The Lip Balm That's Beautiful Inside and Out {Plus, a GIVEAWAY!}

Photos by Lydia Hudgens

I remember when eos lip balm first launched. I was a beauty editor at Allure magazine at the time, and I recall vividly how--even as jaded, seen-it-all editors--we all just cooed when we opened up the package of those colorful little orbs. So cute! So yummy! So easy to find in your purse! Immediately, I was smitten--we all were. But what I soon learned, and what I've gotten an even better sense of over the years since, is that eos actually has way more going for it than just its good looks. 

First, eos is organic. Did you know that? For a long time, I actually didn't. But it's something that I really appreciate now that the concept of organic has become very important to me. I mean, I would never describe myself as a crunchy hippie or anything, but I care about my body and my health and about what goes into it and on it. And obviously I'm a mom, so I care even more about those things when it comes to my kids! So, with food, I'm always very careful about buying organic as much as I possibly can. But we forget how much lip balm we consume, too! If you're like me, you are constantly applying it--and then constantly licking it off. (Especially when it's a brand like this that tastes so good!) I don't know about you, but I carry lip balm in every purse, I have them in my kitchen drawers and in my medicine cabinet. I've been known to whip one out anywhere and everywhere, whether I'm commuting on the train, watching my kids at the park, or just getting ready for bed, so it feels comforting to know that there aren't any scary chemicals or sketchy ingredients in there. 

The other big thing to know about eos lip balm is that it's made of the highest quality natural ingredients. They don't rely on a bunch of fillers or crappy versions of the good stuff. They use proven, top notch ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, sunflower oil, and beeswax--stuff that you can actually pronounce, that actually works. And though the eos formula has always been good, it's now new and better than ever. This year, they reformulated, so now there are even more hydrating ingredients in there, and it somehow feels even more softening now with a bit more "glide" when you apply it. (Just a heads up that they also updated their packaging. The orbs themselves haven't changed--thank god!--but the outer packaging is different; it's really fun and bright now.) 

So, all of that means that, yes, eos is incredibly attractive, but as a longtime user, I swear: I DON'T JUST LIKE IT FOR ITS BODY; I love it for what's inside, too. ;) I can feel good about slicking it on all day long, and about letting my kids use it. (Am I the only one whose kids are obsessed with the eos orbs?? I put them in their Easter baskets every year, so they each have their own, but they are still always stealing mine!) 

If you'd like to try the new eos lip balm formula, I've got you covered: You can win a six-month supply by entering via the widget below. And if you'd like to learn more about eos and their organic formulas, you can visit their website here.

This post was sponsored by eos, a brand I have used and loved for years.

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My Favorite Summer Beauty Products

Trying beauty products has been a part of my job for the past 15 or so years. But to be totally honest, I haven't always been great at that part of the job. My problem has always been that when I find things I like, I tend to stick with them, and then I'm hesitant to switch. But lately, I've been much better about trying new things, and lo and behold, I've found some really great stuff! 

So, say hello to nine beauty products I'm absolutely loving right now. Most are new, a few are tried-and-true faves, but all are pretty much guaranteed to make your summer just a little more beautiful. 

Bath & Body Works Shower Jelly - This one is actually on here because my kids are obsessed with it. I use it to bribe them to take showers on days when they're not in the mood, because they love it that much. It smells fantastic, it feels like Jello, and it cleanses. What's not to love? 

Oribe Straight Away Smoothing Blowout Cream - You know I love me a good blowout, right? Well, this is a beautiful blowout cream for days I want my hair a bit on the straighter side. It de-frizzes, shortens your blowdrying time, and doesn't feel heavy or greasy. Plus, it has that heavenly Oribe smell, which at the end of the day, is really what it's all about.

eos Lemon Drop Lip Balm - I am very, very good about applying sunscreen, but I often forget to protect my lips. (Which is dumb. Lips are skin. And they can get skin cancers.) So I've recently gotten in the habit of using this SPF 15 balm, which isn't hard to do since a) the ball shape is fun and addicting to use, and b) it smells, deliciously, like lemonade.

Supergoop Everyday Sunscreen SPF 50 - I just realized that I wrote about this last month, but honestly, it's that good. It has the lightest, most perfect texture, it sinks in immediately, and it has a yummy licorice smell. I use this every single day on my face, neck, and ears, then follow-up with the Neutrogena below. 

Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 50 - This is the second sunscreen I use ever day on my face, and yes, I use two separate sunscreens there. (I learned that genius tip from this interview I did with beauty expert Courtney Dunlop.) I apply two--one chemical and one physical--to get maximum protection. The Supergoop (which is chemical) goes all over first. Then, I apply the Neutrogena, which is a physical blocker, on my nose (which burns very quickly--even with sunscreen--in the sun), my forehead, and the tops of my cheeks where I have a bit of melasma on one side, since it's super important to protect melasma, because it WILL get worse with sun exposure. And regardless of my elaborate two-step process, I love this sunscreen! The name is very appropriate. It has a high level of zinc, but goes transparent, fast. You look white for a second or two, then it disappears almost immediately when you rub it. It's my favorite zinc sunscreen I have ever used. (Also: Cool deal alert! If you order two of these--or $20 worth of any Neutrogena products--on ulta.com right now, you get a free gift.)

Wander Beauty Exquisite Eye Liquid Shadow - I've actually mentioned this one before, too, but it's really so good. Cream shadows look so much better than powders in the summer (they go with the whole dewy vibe of the season; powders can look dry and cakey), and I love these colors! I've been wearing Bronze for awhile now. Dove Grey is a more recent find. Both are perfect for day. For night, I apply them a little heavier and then add a darker shade along the lashlines and at the outer corners.

Benefit Hoola Lite Bronzer - I have long loved Benefit Hoola Bronzer...in theory. But it's really too dark for my pale skin. Hoola Lite is perfect! It's like a barely-there bronzer for people who want to look a little healthier, a little less washed out, but not TAN. (Also, in case you missed it, my daughter hilariously tried it--and a few other beauty products--in this video!)

The Body Shop Coconut Hair Shine - Ok, this is one of my all-time favorite beauty products, and not a new find, but it's incredible. My hair can get really poufy in the summer, and just a dab of this waxy balm gets rid of any frizz or puffiness. And one tin lasts (literally) years. It's the best thing ever! 

It Cosmetics Confidence in a Compact SPF 50+ - I'm so into this right now! It's a buildable, medium-coverage compact foundation that also has anti-aging ingredients and SPF 50. It is sooo easy to apply and makes me look like I have good skin--when I really don't, actually. Just keep in mind: It's not a great idea to rely on the SPF in any foundation as your only sunscreen. People almost never apply enough to get the SPF listed, so I think of SPF in makeup as an awesome bonus, not my primary protection.

So, tell me: What are some beauty products you guys are loving right now? I'd love to hear your recommendations below.

Oh! And just a heads up: In a few days, I'll be running a fun giveaway that contains another one of my favorite summer beauty products. Stay tuned! (And be sure to follow me on Facebook, because I'll be announcing the giveaway there once it's up.)

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