Yay or Nay: Silly Bandz

The latest trend hitting the wrists of everyone from 5-year-olds on up? Silly Bandz. These have infiltrated my office, my home, my subway stop -- everywhere I look, I see another Silly Band. (Or should it always be spelled with a Z? Is this one singular word that isn't truly singular? As my friend Dina would say, it's a question for the ages.)

In any case, I am thoroughly perplexed by the popularity of said bandz, much as adults must have been stunned by the amazingness of Slap Bracelets back when I was a kid. (Side note: I had a red and black polka-dotted one that was the BOMB. It's still on top of my dresser at my mom's house.) I can see the appeal as far as not actually putting them on your wrists goes, since at least then you can see the fun shapes. (Above, some of the bandz from the Princess Pack.) But once they're slung around your wrist, they completely lose their original shape and just look like multicolored rubber bands that actually start to make you lose feeling in your arm after awhile. So what's the point?

Maybe you can enlighten me, dear readers. Let me know your thoughts about Silly Bandz in the comments!

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Beauty News: Introducing M.A.C alice + olivia

If Alice fell down the rabbit hole and met a Makeup Artist instead of the Mad Hatter, M·A·C alice + olivia is the curiously gorgeous collection she’d be rocking! Hip, playful, unpretentious and unabashedly fun, M·A·C is thrilled to announce the latest collaboration with the most adorably fabulous fashionista we know, designer Stacey Bendet of cult-fave line, alice + olivia. Celebrities, socials and all-around cool girls from coast to coast are obsessed with a + o’s uptown-meets-downtown aesthetic and colorful, playful vibe, so the inspiration for the makeup collection was a cinch!

If you're like me, you're super excited about the latest collaboration at M.A.C -- the new M.A.C alice + olivia collection. Eye-poppingly bright shades of Dazzleglass Creme, Pigment and Nail Lacquer have me literally chomping at the bit! Check out some of the highlights after the jump.



Nail Lacquer in So Rich So Pretty ($12): Have you seen anything more perfect than this party-ready, frosty deep violet polish? I think not.
Dazzleglass Creme in If It's Pink ($18): Loyal readers will already know of my bordering-on-insane obsession with all sparkly glosses ... but Dazzleglass Creme sits in a class of its own. And this vibrant, sparkly pink will soon be stepping to the forefront of my lipgloss wardrobe.
Pigment in Partylicious ($19.50): While I'm not normally a teal fan -- it always brings me back to my senior year of high school, when I was forced to wear shadow that matched my heinous teal costume -- this is one glittery teal I can stand behind.
Nail Lacquer in Military ($12): A greyish, silvery matte black is the perfect fall shade.
Dazzleglass Creme in Sparklicious ($18): I'm a huge fan of layering glosses. This pale, creamy pink is perfect over reds and deeper pinks.

The M.A.C alice + olivia collection will be available for a limited time, starting on July 8.

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The Best Sheet Mask Series: Cettua After Night Fever Soothing Essence 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.

How often have you woken up and wished your skin didn't show the evidence of the late night beforehand? Well, tired skin beware -- because the Cettua After Night Fever Soothing Sheet Mask will make your skin look AMAZING.

I came across this baby at a little Korean beauty store called The Face Shop back when I went to Spa Castle. I couldn't resist a sheet mask filled with witch hazel, chamomile, punica granatum and gingko extract -- especially when the package promised plentiful nutrition and moisture.

And you know what? The package was right! After only 20 minutes, my skin becomes refreshed, rejuvenated and unbelievably baby soft and smooth. I just can't believe how much better my skin looks each and every time I slip one of these over it!

The Cettua After Night Fever Soothing Essence Mask is around $10 for a pack of 4 masks.

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Beauty Question: Do You Prefer Lip Balm in Pot or Stick Form?

I find that some beauty situations really make people have a strong opinion. The question of lip balm in stick versus pot form is one of them. While some prefer to slick it on from a tube or stick, others really want to dip their fingers into a pot and rub across their pout. I, for one, actually like both -- and sometimes I find that balms from pots are much more moisturizing and nourishing than those from sticks.

But I'm curious to hear what you think, fellow beauty chicks. Let me know your thoughts in the comments!

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Unconventional Uses for Household Objects: Converting a Q-Tip Container Into a Pill Case

I'm in the process of packing for a week-long trip to Cleveland. When it came time to pack my supplements -- I'm currently taking magnesium, CoQ10 and fish oil to help with my migraines -- I was at a loss. Did I really want to cart three massive pill tubs in my suitcase? The answer would be no.

As I rummaged through my beauty product drawers, I came across this blue Q-tip container. I bought it on my trip to Hawaii last year and had forgotten about it completely. But as I started dropping the week's worth of pills into the case, I became more and more pleased with myself. It's not every day I come up with an ingenious solution such as this!

So I give you my Q-tip container turned pill case. Who knew?

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Fresh, Fragrant and Totally Summer Appropriate: Dior Miss Dior Cherie L'Eau Eau de Toilette

I've been on the lookout for the perfect summer fragrance for quite awhile. Many are just too heady, too strong, too fragrant. But then I came across Dior Miss Dior Cherie L'Eau Eau de Toilette, and I knew I had found my perfect match.

For starters, I'm in love with the bottle. The delicate, utterly vanity-worthy square glass bottle is topped by a stopper with the prettiest, most delicate bow -- such a sweet, sophisticated touch.

The scent is lovely and delightful. A floral base of freesia, jasmine and orange blossom opens up to notes of popcorn, vanilla, caramel and patchouli. It's intriguing and warm yet undeniably soft -- and just a few spritzes on your pulse points will last for hours without feeling cloying. I would equate it to Clinique Happy Heart -- it has a warmth that really makes it interesting.

Truth be told, this is one of my favorite fragrances in quite some time. One can only hope it doesn't run out too quickly.

Dior Miss Dior Cherie L'Eau Eau de Toilette is $62 for 1.7 fl. oz. and $82 for 3.4 fl. oz.

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Mani of the Week: Deborah Lippmann Happy Birthday Over OPI Jade is the New Black

Have you ever met a nail polish so transformative, so intriguing, so unbelievably amazing, you simply can't get enough of it? Such is the case with Deborah Lippmann Happy Birthday for me. Every time I look at the bottle, I want to see how it will affect my current manicure. And since my OPI Jade is the New Black manicure had held up so well since last week -- seriously, not a single chip! -- I decided to keep it on and layer Happy Birthday on top. Keep reading to check out before and after photos!



My original manicure from last week -- two coats of OPI Jade is the New Black

Deborah Lippmann Happy Birthday layered on top, without flash

Deborah Lippmann Happy Birthday layered on top, with flash

What's on your nails this week? Let me know in the comments!

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Suffering Through the World's Worst Haircut

Two weeks ago, I went into my regular salon and sat down in my stylist's chair. He'd been cutting my hair for over a year, so I felt completely confident sitting there. I didn't think he'd hack off too much, since he knew I'd been growing it out -- and, in fact, he had brought my hair back to life from the last terrible haircut experience of summer 2009. Little did I think he would completely ruin the tresses that had finally grown out past my shoulders, chopping such strange and uneven layers that I actually had to go back and have him fix his mistakes.

But you know what? The haircut is now even WORSE. I have strange, choppy layers that don't match. I have an uneven haircut that makes me alternate between crying and screaming every time I look at it. Worst of all, this haircut makes me feel ugly. I simply don't know what to do -- I fear hacking off any more will leave me with a bob so short, I'll end up crying for months.

I hate to be dramatic, because I know that in the end, it's just hair and it will grow. But for the next few months, I am stuck with a cut so terrible all I can do is wear my hair in a ponytail. (At least it's summer and too hot to wear it down anyway. Thank goodness for small favors.) It makes me angry, because this is a stylist I trusted -- and now I am at a complete loss.

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Dying Over My Latest Pedicure: Deborah Lippmann Ruby Red Slippers

Yesterday, I treated myself to a pedicure at Soho Sanctuary. Imagine my surprise and delight when I discovered they had the entire line of Deborah Lippmann nail polishes at the ready! I simply had to go with Ruby Red Slippers, a blackened ruby with oversized chunks of crimson glitter.

I've honestly never seen a polish like this! My nail technician, Natasha, painstakingly and meticulously applied two coats to absolute perfection. And while I'm normally not a fan of showing off my toes, in this case, you simply have to see how amazing the polish looks on the nail.

Can you believe the uniqueness of this polish? I'm in love!

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A Peek Inside My Shower -- With Video!

Following up on my video showing you a peek inside my vanity, I decided to give you a little foray into my shower as well! I've stockpiled my little stall shower with as many products as I can possibly fit inside ... from shower gels and body scrubs to hair masks and my beloved Clarisonic Mia, there's no stone left unturned! Hope you enjoy!

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Completely Gratuitous: Robert Pattinson at the Los Angeles Premiere of The Twilight Saga: Eclipse

You're welcome.

Photo courtesy of Zimbio.

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Last Chance to Enter the Kelly Van Gogh Root Rehab Emergency Retouch Kit Giveaway!

Have you entered my Kelly Van Gogh Root Rehab giveaway yet? Don't miss out -- you have until midnight tonight! Just enter your name and email address in the box below. Good luck!

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First Look Fridays: Makeup Artist Robin Siegel

It's not every day that I can say I interviewed the makeup artist for Friends. But today? I CAN! My brother and I can endlessly quote Friends episodes (and may have been known to put quotes on each other's Facebook walls), so when I found out I had the opportunity to speak with the head makeup artist for the show, Robin Siegel, I jumped at the opportunity. Read on to discover the eyeshadow she can't live without, the first TV show she ever worked on and so much more.



How did you first become interested in makeup, and what led you to become a makeup artist?
My interest in skin care and beauty led to my work as a makeup artist. I learned some of the basics of the trade at Elegance International Academy of Professional Make-Up in Los Angeles before working on a lot of music videos and independent films in the 1980s.

Have you worked with any makeup artists who inspired you? What did they teach you?
I was originally inspired by the iconic work of the great Way Bandy.

When I first started working on music videos, I was fortunate to observe the exquisite talent and artistry of makeup artist Francesca Tolot. Her work continues to inspire me. Another makeup artist whom I met early on -- Mark Bussan -- told me to always remember that there are two words that define what we do: Makeup and Artist. He told me to never forget the second part. That advice gave me the confidence to always trust my own instincts.

What are some of the moments that have stood out as highlights in your career?
In 1990 I began my career in television with the HBO comedy Dream On. Its creators, Marta Kauffman and David Crane, also created the TV show Friends. They invited me to work on the show and then Jennifer Aniston, Lisa Kudrow and Courteney Cox convinced me to stay. I worked as the Department Head of Makeup for Friends for seasons 2-10, until the series wrapped. That was definitely a highlight in my career.

Among others, I've been requested as personal makeup artist for Jennifer Aniston, Lisa Kudrow, Diane Keaton and Felicity Huffman for multiple films, red carpet events as well as publicity for television shows and movies.

To this day I love being a makeup artist and continue to find joy in revealing beauty through great skincare and beautiful makeup.

What are your top 5 beauty essentials?
1) Great, consistent skincare including facial products and treatments with Sonya Dakar Skin Clinic, Cle de Peau Eye Baume, and Dr. Hauschka Lip Care

2) Chanel and Dior powder eyeshadows, M.A.C Cream Liner in Black and Brown, Lancome Eye Pencils, Black Mascara

3) Make up For Ever primer, HD foundation and HD Microfinish Powder, Cle de Peau Concealer

4) La Prairie Cellular Radiance Cream Blush and Powder Blush

5) Sheer lip colors from Cle de Peau, Julie Hewett and Chanel

What are your top 3 makeup tips?
1) Start with clean, moisturized, sun protected skin.

2) BLEND.

3) Look in the mirror and enjoy!

Being a makeup artist must be fun -- but what do you do in your spare time?
In my spare time I love being home with my partner, Pam, and our three dogs -- Betty, Bella and Freida. We love going for long walks, eating delicious food and appreciating our good life.

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My Latest Haul from Sephora: Stila, Fresh and Marc Jacobs, Oh My!

As many of my beauty compatriots would probably happily attest, it’s quite near impossible to walk into a Sephora and leave without buying anything. I don’t think I’ve ever come away without plunking down at least $40 on pure impulse purchases. The thoughts that go through my head include: That lipgloss? I need it! That body scrub? I’ve been dying to check it out? Oh, and that facial cleanser? I had just been thinking about buying one!

So it comes as no surprise that my wallet is considerably lighter today after a mere lunchtime jaunt into the Sephora on Lexington Avenue. Right off the bat, I spotted Fresh Sugar Plum Tinted Lip Treatment SPF 15. How could I resist, especially after I’ve already bought the original and the Rose? And then, of course, there were the impulse purchases...

Seen above:
Stila Yumberry Crush Lip & Cheek Stain ($24)
Marc Jacobs Fragrance Rollerball ($25)
Fresh Sugar Plum Tinted Lip Treatment SPF 15 ($22.50)

Have you been swayed by Sephora recently? What did you buy? Let me know in the comments!

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Rachel Leigh Available on Beyond the Rack Today!

If you're in love with Rachel Leigh jewelry -- and let's be honest, you should be -- then you're in luck, because it's available on Beyond the Rack today! My absolute fave piece, the Gumball Ring, is now only $39 instead of $110! Snap these gorgeous pieces up before they're all gone.

Also available on Beyond the Rack today:
Cosabella
Elliott Lucca
Ladies Apparel Boutique (Hugo Boss, Tory Burch, Marchesa and more)
Central Park West
Jilarious
Papillon Blanc
Maniqui
The Pillow Co.
Ecarpet Gallery Collection
Jacob & Co.
Burberry
Lola & Sophie
VFish
One Life
Anne Cole
Women's Designer Fragrances
The Lori Leavitt Collection
Heritage Continental Geneve


Need an invite? Click here.

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Too Pretty to USE: M.A.C Liberty of London Shell Pearl Beauty Powder

Do you ever come across a product so unbelievably beautiful, you just can't bring yourself to use it? The moment I came across M.A.C Liberty of London Shell Pearl Beauty Powder, that's exactly how I felt. I am utterly enamored of the white plastic compact. Across the top, brightly hued flowers and colorful birds sit amongst a scratched black swirly garden.

This is honestly one of the most unique compacts I've ever come across. And to make matters even better? The powder inside is GORGEOUS. The peachy pink hue shimmers, shines, glimmers and gleams with the best of them. Not that I'd know, because I can't bring myself to sweep a brush across its expanse just yet.

The M.A.C Liberty of London Shell Pearl Beauty Powder retails for $25.

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Make Someone Happy: Clinique Happy Hearts and Kisses Set

Whenever I travel, I seem to be lacking in actual travel-sized products ... not to mention I've been on the lookout for an adorable makeup bag for quite some time. Enter the Clinique Happy Hearts and Kisses Set. This three-piece collection contains perfectly sized bottles of Refreshing Body Wash, Body Cream and the original Happy Heart fragrance.

Now, I've been completely enamored of Happy Heart for quite some time. Notes of water hyacinth, mandarin, cucumber, yellow primrose and blond woods create an intriguing, warm and almost sensual mix that just draws me in time and time again.

And the floral-print canvas bag these products are presented in? So utterly beautiful.

The Clinique Happy Hearts and Kisses Set retails for $49.50.

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Beauty Giveaway: Kelly Van Gogh Root Rehab Emergency Retouch Kit in 4V Light Cool Brown

Are your locks in desperate need of a pick-me-up ... but you don't want to shell out the big bucks to get your roots redone? Never fear -- Kelly Van Gogh Root Rehab Emergency Retouch Kit in 4V Light Cool Brown is here! This kit contains everything you'll need to ensure your tresses look fabulous for weeks on end. Inside this fabulous box you'll find the following:

1 tube of Root Rehab Color Creme
1 bottle of Developer
1 Professional Reusable Applicator Bottle
1 Professional Reusable Hairline Brush
1 pair of designer reusable gloves
ColorDefinition Shampoo and Conditioner packets

And now one lucky winner has the chance to win the kit, valued at $39! Entering is easy. All you have to do is enter your name and email address in the box below. The winners will be selected on Sunday, June 27 and notified by email. It's that simple!



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

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Today's Shower Ritual: Blow, Caress, Clarisonic, Dermalogica and Gillette Venus!

What was in your shower today? I'll let you know what was in mine!



Seen above:

Blow The Perfect Shower Cap (click here for my review!)
Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel
Clarisonic Mia (click here for my review!)
Gillette Venus Embrace Pink Razor
Caress Whipped Souffle Ultra Silkening Body Wash in Blackberry Cream

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Beauty Question: How Often Do You Shave?

My number one reason for despising the summer months? I absolutely hate shaving. I'll do it, of course -- but with dark hair, the need to shave comes pretty darned frequently. And while I save up the money for laser hair removal, I'm shaving my legs at least every other day!

So my beauty question of the day is this. How often do you shave? Is it an every day affair, or do you let time go by between bouts of breaking out the razor? Let me know in the comments!

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A Peek Inside My Vanity -- With Video!

In case you were wondering, I have a lot of products. We're talking massive quantities of lipgloss, nail polish and eyeshadow here. And I've decided to give you a peek inside my vanity! Check out the video below, where I take you through all the pretty things I've been collecting.

And yes, in case you're wondering, my vanity is a former desk. (I built it myself!)



What's inside your vanity? Let me know in the comments!

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Mani of the Week: OPI Jade is the New Black

I am in LOVE with my nail polish choice this week! While on a weekend getaway to Chicago, I indulged in manicures at Bliss with a couple girlfriends. Lo and behold, they had OPI Jade is the New Black sitting on their polish shelf! I'm used to seeing only Essie polishes at Bliss, so this was quite a welcome change.

This nail polish is one of the creamiest, richest greens I've yet to come across. It slicks across the nail unbelievably easily and looks incredible against pale skin. (Thank goodness, since I am always Casper white.) I can't even imagine a better polish choice for the week!

What's on your nails this week? Let me know in the comments!

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Utter Amazingness: My Friend Michael's Shower Product Assortment (So Much Aveda You'll Scream in Ecstasy!)

You know what's super fun? Checking out the shower situation at a friend's apartment. I always like to see what products I can find that maybe I've never tried before. (Shocking, I know!)

In any case, my friend Michael's shower is EPIC. One of his roommates is a stylist for the Aveda concept salon in Chicago, and their shower is fully stocked with every Aveda product you could ever imagine! From Shampure shampoo (my all-time fave) to cleansers and body scrubs I never even knew existed, this is one shower I'd die to try.

Left to right, here are the products pictured:

Botanical Kinetics Purifying Gel Cleanser
Tourmaline Charged Radiant Skin Refiner
Scalp Benefits Balancing Shampoo
Smooth Infusion Conditioner
Outer Peace Foaming Cleanser
Crest 3D White (thrown in for good measure I suppose!)
Shampure Shampoo
Aveda Men Pure-Formance Exfoliating Shampoo
Aveda Men Pure-Formance Shampoo
Aveda Men Pure-Formance Conditioner
Energizing Body Cleanser
Caribbean Therapy Body Scrub

Who knew a shower could tempt me so?

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First Look Fridays: Manicurist Julie Kandalec

Do you know what I absolutely love about this business? Speaking with a hairstylist, manicurist, et al and discovering that we grew up in the same town! Such is the case with manicurist Julie Kandalec -- we're both from Cleveland! And in fact, she did her cosmetology training at my high school! I love when small worlds collide. Julie is super-talented -- her work has been seen in InStyle, Blender and Scratch and she's worked with fashion designers the likes of Charlotte Ronson, Elise Overland and Tony Cohen. Read on to discover her favorite sheer nail polish, the one product she can't live without and so much more.



Can you tell me a bit about yourself?
I am from Mentor, Ohio, a suburb of Cleveland. It's about 30 mins east of Cleveland.
I graduated from Mentor High School, and got my cosmetology training at Brush High School -- graduated top of the class. We were bused there every day my junior and senior years as part of the vocational program. I got my full cosmetology license at 17 and started at Jenniffer & Co. in Mentor right away.

How did you first become interested in nails and what led you to become a manicurist?
I have wanted to do nails for as long as I can remember. I've always liked miniatures ... I remember gluing confetti on my nails in 5th grade! When I was 12 I wrote an English paper about what I wanted to be when I grew up. I wrote that I wanted to be a manicurist.

What are your favorite nail polishes and why?
Wow that's a broad question! :)
My favorite sheer: China Glaze "Inner Beauty"
My favorite semi-opaque, clean: OPI "Bubble Bath"
My favorite red: OPI "Kennebunk-Port"
My favorite dark: Zoya "Rihanna" (image courtesy of Scrangie)
My favorite bright: China Glaze "Shower Together"

If you could only take one product or polish with you on a desert island, what would it be and why?
A 4-way buffer! Its all you need to keep a clean, natural nail with no mess, no dry time and anyone can do it.

What are your top 3 nail tips?
1) Don't match your nails to your toes or your clothes. No one really cares! :) Plus there are too many colors to limit yourself to just one.

2) The most flattering nail shape is round or oval. Think of it this way: it does to the hands what a high heel does for your legs. Round/oval lengthens and slims the fingers. Long square nails do what a flat does to the legs: makes them look shorter than they are.

3) You can wear any color lacquer if they are professionally done. There is a big difference in sloppily applied blue lacquer, and a perfect, professional mani in the same shade. And remove it as soon as it begins chipping!

What is the most rewarding part of what you do?
It's all rewarding. But the friendships I've built with my clients can't be beat. If I were to get married tomorrow they'd all be there.

Being a manicurist must be fun -- but what do you do in your spare time?
I am obsessed with traveling. I love exotic places where I can shop for cool gifts! Right now I am planning a trip to Tokyo and Singapore. I also love going to ethnic restaurants. And I love to learn!

For more information about Julie, visit her website here. To follow her on Twitter, click here.

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