Benefit Really Rates Top Notch with the Adorability Factor.

Okay, I just have to say one thing about these Benefit pictures. HOW FREAKING CUTE ARE THEY?





Thanks for entertaining me, Benefit. You score a 10 on the adorability scale!

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Around the Beauty Blogosphere

Check out my latest fave posts from Around the Beauty Blogosphere!

Learn how to make your candles last a super long time, courtesy of BellaSugar.

My gal Dina at eye4style is totally making me jones for these gorgeous Elizabeth and James shoes.

Lucky clues us in on how long we can keep our makeup before it expires.

Glamour wants to know whether you're chatty with your hairstylist or all business.

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Clinique Rescue Balm with Aloe Really Saves the Day!

So you know how sometimes even though you apply sunscreen liberally to your entire body, you still manage to get sunburned? Such was the case on this beauty chick's recent vacation. Even though I used SPF 70, I was still sunburned pretty darn badly. And while I've got some products in my arsenal that usually do the trick, I knew this sunburn really needed some extra-special TLC. That's where Clinique Rescue Balm with Aloe came in.

I honestly love everything about this lotion. Let's start with the bright and sunny yellow packaging. How can you be sad about applying moisturizer to a sunburn when it comes inside such a happy-looking tube? I'll answer that question for you ... you can't! And inside is something even more delightful -- a bright minty-green cream that soothes, softens and otherwise smooths a painful sunburn.

This cream -- I'm calling it a cream, not a balm, as I think it's much richer and lusher than a balm usually is -- has seriously been the gift that keeps on giving. Not only did it ease the painful redness and make it disappear faster than I would have ever thought possible ... but when the inevitable peeling started, it was right there to make that disappear immediately too! We're talking within 24 hours. And that is much quicker than I've ever seen a sunburn and the requisite peeling leave my lifestyle before!

Intrigued? Well, why wouldn't you be? You should definitely pick one up for yourself IMMEDIATELY IF NOT SOONER.

Clinique Rescue Balm with Aloe is $20 at Clinique counters nationwide.

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The Best of Intentions with Bliss Best of Skintentions

I am always searching for that one elusive moisturizer that makes my skin look dewy, fresh and glowy without leaving behind any greasy residue. This is much harder than it seems! Some moisturizers really make my skin look and feel amazing, but at the same time it's so disgustingly greasy I feel like I've just been working out for the past six hours. Others just make it feel greasy and don't even give it a nice glowy sheen. Not to mention I break out from almost every moisturizer I try because my skin is so darned sensitive. Not so with Bliss Best of Skintentions.

This daily moisturizer is packed with vitamins, minerals and omegas to keep skin healthy. We're talking phytonutrient garden cress sprouts to protect against free radicals, lychee extract to reduce the negative effects of UV rays, and even SPF 15 to protect against harmful UVA and UVB rays. Does it get any better than that?

Plus, it smells absolutely divine. I love using it before I head off to work in the morning because the light citrusy scent wakes me up and energizes me for the day ahead. It's unbelievably delightful!

Best of all, it's only $35. Yes, only $35 for a Bliss moisturizer that really and truly works! Can you believe it?

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Beauty Giveaway: M.A.C Style Warrior Collection!

Fellow beauty chicks, listen up. It's very rare that I give away anything from M.A.C, even to my nearest and dearest friends. Seriously, it's like pulling teeth to get even a Lipglass out of me. But today is your lucky day, because I am giving away four amazing producs from the new Style Warrior Collection! Yes, you read that correctly. One lucky winner will receive this amazing prize package valued at $69 with the following products:

Lustre Drops in Bronze Hero ($18.50)
Skinsheen Leg Spray in Deep Dark ($22.50)
Lipglass in Style Warrior ($14)
Lipstick in Tribalist ($14)

Seriously, does it get any better than this? I really, honestly and truly don't think so.

Entering is easy. Simply enter your name and email address in the box below. The winner will be selected on Friday, June 5 and notified by email. It's that simple!



This giveaway is open to US residents only. Giveaway runs until Thursday, June 4 at midnight. One entry per person, email address and IP address. Multiple entries will be disqualified.

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Completely Gratuitous: Robert Pattinson Shirtless on the New Moon Set

You're welcome.

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First Look Fridays: Manicurist Michina Koide

Harper's Bazaar. Numero. Vogue. Prada. Dolce & Gabbana. Gisele Bundchen. I'm assuming all of these ring a bell! Well, they happen to have one thing in common -- manicurist Michina Koide. This fascinating gal has worked tirelessly in the business for years. Discover tons of interesting facts and learn about her favorite products after the jump!



Can you tell me a bit about yourself?
I was born and raised in Nagoya City, Japan. In 1998, I moved to Tokyo, where I enrolled at the prestigious Mihori Kinoshita makeup and nail school to further develop my passion for Nail Art. After graduating, I worked on various magazine and test shoots in Tokyo. In 2001, I decided to take the next step in my career and move to New York City.

In New York, I continued to work on various magazine and TV commercial shoots which really helped me establish myself. I still live in New York today with my husband and our pet cat! Currently, I am represented by the Art Department.

How did you first become interested in nails, and what led you to become a manicurist?
I love painting and drawing. Growing up, I was constantly involved in painting and drawing activities. When I was a high school student, that's when my interest in makeup, hair, nails and clothes really started taking shape. It came very natural to me as I would love painting nails, making them cute and gorgeous!

In Japan, the nail industry is a bit crazy. Nails are very important to women in Japan and we are always decorating them with more than just nail polish. It's very common to use glitter, or other 3D elements and create an artistic design. I started to love working on nails during this time. Every time I had made a great design on my nails, it would make me very happy!

What are some of the moments that have stood out as highlights in your career?
1) Being able to work on the best runway shows during New York Fashion Week.

2) Meeting some amazing celebrities and pushing my creative abilities with some amazing photographers!

What are the polishes and brands you simply can't live without?
Anything by Chanel and Essie!! My favorite shades to use are Chanel Vamp and Essie Mademoiselle.

What are your top 3 nail tips?
1) Always use a good base coat. This will help the nail polish color last longer.

2) Using a topcoat will help the nail polish color really come alive, give it some "pop!"

3) Take care of your cuticles! Cuticle oil is essential for cleaning and maintaining your cuticle health! It will provide your cuticles with much needed moisture.

What is the most rewarding part of what you do?
Meeting all the creative and amazing talent that I get to work with day in and day out!

Being a manicurist must be fun -- but what do you do for fun when you're not painting nails?
I love shopping of course! Other than that, I really enjoy snowboarding and hanging out with my friends and family.

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Beauty Launch: Bobbi Brown Illuminating Bronze Collection

"Nothing says summer to me like healthy skin with a bit of shimmer. It's gorgeous and super sexy." -- Bobbi Brown

The new Bobbi Brown Illuminating Bronze Collection does just that. Your skin will be glowing and totally gorgeous with just a few products! Check out the entire collection after the jump.



Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick for Body ($75)

Bobbi Brown Illuminating Bronzing Powder ($33 each):
Antigua (light pink bronze)
Aruba (light golden bronze)
Bahama (deep golden bronze)
Bali Brown (golden bronze)
Barbados (warm deep bronze)
Maui (pink coral bronze)

Bobbi Brown All Over Body Brush ($85)

The Bobbi Brown Illuminating Bronze Collection is available now at Bobbi Brown counters nationwide.

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Beauty Question: Is the Economy Causing You to Skimp on Salon Treatments?

Okay, I have a confession to make. I just went seven months without a haircut. And yes, part of the reason was because I only get my hair cut in my hometown and hadn't been back in months and months. But honestly, a major reason was because I just didn't want to pay for it more often! Especially in a big city, it can be a total drain on the wallet -- and in these hard economic times, it's just not something I want to spend the money on. Yes, me, the beauty chick!

So my beauty question is this. Is the economy causing you to skimp on salon treatments? Or do you think the hair gods will keep smiling down upon you and finding a way for you to afford your cut and color? Let me know in the comments!

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Beauty Launch: M.A.C Naked Honey

Bees do it ... now M.A.C does it! Honey that is! As ancient and exotic as Kohl, great beauties have long revered the natural restorative powers of the Golden Elixir.

Following the example of their fabled Queen, Cleopatra, Egyptians bathed in honey and milk. Queen Anne of England used it to silken her hair; from the Ancient Greeks to the Roman Empire, honey has never lost its regal, ever-amber luster. Introducing the limited-edition Naked Honey collection: three aspects of golden warmth and sun-made sweetness for the body, layered with two decidedly different honeycomb-derived fragrances -- celebrating the secret lives of Queen Bees.

Get more info and see all the products after the jump.



LIPGLASS ($14 each):
She's a Star (light neutral gold)
Queen Bee (mid-tone apricot with multidimensional pearl)
Buzz (dark copper brown with multidimensional pearl)

EYE SHADOW ($14.50 each):
Creme de Miel (frosty light yellow gold)
Pollinator (mid-tone warm reddened peach with pearl)
Buckwheat (dark copper brown with multidimensional pearl)

HIGH-LIGHT POWDER ($24.50 each):
A highlight powder specially created for the Naked Honey Collection. Features an embossed honeycomb pattern. Superfine, impeccably pearlized, it creates soft highlights on cheek, brow, shoulders -- anywhere on the body.
Honey Light (light peachy gold with shimmer)
Golden Nectar (muted golden tan with gold shimmer)

NAKED HONEY SKIN SALVE ($18.50):
Formulated from honey, organic beeswax, sunflower oil and other natural ingredients, this rich honey-scented and flavored salve instantly moisturizes and helps recondition dry skin. This multi-purpose salve can be used anywhere.

NAKED HONEY HAND AND BODY CREAM ($22.50):
A sensuous cream made from bio-converted honey, shea butter and Vitamins C and derivatives. Absorbs quickly for skin-softening moisture. Conditions, nourishes, protects. Use on all areas where ultra-moisture is called for.

NAKED HONEY BODY WASH ($19.50):
Formulated from bio-converted honey. Cleanses the skin while providing the soothing and moisturizing benefits of lavender, narcissus, jasmine flower and blue agave extracts.

CREATIONS: NAKED HONEY ($22.50):
An aromatic journey that traces honey's fragrant heart back to summer's sweetest blooms. Energy starts to buzz, spirits soar, light floral and woodsy notes float toward an electric finale. Sweet and sexy all the way.

CREATIONS: AFRICANIMAL ($22.50):
A scent that starts with a honey-ness that's seductive and given its dash of pepper, not without spice. Add a dark kiss of bergamot and wood, and an aromatic orgy breaks out to create a scent that's all honey, but far from sweet.

The M.A.C Naked Honey Collection will be at M.A.C counters nationwide on June 11.

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Trend-Spotting: Crazy Colored Hair

Spotted: crazy colored hair on the Spring 2009 runways! From Balenciaga to John Galliano (seen above), models were seen walking down the runway with bright locks in all shades of the rainbow. And whether or not you're interested in recreating the look yourself, you've gotta admit it makes things more exciting! Check out more looks and weigh in with your opinions after the jump.



Blue, pink and purple hues are teased into the stratosphere at John Galliano
It's time for Halloween at John Galliano with bright orange curly locks!
Lime green is the order of the day at John Galliano
Models sported bright blue wigs beneath black top hats at Betsey Johnson
Pink tresses are sleek and center-parted at Balenciaga
Touches of bright fuchsia woven into French twists at Yves Saint Laurent

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First Look Fridays: Makeup Artist Victoria Stiles

Fellow beauty chicks, I'm thrilled to bring you this week's edition of First Look Fridays, featuring the fabulous makeup artist Victoria Stiles. With work on celebs ranging from Jordin Sparks to Olivia Thrilby and tons of magazine and television credits, Stiles has got some real amazing stuff under her belt! Read on to discover her favorite products, one of her most inspirational moments and so much more.



Can you tell me a bit about yourself?
I was born in Fairfax, Virginia and grew up in a small community known for 70's style homes and horse farms. I stayed in the area for college and attended George Mason University where I majored in Communications.

How did you first become interested in makeup, and what led you to become a makeup artist?
I've been interested in makeup since I can remember! Actually it was mainly fashion magazines that got me into makeup. I would sit in my bathroom and try to copy looks I saw in the editorials. I also was active in theater and dance so stage makeup became routine for me. In high school, a friend's mother took notice of the way I would apply my makeup and encouraged me to pursue a career in the field.

Have you worked with any makeup artists who inspired you? What did they teach you?
During New York Fashion Week Fall 2009, I worked with Hung Vanngo. His work is creative but it is also very clean and crisp. The look he designed was completely flawless skin and nothing else. The look complimented the designer, Rad Hourani, perfectly. I would say he taught me how to make a dramatic statement with minimal makeup.

What are some of the moments that have stood out as highlights in your career?
I worked with a talented young singer in Paris, Melody Gardot, for the cover of her debut album under Universal Music Group -- My One And Only Thrill.

What are the products and brands you simply can't live without?
Face Atelier Foundation
Keromask Concealer
Billy B Foundation Brush
My new favorite, OCC's Lip Tar in NSFW.

What are your top 3 makeup tips?
1) Take care of your skin.

2) Moisturize.

3) Make sure your foundation blends and matches perfectly to your neck color.

What is the most rewarding part of what you do?
Giving my client that extra boost of confidence when they walk out the door!

Being a makeup artist must be fun -- but what do you do for fun when you're not playing with makeup?
Travel. My husband and I love to travel -- especially when it is cold, we'll head to a warm destination like Hawaii or the Caribbean (love St. Lucia and Barbados!). Locally, we enjoy a small German restaurant that has good eats and a friendly atmosphere. When we visit, it's like going home to family!

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Does Alison Lohman Like Her Hairdo? I Don't Think So.

Something tells me Alison Lohman just wasn't feeling her hairdo at the premiere of Drag Me To Hell at the Cannes Film Festival on May 20. "I just don't think I like this look," it looks like she's saying here. Let's look at her expression in a couple more photos after the jump, shall we?



"Seriously, guys. I really, really hate this hair. It looks like a massive pileup on my head."
"Okay, fine. I'll pretend to like it ... but seriously, I really, honestly and TRULY hate it."

Do you think Alison's hair is okay? Or would you rather have seen it down and flowing instead of in a weird pile on top of her head? Let me know in the comments!

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Kherrington Payne Gives Good Glow.

In honor of the season premiere of So You Think You Can Dance, I really need to talk about how gorgeous Kherrington Payne looked at the premiere of Dance Flick on May 20. You may remember Kherrington from last season -- and she is just looking so unbelievably pretty and natural and GORGEOUS at the premiere of the new dance parody! I love the piecey hairdo, the mauve lipstick, the simple eye makeup. Everything is just totally right.

What do you think? Are you loving Kherrington's look, or do you think she should have gone in a different direction? Let me know in the comments!

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Paris Hilton Has an INTENSE Love of Headbands.

Paris Hilton really, really, REALLY likes headbands. She just wanted you to know. (Check out the proof -- and there's a LOT of it -- after the jump.)

















So what do you think? Are you into the headband trend as set forth by Miss Paris? Hilton? Or do you think she should have left them at home? Let me know in the comments!

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