Yes! Season 13 of Beautyfix is here! The Beautyfix panel has done it again! They picked some incredible products that will instantly become your new faves and go to products. Although all 11 of these products are absolutely amazing let me tell you a little bit about a few of them. Beautyfix has got you covered when it comes to winter skin care.

Kelly Teegarden Organics Vitality Rose and Cucumber Eye Cream
Not only is this eye cream free of harsh chemicals, it is also formulated with botanical extracts to stimulate while protecting the eye from signs of aging.  With the cold winter weather I’ve had a tough time keeping my skin moisturized, this cream helps with dryness and lack of luminosity. Kelly Teegarden Organics Vitality Rose and Cucumber Eye Cream minimizes the appearance of dark circles while easing puffiness. Now I have a more awakened look, even on my most tired days before my latte kicks in!

LaLicious Sugar Kiss Moisturizing Body Scrub

I’m all about exfoliating! This body scrub helps buff away dry and dead skin cells. (This is so helpful during these winter months!)LaLicious Moisturizing Body Scrub is made with Vitamin E and Almond oil to protect your skin and pure sugar cane to exfoliate. This body scrub not only does the job, its smells amazing!

jane iredale Mystikol-Citrine
Last but not least I’m a total makeup junkie so when I saw this dual-ended eyeliner I had to have it. This double-ended liner works as a highlighter and shadow color. It really can’t get any better than this. It is smudge and crease proof and also great for day and night makeup looks. It creates definition around the eye causing a soft yet smokey eye effect. It is also convenient because you can pop the pencil in your makeup bag and take it with you!

These are just a few of the products but, make sure to check out all of your options when you get your fix! And don’t forget to tell your friends! For every friend that joins Beautyfix you will receive a $10 credit.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! The fresh baked cookies, the bubbly, the eggnog, the pies, the homemade toffee (thanks mom!), the mulled cider, the slinky New Years Eve Dress… oh yeah, I got so lost in holiday cheer that I forgot about that dress, as most of us do. But who can blame us? This holidays are all about families, joy, festivities and indulgence- it’s just too bad that they all come with a  side of calories. Not to worry, below are a few healthy holiday tips and tricks to make it through December and still fit into your New Year’s Eve dress. (Bonus- you can still have your pumpkin pie and eat it too!)

How to tackle the holiday party scene:

1. The number one healthy holiday tip? Never arrive hungry! Always have a healthy snack before you go to a party. Take the edge off your hunger by eating a few slices of lean protein, such as turkey breast, some fruit or vegetables before you leave. That way, your growling tummy won’t take you directly to the cheese platter and dessert tray.
2. Bargain with yourself. Make up little deals, such as allowing yourself 1 piece of pie after eating 5 healthy carrot sticks.
3. Count calories. I know, it’s annoying, but if you are aware of how many you’re consuming throughout the day, you will know how many you may eat at the party. If your friend makes the world’s best apple pie or you are planning on having a few cocktails, substitute your usual sandwich at lunch for a low-cal salad.
4. Chew gum. Several studies have concluded that chewing gum before snacking can reduce your cravings and hunger. Plus, it keeps you occupied.
5. Remember that the purpose of a party is to socialize, not to eat! Try making the rounds and talking to people first, instead of heading to the buffet table. You might find that you aren’t even hungry.

Other tips for a healthy holiday:

1. Don’t skimp on your workout! In fact, try to increase them during the week. Add just a little bit more cardio to your general routine so that you can have an extra glass of wine or a second helping without the guilt.
2. Sign up for a race. Lots of towns host races around the holidays, such as a 5k Reindeer Run or 10k Jingle Bell Jog. Participating in a race is a great way to stay active, get in the holiday spirit, motivate yourself to stay healthy in the coming days and even lose holiday weight.
3. Remember to drink water! Water is one of the best things we can put in our bodies—it flushes out all the toxins (one too many holiday-tinis? Chug some agua!), and keeps us hydrated, which minimizes hunger pains.

These aren’t just great tips for a healthy holiday, try and remember them year round as well!

I recently dyed my hair and felt it getting a little stiff and dry. I wanted to make sure to find a natural hair conditioner right away that could help repair my hair, giving it both shine and moisture. That’s when I found EVOLVh UltraShine Moisture Conditioner. Formulated for all hair types, EVOLVh UltraShine Moisture Conditioner calms curly thick textures (like mine) while adding volume to fine hair promoting fullness. This luxury organic conditioner’s key ingredients are amazing.

Packed with Soy amino acids that help repair your hair while retraining moisture, this is what gives your hair glossy shine. My hair was more manageable, with less frizz and detangled easily, all thanks to passion flower and palm oil. I have a horrible habit of using a lot of heat on my hair; this conditioner is made with sunflower to protect your hair from heat styling. Trying to grow your hair out for more length? Lecithin has been added to this treatment to promote healthy hair growth. This remarkable conditioners creamy texture creates the perfect balance for my hair; it is well moisturized but isn’t weighed down, still light as a feather.

Not only does this conditioner add shine and repair hair structure, it is free of harsh surfactants and toxic preservatives. It is also color safe making it an excellent choice for color and chemically treated hair. (The reason I picked up the bottle!) While you are at it you should also try the Ultra Shine Moisture Shampoo it’s an amazing Duo.

Getting ready to make a list and check it twice? No idea what to get those that have been nice (or naughty…)? Luckily for every confused little elf out there, Beautyfix has a gift giving feature which simplifies the stressful present giving process. The perfect gift for any beauty addict, the gift of Beautyfix provides the recipient with hundreds of dollars worth of premier beauty and skin care products each season. Give the gift of luxury and indulgence to every makeup maven on your list.

The customizable kit is the ideal present for every person and price point. Because each kit is tailored to the specific individual and the products are ultimately selected by each Beautyfix user, it is a gift that everyone on your list is guaranteed to love, from girlfriends to co-workers to hard to please mother-in laws. Available for purchase by season, Beautyfix is a great stocking stuffer at $49.99 for one season or an even more elaborate gift when giving 2 or more seasons (buy 3 seasons for $149.97 and receive the fourth free).

The lucky Beautyfix recipient will be able to create her own profile by taking a brief beauty profile survey, answering skin care, hair care and makeup questions to help determine the best product matches. Once the quiz is completed, a list of panelist approved products will be suggested for the user based on the survey results. The user then picks 8 products to test, experience and fall in love with! So what are you waiting for Santa?

Is it just me, or has the impending holiday season snuck up on us like the Sidler? I mean, I’m still somewhat in a state of disbelief that I have a holiday party to attend three weeks from now. Because I LOVE putting on my party shoes and getting dolled up for these sorts of things, I thought I’d dedicate today’s post to some (very, very) unofficial rules that govern holiday beauty. Recent red carpets have proven veritable gold mines for inspiration … and in some cases, entertainment.

WIN!

Do keep it simple

Take a cue from Ashley Greene, who apparently took a cue from the Spring 2012 runways by opting for a sleek ponytail and a classic red lip to complement her white dress. Ladies, consider the photos ops! Copy this look and you’re pretty much guaranteed not make yourself cringe 5 years down the road… or even 20 years down the road. The same can’t really be said of Snooki’s multicolored hair and sparkly talons, can it?

fail.

Don’t pull out every trick in the book

Animal print? Check. Lots of skin? Check. Red lips? Check. Big hair? Dramatic eyeliner? Smokey eyeshadow? Check, check, check, check. The question isn’t what’s going on here?—it’s why is all this stuff happening at once? I will reluctantly admit that Jessie J is sort of pulling it off … but I urge those of you without a professional glam squad NOT to attempt this level of drama. That is, of course, unless you want to add puff sleeves and rhinestones and call it a Dynasty party.

Don't try this at home.

Do let your hair down

WIN!

As evidenced by Kate Beckinsale, hair that’s classy and ladylike is always a winner. Contrived updos like the monstrosity below? Not so much.

fail.

Don’t be afraid to go monochromatic

The golden dress, hair and skin are totally working on Carrie Underwood, don’t you think?

WIN!

As you probably know, this past Sunday 47,000 people ran through all 5 boroughs of New York City and crossed the finish line of the iconic 26.2 mile race in Central Park. However, you probably do not know how insanely jealous I am of those 47,000 people. For the past two years I have been accepted and, due to circumstances, had to defer from the New York City marathon. What I would give to make that turn onto 5^th avenue and hear the deafening crowd! Ah, next year. In the meantime, I gave myself a little consolation prize in the form of the Miami Beach Marathon. Those 47,000 people get 40 degree weather and Central park; I get sunshine in February and South Beach. Works for me! However, I am well aware from past experiences, that training runs are long, grueling and leave me looking not so cute. Below are my go-to products for relaxation and beautification during and after a draining run- or any work out for that matter!

Elta MD UV Sport Waterproof SPF 50 and B. Kamins Lip Balm with SPF 20 are my favorite sun protection products. The Elta MD is a fantastic waterproof formula (i.e. sweat proof sunscreen) that manages to stay put, even on me- and during workouts, I sweat like a you-know-what in church! So you know it’s a great product. The B. Kamins is ultra moisturizing and helps to prevent wind burn on my lips.

Post run, I love love love to use Dr. Haushka’s Sage bath as a foot bath product. It is extremely soothing and relaxing, as is their Birth Arnica Body oil.

My all time favorite beauty indulgence post grueling workout? A pedicure! It may not be the nail salon employees favorite thing, but it sure is mine! If you can’t make it to the salon, check out Barielle’s 60 Second Manicure/Pedicure scrub. The yummy smelling concoction of oils, seeds, avocado, almond, jojoba and sea salts scrub away all the dry skin and calluses runner’s are known for. As for color, right now, I absolutely adore Butter London’s Royal Navy. Not only is the deep blue a gorgeous color, but it dries so quickly and does not contain any formaldehyde or parabens.

Do you have any favorite pre or post workout beauty secrets?

Yay! You’ve finally found the perfect shade of lipstick! But there’s a problem, your beautiful new lipstick color wears off half way through your day with every bite of your salad and sip of your latte. Reapplying lipstick several times a day can be frustrating. Here are some quick tips to make your lipstick last all day.

Be Bold
Dark and bright lipstick shades last longer than softer shades because they tend to be more pigmented.

Prep Your Lips

Lipstick lasts longer on a smooth surface. Removing the dead skin cells from your lips before applying will make your lipstick last longer. Exfoliating your lips with a lip mask and warm wet cloth will give your lips a smoother finish. You should also add a dab of lip balm or lip conditioner, let it set for 1 minute then blot it off. Another great way to make lipstick last is to apply primer before you apply lipstick.

Flickr by Florry One

Finish With Powder

After you’ve applied prepped your lips, penciled them in and applied your lip color. Dust a bit of powder on your lips with a fluffy brush; this sets your lip color. Remember not to use too much powder on your lips, too much of it can lead to clumping.

2 Extra Tips

Lip masks work wonders but if you don’t have one you can also apply Vaseline to your lips, let it set for a few minutes and then buff your lips with a soft toothbrush in a circular motion. This also gets rid of chapped skin on your lips.

For a little sexy shine after you’ve already applied your lipstick, add a small dab of shimmer gloss to the center of your bottom lip. It plumps your lips and adds dimension to your color.