Swiping Lab Samples

How do I know I love a product? When I try to swipe lab samples from our brands' creative teams.

I just scrambled through two days of meetings in NYC with some of my favorite brands. This is one of the most fun things about bluemercury: my job is to play with new beauty products that are not yet on the market.

So here is a sneak peek at the lab samples I tried to swipe:

1. Laura Mercier's new foundation launching this fall.

2. Darphin's organic and unbelievably heavenly facial treatment oils. I wanted all. These will be my summer sun damage salvation.

3. One of the NARS duo eyeshadow combos. Had the perfect green/blue grey for a fall sultry eye.

4. Remede's new antiaging serum with crazy new cell oxygenating technology.

5. Every single thing from Tocca's holiday collection and a very Jackie O./Michelle Obama dress from Tocca's fall fashion lineup. I am in love with their showroom.

6. Fresh's new fragrance which is the best ever, created by Lev, the founder of fresh who I have known for 11 years.

7. And hurray - Molton Brown actually gave me two of their new shower gels - think pink peppercorn!

I am purposely being a little cryptic. I need to keep my access, right?

Holiday Season Recovery Mode

Last week I was in a different city every day. Over the weekend I had a holiday party in Philadelphia Friday night, a brunch in Philadelphia Saturday, two parties in DC Saturday night, and then took the kids to the Nutcracker on Sunday. All events were a blast, but I am a mess. My skin is a mess. And I am catching a cold. Here is what I have been doing to recover:

1. Sleep (just kidding!) Yes sleep is always the best recovery but I have not had time and do not have time to stock up!

2. At Home Facial. Used MD Skincare Alpha Beta Daily Face Peel Pads. My face was breaking out. This is the only thing that helped my skin recover. One night and my skin was on its way.

3. Hot Tea. I am loving Yogi tea Peach Detox. Fruity and spicy at the same time. Had two cups last night. Feel better.

4. Hand Cream. Used the Revive Moisturizing Renewal Body Lotion my hands. The glycolic was perfect to slough of the dry skin.

5. No alcohol. Drank only sparking water at this past weekend’s events. Too run down to even try a sip of a nice glass of red wine.