British Beauty Emily Blunt Engaged to "The Office" Star

"We can confirm that John and Emily are engaged," a rep for "The Office" star told Access Hollywood.

John Krasinski, 29, and Emily Blunt, 26, have been dating since November 2008. This will be the first marriage for both. Emily, who previously dated singer Michael Buble, stars in the upcoming film "The Wolfman," alongside Benicio Del Toro, and was previously seen in "The Devil Wears Prada" among other films.

Also look for her in a brilliant, feisty portrayal of Queen Victoria in her younger years ascending to the throne and growing a romance with a young Prince Albert. So beloved is this film that it will close the Toronto International Film Festival on September 19th. Well, I say beloved but lots of British reads are claiming "disappointment" saying Emily is much too attractive to play Vic (described as pain and stubby). Further, that modern audiences won't want to sit through the parade of stately castles and lavish costuming. (Are they kidding? I could watch just those kinds of films all day long!) The stellar cast includes, in addition to Golden Globe winner Emily Blunt in the title role, Rupert Friend (Pride and Prejudice), Paul Bettany (Creation, The Da Vinci Code), Miranda Richardson (Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire), Jim Broadbent (Longford, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull), Mark Strong (Body of Lies) and Thomas Kretschmann (King Kong) and is directed by the critically-acclaimed French-Canadian filmmaker Jean-Marc Vallée (C.R.A.Z.Y.) from a script by Academy Award-winning Julian Fellowes (Gosford Park). Also of note, the co-producers of the film involved the unlikely pairing of the brilliant Martin Scorsese and Sarah Ferguson. Yep, I'm serious. USA release date is November 13, 2009.

Ok, so I digress; I adore period pieces so am tres excited about the above. Anway, the upcoming season of "The Office" will see John's character, Jim, tie the knot with his Scranton sweetheart Pam, played by Jenna Fischer. And apparently, preparing to wed on the set must have set the romantic wheels in motion for the stars, as Jenna is also engaged off-screen. In July, a rep for Jenna confirmed to Access Hollywood she was engaged to boyfriend Lee Kirk. The pair began dating in January 2008 and Lee popped the question on June 30 while the couple was on vacation in Europe.

MARCH 2008: Emily Blunt, Amy Adams, Jessica Biel, Anne Hathaway, Alice Braga, Ellen Page, Zoe Saldana, Elizabeth Banks, Ginnifer Goodwin, and America Ferrera, photographed by Annie Leibovitz."

Now back to Emily in closing. I love this photograph of Hollywood's Fresh Young Faces taken by famed photog Annie Leibovitz for Vanity Fair's March 2008 issue. Left to right are: Emily Blunt, Amy Adams, Jessica Biel, Anne Hathaway, Alice Braga, Ellen Page, Zoë Saldana, Elizabeth Banks, Ginnifer Goodwin, and America Ferrera.

images: Access Hollywood, Daily Mail UK, Vanity Fair

Smashbox Blowout Sale! 25% - 50% Off

Smashbox has a huge blowout sale for up to 50% off many favorites and collection items going on now. Some items are under $10. It's your last chance to get many limited-edition and discontinued Smashbox items. As always, you'll receive free standard shipping and complimentary deluxe jumbo samples with every online order.

Here's some of what you'll find:

For more information and to shop the sale, visit Smashbox online.

The Mommy Glow Sweepstakes from Benefit x Serena & Lily

You already know about the goodness of Benefit, have you heard of Serena & Lily? As seen in Parents, Elle Decor, C Magazine and many others, Serena & Lily are, "what's hot!"

For Serena Dugan, a textile designer and artist, and Lily Kanter, a baby boutique owner and savvy businesswoman, "Children’s spaces that are fresh and style-driven, with dynamic color and pattern combination, timeless and comfortable through sophistication and simplicity… is what we both dreamed of."

What a great combination - The sisters of Benefit Cosmetics and the ladies of Serena & Lily offering moms a fantastic contest to win fresh treasures uniquely their own.

Enter for a chance to win a $2,500 gift certificate at Serena & Lily to design a one-of-a-kind bedroom for your child AND $500 at Benefit Cosmetics. 15 runners-up will win a Serena & Lily Gypsy Tote & top sellers from the Benefit Mommy Glow collection.

Click HERE to enter the contest now.

Contest ends 9/8/09. No purchase necessary.

For more information and to shop these great stores, visit Benefit and Serena & Lily online.

Fusion Beauty Seeks to Fatten Your Lip(s)!

Mmmmm ... one of our favorite lip plumping brands is bringing a whole new sense of plump to counters beginning mid-September. Fusion Beauty, of LipFusion fame, is set to launch inFATuation Liquid Shine Multi-Action Lip Fattener, which will deliver a formula (treatment) for longer term lip plumping action. Sign me up!

“What we really wanted to do with Infatuation is bring a lip product that, unlike LipFusion, plumps lips for the long haul,” said Tammy Yaiser, Director of Product Development for Fusion Beauty. “We found the technology and what it does is that it helps your body increase fatty acid promotion and storage. It takes about 28 days.”

Well, LipFusion is already a fabulous product for real plumping results as it stands now, albeit temporary. I'm looking forward to trying their new "fattener" as soon as I can get my hands on it. Wonder if they'll have a yummy flavor like the LipFusion and XL versions have? One can hope.

The new Infatuation Liquid Shine Multi-Action Lip Fatteners (whew, that's a mouthful - pun fully intended) will debut in six fantastic shades and will retail for $29 each. For more information when this hits in September, visit FusionBeauty online.

YSL's New Gloss Volupte Gloss Stick

Introducing YSL's first gloss stick, a sheer, sensual gloss with SPF 9 combining the femininity and sensuality of a lipstick with the comfort and shine of a gloss. Colorshine complex and Candellila resin result in a transparent, non sticky shine. Thanks to fluid silicones and melting microcrystalline waxes, Gloss Volupté leaves lips feeling sensual, silky and full of comfort. Pomegranate extract and a delicate mango fragrance provide a delicious touch of freshness. Available in four transparent, mouth-watering shades: (L-R below) #1 Iced Lychee, #2 Chilled Raspberry, #3 Frozen Cherry and #4 Frosted Plum - $30

Oh, and have you checked out YSL's new "Y" Palette? Garnering lots of attention, PALETTE Y Collector Palette for the complexion is both a blush and a powder; the Y Palette instantly highlights all skin tones. With the Y initial “stitched” into the powder, it is a true fashion accessory, and you'd expect nothing less from a company bearing the name of Yves Saint Laurent. $62

For more information, visit YSL online.

L'Occitane Provencal Tote Full of Goodies Sweepstakes

Enter to win L'Occitane's new contest for a teasure trove of Provencal best-selling products. This is a basket tote filled with wonderful L'Occitane goodies worth $250. The gift basket includes:

Shea Butter Hand Cream
Shea Butter Foot Cream
Aromachologie Volumizing Shampoo
Aromachologie Volumizing Conditioner
Olive Golden Branch Shower Cream
Olive Golden Branch Body Lotion
Shea Butter Extra Gentle Soap - Milk
Immortelle Brightening Cleansing Foam
Lavender Scented Candle
Verbena Shower Gel
Honey & Lemon Foaming Jelly
Lavender Bunches
L'Occitane Shopping Basket

The contest ends 8/31/09 so be sure to enter soon.

Click HERE to enter the contest and to learn more about these soothing, fresh botanical beauties.

New! Bobbi Brown Metallic Long-Wear Cream Shadows

Bobbi's award-winning cream shadow, now available with a touch of glistening sparkle. Introducing Metallic Long-Wear Cream Shadows by Bobbi Brown. The sheer, lightweight formula goes on comfortably and leaves a soft, velvety finish. Stays color-true and crease-free all day. Available in eight glamorous new shades, perfect for Fall 2009. For extra definition, pair these with Bobbi's famous Long-Wear Gel Eyeliners (ahem, see update below for special offer).

Shades: Chroma Patina, Brown Metal, Starry Night, Black Pearl, Starry Purple, Antique Gold, Goldstone and Mercury.

Shop Bobbi Brown online for more information on these fab new cream shadows with metallic flair, $22 each. Receive free standard shipping when you purchase two or more of Bobbi's long-wearing products, enter code: METALLIC9 at checkout, through 8/28/09.

UPDATE (8/25): Oh my gosh, as if on cue, Bobbi Brown has extended a FANTASTIC offer to her beauty clients. Free Full Size Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner in Indigo Ink with $65 Order. Yes, these are her famous eyeliner formulations ($21 Value)!

Click link and enter offer code: BEST5 (required). One time use. Valid 8/25/09 -10/15/09.

New for Lips from Chanel ... Ooh La La

As if Chanel Rouge isn't decadent enough in its stick formulation, Chanel has created a yet more luxurious lip product in Rouge Allure Laque. A liquid lip lacquer originally inspired by the legendary lacquered Coromandel screens in Mademoiselle’s Rue Cambon apartment. This is a combination lipstick-gloss formula with intensely rich color and shine that lasts for hours. The luminous, satin formula has a temptingly creamy texture and offers full coverage in eight stunning shades. $32 each

Santal (Nude), Ming (Nude Rose), Phoenix (Candy Pink), Mandarin (Coral), Dynastie (Pink), Coromandel (Red), Dragon (True Red), Imperial (Deep Rose).

Look at the rich pigmentation in these lovelies!

images by: nutsaboutmakeup (l), blogdorf goodman (r)

However, that doesn't mean Chanel's traditional lippies are going unnoticed. Never! Take a gander at the shade gracing the editorial pages of all the major beauty and fashion magazines for Fall wear. Chanel Rouge Allure, with its luminous, satin lip color in Audace combines fabulously wearable color and sensational comfort, $30. Audace is the perfect dark berry, wild cherry red for accomplishing the dark lip trend next season.

For more information, visit Chanel online or at their beauty counters all over the world.

New Smashbox One-of-a-Kind Set! But One Day Only.

Yes, that's right, more Smashbox (see post below)! I can't help it, it needs to be shared. The QVC Today's Special Value is an unbelievable set of Smashbox favorites that also happens to include a full-sized Halo Perfecting Powder with "Buki" Brush and new launches to boot.

A 9-piece smashbox collection with cult favorites, plus product innovations sure to achieve mega stardom. You'll get the brand's #1-selling foundation, Halo Hydrating Perfecting Powder; the can't-get-enough Waterproof Shadow Liner Duo; wear-with-everything Blush; a signature must-have, Soft Lights; Lash DNA Mascara; Lip Enhancing Gloss; and--get ready to be obsessed--the newest lip creation, Lip Tech.

This kit offers product innovations, advanced formulas, and of-the-moment colors. Halo delivers a healthy-looking complexion, while the Liner Duo plays up your eyes. Lip Tech long-wearing color helps you define your lips like a pro. Put it all together with the Mascara, Blush, Lip Gloss, and Soft Lights and you've got a lot to feature!

I'm hoping to have more information soon for you on that new Lip Tech product (You press it into your lips rather than applying it the old-fashioned way). In the meantime, take advantage of this unbelievably fanstastic offer if it appeals to you even in the slightest. You can always return it if you don't like it for a full refund within 30 days (you WON'T want to return it... ) Smashbox Features in Focus 9-Piece Color Collection is selling for $69.94 (retail value is $169!) today only, and only on QVC.

Smashbox Halo - Now in Eye Shadow!

After knocking the industry off its feet with Halo Perfecting Powder with its anti-aging, against product type hydrating factor, Smashbox is about to launch another first of its kind product by bringing us gorgeous eyeshadows (duos nonetheless) in the Halo line. Brilliant!

Smashbox's innovative Halo Hydrating Perfecting Eye Shadow Duo contains two perfectly coordinated, wearable shades for the base and lid. It's your secret to a beautiful, natural eye that looks effortless. A built-in shaver delivers the convenience of a pressed powder and the radiant finish of a loose one. The shaver allows you to get fresh, loose pigment with each use. These shadows deliver the same hydrating, anti-aging benefits to your lids that the perfecting powder does for your face. Yes, in a powder shadow. Amazing.

Pre-order Halo Hydrating Eye Shadow in the shade of your choice now through QVC and you'll enjoy them before the rest of the world gets to try this, and at a special introductory price. The advance order set includes a 0.15 oz Halo Hydrating Perfecting Eye Shadow Duo, a Blending Brush #3, and a Crease Brush #10. Special price - $39.54 (retail value $91)

Shade choice of: Soft Peach/Cocoa (soft peach/warm brown), Pewter/Smoke (platinum/deep slate), Bisque/Almond (warm beige/soft nude), or Petal/Plum(soft pink/heather)

Worldwide launch on August 22, 2009 and exclusive to QVC until November 1, 2009!

Update: You know, I didn't say this last night when I posted the article, but it's waying on my mind and I wanted to add ... indulge me, please. lol But, truly, this kit is worth the price for the Smashbox brushes alone! If you've never tried a Smashbox brush, and you're getting TWO in this kit, you'll find that you'll use these with all your shadow brands to apply to lids. The gray-pewter and purplish options, in particular, are RIGHT ON in terms of colors you'll be seeing in the fall. That price is crazy nuts! Okay, said my peace. xo

Pomega5 Green Tea Mattifying Moisturizer + A New Look for the Brand

If you've followed For the Love of Beauty for any length of time, you already know my love for Pomega5 pomegranate seed oil skincare products! Their products have been listed in my Favorite Things categories over and over again. I've even gone so far as to say that since finding and using these products, my skin has never looked better - and it's true.

Tzeira Sofer, founder, president and creative force behind Pomega5, was driven by a vision to create an authentic, holistic line based upon the potent benefits of the pomegranate. The inspiration for the Green Tea Moisturizer originates with Tzeira’s love for Japanese green tea, which she habitually blends with organic herbs and flowers from her own garden. Formulated with three ultra-potent antioxidants - green tea, verbena and pomegranate seed oil - Green Tea Mattifying Moisturizer protects against environmental and free-radical damage, while hydrating to leave skin silky soft with a matte, smooth finish. Lightweight and extremely refreshing, this moisturizer is ideal for hot summer days, touch-ups and the occasional aromatic indulgence. I can't even describe fully enough how wonderful the moistuizer smells; it's very fresh with a lingering of verbena. You know those products that you can't wait to use because the smell of them feels like heaven ... this is one of those products! The true glory of the moisturizer, however, is in its effects on skin - hydrating, renewing, leaving skin looking smooth and healthy.




Hot off the press:
Pomega5 is expanding its product offerings and is redesigning its packaging (image above). The new line will be even more comprehensive, including 16 products that will address a variety of age and skin-type needs — all of them entirely pure and luscious as usual. Fans of this brand are on pins and needles (oh, you know I am) waiting for all the new goodness to spring forth. One of their newer products, Pamplemousse Brightening Lotion, which boasted a "green" all natural SPF 15, was so hot for the company in its debut that they literally haven't been able to keep it in stock. I had the opportunity to try some samples of this lotion and loved it immediately. It's very light in texture and has a lovely, fresh, almost "subtly-citrus" scent. Don't worry, they're making some more. x


Want to try Pomega5?
They've created a special promotion exclusively for our readers! For a limited time, receive 15% off all products (regardless of minimum order) PLUS a free Cleansing Bar. Believe me, just the offer of one of their cleansing bars alone is a fantastic gift. I'm really so excited for you to try Pomega5, and very thankful to Mikhal and Tzeira for offering our readers a special promotion. mwah!

Use promo code: ftlob15 when you order

Offer good thru 9/30/09

Note: I receive absolutely no commission or payment in line with this promotion; this is a special offer for you to enjoy! xo

Kiehl's New Limited Edition Facial Skincare Sets

Kiehl's has just introduced two of their most advanced skincare formulations in limited edition sets. Everyone knows how wonderful Kiehl's products are for skin; now we can experience their top facial products in exclusive, nicely priced kits.

Abyssine Facial Skincare Set $86 ($118 value)

Combining deep-sea survival molecules and mineral-rich algae, Abyssine preparations form a dual barrier of protection to help defend skin from damaging free radicals, while minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Anti-wrinkle defense formulations. Set includes:

Abyssine Cream + (1.69 fl. oz. Jar)
Abyssine Serum + (1.7 fl. oz. Pump)
Abyssine Eye Cream + (0.5 fl. oz. Jar) Compliments of Kiehl's

Cryste Marine Facial Skincare Set $97.50 ($133.50 value)

Made with algae extracts and enriched with Criste Marine, a naturally-derived botanical found aside the Mediterranean Sea, our rejuvenating and firming treatments boost cell renewal, leave skin replenished and looking and feeling instantly lifted. Lifting and firming formulations. Sdet includes:

Cryste Marine “Ultra Riche” (1.69 fl. oz. Jar)
Cryste Marine Firming Serum (1.7 fl. oz. Pump)
Cryste Marine Firming Eye Treatment (0.5 fl. oz. Jar) Compliments of Kiehl's

Kiehl's always includes lovely packaged free samples with every order. For more information and to shop the new skincare kits, visit Kiehl's.

Dior Jazz Club Eye Palettes for Fall 2009

So I'm seeing these palettes all over the web and in mags and I'm drooling over them both!

New from Dior, these limited-edition Jazz Club Couture Eye Palettes feature Dior's signature silver toggle on a black patent clutch, which is the must-have accessory for Fall.

Jazz Club in Smoky Jazz 001 - $65

Inside, you'll find four eyeshadows, a brow-shaping powder, and a cream-to-powder eyeliner—all are perfectly coordinated to create a sultry, smoky-jazz harmony.

Jazz Club in Purple Jazz 002 (The Nordstrom Exclusive Palette) - $65

All kinds of purple are defined in this new Jazz Club Eye Palette. Includes pinks and greys, berries and plums to create the perfect day-to-evening look for Fall 2009. This all-in-one palette features six Dior eye products. Dior Liner, Sourcils Eyebrow, Fard Matte Eyeshadow, Fard Iridescent Eyeshadow, Fard Iridescent Eyeshadow, and a topcoat.

images: Christian Dior RTW Fall 2009

For more information on the Dior Jazz Club palettes and other new items for Dior Beauty Fall 2009, visit Nordstrom.

ideeli: Coach Bag Giveaway

Where I am here in the deep south, Coach handbags are all the rage! They can't keep the new styles in stock here as they sellout before you can blink an eye.

If you adore Coach as much as I do, be sure to tune in tomorrow, 8/19/09, when ideeli gives away this gorgeous Coach Satchel to an ideeli member with entries being accepted starting at noon. This is a black leather handbag with top zipper closure. You have to be an ideeli member to enter, so if you're not a member yet, what are you waiting for? ideeli hosts unbelievable shopping deals, ridiculously discounted pricing on high-end and haute couture products in fashion, beauty, and luxury lifestyle brands, insider information on the newest products, and gives members fantastic giveaway opportunities. ; )

Don't worry, I'm happy to share an exclusive invitation code with you so you can join ideeli (it costs absolutely nothing to be a member), enter the Coach giveaway and help yourself to direct access ideeli's sought-after shopping community.

Click HERE to join ideeli and to enter the Coach handbag giveaway

Your special invitation code is: love

Entries for the Coach handbag giveaway begins on ideeli Wed., 8/19/09 at noon and lasts for only a few hours, so be sure to enter while the giveaway is active.

Brazilian Wax: Ouch! Tips from Women Who've Been There Waxed That

image: Completely Bare Spa

Over the last several years, wax jobs have gone from being a risqué novelty to a basic grooming procedure countless women undergo regularly. Glamour shares info and tips on the Brazilian wax in this month's issue. In a new survey of 500 women by Schick, 73 percent said bikini-line maintenance is part of their normal beauty routine. Waxers across the country report that business is booming. In this economy, one spa owner observes, “there may be more wait time between waxes—some women come in every six weeks instead of four—but it makes them feel good without dropping a ton of cash.”

WAXING TIPS

Trim hair to a half inch ahead of time. No shorter, or it’ll be hard for the wax to grab it. “Long hairs take more time to pull out,” says Lisa, 23, of Palo Alto, California. “Who needs even another millisecond of pain?”




Book the appointment for at least a week after your period; the area can be sensitive the week before menstruation.



Apply a topical anesthetic 30 to 45 minutes before waxing. A popular one, and not just because of its name: Relax and Wax No-Scream Cream (left, $20, relaxnwax.com). Also take an ibuprofen before hitting the salon.




Get personal with your waxer…in another way. “We gossip and catch up on our lives as she’s working,” says Christine, 31, of Minneapolis, “and when I’m distracted, waxing hurts less.”




Other resources for information on waxing and best products for at-home treatments as well as spa experiences, visit Completely Bare and Bliss Spa.

People Going Mad for This Eco Clutch

Open up any beauty or fashion magazine and you're bound to find them feauring this fab, colorful clutch from Mad Imports in their favorite picks. I've seen it featured in Marie Claire, Glamour, Lucky and most recently in the current issue of Savvy Magazine (image above).

Mar y Sol, formerly Mad Imports, is a socially & environmentally responsible company that markets handmade fashion accessories from Madagascar and Kenya . Their eclectic accessories blend traditional and contemporary design ideas of our international design team who incorporate renewable raw materials to create vivid & original clutches. The sale of their products enables families to gain economic independence and promotes environmental conservation. Oh, and they're are uber-chic!

Available at Spirit Beauty Lounge and retailing for $75 - $89 with various styles, colors and sizes to choose from, these clutches are sure to please.

Mark Buxton Perfumes - Personality through the Prism of Color

Mark Buxton, who has designed perfumes for Givenchy, Versace, Cartier as well as many others, is probably best known for his long association with Comme des Garcons.

His newest line is his own branded collection of seven perfumes, each one built around the concept of choosing a perfume based on color, character and mood. Browns and deep red lovers will find their fragrance in Nameless; English Breakfast resonates with orange shades; deep pear and tan relate to Sound & Visions; forest green is Wood & Absinth; blues are Black Angel; black and purple is Around Midnight and pink is Hot Leather. Our attraction to each unique fragrance changes as much as we change what color we like at any given moment, and makes this beautiful collection a perfect scent wardrobe for our many moods.

NOTES

• Sounds & Visions: bergamot, mandarin, pepper, ginger, cardamom, nutmeg, rose, jasmine, rosewood, patchouli, guaiac, cedarwood, sandalwood
• English Breakfast: bergamot, orange, pepper, ginger, coriander, geranium, galbanum, calendula, jasmine, rosewood, gardenia, patchouli, vetiver, labdanum, fir, cedarwood, benzoin
• Wood & Absinth: citrus, orange, clary sage, anise, jasmine, rosewood, wood, vetiver
• Hot Leather: citrus, bergamot, coriander, mandarine, orris, jasmin, patchouli, cedarwood, vanilla
• Around Midnight: pepper, geranium, camomile, jasmin, styrax, patchouli, ciste, cedarwood
• Nameless: mandarin, cardamom, orange flower, lavender, cinnamon, coffee, clove, jasmine, amber, ciste, wood, guaiac, patchouli, cedarwood, benzoin
• Black Angel: citrus, bergamot, mandarin, orange, rosemary, ginger, cardamom, coriander, nutmeg, jasmine, lily of the valley, orris, styrax, guaiac, patchouli

Available at exclusively at Luckyscent and through the perfumer directly, the fragrances retail for $140 a bottle (100 ml). Also available in a sampler pack containing samples of all seven of the Mark Buxton line in addition to new releases from Lostmarch, Serge Lutens and Nasomotto. (10 samples, $25).

Three Custom Color Specialists Coming to QVC

Three Custom Color Specialists is sharing the news about their upcoming debut on QVC! Already hugely popular with makeup artists, beauty industry professionals and beauty addicts alike, the brand's exposure through QVC will bring their high quality, coveted cosmetics to the masses.

Tune in and join Trae Bodge, Co-Founder and Creative Director of Three Custom Color Specialists, as she debuts the brand’s signature CRÈME CONCEALER/FOUNDATION formula on “Beauty Newsmakers Face-to-Face” on QVC, Tuesday, August 18th from 10-11 p.m.

This is a truly revolutionary product that can stand-in as a mutli-tasker with ease. It’s all you’ll ever need to hide marks, conceal dark circles and create gorgeous, even-looking skin. This makeup artist’s secret weapon is available in 10 shades on QVC (6 to be demonstrated on-air) and is appropriate for all skin types.

TO USE AS FOUNDATION:
Full coverage - apply with a dry sponge, foundation brush or fingers, pushing into the skin. Moisten sponge or brush for medium coverage.
Sheer coverage - mix with your face cream to create a tinted moisturizer.

TO USE AS CONCEALER:
After applying the foundation layer, revisit areas that require more coverage with a concealer brush or fingers. Tap into place.


Check out Trae in action, demonstrating more Creme Concealer/Foundation application tips and tricks on “Beauty Newsmakers Face-to-Face” August 18th on QVC.