A Rose By Any Other Name...

Ever on the quest for the perfect candle (my faithful readers already know this about me), I am constantly burning new scents and brands. As a matter of fact, I have a new one burning as I write this! And I believe it could be one of the best ones yet. What is this magical candle of which I speak? Why, none other than the Thymes Kimono Rose Poured Candle, of course.

How do I even begin to describe its beauty? Well, let's start with the packaging. It arrives in its own little cardboard house, shaped much like a Chinese takeout carton and decorated with a gorgeous floral print. Once removed, it will entice you even further with the sweeping pin-dotted floral design painted on its glass jar. This makes it almost -- almost -- worth it.

But then the heady aroma seeps out, and it's all over. Sweet clementine ... sumptuous cassis ... lovely rose, peony and jasmine ... all finally layered with luscious vanilla. It's so intoxicating, you'll feel the need to burn the candle immediately! (Well, at least this beauty chick did.)

Luckily, it has a burn time of 40 hours. And when you run out, you can jump on the Thymes website and pick up another for only $28. Lucky you.

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"O" My Goodness! It's Smashbox O-Glow!

I'll admit it -- I don't normally wear blush. Luckily, I've been blessed with rosier than normal cheeks, so it usually doesn't matter much. But there are those occasions where I'd like to look more fresh-faced and rosy-cheeked than normal ... though I tend to shy away from most blushes for fear of them coming on too strong. Not so with Smashbox's new "smash" hit, O-Glow.

O. My. God. I am literally in love! The unassuming clear gel is housed within a petite white tube, and at first glance you might not think much of it. But a tiny dab of it on your skin and you will instantly be hooked. Formulated with an energizing, silicone-based Goji Berry-C Complex™ (which is chock-full of antioxidants like pomegranate seed oil, Vitamin C and marine plankton), it reacts with your own personal skin chemistry to give your cheeks that healthy, fresh glow you've always dreamed of.

And the best part is, you'll look completely natural, since its purpose is to bring out your skin's natural blushing tones! I was seriously amazed at how quickly it worked, and even more so how natural it made my skin look. I can now say I am addicted to blush, and it's all thanks to Smashbox.

Check it out for yourself on Smashbox's website -- for only $26, I'd say that's a bargain.

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The Best Waterproof Mascaras: Take 1

Let's face it -- mascara running down our cheeks is not what we sign up for when we pop open a new tube. Night of the living dead we beauty chicks are not! So, like most ladies out there, this beauty chick is constantly in search of the latest, greatest waterproof mascara. If it stays in place, great. If it makes my lashes look unbelievably lush and full, even better. First up in my latest test? Lancome's Definicils High Definition Mascara in Deep Brown.

The tube itself intrigued me -- how could enough power be contained within its skinnier-than-skinny square silhouette? Thankfully I got my answer with only a few swipes per eye -- and only a single coat! This baby lengthened my lashes to no end, making them look ... dare I say it ... fabulous. They immediately looked thicker, and the shade seemed to complement the natural tone and texture of my lashes quite well.

But the real test? Wearing it in a sudden rainstorm, in which I was caught with no umbrella on my way to meet the girls for drinks! And, yes, after a quick trip to the ladies' room, I was pleased to discover that it stayed put, continuing to enhance my lashes and make me want to bat my eyes all night long.

The final test came when I was too tired and lazy to remove my makeup before bed. (Yes, I know this is a major faux pas!) Imagine my delighted shock and surprise when it was still in place the next morning! Truly unbelievable.

Pick one up for only $23 at Sephora.com and test it out for yourself. You won't be disappointed!

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All Bottled Up with Penhaligon's

It is my dream that one day I will have the picture-perfect boudoir and vanity. Beautiful crystal bottles standing atop sterling silver trays, luxurious silk-wrapped hangers in the largest walk-in closet known to man, the whole works. Well, Penhaligon's must have heard my prayers, because their fragrance bottles could not be prettier.

The bottles are the absolute perfect addition to any woman's vanity. Gorgeous cylindrical crystal bottles are topped with stunning crystal globe stoppers. Encased within this beauty are beautiful fragrances to match! Choose from scents such as Artemisia (a woodsy floral), Bluebell (very English-inspired), Victorian Posy (a heady floral) and their newest scent, Lily & Spice (lily combined with rich patchouli).

And the best part? Each bottle is finished off with a coordinating grosgrain ribbon bow tied around the stem. Each bottle is $85 and available on Penhaligon's website. Yes, they are an investment -- but definitely one worth making.

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Love at First Sight: Clinique Colour Surge Eye Shadow Duo

Ahh, Clinique. How do I love thee? Let me count the ways. Well, I first met you in high school, when you introduced the lovely fragrance Happy into my life. And happy it surely made me! Foundation and mascara both quickly followed, as did your Glosswear for Lips. And the latest in my love affair? Colour Surge Eye Shadow. First up: the Colour Surge Eye Shadow Duo ($17.50 each).

This product is divided into four distinct categories -- Nudes, Tawnies, Pinks and Violets -- and with 22 different color combinations, each with two gorgeous coordinating shades, it's more than likely that you'll find one (or more!) to suit you. Of note: Nudes' Double Scoop (chocolate and cream), Tawnies' Posh Squash (peach and berry), Pinks' Mochaberry (bubblegum pink and red wine), and Violets' Lilac Truffle (mauve and deep brown).

In case you only like one shadow in a compact at a time, however, Clinique of course has something to suit you too! Enter Colour Surge Eye Shadow Soft Shimmer ($13.50 each). Again divided into these four categories, you'll find utterly unbelievable hues like Nudes' Champagne (barely there ivory), Tawnies' Apricot Spice (shimmery peach), Pinks' Rose Pebble (glitter-dusted rose), and Violets' Lot-A-Lilac (glimmering lavender). Whatever your fancy, Clinique is sure to have it. They haven't let me down yet, and it's been ... well, a woman never tells her age, but let's just say this is one long-lasting love affair that sees no sign of ending.

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Back to Life: Kerastase Masquintense For Fine Hair

Dry. Lifeless. Dull. All words that can be used to describe yours truly's hair on a bad day. How could I hope to change this fact, you might ask? Luckily, with the entering of Kerastase Masquintense For Fine Hair into my life, these words have been replaced with better ones such as "shiny," "healthy" and "silky."

Now, my hair is not fine -- far from it, in fact. But this tub has become my savior, especially now that summer is here, bringing with it intense humidity and its moisture-sapping powers. It contains Gluco-Active Technology, which basically means an amazing combination of glucose, protein and lipids that restore life and happiness both to my hair and to my sanity!

And all that's needed is a quarter-sized dollop about once a week, worked into my tresses post-shampoo and left on for about five minutes before a quick rinsing. The results are nothing short of INTENSE!

Now, this doesn't come cheap -- it will run you between $38-$87 on Amazon.com. But trust the girl who would have a huge 'fro on her head if not for this product ... it's worth it. Don't believe me? You will, after a test drive.

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Bobbing for Beauty: Bobbi Brown Aprict Shimmer Brick Compact

I have a long-standing affair with eyeshadow. The two of us do everything together -- we go to work, we dance at clubs, we dine at fancy restaurants. But for all of my passion for shadow, I can never seem to commit to just one. Every day and night of the week seems to find me in a different shade, a different brand, a different look. Call me flighty, but I like to think of it as searching for my next soul mate. And I definitely found it in Bobbi Brown's Apricot Shimmer Brick Compact.

The lacquered black compact -- emblazoned with Bobbi's signature, of course -- opens to reveal shades guaranteed to work on every skin tone. Don't believe me? Well, who doesn't look amazing in ivory? What other girl stands a chance when you're wearing shimmering taupe? And, pray tell, whose eyes can't stand the glimmer of a sparkling peach? As a connoisseur of compacts, this beauty chick wholeheartedly supports this one.

With five strips of intense color, starting at matte ivory and working their way to glistening apricot, these shades are not only perfect on the eyes but sitting in the compact as well. Head to Bobbi Brown's website to check it out for yourself -- it might just be the best $38 you've ever spent.

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Status Quo: Too Faced Status Gloss

I'm a sucker for pretty packaging. The product inside is important, of course ... but I'm much more willing to buy something when it looks pretty on the outside, too. This goes double for stuff like eyeshadow and lipgloss -- with so many on the market, the best way to grab this beauty chick's attention is to stand out. And stand out Too Faced Status Gloss did.

Encased in a rectangular clear crystal tube emblazoned with ornate chandeliers, this lip gloss certainly delivers on packaging. And I love that you can actually see the shade within, so you know what you're getting right off the bat. With six gorgeous shades to choose from, including Sugar Daddy (gilded pink), Private Jet (glittering plum) and, this beauty chick's favorite, Trust Fund Baby (a shimmering champagne peach that literally looks amazing on every skin tone), the status of your makeup collection will be upped considerably.

Snatch each and every one up on Too Faced's website -- at only $19.50 a pop, it's a small price to pay for a big leap in status. Wouldn't you say?

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It's a Hit! The Sephora Summer Blockbuster Palette

As a little girl, I derived insane amounts of pleasure from rummaging through my mother's makeup case. Lipstick, rouge, eyeshadow, mascara ... whatever I could find, I put on my face immediately. As I grew older, this love of makeup turned into a complete fascination with makeup kits. I would spend hours at the drugstore, wistfully looking at the cases of 12 lipsticks, 14 eyeshadows, 6 blushes ... well, you get the picture. My mother knew this, of course, and would buy them for me each holiday season -- always eliciting the same squeal of delight and ear-to-ear grin from yours truly. And as a beauty writer today, I still remember that feeling every time I open up a new product, see that brand-new lip gloss on the shelf, or inhale a whiff of the latest perfume. Imagine my surprise and delight when I came across Sephora's answer to my prayers -- the Summer Blockbuster Palette.

Open up the matte black case to discover 24 eyeshadows in every shade imaginable, from glittering teal to shimmering mauve, sparkling peach to barely-there taupe. Interspersed among them are 24 lipglosses, encompassing everything from intense ruby red and glitter-tinged clear to luscious apricot and rich plum. And just when I thought it couldn't get any better, I realized that the case contained a second layer underneath! Sliding the lipglosses and eyeshadows apart revealed six blushes for varying skin tones, two double-sided eyeshadow applicators, a blush brush and a lipgloss brush. And no kit would be complete without an attached makeup mirror -- so, of course, Sephora included that too.

You'd think this amazing set would be astronomically expensive -- but no! It's only $36 and available on Sephora.com. So hurry, before my mom and I buy up the entire supply. "Summer Blockbuster" has definitely taken on a whole new meaning.

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Lip Smackin' Good

If you've read this beauty chick's previous posts, you are already more than familiar with my love affair with Bonne Bell. With the venerable plethora of LipSmackers crowding my vanity, stuffed in my purse and scattered around my bedroom, it's a wonder I haven't opened up my own Bonne Bell shop!

So imagine my surprise and delight when I stumbled upon what may be their greatest invention yet -- the Bath and Body Collection. Choose from succulent Strawberry or mouth-watering Watermelon -- two of Bonne's signature scents -- and be magically whisked away to a fruity paradise.

These collections include a miniature bath pouf (pinkish-red for Strawberry, green for Watermelon), Shower Gel and Body Lotion. And what would the collection be without a LipSmacker to boot? Each is packaged in a handy, durable plastic snap-top case for easy storage and carrying purposes.

And the coup d'etat? They ring in at only $5.75 each! Now how can you beat that? You can't, of course! Snatch up your own through Bonne Bell's website and be prepared to smell like a LipSmacker. And that is not a bad thing!

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Tingles and Jingles with Olay Thermal Pedicure Foot Treatment

Walking around in flip-flops -- while it keeps this beauty chick's feet cool during the summer -- is not the kindest way to take care of my tootsies, that's for sure. After just a few weeks of scampering around the New York City streets, my heels were cracked, my skin was dry and my feet definitely looked a bit worse for wear. Enter Olay's Thermal Pedicure Foot Treatment.

One look at the ingredients (think shea butter, pumice, micro-crystals and Bora Bora white sand) and I knew this baby was bound to soften up my skin. True to form, Olay's newest product did not disappoint! But the absolute best part was the warming factor -- this cream heats up on contact with skin and water to relax, polish, smooth and completely moisturize your skin almost instantaneously. The tingly warmth definitely ups the ante on this product a notch, since you can actually feel it working its magic. I was actually a bit incredulous at the immediacy of the results! Just squeeze a dollop of the lavender-hued cream onto problem areas and rub in ... and before you know it, your skin will no longer be ravaged, thirsty or otherwise unsightly.

And the best part? It's only $9.99 at drugstore.com! So do yourself -- and your feet -- a favor and buy it now. Goodbye, ugly dry skin! Hello, gorgeousness!

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Score One for Harper's Bazaar

Once in awhile, I come across a magazine cover that's so stunning it literally takes my breath away. Such was the case when I got my latest issue of Harper's Bazaar in the mail this week and saw the normally ravishing Anne Hathaway in what might be one of the magazine's best covers to date. Dewy skin exudes fresh-faced appeal, while the matte pinkish-red lip -- with her mouth slightly parted -- and flowing, slightly wavy locks simply ooze sexiness. But the best part for this beauty chick is definitely the smoky eye. The look takes a cue from the fall fashion shows, many of whom showed the smoky eye in varying forms and variations. Her lashes are plush and seem to be miles long, while dark brown eyeshadow and thick black pencil applied on both the top and lower lash lines just scream sophisticated sexpot. It's a look this beauty chick will definitely be trying at home! Harper's Bazaar, you just scored a home run.

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Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow

Ladies and gentlemen, it's a miracle. Frederic Fekkai hair products have made their way to bathandbodyworks.com! This beauty chick can't even tell you how thrilled I am to have yet another place that carries one of my all-time favorite lines. Now I won't have to lie awake at night, worrying that my stock of Apple Cider Clarifying Shampoo and Glossing Sheer Shine Mist is rapidly depleting!

One glance at the site was all I needed to confirm it would be my new shopping destination for all things Fekkai. But why, do you ask, am I so in love with these fabulous products? For the simple reason that each one makes my hair amazing, of course!

Don't believe me? Pick up the wondrous Glossing Shampoo ($34.50), which contains olive oil extract to make your hair super shiny. Tame those darn flyaways and frizz with Summer Hair Zero-Humidity Frizz Control ($20), which is formulated with Solarshield sun protection technology to protect your hair from harmful UV rays. Or maybe you want to repair damaged, overheated, totally fried tresses ... well then you need Overnight Hair Repair ($195). Yes, it's expensive -- but do you want gorgeous, silky locks or not? That's what I thought. And you simply must try my absolute favorite product ... the one I swear by to keep my hair looking healthy and ravishing ... the Shea Butter Hair Mask ($22.50).

Bath and Body Works, thank you from the bottom of my heart for bringing these -- and many other -- wonderful products into this beauty chick's life!

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Come "Sale" Away

Every woman lives for the Victoria's Secret Semi-Annual Sale. It's just a fact of life. But this time around, this beauty chick is heading for something other than lacy balconet bras and satin chemises. Because in the last year or two, the lingerie haven has been beefing up their beauty supply, offering up not only their own delectably-scented shower gels and perfumes but tons of other great brands like Anna Sui, Jaqua, Demeter Fragrance Library, Kevyn Aucoin ... the list goes on and on. And what better place to find all this and more than on Victoria's Secret's very own website? Take, for example, the Frederic Fekkai Gift Set made exclusively for Victoria's Secret, which includes a mini Glossing Cream and a boar bristle hairbrush -- and is now only $12.99! Or maybe you're jonesing for the fruit-and-floral infused Yves Saint Laurent Baby Doll Body Lotion (once $31, now $14.99). But this beauty chick will be stocking up on everything from Pout Eyeshadow Duos (now only $9.99) and the entire Exotic Nectars Tahitian Vanilla Flower line (from $6.99-$11.99) to her very favorite fragrance, Dream Angels Heavenly Eau de Parfum (down from $29 to $19.99!). Who says money can't buy happiness?

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Butter Me Up with Rosaline's African Shea Butter Indulgence Body Wrap

Sea salts and body polish and shea butter, oh my! The harsh winter weather had definitely completely ravaged this beauty chick's skin, so I was in supreme need of some TLC. Enter the African Shea Butter Indulgence Body Wrap at Rosaline's Skincare & Spa, a delightful little spa I discovered during a recent trip to visit my brother in Brookline, MA.

After being greeted by Rosaline herself, I was led down a winding staircase to the largest treatment room I've ever seen -- we're talking bigger than my bedroom and living room combined! My aesthetician was super friendly and put me right at ease, especially since I had to strip down to only a pair of disposable underwear before hopping onto the plastic-covered table. (The value of this came into play shortly!)

After being given a choice of sea salts (I went with cucumber melon) and body polish (I picked white sugar honey), I was given an intense head-to-food exfoliating drybrushing. Then the real fun began, as one by one my aesthetician scoured the sea salt and body polish over my entire body, with intermittent brushings off of the excess (ah, here's where the plastic made sense!), and using such blissfully wonderful circular strokes I was induced into a punch-drunk sort of stupor! But before I could completely pass out, I was wrapped in a fluffy robe, helped into puffy slippers and led next door for a quick shower to rinse off the excess salts and polish.

I returned to the room to be slathered tip-to-toe in intensely wonderful-smelling shea butter, and then was wrapped in a mummifying cocoon of foil and towels to seal in the moisture. But rather than leave me there to stew in my own juices, she gave me an absolutely amazing cranial and facial massage -- and then, after delicately unwrapping me from my cocoon, proceeded to give me an intense deep tissue massage to both work out the kinks and work in the remaining shea butter.

Now, this treatment isn't cheap -- it's $195 -- but for 90 minutes that will leave your skin feeling soft, supple and oh-so-smooth, it's worth it. Heaven? I think I finally got there.

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Total Euphoria at Euphoria Day Spa

Once in awhile, you have a facial so wonderful, so absolutely amazing, that it seems there are no words to describe its awesomeness. But this beauty chick is going to try! Enter the lovely ladies at Euphoria Day Spa, an adorable spa in the heart of Tribeca that offers up a wide range of services guaranteed to put you into ... well ... a euphoric state, to say the least!

Walking in, I was immediately greeted and put at ease by the owner, Kristen Haines -- which was a welcome change from some of the more uppity spas this beauty chick has gone to in the past! I was shown to a changing area and given a fluffy robe, and after a short wait was ushered into the treatment room for the Fresh Air Facial with Plasma Microablation. (Say that five times fast!)

The 10-step treatment included all of the basic stuff you'd expect in a facial -- cleansing, exfoliating, various masks, steam ... and of course, the dreaded extractions, which were surprisingly not painful! But then came the fun part -- the Plasma Microablation, which was basically a combination water-and-laser technology that hydrates and completely sterilizes your skin. It seriously takes it to a whole new level of gorgeous! As if that weren't enough, this 60-minute treatment finished up with a full-body massage and a lip buffing treatment. Not bad for only 60 minutes, right?

Now, fellow beauty chicks, this facial does not come cheap -- it's $299. But trust me when I say your skin will never look better. I was completely and totally amazed at how clear, fresh and vibrant my face looked afterwards -- I know you will be too! So check out Euphoria Day Spa's website to make an appointment now -- but you'll have to fight me for the best time slot!

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