Obsession of the Moment: Stila Jewel Eye Shadow Palette

If you're into eyeshadow and you're into palettes, you simply must -- and I mean must -- check out my latest video post! My latest obsession of the moment is the Stila Jewel Eye Shadow Palette. Check out my thoughts in the video below!



This palette includes the following four shades:

Golden Topax (shimmery taupe)
Amethyst (dark glittery purple)
Black Diamond (glistening black)
Rose Quartz (sparkly pale pink)

The Stila Jewel Eye Shadow Palette retails for $32.

Disclosure: This product was furnished by a PR representative for Stila.

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Jewelry Giveaway: Skagen Denmark Silver Insignia Stud Earrings

If you're looking for a chic, elegant pair of earrings that work with everything from pencil skirts and crisp blouses to your favorite Diane von Furstenberg wrap dress, then this is the giveaway for you. One lucky winner will receive a pair of Skagen Denmark Silver Insignia Stud Earrings, valued at $35!

I think these earrings, which are part of the Charlotte collection, are absolutely gorgeous. They're inspired by textured shells of the sea and feature the symbol of the Skagen seas clashing. I love the X design, which is punctuated with glittering Swarovski crystals for just a touch of flash.

To participate in this giveaway, enter your name and email address in the box below. The winner will be selected on Monday, June 7 and notified by email.



This giveaway is open to US residents only. Giveaway runs until Sunday, June 6 at midnight. One entry per person, email address and IP address. Multiple entries will be disqualified.

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Mani of the Week: Chanel Le Vernis Nail Colour in Particuliere

This past weekend, I went for a luxurious mani/pedi at Paul Labrecque. I really enjoyed the entire experience, but my favorite part? The nail polish, of course! I brought my own, since I had just bought Chanel Le Vernis Nail Colour in Particuliere on Thursday. (For more info on my favorite haul yet, including Particuliere, click here.)

In any case, I am in love with this nail polish! I seldom polish my tips with the same color more than once, but I think I'm going to have to make an exception for this gorgeous color. I love the meld of brown, taupe, grey and pewter tones that come forth -- it's such an intriguing, interesting and different color than any other I've come across. The creamy finish is exactly what I was looking for!

What color are you wearing on your tips this week? Let me know in the comments!

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First Look Fridays: butter LONDON's Founding Creative Director Nonie Creme

When it comes to nail polish, butter LONDON is among my absolute favorite. And the Founding Creative Director, Nonie Creme? One of the absolute best people to talk to every Fashion Week! She's full of spunk, extremely knowledgeable about all things nails and is the sweetest person you'll ever meet. Read on to discover how she got her start as a manicurist, her favorite butter LONDON polish and so much more.



Can you tell me a bit about yourself?
Believe it or not, I’m a Texan! I was a bit of a nightmare though, so got packed off to East Coast boarding school by the time I was a teen. I developed a habit for British boys at about 17, and followed one home! My parents were so angry that they cut me off financially, which leads me to your next question...

How did you first become interested in nails and what led you to become a manicurist?
I have been into nails since the 5th grade. I was the kid who repainted her nails every single day in a different pattern! When I suddenly found myself broke, unemployed and on tour (groupie status only, I’m not a musician) with my boyfriend’s band in London, it made perfect sense to set up as a nail tech. I could work for myself, any hours I chose, and take it on the road. Eventually I got talent spotted by a top UK agent and began to specialize in high fashion shoots and celebrity work. Which also leads me to the next question...

When did you create butter LONDON, and how did it grow from an idea to reality?
I had carved out quite a name for myself on the London beauty scene (my parents even decided to forgive me) and knew that I had to find a way to create my own product range. I was obsessed with custom mixing, and what was missing from my kit in terms of treatments and aesthetics. Sasha Muir, an English entrepreneur in the USA, heard about me, and I was approached to take a look at the fledgling butter LONDON. A perfect fit! I came on board to oversee the birth of the product range, branding and PR efforts. Now I spend my days designing new products (with the help of several chemists), creating packaging and graphic concepts for all products and the company at large, copywriting, and essentially all things creative here. It’s a long way from the tour bus! When did I turn into a grown up?!

What are your favorite butter LONDON products and polishes?
I have a different favorite each week! This week I am in love with Twee from our new Jelly Collection, with Matte Finish Top Coat on top. Looks like beach glass.

Our new Luxury Lotion line just landed in the warehouse, and I CANNOT stop slathering it on. The scents are heavenly, and I don’t have to wear perfume when I am wearing these. (They come in Champagne, Black Tea, and Country Garden.)

If you could only take one butter LONDON product or polish with you on a desert island, what would it be and why?
It would have to be Come to Bed Red. I feel so “dressed” when I wear this particular shade, and it’s literally appropriate for any occasion, even a desert island.

What are your top 3 nail tips?
1) Always wear butter LONDON nail lacquers with the corresponding base & top coats. Your manicure will last NOTICEABLY longer than other brands when you wear the whole “system”. Never mix 3 Free products with other types, you may compromise your safety and will certainly compromise the efficiency of the lacquer.

2) Using Stiletto Stick morning and night will leave your heels permanently soft and supple, reducing the need for filing or exfoliation down to once every 4-6 weeks! A year long solution to sandal/slingback-ready feet.

3) The new Luxury Lotions are a moisturizing phenomenon! Skip perfume and drench your bod in these incredible new lotions. Paraben-free and vegan.

What is the most rewarding part of what you do?
Being able to bring my own vision of fashion and aesthetics to the world is hugely rewarding. I always wanted to be an artist, and my job makes me feel like I’m living my dream. Corporate life is NOT my favorite part, but I’ve learned so much about business, wholesale distribution and the nuts and bolts of how to start and run a company.

Being a manicurist must be fun -- but what do you do in your spare time?
I have a 22-month-old daughter who is the center of my universe. I spend spare time hanging out with her and her dad (drinking wine on the porch!). My house is a hub for all our friends, so at any given time there are people, babies and dogs running around, and Wii competitions in play! It’s a happy and mellow place.

To follow Nonie Creme on Twitter, click here. To follow butter LONDON on Twitter, click here.

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Haul of the Day: Diane von Furstenberg and Chanel!

Check out my very first video for The Beauty of Life! I was so excited about all my purchases today that I wanted you to see them up close and in person. Here are the items I'm talking about in the video:

Diane von Furstenberg "Teela" Top in Hot Red ($225)
Diane von Furstenberg "Copper" Cropped Parachute Pants in Dark Khaki ($245)
Chanel Le Vernis Nail Colour in Particuliere ($23)
Chanel Le Vernis Nail Colour in Black Velvet ($25)



Disclosure: I purchased all of these items at Bloomingdale's.

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What's Your Beauty Indulgence? Beauty Blogger Risi-Leanne Baranja Fills Us In.

The What's Your Beauty Indulgence? series gives you an inside look into the products that my fellow industry insiders hold in highest regard. Be it a moisturizer or a lipgloss, a styling tool or a candle, these products aren't to be missed.

Whenever I run into beauty blogger Risi-Leanne Branaja of Palacinka, I know I'm in for a treat. She's the sweetest person ever and is truly one of the most knowledgeable people about beauty products I've come across! So of course I had to find out what she considers her biggest beauty indulgence. Here it is, in her own words.

Yes, the legendary Creme de la Mer is my beauty indulgence because it truly does transform my "good" skin into something "great" -- continuously hydrated, glowing day and night, more even toned and silky smooth no matter what the elements bring. Because it's also one of their most concentrated versions, a little really does go a long way, and I practice the warming up in the hands/pressing/patting ritual religiously, so I feel that the cost is justified because I get several months use out of it. I haven't yet sprung for the 16.5 oz. version ... but a girl can dream!

Check out Risi-Leanne's blog here. To follow her on Twitter, click here.

Check back soon for another edition of What's Your Beauty Indulgence?.

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Weekend of Beauty Treatments: The Spirit of the Beehive Pedicure at Jin Soon Hand and Foot Spa

My feet have been looking a little worse for wear recently, so when my gal Keri asked if I wanted to get pedicures at Jin Soon Hand and Foot Spa, I took her up on it immediately. I absolutely love Jin Soon for the following reasons:

1) Every nail technician is incredibly skilled and makes your hands and feet look amazing.

2) The space is so adorable -- the back holds four pedicure stations with lots of pillows and tons of reading material.

3) Each service comes with a hot, steaming mug of tea.

4) The POLISH! Jin's walls are literally and liberally lined with every nail polish you could imagine. She stocks Essie, OPI, NARS, Creative Nail Design, Chanel, Zoya ... the choices are endless!

When you book a service at Jin Soon, you have the opportunity to choose which one you want when you arrive. I went for the Spirit of the Beehive Pedicure, which includes all the normal pedi steps -- filing, cutting, buffing, scrubbing and pumicing -- and then takes it one step further with a three-layer paraffin treatment. After being dipped three times, my feet were ensconced in the most adorable little booties for about 10 minutes. And when they were removed? PERFECTION. My feet have never felt so soft!

A shot of my nail tech polishing my tootsies

The crowning glory? The polish application, of course! I chose OPI Jade is the New Black, which at first I was a bit worried about -- I wasn't sure whether green would actually look good on my toes -- but I'm so glad I went for it. I absolutely love the color and I think it's such a fun way to show off my fab, flawless pedi!

The finished product -- OPI Jade is the New Black

I was also delightfully surprised to discover that Jin Soon Choi herself was there that day. We've met at Fashion Week a few times, but it was great to see her in her element! She was polishing people's nails, helping girls get their flip-flops back on at the end of their services, running back and forth making sure everyone was happy. She's fantastic!

The Spirit of the Beehive Pedicure is $60. For more information about Jin Soon, click here.

Disclosure: I intended on paying for this pedicure, but Jin comped me.

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Miracle Worker: Tide To Go Instant Stain Remover

Allow me a moment of non beauty-related raving, if you will. I'm a bit of a clumsy klutz -- I drop and spill stuff on myself pretty frequently. And, as luck would have it, it's usually when I'm 1) wearing white or 2) wearing a cute outfit for an event.

Enter Tide To Go Instant Stain Remover. This is a miracle worker if I've ever seen one. It gets out smoothies, ketchup, salad dressing, you name it. I've even seen it remove water from silk crepe de chine -- no easy feat! I keep it in my desk at work, since my clumsiness knows no bounds. I highly recommend you pick one up for yourself.

Tide To Go Instant Stain Remover is around $8.99 for a pack of 3.

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Mani of the Week: Chanel Le Vernis Nail Colour in Mistral

I'm willing the sun to come out this week with my nail polish choice! I'm totally loving Chanel Le Vernis Nail Colour in Mistral, a bright bubble gum pink confection with just a touch of shimmer. I picked this bottle up when I was at the Chanel store in Las Vegas with my gal Dina last month -- it's part of the Spring 2010 collection and had just launched that week -- and finally got around to using it today!

A shot of the polish without flash

Chanel Le Vernis Nail Colour in Mistral retails for $23.

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

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Weekend of Beauty Treatments: The All Greens with Envy Cellular Renewal Facial at Joanna Vargas Skin Care

As the seasons change, my skin changes too. And we're not talking in a good way. So when I got the opportunity to head into Joanna Vargas Skin Care for the All Greens with Envy Cellular Renewal Facial this weekend, I jumped for joy. This facial features a combination of organic herbs that work to revitalize and quench the skin. It begins with microdermabrasion with a diamond tip wand.

I was treated to a facial by Joanna herself, and let me just say -- she is the sweetest, coolest, most unassuming person ever! We had a fantastic conversation throughout my facial and I really enjoyed the hour I spent on the table. And her hands? So soft and soothing, I didn't even think the extractions were painful! As Joanna began, she told me that while the facial would be based in greens, she was going to change it up a bit to make sure I got the best possible benefits for my skin. I like that she customized the facial for my skin type and texture -- it meant a lot that she wouldn't just follow a list of steps, even if they weren't the best ones for my skin.

If you do receive the All Greens with Envy facial in its entirety, it includes a mix of antioxidants (yucca, flaxseed, linseed and hop extracts), thermal water (to soften and nourish the skin), paprika (to increase stimulation and skin oxygenation), honey (to moisturize and revitalize the skin) and even chlorophyll (to rejuvenate the skin's surface with bioflavonoids). My facial included a mask made from raspberries, which smelled amazing, tightened my pores and left my skin feeling super-soft and smooth.

The ALL Greens with Envy Cellular Renewal Facial is $175. For more information about Joanna Vargas Skin Care, click here.

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Weekend of Beauty Treatments: The Butter Stone Massage at Spa Merge

By the end of this weekend, I will have experienced four different salon and spa treatments. (And yes, I will be covering them all for you right here!) Welcome to my Weekend of Beauty Treatments.

Last night, I went to heaven. Or as it's called here on earth, Spa Merge. This new concept in spa-going had me hooked from the very first second I walked in the door. The basic concept here is that each person receives his or her very own treatment room, complete with bathroom, locker room and all the amenities one could want during a spa service. (The bathroom even has both a stall shower and a separate jacuzzi tub!) Everything is completely individualized, so you can enjoy your treatment and spa visit in peace, quiet and tranquility. The room even has a comfy robe waiting in the closet, cozy slippers next to the bed and an eye pillow in case you want to rest!



After a quick stay in the Relaxation Room (above, mainly meant for first-time clients to fill out the entry form and enjoy some orange water and light snacks), I was led to my very own treatment room. I enjoyed the Butter Stone Massage, which included both hot stones placed and drawn along the body and a massage with enriching shea butter. My masseuse, Jennifer, was unbelievable -- she used smooth, sweeping strokes and really alleviated the tension that had been building up in my neck and shoulders all week.

The sheets on the bed are delightfully lush, and the bed itself is amazingly comfortable.
The amenities provided include cleanser, a brush and comb, and even toothpaste and a toothbrush!

At the end of the massage, I was left feeling so relaxed that I actually felt a little tipsy as I walked home!

The Butter Stone Massage is $160 for 75 minutes. For more information or to book an appointment, click here.

Disclosure: This treatment was furnished by a PR representative for Spa Merge. Check back later for the next installment of Weekend of Beauty Treatments!

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Obsession of the Moment: Gemma Redux Liz Rock Crystal and Chain Necklace

Oh. Mah. GAH. Can you even believe the amazingness of this Gemma Redux necklace? I'm dying over the messy chains, the misshapen rock crystals, the simple undone glory of it all. I. Want. It.

(Too bad it's $424.)

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Calling All Rebecca Minkoff Fans: Check out Her Summer 2010 Preview Video!

By now, you must have realized I'm obsessed with anything and everything Rebecca Minkoff. From the Morning After to the Devote, the Nikki to the Rocker, I'm pretty sure she can do no wrong. So I'm totally and completely excited to bring this video your way -- it showcases everything Rebecca has done for Summer 2010! Enjoy!

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The Best Sheet Mask Series: SK-II Skin Signature 3D Redefining Mask

I have a mild obsession with sheet masks. The Best Sheet Mask Series features the sheet masks that will leave your skin bright and glowing.

Want a really unique sheet mask experience? Then the SK-II Skin Signature 3D Redefining Mask is the one for you. Each mask is actually two sheets in one -- one sheet for the upper half of your face, one for the lower half. They work in tandem to deliver a noticeably lifted and contoured look to the skin.

I have to admit, when I first took them out of the package, I was a bit concerned. How would these two masks actually fit together on my face and deliver the essential Pitera-enhanced goo adequately? Luckily, I was wrong. They adhered perfectly to my skin and actually brought forth a delightful cooling effect -- inherently lovely and relaxing after quite a long day.

After only 15 minutes, I removed the masks to find that my skin was visibly brighter, firmer and more refined. I looked like I had just gotten a facial!

The SK-II Skin Signature 3D Redefining Mask is $145 for a package of six.

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First Look Fridays: Celebrity Manicurist Kimmie Kyees

If you're into nails, chances are you've heard of Kimmie Kyees. She's manicured the hands of the biggest names in the business, from Rihanna and Gisele Bundchen to Miley Cyrus and Ciara. And you know what? She got her start at the salon my dad used to go to in Columbus! Small world. In any case, she's full of knowledge about all things nails. Read on to discover her favorite top coat, her number one tip for getting a flawless manicure and so much more.



Can you tell me a bit about yourself?
I am one of 5 kids raised in the Midwest. I was born in Ypsilanti, Michigan many years ago. :) I lived in Naperville, Illinois for a few years and then we moved to Columbus, where I lived until I was 28, at which point I moved to Los Angeles. My sister lived out here and wanted me to move out here for years! I went to school at the Ohio State School of Cosmetology with my best friend Sacha!

How did you first become interested in nails, and what led you to become a manicurist?
The first time I got my nails done was in my mom's friend's basement! Ruthanne was my first manicurist! After that I went to a flea market for awhile and the manicurist there was always soooo behind schedule, because she liked to talk a lot with her hands. My friend Kayla and I were waiting for my appointment and the manicurist asked me to go to Sally's to get her a top coat, so while we were there I made a statement that I should just learn to do nails myself. Kayla said I bet you couldn't, I said I've watched other people do my nails for so long I bet I could. So on that bet I spent $100 buying nail supplies, tips monomer and powders Alpha 9 -- I'll never forget. Kayla was my test client, poor Kayla's nails, learning to do acrylics -- some ugly nails for a while till I got the hang of it.

I had a basement salon at my mom's and started my own at-home manicuring business for my friends and family. That home salon is still there just the way I left it and I am put to work every time I visit!

After high school, my best friend Sacha decided she was going to nail school and that I should come too and get my license! Thank god for Sacha! After graduating, we worked together in a couple of salons doing nails. Charles Penzones Grand Salon is where we were for 6 years, it was hard to make the move to LA because I was leaving all my clients and my best friend!

Your celebrity clientele is really impressive! What are some of the biggest (and most fun!) celeb nails you've gotten to do?
Biggest and most fun, WOW depends on who you ask. My dad loved that I used to work with Cheryl Tiegs, My brother loves Jenna Jameson, girl nieces love anyone Disney I've worked with from Miley Cyrus, Selena Gomez to Ashley Tisdale. Boy nephew likes that I've worked with Kanye West and Rihanna! My friends on Facebook love the Kardashians!

One of my most interesting clients was Quincy Jones -- he's a living legend -- his stories were so intriguing I could have listened to him talk all day long.

I guess I would say Rihanna is my biggest but I love ALL my clients for different reasons ... I'm so blessed to work with so many amazing people. I say Rihanna because with her I have traveled, been invited to work for multiple awards shows, advertising, so many editorials. She has been a big part of me getting recognized for what I do. Plus her entire crew is a BLAST! Everyone from management to the Glam squad, her personal Assistant to her friends. It's so much fun to work with her and all of them ... not to mention what a sweet fun person she is, I love her!

What are your favorite nail polishes and why?
I love OPI for constantly having amazing colors and a great brand, plus the names are sooooo fun!

Orly and SpaRitual have some amazing shades as well.

China Glaze has the greatest neon and bright colors out there.

Essie has beautiful light shades!

I just recently was turned on to Deborah Lippmann's line -- she has some creative colors and the quality of her polish is outstanding!

What are your top 5 nail-specific product essentials?
Orly Bonder Rubberized Base Coat
Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat
OPI AccuNip Plus Precision Cuticle Nipper
Creative Nail Design Cuticle Remover
EZ Flow Pro Shine Buffer

Do you have any favorite products outside the nail realm? What are some that you like and why?
I make my own sugar scrub using organic sugar from Trader Joe's, grapeseed, almond and apricot seed oils from the cooking section, with a splash of whatever essential oils feel good for the season! Its all natural ingredients and it leaves the skin looking and feeling glorious! (I borrowed that word from Kelis, she says it all the time ... made me think of her as soon as i typed it!)

What are the biggest nail trends for spring and summer? Any emerging trends for fall?
I feel bright neons coming in again ... I have done a lot of bright neon pinks lately on everyone from Rihanna and Nicki Minaj to Ciara.

Zoya's new Sparkle line is incredible ... I think they have mastered the glitter look without the aggravation of trying to get it off later. Try Charla -- that color is outta this world!

But I also really like the new pastel from OPI -- the Shrek colors are pastels, very soft and pretty shades of green, blue and purple!

And of course Minx -- I think that they are here to stay for a while. It's creative and eye-catching!

For the fall I like deep blues, [like] Star of Bombay by Orly -- I just used it on a Lady Gaga gig. And there's new La Playa by Orly, [which] could even be nice for fall -- it's a blue that actually looks blue in all lighting.


I also think browns such as taupe -- maybe with a hint of purple in them as well. The nude colors were so HUGE this spring I think a deeper shade of brown might just be the fall version of the nude nail!

What are your top 3 nail tips?
1) ALWAYS use polish remover on the nails before polishing even if you are not removing any lacquer. It dehydrates the nail plate and removes any oils or lotions that you may have on the nail plate. This creates a perfect base for polish to adhere. You can even go a step farther and use EZ Bond or Chip Skip by OPI -- they balance the pH in the nail so your manicure lasts even longer!

2) Use a base coat and top coat -- it matters !!

3) If you have dry cuticle and sidewalls, use a file ... it will change your life. It's the same idea as using a foot file but it smooths out rough dry areas ... follow that with a cuticle oil! Whoa!

Being a manicurist must be fun –- but what do you do in your spare time?
I love to travel, hike, rollerblade, ride bikes. I'm very adventurous. Just today I registered to do a Urbanathelon in Chicago with my friend Josh in October ... so excited. You run, then do obstacle courses, run some more, jump over cabs and buses ... amazing, hope I'll be able to finish -- gotta start training! I love to spend time with my family, which is hard [since] they live in Ohio. I go home whenever possible. My teenage niece Breanna is coming out to live with me for the summer -- she came last summer too. She worked as my assistant on sets and loved it! I take her to where famous people are and she works for free -- what a deal! She's so mature and professional, I was so proud of her last summer. But the best part is while she's here it gives me the excuse to do so much fun stuff. Vegas, concerts, go to the beach, we have a comping trip planned and Lake Tahoe for the 4th of July! FUN FUN FUN! Plus my dad's talking about booking a Disney World trip with the whole family. Should be a great summer!

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Quote of the Day: Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City

In honor of the Sex and the City 2 movie coming out next week...

"Sometimes it's hard to walk in a single woman's shoes. That's why we need really special ones now and then to make the walk a little more fun." -- Sex and the City, Season 6, Episode 9 ("A Woman's Right to Shoes")

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Feed Your Obsession for The Exclusive FEED Guatemala Bags at Lord & Taylor

A few weeks ago, I attended the launch of FEED Bags at Lord & Taylor. If you're not familiar with FEED, here's a little backstory: Model Lauren Bush is the CEO of FEED Projects, which partnered with UNICEF to help provide nutritional support to the children of Guatemala.

With each FEED 1 Guatemala pouch ($19) purchased, FEED Projects will donate $3.50 to the program, giving one child enough nutrients for an entire year.

With each FEED 3 Guatemala tote ($39) purchased, FEED Projects will donate $10.50 to the program, giving three children enough nutrients for an entire year.

In addition, each and every bag is handmade by Nest, which is a nonprofit organization for female artists the world over. The FEED bags made by Guatemalan Nest artisans have been made using their traditional Ikat fabrics. They're available in a variety of colors and woven patterns to reflect the vibrant Guatemalan culture.

These special FEED bags are available at all Lord & Taylor locations and online.

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What's Your Beauty Indulgence? Beauty Blogger Jeannine Morris Fills Us In.

The What's Your Beauty Indulgence? series gives you an inside look into the products that my fellow industry insiders hold in highest regard. Be it a moisturizer or a lipgloss, a styling tool or a candle, these products aren't to be missed.

Beauty blogger Jeannine Morris is very knowledgeable when it comes to beauty products. She's got a background in PR, so she's seen both sides of the coin -- and she even appears on TV as a beauty expert from time to time. In her own words, here's Jeannine's beauty indulgence.

My beauty indulgence is a gorgeous, tiny bottle of Ajne perfume surrounded by gold metal that I blended myself in LA with the Co-Founder and Master Parfumeur of Ajne, Jane Hendler. It has notes of vanilla and amber, and to be honest, I don’t what else I put in it -- but it’s very alluring and a little bit seductive. I covet the little bottle not only because it’s so pretty and love the scent, but more so because of the experience I had creating it. I’ve never blended my own fragrance before and often have a hard time finding ones that fit my personality or don’t give me migraines. I learned a lot going through the process and only wear it on special occasions in fear it will run out!

Check out Jeannine's blog here. To follow her on Twitter, click here.

Check back soon for another edition of What's Your Beauty Indulgence?.

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Beauty Question: What's Your Go-To Beauty Product?

In a top-secret meeting with a very influential beauty brand last week (sorry, more coming at a later date I hope!), we got to talking about -- what else? -- our favorite products. More specifically, the product each of us just can't live without and buys again and again. I'm not talking specifics, here -- just that one product, like a peach lipgloss or volumizing shampoo, that keeps you coming back again and again.

For me, it's shimmery peach lipgloss. I must have at least 45 of them in my lipgloss drawer (yes, I separate my products by category), but every time I see a new one, I simply have to have it! I always seem to forget that I've got a huge stash at the ready.

What's your go-to beauty product? Let me know in the comments!

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Completely Bare on Rue La La Tomorrow!

I've "waxed" poetic on the amazingness of Completely Bare multiple times, so let's get to the nitty gritty, shall we? Starting tomorrow, select services will be available on the ever-fabulous Rue La La for 48 whole hours! You can receive up to 40 percent off services including waxing, laser hair removal, the Skinceutical facial and the new Pink Diamond spray tan!

Trust me, I'll be jumping on these deals early!

Need an invite to Rue La La? Click here.

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Heaven in a Massage: The Signature Massage at Jillian Wright Clinical Skin Spa

Have you heard about the wonder that is Groupon? (If not, click here for more info and to sign up.) In any case, awhile back they had a deal for a 60-minute Signature Massage at Jillian Wright Clinical Skin Spa. Considering this treatment is normally $130 and was going for only $59 that day, I immediately snapped it up. And wow, am I ever glad I did!

After a very traumatic day yesterday (hours at the office spent with a computer that didn't work, capped off by dropping my Blackberry in a puddle and -- yes -- losing everything), I was in desperate need of a relaxing massage. My masseuse, Ela, was right there to make sure I enjoyed every last second of the massage. Her strokes were long, deep and firm, and she really made sure to get out all the tension-filled knots in my shoulders and lower back.

I walked out feeling renewed and rejuvenated -- even without the ability to call people and tell them how great the service was.

For more information on Jillian Wright Clinical Skin Spa and to book an appointment, click here.

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Mackage Sample Sale Alert!

If you like chic, sophisticated outerwear, then the Mackage sample sale is definitely calling your name. (Click the photo below to enlarge and get all the details!)



Happy shopping!

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Beauty News: M.A.C's New Collaboration with Disney, Venomous Villains

If there are two things I love in this world, it's M.A.C and a Disney villain. So the combination of the two in a new collection from M.A.C, launching this September? Divine perfection.

The collection will include lipstick, powder, lipgloss and blush and will be sold at all M.A.C locations. Prices will range from $12-$29.50.

M.A.C's keeping quiet on the four Disney characters who will be featured in this collection -- though my choices would be Cruella DeVil from 101 Dalmatians, the Witch from Snow White, Ursula from The Little Mermaid and the Wicked Stepmother from Cinderella.

You can watch a short video introducing the collection here.

Who would your villainous choices be? Let me know in the comments!

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Review and Giveaway: The Sex and the City Tour from On Location Tours!

A couple weeks ago, I had the good fortune to attend the Sex and the City Tour, fearlessly planned and led by On Location Tours. This tour is a whopping three and a half hours long -- and it covers many of the sites seen during both the series and the first movie. (Thankfully, it's done while riding around in a tour bus -- very minimal walking!) While I did think it was quite touristy -- my friend Gerold and I were among the only true New Yorkers on the bus (let alone some of the only English speakers) -- it was a lot of fun. Some of the highlights:

1) Each tour gets an order of Magnolia cupcakes! You'll remember that Carrie and Miranda are sitting outside the Magnolia in the West Village eating these delicious confections when Carrie first confesses to her crush on Aidan.

2) A stop at Buddakan gives you a peek at the crystal chandelier-laden room where Carrie and Big had their rehearsal dinner.

3) Throughout the tour, the (very knowledgeable) tour guide gives tons of background on the spots seen in the show and then plays clips. It's a good chance to relive your favorite moments!

4) Remember The Rabbit? (Hint: Charlotte became addicted in Season 1.) Well, you get to stop by The Pleasure Chest -- scene of the buying crime -- and, yes, you get 15 percent off! (No one on my tour bought anything.)

5) Want to have a cosmopolitan at Steve's bar, Scout? Well, unfortunately, Scout isn't a real bar -- but it was filmed at one! Stop at O'Nieal's Speakeasy for awhile and get a cosmopolitan of your very own.

When all is said and done, if you were a fan of the show, it's a pretty fun way to spend almost 4 hours. And now I'm giving one lucky person the chance to win a tour of his or her very own! Enter below for your chance to win a gift certificate for two tickets to the tour, valued at $84! (Each ticket is $42.) The gift certificate never expires, so even if you don't live in NYC you can enter -- just use it the next time you're in the city!



This giveaway is open to US residents only. Giveaway runs until Tuesday, May 25 at midnight. Winner will be selected and emailed on May 25. One entry per person, email address and IP address. Multiple entries will be disqualified.

For more information on the Sex and the City tour, click here.

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Outfit of the Day: The Chic but Casual Traveler

I was traveling on the Acela back from Boston today and decided I needed to be chic yet casual. This called for a mixture of items that, on their own, are pretty easygoing -- but I think added up to a nice array that kept me looking respectable on the train! (Not to mention I hate wearing jeans when I travel -- I think they're way too tight -- so I always go for leggings.)

Here's the breakdown:

Vince colorblocked tee
Hue Zipper Leggings in Black
H&M silver hoop earrings
Banana Republic "Heather" Sunglasses (more on them here!)
Rebecca Minkoff Morning After Mini Bag in Purple (more info on that purchase here!)
Henri Bendel three-row crystal cuff
Vans (customized, thanks to Robert Verdi)

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First Look Fridays: Makeup Artist Heather Wilson

One of the reasons I absolutely love Twitter? I get to discover fabulous new makeup artists, like the gorgeous Heather Wilson. We've been following each other for awhile now, and I thought it was about time I found out all of her beauty secrets! Read on to discover the serum she never leaves home without, her top tip for applying bronzer and so much more!


How did you first become interested in beauty, and what led you to become a makeup artist?
Getting my degree in Advertising Art and working for a couple of different ad firms was how I got started. I got laid off from the ad agency I was working for, and while looking for another job, I went to work at a major department store in the cosmetics department. It was very natural for me. I was looking at the faces in front of me as an artist does anything they are trying to paint. I saw shapes, undertones, structures and what colors would capture and bring those features out!

Have you worked with any makeup artists who inspired you? What did they teach you?
I have worked with quite a few amazing artists. At the beginning, Laura Mercier was a big inspiration. She was a fellow artist, and her tips and techniques were some that I was already doing, but didn't know how to perfect or explain. She also gave me a lot of tools to get those looks.

I have also been a huge follower of Kat Aragon. For the last couple of years she has been very patient with me as I have picked her brain, asked for tips and techniques, and she has let me assist and watch. It has been great to watch her grow and flourish with her career, and knowing that mine will not be far behind!

What are your top beauty essentials?
Orlane Super Hydrating Serum
Yves Saint Laurent Volume Effet Faux Cils Luxurious Mascara
Laura Mercier Lip Silk
A sunscreen of 30!

What are the products and brands you simply can't live without?
Chanel Lip Gloss in Pagoda
Yaby Pearl Eyeshadow Palette
Kett Hydro foundation
Embryolisse
Orlane Hydrating Serum
Bobbi Brown Gel Liner

What are your top 3 makeup tips?
1) Use Bobbi Brown gel liner in the lashline to create a full thick lash.

2) Use a taupe or grey shadow in the brows to give them definition.

3) A bronzer on the cheekbones and center of forehead bring out the cheeks!

Playing with makeup must be fun -- but what do you do in your spare time?
My family loves to visit the Caribbean and scuba dive as much as possible! Otherwise my time is filled up with my two teenage boys, and my husband of 23 years!

For more information on Heather Wilson, visit her website. You can also follow her on Twitter here.

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