Pre-Vacation Madness

Hello everyone! I'm getting ready for my long President's Day vacation and I won't have time to post until I get back next Tuesday. Sorry about that!

While I'm gone, though, here are a few fun videos from one of my all time favorite shows ever...SCTV.

Tuesday - Beauty Advice


Wednesday - Intellectual Improvement:


Thursday - Music Appreciation:


Friday - Cooking Advice:


Monday – Daytime Drama:



Enjoy and have a wonderful holiday weekend!

Valentine Kisses: Estée Lauder Lip Gelée and Lipstick from the Wild Violet 2011 Collection (review)

Happy Valentine’s Day everyone! I got all cranky last Thursday about the day of romance; so I'm balancing things out today with pretty pink stuff. For looking nice. And kissing people. And...stuff. From Estée Lauder.

Limited Edition Pure Color Lip Gelée (in “Electric Pink” and “Electric Cherry”)

Blurb: Ultra-light, ultra-sheer, clear gel gloss sweeps on a splash of color and wet, luminous shine. Exclusively in the Wild Violet collection for Spring 2011.

NEW Pure Color Long Lasting Lipstick (in “Wild Blossom”)

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.

Whether you’re a lipstick lady or a gloss girl, the spring collection has wonderful kissable things that will make you very happy (and luckily you don’t have to wait for spring).

The Gelées are lightweight ultra sheer glosses with tons of slick shine. They go on smoothly without any heavy or sticky feeling. And I love the sheer color. “Electric Cherry” is a yummy, fresh maraschino, and “Electric Pink” is like a swoosh of candy. On the flip side, the new lipsticks provide dense, vibrant color. They go on like velvet, feel lovely and have wonderful staying power. “Wild Blossom” (a warm pale pink with a bit of gold shimmer) is about as romantic a shade as you can get.

The website has the entire Spring 2011 Collection (Wild Violet). It’s really gorgeous. Check out the colors on the Virtual Makeup Tool while you’re there. Estée Lauder is also available in fine department stores.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

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

Hair Care Friday (on Sunday): Weleda Rosemary Hair Oil (review)

I know, I know. I’m all tardy with the hair care post. The weekend was a little bit hectic (yet again). It was a good weekend, though. A really good weekend.

But that’s no excuse for leaving you all without vital hair care product information, is it? So let’s get to it. Tonights tardy (but helpful) item is from Weleda.

Rosemary Hair Oil

Blurb: Get intensive nourishment with our revitalizing hair oil. It’s a deep-conditioning treatment that restores moisture, softens split ends and adds radiant shine as it penetrates. Organic rosemary oil completely coats your hair and scalp with an indulgent treatment of fragrant, evergreen nourishment. Burdock root extract has traditionally been used to alleviate dry scalp. Your hair, rich in the revitalizing fragrance of rosemary, looks and feels softer, smoother and more manageable from root to tip. Plan to spend some quality time blissfully running your fingers through your healthy, lustrous locks.

First…a word about Weleda. When we finally wised up and got groovy and concerned about sustainability and the environment, Weleda was there already. They had been there, done that and are still doing it. Weleda has been focusing on eco-friendly, sustainable practices and ingredients for about 90 years. Nice.

Second...this is great stuff. It works really well as a conditioner (a little bit goes a very long way), and a little bit on damp hair adds shine and softness to a blowout. My hands down favorite way to use this is as a pre-shampoo treatment. I massage it through my hair and scalp, and leave it on overnight (or at least a few hours). After I shampoo, my hair is gorgeous - silky, shiny and healthy. I’ve also been using this every other day on my dry ends, and I’ve seen a huge improvement.

Third…it smells wonderful.

The website has a great selection of skin care, bath and body products, and good things for mother and baby. Read about the history of the company, check out the community page, and take the quiz to enter for a chance to win a trip to Turkey. You can find Weleda products at Target, and health food stores (like Whole Foods).

Since we’re all about the nature today (sort of), check out this vintage fragrance ad. You got your field of flowers, your horses, etc. Enjoy!



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

Shadowy Thursday: Tarina Tarantino Magic Hour Cream Eyeshadow (review)

Yes, I am thinking shadowy thoughts tonight. Mainly having to do with Valentine’s Day plans (or the current lack of them). My horoscope has warned me to stay in the moment instead of overthinking and overtheorizing about everything; so I’m doing my darnedest not to control and plan everything. But it’s making me more than a little bit cranky.

So instead of a chipper, bright pink kind of item, I’m going in for the deep smoky purple shadowy item. Still passionate…but on the other side of perky. Something from Tarina Tarantino.

Magic Hour Cream Eyeshadow (in “Purple Velvet”)

Blurb: An ultra-pigmented, water-resistant, lightweight formula that works brilliantly as a shadow or liner. This versatile essential features a unique velvet-like texture that glides on evenly and smoothly, leaving an intense wash of rich, long-lasting color. Worn alone, it delivers a beautiful pop of shimmering color. It can be built and layered for customized coverage and makes an excellent base for Eye Dream Hypershadow, helping to intensify color payoff. These products are not tested on animals.

Right now, the “Purple Velvet” is a little bit difficult to find, but I’m so impressed with the formula that I’d recommend getting this in any color that’s available. I’ve become a big fan cream shadows lately. They go on smoothly, can get jostled without cracking, and don’t have any fallout when they’re being applied. They’re also great on the go because you can apply them with your fingertip in a pinch.

I’m also a fan of shadows doubling as liners (which this does beautifully). The shadow glides on evenly, and is slightly sheer. One layer gives a lovely, subtle shadowing, and additional layers yield a very dramatic look (great for day to evening). As a liner, it went on very easily – and I got a very sexy, smudgy line.

Most of the beauty items from Tarantino are available at Sephora, but there are a few special items on the website too. And depending on you feel about Valentine’s day, here’s some extra coolness. Check out the I Love Hearts, I Hate Hearts, and Bleeding Hearts bracelets (I’m not 100% sure which one I want yet – maybe all 3 of them).

I’m letting Little Miss Crankypants pick today’s retro ad. Remember this commercial? Whoa. You think I'm a little moody? No sireee…



(ftc disclosure: purchased myself)

Wednesday Giveaway: CLEAN Anti-Bacterial Moisturizing Hand Cream (giveaway!)

Today was a handful. Literally. Waaaaaay too much to do, and not enough time to do it. Mostly it was the juggling that got to me. I went from co-worker, to friend, to writer, to partner, to etc., etc. It would have been really nice to concentrate on one thing at a time; but sometimes that just isn’t how it shakes out.

I’ll hazard a guess that my hands aren’t the only ones that are juggling, making, creating, or just plain doing to much. So how about a giveaway in honor of our hands today? From ifp and the folks at CLEAN.

Anti-Bacterial Moisturizing Hand Cream

Blurb: Kills 99.9% of germs continuously for up to 4 hours, protecting you instantly and persistently! The formula features SafetyDerm® technology, which suspends germ-killing Benzethonium Chloride in airy-light layers of moisturizers to veils your hands like invisible germ-killing gloves for up to 4 hours. This formula moisturizes with Vitamin E, Avocado, Jojoba and Grape Seed Oil, to leave skin feeling silky and smooth. Alcohol Free. Paraben Free. Triclosan Free. Hypoallergenic.

I posted a review in July; and now thanks to the folks at CLEAN, I have two tubes to help one lucky reader’s hands stay protected and moisturized.

How to enter: Send an email to me at ifeelpretty@comcast.net with a comment about any of my 2010 or 2011 posts. Put "CLEAN 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, February 19 (11:59pm Eastern), and I’ll email the winner on Sunday, February 20. 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!

In the meantime, If you want to browse, take a look at the website. You can also find CLEAN at HSN, Sephora and Ulta.

And...just to keep the whole juggling/doing thing going, today’s retro fragrance ad is all about the multitasking. Remember this?

Smooth Tuesday: Murad Pomegranate Exfoliating Mask (review)

"Smooth Tuesday” is wishful thinking. Today wasn’t very smooth at all. It was kind of rough actually. It felt really good to be home and pamper my skin a little tonight. Tonight’s bit of smoothness is from Murad.

Pomegranate Exfoliating Mask

Blurb: Antioxidant-rich mask restores, revitalizes and balances combination skin. Dissolves tired cells and frees skin's surface of trapped impurities. Softens, conditions and hydrates.

I got a sample of this (from Sephora) unintentionally. They were out of the sample I requested and substituted this Mask instead. Good thing for me – it’s excellent!

It exfoliates, and it’s a very gentle mask. I used part of the packet a few days ago, and was thrilled at how good it made my skin feel. It tingled slightly when I first applied it; and after I rinsed, my skin looked smoother, and it felt soft and fresh. It seems like you can get at least two uses out of each packet because I had plenty left over for tonight.

The Murad website is pretty huge, but definitely worth browsing. I suggest the What's New section. You can also look under General Concerns or fill out the What's Right for Me questionnaire to find other products. Murad is also available at Sephora, ULTA and beauty.com.

And since I’m nearly out of words for the day, check out how this hip 70’s gal gets her point across without words. Enjoy!



(ftc disclosure: received sample with purchase)

The Color of Monday: Prestige Classic Khol Eyeliner (review)

Because I just had to have one more eyeliner...you get to find out about one more lovely product. From Prestige Cosmetics.

Classic Khol Eyeliner (in “Rhapsody”)

Blurb: Easy one stroke application glides on smoothly without tugging or pulling. The Prestige Classic Khol Liner for eyes comes in a sleek silver barrel with quick-reference color matched end.

First…I don’t think I should be allowed to buy any more blue liners. That said, I’m still mighty glad I bought this one. “Rhapsody” is a really pretty dark cornflower blue. It has just a bit of pop, but it’s still very wearable. And even though I didn’t really need another blue liner, I don’t feel too guilty because it was an excellent value.

These pencils are soft, and glide on easily with smooth, saturated color. They aren’t completely smudge-proof after they set; but the great look, gorgeous colors, and value can’t be beat. Online they’re $3.95. That’s right…three dollars and ninety-five cents. So if you always wanted to know how you would look in “Kiwi” eyeliner, you could find out for less than five bucks. And...you could slap down another $2.95 and get yourself a super cute heart-shaped sharpener. It's all good, isn't it?

Check out all the colors on the website. There's also a Tips and Tricks page, and a Last Chance section with even bigger savings. You can find Prestige at ULTA, and drugstores like CVS.

In addition to my eyeliner addiction; I seem to have developed an equally serious addiction to youtube. Luckily youtube is free, so I can still spend all my disposable income on beauty products. This week, I’m going to share a few amusing retro fragrance ads. Here's one that promised to transform you from housewife to hottie.



(ftc disclosure: purchased myself)

Power Week (and Hair Care Friday): Moroccanoil Glimmer Shine Spray

Well I’ve made it to the end of the week, and I’m off to spend the weekend doing some goofing off. But before I disappear, it’s time for a speedy review of our fine Friday hair care item (with bonus ballad). From Moroccanoil.

Glimmer Shine Spray

Blurb: A Unique Ultra Light Non-Greasy Formula That Seals In Shine And Produces Silky Perfection For All Hair Types. Uses Argan Oil From South West Morocco. Argan Oil Naturally Renews Hairs Cell Structure And Consistently Restores Shine To Hair.

This is one of the niftiest products I’ve ever tried. It works.

It’s very light weight, and doesn’t feel oily or heavy at all. I found that following the directions works very well for this product (who knew?). Holding it 10-12 inches from my hair while spraying allows the spray to diffuse properly. I get a really lovely shine when I use it (especially after a blowout); and my hair feels really soft too.

Take a look at the website, and be sure to visit the trends of the season page. And click on the locate a salon page to find out where to buy.

I picked this final song because it’s a classic, quintessential example of a power ballad. (If you looked up “power ballad” in a text book, you would probably see a picture of Bad English.) I also chose it because the lyrics make me go all girly.

But the reason I posted it today is because of the HAIR. Everyone in the band is coiffed within an inch of his life. It's a power ballad with serious POWER HAIR. Enjoy and have a wonderful weekend!



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

Power Week: Liz Earle Hand Repair™, Superbalm™ & Cotton Rich Gloves (review)

Happy Thursday everyone! Today it’s all about the hands. I’m feeling pretty cheerful; but this winter weather, dry indoor heat, and hand washing is making my hands a little bit cranky. So let’s talk about some fine hand care. From Liz Earle.

Hand Repair™

Blurb: This powerful, non-greasy cream provides instant protection and relief for your hands. Helps to condition nails, soften cuticles and protect against dehydration. With panthenol (pro-vitamin B5), soothing echinacea, toning hops, plus antioxidants beta-carotene and natural source vitamin E. Suitable for all skin types.

Superbalm

Blurb: Our ‘emergency’ skin salve rescues and soothes skin. Made from pure plant oils and natural waxes plus shea butter, it gently softens and calms dry skin on hands, heels, elbows and lips and also helps condition nails and cuticles. Warm Superbalm in the palms of your hands before applying to nails and dry areas as and when needed. Naturally active ingredients include vitamin E, rosehip oil to help lock in moisture and neroli oil for its uplifting and restorative properties.

Cotton Rich Gloves

Blurb: The perfect addition to your hand care regime, use these gloves to get the most from your treatment.

For me, a nice hand cream is one of the easiest ways to pamper myself. During the winter, I keep some in my bag, at my desk, near my bed and in a coffee table basket. Sometimes just the fragrance can de-stress me immediately.

This trio from Liz Earle is super pampering. The Hand Repair smells amazing – it’s a gorgeous, herbal/lavender blend. I also like the way it feels. It absorbs quickly, and softens; but there’s absolutely no greasy feeling. The Superbalm is a fabulous rescue for really dry spots, dry cuticles, rough elbows, heels, etc.

And here’s an ultra powerhouse hand treatment: I give my hands a good scrub to exfoliate. Then right before bedtime, I combine a bit of Superbalm with a generous amount of Hand Repair, slather it on my hands, put the gloves on and keep them on overnight. In the morning, my hands are amazingly soft and smooth.

The website has plenty of things besides hand care, so take a look. Be sure to check out the hint-worthy Valentine's Gifts, and check out the Defy Dull Skin Offer.

And now that your hands are all soft and pretty, you can hold your disposable lighter up while you listen to today’s fine power ballad. Brought to us by one of my favorite bands of all time…Queen. I’m embedding the live version due to the additional awesomeness (especially around 2:40). Enjoy!



“Let us cling together as the years go by…Oh my love, my love…”

Sigh.

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

Thursday Stuff: Citrus Squeeze from Cake Beauty

Oh Cake Beauty! You and your delicious bath and body ways! Take a look at what they’ve got now…

Indulge in Citrus Squeeze™-Worthy Skin & Cake Kiss-able Lips

Give your main squeeze a sweet surprise this Valentine’s Day with scent-sational skin and dewy, soft kissable lips. Cake’s ultra-luxe Citrus Squeeze™ Collection is a trio of spa-like essentials infused with hints of lemon zest and vanilla that is guaranteed to leave your body cleansed, nourished, toned and oh-so- kissable! For an extra dose of indulgence, apply Cake Kiss™ shea butter infused lip butters that wear like a balm when worn alone or over top of your favorite lipstick for polished, glossy, smooch-worthy lips.

All Cake Beauty™ products are paraben-free and naturally based:

Citrus Squeeze™ Buttery Body Bubbles: This ultra gentle, SLS and paraben-free, body cleanser is packed with nourishing ingredients that leave skin soft and supple. Also available in Sweet Cheeks™

Citrus Squeeze™ Sinfully Smoothing Brown Sugar Body Scrub: This turbinado brown sugar scrub is richly infused with a trio of natural oils and a decadent moisturizing butter. After just one use skin will be smooth, supple and irresistibly buffed. Also available in Sweet Cheeks™.

Citrus Squeeze™ Better Bod Rub: This body butter takes the Cake by effectively combining moisturizing agents with active ingredients that help tone, firm, and reduce the appearance of dreadful dimples and not so fine lines. Also available in Sweet Cheeks™.

Cake Kiss™ Lip Butter: A moisturizing, sheer lip butter rich in shea butter, pure coconut oil, aloe vera and pure orchid complex that nourishes and protects lips leaving them dewy, soft and natural. Available in: Mulberry Sorbet, Pink Berry, Lemon Chiffon and Caramel Cream.

AVAILABLE: Sephora.com and Cakebeauty.com, glow.com, beautycollection.com, and dermstore.com

Thursday Stuff: Allmodern.com Makeover Contest!!

I partnered with CSN Stores a while back for an awesome giveaway – and right now Allmodern.com is having an awesome contest! Check out the gorgeous furniture, accessories and modern office furniture; and enter for a chance to win a $25,000 modern living room makeover! And you get a discount just for entering! Read all about it…

Allmodern.com has an incredible contest going on right now! Enter for a chance to win a $25,000 modern living room makeover with Celebrity TV Designer John Gidding as the grand prize. Second and third place will receive $2,000 and $1,000 in modern accessories. Also, everyone that enters will receive a 10% discount on their next purchase.

To enter the contest, go to Allmodern.com/chic and briefly describe how a modern update to your living room will help unleash your chic side! Contest ends April 15th, 2011!

Thursday Stuff: New from Philosophy

Check out some of the latest launches from the always fabulous philosophy…

look what's new from philosophy!

oh lolli lollipop lip shine duo: this limited-edition valentine’s day set includes fresh and fruity lollipop and chewy chocolate lollipop high-gloss, high-flavor lip shines that will make you feel like a kid again. their emollient formulas hydrate, smooth, and soften lips, while providing a sheer, beautiful shine and a hint of color. apply them for a fun pick-me-up any time of day. www.sephora.com

hope in a tinted moisturizer: hope in a tinted moisturizer incorporates hope skin care technology with sheer color and spf 20 uva/uvb protection. the 4-in-1, multitasking formula offers sheer glowing color, advanced moisture, antioxidants and broad-spectrum uva/uvb sun protection to help smooth the appearance of fine lines, protect skin against environmental attack and enhance any complexion, to keep skin fresh, beautifully hydrated and radiant. a unique airless pump helps protect the hydrating formula and dispense the perfect dose. www.sephora.com

miracle worker miraculous anti-aging eye cream: miracle worker miraculous anti-aging eye cream is clinically proven to significantly improve the appearance of deep wrinkles and lines around the delicate eye area, while improving skin elasticity and firmness. this luxurious, high-density formula deeply hydrates as it works miracles on the most common aging eye concerns. www.philosophy.com

research results:
clinically-tested results based on use over four-to six-weeks, twice daily:
- 95% felt improved hydration
- 95% showed improvement in the look of fine lines
- 91% showed improvement in elasticity
- 86% saw an improvement in the look of wrinkles
- 70% saw an improvement in the look of deep wrinkles

Power Week: Lancôme Color Design Lipstick in “Sugared Maple” (review)

Well the snow day (ice day, whatever) did not materialize. What did materialize, though, was an incredibly hectic morning. Today I went to work with…I hope you’re sitting down…NO MAKEUP. That’s right. And I didn’t feel all that pretty either.

Luckily, I keep a stash at my desk; so I remedied the situation as soon as I could. And once I got the pretty back, I decided to blogfully appreciate one of my favorite go-to lipsticks. From Lancôme.

Color Design Sensational Effects Lip Color (in "Sugared Maple")

Blurb: If your lips long for full, fade-free color in tempting textures, and a shade selection that would inspire any makeup artist; the search is over. This luxurious lipstick is infused with soothing ingredients, so lips feel soft and comforted all day. Choose from four fabulous finishes: cream, sheen, shimmer, metallic and matte.

This is one of those fabulous all-purpose, quick fix beauty items that rides to my rescue every time. The formula is excellent. It feels great, keeps my lips soft, and is incredibly long-wearing. When the shine wears off, it leaves a stain behind - so I don’t get the “ghost lip” thing.

And this shade is one of the best go-with-everything-without-being-boring colors I’ve ever owned. It’s a reddish-brown (or maybe it’s a brownish-red) with a hint of sheen. It tends to seem more brown or red depending on what I’m wearing. Some outfits even bring out a few pink tones. It really does match everything. That’s why I keep it at my desk.

Check out the website to browse the other 38 shades. Visit the What's New section, and be sure to peek at the Special Offers section. Lancôme is also available in fine department stores and at Sephora.

Since I left the house sans maquillage (without makeup) today, I’m bringing you a grunge-era 90’s power ballad. So unbutton your flannel shirt, sit back, and think about how incredibly intense everything is.



(ftc disclosure: purchased myself)

Power Week: Pixi Endless Silky Eye Pen (rave review)

Greetings everyone! Today has been madness. We’re preparing for another possible snow day (or rather an ice day), and I’ve been rushing around trying to get things done in case everything is closed tomorrow. One of the things I need to get a handle on this year is my schedule. Somehow it's finally sinking in that there is always going to be a lot to do. And since that isn’t going to change, I need to learn to balance things a bit better. That means setting a few limits and drawing a few lines.

Gosh…did somebody just say “lines?” Heh. How about some pretty-colored lines? From Pixi.

Endless Silky Eye Pen

Blurb: Long wearing, non-transfer, and waterproof eye pen gives the intense effect of a liquid liner but is much easier to apply. These gorgeous eye liners glide on like seamless silk, and in a single sweep motion they create a flawless, solid jewel-toned line. They provide the look of a liquid liner but are foolproof to apply and come in six fabulous colours. Endless Silky Eye Pens contain skin-soothing vitamin E and natural mineral pigments. Paraben-free. Mineral oil-free. Preservative-free. Hypoallergenic.

For those of you that are also short on time: Fabulous. Go buy them.

For those who have a bit more leisure…I was blown away by these pencils. The colors look beautiful, glide on (yes, like silk), set to a smudge-free finish, and have the most dense, saturated color I’ve ever come across in a pencil. I hope they keep putting out new colors. I tried the “Black Blue” (looks exactly like black/blue), and I’m planning to get two more (“Black Cocoa” and “Deep Plum”).

Pixi has just re-launched their online store at their website. Check it out for web exclusives, and sign up for the Pixi rewards program. Right now you can get free shipping on orders $50 and up – and receive an additional 20% off online (use coupon code: TWENTYOFF). You can also find these gorgeous pencils at Target.

And now here’s my second Power Ballad installment. Speaking of eyeliner, I suspect Steven Tyler’s eyes have seen a pencil or two over the years. But who cares - he’s hot. Guys who seem like they may suddenly throw off civilization and carry you away are hot. So listen up (and get ready to write your boyfriend’s name on your Pee Chee folder).



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

Power Week: DHC Deep Cleansing Oil (review)

Happy Monday everyone! I’m in a really good mood. Instead of my usual over-thinking, over-worrying, over-everything tendencies; this weekend, I decided to let go of the controls and trust that things would be as they should. And they were. In the right circumstances, surrendering is a very simple and powerful thing.

Hmmm…I think I hear a tie-in approaching. Maybe two tie-ins (see below).

Here’s another simple and powerful thing. From DHC.

Deep Cleansing Oil

Blurb: Superstar. Try this amazing cleanser and you’ll see why it’s our most popular product worldwide. Dirt, excess oil, makeup—even waterproof mascara—and other pore-cloggers dissolve easily, leaving your face a grime-free zone that is soft to the touch. Its unique water-soluble formula rinses completely, so you’ll never see a greasy residue. Olive oil and vitamin E help ensure you won’t see dryness either.

Love this stuff! I got a few samples of this a while back and decided to try one on an overnight trip. I figured it would be easier than hauling around cleanser and makeup remover for just one night. I gave it a try, and now I’m a huge fan.

I put the oil on my hands, rubbed it all over my dry face, and rinsed. That’s it. And my face was absolutely thoroughly clean. It removed all of my makeup, and rinsed off easily and completely. My face was clean, soft, and not a bit greasy. My hands also felt really nice afterwards. I want to take this everywhere now.

DHC has a fabulous website. And their catalogue usually comes with samples. There’s also a great sale section, and…Fine Foods (I’m not kidding).

Besides the cheesy tie-in above, there’s another reason I labeled today’s post “Power Week.” Last night while I was driving home, I heard a song that fit my mood perfectly. Don’t you just love when that happens? (Answer: of course you do.)

I’m hoping you’ll still love it when you find out the song was from 1984. It’s a serious power ballad, and I’m going to embed it here for your listening pleasure. I also decided to make this a whole week of power ballads. So get out your air guitar, sing along on your hairbrush microphone, and stay tuned…



(ftc disclosure: received sample with purchase)

Hair Care Friday: Mixed Chicks Leave In Conditioner (review)

This is especially for all the curly (and kinky) girls. Since I’m spending the day getting caught up on cool launch info, I thought I should also post my review of a product I absolutely love, and am finally getting around to featuring. It’s a spectacular hair care product from Mixed Chicks.

Leave In Conditioner

Blurb: 10oz of the curl-defining formula designed for us. And when we say, "us", we mean many. Even if you are not mixed, you may have frizz and unruly curls, right? Use this to tame frizz and define curls on many hair textures & weaves (synthetic or human).

That blurb simply does not do this product justice! If you’re a curly girl, you owe it to yourself to give this leave-in a try. It’s easy to use, smells great, softens hair, adds shine, holds style, nourishes, controls frizz, shapes curls, and makes your hair just plain better.

And it’s reasonably priced. What’s not to love?

The website is full of tempting curl-friendly products to browse. You can also meet the original chicks, and find out where to buy in person.

And since it’s Friday…Here’s a bit of the groove (what on earth did we do before youtube?)



(ftc disclosure: purchased myself)

Catching Up: Lorac Multidimensional Beauty Collection for Spring

More loveliness from LORAC! I love their stuff and this new Spring Collection looks thoroughly fab. (It’s available in early February at ULTA, Sephora, and online.) Check it out…

LORAC's 3D Multidimensional Beauty Collection

Multiplex 3d Lashes Mascara: This volumizing and thickening mascara takes your lashes to the next level by instantly delivering 3 times the volume. MULTIPLEX 3D LASHES has a buildable, smudge-resistant and multidimensional formula that creates a dramatic lash look. Featuring beneficial ingredients like silk and keratin to nourish and condition. The professional curved brush easily grabs, lifts and curls for maximum coverage and length.

3d Liquid Lustre: A shimmering top coat that lets you amp up your look. This paraben-free, long-lasting, shimmering coat can be applied over eye shadow or worn alone on eyes and cheeks for a luminous, prismatic 3-Dimensional sparkle and shine.

3-In-1 Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil: Get sexy, smoldering, defined eyes with this no-smudge, no-budge waterproof eyeliner pencil. This new eyeliner features a creamy, velvety-smooth texture and intense rich color that easily glides on for a clean, precise line. This transfer-resistant retractable pencil is equipped with its own sharpener and “smudger” for effortless, versatile application. Available in Ultra Black, Chocolate and Eggplant.

Multiplex 3d Eye Shadow Palette: This Sephora Exclusive Limited Edition Palette contains high-wattage 3-Dimensional color with 6 velvety-smooth shadows infused with luminous, prismatic, holographic lustre, long-lasting pigments and versatile color. The shadows can be worn dry for a soft, natural finish or wet for a more intense color pigment. It can even be worn wet or dry as an eyeliner. The faux animal print palette fits perfectly in your purse or clutch and is very on-trend for the season!

Multipex 3d Lip Gloss Duo: Get two glam and gorgeous shades of our popular Multiplex 3D Lip Gloss for the sexiest lips ever! This innovative, paraben-free lip gloss contains holographic pigments, long-lasting color and high-lacquer shine. The duo features 2 shades – 3D (Rose Bronze with glitter) and 4D (Bubble Gum Pink with glitter).

Multidimensional Beauty Collection: This ULTA Exclusive Collection contains everything you need for MULTIDIMENSIONAL eyes and lips. Featuring 3 prismatic light-reflecting shadows for dramatic shimmering color and MULTIPLEX 3D Lip Gloss in ULTA GLAM for super glossy 3D lips. All enclosed in a metallic mesh makeup case that can double as your evening clutch.

Catching Up: FACE Stockholm Spring 2011 Collection

This looks like another awesome, awesome collection from the always…wait for it…awesome FACE Stockholm. Check it out…

For Spring 2011: A Bohemian Rhapsody

Spring breezes in with a Bohemian twist on a classical theme, inspired by the ethereal, innocent beauty of the paintings of the Pre-Raphaelites.

Roz Lip Pencil
Romance Lipstick
Lip Gloss #1
Rio Crème Blush
Black Eyeliner
Sophisticated Matte Shadow
#26 Pearl Shadow
Sensitive Eye Dust
#28 Nail Polish

All products available at all FACE Stockholm locations from 888.334.FACE and www.facestockholm.com.

Catching Up: Bobbi Brown Pretty Powerful Collection & EXTRA Repair Serum

Just in time to still talk about this…look what Bobbi Brown has for us in January!

Pretty Powerful Collection

“I really believe that when you feel good about yourself, there’s no limit to what you can do in your life—and that’s pretty powerful stuff.” - Bobbi Brown

The launch of the Pretty Powerful Palettes marks the first anniversary of Bobbi Brown’s iconic Pretty Powerful Campaign. Inspired by her favorite look—a fresh and healthy one—Bobbi’s palettes are designed to be universally flattering.

“I’ve always loved a natural look but that doesn’t have to mean nude color, and it certainly doesn’t mean washed out color. The Pretty Powerful Palettes are filled with pink tones that range from soft to warm and even a shot of bright to create a healthy look because nothing is more beautiful to me than a healthy complexion,” says Bobbi.

Offered in two shade ranges designed with all complexions in mind, each palette contains four neutral eye shadows and complementary pink shades for lips and cheeks.

EXTRA Repair Serum

“I created Extra Repair Serum for women who want moisturization and repair in one. It not only feels great the moment it goes on but also helps skin look better day after day.” - Bobbi Brown

TLC for winter-weary complexions, Bobbi’s new Extra Repair Serum is the ultimate solution for dry skin. With its luxurious milky texture, this skin nourishing serum gives an immediate feeling of comfort on contact.

Over time, it works to help improve skin’s texture and moisture barrier. Infused with anti-aging ingredients, it helps smooth the look of lines and wrinkles while giving skin a firmer, more lifted appearance.

Ingredients & Benefits

Wheat, Bran & Olive Extract Complex helps strengthen skin’s natural barrier, improving its ability to lock in moisture and prevent future damage.

Vitamin C and a powerful peptide help soften the look of lines and wrinkles while firming skin.

Clary Sage Extract encourages skin cell turnover and sweeps away dull surface cells to reveal a fresh, radiant surface.

Magnolia Bark Extract, Sucrose and Caffeine help reduce visible redness caused by irritation.

Sodium Hyaluronate, Glycerin and Meadowfoam Seed Oil infuse skin with moisture—instantly and over time.

How to Use: Apply to clean, dry skin in the morning and evening. Follow with your choice of Extra moisturizer.

Available January 2011 from Bobbi Brown counters and www.bobbibrown.com.

Catching Up: Anastasia Beverly Hills Line Erasing Crème

Wow – this is a mightly interesting launch. Mighty interesting indeed!

Line Erasing Crème Advanced With InstaLift™ Goji

The next level of skincare. Features an advanced blend of Instalift™ Goji, Tocotrienols and High Performance Moisturizers. Improves skin’s overall health and appearance while fighting to reduce the signs of fine lines, wrinkles and aging.

Instalift™ Goji – Tibetan Goji berry, clinically proven to give the appearance of reduced fine lines, wrinkles and sagging skin.

Derived from the Tibetan Goji Berry, Instalift™ Goji is an isolated active glycopeptide that combines the skin’s lifting and firming strength of both proteins and polysaccharides. This powerful antioxidant provides immediate lift and, as discovered by clinical studies, improves the appearance of skin firmness by 26.8% within one hour of application.

Balkan Botanical® Infusion – our exclusive antioxidant rich complex, helps soften, soothe and hydrate skin.

Tocotrienols - perhaps the most important part of the Vitamin E family, Tocotrienols are known as extremely effective antioxidants. Tocotrienols are about 50 times more potent than tocopherols as antioxidants.

High Performance Moisturizing Blend – Organic Jojoba Oil, Rosehip Oil, Black Currant Seed Oil

PhytoCellTec™ Malus Domestica (Malus Domestica Fruit Cell Culture) – Cells cultivated from a rare Swiss apple that enhances skin vitality while reducing the appearance of crows feet and skin appears firmer.

· Paraben Free
· Clinically tested non-irritating formula
· Dermatologist tested