DuWop's New Lip Delights

Not that one can find much on this hinted about new lip product by DuWop, but I thought I'd share a bit of scoop until we learn more. Elle magazine gives us a little peek at DuWop Lipmousse in the August 2009 issue. With a texture of decadent whipped cream, Lipmousse is said to devlier the intense pigment of a lipstick plus the soft shine of a gloss.



DuWop says their Lipmousse's creamy, lightweight formula packs staying power with a punch of satiny color. The unique showerhead applicator dispenses drops of shea butter-infused color that hydrates long after the first use. Hydro-attracting powdered silicone consisting of two interlacing polymer networks absorbs water and swells, creating a mousse-like look and feel. The super absorbent formula also creates an optical blurring effect that diminishes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles in the lips. They say often times, in order to get intense coverage, there is an element of thickness that needs to exist. Lipmousse gives a long-lasting look without waxy buildup, creating a powerful burst of color, but is still sheer enough to see the beauty of the lips that lies underneath.

Not in stock yet on the site (or anywhere, really, that I can find yet), Lipmousse is slated to come in six mouthwatering shades: Baked Apple, Creme Brulee, Cupcake, Ganache, Sorbet and Tart and will retail for $22 each.



Another new lip product by DuWop, their limited edition Lip Venom V is a sneak preview of their highly anticipated Twilight Venom, debuting this Fall. Lip Venom V is not your typical DuWop venom. Instead of a gloss, Lip Venom V is a shimmering crimson lip stain suspended in a venom-laced liquid lip conditioner with a super potent bite, and contains argan, avocado, olive oils and vitamin E. The product should be shaken before use to represent the blending of the human and vampire worlds (ha ha) and applied repeatedly until lips are plumped, revitalized and the desired intensity of color has been reached. I managed to grab one of these. The liquid is quite beautiful in the glass bottle, a dark shimmery crimson (the photo doesn't do it justice!). Applied, it is sheer red and tastes of cinnamon-mint. However, additional coats may be applied to intensify the stain on lips. My favorite way to wear it is to outline my lips in pencil then apply Lip Venom V within and blend. Love it!


Lip Venom V is only available for a limited time and retails for $16 (but be prepared for the shipping & handling charges on this little beaute ... whew!)


For more news and product availability, visit DuWop online.


image at top: Elle Magazine (Aug2009

Sorry It's Been So Long ...

Have been crazy busy with work projects and re-designing my little blog space here that I've not been able to post as of late. Have you had your eye on things? Please forgive me ...

While still changing things around a bit on the site, I'm happy to be back with posts. There's sooooo much that I've missed telling you about that I'm hoping to catch up with lots of new info on product launches, new collections, deals and promo offers and fashion goings-on near future. I've missed my blog time tremendously!

Catching up on emails as well, so I beg your patience if you've mailed me and I've not replied - I will. xo

Beautyhabit French Beauty Selections

Beautyhabit celebrates the season of vacations a la francais.

Celebrate summertime with these new Beautyhabit favorites and enjoy a fun sampler gift filled with chic, luxurious treasures all your own (details at bottom).

a. Des Filles a la Vanille Vanilla Girls Eau de Parfum $85 - fragranced with vanilla, orange and musc. The epitome of Parisian chic, des Filles a la Vanille has just introduced six new parfums, including Vanilla Girls, each carrying romantic names and tender messages. These fragrances are recognized for their special quality inspiring dreams of the South of France any beyond. I adore des Filles a la Vanille; their Toi ... Mon Ange EDT remains to this day one of my all-time favorite vanilla fragrances.

b. Crazylibellule and the Poppies Josephine Jonquille Solid Perfume $16 - a green floral Jasmine-Jonquil, sun-kissed with Tiaré flowers and sublimated with tangy Ginger coated in Dark Chocolate. Desirable in the extreme. The Garçonne masculine feel of ‘Joséphine Jonquille’ is expressed with Dark Chocolate. Fascinating and spirited… extremely desirable.

c. Paul & Joe Beaute Waterproof mascara in Black $24 - New! Keep lashes soft and supple with this waterproof formulation – Lashes look naturally beautiful without the stiff sensation often accompanied by waterproof mascara. Soft-curl polymers keep lashes feathery and light for a superior sultry blend. Quick-dry powder prevents clumping and allows for fast-drying beautiful lashes.

d. Diptyque Paris Santal Candle $60 - Reminiscent of India's spice markets. The exotic & earthy scent of sandalwood and its sacred woodsy notes.

e. Les parfums de Rosine Rose Praline $95 - Top notes of Cardamom, Italian bergamot and rose oil blend with heart notes of géranium, chocolate powder, rose absolue and Lapsang Souchong tea. Finishes on a base of amber, sandalwood, cacao and white musk.

f. Cinq Mondes Encens Aromatique Atlas, Morroco $32 - There are 5 Arômes et Couleurs associations that are based on the principle of the five elements of Chinese medicine. This incense brings together the power of essential oils and that of colors for a personalized sensation of well-being.To meet an energy need for Plenitude, Vitality and Strength Ingredients: Orange Blossom and Leaf Essential Oils.

g. Miss Ferling Kiss Me Sweet Mona Lip Balm $15 - Beat the wind, cold rain and sun with this glamorous pearly balm, a promise of sweet violet-scented kisses. With its retro look, delicious violet-scented aroma, lovely flowers and a hint of silver sparkles, this product sublimates the smile. Kiss me sweet Mona acts as an essential daily lip care. With its ultra natural formula which has the power to revitalize, soften and protect, it fights cracks, irritations and damaged lips.

h. Nuxe Touche Prodigieuse Complexion Multi-Perfecting Retouch Brush $30 - In one easy and precise step, Touche Prodigieuse acts simultaneously as a corrector that promises a flawless complexion, a radiance booster that illuminates the skin and a concealer that reduces dark circles and lights up the eyes.

Receive a seven-piece deluxe French beauty sampler filled with chic and luxurious product samples with your online Beautyhabit purchase of $50 or more. Offer expires 7/27/09.

Enter code: BHVOYAGE at checkout

Sally Hansen HD High Definition Nail Color

Introducing High Definition Nail Color from Sally Hansen.

• The Color: Pure, vivid pigments with multi-dimensional color & vibrance.
• The Technology: Patented formula with Real Liquid Crystals for multi-dimensional color and iridescent shine!
• The Result: Dazzling, Lustrous High-Definition Color.
  
  
  High Definition is the new standard for visual and audio entertainment. Now Sally Hansen translates this unrivaled clarity and brilliance into nail color!

Enter Sally Hansen's Hi-Definition Nail Color Sweepstakes!

July 8, 2009 - September 15, 2009

• One Grand Prize winner will receive a 32inch HD TV
• Three 1st Prize winners will receive an iPod Nano
• Ten weekly winners receive a Sally Hansen gift bag

For more information about Sally Hansen products, including their HD High Definition Nail Color line, visit them online at SallyHansen.com.

Mario Badescu GWP

Mario Badescu, THE skincare brand and spa care for many a celebrity and beauty enthusiast, has a fun gift with purchase promotion going on this week. All orders will be packaged with a free travel case filled with a mirror and deluxe samples of three of their best selling products! This gift is on top of the three free samples Mario Badescu gives with every order anyway.

So why is everyone in love with Mario Badescu products? Quite simply because they work and they are very reasonably priced! Another advantage to buying with them is they are happy to provide a professional consult to you personally about your skin and recommend products, often allowing you to try them before you buy. You can even fill-out a brief skincare questionnaire for information and product suggestions. Some of their best-selling products include their Drying Lotion (for acne, pimple-healing), Healing Cream, Glycolic Foaming Cleanser, Enzyme Cleansing Gel, Azulene Calming Mask and their Seaweed Night Cream. I enjoy treating my skin to a Mario Badescu regimen for an at-home spa experience.

BEAUTY OFFER: For this week only, receive a complimentary travel case filled with three best-selling products (will vary) when you enter code: GWP at checkout. Offer good 7/13/09 - 7/16/09. You'll also receive three free samples as you would with all your orders.

Click HERE for the Mario Badescu GWP offer.

For more about Mario Badescu products, spa, celebrity testimonial and more, visit them at Mario Badescu online.

MAC Colour Craft Collection

With all the temptation of a candy store for a kid with a serious sweet tooth, MAC introduces us to Colour Craft, a celebration in color, creativity and artistic individuality.

Every artist must be daring to hone his/her craft. MAC invites us to go ga-ga over this dizzying array of new hues. The self-made individuality of arts and craft finds its way in a soaring one-of-a-kind creation: you. Don't skimp on the materials. Get creative!

MAC Colour Craft Collection consists of Mineralize Eye Shadow Quads, Mineralize Skinfinish Singles, Mineralize Skinfinish Trios, Mineralize Brushes, Lipsticks, Marbelized Lipglasses and a selection of Brushes.

MINERALIZE EYE SHADOW (QUADS) $19.50 each
Mineralize Eye Shadow spun into a stylish pinwheel pattern of four shades to provide contrasting and complementary colours in a range of glitter, pearl or shimmering mineralized finishes. Limited edition.

• GIRLISH ROMP - Dirty violet, Yellow white, Mid tone pink, Pastel coral
• ODD BITS - Silver grey, Dusty rose, Peachy bronze, Dark burgundy
• ASSEMBLAGE - Silver white, Deep grey, Yellow gold, Black w/ silver glitter
• ECCENTRICITY - Rich gold, Light violet, Rich bronze, Deep plum
• NATURAL FLARE - Copper, Yellow orange, Rich gold, Dirty brown
• FASHION PATCH - Ice blue, Off white, White pink, Black w/ silver glitter
  

LIPSTICK $14 each

Creamy sticks of pigment in finishes of frost and lustre.

• COLOUR CRAFTED - Milky pink (Frost)
• EVER EMBELLISH - Plum brown with red pearl (Lustre)
• MADLY CREATIVE - Pink neutral with white pearl (Frost)
• MADE WITH LOVE - Bright coral pink (Lustre)
• MOST POPULAR - Purple with yellow undertone (Lustre)
• TRIMMING TALK - Bright fuchsia (Frost)

MARBELIZED LIPGLASS $18 each
A marbleized melange of three summer-light and get-ready-for-fall tones swirled into one high-shine Lipglass formula. Limited edition.

• CRAZY HAUTE - Blue pink (Cream)
• ECLECTIC EDGE - Cool violet (Frost)
• FUNKY FUSION - Pink coral (Cream)
• MISS MARBLE - Muted pink (Cream)
• NICE MIX UP - Burnt ginger (Frost)
• PRETTY PATTERN - Warm dirty beige (Frost)

MINERALIZE SKINFINISH $27 each
A luxurious velvet-soft powder with high-frost metallic finish. Smoothes on: adds buffed-up highlights to cheeks and brows, or an overall ultra-deluxe polish to the face.

• PORCELAIN PINK - Soft pinky coral w/ gold veining
• SUNNY BY NATURE - Rich Bronze w/pink pearl
• CHEEKY BRONZE - Soft Golden Coral w/ bronze pearl
  

MINERALIZE SKINFINISH (TRIOS) $27 each
A Mineralize Skinfinish featuring three complementary shades in a striped pattern. On application provides an overall sheer and radiant effect. Limited edition.

• WARM BLEND - Top: Antique Gold; Center: Mahogany Bronze; Bottom: Copper
• TRIPLE FUSION - Top : Soft Champagne Gold; Center: Soft Golden Pink; Bottom: Rose Pink w/Golden Nuances
• SMOOTH MERGE - Top: Soft Champagne Pink; Center: Deep Rose; Bottom: Pale Cool Pink

MINERALIZE BLUSH $21 each
A Mineralize Blush specially created for the Colour Craft collection. Each shade features a rich, shimmering pearl veining in contrasting or complementary tone. Limited edition.

• HAND-FINISH - Light pink with deep gold veining
• FAD-DABULOUS - Dirty Burnt coral yellow gold veining
• DAFT PINK - Deep blue pink with light white yellow veining
• IMPROVISE - Mid tone neutral coral with light white yellow gold veining
• CHEEK & CHEERFUL - Mid tone bronzy brown with yellow gold veining
• STYLE DEMON - Dirty brick red with copper veining
  

• 109 SMALL CONTOUR BRUSH - Use on the face to apply, blend or contour powder products. Softly rounded dome tip delivers just enough colour; smoothly blends colour into the face. Of natural fibres. $32
• 131 DUO FIBRE POWDER/BLUSH BRUSH - A flat, tapered face brush featuring a combination of short, natural fibres and longer synthetic fibres making it ideal for the highlighting/contouring of Mineralize Skinfinish and all powder products. $40
• 226 SMALL TAPERED BLENDING BRUSH - Short tapered, blending brush with ultra-soft, natural bristles. For application and blending of shadow on the lid, and perfect for working the crease. $24.50
  

For swatches from the collection and first hand experience about the products themselves, click on over to view Christine's up close photos and product descriptions at Temptalia. MAC Colour Collection is available now. Visit MAC Cosmetics for more information and for tips on creating the looks from this fabulous collection.

images: Temptalia, fav.or.it, MAC

MAC Euristocrats 2 - All about the Lips

Admittedly, I'm a lipstick-lipgloss whore. I can never have too many pinks, reds, neutrals, etc. You'll find them, and in multiples, in all my handbags, my vanity, drawers in the bathroom, makeup bags, travel cases, desk drawers and even some still in the bags they came in when I bought them. So when I see MAC putting out even more lippies in a second Euristocrats collection, I go all tingly inside.

Their inspiration? The top shades of the continent. Lipsticks custom-tuned to fit the style moods of the European hot spots, plus six hot new Dazzleglass shades to add the sheen, the sparkle, and the ooh-la-la factor that never fails to entertain. They're the "something extra" added to the collection Euristocrats can't get enough of. More, more, more!

images: temptalia

As shown left to right above:

LIPSTICKS: Colour plus texture for the lips. Stands out on the runway. Simmers on the street! What made M·A·C famous. $14 each

• COCKNEY - Sheer yellow red with multidimensional pearl (Lustre)
• COSTA CHIC - Frosty light coral (Frost)
• LONDON LIFE - Sheer deep berry with multidimensional pearl (Lustre)
• MILAN MODE - Sheer deep pink with multidimensional pearl (Lustre)

Repeat of Milan Mode

• NAKED PARIS - Sheer pink brown with multidimensional pearl (Lustre
• PATISSERIE - Sheer creamy neutral pink (Lustre)
• SAINT GERMAIN - Clean pastel pink (Amplified)

Swatches of lipsticks T-B, L-R: Cockney, Costa Chic, London Life, Milan Mode, Naked Paris, Patisserie and Saint Germain (image: temptalia)



image: temptalia

DAZZLEGLASS: Lipcolour that dazzles with light and shine to bring an exciting dimensional pop to your lips. Large particle pearls reflect and refract light to mimic the brilliance of quartz and opal crystal. Provides exceptional shine with a crystalline iridescence. Non-sticky, non-tacky, lightweight and moisturizing. Glides on. Wear alone, or layer over lipstick or Lipglass for dramatic effect. Features our signature M·A·C vanilla aroma. $18 each

• DATE NIGHT - Soft blue purple with pearl
• EURO BEAT - Peach coral with gold pearl
• INTERNATIONALIST - Yellow pink with blue pearl
• ROMAN HOLIDAY - Medium brown coral with pink pearl
• LOCAL COLOUR - Neutral yellow pink with gold pearl
• RUE D'ROUGE - Light red with pink pearl
• VIA VENETO - Light violet with blue pearl

Swatches T-B, L-R: Date Night, Euro Beat, Internationalist, Roman Holiday, Local Colour, Rue d'Rouge and Via Veneto (image: temptalia)

Also included in the Euristocrats 2 Collection are Lip Pencils designed for shaping, lining or filling the lip in shades of Subculture, Whirl, Cherry and Magenta, $13 each. Euristocrats 2 is available now. Shop MAC online for more information.

images: fav.or.it, Temptalia

Style's Must-Have Products for Summer

These summer destination-specific products are the faves and raves of Style.com's Summer 2009 Beauty Guide. Let's take a peek at their top picks for the city, the pool, the beach, the country and the park.


Chantecaille Just Skin SPF15 Anti-Smog Tinted Moisturizer
Laced with a mineral sunscreen and free-radical fighting antioxidants, this sheer finish tinted lotion protects skin form both the sun and city smog, while delivering the perfect natural finish for summer makeup. $62 Neiman Marcus, Barney's, SpaceNK

DERMAdoctor Med e Tate
A wipe-down with these individually packaged hyperhidrosis-controlling towelettes promises dryness that rivals the effects of antiperspirant Botox injections. What's more, they can be used virtually anywhere wetness control is required, from underarms to the soles of feet. $48 for 30 towelettes DERMAdoctor

Butter London Stiletto Stick
Nothing ruins the look of a stylish summer sandal faster than dry, cracked heels. A few routine swipes with this moisturizing stick smoothes, softens and otherwise improved the appearance of abused soles without any greasy residue. $30 Butter London, b-glowing

Philip Kingsley Swimcap
A dab of this super-conditioning, strand-protecting treatment prevents chlorine, not to mention sun, saltwater and wind, from discoloring and damaging delicate hair. $35 Philip Kinsgley, SpaceNK





NARS Vintage Nail Polish Collection
In celebration of the brand's 15th anniversary, makeup aritst François Nars reissued five vintage nail enamels, for a limited time only. Two bright shades in particular - Cha Cha Cha, a shimmery tangerine and Blue Lagoon, a blue with specks of gold and silver, both circa 2001 - look fab poolside. $16 each NARS Cosmetics, Beauty.com

Schick Quattro for Women TrimStyle
One side boasts four ultra-thin blades for a super-close shave. The other side features a battery powered trimmer for precise pruning. Together they make this new razor a must-have for anyone summering in a teeny bikini or otherwise this summer. $11 Available at drugstores

EOS Ultra Moisturizing Shave Cream
Thanks to an extra moisturizing aloe, oat and shea butter infused formula, this versatile shaving cream can be used on wet or dry skin with equally impressive results. $3.50 Target

Elemental Herbology Beach Prep
Exfoliating fruit enzymes and sea salt, moisturizing buriti and macadamia nut oils, and brightening Kombuchka and fig extracts make this triple-acting body polish the go-to scrub for skin prepping prior to all sun-tanning (faux tanning, of course). $34 SpaceNK

Rodial Skinny Beach SPF15
A blend of anti-cellulite ingredients and UVA and UVB sunscreen gives this moderate skin protector bonus slimming benefits. $49 Beauty.com, DERMAdoctor

SheerinO'kho Outdoor Meetings Summertime
Thanks to a formula that mattifies, reduces irritation and inflammation, and stimulates the skin's regenerative functions, this multipurpose moisturizer is ideal for muggy mountain and lake climes - and the activities that are enjoyed there. $108 SpaceNK

Beekman 1802 Bug Repellant Bars
These goat's milk soap squares are infused with citronella and eucalyptus to thwart the advances of annoying insects. Lather up with one in the a.m. and enjoy a whole bite-free day, or, for more spur-of-the-moment endeavors, rub a square on pulse points; the bug repelling aroma will be released as your skin heats up. $15 for ten squares Green Depot, Beekman 1802

Supergoop 4 Lips Pocket Stick Set
A must-have for your purse, diaper bag, travel bag, or little one's pocket, these lip balm sticks feature a soothing aloe vera base; antioxidant vitamins A, C and E; and a high SPF protection. In Original or Wintemint, a fresh flavor that's guaranteed to make it an easier sell for your kids. $19 for a set of four sticks, Supergoop


Want more fresh ideas for summer beauty finds? Click on over for more top picks from Style.com's Summer Beauty Guide 2009.

ShopSmart: Can Caffeine Give Skin a Lift?

Caffeine can now be found in hundreds of cosmetic and skin-care items. Some manufacturers claim their products can take away under-eye puffiness or dark circles; others promise to smooth away cellulite. Sounds good, but do they work? ShopSmart, from the publisher of Consumer Reports, got the lowdown on what caffeinated products can and can’t do for you from a group of experts and researchers, including dermatologists and plastic surgeons. Here's what they learned:

BODY SCRUBS

The claims: Bella Luccè claims that its Bali Kopi Coffee Scrub, $25.50, will exfoliate and smooth lumpy skin; OPI claims its Cappuccino Massage and Espresso Scrub Kit, $23, will stimulate cell turnover.

Experts say: You’ll see softer, smoother skin, thanks to the exfoliating capabilities of the coffee grounds, but you don’t get enough penetration to tighten skin.

Bottom line: Though store-bought exfoliators work, don’t toss out your own coffee grounds! Recycle them as a home-made scrub. Just add a little olive oil to make a paste.


CELLULITE CREAMS AND GELS

The claims: Bliss Love Handler, $36, Revitol Cellulite Solution, $40, and Clarins Super Restorative Redefining Body Care, $88, stimulate skin and improve firmness, reducing the appearance of cellulite.

Experts say: To see a payoff, caffeine must be able to penetrate the skin cells, and some preliminary evidence is intriguing.

Bottom line: These products are effective only as long as they are being used, and it generally takes four to five weeks to see any difference.


EYE CREAMS

The claims: Products such as Garnier Nutritioniste Skin Renew Eye Roller, $13, Kiehl’s Eye Alert, $21, and Lancôme High Potency Daily Moisturizing Eye Treatment, $36, reduce dark circles and puffiness.

Experts say: If puffiness is the result of water retention, a caffeinated eye cream might help dehydrate the area. As for those dark circles, the deeper they are, the less likely it is that they will disappear. Caffeine’s ability to constrict blood vessels can help, but it only works on the skin’s outermost layer.

Bottom line: Don’t expect miracles, but you will probably get an immediate tingling or cooling sensation, and you might notice that bags look less severe and under-eye circles might appear a bit lighter over time.


FACE CREAMS

The claims: Products such as Murad Environmental Defense Kit, $82, and Topix Replenix Cream CF, $63, are supposed to protect skin against premature aging and reduce redness.

Experts say: Caffeine might improve the look of your skin and protect it from sun damage, but you should still use sunscreen. Recent studies have found that caffeine might also help sunscreens and antioxidant ingredients in skin creams work longer and more effectively. And there are no known negative effects of applying caffeine to your skin.

Bottom line: Applying a skin cream containing caffeine every morning before you head out into the sun might not be a bad idea—but those creams are super pricey!


source: July 2009 issue of ShopSmart

Coming Soon: MAC Jin Soon Nail Lacquer

Top row: Cool Reserve; Rich, Dark, Delicious; and Beyond Jealous.
Bottom row: Dance All Night; Dry Martini; and For Fun.

Glimpse the fashion-forward colors of MAC Jin Soon Nail Lacquers!

Created by renowned manicurist Jin Soon Choi (famous for her milk and honey mani and pedi baths), six new shades are being introduced to the buying public come August 27th. For Doo.Ri's fall 2009 show, models wore Jin Soon's Beyond Jealous, a blackened blue-green that NY mag says, "makes fingertips look like pieces of licorice". Beauty editors rave the colors are incredibly rich, the polish goes on thick, and seems to last forever, so that's good news indeed for those of us wanting to slip a bit of these marvels onto our little tips. The colors are just perfect for fall, don't you think?

The lacquers will retail for $12 each and will be available at MAC stores, August 27, 2009. Anticipate sell-outs and waitlist ordering.

source: NY Mag

Chris Benz x Lancôme: Pout-à-Porter Lipstick Collection Continues

shade: Chris & Tell - a peachy, pastel carrot

Lancôme is thrilled to announce they're bringing back the Pout-à-Porter Lipstick series!

The previous four lipsticks in this collection were collaborations with celebrated designers Behnaz Sarafpour, Proenza Schouler, Peter Som and Thakoon. Thakoon's Pixel Pink and Peter Som's P.S. Kiss were my two personal favorites, though all four of them received lots of love from the beauty blogging community and from editorial print. All four of the lipsticks sold out in their heyday, and one Proenza Pink lipstick even sold for $122.50 on eBay.

For Spring 2010 Lancôme is collaborating with emerging designer Chris Benz and they want your help! They're doing a lipstick naming contest that was announced on Chris Benz’s Facebook fan page today and they're spreading the word to all the beauty blogging readers. The new shade will be inspired by Chris’ Spring 2010 collection and will be worn by the models at his show in September. The contest winner will receive five of the lipsticks plus a $500 Lancôme gift certificate. All you have to do is post your name suggestion on Chris’ Facebook fan page based on what you know about Chris and his fashion personality.

Waste no time as the deadline for submissions is Sunday, July 12th, at 5 p.m. EST.

Here’s the link to the Chris Benz's fan page. While you’re there don’t forget to become a fan:
Chris Benz - Facebook Page for Fans

REVIEW: Rare El'ements International Haircare

Rare El'ements Hair Collection announces its entry into an age of sophisticated style - a fresh perspective on professional haircare; one that maintains a high level of performance without the use of harsh sulfates, silicones, synthetic enhancers and toxic parabens. Their claim: they've captured the raw unspoiled wealth of nature and have developed three easy steps to recovering and preventing signs of aging hair.

With Rare El'ements, the creators have taken the daily routine of hairwashing and turned it into a luxurious, pampering experience. John Amato and Teri LaVerne (a former fashion model) have 18 years in the salon owning business in upscale Beverly Hills. Together they wanted to create professional haircare products that truly repaired hair from damaging effects of age, chemical processing, and styling as well as incorporate raw, natural ingredients to nourish and condition hair, providing their customers with a luxurious aromatic experience. They've dedicated themselves to the pursuit and creation of a collection that repairs damaged hair and doesn't just mask it by coating it with synthetic enhancers.

The result: a collection that enhances shine, preserves color, hydrates, nourishes and repairs hair.

What you'll find in Rare El'ements is a sophisticated, refined, effective approach to restoring and protecting your hair. Rare El'ements contains pure botanicals, exotic butters and nourishing nut oils from the world's most opulent, raw resources.

So, sounds lovely enough. I was eager to try the shampoo and conditioner in particular to see if the results lived up to all the dreamy sounding hype. They do! Not only is the experience of using the highly aromatic, creamy shampoo and densely rich conditioner akin to a professional spa experience, but the results are spot on. After a week of use (I wash every other day), my hair feels soft, is shiny, healthy looking, full of volume and smells fantastic. I'm splendidly enamored with this line and will continue to use it. I'm hard to please when it comes to haircare. My scalp is very sensitive to intense perfumes and can become "flaky" when harsh products are used. Secondly, since I color my hair, I'm always cognizant of wanting to use products that will conserve that color while also rendering soft, manageable locks. It goes without need of mention that my haircare products must appeal to my olfactory sense. Rare El'ements succeeds in all categories. I highly recommend it!

SPECIFICS ABOUT THE PRODUCTS

Pure Shampoo Hydrating Hair Bath

The rich luscious lather (yes, there's a lather, some purely organic devotees will shake a finger; not me) gently bathes and hydrates hair with rare ingredients souces from Italy and Japan, effectively removing product build-up, while preventing over-cleansing or drying. Key ingredients include: Kalahari oil, an African watermelon seed oil that naturally dissolves sebum build-up, moisture balancing Black Seed Oil that contains 15 amino acids and both Rosehip and Marula oils in addition to other essential oils and botanicals.

Essential Conditioner Daily Replenishing Spa Therapy

This rich conditioner repairs and rebuilds each strand of hair with moisture drenching rainforest butters native to Nepal and Brazil, pure botanicals, nourishing nut oils and the energy-giving aroma of natural, essential fragrances. Effective in hydrating and repair, the conditioner does not weigh hair down; it renders gorgeous, full, healthy, shiny hair without silicones and parabens. Key ingredients include: Cupuacu Butter, a creamy rainforest butter that replenishes moisture and offers a natural UVA/UVB protection, Phulwara Butter, Abyssinian, Camelina, Baobob, Marula, Meadowfoam, Rosehip and Macadamia oils.

Pre-Shampoo Rejuvenating Hair and Scalp Serum

A rich formulation of exotic botanicals, pure nut oils and essential aroma fragrances ideal for damaged or color treated hair. Some label it the "miracle" serum for its ability to instantly repair the condition and shine of dull lifeless hair. Every opulent drop holds the secret to rebuilding and promoting stronger, healthier hair growth, replenishing vital nutrients and moisture lost to everyday styling and chemical services. Key ingredients include: omega-3 rich Camelina, Baobob, Marula oil, Borage, Meadowfoam, Avocado, Macadamia, Shea Butter and Rosehip Oil.

Now, these are not drugstore products, and not drugstore prices. The shampoo retails for $34, the conditioner $44 and the rejuvenating treatment serum $44. As such, I'll be using them sparingly when I really want to treat myself. Welllll .... maybe not. I don't think I really want to wait to use this again - ha! Rare El'ements is available through Luckyscent, Vert Los Angeles and other specialty boutiques.

Are You Game for Women's Health?

Women’s Health magazine has a great event coming up. Women’s Health’s annual summer festival, Are You Game?, is returning to New York and Chicago!

Building on the success of last year’s events in Chicago and New York, which were attended by more than 4,000 people, Are You Game? will allow urban women to experience the ultimate in outdoor fun and adventure. Are You Game? will be open to the public at no cost and will offer a host of fun and athletic challenges and activities, such as:

· Euro Bungee
· Rock Climbing
· Beauty and Spa Treatments
· Workout Classes including: Masala Bhangra, Million Dollar Knockout, Hula Hoop Pilates, and more!
· Virtual Surfing
· Fashion Shows
· Karaoke
· And MUCH MORE for the thousands of expected visitors!

See below for the details for the New York and Chicago events. Let me know if you would like any additional information; I know this is something your readers would love for you to share with them.

Are You Game? - New York
SATURDAY, July 11th, 2009
FROM 10 AM – 5 PM
Manhattan’s Hudson River Park at Pier 46
(Charles Street and West Street)

Are You Game? - Chicago
SATURDAY, July 18th, 2009
FROM 10 AM – 5 PM
North Avenue Beach

For more information and directions to the events, check out the Women's Health Are You Game? website. Or check out the home page for Women's Health magazine to learn about other events planned and articles for the benefit of your health.

Philosophy Favorites for July Sweepstakes

philosophy: summer fun has just begun

Did you forget to enter Philosophy's June Sweepstakes? Well, you've got another opportunity in July. Different products, but deliciously summer-ful (yes, I just made that up), nonetheless. Five lucky winners will receive this collection, worth a whopping $250. I love Philosophy! (heavy sigh)

Included in the collection:

Hope in Jar World Famous Moisturizer 1 oz

Purity Made Simple One-Step Facial Cleanser 8 oz
New Eye Hope Advanced Anti-Aging Eye Cream .5 oz
The Microdelivery In-Home Peel
Shelter Sunblock SPF30 4 oz

Amazing Grace Perfumed Shave Gel 7 oz
Kiss Me Clear Lip Gloss SPF 20
Senorita Margarita Shampoo, Shower Gel & Bubble Bath 16 oz
Melon Daiquiri Shampoo, Shower Gel & Bubble bath 16 oz
Black Philosophy T-Shirt (choice of sizes)

I've already entered and hoping to be one of the five, so good luck to you other Philosophy Girls who consider this a drool-worthy prize. The contest ends 7/31/09 and winners will be notified end of August. See website for details.

Click HERE to enter contest

By the way, if you're needing to restock your own Philosophy favorites, there are fab deals going on this weekend at QVC and SkinStore. I'm out of Amazing Grace Spray Fragrance, one of my all-time favorite fragrances, and took advantage of a fantastic boxed set on QVC just moments ago (see below). But you should also know that SkinStore is offering 20% off storewide right now, so nice savings there too.

Included: 16-oz buffing wash, 5-oz body butter, 8-oz body spritz, 2-oz eau de parfum
Bonus 2-oz perfumed hair conditioner - Introductory Price $64.62

Visit QVC for more information on this offer and many other Philosophy offers this weekend. To take advantage of SkinStore's 20% off celebration event (on Philosophy or any other brands), enter code: JULY20 at checkout.

Warning: Addictive Eye Candy. View at Your Own Risk ~ Nordstrom Beauty Exclusives

Nordstrom Beauty Exclusives. You can't find them anywhere else: the products, the sets, the configurations. And they'll not be around forever, so if you want them, get them while you can.

These are special beauty buys from your favorite brands available for pre-order now only at Nordstrom online and in store. They will begin shipping your items on Friday, July 17. I'm trying to limit my list as I could literally go hog wild here. There are 109 items available from over 50 fabulous brands in price ranges of under $25 to over $100. Here are but a few I'm having trouble resisting.

Shop Nordstrom Beauty Exclusives

Celebrate July 4th with Smashbox Goodies

Stash your favorite get-gorgeous Smashbox essentials in your beach or travel bag and make the summer hot for good reason - you!

Case in point, this fab little set above Flawless Face-on-the-Go Set is only $29 and includes iconic products that put Smashbox on the map: Photo Finish Foundation Primer, Photo Op Under Eye Brightener, Brow Tech (powders and wax), they're fabulous Cream Eyeliners, and even a clear gloss and souble-ended brush. That price is outrageous for the contents.

There's so much more to love at Smashbox. I could go on and on recommending products to you from their offerings. Click here for previous posts for more information.

But - what you need to know NOW!

Shop Smashbox now for this great offer. It expires 7/6/09. Enjoy ... x