Conversations About Fashion and Makeup

Alert!

2006-08-22T10:52:00.000-04:00

Conversations About Fashion has split into two features, beauty with DistressedJeans and fashion with SSLove!

for beauty news and reviews with DistressedJeans, please go to
www.Hellodollface.com

for funky fashion and style join SS Love at Scarletbdesigns

see you there, fabulous fashionistas!

Too Faced

2006-08-19T15:03:00.000-04:00

Starry Eyed liquid liner will give you more sparkle than Miss America's crown. Shine on baby! This liner contains teeny glitter particles that adds lots of drama to your peepers, trust me on this. I line my lashes with Lava Matte, then add a few dots of Starry Eyed for high impact and lots of dazzle.

The best part is that this product doesn't bother sensitive eyes. It stays put and will not run or drip. Starry Eyed will wash off easily too.

Label Whore eyeshadow is described as a metallic brown with blue iridescent. For this glamour girl, it's a swirly combination of sultry browns and mossy greens. People will look twice and wonder how you so successfully and beautifully combined these two colors while you bat your lashes like a true bombshell.

The consistancy is very light and powdery. I use a damp eyeliner brush to rim my lash line with this color, adding of course several layers of brown mascara.

Don't you hate caked, creased eyeshadow? Does it make you wipe your delicate lids with whatever is nearby? Panic no more, gorgeous girls. Too Faced has a solution with their base products, First Base - a shimmery foundation for color. Stroke it on with a finger then load up your lid with color.

Second Base is matte with a soft, soothing consistancy that will erase any discolor around your eyes. If you stay up drinking martini's till dawn, pat Second Base on your lids and no one will ever know what you were up to!

These products contains no odor, are creamy, and come in a thin, handy compact.

Because you are a truly dazzling woman, you love glossy lips with a blinding shine! Nothing adds to self-confidence like a good product and one of my favorites is a juicy lipgloss. Fat Kiss boasts that it will add va-va-voom to your mouth with its ingredients of essential oils. A swipe across your lips will provide a pleasant tingle. I used Fat Daquiri which was a pale, almost clear, pink that gave shine to my naturally dark lips.

Fat Kiss has a pleasurable, almost cinnamon scent with no strong taste- yes I licked my lips while wearing it. My only problemo with this gloss was the roller ball got stuck and I had to pop it out and apply with a brush. Not a big deal! It will give you a high-shine and is not sticky or goopy. My lips looked very succulent if I say so myself.

A true beauty goddess loves her color. The Quickie Chronicles invites you to whip up a pinup- worthy face with different shades in one palette.

I have Fabulous Flirt featuring three eyeshadows (sparkly gray, frosty pink and a shimmery cream) a dusty pink blush and four shades of pink lipgloss. A brush for lips and an applicator is tucked inside the kit. What I like about this is that the eyeshadow and blush are not greasy, oily, or bright. I appreciate that.

Yes, I'm a gloss glutton. It's an addiction that I'm not willing to overcome. Diamond Gloss contains jojoba seed oil, violet extract and vitamin A to soften and enrich your lips and how can you turn that down?

The colors are light and sheer with tiny crystals adding depth to your mouth. The smell is coconut-ish, candy sweet. There is no taste or tingle to Diamond Gloss. It's not as thick in consistancy as Fat Kiss, I think this product is perfect for a casual day or to soften and add brilliance to a dark lipstick.

I didn't know a whole lot about Too Faced other than they make Lip Injection which is a remarkable product for bombshell lippage.

I skipped over to their site and perused the eyes, lips, face and kits pages and found a bunch of things I would love to put in my makeup case. Too Faced is a brand that is fun and flirty, heavy on the glamour. Along with that, Too Faced products are well made and do not irritate (my) sensitive skin. Check out the Foiled Makeup Bag, Liquifi-Eye Kit and the Flushed Blush- these have made their way onto my WishList.

Scarlet B. Designs

2006-08-18T14:49:00.000-04:00

Betsey Johnson knows how to bring it on.
The buttons, the bow, the sleeves, sheer perfection!

I'm wearing these leggings with my roller skates and pig-tails today.

my favorite color for shirts and lip gloss. Pepto Pink

Betsey Johnson again. I want everything she creates.

My dear SSLove has started her own fashionista blog. She is one to watch, that girl. Eye on the trends, fingers on the pulse of all that happens in the world of fashion. Find her any day of the week sporting leggings and chunky sandals and a unique piece of jewelry with a funky purse slung across her chest, messenger style.

While SSLove is going to pursue her love fashion via Scarlet B. I'm going to be focusing on beauty-skin-hair-nails-body-perfume. Look for a new name and new look coming soon.

Be sure to check both blogs often. SSLove, lover of red buttons, and I will be guest -blogging on each others sites, cross pollination if you will.

We love our beautiful fashionista readers!

Classified Era Primer

2006-08-17T19:13:00.000-04:00

Primer. How did I exist before? By wiping pressed powder all over my skin for a not- so -flattering chalky effect that’s how. But now companies are understanding that we need to prep our skin before foundation and mascara and eyeshadow. Fill in the pores, erase the wrinkles and smooth our skin. I like a flawless face, I don't want to see a single pore. Pores bother me. So does makeup sliding off my face before the day is through. I don't want to keep looking in store windows when I'm shopping or trying to see my reflection in a knife when I'm eating. I just want to know that my skin looks good and my makeup is still on.

If you are looking for an outstanding primer, then this is for you- Classified ERA Face primer. It is revolutionary.

Simply shake the aerosal can and spray on your face in a zig-zag pattern for a few seconds. Lightly dab your skin with a soft pad to set the product and absorb excess moisture. That’s all it takes to prime your skin for makeup application. My makeup lasted all day, the only touch up being on my lipgloss because I have a strange compulsion to apply it all day long.

This amazing primer was developed by makeup artist Yolanda Halston after years of research. She also developed an air brush foundation which I would like to get my little hands on. Who doesn’t want a flawless face? Classified products are used by almost every major celebrity in Hollywood as well as on the sets of television shows and movies and awards shows and events. Everyone is using it. Have you seen a celebrity with perfect skin? It's the ERA primer I bet.

For more information and to see a complete list of products, please go to the Classified website.

Fall Preview

2006-08-17T15:23:00.000-04:00

Suggested perfume for fall: L'Occitane Green Tea with Mint. This is a sophisticated scent. With notes of bitter orange , spearmint, thyme and cedar. It's pure and fresh, the ideal fragrance for this fall's wool shorts and neutral colors with leather boots and oversized bags. Not overpowering, no alcoholish undertones as many perfumes can contain. It's neither masculine or feminine, simply a very pleasant scent.

Diane Von Furstenberg dress. Menswear prints are big this fall. I love some plaid, not like golfers pants or a lumberjack shirt but subtle and neutral. And I adore Diane Von F.

BCBG shorts. Flannel shorts, wool knickers, buy a pair for the chilly October weather. Is there a better time or place on earth than autumn in New York City? Too bad I'm in southern California.

On the model the shorts are cute and lovely and perfect, but on me, no. I would look like Little Lord Fauntleroy.

My favorite designer, Michael Kors. Wide belts. Voluminous skirt. Not the bubble skirt which I personally dislike because who wants to look like a mushroom butt? My badonkadonk is not going to be tucked into a bubble skirt this fall, I promise. I prefer Michael's verison. He always gets it right.

Again, Kors. Dresses are "in" for fall. Sure, I'm going to buy up a bunch. There's nothing like a savvy soccer mom in a dress.

bodily improvements ...

2006-08-16T23:49:00.000-04:00

a certain well- known doctor in the 90210 area...

Fat Girl Slim: please let this be a miracle cream...

not me, but I think it could be...

this IS me, wanting a set of Angelina-ish, puffier lips...

who needs a lip implant when we have the Too Faced Lip Injection Kit?

Recently I went to visit a very well known plastic surgeon. It was none other than Dr. 90210 himself, Dr. Rey. I accompanied a friend- a certain celebrity and I won't name names- to see the good doc for her consultation. Not that I didn't go in with a mental laundry list of all the things I wanted done. Where to start? We don't have all day so I will spare you the details of my own aesthetic shortcomings.

There is a four hour wait to see him, I'm not exaggerating. An 11 o'clock appointment turned into a 3 o'clock appointment. This is common we were told by a very buxom office girl who brought us paper cups of Coke while we waited.

He swooped in wearing a pinstriped suit like the guy in the Mentos commercial who rolls around on a freshly painted park bench and ends up with white stripes all over his black suit. Under the stripes he wore a vivid pink pin-striped shirt (more stripes) with a hot pink tie and coordinating hankerchief hanging out of his pocket. Dr. Rey is exactly like his persona on television, quite the friendly showman!

I enjoyed picking out my own set of breast implants as he chatted with my friend and showed us photos of befores and afters. I had no problem sticking the squishy bags down my shirt when he wasn't looking. Just for fun. Should I mention how he was admiring himself in the large mirror behind us?

Plastic surgery and tens of thousands of dollars aside, there are short- cuts to getting the results you want. Products you can use to fake it. Yeah, I fake it. It was Lucky beauty editor Jean Godfrey-June who mentioned using self tanner to disguise those awful lumps, the much hated cellulite. I've been faithfully using my Fat Girl Slim by Bliss to combat this horror. If only we woman could accept ourselves as we are...

I've tried Avon and L'Oreal cellulite reduction creams and unfortunately, no luck. I read that deep massage aids in getting rid of the lumpy pockets of fat. So I began voilently rubbing and kneading like I was in a dough making contest and my life depending on winning. Black and blue marks all over my thighs and butt ensued.

I'm giving the Bliss cream a shot, I think it's improving my upper legs. It's worth a try, right? Along with daily exercise of course.

And who needs a lip implant or a painful shot of collagen when you can simply use the lip plumping kit from Too Faced? Save yourself time and money and the possible side effect of a lopsided pucker and apply Lip Injection daily. I've been using the kit and you know what? It works. I love the tingling sensation and my lips are super soft and smooth. One kiss from me and you'll see what I mean.

Now, if only technology could come up with a cream, lotion or plumping kit for the chest...then we'd be in business.

Trends

2006-08-16T18:03:00.000-04:00

Red lips never really go out of style. This fall expect to see more cherry lips as red lipstick is a must according to Elle magazine. Is there a perfect red out there, a color suitable to everyone? I fear instead of looking like Gwen Stefani (who is rumored to have given birth while wearing her signature crimson pout) I will end up looking like a Ringling Bros. clown.

I've yet to find the ideal shade but Lucy B. makes adorable pots of shiny glosses and their red is pretty outstanding.

Messy updos are the hairstyle of the season. I have trouble in the hairstyling arena. Instead of loose, sexy, bedhead curls, my coif appears to have been copied from Jon Bon Jovi circa the Slippery When Wet tour. Sadly, my locks confuse loose waves with kinky frizz. An updo is the perfect answer. I hate it when girls put their hair up and expose fifty haphazardly placed bobby pins. Messy indeed.

Heavy black smudged eyeliner. I have the perfect product for this effect: Too Faced Lava Matte. It's thick and soft and as black as the lava from the volcanic remains of Pompeii.

You dont have to actually do the drugs to get the heroin chic look. Kate Moss, I'm talking to you.

What mascara is she wearing? I want to know. Hopefully cosmetic companies will be jumping on the bandwagon and creating a wet looking, lengthening, volumizing mascara that makes your lashes look like the above photo. Spikey lashes are hot hot hot for fall. I've always loved the look of lots o' lashes and sit here wondering if its perfectly acceptable to wear some false lashes everyday to get this look. Why not?

all photos except Marilyn are from the Elle.com website

Cake

2006-08-14T17:50:00.000-04:00

Desserted Island Creamy Body Buffer smells like the coconut syrup I used to put on my taro root pancakes when I lived in Hawaii. So washing with the Body Buffer puts me right back in Honolulu, sitting outside drinking my kona coffee, looking out over the blue waves of Waikiki.

This product contains little capsules of jojoba "sprinkles" that feel slightly rough on the skin. It's a good rough, you know you are sloughing off the end of the day and allowing yourself to relax and indulge in some sweet goodness. I love how sleek and soft my skin is after using this product.

On my wishlist: Satin Sugar Hair and Body Refreshing Powder, rumored to smell like lemon cookies. Scrumptious! Right now I'm really into having my hair smell delicious. I want this product and a few more...like the Desserted Island Body Glaze.

Milk Made Velveteen Hand Creme is the best hand lotion ever! I love it. Love it. It's sweet and it does what it says. It contains extract of marshmellows, really it does. So basically you are rubbing your hands with... candy. The shea butter and mango butter soothe your tired hands.

Milk Made Smoothing Hand & Cuticle Buffer will buff and polish your hands and fingers and if you like, your feet and toes. This sweet potion is sugary in texture with oils to soften your hands and fingers, especially those cuticle beds. You will feel a difference as soon as you start rubbing this product into your skin.

I once read that the typical woman will lick off five pounds of lipstick in one year. Well, if she wears Cake products, she will certainly want to lick her lips all day long. Cake Kiss Caramel Cream Lip Butter contains shea butter, coconut oil and sunflower to keep your pucker hydrated and drenched in nourishment.

Creme de la Cream Supremely Rich Body Mousse contains such delicious ingedients as coconut oil, mango butter and macadamia nut butter. Douse your washcloth/loofah with this and lose yourself in the scent of butterscotch cake. YUM.

Heather Reier slaved away, working her fingers to the bone in her kitchen for a long, long time before coming up with just the right blend of oils and butters and extracts to bring us these decadant products.

Cake Beauty has been baking up batches of lavish lotions and creams since 2001. This line of indulgent body care has been not only featured in magazines like People, US, Elle, Oxygen, Shape, and Self but has been snapped up by stars such as Naomi Watts, Kate Hudson, Daryl Hannah and many more.

I'm just waiting for them to come out with a whole line of scented hair care products, butterscotch and coconut scented candles and nail polishes, as pink is their signature color. And I would be remiss if I didn't say that their customore service is fantastic.

For more information, go to Cake Beauty.

Stay Sweet, girls!

Zeno

2006-08-14T14:46:00.000-04:00

Zeno Acne Treatment device promises to get rid of your unsightly pimples quickly and discreetly. It looks like a cellphone but has the capability to erase your zits in seconds! Well, not actually seconds but it does work quickly. Its probably a better option than my remedy of choice which features lots of odd poses in the mirror and often results in a large swollen bump on my face.

Here is what their website claims:

The proprietary Zeno technology triggers a heat shock response in microorganisms that cause skin lesions, bringing about the self-destruction of those bacteria and allowing the skin to return to a healthy, normal state. In the case of acne, the P. acnes bacterium is the root cause of 90% of all acne pimples.

I've been gently dabbing Aveda Acne Spot Relief on random pimples that pop up, but would love to give Zeno a try. I know, it's crazy. Why must we still deal with pimples over age nineteen? The least we can do is undulge in a tool that will get rid of those spots in a few hours! Have you tried it? Let me know!

Kerastase

2006-08-11T17:15:00.000-04:00

"Kérastase is premium, luxury hair care at its finest, and since 1964 L'Oréal Advanced Research has selected its most advanced technology for the Kérastase Collection. Kérastase products are unique, avant-garde formulas with innovative ingredients. Women aspire to Kérastase for the ultimate in hair care and the ultimate in beautiful hair."

I've long read about Kerastase, usually a celebrity of some sort waxing about how they simply cannot live without their Kerastase conditioner or hair masque or shampoo. The brand is brought to you by the people over at L'Oreal. This is their high-end product line, better quality ingredients and superior results than what you can buy at the drugstore.

Kerastase offers six lines depending on what you need for your particular hair type: Nutritive, Reflection, Dermo-Calm, Resistance, Specifique and Soleil. Mine type happens to be dry, damaged, color treated, thin and limp. I know! I'm blessed.

I was super excited to drench my hair in the healing powers of Kerastase. I have the NutriDefense rinse -off treatment, Creme Richesse for color treated hair and the Double Force hairspray for weakened hair. Because I'm a Jersey girl at heart, I like my hair big and stiff so this hairspray gets the job done without being sticky. I do not need to retouch my hair throughout the day, a few hearty blasts of the spray and my coif lasts throughout business meetings, lunches at the Polo Lounge and PR events.

The conditioners work well too. I use them in the shower, leave them on for about three minutes and my hair is instantly soft. I can get a wide tooth comb through my hair without snagging and pulling which is good since its falling out from heat styling every day. The product smells good, nothing overpowering or anything that will stay with you all day long and make you sneeze. I love the feeling of clean, soft hair. With stiff hard bangs! Just kidding.

I'm happy I got the chance to try these products. I recently overheard Kate Hudson talking about the Nutritive Masquintense and naturally I must try that now. Have you experienced this brand and what did you think?

Pout

2006-08-09T21:17:00.000-04:00

Pout Lip Plump is said to put a big glossy pout on your very own lips. This high shine gloss has the essence of mint so it tastes and smells clean, like freshly brushed teeth. Pout Plump contains MAXI-Lip "which hydrates the lips" and makes them full and sexy. Mwah! I think shine creates a full lipped...pout.

I have the Lip Polish in a color named Horny Hilda. I feel so feminine when I pull out the compact and apply the bright pinky shade. I dig it. I'm such a sucker for any lip polish or gloss or stick that's pink and shiny. These are small and portable and can be applied with a brush or your finger. I use my pinky.

Pout Bustier comes in a little box that's pink with black lace. It's so glamorous. Packaging is important. You want to feel the excitement building as you take hold of the box and have a moment where you wonder what's inside. Will it give you a boost of confidence? Will it make you feel good about yourself and make you stand a little taller and hold your shoulders back?

You twist off the lid and find a beautiful pink creme that promises to highlight and firm your decollete. The scent is subtle rose and the creme itself is thick and sensual. Wear it for yourself. No one needs to know you get your support from this pot of luxury lotion.

I read that Kate Hudson loves Pout Big Lash Mascara. Naturally I had to try it. If it's good for Kate then it's good for me. Yes, it's big and it's black. This volumizing mascara will plump those lashes especially if you apply several coats of it like I do, concentrating on the very tips of the lashes.

To me curled or long lashes are nothing if they are not lush and thick. Again with the packaging, this product arrives in a blue box held together by a flirty little ribbon. I'd love to test out Pout fake lashes for an even more eye opening experience. If nothing else, apply some mascara and a hint of Horny Hilda and you are good to skip out to the store for more goodies.

I'm always interested in the inspiration behind the brand and here is the story of Pout:

Over 5 years ago, Emily, Anna and Chantal started on their mission to make make-up light hearted, inspiring and accessible. "We felt that the beauty industry was taking itself far too seriously and we wanted women to rediscover the fun and playfulness that make-up should be about" explains Emily, "Pout embodies women today. We want things to look beautiful, but at the same time, deliver quick and easy solutions that fit into our busy lives. We don't have time to spend hours in front of the mirror airbrushing our way to perfection - we want glamour on the go and five minutes to fabulous!"

For more information on this feminine and flirty brand, go here to read about the company and to shop online. And remember, your lashes can never be too thick and your lips can never be too shiny.

Peter Thomas Roth

2006-08-09T16:54:00.000-04:00

Peter Thomas Roth is a brand I have seen mentioned in magazines countless times, but never had the opportunity to try.

Peter launched the line of skincare back in 1993 and the therapeutic products include "19th century recipes with 21st century skin care technologies and ingredients". And the result is a high quality line of no frills products. And by no frills I mean simple black and white packaging, no strong scents and gentle formulas. No frills doesn't mean skimpy or cheap, on the contrary!

I used the Max Anti-Shine Mattifying Gel in the horrible southern California heat. The product itself is thick, reminding me of elementary school paste from the artroom. Luckily, it has no smell and works like a charm. Standing in 100* heat, I thought for sure my makeup would be melted and oily like butter left in the sun. When I inspected my face at home, everything was in place and my skin had not a lick of shine to it. It works!

Although I'm not officially in my mid-thirties, I have slight sun damage around my eyes. Light sun spots...ugh, from just a handfuls of summer at the Jersey Shore. That's where the Potent Skin Lightening Gel Complex comes into play. This product boasts the ability to fade those unsightly spots, again with no irritating fragrances.

I am in love with the Gentle Complexion Correction Pads. These are rough on one side for exfoliation, smooth on the other for cleansing. The pads contain glycolic acid and salicylic acid, aloe vera, chamomile and green tea and the pads smell like a peach bellini. I use these every night after my shower and my skin is glowing and healthy. But then I'm craving a peach bellini.

When I do any kind of at-home peel or scrub, I like to spray the Aloe Tonic Mist on my face. This clear spray has a very light clean scent and contains healthy ingedients like aloe vera, vitamins C, B, A and E and can be used on any skin type. It's very refreshing and feels good on the face, not heavy or sticky or smelly. You can spritz it on your clean skin or apply with a cotton ball. I don't consider it a toner but technically that's what it is.

If you have been looking high and low for a fabulous skin care line, let me recommend Peter Thomas Roth. I'd like to try the Age Defense Kit and the Body Sculpting Slimming Gel. Yes, I want to look young and erase that cellulite!

Paul and Joe and Mossimo

2006-08-07T21:41:00.000-04:00

Upon my arrival in San Diego back in 1994 I scoured the beach town I lived in for some funky fashion. I came upon a cool store with limited inventory (always love that, means every other person won't be wearing the same ass thing). I found and devoured a rack of EXPENSIVE Mossimo clothes. I think I paid $60 for a plaid skirt. Hey, it was expensive to me as a young lady.
SO, Mass to the Mo sold out to Target. Fine by me because on many a celebratory occasion I find some interesting great pieces. Behold.

**Update. I just returned form the bullseye mecca.....I neglected to do my "due dilligence"..turns out Paul and Joe is the name behind a woman. Paul and Joe are designer Sophie Albou's sons names.
This isn't MR Mo. This cute coin purse comes a la tag team Paul and Joe. My Fall syllabus came a few days ago and was peppered with pieces by that wacky duo.
I have a thing for owls. Hey Swirlogirl! There is a pix in Lucky with a cute blondie holding a large tote covered in plaid and an owl. LOVE it. Paul and Joe

Mossimo. I own this black gown. It is made of a nice durable jersey. I wear mine with flip-flops. I think the heels are kinda' ugly.

My boo. You know who you are! I know you are heaving. I purchased this with glee a couple of months ago. I came home, put it on, checked out my butt in the mirror and recoiled at the nasty orange make-up streaks screaming across the material in the back. Why do people slob out like that? I had to return it. I am sure my friend "Liersten" is applauding.

Paul and Joe. More like Paula and Josephina designing a hottie like this. I have a bright orange vintage necklace I would throw on with this. Snap.

Molton Brown

2006-08-07T18:21:00.000-04:00

Softcleanse Rosewax Liquefier will wash away your stubborn makeup and mascara and lipstick. It will make your face as pretty as a rose petal and as soft as a butterfly's wing. It contains shea butter which I think it the key to super soft skin. You will feel luxurious and pampered when you use this gentle product.

I went to a wedding over the weekend and didn't get much sleep. I used Recover Eyes Firmlift the next day and fooled everyone into thinking I got more than three hours of zzz's. Haha. This product boasts a super formula that will reduce signs of aging. Sign me up. I want to look 24 again.

After a hot shower using the Heavenly Gingerlily wash, I then applied the shimmer oil and topped it off with...

...the body cream. This smells heavenly. And like Ginger. And Lilies. I cannot describe the particular scent but yes, its lovely. I was smelling myself all night long. I applied a triple treat of perfume, lotion and body oil.
The Soft Eye Shade eyecolor is enriched with "sequoia sempervires and meadowfoam seed oil". That sounds lovely, does it not? The shade of eyeshadow I used is called Walnut Tree. It is lightweight with a subtle sparkle and perfect for a glow on my lids. It gave a nice touch of color to make my blue eyes appear bluer.
Cheek Bloom powder blush contains extract of waterlily flower! I have never used a product which uses that particular ingredient. My shade is peach which gave my skin a light flush, perfect. The consistency is like velvet.

I am a Molton Brown addict now. I've seen the brand occasionally mentioned in magazines, but didn't know much about what Molton Brown was all about. I think my interpretation was that Molton Brown was an old English company making pharmacy tools. No. So wrong on so many levels.

You can read about the company history here but rest assured Molton Brown is a brand specializing in luxury goods. They use flowers, marine extracts and plants in their products, and each item is designed to promote a feeling of well being. I would like to try their candles and have one burning in every room for the ultimate sensory experience.

You can visit a Molton Brown spa and be treated to a variety of indulgencies. The spa I'd like to visit is in Ireland. Someday I'll get there, but for now I will be content to slather on my Molton Brown products and dream.

Free Gift With Purchase

2006-08-07T17:06:00.000-04:00

Jean Godfrey-June is the beauty editor at Lucky magazine. She wrote a memoir dishing about her dream job, telling us little tidbits about acne and cellulite and haircuts and all things we girls deal with. She speaks of spa visits and runway shows and models. Jean writes with humor and the book is a lot of fun to read. I highly recommend it! Check out our interview here and be sure to read Free Gift With Purchase!

I asked Jean what her favorite beauty products were, here is the list. Have you tried any of these products?

Lancome Flash Bronzer for Legs. I know it says “for legs”, but I use this all over my body & face — it has the best color by far, and it’s tinted so you see any mistakes you’ve made. Self-tanner conceals a multitude of sins, from undereye bags to cellulite, and this is truly the ultimate one— I’ve tried them all.

Mac Tinted Lip Conditioner Stick SPF 15 in Fuchsia Fix. This looks wild and daring in the tube, and your-lips-but-better in reality—my favorite combination. Plus it smells and feels amazing.

Cover Girl Lash Exact mascara. I tried this while on my book tour—I would wake up in a new city, looking exhausted & scheduled to go on the local morning show at 6am —this genuinely wakes up my entire face. There’s not a single clump and your eyes look huge.

Laura Mercier Secret Concealer. Without this under my eyes, I look 60,000 years older & as if I’ve been drinking, smoking and staying up all night. It is definitely the most transformative item I own. My friend calls it “That stuff that makes you look awake.” You dab it on with a brush (I use the concealer brush from Fresh) and then pat—don’t rub—with your finger until the concealer and your circles disappear.

MAC blot film. Powder gets cakey on me. These weird sheets of high-tech blue plastic-like stuff are amazing.

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20. Incredible coverage, natural look.
Tazorac (prescription retin-A cream for acne) This erases both acne and wrinkles & I could not live without it.

Phytojojoba Shampoo from Phyto. A guaranteed good hair day, every time. I always try new shampoos, and nothing every measures up.

Fresh Meadowfoam Cream Conditioner. I love the smell and the resulting shine, texture, etc.

Burt’s Bees shower gel & Crabtree & Evelyn’s Naturals shower mousse — they smell fantastic & have no parabens, SLS, etc.

PLUS: Anything by Douglas Little, particularly his Salem candle that smells like the charred remains of a bonfire. He is truly the most imaginative, interesting person in beauty at the moment.

Falling Down

2006-08-04T20:18:00.000-04:00

Here is a sample platter of Fall finds. I love Fall. It is in fact my favorite season. There is something about the hazy orange October dusk that jives me to the bone. Fall fashion sails right on in. Throw on a beanie. Break out your thick cableknit over the knee socks and sashay on down the road.

Work it Etro. Work the magic out!

Sexy in "I am going to tie you up and beat the shit out of you" kind of way. I feel it. Blumarine.

Love it. Love it and then I love it some more. A little Lisa Loeb-ish. The neckline is delightful! Max Azria.
I will be struttin around in something like this VERY soon. Love the boots. Max Azria.

I kinda like the whole good girl/bad girl/school girl thing. I am a sucker for knee high socks. I own several pair. Max Azria.

I threw this in to see if you guys are paying attention. Gareth Pugh. Fitting.

Despite the fact that she looks like she was just assaulted with an industrial paper shredder, It works for me. I like paper shredders. Blumarine.

Slap on some Juicy Tubes in Honey Violet...dab on some Lancome Pink Pool blush and call me. This outfit is delicioso. Funky floral 70's-ish cape. Sold. The boots-sign me up. The black tights-nuff said. Need some color on the lips. Blumarine.

L'Occitane

2006-08-03T16:02:00.000-04:00

Shea Butter Hand Cream

Immortelle Eye Makeup Remover

Lavender Harvest Clarifying Shampoo & Condtioner

Shea Butter Ultra Rich Conditioner

I've heard about L'Occitane products in magazines but never had the opportunity to try them. When I think of L'Occitane, I think of living in the south of France and eating cheese on baguettes and drinking red wine and breathing air scented with lemons.

Known for being naturally luxurious, these products will make you feel like you are lounging in a field of lavender in the south of France while your lover feds you freshly picked grapes and the warm sun shines down on your linen dress. Okay, maybe not, but you will feel like you are being pampered and spoiled when you wash your locks with the Lavender Harvest shampoo and detangling conditioner.

If you have colored treated hair like yours truly, and who doesn't get a highlight here and there, the shampoo will cleanse your hair and leave it feeling untouched by harsh coloring chemicals. The detangling conditioner will help your comb/brush glide through without a knot or snarl. Shea Butter Ultra Rich conditioner promises to nourish any dry or split ends. You will see a difference when you use it, I've become addicted.

My hands have been so dry that the nail beds look like tree bark so I'm especially excited to tell you about Shea Butter Hand Cream. This is L'Occitane's number one selling product and with good reason. The fast absorbing cream will make your rough hands feel like velvet gloves. I smooth it on my feet too because I cannot stand rough heels in sandals.

In the past I have stayed away from eye makeup removers, choosing instead to use Dove soap in the shower to take off my heavy eyeliner and multiple coats of mascara. Immortelle Eye Makeup Remover has made me change my naughty ways. The people at L'Occitane have extracted the oils from immortelle flowers and mixed them with rose water and cornflower water. This eyemakeup remover will comfort the delicate skin around your eyes.

Head over to L'Occitane and treat yourself to some glorious products.

Fresh

2006-08-03T15:24:00.000-04:00

Cannabis Santal eau de Parfum is the new scent from Fresh. With notes of bergamot, orange and black plum, it smells as cativating as it sounds.

I sprayed a hint on each of my wrists and by the end of the day, the heady fragrance had worn down to a subtle, sexy smell. Should I mention the base notes are chocolate, vetiver and vanilla mush? For a man or a woman, Cannabis is equally sensuous on everyone.

The Appleseed Resurfacing Kit will be available in September but I was very fortunate to get a sneak peek. I used the 3-step kit and sure enough my face was lustrous and clear after all was said and done.

The kit deep cleans and gently removes the top surface layer of skin and then rehydrates for a glowing complexion. I do believe this deep cleaned so well that it brough impurities to the surface for the next day I had a few pimples here and there. A few touches of my pimple lotion however, and everything was right with the world again.

I have heard great things about Fresh cosmetics, most recently from an interview I did with bestselling author Emily Giffin. A look at the website and I see many, many products I want including- but not limited to- the Lip Shine, Freshface Primer and the Pink Jasmine Perfume and lotion.

If you have tried Fresh, let me know what you think. Did the products make your skin glow like a beacon of health? Were the cosmetics dreamy? Tell me!

Project Runway

2006-08-03T15:11:00.000-04:00

The outfit that won the competition. Yes, I liked it, especially the accessories like the cool purse and the long necklace.

Someone seriously needs to stop Angela from making those rosettes she insists on sewing everywhere. Although the placement of them on this particular jacket was well done, thanks to Laura's suggestion. The rosettes are an odd fetish, don't you think?

Its hip! Its trendy! It was done without the group leader because he got the boot. Serious Tim Gunn sent Keith packing. Smuggling in patterm making books? tsk tsk. Although I would have tried to pawn off my work to small people who toil in sweatshops because I can't run a thread through a needle. I'm joking about the sweatshops by the way. And threading a needle is the only thing I can do.

This was an interesting outfit, what confused me just a tad was the loopy things that looked like an upside down tank top. I guess I am getting old. The pants were cool and the jacket rocked. Good job all the way around.

And what did you think?

Win something as fabulous as you are....

2006-08-01T01:10:00.000-04:00

Head over to our new favorite place for your chance to win something fabulous.

DuWop is giving twenty lucky winners a set of three fantastic DuWop products. Winners will receive the unique Hands2Hair, (a hair cream and hand moisturizer in one), a DuWop Toe Polish, and their new Browwow Brow Kit!

I Knew A Girl Named Rachel

2006-07-31T23:31:00.000-04:00

Hear ye Hear ye. The sophisticated yet fresh designs flowing through Rachel Pally's Fall collection are as stunning as her Spring Collection, if that is possible. You must go on her website and take a journey through sexy, free flowing, delicate lines, opportunities to show off your beautiful body, simplicity without boredom, and a hella fine model. I have been a fan of Senorita Pally's designs since the first time I laid eyes on them. I rejoice daily by house dancing ...meaning I like to dance around my house and shake it without breaking it. That being said Rachels clothes are perfect cause a glamour girl like myself can move and groove with ease and fluidity while funking out in yummy jersey creations.

Keep rocking the leggings Rachel!!!!!!

Also....if you live in Los Angeles make sure you stop by Rachels Summer Sample Sale:

PLEASE COME TO OUR SUMMER SAMPLE SALE!SPRING AND SUMMER COLLECTIONS ON SALE, 60-90% OFF OF RETAIL

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE -- BRING YOUR FRIENDS, YOUR MOTHERS, YOUR SISTERS, YOUR GRANDMOTHERS.... THE MORE THE MERRIER! FRIDAY, AUGUST 4 10AM - 8PM SATURDAY, AUGUST 5 10AM - 6 PM SUNDAY, AUGUST 6 11AM - 5 PM 5811 MATILIJA AVE VAN NUYS, CA 91401 323-669-1397

Hard Candy & Urban Decay

2006-07-31T21:48:00.000-04:00

The vintage Hard Candy nail polishes are so girly, flirty and summery. Besides the colors above, Hard Candy makes a silver polish that makes nails look like tin foil, and a light glittery pink shade that is perfect for a clean look.

The color they are best known for has to be Sky, the best blue shade you will ever find for nails. It's my very favorite!

The photo does not do this lip gloss justice at all. First of all, the glosses smell like freshly picked oranges and have the slightest, sweetest flavor. Second, they are very glittery and light with a nice touch of shine.

These Sweet Spot glosses feel so good on the lips that I for one, keep reapplying it just so I can taste and smell it. You could say I'm addicted. Who came up with the names for these -- Hippie Chick, Flower Power, Aquarius, Love Child, Psychedelic, and Groovy? Brilliant.

Urban Decay rocks! The name just conjures up a tough chic with heavy eyeliner and purple nails. I love this stuff! The gloss just slides on like buttah and the colors are tough and funky.

Lip Stain! Just swipe this across your lips and top with a gloss, all day long it will not come off. I love the color Envious which is a nice pinky shade. This stuff stays on forever.

I want the Blow Lip Plumper, it's on my wish list for pouty, pillowy lips. Who doesn't want soft, full lips topped with a slick gloss?

Check out both Hard Candy and Urban Decay NOW.

Coutorture!

2006-07-31T21:36:00.000-04:00

Coutorture is a place where all fashionistas can go to find fashion and beauty related sites. Its a gathering spot of sorts for pretty girls with pretty clothes and shoes. Fashion jobs are listed, there are giveaways each week and a city guide for hip shops in various cities.

We just signed up to this lovely community of clothing and makeup lovers. I was particularly excited to see this post about Kara Janx from Project Runway last season. Who can forget her awesome runway show at Fashion Week?

Check back often, see you there.

xo

distressedjeans

Product Review: Smashbox

2006-07-31T17:29:00.000-04:00

I have an obsession with primers lately. Just over these past several months, I've become intrigued with the pore minimizing effects of a good primer. When I was younger, my mother got a tube of Helena Rubenstein face granules that made my teenage pores disappear as if by magic. I've been searching high and low for a product that would smooth my face and give me the silky skin I have dreamed of ever since swiping the Helena R stuff from my mom.

I'm sure you've heard all the talk about this miracle product, Photo Finish by Smashbox. It is a colorless, odorless, slippery product that smooths your wrinkles and pores and creates an even canvas for makeup application. Who doesn't want a clean backdrop for cosmetic application? One or two small drops is all you need to work the product around your T-zone and cheeks, sparingly around the eyes. I lightly dab Photo Finish on my face, not overzealously rub it all over. Dab. Lightly. Let it dry. Then pile on your foundation and blush.

Just a hint of Smashbox Anti-Shine is all you need for a finished face. Again, I think that a light touch is best. I'll be honest with you, I did glop it on like a bricklayer with a trowel and the product ended up streaky on my face. My skin is so oily, I cannot stand it and will do anything to combat. This has been a problem that has caused me journey to the drugstore and makeup counter and back again for twenty years. Thank heaven for primers!

I went back with Anti-Shine using a gentler touch and saw a big difference. My face looked flawless. And that is the goal, right ladies? Two thumbs up for Smashbox!

Scarlett Jo

2006-07-28T00:51:00.000-04:00

Dark hair, red lips, lovely skin

I demand to know her makeup colors! Scarlett looks flawless. I'm a big fan of the smokey eye paired with pinky pouty lips.

Tan! Healthy! Cute! Thank you, Miss Scarlett, for not being a size 0, thank you for having hips and thighs and a womanly body.

An up close shot of the above look. I do my makeup like this all the time-- okay well, not so dark around the eyes, I'm not a movie star after all. I think she looks mighty fine. I'm dying to know the color of that lip gloss. Any thoughts?

Scarlett Johansson has been looking pretty at all these events she keeps showing up at. I have liked this chick since seeing her in The Horse Whisperer and wrote a book with her in mind for the movie version. She is different from the cookie cutter, blonde haired, superskinny actresses of today and I like that about her. Wouldn't it be nice if more actresses actually...ate?

I've witnessed photos of Scarlett looking as dark an overcooked Hebrew National. But in these photos, her makeup application is flawless and her skin appears healthy and fresh. Two thumbs up, Scar Jo!