Beauty Bloggers Seething Over NY Times Article

Have you read the article that the New York Times ran on beauty bloggers today? It's scathing and horrible. They basically make beauty bloggers out to be nothing more than swag-crazy product whores who just can't wait to hit up their publicists for free products. While this may be true of a small number of bloggers, I really can't imagine this makes up the whole.

The blogs I read every day -- of which there are a great number -- all are run by people who do this solely out of their love for products. We all buy many of the products that we write about, which I think makes us more credible than many magazines who have to answer to advertisers. Yes, we do receive free products -- I'm not going to say we don't. But my stance has always been to try the product and only write about it if I truly love it and have something good to say about it.

I consider myself a true beauty junkie ... I get so excited over new products, lines, launches, concepts, you name it. I spend hours upon hours researching products that I think could make for good posts, trolling endless beauty sites and blogs to see what my readers might love. For most of us, this is not our full-time job but a hobby that has grown to take up most of our free time. I most certainly am not paid to write this blog! But that doesn't matter since, at the end of the day, writing about beauty makes me happy.

I hope that you, my loyal readers and fellow beauty chicks, all know just how thrilled I am to write for you.

Minty Fresh: Redken for Men Mint Clean Invigorating System

I recently came across some products that I simply had to make my brother try. He's usually not that interested in beauty products ... but when I discovered the Redken for Men Mint Clean Invigorating System, I knew he'd be into it. So I set up the Mint Clean Invigorating Shampoo and Cool Finish Invigorating Conditioner in my shower for him and let him get to work scrubbing, lathering, rinsing and repeating.

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Birthday Time!

All right, I have to just write about myself and not a product for one moment. Why? Because today is my birthday! And my birthday wish is to keep trying out products, loving them and reviewing them for all of my lovely readers. All right, selfish post is now done!

Trend-Filled Thursdays: The Year of The Headband

What's my favorite thing about Gossip Girl (aside from Penn Badgley, that is)? It's seeing all the gorgeous headbands that Blair Waldorf wears show after show! From Valentino to Stacey Lapidus, she's got the market cornered on fabulous headwear.

And the best part is that all sorts of designers are following suit and offering up tons of great options. So of course The Beauty of Life's first-ever Trend-Filled Thursdays column, which focuses on trends from the runway and entertainment, simply had to be about headbands! Whether you like 'em wide or skinny, satin or wire, plain or patterned, there's one out there for you. Here are my two faves!

Erin Fetherston for Target Satin Headband: I love everything about it, from the knot detail at one side to the oversized silhouette to the gorgeous crimson satin. And the price? How can you not pick this up?

Rachel Pally Headband: Love. Love, love, love. It's so simply chic!

Two-For Tuesdays: NARS Dolce Vita Set

It's Tuesday ... which means it's time for another new weekly column! And every Tuesday will be simply fabulous on The Beauty of Life because you'll get another dose of Two-For Tuesdays! What does this mean? Each Two-For Tuesdays column will feature not one, but two items that are packaged together to bring you double the joy!

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Spa + Party? It Equals SPARTY!

What makes a party more fun? Spa treatments, of course! But so often it's almost impossible to get the number of people you want into the spa you want at the time you want for the treatments you want! (That's a lot of wanting that doesn't end up happening.) Not so with SPARTY!, an event marketing company that customizes spa treatments for a variety of events. They even provide the robes, spa decor and cocktails so you and your guests can just sit back and enjoy! Whether you're interested in having individual spa stations that you and your favorite gals walk around to or just having a treatment or two in your very own "treatment room" -- which can be anywhere from your own apartment to SPARTY!'s studio -- SPARTY! is there to help. Tons of treatments, from manicures and pedicures to custom facials and even gentleman's shaves, can be done for you and yours. So why not check out SPARTY! today? This beauty chick definitely is going to call on them the next time she's in need of spa-ing and partying in one!

Bruno Jamais and David Scott Cosmetics Giveaway Reminder!

Have you entered the Bruno Jamais and David Scott Cosmetics giveaway yet? No? Well, there's still time! Head to the original post for the rules. You have until 11:59pm EST tomorrow (Tuesday, January 29) -- the winner will be announced on Wednesday! Good luck!

Straight From Henri Bendel: Kai Body Butter

In my neverending quest to keep my hands moisturized throughout the current harsh conditions, I was sincerely thrilled to come across Kai's table at the Henri Bendel Beauty Breakfast last week. Already a huge fan of the line -- their candles are super-calming and their Perfume Oil is to die for -- I was definitely excited when they presented me with their Kai Body Butter.

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Beauty Freak-Out!

I recently came across a hilariously funny post entitled The Makeup and Beauty Blog Freak-Out. My fellow beauty blogger listed the items that, if they were discontinued, would cause her to totally freak out. This made me think -- what are the beauty products I simply could not live without ... and would send me into a tizzy of epic proportions were I to head to the makeup counter/Sephora/et cetera to discover they were no longer available? Here are the items I came up with.

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Must-Have Mondays: YSL Easy French Kit

Well, my lovely beauty chicks, it's time for me to introduce the first in my new weekly series! Every Monday I will now have a column entitled Must-Have Mondays, in which I choose a single product that I -- and of course you -- just can't live without.

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What's In Your Makeup Bag?

It's a haul of sorts -- except all of these products were already in my makeup bag! Check out everything I've been using -- and, of course, get proof that I really do use a ton of products religiously. Then leave me a comment letting me know what's in your makeup bag!

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Bird's Eye View: Gianna Rose Atelier Egg Soaps

Always on the lookout for interesting-looking soaps to spice up my bathroom (I have the unfortunate dilemma of white walls, white shower, white tiled floor ... white everything!), I was totally psyched to come across this new gem from Gianna Rose Atelier.

Already a huge fan of the line's adorable soaps, in shapes from dogs and cats to the Queen's tarts from Alice in Wonderland, these egg-shaped beauties caught my eye immediately! I'm so in love with the old-fashioned apothecary jar that they are presented in -- it's so old-world, so antique-y, so just absolutely amazing.

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Straight From Henri Bendel: Isabela Capeto

While walking around all of the tables laden down with products at the Henri Bendel Beauty Breakfast this week, one in particular caught my eye. From across the room, I noticed a red plastic doll in the shape of the most adorable curly-haired girl. As I came closer, I realized this wasn't just any doll -- it actually contained the signature fragrance of Brazilian designer Isabela Capeto!

I simply had to get a closer look at this, her first fragrance, which contains an intriguing mixture of notes that may at first seem strange but actually work quite well together. Black pepper and cardamom are not usually scents I would expect to find outside the kitchen, but they've been laced into Capeto's perfume to give it a spicy, almost other-worldly air. Far from being overpowering, however, they are offset by lily, osmanthus, vetiver, cedar, sandalwood and even a hint of plum to create a bouquet that is at once inspiring and sexy.

But if you really just can't stand to wear this on your skin, never fear -- the scent also comes in candle form! And what adorable candles they are, packaged in a box of three with each bright red pillar held in its own white ceramic cup. You simply must head to Henri Bendel immediately -- if for no other reason than it's the exclusive carrier of the Isabela Capeto fragrance! And frankly, that's more than enough reason for me.

Fashion Week, I'm A Comin'!

Get ready for tons and tons and tons of posts on Fashion Week, my beauteous readers! Because as of next Friday, I will be blogging like mad about a plethora of the Fall 2008 shows. Stay tuned for what worked, what didn't and what trends to look for come next season! Will it be red lips? Stick-straight hair? Purple eyeshadow? Only time will tell! What trends are you hoping for in Fall 2008? Let me know in the comments!

You Glow, Girl: Tarte Ready, Set, Glow Kit

A healthy glow is definitely on my top list of priorities. Winter or summer, rain or shine, this beauty chick loves to show a little shine! And Tarte's new Ready, Set, Glow Kit is jam-packed with glowifying essentials to take you from day to night in total style. Products for your cheeks, eyes, lips, even your decollete await in this glorious set of six Tarte goodies.

My absolute favorite is definitely the double-ended lipgloss in Elle & Emmett -- two sparkly pink shades that may not make you legally blonde, but will at least make you feel a little more like the spunky Elle Woods! You can also find:

Tarte Mini Cheek Stain in Tipsy (shimmery peach)
Rest Assured Brightening Wand (one end contains a pencil while the other has a cream that both really highlight your eyes and cheeks!)
Tarte Mineral Powder Bronzer in Park Avenue Princess (a glimmery taupe color, complete with two gold chains wrapped around the luxurious faux croc packaging)
Glistening Powder in Sugar Daddy (perfect for highlighting your ... umm ... assets!)

Note: This kit is no longer available.

Intimate Face Time: Estee Lauder Re-Nutriv Ultimate Youth Creme

Oh my good God. I'm fairly certain I have discovered the face cream to end all face creams ... and it came at the perfect time, as my skin has been flaky and under moisturized for days now. (Winter is still rearing its ugly head!) Thank goodness the new Estee Lauder Re-Nutriv Ultimate Youth Creme found its way onto my desk, and not a second too late!

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You Give Me Fever: Lush Fever Massage Bar

It's a known fact -- high adorable factor of a product = this beauty chick buying it. And the moment my eye fell on the Lush Fever Massage Bar, I just knew I had to have it.

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What Did You Do For Breakfast? I Went to Henri Bendel.

There is only one event that could make this beauty chick drag herself out of bed while it's still dark outside, interrupting her beauty sleep and making her groggy for the rest of the day. And that event is none other than the Henri Bendel Beauty Breakfast.

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So This Is How It Feels To Be An Olympian: Kiehl's All-Sport "Non-Freeze" Face Protector

In my continuing quest to protect my skin from gut-wrenching, ravaging cold temperatures, I stumbled upon Kiehl's All-Sport "Non-Freeze" Face Protector. Claiming to ward off harsh environmental conditions -- including sun, wind and cold -- the yellowish balm contained within this white plastic tub sounded to me like a total miracle-worker.

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Score One for Marriage: Tarte Customized Lipgloss

This beauty chick is single and proud of it. But when I saw this adorable offering from Tarte today, it really made me wish I had another half. Why, do you ask? Because now Tarte will customize a double-ended lipgloss just for a specific couple!

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Thank You To My Readers!

Just a quick, heartfelt thank you to all of my readers -- my blog now has over 10,000 hits! Whether you're a first-time visitor or a regular, I do hope you've enjoyed reading my posts as much as I've enjoyed writing them -- and I hope you'll keep coming back for more! Thanks for everything and stay beautiful!

That's Way Harsh, Ty: Lancome Nutrix Royal Body Intense Restoring Lipid-Enriched Lotion

I am seriously hating on winter right now. And yes, I know it actually hasn't been as bad as it could be. But come on -- 20-degree temperatures are just torture for my hands! And no matter what I do, and how many times I apply lotions and creams throughout the day and night, they are still ravaged by the cold. So I was excited to try Lancome Nutrix Royal Body Intense Restoring Lipid-Enriched Lotion ... but still filled with trepidation, as I've tried so many moisturizers, creams and lotions with simply no luck.

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A Close Shave: Gillette Foamy Shaving Cream for Sensitive Skin

I have a secret to confess. I use men's shaving cream.

Now, I could go through a whole litany of reasons -- it foams more than women's, it's better for my sensitive skin since they use it on their faces all the time, one can lasts longer than a can of women's shave gel, my mom only has to keep one can in her bathroom cabinet for both my brother and me. But here's the real reason I use it. It's cheaper. And we're not talking just a few cents here or there -- we're talking at least a dollar less than any women's shave gel for at least three more ounces!

I used to be a huge fan of Skintimate shave gel. I tried every scent and loved them all. But then I realized that each sweet-smelling can has about 8 ounces -- and Gillette Foamy Shaving Cream for Sensitive Skin has 11 ounces!

And if I'm being completely honest, I'll just tell you this. I really do love that Gillette can. It lasts me for months no matter how often I shave and how much I squeeze out, and it makes my legs seriously smooth, leaving behind no trace of razor burn and a comforting, menthol-like aroma. Try it -- I swear you'll thank me.

Gillette Foamy Shaving Cream for Sensitive Skin retails for $3 at drugstore.com.

Spot On: Neutrogena Rapid Clear Acne Eliminating Gel

Unsightly blemishes are my nemesis. Seriously ... every time I see one pop up, I get angry and stressed, which of course just perpetuates the problem and makes them stay even longer. And I've tried everything -- redness-reducing creams, pimple vanishers, cleansers with salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide ... nothing seems to work. But then I very luckily happened upon Neutrogena Rapid Clear Acne Eliminating Gel at the drugstore last week, and -- while I hate to sound dramatic -- immediately noticed results.

The tiny tube intrigued me for a multitude of reasons, from the discreet clear gel held within to the fact that the gel in question contained a 2 percent salicylic acid content! I rubbed some on the offending mark in question the moment I walked in the door and waited to see if it would work any magic. And lo and behold ... after two applications I already noticed a significant change in the size and color of the beast! I've now been applying the gel twice a day for the last three days, and I can honestly say I'm amazed at the results thus far.

I am most definitely hooked for life!

Neutrogena Rapid Clear Acne Eliminating Gel retails for $8 at drugstore.com.

Gold Rush: Deborah Lippmann Believe Nail Lacquer

I'm a fan of always making my nails look like it's time for a party. Who cares if New Year's Eve is almost a year away -- there's no reason you can't have a little glitz and glamour year-round! So I was totally psyched to find the gorgeous Deborah Lippmann Believe Nail Lacquer.

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Sensually Yours: Stella McCartney Stella

Exotic. Sensual. Intense. Sumptuous. All words that more than adequately describe Stella McCartney's gorgeous perfume, aptly named -- what else? -- Stella.

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Discovering True Beauty: Estee Lauder Beautiful

Very rarely do I come across a fragrance that I would describe as sheer perfection. But in the case of Estee Lauder Beautiful, I'm fairly certain this is the only way to describe it.

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Exciting Beauty Launch: ck Calvin Klein

This beauty chick has been waiting with bated breath for months for the launch of ck Calvin Klein Beauty. This collection has been the talk of the town for a long time now ... and I've been checking and checking and checking to see when it would finally launch! And I'm happy to report that it finally has. The entire collection is designed to reflect the Calvin Klein aesthetic of signature elements enhanced by accessories and trends, infused with modern concepts of color and texture, and finished with new reinterpretations of classic fabrics like cashmere. The packaging is minimalist and simple -- white boxes with black lettering. Encompassing products for face, eyes, lips and nails, it truly is one for the books. You can see some of the fantastic products I tried in the first picture -- below, some of the true highlights.

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Going Gaga for Stila: The Best of Stila Set

I can't help it -- I'm a sucker for pretty packaging. And that's exactly why The Best of Stila Set on Ulta.com beckoned to me the second I saw it.

My love affair with Stila is nothing new -- I've been smitten with Lip Glaze, the Creme Bouquet fragrance and all forms of eyeshadow, from shadow pots to loose shadow, since college. And this set has simply got every item I'm always dying to have strewn around my vanity, all packaged up and looking pretty in a cutely decorated pink canister! Illuminating Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15? It's there. Convertible Eye Color in Onyx? You'll find that, too. Not to mention Major Lash Mascara, Eye Shadow in Kitten, Convertible Color Dual Lip and Cheek Cream in Peony, and of course Lip Glaze in Brown Sugar.

Basically, this is the perfect set. End of story.

Intuition At Its Finest: Smashbox O-Gloss Intuitive Lip Gloss

Sometimes a woman's intuition is just right. Take, for example, just knowing you shouldn't have that last glass of wine or your skin will be flushed and splotchy in the morning. Or knowing that if you don't buy that gorgeous dress right now it will be snapped up from the rack by the time you run back on your lunch break tomorrow to get it. But Smashbox seems to have bottled up the absolute best of a woman's intuition into the new O-Gloss Intuitive Lip Gloss.

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The Beauty of Life Celebrates Its First Birthday!

On January 12, The Beauty of Life turned one! What a year it's been. From covering Fashion Week to reviewing more lipglosses, mascaras and cleansers than this beauty chick can count, it's been a wonderful first year in the beauty blog industry. Thanks to all my readers for making it so enjoyable -- let's look forward to many more years to come!

Keeping It Clean: DDF Blemish Foaming Cleanser

I don't mean to brag here, so please forgive the slight conceitedness that may emit from what I'm about to say. But I've always had fairly good skin. We're talking minimal breakouts and dryness, pretty normal-sized pores, the works. But I've definitely noticed a decline in the goodness since living in New York. The pores on my nose are clogged, I break out more frequently, and my cheeks and forehead are noticeably dry in the winter. But now I'm pretty sure I'll be able to get my face back on track -- and it's all thanks to DDF Blemish Foaming Cleanser.

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Sugar, Spice and Everything Nice: Orly Sugar Coated Collection

March may seem far away -- but it's sure to be an exciting month with the launch of Orly's Sugar Coated Collection. Already one of my favorite nail polish brands for its rich, long-lasting color (the last time I had a manicure with Orly polish it literally lasted for two weeks without chipping!), I'm always impressed with the new collections that are added to the staple of 150+ stellar hues. And Sugar Coated, which takes its cue from delicious confections like pastries and sugar-frosted candy, promises to be no different.

Six gorgeous shades will be included in the collection:

Taffy (shimmery baby pink)
Bon Bon (sparkle-tinged lavender)
Petit Four (lustrous matte orchid)
Rock Candy (the lightest lilac with a touch of turquoise glimmer)
Cupcake (understated pale pink)
Meringue (gold-flecked white)

My personal favorite is Petit Four, which even with only one coat is the perfect shade of creamy purple. And even more exciting, this collection will also be the first to showcase Orly's new packaging, with a silver bottle screening and silver Gripper Cap.

The polishes will be available starting in March on Orly's website for only $7 each. Dessert without the calories? This beauty chick can't wait to swallow them up.

The State of Things

Some of you may wonder how much I really have to write about every day. Well, look at the picture and you'll see!

Every product in this huge group has yet to be reviewed on The Beauty of Life. Moisturizers, cleansers, eyeliners, lipglosses, styling products ... you name it, I'm going to review it! So be on the lookout for tons of upcoming posts about these and many more!

Knights in Navy Satin: The Best Navy Nail Polishes

The latest craze in the nail polish world is really rockin' the boat. Forget reds and pinks, this winter you've simply got to have navy blue nails. All the top nail polish brands are coming out with super-hot shades that this beauty chick is just dying to try! Here are my top picks!

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Creamy Goodness: Sugar Cosmetics Color Sticks

Cream eyeshadows have long been a favorite of mine. I remember slicking on shade after shade of cream shadow from Bath & Body Works circa 1999 before going out for the evening -- sometimes smudging it all the way up to my browbone in the hopes of looking uber-cool. (I'm not sure I ever succeeded.) Luckily I've been given a second chance with cream shadow, this time in the way of the Sugar Cosmetics Color Sticks.

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Kissing Sweetly: Bella Il Fiore Sugar Kisses Peppermint Lip Scrub

Want soft, supple, unchapped lips this winter? Then you're definitely going to have to pick up a tub of Bella Il Fiore Sugar Kisses Peppermint Lip Scrub. I've been greedily awaiting this product for months -- I heard about it back in November and couldn't believe I had to wait until January for it to hit stores! But lucky for me -- and my pucker -- it finally did, and of course I rushed right out to get my hands on it.

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Cosmic Connection: Philosophy The Supernatural Lip Gloss

My lips may have just met their soul mate. They've been trying for years to find the perfect gloss -- one that slicks on effortlessly, stays put for hours without looking matte or dry, and offers gorgeous color. And while many have done the job brilliantly, my lips have always been left wanting something more ... until now. Philosophy's The Supernatural Lip Gloss in Soft Peach has done the job brilliantly.

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R.I.P.: Shu Uemura

It's a sad day in the beauty world. Legendary cosmetics creator Shu Uemura passed away on December 29 due to acute pneumonia. Whether he was acting as makeup artist on films like "My Geisha" or creating some of the best products around (including the always-fabulous Eyelash Curler is a perennial favorite), he was a pioneer in the world of beauty and will be sorely missed.

Slimming Down: Too Faced FUZE Slenderize Guilt Free Lip Gloss

A lipgloss that claims it can take away your food cravings? Now this I had to see. The brand-new FUZE Slenderize Guilt Free Gloss by Too Faced purports to remove hunger pangs with an infusion of three amino acids and nutrients that are found in FUZE Slenderize beverages.

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Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow: Herbal Essences Shampoo and Shine Treatment

So there I was, minding my own business and thinking my hair looked just fine. And it did, for the most part. There were even days when it looked pretty darn good. But I still felt there was something missing. And then I discovered two products by one of my old standbys, Herbal Essences ... and my entire life changed. I know this sounds a little dramatic, but it's true. Now, some people may think I'm beyond lucky to have thick hair, but I beg to differ. It never seems to do what I want! And then, before I even knew what was happening, these two products changed everything for the better.


Herbal Essences Dangerously Straight Pin Straight Shampoo: The delicious infusion of honeyed pear and silk would be enough to make me want to use this. And I love the hot pink bottle -- it just looks so great in my shower! But the best part is that it actually makes my hair sleek, shiny and straight. I was truly amazed at the results, especially since I didn't even brush my hair before blowdrying and did the fastest (see: five minutes) blow dry ever. It really is dangerous how good this made my hair look.


Herbal Essences All That Shine Clear Shine Booster: I have to admit I was a bit skeptical of this product at first. A do-it-yourself glaze that would give me softer, shinier tresses? No way. But I pulled on the latex gloves, poured the All That Shine Gel into the Developing Creme, shook heartily and squeezed it all over my hair. After 10 minutes, I rinsed it out and massaged in the Shine-Amplifying Conditioner. Lo and behold, my locks were shimmering and before I even held a blow dryer to them! I've definitely found my new best friend when it comes to hair products.

Sweets for the Sweet: L'Occitane Honey & Lemon Eau de Toilette

Ever on the search for the one perfect fragrance -- which, truth be told, I find to be darn near impossible -- I've sampled more perfumes than I can even count trying to find that one that truly completes me. But I have to say that I was extremely happy when I recently discovered L'Occitane Honey & Lemon Eau de Toilette.

I'm a huge fan of both tart and sweet, and this fragrance seems to have found the perfect balance between the two. Citrusy lemon combines with delectable honey, vanilla and caramel notes to create an absolutely intoxicating aroma.

And the bottle, oh, the bottle! The intricate carved honeycomb pattern and the delicately slender shape make me long for a proper vanity with mirrored trays of gleaming silver so that I can display it properly.

The end result is utterly delicious without being too cloying or overpowering. So have I found my new signature fragrance? Absolutely.

Unfortunately, this product is no longer available.

Fruit That's Really Good For You: CoverGirl Wetslicks Fruit Spritzers

I don't know about you, but I've been dying to try CoverGirl Wetslicks Fruit Spritzers ever since I saw the girls on America's Next Top Model doing the ads for them. Hearing about all the different flavors and colors really piqued my interest! So I was totally psyched to finally try them out.

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Traveling Without Moving: Gilchrist & Soames Spa Therapy Travel Gift Bag

Whenever I check into a hotel, the first thing I do is check out the goodies in the bathroom. What might be laid out for me, I always wonder. A shower cap, perhaps? Sweet-smelling, creamy lotion? Miniature sizes of nourishing shampoo and conditioner? So I was totally psyched to come across the Gilchrist & Soames Spa Therapy Travel Gift Bag, which smartly packages twelve small versions of some of their fantastic Spa Therapy line inside a convenient zip-top plastic pouch.

Of note: The mint-hued Detoxifying Sea Kelp Shampoo smells incredible, the Exfoliating Sea Salt bar is packed with good-for-your-body green grains, the Moisturizing Sea Moss Conditioner is delightfully rich, and the tiny Nourishing Glycerin Soap is just so adorably cute! There's even a travel toothbrush, an Essential Vanity Pack (which includes cotton swabs and a nail file), and a Shoe Mitten. I'm not even sure what a shoe mitten is, but it's luxuriously plush and soft, so it wins in my book.

Looks like this beauty chick won't have to run to check out the amenities in hotel bathrooms quite so quickly.

Note: This product is no longer available.

Aging Gracefully: Elizabeth Arden Prevage Night Anti-Aging Restorative Cream

As the days, weeks, months and years go by, I find myself worrying more and more about wrinkles. And isn't that just what causes wrinkles to appear in the first place? Then I feel lucky because in this day and age, there are tons of products created to combat the appearance of wrinkles. But then I start to worry again, because how do I choose the one that's right for me? So you can imagine my happy surprise when Elizabeth Arden Prevage Night Anti-Aging Restorative Cream landed on my desk.

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Romance in Bloom: Chanel 4 Fleurs de Chanel Eyeshadow Quad

If anyone's got the market on elegance and sophistication covered, it has to be Chanel. I dream of the day when I'll be able to afford the quilted black leather purse with the chainlink strap and one of the simply fabulous tweed jackets. But until that day arrives, I'll settle for the 4 Fleurs de Chanel eyeshadow quad.

Part of the new Aurora Blues makeup collection for Spring 2008, this luscious treat includes four gorgeous shadows that are each sculpted into a delicate camellia shape -- which was, what else, Coco's signature flower. Each shade is more beautiful than the next, shimmering and sparkling within the black lacquered case with just the right blend of demure with glam. I for one am totally in love with the blue and lavender hues, and I can't wait to try the cream shade on my eyes during my next winter night out!

Methinks it's not only a rose that smells so sweet.

Unfortunately, this product is no longer available.

Sweet Collaboration: M.A.C Heatherette

I for one love when fashion and beauty come together. Collaborations between fashion houses and beauty brands keep both businesses exciting! So I was thrilled to discover that Heatherette and M.A.C are collaborating on a collection that will debut in March! It will definitely be interesting to see what they come up with, as Heatherette's designs are always quirky and fun and M.A.C can be quite out there.

With nail polishes, lipsticks, eyeshadows and pancake bases all packaged in hot pink packaging -- and with hot model Lydia Hearst posing for the campaign -- it promises to be one for the books. And if we're lucky, maybe we'll see some of it on the runways during Fall 2008 Fashion Week in February!

My 2008 Beauty Resolutions

2008 marks the beginning of this beauty chick's "scary age" -- she's not going to tell you exactly what it is, though! But I will let you in on some of my beauty resolutions for the coming year. Because, let's face it, we've all got regimens we want to pick up, products we want to try, and spas we want to frequent!

1) Get more pedicures! The treat for my feet always leaves me smiling and makes my tootsies look amazing, whether I've gone to a fancy spa or just to the walk-in place down the street.

2) Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize! Winter is absolutely terrible for my skin. If I've learned nothing else in all my years, I must use a fantastic shea butter cream like Frederic Fekkai's Creme Luxueuse and really make sure my skin just looks incredible at all times.

3) SLEEP! If I want to get rid of the bags under my eyes and the dark under eye circles -- not to mention the sallowness a lack of sleep can bring to my skin -- I must resign myself to getting at least eight hours a night and cutting out that last Cosmopolitan. Well, maybe I'll resign myself to a minimum of seven hours, just to be on the safe side.

4) Continue to read my fellow fabulous beauty bloggers' wonderful posts! How else can we all remain up to date on the absolute plethora of products and treatments out there for us to try?

5) Above all, experiment! 2007 saw some of the best results yet from my crazy trying of new products and treatments, the best of which was the T3 Medium Duality flat iron. Who knows what 2008 will bring!

What are your beauty resolutions? Let me know in the comments!