Yes, my Fangtasia Barrinos, even though I lurves me a super bright blush (hello, NARS Mounia), there are times when I need prefer a more natural cheek look.

That’s why I’m fawning over Philosophy Lit From Within cream blush in Bare Your Soul ($23).

With just the faintest touch of shimmer, it’s like a smile on my cheeks.

Not only does it apply and blend like a dream (I use my fingers), it stays put for hours, too, on either bare skin or atop foundation.

And the color? Perfect! Like pinched cheeks, and probably one of the most natural-looking blush colors I’ve seen in a really long time.

Bare Your Soul joins two other creatively named shades in the Lit From Within line of cream blushes — Feel Warm All Over (a shimmery coral) and Look on the Bright Side (a sheer pink).

They’re part of Philosophy’s new Supernatural line of natural makeup in sheer colors for face, cheeks, eyes and lips. All are free of parabens, phthalates (plasticizers used in everything from children’s toys to eyeshadows and nail polish), mineral oil, talc, sulfates, propylene glycol and fragrance.

I’ll use it for low-maintenance looks or whenever I don’t want my cheeks to compete with any bright pops o’ color on my lips or eyes. Makeup and Beauty Blog Rating: A+

Home sweet home

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Where my 30-something girls at?? This month, our allies at Clarins are introducing a gang of new face creams and lotions for the over-30 set.

The line’s called Multi-Active Day, and Clarins designed the four products for busy women looking for a little help in the wrinkles and fine lines department. Stressed out and a touch wrinkly? Helloooo, that’s totally me.

The key phrase here is “active plant ingredients.” They’re what the line is all about. Among other plant-based ingredients, they contain ambiaty extract (a Madagascar plant related to sunflowers) and hesperidin (from citrus plants, it has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties), to moisturize, to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and to restore elasticity to skin.

I started using both the Day Cream for All Skin Types ($54) and SPF 15 Lotion ($54) about a month ago.

First, le good stuff:

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Happy Sunday, girls. What have you been up to today?

I’m going casual with my look but still having fun with a new product.

One thing I really love about weekends is dressing down my makeup, and Clarins has this new mascara called Wonder Perfect ($23.50, available in Black, Brown and Blue) that suits my weekend philosophy to a T.

Just one little coat of this glossy, highly pigmented mascara (I have it in Black) increases lash length, pumps up the volume and holds a curl all day long.

Lashes, au naturale

With one layer

I like the way it looks after one layer — natural with a little kick…

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Grab your favorite razor, girls, and skip with me down to the land of smooth, bump-free skin. Say hola to Bliss Ingrown Eliminating Pads ($38 for 50 pads).

It’s hard to believe how fast time flies, but ’round these parts Labor Day means we’ve reached the unofficial end of summer, and THAT means ye olde swimsuit will soon be retired.

Of course, just because the two-piece goes into hibernation for a while doesn’t mean I won’t want to shave and/or wax.

That’s where Bliss Ingrown Eliminating Pads come into play. They help treat and prevent the ingrown hairs and razor bumps that can result from shaving and waxing.

Ingrown hairs begone!

The geniuses at Bliss soak these disposable round pads (they’re about the size of my palm) with exfoliating salicylic and glycolic acids and pack them with oat extract, witch hazel and lavender oil to soothe freshly groomed parts.

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I love the look of dramatic false eyelashes, but they aren’t the most practical things for everyday use. Momentarily overlooking how much a good pair can cost (WTF?!), I don’t always have the time, patience or coordination, either.

Enter Lancome’s new Hypnose Drama ($24.50, comes in just one shade called Excessive Black) mascara. It’s like the imitation crab of the eyelash world, delivering most of the flava of the fake real thing at a fraction of the cost.

It makes my naturally thin, short and sparse (read: sad) lashes appear thicker, longer and generally more fab.

But (there’s always a but) this false lash fabulosity comes at a price, and I’m not talking about the $24.50.

First, the pros

With even a single layer of Hypnose Drama, I’m convinced my lashes look longer, thicker, fuller and better defined, showcasing the most delicious shade of glossy black, and curled lashes hold all day long (although it’s not waterproof) without any noticeable flaking or smudging at all (YES!).

The product would be an all-around great performer if it weren’t for one thing…

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