Do Tune In: Lots Going on at CARGO Cosmetics

1.

CARGO's Pro Picks Collection is like having your own personal professional amkeupartist in your makeupbag.  With it, you'll use the same CARGO products favored by top artists on Hollywood sets and high fashion runways.

The kit, an $84 value, is found exclusively at Ulta and may be purchased for $39.  Here's what you get:

• Color Eye Palette in Los Angeles: The quad encourages play and experimentation! The newest additional to the CARGO Color Palette family contains four vibrant professional-quality eyeshadows in a combination of opalescent turquise, amethyst, aqua green and cream. They may be layered, mixed and blended for countless combinations of looks.  What I love about this quad is it gives you the hot shades of the moment.  That amethyst (mixed with the others for variety) is definitely a Spring "Yes!" and the gorgeous opalescent turquoise makes a perfect eyeliner when used wet for deeper pigmentation.  The turquoise as an eyeliner is THE spring/summer "Do!"
• Blu_Ray Mascara: High definition lashes for real life, though it was created for high definition filming to provide flawless results.  The mascara features a special comb that lengthens, curls and defines.
• Reverse Lip Liner: This is a makeup artist's and a beauty addict's best friend for fabulous lip definition. Line the outer edges of lips with this flesh-toned liner. The result: added definition, reduced feathering, locks lip color in place and gives the look of plumper lips.
• Classic Lipgloss in Tobago: A soft, nudish baby pink gloss features CARGO’s famous, award-winning, non-sticky formulation in a handy tube and wand applicator with built-in Timestrip® technology to show you when your gloss needs to be replaced. The silky texture is both hydrating and nourishing for lips and the Tobago shade is a fave of professional MUA's.

For more information on CARGO Pro Picks Collection or to purchase online, visit Ulta.  At this moment, in addition to the three (3) samples you get to choose yourself, Ulta is also featuring a FREE 12pc Spring Sample Bag with any $40 Purchase! But it ends today, 4/10/10 so hurry if you want to take advantage of the GWP.

2.

Be the Change You Want to See in the World

CARGO Cosmetics has announced an expanded partnership with one-stop, upscale cosmetics shop CVS Beauty 360. On April 8th, CARGO’s revolutionary, 100% natural PlantLove™ Collection was made available in CVS Beauty 360 stores nationwide.

CARGO Founder and President Hana Zalzal comments, “The timing couldn’t be better to partner with such an inventive retailer. Beauty 360’s goal of creating a convenient way to shop for all beauty products is entirely consistent with our philosophy of making make-up better, smarter and easier for the consumer. Together, CARGO and Beauty 360™ will offer high-quality, professional-grade cosmetics that are accessible to every woman. We are excited to expand CARGO’s relationship with CVS Beauty 360 as our newest PlantLove™ retail partner.”

We've talked with you about CARGO Cosmetics’ PlantLove™ Collection before, but here are the highlights:

Always innovating, CARGO Cosmetics introduced PlantLove™ by creating the first-ever environmentally friendly lipstick. Even the packaging, a compostable tube made entirely from corn, is “green.” In response to the overwhelming success of the lipstick, CARGO launched a full PlantLove™ Collection, the only prestige brand to be given ECOCERT™, the highest eco-distinction. This global designation ensures that all product, process and packaging meet the strictest standards for natural, organic and environmentally friendly content.

Can make-up truly be good for you? All products in the PlantLove™ line are free of parabens, phthalates, petro-chemicals, synthetic dyes and fragrances. The cosmetics are only manufactured in countries with solid environmental and labor records. This means that PlantLove™ is entirely in harmony with Mother Earth.

Hana Zalzal added “For us, PlantLove™ has always been more than a product, it’s a movement. As Mahatma Ghandi said, ‘Be the change you want to see in the world.’ We believe that small actions taken by large groups can change this world.”

3.  

Now, last but certainly not least ...

On Sunday, April 11th, CARGO International Make-Up Artist Renée Ryan will be featured on QVC highlighting the very best CARGO products and sharing her famous “tips and tricks.” Here’s a sneak peak at just one of the amazing products she’ll be featuring:

Water Resistant Bronzer

Turn up the heat this summer with CARGO’S Water Resistant Bronzer! Water Resistant Bronzer arrives in the fabulous and universally-popular Medium shade that CARGO fans know and love. Plus, a unique blend of ingredients including mica and powdered silicone provide the ultimate staying power. So, beach bums and poolside divas alike can relax and know that beautiful, bronze glow won’t go anywhere.

Renee’s exclusive tip: Use Water Resistant Bronzer the way you would any bronzer you love. Simply brush it on above the brow bone, under the cheek bone and along the jaw line. Basically trace an ‘E’ and a ‘3’ on either side of your face. I also love to add a little bronzer to the neck, chest and shoulder area for the perfect summer glow.

So, be sure to tune into QVC tomorrow, Sunday, April 11 at 7:00 PM Eastern time to learn more about CARGO and catch more of International Make-Up Artist Renée Ryan's professional makeup tips!

BECCA Cosmetics Beauty Offer Online at Beautyhabit! But You Gotta Hurry ...

Natural. Beautiful. Flawless. That's what we've come to know and love about BECCA Cosmetics.

Rebecca Morrice Williams, founder of BECCA, started her career as a make-up artist in Perth, Western Australia. Frustrated by her own inability to find the 'perfect foundation' that would look natural, conceal blemishes, feel weightless on the skin and stay fresh all day she set out to create it herself. The result is the ultimate range of skin-perfecting products that make it possible for ALL women to experience the pleasure of a flawless and radiant complexion.

Through her passion and persistence, Rebecca has developed a range of cosmetics that has delighted the most demanding make-up artists of the world, excited the most respected beauty editors and met the needs of the busy modern woman. BECCA's Luminous Skin Colour Foundation was the first product I tried from the brand, and I fell in love instantly.  For the first time I could actually wear a number of the shades in the offerings, rather than just one of a brand's shade options or try to make a color work for my skin. Even better, the texture and formulation of the foundation is beautiful.

Enabling ALL women, regardless of age or ethnicity, to achieve a natural looking, flawless complexion is the bedrock of the BECCA philosophy.  What I love best about this brand is that her products are user-friendly and multitasking.  Lip products can be used to create a perfect flushed cheek, cheek products create a softened, natural pout, foundations as concealers, it goes on and on.
 
Where better than niche Beautyhabit to find and purchase your BECCA Cosmetics favorites (or find a new love you've not tried before)?  Just perusing the pages online at Beautyhabit makes it a unique and altogether pleasurable shopping experience.  And through TODAY (or when products run out), you can score a complimentary BECCA Jewel Dust Shimmering Eye Powder in Laila ($24 value) with your BECCA purchase of $75 or more; use code: BECCA at checkout.  It ends today, 4/10/10, so be quick.

Hey Seattle, Moore & Giles Leathergoods Trunkshow Airstreaming Your Way

YOU ARE INVITED

77 year old American leather-maker, Moore & Giles is bringing their Airstream full of leather bags, wallets and accessories to BALLARD to give you an opportunity to shop the entire collection. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to see all the models and leathers up front and shake hands with the people that make it happen. You will also be able to purchase any item that day to be delivered to your home the following week.

APRIL 9th & 10th

10 am to 6 pm

Where: Giant Airstream parked in front of The Field House

Beverages and light refreshments will be served.

THE FIELD HOUSE

5465 Leary Avenue NW

Seattle, WA 98107

(206) 297-6093

HAUTELOOK: Fusion Beauty Fabulosity ~ Unbelievable Prices

FusionBeauty has truly mastered the art of innovation, by continuing to fuse breakthrough discoveries in dermatology, cosmetics and biological sciences to create smart, safe, high performance products. I think I probably use a LipFusion product everyday. I've got their plumping tubes (in colors and clear) in my handbag, office drawer, makeupbag and bathroom. Yes, I know, a bit indulgent, but they've become a fave and I like to have 'em around when I need a little extra oomph for my appearance. I even make sure to always have a tube of LipFusion XL on my nightstand as the last thing I put on at night before getting under the covers.

Following the success of her first innovations, CLEAN Fragrance and Dessert Beauty, founder and leading cosmetic entrepreneur Randi Shinder, recognized that women who wanted full, beautiful lips had very few safe and effective alternatives to costly and painful in-office injections. Working with one of the industry's top labs, Ms. Shinder discovered a revolutionary patented technology in France—the first ever penetrating collagen. Collagen dehydrated into tiny microspheres that could penetrate and then re-plump with the body's natural water. Collagen that could mimic cosmetic filler. With this technology and with her expertise in the beauty business, Ms. Shinder developed LipFusion - the first needle-free, micro-injected collagen lip enhancer.

The result? Within its first month on the shelves, LipFusion became the top selling product at Sephora!


Since launching in January, 2005 with the flagship clear Micro-Injected Collagen Lip Plump, LipFusion has since expanded its lip plumping line with the first-ever Micro-Injected Collagen Lip Plumping Pencil in a variety of colors, Micro-Injected Collagen Color Shines and the recently launched LipFusion XL - 2X Micro-Injected Collagen + HA Advanced Lip Plumping Therapy. An advanced nighttime treatment, LipFusion XL combines two of the most effective injectables available in one powerful Topical-Injectable for maximum plumping and long-term fullness.

FusionBeauty introduced its breakthrough Topical-Injectable alternative to doctor-administered anti-wrinkle injections with LiftFusion Face Lift in March, 2006. This technologically advanced cosmetic formula delivers visible results without the discomfort, side effects and unnatural loss of facial expressiveness associated with many syringe-administered anti-wrinkle products.

Always innovating, FusionBeauty has gone on to introduce GlowFusion, LashFusion and SkinFusion. From perfecting your glow and complexion to protecting and plumping your lashes, Fusion Beauty continues to re-design the landscape of the cosmetics industry.

FusionBeauty will continue to apply its patented formulations and knowledge to provide safe and effective results comparable to today's popular injectables—minus the injection.
 
No better time like the present to either discover this brand for yourself or pick up some old-faithfuls to stock up.  HauteLook's pricing is not to be missed, and the good stuff always sells out quickly.  Be sure to check them out early to have the best selection options. I assure you, I'll be there. Enjoy, divas!
 

Click HERE for your HauteLook FusionBeauty shopping invitation

Eco-Wedding Bridal Events with Aveda & Adele Wechsler Eco Couture

AVEDA and ADELE WECHSLER ECO COUTURE

PARTNER FOR GREEN WEDDING EVENTS

Event raises awareness for eco-conscious wedding planning and preparation.

WHAT: Aveda and Adele Wechsler Eco Couture host regional eco-wedding bridal events.

WHY: Aveda and Adele Wechsler are partnering to co-host regional bridal events during the months of April, May and June at participating Aveda salons across the country. Brides-to-be and their guests will:

• Receive tips from Aveda experts on picture perfect wedding day makeup, fool-proof skin care regimes and the latest bridal hair trends.
• Preview new gown designs by Adele Wechsler Eco Couture.
• Eco-wedding service providers will also be represented, from local green bakeries and caterers to florists, photographers and printers.
• Guests at each event will have a chance to win Aveda service or product packages, eco-vendor products, and one lucky bride will take home her very own Adele Wechsler veil or headpiece.
• In addition, brides may enter to win national grand prizes: an Adele Wechsler Eco Couture wedding gown, or a honeymoon vacation at the Hamanasi Adventure and Dive Resort, an eco-friendly destination hotel in Belize.

EVENT SCHEDULE:

Costa Mesa, CA: April 24th

New York, NY: May 5th

Baton Rouge, LA: May 6th

Toronto, Canada: May 11th

Atlanta, GA: May 16th

Washington DC: May 23rd

Boston, MA: June 6th

Chicago: June 8th

Minneapolis, MN: June 10th

Scottsdale, AZ: June 16th

Seattle, WA: June 21st & 22nd

Portland, OR: June 24th

Aveda's mission is to care for the world we live in, from the products they make to the ways in which they give back to society. Aveda strives to set an example for environmental leadership and responsibility, not just in the world of beauty, but around the world.

Adele Wechsler designs for the bride who cares about the world in which she lives. Adele Wechsler is a pioneer in eco friendly wedding gown design. Her Eco Couture collection paves the way for a luxury look that maintains these eco-friendly standards:

• Certified organic hemp and silk
• Vegetable dyes
• Remnant fabrics and lace
• Every piece is produced with Fair Trade Labor in Toronto, Canada.

About Hamanasi Adventure & Dive Resort: Nestled between the lush Maya Mountains and the turquoise Caribbean Sea, Hamanasi is a special place from which to explore the best of Belize on and offshore. A secluded, intimate, boutique eco-resort located in Southern Belize, Hamanasi sits on hundreds of feet of Caribbean Sea beachfront surrounded by tropical flora on the finest stretch of beach in Belize.

For more information about Aveda, visit aveda.com. For more information about Adele Wechsler Eco Couture, visit adelewechsler.com.

Locally in the New Orleans / Northshore area, Adele Wechsler Eco Couture gowns may be found at Olivier Couture Bridal Boutique in Mandeville located in the Chenier Shopping Center on Hwy 190.
(985) 674-6994

Fact or Fiction? Beauty Myths Decoded

Can items from your kitchen make a beauty mask? Can you increase gray hair growth by plucking gray hairs? Read on and see what Real Beauty has to say about these common beauty myths.

Myth: Avocados can make a great skin mask.
Fact. Sounds weird, but it works! Mash one ripe avocado and mix it with a little bit of lemon juice. Apply this mask to your face and neck for an over-the-counter toner/firmer.
 
 

Myth: The best place to apply perfume is on pulse points.
Fact. Applying perfume to pulse points is the best way to make your scent last all day. Fragrances react with heat, so spritz your perfume on your wrists or the back of your neck and you won't need to worry about re-applying.
 

Myth: Crossing your legs causes varicose veins.
Fiction. There are plenty of ways to potentially develop varicose veins, but none of them are related to crossing your legs (sigh of relief). Some examples of what could causes varicose veins include genetics, obesity, trauma to the skin, etc.
 
 

Myth: Matching eye shadow will make your eye color pop.
Fiction. Actually, contrasting your eye makeup with your eye color is what will really stand out. Here are a couple recommendations based on your eye color:

Green/Hazel: Plum, deep browns, and light golden hues
Blue: Smoky charcoals, chocolate, and bright berry tones
Brown: Soft pinks, natural beige, and shades of bronze

Myth: Teeth whiteners can damage tooth enamel.
Fact. Make sure you follow the directions line by line when using teeth whitening products. If these products are used improperly or too frequently, it can result in permanent damage to your teeth.
 
 

Myth: I pluck one gray hair, multiple gray hairs will grow back in it's place.
Fiction. This isn't true — which is good because some of us were starting to worry! While plucking gray hairs won't make more grow back in its place, it's not a good habit to get into since it can damage the root.
 
 

Myth: Consistently wearing dark nail polish can turn your nails a yellowish hue.
Fact. This was tough news to take since dark nail polish is definitely in this season, but not to worry — this yellowing is temporary, not harmful, and can also be avoided! Before painting your nails a deep dark hue, paint on a layer of clear base coat to protect your nails from any discoloration.
 
 

Myth: Sleeping on your back may prevent wrinkles.
Fact. After hearing this, we're never sleeping on our sides again! The American Academy of Dermatology says that sleeping in certain positions may result in "sleep lines." After time, these lines can turn into deep-set wrinkles, so flip over and get your shut-eye on your back.
 

Myth: Beauty products have an expiration date.
Fact. That's right — just like groceries, your beauty and hair products have a shelf life, too. The expiration date depends on the beauty product. Here are a couple common ones:

Mascara and Liquid Eye Liners: 3 months
Liquid Face Makeup, Cream Eye Shadow: 6 months
Powder Face Makeup, Powder Eye Shadows, Pencil Eye Liners, Lipstick, Lip gloss: 2 years

Myth: Cutting your hair will make hair grow faster.
Fiction. While we wish this one were true, it seems your hair will grow at its own pace (usually about half an inch per month) no matter how many trim-ups you take. Don't do away with trimming your hair altogether though, since it will look much healthier without the split ends!
 
 
Well, those are ten I found interesting and helpful.  And in case you're wondering about the cucumber image at top and whether or not the myth that they can reduce darkness and those puffy bags we loathe is true? Yes, they can ... Cold cucumber slices can restrict blood vessels which reduces swelling and puffiness. You can learn about 23 other beauty myths and many other articles to assist in your own beauty and fitness experiences by visitng Real Beauty.
 
source: RealBeauty

Sneak Peek: J.Crew Fall 2010 Collection

J.Crew debuted their Fall 2010 collection the evening of April 1st on the rooftop of legendary Milk Studios. So what pieces are expected to be must-haves?  Well, stylist/editor and apparent J.Crew muse Dianna Lunt has her eyes on the two-tone jackets and shoes.  What pieces appeal to you?

source/image: elle

HAUTELOOK: Legendary Beauty of Kevyn Aucoin Cosmetics

Makeup artsits and beauty addicts, get your fingers ready to login for HauteLook's extraordinary sale on Kevyn Aucoin Beauty.  It begins tomorrow, Monday, April 5th, and we know how the "good stuff" on HauteLook sells out very quickly.

Kevyn Aucoin created his magic on some of the most legendary faces from the worlds of fashion, music and film. Best selling author, iconic make-up artist and beauty entrepreneur; this was Kevyn Aucoin. His vision was far-reaching and always inclusive.

Select formulations and textures; sophisticated packaging that appeals to your innate sense of style, all the hallmarks of a true classic. A complete spectrum of products that all deliver on their promise. Kevyn Aucoin Beauty continues as the style leader and is always on the forefront of innovation and technology.

You'll need an invitation to take part in HauteLook's sales. As a wise diva once said, "Friends don't let friends pay retail." So here ya' go ...
 

Click HERE to access your HauteLook invitation!

images: HauteLook, Kevyn Aucoin Beauty

Aveda's Latest Pictorial Is Sublime

Eighties goth. Nineties grunge. Eternal beauty.

Sublime, the latest collection from Aveda’s VP Creative Director Antoinette Beenders, is inspired by music, culture and the iconic personalities from the late 20th century.

“This is punk beautified, raw and hardcore at the foundation, refined and elegant in its interpretation,” Beenders says. “We used opposing notions to present past ideas in a new way."  "It is often the case in culture, that what’s old becomes new again," Beenders continues. "Strong shapes, rough styling and matte finishing mingle in this collection to exude a raw yet sophisticated sex appeal. " "We cut classic silhouettes bluntly, and the makeup is intense, but done in a really beautiful way," Beenders says. "Sleek black-and-white clothing against a white background lends a freshness and vigor to the imagery.”

Beenders invites you to regard Sublime as an invitation to rethink the past—to find inspiration in unexpected places and to use your own experience as fuel for imagination. Lead artists from Aveda’s global network produce trend collections twice per year. Taking global hair trends from runway to real life, collection techniques are taught to the Aveda network in workshops around the world, providing Aveda stylists, colorists and makeup artists the opportunity to hone technical skills and explore their own creative expression.

Says Beenders, “Texture and bold color are back in a major way. What a wonderful opportunity to reinvent ourselves, return to fundamental skills and find new ways to create! I am challenging the network to rediscover their artistic voice."

Credits: The Aveda Artistic Team; Creative Direction: Antoinette Beenders, Vice President Creative Director; Hair Color: Ian Michael Black, Technical Artistic Director, Aveda Academy, London; Hair Cut/Style: Allen Ruiz, Aveda Guest Artist, Jackson Ruiz Salon, Austin, Texas; Erminio Fiocca, Artistic Director, Aveda Academy, London; Makeup: Rudy Miles, Aveda Global Make-up Director, New York, New York; Janell Geason, Aveda Guest Artist, Minneapolis, Minnesota; Photography: Miguel Reveriego; BTS photography: Patrick Scher
 
source: BeautyLaunchpad

Happy Easter, My Lovelies!!!

Happy Easter Everyone!

Enjoy your Sunday, may it be sunny, bright and breezy wherever you are.

And for a little New Orleans fun, check out the Sucre' Bunnies as they make their way through historic New Orleans (my beloved home city) - a true Easter treat. Au Revoir... x

A day in the life of a Sucre Bunny, pt. 1 from Sucre - Founder - Joel Dondis on Vimeo.

The Subtle Sanctity of Royal Apothic The Extracts Collection

The story behind the creation of Royal Apothic is as intriguing as the fragrances themselves, and thus I must share it.  As the tale goes, Creative Director Sean O'Mara spent the early part of his career as a beauty insider working with an array of beauty industry giants (Estee Lauder, Murad, et al). But it was while on sabbatical in London that he came upon what would be the impetus for the next course of his life.

Tucked high on a shelf in a forgotten Notting Hill antique stall this hidden treasure revealed itself to be an apothecary manual from the 18th century.  Formulas for concoctions created for many of the great monarchies of Europe were listed within its pages. Knowing he could tie his own expertise into the formulas, O'Mara returned to the U.S. and began duplicating the fragrances listed within the manual - Royal Apothic was born.

Having infused the world with his now famous home fragrances, interior perfumes and candles, O'Mara gives into requests of his devotees with the creation of The Extracts Collection - personal, perfumed fragrance oils infused with natural plant extracts that can be worn individually or blended to create one's own signature scent.

These roll-on bottled fragrances are perfect for summer in that they are light, refreshing and subtle in scent.  The packaging is gift-worthy with each glass fragrance bottle placed in its own colorful, striped box and labeled with old-world themed markings.  That the labels are affixed slightly askew on both the outer box and the roll-on bottles adds to the feeling that these treasures were personally hand-made and formulated just for you.

The Extracts Collections consists of seven one-note elixirs:

Green Tea (fresh)

Violette Pastille (floral)

Fig (fruit)

Orange Blossom (fruit)

Marigold (floral)

Iris (floral)

Hydrangea (floral)

I've experienced two from the collection, Green Tea and Iris, and am hard pressed to say which is my favorite.  Very distinct in character, both evoke happy memories of childhood, when there wasn't a care in the world, and the outdoor summer air was fresh and inviting.  I had my daughter (15 yr old beauty, fashion and fragrance diva in her own right) try them as well to see which she preferred.  She loved them both.  There we sat, two fragrance-obsessed women, atop my overstuffed white duvet covered bed blending and rolling fragrance on our wrists.  One would think I'd have learned my lesson by now about sharing these great little finds with my baby girl, as it ultimately always results in her stealing them away and tucking them in a secret box in her closet or under linen in her drawers (shhhhh ... she thinks I don't  know where she stashes them). Mmmmmm, even as I write this post I'm enjoying the fresh, light scent of Green Tea on my wrists.  You can't roll on too much ... they're that subtle.  Oh my gosh this smells so good!

The convenience of a slim roll-on bottle makes it safe (leakproof) and perfect to throw into your beach bag this summer, your gym bag as extra refreshment from a rigorous workout and warm shower, or your duffle before boarding your next international flight (TSA approved).

Currently, only five of the extracts are available for purchase - Green Tea, Violette Pastille, Orange Blossom, Marigold and Fig - with the others though soon to follow.  Royal Apothic The Extracts Collection is available at Anthropologie and b-glowing, each .33 fl oz roll-on bottle retails for $16, which means you can buy a couple or several to wear each on its own merit or blended for a uniquely created scent. Enjoy!

Facebook Your Way into a Fabulous Michelle Phan Lancome Giveaway

Lancôme, in their infinite wisdom and creativity, has enlisted the skills of YouTube makeup artist sensation Michelle Phan, and they're sharing the love with their Lancôme Facebook fans.  To help celebrate the goodness Michelle is bringing Lancôme lovers and beauty afficionados everywhere, Lancôme is hosting a bountiful giveaway for their facebook fans, new and existing fans.

Anyone who becomes a fan between now and Friday night (April 2nd) will be eligible to win all the products in Michelle’s new Lancôme video. Phan joined the Lancôme team earlier this year as their first-ever video makeup artist. Her latest video, Clubbing Makeup, went live a few days ago and has already passed 825,000 views.

Products Featured:

La Base Pro Makeup Primer

Teint Idole Ultra Oil-Free Foundation (my favorite!)

Effacernes Concealer

Dual Finish Powder Compact

Le Crayon Poudre Eyebrow Pencil

Ombre Perfecteur Eyeshadow Primer

Color Design Eyeshadow

Artliner Liquid Eyeliner

Hypnose Drama Volumizing Mascara

Blush Subtil

Le Crayon Lipliner

La Laque Fever

The video is fantastic and there are some great, practical makeup tips—plus a fun tip that involves using Scotch tape for the perfect cat-eye makeup! Lots to learn here, please enjoy.

Become a fan now to enter for a chance to win this giveaway

(click link to access Lancôme's Facebook page)

And for existing Lancôme Facebook fans, you're already entered.  For more great application tips, videos and the latest in Lancôme news, visit Lancôme Facebook.

image: mahalo.com