Must-Have Mondays: Peter Thomas Roth Lips to Die For Pink Bombshell Lip Balm

Lips to die for? They certainly will be when you use Peter Thomas Roth Lips to Die For Pink Bombshell Lip Balm. Yes, this is the longest name you may ever come across for a lip balm. But you know what? It will roll right off your lips -- no pun intended!

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Beauty Question: What's Your Favorite Moisturizer?

I'm suffering from a bit of a conundrum, fellow beauty chicks. I just ran out of my favorite moisturizer and I'm hard-pressed to buy it again ... because, much as I love my Estee Lauder Re-Nutriv Ultimate Youth Creme, it retails for a whopping $250. I just don't have the cash to pony up for such an extravagance, though I know my skin might begin hating me.

So my Beauty Question of the day is this. What's your favorite moisturizer? What can you absolutely not live without ... and why? And most importantly, how much does it cost? Let me know in the comments -- and it might just be my next purchase! You'll be doing this beauty chick a massive favor, believe me!

Beauty Giveaway: ibd 5 Second Nail Glue

Great news, fellow beauty chicks! AII Beauty has offered to do a giveaway with The Beauty of Life. Very exciting, right? So check out what you can win...

It's your chance to win a tube of ibd 5 Second Nail Glue! It’s a recession proof, must-have-in-your-purse item. Not only can you fix a nail with this stuff .... but you can also temporarily mend your broken heel, busted eyeglasses, or restore that bauble back into your bracelet. You can even use it to fix the broken backs of earrings! Pretty awesome, right?

But that's not all. AII Beauty is partnering with The Beauty of Life to give away 10 tubes of ibd 5 Second Nail Glue. And in addition to the tubes, they'll be creating grab bags with some very special surprises inside! So 10 of you are about to get very lucky.

Here's how to enter. Put your name and email address in the box below, along with answering the question posed here -- What would you fix with ibd 5 Second Nail Glue? The winners will be selected on Friday, April 3 and notified by email. It's that simple!



This giveaway is open to US residents only. Giveaway runs until Thursday, April 2 at midnight. One entry per person, email address and IP address. Multiple entries will be disqualified.

First Look Fridays: Beth Shapouri of Glamour's The Girls in the Beauty Department

Once in awhile, I meet a blogger at an event and instantly bond with her. Such was the case recently with Beth Shapouri, one of the bloggers behind Glamour's beauty blog, The Girls in the Beauty Department.

As we both waited in vain to get backstage for the Rosa Cha show during Spring 2009 Fashion Week, we became increasingly incensed over the lack of care shown to the bloggers -- and immediately started chatting to try and alleviate our frustration. Ever since, I've been hooked on the Glamour blog and read it incessantly throughout the day. And the blogger who always catches my attention with her interesting new ways to look at old products or ideas about celebrities' latest hair and makeup looks? It's Beth, of course. I'm thrilled to bring you this week's edition of First Look Fridays with the fabulous Beth Shapouri. Keep reading to find out how she got involved in the beauty world, what her favorite products are and more.

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Wallet-Friendly Wednesdays: China Glaze Raspberry Festival

As soon as I saw China Glaze Raspberry Festival -- part of the Summer Days Collection -- had this gorgeous jelly finish, I just knew I had to try it immediately.

And here's what I can say. W-O-W. Nail polish with a jelly finish certainly isn't playing around! Not only is this polish one of the most gorgeous colors I've seen in quite some time, but it dries to a highly glossy, highly pigmented, unbelievably glittery, totally smooth finish that just has to be seen to be believed.

I decided to paint my toes with this color, because it's the perfect shade of -- you guessed it -- raspberry. It's this gorgeous shimmer-flecked berry that glistens in the light so beautifully. Two coats don't even require a topcoat, though I can't be parted with my Seche Vite, so the color came out all the more glossy.

And the best part? Two weeks later, my pedi is still totally intact without a single chip. I've never seen anything like it!

China Glaze Raspberry Festival retails for $2.68 at 8ty8beauty.com.

Two-For Tuesdays: Artistry Lip Care Kit

Have you heard of Artistry? I hadn't either. I actually have my boss to thank for introducing me to the brand -- she was at a party recently and there were a bunch of Artistry items in the gift bag, and she ended up giving them all to me! Of course I gravitated toward the Artistry Lip Care Kit, because anyone who knows me knows that I am all about a good balm. I honestly had no expectations whatsoever when I pulled each of the lip products out of this kit ... but thankfully, they came through with flying colors!

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Must-Have Mondays: Sephora Stimulating Lavender Cuticle Oil

I'm normally not a fan of lavender. There's something about the scent that, outside of spas, makes me run the other way. But all that changed when I came across the Sephora Stimulating Lavender Cuticle Oil.

Suddenly, I found myself jonesing for more and more lavender. Everywhere I went, I needed to have this little pen right by my side. I began compulsively applying the lavender-scented gel to my cuticles, sometimes up to three times a day, in the hopes that the scent would calm and soothe my nerves.

And you know what? It did. Plus it made my cuticles look a heck of a lot better than they had before, especially with the horrible weather conditions New York has experienced this season. Gone were the ravaged, dry, cracked and peeling cuticles of my past. Here to stay were cuticles so gorgeous, I actually started getting compliments.

It's been about a month of serious use with this pen, and I still can't get enough. My cuticles are moisturized and conditioned more than they ever have been, and my hands smell fantastic. What's not to love?

Sephora Stimulating Lavender Cuticle Oil is available for $12 at sephora.com.

Color, Color, Color at Christian Dior

We can always count on John Galliano to bring drama to the runway of both his namesake label and that of Christian Dior ... and Fall 2009 Fashion Week was no exception. Models at Christian Dior were seen walking down the runway with multitudes of color on their faces and a makeshift helmet that literally took over 2000 bobby pins to create. While I sometimes think that the makeup at Dior is so over the top it borders on the ridiculous, I'm actually totally feeling what happened this season.

Models sported a variety of different colors both on their faces and their nails in a totally futuristic fashion. Eyeshadow was swept over the lids, up to the browbone and outside the corners, and then accented with a ton of mascara on both the top and bottom lashes to create a long, spiky look. Lips were painted with deep mulberry and purple hues but not filled in all the way, creating an old-time Clara Bow look. And the nails sported moon manicures in a variety of hues -- definitely a huge trend for fall.

Check out tons of pictures after the jump.









So what do you think of this look? Would you sport it in a toned down manner, or is it best left to the runway? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!

Bottom Up! Bottom Lashes are Top Dollar at 3.1 Phillip Lim

Forget top lashes ... or at least that's what happened at 3.1 Phillip Lim during Fall 2009 Fashion Week. Because rather than loading the top lashes with mascara, they were left bare. Never fear, though ... the bottom lashes were shown quite special treatment and accented to the fullest! Paired with minimal makeup, the bottom lashes were longer, thicker and lusher than the top lashes at quite a few of the shows this season.

What do you think of this look? Should the bottom lashes have been left alone, or would you rock this? Let me know in the comments!

Fall 2009 Fashion Week Shows Us a New Way to Sport Accessories

Now, we all wear gloves in the fall. But on our heads rather than our hands? Well, that's a new one. But that's exactly what happened at Dolce & Gabbana during Fall 2009 Fashion Week. Model Chanel Iman walked down the runway wearing hot pink gloves on top of her head (as seen at left) ... and Dolce wasn't the only designer to pick out of the ordinary places to put accessories. Lydia Delgado and Agatha Ruiz de la Prada went the same route, using everything from umbrellas to oversized bows! See the pictures and weigh in after the jump.


A huge patent leather bow stands in for sunglasses at Lydia Delgado
An umbrella as a hair accessory at Agatha Ruiz de la Prada? That's a new one ...
I've heard of hair looking like a bird's nest, but I've never actually seen one used as a hair accessory before this shot at Agatha Ruiz de la Prada!

I have a feeling this trend won't be catching on ... but I'll leave it up to you to decide. Let me know your thoughts in the comments!

All in a Braid at Fall 2009 Fashion Week

Models sported many intricate hairstyles as they walked down the runways during Fall 2009 Fashion Week. But the one that stood out the most? Braids. Whether wrapped around a bun as seen at Giorgio Armani (seen at left) or interspersed throughout the hair as at Christian Lacroix, this was definitely a hairstyle to watch. See a few more ways to sport this style after the jump.





Worn as a headband with spikes at Zac Posen
Woven with strings at Topshop Unique
Slender braids traveling through the hair and wound around buns at Christian Lacroix
Skinny braids peek out from underneath a wide velvet headwrap at Fendi

Would you wear any of these braid styles? Or do you think they're better left to the runway? Let me know in the comments!

Beauty Giveaway: Bobbi Brown Bobbi Brights Eye Palette

Remember my rave review of the Bobbi Brown Bobbi Brights Eye Palette? (If not, don't worry -- you can click here for a recap.) In a nutshell, this palette contains 35 gorgeous eyeshadows in all the colors of the rainbow ... and even some others! And one lucky winner will receive this palette ABSOLUTELY FREE by entering this giveaway. You don't want to miss out -- not only is the Brights Eye Palette a limited-edition item, but it retails for a whopping $70!

Entering is easy. Simply enter your name and email address in the box below. The winner will be selected on Friday, March 27 and notified by email. It's that simple!



This giveaway is open to US residents only. Giveaway runs until Thursday, March 26 at midnight. One entry per person, email address and IP address. Multiple entries will be disqualified.

First Look Fridays: Makeup Artist Mai Quynh

Say what you want about Miley Cyrus, but her makeup always looks flawless. And the mastermind behind her amazingness? None other than makeup artist Mai Quynh. Mai has worked with some of the biggest names in the business (think Britney Spears) and she's got some truly fabulous tips to share! Find out more after the jump.

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Trend-Filled Thursdays: Heavily Defined Eyebrows

Spotted on the Spring 2009 runways? Heavily defined eyebrows. Whether dark brown and angled at Christian Dior or drawn above the brow and accented with purple shadow at Marni (seen above), designers were all about the bold brow. And while this trend has a tendency to veer toward the theatrical, there are ways to take it into every day! You just have to find the right brow pencils, stencils and gel to make this look work for you. Check out tons of photos and get some tips after the jump.



Accented with a shot of greyish blue shadow at MaxMara
Sorbet hues offset heavily drawn-in brows at John Galliano
A thin line between love and hate -- or just above the brows -- at Jean Paul Gaultier
Dark brows are offset by huge crimped buns and lots of bangs at Christian Dior
The most wearable of the bunch, with just a bit more definition, at Missoni

So how can you get the look -- but keep it toned down enough to take it out on days other than Halloween? Certain products from Anastasia -- brow groomer extraordinaire -- will certainly help you go the distance.

To create your shape of choice, try the Brow Express ($38). This kit comes with four stencils in a variety of shapes that you can trace onto or over your brows, thereby going for the drama or keeping it a bit more suitable for the office.

For a bit more fun and glamour, try the Baked Highlighting Brow Kit ($32). Drawn on wet, it will increase the dramatic look and add a bit of shimmer, too. This is perfect for a slightly more subtle recreation of the look from MaxMara.

And if you have sparse brows? Why, Brow Enhancing Serum ($36) will save the day, of course! Smooth this gel over your brows to create fuller, hairier arches.

And of course, no brow would be complete without Clear Brow Gel ($21). This stuff WORKS. Your brows won't budge all day ... plus, no flaking, clumping or smudging!

All products are available at anastasia.net.

Wallet-Friendly Wednesdays: L'Oreal Double Extend Beauty Tubes Mascara

So you know how the other day I mentioned my huge pet peeve with Dior mascaras? Well, I think it's time I step outside of my Dior box. And what better way to do that than with the new L'Oreal Double Extend Beauty Tubes Mascara? I mean, I say when you try something, you go all the way. And this double-ended mascara wand sure has got me jumping for joy.

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Beautiful Belles: Blythe Danner

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

I've long been a fan of Blythe Danner. I first learned who she was when my mom had me watch 1776 as a child (at 29 years old, she played the beautiful Martha Jefferson). Not only did I fall in love with her song, He Plays the Violin, but I was drawn to her spirit and vivaciousness as an actress. And finding out she was Gwyneth Paltrow's mother at the height of my Sliding Doors obsession? That's all the evidence I needed to determine how amazing Blythe Danner really is. Simple? Yes. Shallow? Maybe. But I believe Blythe Danner is a true Beautiful Belle. Find out more -- and see tons of photos and that 1776 video -- after the jump.

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Philosophy Giveaway: Candy Hearts Duo and Cinnamon Buns 3-in-1!

Want to hear something really amazing? I'm giving away TWO FABULOUS PHILOSOPHY GOODIES right here on The Beauty of Life! Yes, that's right ... one lucky winner will have the chance to win the following:

Philosophy Candy Hearts Lipgloss Duo (with Pink Bubbly and Angel Food Cake Lipglosses)
Philosophy Cinammon Buns 3-in-1 (Ultra Rich Shampoo, Shower Gel and Bubble Bath)

How unbelievable is that? These two goodies are just really wonderful ... the lipglosses are gorgeously sparkly, and the 3-in-1 lathers up like no other. This giveaway has a retail value of $36!

Entering is easy. Simply enter your name and email address in the box below. The winner will be selected on Friday, March 20 and notified by email. It's that simple!



This giveaway is open to US residents only. Giveaway runs until Thursday, March 19 at midnight. One entry per person, email address and IP address. Multiple entries will be disqualified.

Beauty Launch: M.A.C Sugarsweet

Who can take a rainbow
Sprinkle it with dew
Cover it with chocolate and a miracle or two
The Candy Man can!

Oooooh, fellow beauty chicks ... how excited am I for M.A.C's latest launch, Sugarsweet? This collection is filled with bright, pastel hues that just scream Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. (And how gorgeous is that image at the top of the page?) Get the full details on the collection and tons of product shots after the jump.



Cupcakes and candy are glorified in Sugarsweet, with pastel, mint and buttercream colours accenting Spring looks. Temptation is everywhere -- luscious, whipped-cream decadent, deliciously decorative frosting colors and sugared almond combinations. Like peering through the window of a Parisian patisserie, you'll want to become one of each! Have fun with a new Red Velvet recipe Shadestick. Tricolour Lipglass is like a mille feuille of layered lipgloss colors, each gives way to the next in a triple-layered pearl-swirl of prettiness; add extra-yum to Eye Shadow; Perfect Topping Mineralize Skinfinish is the ultimate cake walk. WE COULD EAT YOU UP.

The collection includes the following fabulous products...

LIPSTICK ($14 each):

Touch (peachy cinnamon)
Sweet Thing (mid-tone magenta with multidimensional pearl)
Saint Germain (clean pastel pink)
Lollipop Loving (clean mid-tone coral and subtle green with gold iridescence)
Bubbles (sheer frosty white beige)

TRICOLOUR LIPGLASS ($17.50 each):

Triple-Yum (top: sheer gold with gold reflects; middle: pale coral with duochrome pearl; bottom: creamy mid-tone coral)
Tasty (top: sheer blue pink with reflects; middle: mid-tone blue pink with duochrome pearl; bottom: dark creamy red pink)
Simply Delicious (top: sheer peach with reflects; middle: pale coral with duochrome pearl; bottom: creamy mid-tone coral)
Just Dessert (top: sheer yellow pink with reflects; middle: mid-tone yellow pink with duochrome pearl; bottom: mid-tone creamy yellow pink)
Consume Me (top: sheer white with reflects; middle: pale mint with duochrome pearl; bottom: creamy light peach with pearl)

EYE SHADOW ($14.50 each):

Sugarshot (pale frosty beige)
Stars 'N' Rockets (dirty lavender with red and pink reflects)
Dear Cupcake (mid-tone coral with gold pearl)
Club (muted reddish brown duochrome with green opalescent shimmer)
Aquavert (soft mint with white pearl)

SHADESTICK ($16.50 each):

Red Velvet (frosted mid-tone pink)
Penny (light pinky copper)
Lemon Chiffon (frosted pewter)
Cakeshop (frosted light neutral beige)
Butternutty (frosted pale white gold)

NAIL LACQUER ($11 each):

Seasonal Peach (creamy pale peachy pink)
Peppermint Patti (creamy mint green)

MINERALIZE SKINFINISH ($27 each):

Refined (tan/peach/coral melange)
Perfect Topping (pink/peach/lavender melange)

The collection also includes Zoom Lash Mascara in Zoomblack ($14) and 34 Lash false eyelashes ($12).

M.A.C Sugarsweet will be available for a limited time at M.A.C stores and counters and at maccosmetics.com beginning March 19.