Lancôme Will Pretty Up These Three Starlets for Golden Globes

More Golden Globes scoop, my darlings!

I've just learned that Lancôme will have the fortunate honor of providing the makeup for Kate Winslet, Anne Hathaway and Angelina Jolie for the 66th Annual Golden Globe Awards. All three of these leading ladies have been nominated, so it’s sure to be an exciting evening.

Following the pre-show, Lancôme will share the inside scoop straight from the celebrity makeup artists who create the red carpet beauty looks for Kate, Anne and Angelina.

Ohhhh ... I can feel all the excitement in the air for the event Sunday night. Do you have your Tivo set or are you watching live?

Preparation for The Golden Globes - L'Oreal Beauty, Jewels, Fashion and More, Oh My

The 66th Annual Golden Globe Awards will be telecast live on NBC Sunday, January 11 (8 – 11 p.m. EST) at The Beverly Hilton. L’Oreal Paris consulting makeup artist Collier Strong has released his official red carpet makeup trends, which I'm pleased to bring you below. Also this year, L’Oreal Paris and jeweler Carelle have teamed up to create these GORGEOUS red carpet compacts. They are gifting the Best Actress in a Comedy and in a Drama nominees with them - oh, you lucky ladies! One of these compacts is going to be auctioned off exclusively following the Golden Globes through eBay Giving Works to benefit the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund.

Collier Strong, celebrity makeup artist and consulting makeup artist for L'Oreal Paris, shows us the secrets of perfect eye shadow application. This video shows two examples of eyeshadow application. First a dramatic eye look and then a more subtle, neutral look. Watch this how to video from L'oreal Paris and you will be able to apply your eyeshadow like a pro. Want more from Collier; check out his official forecast of red carpet beauty trends for the Golden Globes.

L'Oreal Paris and The Golden Globes 2009: Red Carpet Beauty Trends

Trend 1
Focus On The Lips
“It’s all about a beautiful bold lip! Whether it’s warm or cool, a bold, opaque, red lip has a very sexy yet romantic feel. The eyes are as glamorous or neutral as your wardrobe dictates. During the day, eyes are kept simple; at night, opt for a darker look. Either way, eye makeup should be blended beautifully and brows should be perfectly groomed for an elegant look. Finish the eyes with long, beautiful lashes. Pair this look with clean, glowy makeup, achieved with foundation, concealer and powder. For cheeks, use a complementary color to the red of the lip that works with your skin tone. Apply on the apples of the check for a pop of color.” – Collier Strong, Consulting Makeup Artist, L’Oréal Paris


Trend 2
Eyes…Use Color!
“Whether it’s a wash of color or a bold, dark statement, using color on the eyes looks gorgeous. Try a beautiful violet, blue or dark purple, or coordinate your eye color with your clothing. Try using color on the upper lids only, or on the upper lids and under the lower lash line. You can even add a hint of color on the inner corners and under the eye…just make sure the edges are blended out beautifully. Think of watercolors and softness…that’s what makes this color work! Use a complementary lip and cheek color for softer eye makeup shades and a transparent lip and cheek look when using bolder eye colors.” – Collier Strong, Consulting Makeup Artist, L’Oréal Paris


Trend 3
It’s All About The Metallics!
“I love a dark, dramatic, metallic eye in black, dark brown, navy or burgundy. It’s very sexy and a great look for an evening party or event. Start with a dark liner that matches your shadow at the base of the lash. Apply a dark metallic shadow on the lid, up to the crease. Lightly run a little metallic shadow under the lower lashes. Use a lighter metallic shadow on the brow bone and on the inner corners of the eye. For a really shimmery effect, you can add an extra highlighter over the entire eyelid. Finish the eyes with dramatic, sweeping lashes. Pair this look with matte, satin skin and keep lips and cheeks very neutral.” – Collier Strong, Consulting Makeup Artist, L’Oréal Paris

I also MUST draw your attention to the fabulous gowns by Temperley of London (you all know I adore Alice Temperley's creations) and Marchesa in particular that Carolyn at the delightful Bloomacious is talking about for potential Golden Globes fashion. You simply have to check out this article - I'm drooling over those dresses.

And if that's not enough news, the adorable and savvy Tammy of A Mom in Red High Heels is basking in the glow of celebrity stars and makeup, hair, fashion, etc all day in the HBO Luxury Lounge at the Beverly Hills Four Seasons Hotel, bringing us live blogging coverage throughout the day about what’s going on with L’Oreal Paris and the Golden Globes. Oh, the life of A Mom in Red High Heels ...

Check back here over the next few days too; we'll be talking more about L'Oreal Paris, Collier Strong and their collaboration with the Golden Globes event this year.

Quickie Contest: Shoes of PCA 2009

Just in a fun mood so running a little quickie contest for anyone who wants to play along. Pictured below are three sets of shoes worn by celebrity beauties during last night People's Choice Awards. Tell me in comments or email me the actresses whose heels are shown in these photos. I'll choose one winner Monday morning (1/12) randomly from those who guess correctly. The winner will receive a deluxe mini Smashbox Lipgloss in the shade 35MM. Good luck to all!

p.s. Make sure you email me your email address with your answers so I can get in touch with you if you win.

People's Choice Awards 2009

Christina Applegate, Olivia Wilde, Jennie Garth



Did you watch the 2009 People's Choice Awards last night?

If you did, you saw fresh-faced, dewy cheeked, coral lipped beauty and sexy, tousled hair with a return, mostly, to simple, elegant glamour. Among my personal favorites of the evening:


Christina Applegate - she looked absolutely stunning; I loved that dark ruby lip and pearlescent skin with her neat, simple bob - she was breath-taking.



Olivia Wilde - she blew me away, as she always does at these shows. She really works her femininity, so elegant, reminiscent of a grecian goddess. And she pulled off the perfect slick-backed long pony-tail, the trend of the evening.

Jennie Garth - another fresh, dewy look of old-hollywood glamour; red lips, bright face, soft voluminous wavy hair.



L-R: Carrie Underwood, Christina Applegate, Debra Messing, Jennie Garth, Jessica Stroup, Jordin Sparks, Kate Hudsoon, Queen Latifah (she rocked as hostess, by the way - love her!), Reese Witherspoon

For the life of me I don't understand why people still entertain this ... uggggh. Really? Enough already.

(click image to enlarge)
The Elegant Ponytail Trend

Olivia Wilde, Debra Messing, Nikki Cox

click image to enlarge

House and his women
House won - twice! Yea ...... I adore House - the show and the actors, actresses. Pictured L-R: Hugh Laurie (House), Lisa Edelstein (Dr. Cuddy), Jennifer Morrison (Cameron) and Olivia Wilde ('13').

Overall, Dark Night took away a bunch of awards, Carrie Underwood was voted Favorite Performer Under the Age of 35 (how's that for a category) as well as Favorite Female Singer, Mamma Mia won Favorite Song, Kate Hudson won for Favorite Leading Lady, House - Favorite Drama and so on and so forth. Check out my blogging buddies and celeb sites for more People Choice Awards Buzz: Hello Dollface, Bellasugar, People Stylewatch, Buzzsugar, Just Jared.

images: Getty, Wireimage, AP

Redken Revamps Chemistry

Stylists can transform your hair with the renovated, luxurious Redken Chemistry (formerly Chemistry System) – customized in-salon treatments utilizing advanced technology and salon professional expertise to meet consumers’ specialized haircare needs. Redken Chemistry repairs, protects and conditions the hair on regular salon visits or can be used as a strong foundation to prepare the hair for chemical services.

“Redken was the first professional manufacturer to use protein and moisture to balance the pH of hair to dramatically improve its health,” explains Patricia Engle, Director of US Marketing Haircare for Redken. “This revolutionary breakthrough is the foundation of Redken Chemistry and what gives these products the power to produce lasting results for consumers.”
­­­
Redken Chemistry helps treat distressed hair as a result of chemical and/or mechanical processes. Chemical distress is caused by the overuse of chemical services such as haircolor, perming, or straightening. Mechanical distress is caused by normal wear and tear from blow-drying, thermal irons, and everyday brushing. Distressed hair results in dry, brittle, frizzy, damaged, weak, sensitized, faded, and/or dull hair.

“We all have hair issues, no matter what age, gender, or length of hair. Redken Chemistry is the biggest hair breakthrough I’ve seen in my 22 year career to address the specialized needs of clients,” explains David Stanko, Haircolor Consultant for Redken. “Redken Chemistry provides protein and moisture to repair, strengthen, and smooth the hair from the inside out; and the Shot Phix locks in the specialized ingredients for lasting results.”

The two-step in-salon service works in conjunction with the Redken Haircare Line, delivering simple solutions for specific problems. Every salon service should start with a Redken Chemistry treatment to prepare the hair for color services and repair hair from environmental or mechanical abuse:

Shot Phase: Specialized ingredients compensate for missing components in the hair. Every shot contains a more concentrated dose of some of the same nourishing ingredients found in the corresponding take-home haircare regimes. Redken Chemistry is designed to work on consumers’ specific hair needs, so stylists can customize Redken Chemistry formulas for clients to solve multiple needs at once. Redken Chemistry offers six Shot Phase formulas to address common hair needs including strength, moisture, color, protection, softness and frizz control:

Extreme Shot Phase deep treatment for weakened, distressed hair.
Color Extend Shot Phase deep treatment for color-treated hair.
NEW! Clear Moisture Shot Phase deep treatment for normal to dry hair.
All Soft Shot Phase deep treatment for dry, brittle hair.
Smooth Down Shot Phase deep treatment for very dry, unruly hair.
Real Control Shot Phase deep treatment for dense, dry, sensitized hair.

Shot Phix: Acidic spray-on lotion formulated with Redken’s Interbond Conditioning System to lock-in the specialized ingredients contained in Shot Phase, rebalance the pH level of the hair, and seal the cuticle to leave hair in its most compact, healthy condition. Stylists select the appropriate Shot Phix based on the type of distress experienced by the hair:

3.5 for chemically treated hair.
5.5 for slightly distressed and mechanically distressed hair.

Want a Redken shot of fabulousness for your hair? Locate a salon featuring Redken Chemistry by visiting Redken.com.

REVIEW: Jade EDP by Olivier Durbano

Olivier Durbano's newest fragrance, Jade, is a continuation of his series of gemstone perfume poems. Long worshipped as the stone of immortality and a symbol of love and power, jade is also thought to bring inner peace, justice and harmony. Durbano’s olfactory rendering of the stone is a beautifully realized green-woody scent. Though we think of jade the ornamental stone as cool and opaque, Jade the perfume has a flavoring of coolness yet is at its heart warm, deep, earthy and refreshingly clear capturing the soul of the stone versus its hard exterior.

Durbano didn't start as a perfumer by profession. An architect by training and a jewelry designer by profession, Olivier Durbano found himself drawn even deeper into the mysterious world of gemstone jewelry, fascinated by their stories and sharing an obsession that has entranced mankind from the dawn of time. The gems, stones and crystals that adorn these pieces and their long histories of whispered charms and omens had a personal meaning to Durbano, one that he connected with fragrance as both lay on the skin and create a mood to both the wearer and the admirer. He decided to explore this “poetic dimension,” taking his time to infuse perfumes with the feel of mystery, beauty and intrigue of gems and making each scent a perfume poem, a magical olfactory ode to the gem or crystal which is represents. Seven fragrances are planned for his unique Bijoux de Pierres Poèmes (Perfumes of Stones Poems), each one unearthing fragments of buried memories and emotions, the scents themselves linking to precious or primitive stones -- contemporary talismans to offer to a world in search of pureness, harmony and serenity.


As the fragrance opens, what strikes me is the mint, yet this is not a peppermint or spearmint sweetness, more the crisp essence of mint after its lingered amongst your senses for a while, lending the quality of refreshment. The tea, vetiver, patchouli and musk blend harmoniously deepening the heart of the fragrance and giving it its warmth. The amber is very subtle, warming, further enriching its earthy quality. The scent takes on a decidedly more masculine feel in character however is delicate in nature, not at all robust. This is not a sweet, frilly creation. The mood of Jade is calm yet freshly renewed. Its green color reiterates its gemstone muse housed in a simple, modern, architecturally-clean bottle.

Jade notes: green tea, star anise, mint, cardamom, iris, jasmine, Chinese cinnamon, amber, patchouli, vetiver, moss, musk, immortale, mathé

Bottle - 100 ml $125

To learn more about frenchman Oliver Durbano and what inspires him, I strongly encourage you to check out The Scented Salamander's splendid interview with the designer. Jade by Olivier Durbano is available at Luckyscent. You may request a small sample (1/32 oz - $4) of Jade, or just about any other fragrance in their offerings, from the dear angels at Luckyscent. It's a fantastic way to try a fragrance before purchasing the bottle. I just adore Luckyscent - so many delicious fragrances, so little time.

YSL Spring Look 2009

Contemporary art inspires the YSL Beauty Spring 2009 Look!

Discover an explosion of vivid colors, graphic lines and sensorial textures revealing a strikingly modern interpretation of beauty. Model Coco Rocha highlights the look beautifully.

FACE
· Touche Éclat Radiant Touch N°1 Luminous Radiance $40
· LIMITED EDITION Palette d’Artiste Collector Powder for the Complexion $62

EYES
· LIMITED EDITION Palette d’Artiste Collector Powder for the Eyes $62

· NEW Easy Liner for Eyes Automatic Eyeliner N° 3 Easy Blue $32

· NEW Everlong Mascara Lengthening Mascara N° 7 Ever Steel Blue $27.50

LIPS

· NEW Fard à Lèvres Rouge Pur N° 144 Silky Apricot $29

· NEW Gloss Pur Pure Lip Gloss N° 3 Pure Coral $29

NAILS

· NEW Nail Touch Nail Lacquer Pen Brush N° 6 Coral Touch $25

For more information, visit YSL Beauty online or your nearest YSL beauty counter.

Bliss Introduces Peeling Groovy

Bliss' introduces Peeling Groovy. a new product they say will offer age-fighting benefits in a facial serum. Per Bliss, this gently exfoliating formula is a triple threat against aging: it simultaneously perfects skin’s texture, lightens dark spots (from sun, breakouts or other complexion-related mishaps) and lessens the look of lines and large pores. With moisture-magnetizing AFAs (Filaggrin-based amino acid antioxidants) instead of irritating AHAs, it’s A-OK even for those who skew sensitive. Good for all skin types and gentle enough to use day and night.

Peeling groovy is a dermatologist-developed, oil-free, non-irritating, amino acid exfoliating serum for all skin types!

Why they say we're going to love it:

•smoothes fine lines and minimizes pores

•gently exfoliates to address uneven skin texture

•attracts up to three (3) times the normal moisture levels for supple skin

•brightens skin discolorations (age spots, sun spots, post-breakout dark spots)

Peeling Groovy retails for $65 and is available online at BlissWorld. Check them out for more information or to claim your bottle today.

AE - A Pleasure Doing Business

A much needed update is in order and I apologize for not getting it out sooner!

Many of you commiserated with me when I told of our unfortunate incident at the American Eagle store here in Mandeville, LA a few months back. Interestingly, I see someone has commented anonymously to that post just yesterday from what appears to be a personal point-of-view. Although I generally hate to disappoint my commenters, there is a happy ending to this story.

I am delightfully pleased to report that American Eagle does take service to their customers very seriously. Those of you who follow FTLOB will remember there wasn't much attention given at the local level when I reported a rude sales manager. Corporate and regional management, however, did take notice. I was contacted by both departments, and I have to give them tons of kudos as I was lax in replying to their attempts to receive more information. We did finally speak and my children and I received an apology on behalf of the company as well as a gift card to enjoy during the holidays.

I have to admit I am very appreciative American Eagle took the issue so seriously and made as many attempts as they did to gain information and rectify the situation. I really feel like it is important for companies to know how they are being represented to the public, and it's nice to see that when that representation goes sour, someone takes notice and something is done about it. I've been back in the store several times since the incident and have received pleasant and friendly service each time. Furthermore, the regional manager was kind enough to give me her cell phone number and encouraged me to contact her at any time with good or bad customer service issues. I assure you, I will!

So to the commenter - was this a good example for my children? Darn tootin'! : )
I don't want my children to feel like they have to sit back and be treated disrespectfully, especially when they're paying for a service or goods. I also wanted them to see that this kind of behavior is not taken lightly from a management perspective, and thankfully American Eagle rose to the occasion. Many thanks to AE for wanting their customers to enjoy a quality, positive, pleasurable experience in their stores and for taking to heart the concerns of this one little customer. Looking forward to many future visits!

For those who haven't tried their gorgeous new fragrance we talked about earlier - the Aerie Fragrance - what are you waiting for? : ) It's lovely, light and universal in appeal. Visit their online store for more information or stop in and test it for yourself. Aerie fragrance retails for $39.50 a 1.7 oz beautifully decorated bottle.

MAC Lash & Dash

Want a little more length, flair or drama to your lashes? MAC offers it all in Lash Dash...

The Mighty Lash assumes its pre-eminent place! The new, hard-edged 42 Lash, the wispy yet dramatic Blinking Cool! Lash, and their bestseller lineup of can't-live-without lashes flutters and favours its fans, and all the It-girls who love them.



Here's the line-up. (L-R, T-B)

36 LASH - $12
Originally launched as Sultress Lashes. Full lash, creates a naturally dramatic look. M·A·C Lashes are handmade to exact specifications. Each pattern and design is perfectly shaped and arranged to give a striking effect, whether the look is natural or dramatic. Available in a variety of shapes and densities. If properly cared for, lashes can be reshaped or adorned if desired.

42 LASH - $12
A set of natural hair lashes specifically fashioned for style and drama. Impeccably dense at the lash line, gradually lengthens into an uneven array of wisps and clusters. The lash equivalent of a shag cut.

BLINKING COOL! LASH - $12
A high-style set of natural hair lashes combining length and intensity with a lightly flirtatious nonconformist look. Lashes overlap and fan out to provide a flatteringly luxe – and lush – fringe.

2 LASH - $12
Adds length. Features a wispy fringe. M·A·C Lashes are handmade to exact specifications. Each pattern and design is perfectly shaped and arranged to give a striking effect, whether the look is natural or dramatic. Available in a variety of shapes and densities. If properly cared for, lashes can be reshaped or adorned if desired.

6 LASH - $12
Adds length. Provides a full, wide-eyed, spiked look. M·A·C Lashes are handmade to exact specifications. Each pattern and design is perfectly shaped and arranged to give a striking effect, whether the look is natural or dramatic. Available in a variety of shapes and densities. If properly cared for, lashes can be reshaped or adorned if desired.

7 LASH - $12
Natural length. Everyday glamorous. M·A·C Lashes are handmade to exact specifications. Each pattern and design is perfectly shaped and arranged to give a striking effect, whether the look is natural or dramatic. Available in a variety of shapes and densities. If properly cared for, lashes can be reshaped or adorned if desired.

Lash Dash is available at MAC counters and online at MAC Cosmetics. Shop now and receive free standard shipping with any Lash Dash order. Enter code: LASHDASH at checkout. Offer ends 1/5/09.

Treat Yourself to a Facial Detox to Begin the New Year

It's time for a detox!

You already know I'm a huge fan of Organic Apoteke. I'm treating myself to a detox facial with their products tomorrow night in preparation for a new year and back to work. It's amazing what a little pampering and clarifying can do not only for your skin but your state of mind. I'm ready for it!

Organic Apoteke's Detox Face Mask is a clarifying mask designed to draw out impurities. Green clay clears pores while mineral-rich Dead Sea mud soothes the skin. Organic Papaya extract exfoliates - revealing a clear, radiant complexion. As an added treat, check out Dr. Nitasha Buldeo's Weekend Detox Plan. In it, she offers suggestions and tips on getting fit, healthy, gorgeous skin and putting spring in your step.

For usage, apply a thick layer to the face and neck after cleansing avoiding your eye area. Leave on for 15-20 minutes and rinse off with warm water. OA recommends following with their Active Herbal Toner and Active Face Hydrating Gel. I enjoy their Radiance Line so I follow with those products. Their Rejuvenating Face Cream is divine.

Got a blemish? Apply a dab of Detox Face Mask as a night-time spot treatment. Excellent!

Detox Face Mask is available in a 1.7 oz jar and retails for $36.95 a jar at OA counters nationwide or online at Organic Apoteke.

Coming Soon ~ Favorites of 2008

Coming soon!

Some of you favorite beauty bloggers are putting together their lists of 2008 favorites in cosmetics, haircare, skincare, fragrance and fashion and For the Love of Beauty is excited to join it. For a review of what we favorited in 2007, click here.

Be sure to check back January 10th to see if your favorites are among some of ours! xo

images/mu artist: christopher ardoff

Extraordinary Jewelry of Majo Fruithof

Photographer Patrizio di Renzo created these stunning photos for Swiss jeweller Majo Fruithof's 2009 Collection. This is no ho-hum line of jewels, ladies; top model Iekeliene Stange modelled for these images. Per Fruitoff, "There is an irresistible fascination in interpreting materials and shapes within the context of individual beauty. From clear structures, reduced in their contrast, exciting new ideas evolve which underline the radiance of unique personalities."

Converting those ideas into reality requires creativity and craftsmanship at the same time. When precision and perfection go hand-in-hand, surprising effects arise which only show themselves when they are touched. What appears to be static design reveals itself as silky soft and flowing. These are the concepts behind Fruithof's jewelry.

click image to enlarge

To experience the extraordinary collection and creative photography, please visit the website of Majo Fruithof. There, you'll learn more about the jeweller and be transformed by her sense of aesthetic.

Cast Your Vote for the Golden Globes at Buzzsugar

This is so much fun!

Buzzsugar of the Sugar Networks is running a fun contest wherein you cast your vote for who you think will win best in category for the 2009 Golden Globe Awards. If you pick the most correct winners in these 25 categories, you could win a 160 GB Apple TV and $200 from iTunes to fill it up with your favorite Globe-winning TV shows and movies!

They'll have all kinds of Golden Globe coverage over the next couple of weeks, including their live blowout on Jan. 11 with red carpet posts on Pop, Fab, and Bella and chatter about the winners on Buzz.

You can watch the presentation of “The 66th Annual Golden Globe Awards” Live telecast on NBC Television, Sunday, January 11, 2009 at 8 p.m. EST. I can't wait for red carpet looks!

Until then, get your little self over to Buzzsugar and tell 'em who you think will win this year.

Click HERE to cast your vote for the 2009 Golden Globe Awards at Buzzsugar.

Beauty Encounter: Where Beauty is @

As a New Orleanian, I can't tell you how much it scrapes against the proverbial chalkboard to hear a statement using "at" as the closing word. Folks here use it all the time, and it just ain't correct english ... (lol). Where y'at? Those with more class might answer, "Um, behind the at".

Having said that, although Beauty Encounter uses the saying 'Where Beauty is @' as their slogan, Beauty Encounter, or more affectionately, b.e., exudes a good bit of class! I came across them during 2008 while searching for skincare after reading about them in a magazine (I forget which one), and I decided to visit them again today. Wow - they are expanding and growing like wildfire.

Catering to savvy, online beauty shoppers and offering many hard-to-find lines and products, they are definitely a place to shop when you're in the mood for something unique, lovely, checking for a discontinued favorite, or just wanting the option to select from a number of brands (including department store) in one place. With more than 1,000 unique brands and new products added daily, Beauty Encounter is a premier online source for fragrances and beauty products. They've stepped on the bandwagon of offering free samples (you get to choose them) with purchases and a host of other market friendly incentives. They're pricing is nicely discounted off regular retail cost. We're all pinching pennies these days, so saving a penny here a penny there is really becoming a must-offer for retailers wanting to earn our business.

Beauty Encounter is consistently given high ratings by consumer advocate websites for reliability, customer service and product selection. In 2007, Internet Retailer magazine ranked the online beauty source on its “Top 500 Guide,” and Inc. Magazine listed it on its “5,000 Fastest Growing Private Companies in America” list. In 2006, the company was named a “Gold Honoree for Excellence in Service” by BizRate, joining an elite group of internet retailers rated the "best of the best" by millions of online shoppers.

So begin 2009 with a fresh start. Check out Beauty Encounter's hard-working exfoliation products or grab a much wanted item you just missed getting from Santa. Enjoy 15% off your entire purchase at Beauty Encounter now. The offer ends 1/5/09.

Click HERE and enter promo code: A7HK9V at checkout to save your 15%.

For more information or to do a little online window shopping, visit Beauty Encounter.

Too Faced Launches Smurfette Collection

click image for higher resolution detail

Blue is the new black this season as in-the-know trendsetters flock to get their hands on the hottest, limited-edition cosmetic collection to hit the market -- Too Faced's The Smurfette Collection.

Inspired by Too Faced's Founder and Creative Director, Jerrod Blandino's, favorite childhood "idol" -- The Smurfette Collection turns 80s fantasy into today's beauty reality. Produced under license from Sony Pictures Consumer Products Inc. and Lafig Belgium s.a., this 5-piece Collection will bear the iconic Smurfette imagery and celebrated character artwork. Debuting at Sephora U.S. stores and on Sephora.com, this fun and flirty assortment will hit shelves in January 2009. As a limited-edition launch, savvy Smurf(TM) fans will need to act with Smurfy speed to get these stylishly chic items before they sell out!

The Smurfette Collection includes...

• Smurfette Mood Swing Lip Gloss, $18.50: A mood activated lipgloss that starts off Smurfy blue and then magically blossoms into countless shades of Smurf-berry pink depending on the wearer's emotional state!
• So Smurfy Illuminating Face Powder, $26.00: Created in the image of Smurfette, this multi-shade palette brightens and tones with a combination of soft, color-correcting shades that blend together for wear on any skintone.
• So Smurfy Eye Shadow Collection, $32.50: A chic palette that includes four complimentary eye shadow shades -- two of which are debossed with the classic Smurf daisy and Smurfette's silhouette.
• Smurfy Eyed Liquid Liner, $17.50: Two long-lasting, fast-drying liquid eyeliners, in Smurf-inspired blue and white shades formulated with sparkling, micro-glitter for added impact and edge!

Jerrod explains his inspiration for the Collection: "I am constantly drawing from my childhood experiences and many artistic genres. As a child of the 80s, Smurfette was the 'It Girl' of my generation. It all coalesced one morning when I was jolted awake out of a deep slumber by a nagging thought that had been swimming around my head for awhile -- 'What Happened To Smurfette?' I had visions of her luxuriating up in the Hollywood Hills, jaded by the intensity of the limelight, but poised and ready to make her return! She was the only girl in a village of adoring men who seemed their whole reason for living was to bask in her blue-tinted spotlight. She was the epitome of the Too Faced girl and would inspire a whole new crop of fashionistas to up their feminine ante and capture the world's adoration. I drifted back to sleep with visions of what shades, textures and formulas I would use to create a Collection worthy of such a beauty icon," explains Jerrod.

The Collection is positioned to attract both the Smurfette and Too Faced loyal fan bases as well as new shoppers looking for innovative, larger-than-life, high quality cosmetics. The authentic line is designed to appeal to the young at heart, hipsters looking for a dose of trendy nostalgia and any glamour girl that lives to play with makeup.

The Smurfs, known by many names in countless languages, are beloved all over the world. In celebration of The Smurfs' 50th anniversary, Sony Pictures Entertainment previously announced that a live-action/animated hybrid Smurfs motion picture is in development, to be produced by Columbia Pictures and Sony Pictures Animation with producer Jordan Kerner (Charlotte's Web) and writers David Stem and David Weiss (Shrek 2 and Shrek 3).
Juli Boylan, Senior Vice President, Worldwide Consumer Products for Sony Pictures Consumer Products, added, "Smurfette is the quintessential glamour girl and a perfect fit with a brand as bold, bright and glamorous as Too Faced."

I really had to search to find this collection on the website, but it IS available at Sephora.com if you search for it. (click this Sephora link to catch my search results). I expect this collection is going to go over like gangbusters when more news of its birth hits the cyber-waves! Enjoy ...

Happy New Year One and All

We've holidays and happy days,
And memory days galore
And when we've toasted every one,
I offer just one more
So let us lift our glasses high,
And drink a silent toast
To the day, deep buried in each heart
That each one loves the most




Wishing each of you a safe, happy, delightfully beautiful new year! xo





illustration: david downton

REVIEW: L'Oreal Paris Double Extend Beauty Tubes Mascara

L'Oreal introduces new Double Extend Beauty Tubes Technology, a revolutionary lash extension effect mascara the provides up to 80% longer-looking, nourished lashes.

Step 1 - Nourish & Protect
Step 2 - Tubes extend lashes
Step 3 - Remove with just water

Tube Benefits:

• Clump-free length
• Smudge-proof
• Flake-proof
• Longwearing hold
• Ophthalmologist and allergy tested
• Suitable on sensitive eyes & for contact lens wearers
  

Oh my goodness - I am soooo excited about this mascara that I couldn't wait until the new year to tell you about it! I received this probably a couple of months ago and put it aside since I already have a favorite mascara.

I was a completely hooked Mirenesse Secret Weapon devotee and occasionally I'd use my Blinc Mascara - both are mascaras that form tubes around your lashes and boast fantastic results. But enough about them, I want to tell you about my new mascara love, and it's, are you ready for this, drugstore brand! Try not to let your jaw hit the floor as you ghasp on that one.

Well, it goes like this, when my eye caught the package last week (casually thrown under my desk on top of boxes of other things I'm ashamed to admit), I saw the mascara was a tubing formulation in the shade Blackest Black. It intrigued me, as these things do, and I decided to give it a try.

Yowza! This stuff is F-A-N-T-A-S-T-I-C! It gives all the same results my higher priced tube-yielding mascaras give: no clumps, no smudging, flake-proof, length, easy to apply, and doesn't come off until you wash it off (with water)! However, L'Oreal's Double Extend Beauty Tubes Mascara is BETTER! It lengthens better, produces more volume, curls my lashes better, and has even stronger staying power.

The product comes in a double-ended wand. It's a two-step process to apply. You simply coat your lashes with the conditioning formula (a white color), then apply a coat of the tubing mascara (black color) over it. You can apply additional coats if desired, but one is enough to prove the product delivers on its claims.

Ladies, if you're in the market to try something fabulous in mascara OR you already know you like the tube formulations, you have got to get this. At $10.95 - $14 (depending on where you buy it), it's a steal compared to the other tubing mascaras. You can even print off a coupon for $1.00 off courtesy of L'Oreal - click here (then click on Cosmetics from the home page, coupon offer at bottom of page). It truly compares to department store and high end mascaras, and in my opinion significantly exceeds with results.

L'Oreal Paris' Double Extend Beauty Tubes Mascara is available in drugstores nationwide, or you may purchase it online for $10.95 at Drugstore.com.

p.s. - Drugstore.com also has a L'Oreal special offer going on now. Buy one L'Oreal product, get a second L'Oreal product at 50% off! (offer ends 2/9/09)