First Look Fridays Interview Series: Makeup Artist Dina Gregg

I recently had the pleasure of attending a product demonstration with Three Custom Color Cosmetics. Right from the get go, I was totally amazed by the makeup artist on hand, Dina Gregg. This spunky blonde firecracker was so knowledgeable about product and how to apply it, even making the same two highlighters work on two completely different skin tones! I just knew I had to feature her on First Look Fridays. And so I am utterly pleased to bring you this week's edition, featuring makeup artist Dina Gregg! Dina hails from Boston and has an interesting, varied background that really helped to form and influence her work. Read on to discover more about this fascinating gal!

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Trend-Filled Thursdays: Funky Sleep Masks

I admit it -- I slumber with a sleep mask. Now, this is actually a fairly new occurrence for me. But after rewatching every episode of Sex and the City recently and seeing how chic Carrie looked with hers, I simply had to jump on the bandwagon. Luckily, there are tons of super-fab options out there to let you really sleep in style. Because, really, who wants to wear the same thing to bed every night? Here are my picks for the ones you totally shouldn't sleep without.

Mary Green Kiss Me Silk Satin Sleep Mask ($16 at marygreen.com): The lingerie designer (very luckily) broke into designing sleep masks, and how lucky for us that she did! There are tons of fabulously witty ones available on her site, but this one caught my eye immediately. Who doesn't want Prince Charming to come along and see this mask upon her lovely visage?


Holly Golightly Sleep Mask ($14 at fredflare.com): Blue satin, gold braid and lush lashes? This one was totally calling my name from the get-go. I'm dying for any part of Audrey Hepburn's timelessness, so of course I'm on board with a sleep mask named after one of her most famous characters!

Cris Notti American Beauty Sleep Mask ($20 at crisnotti.com): My absolute fave of the bunch. I love sleeping with this mask on ... so much so that I will literally walk around my apartment for an hour before bed with it up around my forehead, just waiting for the time I can pull it over my eyes and slip into deep, dreamless sleep.

Earth Therapeutics Dream Zone Sleep Mask ($7.99 at beauty.com): What's not to love about this version? It's easy on the pocketbook and easy on the eyes with its soft blend of cotton and silk. And I totally love the starry night pattern, which -- of course! -- makes me want to head to bed even as I'm writing this.

Lusts of the Week

Well, fellow beauty chicks, good news. Today is my Friday! Tomorrow I head to the wonderful city of Cleveland, OH for a dear friend's three-day wedding extravaganza. In my bag -- unfortunately not a carry-on, as I have way too many outfits and products to pack! -- will be these products for sure. Because what would a week in the life of this beauty chick be without some lust-worthy products?

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The Beauty of Life Featured in On Makeup Magazine!

Exciting news, fellow beauty chicks. On Makeup Magazine recently did a story on the 52 best beauty bloggers, and The Beauty of Life was among them! I was so excited to be reading along and all of a sudden stop at my blog. (See below for proof!) It wouldn't be possible without all of you -- thanks for being such wonderful readers!

Wallet-Friendly Wednesdays: Sephora Brand Pop-Up Travel Brush

When I was in 7th grade, I had this fabulous red pop-up brush compact that I stashed in my locker. It had a special place right next to my mirror. Every day at lunch, I ran to my locker and pulled out the compact, popping out the brush and running it furiously through my hair to make it as shiny as possible before heading into the cafeteria. One of the saddest days of my life was the day that brush broke in half and I had to throw it away. Luckily, now I can stock up on new ones -- and relive the days of my youth -- with the Sephora Brand Pop-Up Travel Brush.

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Beautiful Belles: Marlo Thomas

We all draw beauty inspiration from women throughout history. Whether we want long eyelashes like Twiggy or pixie cuts like Mia Farrow, something about certain women sparks our beauty interest. And so, I've decided to start a new column here at The Beauty of Life: Beautiful Belles. Each column will focus on a specific icon who's definitely inspired this beauty chick -- and may have inspired you too! Without further adieu, here's the introductory Beautiful Belle.

If you're like me, you grew up wanting to be Marlo Thomas. I memorized the entire soundtrack to Free to Be... You and Me (William's Doll, Atalanta and Ladies First were my favorites) and thought her portrayal of Ann Marie on That Girl rivaled that of Mary Tyler Moore. (I especially loved when she flew the kite with the That Girl logo on it during the credits.) And she just gets more stunning with age -- who could forget her portrayal of Rachel Greene's stylish, full of zingers yet still amazingly sweet mom on Friends?

Thomas' portrayal of Ann Marie garnered quite a bit of controversy, however. As an actress living on her own in New York City, and with a handsome boyfriend whom she never actually married, she was looked upon unfavorably by many -- though the show is considered to be the forerunner for both Murphy Brown and Mary Tyler Moore. But at its heart, it focused on a girl pursuing her dreams and being unafraid to compromise herself or her aspirations -- and she did that while looking amazingly stunning. Thomas' raven-haired locks and big doe eyes, combined with her fantastically on-point wardrobe, made her one to watch.

Since the 1970s, Thomas' charity work has seen no limits. Free to Be... You and Me used poetry, songs and short sketches to impress upon people that we are all actually created equal. With songs like "Parents are People" (a duet between Thomas and Harry Belafonte in which they take on each other's gender stereotypes), the special worked to improve relations and break down the injustices and prejudices in the world. Thomas' work with the St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital has also been quite significant.

Marlo Thomas exudes such an interesting combination of grace and sensuality that turns her into the classic girl-next-door. Her fun-loving laugh, raspy and throaty voice, and kindly smiling eyes create such an air of friendliness and positive character. Her beauty regimen has actually not changed much throughout the years -- she relies on eyes lined in black and pink or nude lipstick to keep her look fresh and elegant. The raven hair might be a little lighter, the cut a little shorter ... but her traditional hair flip could actually be considered the precursor to the famed "Rachel cut!" She truly embodies the feel of "That Girl."

Bring Dessert Into Your Shower: Jaqua Raspberry Buttercream Frosting Shower Creme

Looking for an utterly delectable, mouthwatering body wash that's sure to leave you feeling hungry once you've used it? Then you're definitely jonesing for the all-new Raspberry Buttercream Frosting Shower Creme from Jaqua.

This just-launched wash is scented with ripe raspberries and a dash of cake frosting in Jaqua's signature buttercream scent that will really leave you wishing it were edible. (Trust this beauty chick when she tells you it smells good enough to eat!) It's completely indulgent, completely decadent and completely amazing.

But not only does this shower creme smell fantastic -- it lathers up quite nicely, too! Already a fan of Jaqua's shower cremes, I'm totally excited about adding this one to my stash ... its fruit and aloe extracts, macadamia and primrose oils, and tons of good-for-your-skin vitamins like B5, A and E really moisturize and nourish the skin. I come away from each shower feeling refreshed and squeaky clean.

At $18 on Jaqua's website, this shower creme is definitely an indulgence. But at least you can savor this dessert for a long time to come! (A word of advice: It's probably best to use it before meals.)

NARS Lip Gloss Gets It Right

Love at first sight? I'd say that accurately describes my feelings toward NARS Lip Gloss. Each shade seems to be more highly pigmented and colorful than the next ... and the names, oh, the names! There's Frisky Summer (glossy raspberry), Misbehave (shimmering cherry) and Revolt (sheer grape), just to name a few. But my faves are definitely these three:

Risky Business
Stolen Kisses
Moon Fleet

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Two-For Tuesdays: H20+ Sea Marine Revitalizing Shampoo and Marine Collagen Conditioner

A bit of a departure from the normal Two-For Tuesdays, today, gals. Rather than show a product duo, I'm going to discuss a shampoo and conditioner pairing that is not to be matched! I speak, of course, of the H2O Plus Sea Marine Revitalizing Shampoo and H2O Plus Sea Marine Collagen Conditioner. Ever since this one-two punch came into my life, I haven't been able to stop washing my hair!

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Feel the Vibrations: Lancome Oscillation Vibrating Infinite Power Mascara

I'm pickin' up good vibrations
She's givin' me excitations
(Ooom bop bop ... good vibrations!)
I'm pickin' up good vibrations
(Ooom bop bop ... good vibrations!)
She's givin' me excitations
Good, good, good, good vibrations!
-- The Beach Boys, Good Vibrations

The hype has been huge. For months, rumors have been circulating about the amazingness that is Lancome Oscillation Mascara. The whopping 7000 oscillations per minute that this tube produces are completely unrivaled on the market. So when the opportunity came along to purchase it, I jumped at the chance. I plunked down my money and laid in wait for the tube to arrive, dreaming of the fabulousity that surely laid within.

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Must-Have Mondays: ModelCo Lip Lights Ultra Shine Lip Gloss

The coolest new lipgloss around? ModelCo Lip Lights Ultra Shine Lip Gloss.

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Murad Giveaway: Winner Announced!

Thank you so much to all the fabulous entrants in the Murad Giveaway! And after a whopping 1385 entries, a winner has been selected at random. Congratulations to Emily Grant, who has won over $300 in Murad products. Thanks so much to all the entrants -- be sure to check back soon, as more giveaways are just around the corner!

First Look Fridays: Broadway Star Elizabeth Stanley

The career I'd totally want if I weren't a beauty writer? I'd want to star on Broadway. And while I think for me that's just a pipe dream, for the beautiful and talented Elizabeth Stanley it's become a reality. Elizabeth grew up in Camp Point, IL -- a small town of about 1000 people about 30 miles from Quincy -- where she did community theater and took tons of music lessons. After graduating from Indiana University (she and I were in the same choir, The Singing Hoosiers!), she moved to New York City and started doing regional theater. As a member of the cast of Company at Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park in 2006 -- she played the somewhat naive stewardess April -- Elizabeth received her big break when she discovered that the show would be moving to Broadway. But that's not all -- this past season saw Elizabeth as Allison in the stage-to-screen adaptation of Cry-Baby! What a dream come true, right? I'm super-excited to bring you this interview with Elizabeth, who was kind enough to share her beauty and skincare regimen with me. And seriously, this gal is so utterly gorgeous -- why wouldn't you want to know how this Broadway star keeps her skin intact, what her day to day beauty techniques are, and even how she prepares for a show each night? You simply must keep reading!

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Trend-Filled Thursdays: The Low Braid

As the heat of summer dies down and cooler temperatures will (hopefully) start coming our way, it's time to think about some sophisticated, chic hairstyles to take us from one season to the next effortlessly. I'm totally into the look Kate Hudson is rocking at left. Her loose low braid, accented with side-swept bangs, is absolutely gorgeous. (It doesn't hurt that her chandelier earrings and sparkly gown are to DIE.)

Now, I've been fascinated with braided hairstyles for quite some time. (Click here to check out my love of the side braid.) But this is such a unique take on the style that I simply have to focus on it this week! I love that Kate's hair brings together two different hairstyles in such a unique way. The top of her hair is blown out into sleek, lustrous smoothness, and flows so elegantly into a simple braid that travels down her back. And rather than tying it off with a boldly hued clip or ponytail holder, there's a simple holder that matches her hair. The end result? Absolute flawless perfection.

Curious about how to rock the look on your own? It's super-easy to recreate this look! Read on to find out how you can style your hair into the low braid!

First off, your tresses should be sleeker than sleek. Start with a shine-enhancing shampoo -- I absolutely love Aveda Shampure Shampoo ($9.50 at aveda.com), which brings out shine like no other shampoo I've ever tried.

Next, you'll want to get the shiniest blowout possible. And what better hairdryer to use than the T3 Bespoke Evolution ($300 at t3micro.com)? Whether you dry with a round brush or just your fingers, this hairdryer will get the job done. Of course, blowdrying with a round brush will get your locks to glisten and gleam -- but if you're short on time, this dryer will still accomplish that in only a few minutes!

Now for the fun part -- the braid! You'll want to gather your hair very loosely and split it into three wide sections. Starting at the nape of your neck, cross one section over the other -- not too tightly, or the effect will be lost. The braid should be clean and finished -- no pieces sticking out -- but at the same time, don't make it too polished or wound up!

Stop braiding about an inch from the bottom of your locks. Secure the braid with an elastic that matches your hair. The Sephora Snag-Free Hair Elastics ($3.50 each for a pack of 8 elastics at sephora.com) come in three different shades -- Black, Brown and Clear -- that will perfectly match most hair colors.

Finish with a shine spray that will bring out even more gleam. One like Ojon Shine & Protect Glossing Mist ($28 at sephora.com), which is formulated with wildcrafted Ojon oil and a UV inhibitor to really keep those strands glossy. And voila! An easy to create low braid that is just so simple and chic!

Lusts of the Week

What a lot has happened since my last edition of Lusts of the Week, huh? The amazing Michael Phelps won a staggering eight gold medals, Nastia Liukin and Shawn Johnson went one and two in the gymnastics all around ... it's definitely got me thinking of products that are gold medal worthy! Check out what I'm totally putting on the medal podium this week.

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Wallet-Friendly Wednesdays: Revlon Glimmer Gloss Nail Enamel in Grape Shimmer

Glitter. Sparkle. Luminescence. So many of these words come to mind when thinking of Revlon Glimmer Gloss Nail Enamel in Grape Shimmer. I bought this polish a few months ago, but it ended up sitting in my arsenal for awhile before pulling it out and giving it a little test drive. And may I just say, wow! I can't believe it took me so long.

This polish is unbelievably shimmery and, well, glimmery. And while it comes in eight different shades, Grape Shimmer is definitely my fave. The light purple hue is perfect for lending your tips a bit of pop while still somehow remaining work appropriate. The sparkles are touched with blue, which, rather than making your nails look like you've been sitting in a 30-degree room for six hours, actually creates a sort of pinkish violet tinge.

Not only is the color beautiful, the staying power is pretty unbelievable. After a week of wear -- in which I typed, opened tons of boxes, carried lots of bags back and forth to work -- my nails hadn't even chipped! Plus, it's free of DBP, Toluene and Formaldehyde, which means your nails won't be harmed in any way. And best of all? It's only $8.89! (You can purchase it here.) So what are you waiting for? You'd better glimmer and shimmer all night long!

Two-For Tuesdays: Tarte Berry Couture Limited-Edition All Natural Stain Set

After literally falling in love with blush a couple of weeks ago, I'm now on a mission to find all the shades and brands that work the best for me. And lo and behold, I came across the Berrylicious Cheek Stain from the new Berry Couture Limited-Edition All Natural Stain Set by Tarte.

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Salon and Spa Directory: The Shu Uemura Lash Bar

Long, lush lashes? I used to think that my tube of Diorshow Mascara was enough to keep me happy. (And, for all intensive purposes, it still does get the job done.) But after my experience this weekend at the Shu Uemura Lash Bar, I have definitely seen the light when it comes to fake lashes.

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Time in a Bottle: Philosophy The Soda Fountain

There's a part of me that's always wished I grew up in the 50s. Those old-time drugstores with soda fountains just always seem so kitschy and fun. So I was totally stoked to discover the brand-new The Soda Fountain by Philosophy. I totally get the special opportunity of escaping to that soda fountain in the comfort of my own home ... or shower, as the case may be!

Just from looking at the box, I'm immediately transported to the time of pedal pushers and black-and-white televisions. But it's what's inside the box that really counts. Three 6oz. bottles of the brand's famed 3-in-1s (which encompass shampoo, shower gel and bubble bath), each with a more enticing smell than the next, come tumbling out. The three scents included are:

Not the Pits Cherry Cola (smells exactly like Cherry Coke)
Barrels of Root Beer (so deliciously sweet, just like root beer barrels)
Fruit Punch (light, zesty, fruity and with a hint of Hi-C flavor)

My fave is definitely Root Beer, which literally does emanate the aroma of its moniker. Even my roommate swooned when I made him draw in a breath over the bottle! And as is the case with all Philosophy 3-in-1s, the bottles each have a recipe displayed across the front. You can actually learn how to make the three drinks! I will definitely be trying out these recipes, especially the root beer -- which, of course, the bottle says to pour over ice cream before serving.

These three scents are absolutely perfect to take you through the end of summer and into the light crispness of early fall. So why not head to Philosophy's website and pick up your own time machine? It's only $30. Now all that's missing is my poodle skirt.

Lusts of the Week

How is everyone's week going so far? I'm doing pretty well, though I threw my back out the other day -- so I'm in pain! Luckily I have some beauty products perking me up while I lie on my back.

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Must-Have Mondays: Ojon Tawaka The White Ball

I'm somewhat of a scrub junkie ... so of course I need to try out every single one that comes my way. And the new Tawaka The White Ball by Ojon totally satisfied my latest scrub curiosity. I was fortunate enough to check out this baseball-sized genius scrub at Sephora's holiday editors' event last month, and I've been hooked ever since! (The picture at left is from the event.) Designed exclusively for Sephora's holiday collection -- which means it's not available just yet -- this companion to the original, simply monikered "The Ball," is bound to sell out quickly.

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Beauty News: Sephora by OPI Collection Now Available!

Remember when I talked about the new, long-awaited, much talked about Sephora by OPI collection last week? (Click here in case you missed it.) Well, good news -- it's finally here! Free of DBP, toluene and formaldehyde, the over 50 polishes available are all absolutely gorgeous -- and all ring up under $10!

The whole collection is available at sephora.com.

What will you be buying? Let me know in the comments!

Enter Another Dimension: Prescriptives Fall Dimensions Cheeks and Eyes

Do you remember the show Sliders, starring an absolutely adorable Jerry O'Connell? In each, he and his travel companions slid through different dimensions, trying desperately to get back to their own. (And the episode in which they actually were back in their own dimension and left without knowing it? Heart wrenching!)

All thoughts of Sliders aside, the new Fall Dimensions Eyes and Cheeks palette from Prescriptives totally makes my face look like it's entered another dimension ... the dimension of glowing, ethereal beauty!

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Sit Back and Relax with Molton Brown Relaxing Yuan Zhi Sleep Mist

Now I don't know about you, but I've always been a bit skeptical of sleep mists. Can essences of lavender, ylang ylang and other "relaxing" ingredients really make anyone fall asleep faster? Well, color me impressed -- and consider my mind changed for good -- ever since I started using Molton Brown Relaxing Yuan Zhi Sleep Mist. This bottle, which does have the aforementioned lavender and ylang ylang in addition to bergamot, really does seem to help me fall asleep faster. We're talking within minutes -- and I have the chronic condition of laying awake for hours before bed, even when I'm exhausted!

The mist, which has an intoxicatingly fresh scent that I just can't seem to get enough of, comes housed in a gorgeous violet-hued glass bottle, claims to "promote inner peace and encourage restful, healing sleep." I can honestly say I find this to be the case. I've been using this mist for the last week, spraying it liberally over my sheets and pillows, and I have fallen asleep within minutes. What's more, I stay asleep -- no waking up in the middle of the night for any reason! And best of all, I really do feel rested and completely at ease when I wake up in the morning.

Now, this mist doesn't come cheap, as it retails for $44 on Molton Brown's website. But for anyone who's had problems falling asleep in the past, you should definitely give it a try. What's the worst that can happen? You get a good night's sleep?

Beauty Giveaway: Murad Products!

It's time for another giveaway here on The Beauty of Life! And this time I'm giving away a ton of products from one of my favorite skincare lines, Murad. Your skin will literally be glowing after using each and every one of the following products, which have a retail value of $330!

Youth Builder Dietary Supplement ($49): These supplements work to reduce the appearance of fine lines, boot collagen production and stimulate healthy cell function with glucosamine, amino acid complex and Vitamin A.



Essential-C Eye Cream SPF 15 ($66): Tiger's herb and caffeine brighten up the undereye area with the added benefit of SPF 15 to protect against UVA and UVB rays. Side note: this product is so popular, it's currently completely sold out on Murad's website!


Intensive Wrinkle Reducer ($150): Yes, this product retails for $150! And with all its claims -- reversing wrinkles, firming and tightening skin, increasing radiance, boosting hydration levels, improving skin imperfections and resurfacing without irritation, it's easy to see why.


AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser ($35): Formulated with salicylic, lactic and glycolic acids to cleanse, smooth and exfoliate your skin to perfection. But that's not all -- jojoba seed oil keeps skin from drying out, and licorice extract acts as an anti-inflammatory.


Waterproof Sunblock SPF 30 ($30): Not only does this protect your skin from harmful rays, it shields against premature fine lines and wrinkles! Plus it's infused with pomegranate extract to prevent free radical damage.



Entering is super-easy. Simply enter your name and email address in the box below, and check back on Friday, August 22 to see if you've won! Good luck!



This giveaway is open to US residents only. Giveaway runs until Thursday, August 21 at 12:00am EST. One entry per person and IP address. Multiple entries will be disqualified.

Trend-Filled Thursdays: The Side Part

Forget parting your hair down the middle. At Fall 2008 Fashion Week, the side part was all the rage. Seen everywhere from Akris to Donna Karan, models strutted down the runway with their tresses pulled to one side. It's even trickled down to celebrities, with gals like Emmy Rossum, Rachel Bilson and getting in on the act. And whether you're going for a sleek updo or wavy, flowy locks, this style can work for you! Center parts tend to make the face look a bit wider, while the side part can elongate your puss and sleeken your entire do. Read on to see tons of pictures that will inspire you ... and for tips on how to create the looks yourself!

GRACEFUL UPDOS

Rachel Bilson rocking a semi-undone look

Emma Watson going the super-pretty route at Cartier International Polo Day

on the runway at Aquascutum

on the runway at Akris

These looks may seem tough to pull off, but never fear! They are a lot simpler than they appear. Whether you want to look super-polished or a little more rough and tumble, a French twist or a bun will reign the look in just so. Here's how to create it from start to finish.

1) Using a wide-toothed comb, pull a wide chunk -- at least two inches -- over to the side. Either side works, just decide which one looks better for your face!
2) Pull the remaining tresses into a low bun or French twist and secure with bobby pins.
3) Spritz a shine spray like Frederic Fekkai Glossing Sheer Shine Mist ($22.50 at bathandbodyworks.com) over your entire head, concentrating especially on the front part that you've left out of the updo.
4) Pull just a bit at the updo to make it a bit more textured and give it a tousled, slightly messy look.
5) Voila! An easy-to-create, side-parted updo!

DOWN BUT NOT OUT

on the runway at Alberta Ferretti

Amy Adams showing some side-parted curls at a Louis Vuitton event

on the runway at Antonio Berardi

on the runway at Badgley Mischka

on the runway at Daryl K and Kerrigan

Whether you're going for straight and sleek or a bit more tousled and undone, this look is so super-sexy. And just like the looks above, they are fairly simple to accomplish. Here's how you can get the look.

1) A good blowout is key here! And you can accomplish that at home. Using a blowdryer like the T3 Bespoke Labs Featherweight Dryer ($200 at sephora.com), your locks will fall effortlessly into this style. If you're looking to make your tresses pin-straight, use a round brush to pull each strand out to its fullest. For a more undone look, you'll want to curl your round brush around each strand as you blow them out to create a bit of a wave.
2) Use a wide-toothed comb to part your hair down the side. As in the above looks, pick the side that looks better for your face!
3) For the straight look, finish with a shine serum like Jonathan Product Silky Dirt Shine & Define Creme ($28 at sephora.com), which will infuse your locks with a ton of shine.
4) The more undone look needs a bit of tousle! Phyto Curl Defining Spray ($26 at sephora.com), a styling mist with moisturizing passion flower extract, will do just that.

Cheery for Thymes Red Cherie

I am passionately obsessed with candles. I can't help it ... if I see an interesting jar or smell an intoxicating scent, it's all over. I have to have it. To that end, my entire apartment is cluttered with candles. At last count, I think I had about 40 laying around. (And no, this is not an exaggeration.) One that I kept staring at but never lit was my Thymes Red Cherie Candle. I've literally had this one for about six months and it remained in its box, just waiting for the day I decided to light it.

Now, in all fairness, I don't really light candles in the summer. It's just too darn hot. But last night was an exception ... I turned off the air conditioning for awhile, settled down to read a book and -- lo and behold! -- my eyes fell on this candle. It seemed to be calling to me, just waiting to be unwrapped from its packaging and lit. And so I obliged ... and, oh my goodness, what on earth I have been missing!

To start with, the jar is absolutely gorgeous. A leafy vine wends its way around subtly frosted glass, creating an air of tranquility and calm. It's so beautiful, it simply begs to be put on a vanity or dresser in a place of importance. But once lit, wow. The blend of sparkling pomegranate, cherries, passion flower, lychee and fruity musk is simply delightful. It's not too strong or heavy, and doesn't leave my apartment smelling like ripe fruit for days ... instead, it's understated and elegant, the absolute perfect scent for a night spent curled up on the couch with a good book and a heavy down comforter.

Even better, this candle burns for up to 40 hours. But now that I feel guilty about not burning it for so long, I have a feeling those hours are going to tick away quite quickly!

This candle is no longer available.

Totally Blown Away by Blow Styling Salon

I have to admit, I am pretty good with the at-home blowout. I dry my hair in sections with clips and everything! But once in awhile I like to pamper my hair and really treat it right ... so I decided to head to Blow Styling Salon, New York's answer to the perfect blowout, for the royal treatment.

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Lusts of the Week

It's Week 1 of my new job at Bergdorf Goodman, and so far so good! But of course I have a few beauty products up my sleeve just in case things get tough. Here's what I'm totally loving this week.

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Wallet-Friendly Wednesdays: Sephora by OPI

Fifty-four shades of polish? Sounds too good to be true, doesn't it? Luckily, the new Sephora by OPI collection -- launching this month at Sephora stores and Sephora.com -- is totally unbelievable both in sheer number of shades and in the actual hues they've created.

Sheer. Opaque. Light. Dark. The collection has something for everybody, from shimmery reds to glittery blacks, creamy grays to sparkly pinks. (See a selection of the colors at left.) And best of all? They all ring up at under $10 -- $9, to be exact. I love the thick rubber tops, which are super-easy to grab and hold while brushing the color onto your nails. The bottles are a tad difficult to open the first time -- they must have been sealed with the utmost precision -- but a teensy bit of struggle is so worth it once you get to the shades within.

My total fave is definitely Metro Chic. This shade is an interesting mix of gray and purple that glides on creamily and easily, leaving no streak marks and lasting forever. (Case in point: After nine days, my polish was still relatively chip-free and even still looked as though I'd painted it on a day or two earlier!)

Keep watching Sephora's website to see when the collection launches. It should be soon -- and trust me, you'll want to stock up!

Thanks to Beauty and the Blog for the photos!