The Black Dress Traveler

Jet Set Essentials: Tote Bag On a Mission, Better than Basic Black Dress, and Luxurious Moisturizer

Don't hit the road without a great bag, a powerful moisturizer, and a day-to-night little black dress. Here are a few picks that will keep you looking amazing anytime, anywhere.

Black Split-Sleeve Jersey Knit Dress from White House Black Market
$98
Subtle details make this affordable little black dress something special. Made of figure flattering matte jersey with a tied waist and split-sleeves with gold buttons, this LBD can be dressed up or down. And, I love the bateau neckline. 


Double Zip Savorn Tote from NOMI Network ($45)
More than just a sleek tote that will hold all of your essentials, this bag helps to fight sex trafficking. NOMI Network creates economic opportunities for survivors and women at risk of sex trafficking by providing training and jobs.  Proceeds from their "Buy Her Bag Not Her Body" products provide wages, healthcare, and training to women in South and South East Asia to break the cycle of poverty that makes women more vulnerable to trafficking. The Double Zip Savorn Tote is made in Cambodia from recycled rice bag material and is available in kiwi and light blue. Click here to view the full line of NOMI bags and accessories.



Anti-Radical Age Defense Moisture Veil by Osmotics Cosmeceuticals ($78)
Winter and travel can both take a toll on your skin. Replenish vital moisture and fight aging free radicals with this lightweight but powerful moisturizer. Absorbs quickly and leaves skin with a healthy glow. I've been using this all winter long and love the results.

 

Glam Giveaway: Win The 5 to Survive Holiday Edition from Skincare by Alana

Wouldn't you love to win this fabulous collection of travel friendly beauty products from Skincare by Alana?

Well, just in time for the holidays I will be selecting one lucky reader to win this chic collection of goodies valued at $135.99. And, unlike Santa, I don't care if you've been naughty or nice. In fact, naughty people are encouraged to enter!

Voted best of organic skin care on the web by InStyle Magazine in 2010, Skincare by Alana was started by esthetician Alana Mitchell. Her 5 to Survive Holiday Edition includes five fabulous products that will keep you glam through the festivities (and occasional stresses) of the holiday season. The collection includes:

Youngblood Pressed Eyeshadow Quad in Eternity ($43) -  The shadows in Youngblood’s Eternity Pressed Eyeshadow Quad use only the finest natural minerals. The blush tone, pink and brown hues will flatter all skin tones and will add radiance to your look this season! This sleek compact fits easily in your purse.

Divaderme Lash Extender ($22.99) - This age-defying eye product is your answer to longer, healthier,  and more voluminous lashes. Divaderme Lash Extender will curl, lengthen and separate lashes with just a few strokes.

Eminence Organics Bright Skin Masque ($54) - Eminence Organic’s Bright Skin Masque uses the finest organic ingredients to help brighten your skin and to reduce the appearance of dark spots. 

Glo Minerals Lip Gloss in Brown Sugar ($16) – Give your lips a holiday-shimmer shine with this antioxidant-infused lip gloss by Glo Minerals. No annoying flavors, fragrances, or stickiness but plenty of shine and moisture. 

Rhonda Allison Aloe Matte Moisturizer ($14) - This is a fantastic moisturizer - it absorbs quickly and imparts a soft glow. Rhonda Allison’s Aloe Matte Moisturizer balances excess oil build up and provides your skin with water binding moisture to prevent dehydration all winter long! This is a great antidote for those stuffy airplane cabins that dry out your skin.

How to Enter the Giveaway: I've made this contest very easy to enter. Just leave a comment below by Wednesday, December 12th, 5pm EST. One winner will be selected at random. Prize can only be shipped to addresses in the United States. Winner must respond with a valid mailing address within 48 hours of notification or another winner will be selected.

 

In the Bag: Murad Hydrate for Hope Benefits Women's Cancer Research

 At first glance, pink may not seem like a power color but it has put a strong spotlight on breast cancer awareness since the 1990's. Several generations of my family have battled various forms of cancer, including breast, so I know how important early detection and treatment can be in saving lives. Since October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I wanted to highlight Murad Hydrate for Hope set - not just because it is pink but because 10% of sales will benefit City of Hope's breast and women's cancers research, treatment and education programs.

Packaged in a pretty pink case, the Hydrate for Hope Set is priced at $49.50 ($79.50 value) and contains Hydro-Dynamic Ultimate Moisturizer (1.7 fl. oz.) and Hydro-Dynamic Ultimate Moisturizer for Eyes (0.12 fl. oz). The deeply hydrating duo is designed to relieve dryness and lock in optimal moisture for 8 hours. The product sizes meet those pesky TSA requirements for carry-on toiletries and will help combat the moisture sucking air of airplane cabins. You gotta love a purchase that helps you look good and do good! For more information, visit the Murad website.

In the Bag: Black Leather, Bold Lips & Glowing Skin

Whether you are traveling across the pond or commuting to work, autumn is the ideal time to rev up your look. An edgy black leather dress, a bold black cherry lip, glowing skin, and a stand-out bag will put you in the spotlight this season!

Alexander Wang Leather Trim Wrap Dress made with imported Italian fabric
$765 at SAKS

Thanks to the recent Arts & Tannery show I've become obsessed with getting a leather dress this season. Arts & Tannery featured luxurious samples of supple Italian leather in every conceivable color and pattern. I'm still not sure why Italian leather is so buttery soft - are the cows massaged with extra virgin olive oil while they are serenaded with Puccini? Whatever the reason, Italian leather IS super luxurious and a favorite material of top designers from around the world. I would love to add this gorgeous Alexander Wang dress to my wardrobe. The leather bodice adds some sassy edge to this classic silhouette. 

Transitioning your skincare regimen from summer to fall can be tricky and one of the biggest challenges is erasing hyperpigmentation caused by sun exposure and blemish scars. And, if your skin is sensitive like mine, you have to be extra cautious about what you apply to fade dark spots. I've been using Osmotics Cosmeceuticals Lighten FX Serious Brightening Solution ($62) for about 10 days and really love the results. Non-oily, it absorbs quickly, gently fades dark spots and leaves my skin with a  healthy glow. And, unlike other brightening products I've tried, Osmotics does not cause breakouts - yay! The triple action formula features a new patented molecule to visibly lighten the skin and prevent UV damage, Niacinamide to brighten, moisturize and smooth and Alpha Arbutin to target melanin production and prevent future discoloration. Use it on your face, hands, or body. This has definitely earned a space in my Ziplock bag on my next trip!



I love a bold lip in the fall and one of my favorite shades is Espionage Full Finish Lipstick by Benefit ($18) - I always get compliments in this shade and something about it brings out the flirt in me! It is a bold black cherry red that will compliment many skin tones from alabaster to mahogany.


Of course, every jetsetter needs an amazing bag. Look no further than this regal purple Piper Tote ($478) by the Italian luxury brand Furla - simple, roomy, and so very chic!

Glam Giveaway: Lumene Skincare Travel Kit

Can't make it to the Sundance Film Festival? No worries, thanks to my friends at Lumene one lucky reader will experience a bit of the glamour. Leave a comment below for your chance to win the same travel size kit of luxurious Lumene skincare products that will be given to celebs who pop by the Lumene Rejuvenation Lounge at Sky Lodge during Sundance. Lumene skincare is made in Finland and harnesses the power of Arctic berries. 

The Lumene travel kit includes:
 - Radiant Touch Moisturizing Cream Cleanser with Arctic Cloudberry
- Radiant Touch Moisturizing Toner with Arctic Cloudberry
- Pure Radiance Day Cream SPF 15
- Firming Day Cream SPF 15
- Sensitive Touch Cleaning Wipes with Soothing Arctic Linen Seed
- Radiant Beauty Drops

To enter the giveaway, leave a comment below by 5:00 pm EST on Friday, January 27, 2012. One winner will be selected by random and notified via e-mail. The prize can only be shipped to addresses in the United States. Good luck! 

Get Smooth Summer Skin with Brazilian Peel Clear

Ah, these sultry summer rays lift our spirits but they can also increase our skin's oil production and leave us with pesky pimples. If you are looking for a grown-up and gentle yet effective way to treat summer breakouts, you may want to consider Brazilian Peel Clear ($60 at Sephora.) The 2-step treatment gets the gunk out of your pores with 35% glycolic acid, natural Brazilian acai berry essence, and salicylic acid. The $60 may seem pricey but this kit will last you 30 days - use the peel once a week and the booster pads daily.

If pimples aren't an issue for you, give the original Brazilian Peel ($78) a try for instant brightening, smoothing and firming. Praised by Allure, Latina, InStyle and other fashion mags, it is the first professional strength, self-neutralizing glycolic peel that is proven clinically safe for at-home use.

Easy breezy Brazilian beauty!

Go for the Bronze: Glowing Summer Skin

Can't jet off to the tropics to get a sun-kissed look? No worries, here are a few products that make it a cinch to look like a bronzed goddess. Use these goodies and people will think you've been basking on the beaches of Bora Bora!

"The Face" Bamboo Buffing Polish
$11.95 (for a limited time, but 1 get one free)
When I was contacted by the tanning titans at Fake Bake, I must admit that I chuckled. Yours truly has never needed any type of tanning product. However, they ignored my skepticism and sent me a sample of their Bamboo Buffing Polish. Smart move -  I am absolutely loving this product. If you use a self-tanner, the Bamboo Buffing Polish will exfoliate and remove dead skin cells so that you get a more even tan. For ladies like me who skip the self-tanner, this product is still a great way to gently and quickly smooth your face. Formulated with Bamboo Powder, Ginger Root, and Chamomile Extract, the Bamboo Buffing Polish has a delicious cinnamony aroma and gives your skin a nice tingle. This product was really a pleasant surprise! Fake Bake also offers a great selection of self-tanning products, bronzers, and lip gloss.

Stila Bronzing Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20
$32
I may not use self-tanner but I still love a nice sun-kissed glow. I've been a long time fan of Stila Sun Bronzer compact but their Bronzing Tinted Moisturizer sounds really impressive. A triple threat, this product moisturizes, has SPF 20, and gives you a nice glow. As an added bonus, it is oil free. I will definitely sample this on my next trip to Sephora.

   

TOPSHOP Bronzer in Holidaze (light brown) and Global (dark brown)
$16 each
 These travel-friendly bronzers from TOPSHOP are an easy way to sweep on some sunny shimmer. And, it seems like the names. Holidaze & Global, were inspired by us ladies with wanderlust!



 

Sonia Kashuk Luxury Lipstick - Sheer Bronzey Nude
$8.99
I had a chance to test this shade and meet the lovely Miss Kashuk a few months ago. Sheer, shiny and sexy, it will make your pout unforgettable. Wear it alone or layer it to add shimmer to another lipstick.

L'Oreal Wear Infinite Single Eye Shadow, Golden Sunset 820
$4.79 
This cheapie but goodie is my pick when when I want to add a subtle glow to my lids. You won't have to dig too deep or travel too far for this golden eye shadow- it is available virtually everywhere!

The Ziplock Files: Five Terrific Travel Beauty Products

It feels like I have been praying and pouting for years as I wait for the TSA to abolish their requirement that all carry-on liquids be confined to a zip-top plastic bag and not exceed 3 ounces per item. Not to sound like a broken record but mascara is NOT the enemy. Until the rules change, we have no choice and better comply unless we want to be reduced to tears when our favorite fancy face cream is confiscated. Here are five terrific travel friendly beauty products that will be a great addition to your regimen at home and have earned a place in your carry-on when you travel.

Makeup For Ever HD Invisible Cover Foundation
$40
My skin is sensitive and oily, so finding the right foundation is always a challenge. I am having great results with this oil-free, medium to full coverage option from Makeup For Ever. Available in 25 shades, I love how lightweight this feels on my skin. The coverage is great without looking like a mask. Designed to make your skin look fantastic in bright or harsh lighting, this foundation will have you looking virtually flawless in unflattering airplane lighting and in all of your vacation photos.

Garnier Nutritioniste Skin Renew Anti Sun Damage Daily Moisture Lotion
$13.49
This is a great daily moisturizer with the added benefit of SPF 28 to protect your face from sun damage. I often find that moisturizers with sunscreen leave my face looking way too shiny but Garnier Skin Renew gives it a nice healthy glow. It is also a great base for makeup. It is 99.9% oil free and contains skin friendly ingredients like lycopene, vitamin C and magnesium.

Ole Henriksen Truth to Go Wipes
$6 for 10 wipes, $15 for 30
Wipes can save the day on a long trip when your face needs refreshing. Enriched with green tea, CoQ10, Vitamin C and Micro Algae, these wipes clean and treat your skin. Ole Henriksen has been pampering celebs in his Hollywood spa for years and with these wipes you can give yourself a bit of the star treatment. No ziplock bag required to bring these on board!

KORRES Pomegranate Detoxifying Natural Clay Mask
$27
I love to put on a fluffy hotel robe, raid the mini bar, and give myself a facial when I travel. I use this mask once a week and it is very gentle but effective. Often clay  masks can leave your face feeling too dry and tight but this one leaves it smooth and soft. In addition to the oil-absorbing white argil clay, the lactic acid provides a gentle exfoliation.


TOPSHOP Nail Varnish Remover
$3 for 20 wipes ( available only in TOPSHOP stores, not online)
Chipped nail polish is not just annoying, it can look really tacky. These little pads from TOPSHOP are not only convenient but they are acetone free and enriched with Panthenol Pro-Vitamin B5 - very good for your nails. These pads work a little differently - you dab your nails, wait a few seconds and then wipe. The consistency is almost like a dry oil and once you remove the polish your nails are left with a nice sheen.

In the Bag: Pretty, Practical, and Fabulous Travel Essentials

Tonight, yours truly will be staying at my third New York City hotel in seven days. (I promise to write soon about my mini-getaways - it has been quite the urban adventure!) The venues may change but the contents of my overnight bag remains pretty consistent. Here are a few of my new must-have items for looking and feeling fab away from home.

POOCHKIS Naked Slipper Sock
$14
The newest addition to my overnight bag, I am in love with these POOCHKIS luxury slipper socks. They were perfect for walking around the hotel suite and for keeping my tootsies warm at night. Made of a cozy and soft feather yarn blend, POOCHKIS come individually boxed and in an array of colors, including Bellini, Hotness, Sassy, and Rebel. I think the ankle length is just too cute but for those days that you want to glam it up at home,  POOCHKIS also offers designer slippers that are handmade in Italy.  Fashion with a heart, POOCHKIS is supporting the relief efforts in Japan by donating $12,000 in slipper-socks to give some comfort to those impacted by the earthquake and tsunami. Effective immediately, POOCHKIS is also launching a one-for-one matching program - buy a pair of POOCHKIS BASICS or POOCHKIS NAKED and they will donate a pair to the relief effort.


Yes to Cucumbers ($5.99)
Yes to Blueberries Brightening Facial Towelettes ($7.99)
I have very sensitive skin so I am extremely cautious about adding new products to my regimen. A latecomer to the facial wipes game, I now find them indispensable and realize how important they are in helping to remove grime and makeup. Yes to Cucumber and Yes to Blueberries are two new favorites. Both towelettes are oil-free, hypo-allergenic and non-comedogenic.  The cucumber towelettes are formulated to help detoxify your skin and the blueberry will leave your skin with a healthy glow. Both will leave your pretty face absolutely clean and soft.

FRAAS Lightweight Viscose Wrap
$36
( available at specialty stores throughout the country or by calling 212-575-0191)
Living in New York, I can't even begin to tell you how many times I've purchased a $5 "pashmina" from a street vendor because I was chilly or wanted to add a splash of color to my outfit. The $5 wraps are good in a pinch but after a few wears they start to pill and fray. Do you really want the whole world to know that you are rocking a cheap wrap?

Why not spend a little more for a quality wrap? The lovely folks at FRAAS sent me one of their new lightweight spring wraps in a bright sunny orange. The viscose feels silky smooth and the seasonal colors include buttercup, lavender, and turquoise. I never travel without a wrap, more than a fashion accessory they can save the day on a chilly airplane. FRAAS has been in business for 130 years and they make every style of wrap and scarf that you can imagine! 

Get Pampered Like a Rock Star: NIVEA and NIVEA for Men GRAMMY Giveaway

The GRAMMY awards may have come and gone but you can still share in some of the cool swag that the celebs received. Celebrity love birds Bill and Giuliana Rancic were the official celebrity hosts of NIVEA and Primary Wave’s GRAMMY soiree. The bash  was attended by a diverse group of stars, including Brandy, Cee-Lo, Melanie Griffith, and one of my favorite guapos -  Antonio  Banderas. There was also some serious partying going on in Beverly Hills where NIVEA for  MEN hosted celebs at the “Look Like You Give a Damn” Mansion Party. 

 

I'm a big fan of NIVEA body wash and lotion - the products are very affordable but do a stellar job of keeping skin moisturized - and you can find them virtually everywhere you travel.

2 lucky readers will each win a gift bag containing NIVEA's new HYDRA IQ Body Wash & Lotion for women and a selection of NIVEA for Men products.  (The retail value of each prize is approximately $50.) Keep some goodies for yourself and then share the rest with a special fella in your life. To enter the giveaway,  just leave a comment below by 5pm EST on Tuesday, March 1, 2011. 2 winners will be selected at random from the comments left below. Prizes can only be shipped to addresses in the United States.

(Please note that the prize may not contain the exact NIVEA products depicted.)

Blue Lagoon: Natural Skin Care from Iceland

Let's face it, our friends in Iceland have had a tough time lately. Not only did the country suffer tremendously during the worldwide economic crisis, the eruption of their Eyjafjallajokull volcano last summer stranded travelers from all corners of the globe. But don't write off Bjork's homeland just yet, this island nation in the North Atlantic remains rich in natural resources and Blue Lagoon incorporates those elements into their line of natural skincare products.

Enriched with active ingredients from geothermal seawater, Blue Lagoon products contain algae, minerals and silica. I am always looking for a good mask and Blue Lagoon's Silica Mud Mask ($100) deep cleanses and exfoliates the skin. If I've learned anything about skincare over the years, I know that gentle exfoliation sheds dead skin cells and reveals healthier glowing skin. Fragrance and color free, the pure white Silica Mud Mask is a nice addition to your current skin care regimen. It may seem pricey but the very large tube (6.8 fl. oz.) will last a long time.  The full line of Blue Lagoon products includes Balancing Oil-Free Emulsion, Mineral Moisturizing Cream, Anti-Aging Eye Cream, Algae & Mineral Shower Gel, and more.

If you find yourself visiting Iceland (direct flights on IcelandAir from NYC get you there in 6 hours), be sure to visit the Blue Lagoon Spa for a full day of pampering, including a therapeutic soak in the namesake lagoon.

Crazy for KORRES: Natural Skincare from Greece

There is no polite way to say this: I detest winter. Don't like it. Don't need it. Can't stand it. As a native New Yorker and alumna of a New England boarding school, I feel like I've more than paid my cold weather dues. I am tired of packing away my sundresses for months at a time and wearing bulky layers of clothes. And, flirting in the winter is way more challenging - it is hard to saunter seductively when you're bundled up like the abominable snowman. Footloose and fancy free in snow boots? Fuhgettaboutit!

Another downside of winter is that my already sensitive, oily-combination skin tends to get a little crazy. An oil slick with dry patches is not cute. So, 3 weeks ago I headed to Sephora to find a new moisturizer and so far I am thrilled with my KORRES Pomegranate Balancing Moisturizer ($32). It may sound crazy, but I often tend to avoid all-natural skin care products because I question their efficacy. However, KORRES' motto of "natural formulations with maximum results" seems to be on target. I use the moisturizer day & night and the results thus far: no breakouts, tighter pores, no dry patches and a nice healthy glow.  According to KORRES, pomegranate extract diminishes pore size and neutralizes free radical damage. Other ingredients include zinc to balance oil production and Pro-Vitamin B5 for long lasting hydration. It does NOT, however, contain mineral oil, parabens, synthetic dyes and other yucky ingredients that are not skin friendly.

A bit of sunshine in a jar, KORRES products are made in Greece and the company was established out of the country's oldest homeopathic pharmacy. In addition to skincare, KORRES also has a full line of cosmetics that I look forward to trying. Since I can't make it to Greece anytime soon for a much needed dose of Mediterranean sunshine, my next shopping trip will be to the KORRES store at 110 Wooster Street in NYC.

KORRES flagship store in Soho, NYC

 

Plane Pretty: Five Fantastic Travel Friendly Beauty Products

Long time readers know that I've been a vocal opponent of the TSA's requirement that all carry-on liquids not exceed 3 fluid ounces and be placed in a quart-sized ZipLock bag. I strongly suspect that the only fans of this rule are the folks who manufacture those darn plastic bags. Yes, I appreciate the TSA's ongoing efforts to keep us safe but if they can't tell the difference between Chanel No. 5 and a weapon, we are in serious trouble - mascara is not the enemy!

In a travel era of exorbitant checked baggage fees and plastic baggies, deciding what toiletries to bring on a trip can pose a real dilemma for even the most seasoned traveler. Here are five products that deliver great results and won't take up any space in your ZipLock. Fly pretty!

Pacifica Wanderlust Collection Solid Perfume Trio ($15 at Sephora) - These snazzy solid fragrances are an affordable and practical way to bring scent with you on your journeys. Formulated from organic soy and coconut wax, the lush fragrances included in the Wanderlust Collection are Tuscan Blood Orange, Indian Coconut Nectar, and Tahitian Gardenia.



Oscar Blandi Pronto Dry Shampoo Powder ($11 at 3FlOZ.com) - Refresh your coif on a short trip with the dry shampoo that was voted "Best Dry Shampoo" and "Best Quick Fix" by Allure Magazine. No water or blow dryer necessary - just massage the powdery potion into your scalp, brush, and restyle. In just a few minutes your tresses will look freshly washed and have a lovely scent of lemon verbena.

PUR Minerals 4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Makeup Foundation with SPF 15 ($25 at PURMinerals.com) - I really have been trying to get on board with the loose mineral powder trend. While I do like some of the products, I find those little jars of powder messy and utterly inconvenient for touch-ups. Who wants to pull out a jar when you want to discreetly powder your nose? Every so often I cheat, but I find myself coming back to PUR. This very portable solid mineral powder is gentle on sensitive skin, offers AMAZING coverage (no extra concealer needed), has sunscreen, and seems much more expensive than $25. However, I do highly recommend investing in the Chisel Makeup Brush ($23) for a flawless application and using the enclosed facial sponge for touch-ups.  I'm not the only one who loves PUR  - it is an Allure Editor's Choice. Available in shades from Porcelain to Deepest.

   Garnier Nutrioniste Nutri-Pure Detoxifying Wet Cleansing Towelettes ($6.49 at Drugstore.com) -  I am crazy about these facial wipes. Enriched with Vitamins E & B5 and Green Leaf Extract, these freshly fragranced towelettes are non-comedogenic and thoroughly cleanse the skin. They are perfect for removing makeup or when you need a quick refresh on the road.

 

 

Caswell-Massey Cool Cucumber Eye Pads ($7 at CaswellMassey.com) - Nothing gives away a weary traveler like puffy eyes and dark circles. Pre-moistened with soothing cucumber juice, aloe vera, and green tea, these anti-oxidant rich pads are printed to look like real slices of cucumber. Founded in 1752 in Rhode Island, Caswell-Massey is older than the USA and the country's oldest operarating retailer - clearly they know what they are doing!

September is Skin Care Awareness Month: Free Sample of Eucerin

Have you ever had a bad skin day where you wish you could just leave your skin behind? No matter where we travel, our skin is our constant companion  - a companion that needs plenty of TLC!

Let's face it - stuffy airplane cabins, lack of sleep, and other travel realities can wreak havoc on the prettiest of complexions. Since September is Skin Care Awareness Month, this is the perfect time to revisit your at home and on-the road skin care regimen.

If you're anything like me, you probably have an arsenal of face and skin lotions. A few months ago, I was reintroduced to Eucerin and now their  products are in rotation with my other favorites - I keep a tube of their Daily Skin Balance Skin Fortifying Hand Creme in my purse and use the Skin Fortifying Body Lotion on a regular basis. The products may not be sexy or exotic but Eucerin IS effective, affordable, and available virtually everywhere.

In celebration of Skin Care Awareness Month, Eucerin will send a free sample of Daily Balance to everyone who takes the Skin First Pledge. Give it a try and let me know what you think!

Healthy Skin: Don't Leave Home Without It! Beauty Tips from Veronica Webb

I'm no rocket scientist but I do know that when a world-famous supermodel gives you skincare tips, listen and learn. The very gorgeous Veronica Webb shared some of her best beauty secrets today at an intimate event hosted by Eucerin in NYC.

Over mini lobster rolls, I asked jet-setter Veronica to share some tips on how to keep your skin in tip-top shape when traveling. Veronica's number one beauty secret, whether on the road or at home, is clean skin. When traveling, she advises drinking one glass of water for every hour on the plane and to exfoliate before and after you fly. 

More than a pretty face, Veronica is a health and fitness enthusiast and a member of Eucerin's Skin First Council - a  group of experts encouraging Americans to make their skin health a top priority. You can even take their Skin First Pledge  - an online promise to protect your skin and to make skincare an integral part of you life. Like Veronica said, good skincare is not just about looking pretty but being healthy.

 Another tip from Veronica on keeping skin youthful and moisturized: lotion up every time you go to the bathroom. After the powder room or before you hit the road, Eucerin's new Daily Skin Balance Fortifying Body Lotion and Hand Creme are an affordable and effective option for taking care of your body's first line of defense.

Beauty Inspired by the East: Complimentary Facials from Sjal Skincare

Sometimes navigating a foreign country feels easier than choosing a skincare product. However, once in a while I hear about a new skincare line that makes me want to run out and give it a try. Hello Sjal!

Sjal was developed by mother and daughter skincare enthusiasts Karen and Kristin Petrovich as an alternative to complicated and confusing regimens. Derived from a Swedish word that means spirit, mind, heart and soul; Sjal melds ancient Eastern medicines with western and Japanese bio-technology.

If you would like to give Sjal a try, head over to The Plaza Beauty by Warren-Tricomi at the Plaza Hotel in New York City on Saturday, January 23 from Noon - 4:00pm. Attendees will be pampered with complimentary facials using Sjal's Pearl Enzyme Exfoliating Mask (designed to polish and brighten the skin) and Kashmir Saphir Perfecting Mask (improves tone, elasticity and minimizes pores).

Following the luxurious Sjal facials, popular makeup line BECCA will offer attendees complimentary makeup touchups.

Following this afternoon of pampering, sashay over to the Plaza's Champagne Bar to show off your glowing complexion!

Cindy Crawford Wants You to Glow!

Our skin is our constant companion wherever we go, so I am always interested in learning about skincare lines that are travel-friendly and deliver great results. Like many of you, I tend to be slightly skeptical when I hear about celebrity skincare lines - do the celebrities even use the products they promote or is it just another way to keep their coffers full?

Cindy Crawford's Meaningful Beauty bills itself as a "complete age maintenance system" that will "diminish the visible signs of aging." Crawford developed the line in partnership with Parisian cosmetic doctor Jean-Louis Sebagh. The 30-day kit is sold online for $29.95 and includes Skin Softening Cleanser, Day Moisture, Night Fluid, Eye Creme, Facial Masque, Decollete & Neck Cream and Glowing Serum. Most of the products will fit the Ziplock bag required by the airlines to contain liquids in your carry-on. 

Cindy's skin is so gorgeous that she recently did a photo shoot for Harper's Bazaar without makeup. Will Meaningful Beauty do the same for you? I asked my lovely friend Karen to give Meaningful Beauty a trial run. Here is what she says:

"I have medium skin, that can tend to be dry depending on the weather. I think the moisturizers are terrific in the Cindy Crawford line. I would buy the Glowing Serum by the gallon! WOW! Everyone commented on how rested I looked and how great my skin looked. I liked all of the moisturizers except the eye cream which was too harsh. They were light, not heavy but effective. The cleanser was very good too - again, not greasy and my skin felt clean afterward, no soap necessary. I would recommend the line to all of my friends, except for the eye cream. I enjoy using the products and feel they are a good value."

For more information, visit www.meaningfulbeauty.com.

Real Atlanta Housewife Lisa Will Attend Opening of New Carol's Daughter Store

The Black Dress Traveler is a huge fan of Carol's Daughter natural and heavenly scented beauty products and I was so honored when down-to-earth-diva and company founder Lisa Price completed her Little Black Travel Diary for my site. So I was thrilled when I heard that Carol's Daughter's newest store is opening this Saturday, August 22 at Lenox Square Mall in Hotlanta (3393 Peachtree Road NE). 

Lisa Wu Hartwell, the gorgeous star of one of my guilty pleasures, reality show The Real Housewives of Atlanta, will add a dash of Georgia Peach Glam to the opening on Saturday. (Hmm, Lisa's skin does always have that gorgeous glow, I wonder if she uses my favorite Carol's Daughter Sweet Honey Dip Chocolate Brown Sugah Scrub?)  On Saturday from Noon-7:00 pm the public is invited to indulge in some FREE pampering in the Carol's Daughter Mobile Beauty Lounge. The complimentary treatments offered on Saturday will include mini hair, nail and massage treatments. Each guest will also be gifted with a 10% coupon that they can use towards the purchase of products used in their mini-treatment. On Sunday, August 23 at noon R&B singer Keri Hilson will be making an appearance and getting her pretty on and the public is invited to shop.

What an event! Who can resist the lure of Carol's Daughter products combined with the slight possibility that one of Lisa Wu Hartwell's zany castmates might show up to cause some drama! Well, at least they can get a Carol's Daughter manicure after breaking those nails in a catfight! Meow! 

Free AMOREPACIFIC Facials at Sephora in Soho

Baby, it's hot outside and all of this heat and humidity can take a toll on your complexion. AMOREPACIFIC invites you to cool down and freshen up with a complimentary mini-facial at the Sephora location in Soho (555 Broadway bet. Prince and Spring Streets) on Thursday, August 20 from 1:00 pm - 7:00 pm. Call 212-625-1309 for more information. 

An AMOREPACIFIC celebrity aesthetician will offer Sephora shoppers access to a renowned facialist’s expertise that previously has only been available on the AMOREPACIFIC Beauty Gallery & Spa’s exclusive spa menu. The facials infuse skin with the powerful, nutrient-rich Asian botanicals formulated in every AMOREPACIFIC product, creating the perfect synergy between science and nature. AMOREPACIFIC skin care experts will also be on hand to offer skin care consultations. For over 60 years, AMOREPACIFIC has drawn on traditional Asian beauty secrets and healthy indigenous botanicals to promote beauty and wellness.  Visit www.amorepacific.com to learn more.

 

 

Win Heidi Klum's In An Instant Skincare!

In honor of the return of Project Runway to television (premieres Thursday, 8/20 on Lifetime), The Black Dress Traveler is giving away a starter kit of Heidi Klum's In An Instant Skincare. (retail value $39.95)

Supermodel and super mogul Heidi's product line is designed to diminish the look of fine lines, wrinkles and large pores in just seconds. Heidi states, "In An Instant® is the perfect name for my skin care system because it instantly cleans, instantly polishes, instantly hydrates, instantly rejuvenates, and instantly gives your skin a natural-looking glow. The In An Instant® system is one of the best things I do for myself everyday."

This 30-day kit of six travel friendly products includes:

• - Instant Warming Scrub
   - Gentle Foaming Cleanser
   - Intensive Firming Serum
   - Instant Daily Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15
   - Intensive Eye Treatment
   - Instant Wrinkle Smoother
  

(Supermodel contract and a sexy R&B singer husband not included).

So You Think You Know Proactiv? : A Great Skincare Solution at Home & On the Road

Enter to win a Proactiv Solution Mini Maintenance Kit. (retail value $15)

Is there anyone who hasn't been mesmerized by those Proactiv Solution commercials? More than any other skincare line, I credit Proactiv Solution for emphasizing the point that acne does not discriminate and that even rich and beautiful celebrities like Serena Williams, Vanessa Williams, Jessica Simpson, and Jennifer Love Hewitt aren't immune to the frustration and shame that unsightly pimples can cause. These ladies are all proud Proactiv users. If they are bold enough to share their skincare woes, I feel that I can too.

I have had sensitive and acne-prone skin since my pre-teens. I was picked on and teased about my condition - sometimes to the point of tears. From over-the-counter treatments to prescription medications, over the years I have spent a small fortune on my face.  A break-out is a downer anytime but I really remember feeling so angry and embarrassed when my face would betray me on a special occasion or a vacation. As an adult, my skin has vastly improved but I have to remain vigilant.

When I was invited to try Proactiv, I was suprised to learn that their famous 3 step combination therapy system has expanded to include a wonderful array of products, including anti-aging and makeup. The hot and humid weather can even wreak havoc on skin that is generally trouble free so this seemed like the perfect time to give Proactiv a whirl. Here are some of the Proactiv products you may want to try and that have really worked for me. If you are also a ProActiv user, I would love to hear from you!

In case you are not familiar with Proactiv Solution, let me start off by sharing their basic 3-step maintenance system - Renewing Cleanser, Revitalizing Toner, and Repairing Lotion. If you've never used Proactiv, I suggest starting with this regimen. I began with this and the results were pretty dramatic. In just a few days, my skin was less oily and noticeably clearer. You can order a mini-maintenance kit for $15 at QVC.  This kit is perfect for travel.

After using the standard regimen for about 10 days, I decided to swap out the Renewing Cleanser with the Deep Cleansing Wash. I am crazy about this cleanser and pray they never stop making it. At first, I was a little nervous about using a product that was designed to be used on the face and body. However, the Deep Cleansing Wash is remarkably gentle. Like the Renewing Cleanser, it also has microbeads that give the skin a gentle exfoliation and the salicylic acid has a nice brightening effect on the face. You can get two 8 oz. bottles at QVC for $33.50.

Moisturizing is an absolute MUST when you are using Proactiv because overly dry skin will start to go crazy producing oil and that will lead to the very break-outs you are trying to avoid. Oil free moisture is the solution. For daytime, Proactiv's Oil Free Moisturizer with SPF 15 is the BEST oil-free moisturizer I have ever used. ($27)  Lightweight and moisturizing, this gem also has also oil absorbing Nylon 12.  My face is visibly less oily and I have to powder my face less frequently.  For night time, try the Green Tea Moisturizer ($24.50) and for extra oil control during the day, you could also put on a sheer layer of the Daily Oil Control ($20).

During the day, I use the Repairing Lotion that is a part of the three step maintenance system but at night time I have quickly become devoted to the Clarifying Night Cream. ($28.75). Addressing adult acne and aging simultaneously can be a real drag but this cream combines retinol, vitamins, and salicylic acid to effectively and gently fight pimples and wrinkles. No zits + a great smooth glow = LOVE IT!

That's all for today. The second part of my review  next week will feature the Proactiv makeup, eye cream and some other treatments. To learn more about Proactiv, visit www.proactiv.com.