Fab Fragrances of the Moment

I’m a bit of a fragrance whore. Sure, I have my signature scents -- but given the opportunity, I play around quite a bit. So it’s no surprise that I have some new favorites to share with you! Discover the scents that have my pulse racing.

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Find the Right Foundation! Director of Makeup Artistry for M.A.C Cosmetics Gregory Arlt Shows You How.

Backstage at the Davidelfin show during Fall 2010 Fashion Week, I caught up with my Twestie -- the one and only Gregory Arlt. As the Director of Makeup Artistry for M.A.C Cosmetics, he knows a LOT about makeup and what to look for. I decided to ask him the burning question -- how do you find the foundation that's right for you? Here's what he told me:

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Beauty News: Shu Uemura to Exit United States

Such sad news ... Shu Uemura will be exiting the United States this year. L'Oreal announced this week that Shu Uemura will be closing all US operations. This will give L'Oreal the opportunity to focus domestically on more luxury brands including Kiehl's and Lancome.

However, the website will remain up and running -- so you can still stock up on those ever-important eyelash curlers!

Mani of the Week: Deborah Lippmann Between the Sheets

I'm totally loving the bright, glossy fuchsia of my mani this week! Deborah Lippmann Between the Sheets is that perfect in-between-the-seasons color that just jazzes up any palette. And you know what? I just did this manicure while I was waiting for my (very delayed) flight back to NYC from Indianapolis. Hey, I needed something fun and beautiful to pass the time!

Deborah Lippmann Between the Sheets retails for $17 at beauty.com.

My Favorite Eyeshadow of the Moment is Actually a Blush! Introducing M.A.C Blush Ombre in Azalea Blossom.

Want your eyes to really pop? Then you simply must try M.A.C Blush Ombre in Azalea Blossom. Yes, this is actually a blush. No, that doesn't mean I've been using it on my cheeks.

The pink and purple swirled ombre hues in this blush lend themselves perfectly to a shade of fuchsia-lavender that makes my eyes look like no other shadow I've tried. It garners compliments from coworkers, fellow event-goers, even people on recent flights! I simply can't recommend it highly enough.

Unfortunately, M.A.C Blush Ombre in Azalea Blossom is no longer available.

How Do You Clear Up Pimples? I Swear by Mario Badescu Drying Lotion.

Want to know how to get rid of a pimple fast? I'm talking lightning speed. Well, then you need to get involved with Mario Badescu Drying Lotion. This little bottle of wonder will never cease to amaze you. A blend of calamine and salicylic acid, in conjunction with ingredients like glycerin, colloidal sulfur, camphor and isopropyl alcohol, work to dry up pimples literally overnight.

I've had some truly terrible pimples in the last few months -- we're talking colossal, olympic-sized -- and this solution worked EVERY SINGLE TIME.

A quick word of caution: Be sure not to shake the bottle. Let the pink sediment remain settled at the bottom, dip a Q-tip in all the way, then lightly dab the affected area with the solution. Leave it on overnight, rinse well in the morning and voila! Clear skin. (Deep pimples may take two days to disappear.)

Mario Badescu Drying Lotion retails for $17.

Do You Own Havaianas? (If Not, You're Missing Out.)

I'm convinced that spring is just around the corner. I refuse to believe that temperatures are going to dip again and that it might even (gasp!) SNOW. With that in mind, I've already broken out the Havaianas this year. Last week, when temperatures climbed into the upper 60s, I unearthed them from my collection of summer wares and wore them proudly around the city.

I own multitudes of Havaianas, but my favorite pair is definitely the Brazil in Dark Brown ($22). My friend Jessie actually brought them back from Brazil for me last summer, so they have a special place in my heart.

Do you own Havaianas? Do you love them? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!

My Top 5 Favorite Products of All Time

I've tried a lot of products in my day. Some good, some bad, some very ugly. But there have been a few along the way that left me feeling amazing. Find out my top 5 after the jump.

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Upcoming Rue La La Sample Sales

Check out the upcoming sample sales from Rue La La!

Tuesday, March 23:
Just Cavalli
Elite European Yachting on the Sea Dream
Something Sweet: Deliver the Decadence

Wednesday, March 24:
MICHAEL Michael Kors
Michael Kors Home
Pahlmeyer

Thursday, March 25:
Free People
Jane Marvel
Simple
Frette

Friday, March 26:
Lafayette 148 New York
Carla Mancini
Liz Palacios
Bailey Street

Click here for an invite.

I'm Obsessed with These Two Eye Creams.

Anyone who knows me is well aware that I'm obsessed with eye creams. I try tons of them, hoping to diminish my fine lines and banish my pesky dark circles. Many don't make the cut, but a select few excite me so much that I simply have to share my findings with the world. Such is the case with my two new obsessions. Keep reading and find out what they are.

Chanel Ultra Correction Lift Total Eye Lift ($100 at chanel.com): I'm beginning to think that Chanel can do no wrong. I have already amassed a large quantity of nail polish (over 20 bottles in just a year), but when I tried this eye cream I was seriously hooked. The lacquered black tub is uber-chic, the slightly floral scent is divine, and the rich creamy texture is utterly luscious. Not to mention the cooling effect it has on the under-eye area and the immediate reduction in the appearance of wrinkles. (Seriously, try it just on the back of your hand -- you'll be amazed at the difference.) Every time I slick this on, I'm amazed at the radiance left behind.

APOT.CARE Irido-Radiant Eye Contour Care ($125 at apotcare.com): Again, the packaging is what initially sold me on this product -- but it's what lies within that really kept me coming back for more. Untwist the gleaming silver cap to discover a bright orange cream that has a lush whipped texture. It leaves skin feeling soft, smooth and hydrated instantly -- and only the tiniest amount is needed (smaller than the pad of your index finger). Even my smile lines seem to have reduced!

Going Gaga for M.A.C Viva Glam Gaga Lipstick

Want the perfect pink lipstick? Look no further than M.A.C Viva Glam Gaga Lipstick. This limited-edition tube -- complete with Gaga's signature around the inner rim -- will leave your lips looking fabulously pink and perky. I'm normally a huge fan of layering lip colors, but this one is so fantastic I can wear it on its own!

M.A.C Viva Glam Gaga Lipstick retails for $14. All proceeds go to the M.A.C AIDS Fund to support the fight against HIV/AIDS.

Mani of the Week: Essie Mint Candy Apple

Time to show you my Mani of the Week! This week, I decided to welcome in spring with open arms -- and what better way to do that than with Essie Mint Candy Apple? I've actually had this polish in my stash for quite awhile, but it felt a little too bright and warm weatherish for the cold winter months. But now that spring has officially sprung, I'm totally loving the way this creamy pastel green is making me feel!

What nail polish are you wearing this week? Let me know in the comments!

Obsession of the Moment: Anything and Everything Tom Binns

Have you ever found a designer that just speaks to you? I mean, each and every single piece just makes your mouth water, your breath catch, your eyes sparkle? Such is the case for me with Tom Binns. Years ago, my mother and I were walking by Henri Bendel and stopped dead in our tracks to view the amazing display of his jewelry in the window -- and I've been hooked ever since. This visionary jewelry designer continues to think outside the box, creating collections like his recent Alice in Wonderland that thrill and delight me over and over. After the jump, some of the pieces that are currently making my heart race.

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Beauty Question: What's Your Biggest Indulgence?

There's always that one thing that we continue to splurge on, again and again. Whether it's a product or a service ... and no matter how many times people may say we're crazy! ... we just can't help ourselves. For this beauty chick, it's massages. I've been known to get them two or three times in one week -- granted, it was to try and help my massive migraines, but still -- I just can't get enough. I like to try out various spas around the city, and my go-to treatment is always a massage. And yes, I've spent upwards of $200 or more for 90 minutes of sheer and utter bliss. It's definitely my biggest indulgence.

So my beauty question today is this: What's your biggest indulgence? Whether it's a Chanel lipgloss, a La Mer moisturizer or a weekly pedicure, there are no judgments here. Let me know your indulgences in the comments!

How Do You Feel About Acupuncture?

Before I started acupuncture, I totally thought it was a crock. I never imagined how much it could help me. Before you judge, here's my story.

I suffer from chronic migraines. I get one every single day -- oftentimes manageable, but sometimes so painful and terrible and filled with nausea that all I can do is lie underneath the covers in a dark room and pray for it to go away. In the past, I could control my migraines based on how much I slept, what I ate, what time of the month it was -- all the normal factors. But in the past few years, it's become such a problem that there's just nothing I can do. An MRI a couple years ago came back normal, no amount of sleep or protein helps, not even migraine medication does the trick. Once in awhile, Bayer Aspirin alleviates the pain slightly -- but only sometimes, and only if it's not completely severe.

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What Do You Look For in a Mascara?

Curling. Lengthening. Thickening. Volumizing. We all have the attributes most important to us when picking out a mascara. I, for example, already have fairly long lashes -- so I want one that will make them hit my glasses. I'd rather have a mascara that's buildable, since I like to apply at least two coats -- maybe three for a fancy night out!

What do you look for in a mascara? Let me know your tips and tricks in the comments!

Say it with Sparkle: Givenchy Hydra Sparkling Magic Lip & Cheek Balm

As a multitasker, I love multi-purpose products. Anything that can hit two or more beauty uses for me immediately gets my vote. The new Givenchy Hydra Sparkling Magic Lip & Cheek Balm is not only a huge time-saver, but it adds that little je ne sais quoi to your look instantly.

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How Do You Stay Chic on a Rainy Day? (Hint: Hunter Rain Boots Are Essential.)

Well, folks, it looks like we're in for quite the rainy weekend in NYC. (Hopefully other parts of the country are faring better.) This can only mean one thing -- time to break out the Hunter Rain Boots! I own two pairs of these fantastic Wellies, and let me tell you -- my life drastically improved the second I invested. I've never kept my feet drier or more stylish!

And if you're concerned about keeping your feet warm? Invest in a pair of Hunter's Welly socks. They're only around $30, and believe me -- you'll never complain of cold feet, even in 6-degree weather!

Hunter Rain Boots retail for around $115 at hunter-boot.com.

Make an Impact: Clinique High Impact Curling Mascara

It takes a lot to get me excited about a mascara. I've been blessed with fairly thick, long and curly lashes on my own, so for a mascara to really stand out it needs to dramatically change my appearance. We're talking lashes that curl up to my browbones and hit my glasses. Well, consider me impressed -- because Clinique High Impact Curling Mascara does just that.

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Mani of the Week: OPI Marooned on the Magnificent Mile

Check out my Mani of the Week! This week I went for OPI Marooned on the Magnificent Mile. I've been doing lots of crazy colors recently (observe this choice!), so I decided to play it a bit safer this week. But actually, I think that means I went for a more rebellious shade in the end!

Confession: I actually did not do it myself -- I was treated to an express manicure at Exhale last night as part of the fabulous RueLaLa event. While you might notice a bit of color disparity around the cuticles, I don't really mind -- it's not so bad for a 10-minute mani!

Genius Buy: Splendid Jersey Ruched Leggings

This season, I wholeheartedly embraced the oversized tee with skinny leggings trend. I voraciously bought as many pairs of leggings as humanly possible, doubling and tripling my wardrobe in a single instant. But the ones who have gotten the most wear? Splendid Jersey Ruched Leggings.

Even though I haven’t been blessed in the height department, that doesn’t seem to matter with these ruched babies. The ruching and draping at the hem somehow works to elongate the leg -- especially with four-inch heels! -- and the body-contouring fabric works to slim and sveltify the silhouette.

Best of all? They are SO COMFORTABLE! I could seriously live the rest of my life in these leggings. Best purchase I ever made!

The Splendid Jersey Ruched Leggings are no longer available, but you can find many other styles at splendid.com.

Beauty Giveaway: StriVectin The Gift of Youth Gift Set

Raise your hand if you're obsessed with skincare. (Not that I can see you, but I'm assuming you have your hand raised.) Well, you've come to the right place -- because my latest beauty giveaway is pretty amazing! I'm giving away the StriVectin The Gift of Youth gift set this week. Valued at $99, this gift set contains three products guaranteed to combat the signs of aging. One lucky winner will receive the following three products:

StriVectin Neck Cream: StriVectin's first and only neck cream dramatically reduces the appearance of sagging by lifting, shaping and refining as it produces a smoother, younger-looking contour.

StriVectin-SD Eye Cream: Reduces the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and dark circles around the eyes.

StriVectin-SD Intensive Concentrate For Soothing Stretch Marks: Promotes a smoother, younger-looking face without expensive and uncomfortable procedures like peels and injections.

And as an added bonus, they're all travel-sized -- so they're perfect for your next vacation! Entering is easy. Enter your name and email address in the box below. The winner will be selected on Friday, March 19 and notified by email. It's that simple!



This giveaway is open to US residents only. Giveaway runs until Thursday, March 18 at midnight. One entry per person, email address and IP address. Multiple entries will be disqualified.

An Easy Way to Caffeinate: Kiehl’s Facial Fuel Eye De-Puffer

I’m a gal who needs her caffeine in the morning. Without a Diet Coke (my version of morning coffee), I’m worthless. But who knew I needed caffeine around my eyes too? Apparently I was missing out before I discovered Kiehl’s Facial Fuel Eye De-Puffer.

This miracle-worker of a product is formulated with -- you guessed it! -- caffeine, which works to reduce puffiness around the eye area. A few swipes back and forth with the rollerball (who knew my love of rollerballs could extend to an eye product?!?) and any signs of late nights and lack of sleep are GONE. Not to mention the cooling effect just feels nice right after my morning workout.

Also found in this little gem? Arctic Root, which both minimizes puffiness and revives tired skin. And I’m betting you’ll love the lightweight, non-greasy texture and the fact that it sinks right into the skin without any oily residue.

Kiehl’s Facial Fuel Eye De-Puffer retails for $20 at kiehls.com.

Glow On: Kate Somerville HydraKate Line Release Face Serum

Truth be told, I’ve never really seen the point of serums. Along with toners and even (gasp!) exfoliators, they feel a bit extraneous to me in a skincare routine. That is, until I discovered Kate Somerville HydraKate Line Release Face Serum.

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Obsession of the Moment: NARS Lip Gloss in Easy Lover

The lip product heard 'round the world? It has to be NARS Lip Gloss in Easy Lover. Ever since I started layering this bright pink gloss over other glosses and lipsticks in my collection, my pout has been getting noticed. "What's on your lips?" I've heard over and over.

Bottom line -- a couple swipes of this gloss and your pucker will garner attention for hours. Guaranteed.

NARS Lip Gloss in Easy Lover retails for $26 at sephora.com.

Really Regal: The Amazingness of Spa Castle in Queens

Yesterday I journeyed to the far reaches of Queens to discover what Spa Castle is all about. I was blown away by the absolute amazingness.

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For the Barbie and Christian Louboutin Obsessed: The Dolly Forever Barbie Doll by Christian Louboutin!

Growing up, I was obsessed with Barbie. My grandpa took me on "jaunts" once a week -- either to the bookstore or the toy store -- and when we went to the toy store, I was allowed to pick out either 1 Barbie and 3 outfits or 2 Barbies and 1 outfit. Usually I went for the 2 Barbies, I must admit! So my collection grew and grew, and by the end I had well over 100 Barbies. (My favorite? Unicef Barbie. God, I loved that big blue starry skirt.)

So it comes as no surprise that when I got wind of the new Dolly Forever Barbie by Christian Louboutin, I jumped and squealed for joy. With her khaki minidress and "Forever Tina" fringed fuchsia thigh-high boots (coincidentally, these are the Loubs I've been DYING over for the past year), she's quite possibly my favorite Barbie of all time. Keep reading to check out more pictures -- including one of her fabulous red-soled Louboutins!

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Admitting My Addiction: Dior Dior Addict Lip Glow

They say the first step to accepting your addiction is admitting you have a problem. Well, I will happy admit my addiction to Dior Dior Addict Lip Glow. My lips have never been brighter, pinker or prettier.

This lip balm works with the natural chemistry of your lips to create a shade that's totally and completely unique. My pout turns the most gorgeous shade of "I've been kissing a boy for the last three hours now I should probably come up for air" pink.

And an added bonus? It's formulated with SPF 10, so your lips will be protected from harmful UVA and UVB rays!

Dior Dior Addict Lip Glow retails for $31 at sephora.com.

Obsession of the Moment: Alexis Bittar Crystal Encrusted Wavy Cocktail Ring

Oh. My. GOD. I am dying over the Alexis Bittar Crystal Encrusted Wavy Cocktail Ring. DYING. Multiple faceted Swarovski crystals, randomly placed throughout an organic shape of liquid metal, emulates the feel of crumpled paper. And can you IMAGINE this ring on your finger? I sure can.

The Alexis Bittar Crystal Encrusted Wavy Cocktail Ring retails for $125 and is available in sizes 6-8.

Shop for your favorite Alexis Bittar jewelry at alexisbittar.com.

Turning Brown Locks Into Auburn: The INOA Haircolor Experience with Jan-Marie Arteca

Growing up, my friend Marci had the most covetable hair on the planet. Since I was about 10, I've been dying to cop her auburn locks. And finally, with the help of my fab haircolorist Jan-Marie Arteca and the new INOA haircolor, my dream has become a reality.

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Mani of the Week: Rescue Beauty Lounge Recycle

Time to show you my Mani of the Week! This week I went with Rescue Beauty Lounge Recycle. This deep forest green intrigued me from the very first moment I laid eyes on it. I love the creamy texture -- it just wouldn't be the same with sparkle. And there's just something so chic about a dark green nail polish, isn't there?

What nail polish are you wearing this week? Let me know in the comments!