B Polished: From Winter to Summer nails

If you wear the same nail color all year round then I'm sorry to tell you but you're in a nail polish rut. Summer is the perfect time to step away from that year round neutral and try something new! You might surprise yourself and find a new favorite color.

If you wear grays in the winter, try a minty fresh polish like this one from Butter London! The pastel is still muted but the mint color gives you a new look.

Red is not always a subtle choice in the winter and making the change to orange and coral shouldn't be too difficult for you. I love this orange from Essie plus don't forget about Tart Deco, a long time orange favorite!

I'm going out on a whim that those who go with dark tones through the winter are ready for something bold. Enter, Jewel Tones and basically the complete new Deborah Lippmann collection. If you wear just one of these for a week over the Summer that's success.

B Smooth: Somersets Shaving Oil

Half the time when I decide to wear a skirt or anything that shows my legs, it's a last minute decision like most outfit changes. When it comes to shaving products I'm looking for time savers and moisture to avoid drying out my skin.  Somersets English Shaving Oil's gentle formula gives enough moisture that I can skip post-shave lotion application when I'm out of the shower. This little bottles goes a long way which has saved me money on buying expensive bottles of shaving cream that I always over apply. That's why this little beauty buy is one I'll have in my bathroom all Summer long.

B Scrubbed: Meet Frank

How many body scrubs have you tried in your life? I can tell you that mine is in the dozens. Body scrubs tend to be that last minute purchase i add to my basket at Ulta as a way to indulge myself. Not sure I really believed in the benefits until I tried Frank. Have you heard of Frank? If you've met Frank than chances are you are exclusive with Frank.

I'm not afraid to try a product once and with Frank's all natural ingredients plus insanely affordable price, it was a no brainer. Frank claims to target cellulite, stretch marks, psoriasis, varicose veins, eczema and acne. If you've only checked off one of those as a symptom of your skin then I know you're still paying attention.

Frank works with a simple application process of rubbing mixture on skin on circular motions. After scrub has been applied you must leave Frank on for 10 minutes or so. This is where you get small tasks done where you can be standing naked. I caught up on Game of Thrones and painted my nails before rinsing in the shower and finding my skin incredibly soft. My skin was hydrated with no need for a lotion application before bed and not over oily where I couldn't crawl in my sheets. I didn't start using Frank with any severe symptoms  but can't deny the results shared on social media by other customers. Plus, will I ever turn down soft skin? Negative.

B Ready: Post-workout necessities

Making time for a workout takes a lot of planning and determination which is why there are some things that I like to keep simple such as my post-workout beauty routine. I am most likely running straight home after a Flywheel class but I've learned the hard way to pay attention to my skin immediately after a workout to keep it in top shape.

Dermalogica clearing mattifier: It does what it says, clearing mattifier keeps my oiliest areas clear of breakouts. While your skin might not be naturally oilily, working out makes you sweat which opens up your pores to trap oil and dirt. I apply the clearing mattifier day/night and immediately post-workout to control shine and minimize the appearance of pores.

Neutrogena Oil-Free cleansing wipes: Everyone should have a pack of these in their gym bag. If you don't shower immediately at the gym cleansing wipes are a perfect solution to clear skin of oil and dirt build up! Plus the grapefruit makes you smell nice...

evian Facial Water Spray: When I walk out of a spin class, I am hot and sweaty and the last thing I want to do is lather on a heavy moisturizer.  This water spray is packed with minerals that keeps my skin moisturized and provides a bonus cool down. Win win.

Deodorant: When it comes to deodorant, use the kind that works best for you but I advise to splurge for the two-pack. I've kept it a habit to always have one in my gym bag in addition to my bathroom that way it's always handy.

Kate Spade Small Henrietta: The perfect case to keep all my post-workout beauty needs in one place. I'm constantly switching between gym bags so this helps me keep all the above items organized and in place.

B Cleansed: How to detox your beauty routine

Today I start a juice cleanse. I know, I know "I'm crazy". But before you make any quick judgements let me tell you its only for three days. That should be cake, right? Meanwhile I'm detoxing my whole body I thought about what it takes to detox my beauty routine. It's these simple steps that make your regular routine work deeper and better throughout the month!

Bobble water jug // sharpie // Neutrogena Anti-Residue Shampoo // Revlon facial steamer

Drink water: We hear this over and over but this really is the easiest solution! I've started to aim to drink a gallon a day. It's a lofty goal but my body still feels great if I miss by a glass or two. Starting with this will help with so much more than just your skin but a glowing hydrated face is a major plus!

Check expiration dates: Do you know our beauty products expire? I forget all the time. Try to go through your products quarterly and throw any that have been around too long. Below is a break down is what should be tossed after a certain time frame. Don't know when you purchased something? Better safe than sorry, toss it.

Two years:

• Foundation
• Concealer
• Powder
• Eyeshadow
• Blush
• Moisturizer

One year:

• Lipstick
• Pencils

6 Months:

• Mascara
• Eye cream

Next time you purchase a new product, write the expiration date large and clear with a sharpie so that you don't forget!

Remove build-up: Products are great but sometimes you need a good deep cleaning for them to work again. For my hair, I use Neutrogena Anti-Residue Shampoo. This will strip your hair gently of shampoo and product build up. To ensure I don't dehydrate my hair with over cleaning, I'll use a deep conditioning formula on my ends right after.

See a professional: Face it (no pun intended). No one can get you as cleansed and detoxed as a professional esthetician. There are plenty of at-home extraction DIY videos but there are also a lot of risks to scarring your face further if done wrong. Extraction removes built up oil and dirt from hard to reach places! On a budget? Many salons now offer just extraction for under $20 and after all that's the hard part! To keep up with my clean pores post-facial, I use a at-home facial steamer to open my pores so product gets to work deep.

B Favors

We could go into the long catch up of where I've been listing my excuses of why I haven't been blogging. But instead I prefer to just jump back into things that I love or in this case favor. Here is just a bit of what I've been wearing, loving, listening to, etc. And in return I hope you share what you've been favoring lately.

ONE | Neutral sweaters: It feels as if Winter should be over but I know it's not. In order to make good purchases but also keep myself warm, I'm investing in neutral sweaters that will still be classic for next season regardless of the trends. The T. Babaton Gene Sweater from Artizia has been a huge favorite that I can't stop wearing.

TWO | Deep cleaning: Beauty junkies love cleaning their face and I don't know what I was doing before Dermalogica's precleanse. You'd think putting an oil on your face would only clog the pores but ta da! That's the trick to bring dirt up before you go in with your cleanser. Addicted.

THREE | Hunter rainboots: Not much to say about these babies. Classic, so many colors and a Seattle essential.

FOUR | New tunes: Best part of music award season for me is watching Bruno Mars perform and I hope to see more of him. His new CD Unorthodox Jukebox has been on repeat as of lately.

FIVE | Gifts to yourself: I've always loved receiving great gifts from loved ones that I can remember for years to come. Though there comes a time unfortunately when some items have bad feelings attached. Giving myself a gift after heartbreak felt empowering and marked a time where I'm happy to be who I am. How better to do this than with a David Yurman Crossover Double X Ring?

B Extended: 4 Things I've learned about eyelash extensions

It's been over a year since I got my first eyelash extensions. I have tried a handful of places, bought those famous groupons and really found the key to the best eyelash extension experience. It's a conversation I always seem to have with one random girl in a bar. The conversation always starts with "Your have beautiful eyelashes" or some get right to it and ask "Are your eyelashes real?". And being the beauty junkie I am, I go into a 10 minute conversation about how and what eyelashes can do for you. Here are the highlights:

Treat them as they're your natural eyelashes:
Eyelash extensions are individual lashes glued to your natural eyelashes and if done properly won't cause long term damage. Do you pick at your own eyelashes? When you do, do you find that they fall out? Yes, same will happen if you pick at your eyelash extensions. Eyelashes fall and grow just as the hair on our head does. And with special treatments applied to your lashes, it is important you take care of them.

Special treatments require special care:
Adding length to your eyelashes do make you more aware of how you use your eyelashes. For instance, when you wash your face your voluminous lashes will collect water. TIP: Pat eyelashes gently with towel when wet before opening your eyes.

Darker lashes save time and make-up costs:
I have never found the perfect mascara that I love. Eyelash extensions took this dilemma away from me. I haven't worn mascara in over a year and in return wear less make up in general. I found that the dark eyelashes applied created a more natural eyeliner to my eyes that worked for day makeup.

Not every "deal" is a good deal:
Your initial session could take over a hour and a half depending on the speed the of the technician. I found my salon in Seattle through a recommendation of a friend. This is the most secure way to find an appropriate price and clean salon in your area. When I moved to NYC, I looked for online deals and unfortunately wasted money on eyelashes that only lasted 1-2 weeks at most. I have found from experience that no eyelash fill should cost more than $75 and should last you at least 4 weeks between fills. With eyelash extension becoming more popular, this reasonable price is possible!

B Tried and Tested:
Seattle: Myano's Nails & Spa
NYC: Red and White Spa many times and saw my eyelashes lasted 3- 4 weeks
NYC: Blink Beauty in Union Square- eyelashes only lasted 1-2 weeks (don't recommend)

Any other eyelash extension questions? Tweet @brookeandersen!

*I am not a professional and only share recommendations through my own experiences.

B Sparkled: 3 Glitter polishes for Fall

Glitter polish is most easily worn during the holidays or if you're a fashion blogger it may be a year round necessity. For bloggers and all you others, these are my picks for the best glitter for fall.

Gobsmacked by butter London is the best example for fall glitter. Dark and mysterious with a hint of sparkle. With this polish your Halloween costume most likely includes a masquerade mask and a tiara.

Yumi is for the girl who wants an excuse to celebrate. You're prone to popping champagne mid-week (why aren't we friends yet?) and you want your nails to tell that.

Deborah Lippmann Cleopatra in New York gives you glamour in the perfect dark gold. Best transition color for those who would rather skip Halloween and put the Mariah Carey Christmas album on repeat. Hand raised.

gobsmacked // yumi // cleopatra in new york

B Listed: Fall beauty must haves

As the leaves change, so should your beauty routine. Here are three beauty must haves for fall that I will be working to perfect. 

1. Winged tip eyeliner: We all know Lauren Conrad has perfected this look and Adele kills it but I'm looking to make this work everyday. With all the many tutorials available I am determined to master the art of eyeliner.

2. Simple bun: I have to admit that this look is already in my daily routine (typically day 3 of dirty hair) and will use throughout the season. 

3. Dark lips: This is a stretch for me. Just last year, I started wearing lipstick and have fears of this dark lip color. The trick here will be finding the perfect shade that compliments my skin tone and the perfect formula that stays through the day. 

winged tip // simple bun // dark lips

B Tried: Beauty tested

For a self-proclaimed beauty junkie I'll typically try any product at least once. These are a few recent testers on my list that have made it past the one time trial.

ONE: Philosophy Here Comes the Sun gradual face self-tanner- In the summer, it's best to be tan and even in the fall its nice to not be pale. In a time that I would rather not discuss, I went to tanning beds. I can still feel the damage sun did on my skin after the beach and you know that dry feeling I'm talking about. I have made the transition to spray tan for my body but still couldn't find the best for my face that didn't stain the more sensitive skin orange. Using Philosophy morning (after moisturizer but before makeup) and night (after moisturizer again) has given me subtle color for when I need it. It takes about 3 applications to go really tan and in the fall I will probably hold back to only two during the week. If your skin is begging you to make the transition to self-tanner, this is one I'd stock up on.

TWO: Ole Henriksen Ultimate lift eye gel roll on- Sometimes you need some love before you make it to the coffee machine and this gives me an instant refresher. Tired eyes comes easily to a full-time gal in NYC so having a boost has really helped those under eyes firm up. Note: This product will not replace your morning caffeine addiction.

THREE: Boscia Detoxifying black cleanser- I guess becoming a Sephora insider did me good when rewarded with this cleanser. The black appearance might night make you think you're getting clean but the heat conducted up on contact with the skin opens up your pores and de-clogs what you can't get. I haven't completely said no to my daily cleanser but this is still being worth a few more tests.

B On my radar

ONE: Dry Shampoo- because I can't stop trying them. Still on the hunt for the best.

TWO: Neon Corkscrews- easy to find and pretty to look at. WIN!

THREE: iPhone Case- Pink and glitter- love this!

FOUR: Coasters- You can never have too many coasters.

FIVE: Nautical TOMS- Comfortable and preppy, on my list.

B Craving: Summer nail art

My nails have received little attention lately besides the occasional bright color pop. With so many events this Summer they are in some need of deserving awesome nail art!

HOLIDAY WEEKEND // BEACH DAY // POOL PARTY

B On my radar

A few things I've stumbled upon and put on the must buy, must do, must try lists.

Grapefruit and Mint Mojitos // Splendid Print Shorts // Chipotle Rubbed Salmon Tacos // Wood Desktop Calendar // Julep Nail Color Daphne and Yumi

B Needed: Coral & Neon

My nail polish collection has been neglected lately. I am disappointed in myself that my cabinet isn't over flooding with new colors (regardless of that huge collection still in Seattle). Looking for something new to compliment spray tans to come. Neon and coral is just what I need on hands or toes. Ladies, I think we found this season's nail must have.

Butter London // Essie // Deborah Lippmann

B Gifted: At home gel manicure kit

I'm not sure how she does it but my sister Whitney is notoriously good at picking out presents. She never has to go off a list (even though I always provide one) and always manages to surprises me. She gifted me an at home gel kit for Christmas and it was been the gift that keeps giving. With a full-time job, I don't always find the time to re-paint my nails every 2 or 3 days like I use to and with NYC rent prices the option of going to the salon every weekend is non-existent.

The red carpet gel polish kit is similar to exactly how you would receive a gel manicure at a salon. Prep your nails with prep solution, apply base coat-put nails under light, apply one coat color-put nails under light, apply second coat of color-put nails under light, apply top coat-put nails underlight, wipe clean with post solution and done!

Some self nail painting talent may be required but with practice and patience you'll nail an awesome manicure. My gel manicure from this kit typically lasts me 5-7 days. OH and don't worry, there are plenty of color options...

B Treated: A good hair day

We all know what clarifies a good hair day, you wave your head back and forth and will jump as in many pictures as possible. But what does it take to have one and what’s the formula? I’ve been figuring out my own for years and still continue to learn more and more. Yesterday while trying a new hair stylist I had the best experience because he taught me about my hair rather than preaching at me.

High pony tails break my hair: Apparently, I’ve been going too tight with the pull back lately as my hair was seeing the stress of wearing my hair high. I was suggested to limit pulling my hair back but when necessary pull back loosely at the nape of my neck to keep away from extra stress. Or I need to get in a habit of using better hair bands for my hair.

Right products: I was praised when I mentioned using Moroccanoil on my tresses daily before applying heat but was also introduced to a Profound beauty frizz zero mousse that will help my hair hold curl and of course, keep frizz to a minimum.

Long term care: My hair is thin and growing it out long was a tricky defeat but I have found that will weekly hair masks that my hair is accommodating my length perfectly and seems that any day can be a good hair day. 

B Tried: Crest 3D White after smile

A few posts ago I let you in on my before picture of my smile. I had used whitening products before and had negative feelings about how I had to keep my mouth still or the over sensitivity I experienced afterward. With my 2 hour Crest 3D White strips I managed to catch up with roommate about our week, finish my hair for the evening and dance along to iPod while getting ready. The 2 hour wait went by fast and the results were instant.

Now a few days later after I've drank my morning coffee religiously I still see an impressive white smile for myself and others to enjoy. Here's some coupons so you can go and get your whitening on...

B Sets: Nail glitter trios

About that time to put down the red nail polish and start piling on the glitter for holiday parties. Who can resist a little sparkle? And who doesn't love when it comes in sets of threes! For the time being I am forgetting about how difficult glitter polish can be to get off and shining my nails with sparkle, who's with me?

Butter London holiday glitter trio , Nails Inc glitterati, Deborah Lippmann dance music mini holiday trio.

B Tried: Crest 3D White before smile

A radiant smile is one you don't forget. Not to try to sound like a teeth commercial but it is true that if you're self conscious about your smile you're less likely to show it off. My smile is one of my favorite assets because it's an easy way to make someone comfortable without saying a word. It is a peace offering or a welcome. Smiles go a long way.

As much as I've tried to not to, drinking coffee is a daily occurrence. This is one activity I am doing everyday that hurts my teeth and smile impact. Crest white strips are in my beauty drawer as something I always work in before a big event but really should include for every day. So here I am nervously showing my smile before I try and review Crest 3D White 2 hour express whitestrips, try them with me with these coupons for my readers! What life event would you whiten for in just two hours?

B Clean: Clarisonic mia review and giveaway

We all were there when Oprah screamed to the audience about this amazing skincare invention called a Clarisonic. We all wanted it but even with her stamp of approval there was skepticism in my head because of the price tag. I didn't know anyone personally who had tried a Clarisonic system so as always I was the guinea pig. Let me know be that personal friend to you and fill you in on my results.

After the first use I felt a dramatic difference in my skin. The Clarisonic Mia is gentle but strong enough to stray all dead skin from your face. I have been blessed with great skin and with so I have admittedly become lazy with taking care of it. TheClarisonic Mia cleans my skin so thorougly that when I am in bed after a whole day and haven't cleansed, I can feel the dirt. When you have a cleansing system that reminds you to clean, that is one you want.

And you can get it. Clarisonic is giving away a clarisonic mia to one of Just B readers! I have traveled with this cleansing brush and it fit easily into my makeup bag and one charge will last you a long weekend! Here is what you need to do to enter:

Like and/or follow Clarisonic on facebook and twitter.
Like and/or follow Just B on facebook or twitter.

Leave a comment to be eligible with one entry cmommenting that you are fans and followers of Just B and Clarisonic! The winner will be announced Wednesday, October 19th.

This is a sponsored post. All opinions are 100% Just B.


And the winner is...

Congratulations! Send me an e-mail today to justbblog(at)gmail(dot)com with your shipping information and you'll get your new Clarisonic mia! Thank you for Clarisonic for hosting this giveaway!