Beauty Giveaway: Jurlique Products at Beauty Girl Musings

My gal Monique over at Beauty Girl Musings is having a totally fab giveaway, fellow beauty chicks! Head over there immediately for your chance to win some truly amazing products by Jurlique. She's giving away a ton of products with a retail value of over $250, including the all-new Biodynamic Beauty Range! One winner will receive all of the following:


Biodynamic Beauty Serum
Biodynamic Beauty Eye Cream
Biodynamic Beauty Night Lotion
Biodynamic Beauty Refining Treatment
Rosewater Balancing Mist
Rose Hand Cream

For full details on how to enter, head over to Beauty Girl Musings now. Good luck!

Trend-Filled Thursdays: Pastel Eyeshadow

Red lips and black eyeliner may be all the rage for fall, but during the summer it's nice to go a little lighter. Pastel, that is! From the red carpet -- doesn't Kristen Bell look fabulous with that pale blue shadow highlighting her eyes? -- to the models at the Chanel Resort 2009 show, summer is all about lightening things up and having fun. Glossy pink lips paired with pale blues, pinks and greens on the lids will totally punch up your look. Read on to find out which eyeshadows are the ones you just shouldn't leave home without!






Pop Beauty Eye Cake in Teal Cake ($19 at sephora.com): Five gorgeous hues of green and gray will highlight, shimmer and shine on those peepers!






Sugar Color Stick Cream Eyeshadow in Grape Soda ($14 at drugstore.com): One of my all-time faves for creaseless, boundless color, this stick glides on smoothly and easily and lends your eyes that extra something special with its subtle glittery flecks.



Urban Decay Glitter Eyeshadow in Stalker ($16 at beauty.com): It's vivaciously violet in hue, but a tinge of mulberry kicks it up a notch! Sweep this shadow up toward the browbone for sexy, sultry shimmer.



Too Faced Duo Eye Shadow in Boy Toy ($17 at makeup.com): I'm a huge fan of all shadow duos by this line, but this one is totally one of my faves. The light pink and silver hues are perfect whether you're going for the colored corners look (click here for more info on that trend!) or want a wash of color all over the lid. Not only are they highly pigmented, they'll stay for hours without creasing or fading.

Bonne Bell Eye Style Shadow Box in Cool Blues ($3.95 at colorandflavorshop.com): All of the Shadow Boxes are fab -- the four colors in each one all complement each other perfectly. But this one is totally my choice for summer, with its four different blue hues that really make brown eyes pop!

Lusts of the Week

Well, fellow beauty chicks ... huge news. After three and a half years as the Copywriter for Ralph Lauren, I am taking on a new job next week as the Copywriter for Bergdorf Goodman! I'm movin' on up -- literally -- as it's, coincidentally, in the same building as my current position but on a higher floor. (At least I won't have to give up walking to work!) So this week is filled with tearful goodbyes, lots of packing (who knew you could cram so much into a tiny office?) and, of course, a few Lusts of the Week along the way!

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Wallet-Friendly Wednesdays: Bath and Body Works Enchanted Orchid Shower Gel

Looking for a truly sensuous shower experience? Then you'd better turn to Bath and Body Works Enchanted Orchid Shower Gel. Part of the line's Signature Collection, which includes such crowd pleasers as Sweet Pea and Warm Vanilla Sugar, the scent of this shower gel is utterly divine.

Calypso orchids make up the base of the fragrance, but they intertwine with a plethora of floral and musky notes that really give it some kick. Everything from violets, irises, waterlily, gardenia and heliotrope to pink grapefruit, crisp apple, creamy amber and skin musk can be found here. Every time I open the bottle, I find myself whisked away to a magical place where I feel like anything can happen.

And even better? It lathers up quite nicely, making for quite the lovely showertime treat. Only a dime-sized amount upon a washcloth or a pouf will produce the most amazing amount of suds! I also love the huge 10 oz. size, which means it will take up permanent residence in my shower for some time to come.

But best of all, it's currently on sale -- down from its original $10 price tag to the absolute bargain price of $6 on the Bath and Body Works website. And that might just be the most enchanting thing of all.

Confessions of a Blush Novice: The Truth Behind Benefit Posietint

I'm about to admit something shocking. I don't wear blush. There, I said it. Do you hate me? Really, I can explain. While I am very fair-skinned, my cheeks have a natural rosiness to them that lets me get away with going au naturel. But ever since I discovered Benefit Posietint, I've become a blushaholic. I can't help it ... it brightens, it pinkens, it tints to perfection.

Somehow, just a few tiny swipes across the apples of my cheeks with the miniature paintbrush make them look more alive than ever before. While the color looks a bit scary when first applied -- it's almost a Pepto Bismol shade of pink when right out of the bottle -- it blends into the skin effortlessly and becomes a gorgeous posy hue.

And can we just talk about how glam the bottle is? The metallic pink cover gleams and glistens, beckoning to me from within the rest of my makeup stash. It's just begging to be used -- and how could I deny it?

Blush addicts and novices alike should try this out. I'm betting your cheeks will thank you.

Benefit Posietint retails for $28 at benefitcosmetics.com.

Two-For Tuesdays: Vera Wang Princess Perfect Pair

Forget being the Queen -- if I had my way, I'd be a princess. That way you get all of the fun without any of the responsibility! So the Vera Wang Princess Perfect Set is, well, practically perfect in every way. Not only do you get a rollerball size of the Princess fragrance, but a seriously pretty lipgloss as well.

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Coffee Run: Organix Awakening Mocha Espresso Shampoo and Conditioner

I've been trying seriously hard to give up caffeine. (So far it's not going too well.) But I think I may be able to start getting my coffee fix just by washing my hair ... because Organix Awakening Mocha Espresso Shampoo and Conditioner are jam-packed with cocoa bean oils and espresso bean extracts. One simple whiff of the aroma within each bottle and I am totally jonesing for my morning coffee ... but no longer do I want to drink it. Instead, I want to slather it all over my tresses!

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Rock the Vote with Stila's Rock the Vote Red

This November will see some very interesting changes in our country. And while I keep this blog from being political in any way (unless we're talking about bests and worsts in makeup, of course) ... voting is important! We really can -- and should -- influence the outcome of what will happen for our country.

And what better way to head to the polls than with Stila Rock the Vote Red Lipstick? Stila has teamed up with Rock the Vote to create a totally rockin' red hue that should inspire all of us to get out there and vote. Even better, a percentage of sales from each $17 tube will go toward Rock the Vote! To get yours, head to Stila's website. We can make a difference!

Must-Have Mondays: ME! Bath Body Icing

I am on a huge moisturizer kick lately. From La Mer to Elizabeth Arden, I've been slathering the stuff on for weeks. But there's a new tube in town that may just take the cake ... ME! Bath Body Icing.

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Lusts of the Week

Is it hot out or what? This insanely oppressive heat has got this beauty chick longing for popsicles and flavored ice cubes. But in the meantime, here are the products I've simply been dying over.

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Stock Up with The Lash Stash

I love my Diorshow and my Great Lash. But sometimes it's fun to try something new, and that's why I'm so psyched about Sephora's new The Lash Stash. For only $28, you'll get a grand total of seven travel-sized mascaras ... perfect when you want to try out new brands and formulas but don't want to shell out the cash for the full-sized tube. And would you expect anything less than some of the absolute best mascaras out there to be a part of this set? You'll get the following mascaras when you purchase it:

Benefit A Little Bit BADgal Lash
Blinc Kiss Me Mascara
LORAC Publicity Stunt Lashes
Smashbox Bionic Mascara
Stila Multi-Effect Mascara
Sephora Brand Lash Plumper
Too Faced Lash Injection

All of them come in Black. To get this set, simply head to Sephora's website. Long, lush lashes are just a swipe away!

Wallet-Friendly Wednesdays: Yes To Carrots C Me Smile Lip Butter

The new C Me Smile Lip Butter by kitschy brand Yes To Carrots? It's totally liptastic. It comes in five flavors (Mint, Carrot, Berry, Citrus and Melon), each of which is more delicious than the next. Plus it's super moisturizing and hydrating. A few swipes of it across your lips will make them feel softer than they have in days!

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Lip-Smackin' Good: Murad Energizing Pomegranate Lip Protector

A gloss that not only makes your lips look amazing, but protects them from sun damage? No way could such a fabulous product exist, right? Wrong! You definitely haven't checked out the myriad benefits of Murad Energizing Pomegranate Lip Protector. The gorgeous pink gloss inside the tube is literally teeming with ingredients that will protect, hydrate, moisturize, condition, nourish and otherwise treat your lips right.

First off, the pomegranate extract within the gloss acts as a powerful antioxidant. It fights against free radicals, contains Vitamin C (which, if you lick your lips a lot, will help you at least get a portion of your daily regimen!) and can even protect against dental plaque in some cases. Add to that the SPF 15 baked into the formula, and your lips automatically are protected against harmful UVA and UVB rays.

But even better than that, the formula contains salicylic acid to exfoliate your pout, leaving it soft and supple. Shea butter and jojoba oil provide a shot of intense hydration as well.

My experience with this gloss has been nothing but positive. From my very first application, my lips became softer and smoother ... and the subtle hint of color, with its reddish-pink tinge, is super-flattering on a variety of skin tones. I love how glossy my lips look without seeming too wet or greasy, and it lasts for hours without having to reapply!

Unfortunately, this product is no longer available.

Two-For Tuesdays: La Mer The Body Collection

An absolute indulgence you simply must, well, indulge in? The Body Collection by La Mer. This lotion duo will transform your skin from dry and cracked to supple and shining in no time flat. Combining La Mer The Hand Treatment and La Mer The Body Creme into one convenient duo, La Mer has seriously solved the problem of ravaged skin.

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Must-Have Mondays: Elizabeth Arden Green Tea Honey Drops Body Cream

Have you ever had a moisturizer that smelled so delicious you just wanted to stick your whole face in the tub? Such is the case with Elizabeth Arden Green Tea Honey Drops Body Cream. For some reason, the huge tub sat unused on my vanity for quite some time. Luckily, I happened to glance at it a couple weeks ago and decided to dig in. Ever since, I just can't get enough!

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Trend-Filled Thursdays: Cult Beauty Products

Benefit Benetint. Dior Diorshow. Smith's Rosebud Salve. What do all of these products have in common? They all fall into the category of cult beauty products. You know ... those products everybody talks about, everybody has in her beauty stash, everybody uses without a doubt. But out of all the products out there, which are the ones worth running to the store to replenish time and time again? This beauty chick dug deep into her stores, testing and testing until her eyes ran with tears from all the makeup remover and her lips stung from countless swipes with tissues. And the end result? The products that you see below. They're the ones that create the trends season to season, the ones that stand the test of time and will never disappoint. They're just a few of the most fabulous CULT BEAUTY PRODUCTS.

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Lusts of the Week

Ahh, so many beauty lusts, so little time! Here's what I simply couldn't live without over the past week.

La Mer The Hand Treatment ($75 at blissworld.com): Yes, this is expensive. Yes, it's money I could be spending on lots of other things -- like my cable bill, groceries for the week or even that pair of Steve Maddens you've been coveting. But then my skin just wouldn't feel as soft and silky as it does every time I massage this fabulous cream into it. A dime-sized amount is all I need to turn my hands from dry and ravaged to absolutely, amazingly, unbelievably smooth. Infusions of seaweed and the brand's exclusive Skin Lightening Complex instantly transform my digits -- leaving behind such a silky bed of deliciousness that it's all I can do not to stare at them all day long!

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Weekend of Beauty Treatments Part 3: Haven's Full Body Spray Tan from St. Tropez

I. Am. Pale. I've already waxed poetic and written volumes on the subject (click here for my latest attempt to rectify the situation) ... no need to bore you with more tales of how much I wish my skin were darker. Or at least not the color of paper. But in this final installment of my Weekend of Beauty Treatments series, I will tell you this -- the Full Body Spray Tan at Haven is to die for. I no longer look like Casper's sister! Here's the skinny on this fab treatment.

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Weekend of Beauty Treatments Part 2: Haven's Remedy Facial

If you checked out yesterday's installment of my Weekend of Beauty Treatments series, then you already know my toes are polished to perfection. (If not, you must click here!) Now it's time for Part 2. Today's installment? Getting my face in order, of course!

After a seriously traumatic episode of extractions so painful I literally cried on the treatment bed -- followed by a bout of acne worse than I ever experienced as a teen -- I decided to swear off facials for awhile. But the Remedy Facial at Haven sounded too good to pass up, so I put on a brave face and marched myself down to Soho this past Saturday for an appointment with Donna.

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Great Brand Alert: The Soap & Paper Factory

Looking for a line of bath and home goods that not only beautify your boudoir but your very essence as well? Look no further than The Soap & Paper Factory. This line of goods, from candles and lotions to stationery and drawer paper, is meticulously crafted and oh so pretty. Each scent in the collection is created to stimulate the mind, body and spirit; while the accompanying patterned boxes and holders are inspired by nature and created with a specific fragrance in mind.

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Weekend of Beauty Treatments Part 1: Dashing Diva's Elle of a Pedicure

As promised, here is Part 1 of my Weekend of Beauty Treatments series. And what better way to start off the weekend than with the Elle of a Pedicure at Dashing Diva?

This new, limited-edition pedicure celebrates -- who else -- the fabulously perky and peppy Elle Woods from Legally Blonde, and incorporates tons of pink products so you'll feel just as ready for Harvard Law School (or just a night out on the town). I headed to the Upper East Side location after work on Friday to totally pamper my legs and feet. This pedicure lasts for an hour, fellow beauty chicks -- and considering most nail places in NYC like to get you in and out in 30 minutes, this was a rare treat!

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Weekend of Beauty Treatments: Stay Tuned!

Pampered. Spoiled. Indulged. Whichever way you spin it, getting beauty treatments is just divine. And this weekend the beauty chick is getting not one, not two, but three of them! Want to know what they are? Check back next week for an in-depth three-part series on each and every one. It's A Weekend of Beauty Treatments! Trust me -- you won't want to miss this!

Trend-Filled Thursdays: Orange Lips

Tangerine. Carrot. Persimmon. Salmon. Any way you slice it, the color orange has some pretty fabulous counterparts. It's no wonder that the shade was seen in tons of variations and striations all over the Spring 2008 runways -- the hue pops against skin whether you're tanned like a sun goddess or pale like Snow White. Iterations at Jil Sander and Nanette Lepore ran the gamut from muted to traffic-stopping, respectively. And while the color may seem way too harsh for some skin tones -- this beauty chick was definitely under the impression that orange would never, never, NEVER work on her pasty skin -- as it turns out, it's much more wearable than you may imagine.

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Lusts of the Week

What am I lusting after this week? Well, that's what my Lusts of the Week column is here to tell you! Keep reading to discover what I just couldn't live without this week if I tried.

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The Melting Pot: Sephora Beach Glow Melted Body Butter

Gals, I have a confession to make. I cannot stop staring at my legs. Now, I swear I'm not one of those girls who walks around every day thinking she looks fabulous. But after some hardcore workout sessions with my personal trainer, Larry (who I'm convinced on some days is trying to kill me), my legs are looking much more toned and summer skirt appropriate. And it's a good thing, because with my recent discovery of Sephora Beach Glow Melted Body Butter, they are just looking seriously fantastic.

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Wallet-Friendly Wednesdays: Pond's Cold Cream Cleanser

How old were you when you started using makeup? I was four years old. Yes, you read that right! My mom very brilliantly involved her young rambunctious daughter in theater, and my first show was The King and I, in which I played the Youngest Royal Child. This involved a lot of being carried around onstage, wearing cool kimonos and silk pajama sets, and a ton of makeup. My mom and I actually had to go to a class to learn how to make me look Siamese -- and we were given two pages worth of instructions on makeup application!

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Glazing Over It: Frederic Fekkai Salon Glaze

One of my all-time favorite things to do at the salon? It's not the head massage that comes with my shampoo -- though it is amazingly relaxing -- or the coma-inducing hand massage that I get while my hair is being blown out. Those perks are great, but I'd give them up just to get a glaze every time I step into the salon. The sleek, shiny results leave me feeling happy every time I catch a glimpse of my reflection in the mirror. So when I heard about Frederic Fekkai Salon Glaze, I just knew I had to check it out. The glossy finish from a salon glaze right in your own home? Sign me up immediately, I thought to myself.

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Two-For Tuesdays: Bonne Bell Rolly Lip Smacker Duo

Loyal readers will already know of this beauty chick's obsession with all things Lip Smackers. (Click here and here to read of my undying love.) So I was totally stoked to discover an all-new product in the line -- the Rolly Lip Smacker Duo!

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Must-Have Mondays: Henri Bendel HB Clear Beauty Travel Case

Traveling on planes? Such a hassle. Not only are we relegated to 3 ounces or less of all beauty products -- totally difficult for any self-respecting beauty chick -- but now airlines are charging to check bags! And of course we're not even allowed to put chic makeup bags in our carryon bags -- we have to use those horrible gallon-size plastic bags. Ugh.

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Trend-Filled Thursdays: Going Patriotic with Red, White and Blue!

Fireworks, sparklers and firecrackers, oh my! July 4th always brings out the patriotic spirit in this beauty chick. (Alexander McQueen definitely had the holiday down pat months in advance with these two models, shot backstage at his Fall 2008 show.) And what better way to celebrate than with some patriotic-themed beauty products -- in red, white and blue, of course! From navy nails to vampy red lips, here are some products to get you through the holiday in style.

RAVISHING REDS

Stila Cherry Crush Lip & Cheek Stain ($24): The perfect stain for cheeks and lips? It's totally accomplished through this miraculous wand, which paints on the most fabulous flush. And as an added bonus? You'll get free shipping on this item when you enter code CHERRYCRUSH at checkout!



Korres Lip Butter in Quince ($9): I can do nothing but rave about this lip balm. (For my full review, click here.) It makes lips smooth and soft, and the hint of color is just enough to be extremely sexy and sensual without being too over the top.


Lippmann Collection Nail Polish in Lady is a Tramp ($15): The perfect shade of vampy red? It's totally this one. It's creamy, it's glossy and the shine factor is huge. And how chic is that bottle? Definitely one you need to have in your stash to show your patriotic side.

BEWITCHING BLUES

Urban Decay Big Fatty Colored Mascara in Electric Blue ($17): Make those peepers pop just like one of those tiny firecrackers when you sweep this gorgeous shade of turquoise across your lashes.



Essie Nail Polish in St. Barths Blue ($8): The color in the bottle is the most satisfying shade of pale blue -- almost whitish-gray in color, but still with that pastel tinge that really makes it a standout. Plus it's perfect for manis and pedis!





Bliss Hot Salt Scrub ($36): Oil-free. Softening. Formulated with rosemary and eucalyptus. Does it get any better? This scrub will keep your legs smoother than you could even imagine, and the heating sensation as you rub it on is just super-soothing.

WONDERFUL WHITES

Bath and Body Works Aromatherapy Scented Candle in Stress Relief -- Eucalyptus Spearmint ($10.50): With the craziness that work and life can throw your way, sometimes it's just nice to relax and detox with a candle burning in the background. And this one, whose whole purpose is to make you less stressed, just seems totally apropos.



Maybelline Expertwear Eye Shadow Single in Vanilla ($3.79): Perfect for creating the angelic look that was seen all over the Spring 2008 runways, this shadow is highly pigmented and lasts for hours. I've been a fan of Maybelline shadows since about the 7th grade, so this one is definitely a must-have!

Jonathan Product Create Weightless Smooth ($26): One of the only products I've found that actually tames my frizzy mass of curls and waves, even in the heat and humidity of summer! It doesn't weigh down tresses, it smells fantastic and it keeps my locks glossy and shiny all day. No flat iron required!

Pucker Up: DERMAQUEST C-Lipoic Lip Enhancer

DERMAQUEST C-Lipoic Lip Enhancer. Why not try saying that three times fast? If your pucker's in need of a little TLC, this gloss will totally help you out. I tend to not only be afraid of lip plumpers, but to be totally skeptical of them. In this beauty chick's opinion, it is quite rare find one that actually lives up to the hype! But I think I may have to eat my words, because this one is seriously unbelievable.

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Lusts of the Week

Fellow beauty chicks, have I got a lot in store for you this week! This Lusts of the Week column is just off the chain, yo. (Okay, I'm referencing my favorite summertime show, So You Think You Can Dance, here.) In all seriousness, I've got some truly remarkable finds this week!

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Wallet-Friendly Wednesdays: Bath and Body Works Gentle Foaming Hand Soap

When I was in college, I spent a summer working at Bath and Body Works. Totally a dream come true for a beauty junkie, let me tell you! I didn't even mind coming in four hours early to switch out the merchandise every two weeks -- and no one liked moving around those huge straw bins filled with shower gels and lotions. But one of my all-time favorite days was the day the brand introduced Gentle Foaming Hand Soap. Up until then, my favorite products from the line had been the Lavender Vanilla Body Wash from the Aromatherapy line and Sparkling Peach Shower Gel ... but this all changed when this fabulous soap came into my life.

The entire Anti-Bacterial line was a completely new concept for BBW at that time -- and to this day, it remains my favorite. I love the miniature beads that burst on contact with the skin, I love the feeling of getting my skin seriously clean, and of course I absolutely love all the scents offered!

The Gentle Foaming Hand Soap deserves its own mention because, rather than the Deep Cleansing version, it pumps out a serious mass of foaming bubbles that are just absolutely delightful. Each bottle is formulated with nourishing Vitamin B5 and soothing aloe vera, which means they're not harmful to the skin and leave it feeling totally clean and refreshed.

And the scents, oh, the scents! With 20 different ones on the horizon, a veritable plethora abounds. Choose from the following:

Black Raspberry Vanilla
Cherry Blossom
Coconut Lime Verbena
Cucumber Melon
Enchanted Orchid
Fresh Pineapple
Freshwater Cucumber
Japanese Cherry Blossom
Midnight Pomegranate
Moonlight Path
Pink Grapefruit
Sea Island Cotton
Sensual Amber
Sparkling Peach
Sweet Pea
Tropical Passionfruit
Warm Vanilla Sugar
Wild Honeysuckle
Rainkissed Leaves
Dancing Waters

My faves are definitely Sparkling Peach (a sweet yet not cloying concoction that's fabulous year-round), (a rich fragrance that's perfect for the cooler months) and Warm Vanilla Sugar and Wild Honeysuckle (a heady floral that just smells amazing in the summer).

Best of all, each bottle is only five dollars on the Bath and Body Works website! And at a whopping 8.75 ounces, trust this beauty chick when she tells you it will last for a loooong time. But just in case you feel the need to stock up, at least it won't set you back too much! There's even a deal going on right now where anti-bacterial soaps are 3 for $10 -- so either way, your pocketbook will remain weighed down with cash. Any way you look at it, you need to get a little foam in your life.

Don't forget to update your bookmarks to http://www.thebeautyoflifeblog.com!

Two-For Tuesdays: Philosophy Artificial Intelligence Primer and Lip Plumper Set

Soft. Smooth. Plump. Not necessarily words you'd choose to describe yourself ... unless you were talking about your lips, of course. Who on this earth doesn't want her lips to look like the plumped to perfection pout that is Angelina Jolie's? So when this beauty chick came across the Philosophy Artificial Intelligence duo, I just knew it had to be mine.

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