What I like: The color glides on smoothly, making the application virtually mistake proof. Within a matter of minutes my nails were dry so the fact that I was able to paint my nails with a gorgeous color, and run out the house in under an hour is a huge plus. The high shine finish gives you a salon-quality manicure, and the subtle hint of shimmer is playful, without being overdramatic. Séance is also the perfect shade of purple, which is perfect for daytime, but still dramatic enough to complement any nighttime look.

How much is it: $17.00

Where to buy: Sephora or Illamasqua.com

Living an all-natural lifestyle requires a lot of effort, but gluten-free makeup is making life simpler.

Gluten-sensitive people say that their lips react to even the smallest amounts of gluten in their lipstick. And with this group of individuals increasing in number, this is a growing area of makeup to watch.

But what if you’re not gluten-sensitive?

If you’re interested in healthy alternatives to apply to your skin, gluten-free products might just be your beauty potions.

Facial skin is super absorbent, so you want to watch what you put over your precious pores. This is especially important if you’re someone who is concerned about what you eat because there’s a good chance that you’ll lick off some of your lipstick or breathe in some blush. And if you apply your makeup everyday, that’s a lot of gluten that you’re ingesting over time.

Gluten-free makeup companies are also pushing the health boundaries for the better. Makeup companies like Red Apple Lipstick are paraben free, soy free, dairy free and allergen free; oh, and also vegan, natural and cruelty free. Talk about health conscious.

Other companies are actively participating in their communities. For example, Afterglow Cosmetics signed the The Breast Cancer Fund’s Compact for Safe Cosmetics. Another gluten-free makeup company, Mineral Fusion, has officially partnered with the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence to help women in need.

For many people, gluten-free makeup is a natural next step to complete a wholesome lifestyle. So glam up, and show off your new look.

FTC Disclosure: This product was provided for review

Cost:  $34.00 for 1.5 oz and $75 for 4oz

How to use: Apply a generous amount of the day cream every morning to the face and neck. The product is safe enough to use around the eyes, including the upper eyelid. Reapply every few hours if you’re spending the day outdoors.

What I like: The cream blends into the skin smoothly and leaves behind a nice, matte finish. You should wear SPF year round, so it’s a nice option as a multi-tasking primer when using foundation during the cooler months. It doesn’t have a strong odor, nor does it or leave behind white residue, characteristic of most sunscreens.

Extra Info: The product is not pigmented enough to cover flaws, but it will give you a smooth canvas. Hide your imperfections by placing concealer only in the areas you need it, after applying the cream.

Where to buy: drdenese.com

Limited Edition Planet Fitness Mother’s Day T-Shirt. All proceeds from the tee will go directly to BCRF.

This week, in honor of Mother’s Day, Planet Fitness is hosting its fourth annual Mother’s Day promotion to raise money for The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF), an independent not-for-profit organization committed to funding scientific research to achieve prevention and a cure for breast cancer. Now through May 15^th, individuals can join Planet Fitness for just $10 down and then lock in membership at $10 a month. For each sign-up, participating locations nationwide will donate the $10 enrollment to BCRF. Since the inception of this promotion three years ago, Planet Fitness has donated more than $1 million to BCRF to support the organization’s important mission of raising money and awareness for breast cancer research.

“In the U.S. alone, unfortunately every 2.3 minutes a woman will be diagnosed with breast cancer — a mother, a daughter, a sister, a friend,” said Myra J. Biblowit, BCRF President. “To implement this program during the Mother’s Day holiday is a great way to make a difference and speak to women across the nation affected by breast cancer at such an alarming rate.”

In addition to this promotion, Planet Fitness is hosting a special “Mom Nom” sweepstakes, where participants can enter for the chance to win a year membership for themselves and a mom of their choice. Once lucky person will be chosen at random. Enter by clicking the image below.

To find a Planet Fitness near you or to join online, visit www.PlanetFitness.com

Anxious to read the secret to skin perfection I sat down with the glossy pink-and-green, army camouflage patterned book, and finished reading it in under an hour (FTC Disclosure: I received a copy of this book for review). The book is an easy read and written in a witty-tone, with the author handing out advice to you as if you are one of her best girlfriends.

“…there are some great books written by doctors which go into all the medical terms like dermis, epidermis and subcutaneous,” reads page 21. “The point of this book is to cut to the chase and give you basic cold, hard facts and info you need to get your skin looking terrific in a few weeks. This is boot camp, baby!”

In addition to providing skin regimen tips, Dana also lists makeup tips, as well how to transform your skin from head to toe. Here is a brief Q&A with Dana, where she answers some pressing questions, and provides some helpful skincare tips that can be used for the upcoming summer months and year-round.

How did you come up with the regimen?

I came up with the Regime after doing what my dermatologist, Dr. David Bank, instructed for years. In fact, he is the technical advisor of the book, and it is the TRUTH about skin care.

Are there any age groups that shouldn’t follow the regimen?

Anyone can follow it, but children should avoid it since their skin is too delicate and undeveloped. Pregnant women should also hold off on following the regimen even though there is very low risk of anything happening at all, it’s not worth taking the chance.

Since you are not a professional dermatologist, which should people trust your advice in the book?

Every single word in my book is approved by one of the most respected dermatologists in the United States:  Dr. David Bank of New York.  He was the technical advisor and wrote the forward. Furthermore, everything in the book is based on exactly what dermatologists suggest and reveal about what REALLY works in skin care, and what is just bull.

What is the most dramatic result someone has received from following the regimen?

I had bad skin and it has gotten better over the years. But one of my most notable clients is Tanning Mom; she healed her skin with The Skin Regime and you can see the results on my website.

Tanning Mom-Before & After

What did you hope to achieve in writing the book?

I am passionate about teaching people the TRUTH about beauty products and skin care products.  The beauty industry is full of fraudulent claims, and we waste billions on bogus products.  People need to know the TRUTH which is laid out in the book. In fact, the very first page of the book is a challenge to the entire beauty industry to test against what The Skin Regime preaches. It is a powerful statement, and so far, no one has taken on the challenge.

I also give at least 5 percent of proceeds to worthy non-profit organizations.  I really believe in giving back.

What are the biggest beauty product myths/scams out there on the market?

There are too many beauty myths to list in one answer, and I cover a lot of them in my book.  For instance, the claims that you can get “firming” or “lifting” results in a bottle, or that the stuff in expensive skin care lines can do the things they claim—lies, lies, lies.  They can’t.  There ARE great products out there, and I teach how to recognize the fact from the fiction, and what the REAL pros say–the dermatologists in private practice.  Again, you can read the “challenge” to the industry I give both as my first page in the book, and on my website (See Skin Myths Busted).  I am out to BUST the myths and frauds, period.

What, in your opinion, are the top tips in the book everyone should follow year round?

Top tip, best ever:  use sunscreen.  The sun is the single worst thing for your skin. Smoking is number two on the list. No doctor in the world debates this, it is a FACT.

Another great tip: you can get great results with inexpensive drugstore items like Dove soap and Lubriderm lotion.  Skip the expensive stuff.  Any dermatologist will tell you the same thing.

And finally, you can give yourself exfoliation treatments, similar to what doctors use, safely, at home, and get great skin without having to pay a lot. That is one of the most revolutionary things I teach in the book. It is time for people to know they CAN do these things themselves.

With summer approaching, do you have any advice on how to transition into a new skin routine for the humid weather? 

Use lighter moisturizers and makeup so that your skin can breathe.  Don’t forget to do proper exfoliation. I have fabulous tips on this on my website, and in the book, of course.

What has been the most rewarding part of writing this book?

Hundreds of people have written to me saying that they had given up hope on getting great skin. They couldn’t believe that they had been lied to for so long by expensive beauty products, and now “see the light.”  I love knowing I have helped those people save time and money.  And for those who have severe issues such as severe acne or eczema, I have put them on the right track to get help with some of the newer treatments out there such as the use of light and lasers.

You can read the first 30 pages of the book for free at this link»

Click here to purchase the book on Amazon for just $8!

This collection features six deluxe samples of Sephora’s most popular women’s scents, plus a full-size Sephora by OPI Nail Colour in What Aura Gonna Wear?. Your mom can choose her favorite scent, then take the enclosed certificate to any Sephora store in the U.S. to redeem it for a free full-size bottle of the fragrance of her choice (the voucher cannot be redeemed online).

The set includes:
- 0.25 oz BALENCIAGA Florabotanica
- 0.22 oz Coach Love
- 0.16 oz Gucci Guilty
- 0.17 oz Juicy Couture Couture La La
- 0.14 oz Lancôme La vie est belle
- 0.25 oz MARCHESA PARFUM D’EXTASE
- Bonus 0.5 oz Sephora By OPI Nail Colour in What Aura Gonna Wear?

Sanctuary Spa Covent Garden Facial In-a-Box – $39.99

Give mom the ultimate pampering with a relaxing, anti-aging facial she can do in the comfort of home. Designed by the UK’s #1 day spa, Sanctuary Spa, the professional-grade skin treatment takes just 30 minutes, perfect for the busy mom who doesn’t make time for herself.

Mother’s Day Mirrored Compact, $5.00

Your mom will love one of these stylish mirrored compacts, featuring mom-themed inscriptions.

Mommy to be pendants; $32.15

Give a special gift to an expecting mom. How could this cute pendant not make you smile?

This year, Mother’s Day is May 12^th, and Wet n’ Wild beauty is celebrating by collaborating with the Noreen Fraser Foundation (NFF), a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising funds and awareness of women’s cancer research and the importance of early detection. Through the Extraordinary #MOMents campaign, individuals can post a photo of their mom on Wet n’ Wild’s Facebook page with a special memory of what makes her amazing. For each #MOMent shared, Wet n’ Wild will donate $1 to NFF to support women’s cancer research.

Entries will be evaluated by a panel of influential judges including: Entertainment Tonight’s Brooke Anderson; Variety Magazine Publisher, Michelle Sobrino; Stella & Dot CEO, Jessica Herrin; Owner of Pur-lisse, Jennifer Yen; and, Celebrity make-up artist, Amy Rittiner. The winner and their mom will each receive a year supply of Wet n’ Wild makeup and a $100 Walgreens shopping spree. Two runners-up will receive Wet n’ Wild gift packages worth $100, and $25 Walgreens gift cards.

The campaign will run from May 1st through Mother’s Day, May 12th, 2013. Enter now here»

On Tuesday, April 23^rd, I attended a preview of Illamasqua’s new exciting collection, Paranormal, which features unexpected textures and formulas. US Nail Ambassador and Nail Artist Fleury Rose and Brand Ambassador and Makeup Artist Josh Heald, were on hand to introduce the innovative products set to launch at Sephora and Sephora.com on April 30^th.

Never before have I experienced a makeup collection that ignites the physical senses, and provides the opportunity for play and experimentation. Below is a sampling of some of the otherworldly products that will be available.

New Paranormal UV Nail Varnish Ltd Edition $17.00

3 new nail varnishes (Paranormal Bright Green Ouija; Paranormal Bright Pink and Paranormal Bright Violet Geist) offer a vivid burst of color. When combined with Illamasqua’s new top coat, Paranormal Clear/Glow, the polishes glow under UV Black Light, serving as undercover nail art, invisible to the naked eye until the sun goes down and your nails begin to illuminate.

New Paranormal Palette $46.50

The unique eye shadow palette features four shades: Paranormal: Vivid Cerise Aura and Warm Coppe; Possession:  Cool green Trance and Soft Violet. The texture of the shadows is unusual and surprising – it feels soft and rubbery, similar to play dough. The formula is water-resistant and can be applied to create a soft barely-there look, or layered for a bold pop of color.

New Gleam in Supernatural $26.00

This iridescent highlighter is available in one universal shade, Supernatural – Warm Bronze, and is faltering on all skin tones. Lighter skins can use it to fake a golden glow, and darker skin beauties can use it to highlight different areas of the face including under the eye brows and the cupid’s bow.

Learn more about the collection: www.Illamasqua.com/paranormal

Burberry AW13 collection for men

But that would be me showing my age, for in recent years, the manbag has undergone a reputation overhaul and now is the accepted accessory of nary a man, regardless of personal style or degrees of butch, with everything from satchels to duffle bags thrown over shoulders.

Personally, I’m all for a good man bag: why should men be so heartlessly deprived of life’s greatest pastime (namely, bag shopping) while simultaneously forced to ruin the line of their trousers with overstuffed pockets? Tsk, this is an age of equality we live in and it is only right and proper that men should be able to enjoy the finer aspects of life just as we women do. But just as the most unyielding have come round to this way of thinking and begrudgingly accept that it’s possible for something other than the briefcase to be carried, Burberry have challenged us anew with the latest update to the manbag: the man clutch. I see those questioning looks on your faces; this isn’t a return of the murse, but rather streamlined bags to be carried much in the way you might your iPad, which can no doubt be handily stored inside. Burberry’s offerings included those in brightly coloured metallics (which could work with this season’s skater boy trend, in theory) but the early adopters of the trend on the street often tend to favour oversized, slouchy leather versions in simple black or brown leather, which are more ideal for those wishing to ease themselves in. There are even some to be found that come with a slim chain, so, when you tire of carrying it, you may causally adorn your shoulder. But I see I’m losing you again.

Now, this isn’t going to be for everyone, I grant you, and it may take a few more seasons for the majority to come round, but if you can pull this one off with aplomb, why you’ll look the height of sartorial elegance.

And if anyone questions your choice of accessory, simply throw them a withering look of pity, deprived as they are of the wonder of the manbag. Or failing that, pretend like it’s your girlfriend’s…

Amy Lavelle is a journalist from UK fashion comparison site Style in View. She’s contributed to a number of publications including Spindle magazine.