REVIEW: Living Proof No Frizz

My new go-to styling product for hair!

Living Proof's Wave Shaping, Curl Defining No Frizz Styling Treatment is the product you seek to fall back in love with your wavy, curly hair! I'm convinced. A daily treatment (if needed, or you may go several days without having to wash again) for optimum frizz-reduction and conditioning, it claims to offer the first new anti-frizz technology in over 30 years. No Frizz addresses the two causes of frizz—humidity and friction. As a wavy, curly haired belle in the deep south of New Orleans (read: tropical hell for about 7-8 months of the year), I reeeeeally wanted this product to live of to the hype. It did.

Wave Shaping, Curl Defining No Frizz Styling Treatment provides a superior, extremely thin humidity barrier on hair while reducing surface friction. The result is an effective, lightweight frizz fighter, one of the best on the market today. This expert styling secret weapon contains a touchable holding polymer to give waves and curls added definition. Hair is left sleek and manageable without becoming sticky, "crunchy", greasy or heavy at all. This is a versatile product as well. Comb through and leave hair to air dry, or blow dry for lustrous, shiny locks. Get styling tips from No Frizz here.

Living Proof's No Frizz formulas efficiently deliver PolyfluoroEster to the surface of the hair in one even, perfect layer—devoid of any extraneous additives. This advanced styling aid works great on color-treated hair and is terrific for highly processed hair. No Frizz also repels dirt and oil so you can go longer between shampoos.

I'm telling you, I'm really delighfully impressed with this brand. I've tried this and their Straight Making No Frizz Styling Treatment with equal success. Both are a creamy-gel in texture, with a very light organic-botancial scent. Te key is not to use too much. I have a head full of very thick, wavy, longer-than-shoulder-length hair and all I need is about a quarter-size amount of the treatment in the palm of my hand to handle my whole head of hair. Those with less hair (in thickness or length) will need much less. As such, the bottle will last you a good long while.

Apparently I'm not the only one who has fallen in love with Living Proof's No Frizz products. Marie Claire featured it in their Top Hair Products - Behind the Scenes: Model Behavior article. Living Proof's wavy and straight styling creams are both available in three versions (fine to medium, medium to thick and thick to course) and in two sizes (2 oz and 4 oz). $14 - $24. Available at Sephora, Living Proof ad QVC.

YLANG 23 Presents Sydney Evan Jewelry

YLANG23 (formerly known as Ylang-Ylang) is owned by Joanne and Charles Teichman opened in Dallas in 1985, and quickly attracted a faithful clientele. Those they serve either can afford anything or insist upon a certain style epxressive of their own inner aesthetic, and prefer the fine workmanship of renowned designers who shape the trends in the U.S. and Europe.

While their jewelry has changed over the years, one constant is that they've always stayed ahead of the curve, always true to a vision of providing the most exciting breakthrough collections, and always a level of service their clients find unmatched. Their clients have a natural ability to put pieces together, whether it's Chanel or Gap (or the two together), Cathy Waterman, Me & Ro, or a rare day stripped of all jewelry.

Enter Roseanne Karmes. In her Sydney Evan collection, Karmes conveys personal sentiment in trendy, hip and expressive pieces that include the hamsa and evil eye pendants - spiritual protection pieces. Life, love and family are all reflected in Karmes’ jewelry, all executed in diamonds and gold. Sydney Evan enjoys a large following of jewelry lovers, who collect stacks of bracelets and good luck pieces.

Individual pieces range from about $250 to $3,000. Please visit YLANG 23 for more information and to shop their fantastic lines of chic, trendy designer jewelry.

Tarte Girl on Top Sweepstakes

In Girl on Top, career expert and best-selling author Nicole Williams takes 20 tried-and-true dating rules you know (and have probably used) such as "Play Hard to Get" and "Don’t Give Away the Milk for Free"—and shows you how to put them to use when the object of your affection is your job. With her ingenious approach—taking the tactics used to land a man and applying them to your career—you’ll be able to handle any work situation and come out on top. Here's the advice no one else has been willing to tell you, right at your fingertips!

And to celebrate the release of Girl on Top, Tarte is sponsoring their own girl on top contest free-for-all! I love a good giveaway, don't you? Here's the scoop:

Three lucky winners will receive a Tarte and Girl on Top prize package. The Grand Prize includes: (over a $1,250 value!)

Phone coaching session with Girl on Top author and career expert Nicole Williams
A signed copy of Girl on Top
Girl on Top reusable tote
Tarte's clean slate natural primer
Tarte's lash lights, camera, lashes! 4-in-1 clinically proven natural mascara
Tarte's picture perfect eyelash curler
Tarte's park avenue princess mineral bronzer
Tarte's natural cheek stain in dollface
Tarte's emphasEYES in black
Tarte's eye couture palette
Tarte's rise and shine in mauve

There are second and third prizes to win as well. Lots of goodness to be spread. So, what to do you have to do to win? Ohhhh, a whole lot! Alright, sorry, sarcastic, stupid mood has aparently taken over me tonight.

Just click HERE to complete the entry form. Yep, that's it.

Look for your special code for 20% of Tarte products after entering. Winners will be selected at random and notified via email. No purchase neccesary to enter. Contest closes on October 31, 2009 11:59pm EST.

Sephora Pick Your Own Treats: 5 Free Samples

Sephora is upping their free sample loot for customers making a purchase of any size. Woohoo ... nothing draws me to buy more than free goodies! For me, it's the ultimate incentive. Here are the brands Sephora has to choose your samples from right now:

Urban Decay, Laura Mercier, Smashbox, Kate Somerville, Bvlgari, Ole Henriksen, Chanel, Tocca, Peter Thomas Roth, LORAC, Leslie Blodgett (ok, ladies, I'm cracking up at that last choice, but anyway ... seriously? Leslie Blodgett of Bare Escentuals notoriety has a namesake fragrance out? Oy vey ... say it isn't so - there for your pickin' if you so desire).

Visit Sephora online to do your shopping and select your sample gifts. Free with any order only through 10/15/09.

Beautorium Invites Us to Think Pink and Go Green

Natural beauty retailer Beautorium has announced a new initiative that will unite breast cancer fundraising, in support of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure® North Jersey Affiliate, with education about the health benefits of natural and organic beauty products. From Oct. 15, 2009 - Jan. 15, 2010, 25 percent of the proceeds from select products listed at

Beautorium will be donated to the North Jersey Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

Beautorium has enlisted several of its brands, among the top natural beauty companies in the world, to participate in the effort. Exuberance Beauty, John Masters Organics, Juice Beauty, Marina Cosmetics, red flower, Revolution Organics, Saaf, Sophyto and Trilogy will donate to the cause. Melvita Organics will also join the lineup at the time of its US debut on Nov. 9. Among the 35 natural and organic products hand-picked to benefit Susan G. Komen North Jersey are Beautorium top-sellers like Trilogy Organic Rosehip Oil, Exuberance Brightening Facial Serum with Vitamin C, Saaf Organic Eraser Body Oil and Juice Beauty SPF 30 Tinted Moisturizer.

The unique support that Beautorium brings to Susan G. Komen North Jersey highlights the organizations’ interest in health awareness and education for women. In addition to raising funds that will help save lives, bring care and support to breast cancer patients and work toward a cure, Beautorium seeks to further the understanding of the importance of natural and organic products for our best health. Many ingredients that are commonly found in commercial beauty preparations have been linked to cancer or other health issues. Given that skin is our largest organ, able to absorb 60% of what we put on our bodies, the choice of natural and organic personal care products is an important step in protecting ourselves from an overload of harmful chemicals.

Beautorium offers only the highest quality natural products that are free from ingredients like parabens, phthalates, sodium laurel sulfate (SLS), sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) and polyethylene glycol (PEG), which may pose serious health risks. To learn more about the potentially harmful ingredients in your beauty products, visit Skin Deep, at cosmeticsdatabase.com.

“I would like to thank Beautorium for raising awareness and funds for our organization from their Think Pink, Go Green Collection. Their support will help us to one day realize our goal and vision of a world without breast cancer.” said Deborah Q. Belfatto, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Susan G. Komen North Jersey.

Beautorium founder Ann Francke says, “We are passionate about the fight against breast cancer and thank Susan G. Komen North Jersey for the opportunity to support their work. We are hoping that our benefit campaign will be highly successful and enjoyed by all!”

The Mystery of Perfume: An ELLE and Barney's Special Event

Now you see, this is exactly why I need to live in or closer to New York. Right? I mean, really, it would take me all of a second to decide whether or not to take the morning off, or even the whole day, to attend this epitome of a fragance lover's event!

Are you kidding me? Frederic Malle Editions de Parfums, Antonia Bellanca Antonia's Flowers, Fabrice Penot Le Labo, and Ben Gorham Byredo Parfums ... leading a discussion to unravel the mystery of perfume for attendees. I'd probably stand there starstruck at just the notion of the creative talent in the room. These are masters, my loves! If you have any ability to attend, don't miss this.

The Mystery of Perfume - Panel of Experts

L-R: Frederic Malle, Antonia Bellanca, Fabrice Penot, Ben Gorham

ELLE Editor in Chief Roberta Myers + ELLE Beauty Director Emily Dougherty invite you to unravel the mystery of perfume. Enjoy a panel discussion hosted at Barneys New York.

Fred's Restaurant

Madison and Sixty-First

Wednesday, October 21st

8:30 - 10:00AM

$25 Attendance fee redeemable in product in store.

A fabulously fragrant goody bag for all attendees! Ladies and gents, this is going to be uber-popular so please do RSVP early. Visit Barneys.com/ELLE and add The Mystery of Perfume to your cart to reserve your spot. Space is limited!

Essie Deliciously Wicked New Season

Essie has gathered some favorite and deliciously dark shades together for a wicked celebration of the new season. Whether wearing them shiny or matte, alone or variations of many, these classic colors will give your fingers and tootsies a chic look.

Decadent Diva - a daring dark brown with a hint of bronze shimmer

Lady Godiva - creamy, chocolately brown

Licorice - sweet like candy, but dark as night

Marshmallow - sheer, playful white, perfect for a French Manicure

Wicked - a malicious, yet playful deep, dark red; an essie cult favorite

Matte About You! - mattify your color for the new fashion-forward look

And of course, wear pink this October...on your fingers and toes in an effort to raise breast cancer awareness. To join in the fight against this disease, essie cosmetics has created Yes We Can, Pink!, a new nail color, for which a portion of the proceeds will be donated to Living Beyond Breast Cancer (LBBC), a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering women affected by the disease.

Available online and in fine spas and salons. Please visit essie cosmetics for more information and to shop all the gorgeous shades and products. Enjoy free shipping with your order of $40 or more with promo code: FREESHIP40.

Lancome GWP's and Beauty Offers - Everywhere

As everyone knows, Lancôme offers their customers the best gifts with purchase, deluxe sample collections, mini palettes and special offers out there. Makeup bags, cosmetics, skincare, lippies, shadows, serums, creams, cases ... it goes on. And they do so on a regular basis. It's not a once or twice a year beauty event, it's once a week or more!

As such, we almost always have the opportunity to try wonderful products when making even a small purchase from Lancôme. I've discovered some really fantastic products through their freebies that I may have never thought to try otherwise. Been wanting to try Genifique Youth Activating Concentrate (this is a must-have product for anyone 35 or over), or a new lippie from the Kate Winslet created Smoky Roses collection, a new fragrance for fall or test their Oscillation products (mascara, lash primer or foundation)?

Well, pick your favorite shopping destination (in-store or online) and head for the Lancôme counter.

Dillard's Gift a la Carte
Receive a chic cosmetics bag stuffed with beauty favorites as your gift with any Lancome purchase of $29.50 or more. You get to choose which samples you'd like to try. Fill your bag with your choice of six (6) makeup or skincare must-haves! One gift per person while supplies last (up to $130 value). Deluxe samples to choose from include:

• Lancome Genifique Youth Activating Concentrate
• Lancome High Resolution Collaser-5X™ Intense Collagen Anti-Wrinkle Serum
• Lancome Color Design Sensational Effects Eye Shadow Quad in Strappy Sandals, Dirty Pink, Effortless and Guest List
• Lancome Color Design Sensational Effects Eye Shadow Quad in Daylight, Vue, Drama, Amethyst Charm
• Lancome Definicils High Definition Mascara
• Lancome Bi-Facil Double-Action Eye Makeup Remover
• Lancome Creme Radiance Clarifying Cream-to-Foam Cleanser
• Lancome Absolue Premium Bx Absolute Replenishing Cream
• Lancome Color Design Sensational Effects Lipcolor in Curtain Call
• Lancome Color Fever Shine Sensual Sheer Color Vibrant Lipshine in Old Flame
• Lancome Color Design Lipcolor in All Done Up

Visit Lancome at Dillards, or click link to order online. Offer good 10/6/09 - 10/25/09 or while supplies last. Ordering online, get free shipping with Lancome purchase of $50.00 or more as well.

Lancome USA Spellbinding October Beauty
This is a Lancome online offer. Receive six (6) fabulous beauty treats and free shipping with your $45 or more online order. Samples include:

• HIGH RÉSOLUTION REFILL-3X™ Triple Action Renewal Anti-Wrinkle Cream
• EFFACIL Gentle Eye Makeup Remover
• TONIQUE DOUCEUR Alcohol Free Freshener
• COLOR FEVER SHINE Lipcolor in Provocative
• VIRTUOSE Divine Lasting Curves Mascara
• COLOR DESIGN EYE SHADOW in Daylight, Amber Mystique, Pose and Couture

Click link and ente promo code: OCTDELUXE at checkout.

Offer good thru 10/11/09 or while supplies last.

Bloomingdale's Gift a la Carte
Choose between Natural Warms, Chic Neutrals or Dramatic Cools. Your gift with any Lancôme purchase of $35 or more (valued up to $110).








NATURAL WARMS: Definicils High Definition Mascara in Black; Color Design Eye Shadow Quad in Honeymoon, Suntouched, Amber Mystique and Lézard; Color Fever Lipstick in Wicked Brown; Le Rouge Absolu in Sun Touched Terra











CHIC NEUTRALS: Virtuose Black Carat Mascara in Black; Color Design Eye Shadow Quad in Drape, Camisole, Opal Mystère and The New Black; Color Fever Lipstick in Edgy; Color Design Lipcolor in Rose Defile











DRAMATIC COOLS: Virtuose Black Carat Mascara in Black; Color Design Eye Shadow Quad in Daylight, Vue, Volcano and Statuesque; Color Fever Shine Lipshine in Hot Nights; Color Design Lipcolor in Vintage Rose



PLUS, receive HIGH RÉSOLUTION REFILL-3X™ Triple Action Renewal Anti-Wrinkle Cream SPF 15 and BI-FACIL Double-Action Eye Makeup Remover all in a Lancôme Signature Cosmetics Bag

In-store and Bloomingdale's online 10/5/09 - 10/25/09 or while supplies last (in FL and Atlanta Bloomie's stores only, available 10/21 - 11/08).

Chanel Spring 2010 RTW

I'm in love with Karl Lagerfeld's Spring 2010 RTW collection for Chanel shown in Paris yesterday. Still trying to get all the deets on hair and beauty, which was stunningly feminine, but will share what I know at this point as I just can't wait. x




The catwalk: country life amid a farmhouse reminiscent of Marie Antoinette's petit hameau. The clothing - exquisite. Models looking like Bardot-esque french maidens daintily clad in pale pink, white, black and gray painstakingly beautiful creations of tweed, lace, hems with frayed edges, sheer ribbons woven into fabric accentuated clothing and accessories, jackets belted and loose, suits and skirts cut into sculpted bells, floral frocks, high-heeled clogs - Lagerfeld nicknamed "5 o'clogs" - and flowered heels befitting of a queen. An occasional piece in french red or pale, shimmering gold enlivened the collection, adding warmth and intrigue. Sheer, delicate red, white and blue dresses lent the spirit of Paris in springtime to the show.

Of course, already firing up twitter waves, the blogosphere and online beauty mags alike is the revelation of Chanel Beauty Creative Director Peter Philips' nail polish for the season, a blended purplish, taupey gray, which is being compared to OPI's You Don't Know Jacques and Parlez Vous as well as Sephora's Metro Chic (a creation by OPI as well). Well, we knew taupey grays were gonna be BIG come fall, didn't we? Looks like they'll be around, in varying shades and mutations, for a while.



Lagerfeld left no detail unchecked; and would we expect anything less? Current muse and face of the new Coco Cocoon handbag collection for Chanel, Lily Allen, performed the show opener beneath a rustic pergola. Fair french countryside maidens romped through the hay adorned with soft penciled tattoos displaying iconic Chanel imagery and faux chain garters (the temporary tatts - a popular trend throughout Spring 2010 fashion shows, e.g. Rodarte, Galliano too). Lagerfeld took his ending walk down the runway amidst a staged menage a trois delighting in a playful romp in the hay. The collection, as the show itself, is such a splendid treat in visual stimulation, it's almost too gluttonous for earthly consumption. Just delicious!

images: elle, wwd, nymag