Travel Break - Packing for India!

It took me about 4 hours to pack for Paris, and I was only going for 5 days. I dedicated 2 days to packing for India for 2 months and I'm just now finishing! Below is a list of the skincare and beauty essentials I'm bringing with me. Please email me or comment if you think I forgot something...or have something to suggest. I've never been to India, or anywhere else away from home for 2 months, so I'm welcoming suggestions! A lot of these items are new to me, so I'll be posting my reviews of them while I'm in India.

SUNCARE
It's going to be 100 degrees there, first things first, I need to bring some sunscreen with me.

- Dermalogica Solar Defense Booster & Oil Free Matte Block - I'll be mixing the Solar Defense in with my face moisturizer and Smashbox tinted moisturizer.

- La Roche-Posay Anthelios 40 Sunscreen Cream - My dermatologist recommended this sunscreen. It contains Mexory SX, which is the new sun filter in the only sunscreen formulas that have been specifically approved by the FDA for protection against short UVA rays.

- Nivea A Kiss of Protection Lip Care SPF 30 - I'm going to keep this on me at all times. Not only does it protect from UVA/UVB rays, but it also contains Vitamin E, Jojoba Oil and Shea Butter.

SKINCARE

- Cetaphil bar soap - My favorite. I usually use the pump, but that can be messy in a suitcase, so I purchased a new bar to travel with.

- Cetaphil Daily Moisturizer w/ SPF 15 - This will go under my sunscreen. You can never have too much protection!

- Setoso Eyebalm - I've been using this religiously every morning, before my moisturizer and makeup. I really like the application of this product. Applying the balm relieves you from having to rub the sensitive part of your eye area, and it glides on so smooth. It's cooling, relaxing and perfect for my soon to be jet-lagged eyes.

BATH & BODY

- Dove White Beauty Bar soap - I can't do without this. I buy it in bulk and will never switch.

- Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion with Sunscreen - I am sacrificing all of my fun smelling body lotions for healthy, sun protected skin. I decided on Aveeno's daily lotion with SPF 15 as a body moistuizer after the shower.

SweetSpot Labs On-The-Go Wipettes - With 36 hours of travel time ahead of me, these will come in handy for freshening up.

HAIR

- I never leave home without my round brush, hair dryer and flat iron.

- Umi SLiquid - This styling gel has aloe in it, along with sunscreen for sun protection. After styling, it leaves my hair frizz free.

COSMETICS

- It was love at first site with this makeup bag. Victoria's Secret Quilted Beauty Carry All Bag in pink matches my master bathroom perfectly. I thought it would be perfect to take with me since it reminds me of home.

- Becca Cosmetics Mineral Bronzer - It's going to be 110 degrees outside...I need to look just a little sunkissed.

- PUR Minerals 4 in 1 Pressed Mineral Powder SPF 15 - I alternate days with mineral make up and tinted moisturizer. I love Pur Minerals powder, it gives me great coverage with an added bonus of SPF 15.

- Lipstick Queen Big Bang in Infinite - This gloss has the perfect tint of pink to it.

- Jelly Pong Pong Fairly Lashes Mascara - This is my new favorite. You can read my review of this product HERE.

- Revlon False Eyelashes - I have no idea what to expect for the nightlife in India, I may want to spice it up one night and really play up my eyes.

- Thevi Cosmetics Triple Split Shadow in Hemisphere - I love having one compact with 3 colors. It makes it easy to pack, especially for short weekend trips while I'm in India. I can do my eyes light during the day, and dark at night, all in one compact.

- Crazy Rumors HibisKiss - This lip color is super moisturizing with the perfect hint of color. It's all natural and vegan.

- Eco Tools Recycled Aluminum Retractable Kabuki - I love this brush. It feels like silk on my face! It applies both bronzer and Pur Minerals 4 in 1 powder really well.

ACCESSORIES

- Hollywood Clear Bra Straps & Hollywood Hookup Bra Converting Clip- I wored these out to my best friend's bachelorette party this past weekend, under a sheer shirt, and loved them! I'll definitely be bringing them to use with my sleeveless dresses.

- Hollywood Hookup Bra Converting Clip - I'll use this on my bras when wearing my new razor back tank tops.

- Headbands - I'm trying to pull off the Gossip Girl look with fun headbands. We'll see if it happens in India.

NAILS

- LA Colors Nail Art in White - Wearing sandals and flip flops will give me the itch for a french manicure.

- Nic's Sticks in Are We There Yet? - I have this on my nails right now, and I'm taking it in my carry on for quick touch ups during layovers.

- Jessica Nail Polish in Coral Reef Daises - I have this on my toes right now. I'm ready for peep toe shoes!

- Zoya Hurry Up Speed Dry Drops - This is my favorite nail product. Not only does it dry nails quickly, but it also moisturizers your cuticles.

Well, I'm all packed now! I'm going to miss all my friends and family so much, but I know that this time will fly by and I will have the experience of a lifetime. Next time I post I'll be in India :)

And the Winner is...

Legally_Lipgloss! Congratulations on winning a Jelly Pong Pong Lip Gloss!

Don't fret if you didn't win this time around...plenty more chances to come. Don't forget to enter the latest giveaway, a Kitten Vixen Lip Gloss!

Total Beauty Web Tour!

Viva Woman tells you 10 things to avoid when cleansing your face.

Beauty Secrets Revealed tells you about Morning Banana Diet- Japanese Way Of Losing Weight.

The Informed Makeup Maven talks green washing and cosmetics and wants you to peek inside her spring makeup bag. Don't forget to check out her giveaway this fortnight, Rimmel recover foundation and Suki UV blotting papers!

Beauty Anonymous brings you YSL Summer 2009 Limited-edition Collection.

LA Pretty's fave new skin cream is making their skin brighter, clearer, and protecting their Pretty faces from the LA sun. And did we mention it's affordable? Find out what it is here!

Frappelattes has pictures of Nicole Richie with baby bump #2! Plus, discover where you can find all-natural pregnancy products to make this pregnancy a beautiful one.

This week Average Metro Joe covers an exclusive laser treatment for hair loss that is completely safe for men and women with troublesome hair loss.

Visit The Beauty Couch to read a review of Maybelline's Lash Stiletto and to enter a drawing to win one for yourself!

The Anti Hair Slave shows you how the Instyler really works. Watch the video review to check it out on a REAL person and also learn a couple tips and tricks for super sleek hair.

Check out one of the coolest nail polish innovations Beauty Junkies Unite has seen in a long time! Incoco Dry Nail Applique kits are a hit!

Daily Dose of Coffee tries out the new Jonathan Product Dirt offering: Spray Dirt. Is it worth the hefty price tag?

Are you a Bare Escentuals or mineral makeup fan?

Beauty411 tries out the new Bare Escentuals Buxom Lash Mascara!

See what Fabulous Over Forty uses for her daily and weekly skincare regimen.

Girl-Woman-Beauty-Brains-Blog is holding a Manic Monday/April Fool's giveaway. Enter to win a Spa Sensuals set. BUT since the giveaway ends on April Fool's Day, Jamie and Beckie are throwing in the kitchen sink of beauty products as well. Don't be fooled. Enter now!

Boutique Flair is one of the first to test some mineral makeup and natural skin care products from the newly launched PRIIA Cosmetics!

eye4style loves the off-kilter luxury of Strange Invisible Perfumes. Check out her review of the three newest scents in the line!

More Than a Pretty Face reminds everyone that the 40% off introductory offer on Daniel Chinchilla Cosmetics line ends March 31. Take advantage of the offer now!

More Than a Pretty Face has a new giveaway: win one of two scented candles from Delirium & Co!

Indian Girl has just the lipstick for lip gloss lovers! Also, get all your concealer questions answered by pros at Three Custom Color Specialists! Send in your questions today!

The girls over at Beauty in Real Life are having another giveaway. Click here to enter to win a Galvanic Spa II kit, valued over $350!!!

Glossypink tells you how to get Nicole Richie's Blackbook Magazine makeup look!

The Makeup Divas reviews a few products from the new Avon Celestial 2009 Spring Collection.

The Advice Sisters Alison Blackman loves Josie Maran's Tinted Moisturizer. Read the review to find out why!

Get The Look: Katie Holmes New Long Hair-by Talking Makeup!

Enter Lipgloss Break's Kitten Vixen Lipgloss Giveaway!

Hot Beauty Health loves Korres new Eco-Friendly Face Primer. Read to find out why!

Have you been looking for Cheap Strivectin? RN Guide to Skin Care found an almost identical item for a fraction of the cost.

Suzanne at Mineral Makeup Reviews reviews Mineral Hygiencis a bismuth free mineral makeup with incredible staying power.

The Beauty Blog is offering a free special report 12 ways to save money on your favorite beauty products when you sign up for The Beauty Insider, a free monthly beauty newsletter from four top rated beauty sites.

This week, Spoiled Pretty is giving away the new June Jacobs Vanda Orchid Collection: four products (shower gel, body balm, mist, and dry oil body spray) to keep the skin hydrated, glowing and beautiful.

Giveaway Break - Kitten Vixen Lipgloss

Lipgloss Break is pairing up with Kitten Vixen Cosmetics for a giveaway - enter for your chance to win a Kitten Vixen Organic Lipgloss in Ravishing Ruby!

Because the team at Kitten Vixen recognize that consumers are increasingly conscious of what they put on their skin, the 'Put Your Lips Together' range has been developed using natural and organic ingredients that are luxurious in look and feel. Kitten Vixen cosmetics contain no animal products and are not tested on animals.

Made with natural ingredients, the hydrating, non-sticky lip glosses are as delicious as they sound. All of the colors in the range are infused with organic flavoring, creating a subtle, natural aroma. The moisture-rich formulas leave lips soft and glossy with a stunning hint of color.

I will randomly select one lucky winner to win a Kitten Vixen Lipgloss in Ravishing Ruby. Make sure to sign up, below, for your chance to win! You can enter up to once a day. For extra entries, you can sign up for my mailing list, post a link to this giveaway on your blog, follow my blog, or follow me on Twitter.

For this giveaway, I'm able to mail to US, Canada & UK addresses. This contest will end on, Thursday, April 2. I will announce the winner on Lipgloss Break, so keep checking to see if you're a winner - Good Luck!

Contest Break - Lancome Mini Makeover Contest

Enter to win the latest contest on The Lancome Blog! The prize is a mini-makeover with Sandy Linter, the celebrity makeup artist and Lancome Beauty at Every Age expert.

If you post a question for Sandy on the blog, you’ll be entered into the Sandy makeover contest. The winner will get 15 minutes on the phone with Sandy during which she’ll give specific advice, tips and tricks. Then, Sandy will pick the 10 Lancôme products she thinks are perfect for that person and we’ll have the products delivered right to the winner’s doorstep.

Hurry up and enter - the contest ends Friday night!

Shopping Break - Pür Minerals Spring Colour Kit

Get Your Exclusive Pür Minerals Spring Colour Kit just in time for Spring. The kit includes:
- Pur Rocks - Vibrant colour for eyes, lips and cheeks
- Pressed Mineral Shadow - Choose your shade!
- Pur Intensity in Coffee Quartz - Silky smooth gel eyeliner.
The Colour Kit retails at $50.

***Bonus: Get a FREE 5-piece Pur-fect Makeup Brush Collection & a sleek, silver travel case with your Spring Colour Kit purchase. Plus, enjoy FREE SHIPPING on this and all orders over $50. Shop Online!

Be sure to read my review on the Pür Minerals Starter Kit.

I'm going to India!

I will be leaving for the journey of a lifetime on March 31st. I will be living and working in Hyderabad, India, for 2 months! I will still continue to post, but it will be from a different country :) Do I have any readers that are from India? Or currently living there? If so, reach out to me!

Stay tuned for my packing list...I'll be listing out all of my essential skincare and beauty products for my trip. The common ingredient in 99% of them? SPF! It's 100 degrees there...

*The picture above is of Charminar, Hyderabad. Charminar, meaning 'Four Towers' is one of the most important monuments in the city of Hyderabad (the 'city of pearls').

Giveaway Break - Last Day to Enter!

Don't forget to enter the Jelly Pong Pong Lipgloss Giveaway! Today's the last day for entries. The giveaway will close at 11:59pm EST today. For extra entries, be sure to sign up for my mailing list, follow my blog, or post this on your blog or Twitter!

Skincare Break - Ice Elements

Is anyone else sick of the harsh winter we have had in the midwest? It has really taken a toll on my skin, which is why I was super excited to have been able to try out Ice Element's 2-Minute Miracle Exfoliating Gel. I was a little nervous at first, afraid that it was going to make me break out, but it's a lot more gentle than you would expect. Ice Elements gently exfoliates dead skin cells, removing dulling debris and excess oils, in a matter of minutes. It's a quick and effective, and easy to fit into my skincare routine.

How Do You Use It?
Ice Elements looks like purple hair gel! A little goes a long way. You put a thin layer on your face (or back of your hands if you want to test it out) and let it sit for about 1 minute. After a minute or so, rub gently in a circular motion and the gel should begin to liquefy. If it doesn't feel runny, wait another 15 seconds and start to rub again. Continue to rub to exfoliate skin. You should begin to feel the gel balling up, which is really pieces of dry skin! Rinse your face with lukewarm water and pat dry.

I saw a noticeable difference even after the first use. My skin was a little red the next day, but it went away that evening and was so soft.

You can purchase Ice Elements online. It retails at $29.95.

Ingredients: Stabilized Aloe Vera, Butylenes Glycol, Carbomer, Clycerin, Sodium Hydroxide, Hyaluronic Acid, Green Tea Extract, Burdock Root Extract, Ginseng Extract, Calendula, Benzophone 4, Propylene Glycol, Proplyparaben, Methylparaben, Diasolidnyl Urea, Cyanocobalamin

Shopping Break - StyleBell Sale

The Babyliss Pro Nano Titanium Compact Ionic Hair Dryer is only $25! Yes, that is 80% off today only. MSRP is $120. Babyliss is known for their hair dryers and the Nano line is a StyleBell Favorite.

Product Features:
• 1900 Watts
• 6 Heat & Speed Settings
• Dries Hair 40% Faster
• Nano Titanium Technology
• Removable Nozzle
• Lightweight
• A Full Size Dryer in a Compact Package
• 4 Year Warranty

This price will last until March 25, 2009 11:59pm EST! Find it on StyleBell.com