It isn't often that I -- a fashionista at heart -- pass up the chance to buy clothes, let alone the latest pair of designer strappy sandals. But this month I forewent the Manolo Blahniks and the Jimmy Choos in favor of a beauty product so luxurious, so decadent, so utterly fabulous, I just don't think there's anything that can top it. Enter Bond No. 9 West Side Eau de Parfum -- 3.3 oz. of beauty and grace destined to make you say "Ooooooh."
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
East Meets West: Bond No. 9 West Side
Sunday, January 28, 2007
Paint the Town with Hard Candy Vintage Nail Polish
I'm a sucker for nail polish. Bright, muted, light, dark, pink, black ... bring it all on in spades. And not that I don't love a good manicure or pedicure -- I'm willing to have someone pamper my nails 24/7. But once in awhile, whether it's time constraints or just the love of painting, I love to do my nails myself. Rustling through my drawers and drawers of polish bottles, brand after brand pops out at me. A favorite of mine for years now, Hard Candy Vintage Nail Polish has kept me coming back for more.
Friday, January 26, 2007
Pimples? Not On Your Life: Biore Deep Pore Cleansing Cloths
Let's face it -- no matter how much we cleanse and exfoliate, pimples turn up every now and again. Now, this beauty chick's been blessed with fairly clear skin, but the occasional blemish does find a way to appear. And it's usually right before a big date, a presentation at work, a night out with the girls -- think of any inopportune moment, that's when the red spots show up. But I recently discovered one of the best products on the market to combat this most annoying of occurences. In stepped Biore Deep Pore Cleansing Cloths -- a serious, big-time miracle worker, even for the most sensitive skinned beauties.
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Hair Makes the (wo)Man: Aveda Shampure Shampoo
Dull, lifeless tresses. Lackluster locks. A frizzy, curli-cued mess. That's what this beauty chick's hair looks like without the right hair products! Thankfully, I've discovered the most perfect, the winning-est, just the all-time best shampoo. Aveda Shampure Shampoo is a mix of 25 -- yes, 25! - different pure flower and plant essences for a calming, soothing shower experience.
And with an infusion of Morikue protein, this baby cleanses and fortifies your strands, leaving them looking and feeling so shiny you'll feel like a whole new woman. Don't believe me? Before picture: frizzy, uncontrollable hair that made me want to scream in the morning. After picture: locks so unbelievably bouncy, so irresistibly shiny, I can't do anything but smile!
Aveda Shampure Shampoo retails for $12 at aveda.com.
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
What's That Smell? Oh, It's Ralph Lauren Romance!
Search for a signature scent? Why not try looking for a needle in a haystack? Seriously, how many women go through life never finding that one perfect scent that seems to say, "You complete me"? Hundreds, maybe even thousands! I've found my vanity, dresser and bathroom counter cluttered with so many perfume bottles over the years, it's a wonder I didn't try to open up a perfume store. But alas -- after much searching, spraying and sniffing -- I believe I have found that one scent that stops both men and women alike in their tracks. What is this magical, magnificent scent, you may ask? None other than Ralph Lauren Romance.
A delectable blend of eight floral notes -- including sungoddess rose, marigold, white violet and lotus flower -- melds with chamomile oil, patchouli and musk for an utterly sensual and seductive experience.
Truth be told, I've has worn this on more than one occasion only to be stopped suddenly and informed, "You smell amazing." Have sweeter words ever been uttered?
Ralph Lauren Romance retails for $84 at sephora.com.
Monday, January 22, 2007
Now That's Juicy: Lancome Juicy Gelee Crystal Clear Lip Gloss
Now, I've got nothing against matte lips. They're all fine and dandy. But this beauty chick prefers a glossy, slicked-to-the-max pout. There are tons of products on the market guaranteed to give you high-wattage shine in the blink of an eye -- and, truth be told, I've experimented with pretty much every single one of them. My current obsession? Lancôme Juicy Gelée Crystal Clear Lip Gloss (especially in Pink Lollipop).
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Shine On, Shine Off: Rid Your Skin of Excess Shine with Boscia Green Tea Blotting Linens
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Straight Up Now Tell Me: Frederic Fekkai Straight Away
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
And That's My New Philosophy! Philosophy Waffle Cone 3-in-1
Have you ever just been wandering along, minding your own business, when all of a sudden the absolute best new product stops you in your tracks? I recently discovered the latest jewel in Philosophy's crown: their Waffle Cone 3-in-1.
It's sugary sweet, but not too much so -- a totally yummy addition to your next pampering experience. Part shampoo, part shower gel, part bubble bath, ALL delectable goodness. And the best part? As with all Philosophy 3-in-1's, a tasty recipe adorns the front, this time for -- what else? -- waffle cones!
I've already got Strawberry Milkshake, Mimosa, Vanilla Birthday Cake, Cinnamon Buns, Raspberry Sorbet ... okay, pretty much every flavor imaginable. I snapped up this new treat so fast the salesgirls' heads whipped around, but hey -- sometimes a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do!
Note: While this particular 3-in-1 has since sold out, you can find many others -- like the divine Falling In Love or Vanilla Birthday Cake, for example -- at sephora.com and philosophy.com.
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Lash Out: Maybelline Great Lash Mascara
Monday, January 15, 2007
Luscious Lips: Stila Lip Glaze in Starfruit (And, Okay, Every Other Shade)
Lip gloss is a tricky thing. So many of them are too wet, too dry, too glossy, too sticky ... just too SOMETHING. But find the one that's perfect for you and you buy it in droves, right? God forbid it gets discontinued, leaving you to start the search all over again. Luckily, Stila has come to the rescue with their ingenious Lip Glazes -- created in tons of amazing shades (this beauty chick counts over 30!) that will make your lips look perfect every time.
Saturday, January 13, 2007
Sephora: The Beauty Mecca
I've been in love with Sephora ever since one opened at the mall near my house over 10 years ago. Every time I walk through the doors into the brightly-lit store before me, I can't help but let out a little gasp of awe and glee. Sephora = Beauty Mecca.
Seriously. Where else can you find everything from a Shu Uemura eyelash curler or Benefit Maybe Baby perfume to Frederic Fekkai Straight Away and Tocca candles? As the girl growing up who hoarded her mom's old makeup and yearned for those kits from the drugstore with 20 eyeshadows, 10 lipsticks and 5 blushes, Sephora is a dream come true. And the best part? You can test EVERYTHING. Walk up and down the aisles and peruse, brush, powder and spritz to your heart's content. Sephora, this beauty chick loves you.
Friday, January 12, 2007
Everything's Coming Up Roses: Illume Violet Rose Candle
Candles are one of this beauty chick's very favorite things. I'm always on the lookout for the newest one guaranteed to perk up otherwise drab surroundings. And I've found it in Illume's Violet Rose candle -- truly one of the most gorgeous candles I've ever seen.
An ivory-colored pillar candle resides within a glass jar, which sounds mundane, I know. But the glass jar is emblazoned with an allover sweeping floral design in shocking pink -- it's so antique-y and Victorian-inspired. The scent of roses permeates the air as soon as this beautiful candle leaves its box, which this girl thinks must have some sort of aromatherapeutic value -- as she feels more and more calm with each passing second breathing in the heady scent.
Plus, the burn time of this candle is 45 hours. Trust me, you won't be disappointed.
Note: While this particular candle has since sold out, you can find many other enticing options at illumecandles.com.


