Beauty Blog Network Weekend Read

if you hadn't already noticed by the new badge to your right, i was invited (and i accepted!) to join the Beauty Blog Network a few weeks ago. this came as such a shock to me-- i never thought i would ever considered, to be honest!-- but i am so excited. not only am i part of another great network, but this has allowed me to discover even more amazing blogs and the people who write them.

so now, each weekend, i'll be sharing a web tour from an assortment of bloggers from the BBN network-- hope you enjoy!


Phyrra compares 10 Top Eye Shadow Primers for you. Find out which ones are her favorites!

Beauty Girl Musings shares her thoughts about Janson-Beckett's Sun Block Daytime Moisturizer.

Elke gets the hottest hair trend for this fall from Redken.

Beauty Junkie in SF found a great simple summer fragrance, a rollerball from Royal Apothic.

The Pink Sith overcomes an old misconception about Estee Lauder and discovers Pinkberry lipstick, now one of her new favorites!

A Touch of Blusher is in love with Shiseido Integrate's fall 2010 makeup collection.

Painted Ladies shows you how to maximize your powder eyeshadow with a layer of cream eyeshadow underneath.

Beauty Anonymous reviews Paul & Joe Protective Powder Compact Foundation from Paul & Joe's spring/summer 2010 base makeup collection.

Beauty and Personal Grooming wonders whether stuffing oneself with too much of superfoods and food supplements gives beautiful skin.


xo

Kate Hudson Named New Brand Ambassador for ALMAY

in recent beauty news, Revlon, Inc. announced that their Almay brand has signed one of hollywood's hottest stars, Kate Hudson, as its newest global brand ambassador!

"Almay is known for its fresh, effortless approach to beauty", said Kate Hudson. "i share that philosophy and i'm honored to be partnering with a brand that believes cosmetics should bring out the natural beauty inside every woman. at the end of the day we all want to have fun and feel beautiful-– that's what Almay is all about."

in her new role, Kate will become the face of new and existing Almay products and will appear in global multi-media campaigns, including television, print, in-store and internet placements. the first television and print campaign for the brand is set to debut later this year.

congrats Kate! i'm looking forward to seeing the new ads and products, aren't you? :)

xo
image source: zimbio.com

Marilyn Monroe Birthday Bash in NYC

Erno Laszlo has something really special coming up for the month of June, and i thought you fabulous beauties would want to know about it!

you may already know that the legendary skincare leader Erno Laszlo has been adored by countless hollywood starlets since its inception in 1927, but did you know the brightest star-- and most fabulous-- among them was Marilyn Monroe?!

as a devoted user and personal friend to Dr. Laszlo, Marilyn has become a very important part of the Laszlo legacy. so, to honor her memory, the brand has decided to throw her a birthday bash for her 84th birthday!

and...

they're calling on all Marilyn look-alikes and fans to attend!

if you're in the nyc area on June 4th, be sure to head over to Madison Square Park, dressed up like Marilyn, to celebrate!

for more info, visit facebook.com/ernolaszlo

xo

Taylor Swift Is the Newest Face of CoverGirl

congratulations are in order, beauties! it has been announced that Taylor Swift recently signed on to be the newest face of CoverGirl!



the 20-year-old, award-winning singer-songwriter (who has described herself as a "huge makeup junkie") just finished shooting her first ad campaign and will be representing a new line of luxury products for brand.

Vince Hudson, the brand's general manager, says of the announcement, "Taylor is beautiful and inspirational with her effortless-chic style, making her the perfect person to represent a new, luxurious collection of products debuting on CoverGirl next year."

isn't this fabulous? i have been loving CG's products as of late, and can't wait to discover what is in store come january 2011 when the television, print, and in-store ads will be launched along with the new line.


xo
first image by Larry Busacca/Getty Images via zimbio.com; behind-the-scenes image provided by Marina Maher Communications, Inc.

Estee Lauder Names Two New Global Faces

today it was announced that Estee Lauder has signed two new spokesmodels. these women are two of fashion's brightest runway and editorial stars-- french model Constance Jablonski and chinese model Liu Wen.

"Estee Lauder has always searched for global beauties that define a generation," said Aerin Lauder, senior vice president, creative director, Estee Lauder. "Constance and Liu Wen are the beauties of our time. both models have quickly captured the attention of the fashion and beauty world."

Constance and Liu will join the roster along with current models Hilary Rhoda, Carolyn Murphy, Elizabeth Hurley and Gwyneth Paltrow. look for them to debut in global advertising campaigns beginning june 2010.


xo

Shu Uemura Still Available Online

as you may have being reading around the web, the Shu Uemura brand will be leaving the states soon. if you're a fan, this is terrible news, but don't get too upset just yet!

while you won't be able to make purchases at department stores, or at one of the boutiques (these locations will begin to phase out in the coming months.), you will still be able to purchase products at shuuemura.com, and new products will also continue to be introduced via the site-- and i'll be sure to let you know!

you'll also be glad to know that shu uemura Art of Hair is not affected by these changes. they will continue to remain in top-tier salons across the country as well as online at shuuemuraartofhair-usa.com.


xo

CoverGirl Introduces LashBlast Fusion Mascara

happy friday my lovely readers! as you can tell from the title, CoverGirl has a new mascara. the newest sister in the LashBlast mascara family is called LashBlast Fusion.

now your lashes can have it all thanks to CoverGirl's first ever volume and length mascara. CG's global creative design director Pat McGrath (and all-around fab makeup artist extraordinaire) previewed LashBlast Fusion exclusively during fall/winter 2010 new york fashion week, including Anna Sui's runway show.


model Mirte Maas backstage at Anna Sui. image via style.com

LashBlast Fusion will be available at your favorite store nationwide come april, but good news is that you can get it before anyone else starting today, march 12th during the exclusive online pre-sale. pre-sale customers can take advantage of free shipping from today through april 5th. but hurry! only a limited amount is available while supplies last.

visit facebook.com/covergirl for a list of participating e-retailers.

tell me: are you excited to try this new mascara?

xo

Enter to Win the Chance to Become an ELLE Corespondant

do you think you have what it takes to be the next big-shot red carpet reporter? ELLE is looking for a fabulous someone to report the action at one of their upcoming star studded events!

so if you love keeping up with your favorite celebrities and think you can conduct a great interview, ELLE wants to see. your reward for showing off? the chance to win big!

send in your 30-second audition tape showcasing your celeb interviewing skills for your chance in the spotlight by clicking here.


xo
info and image courtesy of ELLE

bareMinerals Liner Shadow in Black Emerald

i was in Macy's with my mom earlier this week and saw the most gorgeous eyeshadow shade. it was bareMinerals Liner Shadow in Black Emerald (as the name implies, it can be used as an eyeliner or worn as an eyeshadow), and wowza! i loved it.

but i didn't buy it.

at least not that day...

since i'm trying not to be such an impulse shopper, i held off on the purchase. but i thought about it all week, so that was my sign that would use it. i have done the same thing in the past and forgotten about a product, so this doesn't always happen.

in any case, you guessed it, i bought it. so here are some pics of me wearing it (well, at least my one eye, LOL). :)


as a liner (applied with a wet liner brush)



with a bit of shadow over the liner (applied with a different, dry brush)



the dramatic eye (i also added black liner to inner rim of my eye)

so pretty, right? i think the results look better in person, but hopefully these are good enough to pique your interest. there are over 45 shades of this versitile product, so i know i'll be adding more of these to my stash.

while we're on the subject of bareMinerals, the brand will be on QVC to debut their "I love BE" set. it's on right now as i type this (sorry, i know i'm late!), but also will be featured at 11am, 3pm and 9pm (eastern) on 1/30/10. this is a huge collection that includes full size products, some exclusive to QVC, so be sure to check it out!

if you have a BE retailer near you, i recommend checking out the Liner Shadows in person, but if you can't, visit sephora.com and bareescentuals.com for more info.

xo

Walmart.com Launches Beauty Products Online & a Giveaway!!

anytime i'm in Walmart, i have to spend a little time in their beauty department. i mean, come on, the prices are fab. now Walmart.com is offering a selection of beauty products that can be purchased for home delivery.

Walmart's top-selling items from trusted, national brands like Neutrogena, L'Oreal, Maybelline, Pantene and Gillette have been added to Walmart.com's online assortment and can now be shipped directly to your home!

the company recently sent me a sampling of some products they will have available, and want to offer the same opportunity to one of my fabulous readers. here's what's in the bag:



*Cover Girl Continuous Lip Color in Rose Quartz (two shown in the pic)
*Cover Girl Lashblast Volume Blasting Mascara in Very Black
*Cover Girl Eye Enhancers Trio in Shimmering Sands
*Crest Advanced Seal White Strips
*Olay Regenerist Micro Sculpting Cream with Amino Peptides
*Pantene Pro-V Moisture Renewal Shampoo for Damaged Hair
*Secret Clinical Strength Deodorant

so do you want these products to be yours? u.s. residents only-- send me an email, bgmcontests@gmail.com with Walmart Giveaway in the subject line. include your full name and your mailing info and that's it**!

the deadline to enter is 11pm pacific time, monday, november 2nd, 2009. the winner will be announced tuesday, november 3rd.

be sure to visit walmart.com/beauty

p.s. you can receive free samples of select health & beauty items online every day at walmart.com/samples

xo

first image, Todd Wright. second pic taken by me :)

**read please: entering this contest means you are giving me permission to forward your name, email and mailing address to representatives of Walmart for fulfillment and mailing of contest prize(s). failure to include all information requested will disqualify your entry. one (1) winner, chosen at random, will receive the prize mentioned. duplicate entries will not improve your chances of winning. giveaway sponsored by Walmart. some restrictions apply. open only to US residents only. entries will be accepted through 11pm, pacific time on monday, november 2, 2009. thank you. :)

Whitney Port is Cargo's Newest Lipstick Designer

this fall, a shade of hot pink lipstick created by Whitney Port will be available in an eco-friendly 100% Natural PlantLove lipstick, called "Eve Pinky". the trendsetter and star of mtv's The City joins the ranks of fellow celebrity lipstick designers Courteney Cox, Evangeline Lilly, Angie Harmon and Denise Richards. it was the importance they placed on protecting the planet that led all of these women to partner with CARGO.



more importantly, CARGO will be donating two dollars from the sale of every lipstick to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, the world's premier pediatric cancer research center.

fyi-- the PlantLove line is the only prestige make-up brand to be designated ECOCERT®, a global designation signifying that all product, process and packaging meet the strictest standards for natural, organic and environmentally friendly content. ECOCERT® designated products dramatically reduce their environmental footprint.

Whitney's "Eve Pinky" shade will be available next week at all Sephora locations and online at sephora.com

xo

Dania Ramirez is CoverGirl's Newest Face

straight from my inbox: CoverGirl has just announced that popular television and movie actress Dania Ramirez is the newest face of their iconic cosmetic brand. Dania will join other famous faces, including Ellen DeGeneres, Drew Barrymore, Queen Latifah and Rihanna, as the newest face of the brand.

best known for her role as 'Maya Herrera' on NBC's popular series, Heroes, Dania will soon be seen in two independent films entitled Ball Don't Lie and Brooklyn to Manhattan.

Dania says: "being a CoverGirl is about recognizing internal and external beauty, regardless of age or background. as a role model, i hope to inspire women to be confident enough to achieve everything they want to achieve."

look for her print and television ads, being launched in january 2010. congrats Dania!

xo

Pre-Sale Alert: CoverGirl LashBlast Length!

if you're a fan of CoverGirl's fabulous LashBlast mascara like i am, you're going to be very interested in their newest formulation: LashBlast Length!

yes, you read right-- the cult-favorite mascara will be available this fall (september to be more specific) in a lengthening formula. the mascara contains nylon for lashes that are 80 percent longer and they won’t flake or break all day.

of course, i wouldn't be telling you this so soon of i didn't have something exciting to share...



you can get it online on august 17! a limited quantity will be available on covergirl.com/lashblastlength on that day only, so mark you calendars and bookmark that link!

xo

Make Up For Ever Debuts at Fashion Week Swim

one of the hottest makeup brands, Make Up For Ever, recently announced that they have partnered with Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim! the event, being held right now, in miami until july 19, will feature the coolest swimwear on the runways, while Make Up For Ever will be backstage creating the looks that will compliment them. some of the top shows (TIBI, L*Space by Monica Wise, Mara Hoffman and V Del Sol, just to name a few) will be using the brand's hottest colors and highest performance formulas on the market.

Make Up For Ever is the leader when it comes to long-lasting make up, so it is fitting that the brand will be highlighting their waterproof Aqua range of products, which includes the award-winning Aqua Eyes as well as Aqua Lip, Aqua Smoky Lash, Aqua Black and Aqua Creamliner.


left to right, Aqua Eyes #7L, Star Power #960, Eye Shadow #7

from this range, the "it" color of the season is turquoise Aqua Eyes #7L (worn by the model, above). it's the perfect pick for a splash of color to brighten up any look for the office, the beach or the club. if you desire additional pop, top it off with a shimmery shade of turquoise Star Powder #960 (closest right of the eyeliner) or matte turquoise Eye Shadow #7.

want to get the model's look? created by Dany Sanz, Make Up For Ever creator and artistic director, the model wears MUFE Aqua Eyes #7L, Aqua Smoky Lash, Aqua Black, Aqua Lip #15C, HD Microfinish Powder and UV Prime.



xo

Motives Cosmetics to be featured on 'The Fashion Show' Finale

be sure to tune in tonight to Bravo's The Fashion Show -- not only to see four talented designers put together their own collections for your votes, but to see Motives® by Loren Ridinger featured as the makeup of choice.



Reco, James-Paul, Daniella and Anna (pictured, left to right) all dream of having their collections sold to the public (not to mention the sweet $125,000 cash prize), and it will take the right makeup to compliment their creations. Motives has been featured on Elle.com and in magazines like Latina and Everyday with Rachel Ray. the line offers everything from custom color liquid foundations, mineral powder foundations, blushes and bronzers to lip plumpers, anti-aging lip liners and eye shadow palettes matched to your eye color.

i have seen other brands featured this season, but this one i am unfamiliar with-- thankfully, the brand has reached out and i'll be able to bring you my thoughts on this very cool-sounding line of makeup in the coming weeks.

The Fashion Show airs tonight on Bravo at 10pm eastern time-- check your local listings.

xo

Pantene Seeking African-American Women for 2010 National Campaign!

attention beauties: Pantene is looking for 4 african-american women to appear in national advertising in 2010! to enter, participants are asked to simply upload a video expressing their love for Pantene in Pantene's "i love Pantene!" online casting call.

how exciting would this be ladies? one day just a normal gal with fabulous hair, the next a spokesmodel for one of the best-loved haircare brands on the market!

to be eligible, the following criteria must be met:

**applicants can have hair that is relaxed or natural, but it must be healthy and beautiful.
**applicants must love Pantene and be able to tell other women why
**applicants must be at least 18 years old and live within the united states



the women who were chosen from last year's casting call were given an all-expense paid trip to nyc to shoot the advertising campaign that appeared in national magazines in 2009. "i've used Pantene Relaxed & Natural since 2003, and it truly transformed my hair without breaking my bank account,” said Maria Diaz, one of four 2008 Pantene models (pictured above). "it made my hair healthy and manageable, which ultimately gave me more confidence. i was so excited to be chosen to appear in Pantene advertising and share my story."

so do you think you could be one of the next to be in Pantene's Relaxed & Natural campaign? if so, visit relaxedandnatural.com

xo