Raging Rouge

With winter approaching, I’m in need of a heavy-duty hand cream that will keep chapping at bay.  Durance en Provence has launched a collection named "Around the Olive Tree".  This collection features bath and body products infused with the nurturing power of olive oil.  Durance’s Creme pour les Mains was specifically designed to relieve dry and cracked hands.  Naturally, I was intrigued.

Prior to sampling this product, I had been dreadful to my hands.  This neglect was two-pronged.  Partially laziness, and partially to fully test this product.

Upon applying this product to my hands, I immediately noticed how quickly it absorbed into the skin.  After hours of wear, I noticed this cream is long-lasting as well.  A few days of use, and my tattered hands looked moist and healthy again.  This winter, a tube of Durance’s hand cream will be perched in a spot of honor next to my powder-room sink.  How could I not share this wonderful hand-treat with visiting friends?

I’m a fan of Durance for more than its fantastic hand cream.  Durance is a family-owned company, located in a rural town in the Provence region of France.  Among other things, Durance is committed to environmental protection and social responsibility.  A great brand with a conscience! 

Durance en Provence Hand Cream retails for $20 via the Durance Website.  Want to give the gift of Durance to a friend?  Durance offers gift certificates in values from $5 up to $500!

Fall’s look for skin is perfection.  Flawless, matte and refined are the keywords describing the desired look of skin this season.  The products below will help you to achieve the perfect matte complexion!

	The product in my beloved Lola Oil-Free Foundation Compact has been used so heavily, it resembles a waning moon.  Victoria Jackson’s beloved Lola line contains this adorable red compact that wins points for not only perfecting the complexion with an oil-free and paraben-free formula, but for its easy to use sponge application method.  Score your own for $35 by visiting the Lola website or Makeup.com.
	When BECCA Stick Foundation comes in contact with the warmth of your skin, it melts right into it… providing impeccable streak-free coverage.  The BECCA formulation is suitable for most skin types (even sensitive skin!) and is available in 30 colors, so you’re sure to find the right shade.  An added bonus, this product contains an SPF 30!  Yes ladies, you still need an SPF in the winter…  BECCA Stick Foundation is available for $39 at Neiman Marcus or the Becca Cosmetics website.
	For a flawless complexion, proper skin care is a must.  Periodic exfoliation keeps skin looking young and refreshed, and helps rids you of nasty blackheads.  Benefit Cosmetics offers you "Honey… snap out of it" to add to your morning routine.  Designed for all skin types, this scrub even smells sweetly of honey.  "Honey… snap out of it" retails for $26 at Benefit Cosmetics, Macy’s and Sephora.
	A 2007 Best of Sephora winner, Bare Escentuals Mineral Veil is a loose-powder with just a hint of pink.  Mineral Veil plays tricks with the light, imparting the forgiving look of a soft-focus lens to its wearer.  I’m not only a big fan of this mineral-based powder, I’m a big fan of the price!  Mineral Veil retails for $19 at Sephora.
	I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again.  Chanel Pro Lumiere Professional Finish Makeup is THE foundation when you absolutely, positively need a flawless complexion.  Chanel’s oil-free semi-matte formula retails for $52 at Macy’s, and it’s worth every cent.