The Shower Gel Journey: Laura Mercier Almond Coconut Milk Crème Body Wash

I can imagine visiting a tropical locale with the wafting aroma of the Laura Mercier Almond Coconut Milk Crème Body Wash I used this morning! Bring on the sunlit beaches and umbrella-garnished drinks! My skin feels so soft and moisturized, as if I had visited a spa. There’s no need to apply lotion after this sumptuous body wash envelops me.

Formulated with milk, coconut, almond and vanilla, the Laura Mercier Crème Body Wash combines with heliotrope and musk for a satisfying and sensual conditioning experience. Shea butter and macadamia nut oil derivatives, combined with rice, sweet almond and oat proteins maximize moisture protection.

Laura Mercier is renowned as a personal makeup artist to stars, including Sarah Jessica Parker and Julia Roberts. Laura developed her line of cosmetics in 1996 to address the needs of women of all ages and skin types.

Pamper your skin with the Laura Mercier Almond Coconut Milk Crème Body Wash. It retails for $36 at lauramercier.com.

Read More...

Jessica Biel Debuts Darker Locks

Starlet Jessica Biel showed off a much darker 'do this week at GLAMOUR Reel Moments in L.A. It's much more dramatic than the previous ombre tresses she sported over the summer.

Which look do you prefer for Jessica? Let me know in the comments!

Read More...

Oh my GOOD LORD. Taylor Momsen, What Were You Thinking?

I must preface this by saying that Taylor Momsen is 17. SEVENTEEN. If I had dressed the way she does when I was 17, my mother would have chained me to my bed and never let me leave the house. That's all I'm saying.



Well, except that the extremely goth makeup and visible underwear don't really do much in the way of demure.

Read More...

NEST Fragrances Project Art Candle in Tulip Garden: Plus a Video!

D-I-V-I-N-E. In a word, exactly what the new NEST Fragrances Project Art Candle in Tulip Garden says to me. Check out my video for my review!



Best of all, this candle is only $9.99! You can find it at select Bed Bath & Beyond and Hallmark stores.

Read More...

Hanes Launches Silk Reflections Ultra Sheer And I Meet Celebrity Stylist Phillip Bloch!

If you want to get in on the sheer tights trend, you'll definitely want to know about the new Hanes Silk Reflections Ultra Sheer. At an event yesterday announcing the launch (which will be available at department stores in February 2011), celebrity stylist Phillip Bloch had us all laughing uproariously while he took us through the big trends of the season -- all perfect with Hanes Silk Reflections Ultra Sheer, of course!

Hanes Silk Reflections Ultra Sheer will be available in six shades -- Barely Black®, Barely There®, Gentlebrown, Jet, Little Color®, Natural -- with a retail price of $10. Each one is like "cosmetics for the legs," according to Phillip.

And -- as if that weren't enough -- Phillip was amazingly nice, chatting with each of us personally after the event and even posing for photos! Check us out!

Read More...

Fashion Question: Do You Change Your Bag To Match Your Outfit?

Above is a picture of my actual bag, taken for the fabulous Dina's What's In HER Bag? column a few months ago. Can you believe I actually move most of that stuff around from bag to bag on an almost daily basis so my bag matches my outfit?

How about you? Do you change your bag to match your outfit? Let me know in the comments!

Read More...

The Shower Gel Journey: Philosophy Lilac Blossom Shower Gel

Ooh La La! And add numerous exclamation points. How can a body gel feel so good? It can if it’s Philosophy Lilac Blossom Shower Gel. I’d heard from others that Philosophy is the product of choice, but I’d never had the chance to test that theory. How right they are! My skin glows, soft and smooth. All of the little wrinkly crinkly areas sighed with bliss as they were caressed with the creamy lotion-like shower gel. The scent does not overpower but stimulates and invigorates.

Then, I ventured into using Lilac Blossom as a shampoo. Yes! Lathered softness and clean, shiny hair. I don’t have the frizzies after applying Lilac Blossom, and I ALWAYS suffer from that affliction.

The Philosophy line ascribes to a science-based skin care technology, employing medically accepted ingredients. According to Philosophy, “[Our] promise is to bring its customers products that inspire them to live a better life by being better to themselves. We believe the best cosmetic is great looking skin.”

Bottom line: I love this product!

Lilac Blossom Shower Gel by Philosophy retails for $20 at philosophy.com.

Read More...

Nail Polish Collection Review: Color Club Untamed Luxury

Colors so luxe, they're covered in diamonds. That's the line of thought behind Color Club Untamed Luxury, the new collection for Fall 2010 -- and let me tell you, it's right on the money. Check out tons of sparkle, glitter and glam after the jump. (Note: each polish was applied with two coats.)



Untamed Luxury
The namesake of the collection -- and my personal favorite! One coat yields a sheer, glittery green. Two bring forth a totally and completely WOW factor of sparkly teal. So gorgeous.

Snakeskin
While I had some application problems with this one, I do like the greenish silver hue with undertones of glittery flecks. You will notice some streak marks, though -- the metallic finish of this polish definitely didn't make applying it a breeze.

Resort to Red
What a beautiful deep scarlet. Again, the metallic finish caused some streak marks, but I'm willing to overlook it for such a gorgeous color.

Red Velvet
I. Love. This. Color. The blackened red with flecks of crimson glitter is so glam macabre.

Ms Hautie
This polish is perfect for the holidays. A rainbow of shimmer underlies the bold silvery grey -- so perfect with a little black dress.

De-Luxe-Cious
I don't really see the need for both this color and Ms Hautie, to be honest -- but on their own, each is perfectly pretty. I do like the glittery finish of this one.

Covered in Diamonds
So unless you love wearing random pieces of glitter on your nails, this is not a polish to be worn on its own. I do like the randomness of the confetti-like, colorful glitter as the brush places it on the nail -- but I think it's better suited as a top coat.

For more information about Color Club and to find a retailer near you, visit cosmeticgroup.com.

Disclosure: These products were furnished by a representative of Color Club for potential review.

Read More...

Mani of the Week: Essie Angora Cardi

I know this color is from last year, but I'm still totally in love with it. Essie Angora Cardi is the perfect mix of mauve, purple and brown -- so chic and sophisticated. I love the creamy finish -- the polish just glides right onto the nail.

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

Read More...

My New Favorite Moisturizer: Bulgari Gem Essence Source Defense Cellular Antioxidant Cream

Remember when I told you how horrible my skin has looked recently? (Click here for a recap.) Well, I've found the answer. Bulgari Gem Essence Source Defense Cellular Antioxidant Cream has literally brought my skin back from the dead in a matter of days.



For starters, my skin was so dry it was peeling off in scaly patches. Pretty unsightly, not to mention terrifying! Bulgari Source Defense cleared this up in just two days. Now my skin is smooth and baby soft to the touch -- not a glimpse of dryness to be found!

I am, of course, completely enamored of the glamorous packaging. The angular clear tub is topped by a signature silver cap with pale blue center -- one of the more gorgeous beauty products atop my vanity, to be sure. Within the tub lies a gloriously scented pink cream -- not too light, not too heavy but just right. The cream is formulated with Thioneine-EC Complex, an antioxidant which encourages the strengthning of skin's natural defenses, and Hydra Filaggrin, which hydrates and restores the skin immediately.

To be honest, I have no idea how I survived until now without this rich, luxurious cream in my life. I know it won't be leaving my vanity anytime soon!

Bulgari Gem Essence Source Defense Cellular Antioxidant Cream retails for $185 at bergdorfgoodman.com.

Read More...

Sunscreen on the Go: Supergoop! SPF 30+ Sunscreen Swipes with Zinc for Sensitive Skin

When you're in a hurry, sometimes the last thing you want to worry about is sunscreen. But since it's really important to protect your skin against harmful UVA and UVB rays, what's a gal to do? Why not pick up Supergoop! SPF 30+ Sunscreen Swipes with Zinc for Sensitive Skin?

These wipes are one of the more genius inventions I've come across recently. They're formulated with zinc oxide (to provide anti-irritating UV protection), green tea (to reduce irritation and redness, and combat free radical damage), and Vitamin E (to soften skin).

Not to mention they WORK. I used a few of them when I went to the Indiana University Homecoming game last weekend -- a blazing hot day with the sun beating down on me for 4 hours -- and didn't see a single red burn mark on my skin, thanks to these wipes' amazingness!

Supergoop! SPF 30+ Sunscreen Swipes with Zinc for Sensitive Skin are $34 for 40 at sephora.com.

Read More...

Beauty Question: What Was Your First Memorable Spa Experience?

It was 2005, and my best friend was getting married. We decided to do a spa day at Cleveland's John Robert's Spa for her bachelorette party, and -- while I was already well-versed in beauty by that point -- GASP! I had never had a massage.

Yes, Jamie, the girl who lives and breathes by massages, had never experienced one before August 2005. To think back on the time feels like utter blasphemy! Thankfully, I've more than made up for my lack of massage time prior to 2005 in the years that have followed.

But there was something special about that spa experience, maybe because it was the first time I got a massage -- to this day, I search high and low for one that could be that amazing, but the subsequent massages I've gotten have never quite lived up to the very first one. And, in another shocker, my massage that day was only 30 minutes -- and I fell asleep on the table.

What was your first memorable spa experience? Let me know in the comments!

Read More...

My Latest Mani: Zoya Roxy

My gal Dina has been telling me how amazing Zoya Roxy is for months. And I totally agreed with her, but it took me until today to break out of my stash. All I can say is, WOW. What a sparkling stunner! I love the richly pigmented hue -- it's a gorgeous mix of fuchsia, magenta and berry -- and the fact that it's liberally packed with pink glitter just ups its appeal.

What's on your nails right now? Let me know in the comments!

Read More...

Trend-Spotting: Owl Pendants

A word to the wise: owl pendants are all the rage. From Forever 21 to Gorjana, nature's wisest creature brings whimsicality to your look. Check out my favorites after the jump.



ModCloth A Bird to the Wise Necklace ($15.99): A mosaic of sepia and brown plates creates the body of this owl, while a knowingly sour expression paints his face.

Forever 21 Swaying Owl Necklace ($5.80): I totally love the swaying, intertwined chains that make up the owl's body in this chic, oversized pendant.

Stella & Dot Owl Charm Pendant Necklace ($44): A swirling cabochon makes up the owl's body on this chic vintage pendant -- perfect for an evening look with panache.

Marc by Marc Jacobs Fantastical Tale Charm Necklace ($228): A true flight of fancy -- Marc's owl charms surrounded by hearts, diamonds and spades.

Betsey Johnson Large Owl Necklace ($75): With brightly hued jewels and a black body, Betsey's owl pendant delicately toes the line between macabre and whimsical.

Alkemie Owl Mask Necklace in Gold ($176): What's better than an owl ace that's just so gorgeously intricate? Nothing, that's what.

Jacquie Aiche 14K Blue Diamond Owl Pendant Necklace ($737): Okay, I admit this is a bit of an extravagance. But seriously, eyes made of blue diamonds? Totally cool.

Gorjana Small Owl Necklace in Silver ($74): This delicate pendant certainly makes a pretty, girly statement.

Read More...

The Shower Gel Journey: Aveda Caribbean Therapy Body Cleanser

Ever since treating myself to the luxurious experience of having my hair styled at an Aveda salon, I’ve always relished the distinct smell of the products. One whiff and I know I’m in the presence of superlative products. With glee, I opened the tube of Aveda Caribbean Therapy Body Cleanser, prepared to pamper my skin with extraordinary emollients. The rich, creamy lather exuded island aromas of amyris, bay, vetiver and lime with the purpose of soothing and smoothing. Oh yes! Mission accomplished!

Using natural ingredients with an earth-friendly mission, Aveda, the Art and Science of Pure Flower and Plant Essences, respects nature and strives to maintain respect for the environment. They say, “Authentic Beauty cares for the environment which we inherited from elders and will leave to generations that follow us.”

I plan to use Caribbean Therapy body cleanser until there’s none left in the tube. My skin will thank me!

Aveda Caribbean Therapy Body Cleanser retails for $25 at aveda.com.

Read More...

Beauty Question: What Do You Do for Really Dry Skin?

So recently I got a facial at a spa I'd been wanting to check out for quite some time. I was really excited, until I got there and was told I'd be having microdermabrasion. Let me preface this with two statements:

1) I have fairly good skin to begin with
2) My skin is unbelievably sensitive

So of course I was nervous about microdermabrasion. But I went along with it, because, hey -- this aesthetician was a pro.

Well, that was my mistake. Ever since, my skin has been drier than the Sahara. I've tried serums, masks, moisturizers -- no matter what, my face just doesn't look the same. I don't know what to do.

Which brings me to my beauty question -- what do you do for really dry skin? Inquiring minds really, really want to know. Let me know your tips and tricks in the comments!

Read More...

Hair Confessional: Do You Cheat On Your Stylist?

Confession: I used to be a hair cheater. I went to different salons every time I got my hair cut or colored, trying out a new stylist every few months to see whether I could find someone better. And then my colorist, Jan-Marie Arteca of the Ted Gibson Salon, came along.

Instantly, my coloring life took a turn for the better. Gone were the days of cheating on my stylist -- because, with Jan-Marie, my color looks stunning each and every time. She continuously knows what to do with my color that punches it up, brings it new life and vibrancy, and keeps things interesting. And she's SMART. All I have to say is, "RED!" -- and Jan-Marie knows exactly what to do. Seriously, she's a color GENIUS.

Sadly, I'm not coloring my hair while I'm out of work -- gotta be able to pay my rent, after all! -- but as soon as a new job comes along, you'd better believe I'm going back to Jan-Marie for more.

Check out tedgibsonsalon.com for salon information. To follow Jan-Marie Arteca on Twitter, click here.

Read More...

The Shower Gel Journey: Peter Thomas Roth Botanical Oasis Body Wash

I don’t know why I’ve kept on using a wash rag when a new pouf was lying in the bathroom vanity. What better time to use the little green wonder than sampling Peter Thomas Roth’s Botanical Oasis Body Wash? Suds mixed with Vitamins A and E instantly led to an invigorating scent for an all-around clean result.

The ingredients’ promise to leave my skin smooth with pro vitamin B5 and chamomile did just that. I appreciate the product’s assertion that it prevents moisture loss and removes impurities. After all, I AM of a certain age!

Peter Thomas Roth initially sought to solve his own skin problems, which included acne and, of course, signs of aging. His ancestors owned spas in Hungary, employing the muds and minerals to effect results. Since 1993, the company has introduced over 100 products to address numerous skin care needs. I love that Botanical Oasis Body Wash ascribes to being “Animal Cruelty Free.”

Peter Thomas Roth Botanical Oasis Body Wash retails for $18 at peterthomasroth.com.

Read More...

The Shower Gel Journey: Origins Ginger Burst Savory Body Wash

As a person who is in a beauty rut -- having used the same body wash for years -- I was excited to try a new product by Origins. The line's Ginger Burst Savory Body Wash left me feeling moisturized with its creamy consistency, while the aroma of ginger lingered throughout the day with an invigorating essence.

Tracing its roots to Eastern cultures, ginger is recognized for its warming abilities and power to soothe tired joints and muscles. The Origins philosophy combines ginger with other cooling herbs to evince a sense of harmony, health and happiness inside and out -- a perfect Yin and Yang.

The bottle is easy to open and hold -- no fumbling necessary! My delicate skin appreciated the lack of animal ingredients, paraffin and synthetic colors. A healthy body wash to start the day!

The results? Beautiful, silky skin.

Origins Ginger Burst Savory Body Wash is $22 for 8.5 fl. oz. at origins.com.

Read More...

Celebrate Genes Day with Lancôme on Friday, October 22

Are you looking for a way to help those living with cancer? Lancôme is here to help. Enter Genes Day, a very special event taking place this Friday, October 22.

This fundraiser, happening on Friday only, is in support of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital -- the first and only pediatric cancer center to be designated as a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute. Lancôme will donate $7 from every bottle sold of Génifique Youth Activating Concentrate on Friday to support the research and treatment at St. Jude.

Show your support for this amazing cause by purchasing a bottle of Génifique Youth Activating Concentrate at all Lancôme counters in the United States and on lancome-usa.com this Friday, October 22. You can also follow Lancôme on Twitter here, and support the cause by using the hashtag #lancomegenesday.

Read More...

Support Breast Cancer Awareness: Elemis Sparkling Beauty Collection

I'm about to let you in on a little secret. Every product created by Elemis is A-M-A-Z-I-N-G. We're talking best you've ever tried, never found anything like it amazing. And, true to form, such is the case with the Elemis Sparkling Beauty Collection.

This limited-edition collection of skincare products is a truly indulgent treat. Open up the gorgeously wrapped pink box to discover the following amazing products:

Eau de Parfum (5ml): The line's signature scent is exuberant and aromatic, containing notes collected from across the globe for Elemis spa therapies.

Pro-Collagen Marine Cream (30ml): This moisturizer is clinically proven to reduce the appearance of wrinkles by up to 78 percent and increase hydration by up to 45 percent. No wonder it's a cult favorite.

Visible Brilliance (10ml): The double-action serum brightens dull, fatigued and stressed skin.

Cellular Recovery Skin Bliss Capsules (14 capsules): Get a powerful anti-pollution skin detox with a high concentration of antioxidants. In short? They repair visible signs of aging.

And here's the best part -- this kit retails for only $95 at timetospa.com. It's a $161 value! Your skin will be glowing in no time. Plus, from now until December 31, Elemis will donate $10 from the purchase of every kit to Living Beyond Breast Cancer.

Read More...

Get Your Kicks: Converse Chuck Taylor All Stars

I have an addiction to Converse. I believe I can trace it to the many viewings of "The Sandlot" my brother and I experienced in the 90's -- watching Rodriguez lace up those High Flyers before running to stop The Beast spurred me toward owning multiple pairs in later years.

There's just something so inherently cool about Converse. I have multiple styles (star-embossed sneakers, the laceless, the classic Chuck Taylors) -- and, somehow, it's never enough. I can always justify just one more pair -- after all, those neon orange high-tops would look so cool with skinny leggings!

But for now, I'm contenting myself by rocking the low Chuck Taylors in red. I snapped them up at Famous Footwear during my last visit to Cleveland, and they've hardly left my feet since. I feel the day when I outrun a massive dog carrying my Babe Ruth baseball is just right around the corner.

Converse Chuck Taylor All Stars retail for $45 at converse.com.

Read More...

Morning Glory: Eve Lom Morning Time Cleanser

Recently, I seem to be a sucker for a new type of cleanser. Gone are the days of wetting my face before sudsing up (though, to be fair, I still do love my Dermalogica cleansers). Recently, it seems like all I do is use cleansers that are meant to be applied to the skin dry -- like Eve Lom Morning Time Cleanser.



Now, I'll be honest -- I don't use this cleanser in the morning. No, I use it at night before bed. In the morning, I do still like to use my cleanser in the shower, which means it's my standby Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel that takes the cake. But at night? I'm all about Eve Lom.

Inspired by the original Eve Lom Cleanser, this is a lighter version with a unique grainy texture -- different from other cleansers I've tried. There are conflicting opinions on the scent, but I happen to LOVE it -- the combination of aromatic hops, eucalyptus, Egyptian chamomile and clove oil give off a nutmeg-like aroma that makes me feel so homey and ready for crisp temperatures. Papaya fruit enzyme exfoliates the skin while decongesting and minimizing the appearance of pores, while carrot oil (packed with pro-Vitamin A), stimulates collagen production.

In short? This cleanser has shot to the top of my must-have list. It smells incredible and a dime-sized amount is all that's needed to leave my skin feeling tingly and super-clean.

Eve Lom Morning Time Cleanser retails for $60.

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

Read More...

Support Breast Cancer Awareness: Purple Lab SWAC Sealed With a Cure Lipgloss in Nancy

The most gorgeous lipgloss that gives back? Purple Lab SWAC Sealed with a Cure Lipgloss in Nancy. Purple Lab founder Karen Robinovitz created this lipgloss to remind us that we need to band together to find a cure. The shade, a beautiful creamy pink with flecks of real gold, was a favorite of Nancy Block-Zenna -- the woman whose life inspired her friends to launch the Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation.

SWAC is incredibly moisturizing and nourishing, a heavy but not cakey or tacky formula with mangosteens, echinacea (the herbal remedy for the immune system), vanilla (aromatherapy to uplift the spirit) and moisturizing Vitamins C and E.

Purple Lab SWAC Sealed with a Cure Lipgloss in Nancy brings us one step closer to finding a cure for breast cancer. It retails for $18.50 at purplelabnyc.com. 20 percent of the proceeds will benefit the Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation.

Read More...