First Look Fridays: Makeup Artist Dina Gregg

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

Can you tell me a little about yourself?
I grew up with a lot of culture and art influences. My mom's from Norway, and both parents love to travel, so that exposed me to other peoples, new perspectives, different aesthetics, traditions and local handicrafts. Mom was my music teacher in grade school, and Dad had been a theater major in college, so my family is basically four silly hooligans who love costumes, singing songs and affecting funny voices and playing characters. As I was the most visual in our house, I guess I was drawn to masks and beards and eye patches and -- yes! -- makeup!

How did you first become interested in makeup, and what led you to become a makeup artist?
You could say that art school (at Boston University) led to beauty school (Blaine) led to makeup school in Paris (Ecole Fleurimon), but I think that it all started much earlier. When I was in first grade, my sister Anika and I participated in Verdi's Aida (presented by Sarah Caldwell's Boston Opera Company, no less), and for a couple dozen performances we were bodypainted with brownish stuff that I can only describe as being akin to slip used for ceramics. Then our blonde heads were SPRAY PAINTED black! And voila! We were Egyptian.

I was also a ballet dancer for many years -- there is a photo of me about age seven, backstage in line to see the blue-haired "makeup lady," and -- though there is much commotion and tulle tutus around me -- my eyes are fixated on the powder, lipstick, cake eyeliner and brushes lying out on the table. I guess a picture really does speak 1000 words.

In my teen (angst) years I turned Goth. Way Goth. I might have been wearing Cleopatra liquid liner, but my skin was not at all Egyptian; instead I had a "Snow White tan." Lots of Coty loose powder and Revlon "Wine with Everything" red lips reapplied between every class. By appearances I was anti-establishment, but all the while my secret vice was fashion. My bedroom was plastered with tearsheets out of Vogue and whatever Ines de la Fressange Chanel campaign had just come out. I was as much in awe of Paloma Picasso and Anh Duong as I was Cindy, Christie, Helena, Naomi and Linda.

And there are many other reasons and ways I wound up here ... but these are the biggies.

What are some of the shoots and shows you've worked on that have stood out as highlights in your career?
I've worked with Karl Lagerfeld twice -- once at the Chanel Cruise collection presented at Grand Central Station, and once at Pier 59 where Karl was taking pictures for Harper's Bazaar. What can I say? Karl is an enigma and a warm man all at once. A self-proclaimed "cartoon character." Gotta love Karl.

Another turning point was making the cut on Pat McGrath's team. My first show with her was Dior Couture in January 2004, and what a testing ground to prove oneself! Ooh la la. You could say it was high pressure. But I just went for it, and when Pat checked my girl's face she only said one word -- "Perfect." I didn't know if I should faint or do a little dance.

Working on Make Me a Supermodel for Bravo TV was pretty rad, too. A really fun experience all around, plus I got to be on set with Tyson Beckford every week!

Have you worked with any makeup artists that inspired you? What did they teach you?
1) Naturally, Pat McGrath. She's taught me countless things, but I'm too devoted to her to spill the beans, except maybe this rule of thumb: when the lips are deep red at Vuitton, keep the peaks from being too "witchy."

2) Denise Markey has shown me how to conduct oneself diplomatically (on set, in business in general) while still being fun to be around.

3) I've learned interesting stuff from Gucci Westman about layering products.

4) I got a nifty eyebrow trick from Dick Page.

What are the products and brands you simply can't live without?
Embryolisse
Elizabeth Arden Eight-Hour Creme
Karite Lips Shea Butter Lip Balm
Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage
Three Custom Color Specialists Mood Lighting Shimmer Cremes -- of course! I created them!
Three Custom Color Specialists Cool Camel Eye Shadow
Bobbi Brown foundation sticks
NARS "Mountain" powder
Makeup Forever Lip Gloss #15
Wet 'n Wild Lipliner #666
Fresh "Here Comes the Sun" blush/bronzer palette
Palmer's Cocoa Butter
Aquaphor

What is the most rewarding part of what you do?
Making people feel great about themselves. To borrow a phrase, I like to "turn that frown upside down!"

What are your top 3 makeup tips?
1) Less is more. Try to adopt the French women's rule of getting dressed, which is to remove one item before walking out the door. The same goes for makeup. In the real world, making up the eyes, cheeks, lips, plus bronzer, etc. is all too much. We are all individuals with unique features. Play with YOUR own face to discover which feature to highlight, and also which makeup steps to OMIT. Sometimes a woman who rocks a signature lip color needn't wear concealer, while another person only needs blush, no mascara, and lip balm. Real beauty is not about looking airbrushed, it's about looking effortless.

2) Curl your lashes! Enough said. I'm not the first to say it and I won't be the last.

3) Moisturize. Inside and out. Drink lots of water and wear cream both day and night. Could be CVS brand or Creme de la Mer -- that's up to your taste. Just so long as you moisturize with SOMETHING!

Playing with makeup must be fun -- but what do you do for fun outside of being a makeup artist?
This summer I'm surfing every chance I get, and also working on some tattoo designs for a couple friends. I'm a pretty curious person, so I love to discover new stuff all the time. I travel quite a bit, but even just tooling around downtown Manhattan on my bike can open up new worlds. Sometimes I go to a bookstore and flip through guide books to places I have yet to visit -- Madagascar, Galapagos, Rio, Micronesia. I love world cuisine as well -- Vietnamese food is my favorite!

Thanks so much to Dina Gregg for this fabulous interview. And be sure to check out her amazing Mood Lighting Shimmer Cremes for Three Custom Color Cosmetics, which really do work on every single skin tone!

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Trend-Filled Thursdays: Funky Sleep Masks

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

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


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

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

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

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Lusts of the Week

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

Stila Cherry Crush ($24 at stilacosmetics.com): Who knew a tiny pen could offer up such fantabulous color? The shade within is the perfect blend of crimson, cherry and scarlet -- yet not so dark that it looks scary or Morticia Adams-esque. The gel, which comes up out of one of Stila's famed lip brush tubes, isn't at all sticky or tacky, and it reacts with your pH levels to create a color just for you! (On me, it's a delightful combination of coral, pink and red.) And what I really love? The cherry scent! It's just present enough to lend a deliciously fresh and fruity aroma to my lips and cheeks without seeming oppressive or over the top. Plus, for a limited time, all Cherry Crush orders receive free shipping with code CHERRYCRUSH at checkout! How cherrylicious is that?

M.A.C Eye Pencil ($13 each at maccosmetics.com): Ebony. Indigo. Taupe. Coffee. I own all four shades of this glorious pencil, and I seriously can't even express how amazing each of them is. This eyeliner is the absolute best for staying inside the waterline without fading, smudging or creasing. Each time I use one, I'm absolutely amazed at the staying power -- it lasts dawn till dusk with no sign of stopping. And I totally love that each color is perfect for different looks, from smoky and sultry to light and romantic. But my fave of the moment is definitely Indigo, which just makes my brown eyes pop!

Sephora Silver Swirl Bag Collection ($16-$38 at sephora.com): I have been loving this collection ever since the Sephora Holiday Preview I attended back in July. Drawing inspiration from Van Gogh's Starry Night, the swirled pattern woven into the durable vinyl fabric is somehow retro and modern all at once. Each of the four metallic silver bags in the collection is totally glam, yet still completely usable -- from the Clutch Bag and Pencil Case to my personal favorite, the Large Handle Bag. This special piece unzips to reveal three smaller mesh cosmetic bags -- absolutely perfect for my traveling needs this weekend, n'est pas?

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The Beauty of Life Featured in On Makeup Magazine!

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

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

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

This one is exactly like my fave version from junior high. The bristles don't tug or pull at your tresses, and the mirror is the perfect size for glancing in and performing quick lipgloss or eyeshadow touchups. I'm totally in love with the color, too -- the aqua shade really pops against the dark interior of my bag and just makes it so easy to find at a moment's notice.

But what I really love? The price. This baby is only eight dollars on Sephora's website! Plus, if you're not crazy about the aqua, you can get it in orange -- which transitions ever so nicely from summer to fall. All in all? My junior high days are coming back big time.

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Beautiful Belles: Marlo Thomas

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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NARS Gets it Right with Lip Gloss

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

Risky Business
Stolen Kisses
Moon Fleet

Each of these three shades brings something new and different to the lipgloss table. First up, of course, is Risky Business. What child of the 80s doesn't remember Tom Cruise dancing around in his tighty whities and knee-high socks? Drawing inspiration from the movie title, this gloss totally kicks things up a notch with a shimmery berry hue that's not too light, not too dark -- but just right. Whether worn alone or layered over other glosses and lipsticks, this one is absolutely perfect for a night out.

Stolen Kisses, on the other hand, reminds me of a night under the stars with that special someone. Corny? Yes. True? Definitely. The color, a sparkly mauve inside the tube, slicks on to become a medium-hued caramel that is just soooo super-sexy. I'm a sucker for any coral or peach gloss, and this one just takes things to a whole new level!

But my absolute fave is most definitely Moon Fleet. Get ready to blast off with this gloss, because the super-high-octane glittery gold will leave your lips more lustrous and glimmery than you ever thought possible. A few swipes across your pout and you'll be sparkling from dusk till dawn. I actually really like to wear this one on its own, rather than layering over a colored gloss -- it really brings out the natural hue of your lips and just adds such gorgeous sparkle and shimmer.

Best of all, these glosses are incredibly smooth and slick. They don't ever start to feel sticky or tacky, and they don't crease or fade unevenly! And while $24 each on the NARS website may seem a bit steep, just remember -- you can't put a price on a pretty pout!

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

A bit of a departure from the normal Two-For Tuesdays, today, gals. Rather than show a product duo, I'm going to discuss a shampoo and conditioner pairing that is not to be matched! I speak, of course, of the Sea Marine Revitalizing Shampoo and Marine Collagen Conditioner by H20+. Ever since this one-two punch came into my life, I haven't been able to stop washing my hair!

Now, I know what they say. You shouldn't wash your hair every day or it will strip your color, weaken your strands, cause breakage. But this duo is so gentle on my tresses, I feel my head of hair actually looks forward to the next day's washing and would be sad without it. Not to mention each product smells absolutely fantastic -- fresh, clean and utterly zesty.

The shampoo and conditioner are each formulated with sea lettuce, nori, wakame, sea fennel and marine collagen amino acids to revitalize and renourish dead strands. Vitamins B and E work to moisturize and condition each strand to your heart's content. The end result? Lustrous, shiny, silky locks that literally bounce as you strut down the street.

While a bit more pricey than I generally like to spend on hair products -- the shampoo is $20 and the conditioner is $22 -- the bottles are chock-full of product and will last you for months. (And this comes from a gal that likes to pour capfuls of conditioner over her head!) Each is available at H20+'s website. Trust me -- your tresses will thank you.

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Feel the Vibrations with Lancome Oscillation Mascara

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

The hype has been huge. For months, rumors have been circulating about the amazingness that is Lancome Oscillation Mascara. The whopping 7000 oscillations per minute that this tube produces are completely unrivaled on the market. So when the opportunity came along to purchase a tube for one day only this past July on Lancome's website, I jumped at the chance. I plunked down my $27 and laid in wait for the tube to arrive, dreaming of the fabulousity that surely laid within.

Well, let me tell you ... this mascara does not disappoint. I was fully prepared to be underwhelmed, especially when Kerry Diamond, the Vice President of Public Relations and Communications for Lancome, told me I might hate it at first. But I tried to keep an open mind and recall all of the wonderful advice Kerry provided me before trying:

"This is definitely a product for beauty junkies," Kerry told me. "When you use it, remember it's a different kind of mascara. You have to go slow and steady. If you zig zag, forget it. And keep the word stretch in mind. Just imagine that you are trying to stretch your lashes as you do it and pull the comb through your lashes. If you get a clump, and you just might, go right back into the clump with the brush and comb it out."

So, keeping all of this handy advice top of mind, I pulled out the black lacquered tube, pressed the handy-dandy button along one side to get the vibrations going, and started applying the mascara ever so slowly to my lashes. Right from the get go, I was seriously impressed. The formula really adheres to the lashes, making them appear longer and thicker in only one coat! I didn't find any thick clumps among my lashes, though there were a couple spots to run through with the brush a couple of times. While there is a lot of product to clean up -- the mascara does feel a bit gooey and wet, and will leave some traces above and below the lashlines to get rid of with makeup remover -- it really does make lashes look fantastic. Each time I've worn it, I've gotten compliments on how long and lush my lashes appear ... so it must be working! Even better, it stays on all night -- even through vicious bouts of dancing -- with no fading or streaking.

My best piece of advice? Don't be afraid of the vibrations! They're very fast, but so tiny that you won't really feel like you're poking something scary at your eyes. I definitely don't see any way that this mascara could hurt you. The price tag may seem a bit high, but I definitely think it's worth it. You can see for yourself fairly soon, as the mascara should be on counters within the next couple of weeks!

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

On a recent gals' night out with one of my fave beauty bloggers, Amber from Beauty Blogging Junkie, we -- of course! -- got to talking about our fave lipglosses. And, like the true beauty bloggers both of us are, we each had a stash of maybe ten or twelve knocking around in our handbags. And among the Stila, Korres and Clinique glosses spilled out on the table between us was one absolutely intriguing gloss in Amber's purse. I'm speaking, of course, about ModelCo Lip Lights Ultra Shine Lip Gloss.

The tube holding this gloss is one of the most revolutionary this beauty chick has seen. LED lights are concealed within the lid and automatically light up as soon as you unscrew the cap. Worried about getting the perfect pout in a darkened club? Can't quite see your lips in the restaurant bathroom? Why, that's what these lights are for! They ensure that you have perfect application every time. While the lights can be a bit bright and scary-looking at first, after a few tries you'll wish every gloss came equipped with these babies. And as if that's not enough, the tube even has a mirror along one side -- so if you aren't near a mirror or compact, you'll still have one by your side.

This gloss comes in three gorgeous shades: Coral, Indian Summer and Sienna Sunset. My fave is Sienna Sunset, which is the perfect shade of brownish peach that seems to look good on every skin tone. I love the subtle hint of shimmer within the gloss as well, making my lips seem to glisten and gleam with the best of them. Plus, the gloss is super-moisturizing and not at all sticky or tacky.

Check out the shades for yourself on Sephora's website -- each retails for $28. All in all? You'll totally light up with this light-up gloss!

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Murad Giveaway: Winner Announced!

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

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Scrub-A-Dub-Dub: The Best Scrubs for the Tub

When I was younger, I didn't really understand the power of exfoliation. Why would I want to rub a grainy product all over my body and experience little pops of pain every time I scrubbed too hard? But as I matured, I discovered just how wonderful a good scrub can be. Knobby knees? Gone. Dry elbows? Disappeared. Ashy calves? Seen no more. Well, I can now safely say that I AM HOOKED ON SCRUBS. I've tried more than I can even count -- some of which work, some of which definitely don't -- and I've compiled a list of the ones you just seriously have to try.

Carol's Daughter Sweet Honey Dip Chocolate Brown Sugah Scrub ($34 at carolsdaughter.com): Mmm, chocolate. Trust me, that is the first thing you'll think when you open up this tub. I immediately wanted to gobble down the scrub ... I didn't, though, so don't worry! Once I got over my initial feeling of hunger, though, I really started to notice all the cool features of this particular scrub. First of all, I love the tub, which has a silver latch closure that gives it an ancient apothecary feel. The scrub itself is deliciously rich, laced with vanilla bean and brown sugar crystals to exfoliate your skin to your heart's content. Plus, I love how soft my legs feel after using it! There's absolutely no need for a moisturizer, as built-in natural oils will condition and nourish your skin. It's choco-licious.

Klean Yuzu Sugar Body Polish ($11.50 at kleanbathandbody.com): Pure unrefined Mexican cane sugar. Crushed lemon peel. Apricot kernel. Rice bran. It sounds like I'm getting ready for some sort of cooking class, doesn't it? But no, I'm actually listing some of the ingredients found within this delightful scrub. The crystals are scented with the refreshingly exotic yuzu fruit, which upon smelling instantly makes me think of Japanese gardens. The scrub itself is packed tight, so that when you spread it over your skin it really works to slough away those dead skin cells. And with shea oil baked right into the formula, you'd better believe you'll come out of the shower with the softest skin imaginable!

Chloe & Jane Pure Sugar Body Polish in Citrus Chamomile ($20 at chloeandjane.com): I don't usually spend much time exfoliating my hands. I moisturize, of course, but I don't really like to rub hard crystals all over my extremities -- it just hurts too much! Luckily, this scrub is light enough for daily use and never maims my sensitive skin. I come away from each use with hands that are so soft and lush, they could be featured in hand-centric advertisements! And the light, relaxing scent is so amazing to boot -- it's perfect for use right before bedtime.

Ole Henriksen Rub 'N Buff Salt Scrub ($48 at sephora.com): There are so many good features of this scrub, it's hard to even know where to begin! First of all, the tub is HUGE. Like, so big it would take even the biggest scrub lover in the world about two years to get through the whole, whopping 28 ounces inside. Lavender and lemongrass oils keep skin super soft and smooth, and you won't feel at all greasy or slick after massaging the scrub into your skin. Even the color is appealing -- it's a light seafoam green that just perks up any shower or tub instantly. Plus, I totally love the scent, which has a hint of minty-ness that revives and energizes me in the morning -- perfect for those times when I haven't gotten enough sleep and am basically still sleeping through my shower!

Frederic Fekkai Shea Butter Body Polishing Moisture Scrub ($28.50 at nordstrom.com): I heart shea butter. It's honestly one of my all-time favorite ingredients in a beauty product, since when you use it, you're pretty much guaranteed to come away with uber-silky skin. And this scrub is no different. The grains are enclosed within a creamy, almost body wash-esque texture that feels so wonderful rubbed into the skin. Jojoba wax beads and apricot seeds are perfect for polishing and buffing your skin to a high gleam, while Vitamin B moisturizes and conditions. Plus, it's contained in a slender tube instead of an unwieldy tub -- so it fits perfectly in any shower caddy or along any tub wall!

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Curling Your Hair with a Flat Iron -- Courtesy of Beauty Girl Musings

My gal Monique over at beauty girl musings has the absolute best hair. When we met up at the Total Beauty Summit in LA this past May, I asked how she got her hair to have such a gorgeous amount of curl that's not over the top. Her answer? She uses a flat iron to curl her hair! I was so intrigued ... as were a lot of other people, so many that she's finally graced us with a video tutorial showing us exactly how to master this fabulous technique! Click here to see how Monique makes her hair look so amazing -- and hopefully pick up some tips of your own!

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Allure's Free Stuff: Giveaways for Friday, August 22

Happy Friday, everyone! What better way to start the weekend than with a slew of fabulous giveaways from Allure? Check out what you can win today on their Free Stuff giveaways!

Rimmel London Colour Rush Eye Shadow in Spun Gold (retail value of $3.05), Exaggerate Eye Definer in Noir (retail value of $5.35), Mousse Blush in Frozen Cherry (retail value of $6.95), Lasting Finish Lipstick in Birthday Suit (retail value of $6.25), Rimmel Underground Lip Bloomer / Lip Stain / Plumping Gloss in Killer Kiss (retail value of $6.95): The first 20 readers to sign up at 12pm EST will win this entire set of products!

Priori CoffeeBerry Radiance Eye Serum (retail value of $70): The first 500 people to sign up at 1pm EST will win one!

Redken Thickening Lotion 06 (retail value of $12.95): The first 100 people to sign up at 2pm EST will win one!

Alo Sun After Sun Restorative Creme/Gel (retail value of $20): The first 500 people to sign up at 3pm EST will win one!

Aldo Leather Suede and Patent Leather Sandals (retail value of $120): Sign up at 4pm EST for your chance to win one of five pairs!

Philip Kingsley No Scent No Colour Conditioner (retail value of $12.25): The first 50 people to sign up at 5pm EST will win one!

To win any of these fabulous prizes, simply head to Allure's website for full details. Good luck!

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First Look Fridays: Broadway Star Elizabeth Stanley

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

How did you get started in theater?
I was always interested in music and anything dramatic, but I didn't really start doing shows and taking lessons until I was about 12. My parents were very supportive and drove me back and forth, and paid for lessons, etc., but always really left it up to me to pursue it as much or as little as I enjoyed.

What is your daily beauty and skincare regimen -- and does it change when you're performing and wearing a lot more makeup?
I use Bliss face wash, and then follow up with a light SPF moisturizer for the daytime (now that it's summer I'm using the Jergen's healthy glow). At night I use the same Bliss face wash, but use the slightly heavier Burt's Bees Marshmallow Vanishing Cream, and Burt's Bees Royal Jelly Eye Gel. When I am performing, I use the same products, plus I use Clinique eyes, lips and lashes makeup remover. When I'm performing I try not to wear makeup during the days to give my eyes and skin a break! It's also nice to see yourself as you really are, and not so made up!

How do your hair and makeup get done for shows? Do you have hairstylists and makeup artists working with you, or are you responsible for your own?
Every show has a makeup and hair designer. When a show begins, the makeup designer will meet with you as the actor to discuss what their vision is for your character. If you have other ideas, they are usually very open to incorporating them, and also to accommodating certain products/skincare needs you might have. Then they will provide you with the proper makeup and often will do one side of your face and have you do the other side. This is because once a show is running, the actor is responsible for doing their own makeup every night.

Similarly, at the beginning of a show the hair designer will meet with the actor to speak about the ideas for the character's hair. Many times a wig is made. This is because it's easier to avoid bad hair days, and also to maintain a consistent style/color/cut/etc. I love a wig because it cuts down on my prep time before the show! If I'm wearing a wig, then all I have to do is pin curl my hair so that it lays flat to my head and the wig is a snug fit! There is a person in charge of wigs who washes and styles the wigs for each show. That person, or someone on that crew (there are often several people to maintain all the wigs) also helps me get in and out of my wig before and after each show. If I'm using my own hair then I would most likely be in charge of styling it every night according to the hair design.

Is there a regimen you follow for removing show makeup and keeping your skin intact?
See above! Bliss wash! And Burt's Bees! And Clinique! I use a wash cloth for removing my makeup to really make certain I am wiping it all away.

What are some of the highlights you've experienced in your career?
For certain my two Broadway shows -- Company and Cry-Baby -- have been a highlight! Company especially will always hold a special place in my heart because it was my Broadway debut. It was an honor to work with both Composer/Lyricist Stephen Sondheim and Director John Doyle, as well as the fabulous music director, Mary-Mitchell Campbell. In addition, I felt honored to share the stage with such an insanely talented and kind-hearted group of people ... the entire journey is something that I will forever cherish.

Performing on Broadway must be fun -- but what are some things you do for fun outside of the theater?
I love spending time outside, camping, hiking, worshiping the sun! I just returned from a weekend in the Poconos for the wedding of one of my Company cast mates ... we took a great canoe trip on the Delaware River and spent one afternoon picking wildflowers for her bouquet! I also enjoy Bikram yoga, sewing, baking, card-making and painting.

What are your beauty essentials?
I have recently fallen in love with the M.A.C eyeshadow Gleam -- I wear it whenever I want the perfect summer shimmer! I also am addicted to the Tarte lipstain Nectar -- subtle, yet glowing! L'Oreal Voluminous Waterproof Mascara is my long-time fave for the lashes. And I am also a big fan of M.A.C Studio Fix, I first used it for stage because it can be applied heavily to really even your skin tone. But now I love it for every day too -- when lightly dusted on with a brush, it's just like wearing a light powder! And of course, Burt's Bees chapstick, simple minty goodness!

Thanks so much to the beautiful Elizabeth Stanley for taking the time to share her beauty regimen and a little about herself with The Beauty of Life. Keep your eyes out for her -- you'll be seeing a lot of her on the Great White Way in the future!

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Beauty Deals: Free Shipping at Shu Uemura

After my recent experience at the Shu Uemura Lash Bar, I am the brand's biggest fan now. So I'm super-excited about their new promotion -- free shipping on all orders over $45! And what better way to use this discount than on the brand spanking new Tokyo Lash Bar 2008 collection? I'm totally dying for the lashes seen at left -- the False Eyelashes Premium Black Gown ($50) are just so special and unique for a big night out.

To get this fabulous deal, simply head to Shu Uemura's website and enter code AUGUST08 at checkout. Happy shopping!

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Allure's Free Stuff: Giveaways for Thursday, August 21

A new day has dawned, and you know what that means ... time for another day of Free Stuff from Allure! There are some truly fabulous prizes up for grabs today. Check out what you could win!

Kim Vo Perfect Polish Dry Serum (retail value of $55): The first 175 people to sign up at 12pm EST will win one!

Laura Mercier Shimmer Bloc in Orchid Mosaic (retail value of $38): The first 200 people to sign up at 1pm EST will win one!

Clarins After Sun Replenishing Moisture Care (retail value of $35.50): The first 100 people to sign up at 2pm EST will win one!

BCBGIRLS Suede and Patent Leather Boots (retail value of $155): 12 pairs are up for grabs! Sign up at 3pm EST for your chance to win one!

Remergent Clarifying Concentrate Skin Brightener (retail value of $85): The first 350 people to sign up at 4pm EST will win one!

Zabete Fragrance (retail value of $65): The first 50 people to sign up at 5pm EST will win one!

To win any of these fabulous prizes, simply head to Allure's website for full details. Good luck!

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Trend-Filled Thursdays: The Low Braid

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Great Brand Alert: Klean

Looking for a line of fabulously scented bath and body products that get the job done and don't break the bank? Then look no further than Klean. This line of bath and body products -- encompassing scrubs, lotions, cleansers and perfumes -- is filled with amazingly fragranced items that will leave you feeling fresh and clean. Whenever possible, all-natural products are used in making each item, from cocoa and shea butters to toasted coconut, macadamia nut oil to green tea powder. Best of all, though, are the scents. Each scent -- and there are a lot to choose from! -- smells utterly real, not at all synthetic or processed. And they smell so delectable, you'll find yourself wanting to use four or five scrubs and body washes in the course of one shower! Read on to find out which products really put a smile on this beauty chick's face.

Klean Perfume Oil in California Grapefruit ($11.50): Loyal readers will already know what a huge fan I am of rollerball fragrances. (Click here for a quick refresher course.) The good thing about this one is that it's housed in a much bigger bottle than any of my others -- so it will last for months! I love that it's formulated with sweet almond oil and Vitamin E, which means it's nourishing and moisturizing while lending a delicate sweetness to your skin. The scent is delightfully fresh and zesty, with a hint of coconut and almond that really gives it a light sweetness that's not at all cloying. I even like to roll on a bit before bedtime and let it permeate throughout my sheets, and I swear I've had deeper, more relaxing sleep as a result!

Klean Bath Syrup in Creamy Coconut ($11.50): Now, I am not normally a watery syrup kind of body wash girl. I like my cleansers thick, which -- in my opinion -- gives them better lather and foam. But wow, do I have to eat my words when it comes to this product! When pouring the watery concoction onto my pouf, I must admit I didn't have high hopes. But as I began to smush up the pouf, my concerns disappeared. Suds and lather like I had never seen before started appearing -- and the scent wafting up into my nostrils was just completely delectable. This wash is formulated with shea oil, so it really conditions and moisturizes your skin -- and best of all, it doesn't leave your skin greasy. And at 8oz., it will definitely take awhile to disappear!

Klean Brown Sugar Body Polish ($11): I am a scrub fanatic. I've tried tons and tons of them, some with great results and some totally disastrous. But this one definitely falls in the category of the former. It's rich, it's softening, it's utterly delectable. I love that it's created with a blend of sugars, including pure brown sugar and unrefined Mexican cane sugar. The grains are thick and coarse, and with only a dime-sized amount your legs will shine and gleam to perfection. Plus, I love that there's nothing fake about the scent -- it actually smells exactly like brown sugar. But best of all? It has moisturizer built right into the formula, so there's no need for lotion after you get out of the shower. And it lasts all day long without once feeling greasy or sticky. Seriously ... I use it in the morning and my legs still feel silky and smooth 12 hours later!

All items are available for purchase at Klean's website.

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Lusts of the Week

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

Cutler Daily Conditioner ($15 at amazon.com): I've been enamored of this conditioner for quite some time. It's utterly moisturizing, super nourishing and makes my tresses glisten and gleam. I love that it's not heavy or too thick, which means it doesn't weigh my hair down and just makes it so, so shiny and glossy. The scent is also so pretty -- it's light and fresh, and doesn't feel at all cloying. All in all? Totally worth using on a daily basis.

Sally Hansen Lipnotic Gem Gloss in Bling Bling ($6.99 at walgreens.com): Want a cheap dupe for M.A.C Dazzleglass? Then this gloss is definitely the right one for you. The pigment is rich and deep, and the glitter factor is absolutely unrivaled. A few swipes across my pout and I seriously could not believe how shimmery my lips became! Plus, the shade is super flattering -- it's part peach, part coral, part taupe, part nude ... all gorgeous. The name just seems quite apropos, don't you think?

Jurlique Lavender Hand Cream ($25 at jurlique.com): Essences of lavender, calendula and viola condition and moisturize even the roughest skin. Don't believe me? Between the hot outdoors and the freezing temperatures inside my office, my hands have become quite ravaged. But a few days with this cream and they've become seriously soft and smooth! In addition, it sinks right into the skin without any greasy residue. And while I usually am not a huge fan of lavender, it's not too intense in this moisturizer. In fact, I feel like I've walked into a spa every time I open the tube! And that's quite a lovely way to feel when putting on hand lotion.

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Beauty News: Makeup Artist Paul Starr Dead at 48

Sad news in the beauty world today. Makeup artist Paul Starr was found dead in his apartment in L.A. on Tuesday. Starr worked as a key makeup artist for some of the most coveted fashion shows, such as Jean Paul Gaultier, Vivienne Westwood and Dolce & Gabbana. He also worked with all of the top magazines -- Allure, Harper's Bazaar, Vogue and In Style among them. Countless celebrities can be counted among his clients, notably Angelina Jolie, Mariah Carey, Jennifer Garner and Renee Zellweger. Starr will be greatly missed.

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

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

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

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

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Allure's Free Stuff: Giveaways for Tuesday, August 19

Time for another fabulous day of giveaways by Allure! The madness continues with their daily Free Stuff Giveaways. Check out what you can win today!

Garnier Fructis Color Shield Fortifying Shampoo and Cream Conditioner (retail value of $3.99 each): The first 500 people to sign up at 12pm EST will win both!

Lancome Powder Blush in Miel Glace (retail value of $29.50): The first 25 people to sign up at 1pm EST will win one!

Dr. Michelle Copeland Skin Care AHA Face Cream (retail value of $45): The first 500 people to sign up at 2pm EST will win one!

Spornette G-36 Brush (retail value of $8.50): The first 576 people to sign up at 3pm EST will win one!

Olivia Harris Leather Bag (retail value of $475): Log on at 4pm EST for your chance to win this bag. Only one winner!

Pureology AntiFade Complex DandruffScalpCure Shampoo (retail value of $35): The first 250 people to sign up at 5pm EST will win one!

To win any of these fabulous prizes, simply head to Allure's website for full details. Good luck!

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

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

I have to admit, this set intrigued me right from the start. The bright pinkish red cheek stain seemed to be way too dark for my pale skin, but I simply had to try it anyway. So I unscrewed the cap, pushed up the chunky round stick from the bottom and went to town, dabbing one circle on each apple and blending, blending, blending. I decided to blend with my fingers, which led to a truly amazing natural flush. I don't mean to brag, but I simply radiated that perfect summer glow! What I particularly love about this blush is that while it feels semi-waxy inside the tube, it glides onto the skin effortlessly and doesn't leave behind any gunky residue. And since it's a stain, it really does make your cheeks gleam naturally.

But as if that's not all, this duo comes with the most amazing dual-sided lipgloss! One end contains Berrylicious Lip Stain, while the other holds Berrylicious Lip Enhancing Gloss. It's rare that I find a dual-ended gloss with two such coordinating and complementing shades, but this one does the trick. The stain is the perfect shade of light red that gives off the just-bitten look, so popular at all the Fall 2008 runway shows. The gloss is a beautiful shade of light coral-tinged pink that, on its own, is fairly sheer. But layered over the stain, the two colors mix and become a stunning deep pink. Best of all, neither side is sticky or tacky -- they're extremely moisturizing and leave lips feeling nourished and conditioned. Plus, they taste and smell of vanilla -- this beauty chick's favorite scent!

Best of all, the products in this set are formulated with Tarte's special t5 super fruit complex. This blend of the five most active superfruits -- goji, acai, maracuja, acerola and pomegranate -- is rich in antioxidants and vitamins. And as if that weren't enough, each purchase of the Berry Couture set ($35 on Tarte's website) supports Sambazon's Sustainable Acai Project (SAP), which helps to preserve the Amazon Rainforest through forest conservation, improved living conditions and educational opportunities for communities in Brazil. So basically, you're doing a world of good.

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Allure's Free Stuff: Giveaways for Monday, August 18

You love free stuff, don't you? Well, of course you do! Who doesn't? And Allure is getting in on the action with tons of beauty giveaways all month long. Check this space every day to find out what you could win simply by going to their site throughout the day. Here's what some very lucky winners will receive today...

Make Up For Ever Professional HD High Definition Powder (retail value of $30): The first 100 people to sign up at 12pm EST will win one!

Givenchy Prisme Again! Limited Edition Eyeshadow Quartet (retail value of $49.50): The first 50 people to sign up at 1pm EST will win one!

EmerginC Multi-Vitamin + Retinol Serum (retail value of $79): The first 250 people to sign up at 2pm EST will win one!

Persol Acetate Sunglasses (retail value of $270): Log on at 3pm EST for your chance to win one of five pairs.

Philip Pelusi P2 HaiRX Exfoliating Shampoo Treatment (retail value of $26.95): The first 300 people to sign up at 4pm EST will win one!

Elizabeth Arden Intervene Pause & Effect Moisture Cream SPF 15 (retail value of $55): The first 100 people to sign up at 5pm EST will win one!

To win any of these fabulous prizes -- and you know you want to! -- simply head to Allure's website for full details. Good luck!

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