Wednesday, December 31, 2008
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
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
Olay Pro-X Skincare Is Available but Selling Out Fast
Introducing Pro-X.
A new line of potent, clinically proven and professional products from Olay Professional. Word is this is a highly effective, innovative and truly results-driven line of skincare and I am chomping at the bit to try it!
Pre-Release of Pro-X sold out in just 17 minutes. New Olay Professional Pro-X is a scientifically advanced line of skincare that is designed to give you younger-acting, younger-looking skin in 28 days. Guaranteed. It works by resignaling your skin to repair the moisture barrier and boost the surface-cell turnover rate.
It's only available right now in very limited online releases. Olay is offering a Starter Protocol Kit, which includes their Pro-X Age Repair Lotion (1.0 oz / 28 g), Wrinkle Smoothing Cream (1.0 oz/28 g) and Eye Restoration Complex (0.3 oz/8.4 g).
You may order the Olay Pro-X Starter Protocol Kit for $61.50 or other Olay Pro-X products at heavily discounted introductory prices at Drugstore.com now and get free shipping on your order of $25 or more (click here for an additional Drugstore.com deal!). You'll be one of the very first to try this revolutionary skincare and enjoy fabulous pricing to boot. A win-win - love when that happens! I'll be posting more on Pro-X in the coming weeks.
Olay Pro-X Skincare is available now only online and is scheduled to hit stores sometime in January.
Shu Uemura Mirage Spring Mode Makeup Collection
In this 2009 Spring Mode Makeup Collection, Shu Uemura creates and unforgettable make-up image. The Mirage Collection utilizes the technique of light and shadow. This soft range brings out pure and natural beauty in every woman. Shu Uemura invites you to discover Mirage’s whimsical colors and dreamy creations.
- Utopia - colors of celery green, caramel brown and soft, powder blue
- Fantasia - colors of light pink, slate grey and lilac
- Orange Phase - soft creamy toffee with a splash of tangerine citrus powder
- Misty Glow - soft creamy butter with a wash of soft, lilac powder
Fairy Lashes by Jelly Pong Pong
You can pre-order Fairy Lashes Mascara through the Jelly Pong Pong website. Visit Jelly Pong Pong for more information.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
FASHION: Pre-Fall Collections 2009
Bobbi Brown Steps Outside for a Colorful Spring
Bobbi Brown steps outside the box with her new for Spring - Limited Edition Bobbi Brights Eye Palette, a Collector's Edition. Fun to see Bobbi explore color, as she is best known for her lovely neutral shades and washes.
Inspired by Bobbi at Fashion Week. This collector's edition palette is designed for the woman who wants to play and experiment with bright color. Features 35 soft matte shadows in a colorful shade range that includes everything from pinks and greens to blues and purples with fun names like Gumdrop, Day Glow and Flamingo. Click here to see more shade reference. All the shades are new and exclusive to this palette, which features a unique, fold-out design and full size mirror. Available for a limited time. $70.
For more information or to make a purchase, visit Bobbi Brown online or your nearest Bobbi Brown beauty counter.
Monday, December 29, 2008
Sneak Peek: Smashbox ~ Muse Spring 2009 Collection
Smashbox's Muse Spring 09 Collection is full of color and fun, new products. Smashbox invites you to become both artist and muse with their new stunning collection, soft pretty lip paints, vibrant, creamy eye pencils, velvety eye shadows and more.
The Color Story
THE ARTIST EYE PALETTE - $48
Inspire your inner artist with this one-of-a-kind mirrored palette with 10 stunning shadows plus a custom ARTIST EYE SHADOW BRUSH. Experiment with color and create an endless array of gorgeous eye looks.
Shades are: Biscuit, Chocolate, Soft Green, Dark Celery Green, Light Silver-Blue, Dark Blue-Grey, Sheer Lilac, Deep Orchid, Rose Copper and Coffee.
CREAM EYE LINER ARTIST PENCIL SET - $36
Four ultra-creamy, vibrant eye liner pencils to create a masterpiece all your own. Wear each shade alone, blended together, or smudged with shadow – experiment with color and get inspired. Includes four pencils in:
- Lapis - deep ocean blue
- Imperial - deep violet
- Slate - deep charcoal
- Antique Gold - deep gold
BIONIC MASCARA IN BLACK VIOLET - $19
BIONIC is the Smashbox's ionic mascara for longer, stronger, more voluminous super-power lashes! It's been quite popular. The specially engineered brush gently coats lashes with their revolutionary long-wearing formula for a high impact lash in just one sweep. Now in a hot black violet hue that’s perfect for Spring!
HYBRID 2 IN 1 LUMINIZING PRIMER - $34
Claims are you'll achieve instantly smooth and glowing skin and create a perfect canvas for makeup application with this revolutionary dual formula PHOTO FINISH FOUNDATION PRIMER and ARTIFICIAL LIGHT. It’s packed with vitamins, antioxidants and botanicals for added healthy skin benefits. Wear under foundation or alone for a gorgeous natural glow. Can be used all over face for a radiant complexion or blended over cheekbones, brow bones, the bridge of nose and chin to highlight. Shade is Bare Canvas which is a stunning, sheer luminous champagne that blends effortlessly into skin.
BLUSH RUSH - $24
Get a gorgeous rush of color with this ultra-luxurious, long-wearing blush in a one-of-a-kind mirrored compact for glowing cheeks befitting any muse.
Shade is: Masterpiece - a warm peachy coral
LIP PAINTS - $21 each
This rich, creamy lip gloss glides effortlessly over lips for soft color and brilliant shine. Create your own one-of-a-kind artistic hue by mixing and layering shades. Shades are:
- Luminary - a creamy nude
- Artiste - a creamy berry
- Virtuoso - a creamy pink
For more information on this gorgeous collection or to get your pick of products early for Spring wear (they're available now) and receive free jumbo samples pluys free standard shipping, visit Smashbox online.
Mario Badescu: Reduce Acne Scarring and Spots with MB Whitening Mask
It's purpose: This hydrating mask helps brighten uneven skin tones and gently reduces the look of old acne scars and discolorations from the sun. Skin lightening, natural ingredients like Kojic Acid, Licorice and Mulberry make this mask gentle for all skin types. Of further note, it contains no Alpha Hydroxy Acids making it safe for acne erupted skin. To use, apply the mask to clean dry skin and avoid your eye area if using on the face. Leave on for 10 minutes and then rinse. Recommended use is 2-3 times per week for best results. Available in a 2 oz jar, $24.
I'd forgotten how much I like Mario Badescu products until I got this recently. Having done so, I've resurrected my Mario Badescu Enzyme Cleansing Gel, which I love! It's got a fresh, clean smell and really gets the job done in removing makeup, even waterproof or tubular mascara, yet very gnetly.
For more information, please visit Mario Badescu online where you'll find a variety of wonderful skincare products and celebrity endorsements and testimonials for the brand.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
We Wish You a Merry Christmas
image: izak for allure/coach
It's not politically correct to say Merry Christmas anymore is it (rhetorical) Well, the tidings shouldn't get lost in the translation no matter what the tradition you celebrate. So to all of you wonderfully gorgeous beauties who celebrate the season Merry Christmas, Happy Hannukah and Happy Kwanza. May your hearts be warm and your blessings many.
And to you dear-to-my-heart friends in the UK - HAPPY Christmas!
xo
Givenchy Proposes to Darken Your Skincare Routine
Have you heard about Givenchy's newest skincare product Le Soin Noir? I am drooling to try this . . .
Touted as a 'beauty renewal skincare cream', Le Soin Noir is an opaque, onyx cream, extra-rich in texture, anti-aging in benefits, composed of a rare black algae to assist in maintaining and prolonging cell longevity.
The specifics:
Givenchy Le Soin Noir contains an extremely precious, natural age-defying ingredient that will secure its status in you're anti-aging routine. Used for the first time in cosmetics, Vital Black Algae Sap Concentrate restores communication between the skin's cells. Givenchy's researchers have developed a method to infuse this potion with a rare black algae extract to help maintain and prolong cellular longevity. Parched skin drinks in the hydration it needs—leaving your complexion firm, glowing, and even-toned.
Vital Black Algae Sap Concentrate is found in the depths of the ocean and reconstructs a catalyst in the skin to counteract the signs of aging. Only Vital Black Algae Sap Concentrate contains these precious black molecules that are extremely rich in vital fatty acids. The result is skin that draws new strength to protect the cells' DNA from light-induced aging and wrinkles as it becomes firmer and restores itself. Smooth it on morning and night to form an invisible barrier that protects against the signs of aging caused by environmental and internal assaults.
If any of you have tried this, please share your thoughts with is in comments!
Givenchy's Le Soin Noir is available online at Sephora and at Sephora's 5th Avenue storie; more information may be garnered at Givenchy. Le Soin Noir retails for $360 (oh my gosh, I just saw that price). Goodness, gracious. It better be some good cream at that price, right darlings?!
Elizabeth Banks: New Face of L'Oreal
L’Oréal Paris has signed actress Elizabeth Banks as its latest spokesperson. On L’Oréal, Banks stated, “What impresses me most about L’Oréal is the company’s commitment to empowering women. L’Oréal wants women everywhere to not only take charge of their beauty, but to also take control of their health and well being.” Karen T. Fondu, president of the L’Oréal Paris division of L’Oréal USA, also commented on the new deal. “Elizabeth’s talent and beauty is matched by her intelligence and approachability. She has a natural charm and an incredible ability to captivate an audience,” said Fondu.
Banks follows other celebrity beauties, among them Eva Mendes and Beyoncé, as the face of L’Oréal. Bravo!
source: WWD
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
ELLE: Top 5 Winter Warrior Moisturizing Creams
These ultrarich face creams are your best winter warriors according to Elle magazine. To see what their beauty editors had to say about each of the luxurious formulas, read below.
Cure-All
“A must-have,” Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Skin Protectant “plumps up fine lines” but also can be used “anywhere” (even on lips).
Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Skin Protectant - $17
Available at SkinStore.
Super Foods
“Creamy” and “calming,” Dr. Andrew Weil for Origins Plantidote restores with vitamin E and a “megamushroom cocktail.”
Dr. Andrew Weil for Origins Plantidote Mega-Mushroom Face Cream - $61
Available at Origins.
Mr. Right
"Simply the best," Benefit Dear John is “amazing day or night,” making even the driest face “feel awesome.”
BeneFit Dear John Moisturizer- $32
Available at BeneFit Cosmetics.
Tidal Raves
“The ultimate luxury,” Crème de la Mer’s sea kelp formula keeps you “coming back for more.”
Crème de la Mer - $130
Available at lamer.com
Dew Over
The “soothing” Dermalogica Age Smart Super Rich Repair blasts skin with moisture without “making it greasy.”
Dermalogica Age Smart Super Rich Repair - $75
Available at SkincareRx and dermalogica.com.
source: Elle.com
VOGUE: Anne Hathaway - The Awakening
Anne in a Marchesa organza-and-lace dress
Anne Hathaway is Vogue's January 2009 cover girl and feature editorial. Newly single, a vision of loveliness celebrating life and shopping until her heels can take no more, Sally Singer catches up with Hathaway in Oxford Circus, London; photographed by famed photographer Mario Testino.
"Look, she's buying cheap knickers!" somebody says. And, indeed, Hathaway is in the lingerie department, surveying the three-for-£7 panties in polka dots and funny florals—girly things. She's also interested in camisoles, jumpsuits (she tries on a strapless black corseted romper), and things that in her mind fall into the "lounge around" category. "No one lounges around cuter than Kate Hudson," she says. Hudson is her costar and a producer of Bride Wars, which opens this month. (Hudson says, "Annie would show up to work in the indie-mod thing that is her go-to. My go-to is jeans, Rick Owens, a blazer, and lots of bracelets. Hers is red sunglasses, tight black skinny jeans, shirt off the shoulder, cute beanie.")
Meanwhile, her ex is in the process of having his forthcoming look decided for him. The very next day, in fact, he will be sentenced to four and a half years in prison for conspiracy, wire fraud, and money laundering. He can expect a lot of lounging around in orange jumpsuits or gray scrubs. Hathaway is not interested in rehashing this chapter of her romantic life; she made light of it on Saturday Night Live, and that was all the public catharsis she needed. "I was a 21-year-old kid when I met him," she says. "It wasn't a huge, dramatic breakup. We were in the process of winding it down when he was arrested. I don't talk about this, except when I'm asked. It's not a part of my life anymore." She adds, "It's a complicated situation that has the ability to define me in ways I am not comfortable with."
Like pretty much anyone who emerges from a long relationship, Hathaway is in the process of redefining who she is. In the past few months (the split occurred last June), the actress has quite self-consciously sought to reimagine almost every aspect of her 26-year-old self. There's her new, stringier physique, achieved through strength training ("I'm proud of myself when I'm deep in a squat, pulling from my core"), dietary supplements, and kickboxing with David Kirsch, the maestro of celebrity slimness. There's her rediscovered commitment to vegetarianism—"I don't eat anything with a face" is her way of putting it—a pre-Raffaelloite choice she ditched because it was "easier for the lifestyle at that time." There's her new love of live music and festival-centric bands such as Death Cab for Cutie and TV on the Radio ("After my breakup happened, I thought, Concerts until the end of the year"). And there's her new quest for a better understanding of what is valuable: "I realized that the past five years of my life had been spent accumulating things I like but never asked if I love." Although she's referring specifically to her wardrobe, Hathaway exemplifies the notion that the material and the spiritual are far from distinct. What we buy and what we wear express otherwise intangible states of mind. "I'm looking for a pared-down truth," the actress says apropos of her wardrobe, and she's fully aware that her words have a wider resonance.
When Hathaway talks, her face talks as well. She has startlingly expressive eyes and an XXL mouth that flitters between the comic and the tragic in a single utterance. Jonathan Demme, who directed Hathaway in Rachel Getting Married, her most compelling dramatic performance, says, "She's like a human lava lamp. She makes you stay in touch with what's in her mind by what's on her face." Meryl Streep, her costar in The Devil Wears Prada, is "surprised that anyone was surprised by Annie [in Rachel]. To me, the immediacy and the freshness and the special quality of being reactive to all stimuli, blushes to bruises, was apparent in Prada, also in the Princess movies. She is also maybe the most beautiful creature on film right now. That's not her fault or her doing, but she does seem uncannily unaware of the fact, and you never catch her working it. That's just perfectly disarming and rare."
Hathaway herself is increasingly confident in her abilities on-screen. "Somewhere between Brokeback [Mountain] and Bride Wars, my learning curve became quite sharp." In Rachel Getting Married, she plays Kym, a charming, drug-addicted narcissist who almost derails her sister's wedding.
For Bride Wars, Hudson picked Hathaway as her matrimonial rival and BFF. "Annie walks this fine line between being unbelievably intelligent and well read in her manner and being this wild little girl," she says. "She's a mix between a thoroughbred—totally focused, on it, and in it—and a platypus, this quirky, funny, simple animal."
Will she find the right man? You live and you learn. Last spring, Hathaway bought branches of cherry blossom at the Union Square Greenmarket. "They lasted a month and were beautiful even as they died." She came back from a weekend to find that Follieri, who always liked things "fancier and perfect," had instructed the maid to throw the branches out. This was the moment when she knew that "we saw things differently."
After Topshop, it's off to Dover Street Market. Hathaway loves London, where she once spent a summer and "discovered the wonderful country of Mango." But Dover Street Market is new to her. It's the Comme des Garçons-owned, hypercurated acme of high fashion and high miscellanea. Hathaway is blown away: "I am really going to embarrass myself today! I'm treating myself to something I should have treated myself to a year ago." The salespeople want her to try on a high-collared, full-skirted leather Alaïa coat: "Meryl would love this," Hathaway says, grinning hugely.
Then we come to a vintage Diane von Furstenberg sleeveless wrap dress in aqua jersey with shoulder ties and fluttery edges; it and she look adorable and flirty. "I can go on a date in this," says Hathaway, giving a little twirl. "Oh, my God. That's such a weird thought."
~excerpts from Vogue magazine, January 2009 (style.com)
On a sunny, mid-November day in downtown Los Angeles, photographer Mario Testino, Vogue fashion director Tonne Goodman, makeup artist Gucci Westman and hairstylist Bob Recine set out to capture actress Anne Hathaway for their January cover. They scrapped their original styling plan and opted for a cream Prada halter dress, sheer toffee toned lips - a sfoter side of Hathaway to contrast with the graphic urban backdrop.
- Lancôme Le Crayon Kohl in Black Lapis - $23.50
- Lancôme Photogenic Lumessence Light-Mastering and Line Smoothing Makeup - $40
- Lancôme L'Absolu Rouge Lipstick in Voile de Rose - $29
Vogue also recommends these products for a similar look:
- MAC Eye Kohl in Smolder - $14.50 and Mark Eyemarker in Jet - $5.50
- MAC Studio Fix Liquid - $26 and Mark Face Xpert Flawless Touch Makeup - $8
- MAC Satin Lipstick in Brave - $14 and Mark Dew Drenched Moisturlicious Lip Color in Pink Posy - $6
source: style.com
Monday, December 22, 2008
Smashbox Celebrates New Year's Early With a Free Gift Set For You
Following in the tradition of their absolutely fantastic gift offers and promotions this holiday season, Smashbox has yet another celebratory offer - just for you!
Get their exclusive three piece New Year's Gift Set free with any $75 online order, plus get your order in time for the holiday with FREE 2-Day Shipping. The Gift Set, a $67 value, includes some of their best-sellers:
- Soft Lights Duo in Super/Model
- Waterproof Shadow Liner in Fan Club
- Lip Enhancing Gloss in Aura
To take advantage of this wonderful offer, click the link below and enter promo code: NYE2DAY at checkout.
Don't forget to enter the code when you checkout. You'll also receive free jumbo samples with each order. I'm always stupendously happy with my Smashbox orders AND my Smashbox products!
BeneFit's New Powder Blush Box ~ CORALista!
Take a pleasure trip with CORALista, our new tropical blush for a coral flush. Sweep this warm coral pink powder onto cheeks for an instant smile. Move your brush to the beat and turn up the heat...bikini optional! $28
Shop BeneFit for more info and to see what all the blush fuss is about.
Beautyhabit For a Last Minute, But Perfect Gift!
Beautyhabit houses some of the most luxurious, niche, beautiful products and items you could ever imagine. A Beautyhabit gift is sure to be appreciated ... no matter what time of year it is given!
If you have last minutes gifts to buy, take a deep breath and know you're in luck. You can send a Beautyhabit eGift Certificate instantly and with your own personal message. Shop now for your gift, spend $50 or more and receive an additional eGift Certificate for $10. Yea!!! The more you spend, the more you'll receive. There's no code necessary, just shop the site and get your groove on!
Visit Beautyhabit for more information and to indulge in gorgeous gift giving. To visit their gift certificate page instantly, click here. Offer expires 12/31.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
MAC Chill Collection
As the temperature drops, a new beauty barometer shows you the season's hot new cool. Light snowflake lips of Naked Frost. Eyes sculpted in Arctic Grey, warmed with deep black velvety strokes of new Penultimate Eye Liner. The season is right. It's the MAC Chill Collection.
EYE SHADOW - $14.50
Highly pigmented powder. applies evenly, blends well.
Arctic Grey - a frosted mid-tone grey (satin)
Vellum - a pale white duochrome with violet opalescent shimmer (frost) - I adore this shade!
Mont Black - a sparkly black with multi-dimensional pearl (velvet)
Wintersky - a frosty neutral mid-tome pink (veluxe pearl)
Apres Ski - a matte dark brownish grey (matte)
PENULTIMATE EYE LINER - $16.50
A liquid pen-style liner that provides the ultimate precise, bold line in a rich, deep carbon black shade. Goes on fluidly, in one steady stroke, to style any fashion of eye line. Shade: Rapidblack
41 LASH - $12
A set of natural hair lashes that deliver a lightly dramatic length. Overlapping hairs give a lush, luxe look.
GLITTER - $17.50
M·A·C Glitter can be applied directly to the skin or combined with products to create high-level glitter and sparkle effects on all areas of the face, skin and hair.
Reflects Transparent Teal - a sparkling white with turquoise
Reflects Antique Gold - a sparkling taupe
TINTED LIPGLASS - $14
A unique lip gloss available in a wide variety of colours that can create a high gloss, glass-like finish or a subtle sheen. Designed to be worn on its own, over Lip Pencil or Lipstick, Tinted Lipglass is the perfect product for creating shine that lasts. It's pigmented, very shiny and can impart subtle or dramatic colour. It contains Jojoba Oil to help soften and condition the lips. Tinted Lipglass is packaged in a convenient bottle with a sponge tip applicator that provides a quick, smooth, even application.
Icescape - Sheer pale pink with pink pearl (frost)
Snowscene - Sheer white with multidimensional pearl (frost)
Frozen Dream - Sheer mid tone pink with pearl (frost)
Naked Frost - Sheer taupe with silver pearl (frost) - sooooo pretty!
For more information, check out MAC Chill at MAC beauty counters or online at Mac Cosmetics.