Saturday, August 30, 2008

Weekend Beauty Reads from the BBN

Link Lovely!

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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!

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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!

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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!

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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!

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Saturday, August 23, 2008

Weekend Beauty Reads from the BBN

Link Lovely!

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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!

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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!

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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!

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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!

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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!

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Weekly Web Tour From Total Beauty

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Saturday, August 16, 2008

Weekend Beauty Reads From the BBN

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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!

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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!

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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!

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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!

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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!

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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!

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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!

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Saturday, August 9, 2008

Weekend Beauty Reads from the BBN

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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!

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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!

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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!

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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!

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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!

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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!

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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!

Link Lovely!

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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.


For more widgets please visit www.yourminis.com

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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!

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