1 Month Ahead:

RSVP & plan what you might need to bring.

2 Weeks Ahead:

Buy a versatile outfit that you can wear to all of your parties if possible.

1 Week Ahead:

Use a skin refining face mask like Dermalogica Skin Refining Masque which uses clay to extract dirt and oils. Don’t use a face mask the day or day before the party as it may cause your skin to break out. Applying a week ahead will give your skin the opportunity to clear up if needed.

Begin using a Self-Tanner on face and body like Clarins Self Tanning Gel which gives the skin a nice natural glow. Use for a couple days, this way you can pick up a nice glow letting any orange tint fade a few days before the party date.

Day Before:

Exfoliate your face with Dermalogica’s Daily Microfoliant which is gentle enough to use everyday.

Exfoliate your body with Fresh Brown Sugar Body Polish which won Instyle Magazine’s Best of Beauty 2009 for best body exfoliator.

Apply a Hair Mask like Ojon Restorative Hair Treatment which leaves hair soft, full and shiny without any greasy residue.

Paint your nails. Sephora by OPI has a wonderful selection of nail polish colors to pick from.

Some great holiday shades include: Untarnished Image (looks like sparkly snow!), Worth My Weight (Glitter gold), Absinthe Makes the Heart (glittery green smoke).

Pick up items you are bringing to party and prepare any food dishes if possible.

Use a thick moisturizing night cream like Kiehl’s Panthenol Protein Moisturizing Face Cream made with Vitamin E, A and Beta-Carotene. Using a nice thick cream with help you wake up with soft, moisture-replenished skin.

Same Day:

Use a body lotion with a self tanner like Jergen’s Natural Glow Express Body Moisturizer.

Use a facial moisturizer with light reflecting pigments like Clarins Multi-Active Day Cream.

Add a touch of holiday spirit by using a little sparkily eyeshadow like MAC Cosmetics new Holiday collection titled “Magic, Mirth and Mischief,” which features copper mineral eye shadow blends like It’s A Miracle (Coppery Gold with Eggplant), Mayham (Coppery Gold and Silver), Blue Sorcery (Silver and Turquoise Blue), Under Your Spell (Rose and Copper), Devil May Care (Lavender and Silver), and my favorite: Midnight Madness (Brown purple smoke and copper)!

Whiten-up your smile with a GO Smile Flashlite, a portable tooth lightening tube that instantly brightens up your smile for all those festive photos!

Also see Bravadora’s Best Beauty Products to Bring on your Holiday Trip!

It is both obvious and refreshing when a face cream works wonders and brings that youthfulness back to a thirty year old face. Below are some of the best face creams for those who are beginning to show the first signs of aging.

1. Clarins Multi-Active Jour (Multi-Active Day Cream):

This cream is a perfect balance of moisture replenishing without being greasy.

Clarins Multi-Active day cream is made with light reflecting pigments to give a rosy glow to the skin and antioxidants including an ingredient made from oranges to fight off signs of aging .

2. Shiseido Bio-Performance Advanced Super Revitalizer Cream:

A great skin cream that manages to give you super hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid without feeling heavy and greasy.

The best part about this cream is that is great for night and day. It is balanced to give you a deep penetrating moisture for the night, but  lightweight enough to wear under makeup.

3. La Roche-Posay Redermic Anti-Wrinkle Firming Care (For Normal to Combo Skin or Dry Skin):

La Roche-Posay skin care is well respected by both Dermatologists and beauty critics in general.

Their Redermic line is perfect for 30-somethings with early signs of aging who  are looking for a skin care that fits their needs.

La Roche-Posay’s Anti-Wrinkle cream is packed with great ingredients like Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid and is made for different skin types like dry or normal and combination skin.

Here are some shots of Sephora on the Las Vegas Strip in the Miracle Mile Mall located in Planet Hollywood Casino.

It is always fun to find a new Sephora when I am traveling. The Las Vegas Strip is the newest spot were I have recently discovered a Sephora.

This Sephora is so convenient for all your last minute beauty needs.

It is right on the strip in the middle of everything. It is so much better than having to buy drugstore stuff.

It is has everything you might need including handy little travel size bottles of shampoo, conditioner, lotion, makeup, etc.

Even better…there is a Starbucks right around the corner. So grab a latte, shop for some fun new makeup, and then hit the strip looking fabulous!

Check out Bravadora’s article on the best beauty products to pack for your holiday travels!

Here are a few beauty products that can help you feel like you are on vacation instead of in your bathroom shower:

Coconut Body Butter by The Body Shop:

This intensely moisturizing body lotion is a great way to stay soft in the cold weather and smell like you came from a warm beach.

Made from organic, cold-pressed, virgin coconut oil and community trade shea butter, this 24-hour body butter will keep your skin soft and supple.

Style your locks with David Babaii’s  Bohemian Beach Spray which uses eco-friendly and exotic ingredients like sea salt from the Dead Sea and Volcanic Ash from the South Pacific.

Not only does this styling product work on wet or dry hair to give sexy, just-got-back-from-the-beach volume, but it’s made with kiwi and shea butter to keep your hair soft and healthy.

The icing on the cake: 10% of profits go to the WildAid foundation…so even if you can’t be on an African Safari at least you can be doing your part to contribute to WildAid’s mission to save the our planet’s wildlife.

Tocca Beauty Scented Candles have a way of sending you into a  sitting-in-a-hammock, tranquil state of mind.

Tocca’s Havana Candle, scented of sugarcane and rum makes you dream of pirates and exotic crystal blue bays.

Tocca’s Montauk Candle, scented of sea grass and fresh air will have you dreaming of lighthouses and the sound of crashing ocean waves.

Tocca’s Tahiti Candle, scented of tiare flower and coconut will have your bathroom smelling like a romantic island honeymoon.

Bon Voyage!

Step 1: Stop frizzy, dried out hair: During this time of year I often make the mistake of using a heavier conditioner to keep my strands soft. Ultimately, I end up with greasier, weighed down hair.

Solution: Hair mask! You can apply a hair mask once a month or as often as once a week depending on your strands. I love Ojon Restorative Hair Treatment. I coats your hair in a grainy, greasy, strange smelly mess, but then ends up giving you perfectly soft, shiny healthy hair without a trace of greasiness.

Step 2: Prevent flaky skin and exaggerated wrinkles on your face: The dry weather sucks out all the youthful soft and suppleness of my face. This is really two steps in one. You have to get rid of the dry skin by exfoliating and then prevent it by moisturizing. Many experts suggest using a facial cream with alpha hydroxy acid which acts as a two in one step process by exfoliating the top layer of the skin while moisturizing it. This can be an effective solution, however using a moisturizer with alpha hydroxy acids on sensitive skin can cause further redness, flakiness and irritation. Therefore I suggest using separate products for each step.

Solution: Use a mild exfoliant (not something with large beads that scrape the skin!) like Dermalogica’s Gentle Cream Exfoliant made with lactic acid, salicylic acid, lavender and aloe vera which combined help gently remove dead skin and sooth irritation. Then use a deep moisturizer at night like Prevage Anti-Aging Night Cream or take it one step further and use a 24 hour cream.

Step 3: Stop using soaps in the shower that dry out your skin and make you itch all over! Often times I find myself using a bar of soap in the shower and find myself lathering lotion on my dry skin afterwards. It’s messy, sometimes downright greasy, and even gets on my clothes. Oh yeah and it takes forever to rub in.

Solution: Use a moisturizing body wash like Kiehl’s Creme de Corps Nurturing Body Washing Cream which uses mild glycerin soap to cleanse and jojoba oil and shea butter to moisturize the entire body. Using a creamy body wash prevents itchy, flaky skin and gives you a break from slathering on loads of moisturizer after the shower.

These products can help prevent skin damage and wrinkles, however, most dermatologists will recommend that you use a separate skin sunscreen that has a higher SPF.

It is also recommended that those with sensitive skin should rely on one moisturizer for day and night to keep their facial routine consistent. In this case it is very important to apply sunscreen in the morning before your moisturizer.

Below are list of three facial sunscreens ranging from affordable to luxury:

Inexpensive: Vanicream SPF 60 (picture above). Vanicream is a great brand that works great for senstive skin.

Vanicream is free from dyes, fragrances, parabens, and other common chemical irritants. You can grab a 4oz tube at your local pharmasist for about $15.

Moderate: La Roche-Posay Anthelios 60 Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid. La Roche Posay provides a facial sunscreen that eliminates shine with a matte finish.

This sunscreen is also made with Senna Alata, a tropical leaf extract which La Roche-Posay claims to be a powerful skin antioxidant. A 1.7oz bottle is $27.50.

Expensive: Chanel UV Essentiel Protective UV Care Anti-Pollution SPF 30+. Percision by Chanel provides a facial sunscreen with mineral and plant based ingredients such as licorice extract which Chanel claims help to erase evidence of sun damage. A one ounce tube is $48.

Read about how to get a natural looking bronze on Bravadora!

1. Dark Room: a smokey deep evergreen (shown above). This shade is a new addition to the Sephora by OPI and I think it is a great fall color. Dark Room will complement a ton of outfits. Wear it with blue jeans or pair it with an opposite color like bright orange. It’s going to look great!

2. 212-Sephora: a smokey black irredescent with flecks of gold and copper glitter. This nail shade is a really great fall shade because it combines dark and gloomy with fun and girly. A perfect glam combo. 212-Sephora nail shade just begs to worn out to a flashy New York night club!

3. Madame President: primary red…of course. Take charge of your life this fall and go bright. Lighten up those dark fall colors with a nice presidental punch of red.

4. Caffeine Fix: dark plum coffee. I am still quite obsessed with finding that perfect royal purple. This one is deep, dark and sleek. Wear it with something light and neutral like nude to really make the color pop.

To check out more colors that I love from Sephora by OPI…click here

Watching So You Think You Can Dance last night brought up an emotional subject in Melissa’s and Ade’s breast cancer routine.

I was very touched by this dance as I have lost several of my family members including both my Grandmothers to cancer.

So You Think You Can Dance not only reminded me of my family’s personal fight with cancer but also reminded me to support the research to fight all types of cancer.

Below are a few ways that us beauty fanatics help to support the cause:

Clinque’s Lipstick made specifically to promote Breast Cancer Awareness donates $10 for every purchase.

This lipstick is a beautiful femine pink shade that looks great on everyone and comes in a sleek designed tube and lipstick case.  Priced at $16.50 and available for a limited time at Sephora.

Anthony Logistics for Men is not only a great skin care line for men, but a portion of its proceeds are donated to Prostate Cancer Awareness.

Anthony’s Sea Salt Scrub for men is shown to the left is just one of the amazing products which uses natural ingredients like Aloe and Vitamin C to exfoliate and sooth rough skin.

So don’t forget that there are many ways to raise awareness and fight cancer. Please help the cause and go to cancer.org to find out more about the fight and how you can help!

Josie Maran, former supermodel, has created a makeup line which embodies green beauty. She uses organic botanical ingredients like Vitamin E, Coconut Oil and Aloe.  Natural ingredients along with eco-friendly packaging create the perfect line of beauty products. You can find Josie Maran’s green makeup line at department stores and Sephora. Josie Maran Tinted Moisturizer shown above.

Care, an organic skin care line from Stella McCartney, is an environmentally friendly approach to skincare. Stella McCartney keeps the environment at the forefront by combining a natural skin care line and a recycle program. Her green beauty products are free from chemical preservatives and parabens without sacrificing luxury. Stella’s Care line includes a three step program to cleanse, tone and rescue & revitalize using ingredients like Grape Seed Oil, Vitamin C, and Green Tea. You will be able to find Stella McCartney Care at Sephora.

Five Benefits Moisturizing Cream by Care by Stella McCartney shown above.

Wear them with a dress or skirt, or pair them with shorts for a twist on a casual look.

Now if I could only find a great matching bag…

Also, if you are looking for a great nail color to pair…try Lagoon-a Beach from Sephora by OPI.

To read more on Bravadora about the best nail shades from Sephora by OPI…click here!

This deep royal purple happens to by my favorite purple nail shade! It is rich and deep purple without being overly bright or too dark.

What A Broad is a perfect purple for all year round! Click here to read about Sephora by OPI’s most popular nail shades!

2. Perky Purple by Essie

A fun almost pinky purple that brightens up anyone’s toes and their day!

Perky Purple is a GRAPE bright shade perfect for a summer day by the pool!

3. Passionate Fruit by Revlon

A shade that mimicks a similar shade to Essie’s Perky Purple, but is actually scented!

Revlon’s new scented nail enamel collection could either be a flop or a big hit…I am still not sure if scented nails is the new big thing, but it sure sounds fun to try!

4. A Grape Fit by OPI

This new shade from OPI’s Summer Brights Collection brings bright fun colors for the nails and is paired with Paige Denim’s hot new collection of cropped pants and shorts.

A Grape Fit is a rich purply shade and is totally GRAPE!

5. Rio Nights by Orly

The darkest of the GRAPE BUNCH is Rio Nights by Orly. This nail shade comes from Orly’s Carnivale Collection which features the vibrant colors of Brazil’s most famous festival.

Rio Nights is a dark royal purple that keeps the party going!

Click here to read more articles on nails on Bravadora!

Red: Grab a powerful red lipstick to wear out to a picnic or a baseball game.

Mac in Russian Red is a hot lipstick shade that looks great on all skin types!

White: Spritz on a light refreshing summer scent like Bvlgari Eau Parfumee White Tea.

Bvlgari breezy sexy scent is a delicate mixture of White Tea, and White Pepper with light notes of amber, wood and musk.

Bvlgari Eau Parfumee in White Tea emodies a soothing, unisex scent that captures the essence of summertime romance.

Blue: Complete your patriotic look with a blue nail polish like Sephora by OPI new nail polish shade in Underwater Fantasy.

To read more about Sephora by OPI nail polish best shades click here!

These 5 Steps will help turn you into the revered golden goddess you have always wanted to be!

Step 1: Glow for it

Get your skin glowing and bronzed like a golden goddess

Click to read How to Get a Natural Bronze

Step 2: Get Grecian hair

Use a beach spray product to get that windswept Grecian Island look like David Babaii for Wildaid Bohemian Beach Spray.

Flickr photo by dugspr — in Osaka

Thickly braid some of your wild hair along the crown of your head. Add flowers.

Step 3: Put on your linen toga and strappy sandals

Find a sexy toga-style Grecian gown to adorn your golden limps. And don’t forget the goddess accessories like strappy sandals and golden bangles.

Step 4: Create a goddess table of wine and food

Find a recipe that includes honey and cheese then pair it with a golden nectar (wine).  One example is to take goat cheese or cream cheese add some spice like jalapeno jelly, cover with toasted nuts, and drizzle with honey.

Keep your eating space simple and ancient. No need for silly cheese knifes. A cutting board and a barberic cutting tool will work just fine.

Don’t forget the fruit! Grapes and berries make for a luscious spread.

Step 5: Annoint your lover with oil

Ancient greeks annointed themselves with rich oils like olive oil. You can recreate this ancient tradition using an formula with a aphrodisiac twist like The Body Shop’s Sensual Massage oil.  Made with Olive Oil and a blend of sweet smelling ingredients like Tahitian vanilla known for its aphrodiasiac qualities, this massage oil will definetly make you a Grecian Goddes of love.

Read about Olive Oil Extract and why the ancient greeks used it to highlight their physic.

Here are five ways to get a natural bronze:

1 – Use sunscreen…wait, what? sunscreen? Yes, sunscreen. When you are are outside under the sun, even if you have suncreen on, you will still get a tan. So don’t burn and don’t stay indoors. Use sunscreen and you will get a softer, more natural tan.

2 – Exfoliate. Don’t let dead tan skin hang around. Ug, I think that’s a terrible way to put it. But seriously, exfoliate in the shower to keep the blood flowing and the skin glowing.  Plus the more you exfoliate, the better the tan.

3 – Use lotion with a glow factor. Try The Body Shop Cocoa Butter Everyday Summer Body Lotion which moisturizes with cocoa butter and Vitamin E as well as gradually building your tan.

4 – Dust yourself with gold. Try an all over face and body dust, like Urban Decay Baked Bronzer for Face and Body.  Baked in old fashioned ovens in Italy, this special body bronzer will leave your skin a sheer golden that glows.

5 – Turn bad sun…good. Use an after sun product like Clarins SOS Sunburn Healer or After Sun Gel Ultra-Soothing to turn around the harsh effects of sun by soothing with healing ingredients such as aloe, shea butter, avacado, and orange.

UP NEXT: Click here to find out Beauty Critics Top 5 Bronzers

1. Sephora Favorites and Best of Sephora: If you do a search for Best of Sephora on Sephora’s website you can find Sephora’s Favorites which also includes beauty products that have won their Best of Sephora seal.  Throughout the years I have used Sephora Favorites to find great, quality beauty products that have actually become some of my favorites.  In their Complexion catergory under Foundation, BareMinerals SPF 15, a Best of Sephora winner, is my favorite summer time foundation. Another product I love in this catergory under Tinted Moisturizer is Laura Mercier’s Tinted Moisturizer which also happened to win Best of Sephora. Lastly, another favorite I share with Sephora is Nars Blush in Orgasm which won also won Best of Sephora and happens to be Sephora’s Favorite Blush.

2. Top Ten Lists: Recently I stumbled upon their Top Ten Lists which really excited me.  Sephora’s Top Ten Lists include the following categories: Suncreens, Most Searched For Products, Bronzers, Value Sets, Moisturizers, Basics, Tools, and Natural & Organic.  Sephora’s Top 10 Most Searched For Products is a great way to find products that others are seaking out and totally gives me beauty inspiration. Sephora’s Top 10 Value Sets are a great way to find great deals on products you already love. Sephora’s Top 10 Bronzers introduce me to bronzers and bronzer shades I had never even heard of before! And of course, I love, love, love their Top 10 Natural & Organic List which includes some of my favorites like Ojon Restorative Hair Treatment and Plantlove Bake Illuminator. 

3. Sephora Picks: Basically a random list of around 40 products that Sephora lists as their picks. I love finding fun little things to try like LAVANILA deodorant in Lavender, Coconut, Vanilla etc.

4. Best Sellers: A list of Sephora’s best selling products by category. This list is buyer driven so you can definetly find what products millions love and continue to use. A few examples: Dior DiorShow Mascara, Nars Blush, Clarins Self Tanning Instant Gel, Fresh Brown Sugar Body Polish, Go Smile and much much more. AND..there is an awesome “Men” Category of Best Sellers which has totally great products!

5. Ratings & Reviews: The awesome thing about Sephora is customers can review the products they buy. Sephora currently has over 300,000 reviews. You can find reviews on any product, by categories, or by Sephora’s list of either Most Popular Products or by Top Rated Products. Most Popular Products are beauty products that have recieved a significant amount of popular votes such as Sephora by OPI Nail Color. Top Rated Products have a few votes but all the votes are the highest rated. I would definetly spend time exploring their Most Popular Products list where thousands of customers have reviewed and rated these products. 

6. What’s Hot Now: Sephora’s What’s Hot Now section is a great seasonal way to stay current with the trends. It features great categories like Summer Fragrances, Get Your Bronze On and Summer Hair Savers. 

So now go explore Sephora! And let me know if you find your favorite new product!