Smile Pretty: Supersmile Mandarin Mint Professional Whitening Toothpaste

Colgate and Crest, I love you, but I'm pretty sure you've been replaced. I'm sure if you met Supersmile Mandarin Mint Professional Whitening Toothpaste, you'd understand.

For starters, it lifts surface stains (think coffee, tea, tobacco and red wine), thanks to Calprox®. It also maintains and enhances the vibrancy of professionally bleached teeth -- not something I have, but good to know nonetheless. It fights cavities with fluoride, and it's even kosher (not that I need my toothpaste to be kosher, but it can't hurt).

Plus, it tastes fantastic. I expected the toothpaste to taste pretty weird -- much like brushing your teeth right after eating an orange -- but instead, it just has a hint of citrus that actually leaves breath smelling unbelievably fresh.

And my favorite feature? It restores bonds to their natural whiteness! As I've got a bond on my front tooth (an unfortunate run-in with a movie theater seat at age 7 left me with a chipped tooth!), I'm unable to whiten my teeth -- but it's good to know my bond will look as white as ever thanks to this toothpaste.

Supersmile Mandarin Mint Professional Whitening Toothpaste retails for $21 at supersmile.com.

First Look Fridays: Celebrity Colorist Marie Robinson

Do you know who made both Jennifer Connelly and Emma Stone blonde? Well, I'll give you a hint -- it was celebrity colorist Marie Robinson. Plus, she has her own salon in NYC! (Check out marierobinsonsalon.com for more info.) Read on to find out how she first got into the hairstyling industry, her favorite product for color touchups and so much more!

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Sparkle On: TOMS Silver Women's Glitters

My new favorite purchase? My first pair of TOMS, of course. I'd been very interested in TOMS for quite some time -- I love the One for One Movement that the company came up with. (In case you aren't familiar with it, for every pair of TOMS that you buy, a pair is donated to a child in need. Hence, One for One.)

I've long been in love with the Silver Women's Glitters. They're glamorous and sophisticated but still casual and cool, thanks to the flat silhouette and cushy outsole. I ordered mine true to size, and while they were a bit tight the first time I tried to get them on, they quickly molded to my feet and became THE MOST COMFORTABLE SHOES I OWN. Plus, they're glittery silver! I've been stopped on the street multiple times in the past week by people telling me how much they love my shoes.

I seriously feel like Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz in these. (Because, unlike the movie made her shoes out to be, in the book they're actually silver.) Purchase your own pair of TOMS Silver Women's Glitters for $54 at toms.com.

Mani of the Week: Lancome Violet Groove from Ultra-Lavande Spring 2011

I. Love. Purple. Seriously, it's one of my favorite colors. So my mani this week -- Lancome Violet Groove, from the brand's Spring 2011 collection (aptly named Ultra-Lavande), definitely speaks to me.

I love the bold grape hue, especially since it's undercut with just the tiniest hint of grey. I also love the creamy finish and the fact that two coats applied smoothly and evenly.

Top photo, with flash. This photo, without flash.

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

Bed of Roses: Jo Malone Red Roses Home Candle

I wanna lay you down in a bed of roses
For tonight I'll sleep on a bed of nails
I wanna be just as close as your Holy Ghost is
And lay you down on a bed of roses
-- Bed of Roses, Bon Jovi

One of my favorite scents in the whole wide world? Roses. So it only stands to reason that the Jo Malone Red Roses Home Candle has made its way into my life.

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My Latest Mani: Essie Lyford Lilac with OPI Pink Before You Leap

While in Pittsburgh this week, my nails were definitely looking a little worse for wear. I'd gone close to two weeks without a manicure (gasp!) and my nails were definitely overdue! So I stopped in a little nail place near my hotel, not really of consequence except for the fact that I love the color combination I came up with for my manicure.

I went with two coats of Essie Lyford Lilac, topped by a coat of OPI Pink Before You Leap. The two mauveish-pinks are definitely in the same color family, but the rainbow sparkles within the OPI really jazzed up the creaminess of the Essie. I don't normally do pink, but this was a fun way to be "normal" with my nails!

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

First Look Fridays: Hairstylist Patrick Melville

I'm going to be honest. Anyone who's groomed Harry Connick, Jr. immediately jumps to the top of my list of favorite people. So it only stands to reason that hairstylist Patrick Melville holds a coveted spot! But in addition to styling Harry Connick, Patrick's work has graced the pages of some of the world's most famous fashion magazines. Read on to find out which hairbrush he can't live without, what he has to say about working with a bad haircut and so much more.

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Hydrated, Refreshed and Beautiful: Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Continuous Eye Hydration

1) I travel. A lot.

2) My skin HATES the fact that I travel so much.

3) As retaliation for how often I travel, my skin decides to become super dry and dehydrated on a regular basis.

4) I combat this dryness and dehydration around my eyes with the fabulous Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Continuous Eye Hydration.

Miracle product? In one word, yes. This moisturizer is designed specifically for the delicate eye area and encourages a more youthful appearance by protecting against free radicals and increasing skin's collagen production. If you're looking to decrease lines, puffiness and the formation of milia (those annoying little white bumps that seem to appear especially if you find yourself tearing up a lot), this is the eye cream for you.

So how does this eye cream work, you may ask? It's formulated with phospholipids (to hydrate), caffeine and cucumber extract (to counteract puffiness), Centella Asiatica (to protect and heal delicate skin), and antioxidants (to prevent aging). It's perfect for use day or night, as it's not too heavy and sinks into skin immediately upon contact.

I've definitely noticed a difference in how hydrated and moisturized my eyes look now that I've introduced this eye cream into my regimen. Thank goodness, since I'm flying three times in the next two weeks!

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Continues Eye Hydration retails for $45 at dgskincare.com.

Beauty Question: How Do You Feel About Applying Lipstick in Public?

We've probably all done it -- broken out the lipstick and applied it on a train, at the movies, in line at the supermarket. But does that make it right? In this beauty chick's mind, there's nothing wrong with it -- I'd SO much rather see someone applying lipstick than, say, clipping their nails.

But how do you feel about applying lipstick in public? Are you for or against it? Let me know in the comments!

Little Drops of Heaven: SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Gel

I'm going to preface this post with a statement that may make some of you hate me. I have really good skin. (I'll wait for the boos and hisses to finish.) Okay, now that you've stopped hating me, let me continue. Even though I have really good skin, I suffer from dryness and dehydration due to tons of travel and what seems like the constant change of seasons nowadays. That's where SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Gel comes in.

Much to my surprise and delight, this serum has been a total game-changer in my skincare routine. The little bottle, complete with an eyedropper that makes me feel like I'm performing important science experiments, contains such a potent serum that my skin looks and feels better than it has in quite some time.

For starters, Hydrating B5 Gel is formulated with Vitamin B5, which helps with tissue repair and makes the skin smoother and younger-looking. (And since I'm in my 30s, I'll take all the help I can get.) It also contains hyaluronic acid, a natural hydrator that binds moisture to the skin.

But here's the coolest part. You only need TWO DROPS of the serum to cover the entire face and neck -- and, even then, you'll have some left over. With this serum, a little most definitely goes a long way.

In just two weeks, I've noticed my skin has become softer, smoother and firmer -- and, yes, younger-looking. I'm expecting to be mistaken for a teenager any day now.

SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Gel retails for $69 at skinceuticals.com.

So Amazing: LOFT's My Perfect Summer Getaway Sweepstakes!

Trying to plan out your big summer vacation? Well, if LOFT has anything to say about it, you'll be entering their My Perfect Summer Getaway Sweepstakes for a chance to win a trip to 1 of 4 amazing destinations!

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Video Review: Tocca Delicato da Viaggio Laundry Travel Set

Admittedly, doing laundry isn't my favorite thing in the world. But with the Tocca Delicato da Viaggio Laundry Travel Set by my side, it certainly becomes a lot more pleasurable! Check out my video to learn more about this fabulous set.



The Tocca Delicato da Viaggio Laundry Travel Set retails for $22 at Sephora stores and tocca.com.

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

Pretty in Purple: Givenchy Le Prisme Purple Show Eyeshadow Quad

I love makeup palettes and I love purple. So when I came across the Givenchy Le Prisme Purple Show Eyeshadow Quad, I was immediately drawn to it.

This palette is simply a match made in heaven! The four shimmery shades, ranging from light lavender to dark violet, are perfect from day to night. The top of the palette, inlaid with blue G's, is sophisticated and chic. And the three brushes in the pullout drawer beneath the shadows make this palette perfect for travel -- no extra brushes required!

The Givenchy Le Prisme Purple Show Eyeshadow Quad retails for $56 at sephora.com.

Beauty Giveaway: Slatkin & Co. Sparkling Mojito and Calypso Sun Filled Candles

Want to make your home smell amazing? The newest candles from Slatkin & Co. will totally do the trick. I'm partial to two of the scents to hit the line:

Sparkling Mojito (lemon slices, sparkling pomelo, crushed mint leaves, orange zest and iced sugar cane)

Calypso Sun (juicy mandarin, white peach and tropical mango)

These two candles smell absolutely divine. I love that they each are triple-wick candles and have a burn time of 40-65 hours. They're so perfect now that the weather is warming up, too!

And now one lucky person has the chance to win both candles! Simply enter your name and email address in the box below for your chance to win. This giveaway has a retail value of $39!



This giveaway ends on Sunday, May 22 at midnight. One winner will be chosen AT RANDOM on Monday, May 23. Multiple entries will be disqualified. Giveaway is open to US residents only.

Haul of the Day: Rebecca Minkoff MAC Clutches!

In case you didn't already know, I am obsessed with Rebecca Minkoff. Before I stepped into her sample sale in NYC this past week, I already owned three of her bags -- the MAB Mini Mini, the Boyfriend Pouch and the Studded Devote Tote.

Well, guess what? I am now the proud owner of two Rebecca Minkoff MAC Clutches! Check out my video to see the newest additions to my growing Rebecca Minkoff arsenal!

First Look Fridays: Celebrity Manicurist Terrance Terry

Jennifer Garner. Monica. Ciara. Mary J. Blige. Some of the biggest names in the business, right? Well, they've all got one thing in common -- their nails have all been touched by the super fabulous celebrity manicurist Terrance Terry. Read on to discover how he got his start in the business, the fashion show look he created that he's totally in love with, and so much more.

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So Fresh: Fresh Sugar Honey Tinted Lip Treatment SPF 15

Oh, Fresh. Just when I think you've done it all, you go ahead and come out with a brand-new addition to your Lip Treatments! Introducing the fabulous Fresh Sugar Honey Tinted Lip Treatment SPF 15.

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My New Obsession? Stripes.

Hello, my name is Jamie, and I'm obsessed with stripes.

Seriously, someone might have to set up an intervention for me soon. Everything I've bought recently is striped -- really, everything -- and I still don't think I have enough stripes in my closet.

And in case you think I'm kidding, just take a look at the photos below. (Or the one above, taken at the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf in LA.) All of these have been taken since March.

With some friends from my Israel trip at Arlene's Grocery in NYC

Rockin' stripes teamed with my other obsession, the cutout shoulder, in my apartment

Caught in the act with my boys in Bloomington

Making kissy faces to my new (temporary!) tattoo

Beauty Question: Do You Ever Wear Sandals Without a Pedicure?

On my way to work today, I noticed a woman in front of me wearing cute shoes. But that's not actually what kept and held my attention. Upon further inspection, I realized she didn't have a pedicure!

Now, I'm not one to say every single person in the world has to have a pedicure at all times. But I just don't feel like my feet are DONE if my toes aren't painted -- especially now that warm weather is upon us and open-toed shoes become the norm!

What's your take on pedicures? Do you ever wear sandals without a pedicure, or is that a total no-no? Let me know in the comments!

Salon and Spa Directory: Vinothérapie Spa by Caudalie at the Plaza's Crushed Cabernet Scrub

When I think of the Crushed Cabernet Scrub I recently enjoyed at Vinothérapie Spa by Caudalie at the Plaza, one word comes to mind. DIVINE. From start to finish, my experience at Caudalie could not have been more decadent, more detoxifying, and, yes, more divine.

As if walking into the Plaza on 5th Avenue weren't enough to make me feel like a lady who lunches, the Vinothérapie Spa by Caudalie elevated me to princess status from the moment I stepped off the elevator. The changing area is spacious and well-stocked, the people working there could not have been more gracious, and the lounge is BEAUTIFUL. While I decided not to drink wine during my visit, there is a sommelier on hand to help you choose from a fully stocked wine bar while you relax on chaise lounges and munch on fruit and nuts.

But it was the Crushed Cabernet Scrub that really left me feeling rejuvenated and glowing from head to toe. This 35-minute service is at once invigorating and relaxed. I was impressed that the scrub application wasn't rough or hurtful upon my skin -- in fact, due to the grape seeds, honey and brown sugar, it was quite pleasurable and smelled incredible! After a quick Vichy shower (much needed, as my body was both covered in grape seeds and super sticky from the honey), my therapist massaged a blend of Contouring Concentrate and Nourishing Body Lotion into my skin, which left it feeling so unbelievably soft and smooth, I couldn't stop running my hands over my arms and legs for the next three days! (Yes, this feeling lasted even after multiple showers at home!)

I honestly can't say enough good things about my experience at Vinothérapie Spa by Caudalie at the Plaza and the Crushed Cabernet Scrub. From start to finish, I was treated like a princess and left with skin softer than it had felt in weeks!

The Crushed Cabernet Scrub is $145 for 35 minutes. For more information, visit caudalie-usa.com.

Disclosure: This treatment was provided free of charge for potential editorial consideration.

Mani of the week: Rescue Beauty Lounge Insouciant

I. Love. Purple. So it comes as no surprise that Rescue Beauty Lounge Insouciant was my manicure of choice this week. I stopped in at Rescue Beauty Lounge on Gansevoort yesterday for the Signature Manicure and Pedicure -- and even got to meet the lady behind the amazing line, Ji Baek herself!

While there, I simply had to go with Insouciant. I love that the color is a bit darker than pastel lavender, and then toes the line amazingly well between punky and pretty with just a hint of shimmer. I couldn't ask for a cooler purple!

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

Trend-Spotting: Russian Nesting Dolls

I've always had a fascination with Russian nesting dolls. It's so cool to me that as you keep opening them up, there's a smaller identical doll nested inside. So it comes as no surprise that I'm obsessed with the accessories I've come across recently that are inspired by these dolls, otherwise known as Matryoshka dolls. Check out some of my favorites below!

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Guess What? I'm Now a Contacts Wearer, Thanks to 1-Day Acuvue TruEye!

Notice something different about me? Okay, okay, I'll tell you ... I got contacts! I've never had them before, and truth be told, I was always pretty afraid of putting them in my eyes. But, lo and behold, after my recent eye doctor appointment, I am now a contacts wearer!

I've got 1-Day Acuvue TruEye contacts in my eyes here, to be more exact. These contacts are created with Hydraclear®, a proprietary technology by Johnson & Johnson that creates a moisture-rich wetting agent in a state-of-the-art formulation. What does this actually mean? The contact lenses are more wettable and ultra-smooth, so your eyes look and feel healthy and natural. They also protect against harmful UV rays, which I think is pretty darn cool.

But my favorite part of wearing contacts? I can see without glasses! While I don't know that I'll wear contacts all the time, I love having the option. And with Acuvue TruEye, I don't even feel the contacts in my eyes! Plus, I can wear them all day or just for special events and actually have people see my eye makeup, rather than hiding it behind glasses.

If you're interested in trying 1-Day Acuvue TruEye contact lenses, check out acuvue.com for more information.

My Experience with Laser Hair Removal at Completely Bare, Volume 3

While I'm a fan of the dark hair on my head, when it comes to my underarms, all bets are off. I despise having to shave every day, and I finally decided to do something about it ... I'm taking the plunge and trying laser hair removal at Completely Bare! Follow my journey over the next several months as I chronicle the progress!

This past Saturday was my third laser hair removal session with Ildi at Completely Bare. I'm pretty used to the process now, so I just hopped right up on the table and let Ildi get to work.

Remembering how I had to reschedule my last session due to the fact that I'd shaved two days before, I (very unwillingly) made myself go five days without shaving prior to the appointment. Ildi actually had to shave my hair down a bit before starting the laser treatment this time, though she said it's better to do it that way than have me shave beforehand.

I noticed a definite decrease in the pain factor this time. I never really thought it was painful, anyway, but each zap with the laser barely made an impact at all during this session! Nothing more than a tiny prick.

The only thing I think is strange is that my hair actually seems to be growing back faster after session 2 than it did after session 1. I'm hoping after this third session, though, the hair growth slows considerably.

Check back in mid-June for Volume 4 of my laser hair removal experience!

Disclosure: This session was provided free of charge by Completely Bare for potential review.

Mani of the Week: CND's Jason Wu Collection Brigitte and Anna Effect

Since I usually paint my nails with super crazy colors, I decided to go a little subdued this week. That's where the new Jason Wu Collection from CND came in handy. The limited-edition collection honors iconic women through wearable, timeless shades. Each is rich, warm and beautiful.

So I went with two coats of Brigitte, a gorgeous warm pink that evokes the voluptuous feel of Brigitte Bardot. I layered one coat of Anna Effect over the top, which is supposed to create a tweed-like effect, but I found it to make my nails super glossy. (I did, of course, then add a layer of Seche Vite so the color will lock in and stay for the whole week!)

CND Brigitte and Anna Effect, no flash

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

An Insider's Look: Celebrity Manicurist & Sheswai Lacquer Creator Debbie Leavitt

As you've probably figured out from years of reading The Beauty of Life, I love all things nails. So it comes as no surprise that I'm thrilled to bring you this interview with manicurist Debbie Leavitt! Debbie has worked on some of the biggest names in the business, from Alicia Keys and Anna Paquin to Maggie Gyllenhaal and Olivia Wilde. And that's not all -- she has her own line of nail polish, Sheswai Lacquer! Read on to find out which kind of buffer is her favorite, the kitchen essential that she uses as a moisturizer, and so much more.

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