i feel pretty

Blogging on My Birthday: Can Beauty Products Really Make Your Life Better?

2011-07-27T00:01:00.014-04:00

Short Answer: Yes. Yes they can.

Don’t worry…a very long answer is coming. Very very long.

Why am I writing a long journal entry instead of a product review? Because today is my birthday, and I feel like being all thoughtful and wordy. I’ve also decided to take long break from blogging – at least for the rest of the summer (possibly longer). I love posting; but my schedule has become too crazy, and I need to scale back for a while. So I thought I’d take a little detour from “the usual.”

The title of my post sounds like I’m being sarcastic, but I’m really not. I love to throw the term “beauty junkie” around; but I also believe that my beloved products were part of a huge change in my life.

There was a time way back in the 2000’s (lol…) when I went through a seriously frumpy phase. “Frumpy” is putting things mildly. I had truly stopped taking care of myself – and stopped thinking of myself as vibrant or feminine. I was taking care of Maria, the singer; but neglecting Maria, the person.

At that time, there were also a lot of old, destructive thoughts still running through my head. I spent a lot of time telling myself that I was too fat, my skin was bad, I was out of shape, my hair was weird, and so on and so forth. And somehow all of these “problems” had come about because I wasn’t a good enough person. I needed more drive. More discipline. Better character. I didn’t deserve to look good and appreciate myself until I’d “fixed” everything. There was certainly no point in putting any effort into my appearance until I’d lost all the weight. Or met Mr. Right. Or gotten my career established. Or won the lottery/cured cancer/whatever.

I was so full of unreasonable expectations that even the smallest step felt almost impossible. And instead of being content to take baby steps and enjoy some progress; I kept piling things on my “to do” list, and feeling even more inadequate and overwhelmed.

Of course the result of all this harsh thinking was that I felt stressed out, exhausted and demoralized. And I looked like hell. The wake up call came in June 2006 when my aunt sent a picture of me holding my baby nephew. I suddenly realized that in less than 7 years, I’d gone from this…

To this.

I was shocked. Seven years isn’t a small amount of time; and there are things like flattering lighting, etc. to consider; but I still looked about 20 years older. Again…I was shocked.

If my adorable nephew hadn’t been in that picture, I would have ripped it up and thrown it away. But adorable nephew photos are too valuable to get rid of. So instead, I buried it under a stack of other pictures. I couldn’t forget it, though. What’s worse…I felt even sadder and was even harder on myself. But only at first.

I’d also been doing a lot of internal work, and it was starting to pay off. I finally took out the picture again; and instead of berating myself, I summoned up a little bit of compassion. And…when I looked at other old (“better”) pictures of myself, I started realizing that I had always been hard on myself. Even when I looked “good,” I never appreciated it. Why? Because I was always thinking of what was still missing or not good enough. No wonder I eventually stopped trying!

Maybe it was time to give myself a break.

In the year that followed, I started taking stock of things. I realized that I had let a lot of things go. Not just my appearance; but my health, social life, romantic life, hobbies, household, and just about everything except singing had fallen by the wayside. I also realized that I spent very little time doing things to make my life happier in the moment. I was always waiting for that magic day when I would reach my weight loss, career and financial goals. Then I would be good to myself. Then my life would start! I was in my mid-forties and waiting for my life to begin. Ooops.

Somehow, I finally decided that even though I wasn’t a skinny, rich, famous opera star with a perfect boyfriend; maybe I would just go ahead and start my life anyway.

One of the first things I did was…buy clothes. Not a lot of clothes. But clothes for the body I had instead of some future body. I even bought cute lingerie. And…I felt better. Much better. Without losing an ounce.

Then came a big change…beauty products. First it was skincare. Then it was wearing my contact lenses instead of my glasses. Then my friend (Nancy) and I went to a spring makeup event at Nordstrom. I bought a lash primer. Which led to wearing mascara, which led to other things. One day I decided I would get up 15 minutes earlier so I could put on makeup before heading out the door. Shocking!

For 15 minutes every morning, I sat at my vanity and played with pretty things. And I started to remember what it felt like to feel pampered and cared for. Instead of starting the day by telling myself what was wrong with me, I began the day feeling more beautiful. And I would catch my reflection every now and then, and be pleasantly surprised! Who was that person in the nice outfit with the snappy eyeliner? It wasn’t vanity either - it was pride. The kind of pride that came from knowing I’d done something that was good for me. It was also fun. And I was putting myself out there as if I mattered instead of trying to “hide” all of my “flaws.” I even started wearing…gasp!...sleeveless tops!

A lot of things changed after that. I eventually started dating again. I also started losing weight, exercising and taking better care of myself. Again…I was behaving as if I mattered. The most important thing was that I started having a life – and more people in it who mattered to me.

Now of course I know that the beauty products themselves were not solely responsible for the changes in my life. But in many ways, those girly things served as both catalyst and tool. No matter what the state of my singing career, weight, financial situation, romantic status was; I always had a quick, easy way to make myself feel good about myself now. I think that’s why beauty products do it for me. It’s a way to be right in the moment when my feelings about the past or the future take me out of the present.

Beauty junkie-dom was (and still is) a playful, creative and positive way for me to be nice to myself every day, and almost any time. Sometimes it’s a way to step out into the limelight, sometimes it’s a bit of armor when I’m feeling insecure, and sometimes it’s a way to cheer myself up; but most of the time it’s playing, pampering and fun – and it reminds me of how lovely life can be. Most importantly, it’s taking time to show some love for myself on a regular basis in a very visible, tangible way.

This picture was taken yesterday.

Again…it’s taken from a highly flattering angle (trust me); but I think that looks like someone who is participating in and living her life. I still have a lot of issues; but most of the time I’m proud of the way I look. I’m also very happy and grateful for my life and the wonderful people in it.

And I “feel pretty” almost every single day.

(Did you really think I could resist a corny tie-in?)

I wish you all a wonderful, wonderful summer (and possibly beyond). My heartfelt thanks to all of you who visit this blog, offer your comments and send me your emails. I wish I could tell you how long I’ll be away – but I really don’t know. I’m still a beauty junkie, though – and I’ll continue to roam the beauty counters, tear ads out of magazines, read everyone else’s blogs, and try out every single product I can get my hands on.

Hair Care Friday: Surya Brasil Henna Cream (RAVE review)

2011-07-22T18:51:00.007-04:00

Whoo! What a week! I finally realized that I have completely overextended myself this summer. And it only took me two months to figure it out! I’m going to be taking a break – probably for the rest of the summer – so I can get a handle on everything that’s going on. Which means this will be the last Hair Care Friday for quite a while.

Not to worry, though, it’s a good one. A really good one. From Surya Brasil.

Henna Cream ("Burgundy")

Blurb: It colors without damaging the hair structure. It is the only hair coloring product with organic extracts that treat the hair and scalp. It conditions, moisturizes and revitalizes the hair while coloring, leaving it much softer and shinier. Instead of using synthetic fragrances, Surya Henna Cream is formulated with essential oils of Rose, Ylang Ylang, Jasmine and Sandalwood. These give it a milder and more pleasant fragrance than any other coloring product. Since Surya Henna Cream is a semi-permanent coloring, it gradually washes out. Available in 15 different shades. Contains no Parabens, Peroxide, Ammonia, Heavy Metals, PPD, Resorcinol, artificial colors or synthetic fragrance. Therefore doesn’t harm your hair, your health or the environment.

This is exactly the sort of product that makes me glad I’m a beauty blogger!

When my friend (Kristi) was visiting last weekend, I was telling her that I was thinking of switching to a semi-permanent hair color. My hair is getting really long now, and I’m doing everything in my power to keep it healthy. Since my roots show long before my color fades, it seemed reasonable that a semi-permanent product might be a little bit gentler. Kristi suggested I try henna.

Henna? For some reason, I always assumed that if hair color wasn’t chock full of harsh chemicals, it wouldn’t work. Henna just seemed too…mild. But Kristi told me she knew of someone who got great results, so I decided to give it a try. I trotted off to Whole Foods and asked the nice salesperson for her opinion and she recommended this Henna Cream. I actually tried to talk her into talking me into something else (how’s that for being a control freak); but she stood firm. So I brought a box home.

Cue angelic chorus.

This product is a revelation. For those of you who already use henna, all you need to know is that there's no mess or mixing. It comes pre-mixed, in a convenient, resealable bottle with plastic gloves and a plastic head covering.

Henna works by coating the hair shaft instead of penetrating it. Therefore, the hair shaft and cuticle are left intact and undamaged. For those of you who have not used henna, the process is simple. Wash hair (Use a silicone-free shampoo to remove any product buildup). Towel dry. Put on gloves, open the bottle and start applying the goo to your hair. I just globbed it on until everything was covered. Don’t comb through it, though. You want the color to sit on the hair shaft. Cover your head with the plastic cap (I used my own shower cap instead), and wait. The package has all sorts of complicated suggestions for figuring out how much time to wait; but I ignored them and left the color on for 45 minutes. Then I rinsed completely. The package says it’s ok to use conditioner after rinsing, but I wanted to see what it would look/feel like without conditioner.

Wow! This stuff is actually good for your hair! My hair was softer, smoother and shinier right out of the shower. It looked and felt better than before I’d colored it, and it still felt soft the next morning. It’s been a few days, and my hair still looks and feels great. The color is beautiful and natural (not flat) and the grey is completely covered.

I’m totally sold. Forever.

The only drawbacks I found were that the color still runs off a bit in the shower even after a few days; and I’ve heard that henna doesn’t last as long as “regular” color. But who cares? I can touch up as often as needed now. No more choosing between roots and damage!

A couple of tips. You should not use henna in conjunction with other types of hair color. And your shampoo and conditioner should be free of sulfates. Before coloring, it’s also a good idea to apply lotion to the skin around your hairline (and ears) to prevent staining.

Check out the website, take a look at the other products and visit the where to buy section. Surya is also sold at health websites, vitamin stores, health food stores and Whole Foods.

Have a great weekend!

(ftc disclosure: purchased myself)

Whining and Lining: Pixi Gel Liner (review)

2011-07-21T21:16:00.007-04:00

You probably think I’m going to whine about the heat again. You would be right. I’m just not good at hot weather. Tonight I was supposed to go home, do laundry and tidy up around the apartment. Exactly none of that happened. Instead, I watched TV. Hmm…that sounds kind of win-win now that I think about it.

Anyway, in addition to "observing" the hot weather. I’m also observing a stellar product I’ve been using this week. From Pixi.

Gel Liner ("Onyx," "Sapphire," and "Jade")

Blurb: Create retro, sexy eyes in an instant. This gel liner is super easy to use with an intense colour pay off. Long-lasting with and water-resistant, it really goes the distance and stays put all day. With an application this smooth & foolproof, there's no need to be afraid of eyeliner application anymore!

Ever since I tried my first Pixi item, I’ve been hooked. I love the packaging, the selection and the excellent quality. So when I saw yet another type of eyeliner to try out (gel!) - I snapped them up.

As much as I've come to adore eye pencils (especially sexy, smudgy ones); my first and true love is applying liners with a brush. I love the smooth, saturated, clean lines that come with brush application. I’m also able to get much closer to the lash line. Gels are especially good for getting really saturated color – and the formula is a bit more forgiving than a liquid. (There’s also a bit of smudge time before it sets.)

These gels are wonderful. “Onyx” is a true, deep, jet black, and “Sapphire” is a very dark blue/black. “Jade” (which I found on Bloom.com), is a perfect hunter green. The brush that comes with the liner is pretty good – but I always prefer using my own brushes because I’m used to them. The gels were buttery soft, went on beautifully, and delivered highly saturated color and excellent staying power. Perfect score, Pixi!

The “Onyx” and “Sapphire” are currently available on the website. There are also some great web exclusives, and you can get 20% off of your order (use code: TWENTYOFF). Pixi is also sold at Target.

(ftc disclosure: purchased myself)

Cake and Scrapes: Shea Terra Organics Cape Aloe Topical Healing Gel (review)

2011-07-20T16:26:00.007-04:00

Today my nemesis is…a cake. A great big cake with tons of frosting and fancy writing. It’s my nemesis because I have to deliver it unharmed to an event that’s 60 miles away tonight. And it’s hot outside. And there’s no room in the work refrigerator to store it. So it’s going to be slightly gooey during the hour-plus drive.

And. And. And.

I know…I’m kind of cranky. Hot weather is not my friend, and we’ve had several days of it. Now I know why everyone gets mad at me in the winter when I get all cheerful about the snow while they’re shoveling out their cars.

The bright side (and there are several) is that I’m going to a fun event with a whole bunch of my friends. The other bright side is that if I’m successful, I’ll get to have...cake! And…before either of those things happen, I get to talk about a fine product. From Shea Terra Organics.

Cape Aloe Topical Healing Gel

Blurb: 99.5% Pure & Natural. Heal acne, burns, razor burns, nicks, cuts, wounds, bites and more all at amazing speed. Rare Cape Aloe is known to be the world's most active aloe. Off beaten paths, along bumpy, rocky roads in the Cape of South Africa grows the wonderous, succulent plant. Kept under the watchful eyes as a protected species, the outer leaves of this wonder plant are harvested to extract the healing jelly within. Made up of over 130 active chemicals, Cape Aloe's amazing healing properties is due to its high saponin, sterol, vitamin, mineral and amino acid content just to name a few. Once applied to skin Cape Aloe immediately goes to work to help cells build a protective barrier and aid them with the nutrients that they need to repair skin at an amazingly accelerated rate.

My other nemesis this week was a bad scrape on my hand. This scrape was caused by my mishandling of a cute tortoiseshell barrette. (Don’t let barrettes fool you – they look all innocent and stylish; but they can turn mean.) Of course cake can go a long way towards making any scrape feel better; but since I can’t actually eat any until after it’s delivered, I needed to try something else. So I tried this Gel.

I really love this product! Lots of people grow Aloe plants so they can run out and snip off a piece whenever they need it. Not me. I definitely prefer a handy pump bottle. It’s way more convenient. The healing properties of aloe make it great for just about anything that makes your skin unhappy. You can use it for sunburns, shaving cuts and even ragged cuticles. It helped my hand heal faster, and there was no snipping involved!

The website is currently in progress, but you can still browse the many fine products they have and sign up for VIP specials. Eventually, you’ll be able to visit the Explore Africa, and shea terra tv sections too.

(ftc disclosure: sample/product received from manufacturer or representative)

Happy Other People: CLEAN Moisture-Absorbent Deodorant (review)

2011-07-19T22:38:00.002-04:00

Oh. Em. (Eff.) Gee.

It is freakishly hot this week. Again. Last night I slept on the sofa (again!); and I’m pretty sure I’ll be sleeping there every night this week.

What a perfect time to review this product. From CLEAN.

Original Scent Moisture-Absorbent Deodorant

Blurb: An aluminum-free deodorant with Clean's original scent. This product's breakthrough formula goes above and beyond typical deodorant performance. The Exclusive Cotton Vantage™ technology helps to absorb moisture naturally, without aluminum. Reminiscent of pure soap, the time-released CLEAN fragrance has that just-out-of-the-shower fresh smell. It's everything you need and nothing you don't!

Normally I would say “run, don’t walk” and pick up one of these – but since it’s several million degrees outside, walking is probably the wiser choice.

First…Omigod it smells good! I mean really, really good. And not overpowering – just...good. If you’re looking for an aluminum-free product, this is a stellar item. It contolled wetness really well, and also kept odor at bay. I probably wouldn’t run a marathon in this; but on a hot day with a lot of errands, it did the job. It was also completely non-irritating (a huge plus for me), and it didn’t leave any white residue.

And did I mention it smells really good?

CLEAN is currently overhauling their website, but you can still shop all of their products at Sephora.

(ftc disclosure: sample/product received from manufacturer or representative)

Happy Feet (And Hands): POP beauty nail glam Polish (review)

2011-07-18T17:03:00.008-04:00

Whoa. The heatwave is beginning…again. Today was not super fun. Not only did I run around doing a bunch of errands in the heat; I also had to spend way too much time changing all of my passwords. (Something looked suspicious on one of my email accounts, so I wasn’t taking any chances.) A good reason to not have the same password for everything in the first place – it’s a pain in the u-know-what to change them all at once.

Speaking of u-know-what; I saw the final Harry Potter movie this weekend (where u-know-who and Harry have their big showdown). I won’t tell you how it ends (as if); but I will tell you it was a thoroughly spectacular movie going experience (in fancy IMAX 3-D thankyouverymuch).

No cheesy tie-in today. I just wanted to share a bit. But now it really is time for a beauty review. Here’s something nifty - also from England - and POP beauty.

nail glam

Blurb: High intensity nail polish in a dream library of POP colours. Whether you want vampy black, the perfect rouge noir, classic tomato red or way-out fluro pink, POP Beauty has a nail shade to suit your mood and your wardrobe. Each Nail Glam shade is non-occlusive so it wont stain nails and contains nylon creating a strengthening non chip barrier. Nail Glam nails stay sensational.Nail Glam is the brand new high intensity nail polish from POP in 20 dazzling new shades.

These are fabulous awesome colors, and a fabulous awesome formula! I’m showing a lot of pictures just so you can appreciate the array of shades available. It really is like being in a candy store to look at all of these. All the shades I tried had excellent staying power (I used a base and top coat), and the colors stayed true throughout the week.

My absolute favorite was “ocean.” It’s a deep, shimmering cornflower blue that looks absolutely beautiful. I got so many compliments when I wore this – even from people who favor more “traditional” shades. My second favorite was “ultraviolet” – a creamy, rich lavender that looked great on my fingers and amazing on my toes. Honorable mention goes to “orange.” It’s fresh, bright, yummy and a little bit sassy.

Visit the U.S. website, and browse the other shades, Sara's POP picks and the web deals and steals. POP beauty can also be found at CVS, beauty.com, and ULTA.

(ftc disclosure: sample/product received from manufacturer or representative)

Happy Hair Care Friday! Motions Foaming Wrap Lotion (review)

2011-07-16T12:29:00.003-04:00

Grrr…I just realized that my Friday post mysteriously “disappeared” yesterday. Google is really getting on my nerves lately. Just sayin. Luckily, I still had a copy of my post in a Word document, so I’m putting it back up this morning.

Its…Friday!!! My friend is coming to visit, and the weekend is going to be full of sleeping in, mall browsing, Harry Potter, and girl talk. Tomorrow is going to be fun and long; so I’m featuring a fab hair care product to keep everything in place and looking good. From Motions.

Foaming Wrap Lotion

Blurb: Get naturally beautiful control without stiffness using Motions Foaming Wrap Lotion. Holds hair in place and helps it stretch as it dries for a beautifully soft style all day long. Will not stick to irons. Collagen amino acids provide flexible hold and control while Panthenol adds shine. The long-lasting formula holds wraps, wet sets and thermal styles yet combs out easily. You get natural-looking style that leaves hair soft and shiny. Can be used for wrapping hair, wet sets, blow drying, and up dos.

This is a good hair day in a bottle. It’s recommended for fine hair, but it’s been wonderful on my coarse wavy/curly hair. Since I started growing my hair out last year, I’ve only been getting the ends trimmed. So without any layers, my hair tends to get a little bit flat – especially since the top layer of my hair is straighter than the hair underneath.

This product worked wonders as a volumizer – the volume even lasted until the next day! I also got great curl definition, including more curl on the top layer. It also fought frizz, and added some shine without making my hair sticky or crunchy. Excellent!

Check out the website. I recommend visiting find your style section and the product advisor page. Motions products can be found at places like Sally Beauty, Target, drugstore.com, grocery stores and drug stores.

It took every ounce of self control not to go all disco for Friday. But I controlled myself. Here’s something peppy, but completely disco free.

(ftc disclosure: sample/product received from manufacturer or representative)

Thursday – Almost There! Fusion Beauty IllumiCover Luminous Concealer (review)

2011-07-14T16:56:00.008-04:00

The week is getting easier, and I’m getting more and more excited about the weekend. My very very very good friend is coming to visit and we’re going to see the final Harry Potter movie. Woo Hoo! We’re also going to indulge in serious amounts of girl talk.

What does that have to do with beauty products? Nothing. Zip. It’s just really, really cool.

But…this is a beauty blog, so here’s a very nifty item. From Fusion Beauty.

IllumiCover Line Smoothing Luminous Concealer

Blurb: A concealer with brightening properties. This weightless concealer works instantly to diminish the appearance of shadows, dark circles, and imperfections. Its luminizing ingredients deliver a brighter, more youthful complexion. Use a single application for a weightless effect or build layers for greater coverage. FusionBeauty Products deliver instant and long-term results—this concealer is no exception. Hydro-gel technology rebuilds skin's extra cellular matrix to smooth and plump wrinkles around the eyes right away. Matrixyl® 3000 reduces wrinkle depth and volume over time.

Here’s another fabulous multi-tasker. This lovely item is skincare, concealer and highlighter all in one – and it also works well as a primer to keep shadow and eyeliner in place!

I mostly used it on my under eye area. It’s creamy, lightweight, has a very smooth finish, and brightens without looking obvious or shiny. It gave very good coverage for dark circles; and when I used it under my foundation on my cheeks and nose, I got excellent results (especially near my nasal folds which get very red when my allergies act up).

What really made this stand out was the absolute lack of creasing. Even in hot weather, there was no creasing or settling into lines at all – so it looked great all day.

Right now the website is undergoing construction, but you can easily shop their products online at Sephora (or click on the Store Locator). FusionBeauty can also be found at drugstore.com, ULTA and Nordstrom.

So…mod, moody, folksy…? I think we’ll make Thursday slightly artsy. Here’s something from David Bowie.

(ftc disclosure: sample/product received from manufacturer or representative)

Slowly Easing Over The Hump That is Wednesday: Ahava Rich Cleansing Cream (review)

2011-07-13T21:42:00.003-04:00

Woo hoo - it’s Wednesday! More than halfway there!

The day started out with some mid-week crankiness; but luckily I had time for a fun little break. That cheered me up for the rest of the afternoon. Maybe that bodes well for the rest of the week too. Cranky beginning followed by fun and cheerful second part. I can live with that.

Okay…time to stop meandering and get to the beauty part. Here's a super fab cleanser. From AHAVA.

Rich Cleansing Cream

Blurb: A refreshing rub-on-and-rinse-off experience with 2-in-1 skin cleansing and balancing action. This mineral-rich, soft-textured cream cleanses delicately and efficiently as it clears the complexion. Makeup and dirt rinse away effortlessly and skin is left feeling soft and supple. Cleanses skin while protecting against environmental damage. Soothes and conditions skin with Aloe Vera extract.

I’ve been using this Cream for about a month, and I am loving it!

It has just about anything I could possibly want in a cleanser. It’s creamy, gentle, lathers well and removes every bit of dirt and makeup. It even removes sunscreen! It also rinses away easily and leaves my skin feeling clean, soft and balanced. And…it doesn’t cause breakouts. I appreciated all of the minerals, vitamins and botanical extracts – but what really sold me was how well it worked.

Visit the website and take a look at the rest of the Time to Clear line. Check out the bestsellers and see what's new. (Right now through Friday at midnight, you can get a free summer straw tote with any $30 order.) You can also find Ahava at drugstore.com, and HSN.

So far, this week has brought a mod Monday, and a moody Tuesday. How about a folksy Wednesday?

(ftc disclosure: sample/product received from manufacturer or representative)

It’s A Tuesday Kind of Day: Lierac Sensorielle Multi-Use Oil (review)

2011-07-12T22:28:00.007-04:00

Meaning…"It’s only Tuesday?"

It was so hot last night that I had to sleep on the sofa. The regular AC in my bedroom just wasn’t enough to cool things off. So I moved to the living room. The thermostat on my industrial strength living room AC no longer works – which causes a continuous, chilling, arctic blast. It’s awesome.

For all of my friends who still live in San Francisco: ”AC” stands for “Air Conditioner” - something I never owned until I moved east. San Francisco is freezing cold in July. Tonight, it’s about 87 degrees here in the Philly ‘burbs. Tonight’s temperature in San Francisco is a right and proper 52 degrees…sigh.

Anyway…everyone here has been all draggy and droopy for the last couple of days and the week seems endless. So maybe instead of being all whiny, I should talk about something nice and pretty. Perhaps something that smells good and makes my skin feel soft and smooth. Perhaps something from Lierac Paris.

Sensorielle Multi-Use Oil for Face, Body & Hair

Blurb: This luxurious polysensory oil provides 24-hour hydration that nourishes and softens the skin and hair with a combination of jasmine, camellia, gardenia and four precious botanical oils: argan, hazelnut, sweet almond, and grape seed.

Here’s another fine product for summer. I was worried that this would be too heavy for the hot weather; but it’s a perfect weight. This oil has a light consistency, and absorbs very quickly into both skin and hair. It also has a very subtle, lovely fragrance (a nice balance of earthy and floral). And the multi-use aspect is fabulous for long days when you don’t want to lug a bunch of products around with you.

By multi-use, I really mean multi-use. I patted some on my hair in the afternoon, and it tamed my midday frizz and flyaways. I also rubbed a little bit more in my hair before I went into the pool to help protect it from the chlorine. As a quick hydrator for my face, it also worked very well.

My favorite use for this, though, was as a body oil. Even though it absorbed quickly (my hands were “slip-free”); it softened for hours. It was a soothing, fragrant bath oil, and an excellent pampering after-bath moisturizer.

Browse all the fab products on the website. See what's new, check out the promotions page and use the store locator. Lierac is also available in European Skincare Centers (at select CVS/pharmacy and Duane Reade locations), Beauty.com, and Skinstore.com.

To balance out yesterday’s ramped-up mod Monday experience; here’s a thoughtful (perhaps...moody?) Tuesday kind of thing…

(ftc disclosure: sample/product received from manufacturer or representative)

Slowly Returning To Calm and Sanity: Schick® Intuition® Naturals Sensitive Care™ Razor (review)

2011-07-11T20:57:00.007-04:00

Very slowly. Thanks to all of you who have been patient – and for all the cute notes. This summer is full of fabulous activitivies, and awesome self-discovery, and there just doesn’t seem to be enough time to discover everything. Plus, people keep visiting. Which means I have to clean stuff. It turns out that cleaning also cuts way into discovery and blogging time.

I took on far too many things this summer, and it looks like I need to sit down and figure out how to shave some time off all my obligations. But today...I finally have enough peace, quiet and relative sanity to write a beauty review. And speaking of shaving (heh!), here’s something for your pretty summer legs. From Schick.

Intuition Naturals Sensitive Care

Blurb: Schick® Intuition® Naturals Sensitive Care™ razor has a Skin Conditioning Solid™ that contains 100% natural Aloe with Vitamin E, and is fragrance free and hypo-allergenic so it's gentle on your skin and helps reduce irritation. Now gentler on the environment with 100% recyclable packaging made with recycled materials!

Somehow Schick keeps managing to hit home runs with their products. I’m a huge fan of the Quattro for Women razors, and I was really eager to try this. And because of the design, I thought it would be perfect for traveling. It was!

The first bit of genius is that I don’t need to use any shaving cream. The Skin Conditioning Solid™ that surrounds the blades lathers up while shaving. I not only appreciated not having to bring along an extra bath product; but the convenience of having the shave cream already in the razor also meant I didn't have to find a spot for the shave cream in the teensy hotel shower. The Aloe and Vitamin E also did a nice job of moisturizing.

The razor has an easy-to-grip rubber handle, and a pivoting head. It also comes with a shower hanger and cap. It's unbelievably convenient and portable. Gym bag, overnight trips, long vacations – you name it.

And…I got an excellent, close shave! Awesome!

Take a look at the website. There are some other great looking products as well. Schick products are sold in grocery stores, drugstores and places like Ulta, Walgreens, CVS, duane reade, and drugstore.com.

And…since I’ve been gone MIA for so long…here’s a nice video. Some 1960’s mod angst. The video sequence is a little strange, but this version had the best sound. And it might help wake you up if you have the Monday blahs…Enjoy!

(ftc disclosure: sample/product received from manufacturer or representative)

Have a Wonderful Holiday!!

2011-06-30T22:27:00.006-04:00

I'm still trying to get caught up on the chaos that is currently my summer (and google is still being ornery); but that doesn't mean I don't have time to wish you all a wonderful Fourth of July!

I wish you a beautiful weekend full of fun, leisure, and judicious use of sunscreen!

See you all after the holiday!

Saturday Edition: My Wish List at Zalando!

2011-06-25T22:13:00.010-04:00

Yes – it’s actually Saturday! After getting all caught up on my reviews at the beginning of the week; utter and complete chaos ensued (and then google blogger starting acting weird). So I got all cranky, and decided to take the week off from blogging to get everything straightened out and back to “normal.”

Of course, in addition to straightening things out, I also spent way too much time on the web checking out cool sites with pretty stuff. And I found this really awesome (not to mention comprehensive), super stylish European site. It’s called…Zalando

First portion of wishlist...clothes. Like this short dress from miss sixty.

And some cool dresses from French Connection

And…more dresses

Second portion: some mighty cool…sigh!...shoes

Like these Minna Parikka heels

Or these yummy suede boots from Clark's

I’m also craving these mad fab Adidas high tops

Okay…back to business. I have family visiting this weekend, so it should be nice and relaxing. And...I’ll be back all bright eyed and ready with the prettiness!

(ftc disclosure: sponsored post)

Pretend Hair Care Friday! Salerm Hi Repair Mask (review)

2011-06-20T23:01:00.004-04:00

Yup – it isn’t Friday either. But that doesn’t mean I would just randomly skip my weekly hair care item! Nope. It’s a few days late, but it’s here. Something from Salerm.

Hi Repair Mask

Blurb: Hair is restored from root to tip, without leaving a greasy residue. Protects against hair aging caused by chemical or natural processes. Patented molecule made up of a fast acting silk-silicon-alkali, which restructures the hair deep down.

As my hair gets longer, conditioning becomes even more important. I also color my hair, so that’s another level of conditioning need. I’m always on the lookout for new conditioning products; and lately, I’ve really been appreciating what I call “mini-masks.” They’re halfway between daily conditioner and overnight treatments. About two mornings each week; I saturate my hair, wrap it in a towel for about 3-5 minutes, then rinse.

I gave this Mask a try, and thought it did an excellent job. I didn’t even need to comb it through my hair; and when I rinsed, my hair was silky and tangle-free. I let my hair air dry, and was thrilled at how soft and shiny it was. I only needed a tiny bit of leave-in (to control fly-aways), and I was good to go. I had soft, pretty hair all day long; and by evening it still looked great.

Visit the website and take a look at the giant selection of products. There’s a what's new section, and an online catalogue that even includes salon furniture.

(ftc disclosure: sample/product received from manufacturer or representative)

Happy Pretend Thursday! Olay Purely Pristine™ Body Wash, Bar Soap and Body Lotion (review)

2011-06-20T22:34:00.007-04:00

I know…Thursday was a few days ago. I wrote my Thursday and Friday reviews last week; but then things got so hectic and crazy that I never had a chance to actually post them. I could have written “Happy Pristine Thursday” if I had been on time with my postings. But instead…last Thursday is being brought to you now. Along with some fine items from Olay.

Cleansing Body Wash and Moisturizing Body Wash

Blurb: Discover the clarifying crispness and pristine beauty of the Nordic region while you refresh and cleanse to purify your skin with this oxygen-rich lather infused with mineral crystals and seaweed extract.

Massaging Bar Soap

Blurb: Refresh and cleanse your skin with minerals crystals and seaweed extract using this body bar with a massaging design.

Body Lotion

Blurb: Discover the clarifying crispness and pristine beauty of the Nordic region while you invigorate your senses and nourish your skin with this rich moisturizing lotion infused with minerals and seaweed extract.

This line features refreshing spa-like fragrances, and soothing formulas that feel lovely and pampering. The Body Washes had a wonderful, crisp scent, cleaned well and left my skin soft and smelling pretty. The body bar had a textured side, that not only cleaned, but gave my tired muscles a gentle massage. The lotion felt soothing, softened my skin and had a slightly warmer version of the Body Wash/Bar fragrances.

I really enjoyed this line (and each of these items is somewhere in the neighborhood of $5 each). Fabulous value!

Check out the website for more information. You can also browse the new products and offers. Olay products are sold in drug stores, grocery stores, Walmart, Target and ULTA.

(ftc disclosure: sample/product received from manufacturer or representative)

Mid-Week Refreshment: skyn ICELAND Arctic Face Mist (review)

2011-06-15T23:36:00.006-04:00

My long weekend is starting to become a distant memory. It’s only Wednesday, but this week has been jam packed. I’m starting to droop. Time for a little facial (glacial) wake up call. From skyn ICELAND.

NEW Arctic Face Mist

Blurb: Has your frantic lifestyle led to a surge in stress-related hormones and histamines? If so, your skin may be irritated, exhausted and depleted of vital hydration and nutrients. You need relief and protection against future damage — and you need it fast. Our newly reformulated, dye-free Arctic Face Mist instantly helps calm and stabilize irritable, depleted skin with a cooling burst of natural mineral water, while fortifying it against the aging effects of free radicals and environmental stress. Powerful antioxidants and a daily dose of multivitamins for skin help energize and replenish for a radiant, healthy glow.

First I’m going to tell you about all the good things that are in this. Things like vitamins A, B(complex), C and E. It also contains Thiotaine (a natural antioxidant), yeast extract and cucumber water (to calm irritation and tone), and white willow bark (to prevent breakouts and skin congestion). That’s a mighty action-packed spritz!

It’s also an incredibly refreshing spritz. I deeply appreciate all the things that are good for my skin; but today I loved the minty, cooling, freshening I got when I sprayed it on. In the morning, it makes a wonderful toner, and in the afternoon, it’s a great refresher. It’s soothing, doesn’t irritate at all and has a very light, lovely scent.

I love visiting this website. There are lots of great facts about Stress and Skin, as well as cool products (like their TSA-approved detox kit). Right now you can find out how to recruit 10 friends and wiln $100. Skyn Iceland is also sold at Sephora and Saks Fifth Avenue.

(ftc disclosure: sample/product received from manufacturer or representative)

For Dad’s Day: LUSH Dirty Collection - Body Spray, Springwash Shower Gel & Shaving Cream (review)

2011-06-14T23:04:00.007-04:00

Many many things need to get done this week. You may know something about that. In addition to my regular goings on, there’s also Father’s Day business at hand. For those of you that are still wondering what to get the Dad (or Dads) in your life; here’s a nifty collection. From LUSH.

Dirty Body Spray

Blurb: Squirt our Dirty spray over your body, day or night, for portable deodorizing when you're on the move. Dirty spray is a deep and powerful freshener any time that you feel rushed off your feet; sandalwood helps to combat unwanted odours and that famous Dirty scent of tarragon, lavender and subtle spearmint will fool even the bloodhounds. Complete your layers with the deeper levels of Dirty. Get guys to ‘can' their aerosol body sprays and start using this freshly fragranced one instead. Plus it's made with real fragrance that will last a lot longer.

Dirty Springwash Shower Gel

Blurb: Like a dip in a mountain spring. After a dirty night on the tiles, jolt yourself back to reality with our tingly spearmint shower gel. Springwash is like a dip in a mountain spring, just in time for the weather getting warmer; spearmint and menthol crystals will make your skin feel cool in a hot shower and give it a sweeter scent than peppermint. Your bits will feel fresher in no time. Mo invented this refreshing and tingly shower gel, adding sodium bicarbonate to soften the water and deodorize the skin, making it absolutely perfect for 'Dirty' guys. There's also glycerine and sea salt in the recipe to soften the skin and hair as you're washing with it.

Dirty Shaving Cream

Blurb: Chin up! Slather, shave and soothe your face with a generous helping of Dirty shaving cream. Calming oat milk, shea butter and honey are great for calming irritations and red marks on sensitive chins. No one enjoys smooching when there's a hairy, scratchy beard face to contend with! Dirty boys should use this softening shaving cream to help the razor glide over the skin and leave their chins looking sharp. Scented with lavender and sandalwood, it's another layer to the Dirty fragrance blend. Not only should the men in your life being using Dirty shaving cream for a slick, fresh face, ladies can also enjoy the feeling of silky smooth, hair free skin on their legs and under their arms with a good dollop of this softening cream.

I love this line! I love to give beauty gifts, but generally the guys aren’t always as eager to “feel pretty.” This line pretty much satisfies everyone. The packaging is straightforward, modern, and has a “no frills” look while still remaining stylish and giftable.

And the products are excellent. Now I have to admit that I was the only one who tried the Shaving Cream. I kept it all for myself, and I loved the scent. I did have an actual guy try out the Body Spray and Shower Gel, though. He thoroughly loved both of them. The peppermint/sandalwood/tarragon combo is fresh and botanical without being girly. Not only did he enjoy the Body Spray, but I enjoyed it on him. We both gave the Shower Gel a try (he showered with it, and I used it as a bubble bath). It was heavenly and refreshing. The mint was more noticeable, and I felt incredibly clean and fresh afterwards.

The website has the entire collection, and there’s also very nice Get Dirty Gift set.

(ftc disclosure: sample/product received from manufacturer or representative)

Get Your Glow On: Neutrogena Healthy Skin Custom Glow™ Blush & Bronzer

2011-06-13T20:38:00.004-04:00

Alas…my “staycation” is over. It’s back to going to specific places at specific times (and doing specific things). I actually love my job; but I really loved my long break. A friend of mine told me that when you stay home for vacation, every day becomes Saturday. He is wise. He also likes to steal plastic traffic cones – so he knows all about how to have a good time.

Today, I’m easing into the week with a couple of pretty (and fabulously priced) items. From Neutrogena.

Healthy Skin Custom Glow™ Blush & Bronzer

Blurb: Perfectly coordinated blush and bronzer duos that blend effortlessly to deliver a healthy, sun-kissed glow anytime. Patented blend of antioxidants helps enhance skin's healthy look over time Lightweight, velvety texture. Mirror and brush included. Available in 6 shade duos.

Healthy Skin Custom Glow™ Bronzer

Blurb: Get a healthy, sun-kissed glow anytime of the year. The lightweight, velvety bronzer with light reflecting pearls blends effortlessly for a naturally radiant look. Formulated with a patented blend of antioxidants, it helps enhance skin's healthy look over time. Mirror and brush included.

Ever since I reviewed a compact; I’ve had a new respect and curiosity for this line. I love the idea of effective beauty products that are good for my skin, and also reasonably priced. Both of these items have kept the respect going.

The Blush/Bronzer duo is perfect for summer. I tried the “Berry Glow” palette, and loved the sweet, pretty color of the blush. The bronzer is lovely and shimmery, complimented the blush, and worked well as both a bronzer as well as a contour color. Both are highly pigmented and have excellent staying power. The solo Bronzer is also excellent. The color goes from light to darker, so I was able to get exactly the right shade. I also used some from the darker side on my shoulders and collar area for a nice sun-kissed glow.

Check out website, and visit the special offers page. Neutrogena is sold in grocery stores, drugstores, and online at drugstore.com.

(ftc disclosure: sample/product received from manufacturer or representative)

Sunday Edition: School Daze

2011-06-12T18:59:00.007-04:00

Now that I’ve been away from opera for almost a year, I’m starting to think about what I want to be when I grow up. I guess the first step is to decide about what direction I want to go, and then start learning more. Here’s some of the info I’ve gathered about online schools. There’s even an online healthcare degree (here).

I haven’t found a beauty blogger degree (yet); but here’s something I found for Fashion Design...

Fashion Design & Merchandising

Fashion designers create the concepts for clothing, shoes, and accessories, and aim to set the trends for what will become popular. Merchandisers deal with the business aspect of the fashion industry, such as the best way to market, advertise, and attract attention to the products the designers create. Designers and merchandisers typically attend a two or four year program at an institution which specializes in fashion, such as the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising. The states which employ the most fashion designers in the United States are New York and California. Jobs in this industry will grow by about five percent by the year 2016.

(ftc disclosure: sponsored post)

Sunday Edition: LUSH Retro Favorites

2011-06-12T18:55:00.003-04:00

Check out the fab retro fab favorites that LUSH has brought back for the summer…

Ask [LUSH] And Ye Shall Receive...

Here at LUSH it’s all about innovation and keeping things fresh. This exciting modernization also means having to say goodbye to some products to make room for the new ones. But what about those loyal fans who can’t live without X, Y or Z and like to tell us so? Don’t worry we’ve got them covered with our Retro line of re-released discontinued products that are available exclusively online at www.lushusa.com. Here are just a few of the fan favorites that are making resurgence in the LUSH line-up this summer:

In the Nude Bath Melt: Get in the nude this summer! This naked bath melt is small and discreet, yet it’s rich in moisturizing cocoa butter and scented with the divine combination of almond oil, lavender oil, rose absolute and chamomile oil.

Shave The Planet Shaving Cream: The antioxidants and vitamin-rich ingredients soothe and reduce redness while repairing and softening skin. Fair trade organic shea butter and cupuacu butter condition skin as the rose absolute and bamboo infusion soothe it. Vitamin-rich pumpkinseed and cold pressed rosehip oils make for a smooth shave and calm skin. LUSH’s 100% PCR packaging make sure that as you shave you save the planet.

Milky Bar Soap: This creamy, comforting soap smells like hot milk, which is nice to wash your body with just before going to bed. Milky Bar Soap is made with nourishing soya milk (so it's vegan!) and toning sweet orange and patchouli oils. Give a chunk to all the sweet people you know for glowing, touchable skin to slip into the sheets for a good night’s rest. (Vegan)

Smitten Hand Cream: LUSH customers asked very politely (but persistently) for a lighter, daytime hand cream scented with the same deliciously mouth-watering almond fragrance as our Snowcake soap. LUSH founder and product creator extraordinaire, Mark Constantine, created Smitten in response. Smitten is a fast-acting, deliciously scented, chamomile and coconut butter hand protector enriched with wheat germ to make your hands feel soft and luxurious while smelling like delicious almond frosting.

Sunday Edition: Perfect Brows with Parissa

2011-06-12T18:52:00.003-04:00

Check it out – mini wax strips for perfect brows!

Sunday Edition: Scented Handles from Schick Quattro for Women

2011-06-12T18:47:00.004-04:00

How fun is this? Schick Quattro for Women has just come out with scented handles! Take a look…

A Girls’ On-The-Go Guide to “Berry” Smooth Legs!
NEW Schick® Quattro for Women® Disposable razors with Scented Handles
In #1 Skintimate® Signature Scent™ Raspberry Rain

No matter the season or where you may be, count on the NEW Schick® Quattro for Women® Disposable razors with scented handles in #1 Skintimate® Signature Scent™ Raspberry Rain™ to awaken your shave routine. See how the sensorial shaving duo keeps your skin and life berry smooth!

7:00 AM: Shower Your Senses

Perk up your shower routine with the sweet smell of raspberries from the fragrance-infused handle. Pair it with Skintimate® Signature Scents™ in Raspberry Rain™ to moisturize skin with olive butter, Vitamin E and Pro-Vitamin B5. Whether you’re showing off legs in a summer dress or hiding them behind tights this autumn, you’ll be smooth and prepared!

Smooth tip: You know when it’s time to dispose your razor when the blades are dull!

6:00 PM: Strong, Sexy and Smooth Post-Workout

Don’t forget to pack your disposable razors and shaving cream into your gym bag for a quick and easy shave to show off those toned legs!

Smooth tip: Avoid a shower that’s too hot and repeat passes of the blade for a nick-free shave

8:00 PM: Champagne and Raspberries

Whether you’re meeting up with girlfriends or the apple of your eye, get ready in a jiffy with your disposable razors and shaving cream. Schick Quattro for Women and Skintimate leave skin so smooth that you could skip a day or two—perfect for that second date!

Smooth tip: Skintimate is designed to cling onto hair and lather—don’t use soap if you’re in hurry!

Weekend Getaway: Smooth Sailing!

If you’re packing for a weekend excursion, don’t forget to include your must-have shave essentials. After shaving, simply toss and go!

Smooth tip: Don’t hesitate to pack your disposables in your carry on—they’re TSA-approved!

If you’re a girl on-the-go, don’t forget to keep your Schick Quattro for Women Disposables fully stocked and legs Skintimate smooth so you’re ready for wherever the day may take you!

Hair Care Friday…Saturday Version: Rusk Deepshine Oil Protective Treatment (review)

2011-06-11T15:06:00.006-04:00

Yes, this week Hair Care Friday falls on a Saturday. Mainly because I spent most of last night fiddling around with a dessert idea that just didn’t work. But I did learn two valuable lessons. First, don’t wait until the last minute to try out your new dessert idea. And second, whipped cream collapses and turns to runny goo in 90+ degree weather.

Earlier in the week I also learned that it’s a terrible idea to try out a new hair coloring product the day before an event. On the bright side, I learned how to fix said problem with the help of a fine product. From Rusk.

Deepshine Oil Protective Treatment

Blurb: A marine mineral-enriched argan oil treatment that smoothes the cuticle, eliminates frizz, and improves elasticity and hydration, leaving hair soft, silky and manageable. Deepshine Oil is perfect for all hair types. Deepshine Oil smooths the cuticle, eliminates frizz, and imparts incredible shine and condition. This lightweight, alcohol-free formula imparts brilliant shine, while advanced marine therapy infuses the hair with superior condition, renewing the natural integrity of the hair. Used as a styling or finishing product, Deepshine Oil helps seal the cuticle, prevent color fading with subsequent shampoos, and protect against damage caused by chemicals, excessive heat from thermal styling, and environmental factors.

Short version: This Treatment saved my hairdo!

I tried out a temporary color product that a friend of mine had been raving about. I was going somewhere, and I wanted to do something fun…but temporary. Well, the color was cute (and temporary), but it completely dried out my hair. I was appalled…and kind of peeved at my friend.

Luckily, I had a bottle of this Treatment that I’d been waiting to try out. It claimed to smooth the cuticle, and add lots of shine and conditioning. I gave it a try. I smoothed it in my damp hair, then gently combed it through. And…my hair was fixed. Totally and completely fixed. Instead of colored straw, I had colored hair. It was shiny, pretty and the curls came back. Whew!

Even better, my hair felt soft and pretty all night. Thank you, Rusk!

I chucked out my friend’s “suggestion,” but I’m going to keep this Treatment for use after I do my regular coloring. It says that it’s also great for use during the coloring process. I believe it!

The website has the entire Deepshine collection. You can also check out the fashion, culture, and attitude pages. Deepshine is available at leading salons (including ULTA) and online at Stylesource.com.

(ftc disclosure: sample/product received from manufacturer or representative)

Thunderous Thursday: Sally Hansen Salon Effects Nail Polish Strips (review)

2011-06-09T23:17:00.005-04:00

Well the whole day wasn’t thunderous. Most of today was wretchedly, ridiculously hot. But then the heat broke thanks to a big thunderstorm. So now it’s pretty pleasant. End of weather update.

This is day #2 of my “staycation,” and it’s been mighty nice so far. Wednesday was clean and pamper day, today was relax and have fun day; and tomorrow I’m hanging out with the girls. End of staycation update.

Oh wait, isn’t it time for a review? It is! Here’s something super fun from Sally Hansen.

Salon Effects Nail Polish Strips

Blurb: Sally Knows nails are the best accessory. Now, Sally makes it easy to get a designer-inspired salon effect anytime, any place. It wears like nail polish because it IS nail polish. No dry time, so you’re ready to go.

What the blurb above doesn’t say is that these are really, really fun! It took me a couple of minutes to get the hang of applying them; but once I got it all figured out, it was incredibly easy. Simply peel off the backing, peel the polish stip away from the plastic, lay carefully on the nail, snip off the excess, and then use the orangewood stick to rub/buff it on to your nail. I also used the edges of the stick to tuck the ends under the edge of my nail. After they were all applied, I used the file (included) to file off the edges that were sticking out and any excess that got tucked under. I got a perfectly neat application on every nail.

What’s more, there was no drying time, it lasted for 8 days, and came off easily with polish remover.

And they looked fabulous! I first tried “Girl Flower” (second row, far left), and got tons of compliments. Same with my favorite, “Laced Up” (second row, far right). I got compliments from friends, co-workers, and even grocery store cashiers. I am having a blast with these!

Check out the website to see all of the great designs; then visit the where to buy section for a listing of grocery stores and drugstores where Sally Hansen is sold.

I feel like I conveyed my enthusiasm, but my explanation of how to apply wasn’t all that great; so I’m going to refer you to another blogger’s video tutorial for a little bit better demo…

(ftc disclosure: sample/product received from manufacturer or representative)

Warm Weather Is...Afoot: AHAVA Dermud Intensive Foot Cream (review)

2011-06-08T17:35:00.006-04:00

The heat has definitely arrived! Record-breaking temperatures! Yuck.

First I want to send a shout out to all my friends at Americade who are camping (you heard me right…camping) in the heat. I wish you safe travels, plenty of shade, and big bottles of water (and/or beer).

Here at home, I’m spending the day barricaded in my air conditioned apartment and doing things like coloring my hair, cleaning, and later on giving myself a mani/pedi. One of the fine things I’ll be using to make my feet pretty is something nice from AHAVA.

Dermud Intensive Foot Cream

Blurb: This soothing cream is a real difference maker for my dry feet. It's hydrating Dead Sea mineral mud formula relieves itchiness, redness and scaling. It leaves my feet feeling remarkably soft, supple and comfortable. Aloe Vera and Shea Butter extracts soften and smooth very dry and sensitive skin. Coconut and Jojoba oils helps to lock in moisture for all day comfort. Provitamin B5 and Vitamin E protects and rejuvenates.

I like to wear as little footwear as possible (except for the occasional pair of cute high heels). I only own about 4 pair of socks because that’s how rarely my feet are covered. That means my tootsies are visible to the elements (and the general public) most of the time. Even more in the spring and summer. So I know from foot cream.

This particular Foot Cream is excellent! It’s a very thick, soothing cream; and it also absorbs very quickly. It makes my feet look softer and better immediately. My feet also feel great – even the roughest parts. What I especially love is that there’s no stickiness or greasiness - which is aweseome when I don’t feel like sliding around in my sandals.

The website is full of wonderful things for your skin. Orders over $50 ship for free, and you get free samples with each order. You can also find Ahava at drugstore.com. And…this Friday (June 10); tune into HSN (8am to 10am) to learn about the Foot Renewal Treatment Duo and Bath Salts Trio.

And now here's something kind of bikery for my motorcycle riding friends. Kind of. My sister and I were crazy about this song when we were kids. I remember singing our own version of it with our little neighbor friend. Imagine 7 and 9-year-olds singing “you’ll see the world from my Harley.” Kinda cute (and slightly alarming). This youtube version features tv clips instead of the band (I have no idea why).

(ftc disclosure: sample/product received from manufacturer or representative)

Heat Wave a' Comin! COOLA Mineral Face Matte Finish (SPF 30) & Tint (SPF 20) (rave review)

2011-06-07T23:34:00.005-04:00

I’ve been walking around in a fog all day because our local township thought it would be a really good idea to repave the street where I live. I totally agreed with the whole repaving idea, but I did not agree with the idea of doing it in the middle of the night. Really? Yes, really. There were trucks and bright lights outside all night long.

Cheltenham Township…you do NOT rule. You don't rock either.

There. I said it.

Anyway…in other news, a gigantic heat wave is supposed to descend upon the Philadelphia area beginning tomorrow. That means there will be sunshine everywhere. Wouldn’t this be a great time to feature some awesome sun protection products? (Answer: yes, it would.) How about two lovely items from COOLA.

face spf30 matte finish cucumber natural mineral sunblock

Blurb: Say hello to your new everyday sunblock. A natural, mineral matte formula that gives you SPF 30, broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection while it hydrates your skin with vitamins, antioxidants and repairing extracts like Shea Butter and Borage Seed Oil that target early signs of aging. Soothing organic Cucumber balances skin’s moisture and delivers a refreshing scent. Naturally water-resistant phyto-protectors like Plankton boost SPF protection make this the perfect beach companion. 70% Certified Organic inactives, 95% Natural.

face spf 20 tint rose natural mineral sunblock

Blurb: Feel rosy without getting too rosy with this natural mineral, sheer SPF 20 sunblock that is sure to keep your delicate facial skin even, hydrated and protected. Rose Extract soothes the skin and the senses with its natural toning and aromatherapy properties. And while combining the super antioxidant and anti-aging powers of Xylinum Black Tea and Organic Grape Seed Extract, this formula delivers lasting broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection and is still light enough to feel perfect under makeup everyday. 70% Certified Organic inactives, 98% Natural.

Wow! Just Wow! This is powerhouse sun protection, skincare and beauty all rolled into one. Or…two.

The matte finish sunblock is a zinc-oxide/titanium-dioxide sunscreen that also makes an excellent primer. It went on smoothly, absorbed quickly, and left no white cast. It had a very mild and pleasant cucumber scent, and felt light, hydrating and soothing. There was no heavy feeling at all. It dried to a matte finish that worked fabulously under my foundation.

I tried the tint rose sunblock both alone and layered over the cucumber sunblock, and got great results each way. The rose sunblock has a consistency somewhere between a tinted moisturizer and a light foundation. The coverage was sheer to medium and slightly buildable. It blended easily, and did an excellent job of evening out my skin tone (it also had a pretty rose scent). The finish was very fresh and natural. And again…excellent zinc oxide-based protection.

Each of these products is fabulous on its own; amd layered together they provide super effective (and pretty) sun protection, coverage and skincare. I feel like I can go anywhere this summer and look great while my skin stays in the shade. A+…and bring on the heat wave!

Take a look at the website and learn more about sun science, and a few other organic facts. There’s also a very comprehensive where to buy section. COOLA is also available at Spas, beauty centers, Dermstore and drugstore.com.

Here’s another kind of heat wave. From Martha & the Vandellas.

(ftc disclosure: sample/product received from manufacturer or representative)

Aaaaand…We’re Back! Thymes Agave Nectar Body Wash (review)

2011-06-06T23:24:00.007-04:00

As I mentioned earlier, last week was a giant, hectic, crazed festival of stress. I had an amazing Memorial Day weekend; but then had to hit the ground running Tuesday morning. And I kept running. Then I ran some more. By the time I stopped it was the weekend again.

But once I did stop? Beauty treats to soothe my spirit. Starting with this gorgeously scented body wash. From Thymes.

Agave Nectar Body Wash

Blurb: Whether used as a shower gel or body cleanser, awaken your ability to thrive with skin-quenching lather blooming with fresh fragrance. Glycerin attracts moisture and softens skin while agave extract helps soothe. Agave Nectar is an oasis for your skin, tapping the resilience of the desert. Agave nectar, cocooned within the quenching agave plant, forms a warm, honeyed base note. Above, layers of ruby red grapefruit, delicate lemon blossom and tangy guava pulse with refreshing citrus, radiating a bright, cheerful optimism. And soothing aloe leaf and subtle crystalline musk deliver a clean, fresh finish.

After last week was over, I seriously needed some pampering, refreshment and rejuvenation; and this Body Wash was more than up to the task. I got loads of soft, bubbly lather, and my skin was clean, balanced and soft. I love citrus fragrances, and this one is a standout. It’s a heavenly balance of tart and sweet with a bit of warmth and softness. It’s an excellent pick me up. I immediately felt a whole lot better.

Check out the website, and take a look at the Complete Agave Nectar Collection. There’s also a beautiful gift section, and a handy store locator. Thymes is sold in fine independent specialty stores across the United States and Canada (and in certain international markets).

Here’s to smooth sailing this week!

(ftc disclosure: sample/product received from manufacturer or representative)

Almost Back: Jessica Biel and Revlon Grow Luscious Mascara Commercial

2011-06-06T23:18:00.000-04:00

Take a sneak preview of this commercial before it starts running in movie theatres on Monday…

Revlon’s brand ambassador Jessica Biel
Starring in “Hypnoteyzed,”
Revlon’s new commercial for their new Grow Luscious Plumping Mascara.

Biel and musician Pharrell Williams star in the 60 second film noir-inspired commercial, which was shot entirely on black and white film. In “Hypnoteyzed,” Biel draws Williams in with her plumped eyelashes and with each bat of her lashes, nearly knocks Williams off his feet. Revlon Grow Luscious Plumping Mascara conditions and plumps eyelashes by 200% with every use!

As of today, Revlon Grow Luscious Plumping mascara is available in drugstores and mass retailers nationwide, and “Hypnoteyzed” will begin running in US movie theaters on June 13.

Almost Back: Liz Earle Wins Two CEW Awards!

2011-06-06T23:16:00.001-04:00

One of my favorite brands just won two (count em – two) CEW UK Awards! This is huge (and well deserved) – go Liz!

Liz Earle Naturally Active Skincare Wins Best British Brand...And More!

Liz Earle Naturally Active Skincare won two prestigious awards at this year’s Cosmetic Executive Women (CEW) UK Awards ceremony. The awards are known as ‘The Oscars’ of the UK beauty industry, so to win two of these highly coveted prizes is a wonderful achievement!

In the brand’s 16th year, it was an honor to be recognized by the CEW with the Best British Brand Award.

Also, as the ‘one-for-all’ Botanical Shine Shampoo is still in its first year, we are especially excited about the Best New Haircare/Styling Product Award. This shampoo has already found a place in the hearts of many of our customers, as well as the Liz Earle team!

Even better there were three other finalists from the brand. The original and only Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser was a finalist for Best Classic Beauty Product: Prestige category, the uplifting Energising Body Lotion was a finalist in the Best New Bath and Body Product: Prestige category, while the crème de la crème for more mature skin types, Superskin Eye & Lip Treatment, was a finalist for Best New Skincare Treatment Product: Prestige category.

About the CEW AwardsCEW Awards nominations are proposed and judged by a panel of around 600 ‘beauty insiders’, including top experts and professionals who are all members of the CEW. As these awards are recognized as the beauty industry’s highest honor, winning one acknowledges a product is the very best in its category.

Almost Back: Spring Beauty from Kate Somerville

2011-06-06T23:12:00.003-04:00

Kate Somerville has some wonderful things going on this Spring…

Bright and Beautiful Spring Offers from Kate Somerville

Limited Edition Summer Essentials Kit: Here comes the sun. You’ll be ready for summer in just 3 easy steps. First, get velvety smooth by gently sloughing away dead cells. Then, develop a healthy-looking tan without exposure to damaging rays. And, finally, protect your skin with an incredibly lightweight daily serum that provides broad spectrum coverage

Ageless Correction Kit: This age defying product regimen aggressively fights lines and wrinkles with the most advanced ingredients available today. Kit includes: Deep Tissue Repair (0.5 oz ), Line Release Under Eye Cream (.5 oz ), HydraKate Line Release Face Serum (.33 oz), Total Vitamin Antioxidant Face Serum (.33 oz)

Free Samples: Now your order will include three complimentary samples!

Almost Back: Bigen Sweepstakes!

2011-06-06T23:10:00.002-04:00

Wow – Spring is full of fab giveaways. Check out this one from Bigen…

Win a Trip to NYC with the “Bigen Big Apple” Sweepstakes

Start Spreading the News – Bigen, experts in brilliant, rich, salon quality hair color, are offering the chance to win big with the “Bigen Big Apple” sweepstakes! The lucky winner will choose one of the four fabulous NYC prize packages listed below including hotel and travel accommodations for two:

· Rock out with tickets to Broadway smash Rock of Ages
· Dance the night away at the hottest concert of the summer
· Cheer for one of New York’s baseball teams at their new stadium
· View world-class works of art on a museum tour

Simply “Like” Bigen on Facebook and follow the “Bigen Big Apple” sweepstakes instructions to enter – click HERE to get started!

Sold in 70 countries worldwide, Bigen is the #1 selling permanent powder hair color. Regardless of natural color, texture, condition or length, Bigen produces optimum darkening results and offers gentle formula and salon quality color.

Almost Back: Julep and Summer Pedicures

2011-06-06T23:07:00.002-04:00

One of my absolute favorite things about warm weather is…SANDALS! And pretty pedicures. Check out the fabulous products and tips to make your toes all pretty…

Show Your Stuff in The Hottest Summer Pedicure Colors

Julep’s new Summer Collection consists of three vibrant colors all named after confident and inspiring women.

* Niecy is the perfect pink to bring out on a bright sunny day
* Blake screams buttery, delicious bliss (without the dreaded calories). Yellow is a sizzling summer color as Lady Gaga and Willow Smith were both recently spotted sporting the shade
* Jaime is an electrifying and sandal-wearing blue

Pair the new collection with Julep's Essential Cuticle Oil and Nail Growth Revitalizing Serum and your pedicure instantly becomes a coveted Julep pedi-care!

Julep Founder Jane Park’s Summer Tip: “When you have to dash out the door, especially after a DIY pedicure, you can ‘set’ your polish by dunking your feet in ice water for 30 to 60 seconds. Then coat with cuticle oil (or olive oil works too in a pinch) to help protect your polish from chips and dings.”

Julep brings their mission of empowering girlfriends to life through Powered by Girlfriends, an ongoing program that donates $1 from the sale of every Julep Nail Vernis to organizations that empower and support women. All Julep products feature 3-Free formulas and do not contain carcinogens such as formaldehyde, toluene, and DBP.

For additional tips, colors and product information including Julep’s Spa Pedicure At-Home Party, visit www.julep.com.

Almost Back: Weleda Sweepstakes!

2011-06-06T23:04:00.001-04:00

Check out (and like) Weleda’s Facebook page for a chance to win awesome skincare (and a grand prize of a year’s supply of Weleda skincare).

Weleda’s Celebrate Your Timeless Beauty Sweepstakes

For 30 days, Weleda is giving away its NEW Pomegranate Firming Facial Care to three winners DAILY! One grand prize winner will also win a year’s supply of Weleda natural skin care products*.

Here’s a link: http://www.facebook.com/Weleda?sk=app_206380686061431

Containing precious organic pomegranate seed oil, rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids, Pomegranate Firming Facial Care is the ideal companion to your skin’s natural aging process. Featuring four beautifully formulated products including, Pomegranate Firming Day Cream, Firming Night Cream, Firming Eye Cream and Firming Serum, which aid your skin’s own ability to regenerate, reduce signs of aging, and protect from damaging free radicals.

*Only users who “Like” Weleda North America are eligible to enter.

Almost Back: Summer with LUSH

2011-06-06T22:59:00.003-04:00

For some people, Memorial Day weekend was the unofficial beginning of Summer. If you’re feeling the Summer vibe a little bit early, check out some ideas from LUSH…

Kick Off The Summer With LUSH!

Time to fire up the barbecue, break out the bikinis and get ready for fun in the sun! LUSH has all the beach-inspired goodies you’ll need to transport your beauty routine to a summertime state of mind. Check out these seaside staples that should be in every satchel this season:

Ocean Salt Facial & Body Scrub: This stimulating, exfoliating facial and body scrub vigorously polishes to detoxify and remove dead skin cells, leaving the skin glowing. Made with both coarse and fine sea salts, the granules of salt themselves contain minerals which are beneficial to the skin.

Seanik Solid Shampoo: This powerful shampoo bar is packed with sea salt which gives hair much needed volume as it nourishes, while Irish moss and Japanese nori seaweed work to soften hair. (Vegan)

BIG Shampoo: Combine shine-enhancing citrus juices with the beautifying, hair-buffing impact of sea salt and genuine sea water and you’ve got a BIG body-building regimen your fine hair won't sweat over. LUSH has added a massive 50% of sea salt crystals to counteract the effects of soft water, to pump up the volume. (Vegan)

Big Blue Bath Bomb: Bring the splendor of the sea straight to your bath tub with this blue wonder. Packed with detoxifying sea salt, vitamin-rich seaweed, relaxing lavender and fresh lemon, topped with a crust of coarse sea salt, this bright blue bath bomb gives you a deep turquoise bath with pieces of skin-softening arame seaweed floating around in the water. (Vegan)

Beside the Seaside: Beside the Seaside gift is all you need to recreate a beach getaway if you can’t get away. It also makes for the perfect hostess gift if you do go away and are staying at a friend’s beach house! Contains: Sandstone soap, Blue Skies and Fluffy White Clouds bubble bar, Big Blue bath bomb & Happy Hippy shower gel.

Almost Back: Schick and Katy Perry - Dare to be Spontaneous Sweepstakes!

2011-06-06T22:54:00.002-04:00

Check out this cool giveaway going on right now through July 8! Visit the Schick Quattro for Women Facebook page for a chance to win a vacation!

Schick® Quattro For Women® Announces
The Dare To Be Spontaneous Summer 2011 Program And
Katy Perry Getaway Sweepstakes

Schick® Quattro for Women® razors, the official partner of the Katy Perry California Dreams tour, launches the Dare to be Spontaneous summer program encouraging women to embrace the freedom that comes from having legs so smooth you can skip a day or two.

To kick-off the Dare to be Spontaneous program, today through July 8th, Schick® Quattro for Women® fans eighteen years of age and older can enter the Dare to Be Spontaneous Katy Perry Getaway Sweepstakes on the Schick Quattro for Women Facebook page. One lucky winner will receive a spontaneous getaway vacation with three friends to an undisclosed, secret location in the United States. The trip will include hotel, airfare, tickets to a Katy Perry concert, and a chance to meet Katy in person!

Almost Back: Elke von Freudenberg and Perfect Wedding Brows

2011-06-06T22:47:00.002-04:00

I had a wonderful, wonderful vacation, and I meant to start posting again last Tuesday. Unfortunately, The Universe had other plans. Plans that made my life a crazy, hectic kind of…thing. And in the meantime, more fabulous beauty news found its way into my inbox. So before I post my review, here’s some great info. Starting with a bit of brow advice…

Perfect Brows Can Make The Perfect Wedding Photo
From NYC Celebrity Brow Specialist Elke von Freudenberg

Top NYC Celebrity Makeup Artist and Eyebrow Specialist, Elke Von Freudenberg does more than just create the perfect brow for her bride. She also makes sure that on that special day, their brows are the perfect shape in their wedding photos.

"Brows are just as important to creating your perfect bridal look, as your hair and makeup. And uneven or badly shaped brows can create an unwanted look in your wedding photos is you're not careful." shares Elke Von Freudenberg. With photos being a concern for the bride, uneven, or badly shaped brows can ruin a wedding picture.

The most common brow mishaps that you can see in a photo are:

1. Uneven brows - where 1 brow is higher than the other: This can make you look like you're raising your eyebrow, or that the bone structure and facial shape is uneven. Let a brow pro reshape and even out the brows so that they are perfectly even. Brows are supposed to be exactly the same, not slightly different. A professional knows how to fix and correct the shape.

2. Too Thick/Thin brows - where the brows are very thick from beginning to arch and very thin from arch to ends: This can create an angry, hard look to the face, especially in photos because the focus of the brow is on the front of the brow, near the nose. To soften, thin out the brows slightly from beginning to arch, and pencil in the brows from arch to ends to create a better balance and a softer look. Avoid the severe trends in brow looks and focus on the best brow shape for you. "Too thin, light or super thick brows can date your look when you're looking back on your wedding photos years from now."

3. Too Dark Brows - where the brows look too extreme: Avoid harsh trends for your wedding photos. Go for a more classic look on your wedding day. Use brow shadows and pencils to create a soft brow that compliments your hair color and works great with the style of your wedding dress. Too dark brows can make the face look heavy and pulls the attention away from the eyes. "For your big day you the focus to be on your hair, makeup, and eyes." To keep a more natural looking brow, choose brow pencil or shadow that's 2/3 shades lighter than your brow color. "We use our Blonde Day Brow Shadow a lot in dark brunette or brown brows. It fills in the brow without making the brow darker."

Shown top to bottom: Day Brow Shadow in Ash Brown, Dark Brunette, Auburn and Blonde

4. Too Light Brows - where the brows disappear: Use brow shadows and pencils to softly create a brow shape. A photo with a missing or too pale brow takes away the expression of your face and creates a lifeless image. If your hair is very light, you can keep it light, but make sure the dimension is there so that you see the brow framing the eye.

5. Avoid a very frosted or glittery brow highlight for those wedding photos. Flash photography can create a glare effect in the photos, and while it looks pretty in person, apply a brow highlight that has more of a soft shimmer, than a strong frost to compliment and bring out the brow shape. The highlight "Glowstick" is a perfect soft cream with soft gold highlights that compliment a wide array of skin tones. "This color is so beautiful, that we actually call this our 'Bridal Highlight'. Looks gorgeous on the skin, and can also be used on tops of cheekbones, collarbones and along tops of hands (to bring attention to that wedding ring.)"

Shown; Hi-Light Shadow in Sugar, White Star, Canary, Cyber Glow.

To get Elke’s highly acclaimed brow shaping services in NYC, visit her website at themodelbrow.com.

Her signature brow collection can also be ordered online at www.thebrowcollection.com.

While I’m Away: Merle Norman Summer 2011 Color Collection

2011-05-26T23:49:00.005-04:00

Wowee! I’m so excited about this brand! I remember my mom going to Merle Norman and getting a make up lesson while my sister and I watched in complete fascination. I guess this is how beauty junkies are created.

Anyway…Merle Norman is celebrating 80 years of beauty. They’ve given a modern twist to their image and brought out some great new products just in time for Summer…

Merle Norman Cosmetics Celebrates 80 Years!

Fresh and New Products for Summer!

Summer 2011 Color Collection

Colorful watercolor effects reflect a happy warm-weather mood.

This season’s collection highlights vivid combinations of violet, green, and coral with metallic gold and bronze accents, bold pops of fuchsia for cheeks and bright pinks and coral for lips.

Lip Polish: A creamy, long-wearing lip gloss that packs 100 watts of shine! Soft, velvety formula with a subtle vanilla scent glides on smoothly with a brush applicator. Available in 8 fun shades.

Makeup Artristry Brush Collection: Complete line of top quality brushes designed for professional-looking makeup application. Available with natural goat hair and synthetic bristles.

Lip Exfoliator: Gentle micro-dermabrasion lip treatment immediately retexturizes skin to reveal incredibly soft and smooth lips. Allows lip color to glide on smoothly and keeps it from caking. Easy-to-use stick formula

Lip Conditioner (SPF15): Nourishing lip conditioner with effective sun protection. Packed with humectants and emollients to smooth, soothe and seal in moisture.

How It All Began: Since 1931, when Merle Norman opened the first Studio in Santa Monica, her company has provided women across the country the opportunity to be successful entrepreneurs. A woman ahead of her times, she created business ownership opportunities for women and set an unmatched standard of quality service, education and American-made beauty products.

While I’m Away: LUSH Graduation Gifts & NEW Dirty Collection

2011-05-26T23:42:00.006-04:00

Oh LUSH! How you tempt me with your…tempting…temptations!

Ahem. Okay, just check out the gorgeous stuff…

Graduation Gifts from LUSH!

Shower Me With LUSH: College dorms do not come equipped with baths, so give her this beautiful reusable hat box (great for storage when empty) filled with 10 shower power products.

Celebrate: Celebrate is a bright 'n bouncy bunch of reviving body treats to help her celebrate whatever needs celebrating and recover afterwards. It's got an uplifting grapefruit shower gel, zesty soaps to perk her up and a massage bar to give her a really good boost of vitamins (and a bit of sunshine).

Happy Gift: Get happy with a septuplet of cheery products embedded with good mood potential - scented of grapefruit, mandarin, lemon and bergamot which are all shown to improve mood naturally. If she’s feeling down about the big changes ahead, this will wash her cares away!

Sweet & Dreamy: Our Sweet and Dreamy Gift has a plethora of the creamiest and dreamiest of bath treats, soaps, moisturizers and massage bars to soak, scrub, slather and stroke her anxiety away with blends of calming lavender, honey, chamomile and vanilla.

You’re a Star: Everyone from Halle Berry and Angelina Jolie to Lindsay Lohan and Madonna has admitted to loving LUSH! Every item in the box has been selected by an A-list celebrity, You're A Star box is a collection of their choices to help her feel like the star she is!

LUSH Legends: Show her your pride by giving her this shiny gold hat box filled with LUSH’s best-selling products. Face, feet, hands and everything in between, this gift will have her beauty needs covered from head to toe.

Get Dirty with LUSH!

For people who care about their appearance but can’t be bothered with too much paraphernalia in the mornings, the NEW “Dirty” collection is a no-nonsense fragrance that hits you with intensely crisp spearmint, thyme and tarragon, and the subtle smell of calm seas.

Dirty takes the common idea of ‘layering’ with beauty products a little bit further. Normally, grooming products will all have a different scent. However, this new concept of layering means you can shower in invigorating spearmint and thyme, shave with soothing lavender and sandalwood, and style hair with tarragon and oak moss. Once all of these products with their individual fragrances have been used, the combined scent will be that of Dirty, and can be topped off with the body spray, which contains all those main notes.

Dirty Spring Wash Shower: Don’t be a dirty rotten scoundrel. Recreate your very own mountain spring and wash with this tingly, softening, minty shower gel that contains spearmint, thyme, and sea salt.

Dirty Shaving Cream: Shave it all off using our ultra-softening oats and benzoin shaving cream. There’s also lavender and sandalwood in there to soothe any irritations.

Dirty Hair Gel: Refresh your coif with our conditioning and softening, firm hold styling product. Made with fair trade coconut oil, linseed gel and balm herb infusion for the perfect just-got-out-of bed style.

Dirty Body Spray: If you don’t have the time for a full-on Dirty routine in the morning, take a quickie instead and spritz yourself liberally with this body spray before you head out the door. No one will ever know.

While I’m Away: PCA Recommendations for Skin Cancer Awareness Month

2011-05-26T23:37:00.003-04:00

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month. And that doesn’t mean we stop being aware during the other 11 months. Make sure you’re ready for the sun. And check out some recommendations from PCA…

Skin Cancer Awareness Month

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, and PCA Skin wants to remind you to keep your skin safe this spring and summer! Check out these facts from PCA and The Skin Cancer Foundation:

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends both adults and children use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Each of PCA Skin’s five new sunscreens is formulated with an SPF 30 or above and contains both UVA and UVB protection in alignment with the new Skin Cancer Foundation Seal of Recommendation requirements.

Researchers found that the daily application of sunscreen to the head, neck, arms, and hands reduced melanoma incidence by half in study participants. PCA SKIN Protecting Hydrator SPF 30, Perfecting Protection SPF 30, Hydrator Plus SPF 30 and Weightless Protection SPF 45 are all considered “Daily Use” products, and are intended to protect consumers from incidental sun exposure.

The easiest way to know if a sunscreen provides proper protection is to look for The Skin Cancer Foundation's Seal of Recommendation on the label and following the FDA guidelines. PCA Skin Active Very Water/Sweat Resistant SPF 45 features the FDA approval of a "very water resistant" product, meaning it maintains SPF after 80 minutes of water immersion. The typical water resistant sunscreen only lasts for 40 minutes.

While I’m Away: A Perfect Prom Look From essence

2011-05-26T23:31:00.003-04:00

I think my prom days are behind me; but I’m still loving what I’m seeing so far from this brand. And now that you’re older and wiser; check out their suggestions and make them your own…

Perfect Your Prom Look

You’ve picked out the dress, the jewelry and the date (hopefully!), now all you need is your final makeup look for the big night! Whether you want to go movie star glam with tight waves and a bold lip or simply sweet with pastels and nail polish, essence cosmetics has everything you need to achieve your signature prom look! Take a look at the below products that we are sure will win you the Prom Queen crown!

Bold Lip – Use the essence stays with me lipgloss in kiss kiss kiss for a dramatic look!

Winged Eyeliner – Pair your red bold lip with classic winged black eyeliner using essence gel eyeliner in black with the essence gel eyeliner contoured brush, heads will be sure to turn!

Pastel Eyes – Keep your look simple and sweet with essence mono eyeshadow in ultra violet!

Porcelain Skin – Avoid those annoying shiny photos with the essence mattifying powder, it will keep your skin radiantly under control all night long!

Final Touch – Add a fun pop of unexpected color with the essence colour & go nail polish in this lovely teal color, perfect for spring!

While I’m Away: Celeb Memorial Day Must Haves

2011-05-26T23:21:00.006-04:00

Check out the great ideas for your long weekend, and your wonderful long summer…

Stock Up For Memorial Day Weekend With Celeb Summer Beauty Must-Haves

Memorial Day weekend is here – marking the unofficial start of summer. Before you hit the beach – or even just the beach house, stock up on these summer beauty must-haves …

Notice-Me Nails: Summer is the perfect time to play with color – whether it’s neon, pastels or a funky fuchsia like Fergie, a bold, bright nail look is the accessory to any summer style. Try POP Beauty Nail Glam in Violetta for notice-me nails. Available at Ulta.com.

Sweat-Proof Makeup: There’s nothing worse than adding a touch of color to your cheeks, only to find it moments later streaking down your face. Make sure your bronzer stays in place with sweat-proof, water-proof makeup. For a natural, bronze glow like Blake Lively, try Per-fekt Cheek Perfection Gel in Bronze. The mousse-like formula will stay put and deliver sun-kissed color. Available at Sephora.com.

All-In-One: Moisturizer & Sun Protection: It’s alright to have fun in the sun, once you’ve lathered up with a healthy dose of sunscreen. Make sure your beach body stays moisturized and protected with an all-in-one mineral sunblock like the Coola Mineral Body Moisturizer with SPF 30. Celebs like Malin Akerman love Coola’s organic formulation. Available at CoolaSuncare.com.

Hair Moisturizer: It’s easy to neglect your hair but unless you moisturize and protect your strands the way you do your skin – you’re sure to wind up with damaged, dull summer hair. For healthy looking beachy waves like Leighton Meester, infuse hair with Rusk’s Deepshine Lustre. Not only will you get the shine and separation needed for flirty, summer waves – this formula will also protect your hair from UV rays. Available at Stylesource.com

While I’m Away: Samy Fat Foam Wins a CEW Beauty Award!

2011-05-26T23:17:00.002-04:00

I love this hair color! After trying it once, I switched over, and I’ve been glad ever since. I’m not one bit surprised it won a CEW Award.

Samy Fat Foam Wins a CEW Beauty Award!

While I’m Away: skyn ICELAND Summer Giveaway!

2011-05-26T23:10:00.004-04:00

The giveaway is taking place all next week; anyone who “likes” skyn ICLEAND on Facebook will automatically be entered for a chance to win a free package filled with skyn ICELAND goodies. Here’s your chance to win some fabulous, fabulous products from Skyn Iceland – check it out!

skyn ICELAND Summer Lovin Giveaway!

While I’m Away: SkinMedica and Skin Cancer Research

2011-05-26T23:07:00.003-04:00

Protect your skin and help in the fight against skin cancer. For every tube of UV ProPlex sold, SkinMedica will donate $1 to skin cancer research…

Summer-Proof Skincare from SkinMedica

It’s hard to believe but Memorial Day weekend is here so it’s time to stock up on your summer skincare necessities!!

SkinMedica’s Environmental Defense Sunscreen SPF 50+ is definitely one to toss in your beach bag. This oil and fragrance-free formula provides ultimate water-resistant protection. The proprietary UV ProPlex technology evenly distributes UV filters to skin to guarantee all-day coverage. It’s also packed with antioxidants such as green tea, caffeine, and vitamin E to prevent pre-mature aging and help strengthen skin’s natural ability to fight off free radicals and better defend itself. In addition, for every tube sold, SkinMedica donates $1 to Skin Cancer research!

Although we all work hard to prevent sun damage and redness, SkinMedica’s latest launch, Redness Relief CalmPlex is also great to have on hand for summer—just in case. It’s clinically proven to soothe and reduce UV induced redness and is ideal for people with sensitive skin or rosacea which can both be inflamed by sun exposure.

While I’m Away: New! Lierac Multi-Use Sensorielle Oil

2011-05-26T23:05:00.003-04:00

Check out the newest launch from Lierac Paris. A new multi-use oil for hair, face and body…

A Memorial Day Must-Have!
New! Multi-Use Sensorielle Oil With Gardenia, Jasmine, Camellia

As we gear up for the long weekend, there's only one new product we're packing in our tote bag! New! Lierac Paris Sensorielle Oil is formulated with gardenia, jasmine and camellia PLUS 4 botanical oils: argan, sweet almond oil, grapeseed and hazelnut. This multi-use oil may be used on the hair, face and body. Apply it anytime for 24-HOUR hydration.

Lierac Tip!
Apply oil to the body before taking a bath for added protection. OR add to bath water to create a delicious, aromatic bath water.

Available now at http://www.lierac-usa.com, Select Healthy Skincare Centers at: CVS/pharmacy, and Look Boutiques at Duane Reade pharmacy. Also available online at http://www.beauty.com, and http://www.skinstore.com.

While I’m Away: Total Keratin Obsession (TKO) from Andre Walker on Oprah

2011-05-26T22:53:00.003-04:00

I still can’t believe there’s no more Oprah! Sigh. The last season was really special – and this product must be really special. Take a look…

Americas Most Beloved T.V. Host, Oprah Winfrey,
Features Longtime Stylist, Andre Walker And Andre Walker Hair Care

Shares with Audience the Secret to Million Dollar Tresses

As her famous daytime television talk show draws to a close, Oprah Winfrey gives her audience a glimpse of the glitz and glam of being the most famous woman in the world. In the May 12th “Make-Over Episode,” Oprah welcomes Andre Walker, seven-time Emmy award winning stylist and the only man she allows to shape her perfectly coiffed tresses, to present his latest introductions of the Andre Walker hair care line to her audience members.

Oprah gave her loyal audience a sneak peek into how she keeps her hair perfectly hydrated and healthy with Walker’s newest product from his Andre Walker Hair line, Total Keratin Obsession (TKO) Deep Conditioning Treatment, an extreme moisture hair repair treatment with intracellular proteins to help protect, restore and repair hair.

Each audience member received packages of TKO, which helps fights environmental, heat and color damage through its unique formulation of olive oil, aloe, Moroccan argan oil and Keratin. Audience members also walked home with gift certificates to purchase additional products from the Andre Walker hair care line at www.AndreWalkerHair.com.

Total Keratin Obsession (TKO) Deep Conditioning treatment retails for $15 for individual packs (2 treatments) or for $29 for 3 packs (6 treatments). It is available now at www.AndreWalkerHair.com or on HSN beginning June 6, 2011. Each individual two-ounce package yields three applications for short hair and two applications for medium to long hair.

While I’m Away: SkinCeuticals and Melanoma Research Alliance

2011-05-26T22:46:00.004-04:00

Join in the fight against Melanoma. Post your video or written testimonial, and SkinCeuticals will donate to the Melanoma Reaseach Alliance.

Fight Melanoma!

This month SkinCeuticals teamed up with the MRA (Melanoma Research Alliance) to fight Melanoma in support of National Skin Cancer Awareness Month.

SkinCeuticals is asking users to post videos or written testimonials (i.e., how Melanoma has either affected them or someone they know) on the SkinCeuticals Facebook page.

SkinCeuticals will donate $20 to the MRA for every video uploaded and $2 for every post. Each day, five users who have posted videos will be chosen at random to receive a free sample of their new sunscreen – Physical Fusion UV Defense.

To participate, logon to the SkinCeuticals Facebook page and click the “Prevent. Protect. Get checked.” button for step-by-step directions. – http://www.facebook.com/SkinCeuticals?sk=app_210332472312669

And, of course, be sure to follow SkinCeuticals on Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/SkinCeuticals

While I’m Away: NEW Schick Intuition Limited Edition Handles

2011-05-26T22:40:00.003-04:00

They have arrived! Adorable (limited edition) handles on the newly designed razors. So pretty! Take a look…

The New Schick® Intuition® Limited Edition Handles Are Here!

Introducing the newly designed, Schick® Intuition ® Limited Edition Razor, featuring decorative handles to personalize your beauty routine and add fun to your shower. The first and only razor that lathers, shaves and moisturizes in one easy step leaving your skin noticeably softer. Now with a redesigned moisture-rich conditioner with shea butter, aloe and Vitamin E, and a fourth blade to give you an even closer shave. It is the ultimate beauty accessory!

Schick® Intuition ® Limited Edition Razor Benefits:

Four-Blade Enhancement
Keeps skin safer from nicks and cuts
Allows for a precise shave, with a pivoting head that follows the contours
Makes it easier to experience a flawlessly smooth shave

Enhanced Skin Moisturizing Solid

o Eliminates the need for shave gel, soap, or body wash

o Contains shea butter, Vitamin E and aloe to soothe and moisturize skin as you shave

One-of-a-kind Ergonomic Handle *In three “Limited Edition” design styles

o Slim design fits comfortably into the hand

o No-slip rubber grip on sides allow for precise control

Available in three varieties of razor handles:

o Intuition® Moisturizing Care Pack Duo

o Intuition® Pomegranate Extract

o NEW Intuition® Naturals for Sensitive Skin with Aloe and Vitamin E

While I’m Away: Napoleon Perdis at Rosemount Australian Fashion Week 2011

2011-05-26T22:25:00.008-04:00

Hi everyone! I’m going away for a Memorial Day mini-vacation. I’ll be back on Tuesday, but in the meantime I’m going to post some of the cool beauty news that found its way into my inbox. I wish you all a wonderful holiday weekend!

To get started – check out these amazing looks Napoleon Perdis created for the designers at Rosemont Australian Fashion Week…

Napoleon Perdis at Rosemount Australian Fashion Week 2011

Carl Kapp

Marnie Skillings

Alex Perry

Karla Spetic

Thurley

Sabatini

Rachel Gilbert

Miss Unkon

Talulah

Shakuhachi

Dhini

Gail Sorronda

Toni Maticevski

Miss Couture

Christopher Esber

Pre-Vacation Wednesday: Clinique NEW Moisture Surge Tinted Moisturizer SPF15 (review)

2011-05-25T21:45:00.004-04:00

Tonight I’m getting ready for my Memorial Day mini-vacation by making a bunch of lists. For some reason a good list or two always makes things seem less overwhelming. It’s also kind of fun to plan the packing and think about what I’ll be doing. And it saves time when it comes to actually putting the actual stuff in the actual suitcase.

Okay…I’m rambling. Time for some vacation-worthy (and blog-worthy) beauty. From Clinique.

NEW Moisture Surge Tinted Moisturizer (SPF15)

Blurb: Smooth on an instant moisture boost with SPF protection and a hint of skin-perfecting colour. Refreshingly lightweight formula provides a no-makeup look and feel, yet covers imperfections with a natural, hydrating touch. Oil-free.

Wow! This made my skin look great! It smoothed on easily, blended almost effortlessly, and turned into weightless, sheer-to-medium coverage. It evened out my skin tone extremely well, and the finish was very natural looking. It also felt nice and light – perfect for the warm weather.

Another great thing for the warm weather – sunscreen. An SPF of 15 is a mighty good thing.

Right now if you visit the website, you can take advantage of an awesome gift with purchase (a silvery cosmetics bag and your choice of 6 treats with any purchase of $21.50). And if you want to try out a few swatches in person, click on the store and event locator. Clinique is available at fine department stores and Sephora.

(ftc disclosure: sample/product received from manufacturer or representative)

Smoothing Out My Tuesday: Satin Smooth RES-Q™ Ingrown Hair Treatment Mousse (review)

2011-05-24T16:56:00.004-04:00

Rough morning.

Rocky day.

Sheesh.

Time to salvage the evening with talk about something smooth. From Satin Smooth.

RES-Q™ Ingrown Hair Treatment Mousse

Blurb: Sensitive areas need special care. Satin Smooth® Res-Q™ Ingrown Hair Mousse delivers ultimate comfort, healing razor burn, irritated skin due to waxing, electrolysis, lasers or shaving. Patented mousse formula penetrates skin quickly. Enriched with antioxidants and calming extracts. Restores skins pH level leaving your skin beautifully soft as silk. Confidence Never Looked So Beautiful!

I have tried just about everything I can think of in the area of hair removal. And when spring and summer roll around, I start looking for anything that will help the cause. Recently I started epilating my underarm area, and I’m really happy with the results. So much less upkeep! But I was still getting ingrown hairs. Sigh.

I’m happy to report that this product has helped a lot. It’s definitely kind and soothing to sensitive skin (make sure to wait 24 hours after hair removal before using). And after using it for two weeks, there’s a significant improvement. I found that applying it after my shower and before bed seemed to work best. I also tried it on my bikini area and noticed that there were a lot fewer bumps. Excellent!

Visit the website to read the testimonials or find a salon. I also found Satin Smooth at folica.com.
(ftc disclosure: sample/product received from manufacturer or representative)

The Week Begins: essence colour & go quick drying nail polish (review)

2011-05-23T23:22:00.007-04:00

Whew! After all that beauty news, Monday is almost over. I decided to officially start the week with a great combination of cuteness and value. From essence.

colour & go quick drying nail polish

Blurb: Color-intense and totally hip! The new versions of the colour & go nail polishes cover your nails in the brightest colors of the spring season and really get you in the mood for a deluxe styling session! Ranging from pastel to bright to holographic – with these new colors, you're sure to be super trendy! And thanks to the fast-drying formula and the flat brush, all it takes is one stroke of the brush per nail and your hands and feet are ready to hit the town! Available in 9 new colors and a total of 22 colors.

essence is one of those brands I kept meaning to check out, and never got a chance to. The colors and packaging always look so cute and fun, and the prices are amazing. I finally got started with some of their nail colors. I loved them, and will definitely be getting more.

I was more than impressed with these polishes. They went on smoothly, covered in one or two coats, dried really quickly (!), and wore extremely well. In fact, the glitter formula (“Irreplaceable”) held up as well as any polish I’ve used.

The real fabulousness, though, is the colors. There are 22 shades that include glitters, creams, and iridescents; and colors from subtle and pale to super bright and edgy. And since they’re about 99¢ each (that’s correct…99¢), you can try every single one of them. When it comes to trying out a new color, I’m a huge fan of little inexpensive bottles. I may not want to commit to a large bottle of bright orange, but a little bottle to try for a few weeks is just fine.

Standouts among the creams were “mellow yellow” (a fresh pale, yellow), and “you belong to me” (cool mint). My favorite iridescent was “where is the party?” (smoky, iridescent purple with hints of green). My very favorite, though, is a glitter called “irreplaceable.” It’s a shimmery taupe – almost a shimmery nude. Very feminine, elegant and super flattering.

essence has a really cute website. Check out the beauty friends page, or get a calendar, screensaver or wallpaper from the beauty world section. In the U.S., you can find essence at ULTA.

(ftc disclosure: sample/product received from manufacturer or representative)

Getting Started: Awesome Sale at Borghese – Tuesday Only!

2011-05-23T23:19:00.006-04:00

Borghese is having a 4-HR 25% off sale – off ALL beauty products. No minimum!!

Don't Miss Out! Exclusive 4 Hour Sale! Tuesday, May 24!

Villa di Borghese Spa at Home Products - http://www.borghese.com/villadiborghese_spa.cfm?c=v

Borghese on Twitter: http://twitter.com/BorgheseBeauty

Borghese on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Borghese/55505708773?ref=s#/pages/Borghese/55505708773

Borghese on Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/borghese/

Getting Started: Nair’s “Step Out” Challenge

2011-05-23T23:14:00.003-04:00

Nair is inviting everyone to “bag the blade” for a week. And win stuff!

Nair Launches Annual “Step Out” Challenge

Nair announces the launch of the annual Nair "Step Out Challenge," inviting women (and, for the first time, men!) to "bag the blade" for a week and use Nair for a chance to win prizes.

Women and men can visit NairChallenge.com to enter and share how Nair lets them step out with confidence. Those who give their testimonial can instantly win prizes:

· A free download – Enter a written testimonial will receive one free music download from a select list of artists from Grooveshark.

· A year of music – Enter a video testimonial will receive a free one-year subscription to Grooveshark Anywhere (a $90 value!), a music-streaming website.

· Grand Prize - One lucky winner chosen from the video and written testimonial submissions will receive a music lover's dream all-expense paid weekend trip for two to a major concert of their choice, including airfare, transportation and accommodations.

To help stay smooth, check out the new Nair products that are currently on shelves:

· Nair Milk & Honey Roll-On Wax – A microwavable sugar wax with milk and honey extracts.

· Nair Cool Gel – The first gel depilatory from Nair; provides a unique cooling sensation and has a fresh, cool scent.

· Nair Silky Sensations Sensitive – A new depilatory with added moisturizers that is specially formulated for sensitive skin.

· Nair for Men Shower Power – A depilatory for men that works while you shower. The first men’s product in the Nair Shower Power line.

Getting Started: Urban Bride Kit from Urban Decay

2011-05-23T23:11:00.005-04:00

Now that the royal wedding has come and gone, it’s time to focus on the weddings closer to home. Check out the new kit put together by UD and Universal Pictures…

The Urban Bride Kit
Bridal Survival Kit!

We’ve partnered with Universal Pictures to promote ‘Bridesmaids’ in theatres May 13. Kristen Wiig leads the cast as Annie, a maid of honor whose life unravels as she leads her best friend, Lillian (Maya Rudolph), and a group of colorful bridesmaids (Rose Byrne, Melissa McCarthy, Wendi McLendon-Covey and Ellie Kemper) on a wild ride down the road to matrimony. With so many bride-zillas, it’s a wonder more people don’t run for the hills when asked to participate in the nuptials of someone near and dear.

Well, just in case you notice a transformation in your Mrs.-to-be, dodge her s**t list by giving her Urban Bride, a gorgeously packaged, gift-ready box holding Urban Decay’s best-selling beautifiers.

• Perfect for a bride, bridesmaid, mother-in-law and anyone else who’s making an appearance in the wedding photos, its contents SET THE BAR REALLY HIGH for products designed to WORK OVERTIME. Leave nothing to chance, prime face and eyes for the camera, make lips more luscious and set your look so it lasts until the final guest leaves.

• Wrapped in pearlized white paper and embossed with a foil lace/flowers/dripping chains design motif, the words “Urban Bride” are featured languidly on the lid as a nod to 19th-century romanticism. Open the box to reveal the products in a removable tray graced with lush watercolor roses. Displaying vibrant sweeps of color, this keepsake box can be used to store anything from makeup and jewelry, to photos and personal mementos.

• Razor Sharp Ultra-Definition Finishing Powder - (3.75 g mini) diffuses lines for a flawless airbrushed look, and the translucent shade suits all skin tones. The photographer and the DJ can flash their brightest lights her way because she’ll still look AMAZING.

• Eyeshadow Primer Potion - (Full Size) ensures her eyeshadow stays vibrant, true and CREASE-FREE throughout the ceremony, pictures, dancing and well-after her garter comes off.

• Supercurl Curling Mascara - boosts, separates and conditions lashes, while its supersculpting polymers hold the curl. Even if she throws a tirade at some point, no one will be able to hate her with those lashes.

• Lip Junkie Lip Gloss in Midnight Cowboy - (Travel Size 3.6 ml) gives her all the shine she wants without any tacky stickiness. This soft, cushiony-textured gloss endures, and the sheer nude sparkle of Midnight Cowboy can be worn alone or over any shade of lipstick.

• All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray - (15 ml spray bottle; perfect for her purse!) is a weightless mist that sets makeup for 16 hours. It utilizes temperature control technology to prevent makeup from melting off when it’s hot and humid outside or from becoming dehydrated when it’s cold and dry.

• Marshmallow Sparkling Lickable Body Powder - (Travel Size 10g) a glistening, edible body powder to highlight her shoulders and décolletage beautifully, as well as treat her other half to a little dessert too!

Urban Bride (SRP $42) is available at ULTA and select Macy’s. Or, online at ulta.com, Sephora.com and urbandecay.com

Getting Started: Bobbi Brown NEW SPF 15 Oil Free Tinted Moisturizer

2011-05-23T23:08:00.004-04:00

Another fine item for the warm weather…

Bobbi Brown
NEW SPF 15 Tinted Moisturizer Oil Free

“Tinted moisturizers are a great option for summer because they offer lightweight coverage that lets skin show through. Plus, SPF makes them a great all-in-one choice.” -Bobbi Brown

Inspired by her award-winning SPF 15 Tinted Moisturizer, Bobbi introduces a modern gel-based formula for normal to oily skin types. NEW SPF 15 Tinted Moisturizer Oil Free hydrates and protects skin while offering sheer, natural-looking coverage. Light and refreshing, it glides on smoothly and blends easily. Vitamins C and E protect skin from free radicals, while SPF 15 helps prevent sun damage.

SPF 15 Tinted Moisturizer Oil Free

Ingredients & Benefits:

- Sodium Hyaluronate, a moisture magnet, instantly hydrates skin.
- Emollients and humectants soften skin and strengthen its natural moisture barrier, improving its ability to lock in moisture.
- Collegen boosting peptides help strengthen and firm skin.
- Antioxidant Vitamins C & E help protect skin against free radical damage.
- Aloe, Sucrose and Caffeine help calm and soothe skin.
- SPF 15 offers broad spectrum UV protection.

Available in 9 skin tone correct shades:
Alabaster Tint, Extra Light Tint, Light Tint, Light to Medium Tint, Medium Tint,
Medium to Dark Tint, Dark Tint, Deep Tint, Rich Tint

Available May 2011 from Bobbi Brown counters and www.bobbibrown.com (http://www.bobbibrown.com)

Getting Started: Remington’s NEW Smooth & Silky Collection

2011-05-23T23:04:00.004-04:00

Check out three more ways to stay smooth this summer…

Wave Hello to Smooth
Featuring the Remington Smooth & Silky Collection

The summer waves are almost upon us and Remington is getting ready for smooth sailing with three new electric shavers from the Smooth & Silky collection. Featuring dual foils for closer skin contact, a revolutionary hypoallergenic cutting system to combat irritation, and Curve Flex Technology – a contour following trimmer system with a protective guard that effectively trims long hairs and reduces skin irritation – these new shavers are the bare necessities for a flawless, beach-ready body.

Battery-Operated Shaver ($14.99)

Rechargeable Electric Shaver ($19.99)

Smooth-Trim Electric Shaver ($39.99)

The Remington Smooth & Silky collection is available for purchase at Walmart and on Remingtonproducts.com

Visit our Facebook pages – Remington Hair Care & Grooming and Remington Red Chair Ready – and our Twitter pages – @RemHairCare and @RemRedChair

Getting Started: Malin Akerman & COOLA

2011-05-23T23:01:00.002-04:00

I love this look – fresh, warm, healthy and glowing…

Malin Akerman's Tribeca Film Festival Glow

Malin Akerman hit the red carpet in New York for the Tribeca Film Festival with a healthy sheen that lit up her face. Pairing a gorgeous coral dress with dewy skin that seemed to glow from head to toe, Akerman turned heads with her flawless beauty look.

Malin’s go-to for healthy, organic skincare has been COOLA’s Organic Suncare Collection. With certified organic ingredients and healthy, natural SPF formulas – COOLA has been winning over Hollywood A-lister’s like (insert celeb names). To get Malin’s red carpet glow try COOLA’s Mineral Face Tint in Rose Essence. The SPF 20 formula leaves skin hydrated and protected while keeping a delicate dewy look. The natural formula suits all skin types and ensures skin remains balanced and perfectly toned. Even if a red carpet isn’t in your future, you can still shine like a celeb!

COOLA Mineral Face Tint in Rose Essence is available at resorts, spas, speciality boutiques and coolasuncare.com.

Getting Started: Abigail Breslin, Warren Tricomi and KeSARI

2011-05-23T22:58:00.003-04:00

Abigail Breslin has grown way up since Little Miss Sunshine! Check out her new sleek platinum style…

Abigail Breslin’s Platinum New Look
For Her Premiere Of Janie Jones At Tribeca Film Festival In New York

How To Get The Look: Start by applying Warren-Tricomi Style Mousse at the roots throughout the hair. Using a round brush, blow-dry the hair away from the face and use a straightening iron to ensure that it is straight. Then, style the hair by hand raking the hair into a pompadour securing with pins, and pull the hair into a tight ponytail. For added shine and to smooth hair out and remove fly-aways apply KeSARI Indian Oil Hair Serum with Triphala Radiance™ Silk Complex . Split the ponytail, pulling the pieces in front to add an edge to the style.

Products: KeSARI Indian Oil Hair Serum with Triphala Radiance™ Silk Complex ($26.50,HSN.com) Warren-Tricomi Style Mousse ($17.00, FOLICA.COM)

Getting Started: Schick Quattro for Women Disposable Razors Mobile Tour & Sweepstakes

2011-05-23T22:55:00.003-04:00

Hi Everyone! I’m getting all caught up on the great beauty news that’s in my inbox! I’m a little late with this one, but I wanted to pass on the info about the Mobile Tour that’s happening. The Schick Quattro for Women Disposable Razors Raspberry Rain “Shower Your Senses” Mobile Tour kicked off on Saturday, April 30. Check out the info, and the schedule of cities.

And don’t forget to visit the Facebook page and enter the sweepstakes!

Schick Quattro for Women Disposable Razors Raspberry Rain “Shower Your Senses” Mobile Tour and Sweepstakes!

Schick® Quattro for Women® Disposables announces the “Shower Your Senses” mobile tour to introduce the new Schick Quattro for Women Disposables handle scented with Skintimate® Signature Scent™ Raspberry Rain, the first collaboration between Quattro for Women® Disposable Razors and the #1 Skintimate® Signature Scent™ Raspberry Rain to offer a delicious shave experience with results so smooth you could skip a day or two.

Tthe “Shower Your Senses” tour will visit fifteen cities across America, bringing a stimulating shower experience to life by letting you immerse your senses through fun, sensorial engagements at each location: enjoy the scent of raspberry wafting through the air, relax with a touching hand massage, listen to soothing sounds of rain, taste delicious raspberry candy, and see yourself in our shower photo booth.

Those of you who “LIKE” Schick® Quattro for Women® can enter the “Shower Your Senses” Sweepstakes through Facebook for a chance to win a full sensorial spa get-away at the JW Marriot Desert Ridge Resort in Phoenix, AZ. You’ll also have a chance to win weekly spa themed gift packs or fashionable rain gear to stay looking smooth.

Visit Facebook.com/schickquattroforwomen and @QuattroforWomen on Twitter to follow the “Shower Your Senses” bus as it travels across America, through July, and get the chance to win random prizes, view photos from each event, and get insider news.

Schedule:

May 22: Dallas, TX (Six Flags Over Texas)
May 28: Cincinnati, OH (Taste of Cincinnati)
June 4: Atlanta, GA (Summerfest)
June 10: Miami, FL
June 16: St. Louis, MO
June 19: Chicago, IL (Navy Pier)
June 25: Minneapolis, MN (Mall of America)
July 3: Boston, MA
July 9: New York, NY
July 15: Washington DC

Getting Started: 2011 Met Ball Looks

2011-05-23T22:38:00.011-04:00

Celebs attended the 2011 Costume Institute Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City on Monday, May 2nd. This year’s MET Ball, themed “Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty,” was hosted by Anna Wintour, Stella McCartney and Colin Firth, with Francois-Henri Pinault and Salma Hayek as honorary co-chairs. The annual event, dubbed “The Fashion Oscars,” attracts the most stylish and influential in the entertainment and fashion industries.

Here’s a roundup of some of the amazing looks (and products)…

Kate Hudson & Almay

Almay Global Brand Ambassador, Kate Hudson, complemented her dazzling dress with smoldering eyes and a subtle lip at this year’s annual MET Ball. To get Kate’s look, Almay recommends the following products:

Almay Wake-up Hydrating Makeup: Almay’s wake-up makeup instantly hydrates and soothes to keep skin looking well-rested and feeling energized all day. ($12.99)

Almay Smart Shade Blush – Berry: Almay’s Smart Shade Blush instantly transform on application into a shade that perfectly complements your unique skin tone, ($8.99)

Almay Smart Shade Bronzer – Sunkissed: Almay’s Smart Shade Bronzer contains a liquid cream formula unlike any other bronzer that provides a sheer, natural color that builds to your desired intensity.

Almay Intense i-color Shadow – Trio for Green Eyes: Almay’s Intense i-color Shadow is formulated with light interplay technology that brightens and intensifies eye color and blends smoothly for all day wear.

Almay Intense i-color Eyeliner – Rich Mocha (for green eyes): Almay’s Intense i-color Eyeliner brightens eyes while adding definition and dimension and features a built in smudger for a customizable look.

Almay One Coat Get Up & Grow Mascara – Black: Almay’s first anti-breakage, pro-vitamin formula instantly lengthens the look of lashes and defends against breakage so lashes can grow to their healthiest, longest, and shiniest.

Almay Hydracolor Lipstick – Flushed: Almay’s Hydracolor Lipstick combines rich color with hydration and nourishment that refreshes lips with over 100x more water than regular lipsticks.

Jessica Alba & Revlon

Revlon Brand Ambassador, Jessica Alba, complemented her sparkling dress with simple and sophisticated makeup, playing up her eyes with shimmery shadow while keeping her lips and cheeks neutral. To capture Alba’s look, Revlon recommends the following products:

Revlon PhotoReady Makeup and Concealer - Lightweight, creamy texture blends seamlessly and contains photo-chromatic pigments which bend, reflect and diffuse light to help erase flaws.

Revlon Cream Blush in Rosy Glow - Revlon’s Cream Blush formula blends easily into skin, adding a sheer wash of color to your cheeks.

Revlon CustomEyes Shadow in Naturally Glamorous - The silky, lightweight formula containing jojoba and shea butter glides effortlessly on lids and blends easily to offer the greatest versatility to achieve any desired look.

Grow Luscious by Fabulash in Black - Patented formula of unique fibers and phytopeptide complex to help condition and strengthen lashes, complimenting the natural growth cycle by helping to prevent premature breakage.

ColorBurst Lipgloss in Pink Ice - Revlon ColorBurst Lipgloss uses Elasticolor™ technology to distribute rich color pigments evenly over lips while conditioning and improving the texture with moisturizers and antioxidants such as sweet almond oil and vitamin E.

ColorBurst Lipstick in Icy Nude - Brings a burst of rich, true color that is virtually weightless on lips. The technology distributes rich color pigments evenly over lips and allows the formula to move comfortably with lips - like a second skin

Top Speed™ Fast Dry Nail Enamel in Sheer Cotton - The patented fast dry formula with built-in top coat that rises to the surface to form glossy, ultra smooth manicure with strengthening power.

Penelope Cruz & Fekkai

Renato Campora for Frederic Fekkai created tousled tresses for Penelope Cruz

Inspiration: A modernized Sophia Loren; a super chic do

The Look: A side part, full of volume and texture

How To Get The Look: Campora applied Fekkai Coiff™ Strong Hold Volume Mousse throughout and then formed a side part. He then used a ½ inch curling iron, pinning the up to let it cool. Once cooled, he took the hair out of the bobby pins and brushed the hair using the Fekkai Classic Brush to form the shape. To set the look, he sprayed Fekkai Coiff™ Sheer Hold Hairspray.

Products: Coiff™ Strong Hold Volume Mousse ($24), Fekkai Classic Brush ($95) Fekkai Coiff™ Sheer Hold Hairspray ($24)

Demi Moore & Fekkai

Duffy for Frederic Fekkai styled the locks of Demi Moore

Inspiration: Philip Treacy Head Dress

The Look: A juxtaposed style; up but down

How To Get The Look: On wet hair, Duffy applied Fekkai Coiff™ Strong Hold Volume Mousse throughout and blow-dried the hair giving the roots volume. He then let the hair fall into it’s natural part and curled the hair with a 1’ barrel curling iron, using special technique to give it a broken look. Next, he applied Fekkai Coiff™ Océanique Tousled Wave Spray and teased the hair with a wide tooth comb to break the curls and created 3 sections in the hair. He then took the left and right section and tied the hair as if you were tying a knot in a shoe lace to create two separate knots. Then, to refine the shape he bobby pinned the knotted pieces and the middle section together and secured with Fekkai Coiff™ Océanique Tousled Wave Spray to finish the look.

Products: Coiff™ Strong Hold Volume Mousse ($24), Fekkai Coiff™ Océanique Tousled Wave Spray ($24)

Margherita Missoni & Fekkai

Anthony Sorenson for Frederic Fekkai tended to the tresses of Margherita Missoni

Inspiration: A Nubian Princess

The Look: A soft take on and edgy look

How To Get The Look: He started by prepping the hair with Fekkai Coiff™ Bouffant Lifting & Texturizing Spray Gel to create texture and loose waves. Next, he pulled hair into a ponytail and secured at the top of the head. He then split the hair into two sections and applied Fekkai Advanced Full Blown Volume™ Styling Whip creating two fishtail braids leaving the edges of the hair out spraying with Fekkai Coiff™ Sheer Hold Hairspray. To finish the look, he twisted the braids together and pinned the hair to the top of the head.

Products: Fekkai Coiff™ Bouffant Lifting & Texturizing Spray ($24), Fekkai Advanced Full Blown Volume™ Styling Whip ($24) Fekkai Coiff™ Sheer Hold Hairspray ($24)

Jessica Szohr & KeSARI and TEMPTU

Jessica Szohr Preps Skin with KeSARI and TEMPTU AIRbrush Makeup for Flawless, Dewy Skin at the 2011 MET Ball.

Inspiration: Celebrity makeup artist Talia Shobrook says “Essential to red carpet ready beauty is having flawless skin from all angles in three dimensions, and blending makeup seamlessly with a minimal amount of product for the most skin-like, dewy finish.”

KeSARI Triphala Radiance Firming Serum to nourish and firm the skin: We prepped the skin with this serum as this gave a great base for the flawless skin that is needed and required for being red carpet ready, it is firming and brightening, while adding moisture.

TEMPTU AIR pod Foundation in Golden for the base and then contour with Espresso

TEMPTU AIR pod Highlighter in Champagne applied to the eyebrow bone and the cheekbone for highlight

TEMPTU AIR pod Bronze in Warm Glow: “No red carpet look is complete without attention to the body. I used TEMPTU Bronzer on her shoulders and décolleté to add shimmer and glow to her skin.”

Michelle Alves & Kerastase, FHI, Aquage, and KeSARI

Marcelino Gonzalez Tended to the Tresses of Michelle Alves for the 2011 MET Ball

Inspiration: Old Hollywood Glamour, sleek with a touch of a wave to compliment the gorgeous Abed Mahfouz sheer gown

How To Get The Look: Create a deep side part on wet hair and apply Kerastase Reflection Chroma Protect Polish for a polished shine and smoothness, then blow-dry the hair using the FHI Heat Nano Salon Pro 2000 Dryer with the Creative Brushes Creative Jumbo Ceramic Ion Thermal Brush. Using the FHI Heat EPS 1" Flat Iron, straighten the hair for a super silky straight look. Then take 2 inch sections and create a wave with the FHI Heat Platform 1 1/4" Styling Iron. Spray Aquage Finishing Spray for light hold and ultimate humidity resistance and brush out hair. Apply KeSARI Indian Oil Hair Serum with Triphala Radiance™ Silk Complex for added shine and frizz-control

Products: Kerastase Reflection Chroma Protect Polish ($37.99 on www.kerastase-usa.com ), FHI Heat Nano Salon Pro 2000 Dryer ($92 on www.FHIHeat.com ), Creative Brushes Creative Jumbo Ceramic Ion Thermal Brush ($19.99 on www.creativehairtools.com ), FHI Heat EPS 1" Flat Iron ($120 on www.FHIHeat.com ), FHI Heat Platform 1 1/4" Styling Iron ($90 on www.FHIHeat.com ), Aquage Finishing Spray ($18 on www.Rickysnyc.com ), KeSARI Indian Oil Hair Serum with Triphala Radiance™ Silk Complex ($26.50 on www.hsn.com )

Rachel Roy & Kerastase, KeSARI, and Rusk

Elad Bentov of Valery Joseph Tended to the Tresses of Rachel Roy for the 2011 MET Ball.

Inspiration: Elad Bentov wanted to create a fresh, young, simple updo to complement Rachel's dress and beautiful décolleté.

How To Get The Look: On wet hair, apply Kerastase Mousse Volumactive and blow dry hair using fingers in order to create texture. Apply KeSARI Indian Oil Hair Serum with Triphala Radiance™ Silk Complex to dry hair, starting at the ends and working up through the hair to leave hair with extraordinary shine and frizz-free all night
Finger-comb hair back into a ponytail at the middle of the head and secure with an elastic
Diffuse roots with hair dryer attachment for added volume and a tousled effect
Then twist hair into the shape of an S down to the nape of the neck to achieve the texture of the messy bun. Finally, secure the look by adding Rusk W8less Plus Extra Strong Hold Shaping and Control Hairspray to provide texture, natural shine and long lasting touchable support all night.

Products: Kerastase Mousse Volumactive ($37.99 on www.kerastase-usa.com), KeSARI Indian Oil Hair Serum with Triphala Radiance™ Silk Complex ($26.50 on www.hsn.com), Rusk W8less Plus Extra Strong Hold Shaping and Control Hairspray ($12.99 on www.Rickysnyc.com )

Hair Care Friday: Keratin Complex Straight Day Styling Spray (review)

2011-05-20T21:46:00.005-04:00

I'm ending this week with another fabulous and portable item. From Keratin Complex.

Straight Day Styling Spray

Blurb: A superior daily treatment that moisturizes and protects all hair types. When used with the Keratin Complex Smoothing Therapy treatment, Straight Day replenishes the hair’s existing keratin bonds to enhance treatment results while increasing shine and softness. On wet or dry hair, this hydrating spray smoothes, reduces flyaways and tames unwanted frizz. The unique anti-humectant formula locks moisture in and humidity out, so hair stays silky and frizz-free throughout the day. UV filters block damaging UV rays and keep hair protected from the drying effects of the sun. Plus, Straight Day Styling Spray is a convenient and easy way to refresh dry, unruly hair when travelling or on-the-go. Straight Day Styling Spray can be used alone or in conjunction with any Keratin Complex products for the ultimate in smooth, shiny and healthy hair.

This is another one of those super handy, effective products that I want to keep with me at all times. The slim 2oz. bottle fits just about anywhere, and the formula is all around excellent.

I first tried it on wet hair before going out. It did a good job of hydrating and smoothing, and it did an amazing job of controlling frizz and flyaways. It felt completely weightless, and it worked. I went dancing in a hot club, and my hair stayed frizz-free. No post-dancing halo!

This week I carried it in my purse for mid-day/late-day touch ups. Loved it! A little spritz here and there, and my hair looked all refreshed and perky again. In addition to the moisturizing, frizz-control and style refreshing; it also has UV filters – awesome! I’m bringing this to every outdoor picnic and barbecue this summer.

Visit the website and take a look at the entire collection. Check out the online specials, ask the Keragirls or find a salon. Keratin Complex can also be found at sleekhair.com.

Have a great weekend!

(ftc disclosure: sample/product received from manufacturer or representative)

More Pretty Portability: Supergoop! Everyday Face & Body Moisturizer (SPF30) & Sunscreen Swipes (SPF30)

2011-05-19T21:16:00.006-04:00

This week, I seem to be featuring products that are both pretty and portable. It wasn’t intentional; but I guess I was in that frame of mind without knowing it. Now I’m glad. I hate to pare down my beauty regimen when I travel. I love my products, and I want to take them with me! So I guess it's no surprise that I’m a giant fan of items that make me feel lovely and pampered, and also travel well.

I’m also a great big fan of sunscreen. So today, my two little portables are all about sun protection. From Supergoop!

Everyday UV Lotion for Face and Body-Slim Travel Tube (SPF 30)

Blurb: Safety is Supergoop!’s middle name. Formulated in conjunction with the stringent standards set forth by Healthy Child Healthy World, whose non-profit mission is to inspire parents to protect their family from exposure to harmful chemicals. It is our mission to educate and help safely incorporate sun protection into your family's daily routine, 365 days a year. Moisturizing and paraben-free, this very water and sweat resistant SPF 30 delivers powerful daily UV protection while keeping skin soft and hydrated. Ideal for all skin types, 4 months of age and up.

Sunscreen Swipes with Zinc for Sensitive Skin-8 Count (SPF 30)

Blurb: Formulated to calm, soothe and protect, these soft pre-moistened, paraben-free, water-resistant wipes deliver powerful SPF 30 protection for the face & body.

Both of these products come in very travel-friendly, convenient packages. The 1.6 tube UV Lotion and the small package of swipes fit neatly into even the smallest bag or pocket.

I really loved the UV Lotion. It’s light, creamy, absorbs right away, and has the right weight and moisture for spring/summer. It sits very nicely under my makeup, and leaves no white cast at all. It’s also gentle, non-irritating and doesn't cause breakouts. Most importantly, it gave me fabulous protection. I tried it outside on a sunny day (from about 11am-1:30), and there was no change of color whatsoever. The Swipes also have a gentle, non-irritating formula, and are excellent to have on hand for touch ups.

Visit the website and learn why there are 6 Reasons to Trust Supergoop! (and be sure to check out the store locator). Supergoop! can be found at Nordstrom, skinstore.com, and Sephora.

(ftc disclosure: sample/product received from manufacturer or representative)

Fragrant Dash: Soap and Paper Factory Solid Perfumes (review)

2011-05-18T17:17:00.009-04:00

Another dash because I have to rush out to an event tonight. Which is a perfect excuse to write about one of my new favorite go-to on-the-go products. From The Soap & Paper Factory.

Solid Perfume (in "Gardenia," "Jasmine," and "Midnight")

Blurb: Our beautiful solid perfumes are a sexy way to fragrance yourself. Just apply to your pulse points as often as you wish, or dig deep and use as a pomade (because it's great for your hair). Pure jojoba, beeswax and signature fragrances make this an elegant way to fragrance yourself every minute of the day! This is our best selling item!

Three of these little fabulous, heavenly scents are waiting in my purse right now. As soon as I post this review; I’m going to open up one of the pretty, portable, re-usable tins and apply one of these wonderful fragrances to my pulse points. I may even smooth a little bit in my hair.

Too much information? I think not. (I am a blogger after all.) The point is that solid fragrances are genuinely awesome. Perfume in solid form won’t spill or leak; and it’s perfect for purse, desk drawer, gym bag, etc.

And…they smell heavenly! There are 14 perfumes to choose from, and each is handcrafted with essential oils, jojoba and beeswax (and without parabens, phthalates, or petrochemicals). “Gardenia” is a very potent, slightly spicy scent (known to be an aphrodisiac). “Jasmine” is absolutely gorgeous, sweet, rich and very feminine. Lately, I’ve been seriously loving jasmine-scented anything, and “Midnight” is probably my hands down favorite. It was inspired by a specific jasmine patch in San Francisco (my homeland); and it’s a slightly subtler, sweeter version of the Jasmine scent. It’s unbelievably gorgeous (and mighty sexy if you ask me).

Visit the website to learn about the other 11 scents, and take a look at the Patch NYC collection while you’re there. If you feel like letting your nose do the browsing, click on the store listing page. Soap & Paper Factory products are also available at Barney's New York, anthropologie, C.O. Bigelow, and BeautyHabit.

(ftc disclosure: sample/product received from manufacturer or representative)

Giveaway Winner! Conair You Style™ 2in1 Brush and Pro 2-inch Spin Air Brush

2011-05-17T23:20:00.004-04:00

Congratulations to Judy B. – the winner of my Conair giveaway!

You’ll be receiving a You Style™ 2in1 Brush

and…

a Pro 2-inch Spin Air Brush

I really liked using both of these (especially the Spin Air Brush – check out my review).

Thanks to everyone who entered, and special thanks to the folks at Conair for partnering with me!

I Need Refreshments! Maya Water Facial Mist (review)

2011-05-17T23:07:00.006-04:00

I need refreshments that don’t have any calories. For some reason, it’s been really hard to stay on my sensible eating plan for the last couple of days. Somehow I’ve managed, though - mostly because of the support I have from loved ones. Thank you loved ones!

One of the things that helps a lot is finding little ways to indulge (that don’t involve cake). Here’s a great no-cal splurge. From Maya Water.

Maya Water Facial Mist

Blurb: The optimal product for your daily skincare regime. With its clean, mineral-rich and pH neutral water from Skogshorn in Hemsedal, Maya Water is an absolute must to revitalize and cleanse dry, tired skin. Use on skin exposed to pollution, or simply to freshen up your make-up during the day. The container is easy to take with you and the more you spray, the more moisture you replenish your skin with, making wrinkles and fine lines appear reduced. The fine spray allows the skin to absorb the water immediately, helping to nourish, cleanse and apply moisture on bare skin, or over your make up. Maya Water facial mist can be used all year around by the whole family, even babies and toddlers.

This is exactly the kind of thing I needed today to make myself feel pampered and lovely. And it’s a whole lot better for me than the other things I’ve been craving. Maya Water is made with Norwegian thermal spa water from one of the best natural water sources in Norway. The mist is rich with minerals (very luxurious and soothing). It’s like a spa moment in a can.

Maya Water is great for a little morning burst of hydration. It’s also a wonderful treat in the evening (aka now). My favorite use for these mists is as a mid-day refresher. When my skin is starting to feel a little raggedy from the day, a gentle spray feels wonderful. And it also makes me look a little more wonderful too. The ultra-fine mist cools and refreshes without disturbing my makeup. And I plan on having this with me at all times once the weather heats up.

Take a look at the website, and learn more about how these mists are made. Maya Water is available in “Pure” and “Organic White Tea.”

(ftc disclosure: sample/product received from manufacturer or representative)

Hey, My Eyes Are Up Here: jane iredale Mystikol™ Eyeliner (review)

2011-05-16T22:38:00.008-04:00

Happy Monday, everyone! Mine went by way too quickly...but at least there’s another one coming up. And just to make the days a little special, I’ve decided to use a different eyeliner color every day. Each one is from jane iredale.

Mystikol™ Powdered Eyeliner

Blurb: A totally new kind of eyeliner and highlighter that creates definition around the eye for a soft, smoky eye effect. A creamy powder formula that won't fade, crease or smear. Hypoallergenic, dermatologist tested and always formulated with exclusive skin care ingredients, Mystikol™ is safe for even the most sensitive eyes.

Malachite: A sparkling moss (with beige)
Amethyst: Royal purple (with pearl)
Dark Topaz: Rich brown (with rose)
Lapis Lazuli: Vibrant blue (with ivory)
Citrine (Spring 2011): A shimmering combination of ochre and metallic bronze (with gold)
Onyx: Otherworldly black (with pearl)
Aquamarine (Spring 2011): A cool swim through tropical blue waters (with rose)

I’ve never tried liners like these, and I wasn’t sure what to expect. I was so happy to discover that they were luxurious, different, and really cool. One end holds a subtle highlighter, and the other end contains the liner. I unscrewed the caps, and noticed that the sponge applicators had little springs. (This forces the applicator into the powder when closed, but keeps the powder from spilling out. Very nice.)

Of course it takes more than great packaging to impress an eyeliner junkie – but impressed I was. The formula is a finely milled, silky, highly saturated powder. The sponge applicator is thicker than most liner brushes; and the result is a beautiful, bold line. It was so satisfying. With one swipe, I got a velvety swoosh of really gorgeous, striking color. I used a lighter hand on the bottom lid, and found that if I just touched the tip right up against the lash line, I got a lovely effect. The liner was also very smudgeable, and had great staying power (I did make sure to use a primer, though).

These liners are incredibly easy to use, and they deliver gorgeous dramatic results. The colors are rich and beautiful; and the packaging is not only tidy, but very portable. The picture shows the original five colors; but my two favorites are “Citrine” and “Aquamarine” from the Spring 2011 collection.

Check out the website for more gorgeous items. There’s a handy (and pretty) Follow That Look section, and a page listing the brand’s numerous awards. And if you want to see these colors in person, check out where to buy section.

(ftc disclosure: sample/product received from manufacturer or representative)

Hair Care Friday…um…Saturday: LUSH Godiva Shampoo Bar & Retread Conditioner (review)

2011-05-14T20:50:00.008-04:00

Sorry I'm a day behind – for some reason Google Blogger was down every time I wanted to post. It was kind of annoying, but pretty mild for Friday the 13th.

Anyway, I’m going to get right to it. I have some thoroughly fab haircare from the folks at LUSH.

Godiva Shampoo Bar

Blurb: Give your hair the moisturizing boost it needs with softening, conditioning butters. Your hair will be left so beautiful no one would notice you were riding the streets naked. It's a two-in-one shampoo and conditioner that's now completely vegan. It creates a richer feel to the lather when you wash your hair. Smoothing, shine inducing camellia oil makes hair manageable.

Retread Conditioner

Blurb: Triple strength conditioner for extra softness. As with so many LUSH products, Retread appears to resemble a cholesterol-laden pudding. It is scented with violets and oranges with a hint of sensual musk. Retread is a super-smoothing cream with seaweed, yoghurt, cantaloupe melon and jojoba oil to give seriously sad hair its shine back. Use it when your hair is feeling rough, harsh and wrecked. Retread will restore its sanity and get it under control.

In the interest of honest blogging, I need to disclose that I love LUSH. I love the whole bohemian vibe. And I especially love a big earth-friendly company that produces quality handmade products in small batches. But even if you didn’t know about the whole bohemian, earth-friendly, handmade thing; once you set foot in a LUSH store, you’d be in love too. Everything I’ve ever tried has been a pampering, yummy and/or thoroughly sensual experience. Including these two items.

First…the Shampoo Bar. It smells incredible. Really. I’m used to things from LUSH smelling great, but this was an amazing scent. When I washed my hair at the gym, I overheard someone else remark on the great smell. This happened twice in about 15 minutes. It also cleaned my hair well with a nice conditioning lather, but I barely noticed. I was swooning over the fragrance.

The conditioner has a much less pronounced fragrance (and it’s kind of unusual); but it may be my curls’ new best friend. It’s sulfate free, so it had relatively little slip when I applied it (it detangled well, though). And after I rinsed and dried my hair, it was noticeably softer and my curls sprang to life. There was a definite lack of frizz, yet my hair had more volume. I’ve never come across a conditioner like this, and it’s absolutely awesome!

Right now, I’m eyeing the Flying Fox Shower Gel, so I’m planning to wander over to a LUSH store and check it out as soon as I get the chance. If you don’t live near a LUSH store, check out the website. See what’s new, then sign up to receive a catalogue. And don’t leave before visiting the Retro section (a selection of specially recreated products from LUSH’s past).

And since we’re being all bohemian and happy, here’s an extra treat for your weekend. Enjoy this brilliant little spoof!

(ftc disclosure: sample/product received from manufacturer or representative)

Thursday Dash: PCA Protecting Hydrator & Hydrator Plus (SPF 30) (review)

2011-05-13T13:08:00.007-04:00

(edit: it turns out I didn't need to dash at all because Blogger was down until just a few minutes ago)

Tonight is a mad dash because I spent all evening in a class. It was just a one-time thing, thank goodness. Since I stopped all the opera-related stuff, I’ve really gotten used to having my evenings free. They still get filled up, but in a more spontaneous, fun way. Eventually I’m going to need some kind of musical creative outlet; but for now, even that one little time commitment felt like a burden.

So…back to the dashing. Here's some fine hydration and protection from PCA Skin.

Protecting Hydrator (SPF 30) – For Normal to Oily Skin Types

Blurb: This non-oily daily hydrator with SPF is formulated with aloe vera and panthenol to provide light moisture with a matte finish. It provides optimal broad-spectrum UVA/UVB coverage with the ultra-sheer protective benefits of Z-Cote and additional sunscreen agents. Caffeine enhances photo-protection by suppressing sun-induced cellular damage, while the powerful antioxidant silybum marianum extract, also known as milk thistle, inhibits the formation of sunburn cells and prevents UVB-induced edema.

Hydrator Plus (SPF 30) – For Dry and Mature Skin Types

Blurb: This nourishing moisturizer with SPF is formulated with an outstanding blend of UV protecting ingredients, including Z-Cote, an effective barrier that provides superior broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection. It is specifically formulated to replenish the skin’s natural moisture content with water-attracting humectants sodium hyaluronate and sodium PCA for dry or dehydrated skin. The addition of caffeine reduces UV-induced cellular damage, while silybum marianum extract, also known as milk thistle, inhibits sun-induced inflammation and the formation of sunburn cells.

You already know I’m a big fan of sunscreen (understatement). And now I’m a big fan of these sunscreens. PCA makes products that do an excellent job of zeroing on specific skin needs, then consistently delivering results.

Both of these contain over 4% zinc oxide, as well as caffeine, milk thistle and panthenol. The Hydrator Plus also contains sodium hyaluronate, glycerine and vitamin E. Both worked beautifully when I tried them. The formula smoothed on easily, absorbed quickly and left no white cast. And it dried down to an invisible primer-quality finish. The new packaging (a pump) is well made, and made the bottles very portable. The Hydrator Plus provided more moisturizing for a longer time, but both did a good job of hydrating without causing oiliness.

I have yet to try these in our full-blast Philly summer weather; but so far I am super impressed.

Take a stroll through the website. You can also check out some of the other moisturizers with SPF, then visit the Skin Education section. PCA's products and treatments are available through select clinical practices throughout the United States and in 60 countries worldwide. I also found them at drugstore.com, Dermstore and Beauty Bridge.

(ftc disclosure: sample/product received from manufacturer or representative)

Wednesday Appreciation Day: CLEAN Cotton T-Shirt Eau de Parfum (review)

2011-05-11T21:47:00.000-04:00

Why am I appreciating Wednesday? Mainly because I was in a thoroughly excellent mood all day. It started out wonderfully, and stayed that way. And even though it was busy, I still kept finding myself smiling and appreciating little things all day long. So since I’m being all appreciative, I thought I’d feature a scent that also put me in a good mood. From CLEAN.

Cotton T-Shirt Eau de Parfum

Blurb: As cool, crisp, and comfortable as a freshly laundered tee, this airy light scent is an easy, feel-good favorite. CLEAN Cotton T-Shirt blends the crisp notes of citrusy bergamot and the fluffy notes of Cotton Flower to create a fresh and simple scent that captures the appeal of the iconic tee. Teasing traces of rosewood and warm musk add a familiar warmth, just like the boyfriend tee shirt you love to steal.

This is a huge departure from fragrances I usually wear; but I have to admit I could seriously get used to it. When I was a teenager in Southern California, we used to buy Jockey men’s v-neck tee’s (3 for $10) to wear with our jeans during the summer. This scent reminded me a little bit of those days. It really smells like freshly washed cotton, sunshine, ease and…happiness. And thinking about wearing a guy's freshly washed cotton shirt is a mighty good thing too.

The bergamot and cotton flower are most prominent at the beginning; and as it dries down, the warmer notes of rosewood and musk come through. It’s light, crisp, clean, kind of sexy and comforting all at the same time. (Awww.) And it’s a wonderful daytime fragrance for spring or summer.

Right now, the website is under construction; but you can still shop CLEAN at Sephora.

I’m sharing this clip from youtube because today I found a new appreciation for another old favorite. I’ve probably heard this song hundreds of times; but today was the first time I realized how truly awesome the guitar solo is. See if you don’t agree (you can listen to the entire song, or just jump to 4:20 for the guitar solo).

(ftc disclosure: sample/product received from manufacturer or representative)

I Feel…Procrastinatey: Dickinson’s Oil Controlling Towelettes (review)

2011-05-10T22:09:00.007-04:00

Yes, I’m making up words again. A sure sign that things are back to normal. Yesterday’s chaos and crankiness are gone, and I’m all cheerful again. So cheerful that I have been cheerfully doing all kinds of fun little things, and not getting much real work done. But I’m having fun not doing it.

One of the things I usually do when I’m in for the night is wash off my makeup. But guess, what? I haven’t done it yet. Which brings me to one of my favorite new things. From Dickinson's Original Witch Hazel.

Oil Controlling Towelettes

Blurb: The soothing blend of Witch Hazel and aloe in our facial wipes rejuvenates your skin by gently lifting dirt, oil and impurities from your pores while nourishing even the most sensitive skin. The result is a clean, refreshed and blemish-free complexion – naturally! Individually wrapped cleansing wraps. Perfectly clean and naturally balanced skin – even when you are on the go.

Go get these.

When I was a kid, we always had a bottle of witch hazel in the bathroom cabinet. I’d put it on a cotton ball, and swipe it across my face for a quick clean up. I didn’t know that it was a botanical extract with soothing and healing properties. Or that it was a natural skin care solution. I just knew that it was a quick way to freshen up.

Well now that I’m a grown up (sort of), I actually care about things like soothing and healing properties; and terms like “natural” and “botanical extract” get me all happy. And what really gets me happy is that I didn’t feel like washing my face when I got home; so I took one of these handy little towelettes out of a handy little packet and swiped it across my face. I still have to finish later; but I did my skin a big favor by letting it breathe for an extra 4-5 hours.

In addition to helping lazy people like me, these towelettes have a ton of uses. They’re great for the beach, (and for removing sunscreen afterwards), and good for cooling off and re-balancing your skin after a workout. I’ve used them to gently blot afternoon oiliness, and for a quick clean slate when switching from day to evening makeup. Witch hazel removes everyday dirt and oil without overdrying - it actually soothes and conditions. On a hot day, they’re good for a quick freshening up all over. I can even use them on my really sensitive neck area. I also keep a few in my bag for an emergency hand “wash.”

The website has a whole lot of facts about witch hazel. There’s also some good information about care for oily skin, as well as other skin types. Dickinson’s is available at grocery stores, drugstores, and online at sites like drugstore.com.

(ftc disclosure: sample/product received from manufacturer or representative)

Waking Up My Monday: Pixi Week of Wakeup Makeup Palette (review)

2011-05-09T22:09:00.009-04:00

Oy. To the vey. This day began very well, and quickly slid downhill. I ended up coming home from work with a bad headache, and an even worse attitude. Thank goodness for my cozy home…and science. Cozy home for my attitude, and modern pharmaceuticals for my headache.

And to help get myself back to my happy place, I’m going to talk about a whole big weekful of beauty. From Pixi.

Week of Wakeup Makeup

Blurb: Deluxe kit decked out with gorgeous shades of peaches, pinks and nudes – specifically designed with a complete & coordinated look for each day of the week. Stuck in a makeup rut? This kit is your makeup wakeup call. We have combined our foolproof rise and shine essentials with a few fresh additions to create a seven-days-a-week go-to kit. Now it’s easy to be fresh-faced & focused on a Monday, free-flowing & fabulous on a Friday and soft & subtle on a Sunday! A whole week of awakening makeup solutions, all in one organized kit – no need to be bored with your makeup anymore!

Pixi, you continue to rock - beauty junkies live for this kind of thing! This palette has 21 shadows, 7 cheek colors and 8 glosses. And as you can see they’re all laid out to suggest a look/color palette for each day of the week (my favorite is Friday – no surprise there). I am smitten!

The quality is excellent. The blushes are finely milled, very natural-looking and easy to blend. The glosses have great texture and are nicely pigmented. The shadows were my favorites. The quality is wonderful, the colors are lovely, they have good staying power, and a few of the darker shades (in “Wed/Thurs/Fri”) worked very well as liners when applied with a wet brush. The colors lean mainly toward softer/neutral shades. There are a few pops of boldness in the shadows – and there's promise of a smokey eye on Thursday night.

It goes without saying that this palette is perfect for travel. It closes securely to a very tidy, portable 5" x 6.5" secure little package that easily tucks into a purse, backpack, or even a briefcase. (If you do take it traveling, remember to keep the plastic film on that covers each section.) And even if it never leaves home, the variety and versatility make this an awesome “go to” kit.

Head on over to the website for a closer look. Right now they have some really nifty web exclusives, and you can get 20% off of your order (use code: TWENTYOFF). And if you want a super close look, you can find Pixi at Target.

Hey, I’m kinda cheered up now. :)

(ftc disclosure: sample/product received from manufacturer or representative)

Doubles (Hair Care) Friday #2: Salerm ProLine Lamilux (review)

2011-05-06T14:33:00.004-04:00

My second “doubles” post features a great little gem I just tried. From Salerm.

ProLine Lamilux

Blurb: Provides sheen and moisturizes after styling. A hydrating formula that gives already styled hair a boost of sheen. Can also be used as a detangler on damp hair for easier styling. Doesn’t leave a greasy residue.

Salerm (based in Spain) provides products to both regular consumers and hair care professionals. They have hair care, treatments, color products as well as salon beauty items.

I call Lamilux a gem because it turned out to be a fabulous, easy, quick and thoroughly effective styling product. When I sprayed it on wet hair as leave-in and let my hair air dry; I got pretty, soft, beachy waves. I combed it through my hair before blow drying, and got a very shiny, smooth blowout. One day I took it with me to work, and spritzed some on in the late afternoon to refresh my wilting hairdo. It worked well every time, there was no crunchiness or oiliness; and I got plenty of softness and shine.

Visit the U.S. website (unless you’re Spanish) and check out the huge array of products. There’s a what's new section, and I had a great time browsing their online catalogue (which even includes salon furniture).

Here’s my last video for Doubles Week. Even though Tracy and Hepburn definitely qualify as a super all time famous duo; you’ll probably think this is an unexpected choice. But I’m feeling sentimental, and this scene always gets me. For those who have never seen this movie, it was made during a time when discussing intermarriage in a mainstream movie was considered ground breaking – so some of the ideas will seem incredibly out of date. But Spencer Tracy’s words about love, and the tears sparkling in Katherine Hepburn’s eyes are timeless. This isn’t your typical romantic tearjerker, but I lose it every time. Grab a hanky and enjoy. :)

(ftc disclosure: sample/product received from manufacturer or representative)

Doubles (Hair Care) Friday #1: Conair You Style™ 2in1 Brush & Pro 2-inch Spin Air Brush (review & GIVEAWAY!)

2011-05-06T14:24:00.006-04:00

Time for a May Giveaway! In honor of Doubles Week, I’m reviewing and giving away two fab hair care tools. From Conair.

You Style™ 2in1 Brush

Blurb: New Technology...The Conair You Style™ brush is actually two brushes in one. Start with a flat brush for everyday brushing. Use for blow-dry styling to straighten and smooth hair. Slide the button and collapse the sides to convert to a rounded brush. Get added lift at roots. Create soft waves or finish ends to curl under or flip up. Go from style to finish!

Pro 2-inch Spin Air Brush

Blurb: Releases up to 100X more concentrated ions than ions created from natural sources, to help reduce frizz and enhance shine! Volumizes and shines as you dry. Ceramic technology safely dries and promotes healthy hair. Faster, smoother hair, less frizz. 2 heat settings plus cool setting for all hair types. Multidirectional brush rotates in both directions to volumize and shine.

Conair has really got some fine items. The You Style Brush is a great idea. I found it very easy to use (and appreciated the boar/nylon bristle combo). And it really did go from flat to round brush with just a simple push of a button. A great way to avoid having (or travelling with) two brushes. Nicely done!

I was most eager to try the Spin Air Brush; but I had to wait until all of the holiday hoopla was over so I could have time to play with it. And play with it I did! It was like having a new toy (a toy that gave me pretty hair). I tried using it with both wet and damp hair, and found it worked much better with damp hair.

This item gets tons of points for being user-friendly. After about 2 minutes I was familiar with the buttons; and after another 5 minutes, I felt perfectly at ease using them. There are three heat settings (high, low and cool), and you can control the spin function with the touch of a finger. What I especially love is that you can spin the brush in either direction, and quickly stop the spinning just by letting go! The bristles are soft, but grabbed my hair and wrapped it around the barrel without any tangling.

Did I mention it was easy to use?

Not only was it was it easy, I got a wonderful blowout. My hair was very smooth, shiny and it was easy to get both volume (by holding the brush at the roots) and pretty curled ends (by letting the brush spin for an extra few seconds at the ends). I love this!

And…the folks at Conair are partnering with me for a GIVEAWAY! One lucky reader is going to win both the 2in1 Brush and the Spin Air Brush!

How to enter: Send an email to me at ifeelpretty@comcast.net with a comment about any of 2011 posts. Put "Conair Giveaway" in the subject line; and put the post title (and your comment) in the body of the email. You have as many chances to win as I have posts (just send each one in a separate email).

I'll accept entries through Saturday, May 14 (11:59pm Eastern), and I’ll email the winner on Sunday, May 15. The winner will have 72 hours to respond. If no response, I’ll move to the next randomly selected person. U.S. residents only and GOOD LUCK!

Take a look at the website, and watch a how-to clip from the video gallery. You may want to visit the Mother's Day Collection while you’re there too.

(ftc disclosure: sample/product received from manufacturer or representative)

Doubles Thursday #2: liplux by COOLA (review)

2011-05-05T21:14:00.004-04:00

I’m keeping “Doubles Thursday” natural and organic; and featuring yet another fine pair of items. Here are two ways to protect your gorgeous lips. From COOLA Suncare.

Liplux Peppermint Vanilla (SPF 15)

Liplux Original Formula (SPF 30)

Blurb: Don’t forget your lips. This all-in-one lip treatment moisturizes and protects with broad spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen protection. Our vitamin and antioxidant enriched formula soothes and nourishes, while our unique blend of fruit butters like Raspberry and Avocado hydrate the delicate skin of the lips. Our luscious scents will make you want to say MUAH! 70+% Certified Organic, Made with Natural Food Grade Ingredients.

“Don’t forget your lips” is absolutely right! Too many years of too much sun exposure might just make your pucker all…puckery. So your lips need protection just as much as the rest of your skin does. (I usually apply protection to my lips, and then rub in a little just outside the lip area.)

COOLA is synonymous with quality suncare, as well as natural/organic ingredients and sustainable practices. Both of these balms feel wonderful, have great staying power (organic carnauba wax) and provide outstanding sun protection. The organic beeswax, sunflower oil, aloe and shea butter soften, soothe and moisturize. Both feel wonderful, and smell great (the Peppermint/Vanilla is refreshing, and the Original has a yummy, fruity scent).

Bring these everywhere there is sunshine!

Take a look at the website and soak in the other fab items. Learn about sun science, and gather a few organic facts. You can also visit the comprehensive where to buy section. COOLA is available at Spas, beauty centers, Dermstore and drugstore.com.

Here’s a pretty classic scene staring a truly classic duo. It also has chocolate in it. What could be bad?

(ftc disclosure: sample/product received from manufacturer or representative)

Doubles Thursday #1: Lavera Liquid Eyeliner and Kajal Eyeliner (review)

2011-05-05T20:30:00.004-04:00

Not only is it “Doubles Thursday,” it’s also Cinco de Mayo. The Mexican side of me knows it should be saying “¡olé!” The party-pooper side of me, however, is not so quick with the cheer. I’m superstitious about this day. Whenever I’ve gotten all cheerful about it, something has gone wrong. But when I’m all party-pooperish, everything is fine.

Therefore…meh. (Sorry, Mom, and various relatives.)

But I only need to be apathetic about the actual date. There’s nothing wrong with being my regular excited self about Thursday. And just to make Thursday more exciting; I’m talking about one of my favorite all time beauty subjects. Eyeliner. Today it’s from Lavera Organic Skincare.

Liquid Eyeliner

Blurb: This long-lasting silky, smooth eyeliner glides on easily, for a dramatic look. The precision brush creates a fine and defined stroke. A specially formulated infusion of organic flower extracts and nourishing organic oils feel natural and non-irritating on the eye lid. This product is vegan. Colors: Black and Brown.

Kajal Eyeliner

Blurb: With organic Beeswax & Palm Oil. Lavera Organic Mineral Eyeliner provides easy, soft and brilliant application. Pure organic Beeswax & Palm Oil give smooth texture for the most delicate eye area for non-irritating & consistent results. These natural, all-mineral based shades highlight and accentuate your eyes instantly. Colors: Black, Brown, Blue and Green.

I have a makeup junkie friend with extremely sensitive skin, and she swears by these liners. She’s been using them forever, and says Lavera is one of the only brands that doesn’t irritate her eyes, yet still delivers a great look. In addition to being gorgeous and kind to skin, these liners also organic.

The Liquid formula is really fabulous. The brush is good (very thin and easy to use), and the liner glides on beautifully. Both the Black and the Brown dried quickly – one to a true black, and the other to a deep cocoa. The Kajal liners are excellent basic eyeliners. They sharpened to a small, firm point, and I was able to apply them very precisely. I loved that I easily got a thin, perfect line right up close to my lash line. I tried “Black,” “Brown,” and “Blue” and found all three colors to be well saturated. I also got lots of compliments when I wore them (yay!). I did have to retouch a bit in the evening; but I was still very satisfied with the staying power.

The website is a wealth of natural makeup, skincare, body care and hair care (it also has a 30-day “Love It” guarantee). While you’re there, visit the clearance section, then learn how Lavera was recognized as the Greenest Beauty Brand for the 2nd year in a row. There’s also a handy store locator. Lavera is available at various markets and drug stores including Target, Duane Reade, Wegmans, Whole Foods, and drugstore.com.

This photo is being posted ironically…

(ftc disclosure: sample/product received from manufacturer or representative)

Doubles Wednesday #2: Neutrogena Deep Clean Long-Last Shine Control Cleanser/Mask and Daily Scrub (review)

2011-05-04T22:20:00.008-04:00

Today’s second “doubles” post is another fabulous pair of products. From Neutrogena.

Neutrogena Deep Clean Long-Last Shine Control Cleanser/Mask

Blurb: Guaranteed to combat oil and control shine, Neutrogena Deep Clean® Long-Last Shine Control Cleanser/Mask goes deep down to pores to clear out impurities and absorbing built-up oil at the source. Plus, patent-pending rice protein technology acts like a microsponge to continue absorbing excess oil for long-lasting, fresh, breathable skin. Use as a Daily Cleanser to clear away pore-clogging impurities and absorb surface oil. Use as an intensive 3-Minute Mask to thoroughly absorb shine-causing oil. You'll feel the cooling intensity build as it goes deep down. So effective, the multi-action formula instantly absorbs 85% of built-up oil that can clog pores and lead to excess shine – for clear, fresh, breathable skin for hours.

Deep Clean Long-Last Shine Control Daily Scrub

Blurb: Combat oil and control shine with Neutrogena Deep Clean® Long-Last Shine Control Daily Scrub. This scrub gently exfoliates and goes deep down to pores to clear out impurities and built-up oil at the source. It's so effective, it instantly absorbs 85% of built up oil that can lead to excess shine. Plus, patent-pending rice protein technology acts like a microsponge to continue absorbing excess oil for long-lasting, fresh, breathable skin.

I posted both of these today because I loved using both of them. I was going to compare the two and feature my favorite, but I just couldn’t pick a favorite. Both clean thoroughly and gently, are oil free, dermatologist tested and didn’t clog my pores. Both left my skin feeling clean, balanced and soothed without overdrying. And both controlled oiliness.

So why not just use…both? For mornings, I’m using the Cleanser/Mask. It feels lovely and creamy going on, cleans wonderfully, and makes my face look fresh and glowy. I also tried it as a mask for two mornings during the week and loved the extra tingle as it penetrated. For evenings – the Scrub. It’s definitely gentle enough to use every night. It also has a creamy texture, and the beads give a bit of extra oomph that’s great for removing makeup, and getting my skin ready for nighttime creams and treatments.

Both of these are available via the website (and there’s free shipping on orders of $25 or more). While you’re there, see what’s on sale. Neutrogena is also available in grocery stores, drugstores, and online at drugstore.com.

Today’s duo is also from the “way back” machine. Before Penny Marshall was “Penny Marshall” (hotshot movie director), she was “Laverne.”

(ftc disclosure: sample/product received from manufacturer or representative)

Doubles Wednesday #1: eos Everyday Cucumber Hand Lotion (review)

2011-05-04T22:19:00.008-04:00

I’ve had tons of energy all day (which is kind of mysterious since I had trouble sleeping). All that extra energy came in very handy at the gym, though. I was not in the mood to go; but I have some wonderful support. So I got there, and now I feel refreshed...and still fairly perky.

None of this has anything whatsoever to do with beauty products – except for my cheesy tie-in to a refreshing new item from eos (evolution of smooth).

NEW Everyday Hand Lotion - Cucumber Scent (Refresh)

Blurb: Leave your skin feeling touchably soft for hours with this natural, fast-absorbing hand lotion. Designed to fit in your purse, your pocket, or on your desk, eos looks as good as it feels on your skin. Infused with moisturizing shea butter, oat extract, and a generous helping of antioxidants and vitamins C and E, eos hand lotion will leave your skin feeling soft, supple and radiantly healthy long after you apply it.

eos products are designed to pretty, stylish, fun and effective; and they absolutely succeed. The packaging is so fabulous, it almost deserves its own review. It’s slim, lightweight, flips open easily, closes securely, fits just about anywhere, and looks adorable. I love taking this out of my purse!

The formula is also excellent. The cucumber fragrance is fresh and pretty, and the (97% natural, paraben-free, phthalate-free, hypoallergenic, etc.) lotion felt wonderful going on, absorbed right away and kept my hands smooth and soft for hours.

And just look at it!

Ahem…you can look at a whole slew of adorable/effective items by visiting the website. If you want to see them up close, take a look at the where to buy section. eos is available at drugstores, grocery stores and drugstore.com.

(ftc disclosure: sample/product received from manufacturer or representative)

Doubles Tuesday #2: Estée Lauder Pure Color Long Lasting Lipstick in “Plum Couture” and “Candy” (rave review)

2011-05-03T18:46:00.003-04:00

For the second review of the second day of doubles week, I’m reviewing a doubly fine pair of lipsticks. From Estée Lauder.

NEW Pure Color Long Lasting Lipstick

“Plum Couture”

“Candy”

Blurb: Color so incredible, it leaves your lips wanting more. True Vision™ technology takes ordinary color and makes it extraordinary. In a seductive spectrum of shades, from sublime to vivid. TRUE VISION™ COLOR. Maximized color impact. Magnified vibrancy, clarity and dimension. Amplified brilliance. Medium-to-full, buildable coverage. Long-lasting wear. Fade-resistant. Enriched with lip-loving ingredients, including apricot kernel, shea butter and murumuru butter that leave lips soft and creamy smooth.

These two shades couldn’t be more different from each other; and I can’t decide which one I love more. I flipped for these lipsticks when I tried one from their holiday collection (“Extravagant Berry”). They absolutely live up to their promise of gorgeous, buildable color that lasts like you wouldn’t believe.

“Plum Couture” is a deep, moody wine. The more you apply, the more dramatic it looks. It also looks incredibly sexy when smudged on with a finger as a lipstain. “Candy” is a sunny, sweet, delicious pink that’s sexy in a completely different way. It’s kind of “almost innocent.” Both shades deliver beautiful color, a moisturizing feel, and some of the best staying power you can possibly find. A++!

Visit the website (and don’t forget to enter the monthly sweepstakes). Estée Lauder is also available at fine department stores.

Today’s duo is downright dynamic! In this scene, Batman and Robin show off their acting chops as they run the gamut of human emotions (okay, just two emotions). Enjoy!

(ftc disclosure: sample/product received from manufacturer or representative)

Doubles Tuesday #1: NEW Aveeno Hydrosport™ Sunblock (review)

2011-05-03T18:04:00.003-04:00

Double reviews means more chances to talk about one of my favorite subjects: sunscreen. Here’s some fabulous new protection from Aveeno.

Hydrosport™ Sunblock Spray (SPF 50)

Hydrosport™ Sunblock Spray (SPF 85)

Hydrosport™ Sunblock Lotion (SPF 85)

Blurb: This innovative Sun Care collection harnesses the water-repelling ability of Natural Lotus Complex and is the first full-strength ACTIVE NATURALS® sun protection you can apply directly to wet skin. It harnesses the unique water-repelling ability of the Natural Lotus Complex, a special blend with naturally-derived ingredients. This exclusive formula provides long-lasting UVA/UVB protection and withstands wear off from water and sweat. Lightweight, and non-greasy, this revolutionary sunblock forms a thin, breathable shield which clings to skin, even when it's wet.

All three products felt and worked wonderfully. They went on easily, and dried to a transparent film that I could barely feel. There was no stickiness, and no white cast at all. And a big thumbs up to the packaging of the spray – an easy turn clicks it open (no caps to lose, and super easy to re-close).

I’ve never used a sunblock with an SPF as high as 85, but it certainly kept the sun away. I had zero color at the end of a long sunny afternoon outdoors (I reapplied after two hours). I generally prefer a lotion to a spray, but I tried both (in the interests of good blogging). I sprayed one arm, and put lotion on the other. At the end of the day, both arms were equally pale. I used the the SPF 50 on my neck and chest, and it also did a fine job of keeping everything untouched by the sun (without any itchiness or irritation).

The weather hasn’t been warm enough for me to test their sweat-proofness; but I did try holding one of my arms under some water, and when my arm dried, I could still feel the sunscreen on my arm. Excellent!

Visit the website for more info (and take the Road to Healthy Skin Tour). There’s also a Where to buy section. Aveeno is sold in grocery stores, drugstores, specialty stores, and online at drugstore.com and ULTA.

(ftc disclosure: sample/product received from manufacturer or representative)

Doubles Monday #2: AMORE PACIFIC Moisture Bound Rejuvenating Serum (review)

2011-05-02T23:00:00.004-04:00

It’s after 10pm, and I’m still feeling the energy. Here’s something rejuvenating - from AMORE PACIFIC.

Moisture Bound Rejuvenating Serum

Blurb: A treatment booster that accelerates the penetration of anti aging ingredients. This concentrated serum includes Self-transforming Technology™ to promote the penetration of highly concentrated bamboo sap. The combination of this advanced delivery system and bamboo sap offers extraordinary properties that regenerate fresh, new skin while intensifying the moisturizing benefits of the complete Amore Pacific routine of Moisture Bound Rejuvenating products.

This is a truly fine serum! The first time I used it, I loved the way it went on smoothly, absorbed almost immediately and made my skin look fresh, dewy and plump (the good kind). It hydrated without being oily or heavy, and it worked beautifully with my other products.

After a couple of weeks, I noticed that the very small dry patches above my eyebrows disappeared and never came back. I’m also noticing that even in the warmer weather, my skin stills feels fresh without any oiliness or stickiness. Awesome.

Right now the website is under construction; but you can still find all of their fabulous products at Sephora, Bergdorf Goodman and Neiman Marcus.

Just to keep the “doubles” theme going, I’m also going to feature some of my favorite duos. Since many of our eyes were on England this weekend; here’s one of the most (absolutely) fabulous duos ever: The vulgar, self-absorbed, cursing, politically incorrect and somehow beloved Patsy and Eddie. (Warning - not always PG)

(ftc disclosure: sample/product received from manufacturer or representative)

Doubles Monday #1: New Clean & Clear® Morning Burst® Body Wash (review)

2011-05-02T22:16:00.004-04:00

Hi everyone! After being thoroughly lazy all weekend, I've got my energy back; so I thought I’d post double reviews this week. Let’s get started. Here’s something energizing from Clean & Clear.

New Morning Burst® body wash

BOOST: Mango & Papaya

CHARGE: Pomegranate & Orange Zest

SPLASH: Wildberry & Guava

Blurb: Get Clean! Get energized! Get Going! Designed to help stimulate your senses and energize you all over. Morning Burst® is the only body wash infused with Bursting Beads® that are suspended with exotic fruit extracts. Feel the BOOST of mango & papaya fill your shower as the bubbly formula leaves your skin clean and refreshed. Feel the CHARGE of pomegranate & orange zest fill your shower as the bubbly formula leaves your skin clean and refreshed. Feel the SPLASH of wildberry & guava fill your shower as the bubbly formula leaves your skin clean and refreshed.

This is another fun, fabulous product that’s also an excellent value (16oz. for $5.99). These body washes are fresh, fruity; and the little beads add a bit of extra scrub as well as a fragrance zing. They lathered and cleaned very well, and made my bathroom smell good too. I loved using all three, but “SPLASH” was my favorite. I liked it so much, I even tried it as a bubble bath!

Check out the website for more info (and other products). You can also visit their Facebook and enter their Burst a Move Contest. Clean and Clear is also available at grocery stores, drugstores and drugstore.com.

(ftc disclosure: sample/product received from manufacturer or representative)

May Marvelousness (for Mom): Komen for The Cure Promise Me Fragrance

2011-05-02T21:36:00.002-04:00

What a beautiful idea! Take a look at the first (and only) proprietary fragrance to benefit breast cancer research...

Promise Me Fragrance for Mother's Day
An unprecedented marriage of beauty and charity.

The scent of compassion and courage. Susan G. Komen for the Cure® has partnered with TPR Holdings to launch Promise Me, the first and only proprietary fragrance to benefit breast cancer research. Promise Me offers a unique way to honor those who have been touched by breast cancer—a beautiful tribute to the bravery of each and every person who has been touched by this disease.

“The fragrance will give supporters a new way to participate in the breast cancer cause and is very important to our global reach,” Komen for the Cure founder and CEO Nancy G. Brinker said. “Promise Me offers a natural fit,” she added."My sister Susan was always passionate about fragrance. She had a great fashion sense.”

Promise Me infuses the essence of Komen’s promise to end breast cancer into a scent that truly benefits and brings hope to those suffering from the disease. Developed by Drom fragrances and famed perfumer Jean Claude Delville, Promise Me speaks to strong, courageous women who live life to the fullest. The sophisticated floriental opens with a fresh burst of mandarin, bergamot, and blood orange. Its feminine heart evokes softness and beauty with pink peony, wild orchid, and rosewood. The scent lingers on white patchouli and musk for a warm, sensual finish. Designed by Chad Lavigne and housed in an elegant glass vessel with interior floral motif, Promise Me is a stunning display item and gift.

Brian Robinson, founder of ZIRH Men’s Skincare and president of TPR Holdings, is proud to join forces with Susan G. Komen for the Cure. “With fifteen years in the beauty industry, I wanted to lend my expertise to this profound cause,” says Robinson. “With the launch of Promise Me, we’re one step closer to finding a cure.”

Each Promise Me fragrance includes an insert with Komen’s educational messages and the contribution each purchase makes to the organization, as well as a limited edition scented bracelet. In 2011, TPR Holdings has committed to donate a minimum of $1,000,000 to Komen for breast cancer research, education, screening and treatment.

Eau de Parfum 100 ml $59.00 (Dillard’s, Lord & Taylor, Boscov’s, Sephora in JC Penney and HSN.Com) Eau de Toilette 100ml $29.99 (promisemefragrance.com,) Eau de Toilette 30ml $19.99 (promisemefragrance.com.)

About Susan G. Komen For The Cure: Nancy G. Brinker promised her dying sister, Susan G. Komen, she would do everything in her power to end breast cancer forever. In 1982, that promise became Susan G. Komen for the Cure and launched the global breast cancer movement. Today, Komen for the Cure is the world’s largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists fighting to save lives, empower people, ensure quality care for all and energize science to find the cures. Thanks to events like the Komen Race for the Cure®, we have invested more than $1.9 billion to fulfill our promise, becoming the largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer in the world. For more information about Susan G. Komen for the Cure, breast health or breast cancer, visit komen.org or call 1-877 GO KOMEN.

May Monday Marvelousness: LUSH Tiny Hands

2011-05-02T21:35:00.003-04:00

Once again, LUSH is tempting me…

Get a hand from Tiny Hands!

Spring is finally here, which means it’s time to clean out our closets, plant some seeds and start enjoying the outdoors!

If your hands are still showing signs of the frigid winter weather, not to worry LUSH is offering a helping hand with our innovative NEW! Tiny Hands Solid Serum. Featuring unique ingredients such as velvety argan oil, soothing marigold petals and ethically sourced shea butter, this solid hand serum will heal the roughest of hands. True to LUSH’s eco-friendly fashion, Tiny Hands requires no packaging and can be stored in a reusable tin, which is perfect for traveling.

Tiny Hands Solid Serum is now available in all LUSH stores and LUSH.com.

May Monday Marvelousness: Lisa Price of Carol’s Daughter

2011-05-02T21:30:00.005-04:00

Check out the message from Lisa Price of Carol’s Daughter. It’s a wonderful, heartfelt note (with some exciting beauty news)…

A Note from Carol's Daughter Founder Lisa Price

Carol’s Daughter began 18 years ago because my mother saw something in me I had not yet seen in myself and encouraged me to take my love for mixing fragrances and turn it into something bigger.

I want to thank you for being part of this amazing journey! “It takes a village” rings true and I have taken your suggestions and comments to heart by creating new products like our Goddess Flower & Orange Ambrosia Collections as well as our new Dry Oil Mists & Frappe Body Lotions. Over time, bottles will change to help you better apply product and new color-coded labels will help you quickly choose the right product.

On May 1st, I’m thrilled to introduce you to a haircare collection that harnesses the reparative powers of a sacred Tahitian ingredient called Monoi. With just one use, Monoi Repairing Collection makes hair stronger and live longer — in fact, breakage is reduced by a whopping 96%!

I am so happy to welcome three women who share my enthusiasm for loving the many textures and colors of hair. They join Mary J. Blige and Jada Pinkett-Smith, who epitomize Beauty By Nature in everything they do. Solange is a fiery spirit with the strongest code of loyalty and artistry; Selita has a heart of gold with an immense entrepreneurial drive and focus; and Cassie lives life to its fullest while staying true to her roots and family. We had the opportunity to come together and exchange hair stories & talk about our passions and what fuels them. Enjoy this glimpse of our conversation & I look forward to celebrating another 18 years with you!

Love,
Lisa

May Monday Marvelousness: Royal Bridal Beauty

2011-05-02T21:25:00.004-04:00

I was so impressed by how perfect Kate Middleton looked. From her exquisite gown to her flawless complexion. Check out these suggestions for your own Royal glow…

Kate's Bridal Beauty Prep

Last Friday, the whole world watched as Kate Middleton married Prince William. While much has been said about Kate’s fashion style, little has been noted about her bridal beauty preparation.

Global Bridal Beauty traditions differ in each section of the globe- but most importantly brides want smooth, glowing, radiant skin for a day that will be captured forever. Take a look at how Royalty prepares for the big day – from England to Asia to Indonesia. Products now offer DIY options at home that contain both time-honored traditions and modernized formulations that allow women to get that bridal glow. Here, for example:

In India, Ubtan, a mixture of Indian spices including saffron, is rubbed all over the brides face, hands and feet to rejuvenate and brighten her skin for her wedding day. Today, brides can use KeSARI’s Pore Minimizing Indian Clay Masque, with Triphala Radiance™ complex, Saffron, Indian clay, Kokum Butter, Aloe Vera, and Hyaluronic Acid to deep-clean, minimize the appearance of pores, and moisturize the skin.

In England, Brides-to-be indulged in Oxygen to the face and neck to revitalize the skin; Brides today – including Kate Middleton—use Karin Herzog’s Swiss Oxygen Skincare to detoxify skin and impart a fresh, revitalized, dewy glow.

In Southeast Asia, traditions held that preparing the bride for her wedding night with a skin-softening exfoliation treatment to relax the bride. Today, brides can indulge in products such as bliss hot salt scrub, which relaxes the senses with rosemary and eucalyptus gently exfoliates the skin with sea salts.

May (Well, April) Marvelousness: Jo Malone’s Dreamy Wedding Window

2011-05-02T21:23:00.001-04:00

I know the wedding was on Friday, but I had to post this gorgeous picture of the Jo Malone window designed in honor of the Royal Couple. Sigh…

Jo Malone Sloane Street, London Celebrates the Royal Wedding

Jo Malone’s Sloane Street boutique in London has unveiled their re-designed front window into a stunning “wedding window” to honor William and Kate. In addition to being among the storefronts in London expressing their best wishes for the royal newlyweds-to-be, the boutique also offered celebratory cupcakes, hand and arm massages and champagne to all customers in celebration of not only the most important wedding in at least a decade but also Britain and the season of spring.

May Monday Marvelousness: Ten Tips for Your Summer (and Spring) Skin

2011-05-02T21:19:00.003-04:00

Don’t wait until summer - check out these very practical ways of protecting your pretty skin as the weather heats up…

Summer Skin Checklist

The weather is warming up and summer is not far behind. With vacation on our minds and in the horizon, some people are slacking on their skincare routine when in fact summer may be the worse time to do so. As the increasing heat has us shedding layers of clothing, this puts us in direct contact with sunlight, one of nature’s biggest agers. Dr. David Bank, director of the Center for Dermatology, Cosmetic and Laser Surgery shares his Summer Skin Checklist: 10 things everyone should keep in mind for the summer.

1. Slather on Sunscreen: Many dermatologists recommend using a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30. Check the sunscreen’s ingredients list; it should contain agents that block both UVA and UVB rays. Remember to apply sunscreen regularly, as it will wear off with prolonged swimming or sweating. Even if it’s cloudy, ultraviolet rays can still reach your skin, so wear sunscreen even on sunless days. Although many makeup and skin care products contain an SPF agent, don’t be fooled and use extra sunscreen if it’s below 15.

2. Antioxidants: Antioxidants are substances that may protect cells from the damage caused by unstable molecules known as free radicals. Free radical damage may lead to cancer. Antioxidants interact with and stabilize free radicals and may prevent some of the damage that free radicals might otherwise cause. Examples of antioxidants include beta-carotene, lycopene, vitamins C, E, and A, and other substances. Foods rich in antioxidants berries, pomegranate, kale, artichoke, soybeans, nuts (pecans) can help fight free radical damage.

3. Give ’Em Lip Service: Use a lip sunscreen with a SPF agent even if you’re putting lipstick on.

4. Remember Hair Care: The beating sun will hit your hair hard and for those who spend their days in the pool, chlorine does quite a number to your hair. Make sure you use a clarifying shampoo to remove the chlorine. Also, don’t over wash your hair as this can remove the oils that naturally protect it. Use a conditioning spray that provides UV protection like Privé’s Thermal Detangling Spray.

5. Exfoliate Head-to-Toe: Expensive scrubs and salts feel wonderful, but if you’re on a budget, you can do just as good a job using an exfoliation mitt or glove with your regular body wash. Gentle exfoliation is essential if you’ve had any area waxed, particularly in the bikini area, as it can help prevent ingrown hairs.

6. Moisturize and Nourish With Oils: Elbows, feet, and ankles can get very dry, so try avocado oil to keep them healthy and smooth. Avocado oil not only moisturizes, but also has nourishing properties as it contains vitamin E.

7. 10 Ways to Heal Sunburn:

• Noxzema - slather it all over yourself to take the sting out and cool the skin.
• Solarcaine spray – A spray containing aloe that cools when it is applied. This also helps with moisturizing and minimizes peeling. You can buy this at any drugstore.
• Aloe - The trick is to refrigerate to keep it cold, which also helps the relief last twice as long!
• Apple cider vinegar - Apply apple cider vinegar to the burn with a cotton ball or make a cool compress for a large area to relieve the pain and keep the skin moistened. This remedy will prevent blistering and peeling.
• Aspirin - Aspirin kills the pain and reduces inflammation and redness of sunburn. It short-circuits the whole sunburn process. It must be taken within 24 hours of getting sunburned. Aspirin is preferable to ibuprofen or acetaminophen because it is less stressful on the liver and kidneys.
• Baking soda - Dissolve some baking soda in water and make a compress using a clean cloth. Another remedy is to add 1/2 cup of baking soda to a tepid bath and soak. Instead of drying the affected area with a towel, let it air dry. Baking soda is cooling and will help the skin retain moisture.
• Shower - Take a warm shower to draw out the heat of your sunburn. The warm water will increase circulation to the area while hydrating it, thereby speeding the healing process.
• Witch hazel - Use a cotton ball or similar and cover the burned area it has a very cooling affect and takes the sting away.
• Tea - Make some tea, cool it, and apply to the burn. While any tea will work, mint tea, such as peppermint or spearmint is especially good. The teas have tannins that help the healing process
• Ice Cubes - Simply take ice cubes and rub over the affected area and watch how fast they melt!

8. Drink Plenty of Water: The beating sun can dry your skin and make you sweat more, so keep hydrated by drinking plenty of water. If you’re active, you need to drink at least 8 glasses during the day.

9. Control Oil: Heat and humidity can cause oil glands to work overtime. Control oiliness by washing your face with a foaming cleanser twice daily. If your skin gets exceptionally oily, you can do a midday cleansing too. But don't get into the habit of cleansing too often. For some, a once per day cleansing may be all the skin can tolerate. Cleansing too often can break down the skin's protective barrier, causing excessive dryness and irritation, and ultimately worsen breakouts.

10. Shower After You Sweat: Sweat can irritate acne. Shower after working out or after you've been sweating. Pick a body wash with salicylic acid if you're prone to blackheads, or benzoyl peroxide if you get inflamed pimples. Other good over-the-counter ingredients are sulfur and resorcinol. By thoroughly washing away sweat as soon as possible, you can help reduce the severity of breakouts. During periods of heat and humidity, you may be more prone to a form of acne called acne mechanica. Acne mechanica develops when the skin is subjected to excess heat, as well as friction or rubbing of clothes, athletic equipment, etc. In the summer, wear breathable cotton instead of synthetic fabrics.

May Monday Marvelousness: Riley Keough and KeSARI, Sally Hershberger & Fekkai

2011-05-02T21:16:00.001-04:00

Check out the Riley Keough’s gorgeous locks (look created by James Vides)…

Old Hollywood Comes to Tribeca

James Vides Created Luscious Locks for Riley Keough for the Premiere of The Good Doctor during the 2011 Tribeca Film Festival

Inspiration: Old Hollywood glamour with a youthful twist that exudes timeless elegance; A combination of jayne Mansfield and Marilyn Monroe

How To Get The Look: On wet hair, Vides began by applying KeSARI Indian Oil Hair Serum with Triphala Radiance™ Silk Complex to create a perfect shine and smooth hair out and applied Sally Hershberger Plump-Up Styler to create volume. Then, he created a deep side part and blow dried using a round brush. To create the luscious curls, he used a 1 inch barrel curling throughout the hair and let the hair cool. To secure the look, Vides sprayed Fekkai Coiff™ Sheer Hold Hairspray.

Indian Oil Hair Serum with Triphala Radiance™ Silk Complex ($31.50, available at KeSARIBeauty.com) Sally Hershberger Plump-Up Styler ($10.99, available at amazon.com) Fekkai Coiff™ Sheer Hold Hairspray ($24.00, available at Fekkai.com)

May Monday Marvelousness: Christie Brinkley and Dr. Patricia Wexler

2011-05-02T21:13:00.001-04:00

Check out how utterly amazing Christie Brinkley looks at…57.

Christie’s Face is Absolutely Right

In a recent New York Post, some of Hollywood’s A- Lister’s were featured in “Whats Wrong With Her Face?” breaking down celebrity cosmetic interventions!

57 year-old Christie Brinkley, playing the role of 25 year-old Roxie Hart on Broadway’s Chicago was the ONLY actress awarded natural looking and just as beautiful as she was in 1983! She owes her glowing, smooth complexion to Dr. Patricia Wexler, Manhattan’s Cosmetic Dermatologist to the stars for her work over the past 25 years.

Hats off to Pat for “treating her perfectly…” and “Creating movement in all the right places.”

May Monday Marvelousness: Bobbi Brown Almost Bare Collection

2011-05-02T21:11:00.001-04:00

Wow…

Bobbi Brown - The Almost Bare Collection

“You – Only Better”
May 2011

“From bronzers to the light shimmery glosses, The Almost Bare Collection creates the gorgeous sun kissed look you get after a day at the beach, one of my favorite sources of inspiration.” -Bobbi Brown

New, Limited Edition Bronzing Powder: Formulated for all skin types, Bobbi’s Bronzing Powder has just the right mix of red and brown – the colors you’d find in a true tan – to give skin a warm tint of healthy-looking color. What makes it so wearable? The lightweight mica-free powder applies smoothly and evenly and feels ultra-comfortable on skin. Now, this makeup bag essential is available in two limited edition shades ideal for darker skin tones. Available in 2 shades: Deep Chocolate, Rich Cocoa

New, Limited Edition High Shimmer Lip Gloss: Because there’s nothing sexier than glossy lips paired with luminous skin, Bobbi introduces her most high shine gloss ever. This ultra shiny formula glides on smoothly and offers medium to full coverage that makes lips look lush and full. Available in 3 shades: Pink Tulle, Citrus, Bellini

Almost Bare Fragrance: A Bobbi Brown classic, this fresh floral eau de parfum features a delicate balance of inspiring Italian Bergamot blended with Violet Leaves to relax and soothe the senses. The scent is enhanced by a note of Soft Muguet and gentle Jasmine Petals with a Soft Cedar and Warm Amber background.

May Monday Marvelousness: Win Oprah Tickets – Andre Walker Hair Facebook Contest

2011-05-02T21:08:00.001-04:00

Oh my goodness – a chance to win Oprah tickets!!!

Andre Walker Hair Facebook Contest
Offers Fans a Chance to Win Chicago’s Most Coveted Tickets

Andre Walker Hair, developed by Oprah’s personal stylist of 25 years, presents an invaluable opportunity to win two tickets to one of the very last Oprah Winfrey shows. The sweepstakes is open to the public and free to enter by visiting the Andre Walker Hair Facebook Page or at www.AndreWalkerHair.com. The winner will receive two tickets to “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” round-trip airfare for two to Chicago, two nights at a Chicago luxe hotel and a meet and greet with Andre Walker. Rules and regulations apply.

One winner will be randomly chosen for him and a guest to attend The Oprah Show. Subsequently, the winner will be announced on HSN during the next Andre Walker show. Entrants must be legal US residents and 18 years old to enter. Tickets must be redeemed by the deadline listed in the rules and regulations for travel before May 25th, 2011 or the last Oprah Winfrey Show. For more information on the Andre Walker Hair/HSN Sweepstakes, please visit http://www.andrewalkerhair.com.

Andre Walker Hair: Andre Walker Hair, launched in November 2010 by seven time Emmy winning stylist to Oprah Winfrey, offers a line of hair care products developed by the finest raw ingredients to nurture all hair types. The line, sold on HSN and www.AndreWalkerHair.com, consists of Total Keratin Obsession (TKO Deep Conditioning Pack), Keratin Shampoo and Condition, hair make-up and the star product Q-Oil Quench Essential Oil.

For more information, visit www.AndreWalkerHair.com.

May Monday Marvelousness: Borghese Sample Sale

2011-05-02T21:06:00.002-04:00

These sample sales are not to be missed! If you’re anywhere near Manhattan on Wednesday or Thursday, high tail it over to this sale…

Borghese Mother’s Day Sample Sale

Back By Popular Demand!
Cosmetics, Skincare & Gift Sets
Cash Only
Bring Your Own Bag

Wed, May 4th & Thurs, May 5th
10am – 3pm
10 East 34th Street, 3rd fl
New York, NY 10016

High-end Cosmetics & Skincare at ridiculously low prices!

May Monday Marvelousness: Celebrity Reds and Bigen

2011-05-02T21:02:00.002-04:00

More validation – and an excellent product for keeping us…er…voluntary redheads…looking great.

Hollywood Hair is Red Hot!

Starlets Hayley Williams, Christina Hendricks, Rihanna and most recently Drew Barrymore have all been spotted sporting sexy scarlet locks this spring. From fiery rock star to boho babe or sexy throwback this head turning hair hue is easy to achieve.

Get the look without the commitment of traditional color, fear of harsh ingredients or spending big bucks at the salon with Bigen’s Semi-Permanent Hair Color in Intensive Red. Uniquely formulated with four natural moisturizers; honey, sunflower, beeswax and shea butter – these oil based nutrients provide a gentle dye treatment that enhances and refreshes natural color for stunning results. Ammonia and hydrogen peroxide free, Bigen Semi-Permanent Hair Color is always gentle and safe to use, even for chemically processed hair!

Bigen’s Semi-Permanent Hair Color in Intensive Red (SRP $4.99) is available at select beauty supply stores.

May Monday Marvelousness: Drew Barrymore and black15in1

2011-05-02T20:59:00.001-04:00

Whoa – Drew Barrymore went red! I feel so validated!

Drew Barrymore Goes Red: Color Protection Must-Have black15in1

Hair color can instantly revive fatigued winter locks. This week, Drew Barrymore introduced a ravishing red hue for Spring, marking a dramatic departure from her signature ombre look.

Hair products play an important role in maintaining the vibrancy of newly tinged tresses. Clinical studies have shown that using black 15in1 Miracle Hair Treatment immediately after dying hair will help seal and protect color up to 40% more effectively. black15in1 also contains SPF, which will defend your dye from the dulling effects of spring and summer sun!

Stars like Ashlee Simpson and Mena Suvari, who often change their hair color with the seasons, turn to black15in1 for its color protecting benefits, amongst others!