Rise and Shine! Time for Bumble and bumble's New Early Bird Blow Dry

I'm a sucker for a good blowout. And you've heard the phrase "The early bird catches the worm," haven't you? Well, then, it was only a matter of time before the house of Bumble -- yes, the Bumble and bumble -- decided to get in on the early bird action with their brand-new Early Bird Blow Dry Service.

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Two-For Tuesdays: Tommy Hilfiger Dreaming Lip Gloss and Rollerball Duo

The romantic idea of dreaming has been captured in a bottle. Tommy Hilfiger's latest fragrance, Dreaming, is an enticing blend of succulent peach and airy flowers that perfectly encompasses the essence of our dreams.

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Great Brand Alert: Belli Skincare

I'm not a mom ... or even a mom-to-be. But you know what? It doesn't matter. Because, luckily, even though Belli Skincare is formulated especially for mamas, those not expecting or with child can use the products too!

This fabulous skincare line is the only one to be teratology screened -- which, in layman's terms, means the products are studied to make sure they won't cause birth defects or deformities. In addition, the line spans a wide range of elimination treatments, including stretch marks, acne, dark under-eye circles and diaper rash. The last one notwithstanding, it's definitely fabulous for use by every gal looking for a little help in certain areas!

The packaging is simple, sleek and to the point. Bottles and tubes are white with blue or purple lettering -- very no muss, no fuss. And that's perfect whether you're a mom with no extra time on your hands or a busy gal on the go!

Read on to discover my two absolute must-have products from Belli Skincare.

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Must-Have Mondays: Jo Malone Sweet Lime & Cedar Cologne

Like Thai food? Then you're definitely going to like the new fragrance from Jo Malone. Their latest iteration -- inspired by the diverse flavors of Thai cuisine -- is named Sweet Lime & Cedar. I'd been curious about this fragrance for quite some time, I must admit. A perfume that somehow encompasses a cuisine without making me a) hungry or b) nauseous? I really didn't think it could be pulled off. Luckily, I was wrong.

A combination of zesty fruits, fragrant leaves, delicate flowers, spices and nutty woods effortlessly comes together in the bottle to create a fragrance that's somehow calming and sensual at the same time. As soon as I spritzed it on, I felt at ease and at peace ... and not at all hungry, thankfully! (Though I did get a craving for Thai food later that night, so maybe that's a bit subliminal!) While the fragrance stays with you throughout the day, it's light and not at all cloying.

And the bottle, oh, the bottle! I absolutely love buying Jo Malone fragrances for the simple fact that they are so elegantly packaged. Each bottle is nestled so perfectly within a cream-and-black box that's tied with a black silk ribbon, making it the perfect gift to give or get. At $55 for 30ml or $100 for 100ml on Jo Malone's website, it's not cheap -- but it will make you feel absolutely fabulous every time you wear it.

Beauty Questions: What Was Your First Favorite Scent?

For as long as I can remember, I've loved perfume. It's difficult to pinpoint just one fragrance that calls to me, though Ralph Lauren Romance certainly does the trick. But when thinking over my favorite scents and smells, vanilla is always at the top of the list.

As early as 10 years old, I was making trips to The Body Shop at the local mall to partake in what I thought was the most amazing invention ever (and miss to this very day), the make-your-own fragrance bar. And out of every single scent available -- and I think there were at least 30 on hand -- vanilla won every single time. It's got a comforting, homey, yet totally sensual and seductive allure to it that just always gets me.

So my Beauty Question to you is this. What was your first favorite scent? Let me know in the comments!

Lusts of the Week

What a week, fellow beauty chicks! My high school reunion was this past weekend (see the pic above for a closeup of my hair and makeup that night, and a bit of my See by Chloe dress). It was overwhelming, exciting, intense, surreal, and -- of course -- loads of fun. But it totally wore me out! I still found a way to pick up a few new fave beauty products though. And this week they all just happen to be pint-size! Perfect for stowing in your getaway bag the next time you go on a trip. Check out what I'm totally loving this week.

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Trend-Filled Thursdays: Sugar Products

Sugar: A sweet, crystalline substance, obtained chiefly from the juice of the sugarcane and the sugar beet, and present in sorghum and maple sap. Used extensively as an ingredient and flavoring of certain foods.

Looking for an ingredient that will buff, soften and moisturize skin? Then you should certainly turn to sugar. The little crystals normally found in coffee or sprinkled across strawberries have fabulous conditioning properties guaranteed to make your skin super-supple. Read on to discover the products filled to the brimming with sugar that you definitely won't want to live without.

Archipelago Botanicals Sugar Creme in White Sugar & Mango ($22 at scentsandsprays.com): Now, I know this says "hand creme." But I actually like to use it on my legs and knees! It's formulated with soy proteins and dried milk solids, which help to keep skin feeling utterly silky and smooth. Plus it smells delicious -- and it's so fragrant, it cuts down on the need for perfume!


Jaqua Pink Champagne Exfoliating Body Polish ($14 at jaquabeauty.com): I've been a huge fan of all things Jaqua for years ... especially the body polishes. They never fail to make my skin softer than I thought possible -- and this one is definitely no different! And with its light but unbelievably delectable scent -- not to mention its combination of fruit extracts and oils like kukui, macadamia, sesame and sweet almond -- this one is a true winner.

Glowology Sugar Mama Honey Scrub ($26 at noodleandboo.com): Okay, so this one is created for mamas to be. But you know what? I don't care. I love the consistency of this scrub, which is super-thick and creamy. Shea butter moisturizes, coconut makes it smell delicious, and honey conditions. And best of all? The jar is so huge, it will take forever for me to get through it all!

Crabtree & Evelyn Lemongrass & Sugarcane Botanical Shower Mousse ($16 at crabtree-evelyn.com): The newest addition to the huge array of shower gels and body washes I've amassed? Totally this one. With its foamy consistency, it brings a much-needed newness to the typical showertime. My one recommendation? If you're using a pouf, use at least four pumps to really lather up. Otherwise, you won't have enough to get through the whole shower!

Molton Brown Celestial Maracuja Sugar Polish ($60 at moltonbrown.com): The ultimate splurge. This scrub is amazingly fragrant and makes me happy every time I open the tub. Formulated with organic maracuja passion flower and rose moqueta oil, this baby leaves even the roughest patches feeling better than ever. And the best part? The deep red tub totally pretties up the shower.

Lalicious Coconut Cream Sugar Souffle ($34 at lalicious.com): I am a huge fan of all things coconut. So it comes as no surprise that this scrub made me totally happy the second I unscrewed the cap. It's thick and luscious, and the intoxicating scent of coconut just wafts out and onto the skin immediately. And ashy calves? They're a thing of the past.

Principessa Delizia Mia Sugar Polish ($28 at makeup.com): Want to feel like a true princess? Then this is the scrub to help you on your way. Granted, it's pretty soupy -- I had to mix it for a good three or four minutes to really make the consistency scrubby enough for use. But once mixed, it left my skin feeling softer than I thought possible! You can even use it as a massage oil instead of a scrub, if you prefer. Now that's treating yourself royally.

H20+ Sea Marine Triple Butter Sugar Scrub ($25 at h20plus.com): Bring the spa into your shower with this tub. As soon as you open it, you'll feel like you were transported to a massage table complete with aromatherapy and essential oils. Skin will feel buttery soft -- as well it should -- with the triple-butter blend that you'll work into it. Seriously, is there anything this brand can't do?

Ojon Tawaka The White Ball Now Available at Sephora!

Remember when I raved about the new, as yet unreleased Ojon Tawaka The White Ball? (Click here for a little refresher course.) Well, good news, fellow beauty chicks -- it is now available for purchase on Sephora's website! If dropping the $65 seems out of the question, let me just tell you one thing. THIS BALL IS AMAZING. If you use it faithfully, your skin will be soft. I promise you I'm telling the truth! Why not check it out for yourself? But you'd better hurry -- this limited-edition ball will certainly not be around for long!

Wallet-Friendly Wednesdays: Neutrogena MoistureShine Lip Soother Cooling Hydragel in Gleam

Glossy. Glisteny. Shimmery. Shiny. I seriously cannot say enough good things about Neutrogena MoistureShine Lip Soother Cooling Hydragel in Gleam. Ever since I started using it, my lips have felt super-soft and smooth.

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Beautiful Belles: Twiggy

A series focusing on beautiful women throughout history with important contributions to the arts and entertainment industry and charity -- and a fabulous sense of beauty, inside and out!

Who do we have to thank for long, lush lashes that go on for days and days? Why, Twiggy, of course. The first super-thin supermodel became famous in the 1960s for her big doe eyes, long eyelashes, and -- no surprise here -- her rail-thin frame. (Yes, there were ultra-skinny models before Kate Moss!) Weighing only 90 pounds when she was discovered at the age of 16, Twiggy -- born Lesley Hornby -- became known for the high fashion mod look created by English fashion designer Mary Quant.

Twiggy's popularity and fascination only continued to grow after she was discovered. Her short hair was utterly modern and married the masculine/feminine side of fashion effortlessly. She was even regarded as one of the faces of "Swinging London" -- yes, the era made famous by Austin Powers!

Twiggy's sense of style and beauty is truly iconic. One cannot think of the mod period without associating her along with it. Her big doe eyes were always, always accented with loads of black mascara -- and it's rumored that she would even draw on an extra layer of lashes underneath her eyes for more volume! She kept the rest of her look simple, paring the traditional smoky eye with a nude glossy lip and clear, fresh skin. And let's not forget that hair! Her chopped, boy-meets-girl haircut came at a time when most women revered long tresses. This haircut even inspired me during my college years, when I decided to chop off all my hair!

Recent fans of Twiggy will recognize her from her years as a judge on America's Next Top Model -- a role which, sadly, has now been handed over to Paulina Porizkova. But Twiggy is still out and about, modeling for Marks and Spencer and acting in various movies and television shows. She's appeared The Blues Brothers, Pygmalion (as Eliza Doolittle), The Boy Friend and Edge of Seventeen, just to name a few of her many credits. And all the while, she's looking absolutely fabulous. Her hair is longer and blonder, her makeup is softer, but she still embodies that girl from the 1960s with her beautiful big eyes and dewy skin.

Not only contributing to the fashion, beauty and entertainment worlds, however, Twiggy has donated her time and money to Breakthrough Breast Cancer -- a charity in the UK which supports breast cancer education and research.

Twiggy is truly a fashion and beauty icon. One can only hope she continues to make the arena interesting in years to come!

Two-For Tuesdays: Bath & Body Works Signature Collection Warm Vanilla Sugar Delightful Duo

My first favorite scent? Vanilla. Something about it is just so comforting and homey. It reminds me of baking cookies in my grandma's kitchen, measuring out all the ingredients and taking care to put in a teaspoon of the yummy-smelling vanilla before mixing up the batter. So naturally, I fell in love with anything and everything vanilla-scented, from perfumes and lotions to shower gels and haircare products. And what I'm totally jonesing for right now? The Bath & Body Works Signature Collection Warm Vanilla Sugar Delightful Duo. (Say that three times fast!) This duo pairs a lotion and fragrance in the scent that takes me back to my childhood every time.

First off, I totally love the box. The lacquered dark green box is tied with a pretty satin ribbon, making it absolutely beautiful whether it's a gift you're giving to someone else or to yourself! But it's what's inside that really counts ... and the Body Lotion and Eau de Toilette do not disappoint.

The Body Lotion is seriously moisturizing and nourishing without being greasy in the slightest. I love massaging it into my hands before bed -- it works its magic overnight and leaves them feeling soft and smooth all throughout the next day! The Eau de Toilette, on the other hand, is somehow sensuous and invigorating all at once. It's not cloying like some vanilla scents can be -- rather, it's quite light and airy but with a gorgeous undertone of inviting warmth.

But my absolute favorite part about this set? The price! It costs a mere $9 on the Bath & Body Works website. Forget cooking vanilla -- at a price this low, I'm stocking up on the kind I can use each and every day.

Must-Have Mondays: Sephora Brand Silver Swirl Bag Collection

I have a problem. I have way too much makeup. No way will I ever have enough makeup bags to hold all my products! Or so I thought, until I came across the Sephora Brand Silver Swirl Bag Collection. With these bags at the ready, I now have a place for everything in my collection, from eyeliner and brushes to lipstick and blush.

I first saw these bags while at the Sephora Holiday Preview back in July. And the second my eyes fell upon them, it was love. The swirl pattern etched into the metallic silver vinyl draws inspiration from Van Gogh's Starry Night -- the stitching swirls and sweeps across the fabric, creating an endless array of twists and turns that are beautifully eye-catching. This pattern swirls across five bags of varying sizes and functions. My three faves are:

1) Large Handle Bag ($38): My fave of the bunch. This square-shaped bag zips open to reveal three mesh pouches and a zippered pocket -- perfect for storing all of my treasured essentials.

2) Pencil Case ($16): This 8" long pouch can hold so many brushes and eye pencils -- even my extra-long eyelash comb! And its narrow size lends itself perfectly to fitting inside my bag for easy toting ability.

3) Clutch Bag ($18): Looking for a makeup bag that doubles as an evening clutch? This is the one! It's got a wrist strap, so you can carry it easily -- and the subtle rectangular shape is designed with an interior pouch that perfectly fits a cell phone!

The other bags available are the Medium Cosmetic Case ($20) and the Hanging Bag ($48). All are available on Sephora's website. Fabulousness? It might come cheaper than you think.

Trend-Filled Thursdays: Green Nail Polish

Forget blue, black and purple polish. Those are all soooo last season. The color every gal in the know is now sporting on her tips? Green, of course! And whether you're going light with a seafoam hue or dark with emerald, there's something in the color wheel for everyone. Read on to discover the bottles you simply must have in your arsenal this season.

Rescue Beauty Lounge Recycle Nail Polish ($18 at rescuebeauty.com): Hands down, this one is my absolute fave. My bestie Katie and I found this polish at Louis Boston back in August and immediately fell in love. And after only painting one nail to see how it looked, you wouldn't believe the positive comments from everyone around me!


China Glaze Nail Lacquer in In The Lime Light ($5.99 at sallybeauty.com): Absolutely perfect when you want to punch up your pedicure. The neon green shade is creamy with just the subtlest hint of shimmer -- and your toes will be seen for miles! (Trust me, that's a good thing.) And if you're worried about looking too young with such a bright hue, don't be -- it's perfectly acceptable to wear a punchy limey-green as a grownup!

Shades by Barielle in Date Night ($8 at barielle.com): So this is why emeralds are such popular gemstones.This deep emerald hue is tinged with gorgeous shimmer and sits creamily and beautifully upon the nail. Totally perfect for cooler temperatures.


Zoya Professional Lacquer in Suvi (6 at artofbeauty.com): I know what you're thinking. Another emerald green polish? But what sets this one apart is the fact that it's not quite as opaque as the others. What's nice about this is that it's great for a less intense option!


N.Y.C. New York Color Long-Wearing Nail Enamel in Big Money Frost ($.99 at ulta.com): This is the polish for the teenager in me. I can totally picture 16-year-old Jamie running around with this shimmery jade on her nails -- especially since it retails for under a dollar!



Creative Nail Design Enamel in Replenish ($6 at bebeautiful.com): The sheerest, lightest color of them all, this one is absolutely perfect with just one coat. It's got a bit of a grey tinge that just really takes your nails up a notch while keeping them totally work-appropriate.

Lusts of the Week

I am beat this week. I'm not sure whether it's from the craziness of Fashion Week, or the fact that I've basically been running around for the last three weeks straight, or that I'm still getting settled in my new job. But whatever it is, I'm totally jonesing for some relaxation ... not that I'm going to get any, with my high school reunion coming up this weekend! (Where did the last 10 years go?) In any case, I've worked a bit of time into my schedule to come up with a few Lusts of the Week for you!

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An Insider's Look: Hairstylist Ted Gibson

Last week was a notorious one, fellow beauty chicks. I got to spend some valuable time with the one and only Ted Gibson! (Click here for a little gushing on that front.) And in the time we spent together, he let me in on all kinds of interesting secrets -- from how he got started in the hairstyling business to some of his favorite products and fun moments from his career! Keep reading to discover more about the super-fabulous Ted Gibson.

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Wallet-Friendly Wednesdays: Sephora by OPI Nail Colour Remover

Now, I never thought anything would come between me and my Cutex. But then I stumbled upon the Sephora by OPI Nail Colour Remover, and all of a sudden things changed. This stuff removes polish better than I ever imagined it could in my wildest dreams.

What first drew me to this bottle of polish remover was, of course, the gorgeous purple color. It's just so much prettier than the boring yellow Cutex from the drugstore! And, let's face it, we tend to buy products based on the packaging ... or, at least, I do. (Click here for more commentary on that subject.)

But what really makes this remover have staying power is the fact that it really and truly removes polish. Formulated with grapeseed oil, Vitamin E, and both aloe and sea kelp extracts, the remover is non-drying and non-irritating. It even softens cuticles! And even better, it does all this without that horrible acetone smell.

At $5-$9 on Sephora's website (depending on the size), it's not as cheap as the drugstore brand. But if you're looking for a remover that not only looks good on the vanity but works well on your nails, this is definitely the one for you! And at 4 ounces for the larger size, it will last for quite awhile. So go ahead ... get to removing that polish.

Lines Be Gone! Prescriptives Super Line Preventor Xtreme Lifting Concentrate to the Rescue!

Want to banish those pesky fine lines for good ... or at least for the day? Then you simply must check out the new Prescriptives Super Line Preventor Xtreme Lifting Concentrate. This product, which is packaged in the most genius way I've seen in a loooong time, will seriously get rid of your wrinkles ASAP.

I totally love the tube, which is accented by a large point that looks like the tip of a pen. This ensures easy, immensely targeted application of the product -- no simple feat with many wrinkle creams! I love that I the point lends itself to simply running the cream across any wrinkles I wish to hide.

But this tube would be nothing without the fabulous product inside. And this taupe-hued cream, which feels light, cooling and airy to the touch, is seriously unbelievable. It works to lift and firm skin while reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. And let me tell you something. IT WORKS. Not only does it moisturize and condition skin, leaving it feeling silky smooth, it just makes those pesky wrinkles disappear! No longer do I have to worry that raising my forehead in disbelief or wrinkling it in worry will leave permanent damage. Because wherever I go, I now have this trusty little tube at the ready in my bag.

This amazing product can be yours for $38 on the Prescriptives website. The fountain of youth? It's in this tube.

Two-For Tuesdays: Murad Lighten & Brighten Eye Treatment and Essential-C Day Moisture SPF 15 Set

Want your skin to glow, gleam and glisten? Then you simply have to try the Murad Lighten & Brighten Eye Treatment and Essential-C Day Moisture SPF 15 Set. (Say that three times fast!) Each of the two products in this set works to keep your skin bright, shining and simply gorgeous. I've been a fan of both of these products for months, so finding them in a set was like having a dream come true, prayers become answered, the heavens open up ... okay, you get the picture.

First up, the Lighten & Brighten Eye Treatment. This little tube seriously works wonders! Every time I use it, I just know I'll wake up without any bags, puffiness or dark circles near my eyes. Only the tiniest amount is needed -- smaller than a dime-sized dollop. Once you squeeze it onto your finger (I like to use the pad of my index finger), slowly massage it into your undereye area and out toward the outer corners. Doing this on a daily basis will ensure that any unsightly eye problems will be kept at bay! I love all the oils it's formulated with -- orange, grapefruit, rosa damascena flower, clove flower and sage -- which just make me feel like I'm doing something extra special for my skin.

And, of course, who could forget the Essential-C Day Moisture SPF 15? This moisturizer works to fight against free radicals and sun damage. The latter is perfectly obvious, as the name itself tells you there's SPF protection in the formula. The moisturizer is light, creamy and non-drying, and it's not at all irritating (quite a feat as my skin is very sensitive!). As with the eye cream, it's not necessary to use a huge amount -- I recommend about a quarter-sized dollop, massaged especially into the nose, cheeks, forehead and chin. I like to use it at night and let it work its magic as I sleep ... though it is perfectly okay to use for day as well.

This set retails for $75 on Sephora's website. Quite a bargain when its full retail value is $107! So go ahead, lighten up.

Regain Consciousness: Bumble and bumble Curl Conscious Nourishing Masque

I have curly hair. You'd never know it, since I have mastered the blowout and the art of the flat iron. But yes, it's true ... underneath the sleek, shining tresses I so painstakingly work to achieve each day lies a mass of seemingly uncontrollable curls and waves.

It would be an understatement when I tell you that these curls are the bane of my existence. They don't look pretty when left to their own devices ... they lie every which way, some corkscrewed, some pulled out ... all, well, less than sightly. So when I had the opportunity to try the new Bumble and bumble Curl Conscious Nourishing Masque, I jumped at the chance to see whether my locks would finally, finally lie flat.

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First Look Fridays: Danielle Vincent of Kimiko Cosmetics

I am simply thrilled to bring you this week's edition of First Look Fridays. The absolutely fabulous Danielle Vincent, the creator of Kimiko Cosmetics, participated this week. I'm a huge fan of Kimiko Cosmetics — especially the Sheer Tint and Lip Plumper, which seriously makes lips look absolutely fabulous. Danielle grew up in Toronto, Canada but has spent a majority of her life on the East Coast and now lives in New York City. She attended makeup artistry school in Toronto, where she worked as an artist for many of the major beauty brands. Read on to discover more about this fabulous gal!

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Highlights From Fashion Week: Day Five

Fashion Week was much calmer yesterday, fellow beauty chicks. I had to work most of the day, so there was no running around backstage or trying to move up to front row at various shows, a la previous days! But I did have a couple of highlights that I would, of course, love to share with you!

1) I stopped by the fabulous EcoTools suite at the Bryant Park Hotel to learn about their new line of products coming out next January. I'm super-excited about this line -- it's completely eco-conscious, from the bamboo handles to the synthetic bristles. Even the packaging is green-friendly with recycled plastic and hemp. There are some amazing new additions to the line, like powder puffs made entirely of bamboo, that I can't wait to share with you in the coming weeks.

2) I met makeup artist Joanna Schlip. Yes, this is in italics. Why? Because she is amazing. Joanna is the makeup artist for Ellen Pompeo, Avril Lavigne, Eva Longoria and other Hollywood starlets ... not to mention her makeup artistry has appeared in every magazine under the sun. Seriously, check out any issue of Allure, Glamour, InStyle and the like and chances are you'll find a spread with her work. In any case, she was doing makeup at the EcoTools suite and she did mine -- and OMG, did I look amazing! She's pure genius. Unfortunately I didn't snap a picture with her, but the pic at left is at least so you can see what she looks like! (And yes, she's gorgeous.)

Beautiful Belles: Anne Bancroft

A series focusing on beautiful women throughout history with important contributions to the arts and entertainment industry and charity -- and a fabulous sense of beauty, inside and out!

Benjamin: For God's sake, Mrs. Robinson. Here we are. You got me into your house. You give me a drink. You ... put on music. Now you start opening up your personal life to me and tell me your husband won't be home for hours.
Mrs. Robinson: So?
Benjamin: Mrs. Robinson, you're trying to seduce me.
Mrs. Robinson: [laughs]
Benjamin: Aren't you?
Mrs. Robinson: Benjamin, I am not trying to seduce you.
Benjamin: I know that, but please Mrs. Robinson, this is difficult...
Mrs. Robinson: Would you like me to seduce you?

Who among us does not know this passage from the 1967 film The Graduate? One of the most defining roles of Anne Bancroft's career, Mrs. Robinson was the epitome of the sexy, sensuous, sensual older woman. And Anne Bancroft played her flawlessly. Her throaty voice, her perfectly placed hair, her long cigarette holder seen through the parted legs ... all these elements added up to one hot mama. And while I appreciate and love Bancroft's portrayal of Mrs. Robinson, there are many roles she played over the years which affected me.

Take The Miracle Worker, in which Bancroft portrayed Annie Sullivan. Her painstaking care for Helen Keller (played by Patty Duke), where she -- in a scene my family watched hundreds of times -- makes sure Helen folds the napkin at the table instead of behaving like an animal -- showed her true compassion and prodigious skill. Or Keeping the Faith, where she played a mother desperately trying to ensure her son's happiness -- even if it meant breaking with the time-honored traditions of her faith. Or, my personal favorite -- How to Make an American Quilt. I can't even count the number of times my mother and I have sat together watching this movie, crying and laughing simultaneously while watching Bancroft's Glady Joe smash porcelain figurines, glue them to the wall and sing precariously high notes in the car on the way to the swimming pool. One thing is certain -- watching Anne Bancroft on the silver screen was never dull.

Born Anna Maria Louisa Italiano in the Bronx, she changed her name to Anne Bancroft in 1952. Bancroft honed her craft at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, the Actors Studio and the American Film Institute's Directing Workshop for Women at UCLA. She's one of the few actresses to win Emmy, Tony and Oscar Awards. Bancroft also had the distinct honor of being married to the absolutely hilarious Mel Brooks for over 40 years!

Bancroft's signature bob was always full, lush and swingy -- exactly the way every woman wishes her mane would look on a daily basis. Though her dark raven locks faded to gray, the bright highlights surrounding her face remained -- ensuring that rapt attention would always be at her beck and call. Not to mention her beautiful doe eyes, always accented to the fullest with coat after coat of black mascara ... and her full pout, always ahead of its time in a luscious peachy pink gloss.

Throughout her career, Anne Bancroft exemplified many characteristics and qualities that real women everywhere would be lucky to possess. She was charming, she was funny, she was vivacious ... and she was beautiful. Without Botox, liposuction or any other forms of plastic surgery, Bancroft continued to be beautiful inside and out. The fact that she let her hair go gray, that she embraced her wrinkles, that she used these features to continue making fascinating character studies, made her so interesting and, well, beautiful.

Very unfortunately, Anne Bancroft succumbed to uterine cancer in 2005. But her great contributions to the entertainment world will never be forgotten ... and neither will her fabulous sense of style.

Lusts of the Week

Please forgive me. With the craziness of Fashion Week, this post almost fell by the wayside. But I wouldn't do that to you ... especially when I have such fabulous products to tell you about this week. So without further adieu, here are my Lusts of the Week!

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Wallet-Friendly Wednesdays: Sonia Kashuk Sheer Lip Color in Paradise 01

A lipstick and a lipgloss in one? I'm intrigued. But one that plumps at the same time? I'm holding onto the edge of my seat. And wait, it's under $10? I'm sold. Well, fellow beauty chicks, I've found the holy grail. It's the Sonia Kashuk Sheer Lip Color in Paradise 01.

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Highlights From Fashion Week: Day Three

Spring 2009 Fashion Week continues to be crazy, crazy, crazy! So much happening at the Tents as models continue to walk the runways in beautiful clothes. Here's what went down for this beauty chick on Day Three!

Daneen from Spoiled Pretty and I made our way from fourth row seats at Sergio Davila to front row. Yes, we were hobnobbing with the important people! (And can we talk about the hotness of the model at left? Umm, yeah.)

Ran into my friends Melvin and Claire in line for Sergio Davila. Melvin and I met in line for the Gottex show last September and bonded quickly over our hatred of Standing Room tickets!

Stay tuned for highlights from Day Four at the Tents!

Two-For Tuesdays: Clarins Total Body Lift Double Edition

Cellulite? So not cool. And to refrain from getting that horrible stuff all over my thighs, I definitely want to turn to the Clarins Total Body Lift Double Edition. This cream gets rid of cellulite easier, better and faster than anything else I've tried.

I've been a fan of this cream ever since I got the Clarins Ultimate Body Lift treatment at the Clarins Skin Spa earlier this year. The treatment utilized this cream to ensure smoother, softer, more radiant skin. My entire body literally glowed after only a few minutes being massaged with the stuff.

I really can't say enough good things about this cream. It's thick and moisturizing, rich and nourishing, lush and conditioning. My skin just feels silky and lustrous after each and every use.

This product is no longer available.

Direct from the Runway: Miss Sixty

"It's like Patti Smith, but cleaned up." That's what Omar, one of the ghd hairstylists, confided to me backstage at the Miss Sixty Spring 2009 show. Inspired by the powerful women of the 1970s -- think Jane Fonda and, well, Patti Smith -- hair and makeup took on a life of their own. With hair that was tousled yet somehow super-shiny, and an absolutely unbelievable take on the smoky eye, this was definitely one of my fave shows so far.

Leonardo Minetti was the key hairstylist for this show. Omar, on the other hand, let me in on the secrets for this big, beautiful hair -- all done with ghd products, of course! "This hairstyle works well with loose fabrics," Omar told me. Stylists began by spraying Miracle Mist onto the hair, a leave-in conditioning spray that works to make hair sleek, shiny and static-free. They followed with touches of Maximize Mousse and then blew hair dry, making sure to keep the products in the hair the whole time. Then using a ghd Styler, stylists created alternating sections of movement throughout the hair that were totally and completely random. The idea was to create a look that was anything but uniform. A touch of Reflection Spray -- spritzed into the hands and then shaken and patted firmly throughout the hair -- gave tresses a glossy look. To finish it off, stylists took a small brush and laced it through the crown to create a bit of volume and texture.

Next up, the fabulous makeup. Makeup artist Romy Soleimani said they wanted to do a variation on the classic smoky eye. Rather than making it into a cat eye or winged eye shape, they went for a completely round version that really made the eyes pop. To achieve this look, black liner was traced all around the eye and followed with layers of black Pigment. To give it a bit of definition, this was followed by a layer of loose violet glitter in Purple Duo Reflect. And, of course no smoky eye would be complete without mascara -- and lots of it! Makeup artists brushed one coat of thinner mascara onto the top and bottom lashes and layered a heavier mascara over it. To achieve the fabulous bottom lashes, they rolled the mascara brush vertically instead of horizontally.

Keeping the eyes the focus of the look, brows were brushed with a light brown brow gel. Lips were kept simple and pretty, swiped with a soft pink stain and a layer of glittery pink Baby Sparks lipgloss on top.

Strong? Totally. Powerful? Definitely. A look I'll be adopting for spring? You'd better believe it.

*Photo is the property of The Beauty of Life.

Highlights From Fashion Week: Day Two

Day Two of Fashion Week was a total blur. Running from show to show, spending time with beauty bloggers, meeting hairstylists and makeup artists ... it takes a lot out of even the hardiest beauty chick! Here's the lowdown on my fave happenings from the day.

1) I had a whopping seven celebrity sightings. All within five minutes. I'm not even kidding! Here's who I saw:
Brandy
Miss Jay (of ANTM fame)
Nigel Barker (noted fashion photographer -- or as my friends and I refer to him, "noted sex god"
Fern Mallis
Jay McCarroll (Project Runway Season 1 Winner)
Whitney Port from The Hills
Lloyd Boston

2) I attended my fave show for three seasons running, Terexov. (More pics and info coming up later!) Chanel Iman opened the show -- check out the gorgeous pic of her!

3) Spent time with some of my fave beauty bloggers and the M.A.C team at a M.A.C dinner, held at Suba on the Lower East Side.

4) Met makeup artist Gucci Westman. Enough said.

5) Spoke with Mally Roncal at Tracy Reese and found out she remembered me from over six months ago. I can die happy.

Stay tuned for highlights from Day Three at the Tents!

Must-Have Mondays: Lancome Juicy Tubes Rose Fishnets

Shimmery goodness. That is the best way I can describe Lancome Juicy Tubes Rose Fishnets. Already a huge fan of Juicy Tubes in all shapes, sizes and colors, I was dying for this color for months -- ever since I first saw mention of it on Lancome's website and at Sephora. And finally, finally, my prayers have been answered. Luckily, this gloss does not disappoint.

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Direct from the Runway: Tibi

Strong. Powerful. Feminine. All words that come to mind when looking at the hair and makeup from the Tibi Spring 2009 fashion show. From red lips to high pompadours, severity was the order of the day here. But, as is usually the case, it was done with a twist! Read on to find out more about the hair, makeup and nails seen here.

First up, I spoke with hairstylist Kevin Ryan. "It's somewhere between Japanese street kid and polygamous bride," he told me. "It's a girl who moves to the Far East and embraces the culture. We're playing with the space time continuum!" To achieve this look, Kevin crafted not one but two strong looks on the head -- a pompadour at the front and a bun at the back.

Using Bumble and Bumble Thickening Spray to create texture, Kevin then used a curling iron while creating the front pompadour to "give it a bit of a bend," he said. The bun at the back was designed with a round sponge like those seen in the pictures below and then placed at the nape for a bit more severe of a look. He then finished the look off with Elnett Hairspray to really hold it in place.






I then had the pleasure of speaking with makeup artist extraordinaire, Gucci Westman. Gucci is now the Global Artistic Director for Revlon Partners and, I must say, she is stunningly beautiful in person. Using all Revlon products, Gucci created a look that perfectly complimented the Asian inspiration found in designer Amy Smilovic's clothing. "It's very flirtatious," she told me, "it really complements Amy and her clothes."

The deep red lip was the most striking feature here, and it was created with two shades of Super Lustrous Lipstick -- Kiss Me Coral and Fire & Ice -- layered over each other. But to really get the tomato red stain, she dabbed the colors on slowly and really built them over each other. Gucci then created a wash of grey on the eye with Illuminance Creme Shadow in Twighlight and Not Just Nudes. The color is very wearable and sheer, not too dominant or oppressive, and done just on the lid.

To create some depth in the eyes, Gucci lined them with Beyond Natural Defining Eye Pencil in Charcoal. She finished with 3D Extreme Mascara in Black -- doing minimal coats on both the top and bottom lashes, and brushing them from both the top and bottom of the lash to really coat each and every one perfectly. Cream Blush in Berry Flirtatious and First Blush were then brushed onto the cheeks and brought over to the eyes for a girly, flirtatious feel.

And what would a Tibi show be without some fabulous nails by Creative Nail Design? Key nail designer Wanda told me that she used Wildfire, one of CND's classic core colors, to create a very feminine look. "The red pearl is very spicy," she said. I was curious as to how the team came up with this color, and Wanda said they studied the textures used in the show and then met with Amy Smilovic to offer options and pick the final hue.

To apply the color and get it looking so fabulous, Wanda first used Ridge Out to smooth out the nails and fill in any ridges. Then she painted the nails with one coat of Wildfire and finished with Speedy top coat so they would dry quickly.

While the overall look might be a bit too severe for this beauty chick, I'll definitely take away the gorgeous red lip and the bun in the back. Things to note for Spring 2009!

*All photos are the property of The Beauty of Life.