Friday, July 31, 2009

A New Look For Bobbi Brown's Website



the Bobbi Brown website has had a little makeover-- check out the new color swatches, how-to videos, "chat with an artist," and brush up your makeup skills with brand new tips from Bobbi. the site is also easier for you to share your favorite products, tips or articles via Facebook, Digg and del.icio.us.

to celebrate the launch of the new ratings and reviews feature, for each review you write through august 28th, you'll be entered to win $450 worth of Bobbi makeup! the site is also currently offering two free samples with any order and free shipping on purchases above $65-- so why are you still here? head over to BobbiBrown.com right now and look around.

xo

review: Stila Smoky Eye Talking Palette



Stila has some fabulous palettes that talk. no really, there's a button and a voice speaks to you regarding how to use it. amazing idea, and so fun! thanks to Stila, i have one in The Bronzes: pink champagne shimmer (base), bronze brown shimmer (lid), aubergine brown (crease/contour), deep matte brown (liner). i've been using it everyday for the past week and had to show you the results.



i love that all of the colors coordinate, yet can also be worn alone. when worn together the look is more of a dramatic look, but still works during the day.





i am so happy to have been given the opportunity to try this-- it's versatile, travel friendly and uber-adorable-- the holographic eye on the front is fab!




cute, huh?

find Stila's Smoky Eye Palettes on stilacosmetics.com and your local Stila beauty counter!

xo
pics taken by me :)

Michelle Obama's Style Lessons



in these uncertain times, one thing is certain: Michelle Obama knows her own style. from casual to dressy, the first lady knows what looks best on her and realizes that it's ok to wear your favorite pieces over again. she admits to loving fashion and spending money on shoes like any other woman who loves shoes, and i think it's safe to say america has really looked to her as being a style icon.

there are a few "lessons" from Michelle (based on her clothing choices alone) that you can adopt into your own style:



wear bold colors: from head-to-toe hot pink and lemon yellow, bright colors photograph well and brighten your skin tone.




belt it: if your waist is a small part on your frame, wearing a bold belt will show it off.



Michelle in a cardigan from the Gap and skirt by Michael Kors

mix high with low: is it ok to wear Gap with Michael Kors? absolutely! you don't have to break the bank on a cute cardigan.




in a Tracy Feith dress on jan. 21 (left), and may 5 (right)

wear your favorites over and over: never repeating an outfit is so passé! Michelle wears her wardrobe favorites often.


xo

via instyle
images Landov, Mandel Ngan/Getty Images, Win McNamee/Getty Images, Spencer Platt/Getty Images, Martin H. Simon/Corbis, Washington Pool/Sipa Press

Thursday, July 30, 2009

Fall Beauty 2009: Chanel Venice Collection



as a city built on water, venice was a source of great intrigue for Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel. she saw it as simultaneously dramatic and fragile-– qualities she herself possessed. with the imagination of the Chanel Makeup Studio, venice comes to life in a palette reflective of the city's shimmering facades and mosaics, and the sparkling aquatic colours of its lagoons. as seen in the runway looks created by Peter Philips, global creative director of Chanel Makeup, at the 2009/10 Cruise Collection show held on the beaches of venice, italy, rich sienna, deep rose tones, and dusky greys and greens combine for a modern look that can be softened for day or emboldened come evening.



for lips: the Chanel lip collection expands with a selection of rich, luxurious shades. ROUGE ALLURE Luminous Satin Lip Colour arrives in Intuitive, a pinkish brown; Clandestine, a rich brick shade; Captive, a classic brown; Amusing, a rosewood tone; Comedia, a true rose; and Instinctive, a perfect pink nude. lips glimmer with LÈVRES SCINTILLANTES Glossimer in Courtisane (pictured), a natural pink, and Arelequin, a glossy gold. finally, define the mouth with LE CRAYON LÈVRES Precision Lip Definer in Praline d'Or, a golden-hued nude.




for eyes: create a subtle or more dramatic look with LES 4 OMBRES Quadra Eye Shadow in Murano, a palette with shades of moss, pink and seafoam, and green shimmer. the latest IRRÈELLE DUO Silky Eyeshadow Duo arrives in Acqua Alta, a pairing of white and grey shadows. brows look perfectly defined with two new shades of LE CRAYON SOURCILS Precision Brow Definer, Blond Clair and Cendre Noir.

the Gel Cream Eye Shadow Quad (pictured, above) is Chanel's latest makeup innovation. it puts glowing new emphasis on the eyes with a gel-cream texture that blends from sheer to intense. the subtle luminous sheen has a surprisingly and decidedly sophisticated effect.





face: for the perfect finish, apply JOUES CONTRASTE Powder Blush in Fresque, a subtle peach shade, or LES TISSAGES DE CHANEL Blush Duo Tweed Effect in Tweed Sienna (pictured, above), a gorgeous earthy bronze. skin is luminous with POUDRE DOUCE Soft Pressed Powder in Pêche Caresse, a soft peach.




nails: Chanel, the leader in nail colour trends, introduces two new shades of LE VERNIS Nail Colour: Intermezzo, a white pearl, and Gondola, a stunning maroon shimmer.


isn't this collection stunning?! and i don't even have all of the images to show you. well, i will tell you i definitely will be getting the nail polishes and tweed blush (so adorable), and i might splurge on the cream shadow quad...

in any case, you can find the Chanel Venice collection at your local Chanel beauty counter and online at chanel.com

xo
source

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Tracey Cunningham Colors Amy Adams for Allure Magazine



Amy Adams’ haircolor is glowing on the cover of Allure's august issue as Tracey Cunningham, Redken creative consultant for color, used Redken Shades EQ to keep Amy's color close to the natural pigment of her roots softening the deep red that we are used to seeing. i myself have had Shades EQ color used on my hair and the results were gorgeous!

if you yourself are looking for this in-demand red shade, talk to your colorist about Tracey's formula for Amy: equal parts of Shades EQ 08C Cayenne, 09NB Irish Creme, 09AA Papaya and 07G Saffron.

a little fyi-- Redken Shades EQ is a demi-permanent color which provides healthy, shiny results, incredible conditioning with an amazing number of mixing possibilities. Shades EQ is used as a glaze, color refresher, and also color correction. ingredients include acidic pH; no lift, non-ammonia formula, long-lasting colorants, wheat amino acids and silicone.

visit Redken.com to find a Redken salon in your area. want to ask Tracey a color question? visit her expert page and your question could be selected as Tracey's Question of the Month!

xo

Jouer Cosmetics: Red Carpet-Inspired Beauty for Summer 2009




this summer, celebrities like Lauren Conrad, Giselle Bundchen and Hilary Duff all appear to have just stepped off the beach and onto the red carpet. but for us real people, life is not a day at the beach. everything from stress to aging, as well as other factors can wear away at our skin, leaving us looking tired, dull and sullen. Christina Zilber, make-up stylist and founder of Jouer Cosmetics, has some easy ways to fake a healthy luminous look using Jouer products...


how to get the look:

**to protect skin from excess oil, Christina begins by using fingertips to apply Jouer Essential Matte Touch where needed. this botanical mattifier can be used under makeup or alone to purify skin and calm irritation, while firming and moisturizing with vitamins C, D, and E.


**the most important aspect to any celebrity look is flawless skin. even out your complexion using the Jouer's Luminizing Moisture Tint. this lightweight hydrating tint evens out imperfections and fades the appearance of fine lines. rich spf 20 protects from UVA and UVB rays, while ginseng and gingko biloba leaf extract deliver antioxidants to the skin, promoting a healthy complexion.


**follow by applying Jouer's Mineral Powder Bronzer in "Suntan" for a golden bronze. perfect for all skin tones, this oil-free mineral rich powder is loaded with japanese green tea powder and antioxidants to help protect skin throughout the summer months. Christina then recommends applying a light peach or pink blush to the apple of the cheek for a fresh, youthful glow.

**complete the look with a smooth beautiful finish by adding Jouer's Age Repairing Perfector. this mineral age-repairing perfector enhances and evens out complexion while concealing the appearance of redness and other blemishes without the sensation of feeling heavy.

see, you too can have a radiant glow just like these celebrities-- thanks Christina!

all products available at Henri Bendel in new york and at JouerCosmetics.com

xo
Lauren Conrad and Giselle images: Lester Cohen/WireImage

Sephora Celebrates Opening of Second Times Square Store



new york area ladies and gents: you're invited, so get ready for a second dose of Sephora this friday!

who: actress and singer-songwriter, Adrienne Bailon, models and rock royalty, Alexandra and Theodora Richards, makeup maven and YouTube glamour gal Lauren Luke, the Sephora PRO Beauty Team, along with a who's who of the beauty, fashion and entertainment worlds, celebrate the grand opening of Sephora 5 Times Square.



what: get your gorgeous game face on-– opening day events will include a Sephora Square Takeover where beauty buffs are invited to participate in two glamorous GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS® taking place.

whether you want to participate in setting the GUINNESS WORLD RECORD® for the most lipstick applications by an individual in one hour, or help break the GUINNESS WORLD RECORD® for the most cosmetic makeovers by a team of five in one hour, stop by the ultimate beauty playground for some fabulous fun!






when: friday july 31, 2009. events throughout the day from 9am-5pm including:

**9am-9:30am: ribbon cutting at Sephora 5 Times Square
-- Alexandra and Theodora Richards appearance

**11am--12pm: Sephora Express Services

**12pm--1pm: Sephora attempts to set the GUINNESS WORLD RECORD® for the most lipstick applications by one person in one hour
-- Adrienne Bailon appearance

**2pm--3pm: the BY LAUREN LUKE challenge

**3pm--4pm: Sephora attempts to break the GUINNESS WORLD RECORD® for the most cosmetic makeovers by a team of five in one hour

**4pm--5pm: TEMPTU makes new york blush: join the AIRbrush Revolution



where: Sephora Square (father duffy square), northern triangle of times square, located between 46th and 47th streets, broadway and seventh avenue, new york, ny 10036


i know some of my blogging gal pals will be at this event-- it sounds so exciting! hope you local ladies will participate.

xo

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

YBF Skincare Quench Lip Treatment



heal. refresh. protect. those are the goals of YBF's Quench lip treatment. i was so excited to when the brand sent me this product to try lips always deserve to be pampered and treated no matter what time of year, and since this has been with me through many different weather conditions, i can tell you that it really does reach those goals. it does a great job of keeping my lips in good condition, and has become one of my favorite lip balms.

unlike many lip treatments that contain peppermint, as Quench does, this doesn't sting or "bite" at my lips-- it's more of a cooling sensation. other ingredients, like meadowfoam seed oil (a highly moisturizing and rejuvenating oil that forms a moisture barrier over the skin, preventing moisture loss), and vitamins E and C, help keep my lips looking and feeling fabulous (what woman doesn't want soft, beautiful lips?). plus, when lips are well moisturized, lipstick goes on and looks so much better!

you can order Quench online at theskincareshop.com

xo
image courtesy of YBF-Skincare.com

Katherine Heigl's Darker Hair Color



Katherine Heigl has been getting a lot press lately in regards to her new darker 'do-- what do you think? do you think the dark hair suits her?

btw, it's not the first time the actress has had dark hair (you, know...just saying...)

xo
source

Monday, July 27, 2009

Eva Mendes at Launch for Her New Home Collection



remember when i shared Eva Mendes' home collection, Vida by Eva Mendes? well, the actress made an appearance at the Macy's in herald square, looking gorgeous (in a great floral dress!) and uber-excited to share her new designs.



Vida by Eva Mendes was designed with her business partner George Augusto and is available exclusively at Macy's. the Latin-inspired bedding collection is about "easy luxury—the colors, fabrics and textures that i live and love, brought to life in a stylish, comfortable and affordable way," said Mendes.

visit macys.com to see the entire collection

xo
source

Beauty on a Budget: New Eyeliners from L'Oreal



eyeliners are a must-have for creating everything from a smoky eye to adding subtle definition to a more natural face. L'Oreal has some fabulous new eyeliners-- the brand's PR firm sent me some to try!-- and i think they are certainly worth checking out. read on...



HiP High Intensity Pigments offer some great new metallic variations-- called Color Chrome-- that give eyes an amazing bold, metallic finish. wearing them alone with my favorite mascara works fabulously for day, and pump up the volume on my favorite coordinating eyeshadow shades at night.




new Extra Intense Liquid Pencil Eyeliners have become my go-to liners for their rich color payoff and long-wearing abilities. i love lining the upper inner rim of my eye (tight lining) to give my lashes an even fuller effect. this liner in black gives a smooth application and looks great all day.




Bare Naturale Gentle Mineral Eyeliner glides on smooth and compliments my more natural, eye-enhancing shadows. it blends easily, but stays in place, so i can also create a smoky eye-look with it, too! the liner you see next to it is called Le Kohl Duo-- a shadow on one end, and liner on the other. i love the shadow for highlighting the inner corner of my eyes and brow bones; flip it over and i can line, line, line-- multi-tasking products are so fabulous!

i really can't say that any one of these eyeliners is better than another-- i use them all, i think they all work fabulously. of course, i wouldn't expect anything less from L'Oreal. :)

find all of these eyeliners at your favorite drug and mass retail stores and for more info on the liners i didn't link to (they aren't yet available online), visit lorealparisusa.com.

xo
pics taken by me :)

Sunday, July 26, 2009

Fall Beauty 2009: Nars Cosmetics



for fall 2009, Francois Nars wanted to create "a collection that reflected the modern woman - very fragile and strong at the same time." as inspiration, Nars referenced both the coquettish innocence of Lolita, and the sophisticated sensuality of Catherine Deneuve in Belle du Jour to conjure a beauty formula that is "very sexy, but at the same time ultra-elegant."





Nars says: "the fall colors can be used in a multitude of ways; to create strong eyes and muted lips, or the opposite, pale eyes and a strong pout. i don’t tell women what to wear; i provide different options for them to choose from."

check out the collection...



Fast Ride Lipstick

NARS doesn't shy away from dramatic color innovation. this seemingly dark purple may intimidate, but swipe it across the lips and its true shade is revealed: a sheer mulberry. a color that falls somewhere between an intense plum wine stain, and a moody, deep violet. the glossy grape hue is a playful, cool alternative to more common dark lip color options - as Nars himself once quipped, "makeup shouldn't always be so serious."





Tokaïdo Express Nail Polish

this new hue is a cult classic in the making. named after Japan's most heavily frequented high-speed rail route, this lacquer is an opulent blackened amethyst doused with ultra-fine gold dust particles. a chic alternative to the traditional polish palette, and a more current option for longtime devotees of black nail lacquer. hip but elegant, artistic but wearable.




Silk Road Duo Eyeshadow

this new shade mirrors the hues from traditional damask fabrics. classic meets edgy in this new duo-- an icy pink is paired with a warm rose gold with golden flecks. when applied to the lids, the effortlessly exotic effect is part old school byzantine empress, part modern-day "it" girl.




Brumes Duo Eyeshadow

these new hues perfectly capture the moody shades of a cool twilight sky. brumes pairs a velvety matte charcoal with a sparkling, blue slate for a smoky eye that is both confident and serene.




Indian Summer Duo Eyeshadow

a typical indian summer comes as a surprise, balmy sunshine meets brisk fall. swipe the summery, frosted champagne shimmer up to the brow, and line the upper lid with the autumnal deep, matte mustard for a striking look, appropriate for every season.




Mekong Eyeshadow

the perfect addition to the NARS woman's adventurous palette. the intense, blackened espresso hue scattered with rose gold is a study in contrasts. applied liberally across the lid it exudes a sexy attitude, or applied lightly, a simple, fashion-forward sophistication.

visit your local Nars counter or narscosmetics.com for more info and to purchase.

xo

Beautiful Reading



check out what's hot in the world of beauty: some of my favorite bloggers have the scoop for you-- enjoy!

It's complexion week at the Informed Makeup Maven. Don't forget to enter her cool giveaways this week!

Visit The Beauty Couch for a chance to win the amazing Perricone MD Advanced Face Firming Activator (a $120 value)!

Monique at Beauty Girl Musings reviews the new No Frizz Shampoo, Conditioner and Leave-In Conditioner.

Beauty Anonymous looks at Shiseido fall 2009 makeup collection.

Dao at My Makeup Blog found a new love with M.A.C Rubenesque paint pot.

Sicka Than Average checks the best facial sunscreens so you can play in the sun — without paying for it later.

More Than a Pretty Face is excited about the launch of Illamasqua at Sephora. Within a year of its launch at Britain's tony Selfridge's, Illamasqua has developed a cult following comparable to that of MAC or NARS.

Visit Lipgloss Break and Enter to win The Cure 24/7 hair treatment and Sunkissed Glow fragrance by JLo!

xo

Saturday, July 25, 2009

Rachel McAdams & Cameron Diaz at Comic-Con



Rachel McAdams and Cameron Diaz made a appearance in san diego for the annual Comic-Con event. both ladies were there to promote their upcoming flicks-- Sherlock Holmes for McAdams and The Box for Diaz.

i'm loving both ladies' looks here, aren't you?-- Rachel, wearing her cropped hair in soft curls, kept her makeup fresh with a bright lip that really popped next to her monochromatic ensemble. Cameron kept it california cool in denim and fitted vest over a basic white tank; her sunkissed glow and hair looks like she spent some time at the beach. :)

xo
image: Denis Poroy/AP via people.com

hair therapy: Herbal Essences Tousle Me Softly Shampoo & Conditioner



Herbal Essences' new line, Tousle Me Softly includes everything you need to give your tresses the sexy, tousled look we see everywhere. the Shampoo and Conditioner are the first steps in prepping hair to take on the style-- or are they?

both the Tousle Me Softly shampoo and conditioner are infused with wild violet and pomegranate and can be used on any hair type. the shampoo, to me, is just a basic shampoo. i felt it may have cleansed my hair too well as i had that "squeak" after using it-- not good. i think it smells wonderful, and the idea behind the whole line is great, but if you have a good shampoo you really like, you don't really "need" this one to create a tousled look.

the conditioner, however, wrapped my hair with its creamy texture, and fabulous, luscious smell, leaving my hair feeling soft and moisturized (it is also contains ingredients to protect hair from heat styling). as i let my hair air dry before i styled, i noticed my hair had very little frizz, as promised by the label-- love that! i'll continue to use this in the future.



overall, these are good products-- not to mention affordable-- but you honestly don't have to use these particular products to get a tousled look-- you need appropriate products to do that. and with that, stay tuned to find out what i think of the Tousle Me Softly styling products!

visit herbalessences.com for more info on this line, now available at your local drug or mass retailer.

xo
pics taken my me :)

Friday, July 24, 2009

Fall Beauty 2009: Estee Lauder Sensuous Gold Collection



i know, it's sweltering outside, but the fall color collections are launching as i type. one of them being Estee Lauder's limited edition Sensuous Gold, a uniquely feminine, luxurious new color collection. this amazing collection is inspired by the ease and sensuality of the season's fashions.

the colors have been created to give skin a luminous, warm, radiant look, while eyes are delicately defined in soft shades of golden amber and peach accented by rich, regal amethyst. lips are luxuriously dressed for the season in sateen finishes of coppery nudes and supple plums. Sensuous Gold creates a look that is at once sophisticated, luxurious and naturally feminine.




Signature Eyeshadow Quad
for a dramatic look or subtle glamour, these palettes make it easy, enabling you to mix, match and blend each of the four eyeshadow tablets to expertly create the look you want. packaged in a specially designed signature compact that has been dressed in rose golden for an ultra-luxe look and feel, the Signature Eyeshadow Quads make precision application a breeze with its coordinating dual ended applicators.

*Rose Gold
*Rose Amethyst



Shimmer Powder
a luxurious handcrafted, marbleized domed face powder of illuminating rose gold tones that shimmer like precious minerals. inspired by italian marble crafts and artistry, the mineralized powder provides a dimensional, yet natural shimmer in a perfectly sheer wash of luminous color.

*Gilded Rose




Signature Hydra Lustre Lipstick
packaged in a contemporary new rose gold color fluted case, the lipstick features a multi-dimensional pearl overlay for an added touch of shimmering illumination.

*Rose Amethyst
*Plum Amethyst
*Plum Terracotta
*Cinnamon





Pure Color Multi-Shimmer Gloss
sensuous, high shine, emollient gloss features three tones of semi-precious color in one elegant package, which when opened, combine together into one perfect shimmering shade that can be applied alone or over lipstick for a sensual lip look.

*Rose Gold
*Rose Amethyst



Pure Color Nail Lacquer

*Black Amethyst
*Rose Gold


available now, visit esteelauder.com to see and order the Sensuous Gold collection-- here's to a gorgeous fall season!

xo