I’ll be the first to admit I am a sucker for good marketing. If a product’s packaging catches my eye and the messaging hits my radar, I’ll bite. My husband often makes fun of me at the site of a new toothpaste in our bathroom or an exotic chocolate bar in our kitchen because he knows I fell prey shopping somewhere that day. These impulse purchases fill me with hope and excitement but don’t usually lead to brand loyalty.

Except when they do. As in the case of Alterna Haircare, which lured me in with gorgeous photos of its new partner, Katie Holmes, who I’ll always love for 2003’s Pieces of April alone. Katie and her lustrous locks are new co-owners of the luxury brand, which is pure and natural, free of parabens, sulfates, phthalates and other unnatural, unnecessary additives. With Ric Pepino (hair stylist extraordinaire and Heidi Klum’s ex) on board, Alterna is poised to give my other favorite hair care brand a run for its money.

So far, I’ve tried Alterna’s Caviar Anti-Aging Replenishing Moisture Shampoo and conditioner, which are the best sulfate-free duo I’ve tried yet. The shampoo actually achieves a nice lather, which you don’t often find when you go sulfate-free. I also really like the Caviar Anti-Aging Replenishing Moisture Milk spray for an extra conditioning boost.

Pucker Up: Lipstick trends throughout the decades. (I’m so ’70’s.)

Chop: Usually women do something drastic after they give birth, not before. What do you think of Scarlett Johansson’s new pixie cut?

Say What: Mom thinks her two-year old is not too young for international beauty pageant. Criticism ensues, of course. At least she won’t be wearing makeup.

Shop: Halle Berry’s makeup artist opens new, highly curated beauty e-commerce site.

Launching: Nars + 3.1 Philim Lim essentail nail wardrobe hits Sephora today.

Instagram: 10 great beauty bloggers to follow

Summer Woes: How to handle bug bites, boob sweat and other pesky problems of the season.

So funny: The husband who took maternity photos to a whole new level.

Special delivery: TreatMint Box is the first monthly beauty subscription service exclusively for men and women battling cancer.

I am in love with this Seaweed Salt Scrub from the beautiful organic UK brand Neal’s Yard Remedies.

With a detoxifying blend of black pepper, grapefruit and ginger essential oils, it smells so subtly divine. It also has two different clays that draw impurities from the skin. The exfoliating granules, from pure pumice powder, are small and fine, which I prefer to larger scrubs I’ve tried that made my skin feel a little raw. This scrub washes away easily, leaving skin smooth and moist, but not at all oily, which I’ve also experienced with other body scrubs. What I truly love, though, about my new favorite body product is the infusion of seaweed and dead sea salt minerals that work to tighten and tone skin. It’s a really nice compliment to summer skin care—certainly a great prep to self tanner.

A great brand: Neal’s Yard is a 30 year-old brand and a pioneer of natural skincare. Today, the company has over 80 stores internationally and is sold in more than 800 outlets worldwide, including Whole Foods here in the U.S. They are as committed to the environment as they are organic ingredients, and have the most amazing state-of-the-art eco-factory in Dorset.

This summer, I am fully embracing the mantra if-you-can’t-tone-it-tan-it. It’s taken years, but I have finally found a self-tanning routine that looks natural and, most importantly, I can maintain.

Turns out, my ideal, subtle tan was always right in front of me, in the drugstore: It’s all about the foam. The quick-drying, easy-to-apply, fool-proof Jergens Natural Glow Foaming Daily Moisturizer.

It’s genius mamas. Totally superior to the Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer lotion that seems to own the market.

Here’s why: It dries completely in seconds. As in, you can pull on spandex after applying if you want to. It glides on easily for streak-free color. It has no self-tanning odor. Dare I say, this self tanner is The One.

I have been freaky pale for way too long because I am too lazy to wait around, naked, for other (more expensive, more hyped) self tanning products to dry. Also, most self tanners are so drying they make my skin itchy. Not this fabulous foam. It will come with me right into winter.

File this under: Drugstore No-Brainer.

P.S. I also love Jergen’s BB Body Cream.

The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale has some coveted beauty buys and exclusives that don’t seem to get as much play as the fashion deals do. I felt I would be remiss not to share a few of my favorites with my fellow beauty addicts. The sale is on through August 4th.

Makeup: This “Nude on Nude” palette from Bobbi Brown is an amazing value and the colors are so wearable and universally flattering. It comes with a full size mascara and gel eyeliner. (It’s $85, down from $208!) This limited edition Nars cheek palette is all you need, complete with two blush shades, bronzer and highlighter. The Lacome Mascara Wardrobe is a savvy little buy—for $39 you get their four best-selling mascaras, an eyeliner and eye makeup remover.

Hair: This Perfect Hair Day set from one of my favorite hair care lines, Living Proof, is a great buy at $45. This hair wand looks great, and very similar to my beloved Sedu Clipless hair wand.

Tools: I love this MAC Brush set. A great deal at more than half-off. If you aren’t on the Clarisonic face cleansing bandwagon, this starter set is a nice opportunity to jump on.

There’s also some very good perfume, candles and beautiful soaps sets—perfect for holiday gifts.

Happy shopping!