Weekend Beauty Reads From the BBN

Beauty Anonymous reviews Dior 5 Colour Eyeshadow from Dior spring 2009 collection.

Head on over to The Makeup Divas and enter to win 2 tubes of Covergirl's Lashblast Luxe Mascara. While you are there, check out the other giveaways I have.

ThisThatBeauty reviews two new Lancome Collections and does two Lancome Face of the Day looks. Here's Pink Irreverence and for Travel Chic CLICK HERE

Beauty Junkie in SF has found an eye cream she might actually use on a daily basis! No more puffy, dark circles!

The GRAMMY Awards may be over but Cybelesays.com got ahold of 2 of the official post party gifts to give away! Click here to enter.

StyleBell talks to celebrity stylist, David Babaii, on how you can create Angelina Jolie's award winning Oscar half up half down hair style!

Check out another installment of 5 minutes, 5 questions over at Beauty in Real Life. This week the girls interviewed Gretchen Heber from naturallycurly.com. Check it out here!

Link Lovely!

Nanette Lepore Rollerball Fragrance

I am a total sucker for those bins that Sephora has in front of their cash wrap. Without fail, every time I stand in line at that store, I peruse them and end up adding 15-25 bucks to my purchase. But everything is so cute and little, perfect for impulse purchasing!

On a recent trip to visit family in Seattle, I ended up shopping at the very crowded Sephora in downtown. Standing in the rather long line, I looked down and saw a lovely little rollerball fragrance by Nanette Lepore. When I worked at Nordstrom in college, I coveted many of her gorgeous jackets, yet I could never afford them. Her ultra-fem style is fair sweet and pretty, so when I tested out the fragrance on my wrist, I wasn't surprised when that was what I smelled too! I broke my own rule of fragrance purchasing and bought it for $18 without waiting for the dry down. Thank goodness I love it!

This is a lovely floral for those of us who have a thing for fruit. It is on the sweet side, but in a warm, grown-up way. Sephora.com describes the notes as delicate and white, colorful and sparkling, and warm and sensual. In list form, they are: Moonstone Rose, White Peach, White Cranberry Juices, Magenta Nectar, Black Currant, Orange Jasmine, Persian Lime Juice, Velvet Violet, Amber, Indian Sandalwood.

I may have to pick up a full sized bottle now. It is so darn pretty, with the black bow! This scent is nothing like anything else I wear, and yet it fits me quite well I think. All I know is a certain gentleman couldn't stop smelling me the other night... it got so bad, I wasn't sure if he liked me for me or just me for my scent! I am sure it was a little of both.

Smell Lovely!

Liiv Botanicals by Avon Vital Day Cream SPF 20

Everyone is following the trend to be more green, more natural, even Avon. Their line Liiv Botanicals is all about using plant extracts and dye-free and preservative-free formulas. I had a chance to try few of the products in the line, and so far I am happy with them. But my favorite has been the Vital Day Cream with SPF 20. It is every thing I ask for in a good daily moisturiser. It goes on light, absorbs quickly, and has sunscreen! I doesn't irrate my sensitive, combo skin and seems to keep shine to a minimum under my face powder. For $15 bucks, I'll forgive its only flaw, that it comes in a pot which can be messy and unsanitary. I'm looking forward to trying more of the Liiv Botanicals products, and glad to know I can purchase them online without a Avon rep.

Green Lovely!

Murad Moisture Silk Eye Gel

I am still not sure I am ready to commit to using an eye cream on a regular basis, but I may have found one that I will use. Murad's Moisture Silk Eye Gel is supposed to calm and hydrate tired, puffy eyes, especially during the day, with the help of Caffine and Chamomile extract. I don't tend to get puffy bags under my eyes, unless I haven't slept in days, but I do have moderately dark under eye circles. This means I always use quite a bit of concealer on them. This eye cream is a great base for all that because it is silky smooth and absorbs very quickly. It must be the glycerin that makes it feel so silky, and helps my concealer (usually my beloved YSL Touche Eclat) glide on easy and stay on all day. I am not sure this specific eye cream will ward off any wrinkles that are coming later in my life, but it helps my issues now, so I'll take it.

Silky Lovely!

Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion's new shade

Being such a huge fan of Urban Decay's original eyeshadow primer portion, I practically ran to Sephora when I heard they were coming out with a new shade, Sin. My basic everyday shadow is a champagne shimmer anyways, so the idea of my primer being a shimmer makes sense. Now I can get a little extra shimmer by using Sin under my favorite frosts and shimmers, and save my original UDPP for those days I want a more matte look. The staying power is consistant, and I could see wearing Sin alone if I'm in a super rush, although lets be honest, I always make time to do my eyes! A little goes along way, but I like that I can use it as a brow highlighter as well. All in all, a great new product, but same slightly frustrating bottle design. Oh well.

Prime Lovely!

Kiehl's "Close Shaverettes" Simply Mahvelous Legs Shave Cream

Kiehl’s is relaunching “Close Shaverettes” Simply Mahvelous Legs Shave Cream this spring with Svetlana Pankratova, who holds the world record for Woman with the Longest Legs.

With 4 feet, 4 inch legs, Svetlana needs to take extra care when shaving, and she’s chosen Kiehl’s “Close Shaverettes” Simply Mahvelous Legs Shave Cream to smooth and nourish every inch of her legs. So, to celebrate the relaunch and new packaging of this rich cream, Kiehl’s is hosting an in-store and online contest, where our customers can guess how long it takes Svetlana to shave her legs, and win a year’s worth of “Close Shaverettes” Simply Mahvelous Legs Shave Cream.

Through March 15, customers in our free-standing stores and on Kiehls.com can guess exactly how long it takes Svetlana to shave her legs, down to the second. There will be one winner per store, and one winner from Kiehls.com. The customer in each of our free-standing stores and Kiehls.com who comes closest to the exact answer, above or below, will win a full year of “Close Shaverettes” Simply Mahvelous Legs Shave Cream, and can nourish their legs with the unique combination of Allantoin, Chamomile and Sesame Seed Oil that soothes and calms skin, leaving them silky smooth.

No purchase is necessary; entries will be collected in-store and online through March 15. (Customers can enter on www.kiehls.com beginning Feb. 17.)

The newly repackaged “Close Shaverettes” Simply Mahvelous Legs Shave Cream hit stores this month.

Kiehl’s Since 1851 is located in a few places in the Bay Area:

·Kiehl’s Since 1851, 1806 Redwood Highway, Corte Madera, 415-945-9954

·Kiehl’s Since 1851, 2360 Fillmore St., San Francisco, 415-359-9260

·Kiehl’s Since 1851, San Francisco Centre, 865 Market St., San Francisco, 415-644-0112

·Kiehl’s Since 1851, 1848 Fourth St., Berkeley, 510-548-0130

Shave Lovely!

sorry!

Sorry for the lack of posts this week. These short weeks go by so fast and time has gotten away from me. But I have some great products to tell you about and I promise to do so next week! Take care.

Weekend Beauty Reads from the BBN

• Raging Rouge announces the tarte complexion giveaway! Click HERE to enter for a chance to win one of three tarte cosmetic prizes, each with a retail value of $83!
• A Touch of Blusher tries out Jill Stuart's Mix Blush Compact.
• Beauty Anonymous wears Jewel Lips.
• Come see what mascara The Makeup Divasis raving about.
• Beauty Junkie in SF loves Benefit's The Overnighter's Set because it comes with product and her fav, a Hanky Panky, just for Valentine's Day!
• DivaShop reviews some Coastal Scents & e.l.f. Products.
• Elke starts her series on how to take control. Beauty control that is. Part I: Focus.
• Beauty Banter gives you the exclusive dish on Gwyneth Paltrow's hair inspiration!
• The girls over at Beauty in Real Life are having a giveaway with Ralph Lauren's new fragrance.

Link Lovely!

OPI's South Beach Collection

My weekly manicure was quite nice, even though I went alone for the first time. The ladies at Milk + are so sweet, but I think it might be a rule that they can't talk to each other while their are working on a client, which is a welcome change from the typical nail salon chatter. You know the ladies are dishing dirt about themselves and probably you, but the language barrier keep you from finding out!

This time I grabbed a great looking polish right off the counter display, which was for OPI's lastest collection South Beach, a fun, flirty collection great for getting you in the mood for spring. I grabbed Miami Beet, a hot magenta or as they describe it "red-violet." I tried to take a picture of my mani for your viewing pleasure, but I have not mastered the art of photographing nail colors (feel free to send tips!). The photos made it look red, which it is not in the right light. So head to your local salon and demand they get in the South Beach collection if they haven't already. It will make you wish you were heading to the beach this spring break (I wish I was!).

Polish Lovely!

NARS Love Set for Valentine's Day

NARS has put their sexy named products to good use in their offering for V day this year. This great simple Love Set contains some greats:

• Pillow Talk Lip Gloss: a unique, semi-sheer formulation provides serious shine and imparts a warm azalea pink hue. Can be worn alone or atop any lipstick for a perfectly sexy pout.
• Sex Machine Velvet Matte Lip Pencil: combining the convenience of a pencil with the application of a lipstick, this rich, pink-mauve lip pencil provides a matte, creamy finish that will last for hours.
• Orgasm Blush: this cult classic makes cheeks blush a perfect pinky-peach flush and subtly highlights with accents of golden shimmer.

Go pick one up for yourself or someone else, who needs a little love and possibly sex in their lives. $49 at Sephora.

Love Lovely!

Benefit's Justine Case for V Day

I love the idea that Benefit has cooked up this valentines day. Being that many of their products are great for quick fixes or "faking it" makeup, it makes sense to bundle them together for "just-in-e case" you find yourself needing to touch up your look the next morning. It makes even more sense to pair them with a comfy lacy thong! This overnighter's set is available at Macy's o benefitcosmetics.com this February for a measly $38 (Hanky Panky's alone cost ~$14!) and contains: an exclusive Hanky Panky thong: seductively lacy in currant and black & the justine case mini beautifier kit, which includes: california kissin': smile brightening lip shine (0.09 oz), eyecon: brightening eye cream (0.09 oz), benetint: rose-tinted lip & cheek stain (0.08 fl oz), and some kind-a gorgeous: the foundation faker (0.08 oz). I think its a great little set for all and a cute thing to give your girlfriends for V day, whether they have a sweetie or will be out on the prawl looking for one.

Hanky Panky Lovely!

Weekend Beauty Reads From the BBN

• Announcing the first annual Golden Compact Awards brought to you by the blogging community! Vote for your favorite beauty products of 2008 and receive a chance to WIN a prize package filled with items from the finalists!
• Enter to win a Marc Jacobs Star Charm Watch Necklace over at The Makeup Divas.
• A Touch of Blusher reviews Lady Dior palette in French Chic.
• Beauty Anonymous reviews Shiseido's Integrate Nail Polishes.
• Beauty Junkie in SF is loving her weekly manicure with OPI's Mrs. O'Leary's BBQ. Even if the name isn't cute or sexy, it is a hot shade for winter.
• Elke shares her review of the Clarisonic Skin Care System. Find out if it's worth the hype.
• It's Mascara Monday says The Beauty Blog Network, thanks to, guess, which network member!
• ThisThatBeauty meets Vincent Longo! Check out Felicia's interview and makeover. Check out the technique that Vincent Longo taught Felicia for a more lifted look!
• Kyle at Face Candy shows you the web's best FREE Gift With Purchases.
• Beauty Banter dishes on the must-have products for EVERY type of hair!
• Jenn of Beauty in Real Life shares her beauty picks of the week. Click here to find out what they are.

Kiehl's Valentines Gift Ideas

Trios of Kiehl’s “Simply Mahvelous” Lip Gloss and Scented Lip Balm #1 are dressed up for Valentine’s Day this year. For soothing color, choose between a Bright & Warm Set or a Neutral & Cool Set of our Lip Glosses, each featuring one of their brand-new shades, inspired by New York City. For nourishing moisture without the color, try the Scented Lip Balm #1 Trio of the three newest Lip Balm #1 scents: Mango, Coconut, and Vanilla. Each set is packaged in a special Kiehl’s heart box, just for the holiday. The boxed sets are available only in Kiehl’s free-standing stores and on Kiehls.com. So cute! These glosses are extra moisturizing and super smooth. A great gift for any gal.

Or, give the gift of roll-on fragrance. Kiehl's has re-launch of some of their classic essence oils – dating back to the early 1920s. These highly concentrated essence oils are packaged in an elegant amber glass combined with the ease of portability in a roller ball vial. Choose from essence oils of Musk 1921, Coriander 1946, Vanilla 1968 and Grapefruit 1976 Each date corresponds to the original essence’s formulation year created by Kiehl’s pharmacists for patrons who cherished an individual, enduring scent. These four classic essence oils are some of the 122 unique fragrant oils blended by hand in the original Kiehl’s Pharmacy. Very cool. And of course I just an in LOVE with the Grapefruit one.

Gift Lovely!

Mrs. O'Leary's BBQ Nail Polish by OPI

My friend Megan has gotten me into the not-so-cheap habit of getting weekly manicures and I think I am officially addicted. The salon we go to, Milk +, is right between our houses so it is super convenient and so worth the price. It is a lovely hour for us to gossip about the weekend passed and what we have going on in the the coming week. For $12 I get a gorgeous manicure that actually lasts all week long. This week I chose the unfortunately named shade Mrs. O'Leary's BBQ. It is such a sexy deep, blood red, I can't stop looking at my own nails! Usually OPI is better at naming their colors something young and fun or at least cleaver, but oh well. It is hot and a perfect shade for winter, even if it has been 60-70 degrees in SF lately. I know I should but I love you global warming!

Paint Lovely!

Island Michael Kors Burmuda

I was a fan of the original Island by Michael Kors way back when I started this blog over a year ago, but as far I can figure, that has been discontinued and replaced with Island Capri and now Island Bermuda. I tried Capri, but I didn't love the dry down on my skin. I think it smells lovely on other people though. Today I received a sample of Bermuda, which I also really enjoy when it first goes on, but the dry down is a little baby powdery for me. The gift set available at sephora right now would make a cute valentines gift. The white clutch that comes with the perfume and lip gloss looks a little cheap but might be perfect for a night out in Mexico... so start planning you trip now! (I wish...).

Notes: Freesia, Hibiscus, Cassis Buds, Tiare, Peony, Jasmine, Passion Flower, Driftwood, Soft Skin Accord, and Cedar.

Spritz Lovely!