Thursday, February 28, 2008

Introducing Lancome's Pixel Pink!

Are you as excited for the launch of Lancome's Pixel Pink as this beauty chick? I can't wait to get my hands on a tube. In fact, I already discussed it in a previous post ... and I can't believe I still haven't bought one! And now thanks to YouTube, you can get even more excited with this video of Thakoon Panichgul discussing his Spring 2008 collection. Why is this exciting? Because Pixel Pink was exclusive to his collection, of course! Check out the video -- it's only three minutes long! -- and then head to Lancome's website immediately to snap one up before they're all gone.



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Beauty Deals: Smashbox Beauty Blowout Sale!

Run, don't walk to Smashbox.com immediately. Why? Because their Beauty Blowout Sale is going on right now, and you can save between 25-50% on certain items! This beauty chick is a huge fan of the brand, and I'm totally salivating over all the goods for sale. Pages galore await you ... and they contain amazing items like these!

Face Glow Brush (normally $30, now $22.50): The brush can be used for blush, bronzer or powder ... and it comes in the most adorable little pouch!







I Prime Under Eye Primer and Concealer (normally $24, now $12): This little compact really intrigues me -- a primer on one side and a concealer on the other guarantee a smooth, flawless finish.







Cream Eye Liner (normally $22, now $16.50): How sexy would the smoky eye be using this?









Decadence Vanity Brush Collection (normally $150, now $112.50): Seven brushes with chrome handles? Seems like an amazing bargain to me!

Happy shopping!


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Brief Hiatus!

So, my fellow beauty chicks ... I regret to inform you that I am taking the most brief of hiatuses from writing. Never fear, I will be back on Wednesday -- but until then, I will be in the City of Light! Yes, that's Paris! I'm going for a little vacation -- I leave tonight and will be back in NYC on Tuesday evening. My schedule will be jam-packed, as this is my first trip to Paris -- I'm going to try and fit in the Louvre, Monmartre, Notre Dame, the Eiffel Tower, the Champs d'Elysees, L'Arc de Triomphe ... and of course I can't wait to check out the drugstores there and see things like Bourjois and La Roche Posay at a fraction of the price! Until then, au revoir!


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Trend-Filled Thursdays: Nude Lips

A huge trend seen on the runways for Fall 2008? Nude lips. Models have been sashaying down the runways in New York, Milan and Paris with lips that were glossy but close to bare in color. This beauty chick is totally loving this trend, as my usual daytime look is exactly that! Curious about how to recreate the look at home? Try some of these fantastic lipglosses guaranteed to make your pout pucker.

ExampleBenefit Lip Plump ($20): The primer plumps and smooths lips, all while appearing in a gorgeous nude hue.

ExampleClinique Full Potential Lips Plump and Shine ($17.50): One of my all-time faves, this plumping gloss in Peach Plump slicks on for just the tiniest hint of shine and really makes your lips look amazing.

Exampleck Calvin Klein Delicious Light Glistening Lip Gloss ($16): Tons of the shades from this gloss give off a high-impact shine in barely-there hues. Try Incognito (pearly beige), Radar (pinkish-gold), Parfait (sheer pink) or Mirage (iridescent peach).

ExamplePhilosophy Big Mouth in Pink ($22): Another fave of mine, this gloss adds just the tiniest dash of color to lips while plumping them up considerably.

ExampleStila Lip Glaze in Starfruit ($22): The best of the best! It looks amazing on a variety of skin tones, isn't sticky, and lasts for hours. What more could you want?


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Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Hello Gorgeous! (Skin, That Is): Lubriderm Skin Nourishing Moisturizing Lotion

Winter has made my hands take a serious beating. They're dry, they're flaky, they basically look like scales. And no matter how many times a day I apply lotion, it just doesn't seem to help! Creams and lotions mask the problem, but then a couple hours later I'm right back to square one. Until I discovered Lubriderm's Skin Nourishing Moisturizing Lotion with Sea Kelp Extract, that is.

Right off the bat, I was taken with the lotion, long-winded name and all. The white formula squeezes out of the bottle in tiny increments and definitely doesn't smell terrible -- which is a plus, as I've come to find many of the more clinical lotions really do. The sea kelp gives it just a hint of marine-ness that makes me long for sandy beaches and waves crashing on the shore. Interestingly, it doesn't go on greasy at all -- it soaks into the skin instantly and leaves it looking fresh and saturated with moisture.

My hands have definitely started to lose that scaly look that was just oh-so-attractive, let me tell you! And best of all, it's only $2.99 on Drugstore.com! If that's not enough to make you run out and try this, nothing is.


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Wallet-Friendly Wednesdays: Victoria's Secret Pear Glace Collection

One of my first real forays into the world of beauty was actually at Victoria's Secret. Victoria's Secret Beauty opened a store at the local mall when I was in high school, and I used to go there at least once a week to check out all the body washes, lotions, perfume sprays ... every time they came out with something new, I snapped it up immediately. I'm not sure what about the products drew me in so deeply, but I was totally in love with all of them. My favorite scent of all time from the brand, though, was and still is Pear Glace. It's tart yet sweet, succulent yet seductive. And how excited was I when I looked up the collection today and saw that every item is $10 or less -- making it perfect for Wallet-Friendly Wednesdays! Included in the collection are tons of fabulous goodies, from Body Lotion and Body Mist to Exhilarating Body Wash and Bath Bubbles. The prices are as follows:

Body Lotion: $9
Body Mist: $9
Hand and Body Cream: $9.50
Eau de Toilette Spray: $9.50
Body Scrub: $9
Body Butter: $10
Bath Bubbles: $8.50

This beauty chick's absolute favorite is definitely the Body Lotion. Ever since my brother gifted me with it in the late '90s, it's been a staple in my beauty stash. It sinks into skin instantly and doesn't leave behind a greasy residue. And at $9, it's definitely wallet-friendly! The entire collection can be found on the Victoria's Secret website. Do your wallet a favor and pick some of these products up immediately!


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Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Lash Envy: Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Lash Extending Treatment Mascara

Another mascara to add to my already overflowing stash? "Fat chance," thought this beauty chick as I picked up Elizabeth Arden's Ceramide Lash Extending Treatment Mascara. There was just no way another mascara could work its way into the inner circle of Tarte, Lancome and Maybelline.

But then I unscrewed the cap of the beautiful gold tube, and before I even swept the formula over my lashes I began to change my mind. The brush was full of thick, plump bristles that promised to make my lashes long, lush and full.
And the fact that the mascara is infused with a mixture of Ceramide Triple Complex with Vitamins A, C and E (to reinforce and restore lashes' natural protective barrier) and Keravis (to strengthen and fortify lashes) just made it all the more exciting. A mascara that keeps my lashes healthy? Sign me up!

As I swept the brush across my lashes,
absolutely no smudging and clumping occurred -- which, in my opinion, is a complete miracle. Even my trusted standbys have a bit of that going on from time to time! Two shades are available -- Black Brown and Black (this beauty chick's choice) -- and each retails for $20 on Elizabeth Arden's website. Don't you want to do some good for your lashes?

*Thanks to CEW and Total Beauty for the opportunity to try this product.


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Two-For Tuesdays: The Body Shop Almond Oil Duet

You know what's strange? I absolutely hate almonds. They're probably my least favorite nut -- I always steer clear of the Hershey Bar with Almonds, for example. But when it comes to the scent of almonds in beauty products, I am always, always on board. They just always smell deliciously inviting. So when I came across The Body Shop Almond Oil Duet, I immediately thought this was perfect for Two-For Tuesdays! The duo of Conditioning Hand Wash and Daily Hand & Nail Cream is so perfect for the kitchen -- after washing dishes, how great would it be to get the grease off your hands with the hand wash and then slather the lotion all over them as a finishing touch? Each product is designed in a convenient pump bottle silhouette, and they're formulated with shea butter and sweet almond oil to not only make your skin feel amazing, but smell amazing too. They even come presented in an adorable wire caddy! Best of all, the duo retails for only $27. Almonds are definitely looking a lot sweeter.


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Monday, February 25, 2008

Beauty Launch: Estee Lauder Pure White Linen Collection

Imagine a charming seaside retreat, complete with sandy beaches and waves crashing on the shore. Are you picturing it? This beauty chick sure is. And that's exactly where Estee Lauder's new Pure White Linen Collection comes in. Comprising two absolutely gorgeous and complementary looks for spring -- Newport Rose and Nantucket Sun -- the entire feel of the collection stems from the simplicity of the 1950s but with a fresh, modern feel. Limited-edition shades of eyeshadow, lipgloss and much more await in these two beautiful collections. I'm pleased to bring you the full story on each of them!

ExampleNewport Rose
Airy shades of blue and pink ground this collection, which is meant to reflect the soft, cool shades of the sea. Available in this collection are the following products:
Pure Color UltraLight Gloss in Freshwater Pearl (shimmering ivory)
Lip Shaping Gloss Pencil in Sheer Fuchsia (creamy hot pink)
Pure Color Lipstick in Newport Rose (dusty mauve)
Pure Color Eyeshadow in Ivory Box (shimmering beige) and Sea Breeze (sparkling steel gray)
Artist's Eye Pencil in Newport Blue (slate blue)
Pure Color Nail Lacquer in Rose Apricot (coral)

ExampleNantucket Sun
Green and coral hues capture the feel of white sandy beaches and grassy dunes. Available in this collection are the following products:
Pure Color UltraLight Gloss in Sparkling Shell (sparkle-tinged nude)
Lip Shaping Gloss Pencil in Sheer Tawny (rose)
Pure Color Lipstick in Nantucket Sun (reddish-fuchsia)
Pure Color Crystal Lipstick in Coral Reef (shimmering coral)
Pure Color Eyeshadow in Tea Biscuit (beige) and Sea Grass (shimmer-flecked moss)
Artist's Eye Pencil in SoftSmudge Brown (deep brown)
Pure Color Nail Lacquer in Antique Rose (deep pink)

In addition to these products and colors that are specific to each collection, there are some items that will be available for use in both collections:
Projectionist High Definition Volume Mascara in Black
Shimmering Shell Powder (glistening peach powder inset with a gorgeous shell design and placed in a lacquered blue compact)
Pure White Linen Breeze Body Lotion
Pure White Linen Light Breeze perfume in three sizes

I had the opportunity to test many of these products recently, and while I think the collection as a whole is extremely strong, I definitely have a favorite that stands out above the rest. PureColor UltraLight Gloss in Sparkling Shell is the absolute perfect shade of nude with just the tiniest dash of sparkle. It really completes any look perfectly! And the formula is nourishing, moisturizing and long-lasting -- it kept my lips feeling and looking fabulous for hours. At $18, it's a bit pricey -- but I definitely think it's worth it to have the perfect lip color!

The entire collection is available on Estee Lauder's website and retails from $17.50-$45. But you'd better hurry, because bits and pieces are already starting to sell out! Trust me, you won't want to miss out on this collection.

*Thanks to Estee Lauder for the wonderful photos.


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Botox? Not Needed: Patricia Wexler No-Injection Instant Line Filler

WOW. I'm not often blown away right off the bat by a product. But when I recently had the opportunity to try the No-Injection Instant Line Filler for Lips & Eyes by Patricia Wexler M.D., I literally said "Wow" out loud. Formulated with Dermaxyl to fill in and temporarily erase visible lines and crows' feet, MMPi-20 to rejuvenate the skin and prevent future lines, and Niacyl to boost the skin's strengthening barrier, this miniature red tube sounds like quite the miracle worker, doesn't it?

Now, this beauty chick has, unfortunately, begun to notice miniature lines appearing around her eyes -- probably from smiling too much as a teenager in the high school drama club! But as I squeezed out a tiny amount of the clear gel and applied it to my laugh and smile lines, I was amazed as they literally disappeared right before my eyes. I even tried the product on my forehead wrinkles and watched them fade into nothingness! Best of all, it worked for hours on end -- no need to reapply throughout the day.

My life has seriously gotten so much better since discovering this beautiful red tube. You really have to check it out for yourself -- it's only $17.50 on Bath and Body Works' website. Hey, it's a lot cheaper than Botox!

*Thanks to CEW and Total Beauty for the opportunity to try this product.


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Must-Have Mondays: Anastasia All About Brows

What's a top priority for most ladies? (And probably for some gents too?) Well-groomed brows. Luckily, brow guru Anastasia has packaged up some of her best products into one big kit -- the Anastasia All About Brows Kit. And this beauty chick thinks it's perfect for Must-Have Mondays!

Perfectly groomed brows can be yours with the seven products contained within the gorgeous metallic purple pouch. Essentials like tweezers and brow gel are, of course, a given. (And the tweezers are fantastic! I use them religiously -- the slanted tip really helps to yank out even the most stubborn hairs.) And whether you're just maintaining your already perfect arches or starting from scratch, the rest of the items in the kit are there to help. From a Brow Powder Duo (available in three shades -- Ash Blond, Medium Ash and Brunette) to a Duo Angle/Spooley Brush (perfect for brushing your brows and sweeping the brow powder on with intense precision), and even including an Eye Lights highlighting pencil, it seems like nothing else can even be needed, right? Wrong! Innovative Brow Stencils in four shapes are super-helpful in ensuring that your arches look nothing less than fabulous at all times.

I know, it seems like you just can't live without this whole kit. Luckily, it can all be yours for $75 on Sephora's website! The road to perfect brows just got a little easier.


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Saturday, February 23, 2008

How Obsessed Are You With Your Looks?

While perusing blogs around the beauty blogosphere today, I stumbled upon Experiments in Makeup. I love her product reviews -- the one of Benefit's EyeCon is great! -- but what got me really interested was her post on how obsessed we are with our looks. Apparently there's a test out there to let us know just how much time and energy we spend on makeup, hair, etc! And while I was a little afraid to take it -- what if I turned out to be 100 percent obsessed? -- I did it for the good of beauty. My answer? I am 50 percent obsessed! (See the results of my poll below.) Why not take it yourself, and let me know how obsessed you are with your looks in the comments!

Do You Use?
Hair
[x] straightener
[] curling iron
[] mousse
[] hairspray
[] gel
[] other sprays
[] bobby pins
[x] round barrel brush[o] blowdryer
[x] mirror
[x] you have dyed you hair
[x] you have/had highlights

Eyes
[x] black eyeliner
[x] other color eyeliner
[x] eye shadow
[x] mascara
[] fake eyelashes
[] eyelash curler
[x] eye shimmer
[] colored contacts
[x] huge sun glasses
[x] eye makeup remover

Lips/Teeth
[x] clear lip gloss
[x] red or pink gloss
[] lip stick
[x] chapstick
[x] lip plumper
[] mechanical toothbrush
[] teeth whitener
[] lip liner
[] whitening gum
[x] had/has braces
[x] more than 15 lipglosses

Complexion/Overall Face
[] blush
[x] moisturizer
[x] face wash
[] bronzer
[x] makeup remover
[x] face wipes
[] powder
[] cover up

Nails
[x] nail polish
[x] filer
[] nail clipper
[] nail buffer
[] cuticle remover
[] nail hardener
[] nail brush
[] fake nails
[x] nail scissors

Now multiply your score by 2.


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Toweling Off: Garnier Nutritioniste Nutri-Pure Detoxifying Wet Cleansing Towelettes

Does anyone actually enjoy washing their faces at night? It's such a hassle -- when all you want to do is flop into bed, you have to spend extra time using makeup remover, cleanser, masks. Ugh. So when I came across the Garnier Nutritioniste Nutri-Pure Detoxifying Wet Cleansing Towelettes -- Oil Free at the recent CEW Product Demonstration, I was more than a little skeptical. How could a single towelette clear my face entirely of all the makeup I'd worn and the impurities I'd collected in my skin throughout the day? There was no way, I thought.

So I set to work giving it the best test I could imagine. I piled on foundation, concealer, eyeliner, eyeshadow, mascara and lipstick, wore all of that all day long, and let my face get as dirty as humanly possible ... well, at least as dirty as it could while sitting at a desk in my office. When it was finally time to give these towelettes a road test, I peeled back the sticky front -- which reminds me of the pouch for those Clorox wipes you use to clean your bathroom -- and pulled one out. Immediately, I was attracted to the smell, which is the same fresh, citrusy-floral scent that's used in all Garnier Fructis products.

As I began to sweep it across my face, a true miracle happened. All of the makeup came off in a single swipe -- there was no intense rubbing needed, like I sometimes have to do with my eye makeup remover. In addition, my skin felt fresh, energized and rejuvenated thanks to infusions of Vitamin B, green leaf extract and Vitamin E. And since the towelettes are oil-free, there was no greasy residue! After using these every day for the last week, I can safely say my sensitive skin has not had any sort of allergic reaction to them -- on the contrary, it feels amazing after each use.

If you're looking for a fantastic cleanser at a really reasonable price (only $5.99 on drugstore.com), you simply must check these out!

*Thanks to CEW and Total Beauty for the opportunity to try this product.


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Friday, February 22, 2008

The Beauty Blog Network: The Weekend Beauty Read

It's Friday, and you know what that means ... time for some lovely links from my friends and fellow bloggers around The Beauty Blog Network! Check out what's been happening in the beauty world this week!

Canadian Beauty tells you about Stila Cherry Crush Lip and Cheek Stain.

StyleBell uncovers The 411 on Brazilian Keratin Treatments!

Beautynomics covers the Sunsilk's Life Can't Wait Press Launch in Manila.

Bionic Beauty reviews the luxury Noevir Skin Care lineup!

Kyle reviews billybBEAUTY Brushes at Face Candy.

Find out A Touch of Blusher's current favorite toner.

Beauty and Personal Grooming tells you the benefits of using French clay as a spa product.

SugarShock is coveting Rachel Bilson's Jumper premiere beauty look and tells you how to recreate Rachel's stunning makeup.

Makeup Moxie's lusting for the new Andy Warhol Union Square Perfume by Bond No. 9.

Beauty Blogging Junkie discusses her favorite purple and purple-packaged products.

Discover a Mystery Beauty Powder at Musings of a Muse from the MAC Fafi Collection that you may have missed out on!

Beauty Anonymous loves "Lunch at the Delhi" from OPI India Collection.

Girl Gloss explains why Stila Lip Glaze is an all time favorite.

Manhattan's favorite socialite, Tinsley Mortimer, dishes exclusively to Beauty Banter on her must have products ... and on being Dior's Beauty Ambassador!

Raging Rouge discovers a way for Aurophobics to embrace the Spring 2008 gold shadow trend.

15 Minute Beauty Fanatic washes her face with oil, and she likes it!

Temptalia has a tutorial using the Fafi Eyes Quad #1!

Spoiled Pretty is convinced that Urban Decay's main ingredient must be crack. Find out which product she finds most addictive.

Karen from Makeup and Beauty Blog crawls into a scent chamber to sniff Frederic Malle perfumes at Barneys New York and lives to tell the tale!

The Beauty of Life stumbles upon fantastic all-natural brand Chloe & Jane -- and has a couple of products she's just dying for you to try!

All Lacquered Up gives you an exclusive preview of Zoya's summer collections: Gossip and Chit Chat.


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Beauty Deals: Darphin

Love Darphin? Then you'll absolutely be dying over this fantastic beauty deal, brought to you by Darphin! From now through March 8, click this link to receive fantastic free samples and even luck out with free shipping! (You must spend at least $75 to get this deal.) So what will you get? A Staff Picks Sample Duo, which includes samples of 8 Flower Nectar and Hydraskin Light. If you're blanching at the amount you have to spend, please don't -- there are so many amazing products you can snap up. Here's what I can't wait to get my hands on:

ExampleAromatic Purifying Balm ($75): An overnight treatment for your face that reduces skin imperfections.
ExampleInstantly Radiant ($65): If this stick gets rid of my under-eye circles, I will jump and dance for joy!
ExampleCream Mask ($50): Formulated with shea butter, this conditioning mask brings back life and nourishment to parched locks.
ExampleHydroform Foaming Shower Gel ($50): Because in my mind, my shower will never have enough body washes and shower gels.

Simply enter BEAUTYBLOG at checkout to partake in this sweet deal. Happy shopping!


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Top 5 Desert Island Beauty Products

My fellow beauty blogger, Christina at Bon Bons in the Bath, had a great idea on her blog today. She made a list of the top 5 products she'd want with her if she were stranded on a desert island. So it got me thinking ... what would my 5 products be? While it's hard to pick just 5, I think I've done it. So here they are, in no particular order!

ExampleStila Lip Glaze in Starfruit ($22): So my lips would always be the perfect amazing shade of coral.
ExampleFrederic Fekkai Coiff Perfecteur Anti-Frizz Silkening Creme ($25): Let's face it -- days on a desert island would leave my thick locks in need of some serious straightening. This is the only product I've found that could actually do the trick!
ExampleBonne Bell LipSmackers ($1.60 each): I don't care what color or flavor I'd have with me -- they're all amazing. And they would definitely keep my lips seriously moisturized during hot days!
ExamplePhilosophy Vanilla Birthday Cake 3-in-1 ($16): So at least when it's time to clean up, I'll smell like a delectable treat. Plus it eliminates the need for a separate shampoo bottle!
ExampleTocca Crema da Sogno Body Cream in Cleopatra ($45): The tub lasts for months, and the tiniest dab slathered on the skin makes it soft and silky smooth.


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First Look Fridays: Sephora's Beauty As Art

Art always lends inspiration to fashion and beauty. How can you not be inspired by the great paintings and sculptures of days past? In this week's edition of First Look Fridays, I'm featuring Sephora's Beauty As Art campaign. Six amazing influences are the "palette" for Sephora's beauty looks. Check out some of the ones that really got Sephora's pulse racing here, and see the website for even more options!

POP ART MAKEUP
Experiments with flashy colors -- usually in crazy combinations like orange and purple or with shots of bright blue -- were all over the runways for spring. How to make this look wearable? Use just a spot of color in an unexpected way -- like electric blue mascara or shocking pink lipstick. Sephora suggests these great products to give you that little extra oomph:
ExampleMake Up For Ever Flash Color ($17): 22 amazing cream colors, like kelly green and deep burgundy, that can be applied anywhere on your face!
ExampleVincent Longo Vibrant Eye Waterproof Mascara ($24): Try one of the 7 crazy shades -- I'm totally in love with Rosso, a bright lipstick red -- and really make your eyes "pop!"
ExampleDior Dior Addict High Shine Lipstick ($25): The iridescent tube alone is enough to make me want it. But with shades like Backstage Pink (fuchsia) and Flamenco Red (coral-infused crimson) these make for some great experimenting!
ExamplePop Beauty Lid Neon ($22): Created with all the colors of the rainbow, this is the perfect eye palette to complete the look.

SURREALIST LASHES
Long, lush, full, thick, sexy. Get the look of falsies with these amazing mascara finds.
ExampleSmashbox Bionic Mascara ($19): Feel like the Bionic Woman when you swipe this on -- not only is it waterproof, but it's formulated with aloe, silk and wheat protein to help condition your lashes.
ExampleGuerlain Le 2 de Guerlain Mascara ($35): The double-ended tube has one end for lengthening and one for the harder-to-reach lashes.
ExampleLORAC Visual Effects ($19.50): A four-sided brush? That's intriguing ... especially in the gorgeous Midnight Blue hue.
ExampleCARGO blue_ray Mascara ($20): This baby was created especially for use with high-definition film. I don't know that I'd ever need it, but it sure can't hurt!

NEOCLASSIC BEAUTY
Elegance is the theme of the day here. Think neutrals with just a touch of shimmer -- preferably gold -- and make sure the textures are refined. The end result? Pure, graceful beauty.
ExampleLORAC Eye Shadow in Gold ($17): It even looks elegant while sitting in the black lacquered compact.
ExampleShiseido The Makeup Hydro-Powder Eye Shadow in H12 Lemon Sugar ($23): Sparkling canary yellow in a beautiful cream-to-powder formula leaves such a gorgeous finish on the skin.
ExampleTarte Double Dose in Acerola Rush ($21): The high-shine gloss is infused with a berry complex that rejuvenates your lips -- and the shimmering peach hue is such a great finishing touch.

RENAISSANCE GLOW
Inspired by Botticelli's Birth of Venus, spring's beauty looks were fresh and ethereal in feeling.
ExampleStila Face Contouring Trio ($38): Three glittering neutrals in a fabulous silver compact help to shade and contour your face perfectly.
ExampleBenefit Cosmetics Thrrrob ($28): All the rage this season, the new hot pink blush gives you the look of, well, just having finished a romp in the sheets!

IMPRESSIONIST EYES
Purple is the it color of the season -- especially for eyes. So whether you want to sweep it across your lids or just give a dash of the hue on your lashes, channel the Impressionists with these beauties.
ExampleLaura Mercier Liquid Eyeliner in Bordeaux ($22): I love that the bottle almost looks like a nail polish -- and the formula is sweat-and-water-resistant!
ExampleToo Faced Galaxy Glam Eye Shadow in Super Nova ($19.50): Iridescent color swirls around inside a silver pot to create a totally futuristic effect.

THE KISS
Lip stains are most definitely the thing of the moment. Rodin's "The Kiss" has got nothing on these babies.
ExampleSmashbox O-GLOSS ($22): Reacts with your personal chemistry to create a totally unique pink shade. For a more in-depth review of this gloss, click here.
ExampleToo Faced Mood Swing ($18.50): The clear gloss changes color based on your body heat, pH balance and mood. I wonder what you could do to get a really hot pink shade...


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Thursday, February 21, 2008

Great Brand Alert: Chloe & Jane

You know those pesky Google ads that show up on many a blog out there? I tend to not look at them usually -- but recently one for Chloe & Jane caught my eye. Born in the kitchen in January 2007 by Wendy and Laura, two girlfriends committed to friendship and relaxation, the line is created with the spa-goer in mind. Whether you've never been and want to start or you go weekly, Chloe & Jane is made for you. Best of all, the products are eco-conscious, all-natural and use recyclable packaging! I was privileged to have the chance to try out a few products from the line recently, and I must say I am totally in love with them all. But here are the two that really stand out above the rest.
ExamplePure Sugar Body Polish ($20 each): Buffing and exfoliating is something I try to do regularly, but more often than not it falls by the wayside. I think to myself, "I'll buff tonight!" and end up falling into bed and zonking out before I get the chance. But now that I've discovered this tub, I definitely need to make the time to exfoliate. First of all, the polish smells amazing. (I tried it in the First Bloom scent, which is infused with jasmine and grapefruit for a tangy-yet-blossomy aroma.) As soon as I opened the tub, this fantastic scent just wafted out and made me eager to slather the scrub all over myself! But I decided to start by just massaging some into my hands -- which, with the onset of freezing temperatures, have definitely been taking a beating. Immediately, my hands began to feel softer and smoother, and remnants of the cold days began to disappear. When I finally rinsed the traces of polish from my skin, I was amazed at how baby-soft it felt! Pure cane sugar (to exfoliate and revive skin), shea butter (to moisturize and heel), sunflower seed oil (to nourish and condition), and sweet almond oil (to smooth and soften) are all found here, making the end result completely wonderful. I wholeheartedly recommend trying it -- your skin will thank you for sure.
ExampleFinishing off with the Body Butter in Lavender Sage ($22) kept my skin soft and smooth for hours, while the heady scent made me drift off to Never Never Land quicker than I had in weeks! Both of these are definitely now staples in my beauty arsenal.


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Cake's Not Just For Eating Anymore!

If you've been reading my blog for awhile, you probably know about my obsession with products that look and smell like cake. And these lipglosses by Fred Flare were the ones that I thought, well, took the cake. But now I've stumbled upon something that really gives those a run for their money! These lip balms by Naughty But Nice are so delectably adorable, it makes me wish I lived in London so I could get my hands on them immediately! (Sadly, they're not yet available in the US.) Each one is shaped like a miniature cupcake, most topped with berries or sprinkles, and they flip open to reveal a tasty balm! They're currently available on Cosmetics Fairy for £1.95 each, or you can get a set of six for £10.99. I'm definitely hoping these come stateside soon -- I'll be snapping them up before you can say "bake me a cake as fast as you can!"


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Gorgeous Launch: M.A.C Slimshines

M.A.C just keeps on coming with the fabulous launches, don't they? As though the N and Fafi collections weren't enough, now they've relaunched Slimshines -- a creamy lipstick with the moisturizing and shine properties of lipgloss! But the end result is that of a smooth, non-sticky lipstick. 20 shades are up for grabs, 7 of which are all new while the remaining 13 are shades M.A.C decided to bring back! Each is packaged in a chicer-than-chic skinny tube. Head to M.A.C's website immediately to get your hands on these gorgeous colors:

Assertive (pearlescent rusty brown)
Bare (pale pink flecked with gold shimmer)
Cocoamour (pearly nutmeg)
Funshine (shimmery apricot)
Gaily (frosty berry)
Grenadine (creamy fuchsia)
Intimidate (plummy pink)
Long Stem Rose (frost-flecked baby pink)
Lovey-Dove (sparkly terracotta)
Missy (pastel coral)
Most Wanted (metallic purplish-red)
Mousse (creamy caramel)
Pleasing (violet flecked with red and gold pearl)
Prudeaux (burgundy-infused plum)
Rock Out (bluish-pink with gold shimmer)
Scant (brownish-plum)
Think Tan (frosty reddish-brown)
Ultra-Elegant (creamy beige)
Urgent! (frost-flecked red)
Voile (canary yellow with gold pearl)

Which one is your favorite? I'm leaning towards Rock Out, Ultra-Elegant, Lovey-Dove and Missy.


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Products Galore at the CEW Product Demonstration

Last night, thanks to both my membership in CEW and the generous help of Total Beauty, I had the pleasure of attending the CEW Product Demonstration. What is this, you ask? Each year, Cosmetic Executive Women (CEW) has an esteemed Beauty Awards, with tons of categories celebrating the best in beauty. Prior to that, however, they have a product demonstration for their members and select members of the press to test every item that has been nominated. Last night there were over 600 items to learn about and play with, and only three hours to do it! I was totally overwhelmed -- from Guerlain powder and LORAC blush to Bulgari perfume and Bond No. 9 hand cream, the two rooms at the Metropolitan Pavilion were bustling with more products than the counters at Bendel's, Barneys and Bergdorf's combined. (I think.) Look forward to lots of upcoming posts about the products I got to take home in my amazing Allure gift bag -- Allure was one of the sponsors. (See the photo at left for everything I will be testing out as a result!) Thanks so much to CEW and Total Beauty for the amazing opportunity!

*Image is the sole property of The Beauty of Life.


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Trend-Filled Thursdays: Stained Red Lips

Seen all over the runways during Fall Fashion Week in New York? Stained lips. Gloss seems to be a thing of the past, which is sad for this gloss-loving beauty chick! But I can definitely get on board with the gorgeous red pouts seen at more shows than I can count! Puckers at 3.1 Philip Lim and Barbara Tfank were stained a deep cranberry, and the lips at Carolina Herrera were a subtler shade of crimson. Marc Jacobs, of course, upped the ante by making the lips at his Marc by Marc show hot pink instead, while Michael Kors went with an almost nude stain. But whether you're into girly pink or the more vampy red, luckily, there are a bounty of options available to help you obtain the perfect stained lip.

ExampleStila Cherry Crush Lip & Cheek Stain ($24): Reacts with your personal pH levels to create a unique shade, while tons of vitamins and antioxidants keep your lips from feeling hard or flaky.

ExampleLaura Mercier Lip Stain ($20): Six different colors, from mauve to scarlet to brown, are contained in a chic glass pot.

ExampleNARS Lip Stain Gloss ($24): A lip stain in a gloss formula? I am definitely getting on board for that!

Vincent Longo Pearlessence Gel Stains For Lips and Cheeks, Dolceacqua($22.50): I love that this can be used on your cheeks, too.

tarte rise & shine Plumping Lip Stain, Cherry($21): It stains, it plumps, it makes your lips look amazing. What more could you ask for?


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Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Wallet-Friendly Wednesdays: Essie To Dry For

I absolutely adore getting manicures. Really, who doesn't love sitting back and watching someone buff, scrub and polish their nails to perfection? But sometimes I just don't have the time to sit around and wait 45 minutes for my nails to dry completely ... or I'm in a rush and want to just dash on a quick coat of polish myself before I leave the house. That's where Essie's To Dry For comes in.

Perfect for Wallet-Friendly Wednesdays with its friendly $8 price tag, this clear gloss slicks over nails to dry them quickly and easily. The quick-drying ingredients within the gloss make nails super-shiny, while the protective elements make it do double-duty as a topcoat.

I decided to test this out for myself over the weekend. So after I brushed on two coats of Hard Candy's Stop, I followed with some strokes of To Dry For. Literally within about five minutes, my nails were completely dry! And we're not talking the "well, they're sort of dry, but I should still move around gingerly and not reach into my purse or wallet for anything just yet" kind of dry. They were as dry as if I'd never put polish on them in the first place! The shine factor was also considerable -- while the polish itself was pretty shiny, this gloss took the sheen to a whole new level.

So is it worth it? We all need a topcoat for our polish, so why not have one that dries quickly? Pick one up for yourself on Essie's website -- your nails will click together in happiness.


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Beauty Deals: Bliss

Bliss is my hero of the moment. The Bliss Blowout Sale is going on right now, and you know what that means ... tons of amazing products at up to 80 percent off! I can't wait to get my hands on some of these babies:

ExampleBliss Merry Citrus Gift Set (normally $38, now $19): Four products in my fave lemon + sage scent (body scrub, body butter, soapy sap and soap) in a totally adorable gift box.

ExampleBliss Limited Edition Snow Wonder High Intensity Hand Cream (normally $8, now $3.20): I've been curious about this berry-and-grapeseed cream for awhile -- and now that it's so cheap, I may just have to stock up!

ExampleBliss Sleeping Peel Age-Minimizing Eye Gel (normally $52, now $26): A way to get my tired eyes to look younger and more rejuvenated? Sign me up immediately.

ExampleBliss Instant Mattification 10-Minute Mask (normally $38, now $7.60): I can't wait to tighten my pores and banish the oily sheen that comes from partying away the night in hot clubs!

ExampleBliss Minty Moisture Milk (normally $28, now $15): To be honest, I'm not even really sure how this works or what it does. But the name is intriguing, and I'm in love with anything mint -- so it's worth a try!

But you'd better hurry, because the offer expires on February 24 -- and things are selling out quickly! Happy shopping!


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Tuesday, February 19, 2008

Win A Trip To NYC Courtesy of Total Beauty!

You've already heard me wax philosophical about the wonder that is Total Beauty. Product reviews, in-depth articles, recommendations and more can be found on this amazing site. But now the site may have just gone ahead and topped itself with its new contest, the NYC TotalBeauty.com Makeover Sweepstakes. The prizes are absolutely unbelievable -- you'd better believe this beauty chick will be entering! Here's the scoop on what you can win:

ONE GRAND PRIZE WINNER WILL RECEIVE:
You and two friends will spend a weekend of luxury in NYC!
Tour the hottest NYC beauty spots
Indulge in a head-to-toe Total Beauty makeover
Includes roundtrip airfare, two nights' hotel accommodations, hair styling, makeup, manicure, pedicure and over $1000 in beauty products!

THREE FIRST-PRIZE WINNERS WILL RECEIVE:
An all-inclusive four-day, three-night spa resort trip for two. This includes airfare!

ONE HUNDRED RUNNER-UPS WILL RECEIVE:
A $50 gift certificate to Sephora.com

You're totally intrigued now, aren't you? Simply head to Total Beauty's website, become a member (it's free!) and start posting reviews of products. For every three reviews that you post, you get one entry. No added forms to fill out -- the system will automatically enter you. But you'd better hurry, because the contest ends on March 31. Good luck!


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Lather Up: Ted Gibson Body Line

You've heard of shampoo and conditioner for your hair. Well, why not do the same for your body? That's what Ted Gibson thought anyway. Gibson, stylist to the stars (he's coiffed the one and only Angelina Jolie), already has a fantastic line of hair products out. But recently he decided to get in on the bath and body game, leading him to create the Ted Gibson Body line.

Three fantastic scents were born -- Prosperity (rose and ginger), Transformation (grapefruit and honey), and this beauty chick's personal favorite, Affirmation (dandelion and geranium). Each Body Shampoo cleanses and softens the skin, while the Body Conditioners actually moisturize while you're still in the shower, meaning there's no need to slather on creams and lotions once you step out!
I was first introduced to these at the Henri Bendel Beauty Breakfast, and simply couldn't wait to try them out at home!

I decided to give it a test run with Affirmation. The Shampoo really lathered well on my sponge and made my skin smell amazing -- always a nice feature in a body wash! Then it was time for the Conditioner. Would this leave my skin soft and smooth, I wondered? The answer was a definite yes. Silky to the touch after only about a quarter-sized application, my legs literally glowed and my elbows were decidedly less rough.

Best of all, miniature sizes of the entire line (each is 2 fl. oz.) are available in a handy-dandy plastic pouch for $45 on Sephora's website. Kind of gives new meaning to the whole shampoo and conditioner in one idea, huh?


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Beauty Deals: Neiman Marcus

Beauty chicks, there are beauty deals galore at Neiman Marcus right now! I was just perusing the website and there are seriously more deals there than I can even count. Here are some of the highlights!

ExampleThe Beauty Event: Color = Spring: A complimentary pink tote, filled with the six amazing products listed below, can be yours with any $100 cosmetics or fragrance purchase! Comes with the following:
Orlane Repairing Night Cream
Chantecaille Rice & Geranium Foaming Cleanser
Fresh Sugar Acai Body Cream
Prada Scented Towelette
YSL Elle Fragrance
Lancome Courbe Virtuose Mascara in Black

ExampleLa Mer Beauty Offer: Spend $300 on cult favorite La Mer and get these fabulous goodies in a gorgeous silver pouch:
Creme de la Mer
The Eye Concentrate
The Concentrate

ExampleJo Malone Beauty Offer: Spend $150 on Jo Malone products -- not hard with the bevy of fabulous bath oils and candles -- and you'll get these three items in a special cosmetics case:
your choice of a candle in either Lime Basil & Mandarin or Vintage Gardenia or a Body Creme in either Grapefruit or Nectarine Blossom & Honey
Cologne in either Orange Blossom or Blue Agava & Cacao
Shower Gel in either Grapefruit or Lime Basil & Mandarin

ExampleLaura Mercier Beauty Offer: A mere $125 spent on Laura Mercier products gets you a ton of goodies, all presented within a glam animal-print-patterned cosmetics bag:
Mini Pixie Lipstick
Mini Perfecting Water
Mini Secret Concealer
Mini Neroli Eau de Parfum
Mini Chocolate Souffle

ExampleKiehl's Beauty Offer: $85 spent on Kiehl's products and these fab products will be yours!
Grapefruit Liquid Body Cleanser
Grapefruit Hand and Body Lotion
Olive Fruit Shampoo
Ultra Facial Cream


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Two-For Tuesdays: Ralph Lauren Romance Collectible Bottle and Locket Necklace

My signature scent? It's been Ralph Lauren Romance for as long as I can remember. It's fragrant but light, heady without being cloying, and just the right blend of floral with musk to make it completely alluring. So I am totally loving the new limited-edition Romance Collectible Bottle and Locket Necklace set, making it perfect for this week's edition of Two-For Tuesdays!

The bottle, normally clear in color, is now a beautiful shade of pale pink that's so feminine and girly but still not over-the-top. Floral notes of sungoddess rose, marigold, yellow freesia, white violet, lotus flower and day lily combine with ginger, chamomile oil, patchouli, oak moss and musk and swirl in the potion within. Wrapped around the neck is a gorgeous silver heart locket that's delicately shaped and strung on a fine silver chain. And while I always think Romance is enough on its own, with the addition of the locket this is definitely a must-have.

This set is available for $69.50 on Sephora's website -- not too shabby when you consider the fragrance on its own retails for $69.50! Truly timeless, this fragrance is one for the ages.


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Gettin' Lippy

60 degrees. 20 degrees. Rainy. Snowy. Sunny. Over the last week and a half, the weather has been all of the above! (Thanks, global warming.) And my lips are sure taking a beating. Thankfully, though, I've been blessed to have Laura Geller Makeup's Lip Strip in my makeup bag just waiting for the right time to be used.

Designed to gently buff dry lips, this lip treatment is created with pure organic sugar from Brazil for its great exfoliating properties. I had high hopes for this miniature tub, inside of which lies a pale pink concoction that smells deliciously minty. (Peppermint and spearmint oils are mixed in for extra freshness.) Scooping out a tiny portion from the tub with my index finger, I proceeded to rub it across my lips and massage in a circular motion, as the directions suggested.

Immediately, my lips began to feel refreshed and cool from the mint infusions ... but better than that, they were so much softer and smoother than they had been moments before! After rinsing off the residue, my pout was shiny and supple, with no sort of chapping, redness or dryness left behind.
Following each application with some sort of chapstick or lip balm is, of course, essential. What a miracle-worker this turned out to be!

At $18 on Laura Geller's website, I'd say it's definitely worth it.


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Monday, February 18, 2008

The Scent of Happiness

Shocking news. I might have discovered a candle to replace my all-time favorite, Tocca. Now, Tocca, I'm sorry -- I do love all of your scents and will of course continue to burn your candles as often as I can. But a new love has come into my life -- and its name is Diana B.'s Peach Frangipani Candle.

White peach, which just happens to be among my top five favorite scents, combines with Indian frangipani flowers to give off such a heady, deliciously delectable aroma. But for just a hint of spice, notes of pink pepper are dashed in, giving it an alluring air of mystery. All of this is housed in a simple, large glass jar -- no emblems, no designs, just clear glass with ivory-hued wax poured in. I love this -- it allows you to really appreciate the scent without anything clouding your judgment.

And the burning time! I have literally been burning this candle in my apartment for the last three days and it's barely even made a dent in the wax. The burn time is listed as 36 hours, which means you can definitely get in a lot of quality time with the candle before it's gone.

Intrigued? You simply must head to Orange Blossom Spa immediately to purchase your own. Each candle is $36. Don't you want your home to smell lovely?

*Image is the sole property of The Beauty of Life.


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Must-Have Mondays: T3 Evolution Dryer

A good hair dryer? That might just be the #1 item this beauty chick needs in her arsenal. I've gone through many a hair dryer over the years, none of which last as long as the warranty says they will and all of which come to disappoint me in some way. So I was a teensy bit curious and pretty apprehensive about trying out the T3 Evolution Dryer, especially because of its hefty $300 price tag. But I decided to give it a whirl, since my old Vidal Sassoon dryer was on its last legs -- the cool shot didn't even work anymore!

The design itself is quite sleek -- the white dryer features a line of rhinestone detailing up the back and is very portable at 13.5oz. Even with the incredibly long time it takes to dry my thick hair, my arm doesn't get tired holding this! It's also much quieter than my previous few dryers -- set to the highest and fastest setting, it still barely makes any noise! Of course that made me think it wouldn't dry my hair quickly, even though it's a 2000-watt dryer, but imagine my shock and surprise when my hair has consistently been completely dry in five minutes!

Whether I'm using a round brush or just doing the quick blow-dry-and-go, whether I've waited a bit to dry it or just pick the dryer up right out of the shower, it keeps the drying time to a minimum. I also love that there are three speed settings, two heat settings and a cool shot button -- so no matter what combination I use, my hair comes out shiny and sleek. Plus it comes with replacement air filters, which I've never seen come with a hair dryer before and have to say I much appreciate!

All in all, this is most definitely a formidable candidate for Must-Have Mondays. If the $300 price tag doesn't scare you off, head to T3's website immediately to make it a must-have of your own.


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Sunday, February 17, 2008

Sleep Tight: Bath By Bettijo Lavender Sleep Mask

A good night's sleep is something we all strive for, but don't always achieve. If you're like this beauty chick, you might lay awake for hours each night rehashing the events of the day, thinking about finances, envisioning the way your favorite nail polish will look after your manicure tomorrow. But unfortunately all this not-sleeping can definitely take a toll on your skin and, of course, your undereye circles. So I was really excited to try out Bath By Bettijo's Lavender Sleep Mask -- not only because I want to feel like Holly Golightly or Carrie Bradshaw with a chicer-than-chic sleep mask on, but because this one is infused with lavender to help falling asleep become easier.

The design alone grabbed me -- one side is a vibrant violet, while the other is patterned in a glamorous black-and-white zebra design. Each side is crafted in lustrous silk charmeuse that feels amazing against the skin -- it doesn't chafe or rub at all. Hidden over each eye is a lavender blossom pouch to aid in deeper, more rejuvenating sleep. I tried out the mask for a solid week to see if I would in fact fall asleep faster and actually stay asleep for long enough to feel rested in the morning.

I have to say this really helped me. Not only did it block out all of the annoying light from my surrounding neighbors' apartments (gotta love living in New York where the apartments are so close, you can reach out and touch your neighbor through the window), but the scent of lavender was so soothing that I found my breaths becoming deeper and more even almost as soon as my head hit the pillow! No more was I laying awake for hours on end, wishing I could just fall asleep already. Instead I was waking up when the alarm went off after at least seven hours of really good, deep sleep!

The mask is available for $20 on Bath By Bettijo's website. If you're like this beauty chick, you'll definitely want to pick one up.


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Discovering The New World

Curious about DuWop products, but afraid to go whole hog and buy full sizes without knowing how they'll perform? Well then you're in luck -- because the DuWop Discovery Kit ($38 on DuWop's website) is here to help. Packed inside a chic pink satin train case are five miniature versions of the items the brand considers to be your essentials for a flawless, finished face. This beauty chick was psyched to try out each of the products to see whether they really should be essentials in her -- and your! -- makeup arsenal.

Lash Lacquer in Carbon Black: I had been curious about this one for awhile. The double-ended wand has conditioning mascara at one end and a shine-enhancing, smudge-resistant topcoat on the other. As I brushed on the mascara, I was hoping for a miracle. While my lashes did look a bit longer and darker, they didn't seem to be any thicker or lusher than normal ... and the mascara clumped and smudged before I had a chance to whip out my lash comb to sweep away the excess. Adding the topcoat didn't really seem to enhance shine -- though it did make the mascara stop clumping and sliding around on my eyelids. The final vote? It's nice to have in a pinch -- just make sure you have some eye makeup remover handy to wipe away the smudges.

Lip Venom: Unless you've been living under a rock, you've heard of Lip Venom. The spicy, cinammon-infused clear gloss purports to plump up your pout instantly. I'm a big fan of this -- while the tingly sensation can border on uncomfortable if you swipe on too much at once, it really does make your lips look shinier and fuller. There's a reason this is one of the most-talked-about plumpers on the market!

Venom Gloss in Lantana: Again, this had peaked my curiosity for quite some time. The tube looks so enciting, and the color -- while a bit more pink than I usually go for -- called out to me. I slicked it on and was greeted by lips that were the prettiest shade of pale pink, accompanied by the usual tingle that accompanies DuWop's lip-plumping products. While I'm not sure if my lips actually looked full and plump, they did really look amazing with the color -- surprisingly more wearable than I would have expected!

Blush Therapy: Blush in a stick brought back horrifying memories of caking on pancake base in stick form during my community theater days (followed by nights with Pond's Cold Cream and a bucket of cotton swabs to try and get the stuff off before it made me break out). So it was with a touch of apprehension that I unscrewed the cap, twisted up the blush and swept it across my cheek. (Yes, just one -- I was too scared to try both of them!) But I'm here to tell you that not only did I survive, my cheek looked absolutely fabulous. It left just the right amount of color and really made my skin glow ... it looked like I had just been frolicking around in the snow and cold. It even seemed to make my eyes sparkle a bit!

Amber Eyes: Since I'm absolutely in love with brown shadows, I decided to save the best for last. Two shades of brown powder -- one a shimmery chestnut, the other a sparkly burnt umber -- surround a deep, creamy, chocolate brown liner. Each of the shadows is truly flattering and really made my eyes look amazing. And while I normally steer clear of any liner that doesn't come out of a pencil, this was shockingly easy to apply with a flat-tipped liner brush, and complemented the two shadow shades perfectly.

All in all, I'd say there a couple of definite hits in this kit. While the Lash Lacquer definitely fell short of expectations, everything here is extremely wearable and is a great way to introduce yourself to some of DuWop's best-sellers. At the very least, the train case is fantastic!


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Friday, February 15, 2008

The Beauty Blog Network: The Weekend Beauty Read

Time for some beautiful reads from around The Beauty Blog Network! Check out what some of my fellow bloggers found exciting this week in the world of beauty.

Canadian Beauty gives you her thoughts on Clinique's Blended Face Powder.

EyeshadowCult.com's Angie shares her guide to clear & healthy skin, because real beauty starts with beautiful skin!

15 Minute Beauty Fanatic uses her Cover Girl Outlast Lipcolor as a stain, and loves it!

Savvy Skin tells you how to Save Money While Looking Fabulous.

SugarShock finds a magical cure for winter-pasty skin: Per-fekt Body Perfection Gel.

Temptalia visits the Kryolan store and factory for some science-behind-the-beauty scenes, plus she learns all about the brand and its products!

A Touch of Blusher looks into the cult mascara in the making.

Beauty Banter gives you the truth about sunblock ... what you need to know to protect your precious skin... (you'll be shocked!)

makeup loves me shares her exclusive interview with fafi, designer of the most recent M.A.C line!

Beauty Blogging Junkie gets advice from Ouidad herself on how to love your curls!

Beauty Anonymous is anticipating the arrival of Boots No 7 Protect & Perfect Line in the US.

Raging Rouge proudly announces she is in a Long Term Relationship ... with her hair!

Beauty and Personal Grooming shares 12 beauty uses of baking soda.

Glossypink finds an eyeshadow primer that is the perfect fit!

In honor of Valentine's Day, Spoiled Pretty is showing their readers some love - by hosting FIVE GIVEAWAYS. Get on over there and enter today!

The Beauty of Life shares a truly colorful runway-to-reality look in this week's Trend-Filled Thursdays Column!

Happy Valentine's Weekend, single, still looking? Let Pursebuzz.com teach you how to woo a gal with these fun pick up lines.

If you're a lip balm addict and a chocoholic, you'll definitely want to check out Makeup Moxie's review of the new On10 lip balms.

The Muse shares her haul of M.A.C Fafi and gives her first impressions, reviews and general babbles about this hot new collection!

Go backstage at Tracy Reese with All Lacquered Up and Sally Hansen.


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Something Seems Fishy: The Fish Pedicure

Now, I am all for trying out new spa treatments. I've been buffed, bronzed, massaged, poked, prodded and facialed with the best of them. But when I stumbled upon this article -- originally found on my fellow beauty blogger Christina's page, Bon Bons in the Bath -- I literally gasped aloud in fear and my stomach flip-flopped. Apparently there are spas throughout the world, especially in Kuala Lumpur and throughout Turkey, called fish spas ... and while there, you stick your feet into a tank of fish who nibble off your dead skin. Tell me -- what ever happened to the good, old-fashioned way of exfoliating? Namely a pumice stone, some good sugar scrub and following that up with some rich shea-butter-infused lotion? I am seriously disturbed by this. This beauty chick is definitely going to stick with normal spa treatments. But tell me -- would you ever try this? Let me know in the comments!


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First Look Fridays: Fafi for M.A.C Collection

Example
It's finally here! The much-talked-about, much-anticipated Fafi for M.A.C collection has finally hit stores. As of this past Wednesday, February 13, it's available both at M.A.C counters nationwide and on M.A.C's website. Today's First Look Fridays column focuses, of course, on the line and all it has to offer! Who or what is Fafi, you ask? Fafi is a French graffiti artist whose aggressive girl characters -- the Fafinettes -- have been featured in everything from Vogue and Elle to collections for Adidas and LeSportSac. Her collection for M.A.C is fun, full of gorgeous pinks and reds, and of course features her fantastic graffiti and, yes, the Fafinettes! Run, don't walk to the nearest M.A.C counter and snatch these products up before it's too late!
Image Hosted by ImageShack.usImage Hosted by ImageShack.usImage Hosted by ImageShack.us
The collection includes:

ExampleLipstick ($14 each)
Fun 'N' Sexy (fuchsia)
Not So Innocent (pearlized tan)
Utterly Frivolous (shimmery rose)
High Top (purple with grey and blue undertones)
Flash-N-Dash (pearlized tangerine red)
Strawbaby (sparkly coral)
Each black case features a colorful Fafinette!

ExampleLipglass ($14 each)
Cult Fave (pale pink with white shimmer)
Sugar Trance (creamy pale pink)
Squeeze It (brassy frosted plum)
Totally It (sheer pearlized bright pink)
Each tube features a colorful Fafinette on the cap!

ExampleExampleFafi Eyes 1 and 2 ($36 each)
The collection's three Fafinettes are emblazoned at the front of a lacquered black compact containing four gorgeous shadows.
Fafi Eyes 1: Howzat and Hey (both limited-edition) along with Pink Venus and Vanilla.
Fafi Eyes 2: Bold as Gold, You're Fresh, Shockwave and Prankster (all limited-edition).

ExamplePaint Pot ($16.50 each)
Nice Vice (pearlized mauve)
Girl Friendly (creamy greyish pink)
Layin' Low (creamy beige)
Cash Flow (gold-flecked pale green)
Perky (white pearl-infused coral)
Rollickin' (frosty aqua)

ExampleFluidline ($15)
Blacktrack (solid black)

ExampleEye Kohl ($13.50)
Smolder (intense black)
Fascinating (matte white)

ExampleZoom Lash ($11)
Zoomblack (rich black)

ExampleFafi: Powder Blush ($17.50 each)
Hipness (white pearl-infused coral)
Fashion Frenzy (satiny bluish-pink)

ExampleFafi: Iridescent Powder/Pressed ($21 each)
Sassed-Up (gold-flecked pale pink)
Verve-Acious (yellow gold)
Belightful (gilded peach bronze)

ExampleNail Lacquer ($10 each)
Girls Will Be Girls (frosty coral pink)
Boom! (frosty eggplant)

Example129 SE Powder/Blush Brush: Fafi ($34)
Comes with a travel pouch emblazoned with the three Fafinettes.

ExampleExampleExample210 Precise Eye Liner Brush ($17), 208 Small Angled Brow Brush ($19), 128 Buffer Brush ($45)

ExampleRectangle M.A.C/Mini Clearly Fafi Makeup Bag ($15)
Printed with a repeat pattern of all three Fafinettes. Measures 4.5" x 3" x 1".

ExampleRectangle M.A.C/Small Clearly Fafi Makeup Bag ($25)
A slightly larger version of the Mini makeup bag, again printed with all three Fafinettes! Measures 6.5" x 4.5" x 1.5".

ExampleExampleExampleFafi Dolls: Monoka, Eriko and Ermine ($9 each)
This trio of figurines completely embodies the Fafi for M.A.C collaboration. Each doll, while unique in looks, strikes a pose that's indisputably M.A.C Fafi!

ExampleFafi Tote ($60)
Printed with the images of the three spirited Fafinettes. Measures 14" x 3 5/8" x 16".

ExampleFafi "T" ($38)
A long-sleeved tee printed with the colorful Fafinettes? Totally a must-have. Available in X-Small, Small, Medium and Large.

ExampleFafi Scarf ($15)
Already sold out online, this black cotton scarf features -- what else? -- the three Fafinettes. Measures 25" x 25".

*Thanks to Specktra.net and M.A.C's website for the fantastic product photos!


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Thursday, February 14, 2008

Valentines-Worthy Red Lips


Happy Valentines Day, my fellow beauty chicks! What are you doing for the big day? My roommate and I are going out to dinner and a movie -- very Will and Grace of us, I know. But before I head off to see Ryan Reynolds in "Definitely, Maybe," I'll be pining over these gorgeous red lipglosses and lipsticks -- so perfect for today, of course!

Estee Lauder Pure Color Long Lasting Lipstick in Autumn ($22): So creamy, so rich, so gorgeous.

ExampleChanel Creme Lipstick in Russet Moon ($26): I love that it's infused with Vitamin E and chamomile, so that lips will stay soft and kissable all night long.

ExampleLola Cosmetics Lip Creme in Bitten ($20): Rich burgundy just looks so divine coming out of the lacquered red case.

ExampleElizabeth Arden High Shine Lip Gloss in Sheerlit Red ($15): The tube is sexy, the color is sexy, and I would definitely feel sexy slicking it on!

ExampleDuWop Venom Gloss in Tulip ($18): The tingly feeling is exuberantly delicious -- and I love how shiny the color is.

ExampleBenefit Benetint Lip Balm ($20): One of my old standbys, this really makes lips look lush and amazing with a subtle rose tint.


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Trend-Filled Thursdays: Exaggerated Color

The Fall 2008 collections saw a bevy of fantastic hair and makeup trends that really got this beauty chick excited for things to come. One of the most fascinating was definitely the exaggerated color sweeping up over the models' lids and out toward the cheekbones and browbones, in many cases creating such a dramatically gorgeous look that I just had to pick this trend for today's Trend-Filled Thursdays column. From the wearable to the costumey, there's something for everyone.

Image Hosted by ImageShack.us(Thakoon): Makeup artist Gucci Westman washed models' eyes and upper cheekbones in the prettiest pale lavender, creating a look of ethereal beauty.
ExampleTo get this look, try Shiseido's The Makeup Hydro-Powder Eye Shadow in Violet Visions ($23) -- an ingenious cream-to-powder formula that will leave a subtly dewy finish.

Image Hosted by ImageShack.us(Badgley Mischka): Rose shadow swept out toward the hairline and was accented by the tiniest dab of hunter green shadow in the inner corners. The end effect was that of an impish sprite.
ExampleTo get this look, use Last Call and Mildew from Urban Decay's Ammo Shadow Box Palette ($34).

Image Hosted by ImageShack.us(Behnaz Sarafpour): "Vibrant" doesn't really even seem to cover it, does it? While deep violet shadow heavily rimming the eyes is a bit intense for most situations, unless you're headed to a costume party, you can definitely simplify it for a night out on the town.
ExampleTo get this look, M.A.C's Pigment in Violet ($19.50) adds just the right amount of drama.

Image Hosted by ImageShack.us(Proenza Schouler): Electric blue is, well, electric! The color really pops when it's applied heavily and thickly around the eyes to create a beautiful almond shape.
ExampleTo get a more toned-down version of this look, try Too Faced's Foiled Liner in Turquoise Tinsel ($16.50).

Image Hosted by ImageShack.us(Oscar de la Renta): This is definitely the most wearable of the bunch. Gold liner accents deep brown shadow that sweeps out past the outer corners for a really glamorous finish.
ExampleTo get this look, the six shades in Pop Beauty's Lid Bronzer palette ($22) will give you exactly what you're looking for.


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Wednesday, February 13, 2008

N.Y.C. New York Color Giveaway: Waiting On Winner Responses!

Did you enter the N.Y.C. New York Color Giveaway? Did you check the post to see if you won? If not, your name is below! Email me at jamieallisonsanders@gmail.com ASAP with your address so we can mail out your prize!

Melissa, who said she'll be avoiding anything adorned with hearts.
mblevinsnc, who will be spending time with her husband, along with some strawberries and champagne!
Katie, who said "With hot lips ... who knows!"
Jenfarley, whose lips will be all over her baby boy's cheeks for his first Valentine's Day!

You don't want to lose out on the prize, do you ladies? Email me ASAP!


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Feverishly Colorful and Pixelated

How does Lancome make me keep coming back for more? Forget Juicy Tubes and Effacil Gentle Eye Makeup Remover (though those are both high on my list of must-haves) ... right now I'm all about the latest lipstick launch, Color Fever Shine Lipstick in Pixel Pink. As part of her last collection for Lancome, makeup artist Gucci Westman created her fourth installation of her Pout-a-Porter series of limited-edition lipsticks worn exclusively for the runway. This shade of gorgeously pale, sheer raspberry was created exclusively for Thakoon's Spring 2008 collection, which was inspired by a young, modern Japanese woman who escapes to Hawaii. (Side note: this beauty chick actually used to work with Thakoon back when we were both editors at Harper's Bazaar.) The lucky models at that runway show were the first to try out the beautiful color:
Example
Example
How pretty and fresh-faced the models look, right? If you want to try it out, you'd better hurry -- these limited-edition products tend to sell out fast! So head to Lancome's website immediately and snap yours up for $25. This is quite a bargain, if you consider that it's part of Westman's very last collection. You'll be picking up a part of history in the making!


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Pucker Up

Forget cards, chocolates and candy ... we all know what Valentine's Day is really about. And that's kissing. You heard me -- K-I-S-S-I-N-G. We all long to plant a pucker on the one we love -- and Valentine's Day offers up the perfect excuse. In honor of the day dedicated to hearts and kisses, here are some fantastic lipgloss gift sets to really get you in the mood.

ExampleCarol's Daughter Candy Paint Mini Treats Gift Set ($25): Not only do the three delicious flavors included in this set (Sugar Cookies, Iced Berry Tart and Purple Velvet Cupcake) make me hungry, 2 percent of all proceeds benefit the Lupus Foundation of America.

ExampleBobbi Brown Tube Tints ($28): Four gorgeous shades (Champagne Glitter Tint, Rosy Lip Tint, Baby Pink Glitter Tint and Burnt Sugar Shimmer Lip Tint), all exclusive to this set and packaged in a pretty gift box. Oh, Bobbi ... you always know what I love.

ExampleLancome Makeup Artist Shimmering Lips Set ($42.50): Get your pulse racing with three Color Fever Glosses (in Heatstroke, Up in Smoke and Precious Night). Added bonus? The quilted black makeup case they come in.

ExampleDuWop Mini Venom Trio 2 ($21): What's that tingly feeling? Not your heart fluttering -- it's your lips after smearing them with the three miniature glosses in this set! Choose from Lip Venom, Pink Shimmer Lip Venom or Lip Venom, 2nd Sin and let your lips swell with delight.

ExampleStila Gift of Glaze ($28): I couldn't go without including my all-time favorite gloss -- and this set in its floral box is just too cute for words. But here are a few anyway -- snap up these six shades (Nutmeg Spice, Candy Cane, Grapefruit, Apricot, Vanilla and Brown Sugar) before it's too late!


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Wallet-Friendly Wednesdays: Neutrogena Deep Clean Blackhead Eliminating 2-in-1 Foaming Pads

Blackheads might just be one of the peskiest things this beauty chick has ever encountered. Worse than gnats and mosquitoes flying around in the summertime, worse than exuberantly loud coworkers talking on the phone at all hours instead of doing work, worse even than running out of my favorite lipgloss or mascara. While my skin is fairly clear, thank goodness, I do have the unfortunate task of dealing with blackheads on my nose. Thankfully, they tend to look like freckles from far away, but still -- I absolutely hate them. And there are only so many facials and extractions one woman can endure! So I was totally psyched to come across Neutrogena Deep Clean Blackhead Eliminating 2-in-1 Foaming Pads.

To use, you simply wet your face, remove a pad from the package and begin rubbing it across your skin. The pad itself is quite ingenious -- one side is smooth, for cleaning purposes, while the other is beaded to exfoliate and loosen impurities from the skin. I treaded carefully at first with the beaded side, as I thought it might be too rough for my sensitive skin. I was pleased to discover, however, that far from being harmful, it really did work to clear my skin and leave it fresh and glowing!

A pleasant tingly feeling ensued as I swept the beaded side across my skin, and subsided slightly as I followed with the smooth side. A delightful lather foams and bubbles as well, which really makes it an altogether enjoyable experience. And since the pads are alcohol-free and soap-free, there isn't much in them to harm your skin no matter how sensitive it is! I am totally hooked on these now and will definitely continue to buy them.

Quite luckily, they are only $7.10 on Drugstore.com -- perfect for Wallet-Friendly Wednesdays. Dewy, glowing skin? Now that's something I can get on board with.


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Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Nostalgic Beauty

My fellow beauty blogger, Jeni at Savvy Skin, had a great post yesterday about her favorite products from her pre-teen/teen years. It got me thinking -- what were the products this beauty chick just couldn't live without as a youngster? Here's a sampling of what I was totally in love with back then.

1) Caress body wash: it smelled amazing, lathered up great and only cost about $4!
2) Bonne Bell Dr. Pepper LipSmackers: And it's still a favorite today!
3) Bath & Body Works lipsticks: I was really partial to dark purple ones. With my coloring ... don't ask me why!
4) Jane mascara: It was about $2, which was definitely in my budget. And it really made my lashes look amazing.
5) Pantene Pro-V Shampoo and Conditioner (the kind that was supposed to leave your hair really straight and shiny): I never quite looked like the girls in the commercials, but hey -- at least it was a step in the right direction!
6) CoverGirl eyeliner: I loved the one with the clickable pen in both brown and black. Gave me a straight, smooth line every time!

Ahh, to be young again. What were your can't-live-without-it products back in the day? Let me know in the comments!


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Two-For Tuesdays: Urban Decay Big Fatty Mascara Duo

I heart mascara. It's one of those products that, if you only have about one minute available for makeup time, really transforms your whole face in the blink of an eye. (Pardon the pun.) So is there anything better than Urban Decay's Big Fatty Mascara? The bottle alone just screams for you to try it -- it's vibrant, it's loud and it's fun to look at. This baby vows to create lashes that are full, fat, plump and long ... and it's even infused with hemp oil for moisturizing properties.

So, with all that being said, this beauty chick is super-excited about the Big Fatty Mascara Duo that's just perfect for Two-For Tuesdays! Whether you want to keep both tubes for yourself or share with your BFF, this deal is too sweet to pass up. While one tube retails for $19, you can get both for only $29 on Sephora's website! The word "fat" never looked so good.


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Monday, February 11, 2008

A Walk in the Clouds: Skyn Iceland Cloud Cream

As a member of Total Beauty, I was recently given the opportunity to review Skyn Iceland's Cloud Cream. I was quite intrigued by this product based on name alone -- it made me think of a cream that was whipped, light as air and utterly soft and, yes, creamy.

The press release made it out to sound absolutely incredible -- saying this light-as-air cream could pamper and calm seriously stressed skin, soothe away irritation and inflammation with aloe and oat extract, stimulate endorphins with peptides, moisturize with almond oil, preserve healthy collagen with hydrolyzed rice protein, and even restore and rebalance stressed-out skin with Biospheric Complex (a mix of Icelandic glacial water, arctic berries, thyme extracts and more). Who wouldn't want to try a product that claimed to do all of this?

I must say, however, that I was fairly disappointed with the results. While, thankfully, the cream did not make me break out or dry out my skin at all, I didn't really see any real difference that would make me spend the whopping $75 you have to drop for it at a store like Sephora. It actually left my skin looking a bit greasy and did not really seem to have any real, long-lasting effect on my face at all. When I've already found three other face creams that I absolutely love and adore -- Clinique's Zero Gravity Repairwear Lift, Elizabeth Arden's Prevage Anti-Aging Night Cream, and Estee Lauder's Re-Nutriv Ultimate Youth Creme -- why would I switch to this? The answer, quite frankly, eludes me.


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Kissably Fresh: French Kiss Chewing Gum by TheraBreath

Valentine's Day really snuck up on this beauty chick this year. I can't believe it's in just a few short days! And while I sadly will not be kissing anyone this time, I'm sure many of my readers are on the lookout for a fresh breath attack plan. Enter French Kiss Chewing Gum by TheraBreath!

The aptly named gum comes in a package that's colored the most appropriate shade of red. Each piece snaps out quite easily from the silver foil within -- and within seconds of chewing, leaves behind the mintiest, freshest breath! I was very happy to learn that this gum does not contain either saccharine or aspartame, the latter of which I've learned could be responsible for my terrible migraines. (It's found in diet sodas and some fruit juices especially.)

And while I was a bit skeptical at first as to whether this gum would actually deliver on both flavor and long-lasting freshness, I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. While the gum itself gives out after maybe 15 minutes, the flavor and minty taste linger for quite awhile. Packs of three (each containing 12 pieces) are available on TheraBreath's website for $9. So whether you're puckering up for your sweetie or just want pepperminty breath for yourself, this is definitely worth a try!


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Must-Have Mondays: Hard Candy Delinquent Mini Nail Kit

Are you a nail polish fan? I don't really know many people who would answer "no" to that question. And if you're like this beauty chick, you are definitely in love with Hard Candy's nail polish. Maybe it's the vibrant colors, maybe it's the staying power ... or maybe it's just that each bottle comes with a totally adorable plastic ring shaped like a heart, star or other girly invention. But whatever it is, I've been head over heels for these polishes since the early '90s! So when I saw the latest from Hard Candy -- the Delinquent Mini Nail Kit -- I just knew it had to be this week's feature in Must-Have Mondays.

Seven miniature bottles of the brand's best polishes are contained in a sparkling metallic pink leather case, each of which Hard Candy's team of experts believes represent some of the upcoming trends in nail color. Crowd favorites like Trailer Trash (sparkling silver) and Vinyl (such a deep plum it's almost black) are featured, as well as Angel (gleaming gold), Earth (shimmer-infused taupe), Stop (twinkling crimson), Scam (glistening fuchsia) and Vibe (glitter-tinged black).

Each shade really does look amazing -- this beauty chick tested them all at the same time, which 1) meant my nails looked great individually, and 2) meant that altogether they looked a bit schizophrenic! The case can even be reused as a makeup bag after the polishes are gone. And best of all, the entire set is only $25 on Hard Candy's website! Your nails aren't going to polish themselves -- you'd better hurry if you want to snap this up!


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Friday, February 8, 2008

Am I Alone In Thinking This Girl Is Stunning?

Throughout the fashion shows this week, one girl in particular really jumped out to me. I spotted the dark-tressed beauty in the Ralph Lauren show. I'm not sure if it's the fact that she's one of the only short-haired girls in a sea of long-locked models, or if it's what I think are her classic good looks. But in my opinion, she's one to watch out for. What do you think? Let me know in the comments!


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Beautiful Makeup at Milly

Oh, Milly ... how I love thee. Let me count the ways. And of course I must start with the absolutely beautiful makeup seen on the runway for Fall 2008 Fashion Week. With glowing skin, slightly defined eyes and vibrant red lips, the look was classic and elegant with just the subtlest touch of glamour. MAC's First Look has some amazing pictures and descriptions of how to achieve the look, which was conceptualized by makeup artist Romy Soleimani -- here are some highlights.

ExamplePress M.A.C Studio Sculpt Foundation onto your skin with a brush, then apply Nude Creme Colour Base into the corners of your eyes and cheekbones for added glimmer.

ExampleEyes were kept on the simple side -- which was not the norm for the fall runways, making it a welcome change from all the smokiness seen about. To get this look, apply M.A.C Studio Moistureblend Concealer where needed and then smudge Smolder Eye Pencil into the root of your top and bottom lashlines with an eyeliner brush. Curl both your top and bottom lashes and finish with a light coat of Zoom Lash Mascara. While I love a good smoky eye -- especially in blues and purples -- it was definitely nice to see something different here.

ExampleHow sexy is a deep red lip? Gwen Stefani, Scarlett Johansson and other glamour chicks have certainly got it right. Made the focus at Milly, red lips were vibrant and gorgeous as the models came down the runway. To get the look, apply M.A.C Desire Lipstick from the center of your lips outward with a lip brush, then pat with your fingers to create a slight stained look. Matte is back!


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N.Y.C. New York Color Giveaway: Winners Announced!

The time has arrived! I just pulled all 10 winners out of a hat for the N.Y.C. New York Color Giveaway! Thanks so much to N.Y.C. New York Color for sponsoring this giveaway. And to all my entrants -- if you didn't win this time, don't despair! There are definitely more giveaways coming up! Now for the winners of the Lippin' Large Lip Plumper set ... drumroll, please...

1) Joanna Schmidt, who said she'll be helping with a Valentine's party at a shopping boutique spot and planting kisses on her husband!

2) Delphine, who will have her pucker set to kiss her sweetie of 15 years in a not-so-inspiring place like Applebee's!

3) Melissa, who said she'll be avoiding anything adorned with hearts.

4) mblevinsnc, who will be spending time with her husband, along with some strawberries and champagne!

5) everblue75, who will be at home with her hubby!

6) Heather, whose lips will be celebrating the 30-day countdown until she and her fiance move into their new house!

7) Katie, who said "With hot lips ... who knows!"

8) Jenfarley, whose lips will be all over her baby boy's cheeks for his first Valentine's Day!

9) Bedonkadonk, who will be out celebrating the single life with her girlfriends! (And sharing the glosses with them, how nice of her!)

10) Katie, who will be video chatting with her boyfriend and celebrating Valentine's Day the next time they see each other.

If your name appears above, please email me at jamieallisonsanders@gmail.com with your mailing address so we can ship the prize out to you right away. Thanks again to everyone who entered!


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First Look Fridays: Joy David-Tilberg of Makeup Junkie

It's time for another First Look Fridays! This week I am pleased to feature Joy David-Tilberg of Makeup Junkie. Joy hails from Mississauga, Ontario! Her blog features product reviews, pro makeup tips, features on makeup artists, and so much more. Joy was kind enough to answer some questions for me -- get to know her now!

Why did you decide to start a blog?
It all started because I wanted to design a site for my makeup portfolio. The timing wasn't right so the easiest thing to do was create a blog. The template was so easy to work with that I could do it on my own. I couldn't believe how fast my blog was up and running. I thought it was fantastic to have my own site where I could showcase my work and write about something I love: makeup! I also love helping people so having an outlet for me to share beauty tips and tutorials is really gratifying. The blog was also a great escape after a long day of changing my son's poopy diapers, feedings, and spit ups!

When did you start your blog?
I started it about a year ago.

I love the name of your blog! How did you come up with it?
Deciding on the name "Makeup Junkie" was pretty easy and didn't take a lot of thought since I really am a makeup junkie! My beauty stash started when I was probably 10! I started with my mom's makeup then drugstore brands and when I started making money I was able to graduate to higher end brands! I realized I was a junkie when my lip gloss collection alone was over 50! My friends used to come shopping in my kit and still do sometimes. I do have staples that are must-haves in my kit but I love trying new brands and products. I used to have so many products in the same color but in all sorts of textures and finishes. Since having my son, I've cut back a lot on my makeup spending and I'm now very selective in the products I buy. My husband thinks it's weird that I never tire of makeup but guys just don't understand! I'm as giddy as a kid in a candy store every time I make a trip to Sephora, Holt Renfrew, or M.A.C!

Do you have a "day job?" What is it?
My day job right now is being a mommy! I love motherhood despite those really tired mornings -- his lil' smile makes it all worth it! I used to work part-time at M.A.C but decided to leave after my maternity leave to pursue my freelance career as a makeup artist and to spend more time with my son. I do makeup for editorial, runway, TV, special events and weddings. My current project is being the key makeup artist for Chick Advisor's podcast show called "Where'd You Get That?" (I'm in Episode #7 hehe) which airs on ChickAdvisor.com and Slice.ca (Canadian TV network). We'll be shooting Season 2 this spring so I'm really excited about that! I'm also Chick Advisor's official makeup expert and write about makeup tips. I have many exciting things coming up this year for my site and for my makeup career so stay tuned!

What have been some of the highlights of having your blog?
Where do I begin? One of the hightlights for me has been all the awesome people I've met and connected with through my blog! I love my readers and value them so much! I'm just so flattered that people take time out of their busy lives to read what I have to say! Meeting Ali, the founder of Chick Advisor, has also been a highlight. She's just a wonderful person to work with and for and she's given me the opportunity to do what I love: makeup and writing about makeup! Being a part of The Beauty Blog Network has definitely been a highlight as well. I'm so proud to be a part of such an amazing network of beauty bloggers! I love getting to know the writers behind the blogs and being able to connect with people that share the same interests. Meeting celebrity makeup artist Billy B. and Michael deVellis, founder of The Powder Group, was not only a highlight for my blog but also for my career! I admire their work so much.

Playing with products must be fun -- but what are some things you do for fun outside of blogging?
Fun for me used to be going out clubbing with my girls 3 days a week but that seems ages ago! When I actually have down time I love hanging out and catching up with family and friends whether it be having a nice dinner or going for drinks and sushi with the girls. Going to the movie theaters is actually really fun for my husband and me because it's something we rarely do anymore! We love taking our son on day trips to little cities or towns that we've never been to. I love towns that have history and a mix of trendy boutiques and restaurants! Another fun thing I love to do is photo shoots! It's been a year since I've done any so I'm excited to get back into it starting this month!

Are there any other beauty blogs that you read regularly? What are some that you like and why?
This is hard. I'm trying to make more time to read more blogs because there are so many great ones! But some of the ones I read regularly are:
1) Of course your site The Beauty of Life! I'm really glad I discovered your site. You feature really fun products and you seem like someone cool I'd hang out with! And your smile is contagious! Every time I see your picture I can't help but smile!
2) ChickAdvisor.com for obvious reasons because you can get various opinions and honest reviews on just about anything, especially beauty!
3) Temptalia because she does great tutorials and really interacts with her readers.
4) Blogdorf Goodman because her life just seems really glamorous and her writeups are always interesting!
5) Beauty Ideal Magazine! I give Elke major props for creating an awesome network and now this online magazine that features us beauty bloggers! I love everything about it.
6) Beauty and The Blog -- need I say more? I love anything to do with Sephora! lol
7) Makeup2Beauty because she's not only a celebrity makeup artist but a fantastic beauty writer that posts really great "How To's." She was a featured makeup artist on my site last year!
8) Yummy411 -- Kia is my girl and she was one of the first beauty bloggers to welcome me into the blogosphere! I love reading about her fave M.A.C products and her ventures to becoming an aspiring makeup artist.
9) Sugar Shock because she has great content, awesome pictures, and a unique writing style.
10) Total Beauty -- I love reading their beauty exposes and expert reviews!

So now that you know a bit more about Joy -- and she's fabulous, isn't she? -- go check out her blog! Thanks so much for everything, Joy -- you're the best!


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Thursday, February 7, 2008

Amazing Makeup at Monique Lhuillier

While I unfortunately did not get to attend the Monique Lhuillier show, I did have the chance to check out the makeup looks on MAC's First Look. I think it is simply divine! Check out the closeup of the eye makeup:
Example
I think this is just stunning. Makeup artist Val Garland applied M.A.C Smolder Eye Pencil to the bottom lash line and the inside water line of the eye. She then used Indigo Eye Pencil as a base on the inner and outer corners, which she blended from lash line to brow. Blue Pigment was then layered on top with brushes 239 and 224. In the center of the lid is M.A.C Plumed Violet Creme Colour Base (applied witih Brush 272), and then Violet Pigment was layered over it with the 239 Brush. But that's not all! Intensifying the color is Reflects Blue Pigment, applied to the inner and outer lid corners; then Night Moth Eye Pencil along the bottom lash line and blended with the 239 Brush. Finishing the look is Beauty Marked Eye Shadow, pressed into Night Moth with the 239 Brush. The end effect? Gorgeous.


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Trend-Filled Thursdays: Purple Nail Polish

Move over, navy. Purple is here to take your place as the hottest new nail color! From the runways to the red carpet, various shades of violet, eggplant, lilac and all the rest have been spotted recently. Don't believe me? Here are some examples:

Image Hosted by ImageShack.usas seen at Christian Dior's Spring 2008 Couture show
Image Hosted by ImageShack.uson the Fall 2008 runways this week at Vivienne Tam
Image Hosted by ImageShack.us"Umbrella" girl herself, Rihanna, promoting her new umbrella line this past week!

So now that you simply have to get this shade yourself, what are some options for you? Luckily, this beauty chick has found six fabulous ones for you to try. Added bonus -- they're all under $10!

ExampleCoverGirl CG Boundless Color Nail Polish in Grapevine ($3.59): You can hear it through the grapevine just like Gladys Knight and the Pips after slicking this on!

ExampleEssie Nail Polish in Bahama Mama ($8): Almost mulberry in hue, this one is absolutely gorgeous for both fingers and toes.

ExampleOrly Nail Polish in Velvet Rope ($7): This dark, black-ish shade is so witchy and wonderful.

ExampleBarielle Nail Polish in Edgy ($8): With this on my nails, I think I might be able to find my inner punk princess.

ExampleNYX Cosmetics Nail Polish in Wild ($3): Hear the call of the wild with this shimmery violet hue.

Zoya Nail Polish in Yasmeen ($6): Love. Love, love, love. Plus I am so happy with Zoya in general -- the polish doesn't chip and lasts for weeks!


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Wednesday, February 6, 2008

Fashion Week Highlight!

Attending shows is, of course, fantastic. I love seeing all the clothing and makeup looks for upcoming seasons. But one of the highlights this season has been meeting some of my fellow beauty bloggers! I was so thrilled to finally meet Michelle of All Lacquered Up, Amber of Beauty Blogging Junkie and Marina of Makeup Loves Me this past Monday evening at the Tents. We chatted about products galore (including the new Heatherette for M.A.C line and our favorite mascaras -- Amber and I had a good-natured argument over that one!), and waited in endless lines for the Ports 1961 and Iodice shows. Great finally meeting you ladies!

Click Here


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The Beauty Ideal's Top 100!

What do beauty bloggers have to say about the best in beauty? Well, a lot! And now you can check out The Beauty Ideal's Top 100 Beauty Items, as brought to you by The Beauty Blog Network. This beauty chick contributed, of course. Want to know what I thought deserved to make the list? Then you'd better head there right now!


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Vanity Fair Cover by Annie Leiobivitz

Let's just take a moment to admire the new Vanity Fair cover and interior picture, photographed by Annie Leibovitz. With hair by Garren and dresses designed by John Galliano for Christian Dior, the ladies all look glamorous, elegant, and oh-so-sophisticated. The cover features Emily Blunt, Amy Adams, Anne Hathaway and Jessica Biel, while inside are (left to right): Emily Blunt, Amy Adams, Jessica Biel, Anne Hathaway, Alice Braga, Ellen Page, Zoe Saldana, Elizabeth Banks, Ginnifer Goodwin and America Ferrera. Well done, Vanity Fair. Well done.
Image Hosted by ImageShack.us


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N.Y.C. New York Color Giveaway: It's Not Too Late!

Have you entered the N.Y.C. New York Color giveaway yet? Well, why not? N.Y.C. New York Color is giving away ten sets of their Lippin' Large Lip Plumpers to my lucky readers. But you can't win unless you enter! For full rules and to enter, see the original post. You have until tomorrow (Thursday, February 7) at 11:59pm EST to get your entry in. Don't dally!


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Wallet-Friendly Wednesdays: Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Leave-In Conditioning Cream

I don't know about you, but my hair gets really dry, really fast. And the harder the water, the tougher it is for me to comb through it after a shower! I've tried tons of deep conditioners, leave-in conditioners, conditioning creams ... you name it, my tresses have experienced it. And my all-time favorite is definitely Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Leave-In Conditioning Cream.

First off, the fruity aroma that wafts out of the bottle is absolutely delicious, which means my hair will smell amazing all day. But even more than that, the rich cream really conditions and nourishes each and every strand with fruit micro-oils -- and I only need about a quarter-sized amount to get me through each day!

Since my hair tends to get frizzy and pretty unmanageable with the slightest hint of moisture or humidity in the air, this cream is pretty much a godsend. My hair has never been so shiny! But best of all, this miracle-worker is only $3.99 on Walgreens.com. Now, you tell me what's better than that? I'm going to say nothing.


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Straight From Henri Bendel: Child Perfume

Among the various beauty brands I checked out during the Henri Bendel Beauty Breakfast recently, I came across Child Perfume. Creator Susan Owens was on hand to show me photos of her workspace in Dallas (I was totally enamored of the scores of tiny bottles she keeps around her studio just waiting to be filled with the sweet-smelling perfume).

I love that Susan personally makes every item in her line, from the perfumes to the lotions, and has stayed true to her signature proprietary style since the late 1980s. Infused with exotic flowers for a gorgeous heady scent, her Extremely Rich Body Creme feels like whipped butter.

It's so fluffy and rich, you literally feel like you're dipping your hands into clouds each time you open the jar. A luxurious blend of soy and coconut oils, Vitamin C, fatty acids and nutrients come together in a truly wonderful cream that moisturizes, soothes and rejuvenates while leaving behind the faintest floral aroma. My one complaint is that it is a bit greasy for my normal taste -- so rather than use it during the day, I am relegated to slathering my hands with it before I go to sleep each night. But the fact that it leaves my sheets smelling beautiful is okay by me!

While Henri Bendel is one of the exclusive brick-and-mortar stores to stock Child Perfume products, if you simply must get your fix you can purchase the Body Creme for $78 on Beautyhabit.com. Trust me -- you won't be disappointed.


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Tuesday, February 5, 2008

Latest Celeb Sighting at the Tents!

I just love seeing celebrities at the Tents during Fashion Week. Admittedly, my ideas of celebs are probably different than most people's -- I get the most worked up over Fern Mallis and editors from Vogue -- but once in awhile, there's a TV personality who just lives up to the hype. Such was the case with Robert Verdi, who I spotted while standing in line for the Terexov show the other day! He was kind enough to pose for a picture and even spent a couple minutes chatting with my friends and me as we stood in line. In the background is model Roshumba Williams, who's interviewing various personalities and celebs for the American Express Fashion Network this week. I just love Fashion Week!

*Photo is the sole property of The Beauty of Life.

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Direct from the Runway: Terexov

Image Hosted by ImageShack.usThank you, Alexander Terekhov. His Fall 2008 Terexov collection definitely didn't shy away from color or an interesting use of fabrics. Cashmere, silk and wool were elegantly draped and fitted in gorgeous hues of burgundy, purple, red and loden for a totally different approach to fall's normally drab color palette. Accented with touches of black and gray and cinched at the waist with wide belts, models sashayed down the runway in what seemed to be a dream-like state. Beautiful separates -- my favorite look was a lipstick red skirt paired with a simple gray cashmere sweater -- walked next to fitted cashmere coats and flowing silk dresses for a truly ethereal feel. Far from seeming thrown together or mismatched, each piece was carefully edited and worked seamlessly with the others around it.

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But what would my attendance at a show be without talk of the beauty looks? First up, the makeup. Nadine Luke for M.A.C Cosmetics created what was quite possibly my favorite look thus far. No heavy-handed eyeshadows or smoky eyeliners were applied here ... rather, pink or pale gray shadow was dusted up to the browbone and accented with long black lashes and subtle black eyeliner rimming the inner lashlines to create a look of utter romance. Cheeks were heavily contoured with pink blush and lips were the palest nude. Far from being washed out, however, the models looked stunning and perfect whether going to a cocktail party or to the office. As I am always searching for new looks to take me from day to evening, this is definitely one I will have to try. See below for pictures from the runway:

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Image Hosted by ImageShack.us

Two distinct hairstyles, created by Eugene Toye for the Rita Hazan Salon, dominated the runway. First up was the look I am always dying to create but just can't seem to perfect (though with my lovely T3 Medium Duality I can definitely come closer). Locks were parted in the middle and hung so long and so pin-straight, it looked as though they were laid over an ironing board, a la the 1960s! Not a flyaway in sight, each hair was perfectly in place and just super-shiny and gorgeous. Here are some examples:

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On the other end of the spectrum were tresses that called to mind a fancy boudoir. Again parted in the middle, this time they were curled at the ends and left a bit undone to create a sexy, come-hither vibe. They literally bounced as the models sashayed down the runway.

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All in all, did Terexov deliver? I'd say he's definitely one to watch.

*All images are the sole property of The Beauty of Life.
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Lush Lashes

We all have our mascara favorites. You've already heard me wax poetic on my favorites, including, of course, Tarte's Lights, Camera, Splashes! Mascara and Lancome's Definicils Mascara.

So I was super-excited to discover the latter's brand-spankin'-new answer to the long lashes craze, High Definicils Mascara! I simply had to try this out for myself, especially since its only shade is Black and I like my lashes darker than nighttime.

At first, I was slightly put off by the thin Smooth Glide Brush -- I usually like my mascara brushes to be thick, wide and liberally dripping with the stuff. But once I started swiping it across my lashes, I immediately changed my mind. The thinner brush and its rubber bristles really help you to be more accurate and coat every single lash with more precision. I was pleased to find that there were no clumps and no goopy mess -- I did use my lash comb to remove a bit of the excess, but my lashes were left looking long, dark and thick. Rather than grouping together, like they do with some mascaras, they were separated and simply gorgeous. Best of all, while it stays on my lashes literally all day and night, it's really easy to remove when you use an eye makeup remover!

You can purchase your own for $23.50 on Lancome's website. It's difficult for me to say this is my new favorite, because I really am partial to Tarte. But this is coming in a very close second!


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Loving Logos

I'm normally not a fan of logos. I don't own a Louis Vuitton bag, and every time I see the Gucci horsebit or interlocking "G's" I die a little inside. Why advertise a brand so blatantly? But then I came across the new Lip Gloss by Coach, and immediately I retracted my feelings completely.

Three shades -- Gardenia, Hibiscus and Heather -- come packaged in a bottle emblazoned allover with Coach's iconic Signature pattern. You know the one -- the oversized C's tumbling every which way! And while I am against the logo on a bag, it certainly won't stop me from trying these glosses. Heather looks to be the shade I'll want to check out.

Hey, at $22 each on Coach's website, they're definitely cheaper than buying a bag!


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Two-For Tuesdays: Bliss All You Need Is Glove Set

The Beatles said, "All you need is love." Well, Bliss thinks that "All You Need is Glove!" This beauty chick is totally hearting this set for multiple reasons. First off: I am in love with Bliss Glamour Gloves. I bought them last year during the onset of frigid temperatures and didn't really expect them to make my hands soft or remove the cracking and peeling that I've come to expect each winter. But lo and behold, after only one use my hands were already softer and smoother!

I became totally addicted and used them literally all winter, until long after they had any magic (read: grapeseed-and-ceramide gel) left in them. So this set already appeals to me. And then to find out it comes with Bliss Glamour Glove Gel, which purports to diminish age spots and saturate dry skin with a rich, non-greasy, orange-scented formula ... well, that just really puts me over the moon.

The All You Need Is Glove Set is available for $64 on Bliss's website. Do I think it's worth it? Absolutely!


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Direct from the Runway: Iodice

Image Hosted by ImageShack.usTrepidation? I felt it as I waited in line for Iodice ... which, only moments before, some of my fellow beauty bloggers and I were unsure how to pronounce. (For the record: it's Ee-oh-dee-chay). But as I walked into the tent and somehow snagged a front row seat right next to the crazy cacophony of photographers, things started to look up. Designer Valdemar Iodice sent out look after look of dresses and separates bordering on the dominatrix ... though they seemed to stop just short enough for me to actually really like most of them. Standouts were a black cracked leather trench that seemed to glisten as it came down the runway, and dresses with intricate cutouts at the back were sexy without being too revealing. Graphic prints swirled across lustrous silk, and a beautiful jeweled purple dress with elaborate pleating was my favorite. Adding to the dominatrix vibe were sky-high platforms and elbow-length leather gloves -- almost creating a Matrix vibe with the leather trench but somehow stopping seemingly short of over-the-top.

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And what's any fashion show without talk of the beauty looks? Eyes were played up to the extreme here, with blacker-than-black liner rimming them for inches around. What's more, gold shadow was brushed across the lids and up toward the browbone, then angled out way past the corners to form a cat-like impression. An everyday look? Not really? Sexy as hell? Definitely. Especially when paired with skin that glowed like the models had gotten facials backstage just before walking down the runway and lips were painted a sultry, deep matte red. Here are some pics as snapped from the front row:

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And the hair, oh, the hair! I was so in love with the messy, slightly undone buns that graced the backs of the models' heads. Locks were gathered right below the crown and twisted ever-so-perfectly into that undone bun that I'm always longing to create on myself but never seem to achieve. You can see pictures of the look here:

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All in all, was this worth waiting until 9:45 for? (The show was supposed to start at 9.) I'd definitely say yes! And I'll leave you with pictures of the final runway look and Iodice taking his bow, which I'd say are quite fitting.

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*Images are the sole property of The Beauty of Life.


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Direct from the Runway: Tuleh

Femininity ruled the day at Tuleh. For Fall 2008, Bryan Bradley sent out gorgeous suits, separates and robes crafted in shimmering shades of purple and yellow, creating tapestries of color that were simply stunning. And while some people around me muttered about the trio of robes de chambre that came down the runway at the end of the show, I actually really loved them. But of course what I was really looking at was the hair and makeup ... and femininity was there in spades.

Hair was long and flowing, sometimes tucked under adorable felt fedoras in bold shades of lemon and violet, but mostly left free and of its own volition. With the feathered ends, models channeled Farrah Fawcett a la Charlie's Angels, but in a much more toned-down and subtle way. A slight off-center part created just the tiniest hint of volume, though tresses were shined to the nines to match the glitz of the clothing. I snapped a few pictures that really captured the hair well:

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Makeup was also kept on the very simple side. Skin was matte but fresh-looking, and cheeks were subtly contoured with pale rose blush. Lips were slicked with the palest pink gloss, leaving them as nude as they could be while still showing a touch of color! The real focus here was on the eyes -- dark charcoal shadow was brushed across the lids and then angled up toward the browbones, while black liner was drawn across three-quarters of the lower lash lines. But my absolute favorite part was the yellow-gold shimmer placed in the corners of the eyes.

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Image Hosted by ImageShack.us

The overall effect was sultry, seductive and definitely one I'd like to try very soon!

And just for your viewing pleasure ... a (very) blurry picture of Bianca and Saleisha from the last season of America's Next Top Model in the front row!
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*All images are the sole property of The Beauty of Life.


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Monday, February 4, 2008

Must-Have Mondays: GoSMILE Go All Out Starter Kit

Bright, sparkling white teeth that rival those of the celebrities? Sign me up, please! Given the choice, I don't know who among us wouldn't crave pearly whites. So when I came across GoSMILE's Go All Out Starter Kit, I was immediately drawn to it.

For "starters," I absolutely love the packaging! Everything is so nicely laid out -- it makes it hard to even want to disturb the pretty, orderly look to get at the items included. But if I can be less than Type A just for one second, I would definitely like to delve right in. 14 ampoules of GoSMILE's Advanced Formula B1 each reside within their own tiny slots and are accompanied by a refillable silver compact to really make whitening teeth more fun. And as if that's not enough, the kit comes with GoSMILE AM/PM Whitening Protection Fluoride Toothpastes ... which, if they're anything like the Anticavity/Antigingivitis Rinse and Peppermint Candy Smile Toothpaste by the same brand, are sure to become new favorites of mine.

Frankly, any kit that claims to keep my smile white and erase new stains before they set is bound to be tried by this beauty chick! At $120, it's not cheap. But can you really put a price on white teeth? I think not.


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ANTM Invades Fashion Week!

Last night at the Tents, I literally saw five people from America's Next Top Model. And I was only there for two shows! From Bianca and Saleisha in line for Tuleh to Ms. Jay doing an interview in between Tuleh and Terexov to Nigel Barker himself sitting front row center at Terexov, it was ANTM mania. See the pics for proof!

ExampleBianca and Saleisha (it's the back of her head, but still!) waiting in line at Tuleh
ExampleThere's Ms. Jay getting ready to do an interview!
ExampleAhh, there's Mr. Noted Sex God himself, Nigel Barker!

Who will be seen at the Tents tonight? You'll have to check back tomorrow to find out!

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Sunday, February 3, 2008

Stick It To Ya: Laura Mercier Stickgloss Palette


Ohh, lipgloss. How do I love thee? Let me count the ways. With the recent addition of Laura Mercier's Stickgloss Palette to my collection, I'd have to say there are five more!

The palette alone was enough to make me short of breath. It's shiny, it's chocolate brown and it's lacquered, with "Laura Mercier" printed across the top in gleaming metallic silver letters. It was just so inviting upon first glance, I simply had to open it up and see what was inside!

Held within are five absolutely gorgeous shades of gloss in coordinating shades of red and pink, each held within their own tiny pot and just beckoning to be worn. Patchouli is a beautiful caramel, while Maple is a shiny brick red. Baked Earth is shimmering coral, Brown Sugar is a gorgeous taupe-ish apricot, and Peony is sparkle-tinged burgundy. Each is actually really wearable -- see the second photo for swatches of how it looks even on my paler-than-pale skin! Even better, the palette is accompanied by a double-ended Chestnut Lip Pencil and Lip Colour Brush, so you can really make sure the color glides on evenly.

Intrigued? You can pick up your own for $40 on Laura Mercier's website. This beauty chick will definitely be sporting these colors come spring!

*Images are the sole property of The Beauty of Life.


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Direct from the Runway: Academy of Art University

Last season, one of my favorite shows of Fashion Week was most definitely the show put on by the students in the Masters program at Academy of Art University. From the moment I walked in, I was blown away by the size and scale of it all. Throughout the show, cheers erupted from the crowd and there was such a sense of fun and excitement in the air. This season, I'm sorry to say that this show really didn't hold the same momentum. I'm not sure exactly what it was ... perhaps it was the change in venue (last season's was in the grandiose Tent, while this season's was in the smaller Promenade), or maybe it was that the collections just really didn't seem to hold as much in design elements as the ones previously. There were definitely a few highlights, but I'd definitely have to say that the makeup and hair outshone the clothing accompanying them. So why don't I just focus on those, then?

Image Hosted by ImageShack.usHAIR
I absolutely love when a hairdo is multifaceted. The juxtaposition between the severity that an updo can provide with what is actually going on in the back of the head is simply fascinating to me. And the hairdos coming down the runway at this show were among my favorites thus far. Tresses were slicked back in the front so that I was led to believe that they would be pulled into a tight, not-so-exciting bun. But once I got a look at the back of the models' heads, I literally did a double-take. Locks were braided and then intricately looped around, forming an amazing update of the classic French twist. While I am probably nowhere near dexterous enough to pull this off myself, I definitely want to have it done for me the next time I go to a fancy event!

Image Hosted by ImageShack.usMAKEUP
I have to say I was blown away by the makeup at this show. Skin was literally glowing, and the apples of the models' cheeks were brushed with a hot pink that, rather than looking costumey or over the top, really seemed to work well here with the clothing. Lashes were long, long, long -- which I totally loved -- and eyes were swept with fuchsia shadow all the way up to the browbone and out past the outer corners. Again, rather than seeming crazy or too out there, it really looked amazing! Lips were mattefied with hot pink lipstick. The overall effect was both a throwback to the 80s and a
look toward the future, especially when paired with the gorgeous honeycomb-inspired skirt from Felice Morganti's collection, which you can see here:
Example

Image Hosted by ImageShack.usNAILS
What's my favorite color for nails? None other than hot pink! So I was super-excited to see this exact shade coming down the runway. While I might shy away from using this color on my fingernails, my toes will definitely be tapping with tons of variations of this lacquer come fall.

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


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Direct from the Runway: Lacoste

Can you imagine my surprise and excitement when my first show this fashion week happened to be Lacoste? I was dying to get into that show last time but they were so overbooked it was impossible. And while I was given standing room this time, I knew I could probably get into a seat at the last minute -- which I happened to do! So there I was, waiting with bated breath to see what would come down the runway. I have to say I was not disappointed! Three distinct groups appeared, the first of which was my favorite -- fantastic separates for fall in muted shades of dove gray, cream and taupe. The second group was a lot more colorful, with pieces in reds and yellows mixed in that really popped as they came down the runway. And the third was just plain fun -- purples, pinks and greens literally danced on the models' backs when paired with hats and earmuffs in coordinating shades, while super-fun music blasted from the speakers and snow at the beginning of the runway. All of these looks were very well-complemented by the hair and makeup that accompanied them.

Image Hosted by ImageShack.usHair was kept on the simple side, with two main looks appearing. My favorite was the look for the shorter-haired girls -- delicate waves bounced on their shoulders and weren't too "done" -- a simple center part and a bit of styling cream and these girls were ready to go. The other look made me long for, well, longer hair! Slicked-back hair with a center part became a gorgeous, longer-than-long braid that fell to well below the models' shoulder blades and looked fantastic under a hat.

Image Hosted by ImageShack.usMakeup was ethereal, light and romantic in feel. Lips were painted the most delicate of pinks and nudes, which looked fantastic whether paired with the neutral or bright tones of the clothing. Eyes were rimmed in light brown and brushed with soft pink shadow that really made them pop. Skin was dewy and fresh, with just the subtlest hint of glow. The overall effect was definitely that of a snowbunny skiing the trails in Aspen -- and who doesn't want to look like that throughout the colder months?

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

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The Beauty Bowl: A Blogger's Take On the Superbowl

It's the Superbowl today ... and this beauty chick can honestly say she couldn't care less! But she does care about beauty. And so she and some of her fellow bloggers have gotten together to create The Beauty Bowl, our own take on the Superbowl and what it should really be about. My take on it? To come up with the products that I really think knock it out of the park for each and every position that's played in football, separated into categories. I just know my team is going to beat the pants off of both the Pats and the Giants!

ON THE OFFENSE: SKINCARE PRODUCTS
These are the ones that will make you run and score touchdown after touchdown with glowing skin!
Quarterback: Estee Lauder Re-Nutriv Youth Creme
Center: M.A.C Moisturelush
Offensive Guard: Bliss The Youth As We Know It Concentrate
Offensive Tackle: Benefit Dear John
Tight Ends: Murad Acne Complex Starter Kit and DDF Blemish Foaming Cleanser
Wide Receiver: Boscia Clear Complexion Kit
Fullback: Philosophy Hope in a Jar
Running Back: Elizabeth Arden Prevage Anti-Aging Night Cream
Tailback: Clinique Zero Gravity Repairwear Lift
H-Back: Laura Mercier Night Nutrition Renewal Creme
Wingback: Clarisonic Skincare Brush
Slotback: Peter Thomas Roth Pumpkin Enzyme Peel

DEFENSE: BATH AND BODY PRODUCTS
Your shower will smell amazing and so will you! You'll totally tackle all the competition with these wonders.
Defensive Ends: C.O. Bigelow Lemon Hand Wash and Jaqua Buttercream Frosting Hand Soap
Defensive Tackles: L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Creme and Frederic Fekkai Creme Luxueuse
Linebackers: Bath & Body Works Breathe High Lather Moisture Wash in Energy-Ginger Verbena and Bliss Soapy Sap Shower Gel + Bubbling Bath
Cornerbacks: Ralph Lauren Romance Eau de Parfum and Victoria's Secret Heavenly Eau de Parfum
Strong Safety: Fresh Sugarbath Body Polish in Brown Sugar
Free Safety: Philosophy Empowermint Salt Scrub

SPECIAL TEAMS: MAKEUP AND HAIRCARE PRODUCTS
Because you just shouldn't run down the field without looking your best!
Kicker: Tarte's Lights, Camera, Splashes! Mascara
Holder: Dior's Dior Eye Show Eyeshadow
Long Snapper: T3 Medium Duality
Kick Returner: Clinique Colour Surge Eye Shadow Duo
Punter: Bobbi Brown Pink Raspberry Face Palette
Punt Returner: Lancome Juicy Tubes in Miracle
Gunner: Stila Lip Glaze in Starfruit
Wedge Buster: Essie Nail Polish in any shade

MVP: THE BRAND THAT OUTSHINES THEM ALL!
And the winner is ... Clinique! Whether it's makeup or skincare, perfumes or lotions, this brand just throws a touchdown every single time.

And don't forget to check out these fabulous blogs for even more Beauty Bowl coverage as well!

15 Minute Beauty Fanatic
A Touch of Blusher
Beauty411
Canadian Beauty
For the Love of Beauty
Grayburn
Steeping Beauty
Urbane Girl


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Friday, February 1, 2008

Makeup Palette TKO!: Sugar Cosmetics Round the Clock Eyeshadow Palette in Punch Out

ExampleRemember Mike Tyson's Punch Out? It was my brother's favorite Nintendo game when we were growing up. And while I have to say I hated that game, Sugar Cosmetics 'Round the Clock Eyeshadow Palette in Punch Out is a total knockout. While browsing at Sephora yesterday, I came across this palette of colors in bright, eye-popping shades and literally stopped in my tracks, staring slack-jawed at the shades before me in total awe and amazement. I simply had to buy it, take it home and try all the colors immediately. (See the photo at left for swatches.) I was pleasantly surprised to discover that while the colors all look really bright -- most not wearable for the office, I thought -- they go on much sheerer than they appear! My favorite shades are definitely the two greens and the blue -- I am a huge fan of wearing brights when I go out, and I simply can't wait to wear these the next time I'm out on the town! Even more, I'm totally loving the layout of the palette, with each color seamlessly melding from one to the next. It just looks gorgeous! Intrigued? You can pick up your own for $28 on Sephora's website. You're sure to be the last one standing with this in your arsenal!


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Blowing Raspberries: Bobbi Brown Pink Raspberry Face Palette

Ahh, the wonderful world of makeup palettes. They just never, never get old. This beauty chick loves seeing how each and every one is laid out. Will they include lipglosses or blushes? Eyeshadows or bronzers? Will the colors compliment each other? This last question gets a resounding yes in Bobbi Brown's latest effort, the Pink Raspberry Face Palette.

The black lacquered compact is substantial in size, which I actually really love, and is emblazoned with Bobbi Brown's moniker across the front. Inside you'll find five truly gorgeous colors that are all exclusive to this palette! Right smack dab in the center you'll see Pink Raspberry Blush -- which, I'll admit, does look a bit off-putting with its really bright pink shade. Once applied, however, it leaves the prettiest flush -- even this fair-skinned girl was able to wear it without difficulty! On the blush's left are two very wearable shades of Eye Shadow -- Navajo (pale ivory that's great as a highlighter) and Fog (deep charcoal with just the tiniest hint of glimmer). The right side houses two Lip Sheers, in Raspberry (a matte brick red) and Blue Raspberry (crimson with a touch of mauve). My favorite part of the palette, however, is the oversized mirror. Since the palette itself is on the bigger side, the mirror is fantastic! You can really see what you're doing while you put on your makeup.

This gorgeous addition to the spring line is available for $55 on Bobbi Brown's website. But it will only be available for a limited time, so you'd better snap it up while you can! My only complaint is that the palette doesn't come with any brushes. But that's a small price to pay when, let's face it -- I've got makeup brushes in spades! All in all, this palette is definitely one of my new faves.

*Image is the sole property of The Beauty of Life.


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Beauty Giveaway: N.Y.C. New York Color!

Valentine's Day is just around the corner. And you know what that means -- your lips have got to be in tip-top shape when you pucker up! There's no better way to do that than with a fabulous lip plumper. And I'm proud to announce that N.Y.C. New York Color is sponsoring a fantastic giveaway for my readers! They will be giving away 10 sets of their fantastic Lippin' Large Lip Plumpers to 10 lucky readers! Lippin' Large are formulated with a blend of cinnamon, ginger and peppermint oils to promote plumping and enriched with Vitamin E to hydrate and soothe. And your lips will look absolutely amazing when slicked with one of the six shades -- Very Clear, Strawberry Mousse, Peach Parfait, Toffee Kiss, Pink Champagne and Plum Tart. Intrigued? Then you simply must enter the contest! Now for the rules:

1) Sign up to receive daily email updates! (If you are already signed up, you can still enter.)
2) Leave a comment on this post telling me where your Lippin' Large will be on Valentine's Day!
3) Entries will be accepted until next Thursday, February 7 at 11:59pm EST. Winners will be announced on Friday!

Good luck!


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First Look Fridays: Michelle Mismas of All Lacquered Up

It's time for another new column, my fellow beauty chicks! Every Friday, be sure to log onto The Beauty of Life for First Look Fridays, which will spotlight different beauty blogs and exciting product launches. For my first column, I thought there was no better blog -- and blogger! -- to spotlight than Michelle Mismas of All Lacquered Up. Michelle hails from the east-side suburbs of Cleveland, OH, which coincidentally is where this beauty chick grew up before moving to New York City! (We didn't know each other, however.) All Lacquered Up is a truly fantastic read -- Michelle reports on the latest and greatest in all things nail-related. From product launches to color swatches, upcoming trends to intriguing interviews, this well-written and informative blog is truly one-of-a-kind. I am privileged to have a fantastic question-and-answer session on hand for you between Michelle and me. I hope you enjoy it -- and be sure to check out her blog when you're finished!

Why did you decide to start a blog -- and what made you decide to focus on nails?

I was very active in the nail board community on MakeupAlley.com. I was there the day the board went live. I still try to post as often as possible. I was also a big fan of beauty blogs but I noticed that there wasn't much information on nails to be found. I started All Lacquered Up to have a place to share the polishes I love along with any information on upcoming collections that I could find. It's just continued to grow from there.


When did you start your blog?

January 2007


The name of your blog is so cute and original! How did you come up with it?

An acquaintance used to describe being drunk as getting "all lacquered up," as compared to "all liquored up". The phrase stuck with me so when it came time to name my blog, it just seemed right. Though instead of being drunk on liquor, I'm high on polish fumes.


Do you have a "day job"? What is it?

I have a full time job working as an accountant for my family's businesses -- temporary staffing and property management.


What have been some of the highlights of having your blog?

The biggest gift for me personally has been meeting other polish fanatics and some amazing fashion and beauty bloggers. In my everyday life I don't know too many people that get what I do or why I do it so connecting with people that share my passion is so rewarding. Professionally, I've been featured in local newspapers and trade publications. I had the good fortune to tour a nail polish factor and the opportunity to visit New York for a whirlwind beauty tour. And my biggest coup to date will be going backstage at New York Fashion Week to cover the fall nail trends from the tents.


Playing with nail polishes must be fun -- but what are some things you do for fun outside of blogging?

Growing up along Lake Erie I was raised a sailor so I will always have a connection to the water. I couldn't imagine living anywhere else for that reason. I spend a lot of summer weekends at the Lake Erie Islands. My boyfriend and I both have a passion for travel and wine. We take frequent wine tasting trips and once a year we plan a major excursion to an international destination. Also, anyone that knows me knows that I'm a walking IMDb, a total movie and television geek. It's my ultimate goal to compete on the World Series of Pop Culture on VH1.


Are there other beauty blogs you read regularly? What are some that you like and why?

I always check out Blogdorf Goodman. I think Annie has a unique, witty voice and an innate sense of style. I love Makeup & Beauty Blog; Karen is a hilarious down-to-earth writer and she posts incredible product swatches and makeup looks. And of course I have all my fellow Beauty Blog Network members, like The Beauty of Life, in my feed reader so I can keep up with all the latest beauty news.


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