Sunday, August 31, 2008

Sula Stiletto Musk Rollerball Perfume Oil

Stiletto Musk Roll-On Perfume

Sula Rollerball Perfume
Petite perfume packages from Sula, each with its own subtle scent that rolls on light-as-air. Stiletto Musk is A warm, sexy scent with notes of musk, amber, dusky florals. This little creation I just couldn't pass up. At only $18, they're worth it.

Again, while on our Hurricane Gustav stress-induced shopping spree, we ran straight for the doors of Anthropologie - another wonderful boutique I never get to visit "in the flesh". There are none near me, so best bet is shopping them online, which is just not the same.

I tried all versions of the Sula rollerballs - Butterfly Kiss, Champagne Sugar, Sunkissed Citrus, and Stiletto Musk (my choice). Sula also makes these scents in bigger bottles and offers Vanilla Blossom as an additional fragrance choice in that size (1 ounce).

Stiletto Musk is not nearly as heavy a fragrance as one might expect from the description and the notes (it's also described as a 'spice'). It truly is light and smells sweetly of amber and musk in a fabulous, sensuous oil. Small enough for your purse, these fragrances in a rollerball dispensing glass bottle are sure to please even the most discriminating tastes. $18 at Anthropologie and b-glowing.

A 40 Year Old Woman with Harajuku Love

Yes! This 40 year old woman has just purchased herself one of these adorable and fervently yummy fragrances. Love!

So this is the deal. My teenage daughter and I have been trying to pass the time away while on evacuation from Hurricane Gustav. What else would an admitted beauty addict do but shop for beauty in a time of stress? Well .......

While shopping the local Birmingham Urban Outfitters, I picked up a fab little bottle of Love, one of Gwen Stefani's Harajuku Lovers' scents. We don't have an Urban Outfitters near us, so this shopping expedition proved to be quite a treat, and for my daughter - a nice splurge (my bank account is still crying).

Love, a sensuous floral concocted by Yves Cassar and Pascal Gaurin of International Flavors & Fragrances, has top notes of sparkling bergamot, pink pomelo, peach and bamboo leaf mist; a heart of watery peony, living hydroponic lace rose, jasmine sambac, nectarine blossom, creamy paperwhites and Egyptian jasmine, and a drydown of petally ylang, creamy vanilla orchid, sensual musk and blond wood.

I am completely in love with Love! And luckily for me, it's perfectly appropriate for women of all ages ... don't let the cute little doll top fool you. For more information about these fragrances, see my former post on the fragrance line here. Otherwise, you can visit the dolls and girls in their "world" at the Harajuku Lovers website.

Thursday, August 28, 2008

Stay Away, Gustav



Well, it goes without saying but I'll say it anyway - "Here we go again"

My sweeties, depending on what's in store for my little city of New Orleans in light of projected forecasting for Gustav, I may be MIA from here for a while. The folks here are buzzing about filling their tanks with gas, planning evacuations, booking hotel rooms to escape to in northern areas far from the coast and bascially getting their affairs in order. No one wants a repeat of what happened when Hurricane Katrina blew through.

I'll be back as soon as I can. And if I get "stuck" somewhere for days (like during Katrina) and happen to have electricity and internet access, you'll be seeing quite a bit of me here as I try to fill my days with happy thoughts!

Send us a little sunshine ... xo

How to get Cover Girl Sexy Hair

David Stesner

Taken straight from Cosmopolitan, here's how to get fab hair as told by the stylist who knows what he's talking about:

~ For the first time ever, we're revealing all the behind-the-scenes tips and tricks required to create our signature temptress tresses. ~

A Cosmo cover wouldn't be a Cosmo cover without the hair. You know what we mean by that - big, gorgeous, sexy tresses. The signature strand style that's practically a trademark of our covers is a key factor in the ultraseductive quality of the women who grace them. "It's the kind of hair every woman wants to have because every man wants to touch it," says NYC and Miami salon owner Oribe, the man behind the look on these pages. The crucial elements that make these manes so irresistible: softness, shine, voluminous body and, most of all, a tousled quality that gives them a touch of between-the-sheets sultriness. Read on for the step-by-step instructions for creating these luscious locks, so you can score them yourself.

Step 1

The ultimate goal is to create hair that has a ton of body and texture but is still soft and shiny. That said, your first step is to use a styler that will pump up your strands without dulling or shellacking them. Oribe recommends applying a volumizing mousse to freshly washed, still-damp hair and working it through from roots to ends. "Using this product on damp hair will build body and help it hold the style, and it never makes hair look gunky, so use even more than you think you need," he says. In fact, he used three to four palmsful on this style. Other good options: Physique Volume Boosting Foam, $7, or Frédéric Fekkai Full Volume Mousse, $19.50. After saturating all of your strands, use a wide-tooth comb to distribute the mousse evenly and nix any tangles gently.








Step 2

To get the required vixenish volume, begin blow-drying haphazardly, using just your hands to shake out your strands. Another key body-boosting tip: Direct the nozzle of your blow-dryer in the opposite direction of where you want your locks to fall, says Oribe. For example, switch your part to the opposite side while you dry the top of your head. And flip your head upside down (or tilt your head forward like our model does) when you blow-dry your underlying sections. This way, when you style your strands back into the proper place, they'll be set bending toward the other direction, so you'll wind up with lift at the roots. Once dry, rub a dollop of leave-in conditioner or a moisturizing styling cream between your palms and run it over the length of your mane, paying special attention to your ends. This will keep your hair hydrated despite blow-drying it and using hot rollers (the next step). We like Pantene Pro-V Anti-Frizz Creme, $7.49. "The conditioner replaces lost moisture without making your hair greasy," Oribe says.






Step 3

You may think hot rollers create only old-school poodle curls, but they're actually the secret weapon behind the incredible body and shine of Cosmo cover hairstyles. "Since you'll be rolling large sections, you'll get lots of body, plus a little curve and finish on the ends, and the heat creates brilliant shine all the things that make for the tremendous tress sex appeal on the front of every issue," says Oribe. And the rollers work their magic on curly and straight hair alike (unless your hair is supercurly, in which case you'll need to blow-dry your strands straight before you begin). Don't have a set? They're surprisingly affordable and available at any drugstore or beauty-supply store. We like Conair Instant Heat Hairsetter, $34.99. How to use them:# Separate the center section of your mane, as if you were creating a 2-inch wide mohawk starting at your forehead and going back to your nape, then create a loose ponytail on each side of your head. Pull a 2-inch-deep section from the front of the mohawk, hold it taut, place a roller on top of the ends, and roll it away from your face, all the way to your scalp. Repeat until the whole center section is in rollers. # Next, take one ponytail out of the elastic and work on rolling up that side. Take a 2-inch section of hair from your temple and pull it up and across your forehead, then hold a roller diagonally on top of the ends, roll it to your scalp, and secure it. This will give that area major lift. Tip: Keep some tissues nearby to prop under any rollers that feel too hot on your skin. # Now take the section of hair directly below that roller and roll it halfway up so face-framing pieces will be sleek with a slight bend. # Finish rolling under any remaining hair from that side, securing rollers at the scalp. Repeat on the other side of your head. "Your hair needs to cool for about 10 minutes before you take out the rollers, so this is a great time to do your makeup," suggests Oribe. Cosmo cover hair, by the way, doesn't have to be long. So don't worry if your strands are too short for rollers — just follow the same rolling instructions, but instead use a 1-inch barrel curling iron to get Cosmo-fied volume at the roots and curve at the ends.

Step 4

Once your locks have cooled, remove the rollers, but don't touch your tresses for a few minutes. Since the hair that was closest to the roller may still be a little warm, give it some extra time to release any heat; otherwise you could foil your volume. If you need to make your face-framing pieces look more shapely, use a large-barrel curling iron on 2-inch-thick sections, rolling them to just halfway up the length of your hair. Roll some sections outward and some inward for a natural effect.

Step 5

Run your hands through your curls to separate them and get rid of any roller or curling-iron marks. Also, use your fingertips to massage your scalp and boost volume at roots. "If you end up with too much curl, you can soften the effect by brushing your hair with a flat paddle brush while blow-drying it on a low setting for just a minute or two," says Oribe. Finish with a misting of light-hold aerosol hair spray to give your style staying power. We like Paul Mitchell Super Clean Light, $8.95.

source: Cosmo; story by David Stesner

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Shu Deal for You




Thought I'd let you in on an exclusive and sweet little e-offer from Shu Uemura. With all the wonderful reviews on the latest Shu products, someone is bound to want to scoop on this. xo


Click HERE for more info.


Offer ends tonight; get it while you can!

Tarte: 4 Day Stay Lash Stain - back in stock!



Click HERE for more information or to purchase while you can!

KANEBO: Sensai Brush Type Concealer



From luxury skincare and makeup company Kanebo comes SENSAI Brush Type Concealer. Available this month, SENSAI Brush Type Concealer is a treatment product as well as a cosmetic product. Want to know more? Read below ...

The NEW SENSAI Concealer by Kanebo, part of the new Foundation Series, is a revolutionary anti-aging brush-on foundation tool designed to flawlessly cover fine lines, under-eye circles, blemishes and discoloration while moisturizing and firming the skin.

SENSAI Concealer is enriched with Kanzo (licorice) Extract, a traditional medicinal herb taken from the root of the licorice plant and used to gently soothe blemishes and help prevent irritation. A second key component is Moistened Powder, a unique powder pre-moistened and coated with oil that helps to retain the natural oil in the skin. Silk Extract—prevents moisture loss and allows for a smooth application—and Weightless Glow Factor, is an exquisite, feather-like powder with thin, flat granules which provide smooth coverage and which cause light to reflect evenly off your face. The Concealer also now includes the exclusive Koishimaru Silk Extract which provides superior moisturizing to the skin. Koishimaru Silk was once only reserved for the Imperial Family of Japan, Kanebo was granted the rights to work with this precious fiber.
The NEW Foundation Series launching in August has been developed with the acclaimed japanese make-up artist Hisano Komine. Based in Paris, France since 1996 she has produced looks for fashion houses on runways in Paris and Milan and been featured in numerous fashion publications in Europe.

In addition to the new concealer, the line includes:
  • Smoothing Water Make-Up Base deeply hydrates and smoothes the skin preparing it for foundation application. (SRP: $45)
  • Fluid Finish Foundation, moisturizing foundation contains a high amount of water which enables it to provide a veil of moisture to the skin (9 shades). (SRP: $50)
  • Loose Powder (translucent) finishes the look with extremely fine, feathery-light translucent powder with a delicate tint, appropriate for all skin tones. (SRP: $60)

The moisturizing ingredients quickly permeate the skin surface to gently moisturize and nourish; the Weightless Moist Glow Factor is distributed evenly, reflecting light uniformly to achieve radiance and the Moistened Powder is left behind on the skin surface to form a soft veil of oil and moisture.
What is Treatment Makeup? Moisturizing and cosmetic ingredients are applied to the skin in fine layers to achieve a soft dewy complexion and a flawless finish. Water and Silk are layered much the way a fine kimono is layered in Japan . Makeup products are infused with the skincare research, exclusive ingredients and knowledge Kanebo is renowned for.

Available in three shades – light, medium and dark – SENSAI Concealer is designed to work on a wide range of skin tones. Made for sophisticated women, who are always on the go, the SENSAI Concealer features a brush-on applicator with a pen-like design.


REVIEW: Ooh la la ... this creamy, blendable concealer is dispensed easily and softly with the ease of the click-pen brush. Not only are the concealing qualities superb but the skincare elements are truly effective. What results is a brightened under eye area and firmer toned, hydrated skin. There's no pull when patting the concealer into skin like with other concealers. Those who know my loyal love for Mary Kay Signature Concealer will be surprised to learn that as much as I hate to admit it, this may just be a tad better (certainly a tad, ahem, more pricey). You just can't deny the skincare benefits with this product. It's not just that the undereye skin simply appears brighter, more hydrated and healthier, it IS brighter, more hydrated and healthy. And even for my little comment above about the price, one may be surprised to learn it retails for just $33. That's not bad with the name of luxury renowned Kanebo-SENSAI behind it. If you're a fan of brush-type concealers or even if you've not given brush-type concealers a try, the new Kanebo SENSAI Brush Type Concealer is definitely sure to please!

SENSAI by Kanebo Concealer (SRP: $33.00) is available at select Saks Fifth Avenue stores, Bergdorf Goodman, Barney’s New York, and Takashimaya New York.


Tuesday, August 26, 2008

YSL Beauty: Rouge Volupte Silky Sensual Radiant Lipstick SPF15

YSL BEAUTY VOLUPTE SILKY SENSUAL RADIANT LIPSTICK SPF15 - $34

A TEXTURE THAT TRANSFORMS WITH ULTIMATE SENSUALITY - Both light and covering, the cream texture becomes fluid on contact with the lips, for a delightful feeling and an exceptional gliding effect. A nutri-protective vegetal complex nourishes your lips, keeping them smooth, soft and comfortable.

AN OBJECT THAT WOMEN DESIRE - This ultra-sensual texture is presented in an elegant case with beautiful feminine curves. The golden metallic packaging has an intricate carving of the Yves Saint Laurent logo that reveals the shade with a mirror on top for quick application throughout the day.

A GENEROUS RANGE OF RADIANT SHADES - Thanks to the glossy film that reflects the light, and the colorshine complex that magnifies the colour, the 18 shades of this new lipstick will make your lips simply irresistible. Choose your own voluptuous attitude.


For more information and to purchase, please visit YSL Beauty.

Shu Uemura: Tokyo Lash Bar

SHU UEMURA TOKYO LASH BAR 2008

As an expert in the art of false eyelashes, Shu Uemura's Tokyo Lash Bar has established itself to be a hot and trendy beauty staple internationally. Tokyo Lash Bar 2008 introduces new eyelashes boasting interesting new materials and unique, artistic designs. Tokyo Lash Bar 2008 is taking another exciting direction with "Couture Collection", featuring an artistic collaboration with Dutch fashion designers Viktor & Rolf , undoubtedly one of the most talked about designer duos in the fashion community.



Now, these little gems happen to be my favorite. I'm thinking with the right occasion, I may just see if this 40-year-old can pull 'em off. False Eyelashes Mini Indigo - a mixture of indigo blue, sandy yellow and black add a playful yet elegant accent to your usual makeup. Price $18.00

For more information about Tokyo Lash Bar 2008 and to view the Viktor & Rolf Couture Lash Collection, please visit Shu Uemura.

Hilary Swank: French Women Don't Get Fat

Reports are that two time Oscar Winner Hilary Swank has purchased the film rights to french author Mireille Guiliano’s 2004 best-selling book French Women Don't Get Fat; The Secret of Eating for Pleasure. Guiliano is the former head of LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton’s Veuve Clicquot. She is very familiar with French designer labels which are expected to fill the screen.

Ahhh ... oui oui!

Monday, August 25, 2008

FASHION ROCKS 2008 - Stay Tuned!



Fashion Rocks 2008 will take place Fri., September 5, 2008 following NY Fashion Week and will air on CBS the following Tues., September 9th. If this year's event is anything like last year's, this will leave fashionistas and rockers alike drooling over their TV screens.


In 2007, guests flocked to Royal Albert Hall in London to view the spectacular fashion show-concert extravaganza. We were treated to performances by Lily Allen, Iggy Pop and more - electrifying. Designers Donatella Versace, Giorgio Armani, etc. and a host of celebs marked the occasion. Uma Thurman shocked the audience with her dress.

This year's concert lineup is said to include Beyonce, Chris Brown, Mariah Carey, Chris Cornell, Duffy, Fergie (perhaps Black Eyed Peas too), Kid Rock, Solange Knowles, Lil Wayne, One Republic, Pussycat Dolls, Rihanna, Timbaland, Justin Timberlake and Keith Urban. A special appearance by Lynyrd Skynyrd is also among the whisper. Dennis Leary (why?) will host the event at Radio City Music Hall and, of course, the fashion is sure to be stunning. Proceeds this year will go to benefit Stand Up to Cancer.

I can't wait. I wish I lived in New York so I could go. Do you wanna go? Check out tickets at Stubhub for more info (deep pockets). You know, there's not much time left and the Fashion Rocks website is scarce on news and updates. Come on, little doggies, we want more scoop! xo

ALLURE COVER: Carrie Underwood - September 2008



Whew ... Carrie Underwood has come a long way since her American Idol days. Beautiful back then, but with renewed style and glamour, she's fogging many a photog's camera lenses these days. Here's our peak into Allure Magazine's September 2008 issue for more info and tips on the cover look.







EYES
Chanel Soft Touch Eyeshadows in Cinnamon and Beige
Line your upper and lower lash lines with charcoal eyeliner. Next, blend cinnamon and nude (beige) powder eye shadows, and brush them over your eyelids, starting at your lash lines and stopping at the creases.





CHEEKS
Chanel Powder Blush in Horizon
Dab a peach cream or soft peach powder blush on the apples of your cheeks, and blend up and out toward your temples.




LIPS
Chanel Aqualumière Gloss in Bonbon
Apply a sheer, pearly lip gloss--the quiet shade keeps focus on your eyes. Here, a shiny, pink-nude lipgloss by Chanel was applied to Carrie's lips.


For more information and to get the best beauty news, pick up a copy of September's Allure Magazine on stands now.

L'Oreal Color of Hope

The 2008 Limited Edition L’Oréal Paris Color of Hope Cosmetics Bag supports The Ovarian Cancer Research Fund (OCRF), L’Oréal’s 11-year charitable partner. A truly beautiful way to support this vital cause, the Color of Hope Cosmetics Bag, is available while supplies last at L’Oréal Paris retail stores. Please call 888.270.7743 to order and visit lorealcolorofhope.com for more information.

$5.00 of the $25.00 purchase price will be donated to OCRF.

Allure Spa at Barney's New York

[Logo: Barneys New York]

Barneys New York and Allure invite you to a special evening celebrating the launch of Allure Spa. Visit the New York City store on Wednesday, September 24 from 6 - 8 p.m. and receive mini-facial treatments from Sampar and Kanebo, enjoy cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, get a personalized skin consultation by 3LAB chemist, John Kressaty, and more!

Plus, take advantage of two exclusive gift-with-purchase promotions: (While supplies last)
Spend $50 or more and receive a gift bag filled with deluxe samples from participating brands.
Spend $200 or more at any of the 3LAB, Kanebo or Sampar counters and receive an additional gift .


To RSVP for this event, click here.

Smashbox - Revealing Secrets



Check out Smashbox online and you'll see they're revealing some fab tips and secrets to beautiful makeup applications PLUS they've enhanced their website based on shopper feedback. Here's one of the great looks you can gain insider access to:

SOFT SMOKY EYES

For a naturally gorgeous look, try a softer take on the classic smoky eye - one of this season’s hottest trends. Play up eyes with deep khaki greens, plums, and navys instead of classic greys and blacks. Use metallic shades and layer creams and powders to make your eyes stand out without looking too made up. Complete the look with glowing, highlighted skin, contoured cheeks and pouty nude lips.


FACE
For this look, skin should be dewy and glowing, with radiant highlights all over. Start by blending a mix of Photo Finish Foundation Primer and Artificial Light in Glow all over face. Apply High Definition Healthy FX Foundation using Foundation Brush #13, and build additional coverage where needed. Next, blend Photo Op Under Eye Brightener under eyes, then sweep over brow bones and the tops of cheekbones for a soft highlight. To cover any imperfections, warm Camera Ready Full Coverage Concealer on the back of your hand, then blend under eyes, under nose and over any dark areas using Concealer Brush #4. Create a beautifully contoured cheek by sweeping a darker shade of blush (try Blush Rush in Ecstacy) just under cheekbones using Blush Brush #16, then blend a brighter, shimmery one (try Blush Rush in Chiffon) on top using Fan Brush #22.

EYES
Start by applying Cream Eye Liner in Image all over lid to just above crease using Definer Brush #15. Next, use the brush end of Double-Ended Smudger Brush #20 to sweep Image along upper and lower lashlines. Add definition by applying Jet Set Waterproof Eye Liner in Midnight Black along the inner rim using Arced Liner Brush #21. Create a soft, diffused effect and lock color in by blending Eye Shadow in Safari all over the lid to just above crease using Crease Brush #10, then sweep along lower lashline with Definer Brush #15. Use Crease Brush #10 to lightly blend Eye Shadow in Bliss over crease and brow bone. Pump up lashes with multiple coats of Bionic Mascara, making sure to wiggle the wand at the base of lashes for extra definition, then sweep up and out.

LIPS
Fake a plump pout by dabbing Photo Op Under Eye Brightener on the top of the cupid’s bow. Using Lip Brush #6, apply Photo Finish Lipstick in Charming, then add a soft hint of pink with Lip Enhancing Gloss in Pop.



For more great how-to's and tips and to purchase any Smashbox product with free shipping and your choice of free deluxe samples, please visit Smashbox online.

Sephora Early Access Blockbuster Palette

Sephora's Collector's Edition Ultimate Blockbuster Palette LE - $48

The ultimate makeup palette for eyes, face, and lips—all you need for complete classic beauty. Create any look in the book, or your imagination, with the Sephora Brand Collector's Edition Palette. This sleek all-in-one compact opens to reveal eyeshadow, blush, lip gloss, and powder on stackable, sliding trays. A selection of applicators and a mirror embedded under the lid of the compact give you all the tools to create a polished, expert look anytime, anywhere. Now you can make your look a personal masterpiece—from trendy to timeless, the sky's the limit.

The Sephora Brand Collector's Edition Palette sets the gold standard and gets you set. This palette has it all: 71 eyeshadow shades (0.04 oz each), 13 cream eyeshadow shades (0.03 oz each), 5 blushes (0.19 oz each), 1 compact powder (0.19 oz), 60 lip glosses (0.03 oz each), one lip liner, one eyeliner, 4 brushes, 3 sponge-tipped applicators, and a smart, classy black case.



The Sephora Collector's Edition Ultimate Blockbuster Palette is 40% bigger than last year's palette and is being offered at the same price - good news indeed! You must be a Sephora Insider to take advantage of this Early Access buy. To sign up as a Spehora Insider, click here.

WINNER: Essie Nail Polish in Vermouth



Thanks to all who entered the Essie Giveaway. It's always so much fun to host these contests.


Congratulations goes to:
Arlene B. of CT

More giveaways coming soon! And don't forget to enter our PureOlogy Dandruff ScalpCure Giveaway if you're interested. It's a great set of haircare products! xo

Sunday, August 24, 2008

REMINDER: Origins FREE Skincare Set



It's Sunday afternoon. Have you selected your free Origins Skincare Set yet?

Ladies and fellas, this really is one offer you don't want to let slip by. Why? Because there's no minimum purchase - you can order a cleansing bar or a lip tint and STILL score the whole deluxe sample set of skincare. I've loved their A Perfect World skincare for years - it's some of the most creamy, hydrating, antioxidant loaded skincare I've ever tried. Their Organics line sent me running to my computer to order as soon as I heard it was available. This time, I selected the Dr. Andrew Weil skincare set. After reading the Origins Flower Fusion Lip Color review on Makeup and Beauty Blog, I knew that was the item I'd order. I've been wanting to try those listicks for-eva...

I know the promo is set to run until September 3rd, BUT if they run out of quantity before then, you'll lose your chance and they'll end the offer. It's happened to me before, don't be caught on the tail end of a good thing, sweeties!

A Perfect World™Flower Fusion™ - Cleansing Body Bar

Click HERE to take advantage!
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