Makeup Wars: My Favorite BB Cream.

BB Cream is probably the biggest type of launch that hit the US market over the last year or so. All of us girls in the Makeup Wars have tried our share of BB Creams and we are here to each share our favorites this week.

I've tried plenty of BB Creams this last year. Take a look at a few I've tried:

Boscia B.B. Cream SPF 27 PA++

Dr. Jart+ Water Fuse Beauty Balm

Stila Stay All Day 10-in-1 HD Beauty Balm

L’Oréal Paris Magic Skin Beautifier BB Cream

Clinique Age Defense BB Cream SPF 30

Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream SPF 35

Bobbi Brown BB Cream SPF 35

3LAB Perfect BB SPF 40 Cream

L’Oréal Paris Youth Code BB Cream Illuminator

Garnier BB Cream Miracle Skin Perfector

So, which is my favorite? That is a tough one. While I like the BB Cream in theory, I have had a really hard time of getting one that meets what I want as far as coverage, plus skin care benefits. If I were judging this by consistency, feel and skin care benefits that I saw, I would rate the Dr. Jart+ Water Fuse Beauty Balm as my favorite. It was everything I expected from a BB cream, except it is too light for my skin about 90% of the year. I can't wear it. That's why I am choosing the BB Cream that I wear most as my favorite. I choose this for color, coverage, skin protection and benefits. My favorite? Bobbi Brown Cream SPF 35.

Bobbi’s new BB Cream is a skin care/makeup hybrid that combines moisturizer, treatment, SPF and foundation all-in-one. Plus, this unique skin tone correct formula leaves skin looking flawless and perfectly natural. Over time it provides long-term benefits too. Skin is brighter, more even; fine lines are diminished; redness is reduced and pores are minimized. The SPF boosts the formula with daily protection against harmful UVA/UVB rays and environmental hazards, which is extremely important for daily wear. It has a mid-range price point of $42.00, and that's for 1.35 oz..

The formula feels a bit thick at first, so I like to spread it on the back of my hand to warm it up. As soon as I apply it though, it feels very light and blends really easily with my fingers. If I want more coverage in a certain area, I just dot on a bit more and blend away; it does so seamlessly. The look is smooth and very natural. It's not a full on foundation look. It is more of a natural weekend makeup look. I can just apply this, some bronzer, mascara, gloss and be good to go. I am using the shade Medium and it is a great match for my NC30 skin tone.

Check out the BB Creams faves from my Makeup Wars friends.

Clairol Professional's First Ever Hair Care and Styling Line + Hair Care Tips on Using.

After being the #1 expert in hair color for over 80 years, Clairol Professional is launching its first-ever hair care & styling line. The COLOR SAFE collection just launched in beauty supply stores and the products are the perfect complement to the brand’s existing color portfolio. The collection of products provides professional results at an affordable price.

The products make up three care lines or regimens: Repair, Smooth and Curl. It also includes two styling products: Volume Mousse and Shaping Gel.

The product line up:

Clairol Professional Repair Shampoo, Rinse-Off Conditioner and Leave-In Conditioner:

• Ideal for dry, damaged and/or color-treated hair
• Helps to repair and condition damaged hair
• Leaves hair strong and smooth, with  shine

Clairol Professional Curl Shampoo and Leave-In Conditioner:

• Ideal for naturally curly, permed and/or color-treated  hair
• Gives curls amazing shine
• Leaves curls soft and flexible for beautiful, defined, bouncy style

Clairol Professional Smooth Shampoo and Leave-In Balm:

• Ideal for frizzy and/or color-treated hair
• Sleeks hair after just one application
• Leaves hair shiny and smooth

Clairol Professional Volume Mousse:

• Extra strong mousse with non-sticky formula
• Provides fullness and body for all-day volume

Clairol Professional Shaping Gel:

• Extra-strong hold gel defines and accentuates any style

Celebrity Hairstylist Torsten Witte, who works with A-listers such as Penelope Cruz, Michelle Monaghan and Colbie Caillat, is the face of the collection. He gave me a few great tips on how to use his favorite products in the line up.

He explained, “Achieve an effortless, undone style by applying Clairol Professional Color Safe Curl Leave-In Conditioner to dry hair in the morning. Just use your fingers to run the product through your hair, tousle it, and you’re good to go.” He thought it was very important to note, “Clairol Professional Shaping Gel is not a traditional hair gel. I love this product for curly hair because it tames the frizz for nice, well-defined curls that aren’t crunchy or wet looking. It also helps to keep buns well-coifed throughout the day, and it’s great for guys!”

Torsten also gave me a few overall hair tips that work this season. “Play with a variety of strong parts this fall. This simple change will create versatility without actually requiring a haircut. Strong parts will be everywhere this fall.” He also suggests “Show off your neck line by playing with asymmetric hairstyles such as a low side bun or a French braid that lays to one side. Asymmetric hairstyles will help you to feel more current with the large accessories and patterns that are so popular this season.”

The products range in price from $9.00 - $12.00 and are available nationwide right now, at beauty supply stores.

Simple Skincare.

Have you seen the Simple Skincare line up of products? I have seen it more than a few times on an end cap or display at Target and just had to find out what it was all about. Now I have the details and I want to share it with you.

Simple Skincare is a no-fuss no-muss lineup of fresh, skin care products. Made for even the most sensitive of skins, these products believe that simple is best. All the products in the range contain no dyes, artificial perfumes, or harsh irritants that can upset skin. The products contain only the purest possible skin loving ingredients with added vitamins, for naturally healthy-looking skin. They are free of all artificial dyes and fragrances, and are all dermatologist tested, noncomedogenic, and hypoallergenic.  Even the eye care products are safe for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers. Skin care doesn't have to be difficult, especially for difficult skin.

The product range contains cleansers, wipes, moisturizers and eye care products.

Cleansers

• Smoothing Facial Scrub
• Moisturizing Facial Wash
• Refreshing Facial Wash Gel
• Soothing Facial Toner

Wipes

• Cleansing Facial Wipes
• Exfoliating Facial Wipes

Moisturizers

• Vital Vitamin Day Cream SPF 15
• Replenishing Rich Moisturizer
• Hydrating Light Moisturizer
• Vital Vitamin Night Cream

Eye Care

• Eye Makeup Remover
• Revitalizing Eye Roll-On
• Soothing Eye Balm

The products range in price from $4.99 - $9.99.

I'll be the first to admit that I adore luxury skin care. My serums and night creams usually cost upward of $150 each. I am a skincare snob. I thought this line would be great for someone like my daughter just starting out with skin care. After a recent skin freakout where my skin was super itchy and sensitive, I realized I was out of my long time favorite skin soother. I thought this would be the perfect time to finally try a few of these "simple" products. I don't think I can tell you how impressed I am. From the Moisturizing Facial Wash that I used (that removed every trace of makeup and never had my skin feeling stripped) to the Replenishing Rich Moisturizer and Revitalizing Eye Roll-On, my skin was back to normal and feeling better than ever in just a matter of days. The fact that my skin looked and felt so good, at a fraction of the price, made me adore Simple Skincare even more. I could buy every product in the line and still have change to spare when comparing it to just my favorite eye cream.

Next time you are in Target or your other favorite mass merchandiser, take a look at the Simple Skincare line up. For less than $10, pick up a new product and try it. I know you will be impressed! To get all the latest Simple Skincare news and even coupons, be sure to check out their Simple Skincare Facebook page.