High-Performance Cosmetics Don’t Have to Come with a Knockout Price.      

Competition in the beauty business has always been brutal. Today, with everyone cinching their belts, it’s a no-holds-barred event. Budgets may be tight, but the good news is that there’s no reason to cry “Uncle!” when it comes to the four essentials—moisturizer, mascara, lip balm and concealer. As we all know, in these divisions there are champs and bums. I’ve crowned a winner in each, and also identified the top contender. Whether you choose to splurge for luxury items or stick to the staples, these picks should keep you covered. The good news is that each weighs in at under $60. So let’s get ready to rumble!

MOISTURIZER

CHAMPION: Dr. Hauschka’s Rose Day Cream

PRICE: $42.95 A great moisturizer is the keystone of any beauty regimen, and Dr. Hauschka has it on lockdown. This is a rich, luxurious daily moisturizer, which actually manages to keep you covered in all four seasons. Soothing rose ingredients nurture and renew sensitive and weather-damaged skin while protecting your face against dryness by using soothing extracts of rose petal, rose hip and avocado. Thirty rose flowers go into each tube of Rose Day Cream, which lasts a staggering three months.

TOP CONTENDER: Eucerin Sensitive Facial Skin Moisture Lotion

PRICE: $18.00 Yes, I understand the juxtaposition from Dr. Hauschka’s to Eucerin, but this is really a great product for an amazing price—a true drug-store steal. Although Eucerin is geared toward drier skin types, this moisturizer is light to the touch, hypoallergenic, long-lasting, and packs an SPF 30.

MASCARA

CHAMPION: Chanel’s Inimitable Mascara (available in both black and brown)

PRICE: $30.00 Ok, ok, I know Chanel never sounds like a bargain, but this mascara is more than makeup. It’s an investment. It sets new standards with a secret formula that does it all, and a brush design that lengthens, plumps and curls. The geniuses at Chanel are never wrong, and this product delivers lush, long-wearing color that is so precise that it actually defines and separates each lash. It’s a favorite among celebrity makeup artists, whose results are unreal.

TOP CONTENDER: Bare Essentials Buxom Lash

 PRICE: $18.00 A truly great product that fattens your lashes up to 300 percent! Buxom Lashes will leave your lashes feeling silky and weightless, as the patented hourglass brush manages to hit each and every lash for maximum coverage. It’s a fabulous, new product available only at Sephora.

LIPS

CHAMPION: Baume de Rose, by Terry

PRICE: $59.00 You’d spend $25 on a great lipstick, right? And how long would that last you? Terry’s Baume de Rose is an absolute phenomenon. First of all, it endures for six months. Second, it’s the purest, most luxurious balm your lips will ever feel. It contains a high concentration of lipid building rose wax that hydrates and nourishes. Baume de Rose also helps to repair, rejuvenate, strengthen, and fight early signs of aging in your lips. And its fragrance is unbelievable. The bonus? This gloss/balm plumps up your puckers ever so slightly, leaving them glowing and kissable. Who needs collagen?

TOP CONTENDER: Kiehl’s Lip Balm #1 in Vanilla

PRICE: $8.50 A classic. It’s a quality product for an amazing price that leaves lips protected and soft. My only issue with Kiehl’s Lip Balm is that, at times, I have found the taste of the balm itself to be slightly unpleasant. Yet, with the advent of their flavored balms, vanilla swoops in to save the day. Et voila, c’est parfait!

CONCEALER

CHAMPION: YSL Touche Éclat

 PRICE: $40.00 Touche Éclat is suitable for all skin types, and ideal at any time of the day over bare skin—under or over foundation. For best results, use the pen around the eye area, the hollow of the chin, the contour of the lips and the sides of the nose. It probably seems slightly strange to “write” your makeup onto your face, but it’s genius! YSL managed to create a lightweight, perfectly hued concealer with a look that is absolutely flawless.

TOP CONTENDER: Laura Mercier’s Secret Camouflage Concealer

PRICE: $28.00 What’s revolutionary about Secret Camouflage is Mercier’s two-tone system. Each concealer comes with one tone to match your skin’s depth of color, and another to match its highlights. This system enables users to blend their own perfect tone, while using very little concealer, thanks to the high content of pigment in this product.

Editor’s Note: Dan Brickley is a fashion, beauty and grooming consultant. He hosted TLC’s A Makeover Story.

 Five essentials for that little bit of Grace in all of us. 

When you name your daughter Grace, let’s face it, you set the bar high. Starting in toddler-hood, the heat is on these girls to be just a bit more refined and elegant than the other kids. As Grace blossoms into young adulthood there comes the added pressure of living up to the divine blessing suggested by her name. And as the years pass, she must make us feel graced by her presence just to stay in our good graces. Let her slip, even for an instant, and—surprise—there is no grace period! In that respect perhaps there is indeed a little Grace in all of us. At least I’d like to think there is. So it’s worth noting that the saving grace of being Grace is that no two Graces are exactly alike. Among the myriad ways to express this individuality is through the products one uses to look and feel wonderful when venturing out into the world. Whichever of the following five Graces you happen to be, here are five essentials you can use to save the day.

GRACE KELLY • ICONIC ACTRESS The quintessential Grace. If anyone were ever just born perfect, it was she. Refined yet warm, bold yet demure, perpetually charming and unyieldingly beautiful. This Grace is sophisticated and chic. She spares no expense, gravitating to CHANEL’S SUBLIMAGE cream ($350, 1 oz.) to keep that million-dollar face in check and JO MALONE’S GRAPEFRUIT cologne ($100, 100 ml) to seduce and mystify. In the crowning glory department, she never forgets to keep her blonde icy with FREDERIC FEKKAI’S very own “Grace” color serum ($30) because flawless hue is essential. And this Grace uses BREMENN RESEARCH LAB’S LUMEDIA FACIAL BRIGHTENER ($90, 3 oz.) and MURAD’S RESURGENCE RENEWAL EYE CREAM ($73, .5 oz.) to remain luminous at any hour.

GRACE SLICK • 60s ROCK GODDESS The rebellious Grace. This Grace is the very essence of revolutionary cool. She is wildly beautiful, a fierce Athena with a twist of Venus. Her spirit is unwavering, yet elegant. She is a mix of earth mother and warrior, of intellect and magic. This Grace wears CREED’S WILD JASMAL perfume ($190, 2.5 oz.), BUMBLE AND BUMBLE Bb.SHINE ($35, 4 oz.) for glossy shag hair, and CHANEL’S navy liquid eyeliner ($45) to enhance her powerful, exotic gaze. It might be said that this particular Grace is known to, ahem, indulge now and again, and that’s one of the reasons we love her. On the flip side of that coin, AMORÉ PACIFIC’S TREATMENT ENZYME PEEL ($60, 2.5 oz) is sure to erase the evidence of any debauchery. Meanwhile, DECLEOR’S 10 DAY RADIANCE POWER CURE ($37, .33 oz) is a quick and holistic fix to brighten her complexion after dehydration from lack of sleep, sun exposure or perhaps, one too many summertime cocktails.

GRACE JONES • SULTRY SUPERMODEL The exotic Grace. She is a modern surrealist. This Grace is fueled by an almost primal force. She is staggeringly, savagely beautiful, and Amazonian in her sensuality. This Grace is not demure; instead her beauty flows from an overt and fabulous artistry. She wears ROBERT PIGUET’S FRACAS perfume ($95, .25 oz.), MAKE UP FOREVER’S NEON PINK POWDER BLUSH ($19), and PHILOSOPHY’S MIMOSA LIP SHINE ($12) for a bold pop art palette. This Grace is nothing if not physical, and to keep her body tip-top, CLINIQUE’S TURNAROUND BODY SMOOTHING CREAM ($28.50, 5 oz) is a unifier on the front against strain and age, while NUDE SKINCARE’S AGE DEFENSE DIETARY SUPPLEMENT ($108, 80 capsules) is an innovative regimen to keep skin tight, firm, and youthful.

GRACIE ALLEN • CLASSIC COMEDIENNE The witty Grace. She is quick and clever. This Grace is the first person you look for at every party, and the last you forget. She is fiercely independent, irresistibly fiery, and complexly rich. What she sacrifices in mystery, she more than compensates for in her confident allure. She wears BOND NO. 9’S WEST SIDE EAU DE PARFUM ($200, 100 ml.), NARS SEPHORA FLAME lipstick ($24), and BARE ESSENTIALS’ BUXOM LASH MASCARA ($18) for deep red, sumptuous lips and bold, beautiful eyes. In a pinch, this Grace turns to CLARINS’ INSTANT LIGHT PERFECTION TOUCH concealer ($30) and DUWOP’S SIDEWINDER CHEEK VENOM ($24, .35 oz) to ensure coverage and a brazen, natural flush.

GRACE GARCIAPARRA • BABY GRACE The Grace of things to come. When you’re the progeny of the ultimate soccer mom (Mia Hamm) and a baseball All-Star (Nomar Garciaparra) you had better soak up all the pampering you can before it’s time to get fitted for that first pair of cleats. WELEDA has the most delicate, organic products in its CALENDULA line. The company’s Starter Kit ($12)—which includes Baby Cream, Lotion, Shampoo/Body Wash, Calendula Oil, and Diaper Care—is as gentle as can be and everyone knows that comfortable baby equals happy mother. When it comes to dressing a toddler, PETIT BATEAU is at the top of the list. Classic, comfortable, and pure products for baby abound. Check out the MILLERAIES LONG-SLEEVE NEWBORN BODYSUIT ($20) and ROBBIE ADRIAN’S VELOUR ORGANIC BABY BLANKET WITH SILK TRIM ($44-$270) for the ultimate in cuddling.

Editor’s Note: Dan Brickley was the host of TLC’s A Makeover Story for three seasons. He has authored numerous articles on fashion and beauty.

What’s Cooking This Summer? Hopefully Not YOU!

When it comes to summertime beauty, looking good is a whole different ballgame. While winter hues tend to accentuate the delicacies of one’s skin tone, hair and eye color, the warmer months are all about bright bursts of color against a healthy, sun-kissed palette. Of course, getting that sunny summery look often means increased UV exposure. Preventing skin damage during

the sultry summer months requires careful attention to protection, hydration, and (of course) daily product application. First rule of thumb—you don’t have to hit the beach to grab a perfect tan. TERRACOTTA SUNLESS BALM by Guerlain ($50/5.7 oz) is enriched with 100% natural Moroccan argan oil, so it hydrates, protects, and even helps to regenerate the skin for a smooth, flawless finish. Mimicking the effects of a deeply hydrating body butter treatment, this rich formula is ideal for quenching sun- and wind-parched dry skin. A subtle iridescence also gives your skin a natural glow for several days after the first application. Most importantly, Terracotta will leave your skin looking naturally tan, not orange or streaked. It’s quality luxury and, most importantly, it’s safe.

If you do plan to tan the natural way, you absolutely must protect your skin before leaving the house. Given the impact of a diminished ozone layer, you just can’t be too careful. And just because you don’t feel as if you’re baking in the high-noon sun doesn’t mean you aren’t burning. Doctors recommend wearing at least an SPF 15 at all times and these days it’s easy to find a light, smooth moisturizer with built-in UV protection (without breaking the bank). I highly recommend RoC RETINOL CORREXION DEEP WRINKLE DAILY MOISTURIZER SPF 15. This wonder product is a huge favorite among skin care gurus. Don’t let the name scare you off! This moisturizer helps to visibly reduce expression lines and wrinkles while protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. Enriched with Vitamin E and SPF 15 sunscreens, it also helps prevent the signs of premature aging.

It does contain Retinol, however, which can be a challenge. In fact, it’s recommended that the user test the product for two weeks while building up the dosage gradually. The buzz on this product is incredible. Although it’s relatively new to the market, it’s being touted as a miracle cream inasmuch as it’s hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores), oil free, and amazingly inexpensive (only $18.00/oz.). And since a good base cream won’t send you into foreclosure, ladies, I say splurge on your lips! CHANEL’S AQUALUMIERE SHEER COLOUR LIPSHINE is super light for those hot, balmy nights and also packs an SPF 15. Even at $30.00 a tube, don’t waste time shopping around. Survey says “Monte- Carlo” will be this summer’s hottest shade, so grab it while you can!

For the fellas, don’t be swayed by what your buddies tell you! Harsh sun, salt-water, and chlorine hold as many dangers for your skin and hair as they do for the ladies. Unless you want to end up looking like George Hamilton, here are some tips for summer maintenance. First of all, shaving is key. The ART OF SHAVING’S LEMON ESSENTIAL OIL ($22/5 oz.) is the perfect shave cream for summer. Rich with glycerin, coconut and other essential oils, it leaves your skin smooth and moisturized. But, once you’ve got a stubble-free, clean canvas of a face…what to do? This is where great unisex skincare comes in. What’s a beauty regimen without the quintessential summer face soap? Origins A PERFECT WORLD DEEP CLEANSER WITH WHITE TEA (5 fl . oz./150 ml) might sound like an afternoon drink, but as soaps go, it’s life changing. This perfect foaming face wash is formulated with nature’s rare Silver Tipped White Tea. In a preemptive sweep, dirt-grabbing minerals combined with the gentle, skin-compatible cleansing action of palm and coconut oils plus oat amino acid reach deep to help detoxify and free skin of harmful, free radical-releasing impurities before they settle down and cause skin-aging oxidation, dehydration, and irritation.

Now that your face is smooth and clean, there’s just one more step. Toner is essential for healthy skin in warm weather climate. Lately, vegan products have become all the rage. long last, I believe a non-chemical toner has finally been perfected. LUSH BREATH OF FRESH AIR TONER ($17.45/8.4 fl . oz.) is pretty much as naturally perfect as it gets. It rehydrates dry skin with soothing, nutritious ingredients like real sea water (fetched from deep in the Pacific), natural spring water, aloe vera gel, patchouli oil, rosemary oil, and seaweed absolute. Just a spritz softens and balances, while it refreshes and renews. Everybody needs a little extra help when it comes to maintaining a fresh face when the heat is on. So follow these tips, be prudent, and enjoy a skin-tillating summer.

Editor’s Note: Dan Brickley was the host of TLC’s A Makeover Story for three seasons. He has authored numerous articles on fashion and beauty.

Looking like a star is worth every penny

 Heatproof Yourself Like the Stars

The allure and glamour of Hollywood is something that will always define and inspire stylish culture. When summer weather turns hot and heavy (and it certainly does here in New Jersey), droves of people flock to darkened cinemas more than any other time of the year. After a long, dehydrating day at the shore, there’s nothing better than settling into a big, comfy seat in a vaulted, air-cooled theater to watch your favorite flawlessly put-together movie star perform in front of the camera. That may well be the secret star quality of all big-screen idols—they always manage to look so cool, literally and figuratively.

You’ll never see George Clooney sweat, Kate Hudson’s t-zone get shiny, or Julia Roberts’s curls frizz. There’s no doubt that having skin, hair, and makeup experts on call for minute-by-minute touch-ups is essential for movie icons to stay camera-ready at all times. I myself, however, while shooting some scenes for my television show, have had to rely on my own quick fixes and ever-ready products to work their magic. After some arm-twisting, the EDGE editors have convinced me to divulge a few of my closely guarded secrets. The truth is, there are tons of ways to keep yourself in camera- ready condition (even when off-film).

The ones I have chosen to share with you will easily get you through any heatwave looking as flawless as Catherine Zeta Jones on her best day. Light hydration is key. Shy away from heavy moisturizers that in summer heat will transform that healthy matte finish on your skin into a shiny, mirrored surface. Instead, always keep an EVIAN MINERAL WATER SPRAY in your bag. Although this spray has been around forever, it’s still an industry staple that manages to keep skin looking supple, not slippery. The spray comes in a handy 5-oz. size and retails for around $10. When the heat and humidity get a little out of hand, it’s always a great idea to keep blotting sheets at hand. Although they say the camera adds at least 10 pounds, a sure-fire way to keep your face looking trim and contoured is to eliminate any shine. After shooting for eight hours in 103-degree, dense New Orleans heat, I found that DIOR’S BLOTTING PAPERS ($21) were a total and complete lifesaver.

Not only do the sheets wipe away shine, they come with their own mirror and are treated with a light fragrant powder that adds a matte finish to even the most reflective of t-zones. As far as light makeup is concerned, PHILOSOPHY’S THE PRESENT ($25) is a true gift in any season, but particularly useful during summer. Made with natural antimicrobial agents, The Present literally forms a barrier over your skin that both locks in moisture and blocks out environmental impurities. Sound too good to be true? It’s not.

Simply rub a dime-sized portion of The Present on your clean face every morning before applying any other makeup and your skin will literally appear flawless all day long—I promise! As a final step to finish your face, most makeup artists recommend a quick brush-over with a loose powder. LANCOME’S PHOTOGENIC SHEER LOOSE POWDER ($32) is a dream come true. With a large blush brush, gently dust your face and neck with light powder, then follow up by blotting around your nose and under your eyes with CHANEL’S MAT LUMIERE foundation ($52). If, perchance, you spot a dreaded blemish, CHANEL’S PRO LUMIERE CORRECTEUR PROFESSIONAL FINISH CONCEALER ($38) is a quick and easy fix.

I shouldn’t have to tell you this but it’s worth a reminder: make sure your foundation and concealer perfectly match your skin tone. When choosing a base or cover-up, it’s critical to test the makeup against your skin in natural light. Fluorescent lighting can so drastically skew color perception that you just might end up looking more like Marcel Marceau than Marilyn Monroe. On a final note, hair has always caused the most problems for me personally on film. I’m one of those people with insane, schizophrenic hair—something like Zeppo Marx meets Alfalfa from The Little Rascals. While shooting,

I always keep a travel-sized can of L’OREAL ELNETT SATIN FLEXIBLE HOLD HAIRSPRAY ($16) on the set. The Elnett line is a hair lacquer that doesn’t overload the follicle with fragrance or dry it out with tons of extra alcohol. This particular spray manages to be light, yet nourishing with a bouncy, non-static hold. Believe me, if it can keep my hair in check, it will work wonders for you. By applying these simple cosmetic fixes and stocking up on the recommended products, you’ll be able to get yourself camera-ready in no time. Most importantly, remember that a natural, healthy glow is the order of each and every day. With these simple tips, you will easily put your best face forward through any heat wave. Keep your personality as light as your moisturizer and makeup and you’ll discover, soon enough, how to not shine…like a true star!

Editor’s Note: Dan Brickley was the host of TLC’s A Makeover Story for three seasons. He has authored numerous articles on fashion and beauty.

 Summer is here. And attention must be paid! 

For those of us fortunate enough to be renting a beach house—whether it be for a few days or a few weeks—there’s no sense investing those big bucks if you’re unwilling to spend a couple more to look your best when you hit the sand. Whether you’ll be making the scene with oceanfront cocktails, hitting a charity gala at that swanky beach club, or just having a family barbecue on the sand, here are some tips to make sure your endless summer has you looking as fabulous as possible. First rule of thumb: you don’t have to get a burn to grab a perfect tan. Physicians Formula Bronze Booster Self- Tanning Bronzing Veil ($15) is enriched with 100% natural oils. It hydrates, protects and helps regenerate the skin for a smooth, flawless finish. Mimicking the effects of a deeply hydrating body butter treatment, this formula is ideal for quenching sun- and wind parched dry skin. Don’t forget to still blend a little with your fingertips after applying to ensure a streak-free finish. This product will leave your skin looking naturally tan, not orange or streaked. It’s quality luxury, and most importantly, it’s safe. Secondly, toner is essential for healthy skin in a warm-weather climate. Yon-Ka Lotion PG Toner ($26) is pretty much as naturally perfect as it gets. It rehydrates dry skin with soothing, nutritious ingredients. This aromatic toning mist is designed for semi-oily skin. It refreshes, soothes, and equalizes, and the amazing scent makes it perfect for a midday

post-beach lift. Thirdly, any summer house inhabitant worth his or her weight in Mimosa needs a quality moisturizer with an SPF. Neutrogena Oil Free Moisturizer is a modern classic that knows no bounds. It’s sheer, odorless, and packs an SPF 30 punch. Not only will it protect you from UV rays, it’ll keep your wallet intact at around $10 a bottle. I recommend reapplying as needed whenever you start to feel dryness. For the same affect on your hair, Frederic Fekkai’s Summer Hair Sun Bandana ($20) is heat-activated to protect hair follicles from the harshness of sun, saltwater and chlorine. Locking in conditioning elements, Sun Bandana is also oil-free, which is a total rarity in the hair mask product world. And it smells amazing. As for the fellas, don’t be swayed by what your buddies tell you! Harsh sun, salt water and chlorine hold the same dangers for your skin and hair as they do for the ladies, so don’t be afraid to moisturize in the manliest way possible. Jack Black’s 16 oz. Beard Lube Conditioning Shave cream ($32) is perfect for summer. It’s a light, non-invasively fragrant, pre-shave oil, shave cream and skin conditioner in one.

KISSY–KISSY No summer would be complete without a little romance, right? That being said, it’s important not to neglect your lips. The more tender the skin, the more vulnerable it is to sun damage. In this instance, it’s best to just stick with a classic. Smith’s Minted Rose Balm ($7) is pretty much as good as it gets. This balm is as smooth as Carmex without the globby, heavy feel. Incidentally, it also manages to taste refreshing and sexy at the same time, which makes it a favorite of surfers and supermodels alike. Speaking of surfers and supermodels, every great summer share necessitates at least one fabulous fete. Great bones make for a great home, for a little extra midsummer’s night flair, fill your house with gardenias and keep bowls of fresh lemons and limes on every table (a Martha Stewart secret). You’ll be pleasantly surprised at how far a little aromatherapy can take a first meeting. The next morning, en route to the beach, revisit the citrus and scrape the skin gently with your fingernails. Sounds funny, right? The Ancient Romans relied heavily on oranges, pomegranates, and other succulent and aromatic fruits to spice up any and all get-togethers. And if anyone knew how to party, it was that lot. However, while it’s always fun to embrace a When in Rome mentality, moderation is the order of the day, so sparingly massage the essence into your hair and body. You’ll be making new friends in no time at all. As the days get longer, remember that every carefree, sunny day is to be enjoyed to its fullest, and each balmy night that follows deserves a steamy story. Hopefully, between looking the part of a bronzed, summertime beauty—with help from the sun, sand, and science—this will be the most fantastic and fruitful of all your summer escapes.

There’s no trick to taming Botanicals

The icecaps are melting. Wildfires, floods and mudslides dominate the news cycle. The hurricane season is underway. The message is clear: when you trifle with Mother Nature, you do so at your own risk. Lest we forget, she does have her softer, smoother side. Indeed, nothing is more soothing, luxurious, and au courant than embracing botanicals. Indeed, if you know your way around the garden, so to speak, you can put away those space-aged polymers this season and make a triumphant return to nature. Before doing so, keep in mind that not every “botanical” product is worth its weight in aloe. The real-deal botanicals are amped-up, streamlined, and perfected to a T (as in “Tzone”). The following summertime beauty essentials are among the precious few that take natural ingredients to new heights—a place where underground earthiness meets top-shelf luxury. Firstly, let’s clear our palette.

REN’S GLYCOLACTIC SKIN RENEWAL PEEL MASK ($55 / 1.7 oz.) is a potent bioactive complex that reduces fine lines and improves tone and firmness. This treatment safely and effectively resurfaces the skin without causing irritation. Its four-fruit-acidcomplex (lactic, glycolic, tartaric and citric) and papain enzyme create a gentle-yet-potent exfoliating action, which leaves skin glowing once again. In addition to its obvious aesthetic benefits, Ren’s Peel Mask doesn’t include synthetic fragrances, silicones, synthetic dyes, or petrochemicals, which add a caustic element to an already somewhat harsh treatment. This mask is particularly recommended for congested and mature skin. It works well on post-acne scarring and sundamaged skin. Of course, since it’s a peel, sensitive skin types should be slightly cautious. Now that we’ve got ourselves a fresh canvas, nothing’s more vital to healthy looking skin than hydration. But, don’t be fooled—just because a night cream boasts an olive in the title, doesn’t mean it’s all natural! Several big-name labs throw in shoddy synthetic fragrances but leave out the nourishing organ ics.

Luckily, in the case of OLE HENRIKSEN’S THREE LITTLE WONDERS, you’re naturally covered, thrice-fold. This triad of products (sold together for an unheard of $70) features the award-winning Truth Serum-Collagen Booster, Sheer Transformation-Renewing Creme, and Invigorating Night Gel-Firming Treatment. The payoff is truly amazing. Each formulation is oil-free, light in texture, firming, pore-tightening, and promotes uniform pigmentation. Remarkably, this trio is also free of carcinogenic parabens, sulfates, and triclosan. My next recommendation has long been a staple among beauty industry professionals; its natural botanical composition has always taken a backseat to its unbelievable simplistic fine quality.

Every girl needs a sweet vernal lip pigment to complement the renewal of dewy skin, which is why ROSEBUD PERFUME’s lip balms and salves are an absolute essential for anyone who plans to be kissed this summer. Touched ever so slightly with the faintest of pink hues (listed here from lightest to darkest), Smith’s Strawberry Lip Balm, Rosebud Salve, and Minted Rose Lip Balms are masterful (and at a price of $6/.8 oz., they’re worth exploring, guilt-free). Each of Rosebud’s products tastes and smells delicious, is free of any and all synthetic additives, and maintains the company’s long-standing policy of no animal testing.

When it comes to organic powders, blushes, and foundations, nobody can hold a candle to BARE ESCENTUALS. Comprised predominantly of all-natural crushed mineral content—and made without preservatives, fragrances, or other skin irritants—Bare Escentuals’ makeup looks like powder but feels like a cream, giving skin a healthy glow. Bare Minerals Blushes ($18/.03 oz.) are available in an array of colors and give a healthy tone that looks natural because, well, it is. Truth be told, the entire line is worth looking into. Bare Escentuals products are completely botanical and ideal for all skin types, including more sensitive complexions—and even those with problem-prone skin. Finally, what summer fling would be complete without a bit of lingering love in the air?

LAVANILA LABORATORIES’ VANILLA GRAPEFRUIT fragrance ($56/1.7 oz.) is flirty frivolity incarnate—a luscious concoction of sparkling grapefruit, fresh lime and warm cedarwood, softened in a base of rich Madagascar vanilla. Can you say Yum? Lavanila combines pure essential oils with active botanicals for natural fragrances that are fresh, clean, and contain two super antioxidants, goji berry and kakadu plum. This summer, what could be better than embracing an earthier, more natural inner beauty? Mother Nature may like to play rough, but it’s her softer side that will keep you looking and feeling flawless from season to season. I highly recommend adding some of these botanicals to your regimen. They’re sure to give you the look, feel and glow of summer all season long. EDGE   

 Editor’s Note: Dan Brickley is a fashion, beauty and grooming consultant. He hosted TLC’s A Makeover Story.