- In honor of the newest limited edition collection from MAC Cosmetics, Cult of Cherry Roselyn from Makeup Makes Me Happy does a gorgeous makeup tutorial, showing you how to achieve a fabulous look for this upcoming Fall season!.
- Beauty Anonymous reviews YSL's fall eye shadow palette.
- Lilan of The Daily Cookie shows you how easy it is to use Anastasia's Brow Pen to tint your eyebrows with a fun video how-to!
- The Muse from Musings of a Muse shows you three different looks you can create using Too Faced Smoky Eye Palette! She also reviews the Too Faced Mirror Mirror Gloss!!
- A Touch of Blusher looks at Paul & Joe's fall 2008 base makeup collection
- Looking for a lipgloss that will stay put and last a long time? Then check out The Makeup Divas review on the Mac Lustre Twins.
- Need smoother legs longer? Cybelesays has found one that keeps legs smooth and totally moisturized.
- 15 Minute Beauty Fanatic has found natural, medium coverage foundation, from the drugstore!
- Beauty Blogging Junkie has partnered with Three Custom Color to provide 25 readers with TCC's new Watercolours for Cheeks in Wallflower, a dewy beige. Click here for more info on how to enter.
- If you're a Bobbi Brown makeup fan (and who isn't?) Beauty411 has the latest on new Bobbi Brown palettes!
- Rouge Deluxe offers a sneak peek at Lancome Holiday'08!
- Beauty Junkie in SF recommends going nude with NARS Striptease lip gloss. It's HOT!
- Beauty Banter tests the Worlds first organic skincare range... and finds the most AMAZING moisturizer!
- Elke shares a great tip on how to mistake fix your makeup.
- Product Girl shows you how to make your own lipstick palette and it's easy as pie!
- Need a new body cream? See which are Christine's favorites over at Beauty in Real Life.
- Kyle at , Face Candy, shows you how she is using Pashmina shawls to brighten complexions at her wedding.
- LashBlast had better watch her back. There's a new voluptuous lash in town, and she's wearing Exceptionnel de Chanel Intense Volume and Curl Mascara. The creamy formula and six-sided brush took Spoiled Pretty's lashes up, up and away!
- makeup loves me wants to give you one of fall's hottest mascaras. click here to learn how you can win your own spinlash.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Weekend Beauty Reads from the BBN
Friday, August 29, 2008
Vacation... Finally
Just wanted to let you are know I won't be posting for a few days. I'm finally getting the heck out of the city for some much needed sun and fun! I have more or less gone the whole summer without any sort of summer fun getaways. Not cool. So, enjoy your labor day weekend and I will too!
Sun (with SPF) Lovely!
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Wipe Off Your Makeup
If you're anything like me, it is often hard to get yourself to take off your eye makeup and wash your face every single night. I'm not sure way, since I am obsessed with my eternal quest for clear skin, but I get lazy and pass out without a trip to my sink. Terrible, huh?!
Well, my new best friend is a pack of Makeup Remover Wipes from Sephora. I keep them on my dresser and I make sure to at least wipe off my makeup before I hit the pillow. Now that my favorite mascara is Too Faced Lash Injection Pinpoint I need to rub off the mascara's little tubes on my lashes. These wipes are perfect for that! For $10 a pack, try them yourself. The package snaps shut really well, so they will stay moist for longer.
Wipe Lovely!
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Striptease Lipgloss by NARS is HOT!!!
Nars has a knack for naming their shades scandalous phrases that evoke sex and glamour. Anyone who has done any beauty reading online or in magazines has heard of Orgasm blush. The have done it again with the lip gloss called Striptease. It is a super sexy nude gloss that lasts and lasts! They call it a "candlelight nude" which I love. It will be absolutely perfect to pair with a dark, smokey eye. SO HOT... can you tell I'm excited?!
Lip Lovely!
Monday, August 25, 2008
Get Texture From Sebastian... For now
The other day I was strolling through a rather foreign land... commonly known as Ulta (we don't have such establishments in the city, I was stuck out in the boonies) and I stumbled apon the sale shelf. I had been to my hairstylist the other week and so we had talked about how Sebastian is completely re-doing their whole line. So all there old products would be discounted at beauty supply stores. Well, what did I find at Ulta? A bottle of Sebastian Texturizer Flexible Bodifying Gel for $8, almost half the retail price! So I thought I'd try it out.
So far , I like it. I rubbed it through my hair before I blew dried this morning and this afternoon my hair still resembled what it looked like post-blow dry! The gel has a rubber-like quality, since it uses silicone, along with natutal ingridients like camomile, to give you bounce and hold at the same time. Go check out your local beauty salon or supply store for any of your other favorite Sebastian products before they are all gone!
Bounce Lovely!
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Weekend Beauty Reads from the BBN
- Find out what yummy scented body souffle The Makeup Divas is all excited about.
- Losing sleep over your dark circles? Beauty Junkie in SF has found a little tube from Smashbox to help brighten those eyes and make them camera ready.
- Roselyn from Makeup Makes Me Happy counts down the 10 most wacky beauty tips, that actually work!. You may just be surprised to see what they are!
- Katharine Towne of HBO's hit show, Tell Me You Love Me reveals her beauty tips **exclusively** to Beauty Banter!
- Find out why the Muse is excited about Urban Decay's New Lipsticks with a detailed review and swatches of four shades!.
- A Touch of Blusher brings you Fall 2008 Makeup Trend Report.
- Beauty Anonymous reveals her travel-friendly beauty goodies.
- Beauty411 tells you about a product that will help you rewind lines and wrinkles. And it's completely painless!
- Beauty and Fashion Tech looks at Five Great Uses for Creme de la Mer and tells you how it can actually be a good value.
- Girl Gloss tries out lip balm made with beer!How's your summer skin doing? Cybelesays suggestsfinds one that is made just for this seasons hot temps.
- makeup loves me reveals the details of what promises to be fall's most talked about (sought after) limited edition product!
- The girls over at Beauty in Real Life are loving Avon's new collection with Jillian Dempsey. Check out the collection here.
- Karen from Makeup and Beauty Blog gives you swatches and product shots of the entire Cult of Cherry collection, the newest release from MAC Cosmetics.
- Kyle at Face Candy suggests 2 new face oils to try.
Friday, August 22, 2008
Soften Your Hands With L'Occitane Honey & Lemon
I'm not sure when I became addicted to hand cream, but it is a fact of life now. I need to have some in my purse wherever I go. It has to be in a small tube and, most importantly, not make my hands sticky! L'Occitane really knows what they are doing when it comes to hand cream. If you haven't tried their original hand cream, you must! It has just the right amount of shea butter to soften dry, tight skin and keep your cuticles in check, without being overly thick.
The latest, limited edition I might add, scent for their hand cream is Honey and Lemon. I squirted some on in the store and was in heaven. For some reason it reminds me of a summer country day, maybe on a farm or something. The scent is subtle and yet delicious. Pick up a 1 oz. tube online or in stores for only $10 and it will last you a few months a least, a little goes a long way. Try it!
Moisturize Lovely!
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Tinted Brow Gel From Anastasia
As you may have discovered already, Anastasia really knows her brows! I simply fall in love with every product I try from her collection. The latest one I've been lusting after is the Tinted Brow Gel. Once again, it is a one step alternative that delivers stellar results. The color I have, caramel I believe, is perfect for my medium-dark blond brows and with a few strokes I have brows that are in place and filled in just the right amount. I like that it has a tint to it, but the color only goes on my brow hairs, not on my skin, so it looks very natural. Try it yourself, you'll be amazed at what a few strokes can do to clean up your look.
Brow Lovely!
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Rahua Shampoo and Conditioner by Amazon Beauty
I recently had the opportunity to try a new shampoo and conditioner made with ingredients from the Amazon. Fancy, no? Well I'm not high on the nature kick like everyone else is, but I did enjoy these products because they actually work.
Rahua Shampoo and Conditioner from Amazon Beauty uses a special oil made from Rahua nuts that women in the Amazon use to promote healthy, strong hair. It is supposed to penetrate deep into the hair's cortex to actually repair damaged, broken hair. They also have Paolo Santo oil, which is made from "holy wood." It is a highly coveted substance by shamans and high priests, known for its excellent healing properties. Sounds rare huh?
All I know is I like it. Both smell nice and the conditioner really softens and detangles my hair, something VERY important to me. I have very fine, soft hair but you'd be surprised how some conditioners turn my hair into a complete mess. This one works like a dream. Try it yourself.
Hair Lovely!
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Back to an Old Standby: Phloof! by MAC
I finally broke down a bought another Phloof! eyeshadow by MAC. I hate that I can't live without it, but it is seriously the most perfect eyeshadow. It is so pretty, alone or by itself. I can wear it with anything, keep it simple or use it as a base for a dramatic look with greys and smokey blacks. The description on the website is "frosted off-white" but I thing is a bit pinker than their other frosty whites. So it looks best with cool tones, especially blues and greys. Try it, I swear, you'll be addicted as bad as I am.
Lid Lovely!
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Get Fresh With Dove
I just wanted to share with you my new favorite Dove deodorant. As you may have noticed, I am obsessed with all things Grapefruit. I just love its citrusy, clean scent in everything! So I was thrilled to discover Dove has added a new scent to their line of clear solid deodorants, Energizing in Grapefruit and Lemongrass. It smells so yummy and, as always, keeps my fresh and dry all day. It is a solid white deodorant but if you apply it lightly it goes on clear and doesn't get on your clothes. Try it!
Weekly Web Tour From Total Beauty
- Are you looking for a foundation that will give you that Peaches and Cream complexion? Find out what products The Makeup Divas reviews and recommends.
- Viva Woman shares her tips on application techniques for foundation powder.
- Get Jamie's take on what she feels is the Holy Grail of styling lotions Girl-Woman-Beauty-Brains-Blog.
- Monique at Beauty Girl Musings shares her first FOTD featuring Bobbi Brown's Mauve Face Palette!
- CHANEL Introduces Coco Mademoiselle Shimmering Touch and Twist & Spray-Talking Makeup!
- Want flawlessly radiant skin? Beauty Tyrant has the answer and is totally blown away by this sweet, sweet exfoliator by L'occitane. You'll love it too!
- Beauty Junkie in SF gets smooth gams again with the help of the King of Shaves, for women too!
- Want to know NYC "it girl" Julia Allison's fave beauty tips? Beauty Blogging Junkie scored an exclusive interview! Click here to read Julia's beauty recommendations from body lotion to faux lashes.
- If you like your cosmetics cute and sassy, check out Beauty411'sreview of Jelly Pong Pong Cosmetics. Enter the giveaway while you're there!
- Take care of your skin! Head to The Beauty of Life now for your chance to win over $300 in Murad products!
- A Mom in Red High Heels is giving away an hour consultation with a Personal Shopper! Find out how to enter!
- The Olympics have inspired Jenn over at Beauty in Real Life to try out some gold looks. Check them out here.
- Have you been wondering how to whiten your teeth effectively at home? Frappelattes has found an answer.
- Glossypink reminisces about her first blush and one of her all-time favorite drugstore products!
- Get some Juara in your Jamu! Join Beauty's SPOT as she goes back to her Indonesian roots Juara's Rice Facial Scrub.
- Toya from The Life of A Ladybug talks all about her favorite lip gloss of the summer! Come see what it is!
- Spoiled Pretty is hosting two fabulous giveaways this week. Five lucky ladies will win Fancy, Jessica Simpson's new fragrance...and one winner will receive Essie's Fall 2008 Color Collection. What are you waiting for? Enter today!!!
- Product Girl's own Christina shows you signature smoldering eye look. What's your signature eye look?
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Weekend Beauty Reads From the BBN
- Find out how you can WIN $365 bucks worth of Stila products during The Daily Cookie's anniversary celebration.
- The Muse is rounding up concealers! Check out a brand new concealer review for the weeks ahead at Musings of a Muse! No brand goes untouched! Lancome, Jelly Pong Pong, MAC, Bobbi Brown, and Drugstore Concealer finds are just some of the reviews the Muse will be diving into!
- A Touch of Blusher got to meet YSL's latest eye palette
- The Makeup Divas tells you about a skinvigorating gift set that includes all the tools for looking better.
- Beauty Junkie in SF finds that Too Faced's New Mascara gets right to the point of things.
- Want to know NYC "it girl" Julia Allison's fave beauty tips? Beauty Blogging Junkie scored an exclusive interview! Click here to read Julia's beauty recommendations from body lotion to faux lashes.
- If you like your cosmetics cute and sassy, check out Beauty411'sreview of Jelly Pong Pong Cosmetics. Enter the giveaway while you're there!
- Makeup Moxie reviews the new concealer/highlighter duo, Lorac Double Feature.
- Take care of your skin! Head to The Beauty of Life now for your chance to win over $300 in Murad products!
- Beauty Banter reviews the latest must-have fall color lines - MAC, Smashbox, Tarte, Prescriptives... and more!
- Karen from Makeup and Beauty Blog gives you 18 makeup tips from the talented makeup artists at MAC Cosmetics.
- Check out Rouge Deluxe's buys from the Jill Stuart, Awake, Canmake and Majolica Majorca fall collections!
- Christine from 15 Minute Beauty Fanatic has already found her new fragrance from fall, Bond No 9's Andy Warhol's Lexington Avenue!
- Pursebuzz.com shows you how to be part of MAC Cult of Cherry in just ten minutes. Eyes, lips and hair.. well hair is gonna cost you another ten minutes for hair :P
- Enter Beauty in Real Life's Elizabeth Grant giveaway for a prize worth $100!
- Toya from The Life of A Ladybug talks all about her favorite lip gloss of the summer! Come see what it is!
- Spoiled Pretty is hosting two fabulous giveaways this week. Five lucky ladies will win Fancy, Jessica Simpson's new fragrance...and one winner will receive Essie's Fall 2008 Color Collection. What are you waiting for? Enter today!!!
- makeup loves me exposes you to the rare treats that are givenchy's fall collection - dandy.
- Product Girl's own Christina shows you signature smoldering eye look. What's your signature eye look?
- How do you pull your hair back when you wash your face or put on makeup? Cybelesaysis having a contest to win one that will solve this issue for you.You will go back to your old way of doing it.
Friday, August 15, 2008
Get Them Now or Never: Sephora Whipped Body Indulgences
Most of the time, when stuff is on sale in a store, it is front and center or at least well marked for the customer to see. Well, Sephora puts the real bargain hunter in all of us to the test. When things are on sale in their stores, they are generally very well hidden and there is barely a red sign to be found. Well, once I learned the secret to finding "sale" items online, I knew where in the store to look for things that I knew would be on mark down. One of those were these delicious Sephora Indulgences - Whipped Body Delights. I found them on the very bottom of the Sephora Brand Skincare section, so well hidden the sales person who rang me up said, "huh, I didn't know we had these..." I felt so cleaver! I got a set of four 2.25oz. body butters for $20 in Pink Grapefruit (my absolute favorite. Smells like breakfast!), White Peach, Lemon Drop, and Grapeseed. They are super cute, perfect for travel! I don't see this particular set available online, but my advice to you is to go check out your local Sephora and see what they have hidden away. I might just ahve to go back and buy up the rest of the Pink Grapefruit Body Butters they have at Powell Street...
Bargin Hunt Lovely!
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Smashbox Photo Op Under Eye Brightener
I mentioned last week that I was looking for products to wake up my sleepy looking eyes. I thought I would try Smashbox's Photo Op Under Eye Brightener, since it seemed to be exactly what would deminish my sad dark circles. Now that I've tried it, I am happy enough with it, but it isn't everything I was looking for. It does indeed brighten, by adding a bit of sheen and shimmer, which reflects light to give you the "effect" of lightness. But it doesn't actually cover the dark, since it is very light and pale. If this sounds like enough for you, go for it. The brush applicator makes it easy to use and blending is simple with your finger. For days when you need extra coverage, a more opaque concealer should be used, perhaps underneath, to really covers those shadow.
Brighten Lovely!
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
MAC New View Mineralize Skinfinish Duo
I finally got around to a MAC counter this weekend (I know, took me long enough!!!) and I picked up one of the many MAC products I've been dying for: a Mineralize Skinfinish Duo in Light Medium/Natural And Shimmer from the New View collection. As I had suspected, I love it! It is the perfect summer foundation powder for me. I dust on the matte side (the larger of the two) all over my face after using a little concealer under my eyes and on "spots" and then dust on the shimmer side to highlight the tops of my cheekbones. The effect is quite ethereal, if I don't say so myself. So, congrats MAC, you've done it again.
Dust Lovely!
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Now Available: Sephora by OPI
The OPI nail polish has finally launched in stores and online at Sephora! I think its the smartest thing, to combine a great makeup retailer and a great nail brand to bring beautiful fingertips to everyone! I've been a fan of OPI for a long time and at $9 each, these are definately worth trying out. And of course, true to its reputation for whimsy, OPI has continued to name the polishes it designed for Sephora fun and silly phrases. A few I like: "I'm with Brad" "Its All About Me," and "Never Enough Shoes." This inital collection is full of dark autum tones for this fall season (pictured is "Metro Chic"), but I'm sure they will continue to come out with new and exciting shades for every season to come. Check it out!!!
Paint Lovely!
Marini Lash Contest Winner
I just wanted to thank you all for entering in my Marini Lash Giveaway. I appreciate all the stories people told me about their sad lashes. I wish I had 10 to give away, but I had to just pick one. Congratulations to Jan, who's touching story of a mishap at the eye doctor won my sympathy:
I would really love to try this lash product. Recently I had my yearly eye examination. One of the tests I was given involved pulling back my eyelids to find out if there was any damage from wearing contact lenses. I didn't realize until I got home and looked in a mirror, but the doctor had pulled out my eyelashes when he pulled back the eyelids. Both of my eyes are missing all of the lashes in the middle of my eyes. They were too sore to consider using false lashes so I was forced to look like a freak for one week until I could glue some false lashes on.
My lashes were sparse to begin with, so I'm not even sure if they will grow back. It pains me to think about it. Some people have suggested that I bill the doctor for any treatment I try to use, but I know that it's a valid test he did and it's not really his fault that my lashes are wimpy.
That's my sad story. I would love to win the Marini Lash Contest. It would lift my lash-induced depression.
Thanks,
Jan
I hope this helps you Jan. Now I'm scared to go to the eye doc! Eck! Anyways thanks again to everyone for reading and I hope to have many more giveaways in the future!
Lash Lovely!
Monday, August 11, 2008
Too Faced Lash Injection Pinpoint Mascara
It seems like every month brands are coming out with new ways to coat and paint your lashes. I've noticed that the biggest and best innovation for mascaras have been with the way the formulas are applied, i.e. the brush material and shape.
I've heard great things about Too Faced's Lash Injection mascara but I've never gotten around to trying it. I only have so many lashes to test on, ya know?! So when I was offered the opportunity to try out the lasted version of their legendary formula, I jumped. Lash Injection Pinpoint Extreme Defining, Volume & Lengthening Mascara is unique because of its tiny sleek "pinpointed" brush. At first, it felt weird to use but once I got the hang out it, I loved it. You have to use lots of little strokes but the effect is great. You can literally get to all your lashes, even those tiny ones in the corners, without getting mascara on your face! It grabs on to lashes you didn't even know existed and draws them out and curls them up! I even did my lower lashes for a night out and the effect was dramatic without being spidery or over done. And a huge plus, since this is the type of mascara that forms tubes around your lashes, it doesn't smear or fall down after a few hours. It comes off pretty easily with makeup remover and a little rubbing. It costs a measly $19.50 and currently only available at Sephora.
Lash Lovely!
Sunday, August 10, 2008
The King of Shaves for Women
When I shave I need major protection and moisturization or I get narly razor burn. I've tried shave gels and lotions before but I've never felt they gave me as much protection as good old fashioned foaming shaving cream.
The King of Shaves is aptly named because they obviously know what they are doing when it comes to shaving products. I used King of Shaves Women Pamper and Moisturize shaving gel the last two times I shaved my legs and low and be hold, I have had no issues with razor burn and my legs feel great! This gel has Chamomile, Rose Extract, Vitamin E and Grapeseed oil in it to help with extra moisturizing, which I love. It has a nice light smell, like roses and chamomile tea, but nothing too strong or overpowering. My only complaint is that since it is a gel and doesn't really foam at all, you can't see where you have shaved and where you haven't. Your hand has to do all the checking for ya. Otherwise, it does a great job. Available at select Targets and Duane Reade stores.
Shave Lovely!
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Weekend Beauty Reads from the BBN
- Lilan from The Daily Cookie shows you how to use the TRIA At-Home Laser Hair Removal System and get rid of pesky hairs with an easy video tutorial!
- Beauty Anonymous reviews Flower By Kenzo Summer Fragrance 2008!
- A Touch of Blusher talks about Paul & Joe's lilac eyeshadow.
- The Makeup Divas reviews Mac's Mineralize Skin Finish.
- Got wimpy lashes? Head over to Beauty Junkie in SF to enter to win a Marini Lash Eyelash Conditioner and grow those babies into full, voluminous lashes!
- Want perfect brows? Roselyn from Makeup Makes Me Happy is RAVING about the latest goodies from Anastasia Beverly Hills. Check out this fun video she has put together of all her favorite must-haves!
- Beauty Banter reviews the amazing Thi Cosmetics color line from makeup artist Taylor Pham.
- Makeup Moxie reviews the new Benefit Powderflage.
- Want to know how to get Alicia Keys's hairdo? StyleBell uncovers how to get the Alicia Keys's hairstyle in a few simple steps!
- Hands free hair drying? Cybelesays found a cool gadget that lets you use both hands to style your hair while blow drying.
- Product Girl plays with Josie Maran's line and takes a look at her Finger Paints.
- Beauty Blogging Junkie is giving away ten bottles of Redken Full Frame 07 Protective Volumizing Mousse! Enter here to win.
- Beauty411 shares her new secret weapon to phenomenal fluttering lashes!
- The Beauty Bug video chats with the ladies of Lancome and they demonstrate how to use their new vibrating Ôscillation Mascara!
- Want angelina jolie's beautiful eye makeup? makeup loves me shows you how to get what you want!
- Beauty in Real Life interviews Elke and gets the scoop on The Elke Brow Collection, her favorite beauty products, and the biggest mistake most women make when it comes to their brows.
- Love Kim Kardashian's makeup? Want to know how she does it? Visit Spoiled Pretty for Kim's "Smokey Eye Look" how-to video in which she and her makeup artist, Stephen Moleski, show you how to achieve Kim's signature look.
- 15 Minute Beauty Fanatic has a look at Prescriptives' Fall 2008 Daring Collection! If simple, basic and elegant is what you want, this is the makeup for YOU!
Friday, August 8, 2008
Guilt-Free Showers by Philosophy
Nothing makes me happier in the morning than jumping in a hot shower, grabbing my huge body puff, squirting on a gigantic dollop of body wash, and sudsing up to my hearts content. I want the scent of my shower to remind me of the pleasures in life and Philosophy does it best. Right now I'm indulging in Key Lime Pie every morning, which on fortunately is no longer available. But next time I think I'll try Mimosa. A perfect start to a morning, hung over or not, without the sleepy after effects like the drink. Sound good to you? $16 for 16oz of alcohol-free fun.
Suds Lovely!
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Brighten Your Under Eyes
Living with my new kitten is kind of like having a new baby. He literally wakes me up at 5:45 am every morning! Argh. With this disturbance in my sleep patterns has come even larger and darker circles under my eyes. So I have been looking into a few products that will help me solve this beauty dilemma:
Smashbox Photo Op Under Eye Brightener: This little tub with a handy wand promises to brighten away any darkness that befalls your undereye area, enough so that even the harsh flash of a camera won't scare it. It's super light weight and a sheer shimmering peach that should complement most skin tones. At $18, it is worth a shot, but I wouldn't do wedding photos until you take some test shots.
Make Up For Ever Lift Concealer: This promises not only to hide your circles, but the tiny wrinkles too. It has ingredients to firm as well. Sounds too good to be true?! Well, I tried it and I do like the consistency and coverage a lot, but I got a shade slightly too dark for me. A good rule of thumb when trying to hide circles: go lighter rather than darker if needed. At least at $21 my mistake wasn't so pricey.
Yves Saint Laurent Touch Eclat Radiant Touch Concealer: This is known industry wide as the mother of all concealers. I believe YSL was the first to use the click pen brush, but I could be wrong. It seems like everyone now has a copy of it in their line, but none touches YSL. A makeup artist once said all she needs is a light one to create brightness and a darker one to hide blemishes. It goes on super smooth, like silk. At $40, you better freakin love everything about it. Now available at online at Sephora and in select Sephora stores in Septemeber, and of course at YSL beauty counters.
Click Lovely!
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
NARS Bronzer Blush Duo in Laguna and Orgasm
My personal secret to perfectly glowing summer skin is in this simple to-the-point compact. NARS Bronzer Blush Duo in Laguna and Orgasm gives me just the right amount of color and helps me not look like I live in cold, foggy San Francisco (it was 58 today... some summer we are having!). But I don't look over tanned like some so-cal beach babe either. I'd like to think of it as a healthy touch of sun without the cancer. After I apply my powder foundation and concealer, I take a big soft brush and buff on the Laguna bronzer all over my face, concentrating on the apples of my cheeks, my nose and forehead, where the sun hits first. I blend everything quite well, especially down my neck, and then take the same soft brush and get a bit of the Orgasm blush. I apply this right below the apples of my cheeks backwards. The result is slightly sculpted, bright and very sunny!
Bronze AND Blush Lovely!
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Win a Marini Lash by Jan Marini Skin Research!
I was born blessed with what I consider to be long, lush lashes. Some dark, thick, glossy black mascara and I feel quite glamorous. Some girls are not as fortunate, however. I have quite a few friends who would love to watch their lashes grow over night. And as you age, your lashes get thinner just like your hair! Scary thought, huh? Well, Jan Marini Skin Research has an answer for you!
Ok, it won't happen over night, but if you use Marini Lash Eyelash Conditioner every night, you will see positive results in a few weeks! My girlfriends said she used to get eyelash extensions (omg! I can't even imagine that!) until she discovered Marini Lash. Now she has gorgeous lashes, no gluing involved!
It sounds pretty scientific but the brilliant researchers over at JMSR uncovered a new peptide which, when combined with other essential factors, produces extraordinary eyelash and brow enhancement. This non-prostaglandin eyelash conditioner has produced positive results in all their case studies. All you do it apply it before you go to bed like a clear liquid eyeliner on top of your lashline. Use sparingly! The tube may be pricey ($160) but it should last 4-6 months!
Sounds like something you want/need/desire? Well you are in luck! JMSR has given me a Marini Lash to give away to you, my lovely readers! Here is what you have to do: Send an email to beautyjunkieinsf@gmail.com with the subject "Marini Lash Contest" and tell me why you need this product more than anyone else! The deadline is be next Monday August 11th at midnight PST. I will email one winner for their address so I can mail out the prize!
Lash Lovely!
Monday, August 4, 2008
Badgley Mischka The Fragrance
This is a fragrance I did not expect to like, right off the bat. From previous experiences I know that I am not a fan of anything in a gold bottle. Does that sound weird? Well, it's been true until now. They are usually just too warm and spicy for me. But this fragrance changed my tune.
Badgley Mischka The Fragrance is inspired, just like the designer fashion collection, by vintage elegance and sophisticated glamor. The bottle reminds me of something you would see in a 1940s Hollywood picture, sitting on a lady's elegant dressing table. It is definitely a heavier scent than I'm used to. I would only wear it at night or maybe in the winter. But I feel like it is very unique and memorable and it almost fits who I am, the ultimate goal in picking one's signature scent.
The tops notes are "romantic fruits" like red wild berries, fresh peach and creme de cassis. In the middle it has a bouquet of "sensuous florals" Osmanthus flower (no idea what that is... aren't fragrance ingredients fun?!), white peony and jasmine. The dry down creates "elegant sensuality" with suede musks, indian sandalwood, caramel amber, and patchouli.
Surprisingly enough it doesn't start to stink on my skin with the dry down like some that are this heavy. I would recommend it for someone who is looking for an elegant, more intense fragrance. Even if they are scared of them like me. Just be sure to get a sample and wearing it for a few days!
Spritz Lovely!
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Hilary Duff Wrapped With Love
You know you've really made it as a celebrity if you get to create and market your own fragrance. Then when it actually does well and you get to make another one, wow, you must be big time. Well, I but this is how Hilary Duff felt when she came out with Wrapped with Love, after With Love...Hilary Duff did so well.
I personally think the name is pretty cheesy but they are most likely marketing to young girls. What surprised me the most was that I genuinely like this scent. It starts out with fruity notes (iced honeydew, mandarin, and blood orange) then continues with some soft floral flavors (violet, white lily, and mangosteen blossom). At the base there isn't anything very heavy, just rasberry, vanilla bean, and a touch of musk combined with Hilary's favorite (apparently) white chocolate mousse. Since there isn't much in the base, this scent isn't super long lasting, but great for those who like lighter, easier to "wear and not be worn" types of scents.
So, if this sounds like try it on for size. Just becuase it's marketed towards young girls, doesn't mean you won't like it. Available at department stores, 1.7oz for $38.
Spritz Lovely!
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Weekend Beauty Reads from the BBN
Hello all! Enjoy a relaxing Saturday perusing through the best of the BBN, while I deal with the latest addition to my house, a very rascally (but very cute and sweet) kitten, Ricky. He's had me up since 5:45 am... on a Saturday!
- Come see what baked eye shadows The Makeup Divas are loving!
- A Touch of Blusher enjoys using Dior's Cleansing Gelee.
- Beauty Anonymous likes the smoky blacks and copper bronzes of Shu Uemura Fall 2008 Makeup Collection.
- Lilan from The Daily Cookie gives you tips on how to get Shanna Moakler's teal-eyed look
- Roselyn from Makeup Makes Me Happy is back from her Caribbean vacation with a gorgeous Barbie-inspired makeup tutorial featuring pinks, blues, and purple hues from the latest M.A.C. collections!
- Need more staying power from your makeup? Beauty411 shares her thoughts on Skindinavia Makeup Primers and Finishing Spray
- Want Flawless skin? The Muse reviews Kevin Aucoin The Sensual Skin Enhancer!
- Beauty Junkie in SF tries out Fresh's new contribution to the mascara market, Firebird Mascara!
- The Beauty of Life may have been a blush novice before, but with Benefit Posietint in her life now she's totally hooked!
- Beauty Banter takes a peek inside Sephora's 10 Year Anniversary Party in NYC- you'll go crazy over the products in the goody bags!!!
- Elke shares via podcast, what to do when your makeup isn't working.
- Rouge Deluxe reviews REN Cleansers!
- Beauty Blogging Junkie shows you how you can channel a Mad Men character at various price points.
- Enter Beauty in Real Life's giveaway for a Kara James Rae Wristlet and some CoverGirl cosmetics!
- If loving Bioelements Recovery Serum is wrong, Spoiled Pretty don't wanna be right. Find out why.
- Cybelesays is raving over BOURJOIS' new Shimmering Shine Liquid Eye Shadow. And to help celebrate, we have 20 of them to giveaway to readers. Click here to get more details!
- Erin of Scandalous Beauty, goes back to basics with a video tutorial on the Basics of Applying Eyeshadow.
- Pursebuzz.com was soo inspired by the recent movie Mamma Mia, she decided to recreate the Hairstyle her way.
- Makeup Moxie reviews Revlon Beyond Natural Lip Tint with CoverGirl's new Eye Enhancers shadows!
Friday, August 1, 2008
Firt with Vo5!
This is a silly widget to practice your flirting skills! You sign on as a girl or a boy (I'm assuming most of you out there are girls...just a guess), and enter you date of birth and "name" (pick something fun and cute!) then it matches you with two boys that are actually online. I got to be the Judge, which meant I picked questions/flirtations to ask the "bachelors" and then voted for either one based on their answers. The answers are pretty funny. One of my guys was major rico suave and the other was cute boy-next-door (much more my type!). In the end you pick the one you like the best. Online flirtations! What's next cyber dates?! Crazy technology. But try it out! You might have some fun.
Go Red For Women by Five Star Fragrances
As my search for a new fragrance continues, I'm honestly willing to try anything. I was sent a bottle of this stuff, Go Red by Five Star Fragrances. Never heard of it in my life. But I actually like it. The notes include: Bergamot, Lemon, Pineapple, Succulent Raspberry, Juicy Dark Plum, Orange Flower, Apple, Peach, Sugar Accord, Vanilla, Soft Woods, and Amber. I like that it is fresh and fruity without being sweet. It doesn't cling too much or dry down into muskiness either. And it even benefits the American Heart Association. Hmmm. It's definitely a contender.
Spritz Lovely!