Friday, April 30, 2010

Hair Care Friday: Aubrey Organics Calaguala Fern Texturizing Leave-In Treatment (review)

Now that I've decided to grow my hair long again; it's all about keeping it in good condition. It takes a few years for my hair to get really long (waist-length when wet). Which means that the hair on the top of my head will be years old by the time it reaches my waist. Which means it will have been styled and color-treated who knows how many times. Which also means I need to start conditioning it now and keep it up. Here to help are the folks at Aubrey Organics.

Calaguala Fern Texturizing Leave-In Treatment

Blurb: Clear your head. Fresh, aromatic herbals work all day in this leave-in conditioning treatment that normalizes hair and scalp. Herbal gums and B vitamins add volume and manageability for a full, healthy head of hair. Calaguala Extract & Cade Essential Oil promote hair & scalp health, Herbal Gums add volume & hold, and Amino Acid Complex balances & strengthens.

I swear this stuff has already made my hair better! Since my first bottle, my hair feels stronger, fuller and softer. I like to rub it through while my hair is wet, then run my fingers through the strands when it's dry (or almost dry). It seems to add volume and control without any weight, greasiness or stickiness; and it also smells wonderful! It also seems to control oiliness while still keeping my hair soft.

If you visit the website right now, you can save 25% when you buy Lumessence Lift and Honeysuckle CoQ10 Moisturizing Lotion together (add both products to cart to receive your discount). You can also check out the pet section and find some awesome organic products for your puppy. And of course there are plenty of hair care, makeup and fragrance items to keep you happy. You can also find Aubrey Organics at health food stores like Whole Foods, and sites like VitaminLife.com and Beauty.com.

Have a great weekend!
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Beginning Sunday: Enter the weekly FLIRT! It Girl Twitter Contest

Check it out – a fun contest from the folks at FLIRT!

Want to be a FLIRT! It Girl?

You can be! Beginning Sunday, May 2nd followers of FLIRT! on Twitter can enter our weekly FLIRT! It Girl Twitter Contest to be featured as our FLIRT! It Girl of the Week and win our new It Curl Mascara and five Squeeze Me Super Shiny Lipglosses to share with all of their friends. The best part? Weekly It Girls will be automatically entered into our FLIRT! It Girl of the Month Contest and get the chance to win a prize pack worth $250 of FLIRT! Cosmetics.

How does it work?

It’s easy-peasy! Followers of @FLIRTItGirl just need to mention @FLIRTItGirl in a tweet that features an image of their “flirtiest” makeup look of the week.

Every Friday FLIRT! will choose one winner to be featured on their twitter page as the “It Girl of the Week” and win the weekly cosmetics prize. Weekly winners will be automatically entered into a monthly It Girl of the Month contest and FLIRT! will choose the monthly winner based on their involvement as a FLIRT! Weekly It Girl and their winning photo entry.

For full rules and details check out:
http://www.flirtcosmetics.com/customerservice/twitter.tmpl

Make sure to get all the latest news from FLIRT! Follow the FLIRT! It Girl @FLIRTItGirl
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Coming to Bergdorf Goodman in May: Amazing Kilian Gold Travel Set

This looks amazing! If you're as crazy as I am about Kilian Perfumes, you need to know that Kilian is launching a limited edition Gold Travel fragrance set for Mother's Day (sold exclusively at Bergdorf Goodman). Heavenly…

Kilian Exclusive Limited Edition Gold Travel Set at Bergdorf Goodman

Kilian adds a twist to his signature black by lacquering the travel spray in gold and creating a limited-edition set that no one will be able to resist. Crafted with black enamel in an artisanal manner, the gold finish creates an antiqued look yet maintains the elegance and modernity that Kilian expresses throughout the “L’Oeuvre Noire” collection.

Limited Edition Gold Spray Travel Set by Kilian will be available in the new Rose Oud from the Arabian Nights Collection and 4 scents from L’Oeuvre Noire Collection: Love, Liaisons Dangereuses, Straight to Heaven and Back to Black.

Arabian Nights Collection: $235
L'Oeuvre Noire Collection: $155

In addition, he will also be available on Thursday, May 14th from 2-6pm on the beauty level at Bergdorf Goodman NYC!
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More for Mom: Cake Beauty

Yum…

The Mother Of All Gifts
You Deserve This, Take Your Time & All About You Gift Sets


Cake Beauty takes the guesswork out of gift giving this Mother’s Day. Shower your mom with these pampering products that are beautifully boxed and embossed with thoughtful & sweet sentiments: You Deserve This, Take Your Time, and All About You. These indulgent beauty essentials are sure to make her day.

You Deserve This: a best selling rich and luxurious combination that locks in moisture leaving your hands and feet nourished, silky smooth, and soft. Perfect for an instant at-home mani-pedi!

• milk made™ veleveteen hand crème: Formulated with Marshmallow Extract, Shea Butter, Milk Powder, Mango Butter and Glycerin

• cake walk™ triplemint foot crème: Formulated with Avocado Oil, Mango Butter, Sunflower Seed Oil, Coconut Oil, Pure Menthol, Spearmint Oil and Peppermint Oil

Formulated Without: parabens, phthalates, sulfates, triclosan, gmo

Take Your Time: Minimum time, maximum results! This multi-tasking sweet combination provides moisture and sweet scented freshness anytime, anywhere. The ultimate pick-me up!

• Satin sugar™ refreshing hair and body mist: Formulated with Aloe Vera Oil, Glycerin, Vitamin B3, Lactic Acid, Fructose

• Satin sugar™ all-purpose treatment balm: Formulated with 86% Shea Butter, 12% Beeswax

Formulated Without: parabens, sulfates, phthalates, triclosan, gmo

All About You: This charming bath and body trio is infused with tropical scents of Tahitian vanilla and fresh coconut and works overtime (just like mom) to provide soft, smooth and supple skin!

• desserted island™ supreme body mousse

• desserted island™ creamy shower polish

• desserted iIsland™ supremely rich bath and shower froth

Formulated with: Shea Butter, Jojoba Beeds, Coconut Oil and Mango Butter

Formulated Without: parabens, sulfates, phthalates, triclosan, gmo, synthetic dyes

Cake Beauty is an indulgent bath, body and hair care line with multi-purpose product offerings that are infused with natural, raw ingredients, the cornerstone of Cake’s success. All Cake products are 100% paraben free formulas that are 90-95% naturally based.

Where to buy: Sephora.com, Dermstore.com, Glow.com and Cakebeauty.com.
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Mothers' Day is Coming: Bobbi Brown Mothers' Day Gift Guide

Mothers' Day is coming up; so this is the weekend to get to the store (don't wait until next Saturday night). Check out some suggestions from Bobbi Brown…

This Mother’s Day, Bobbi’s got you covered!

Visit
www.bobbibrowncosmetics.com for a selection of perfect presents for every mom, hand-picked by Bobbi herself like her exclusive Shimmer Brick for Body Set, or Cabana Coral Palette.
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Thursday, April 29, 2010

Drive By Thursday: Sue Devitt 70% Triple Seaweed Gel Foundation (review)

Today is another busy one, so I'll save my usual wordiness for another time. But even though things are a little bit frantic; my complexion is looking all smooth and serene. Thanks to a bit of cosmetic assistance from Sue Devitt Cosmetics.

70% Triple Seaweed Gel Foundation

Blurb: A truly revolutionary experience, this gel formulation improves skin tonality, hides imperfections, offers immediate radiance and a healthy glow. The 70% water content leaves skin looking and feeling visibly more healthy and hydrated while reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Suitable for all skin types, the 70% Triple Seaweed Gel Foundation offers sheer to medium coverage and is oil-free.

I got a sample of this with an order of something else and it sat around for about a month until I finally tried it. I should not have waited. I used the sample for a couple of days and was so impressed that had to run out and get my own bottle. (Well, I didn't have to…no wait, yes I did.) Not only does it have lots of nice things for your skin; the look and feel of this foundation are exceptional. It glides on to my skin, and feels absolutely weightless. And it sets to a fresh, smooth and very natural finish. The coverage is sheer to medium, and it lasts all day. It's also oil free, hydrating and soothing. Gorgeous!

If you visit the website, be sure to check out the Exclusives section, and for some one-of-a kind inspiration, take a look at the Beauty Adventures. You can also find Sue Devitt at Bloomingdales, Ulta, Beauty.com.
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New in May! Limited Edition Candle Collection from Jo Malone (and Farrow & Ball)

For the first time ever, Jo Malone (maker of yummy fragrances) will launch a limited edition collection of Colored Candles with British paint and wallpaper company, Farrow & Ball. Jo Malone collaborated with Farrow & Ball to pair five of the most popular scents (Grapefruit, Lime Basil & Mandarin, Wild Fig & Cassis, Pomegranate Noir and Blue Agava & Cacao) with five of Farrow & Ball's most popular colors (Cream, Breakfast Room Green, Pelt, Eating Room Red and Oval Room Blue). Read all about it!

Jo Malone Introduces Collector’s Edition Coloured Candles with Farrow & Ball
Decorating with Colour Meets Decorating with Scent


In a creative collaboration between two British lifestyle brands, Jo Malone has joined with expert manufacturers of traditional paint and wallpaper, Farrow & Ball, to launch its first-ever collection of coloured candles, designed to create a scented ambiance and enhance any decor.

Each of the Jo Malone iconic candle fragrances – Lime Basil & Mandarin, Wild Fig & Cassis, Blue Agava & Cacao Grapefruit, and Pomegranate Noir – have been matched with a classic Farrow & Ball Colour that is intrinsically linked to the unique inspiration behind each scent. The five limited edition Home Candles that compose this charming collection may be used singly or together to create an alluring aroma and colourful palette.

About Farrow & Ball: Farrow & Ball have remained the expert manufacturers of traditional paint and wallpaper since the 1940’s. From small beginnings, this group of craftsmen rapidly established a reputation for quality, winning important contracts for the supply of paint to the Admiralty. During the post-war period, while virtually all other paint manufacturers abandoned traditional formulations and switched to cheaper acrylic paints with a high plastic content, this privately owned company stuck to its craft and continued making paint to its original formulations, using the finest raw materials, and this remains to this day. Farrow & Ball was always appreciated by a loyal group of customers, and with the revival of interest in restoration and historic colours twenty years ago, its reputation began to spread. Farrow & Ball has been discovered by discerning customers in countries across the world, all of whom appreciate the unique Farrow & Ball look.

About Jo Malone: The British lifestyle brand Jo Malone is known for its unique fragrance portfolio and luxury products for the home. Each scent is uniquely crafted in such a way that fragrances can be combined, allowing each client to become the creator of their very own signature scent. Having rewritten the rules of perfumery by mixing unexpected combinations of ingredients and providing elegant yet playful concepts where scent is used with abandon, The World of Jo Malone™ continues to inspire a loyal following. Whether it is creating a personal scent through Fragrance Combining™, delighting loved ones with The Art of Gift Giving, or creating a welcoming home ambiance through Scent Surround™, every product, concept and philosophy is designed as a unique sensory experience.
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Arriving in Stores on Monday! Aveda Damage Remedy Daily Hair Repair

Ever since Fashion Week, everyone has been waiting for Aveda's new product to hit the shelves. And it will be here on...Monday! Take a look…

Aveda introduces Damage Remedy™ Daily Hair Repair

Aveda introduces Damage Remedy™ Daily Hair Repair, a high performance, plant-powered daily leave-in treatment that instantly repairs damage and helps protect hair from heat styling.

• Clinically proven to instantly repair damage by 26%

• Detangles to protect hair from breakage and further damage

• Helps protect from heat styling

• Creates a healthy foundation for styling

• Safe for color-treated hair

Key Ingredients:
• Organically-derived quinoa protein, sustainably sourced from Peru, penetrates the hair shaft to instantly repair damaged hair

• Wheat protein helps protect hair against thermal damage during heat styling

• Soy-derived oil detangles hair to protect from breakage during combing

• Features an uplifting aroma derived from the certified organic essential oils of bergamot, mandarin, and ylang ylang.

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LA Girls - Amazing Event! Beauty Collection Grand Opening!

For all of you in the LA area, here is a fantastic event. Beauty Collection will be opening their new West Hollywood store on Saturday. This event features top beauty brand founders, makeovers, complimentary hairstyling, headshots, beauty bags and more! Check it out and get there any way you can!

Beauty Collection Celebrates Grand Opening Event For New West Hollywood Location



(A portion of sales made during the event will be matched in product donations to The Beauty Bus Foundation)

Beauty Collection, Los Angeles’ premier retailer of prestige beauty products, is pleased to announce the Grand Opening of its newest location in West Hollywood. Beauty Collection West Hollywood provides a beauty oasis featuring over 200 prestige beauty brands and 30,000 unique products.

8951 Santa Monica Boulevard at Robertson Boulevard
Saturday, May 1st from 3:00– 7:00pm


As guests tour the new store, they will have the opportunity to meet the founders of top beauty brands such as:
- Dr. Norman Leaf and Rand Rusher of
Leaf & Rusher
- Scott-Vincent Borba of
BORBA
- Dana B. Myers of Booty Parlor
- Jessica Kernochan of LaLicious
- Sara Happ of Sara Happ
- Michelle Olson of
‘Tini Beauty
- Ole Henriksen of Ole Henriksen
- Shari Creed of SweetSpot Labs

Additionally, a special “Paparazzi-Ready Event” will provide guests with:
- Complimentary hairstyling courtesy of
BLOW
- Makeovers by top artists from Smashbox, Stila, Sue Devitt and Jane Iredale
- Headshots to capture their new look

Plus:
- The first fifty guests will receive a special “door-buster” beauty bag
- Complimentary beauty bags for all guests
- Refreshments will be served

One of the founders of
The Beauty Bus Foundation will be at the event to talk about the work of the organization. The Beauty Bus Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for home-bound, terminally or chronically ill patients and their primary caregivers by providing them with in-home beauty and grooming treatments free of charge. In honor of the opening, a portion of sales made during the Beauty Collection event will be matched in product donations to The Beauty Bus Foundation

Beauty Collection opened its first store in 1997 and has locations in
Calabasas, Malibu, and West Hollywood. Beauty Collection is also available worldwide at www.beautycollection.com.
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Extra Long Awesomeness: Remington Extra-Long Ceramic Straightener

Check out the new extra long straightener from Remington. All the great Remington quality, and it's 50% longer!

Go The Distance For Speedy Style

The do-it-all modern day gal has a lot on her plate – that’s why Remington is making styling faster and easier with five inch plates (50% longer than other leading flat irons) on the NEW Extra-Long Ceramic Straightener. The style-forward iron features floating plates for a more effective glide over hair, 30 second heat up time and one hour auto-shutoff, proving that when it comes to time, size does matter.

Additional features include:

• Anti-static technology that reduces static charges responsible for unruly hair by attracting “-“ and “+” charged particles to create a balance among tresses, diminishing frizz and flyaways while boosting style control

• Thin and thick hair type settings for customizable styling

• 30 variable heat settings 410° salon high heat

• Swivel cord and travel lock

The Remington Extra-Long Ceramic Straightener is available at Target and Walmart stores for a suggested retail price of $24.99.
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Atlanta Curly Girls: Get Pretty with Urbanbella

Check it out (and RSVP for a Phyto hair and scalp analysis)!

the curly, kinky, wavy hair apothecary and salon
141 W. Wieuca Rd NE, Suite 202 A
Atlanta, GA 30342
404.255.5022
http://www.urbanbella.com/

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Instant Gratification: Origins GinZing™ Refreshing Eye Cream (review)

Didn't I just review an Origins product? (Answer: yes I did.) So why am I doing it again? Because I feel like talking about eye cream today. Because I stayed up too late, ate salty snacks, and needed de-puffing in a big way. And because Origins makes awesome, blog-worthy things.

GinZing™ Refreshing eye cream to brighten and depuff

Blurb: Like a shot of expresso for tired eyes. 86% brighter appearance. 80% reduction in puffiness. Late night? Long flight? Look tired all the time? Prepare to become one of the perky people! Nature’s clinically-proven morning-after eye cream instantly reduces dark circles. Unsightly bags and puffiness virtually disappear. And Origins proprietary complex of Caffeine from Coffee bean, Panax Ginseng, Magnolia Extract and natural optic brighteners rapidly wakes up, refreshes and restores radiance to tired eyes.

The woman at the Origins counter told me that this cream flies off the shelves. And I certainly understand why - it just plain works. Somehow the combination of good-for-you, good-for-the-planet ingredients makes my eyes look all better in the morning. Instantly. It absorbs right after applying; and I can feel a faint tingle while it goes to work. In a few minutes, the puffiness is decreased and everything looks so much prettier. There's also a faint shimmer in the cream which adds a bit of instant assistance. It's a lightweight formula; yet it keeps the eye area hydrated all day. And over the past couple of weeks, I've noticed a definite reduction in dark circles. Call me gratified!

There's never a bad time to visit the website; but it's an especially good time to snap up their Nature's Body Treat offer (a cute tote plus 3 Bath & Body Treats for $30). You may also want to browse the rest of the gift section and see about picking out something for Mothers' Day.

Happy Wednesday!
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Tuesday, April 27, 2010

I Accept: Sally Hansen Diamond Strength in "Pink Proposal"

Sadly, no one has proposed to me today; but since I'm going somewhere fun tonight, maybe I'll at least end up with a proposition or two. (Uh oh…did I just say that out loud?)

While I'm hauling my mind out of the gutter; take a look at my favorite new lovely, pristine, wide-eyed, innocent new color from Sally Hansen.

Diamond Strength No-Chip Nail Color (in "Pink Proposal")

Blurb: Micro-Diamond Formula instantly bonds to nails with a diamond-hard protective shield to help stop breaking. Instantly bonds with nails to provide a shatterproof, diamond hard protective coating that virtually ends splitting, cracking and peeling. Light-refractive diamond particles go beyond ordinary lacquer to produce a multi-dimensional faceted shine. Long-lasting color is chip-resistant, fade-resistant and waterproof. Available in 36 shiny shades. Toluene, DBP, and Formaldehyde free. Exclusive micro-diamond formula guarantees a brilliant, multi-faceted shine!

This is the lightest, loveliest, flattering frosty pink. It's fresh, delicate and just plain pretty. And right along with this fragile, dainty shade is Sally Hansen's super strong, super shiny formula that dries well and really lasts. Sweet yet Mighty!

Take a look at the website to see some of the other fab Diamond Shine shades. You may also want to take a look at the Color That Cares program to learn about and/or support the fight against leukemia. (You can even register as a bone marrow donor.) You can find Sally Hansen at your nearest drugstore, grocery store, Target, Ulta, Shopping.com, or Drugstore.com.

Happy Tuesday!
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Watch, Learn and Help: Jergens® Get the Glow Video

Check out Jergens® Get the Glow video. You'll learn about how to get a natural glow safely; and Jergens will make a $1 donation to The Skin Cancer Foundation. Pass it on and get your friends to watch too!

Watch now by clicking here.

Get “In the Glow” with Jane Krakowski, Jergens® Skincare and The Skin Cancer Foundation

Here's a friendly reminder about the safe way to get a natural-looking glow. Want sun-kissed color without the consequences? The experts at Jergens® Skincare know you don’t want to give up the glow. That’s why the Jergens® Skincare Experts have teamed up with The Skin Cancer Foundation and Jane Krakowski to remind women to get their glow the healthy way this season.

To remind sun worshippers to trade in their tanning routines for a healthy glow, the Jergens® Skincare Team and The Skin Cancer Foundation enlisted award-winning actress and singer Jane Krakowski to spread the word. In a new video, Jane is divulging how she gets beautiful, natural-looking color with Jergens® natural glow moisturizers and is encouraging everyone who views her message to pass it on to someone who needs to get “in the glow” about the smart, safe way to get gorgeous color.

Each time the video is viewed from now until August 31, 2010, Jergens® Skincare Team will make a $1 donation* to The Skin Cancer Foundation. When you remind your friends and family to glow the safe way this summer, you’ll be helping save others’ skin, too.

“Even though we all know the facts, it’s hard to resist the lure of a tan,” says Jane Krakowski. “With this video, I’m hoping to pass on that reminder to women and steer them toward a safe option like Jergens® natural glow moisturizers.”

“Given what we know about the effects of sun exposure, tanning is just not worth the risk,” says Dr. Sapna Westley, Consulting Dermatologist for Kao Brands Company. “I recommend Jergens® natural glow Daily Moisturizers as a safe, healthy alternative—the formulas offer the natural-looking color women want without the harmful side effects.”

To get a glow the healthy way this summer, try Jergens® natural glow REVITALIZING Daily Moisturizer. The newly upgraded formula delivers healthy, gradual color that lasts two times longer** with a powerful blend of antioxidants and Vitamin E. For a luminous, glowing complexion, try Jergens® natural glow HEALTHY COMPLEXION Daily Facial Moisturizer, specifically formulated for the face. Developed with broad-spectrum UVA/UVB SPF 20 protection, the dermatologist-tested, oil-free, non-comedogenic moisturizer helps prevent premature aging and protects against future damage as it delivers natural-looking color after several applications.

*Jergens® Skincare will donate $1 per view, with a maximum donation of $20,000. Campaign runs from March 19, 2010 – August 31, 2010.

** Than the leading lotion sunless tanner

About The Skin Cancer Foundation
The Skin Cancer Foundation is committed to educating the public and medical professionals about sun safety. As leaders in the fight against skin cancer, the Foundation is the only global organization solely devoted to the prevention, detection and treatment of the world’s most common cancer. The mission of the Foundation is to decrease the incidence of skin cancer through public and professional education and research. To learn more about the Foundation and its programs, visit
www.skincancer.org.
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Great Big Spectacular Lorac Sale On Hautelook.Com!

Fire up the keyboard and head over to Hautelook for the big Lorac Sale (today through Thursday morning only)! Mind-boggling!

Get Your Favorite Red Carpet Makeup Essentials
Hand-Picked From Celebrity Makeup Artist, Carol Shaw


Available for up to 80% off the Original Retail Price for a limited time only!

Sale will begin 4/27 at 8am PDT and end on 4/29 at 11am PDT

Items Include:
- Single Eye Shadows
- Lipsticks
- Lip Gloss Sets
- Palettes
- Gloss Sticks
- On Screen Duo (Cream Eye Shadow / Liner W/ Highlighter)
- Loose Metallic Eye Shadow (Glam Rocks)

Be sure to take advantage of this great offer while you can!

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Ooooh…Shiny! Bobbi Brown Treatment Lip Shine

12 new shades! Take a look...

Out of Love with Your Lipstick?
Give Us 5 Minutes. We’ll Find Your New Crush.


Bobbi’s Treatment Lip Shine SPF 15 is a lightweight, soft shine lipstick that doubles as a rejuvenating treatment. It instantly comforts dry, chapped lips and provides long-term moisturization with natural Cocoa and Shea Butters, Jojoba, Apricot Kernel and Avocado oils. Peptides, along with Vitamin C and Paracress, stimulate collagen production to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, while SPF 15 helps prevent future sun damage.

The result— Lips are healthier, smoother, softer and protected.

Available in 12 NEW shades from Bobbi Brown counters and
www.bobbibrown.com.

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Tuscan Style: Villa Di Borghese

Look at the yummy pampering products from Borghese. If you want to take a closer look, visit them at www.borghese.com. And don't forget to check out the great gift sets for Mothers' Day!


Monday, April 26, 2010

Green-Eyed (Beauty) Monster (quick review/redux)

My weekend was wonderful! I feel renewed!

And, oh my goodness today is hectic!

I had actually planned to spotlight these items last week (what with it being Earth Week and all); but I got sidetracked by other ideas and items. So while it's still Spring, still Earth Month, and I'm still feeling renewed; I thought I'd share a few of my favorite green eye-tems (uh oh, cracked myself up again).

Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado

To keep the delicate skin around your eyes soft and pretty. This is a wonderful, soothing hydrating eye treatment (and yes, it's green).

Almay Intense i-Color Mascara (in "Black Emerald")

This is more of a greenish-black. But I wanted to include something from the mascara category. Almay has a great formula; and for those of you who are sensitive, it's nice to have something other than plain old black.

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil (in "Mildew")

This is one of their new colors. It's a lovely forest green with gold flecks. My other UD green favorites are "Covet" (peacock green), and "Stash" (er…Oregano).

LASplash Glitter Eyeliner (in "Kryptonite")

I couldn't find a solo image, but it's the one in the middle. “Kryptonite” is a deep, forest green (almost black) with flecks of green glitter. They also make a gorgeous Lid Splash.

Stila Smudge Pot (in "Jade")

This olive green with glints of gold looks amazing as both a liner and a cream shadow. And the creamy, long-lasting formula is one of the best.

Dior 5 Color Palette (in "Mystic Jade")

I got one of these last year and used it all the time. There's a pale green, a deep olive, and an irridiscent brownish green complemented by a peach and a blue shadow. It's absolutely amazing for spring.

Stila Eye Shadow Pans (In "Cha Cha")

A delicate, pale, seafoam green. Looks great with my dark brown eyes; but I think this is another universally flattering color.

This idea isn't entirely off the wall and frivolous. Green is actually a very flattering and versatile shade, and it's perfect for spring.

Must...rush...Happy Monday!
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Friday, April 23, 2010

Hair Care Friday (and much more!): Melvita Organic Argan Oil (review)

My horoscope this week was especially awesome (thank you, Free Will Astrology!). In addition to Rob Breszny's stellar upbeat writing, I got four "affirmations" to keep me on track for a while. My two favorites were #1 and #4:

#1 I am cultivating Relaxed Alertness, because that will make me receptive to high-quality clues about how to proceed.

#4 I am practicing Serene Debauchery, because if I'm not manically obsessed with looking for opportunities to cut loose, those opportunities will present themselves to me with grace and frequency.


Ooooh! How cool is that – relaxed alertness and serene debauchery? Do I really need anything else? (Answer: probably, but who cares.)

Horoscopes are one of my favorite guilty pleasures. My dearest friend and I send them to each other every week. Maybe I should say that superstition in general is a guilty pleasure of mine. Not only do I read horoscopes, but I also knock on wood and "unjinx" things.* What makes a pleasure "guilty?" Hmmm…I think it's when your rational brain, your upbringing, and/or your mom tell you it's something you shouldn't like; but you like it anyway. You really, really like it! Other guilty pleasures scheduled for the weekend (that I can tell you about) include: pizza, pepsi (with both caffeine and sugar), blowing off singing practice, going online too much, and spending Sunday in my pajamas watching as much TV as I want.

Anyhoo…since I'm indulging in guilty pleasures, I should probably talk about at least one non-guilty one. Howzabout a little something from Melvita Organic Cosmetics?

Argan Oil

Blurb: A true regenerator, Argan oil is often used as a moisturizer for dry skin and as a smoother in damaged hair. A real ‘beauty secret’ for Berber women, the oil is made from un-roasted argan kernels; it is also traditionally used for massaging joints and for nail and hair care. Processing is done through an Aunarha women's co-operative in Essaouira. Melvita complies with all ethical criteria for fair trade: fair prices when purchasing raw materials, preservation of biodeversity in the environment, as well as responsible farming. Melvita guarantee: First cold-pressed organic oil. Colorant and preservative-free.

Besides making lovely things, Melvita also makes a commitment to natural products (no paraffin, silicone, PEG, PPG, parabens, formaldehyde, synthetic fragrances/colors, diethyl phthalate, etc.). Their certified organic products are made to exceed ECOCERT France standards; and their commitment to excellence includes extensive and methodical testing to ensure the very best quality.

I thought the Argan Oil made a wonderful moisturizer (especially for delicate areas like the neck and décolletage). It absorbed quickly, felt wonderful and lasted. But I fell in crazy freaky love with this as a hair treatment! A few drops and my curly hair suddenly became shiny and manageable. My hair was downright - dare I say it? - compliant. I can't wait to see how this works with a blowout or my flatiron. (Or as a softener on my elbows and heels.)

I've only had the bottle since Wednesday; but I have plans. Right along with my plans to receive "high quality clues about how to proceed" (refer to affirmation #1).

For more non-guilty pleasures, take a look at the website and browse all the fine products (both the skincare and the amazing organic honeys). You can also send a Take Good Care of Nature E-Card or visit the Do Your Share area to become a member of one of their online communities.

* An example of "unjinxing": I have a lovely coffee/lunch planned for tomorrow. I've been waiting impatiently and want everything to be wonderful. But now I'm worried that my expectations are too high. What to do? Unjinxing to the rescue! All I have to do is say things like, "The lunch will go horribly - there will be awkward silences and/or bitter disagreements." Or, "Wild dogs will chase me through the parking lot." Or, the always popular, "Storms will rage, war will break out, life as we know will cease to exist and I will be several minutes late." See? Easy peasy.

Goodbye for now – I wish us all a terrible Friday and a perfectly hideous weekend!
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Earth Day Offer from DuWop – 30% Off Pure Venom

Here's another offer in honor of Earth Day. From now through Thursday, you can try DuWop's all natural, vegan, 90% organic, 100% recyclable version of Pure Venom and save 30%. (Enter code: EARTH at checkout.)

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30% Vincent Longo Friends & Family Discount!

It isn't in honor of Earth Day, but you can still celebrate April Beauty (just call it Earth Month in your head) with a fab discount from Vincent Longo. (Use promocode: VFLIRT.)


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Thursday, April 22, 2010

Earth Day Combinations: Origins Checks and Balances™ Frothy Face Wash (review and free offer alert!)

Warning: I'm feeling all wordy again today. I'm having dual impulses: one part of me wants to sit quietly and let life unfold; and the other part wants to describe it in excruciating detail. (Don't panic, I won't. At least not here.)

I've always been fascinated by duality - two seemingly opposite things existing side by side. Sometimes it creates terrible stress and conflict; but often the contradictions complement each other, and create something harmonious and magical. (Remember…I'm an opera singer. They force us to think that way.)

I could go on all day about the dual forces that shape our lives; but I'll use Earth Day as an example (since it actually applies to my blog). Here I am writing about Earth-friendliness and natural products; yet my haircolor comes from a bottle (okay, several bottles). And in honor of Earth Day, my eyelids are a shade of olive green that no human was ever born with. But somehow it all kind of works. My brain can hold on to sweeping ideas about sustainability, renewal, stewardship and reverence for the Earth and its creatures; while at the very same time, I can take absolute delight in a few small tubes and jars that make me feel beautiful and vibrant.

And if you happen to be waiting for a far-reaching, cheesy tie-in today; you have come to the right place. Because in addition to all of the high falutin' ying/yang forces and concepts, there's the in-your-face (literally) reality of…combination skin. Mine. And quite possibly yours. Here to make sense of things: Origins

Checks and Balances™ Frothy face wash

Blurb: When it comes to faces with dry and oily places, it takes a clever cleanser to balance the two. This gentle, frothy face wash carefully does both jobs without canceling each other out. Broad Leaf Kelp Extract discourages excess oil production, while Wheat Protein balances and protects dry prone zones. And Tourmaline actually makes water wetter to more easily disperse dirt and sebum down the drain. There’s also aromatic Bergamot, Spearmint and Lavender to add pleasure to the process. Skin feels comfortably refreshed after cleansing, never tight, pulled or parched.

I am never disappointed when I try anything from Origins. Not only are they kind to the earth and its inhabitants, they're extremely kind to my skin. The woman at the Origins counter told me I would love this Face Wash, and she was right. It cleans extremely well, feels wonderful while I'm using it, and leaves my face feeling smooth, soft, and calm. The dry parts get soothed and the oily parts are clean and fresh. I could see this being fabulous for any skin type, but it's a godsend for combination complexions.

Right now, the website is the place to be. Because today only, you can get this cleanser for free with your $30 online order (Enter code: CHECKS). Or for something different, you could enter code: "APW" and receive A Perfect World Cleanser instead. You can also get free standard shipping with a purchase of $50 or more.

Origins promotes Earth-friendliness throughout the year. Here are two more ways to participate right now:

- Sustain the Planet (purchase A Perfect World moisturizer between 4/18 and 4/30 and Origins will plant a tree on your behalf.

- Learn about the Return to Origins Recycling Program.

Happy Earth Day Everyone!
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Find Your Water Footprint: Aveda Water Footprint Calculator/Quiz

Aveda has a great quiz on Facebook that calculates your Water Footprint. I just took it! It turns out that I use about half the water of the average person. Not bad, but the quiz showed me a few places where I can do a little better.

Not only will you learn something, but completing the quiz sends $1 to help fund clean water projects. Read and do...

Create Ripples – Aveda Earth Month

At Aveda the month of April is designated as Earth Month, and since starting this event in 1999, with the help of our guests and network of salons, we have raised more than $14 million for grassroots organizations that protect biodiversity and address environmental issues around the world. For the past three years we’ve concentrated on the issue of water – raising funds and awareness for equal rights and access. Did you know that 1 in 7 people globally (that’s nearly 1 billion people) do not have access to clean water on a daily basis?

To help consumers learn of their impact on global/local water issues, follow this link (
http://bit.ly/WaterFootprintCalculator) to the water foot print calculator created for Earth Month. The calculator provides great tips on conserving water and is quite an eye-opener for many! Not to mention that for every completed calculator, Aveda will donate $1 (up to $500k) to our global partner, Global Greengrants Fund, to help fund clean water projects.
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Amazing Discount: Tarte Celebrates Earth Day with 30% Off!

Earth-friendly Tarte is celebrating with a whole lot of people-friendly promotions! From today through Sunday, use the code "EARTHDAY" and receive 30% off sitewide! You can also receive a free tote set with any purchase of $60 or more! (And shipping is free on orders $40 and over.)

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One Day Only: Beauty Ticket Earth Day VIP Discount

In honor of Earth Day, www.beautyticket.com is offering an awesome discount. Use the code "EARTHDAY15" and take an extra 15% of of everything!


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Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Softening Me Up: Ec~Oooh~Chic (review)

Since my entry yesterday was a tad…er…long, I'm going to balance things out with something a little more concise today. (There's also a whole lot of beauty news.) And I'm posting earlier than usual because today is long and busy. I have a feeling that by late afternoon, stringing a couple of sentences together will be more than I can manage. I knew that this week might be a bit draining, so I'm making it a point to pamper myself in the evenings as much as possible. Last night (in the spirit of pro-active pampering), I checked out a couple of fine items from Ec~Oooh~Chic (by Ooohlala of Beverly Hills).

Organic Shea Butter and White Tea Shave Cream

Blurb: This shea butter rich formula is full of highly effective certified organic soothers, moisturizers and anti-oxidants such as aloe, sunflower oil, white and green teas, lavender, sweet almond and comfrey to help skin defend itself while staying soft and bump free. Ideal for shaving both feminine legs and manly faces. Fragrance free.

Tangerine & Ginger Sugar Scrub

Blurb: Made with natural cane sugar, honey and a selection of the finest essential oils this scrub provides a gentle yet effective treatment for dull skin. Natural cane sugar stimulates circulation working with honey and essential oils to revive soften and smooth. Makes a great at home spa treatment for removing dead skin cells and leaving skin feeling and looking renewed.

Thanks to these two items, my skin is like buttah today! For starters, the Shave Cream is gorgeous. It's actually more of a rich mousse than a cream; and what I love about that is that it doesn't run or disappear. I slathered it on both legs it stayed right where it was until I shaved it off. I got a very close shave and super soft, soothed skin afterwards.

The Sugar Scrub is thoroughly fabulous. Thoroughly. For one thing it smells heavenly – a bright, tart/sweet tangerine with a little zing of ginger. It's refreshing, but not overpowering. It has a lovely consistency (invigoratingly scrubby instead of scratchy); and after I rinsed, my skin was baby bottom soft. Depending on the weather, you might even skip using a body lotion afterwards. This is one of the best scrubs I've ever tried!

Ordering from the website is a whole lot of pretty fun. You can also get free shipping (in the USA) with the purchase of any two items. Aaaand…there are a couple of nice discounts (use code "WWD" to get 10% off the Shave Cream, and "OS" to get 10% off of the Papaya Pumpkin Enzyme Mask).
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NEW From Urban Decay! Limited Edition Fragrance Oil: Revolver

Really?

Omigodomigodomigodomigod! A new limited edition fragrance oil called…Revolver. Starting April 27, it will be available exclusively on their website (http://www.urbandecay.com/) while supplies last. Check it out while I swoon…










Be Good/Smell Gorgeous: Strange Invisible Perfumes

I know I haven't been doing a whole lot of Earth Month features this year; but I'm glad I have a chance to direct your attention to the amazing fragrances of Strange Invisible Perfumes. They're committed to beautiful fragrances and a beautiful planet. Read on…

Earth Month 2010: Vibrantly Green With Strange Invisible Perfumes

An exclusively natural, botanical perfume house, Strange Invisible Perfumes is sincerely committed to environmental consciousness, green business practices, and product purity.

• 100% certified organic grape alcohol is used as the base for all Strange Invisible Perfumes.

• Organic, wildcrafted, biodynamic and sustainable raw materials are sourced for all fragrances (local ingredients whenever available).

• Essences are usually wildcrafted or organic. Essences cultivated by small pioneering farmers who cannot afford organic certification are also embraced.

• All eau de parfum cartons are printed on FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) and PEFC (Program for the Endorsement of Forest Certification) certified paper, manufactured using biofuel with pulp from sustainably managed forests.

Strange Invisible Perfumes’ latest launches include:

• Essence of IX – A limited edition pure perfume
- Inspired by Colgin Cellars in Napa Valley and the famed IX Estate
- Notes of white sage, rose, black currant, California lavender, French oak and wild honey

• Peloponnesian: Strange Invisible Perfumes’ first eau de parfum designed expressly for men
- A refreshing fragrance built with the ancient perfumes of the Greek peninsula
- Notes of hydro-distilled orange and lime, cypress, orange flower, mountain sage honey, and botanical musk

The Strange Invisible Perfumes boutique also stocks premium, non-toxic products from a variety of eco-friendly brands including, but not limited to:

• Talulah Moonflower Gentle Cleansing Balm is imbued with naturopathic extracts, whole food nutrients and rare floral essences. Talulah's natural, holistic products are handcrafted from scratch using artisanal, slow process methods and fresh organic ingredients.

• Amala Hydrating Cream Cleanser hydrates dry skin while gently removing makeup and impurities. All Amala ingredients are grown organically and sustainably in their native habitats to ensure peak potency.

• Saipua Clove Geranium Soap is a spicy, warm rendition of geranium with clove, cinnamon and black pepper essential oils. All Saipua soaps are carefully crafted in small batches using food-grade vegetable oils, butters, herbs and extracts.

The Strange Invisible Perfumes collection is carried at their flagship perfumery in Venice along with products by other like-minded brands.

Strange Invisible Perfumes
1138 Abbot Kinney Blvd. Venice, CA 90291
(310) 314-1505
www.siperfumes.com
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LORAC – Hollywood Insider Collection

Take a look at the latest glamorous set from LORAC – the Hollywood Insider Collection (available exclusively at Sephora for Beauty Insiders only)…

Lorac’s Hollywood Insider Collection
Available Exclusively At Sephora To Beauty Insider Members Only


The new Collection contains this season’s must-have beauty essentials hand-picked from Celebrity Makeup Artist, Carol Shaw. The limited-edition set features five full-sized products for ONLY $39.50 (with a $142 value!) and includes:

- Perfectly Lit Oil-Free Luminizing Powder in Spotlight (warm beige)
- Baked Matte Satin Blush in Hollywood (bronzed rose)
- Bronzed Bombshell Eye Shadow Trio in Sand/Serenity/ Bronze
- Special Effects Conditioning Primer/Defining & Lengthening Mascara
- Couture Shine Liquid Lipstick in Vintage (light neutral beige)

Don’t miss out on your all-access pass to Red Carpet beauty! Be sure to scoop it up while supplies last - it’s only available at Sephora now and sephora.com (starting 4/20) until May 12th!
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Origins' First Annual Free Concert: It Rocked

I wish I could have been there, but by all accounts it was awesome. Take a look…

Origins Rocked Earth Month with First Annual Free Concert
Featuring Grammy Award-Winner Macy Gray, Juliette Lewis, Ryan Star and Jon McLaughlin


Monday night, Origins invited fans in the tri-state area to the first annual Origins Rocks Earth Month concert to celebrate Earth Month and to further the brand’s programs for sustaining the planet. The free concert, held at Webster Hall New York City, featured headliner Macy Gray and emerging artists Ryan Star, whose single “Breathe” is currently charting, and Jon McLaughlin. Origins chose to partner with the Grammy award-winning artist as her new single, “Beauty in the World,” truly captures the sentiment of Earth Month.

Juliette Lewis, one of Hollywood's most talented and versatile actors, emceed the event. A long-time fan of Origins and its responsible approach to creating a sustainable business practice, Juliette rocked out to each of the performers throughout the night.

In honor of its Return to Origins Recycling Program, Origins offered two free tickets to consumers who brought at least one empty cosmetic package, regardless of brand, to select Origins retail stores in the tri-state area. Origins will be submitting all of the collected empty packaging to be recycled or responsibly converted to energy. Additionally, Origins will be planting a tree on behalf of each of the 600+ concert attendees to help further its Global Plant-A-Tree Program, which will add to the already impressive tally of nearly 24,000 trees planted since the program’s inception.
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