Stop and Smell the Kat Burki

Need a minute? Check out the heavenly scents (including 5 new ones) at Kat Burki. Ahhh….

Perfection Stands Alone
Perfect Atmosphere. Perfect Scent. Perfect Skin. Perfect You!

Candles, Cremes and Soaps In Five New Scents and Five Classic Scents.

New Scents:
- Rosa Baroque
- Sugar Magnolia
- Eucalyptus & Verbena
- Avocado & Cucumber
- Cacao

Classic Scents:
- Tuberose
- Lavender Lightly
- Freesia & Pink Grapefruit
- Eau de Poire et Santal
- White Tea
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Sweet Steal at Sephora: Lorac's Perfectly Lit Luminizing Powder

Check out LORAC’s latest “Sweet Steal” (through August 10th)

LORAC's Perfectly Lit Luminizing Powder (in "Spotlight") is offered at $9 (originally $32) exclusively at Sephora stores and Sephora.com.

Blurb: The luminizing powder gives you a radiant glow to make it look like you are glowing from within. It optimizes the effect of the light to diminish imperfections, even your skin tone and brighten your complexion.
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Wish I Was Doing This Now: Philip B's Perfect 2-Minute Blowout

I'm tempted to run home right now and try this out! Of course my the people I'm supposed to be singing for tonight might not understand, so I may have to wait a bit. But if you happen to be home right now and there's a hair drier handy, give it a try…

PHILIP B. Botanicals introduces our latest breakthrough:
The Perfect, 2-Minute Blowout

Want to give curly, unruly, tumbleweed hair a break from heat-styling -- but still get a gloriously smooth, straight, salon-soft finish? Let Us Point The Way:

Step 1: Comb PHILIP B® Katira Masque through damp hair, so that it hangs down straight.

Step 2: Let it dry to a hard shell, then break it up with your fingers and brush it out.

Step 3: Wave a blow-dryer through your hair, smoothing it with the brush as you go.

Step 4: Look in the mirror. Jump up and down with excitement.

PHILIP B® Katira Masque Universal Hair Revitalizer is a gentle yet surprisingly versatile rejuvenator for all hair types. The unique, clear-gel formula sinks right in to plump up fine, limp strands or calm and smooth coarse, hard-to-manage hair. Think of it as an amped-up, squeaky-clean version of a deep-conditioning treatment: You get all the vibrant shine and silkiness you could dream of – without a trace of added weight or residue. PHILIP B®Katira Hair Masque will make the most of any hair texture, taking lush, light and manageable to a whole new level. Plus, it's the ultimate blow-drying shortcut!

HOW IT WORKS:
• Pure Katira Extract -- the "it" conditioner of the Middle East -- fills in weak, damaged spots in the hair cuticle for added smoothness and strength. It also gives your hair a slight electrical charge – you’ll feel it during your blowout – that leaves it fantastically light and bouncy.

• A high-tech L-Amino Acid Complexinfuses your hair with a perfect dose of weightless, oil-free moisture and nourishing proteins for enhanced control and elasticity. Just one application will instantly revitalize your hair color, speed up blow-drying time, and lock in shine for a sexy, touchable, red-carpet finish.

Paraben-Free Formula

Where To Find It: www.PhilipB.com and fine salons and department stores worldwide.
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Chicagoans – UG/Clearasil "You Look Awesome" Event on Friday

I just got some info about an upcoming event! Clearasil is hosting their "You Look Awesome" Event at Lollapalooza in Chicago on August 6th (Friday)! Semi Precious Weapons and Lady Starlight will be there. And…it’s at the new Beauty Bar in Chicago! (And complimentary PBR from 10PM – 11PM for all our 21+ ladies.)

Everyone is invited! All you need to do is go to www.ugpresents.com/yla and RSVP.

Go! Get yourself invited!
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Strange Invisible Summer: Strange Invisible Perfumes Limited Edition Scents

More yumminess from Strange Invisible Perfumes...

Summer 2010: Limited Edition Fragrances
by Strange Invisible Perfumes

Strange Invisible Perfumes presents two new limited edition pure perfumes, Tahitian Honey and Vacances. Both celebrate the idyllic locales of summer and feature temple mandarin (a truly rare essence custom-distilled alchemically in pure silica glass). Created by perfumer Alexandra Balahoutis, these fragrances will transport you to the very essence of sunlit, island leisure.

Strange Invisible Perfumes, a purely botanical perfume house based in Venice, California, serves the reality, not the dream, of precious ingredients and luxury craftsmanship. Botanical loyalist and perfumer Alexandra Balahoutis exacts the chemistry between natural essences and compelling narratives.

TAHITIAN HONEY
• Fresh ginger, temple mandarin, plumeria blossoms, resins & honey
• Inspired by a summer holiday in Tahiti
• Available Summer 2010

VACANCES vah-kahns Vacances is the French word for vacation
• Temple mandarin, hemp, jasmine, cedar, black copal, black currant & honey
• Inspired by a leisurely afternoon by the Caribbean seaside
• Available Summer 2010

Become a fan of Strange Invisible Perfumes on Facebook
Follow Strange Invisible Perfumes on Twitter

Limited Edition fragrancesare available in-store only at: Strange Invisible Perfumes 1138 Abbot Kinney Blvd. Venice, CA 90291

Visit www.siperfumes.com for more information
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Cherry Pie and Bubble Gum: Stila Twinkle Lip Glaze Set (review)

Okay. That's it. I'm officially tired of being a grown up! Today I wore grown-up clothes, did grown-up work at my desk, had conversations about serious things, and generally behaved like a mature, well-adjusted adult. Phooey!

Trading some of my childhood innocence for experience and self-determination has been totally worth it in my book. Except for today. Today when I spilled water on the front of my dress, I wanted to go home and pout. When there was a problem with my database, I wanted to throw a temper tantrum and call people names. Bad names. The kind that make you have to stay after school.

But I didn't do any of those things. I behaved myself. So to balance out my good deportment, I'm going to talk about my latest thing-that-I-got-because-I-wanted-it-right-this-minute. From Stila.

Lip Glaze Set - Twinkle (Limited Edition)

Blurb: Features four shades of Stila's most popular lip gloss - three new hues and one bestselling color - to keep your pout glossier and sexier with high-shine color! Twinkle set contains: Grapefruit - shimmery pink, Cherry Pie - red with pink shimmer, Mauvelous - mauve with iridescent shimmer, Pinkle Twinkle - pink with pink shimmer.

You surely must know by now that Stila Lip Glaze has an awesome formula. The gloss looks beautiful and has excellent staying power. Enough of that.

The reason to get this kit is the cute, girly colors! All four colors are great, but I got the set because I needed "Cherry Pie" and "Pinkle Twinkle." "Cherry Pie is a pigmented, cherry red with pink shimmer. It's very sweet and sexy (and it really does smell like cherry pie). "Pinkle Twinkle" is a throughly girly sparkly pink – with a scent that reminds me of bubble gum.

For those of you that are also in need of a little age-regression; take yourself by the hand and march yourself over to the website. Stila is also sold at Beauty.com. And if you need to play with your toys right away, head on over to Sephora or Ulta.
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(ftc disclosure: purchased myself)

More Giveaway Winners: Beauty Essentials Value Packs from Schick and Skintimate!

Congratulations to Christie C. and Jennifer H.!

Each of you will receive a Beauty Essentials Value Pack, which includes a Schick Quattro for Women TrimStyle razor (a thoroughly awesome razor!), Skintimate Moisturizing Cream Shave, and Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch Creme Lotion (50SPF).

Thanks to everyone who entered, and special thanks to the folks at Schick and Skintimate for letting me host this giveaway!

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Giveaway Winner: Gift Certificate to CSN Stores!

Congratulations to Shannon!

You won a $60 gift certificate towards the item of your choice at any CSN online store (CSN has over 200 stores to choose from).

Thanks to everyone who entered, and special thanks to CSN Stores for sponsoring this great giveaway!

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Hair Care Friday: Moroccanoil Moisture Repair Shampoo and Conditioner (review)

One of the things I tend to do after a birthday is start asking myself what still works and what doesn't. Without proper warning, I engage friends in deep conversations (usually about me…and usually when they're in places like doctors' waiting rooms or supermarket check out lines). I also start cleaning out drawers and closets.

Today I tried on a blouse to see if I still like it. I don't.

I know that a blog about makeup and skincare should generally stick to discussing…um… makeup and skincare; but every now and then something else pops into my head right before it’s time to discuss products. (But just so you won’t worry; I still have plans to tell you how fabulous today’s hair care items are.)

The reason I’m rambling about a blouse right now, though, is because buying it was kind of a turning point. It was the first thing I’d bought in a long time that made me feel pretty (and a little bit sexy). Before then, I had spent a long time hiding out from the world; and when I tried on that blouse (and actually bought it); it seemed like I was telling myself to step out of my comfort zone. When I finally wore it to work (and got compliments); it felt like something was beginning to change. It seemed like a huge step at the time. Since then, my life has opened up more than I ever dreamed possible; and it feels like the coming year will bring even more miracles.

Seeing that piece of clothing in my closet used to give me a happy jolt. But lately it’s just been sitting there and I’ve barely noticed it. And it no longer fits (literally or figuratively). That makes me a little sad; but I know that it’s time to appreciate it, then let it go and make room. I have a lot of decisions coming up about relationships, singing, writing, and things I want to deepen or change. I hope that a year from now I look back on another twelve months of amazing transformations (both in my closet and in my heart).

Did you think I forgot this was a beauty blog? Ha - I most certainly did not!

One of the more noticeable transformations in the works is my hair. Right now, letting my hair grow long again feels a little bit like re-igniting a spark. More importantly, it feels like a tangible commitment (as well as a surrender) to growth, openness and change. It also reminds me that however new-agey, touchy-feely and abstract I get, there are still practical matters to think about. Which leads me to a pair of extremely practical (and wonderful) products from Moroccanoil.

Moisture Repair Shampoo

Blurb: Cleanses while infusing hair with argan oil, keratin, fatty acids, proteins and other nutrients. Creamy lather helps repair chemically treated hair. Leaves hair soft, shiny and full of body. Improves hair’s overall health. Safe for color treated hair. Paraben, sulfate and phosphate free.

Moisture Repair Conditioner

Blurb: Gently detangles and reconstructs hair while infusing it with argan oil, keratin, fatty acids and protein. Helps restore moisture. Repairs damaged and chemically treated hair. Conditions hair back to its natural health. Safe for color treated hair. Paraben, sulfate and phosphate free.

There are a lot of reasons to love this shampoo and conditioner. For starters, the lovely fragrance and rich texture make washing my hair feel like a luxurious, pampering experience. I love that both contain argan oil, protect my color, and have a list of ingredients that support long-term resilience.

What I love most, though, is how soft, shiny and conditioned my hair feels. Even in the July humidity; my hair is pretty and manageable – and the frizz is calmed. The shampoo cleans well, and adds nourishing oils back without any heaviness. The conditioner instantly detangles and makes my hair shiny and soft. It even works well as a leave-in. I get both silkiness and bounce!

Take a browse on the website and look at some of the products and recommendations. There’s also special promotions page, a page of events, and the locate a salon feature.

Have a great weekend, everyone!
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(ftc disclosure: sample/product received from manufacturer or representative)

Your Thursday Face: Laura Mercier Foundation Primer (review)

Most of my "Thursday Face" entries have focused on foundations and tinted moisturizers; so I thought today I'd feature something that goes underneath all of that. Here's a fabulous facial item from Laura Mercier.

Foundation Primer

Blurb: Foundation Primer is a lightweight, creamy gel meant to be used prior to foundation, creating an invisible layer that acts as a buffer to outside elements. The colorless gel leaves makeup looking fresh and colour-true the entire day. Ideal for normal and combination skin. Vitamins A, C, and E act as antioxidants and protect the skin from harmful, aging effects of the environment.

One of the best things you can do for your foundation is use a primer – especially in the summer. Primers not only create a smoother surface; they also help foundation last and look better longer. Laura Mercier is the originator of the foundation primer (way back in the 90's), and this product is still spectacular.

It's a clear weightless gel that feels almost like a lotion. It dries quickly, leaving a smooth surface for flawless makeup application. And…yippee!...it also makes pores look a whole lot smaller. A little bit goes a long way (and does a whole lot)! When I use this underneath foundation (or tinted moisturizer); I get a lovely, smooth, soft-focus finish, and hours of oil-control. What I love best, though, is how much longer my makeup stays put and looks fresh. Even my blush and concealer last longer!

There's also an oil-free formula as well as a gorgeous selection of "flawless face" items on the website. Be sure to take a look at the What's Hot section or explore the new Mystique Collection. Laura Mercier can also be found at Sephora, Amazon, and fine department stores like Neiman Marcus, Macy’s, Nordstrom and Bloomingdales.
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(ftc disclosure: purchased myself)

Post Birthday Pampering: CLEAN 4 Piece Essential Collection (review)

Well the birthday train has finally left the station (mostly). The festivities are done (mostly), and it's time to start another year. Tonight I'm going home and doing a whole bunch of cleaning because my Mom is arriving on the weekend. This is my only night to clean, and it's also my only night to stay home and enjoy a bit of R&R. So once the dust bunnies have been taken care of, this post-birthday girl is spending time with a lovely set of items from CLEAN.

4 Piece Essential Collection

Blurb: The perfect solution for those on the go! Lather up with Shower Fresh Bath & Shower Gel. Then layer on Shower Fresh Soft Body Lotion for freshly-scented, smooth & hydrated skin. Use the puff to lightly dust Original Moisture Absorbent Fresh Body Veil to stay dry all day long, even under a silk blouse. Then sprinkle in the Original Dry Shampoo on the days you don’t have time to wash and blow dry your hair! The light soapy shower fresh scents layer perfectly.

I love it when companies are in tune with the whole bathtime, luxury, need-to-retreat-with-things-that-feel-and-smell-good vibe. CLEAN is all about fragrant products that soothe and pamper. I tried this set out a couple of mornings ago; and I can't wait to use them again tonight.

The Bath and Shower Gel was gentle and refreshing. The light foam cleaned and softened with a light, soothing fragrance. The Body Lotion (same lovely fragrance) absorbed quickly and made my skin feel even softer. The scent is very light, so you can still follow up with your favorite perfume.

I especially loved the Fresh Body Veil. I was a little skeptical when I read the words "time release," but even though it's feather light, it held up for hours. It's silky smooth, and I felt fresh and dry well into the afternoon. The Dry Shampoo is the first dry shampoo I've ever tried. I'm planning to share the details on one of my Hair Care Fridays; but I was really impressed.

If there's something you like in particular, you can find full sized products on the website. There's also a nice Gift section and Store Locator. CLEAN is also available at HSN, Sephora and Ulta.

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

Dear Beauty Fairy…Lorac Private Affair Palette

Coming from Lorac! This totally caught my eye – six rich, shimmery neutrals, a double-ended brush and primer in a gorgeous croc palette (with a little drawer no less!). Take a peek…

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Log on, Like, Share, Give and WIN! Get Your VEET On Facebook Challenge

More summer smoothness! Check out the "Get Your VEET On" Challenge on Facebook. Just by entering, you could win a weekend getaway to NY, LA, Las Vegas or Miami! There are also chances to win an iPod Nano!

Just log on to the VEET Facebook page (at www.facebook.com/veet) and click on the “Get VEET” tab to enter. Then let them know how you got your VEET on this weekend.

Once you submit a video or paragraph, you can share the link to vote for their page with your friends. (And each time someone votes they are automatically entered in a sweepstakes to win an iPod Nano.) They'll be giving away one every week.

Best of all, for each person who ‘Likes’ the VEET Facebook page, VEET will donate $5 to http://www.girlup.org/, So encourage your friends ‘Like’ the page!

Go on…get busy!
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Equal Time: Blondes

The folks at Privé (makers of hair fabulousness) have some great tips for those you fair-haired girls! Take a look…

Blondes Have More Fun In The Sun....
But Beware, The Summer Sun Isn't Fun For Those That Are Fair

We all lather on sunscreen to protect our skin when we're out basking in the sun over summer but did you know without proper protection for your hair, you're at risk of sun damage as well? Just like fair skin, blondes are at higher risk of major hair sun damage if they don't take extra precaution.

"Blonde hair tends to become dull, dry and lose vibrancy quickly from exposure to harsh elements such as sun or salt water," says Erick Orellana, colorist and "blonde expert" at Privé Salon Los Angeles. "Fortunately I've discovered many simple and easy steps one can take to help prevent damage during the intense summer months."

SPRAY, SHINE AND PROTECT: Look for a Spray with UV filters and protectants to prevent moisture loss and color fading caused from sun rays, like Privé's Flash Brilliance, which protects hair from UV damage. Make sure to apply all over before hitting the sun to give your hair full strength protection from the rays.

MASTER TIP BEFORE YOU DIP: Swimming in chlorinated water is a big concern for blondes as the water has the tendency to turn blonde locks into shades of green. Add extra protection to your hair before taking a dip by mixing a combination of water with a leave-in conditioner like Privé's Leave-in Treatment. Mix in a small spritzer bottle you can tote in your beach bag and spray on hair while lounging poolside to minimize the absorption of damaging chemicals in chlorinated water.

GLOSS IT UP: A gloss treatment post highlights or coloring session will seal in color and tone by creating a protective layer over the hair adding moisture and shine. Adding moisture to blonde hair in the summer is important to keep it from drying in the sun and heat which ultimately makes hair look dull and straw-like.

HOME CARE: Even after taking steps to prevent damage and protect hair an at-home treatment like a mask or oil treatment is a must for blondes to help restore hair. Privé's Intensive Mask works wonders and is easy to use in the comfort of your own home. Apply all over hair and leave on anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour before shampooing. This will repair your hair, replenish moisture and add shine to beautiful blonde locks.
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Endless Possibilities: Estée Lauder Pure Color Five Color EyeShadow Palette (review)

If you scroll down, you'll see that I posted the entire awesome new Fall 2010 Collection. It's gorgeous! I'm thrilled that I'm going to be trying out some of the items! You've done it again, Estée Lauder!

Pure Color Five Color EyeShadow Palette (in "Surreal Violet")

Blurb: Eyeshadow that makes eyes come alive. Versatile 5-color palette allows you to play with intensities, mix and blend shades, express different attitudes-soft to bold. Holds 5 varying color intensities and finishes: matte, satin, shimmer or metallic. The highlighter is the magic touch. Use it to brighten the look and widen eyes instantly. The deepest shade structures and defines the eyes. Ophthalmologist-tested and Fragrance-free.

How could I not jump at the chance to try out this palette? Purple is my favorite color, and this palette is jaw-droppingly gorgeous! It comes in a beautiful, slim compact with a very generous-sized mirror. I like using my own brushes, but the ones that are included are great for travel. The formula is wonderful: velvety, easy to blend, and lasts all day without creasing, fading or changing color.

And the colors…just heavenly. I have a lot of purple on my vanity, and these colors still managed to stand out. They range from the softest, most neutral grey/purple to a deep smoky eggplant (which also looks great as a liner). There's also a pale, gossamer highlighter, a shimmery violet, and a satiny lilac. They're all gorgeous and can be worn in infinite combinations! I plan to see just how many I can come up with.

You can check out the whole Fall 2010 collection on the website, as well as get application tips (and enter the Monthly Sweepstakes). I suggest going to your nearest beauty counter and trying them out, though.
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(ftc disclosure: sample/product received from manufacturer or representative)

Birthday Fun: Parties and Scarves!

I'm pretty good about letting people know when my birthday is coming up. Not because I'm trying to wheedle gifts (parents excluded); but because I want to really get a chance to share it with the people around me. And there has been a whole lot of sharing.

I've been branching out and trying some new things, which means a bunch of new people have come into my life this year. Even with all the adjustments (and awkwardness) that comes with meeting new people; this has been one of the most exciting years of my life. And I suspect this is just the beginning. One thing I've learned this year, is how much I still have to learn…and how much fun it can be to do things differently.

In addition to all of the caring and sharing, there's been a heck of a lot of fun. I had a surprise party on the weekend! And it was an actual surprise! I'm pretty good at sensing when something is up; but my friends managed to keep everything under wraps (literally) until the minute they yelled "surprise!" And the dear, dear person who planned it all thought of ingenious ways to divert my attention at the right moments.

Adding to the fun is my new, amazing GORGEOUS Hermés scarf that my other spectacular friend picked out for me. I am in scarfy birthday love!

(This picture features the design, but in a different color scheme – mine is bordered in red, with a green background instead of gold.)

MmmmWAH to you, my adorable scarfy friend! I'm wearing it tied today, but here I have it draped around my shoulders. When the weather gets cooler, I can spread it out a little more.

I also got a really pretty rainscarf – perfect for the ridiculous thunderstorms that have been showing up all of a sudden!

Oh the awesomeness!

Anyway…just had to share. One of the things I've learned is that if you focus on the happy times when they arrive, it's likely that more of them will show up!

Peace and happy days to all of you!
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Whoa! Estee Lauder Fall 2010 Collection

Blues and purples…yay!

Ahem…I'm going to be reviewing quiete a few new EL items over the next few weeks. And today I'm featuring one of the new shadow palettes (the purple one of course). But be sure to take a look at the whole amazing collection right this minute…

Fall 2010: The Blue Dahlia Pure Color Collection

The blues and purples in the collection are iconic colors for autumn and winter. I like to give women choices in the way that they look. From a neutral to a smoky to a fashionable, strong look, these shades can be used with them all. – Tom Pecheux, Creative Makeup Director, Estée Lauder

Introducing the new vision in color for the Fall 2010 season, the Blue Dahlia Pure Color Collection for smoldering eyes, shimmering lips and bold nails. Estée Lauder Creative Makeup Director Tom Pecheux debuted his inspiration for this collection backstage at the Derek Lam Autumn/Winter 2010 Fashion Show. At the “Myth of the West” themed show, Tom created a strong, intensely energetic look that perfectly tied together the design and fantasy of the clothing. The complete makeup collection includes two distinct looks as well as two complimentary lip products that create a visionary, avant-garde look with a touch of whimsical glamour.

In this intensely seductive collection, eyes take center stage in electric blue and vintage violet, lips are shimmering in subtle shades of pale pink and raspberry shine while rich nail hues of deep navy and iridescent lilac complete the look.

Rich, Striking Eyes: The Pure Color Five Color EyeShadow Palettes in Blue Dahlia and Surreal Violet are a powerful mix of cool, mysterious shades that mimic the fiercely theatrical world at the edge of night. Housed in a sophisticated golden-mirrored compact with oversized Estée Lauder cartouche, each palette holds five mesmerizing shadow and texture combinations to create endless looks that are both enticing and alluring. Layer the different shades and textures for optimal intensity.

Highlight and illuminate your eye look with four new shades of Pure Color EyeShadow in Twilight Rose, Sepia Sand, Enchanted Meadow and Emerald Star for a standout pop of color.

Stunning, Juicy Lips Drenched In Shimmer: Ethereal shades of raw pink and magenta adorn the lips in a soft, sensual shine. Swipe shades of Pure Color Gloss Stick in Rose Dusk, Night Bloom, Orchid Dream and Mauve Mirage and layer with Pure Color Gloss in Rock Candy, Twilight Petal, Raspberry Pop and Star Pink for a subdued lip look that perfectly balances strong eyes for a lasting impression.

Super Chic, Luxe Shades For Nails: Complement lustrous lips with perfectly polished nails in mythical shades. Estée Lauder’s Pure Color Nail Lacquer in Blue Dahlia and Surreal Violet perfectly pair with the collection to finish off nails and toes in dramatic, fearless color.

Dynamic Complimentary Shades For Lips: Give your pout a punch of color with a deep berry shade of Pure Color Gloss or Pure Color Gloss Stick in Midnight Bloom.
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Ends Tomorrow: Kerastase Friends and Family Event!

Kerastase has an awesome offer! Receive 20% off any purchase of your favorite Kérastase products and complimentary shipping on all orders.

The offer ends at midnight tomorrow (Wednesday, 7/28), so be sure to take advantage while it lasts. To receive the discount, enter FAMILY at checkout.

Click on the link below to learn more: http://www.kerastase-usa.com/_en/_us/conso/specialoffers/friendsfamily.aspx

Hurry!
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Up Close and Personal: Schick Quattro for Women Trimstyle & Skintimate Signature Scents (review and giveaway reminder)

First, the giveaway reminder: I’m partnering with Schick and Skintimate for a lovely giveaway! (Click HERE for details.) Come back and read the rest of this post when you’re done.

Done? Okay, then.

This is my birthday week; but I feel like the gifts have already arrived. I’ve had one of the most amazing weeks in one of the most amazing months in a truly amazing year! Impossible things have happened; and I’ve learned more about myself than I ever thought possible.

One of the things I’m most grateful for are the people who have crossed my path. There are those I knew for a short while, and those who have found a permanent place in my heart. There’s a saying that, “when the student is ready, the teacher appears.” I don’t think that’s ever been more true for me. I have learned incredible things from the people who are in my life. Not just about creativity and ways of living; but about openness, friendship, intimacy; and most importantly: love. I feel truly blessed and ready for another wonderful year.

It’s killing me not to insert a cheesy tie-in right here.* But I’m going to muster up a tiny bit of taste and decorum, and simply tell you that today’s beauty is brought to you by Schick and Skintimate.

Schick Quattro for Women Trimstyle Razor

Blurb: The TrimStyle razor is a great two-in-one razor: a shaving cartridge with four ultra-thin blades on one end and a waterproof, battery powered bikini trimmer on the other. The trimmer has an adjustable comb which gently guides the hair toward the trimmer blade to achieve desired hair length (a choice of three length settings), and can also be removed completely for an even closer trim.

Skintimate Signature Scents (in "Raspberry Rain")

Blurb: Add some color and fun to your shaving with your favorite Skintimate Signature Scents Moisturizing Shave Gel. These moisturizing shave preps come in six enticing fragrances that have 11 moisturizers, vitamins, an antioxidant to replenish your skin’s natural moisture and a burst of fruity freshness.

First…just go to the store and get the razor. Or at least enter my giveaway because this razor is fabulous!! I’ve been a fan of the original Quattro for Women for a long time; but the TrimStyle is nothing short of spectacular. It uses the same great blades (which give a close, nick-free shave and have those comfortable conditioning strips). In addition, the head has excellent pivoting action (best I’ve ever used), and the additional trimmer (at the other end) is convenient, easy to use and incredibly versatile. It’s a great value!!!

I also really liked the Skintimate Gel. "Raspberry Rain" had a wonderful, fresh berry fragrance, and the texture was cushiony and luxurious. It dissolved deodorant residue fairly well, and made my skin nice and soft.

Check out all the great shaving products (and tips) on the Schick and Skintimate websites. You can sign up for their mail lists, browse the newest items, and check out special offers. Schick and Skintimate are sold in grocery stores, drugstores and places like Ulta, Walgreens, CVS, duane reade, and drugstore.com.

*Okay...for my cheesy tie-in, let's just say that getting today's post published a few minutes before midnight is a pretty close shave (just cracked myself up...please don't hate me).
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(ftc disclosure: sample/product received from manufacturer or representative)

Hair Care Friday: Ojon Revitalizing 2-Min Hair Mask (review)

Now that my hair is getting longer, I'm getting reacquainted with one of its (many) peculiarities. Most of my hair is curly and thick; but the hair at the top of my head tends to be finer, thinner and have relatively little curl. This doesn't matter much when my hair is short or medium length; but once it starts growing, I'm in terrible danger of having the dreaded "Christmas tree" effect. (That's when my hair gets that Roseanne Roseannadanna triangle shape*…shudder!)

Eventually, my hair will grow out enough to be fixed with layering by a professional hair stylist (in my case, the intrepid "Scott"). But in the meantime, I need something to give me a volume boost as well as the always necessary conditioning. As luck would have it, the hair gurus at Ojon are way ahead of me.

NEW Revitalizing 2-Min Hair Mask

Blurb: In just 2 minutes, this nourishing creamy mask improves the condition of dry, dehydrated hair. With the appeal of a light refreshing fragrance this formula helps replenish hydration and detangle hair leaving it silky-smooth and shiny without weighing it down. Fortified with exclusive Ojon® oil, an ancient native secret to naturally beautiful hair from Central America’s Tawira tribe, known as "the people of beautiful hair.™" Enriched with 9 exotic oils and butters (Murumuru Butter, Shea Butter, Mango Butter, Sweet Almond Oil, Babassu Seed Oil, Passion Flower Oil, Jojoba Oil, Sesame Oil, Avocado Oil) that infuse directly into the hair shaft to condition and nourish dry, dehydrated hair. Each of these oils is carefully selected for their high content in essential lipids. These lipids mimic the ones naturally present in hair.

I love a good hair mask, and this one is a stand out! For one thing, it's convenient. Most of the masks I use are for overnight – which is very nice; but there isn't always time. This one works fabulously in only 2 minutes. I smoothed it on, put on a shower cap, picked out my clothes for the day, came back and rinsed. That was it! I skipped my daily conditioner (as per the instructions), and my hair was gorgeous.

My hair was soft without any heaviness or greasiness (and stayed soft until the next morning). But the big surprise was the noticeable lift. My hair looked fuller and thicker; and my curls looked great – all without any frizz or fuzziness. The fact that the effects lasted into the next day tells me that regular use is going to make a big difference.

You'll find all kinds of treats for your tresses on the website. And be sure to visit the Special Offers page (because if you try the Hair Mask, you'll also receive a bonus 2oz. Animated Styling Cream with your purchase). Ojon is also available at Sephora, Ulta and Nordstrom (you can also check the where to buy section for local shops and salons).

*For those of you aren't familiar with Gilda Radner's Roseanne Roseannadanna character, here's a snippet of Friday culture…




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