Another reason to shop bobbibrowncosmetics.com rather than visit the beauty counter. With every $100 order, you receive a Bobbi Brown gift with purchase. The gift usually consists of three mini (deluxe size) products and this trio changes often. Being a mini fanatic, I wait for my favorite products in mini form and then make my online purchase (I know!). 

I just received a Long-Wear Eye Pencil, a mini Eye-Opening Mascara, and a mini Instant Long-Wear makeup Remover. All my 'travel' eye makeup needs are met. Now, just weeks later, there is a new trio available. The Bronze Babe Set includes a mini lip gloss, a mini bronzing powder (love), and WAIT a mini face blender brush. I WANT!

*Remember to look at the very top of the web page for the gift with the purchase code.

I'm packing for Santorini, Greece (YAY!) and thought I'd share with you my summer vacation essential cosmetics list and vacation beauty advise. Rule #1 - keep your makeup natural and your routine simple.

Opt for a natural glow with Bobbi Brown Bronzing Powder and Bobbi Brown Blush and Highlighter Cheek Palette - shades of coral brighten your face and accentuate your bronzed skin. Buxom Mascara in black will make your lashes thicker, longer and give you a naturally enhanced look. I'm a lipstick girl, so it's no surprise I have four lip products in my cosmetic bag - Too Faced Lip Injection Extreme for the ultimate pouty lip, YSL Tint-in-Oil lip gloss to nourish my lips, Dior Addict Lip Glow in coral for the perfect summer shade and Bite Beauty BB for lips to hydrate, prime and protect my lips from sun damage.

Where there are tropical temperatures there is usually humidity which = frizzy, unmanageable hair! Don't fuss over a perfect hairstyle and opt for wavy 'I'm on vacation and I don't care' hair. Bumble and Bumble Prêt-à-Powder is a light dry shampoo with a fresh scent (oh and gives great volume when applied to roots). For texture and light hold in your waves use Bumble and Bumble Dryspun Finish.

Protecting your body from sun damage is of the utmost importance. I use Tizo3 sunscreen on my face (day and night, cause it's a great tinted primer), Skin Ceuticals Epidermal Repair for much needed moisturizing after the sun - this cream is used to repair skin after facial procedures and works great on sunburns. After a long day in the sun, the fresh scent of Bliss Fabulous Foaming Face Wash (reminds me of blueberries) will leave your skin feeling rejuvenated - this cleanser removes makeup and oil while gently exfoliating your skin. Bliss Fabulous Foaming Face Wash is effective and refreshing.

Many people comment on my eyelashes - I have been asked what falsies I was wearing more than once.. None, they're real! A quick application of LASHFOOD before bed and my lashes are thicker, longer and healthy. They appear hydrated and silky, my mascara goes on nicely, I never have to curl my lashes and they look smooth. I know - healthy lashes?! You can't go wrong adding nutrition to your lashes or any other part of your body, whether it's inside or out. LASHFOOD is comprised of organic medicinal herbs and there are no harsh side effects. I tried Latisse many years ago and my eyelids turned dark purple - I'm happy the permanent eyeshadow faded over time and caution anyone considering this lash growth method. LASHFOOD natural eyelash enhancer is Ecocert certified (meets standards for natural and organic cosmetics). I highly recommend this product.

You can purchase LASHFOOD at lashfood.com or sephora.com. 

I love the brush shape of these mascaras. The Phenomen Eyes brush is a small round ball, perfect for covering your lashes in the outer corner of your eye. Open your eye wide and sweep the brush outwards. My daily mascara has a large brush that won't reach into the outer corner of my eye, so I was happy to discover Phenomen Eyes by Givenchy. The Noir Couture mascara brush has three small balls for precise application. This mascara comes in black velvet and purple velvet. Those of you with green eyes should definitely try the purple velvet. 

These mascaras are available at most major department stores and of course at my favorite beauty product store Sephora.

Life expectancy of your makeup:

I have tried more mascara's than I can remember or count and finally I found a lengthening and volumizing mascara in one. Buxom Lash Mascara is my absolute favorite mascara. This mascara thickens your lashes, defines and separates them to perfection. No-clumping and keeps your lashes looking fabulous all day and night.

Buxom Lash Mascara is available in a mini 0.2 oz or a full size 0.37 oz. The mini is great for your purse and travel cosmetic bag. It is available in one color, Blackest Black.

Buxom Lash Mascara is a must have!