As the year comes to a close, it only stands to reason that we would reflect on what's past. I got to thinking about beauty splurges, and I want to know -- what was your biggest beauty splurge this year? Mine was definitely my Diptyque Violette Scented Candle. At $65, it's the most I've ever plunked down for a single candle -- and it's been totally, completely worth it.
Let me know your beauty splurges in the comments!
Don't miss Gilt Groupe's fab sample sales of the week! Here's what's happening:
Sunday, December 27:
CNC Costume National, GF Ferre and Love Moschino
Nanette Lepore, Jenni Kayne and Ports 1961
Monday, December 28:
Arunashi Jewelry
James Jeans
SurEvolution
Tuesday, December 29:
Final Jewelry and Watches Sale
Women's Final Sale
Wednesday, December 30:
Bugaboo Accessories
Art of Elysium Designer Masquerade
Calvin Klein Collection Shoes
Sony Music
Thursday, December 31:
Ralph Lauren Shoes
Jewelry by Anna Beck
Need an invite? Click here.
Don't miss Rue La La's upcoming sample sales! Here's what's happening:
Sunday, December 27:
Botkier
Joan Vass
Monday, December 28:
Theory
Corneliani
Raymond Weil (Men and Women)
Tuesday, December 29:
Betsey Johnson
Buffalo David Bitton (Men and Women)
Born (Men and Women)
Need an invite? Click here.
Hello everyone! Just a quick note to let you know that I'll be out of town until January 7 -- I'm going to Israel! There will be some scheduled posts to keep you company while I'm away, but things will be a bit slow here until I'm back and in the swing of things. Wishing all my loyal readers a very happy, healthy new year -- here's to a beautiful 2010!
Don't miss Beyond the Rack's fab upcoming sample sales! Check out what's going on during the next few days:
December 26-29:
Holiday Blowout #1: Fendi/Coach Sunglasses, Chinese Laundry/Moreschi Belts, Superga Shoes, Invicta Watches and more!
Holiday Blowout #2: Christian Audigier, J Brand, AG Jeans, See Thru Soul, Domino and more!)
Holiday Blowout #3: Buffalo Kids, Razzle Dazzle, Yansi Fugel, Ashworth, One Life, Superdry, Yumi and more!
Holiday Blowout #4: Alfred Sung, Ellesse, Bobby Jones, FCUK, Lacoste and more!
Holiday Blowout #5: Ed Hardy and Christian Audigier
December 27-30:
Holiday Blowout #1: Carrera, Cole Haan, Dsquared, Armani, Gucci and Betsey Johnson
Holiday Blowout #2: Armani Collezione and Armani Jeans
Holiday Blowout #3: Alexia Admor, Anthracite, BB Dakota, Covet, Andy the Ahn and more!
Holiday Blowout #4: Marc Jacobs, Tom Ford, Valentino, Versace and Montblanc
December 28-31:
Holiday Blowout #1: Buffalo, Art Vandalay, Bejewelled, Bella Matto, Blaque Label and Boy Meets Girl
Holiday Blowout #2: Bogosse, Blac Label Premium and Duck and Cover
Holiday Blowout #3: Izod, Kenneth Cole, Sean John, Groggy, Honee, Andre Lanzino and Triple Fat Goose
Need an invite? Click here.
Don't miss Rue La La's sample sales today! Here's what's happening, starting at 11am:
Citizens of Humanity (Men and Women)
Oakley (Men and Women)
Need an invite? Click here.
Allure teaches us how to (thankfully) apply false lashes like a pro.
If you're like me, you're addicted to the crazy amazingness that is Jersey Shore. Jezebel brings us none other than Pauly D, who teaches us how to get his slicked-up blowout.
Get the hair you've always wanted, thanks to Jason Backe -- the fab head colorist at Ted Gibson -- in his latest post on Hueman Behavior!
Nail-Art World gets into the Christmas spirit with a very special, angel-inspired manicure!
My gal Heather Park always sports some bangin' bling on her nails, thanks to Sakura. And now she's trying 3-D nail art -- so, so cool!
I love the holidays. Celebrating with friends and family, eating tons of good food, decorating the Christmas tree, giving presents ... not to mention getting time off work and going on vacation! So I've decided to bring you a roundup of some of my favorite red and green products in celebration of the holiday season. Discover them all after the jump!
RED PRODUCTS:
Lipstick Queen Chinatown Glossy Pencil in Thriller ($20): Until I discovered this moisturizing, conditioning, unbelievably sexy gloss crayon, I didn't know how flattering red lips could be. Color me impressed!
Chanel Le Vernis Nail Colour in Shanghai Red ($23): One of the clearest, truest reds I've come across in nail polish. Not to mention it feeds my Chanel obsession quite nicely.
SK-II Signs Eye Cream ($105): The ultimate indulgence for your eyes. Lines will disappear, dark circles will be no more, puffiness is a thing of the past. And the gleaming red tub looks so elegant and sophisticated sitting upon your vanity.
GREEN PRODUCTS:
DKNY Be Delicious Eau de Parfum Spray ($55): I love the adorable apple shape -- it always makes me feel like summer is just around the corner. Plus, the notes of New York apples, flowers and woods blend to create just the right amount of crisp, cheery juiciness.
Sue Devitt Hydrating Marine Minerals Destination Eye Palette in Green Isle ($37.50): Because, let's be honest -- who doesn't want to pull this gorgeous compact out of her makeup bag every day?
Estee Lauder Sumptuous Color Bold Volume Lifting Mascara in Emerald ($19.50): I'm usually not a fan of colored mascaras, but this one really makes my eyes pop. The deep, rich green is so flattering no matter what your eye color -- it makes my deep brown take on a honeyish, hazel-like glow!
Laura Mercier Creme de Pistache Honey Bath ($40: I simply can't get over how unbelievably, amazingly lush and rich this bubble bath smells. Every time I unscrew the cap and the creamy scent wafts out, I'm completely and utterly agog.
If you're looking for a lip balm that will make your lips soft, supple and smooth, M.A.C Lip Conditioner SPF 15 is the way to go. It moisturizes and conditions lips instantly upon contact, leaving behind a silky finish and hours of hydration.
This is definitely one of the best lip balms I've found. I've been wearing it to bed and my lips are still smooth in the morning -- seven or eight hours later! This is thanks to ingredients like almond oil, shea butter, avocado extract, wheat germ oil and Vitamins A and E.
There's even petroleum to seal in moisture and make application smooth, lightweight and -- thankfully -- non-sticky. And the addition of SPF 15 means I can protect my lips year-round.
M.A.C Lip Conditioner SPF 15 retails for $13.50.
Exciting news today, fellow beauty chicks! Glamour's The Girls in The Beauty Department featured a story today with some of their favorite beauty bloggers' lash tips -- and yours truly is one of them! Check out the story here.
Oh happy day! My fave waxing place, Completely Bare, finally has online booking. Not that I'm ashamed of getting a Brazilian ... but having the ability to book online sure beats having my coworkers hear me call and make the appointment. Save yourself the embarrassment and book your next waxing appointment here.
For seven years, I didn't color my hair. This statement was met with inquisitive looks and shocked stares whenever it was uttered. But after going through every L'Oreal Feria shade of red in college -- seriously, everything from strawberry blonde to purplish auburn made its way onto my tresses -- I needed a good, long break. Not to mention I actually started to like my natural deep brown. But recently, I decided to make a foray back into color -- and there was no one better to take on the job than the fabulous Jan-Marie Arteca at the Ted Gibson salon in New York.
Jan-Marie and I had become friends on Twitter and Facebook in recent months, but this was our first face-to-face meeting. She put me at ease immediately, asking what I was after with my color and making some suggestions of her own. I mentioned that I was interested in going for a reddish-brown or auburn color, and Jan-Marie recommended going for a reddish-brown demi-permanent color with some honey and walnut highlights woven into the under layers. It sounded fabulous to me, so we went for it.
As Jan expertly foiled layer after layer of my hair and then painted every strand with the demi-permanent color, we talked incessantly about our love of all things Twilight Jersey Shore. I even got treated to a hand massage from the very talented Geraldine (who, coincidentally, complimented me on looking so young. I told her she was my new best friend).I was having so much fun in her chair, I didn't want the treatment to end! But after the process was over and I was shampooed, conditioned and masked to perfection, that's when the real fun began.
As Jan-Marie began to blow out my tresses, I saw the color come to life before my very eyes. It. Was. Amazing. The reddish-brown color was exactly what I had been after, and the honey highlights underneath -- expertly visible when I pull my hair back into a ponytail -- were gorgeous. I was left speechless, stunned and supremely excited for my friends and coworkers to see the finished result.
The next day, I kept getting this reaction: "I can't stop staring at your hair!" Jan-Marie did such a fantastic job, it's been the talk of conversation at my office ever since. My hair has never looked better -- and now I can't wait to book my next appointment!
For more information about Ted Gibson and various treatments offered, visit tedgibsonsalon.com. Color starts at $150 for a single process with frame highlights. To book an appointment with Jan-Marie, call 212-633-6333. You can also find her on Twitter here.
Do I ever have a treat for you today! My Twestie (read: Twitter bestie), the one and only fabulous Gregory Arlt, has granted me an exclusive interview on the look he created for An Education's gorgeous Carey Mulligan recently. Gregory, one of the Senior Makeup Artists for M.A.C, has been working with Carey a lot over the past few months and I am so excited to share his tips with you for how he created this look -- one of his professed favorites in their time working together! Find out more after the jump!
"Carey Mulligan truly personifies the waif-like ingenue," Gregory told me. "I always channel Audrey Hepburn or a young Mia Farrow when I approach her makeup look, concentrating on accentuating her gorgeous skin and softly playing up her eyes."
For this look, Gregory began by applying half a pea-sized amount of Studio Sculpt Foundation mixed with Care Blends Essential Oils over her entire face. The mixing of these two products helped to sheer out and extend the life of the foundation upon the face. He then applied a dab of concealer "where needed" before adding Mineralize Skinfinish Powder in Light/Medium "so she wouldn't look too matte," he said.
Of Carey's look that evening, Gregory said, "I took one look at her custom-made Prada cocktail dress and thought smoky metallics for her eyes." To create this look, he applied Shroom Eyeshadow as a base, highlighted the brows with Dazzlelight Eyeshadow, swept Copperplate Eyeshadow into the crease and added Satin Taupe Eyeshadow to the lids. The outer corners were dusted with Print Eyeshadow. Gregory used one of his favorite products, Smolder Eye Kohl, on the waterline, before applying Print Eyeshadow on the upper and lower lashlines. He finished by applying Dazzlelash in Black on the lashes. Gregory defined Carey's eyebrows with Cork Eyeshadow (another one of his tried-and-true favorite products!).
On Carey's cheeks, Gregory applied Sunbasque Blush and Pearl Cream Colour Base to highlight her cheekbones. To get Carey's beautiful glossy pink lip, Gregory applied Oak Lip Pencil and Prrr Lipglass.
All products Gregory used to create this look were by M.A.C. Gregory Arlt is the Senior Makeup Artist for M.A.C. You can follow him on Twitter here.
Throughout the month of December, The Beauty of Life will be featuring a Holiday Gift Guide. Each gift is one I'd like to give AND get this season.
If you only buy one gift this holiday season, make it the NIA 24 Eye Repair Complex. Seriously, every guy and gal on your list will thank you. The green and white packaging is super chic, the tub is delightfully rich-looking, and the product itself is one of the best I've ever tried.
The lush, thick cream is packed with Pro-Niacin (to improve skin tone, texture and hyperpigmentation), Matrixyl (to reinforce collagen and elastin, visibly reducing fine lines and wrinkles), Vitamin C, Licorice and White Birch (for brightening and illuminating properties) and Caffeine (to reduce puffiness). I got my mom's friend Anita hooked on the stuff and now she can't live without it ... and, truth be told, neither can I.
NIA 24 Eye Repair Complex retails for $65.
Throughout the month of December, The Beauty of Life will be featuring a Holiday Gift Guide. Each gift is one I'd like to give AND get this season.
If you like to laugh -- and who doesn't? -- you'll love Space NK Laughter Mini Treats. This is my all-time favorite Space NK scent. It's light and crisp but with an Oriental-esque flavor that really gives an exotic finish. It's inspired by creator Nicky Kinnaird's nostalgic childhood memories on the Spanish Mediterranean and the sun-drenched orange groves.
Each of the three miniature bottles in this scent are awash with notes of bergamot, grapefruit, lime, juniper berry, rosemary, amber, musk and ginger. You'll find Shower Gel, Body Lotion and Bath Oil, each in travel-friendly 1.7 oz. sizes. And the bow-trimmed, lime-colored carrying case is just the most adorable stocking stuffer size ever!
Space NK Laughter Mini Treats retails for $20.
Throughout the month of December, The Beauty of Life will be featuring a Holiday Gift Guide. Each gift is one I'd like to give AND get this season.
As the holidays near, you might be freaking out about what to give. If you're not quite sure how to please the person on your list, why not go for a makeup palette? The variety of colors, textures and products within each of the palettes featured below are guaranteed to put a smile on your recipients' faces this holiday season.
Bobbi Brown Chrome Palette ($75): I haven't been able to find one negative thing to say about this palette since I first started using it. An amazing array of eyeshadows and lipcolors await in the beautiful, gleaming silver compact. I love the hinged trifold design, which ensures that the colors don't bleed onto one another. You'll find 10 eyeshadows in Bobbi's various washes and finishes (White, Polar Ice, Storm Cloud, Iron, Thunder, Moonlight, Cyber Grey, Foil, Chrome, Charcoal Haze) and four lipcolors (Pink Mist, Winter Bronze, Berry, Chrome Pink), all which cast a gorgeous iridescent shimmer on the face.
La Prairie Cellular Treatment Eye Colour Ensemble in Les Doves ($70): Give the gift of luxury this season with La Prairie. Four shimmery eyeshadows (taupe, charcoal, chocolate brown and cocoa) rest within a gorgeous lacquered silver compact with an intricate raised embossed design across the front. It even is presented within a plush velvet case, so wrapping becomes completely unnecessary.
Laura Mercier Lip Watercolours in Fair ($48): Another prettier-than-pretty palette, this time from Laura Mercier. Six lip stains, along with Lip Prep (a moisturizing, translucent primer to help each color stick) sit ever so elegantly inside the oversized silver compact. Each is designed to be applied with the fingertips, though those ladies who prefer to apply with a brush have that option with the inclusion of a dual-ended miniature brush. The Fair kit includes coordinating colors of juicy peach, coral raspberry and chocolate brown.
Calling all California "Curls!" Ouidad is spreading holiday cheer at the Santa Monica location. New customers who book any treatment during the month of December will receive a complimentary Summer Shield Treatment, which has a whopping value of $125! This nourishing treatment is essential to keep curls and color in good condition, preserve shine and provide protection year-round. Enjoy!
Don't miss HauteLook's fab sample sales of the week! They have some extra-special sales this week (as you can see above, click the image to enlarge) -- the full list is below.
Monday, December 21:
Free People
Kasil Denim
Lotus
Skin
Tuesday, December 22:
Bijoux Couture
Calvin Klein Home
Decadestwo
L'Erba
Serfontaine
Vintage 1
Wednesday, December 23:
Apilco
Privileged
Rotary
Royal Stafford
Sunglasses Blowout
Voom Blowout
Thursday, December 24:
Blowout Sale
Christina's World Blowout
T-Bags
Friday, December 25:
Heys USA
Home Source
JoJo Aromatic Candles
Need an invite? Click here.
Throughout the month of December, The Beauty of Life will be featuring a Holiday Gift Guide. Each gift is one I'd like to give AND get this season.
If you're like this beauty chick, you love M.A.C Pigments. I can't get enough ... I have them lined up in every color inside my vanity. So when I found out that there was a limited-edition set released in the M.A.C Mischief Makers Collection, I simply had to get my hands on it immediately.
This set of five slender Pigment tubes -- packaged inside an architectural-esque silver box with variegated dot cutouts -- is everything you could possibly want to create your makeup looks. From holiday parties to days at the office, you'll find a versatile offering of colors guaranteed to spice up your look. The set includes:
Chocolate Brown (bronze-specked deep brown)
Dark Soul (charcoal black flecked with gold pearl)
Naked (golden beige)
Sunnydaze (taupe immersed with silver pearl)
Reflects Antique Gold (sparkling, shimmering, glittering golden taupe)
And that's not all. Two lucky winners will receive this set, valued at $32.50! Entering is easy. Simply enter your name and email address in the box below. The winner will be selected on Saturday, December 26 and notified by email. It's that simple!
This giveaway is open to US residents only. Giveaway runs until Friday, December 25 at midnight. One entry per person, email address and IP address. Multiple entries will be disqualified.
Over the past year, The Beauty of Life has seen and done it all. From manicures to facials testing scrubs to going behind the scenes at New York Fashion Week, it's been quite a ride! Check back every day for the next 12 days to revisit the hits of the year.
Get the best of April 2009 after the jump!
Bright pink lips ruled the runways and the red carpet this year. Gossip Girl starlet Taylor Momsen sported the look best.
My fascination with Guerlain reached new heights this year. Between the two products featured in this story, my skin has never looked better -- and my vanity hasn't, either!
Face mists became my biggest obsession this year ... and at the top of my list was none other than M.A.C Fix+ Rose. It smells incredible, it feels amazing, and my skin has never looked fresher.
Throughout the month of December, The Beauty of Life will be featuring a Holiday Gift Guide. Each gift is one I'd like to give AND get this season.
Looking for the perfect stocking stuffer? Well, I've found it. I am loving the Caudalie Travel Kit.
This set contains four miniature versions of some Caudalie favorites. Inside the silver tin, you'll find the following 1oz. versions of these products:
Caudalie Cleansing Water: Perfect for removing makeup and impurities from the face and eyes -- and it's suitable even for the most sensitive skin.
Caudalie Gentle Conditioning Shampoo: Formulated with antioxidants to cleanse regular and color-treated hair.
Caudalie Fleur de Vigne Shower Gel: A non-irritating, aloe vera-infused shower gel that's actually soap-free and formulated with a plant-derived cleansing base to maintain your skin's natural pH.
Caudalie Nourishing Body Lotion: Enriched with nutritive active ingredients to moisturize and soften skin.
Best of all, the Caudalie Travel Kit retails for $15. How amazing is that? I know what I'll be taking to Israel next week!
Over the past year, The Beauty of Life has seen and done it all. From manicures to facials testing scrubs to going behind the scenes at New York Fashion Week, it's been quite a ride! Check back every day for the next 12 days to revisit the hits of the year.
Get the best of March 2009 after the jump!
Already a huge fan of Urban Decay Primer Potion, I decided to try the new shimmery version -- Sin. I fell in love with the sparkly finish, especially under glittery eyeshadows.
The Prince-inspired Purple Rain by the fabulous Deborah Lippmann really got me excited.
Blunt bangs were one of the year's hottest trends. Everyone from Keira Knightley to Kate Beckinsale tried it out -- the thicker the fringe, the better!
As soon as I discovered Peter Thomas Roth Lips to Die For Pink Bombshell Lip Balm (say that three times fast), my life changed for the better. What a fabulous pot of balm!
Throughout the month of December, The Beauty of Life will be featuring a Holiday Gift Guide. Each gift is one I'd like to give AND get this season.
You know the saying: A rose is a rose is a rose. And in the case of the REN Rose Duo, it's never been more apropos. I am a major fan of anything rose-scented, so finding this set was one of the highlights of my month.
The two products in this set are gloriously beautiful. The simple packaging sets forth the sweet scent of rose -- somehow not feeling too heavy, but just crisp and light enough to last all day and feel wonderful. You'll find the following two full-sized products inside the pink tree-emblazoned box:
Moroccan Rose Otto Body Wash: Formulated with rose otto, palmarosa and geranium oils to soften dry, sensitive skin.
Damask Rose Ramnose Biosaccahride Body Cream: Rose otto and rose hip seed oils combine with gamma oryzanol and ramnose biosaccharide -- to soothe the skin and combat the effects of pollution and UV rays.
Now, who wouldn't want to unwrap this set?
The REN Rose Duo retails for $60.
Overheard straight from manicurist Kimmie Kyees' Twitter page today!
"This is RiRi's nails from the video So Hard !!! Enchanted forest from Orly with Essie's Matte about you top coat."
Want some bling this holiday season? Then you're going to love this. It's your chance to celebrate The 12 Blings of Christmas, thanks to both The Beauty of Life and one of my favorite jewelry designers, the fabulous Leslie Greene!
Get my 12 must-have jewelry picks after the jump -- and find out how you can save 20 percent on your purchase!
"Beekman" Earrings ($485): Fashioned with .06ct chalcedony stones -- the perfect drop earring from day to night.
"Ava" Earrings ($485): I have been obsessed with these earrings for weeks. I love the intricate cutout floral pattern ... and the fact that they're fashioned with .13ct diamonds doesn't hurt.
"Dahlia" Earrings ($1,025): If you're going to spend over a thousand dollars on a pair of earrings, this is the pair to spend it on. .41ct diamonds glitter and glisten so gorgeously.
"Monarch" Cushion Pendant ($680): Recently I've been very into big necklaces. This one looks amazing with everything from a slouchy tee and leggings to an LBD!
"Amalia" Chain ($585): A double chain interspersed with .18ct diamond flowers is somehow delicate and substantial all at once.
"Mirabelle" Pendant ($880): Because, let's be honest -- who doesn't want .43ct diamonds hanging around her neck?
"Monterey" Medallion ($990): If there were any way to wear a medallion, this would be it. I'm loving the triple chain, too.
"Alloro" Bangle ($485): A single bangle skimming the wrist is so elegant and sophisticated.
"Hudson" Cuff ($1,200): Wear this .23ct cuff around your upper arm for a Cleopatra-like vibe.
"Cambridge" Cuff ($1,575): The single cabochon, surrounded by .23ct diamonds, makes this tops on my wish list.
"Beekman" Ring ($320): Just because I'm not engaged, doesn't mean I can't wear a pretty ring on my ring finger. And this is the one I'm after!
"Chanteclaire" Ring ($295): An intricate cutout floral design of .04ct diamonds will sparkle so beautifully.
Now that you've seen my picks, head to lesliegreene.com and enter code 201TO at checkout to save 20 percent. Happy holidays!
