocolate frosting and a lemon with lemon vanilla frosting. Yes, I ate two and I never do that! They are that good! The garlic noodles are also yummy and when they say garlic, they mean it! Wow!

Two observations: First, no one walks around here. No one. I walked to the mall last evening and was literally the only person I saw on the sidewalks at all. This morning, I asked the concierge if it was possible to walk to Beverly Hills and he looked at me like and had two heads and responded "It's over a mile and a half!" I walk that distance just to and from the subway to get to work in the morning so I thought that this was pretty funny! I also noticed that no one crosses against the light here at all, and jaywalking is practically the official sport of NYC. I got quite a few looks crossing the street against the light today!

I did pick up a few cosmetic items that I can't easily get at home (the Nude cleanser doesn't count!) and will post about them in a bit.

My Top Products of 2009

Even though 2009 seemed to fly by, I managed to buy and try a lot of new items! Some of these products debuted in 2009, others were just new to me, but all became favorites over the course of the year. I'd love to hear what you loved in 09!

1. Rock and Republic Snakeskin Eye Shadow- I fell in love with Rock and Republic Cosmsetics in 2009 and am very sad to see that the line is on the way out. My only consolation is that I was able to stock up on some things when they were on sale at Hautelook and the items are so large they'll likely last forever! Their Rumor mousse blush and Call Me powder blush quickly became staples, but Snakeskin stole my heart! It's a gorgeous murky smokey khaki olive green with shimmer that really enhances my green eyes (I'm a big fan of green shadows and liners on green eyes). If you spot Snakeskin, grab it!
2. Kate Somerville Exfolikate Gentle- I was always a fan of manual exfoliation until I tried this. I initially purchased the regular Exfolikate but found that it really irritated my sensitive skin, leaving it raw and red even if I left it on only a few seconds. I was hesitant to try this but am so glad I did. I hate the price tag ($65 for just 2 oz) but Exfolikate Gentle leaves my skin clear and glowing by gently removing the dead surface layer of skin on my face. Three minutes twice a week and all of my other skin care products work better!
3. Bobbi Brown Cream Lip Color in Baby- While I'm not the biggest fan of the formula (it's on the thick side and yet doesn't last long), the color is the closest I've come to a Holy Grail. The Bobbi Brown website calls it an "icy nude pink" but I'd call it a warm, natural peachy pink with shimmer. This lipstick seems to go with every look and brightens my face but not in that "I'm wearing lipstick" way. I reach for it all of the time and will repurchase once it's gone.
4. Nude Skincare Facial Cleansing Wash- Organic, free of harsh and toxic ingredients and leaves my skin smooth, clean, and breakout-free. This cleanser is gently foaming, removes makeup well, it doesn't strip and the bottle lasts forever. What more could you ask for in a cleanser?
5. Julie Hewett Cheekies- Julie Hewett Cheekies are firm-textured cream blushes that come in pot and palette form. These look so natural on the skin and the Cheekie palette is great for travel. The shades have a translucency to them that makes your cheeks look like the color is naturally coming from within, and they work well on their own and with a powder blush or highlighter layered over top for more color or shimmer. All of the colors are lovely though Destiny is my favorite! (clockwise from top left: Peachie, Jami, Destiny, Natural).
6. Benefit Fawn Over Me Velvet Eye Shadow- an incredibly textured, highly pigmented dark beige shadow that's perfect alone for a quick everyday look but also makes a fabulous shimmery base for a smokey look. This shadow is super versatile and is an ideal item to pack when going on a trip and space is limited since it goes with so many different looks. This has to be the smoothest, creamiest powder shadow I've felt.
7. Custom Prescriptives Gloss- I had a Prescriptives lip gloss custom blended for me at Bergdorf Goodman and I have to say it's fabulous. I highly recommend getting this done before the line is gone for good at the end of this month not only because of the ability to custom blend the shade and select a scent, but because the formula is smooth and not at all sticky. I opted for a peachy pink with a tropical fruit scent but the possibilities are really endless when you're blending your own. You can choose the shade, the finish, the scent and from different colored frosts and shimmers.
8. Red Flower Ocean Body Wash- this body wash in absolutely incredible. The Cove at Atlantis in the Bahamas stocks guest rooms with the Red Flower Ocean line, and when I returned home from my stay there I had to immediately order full sizes of the products, my favorite of which is this body wash. It smells exactly like the ocean--a little salty, a little briny, and very fresh and earthy. I find the scent very relaxing and I can't get enough! It's wonderful to shower with after a long, stressful day (but be careful--it will make you long for the beach!). This scent is also available in a candle, shampoo, conditioner and body lotion. To boot, the product is organic and free of parabens, SLS, petrochemicals, dyes and synthetic preservatives.
9. Lancome Erika F Shadow- This unusual and elusive shadow never fails to elicit compliments. It's a taupey olivey green with silver shimmer and tiny shimmer particles that are more subtle that glitter but dance and catch the light much more than traditional shimmer. I usually wear it from lash line up into the crease and apply a very very thin line of Lancome Artliner in Star Shower followed by several coats of mascara. It creates the fastest dramatic smokey eye but because it's not a deep dark shade, it's equally appropriate at work. Unfortunately it's not available in the US, but it pops up on Strawberrynet from time to time, both on it's own and in the Escapade Champetre quad.(with flash)(without flash)
10. Sephora Flat Blush Brush 42- this uniquely shaped brush is perfect if you have a small face or cheek area or just prefer a smaller blush brush more more controlled or pigmented application. It doesn't shed and is very reasonably priced at just $22. It's become my favorite blush brush.
11. Hourglass Extreme Sheen High Shine Lip Glosses- I always avoided lip gloss until I discovered these this year. The colors are beautiful and the texture is outstanding--completely and totally not sticky but with a decent lasting power. Some of the shades are sheer and others pack more of a punch. I find that 4 of 10 shades are extremely similar (in the pink-beige-brown family) but all are wearable with a delectable cake batter scent. The glosses are paraben-free and very moisturizing. The downside is that they cost $28 a piece but in my opinion they're worth it and can turn even a gloss-phobe like me into a glossophile! (Left to right: Ignite, Truth, Origami, Lush)
    
12. Laura Geller Baked Blush and Highlighter in Como/Portofino- I got pulled in by a late night Laura Geller demonstration on QVC and ordered this pretty baked duo. Admittedly I don't use the Portofino Highlighter often (it's the champagne shimmery wedge at the top of the pan) but the Como blush has become a staple. I love that it's sheer and has a luminosity to it so it layers fabulously over cream blushes and the shade is perfection-a subtle warm pink that would be impossible to mess up and has to look great on everyone. The swirls of color are also so pretty just to look at!
13. Korres Deep Color Mascara- I try to apply mascara as close to the roots of my lashes as possible since I have naturally blonde lashes, but I noticed that in doing so I inevitably get a little bit of mascara right on the underside of my eyelid. Given all of the chemicals and harsh preservatives typically in mascara, I went in search of a more natural, gentle alternative since some was actually getting in my eyes. I purchased the Korres on a whim since I hadn't heard much hype around the line and am so glad I did. For a "natural" mascara, this provides incredible length, color and fullness without leaving my lashes crunchy or spikey. I don't notice any damage or lashes falling out either like I used to with other mascaras. This does not contain parabens, GMOs, sulfates, mineral oil, petrochemicals, propylene glycol, synthetic dyes or fragrances or ethanolomines. It does tend to dry out on the quicker side but it's a small price to pay in my opinion for such a great product.
14. Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner in Forest Shimmer Ink- I generally prefer liquid eyeliner to gel liners because I think they're quicker to apply, you don't need a separate brush, and they don't dry out the way gel liners in pots can, but this shade is so fabulous I purchased it anyway. It's a deep dark forest green with gold shimmer with none of the cool blue tones that Bobbi's Hunter Ink has. Once it's on it last all day and really brings out my green eyes. I love the way the gold shimmer catches the light.
15. Origins Peace of Mind On the Spot Relief- I am definitely a high-stress person! Whether it's work, my personal life or simply the intensity of living in NYC (being packed into subway cars like sardines with icky people you'd otherwise never let near you, trying to get through the throngs of tourists walking slowly and holding hands down 5th Avenue, realizing that you're paying $2.50 for a small can of corn at the grocery store or enduring crazy noisy neighbors above you), I always feel like I need a vacation! This tiny little bottle holds a miracle potion inside that not only relieves stress, but helps with my migraines and creates a cooling tingle on hot humid days. The combination of peppermint and other essential oils is deeply calming and therapeutic. I warm two tiny dabs between my index and middle fingers and apply to the back of my neck and my temples. In just a minute you start to inhale the herbal blend and feel the coolness start to soothe. I keep one at home, one at my desk at work, one in my purse and I even have one for travel. It's inexpensive, the bottle lasts a long time and most importantly, it works!

Today's Beauty Routine

It's snowing today in NYC and I'm using it as an excuse to stay inside wearing my pajamas, eat Ben & Jerry's Creme Brulee ice cream straight from the pint (my local scoop shop did NOT have the new Limited Edition Maple Blondie yesterday as promised), update this blog, and tell myself that I am too old to watch MTV's Shore House while surreptitiously flipping back to it from the History Channel.

On days when I nix leaving my apartment I don't feel human unless there is some beauty routine going on, however minimal. In the shower I used Neil George Everyday Shampoo and Conditioner, Red Flower Ocean Body Wash (ADORE. It smells exactly like the ocean), Neil George Detangle Nourishment Spray, and Nude Skincare Cleansing Facial Wash. I then used my ExfoliKate Gentle, applied my Stem Organics Hydrating Facial Fluid and Origins GinZing eye cream, slicked Carol's Daughter lip balm on my lips for some moisture and applied a fresh coat of Poshe topcoat to my nails. Bare bones but enough to feel like a person!