Not Enough Time in the Day...

Ugh!  Time has not been on my side lately! I  have a bunch of stuff to blog about, but have not had time to sit down and actually WRITE.  Not cool. 

I have no excuse, I've just been busy.  You know...life is happening and can't be stopped!

I'm planning on being back and up to regular posts after Labor Day.  Watch this space!

Note to self: do NOT play with your iPhone while drying your hair. Unless you WANT to look like Lita Ford! (Lesson learned the hard way.)

Random pet peeve: fake lashes being used in mascara ads. Do they think we're really that dumb? It's false advertising & downright insulting. Thoughts?

I have too little ambition to get anything done at the mo. I'm hoping to get updates online soon but for now I'm taking a break (& reading the Sept issues!).

Beauty Product of the Week: In the Light Palette

What is it? Stila's In the Light Palette is "a beautiful palette consisting of 10 natural Eye Shadow shades (including the best-selling shade Kitten) and a limited-edition Smudge Stick Waterproof Eye Liner. The new In The Light Palette is a beautiful collection of Stila's award-winning Eye Shadows in wearable, neutral shades for every skintone that can be worn wet or dry. The palette also includes an exclusive Smudge Stick Waterproof Eye Liner in Damsel, a matte chocolate brown, and an eight-page lookbook with detailed how-to tips and tricks." Available at Sephora for $39.

What did you think? I love neutral eyeshadows and wear them on a daily basis.  I also like shadows that don't have too much sparkle in them.  That said, I often find myself using the same eyeshadows over and over, and frankly, many shadows bore me.  I picked up this palette on a whim and WOW!  I am so glad I did.

The colors in this palette are great!  You can create so many different looks, from everyday office appropriate to a sultry, smokey eye, to something more colorful and exotic, with this one palette.  There are some sparkly shadows in this palette, but none are too obnoxious and the matte shades are killer.  I love this palette, even more than Urban Decay's Naked.

My only disappointment is the eyeliner. It's ok...not quite the perfect shade, but that's ok.  I bought this for the shadows, and I couldn't be happier.

Final verdict?  With so many pretty colors to play with, I have not regretted this purchase.  There are tons of combos and looks that can be created just from this palette that it gets a HUGE thumbs up.  I highly recommend that you add this to your beauty bag!

So Pretty...

This is a busy week for me, so I am slacking on my blogging duty.  However, I received an email from NARS introducing their latest Night Series Gift Sets, and wow.  I am in love.  I have to share the deets on this, because really...they're just so fab.

Enjoy some mid-week pretty:

For Fall 2011, NARS launches an Eyeshadow Palette and new Nail Polishes that build on the success of the iconic “Night Series” eyeshadows.

EYESHADOW PALETTE

The must-have, limited-edition eyeshadow palette, for the first time, houses six iconic shades used to perfect the sophisticated smoky eye. Wear them alone, layered to create depth, or wet for a high-impact effect.

Shades Included in Palette:

· Night Breed – black with silver glitter

· Night Star – sheer peach with gold pearls

· Night Rider – soft plum with silver glitter

· Night Porter – black with green pearls

· Night Flight – black with cobalt blue pearls

· Night Clubbing – black with gold pearls

Price: $55

NAIL POLISH COLLECTION

NARS created four of the quintessential “Night Series” shades for nails, for the first time. The silvery-plum to black-as-night, each decadent shade creates a statement-making look.

Shades Include:

· Night Breed – black with silver glitter

· Night Rider – soft plum with silver glitter

· Night Porter – black with green pearls

· Night Flight – black with cobalt blue pearls

Price: $17 each

All items available: narscosmetics.com

Giving Back, Beautifully

Let's face facts: we all probably spend a little too much on beauty products.  One way to make beauty expenses a little more palatable is when you're buying something from a company that gives back...that donates a portion of their proceeds to charity to help out real people.

I've been eyeing RapidLash for a while now.  I feel like my eye lashes are not even (the lashes on my left are much less full and not as long as those on my right...weird!) and I would love to try out their product to see if it actually works. I want to use this product for purely selfish, superficial reasons.

But women suffering from breast cancer often battle hair regrowth challenges during and after the course of treatment. Eyelash and eyebrow renewal serums like RapidLash give women a boost of confidence by helping to restore natural, fuller-looking lashes and brows. Women of any age can benefit from RapidLash, but especially those who experience hair loss.

RapidLash claims to get stellar results by delivering essential proteins, vitamins, moisturizing and rejuvenating ingredients that replenish and strengthen the structure of lashes and brows, while adding shine and elasticity. It is safe and effective, and the brand supports the fight against breast cancer by donating 5% of company profits between Susan B. Komen and The American Cancer Society all year long.

Now that I know RapidLash is giving back to women who really need it, I feel better about spending the $49.95 to try it out.  Does corporate philanthropy ever impact your beauty decisions? Would you feel better about your latest lipstick purchase if the company you bought it from gave money to a cause you care about?  Or does this not impact you at all?  Leave me a comment and let me know.

I'll try the RapidLash and will report back my findings soon!

The Benefits of Facebook

My husband does not have, and does not want to have, a facebook account.  I can't say I blame him, really.  Facebook is one of those things you have to use because everyone else uses it.  If you want to stay connected with your friends (and family!), the best way is through Facebook.  Want to see what your former high school friends look like?  Check Facebook.  It's as ubiquitous as it is annoying. Facebook makes me miss the old days when we didn't post status updates to the world, but instead made time to have actual conversations, write actual letters, or at very least, send emails to people we cared about.

I digress.

One thing Facebook is increasingly good for is getting the low down on deals, giveaways, and news from your favorite stores, brands, etc.  If you're going to shop, you should first check Facebook for a coupon or exclusive offer.

If you're currently in the market for some killer skin care and anti-aging products, Dermelect Cosmeceuticals (www.dermelect.com) is dishing out free tubes of its best-selling Pore Revolution and T-Zone Mattifier to loyal Facebook fans with any purchase from www.dermelect.com.

To redeem the deal, just “like” the Dermelect Facebook fan page (www.facebook.com/MyDermelect) and find the discount code posted under “Fan Only Offer.” Enter the code at checkout and the product will be added to your order free of charge! This is a limited time offer, so get shopping (and liking!).

Beauty Product of the Week: Moroccan Aragan Penetrating Oil

What is it? Organix Renewing Moroccan Argan Penetrating Oil "is a rare formula that has a centuries-old history of providing natural vitamin E and antioxidants while renewing your hair's cell structure, sealing in shine, and creating lush softness. A precious blend of Moroccan argan oil which instantly penetrates the hair shaft restoring shine and softness while strengthening. Derived from the southwest region of Morocco, argan oil protects from styling heat and UV damage while creating soft, seductive, silky perfection." Available at Ulta, drug stores and big box stores for about $7.99.

What did you think? I am not usually one to gush over a product, but OH MY FREAKING GOD, YOU GUYS!  This stuff is THE BOMB!

Ok, I've taken a deep breath and calmed down a bit.  I've tried out more expensive argan oil products in the past and have never really seen the appeal.  Then this summer came and my life exploded.  I haven't had the time or money to get into my hair stylist, and as a result, my hair is a mess.  I'm a frizzy, fried out mess of a blonde and that is not good....not good at all.  I was wandering around Target, trying to find something, anything!, to help improve the condition of my hair without breaking the bank.  That's when I stumbled across the new line of Organix products and found the Moroccan Argan Oil line.  (Organix makes a shampoo and a conditioner with the argan oil, too!)  The penetrating argan oil hair treatment looked good, sounded easy enough to use, and (since it was on sale for $6) the price was right.

I followed the directions and applied the oil to my towel-dried hair before blowing my stressed out locks dry.  My hair condition was instantly improved.  I went from frizzy to smooth--dried out to lush, and I can say that I am in LOVE with this product.  You do need to be careful and control how much you use.  I also find that I need to concentrate the product on the lower half of my hair (the split, nasty ends).  If I get too much in the roots, it can weigh things down and make my hair look a bit greasy.  A little goes a long way, and practice makes perfect.

NOTE: I've since purchased the Organix Moroccan Argan Oil shampoo and conditioner and they're awesome as well.

Final verdict?  I love, love, love this product and my hair is thanking me for buying it.  Seriously, nothing else I've used recently has given my hair this much improved texture.  I am a convert.

Clean Up Your Act! (GIVEAWAY!)

I have tons of makeup.  And I store my tons of makeup all over the place in a number of different ways.  I a toolbox filled with nail care products, drawers and bins with cosmetics, a cabinet of perfume and skin care products, etc. 

I try to keep all my frequently used products in a makeup bag that I can tote around with me.  The problem with this is that my bag tends to get overfilled quickly as I add new products, and things seem to get messy.  There is nothing worse than opening up a bag that looks good on the outside only to find spills, stains, lint, pencil shavings, and other mysterious messes junking up the bag lining.

I recently received a new makeup bag to try out, a Vemayca Cosmetic Bag with a removable Soft Peal Lining.  This is a new kind of bag designed to help us with our cosmetic cleanliness.  The outside of the bag is quite lovely. It's soft but it also feels sturdy and substantial.  It has a plain but stylish gray exterior and two generously sized pockets.  It also comes in a bright, feisty red.  The inside of this bag, though, is what makes it innovative. 

The lining is made with a flexible but durable liner that snaps in and out.  You can use the bag without the liner, remove the liner to clean it (in the delicate cycle with a mild detergent), or replace the liner entirely if it gets really messy.  Nice!  I don't know how many cosmetics bags I've thrown out because they're messy beyond help on the inside.  That seems like such a waste, especially when the outside of the bag still looks good.

I really like the look, feel, and function of the Vemayca Cosmetic Bag. The bags cost $25 or $35 (depending on the style you go for) and the linings are $7.50 for one or $15 for a pack of three. 

Want a Vemayca Cosmetic Bag of your own?  Thanks to Emery Lane PR, I'm giving one away. To enter, please leave a comment below, like Vemayca on facebook and/or follow them on Twitter.  This contest is open to US residents only.  I'll pick a winner at random next Wednesday.  Good luck!

Sephora, the Land of Happiness!

When I was a kid growing up in the suburbs of Baltimore, MD, we had this amazing store called the Cosmetic Center.  They sold everything--drugstore brands, higher end products, etc. and their stores were well designed and fun to go to.  I moved away from MD when I graduated from High School (and I haven't been back since), so I have no clue if the Cosmetic Center is still around.  I do know that Sephora is my grown-up beauty playground, and I always love wandering around checking out new and not-so new products.

I needed some retail therapy this weekend, so I headed to Sephora and came out with some kick-ass finds (more on that in coming posts).  Right now, I'm focusing more on my skin and trying out new products.  Here are a handful of skin care products from Sephora that will help improve your skin as summer bakes along.  Check out these three products worth taking a closer look at:

Sephora Collection Sugar Body Scrub ($18): During the summer it is common for dead skin cells to build up. To prevent the resulting dry, flaky skin, exfoliate daily with a nourishing body scrub like the this budget-friendly scrub. This brown sugar-based body scrub offers miraculous results, leaving skin ultra-smooth and silky-soft. Formulated with Vitamin E, Grapeseed and Apricot Kernel Oil, this rich, emollient blend nourishes skin while also regenerating and revitalizing skin’s texture.

bosica Pore Purifying Black Strips ($15): High temperatures and humidity encourage dirt and oil build-up, resulting in blackheads and large pores, especially around the nasal area. Make sure to consistently prevent pores from clogging by using an adhesive strips. This full-contact delivery system instantly applies charcoal powder to rid skin of impurities and leave pores ultra clean.

Dr. Gross Alpha Beta Glow Pads ($18-$32): Now that skin is purified, it is easy to achieve a glowing complexion. Opt for a self-tanner that provides a radiant, sun-kissed glow year-round, without exposure to the sun's harmful UVA/UVB rays. Formulated with Vitamin D, Alpha-and beta hydroxy acids, this treatment exfoliates skin while offering a streak-free glow. The perfect way to maintain a healthy complexion.

August Free Beauty Events

It's August! Time for us to start thinking about back-to-school, back to "normal life" routines.  What a great time to also start thinking about new beauty products/

If you're looking for free beauty events near you--chances to learn about products and get some new beauty knowledge--head over to www.freebeautyevents.com.  The site will point you in the right direction.

For example, this month on the 4th, a Rite Aid in York, PA is having their 360 Wellness Grand Opening Event where demonstrators will be performing free polish changes with Revlon’s new Scented Nail Enamel and Wet n Wild Megalast Nail Polish. The Ulta Mustela Event this month and September will give customers a chance to try out Mustela Hydra Bebe Body Lotion, Ultimate Hydration, and Facial Cleansing Cloths.

On www.freebeautyevents.com you can enter your zip code to find out what makeover, gift with purchase, spa open houses and sampling events are happening near your home. In addition to listing in-store makeovers, Freebeautyevents.com also features a blog on product reviews (http://www.freebeautyevents.com/beauty-blog) and a monthly contest (http://www.freebeautyevents.com/contest).

For the month of July 2011, they will be giving away 10 prizes. Each prize will consist of Got2b Guardian Angel Finish Flat Iron Balm, Creme of Nature Argan Oil Replenishing Sheen Spray, and Creme of Nature Argan Oil Gloss & Shine Mist. The Contest runs from 8/1/2011 to 8/31/2011, winners will be chosen on 9/5/2011 and notified by 9/15/2011.

Beauty Product of the Week: True Match Roller

What is it? L'Oreal's True Match Perfecting Roll-on Makeup is "the first ever roller foundation.  The unique roller applicator seamlessly applies the perfect amount of makeup for smooth, even coverage and the ultimate airbrushed finish.  And the flexible applicator bends with all the hard-to-reach curves of your face.  No streaks, no smudges, just picture-perfect skin.  It's a whole new way to apply your foundation."  Available at drugstores and big box stores for about $15 (though you can probably get it on sale for less!).

What did you think? I am not sure what possessed me to buy this product.  From the start, the cards are stacked against it:

1. I typically use mineral foundation
2. I am not a fan of L'Oreal as a rule
3. I don't usually buy my foundation from a drugstore (yes, I know that sounds very snobby)

And yet, there I was, putting the L'Oreal True Match Roller in my basket at Rite Aid.  I figured if I hated it, it would just be another experience for my blog.

I was not anticipating liking this product, and yet...I do.  It provides a great deal of coverage and comes in a number of shades so you can, indeed, get a "true match."  The roller is a snap to use, and it does a decent job of evening out my complexion and neutralizing the annoying pink on my cheeks.

If you find yourself buying this product, take a few practice strokes before you really apply this foundation.  Don't push the rolling foam applicator down too hard--you don't want to overload it, nor do you want to pound down the product. 

Be sure to check your face over for any lines that may be left behind from the roller.  If you do find lines, the product blends in easily, leaving behind a smoother, more even face.  The foundation lasts all day, at least on my skin.  I would warn that a little goes a long way.

Final verdict?  I shouldn't like this product, but yet, I do.  It makes me wonder if I'm too harsh on L'Oreal!

Quick Tip

One quick way to update you look, open up your face, and make you look and feel a little more glamorous is to tend to your eyebrows.  And who better to give us tips on getting the perfect brow than Anastasia of Anastasia of Beverly Hills fame?  Check out this video for some invaluable tips!  And check my blog next week--I'll be telling you more about awesome Anastasia products!

"Beauty Express" brow-kit instructional video from Anastasia Beverly Hills on Vimeo.

More Pretty for the Fall

NARS always has the prettiest lines of cosmetics.  Each season, their looks are great.  But what's even better with NARS is that their quality is top-of-the-line.  Their pigmentation is good, so you're going to get a lot of color to create your look.

Check out the Fall line from NARS:

The Fall 2011 collection is resolutely avant-garde. Daring shots of color are tempered with softer, subtler tones. Eyes range from bright true blue to silvery taupe, dazzling peach and matte dove gray. Lips run the gamut from statement-making matte red to sophisticated plum and sparkling champagne pink. A stormy gray nail color adds a mysterious finishing touch.

The campaign was designed and photographed by NARS Founder and Creative Director François Nars. Italian beauty Mariacarla Boscono was chosen as the face of the campaign because of her sophistication and chameleon-like ability to become the character she is made up to portray.

Outremer Single Eyeshadow, $23

Bold blue

Grand Palais Duo Eyeshadow, $33 (Limited Edition)

Silvery taupe and dusty rose

Delphes Trio Eyeshadow, $45 (Limited Edition)

Sparkling sheer peach, matte dove gray and frosted sage

Oasis Lip Gloss, $24 (Limited Edition)

Sparkling pink champagne

Train Bleu Velvet Matte Lip Pencil, $24

Deep aubergine

Pago Pago Lipstick, $24

Petal pink

Montego Bay Pure Matte Lipstick, $25

Rose pink

Mascate Pure Matte Lipstick, $25

True red

Galion Nail Polish, $17 (Limited Edition)

Deep gray

Available now on the new narscosmetics.com

Ready for the Fall?

I know, I know...it's still summer.  True, but back-to-school sales are everywhere, the days are getting a little shorter, and all this means one thing: fall is on it's way.  Yay!  Fall's my favorite season, so I'm a happy girl.

China Glaze is offering a lovely line for this fall, their Metro collection.  Check out the goods and see what they have to say about this urban-inspired line: 

City living boasts excitement, a cool, edginess and confidence that oozes from fashion forward women like none other. City loving celebs like Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Ivanka Trump, Rosario Dawson and Jaime King have style to spare and their fashion sense trickles down to everyone from working women to college kids. This Fall, China Glaze has captured the big city feel in 12 sexy, sophisticated shades that are on trend, exciting and will be on every fashion maven’s “must have” list. Whether you prefer downtown funk or uptown class, China Glaze’s METRO collection pulls together ensembles and will undoubtedly make heads turn! Colors in this collection include:

• Skyscraper: A sparkling, glitter blue reminiscent of the sky over the city.
• CG in the City: Glittering dusty purple, bronze and silver multi-tonal glitter, perfect for a pop of edge from West side to East side.
• Urban-Night: Exactly what you need for a night on the town – rich purple crème.
• Traffic Jam: Stop traffic with a breathtaking, raspberry pink crème.
• City Siren: The perfect deep, red crème to match any outfit.
• Loft-y Ambitions: Burgundy shimmer and cocktail hour – nothing better.
• Brownstone: Burnt terracotta crème mirrors the quaint townhouses of the city.
• Midtown Magic: Burgundy base with flecks of gold shimmer captures the latest fashion trend.
• Street Chic: This gorgeous beige crème is the perfect go to shade letting your clothes do the talking.
• Concrete Catwalk: Steel grey crème is amazing for a chic mani.
• Westside Warrior: For the trendsetting woman this camo green crème is to die for.
• Trendsetter: Mustard yellow shimmer translates beautifully from hot dogs to nails.

China Glaze is free of DBP, toluene, and added formaldehyde.

My favorites from this? Hard to pick, but my top three are:

Concrete Catwalk

Urban Night

Midtown Magic

Yup, with these shades, I welcome the Fall!

Ok...I'm Finally Back!! Lip Shimmer Winner Announced!

Good grief!  This summer was supposed include time for me to unwind, to relax and refocus.  Instead I feel like I've been behind the 8-ball and that I'm barely treading water.  So much for relaxation and regrouping. 

That's life, right? 

Anyway, I was supposed to be back to blogging last week, but I started off the week by cutting the crap out of my finger (I'm ok--I sliced through the center of my right middle-finger, so no 10-finger manis for the next couple of months!) and then spent the rest of the week getting caught up with work.  My blogging time was reduced to nothing, so I was unexpectedly silent.  Sorry about that. 

I have a bunch of loose ends to get to...and I have beauty news to share, of course.  So...I'm back.  I'm hoping to be on more of a routine with the blogging, but I hate to make promises at this point.  Life keeps getting in the way of my plans.  Hrmphf.

Here's one thing I'm horribly overdue on: announcing the winner of my Lip Shimmers Giveaway.  Drumroll, please...

The winner is:

Random number generated by random.org  Horrible photo by my iphone!

Commenter #3: PhairHead!  I'll shoot you an email to arrange for delivery of your prize.  CONGRATS!

Ok--I'll be back with more this week, so stay tuned!