Happy Blogiversary to Me…II! (review redux)

Yesterday was my one-year blog anniversary! I still can't believe it's been a whole year (plus one day). Another thanks to all of you for visiting (and for your nice emails yesterday).

To celebrate, I decided to spotlight a few things that really grabbed my attention during the last 12 months. Yesterday's and todays items are only a few. There just wasn't time (or room) to get to all of the standouts. But these few really have it going on!

Yesterday I featured sunscreen and makeup items. Today I'm focusing on skin care, bath & body, and hair care. I also kept the links, in case you want to read the original reviews. Enjoy!

Skin Care:

Comodynes Make-Up Remover Towelettes – Convenient, affordable and thoroughly effective!

Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask – I use this every Saturday night. It removes every smidgen of everything from pores!

Olay Pro-X Eye Restoration Complex – The whole Pro-X line knocked my socks off, and the eye cream was especially fabulous

Dermalogica Oil Control Lotion – This is an excellent mattifier and shine controller, and it also contains salicylic acid to help fight breakouts

Bath & Body:

Borghese Splendide Mani Smoothing Hand Creme (SPF 8) – Besides being lovely and soothing, this hand cream even lasted through a handwashing!

Laura Mercier Almond Coconut Milk Crème – The scent of this crème is amazing! I get compliments all the time when I have it on. (It's available in hand crème, body crème, body wash and honey bath…yum.)

Trader Joe's Moisturizing Cream Shave (in Honey Mango) – Still the best shave cream I've ever tried. And the price can't be beat!

Salux Nylon Japanese Beauty Cloth – This item deserves an extra mention every chance I get. It's an inexpensive, durable, no-frills cloth that exfoliates like nothing else.

Hair Care

Remington Professional Hair Dryer – Excellent value, great design, and really easy to handle.

Privé Concept Vert Shampoo and Conditioner – I tried this because of its earth friendliness; but I keep coming back because it makes my hair soft, healthy and happy

Phyx Overnight Repair Masque – I put this on at night and woke up with new hair

I hope you've had as much fun re-visiting the last year as I have. I look forward to all the exciting, cool stuff yet to come!

Have a great weekend!
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Free Concert from Origins!

In addition to April being my blog-birthday month, it's also Earth Month. Check out all the amazing things that Origins has going on!

Origins Rocks Earth Month
FREE Concert Featuring Grammy Award-Winner Macy Gray To Benefit Origins Global Earth Initiatives

High-Performance Nature-based Skin Care Brand Furthers its Commitment to the Environment with Additional Programs for “Greening” the Planet

In celebration of Earth Month 2010 and Origins Earth Initiatives which support programs that help to sustain the planet, Origins will host its first annual Origins Rocks Earth Month Concert in NYC on April 19th. Fans are invited to the FREE star-studded concert at Webster Hall New York City located in Downtown Manhattan featuring Grammy Award-Winner Macy Gray. Origins has chosen to partner with Macy as her new single “Beauty In The World” captures the sentiment of Earth Month. The concert will also include performances by emerging artists Ryan Star and Jon McLaughlin and will be hosted by a special celebrity guest emcee.

“At Origins, we recognize the importance of environmental stewardship. Earth Month 2010 provides the perfect platform for Origins to reaffirm its commitment to giving back to Mother Nature, employing green practices and celebrating the planet,” announces Jane Lauder, General Manager/Senior Vice President, Origins. “Last year, through our Global Earth Initiative, Origins collected 7,500 pounds of empty cosmetic packaging to be recycled or responsibly converted to energy and planted nearly 24,000 trees. This year we are eager to further our green programs.”

One free concert ticket will be offered to those who bring at least one empty cosmetic package, regardless of brand, to Origins retail stores in NYC, Westchester and the Garden State Plaza Mall (no purchase necessary, while tickets last.) Ticket holders must arrive at Webster Hall New York City for first come first serve entry. Origins will collect all the packaging and recycle or responsibly convert it to energy through its Return to Origins Recycling Program.

“I am thrilled to be a part of the first annual Origins Rocks Earth Month Concert,” exclaims Macy Gray. “Origins is known for its industry-leading commitment to the people and the planet. I am proud to be partnering with a brand that aligns with my beliefs of planting trees and cleaning up the earth for future generations.”

RETURN TO ORIGINS RECYCLING PROGRAM
Earth Month 2009 marked the launch of the Origins Recycling Program, a first-of-its-kind national cosmetics recycling initiative. Origins leads the industry-wide campaign by providing customers a place to drop off their empty cosmetic packaging including bottles, tubes, jars, caps and compacts regardless of brand to any Origins retail store or department store counter. Origins will then submit the packaging to be recycled or responsibly converted to energy.

According to The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, everyday packaging accounts for approximately 1/3 of all landfill waste. In an effort to continue Origins commitment to protecting the earth and its resources, Origins decided to tackle this problem head on and launch the Return to Origins Recycling Program. As a thank you for participating, Origins offers consumers a free product sample of their choice.

“At Origins, we take great pride in the fact that our brand pioneered many of the earth-friendly manufacturing and packaging practices that have now become industry standards,” explains Lauder. “The Return to Origins Recycling Program is an example of how we can proactively promote sustainability within our communities, and we hope to encourage other brands in our industry to develop and implement similar programs.”

PLANT-A-TREE CAMPAIGN
To further its Global Plant-A-Tree Campaign, Origins will plant a tree on behalf of each concert attendee through its partners Global ReLeaf™. Did you know that just one tree provides oxygen for up to four people per day?

In 2009, Origins launched its Plant-A-Tree Campaign in partnership with American Forests’ Global ReLeaf™; an education and action program that helps individuals, agencies and corporations improve the local and global environment by planting and caring for trees. Since the launch of this successful campaign, Origins has aided reforestation projects globally by helping to plant more than 23,000 trees around the world. In addition to planting a tree for each concert attendee, from April 18th to 30th, Origins will plant a tree in honor of each customer who purchases the NEW A Perfect World™ SPF 25 Age-defense moisturizer with White Tea or current moisturizer.

EARTH-FRIENDLY SINCE 1990
Since its inception, beginning with its iconic double-tree logo, Origins commitment to the planet and people who populate it began when the brand was born in 1990. Origins believes that reducing pollution means increasing efficiency and wasting fewer resources. Thus, Origins manufactures its products using a combination of renewable resources, wind energy, earth-friendly practices. All Origins printed materials are printed on recycled paper using soy-based inks. Cartons are made from 50% Forest Stewardship Council certified paperboard and 50% post-consumer recycled fiber. These paperboards and cartons are manufactured using wind power or hydro power, both renewable energy resources. Origins manufacturing facilities have instituted Environmental Management Systems that comply with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). They are designed to improve its environmental performance and avoid or reduce adverse environmental impacts over time.

PARTNERSHIP WITH COMMUNITY ENERGY INC.
Taking this dedication one step further, Origins continues its partnership with Community Energy Inc. to purchase wind generated power to offset electricity used when manufacturing Origins products in company-owned facilities and when third parties manufacture the Origins Organics™ collection. By purchasing wind power for the retail stores, Origins will use less grid electricity and achieve a carbon dioxide deduction. And, by helping to fund the building of additional turbines with Community Energy to supply electricity to Origins manufacturing operations, Origins will achieve an additional reduction in CO2 emissions. These reductions culminate in the equivalent of 2,800 acres of pine forest which is more than three times the size of Central Park.

STORES
Origins is available at select department and specialty stores, as well as in its own free-standing retail stores and at www.ORIGINS.com

ABOUT ORIGINS
Our mission at Origins is to create high-performance natural skin care that is powered by nature and proven by science. We use potent plants, organic ingredients, and 100% natural essential oils. And our long-standing commitment to protect the planet, its resources and all those who populate it is reaffirmed by our earth and animal friendly practices, packaging and policies. Introduced in the United States in 1990, Origins launched internationally in 1991. It is currently sold in Australia, Austria, Canada, China, Denmark, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Norway, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand and the United Kingdom.

ABOUT MACY GRAY
Macy Gray first burst onto the music scene with the massive hit single “I Try". 15,000,000 album sales later, the Grammy Award winning singer-songwriter reconnects with the essence of her creative gifts on her first album in more than 3 years entitled The Sellout, available from Concord Records on June 22nd. Sparkling melodies and personal lyrical insights dazzle throughout The Sellout, including the album's joyous first single and video "Beauty In The World." Perhaps Macy's most fully realized project, it's an authentic and confidently delivered statement from one of contemporary music’s most skillful and creative forces.

ABOUT RYAN STAR
Mark Burnett Records/Atlantic recording artist Ryan Star will be releasing his debut album "11:59" this summer, which features the hit single "Breathe," currently charting at Hot AC radio nationwide. The truly provocative companion video made its premiere on CNN.com and sees Star addressing the rising tide of unemployment in the US, performing on the streets of New York among various real people, from all walks of life, who are currently unemployed. A committed road warrior, Star is currently on tour alongside Serena Ryder.

ABOUT JON MCLAUGHLIN
Singer/songwriter/pianist Jon McLaughlin is an Island recording artist whose releases OK Now, featuring the hit single “Beating My Heart”, and Indiana have driven the Anderson, IN native to much success and acclaim over the course of his short career. Perhaps most notably, Jon was featured in the Oscar-nominated Disney film Enchanted performing the Oscar-nominated song “So Close” which he also performed live on the 80th Annual Academy Awards telecast. No stranger to the road, Jon has toured extensively on his own as well as with the likes of Kelly Clarkson, Colbie Caillat, Duffy and OneRepublic. Currently, Jon is preparing to record his third release on Island.

Origins products are formulated WITHOUT:
Parabens ● Phthalates ● Propylene Glycol ● Mineral Oil ● PABA ● Petrolatum
Paraffin ● DEA ● Animal Ingredients (except cruelty-free honey and beeswax)
Origins tests its products on volunteer panels. For more information visit: www.origins.com.
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Feelin' The Love: NEW Summer Awesomeness from Urban Decay

Be still my beating heart! There are no words. Just look at it all. Then look at it again. Then try not to be in my way as I make another mad dash to a UD counter…

It’s all about making love this summer!

From our sexy Summer of Love Shadow Palette to the cheeky guys on our NEW Pocket Rocket Lip Glosses, you just might be inspired to host a love-in!

This summer, we gave free reign to our rebellious side. (Actually, when don’t we?) We were inspired to create a psychedelic offering of colors that made us feel…well, just plain BEAUTIFUL, man.

And while we can’t give you the summer off to dance barefoot and experiment with happy pills…we can give you that lovin’ feelin’ all season with a little help from your friends.

Summer of Love Eyeshadow Palette

Summer of Love Nail Kit

New Pocket Rocket Colors

24/7 pencil in Eldorado, our new golden girl!

Urban Defense Tinted Moisturizers. 20 SFP AND Paraben Free.

Setting Sprays by Skindinavia for Urban Decay! AMAZING formulas that keep your makeup on through all those summer music festivals, sweaty subway rides and days at the beach!!!!

DeSlick in a Tube. Your favorite mattifying product, now in a gel form!
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Smooth Move, Remington: New Epilation Kit

Oh yeah! Check out the new epilation kit from Remington…

Smooth & Silky
2-In-1 Complete Epilation Kit

Remington makes hair removal a cinch in time for mini-skirt season with the new Smooth & Silky 2-in-1 Complete Epilation Kit. This easy-to-use epilator leaves skin silky smooth for up to six weeks with interchangeable full-size and precision epilator heads (for full body hair removal) and two exclusive technologies that provide a pleasant and simple hair removal method. The best part? It removes hair as short as 1/5 inch, so skin will be smooth and silky all summer long.

• new moisturizing technology infused into the rollers releases a conditioner, hydrating skin as hair is removed

• twin tweezer system doubles the chance of grabbing hairs on the first try, and along with the W shaped rollers make the experience more comfortable

Additional features include:

• body curve design for easy navigation
• two speed settings for ultimate control
• cord/cordless rechargeable operation

Available: Target locations across the U.S. and Walmart in Canada
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NEW Skincare from Estée Lauder

Take a look at the newest from Estée Lauder…

Estée Lauder introduces two NEW skincare products!
Hydrationist Maximum Moisture Cremes and Lotion & Perfectionist [CP+] Targeted Deep Wrinkle Filler

Hydrationist Maximum Moisture Cremes and Lotion:

We are excited to share with you our most hydrating moisturizers ever. Estée Lauder’s Hydrationist Maximum Moisture Crèmes and Lotion immediately replenish dehydrated skin and infuse moisture that lasts 24 hours to keep skin quenched and glowing. Overtime, skin retains and sustains its own natural moisture for a younger, healthier look. Available in four formulas, there is now a hydration solution for everyone:

- Crème for Dry Skin
- Crème for Normal/Combination Skin
- Lotion for Normal/Combination Skin
- Crème for Normal/Combination Skin with SPF 15

Perfectionist [CP+] Targeted Deep Wrinkle Filler

Estée Lauder research has found that environmental pollution, stress, even talking, frowning and laughing all cause an increase in the visible depth of lines and wrinkles and have created a innovative solution…

The Perfectionist [CP+] Targeted Deep Wrinkle Filler is the newest addition to the Perfectionist skincare line. This tiny, pen-like tube holds a concentrated treatment that instantly reduces the look of smile lines, crows feet and deep creases around the forehead, brows, and eyes and dramatically blurs the appearance of lip lines to hold back lipstick feathering for up to 8 hours.

With continued use, skin becomes firmer, lines are blurred and deep wrinkles appear less noticeable for a younger and smoother look. The Perfectionist [CP+] Targeted Deep Wrinkle Filler also features a unique precision-accurate applicator to provide gentle and controlled dispensing directly to your skin where you need it the most. And its convenient portable package is perfect for on-the-go touch-ups whenever and wherever you need it.

Ditch your Dermatologist, take a break from injections and fillers and test the new groundbreaking technology from Estée Lauder. Lines don’t lie – take the test: Apply to the deep lines and creases on the palm of your hand and watch as wrinkles disappear!

Hydrationist Maximum Moisture Crèmes and Lotion, and the Perfectionist [CP+] Targeted Deep Wrinkle Filler are available at all Estée Lauder counters nationwide and www.esteelauder.com.
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35% Off On the Xen-Tan Collection on April 8 (and a chance to win)

I'm ready for short dresses and sandals, but I don't think my ghostly-pale legs are yet. Need help too? I just got some info about a great promotion on April 8. Start reading…

Xen-Tan Premium Sunless Tan

It’s time to break out the floral miniskirts and cut out bikinis! Get your skin ready for the season where we bare it all with Xen-Tan Premium Sunless Tan. On April 8th, Xen-Tan will be offering consumers 35% off the entire line of products this one day only. And that’s not all! Become a fan on Facebook and enter to win your chance to covet one of five blinged out Perfect Bronze compacts celebs like Leighton Meister, Ashley Tisdale and Tori Spelling recently received. Contest will close May 1st, just in time for a last minute Mother’s Day gift!

For the 35% discount, visit www.Xen-Tan.com and enter code “xentansweeps” at check out.

Become a fan on Facebook here http://bit.ly/aRNrZA for your chance to win a blingin’ bronzer!

Celebs who were gifted with Xen-Tan’s Swarovski-encrusted Perfect Bronze compact:

AnnaLynne McCord Ashley Olsen Ashley Tisdale Blake Lively Britney Spears Carrie Underwood Christina Aguilera Cindy Crawford Fergi Giuliana Rancic Jessica Alba Kelly Ripa Khloe Kardashian Kourtney Kardashian Kim Kardashian Lady Gaga Leighton Meester Mary Kate Olsen Michelle Trachtenberg Nicole Richie Rachel Bilson Rachel Zoe Samantha Harris Scarlett Johansson Taylor Swift Tori Spelling Vanessa Hudgens Victoria Beckham Jessica Simpson Mariah Carey
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The Kohdo Wood Collection from Jo Malone

Wowee... check out the Kohdo Wood Collection...

Introducing The Kohdo Wood Collection

Lotus Blossom & Water Lily
Dark Amber & Ginger Lily

The World of Jo Malone™ introduces the Kohdo Wood Collection, two captivating fragrances created as a modern interpretation of Kohdo, the ancient Japanese art of incense appreciation. Two scents, each reflecting the spirit of a particular time of day, envelop the wearer in fragrant ceremony.

Welcoming the daytime, vibrant Lotus Blossom & Water Lily is designed to wake the senses and energise the soul. Beautifully sensual and calming, Dark Amber & Ginger Lily encourages a sense of tranquillity as day turns to night.

Created to inspire the senses, the Kohdo Wood Collection takes the wearer beyond the
Kohdo incense ceremony and into his or her own dawn and dusk moments.

Lotus Blossom & Water Lily

Lotus Blossom & Water Lily’s blend of mandarin, sacred lotus blossom, bamboo and aloeswood, encourages energy, inspires confidence and focuses the mind, making it the ideal scent to use during the day. Mandarin is vibrant and lively in nature. Referred to as the little heart of the sun, it is thought to shed light on the drudgeries of the everyday and encourage a sense of joy. The nature of the sacred lotus blossom is serene and spiritual, representing the dawning of a new day. Bamboo offers strength and grace, a symbol of longevity and the path towards enlightenment, while aloeswood, whose character is refined and rich, is believed to impart both mental and physical benefits to balance the mind and body.

Lotus Blossom & Water Lily can be worn alone or combined with Dark Amber & Ginger Lily to create an intoxicating scent.

Dark Amber & Ginger Lily

Dark Amber & Ginger Lily’s combination of cardamom, orchid and kyara wood is designed to cleanse the senses and encourage calmness, relaxation and positive thought, making it the perfect scent to use from early evening into the night. Originally used as a perfume in ancient times, black cardamom is aromatic and smoky in nature with an air of
unmistakably clean sensuality. The orchid, a magnificent flower, carries a universal message of beauty and wisdom. As a base for incense, kyara wood is held in the highest regard and is prized for its rarity and richness. With its deep, dark and rich nature, kyara wood has a resinous, relaxing aura, appropriate for meditation. An exotic and exquisite combination, this dark and sensual mix of ingredients embodies the essence of evening.

Dark Amber & Ginger Lily, can be worn alone or with Lotus Blossom & Water Lily to create an intoxicating scent.

Limited edition. Available April 2010 at Jo Malone Shops, www.jomalone.com, specialty stores including Bergdorf Goodman, select Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue stores nationwide. Available exclusively at Holt Renfrew in Canada.
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30 Is Something! Paul Mitchell Celebration

Celebrate 30 With A Paul Mitchell Stylist!

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LA Girls: More Awesomely Chic Fekkai

The last So Chic So Fekkai event will take place Friday April 9, 2010 from 9AM to 6PM. Check out the invite below…

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FLIRT! (and Tweet)

FLIRT! Cosmetics is now on Twitter!

Follow @FLIRTItGirl, a beauty and style insider at FLIRT! Cosmetics, for the latest in FLIRT! News, beauty, style and more!

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Check it Out: Bobbi Brown Brightening Skincare

We've got a whole slew of things to check out this Friday. Let's start with something new from Bobbi Brown – take a look…

Introducing Bobbi’s ritual for fresh, radiant, lit-from-within skin:

“I believe beauty starts with healthy, glowing skin. Traveling through Asia, I’ve discovered that many brightening skincare lines do not address women’s immediate need to cover dark spots. I used my makeup artist’s perspective to create this simple 5-step regimen: It includes skincare to give you brighter, smoother and clearer skin over time—and treatment makeup to give you a beautiful, even complexion instantly.” – Bobbi Brown

1 Prepare: Brightening Hydrating Lotion
Your journey to a brighter, clearer complexion begins here. Skin is clearer, instantly hydrated and perfectly prepared for the next step.

2 Brighten: Brightening Intensive Serum
The star of the Brightening Skincare line, packed with a Vitamin C Complex and unique blend of Grape, Mulberry and Scutellaria to inhibit melanin production and diminish the appearance of dark spots.

3 Moisturize: Brightening Moisture Cream
This deeply hydrating, lightweight lotion quenches skin, locks in moisture and strengthens your skin’s natural barrier, improving its ability to resist future damage. Skin feels fresh, soft, and perfectly hydrated.

4 Protect: Spf 50 Uv Protective Face Base
This lightweight, quick-absorbing lotion shields your skin from the harmful effects of the sun with a high level of broad-spectrum UVA and UVB to prevent future damage and maintain a radiant, even skin tone.

5 Treat, Cover & Perfect: Brightening Spot Treatment Corrector Spf 25
Bobbi’s secret to instantly vibrant skin. This unique, double-action treatment makeup covers dark spots and freckles immediately—and is packed with natural, effective ingredients that even out skin tone over time.

Available online from www.bobbibrown.com

Follow us on Twitter: @AskBobbiBrown
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Happy Blogiversary to Me! (review redux)

Hi everyone! I can't believe it, but my blog turns one-year-old today! A giant thanks to all of you who stop by and read my beauty rantings (I mean, musings). I love knowing that there are a bunch of like-minded (I mean, crazed) beauty junkies out there!

Instead of April Foolery, I decided to spend today and tomorrow re-visiting a few items that have really stood out during the year. Since I only review products I love in the first place; these are things from this year that especially wowed me in some unique way. (Of course, my opinions are entirely subjective.) Today, we're starting with Sunscreens and Makeup! (I'm also including links to the original reviews in case you want more details)

Sunscreen (How could I not start with this? I'm a sunscreen fanatic!)

La Mer The SPF 30 UV Protecting Fluid – Zinc-oxide-based, luxurious sun protection and skincare

Dr. Denese SPF 30 Defense Day Cream – Zinc-oxide-based barrier sunscreen that also provides a bit of coverage, hydrates and loves your skin

Dr. Denese SPF 30 Defense Eye Cream – The best eye sunscreen I've ever come across

Makeup:

Dr. Brandt pores no more® pore refiner – Pore refiner, mattifier and primer extraordinaire

Estée Lauder Double Wear Light Stay In Place Makeup (SPF 10) – Beautiful finish and great coverage that stays put!

CoverGirl Exact Eye Lights Shadow Palette – Great quality, value and versatility. I wear these colors all the time.

Smashbox Cream Eye Liner in "Lava" – Smashbox formula and a color that goes with just about anything anywhere

Urban Decay Alice In Wonderland Book of Shadows Palette – A beauty junkie's dream (or hallucination). A palette among palettes!

Urban Decay 24/7 Eye Pencils – These actually made me a fan of pencil liners. UD says these are the best eye pencils ever. So far I am in 100% agreement.

Estée Lauder Sumptuous Bold Volume™ Lifting Mascara – My desert island mascara. Full, curly flirty lashes.

Du Wop Private Red Lipstick – Another giant happy surprise! I wish this came in more colors, but I'm eternally grateful that they started with red!

That's it for the moment – I'll be back tomorrow with more stellar skin care and hair care performers!
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