Pretty Hot: Summer Styles from Samy

I love the "pretty without trying too hard" trend that's all over the place these days. Check out these hot (and cute) summer style suggestions from Samy (can't wait until my hair is long enough for a side braid)!…

Red Hot Summer Styles

The ideal summer look is effortlessly pretty – try one of these fabulous yet easy hairstyles with Samy styling products and you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the summer sunshine!

Side Braid

Kate Bosworth’s messy plait is the perfect look for summer—create it slightly askew, flip it over one shoulder and keep it in place with a little bit of new Samy Under Control Molding Wax. This fun style works for daytime or nighttime, so take your pick!

Ballerina Bun

Simple yet sophisticated—Cameron Diaz’s delicate chignon is the definition of ease. Secure hair up into a tight, clean bun. To tame flyaways around the hairline and keep the style in place, spritz Samy The Hairspray.

Natural Waves

If you like to let your hair flow, try undone waves like Audrina Patridge. Go beach chic with minimal effort, apply Samy Big Curls Defining Crème to enhance your natural texture and let air dry.

Samy Under Control Molding Wax, The Hairspray, and Big Curls Defining Crème ($4.99 each) are available at Walgreens, Rite-Aid and CVS locations nationwide and on samysalon.com.
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The Right Kind of Blue: Kat Burki

Really? An Italian Leather table? Nice. Check out the gorgeousness…

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Hair Care Friday: Alterna Hemp Shine and Texturizing Catalyst (review)

Yay – it's Friday! Again! I'm spending the weekend in New York with my dear friend, and I can't wait. I suspect there will be a great deal of girl talk. But before I zip off, let me introduce you to my new blowout buddy from Alterna.

Hemp Shine and Texturizing Catalyst

Blurb: Shine and Texturizing Catalyst smoothes and conditions the hair cuticle for weightless, brilliant shine. Just a small amount before blow-drying increases manageability, eliminates static and maintains volume, leaving hair soft and shiny.

A while back I picked up a few Alterna items and have been trying them out. I loved the way their Color Hold Repair Gloss worked with the flat iron, so I was really excited to try a blowout using the Catalyst.

Excellent! This is truly the product to have for your blowout. It smooths, de-frizzes, and adds tons of natural-looking (non-greasy) shine without weighing hair down. The bottle suggests a quarter-sized amount, but I added extra to the ends. I couldn't believe how well it worked! My hair was shiny, manageable and soft – without using a leave-in conditioner. And best of all, I got (unsolicited) compliments all day at work. A+!

Alterna seems to have a product for every possible hair need. Check out the website (especially the interactive Style Lounge, and Buzz sections.) Alterna can be found at Salons, and online at Beauty.com, and HairCareUSA.com.
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(ftc disclosure: purchased myself)

Dad's Day Ideas: Gadgetry from Remington

Check out the nifty items from Remington! It's grooming stuff – cleverly disguised as electronic toys! Brilliant.

Grooming Gadget Gift Guide For Father’s Day

This Father’s Day, help your dad, bro or hubby navigate the latest gadgets and manscaping must-haves – whether he’s a baby face or a scruffy dude, Remington has something for everyone:

For the clean cut guy, the Remington Rotary Shaver is the perfect gift. With 360 degree flex and pivot technology, the 3 heads adjust to the face and provide the closest shave ever so he’ll be silky smooth.

If your man likes to rock some facial hair, make sure he still looks well-groomed (and not just lazy) with the Remington Complete Grooming System. The world’s most versatile personal groomer, it has a wide trimmer, a fine trimmer, and 16 different comb lengths to trim any beard length.

Available: Target, Walmart, and www.remingtonproducts.com
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Dad's Day Ideas: Journey with Strange Invisible Perfumes

The only thing as good as wearing fragrances by Strange Invisible Perfumes is being with someone else who is wearing them. Take a look…

Father’s Day 2010: Dad’s Senses Take A Holiday

Strange Invisible Perfumes is a completely botanical fragrance house based in Venice, California. Perfumer Alexandra Balahoutis masterfully blends pure plant essences to create complex fragrances that ignite the senses and transport the wearer to another time and place. This Father’s Day, give Dad a well-earned vacation and send him to his favorite locale with a fragrance from Strange Invisible Perfumes.

To the Greek peninsula…

PELOPONNESIAN Crisp. Exhilarating. Heroic.

Hydro-distilled orange and lime, cypress, orange flower, mountain sage honey, botanical musk and a note of Aegean sea air create a refreshing fragrance built with the ancient perfumes of the Greek peninsula. Peloponnesian's crisp, magnetic scent exemplifies the je ne sais quoi of well-groomed masculinity.

On a transatlantic journey…

ATLANTIC Majestic. Spirited. Commanding.

Inspired by the adventures of a well-traveled gentleman across the Atlantic with smoldering notes of amber, frankincense, sandalwood, warm Jamaican bay rum and English peppermint.

To New Orleans…

MAGAZINE STREET Brazen. Sumptuous. Romantic.

Inspired by New Orleans, notes of magnolia, vanilla, vetiver and botanical musk conjure up lush gardens wild with history and balconies of black iron lace. Magazine Street gives back to its muse: 8% of sales supports the Katrina relief efforts of Common Ground Relief (www.commongroundrelief.org).

All Strange Invisible Perfumes consist of organic, wildcrafted, and biodynamic essences set in a base of 100% organic, beverage-grade grape alcohol. The Strange Invisible Perfumes collection is carried at the flagship perfumery in Venice along with products by other like-minded brands.

Strange Invisible Perfumes
1138 Abbot Kinney Blvd. Venice, CA 90291
(310) 314-1505
www.siperfumes.com
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Dad's Day Ideas: Kat Burki

Check out some awesome Dad's Day Gifts at Kat Burki!

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Dad's Day Ideas: Good Grooming Ideas from Laurent Dufourg

Next Sunday is Fathers' Day! Check out some fab ideas from stylist, Laurent Dufourg…

Father's Day Roundup!

It’s never too late to teach an old dog new grooming tricks! Give your father the gift of beauty this Father’s Day (he WILL thank you!) with no-fuss products from stylist to the stars Laurent Dufourg (who has worked with celebs including Johnny Depp, David Duchovny, and Adrian Brody) and CLEAN.

Here's a rundown of the great grooming products your father will be eternally grateful for:

Prive Grooming Crème: Provides a natural look and soft hold that is great for straight hair or curly hair. The lightweight formula keeps hair bouncy and full of body as frizz is eliminated and texture is smoothed and softened. Just add a tiny dab for shine and control!

Prive Extended Texture Clay: Is a thick but weightless clay that provides outstanding dry texture finishes to men’s cuts, eliminates frizz on all hair, is fantastic for next day.

CLEAN Shower Fresh for Men: Dad can smell fresh and clean all day long with that bottled first step out of the shower scent. A fresh citrus scent with notes of Bergamot, Green, Lemon, Thyme, Cardamom, Nutmeg, Spearmint, Muguet, Black Tea & Cedarwood.

CLEAN Men: Simple. Uncomplicated. Refreshing and delectable scent for Men. With notes of Ruby Red Grapefruit, English Lavender, Wild Raspberry. Clove, Lime, Olibabum, Patchouli and Musk. It's effortless and he'll smell great!

CLEAN Anti-Bacterial Moisturizing Hand Cream kills 99.9% of germs continuously up to four hours using parent company Fusion Brands Inc.’s SafetyDerm technology. Not only a revolutionary hand sanitizer that offers the first long-term protection for those germaphobe dads, but it’s a great skincare product as well. Unlike alcohol based sanitizers that dry out hands, CLEAN Antibacterial hand lotion is a moisturizing cream that hydrates the skin as it works to protect it. The product is unscented so it is perfect for men.
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Protect the Pretty: Jane Iredale, Cetaphil, PCA, Dickinson's and Bio-Oil

It's awesome that there are so many products these days to keep our skin looking great while protecting it from the sun. (The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends a sunscreen with an SPF 15 or higher.) Check out some new suggestions I got!

Sun Protection from Head to Toe

Sun Protection Face Makeup: Why not add another layer to your sunscreen with face makeup that contains an SPF.

Try: jane iredale’s Amazing Base and PurePressed Base, mineral foundations with an SPF of 20 and Dream Tint, a daily tinted moisturizer with an SPF of 15. These products are now recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation.

Lip Protection: Don’t forget the lips! This is a common place on the body to neglect when going on the sun.

Try: jane iredale’s Lip Drink, a colorless, moisturizing, protective lip balm in a base of macadamia nut oil. Recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation this lip balm has an SPF of 15 and provides broad spectrum protection.

Touch Up’s: Don’t just apply and hope for the best. Continue to touch up your sunscreen throughout the day – especially when indulging in outdoor lunch breaks.

Try: jane iredale’s Powder-Me SPF in Tanned and Translucent, an all-over face and body powder recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation helping protect against both UVB and UVA rays with an SPF 30 and a very water-resistant rating.

Protect the Face: It is vital to always use a facial moisturizer with an SPF year round.

Try: Cetaphil’s UVA/UVB SPF 50, a non-greasy, fragrance free, daily facial moisturizer for all skin types. The press tube application allows consumers to properly measure the amount of protection they apply to their face.

Protect the Body: At least 20 minutes before heading outdoors cover your entire body with a sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB rays.

Try: PCA SKIN’s Hydrator Plus SPF 25, a nourishing sunscreen moisturizer formulated with aloe and vitamins A, C and E for normal, dry and mature skin types. This sunscreen is recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation and protects against UVA and UVB rays.

And for those who are actually listening to the rules of the sun protection and choose to avoid the sun all together then may want to self tan! Here are two products that are great for before and after self tanner.

Prepping for Self Tanner: Apply self tanner to a non-cleansed skin is a no no! It’s vital to make sure after bathing or cleansing that all dirt and makeup is removed from your skin to avoid unwanted marks.

Try: Dickinson’s Original Witch Hazel Pore Perfecting Toner and Daily Facial Towelettes. These products are the only 100 percent all natural Witch Hazel formula is non-drying and helps remove excess dirt and imperfections from the skin.

Keep the Self Tan Glowing: Moisturizing a self tan is just as important as moisturizing a real tan!

Try: Bio-Oil, is a water based moisturizer that helps lock in moisturizer much better then the traditional lotion.
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Good Day Sunshine: Miss Oops Goblet Goop (review)

Yesterday it made no sense to talk about sun protection. It rained all day and I spent the evening wringing out my shirt. Luckily, it's all bright and sunny again. Perfect for reviewing a new sun protection item from Miss Oops.

Goblet Goop (SPF 30)

Blurb: Sunshine doesn't stop when it reaches your neck- neither should your sunscreen. A moisturizing and firming neck cream, Goblet Goop protects and firms the delicate skin of the neck with SPF 30, algae, yeast, rosemary and Echinacea extracts, helping skin retain moisture while enhancing firmness and promoting collagen. Protect your goblet and keep the dreaded turkey neck at bay with Goblet Goop.

I love this company! Not only are their products fun and pretty – they're also unbelievably useful. I fell in love last fall when I reviewed their awesome Survival Kit.

In true Miss Oops fashion, this product does double-duty. It's a neck/firming cream as well as a sunscreen! I don't have the dreaded "turkey neck" issue yet, so I can't say much about its firming qualities; but the skin on my neck is extremely sensitive, and it just loved this cream (er, I mean Goop). It also has a lovely (subtle) fragrance, feels heavenly going on, absorbs quickly, hydrates all day and doesn't rub off on my clothing! You go, Miss Oops! You go with your Goop!

The website has one handy, useful item after another. It's really a lot of fun to browse there. If you need to narrow things down, check out the showcase section. And if you want a personal perusal, click on the store locations page and find out where you can browse.
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(ftc disclosure: received as a sample from manufacturer or representative)

Oh Baby! Mediterranean Beauty

Check out these yummy Mediterranean-inspired goodies. Hot summer nights, here I come!

Trend Alert - Beauty Beyond Borders

With exotic ingredients and ancient tricks of the trade – Mediterranean inspired beauty has gone the distance (literally!) with these luxe summer essentials making waves at the forefront.

Ouidad Luxe Mediterranean Bay Leaf Hair and Scalp Treatment features rare Bay Leaf Oil imported from Lebanon and commonly used throughout Europe and the Middle East for its restorative qualities. Blended with a fine grained natural exfoliant in a base of amino acids with moisturizing and restructuring proteins, this luscious experience will exfoliate dry scalp, inspire healthy growth and reinvigorate hair. Available at Ouidad Flagship Salons. The treatment starts from $175 (depending on length of hair). Visit www.ouidad.com.

Jo Malone Wild Fig & Cassis Body Lotion features the scent of sun-warmed figs and delicate cassis entwined with notes of hyacinth and cedarwood, enveloping the wearer in the warmth of the Mediterranean. Available at www.JoMalone.com.

This whimsical and exotic fragrance, Tocca Aqua Profumata in Amalfi is reminiscent of Mediterranean waters in every way. Worn alone or layered this delicate spray will leave your skin beautifully scented and yearning for the Amalfi coast. Available at www.tocca.com.

Enhance beauty with this limited edition double-decker pallet – perfect for summer. Georgio Armani Bronze Mediterranean Palette features Mediterranean tones including shimmering greens and blues inspired by nature, earth, and sea. Available at www.giorgioarmanibeauty-usa.com.
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Wink to Support Cancer Reasearch! RapidLash Wink Week

I meant to post this earlier in the week (when it started), but got behind in my blogging duties. RapidLash's Wink Week is a way to send a wink to everyone you know and also support cancer research. For every wink you send, RapidLash will donate $1 to cancer research.

So get busy! Go to the RapidLash Facebook page and send your Winks now!

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Feel Pretty, Do Good: January Jones, La Mer, Oceana and World Oceans Day

World Oceans day was on Tuesday, and LaMer is celebrating the fifth anniversary of their partnership with Oceana. Check out the video (featuring January Jones).




For more information about World Oceans Day and the partnership between La Mer and Oceana, please visit www.lamer.com/oceana .

La Mer’s limited-edition 100 ml World Oceans Day Crème de la Mer will be available at select Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman and www.lamer.com beginning in May 2010.
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Right this Minute in Los Angeles! Sally Hansen Manicures to benefit DKMS

Check out this amazing campaign all day today! It's part of Sally Hansen's "Color that Cares" campaign and it’s for a great cause! (In addition to benefiting DKMS; those who get "swabbed" will receive a complimentary bottle of polish.)

Read on, then get your fingers and toes over to Hollywood!

Sally Hansen Manicures to benefit DKMS

Where: The Central Courtyard, Hollywood & Highland Center, Los Angeles, CA 90028
When: Thursday, June 10th, 10:00am – 8:00pm

It’s not every day you get the opportunity to help save a life when you get a manicure. But on June 10th, lifesaving is at your fingertips when you join Sally Hansen for a manicure benefiting DKMS, the world’s largest bone marrow donor center. As a part of the “Color That Cares” Campaign, the nail authority is heading to Hollywood & Highland in the hopes of breaking the Guinness World Record for the most nails shaped and polished in one day.

Through the Color that Cares program, visitors can get “swabbed” to help DKMS find potential marrow donors, raising awareness about this crucial cause while increasing donor registry. The invaluable organization works to expand marrow donor registries by recruiting donors across every race and ethnicity to provide leukemia and blood cancer patients with the best available donor match. Visitors will receive a manicure featuring the new Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure and those who get swabbed will also receive a complimentary bottle of the breakthrough polish.
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Eye Feel Much Better: Lancôme Paris Color Design Shadows (review)

I wanted to talk about these shadows yesterday, but my brain refused to cooperate. Well, today is a lot more sane – thank goodness! So let's get to it…today's beauty fun is from Lancôme Paris.

Color Design Sensational Effects Eye Shadow

Blurb: Build a wardrobe of sensational eye color! The possibilities are endless with this truly versatile range of hues designed by Lancôme Global makeup artists. Formulated with exclusive Micro-Air technology for ultimate smoothness and blendability. Long-lasting color glides on effortlessly. Available in a chic palette of multiple shades in five finishes: dazzling Metallics, twinkling Shimmers, soft, illuminating Sheens, pigment-packed Intense shades and color-rich Mattes.

A while back, Lancôme was offering an awesome GWP that included two shadow quads. Needless to day, I snapped it up.

For some reason, I've only reviewed Lancome once - that will be remedied (I came home with a lot more than eye shadow). But I should have written about their shadows long ago. Lancôme shadows have been some of my all time favorites since I started wearing makeup. (My mom bought Lancôme, and I used to sneak into her beauty stash play with her stuff.) My friends and I also did the "teen beauty counter thing" at the mall (stopping at all the beauty counters to "pretty up"). Wait…I kind of still do that.

Anyway, as far back as I can remember, these shadows have always found their way to my eyelids. Mainly because they're excellent. Long before any of the flashy newfangled brands (which I also love) came along; Lancôme was making high-quality, velvety shadows in fabulous colors. And they're still doing it. The shadows glide on like silk, blend easily and have unmatched staying power.

Warm Tones:

Cool Tones:

I tried my best to show you how the quads complemented each other. There wasn't a single one of these shades that I didn't love. The standout from the Warm Tones was the shimmery "Bikini Golden" (a pale, shimmery gold). I love it because it's both glamorous and neutral. My absolute favorite, though, came from the Cool Tones quad. "Luring" is one of the coolest colors I've stumbled across in a while. The computer screen won't give you the full effect, but it's a pale, shimmery grey-blue with flecks of lilac. It's fantastic – it looks amazing by itself as well as layered over blues, purples, browns, pinks and golds. Both of the darker colors in each of the quads made excellent contouring shades and liners (I love to use the same shade to contour and line).

Happily, all 8 colors in the quads are carried in their regular lineup. And there are over 50 Color Design shades to choose from. There's a swatch display on the website, and you can also check out the best sellers or visit the beauty school page. Much as I like the website, though, I suggest you mosey on over to a makeup counter at a nice department store (or Sephora) for a little "pretty up" time.
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(ftc disclosure: received as a gift with purchase)

I Feel...Kinda Frazzled

Sorry everyone - no review today! Today was ridiculous, and my brain is unfit for blogging.

Don't worry - a quiet evening and a good night's sleep work wonders. I'll be back tomorrow!

Happy Tuesday!

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Good Stuff: N.Y.C Quick Dry Nail Polish (review)

First…a shout out to the Good Samaritan who helped me on Saturday! I pulled into a mall parking lot; and while turning a corner, I did that dorky hitting-the-curb thing. Not only was it embarassing, it instantly flattened my tire. I got out of my air-conditioned car, stood there in the sweltering parking lot, stared at my mangled tire, and figured my afternoon would be spent waiting for the Auto Club (yes, that’s correct – I don’t know how to change a tire). But instead of punishing me for my lack of automotive skills, The Universe sent help. A nice man stepped out from between the cars, saw my situation and offered to put the spare on.

How awesome is that??? It took him about 15 minutes. I thanked him profusely, and asked him if there was anything I could do; but he said nothing in return was necessary – he was glad to help. Awesome, awesome, awesome. Since he wouldn’t let me repay him for such a huge favor; I decided to make an extra effort to help someone else out this week. So now I’m on the lookout for opportunities.

Of course this has absolutely nothing to do with nail polish. But when did that ever stop me? (Answer: never) All I can tell you is that once I finished everything; I came home, took off my old nail polish and reached for a pristine unopened bottle of polish from N.Y.C. (New York Color) Cosmetics.

In a New York Color Minute Quick Dry Nail Polish (in Orange Creamsicle)

This fabulous photo (as well as some great blogging) can be found at Nouveau Cheap

Blurb: Get a manicure in a minute! Quick drying formula with minerals! Features cutting edge shades with high impact shine. Infused with high levels of pigment for brilliant color & a touch of shimmer for dramatic depth and shine.

“Orange Creamsicle” (yum) is the color on the right. The one on the left is “Magenta Flash.” They're from NYC’s "Shock Value" collection (a limited edition spring collection). I chose “Creamsicle” because I needed something bright and fresh to counteract my tiredness. It was exactly what I needed to perk me up: a creamy, bright, yummy orange that cheered up my fingers and toes.

I put this on for the color, and then discovered that the formula is excellent!! It went on beautifully, dried quickly and had a gorgeous glossy shine. And I can’t believe how well it’s wearing! My nails are a bit on the long side right now. But I spent a day at work with the usual typing, paper shuffling and handling of manicure-ruining items; and I can’t see any tip wear at all. And this is without a top coat. It looks like I happened on another fabulous drugstore find!

If you can’t find “Orange Creamsicle,” there are 24 other yummy shades for you to try. The whole collection is on the website. (The site also has a cool Dare to Compare section). N.Y.C. can also be found at Supermarkets, drugstores and places like Ulta, Target, and Walmart. (Check the Where To Buy section for more locations.)
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(ftc disclosure: received as a sample)

Hair Care Friday: Davines SU/ Cream Protective Moisturizing Sun Cream (review)

Suddenly this "short" week started to feel long. Maybe because I tried to do 5 days worth of stuff in 4 days? Hmmm…could be.

Well, even though my weekend is going to be a little busier than necessary; it's still the weekend, and I'm pretty darn happy about that. And today is Hair Cair Friday! Which means another fabulous item for your lovely locks. But wait! There's more! Today you're getting hair care and sun care all in the same bottle. Courtesy of the earth-friendly folks at Davines.

SU/ Cream Protective Moisturizing Sun Cream

Blurb: To care for the well-being of hair exposed to the sun, salt water and chlorine, Davines sourced ingredients with powerful protective, anti-aging and moisturizing properties. This lightweight, non-greasy cream-gel provides hair with ultimate hydration. Consisting of powerful anti-oxidants, the formula creates a protective film that shield hair from UV rays and environmental pollution.

This is a powerhouse of a product. I got it for the sun protection (UV rays cause hair color to fade, and aren't so great for the scalp either); but it also turned out to be an excellent styling and conditioning cream. It contains Argan Oil, Wheat Proteins, Vitamin E and Hairsphere (a system of fatty acids). All of these lovely ingredients leave hair soft, smooth, nourished and conditioned – in addition to the sun protection!

I like this best when I use a flatiron (and it's also great for blowouts). I pump a little on my hands and work it though before straightening. Then I add a little more after the straightening is finished. In addition to smoothing and adding shine, it also seems to help give hair a little bit of "swing." I've also fluffed it through my hair after letting it dry naturally and got some extra lift and shine (as well as color protection).

One of the stellar things about Davines is their dedication to earth-friendly products and sustainable manufacturing techniques. You can learn more about them by visiting their website. And you can find their wonderful products at their salons (or sites like Amazon, StyleBell, and Folica).

Happy Friday and have a great weekend!
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June 8 is World Oceans Day: La Mer / Oceana Partnership Celebrates 5th Anniversary

Here's another beauty company doing beautiful things and giving back. La Mer (makers of unbelievably fabulous beauty and skincare) has partnered with Oceana for 5 years to advocate for the world's oceans. Read on…

World Oceans Day 2010
La Mer Celebrates Fifth Anniversary of Partnership with Oceana

With a heritage deeply rooted to the beauty and power of the sea, La Mer is proud to announce the fifth anniversary of its partnership with Oceana, the world’s leading international ocean advocacy organization. Since 2005, La Mer has actively supported the efforts of Oceana in the protection and preservation of the oceans as a tribute to its founder, Dr. Max Huber. Inspired by the rejuvenating and healing powers of the sea, La Mer has created a limited-edition 100 ml World Oceans Day “blue” Crème de la Mer jar and will make a $200,000 donation to Oceana. This is the first time the look of La Mer’s signature Crème de la Mer jar has been changed; “going blue” signifies the brand’s continued commitment to the oceans.

Successes, Support and Expansion

The remarkable accomplishments of Oceana have raised critical awareness on the plight of our seas and their precious resources. Oceana’s specific campaigns to promote habitat protection, pollution control, safe seafood practices and responsible fishing have facilitated extensive global policy changes grounded by their tireless scientific research and reporting. La Mer is proud to support the continued growth and development of Oceana and honored to celebrate the fifth year of a dedicated partnership.

Over the course of the past five years, La Mer has donated over half a million dollars globally towards Oceana’s sea expeditions, studies and preservation efforts. La Mer’s $200,000 World Oceans Day donation in 2010 will support Oceana’s habitat protection campaign and will also help heighten awareness for their recent global expansion in Belize. The opening of Oceana’s new office there highlights their ability to identify and address areas in need of attention and whose health holds great importance in promoting the future wellbeing of the marine ecosystem.

Oceana CEO Andrew Sharpless explains, “Because Belize has the second largest Barrier Reef in the world and is one the jewels of the sea, anybody who thinks about the world's oceans from a global perspective thinks about Belize. In late June, UNESCO added the Belize Barrier Reef to the UNESCO list of endangered World Heritage sites. With our new Oceana offices and local Belizean leaders, Oceana is focused on helping Belize to protect its incredible marine heritage and resources. I’m confident that in three or four years we’ll look back and say, ‘we made a difference for the oceans and for Belize.”

World Oceans Day Dive

In 2009, The United Nations made World Oceans Day an official global holiday. To anniversary this and share the experience of Oceana’s extraordinary work, La Mer will sponsor a deep-sea dive in Belize with Oceana Spokeswoman January Jones. A passionate sea advocate and distinguished actress, January has been working with Oceana to raise awareness and help educate the public about ocean issues and ways to get involved.

La Mer Goes Blue

A classic icon of beauty since its creation – the Crème de la Mer jar will “go blue” for World Oceans Day 2010, marking the first time any change has ever been made to the look of its symbolic jar since originally designed by Dr. Max Huber. La Mer President Maureen Case explains, “The heritage of our brand is really founded in the classic emblem of our signature product, Crème de la Mer. Historically, La Mer has never made any alterations to the original jar, logo, color or design created by Dr. Max Huber until now. We are so proud to do so in celebration of this five-year partnership with Oceana as it harkens back to the core of what La Mer is all about – The Sea.” The limited-edition 100 ml “blue” Crème de la Mer jar is available in limited quantities and will be sold globally in the month of June in celebration of World Oceans Day.

World Oceans Day

Created in 1992 and made official by the United Nations in 2009, World Oceans Day takes place annually on June 8th and is a day to recognize the sea’s importance as a vital ecosystem and take action to preserve its delicate habitats and wildlife. With over 300,000 members in 150 countries, Oceana’s science-based policies have greatly reduced over-fishing and protected threatened marine habitats.

For more information about World Oceans Day and the partnership between La Mer and Oceana, please visit www.lamer.com/oceana.

La Mer’s limited-edition 100 ml World Oceans Day Crème de la Mer will be available at select Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman and www.lamer.com beginning in May 2010.
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Awesome Giveaway! Win an HP Mini 210 Vivienne Tam Edition Netbook at Coupon Mountain!

You heard me, pretty people! Coupon Mountain is hosting an awesome giveaway. Read the rules, then leave a comment on the blog post for your chance to win!

It’s gold, girly, and glamorous.

It’s shiny & sophisticated.

It’s covered with a gorgeous butterfly design, and it’ll fit in your tote bag – no problem.

What could be better?

Coupon Mountain has one to give away for free!

Thanks to HP, we’ll be giving away one HP Mini 210 Vivienne Tam Edition Netbook PC to a lucky winner. The contest officially launches in one week on Monday, May 31st at 12:00 AM PST, so stay tuned for updates along the way.

The Logistics:

On May 31, 2010 (when the giveaway launches at 12:00 AM PST), we’ll post a question on the Coupon Mountain blog and ask you to respond in the comments section. Everyone who responds will be placed into a drawing, and one lucky winner will receive a HP Mini 210 Vivienne Tam Edition Netbook. No purchase is necessary to participate in this giveaway, and everyone who enters will have an equal chance to win (only one entry per person) so have fun worry-free.

Stay in the Loop:

Become a fan of Coupon Mountain on Facebook or follow Coupon Mountain on Twitter to stay tuned for updates. Check out the HP Mini 2010 Netbook on HP’s website here.

Is This For Real?

Absolutely! The netbook is under lock and key in my possession right now, and it’s waiting to go to a good home. No strings attached – at all.

The Specs:

This fashionable and practical netbook is valued at $619.99 and comes with the following perks -

* Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 32-bit* Intel(R) Atom(TM) Processor N450 (1.66GHz, 512KB) with Intel(R) Graphics Media Accelerator 3150* 2GB DDR2 System Memory (1 Dimm)* 250GB 7200RPM SATA Hard Drive* 10.1″ diagonal WSVGA LED Anti-glare Widescreen Display (1024 x 600)* HP Mini Webcam* Wireless-G Card with Bluetooth* HP Keyboard* 3 Cell Lithium Ion Battery (standard)* Microsoft(R) Works 9.0* HP Home & Home Office Store in-box envelope

Happy shopping and web browsing! Keep checking back with Coupon Mountain for all sorts of awesome offers.

Be sure to check out Coupon Mountain’s rules and terms for more info.
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New (Again) In June: Jo Malone Re-Launches White Tie & Tiara Cologne

More beauty news from Jo Malone London! They're re-launching one of their most memorable summer fragrances. White Tie & Tiara first launched in 2008 (designed exclusively to support the Elton John AIDS Foundation). It's a summer scent inspired by Elton John's and David Furnish's "White Scented Garden" (and named after the White Tie and Tiara Ball held every June at their Windsor home).

White Tie & Tiara 2010
Designed exclusively to support the Elton John AIDS Foundation

The World of Jo Malone™ introduces White Tie & Tiara, a limited edition fragrance designed exclusively to support the Elton John AIDS Foundation. White Tie & Tiara is inspired by the beautiful 'White Scented Garden' at Sir Elton John and David Furnish’s Windsor home, and is named after the White Tie and Tiara Ball, held every June in the grounds.

Combining the scent of summer flowers with a sparkling infusion of fruit, this elegant fragrance blends delicate jasmine, orange blossom, and white violets with hints of pineapple, tangerine and bergamot.

Designed at its inception to benefit the Elton John AIDS Foundation, White Tie & Tiara was initially unveiled at the Ball as a cologne and scented candle. Due to its popularity, the scent will now available at Jo Malone boutiques. Each purchase of White Tie & Tiara 2010 supports Jo Malone's donation of £150,000 to the Elton John AIDS Foundation, which has prioritised its key programmes in Cambodia and Malawi, helping over 25,000 children infected with the HIV virus or orphaned because of AIDS, as beneficiaries of this donation.

Fragrance Combining™ Tips

Create your own bespoke, signature scent. Jo Malone’s unique philosophy of Fragrance Combining™ lets you combine fragrances to best suit your mood and bring to life your own personal White Tie & Tiara story.

To create a scent that evokes the warmth of sunlight across a garden of white flowers, combine White Tie & Tiara with Grapefruit. The aromatic notes of grapefruit, tangerine and rosemary bring a soft and sensual, uplifting effect to the scent of delicate, fresh flowers.

Alternatively, the combination of White Tie & Tiara with Nectarine Blossom & Honey creates a floral fragrance that is brimming with sweet fruits. Hints of juicy peach and nectarine blend beautifully with White Tie & Tiara’s unexpected twist of pineapple, tangerine and bergamot.

For a fragrance combination that translates easily from day through to evening, combine the delicate, floral scent of White Tie & Tiara with Vetyver. The addition of elegant woods and the spices of nutmeg and cinnamon, bring a sensual, lasting warmth.

Limited edition. Available June 2010 at Jo Malone boutiques, www.jomalone.com and select Neiman Marcus stores.

For further information on the Elton John AIDS Foundation, visit www.ejafuk.com
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New In June: Estée Lauder Introduces Pure Color Night

I'm finally getting around to posting some beauty news this week. Check out Estée Lauder's gorgeous new limited edition launch…

Estée Lauder Introduces Pure Color Night

Limited Edition Makeup Collection created by Tom Pecheux, Creative Makeup Director, Estée Lauder. Available Exclusively in Paris

“I wanted to create the iconic French makeup look; the black smokey eye, dewy skin and kissable lip.” - Tom Pecheux, Creative Makeup Director, Estée Lauder

In November 2009, Estée Lauder named world-renowned makeup artist Tom Pecheux Creative Makeup Director. His first challenge: to create a beauty concept that links iconic French beauty with an iconic American beauty brand.

“As a makeup artist, I am known for making women look beautiful, sensual and sexy,” said Pecheux. “When given the challenge to create a collection exclusively for Paris, I thought it would be perfect to create a nighttime look, because this is when every French woman wants to look her most beautiful. I wanted to translate the seductiveness and femininity of French women into makeup.”

According to Pecheux, Pure Color Night is a collection of three must-have products to experience the chicest of Paris at night…from dusk to dawn.

“I wanted to create the ultimate in French sensuality and sexiness -- black eyeshadow for a naughty, smokey eye; highlighter for a healthy glow and lips that men will not be afraid to kiss,” said Pecheux.

Pure Color Ombre Effect EyeShadow in Naughty Black creates a smokey eye with smoldering impact. Featuring a textured trio of matte, shimmer and sparkle, these dramatic black/ brown shades can be used alone or together.

Pure Color Luminous Powder is an incredibly refined and lightweight powder with a luxurious creamy texture. The Highlight shade adds a sensual glow to skin making it look young, healthy and dewy.

Pure Color Lip Gelée in Kiss Me saturates lips with a nude rose tint, giving the mouth a just-bitten wet look. Water-like high shine polymers amplify the glass like finish, ensuring a coveted seductive pout.

The Pure Color Night Collection is housed in chic, blackened-blue packaging with the Estée Lauder cartouche engraved on each lid.

This chic limited edition collection announces the exciting collaboration between Tom Pecheux and Estée Lauder. Available for a limited time, beginning May 2010, in Paris at Bon Marché Rive Gauche, Galeries Lafayette Haussmann and Printemps Haussmann. Limited quantities will be available in New York at Bergdorf Goodman and in London at Selfridges Oxford Street.

Limited availability exclusively at Bergdorf Goodman in New York City in June 2010.
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More Spring Fingers (and Toes): Sephora by O∙P∙I Queen of Everything (review)

This will be a pretty short post. I need to rush out and get a few things done, so let's get to it. Something for your fingers and toes by Sephora by O∙P∙I.

Queen of Everything Nail Color

This excellent photo is from Make Me Blushhh

Blurb: Fashion-forward, wearable nail colors for the modern woman who is looking for an effective, safe, environmentally conscious brand. Sephora by OPI Nail Colour, a line of 54+ trend-setting shades, puts the final touch on fingertips and toes with a top-quality formula you have come to expect from OPI. The long-lasting, chip-resistant polish ensures flawless results with each application, and its green ingredient list excludes DBP, toluene, and formaldehyde. Sephora by OPI combines the quality and color expertise of OPI, the world leader in professional nail color, with Sephora's reputation for the latest in beauty and sophistication.

This is another product I tried out just because I liked the name so much. When I lived in San Francisco, one of my roommates used to jokingly refer to himself as "Queen of All." This name wasn't an exact match, but it was close enough for me to open up the bottle and give it a try.

And…fabulous! I got all excited in the store and knew I had to have one. I may even go back and get a couple of bottles. It's a muted silver with just a hint of gold. Really glamorous without being overly glitzy. One of my co-workers saw my nails today and said she wanted shoes in this color. It's an awesome shade and goes with just about anything. It's also a keeper for the long haul. I can easily see myself wearing this to holiday parties and with winter whites. Woo hoo!

Check out all of the colors on the Sephora website!

Happy Thursday!
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Healed! Jack Black Industrial Strength Hand Healer (review)

Okay I admit that my post heading was a bit dramatic; but I'm feeling kinda healed today. I had a giant bundle of emotions rolling around inside of me last night, and I managed to let a whole bunch of them out. So I feel relieved - and very grateful to have people in my life who I can open up to. And…healed.

Now I already know hand cream isn't nearly as significant as the range of human emotions. But my happiness and optimism have returned; and so has my urge for at least a semi-cheezy tie-in. Welcome to today's healing product from Jack Black.

Industrial Strength Hand Healer with Vitamins A and E

Blurb: This rich, non-greasy formula helps heal and soothe dry, chapped, cracked hands. Road-tested by golfers, carpenters and chefs, this hard-working hand cream repairs tough, calloused skin and cuticles, providing lasting relief. Especially effective for those who wash their hands a lot or spend time outdoors in rugged temperatures; because the palms and back of your hands have the fewest and smallest oil glands, they tend to get the driest. Fragrance-free. Colorant-free. Vegan. Dermatologist tested. Vitamins A and E to condition and heal skin and cuticles. Rice bran oil to soften and moisturize skin. Eucalyptus, a natural antiseptic, to refresh. llantoin and glycerin to soften and lubricate dry skin.

Last January I was really impressed when I tried their Cleanser; so I was pretty happy when I got a sample of this cream with my Sephora order. Even though the weather may not be dry in Pennsylvania this time of year; the spring and summer months have a lot of activities that can be hard on the hands. Like camping, gardening and sports (the kind where you hold bats or sticks - which I know nothing about). People also tend to wash their hands more in the summer, so there are plenty of reasons to have a really effective cream.

This one is excellent for so many reasons. For one thing, it moisturizes and soothes right away. It's thick, creamy and has a light eucalyptus/mint fragrance. It absorbed right away; but also left a bit of a protective "coat" behind. Just enough to keep my hands supple without feeling sticky or greasy. This is a perfect workhorse hand cream to keep in your stash.

Jack Black tends to market to men; but there are lots of great products for both men and women. And since Father's Day is coming up, you have a perfect excuse to check out the website. If you're shopping for gifts, I suggest taking a look at the best sellers and gifts and sets (they even have gear). Jack Black is also available at Sephora and fine department stores.
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Fun with (Stila) Smudge Pots (not exactly a review – more like a helpful hint)

Hi everyone! Today it's back to work and four days of "regular" life. I had planned to feature a product I tried out over the weekend…but said product ended up being very un-blogworthy. Too bad. It looked really promising. And since I have a policy of only featuring products I love; I suddenly find myself with a "free" space in my blog calendar. (Hideously organized people like me actually have a calendar of their upcoming stories – it keeps me from posting 20 eyeliner reviews in a row).

Anyway…a lot of things this weekend didn't go as planned. There were some good surprises, and some less than good ones. But still…it was a long weekend. Even though some plans went awry; I still got to sleep in, talk on the phone, hang out with friends, enjoy the nice weather, and sing along to the radio on a long car ride. Not bad.

Aaaaaand. I discovered the most stay-put, budge-proof, will-never-ever-move shadow combo ever! Using fabulous items (previously reviewed) from Stila.

Smudge Pots (in Bronze, Kitten and Golden Noir/Black Cat)

Blurb: The verdict is in, and smudge pots take the prize for sexy eyes! This unique gel eyeliner and shadow is an innovative alternative to traditional powder and liquid formulas. This clever little gel has an inky intensity that leaves powder shadows in the dust. A favorite for the sultry, smoky eye. Apply with a liner brush for razor-sharp precision or smudge it with your fingers for more complete coverage. Remember to always close the airtight lid to keep the gel soft and pliable.

Okay, you've all seen the blurb before on my blog. And you all know that I'm a huge fan of Smudge Pots. I've used them as shadows sometimes; but I'd never done my whole eye with them. I got the idea while I was waiting for the air conditioning to kick in so I could put on my makeup. I had a really long day/evening ahead, and I suddenly got the idea to use nothing but Smudge Pots.

I used a small concealer brush and applied "Kitten" on my brow bone, and on the inner corners as a highlighter. Kitten has a really beautiful pale pink shimmer, so it did a great job of lifting and adding subtle light.

For my lids, I used "Bronze." I did a sheer layer on my lids, and then blended more layers in the creases and edges for contouring. I got a shimmering, deep bronze lid that I loved.

Finally, I used my liner brush to line my eyes with "Golden Noir" (If you don't have this color, I suspect "Black Cat" would work just as well).

The look was awesome! The smudgepots went on smoothly, were easy to blend, and then set to a budge-proof finish. And the liner went on perfectly over the shadows. I looked polished and glamorous without looking harsh or "painted."

And it stayed put all day and all night! I was out in the heat and humidity, met friends for coffee, took a 3 hour car-ride with the top down, went to a club, got home around 3:30 am; and every Smudge Pot smidgen was still there. I couldn't believe it - absolutely no smudging or fading. Totally fab.

This is definitely a keeper for the upcoming months of East Coast heat and humidity. I expect this could last through just about any barbecue or pool party that summer could throw my way.

If you want to see all of the gorgeous smudge pot colors, check out the website. There are 8 regular shades as well as the Smudge Pot Collection and Barbie Loves Stila sets.

Happy Tuesday!
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