beauty in real life

beauty bloggers weekend reads

2009-07-05T11:41:00.001-04:00

It's Mario Badescu week at The Informed Makeup Maven where a new MB product is reviewed everyday. Don't forget to enter IMM's giveaways!

Dao from My Makeup Blog discovered a way to have Gisele Bunchen's hair without using heat.

Beauty Anonymous takes you to the ocean-inspired makeup collections.

Alison Blackman of the Advice Sisters has just published the Advice Sisters bi-monthly, Summer 2009 What Works Beauty, Cosmetics & Fashion review column featuring 25 pages chock full of Summer-safe products for every budget and every activity!.

Fabulous Over Forty has a favorite brand of aromatherapy for body and mind.

More Than a Pretty Face presents Part 1 of her interview with makeup artist extraordinaire Sam Fine. Stay tuned for Part 2!

The Beauty Couch is giving away two ChapStick True Shimmers to fulfill all your shimmery dreams.

Visit Lipgloss Break to Enter to Win Vera Wang Rock Princess and Barielle Summer Sugar Rush Nail Collection!

happy july 4th!

2009-07-04T12:30:00.000-04:00

I'm sure you're heading out for a day of barbeques, pools, and fireworks...so have fun.

To tide you over, I found this on YouTube. This is honestly the coolest thing I have ever seen.

Enjoy and have a great Fourth of July!

Jennifer and Christine

fall 2009 collection venise de chanel

2009-07-04T09:05:00.011-04:00

On counters this month is Chanel's new shades for Fall 2009.

I know, I know, you're just starting to get into summer and you've probably just purchased some self tanner or something like that...but, get ready for the fall collections ladies.

A look seen on the runway models and created by Peter Philips, Global Creative Director of Chanel Makeup, at the 2009/10 Cruise Collection show that were held on the beaches of Venice, Italy.

Think rich sienna, deep rose tones, dusky greys, and greens combined for a modern look that can be softened for day or emboldened come evening.

I'm actually kinda loving the hair here too...sorta Great Gatsby-ish.

New for the collection is Rouge Allure Luminous Satin Lip Colour 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.

Your pout will dazzle with Levres Scintillantes Glossimer in Courtisane, a natural pink, and Arelequin, a glossy gold.

Add some definitition to your mouth with Le Crayon Levres Precision Lip Definer in Praline d’Or, a golden-hued nude.

For eyes it's all about the Les 4 Ombres Quadra Eye Shadow in Murano, a palette with shades of moss, pink and seafoam, and green shimmer.

The latest Irreelle Duo Silky Eyeshadow Duo arrives in Acqua Alta, a pairing of white and grey shadows.

Your brows will look perfectly defined with two new shades of Le Crayon Sourcils Precision Brow Definer, Blond Clair and Cendre Noir.

For some gorgeous cheeks, apply Joues Contraste Powder Blush in Fresque, a subtle peach shade, or Les Tissages De Chanel Blush Duo Tweed Effect in Tweed Sienna, a gorgeous earthy bronze...probably the closest I will ever come to owning something tweed from the house of Chanel.

For all over the face, keep your skin luminous with Poudre Douce Soft Pressed Powder in Pêche Caresse, a soft peach.

Not leaving out your all important digits, Chanel is introducing two new shades of Le Vernis Nail Colour: Intermezzo, a white pearl, and Gondola, a stunning maroon shimmer.

All are available now at Chanel boutiques, department and specialty stores, and on chanel.com.

Jennifer

mac colour craft collection

2009-07-02T12:43:00.003-04:00

Every Artist must be daring if she wants to hone her Craft, and post-summer 2009 colour was conceived with that kind of creativity in mind.

A sensibility that surpasses expectations with inventive new Mineralize Eye Shadow pinwheel designs that combine new hues in modern, neo-geo ways; Lipglass gets a lift too, now with three shades swirled to create a one-of-a-kind marble finish delivered in a new, sleek vial. The small but seriously artful 109 and 226 Brushes are musts… add the newest colour sensations in complementary Lipstick, Mineralize Eye Shadow and Mineralize Blush, and any glamorous gallery will go gaga to give you your own one-woman show!

The finishing touch?

An unprecedented assortment of Mineralize Skinfinish shades with three new mosaic combinations: Triple Fusion, Smooth Merge, Warm Blend; or simply singular one-shade Sunny By Nature, just Porcelain Pink, or rich Cheeky Bronze. 130 Duo Fibre Brush with built-in short natural fibres AND longer optic fibres all-in-one comes together as the ultimate Artist’s tool for sleek shading and haute highlighting.

M·A·C Colour Crafted will be available July 9, 2009 online at maccosemetics.com and at any MAC store and counter.

tarte's new channel on youtube!

2009-06-30T14:30:00.000-04:00

The genius that is tarte can now be seen daily on their new YouTube channel!

There you'll find tarte makeup artists and members of the executive team giving 101 tutorials on some of their best-selling products, as well as some of their latest product launches.

They'll also be providing trend, celebrity and seasonal makeup tips & looks.

Plus, on some occasions, they'll even have guest celebrity makeup artists and tarte's Creator & CEO Maureen Kelly offering her own advice.

Here's one of many little snippets that you can find at youtube.com/user/tartecosmetics...enjoy!

Jennifer and Christine

giveaway with ms. pedicure and china glaze...the winner

2009-06-30T11:30:00.000-04:00

We here at Beauty in Real Life love, love, love a great pedicure. Sometimes, it's hard to find time to go out and get one done at a salon, especially now that preschool is out and both of our boys are home....24/7.

What better time than to try out a home pedicure spa kit? I actually have the Manicure kit, and I use it every time I do my nails. And what's better than sneaking off to the privacy of your bathroom for a little relaxation.

Well....one lucky reader will get her hands - or feet - on the Ms. Pedicure Foot Spahh Kit. And as a bonus we are throwing in 4 bottles of China Glaze nail polish from the new Kicks Collection. What's a good pedicure without the polish? Colors include Sneaker Head, Style Wars, Entourage and Sky High Top.

Here's some info on the Spahh kit: Cut your feet some slack and show them some salon-worthy love at home with the Ms. Pedicure Foot Spahh, the ultimate luxury for reviving and refreshing those tired legs and feet. Housed in a durable tote, this all-inclusive kit packs a punch with everything that a girls needs to repair her damaged and over-worked feet without breaking the bank! The Foot Spahh kit retails for $12.99, and products include the Smooth Steppin’ Exfoliating Foot Scrub, the Rock n’ Sole Foot Pumice, and the Invigorating Leg Rub.

Ms. Pedicure products are available at Ulta, Walgreens, and other mass department stores nationwide. Visit www.mspedicure.com for a complete list of retailers.

And now for the information you all really want....

Congratulations to Marjorie L.!! Your feet are gonna be looking good in no time!

And for the rest of you, don't forget to enter our Perricone MD giveaway!!

Jennifer and Christine

limited edition bamboo pink collection from clinique

2009-06-29T10:44:00.003-04:00

Now available from Clinique is their Bamboo Pink collection.

With prices ranging from $14 to $30, you're bound to find something you like and not worry about someone finding the receipt and freaking out because you spent waaayyyy too much money.

Just saying.

Anyway...here's some info about a few of the new products we're loving...

Fresh Bloom All Over Colour ($29.50) in Bamboo Pink. The newest shade of this star product; a combination of pinks all in one easy-to-use palette to create a perfect, natural-looking, radiant glow.

The limited edition Colour Surge Eye Shadow Quad ($25) offers a gorgeous grouping of super and soft shimmer shades to create looks that range from subtle and soft to more sexy and sophisticated.

One of Clinique’s best-selling lipstick shades is now available in a revolutionary gel formula that delivers the shine of a gloss and the comfort of a lipstick. Butter Shine Lipstick ($14) drenches lips in moist, lush colour that glides on buttery-soft and feels luxuriously smooth.

We're always on the lookout for a new brush to add to our collection and this Clinique Limited Edition Powder Brush ($30) is killing us with it's clear bamboo-like handle. As if that's not enough it has Clinique's special anti-bacterial technology. This breakthrough technology protects the brushes from mold, fungus and bacteria, which tend to accumulate on brushes especially if stored in the bathroom where moisture and humidity are constant.

For more info, head on over to your local Clinique counter, or try clinique.com.

Jennifer and Christine

weekend reads...total beauty

2009-06-28T12:41:00.000-04:00

The Informed Makeup Maven talks Stila, MAC and Terra Firma Cosmetics giveways and reviews Make Up For Ever's HD primer and Camouflage Palette, and MAC's Moistureblend Foundation.

The Clinique Bamboo Pink Collection Giveaway at An Indian's Makeup Blog - ENTER TODAY !

Check out A Little More Beautiful for great giveaways like a LUSH Sweetie Stack Gift set and BB Dakota Pink Dress-Perfect for Summer!

If you are a blonde you'll want to check out The Advice Sisters review of Redken's Blonde Glam salon treatments and at-home products they are a must-have for Summer and all year long!

Beauty Anonymous gives you a look into the latest haute couture-inspired makeup collection by Chanel.

addicted to lipstick is having a Mac Honey Collection Giveaway hop on over to enter for you chance to win.

Fabulous Over Forty falls in love with a new Dior Designer Eye Palette.

eye4style loves the long lasting shine of Dashing Diva's new Gelife manicure!

Dao from My Makeup Blog found a good dupe of the coveted MAC 188 brush for cheap!

Glossypink shows you how to get The Hills' star Audrina Patridge's smoldering makeup look!

Visit Lipgloss Break and enter to win Barielle Summer Sugar Rush Nail Polish Collection!

coming soon from covergirl...

2009-06-27T13:29:00.003-04:00

(click on image to enlarge)

Loving these new products from CoverGirl that are due to hit shelves in July.

The absolute best part is that they're all under $11. So you can try new trends and not break the bank.

So far we're loving the Exact Eyelights Eye Shadows and Eye Liners...and yes, the eye shadow does come with the cool brush too.

As for the Simply Ageless Sculpting Blush...well I'm all about a cream blush first of all, add in the Olay Regenerist Serum (that white swirly part) and I'm so there.

We haven't had a chance to truly test these out, but once we do we'll be sure to deliver the 411.

Jennifer

la mer the lip balm

2009-06-26T09:39:00.004-04:00

While I tend to be a savvy shopper 95% of the time, I sometimes do get a little swayed by a good sales pitch.

After hearing that this balm was a favorite of Jennifer Garner, countless other celebs, and many a beauty editor pick, I (of course) wanted to check it out and see for myself.

I picked one up a few months ago...while getting my usual Creme de la Mer supply...and have been using it ever since.

It's definitely a winner for me.

The way that it makes my lips feel soft waaaayyyyy after it's disappeared is nothing short of cool.

It's also lasted a good long time, considering I'm still working on the same container that I bought back in early March. The fact that I relegate this item to my makeup bag helps to curb the constant application that I would be doing if it was just sitting in my beauty closet upstairs though, I must admit.

The only clunker?

It's a definite splurge at $45.

But so worth it to me.

What about you...are there any products that you just have to have even though they are a little on the splurge-y side? Leave a comment and let me know!

Jennifer
image courtesy of saks.com

giveaway with zannclip...the winners

2009-06-25T15:30:00.000-04:00

Jenn recently reviewed the Zannclip, with a video on how to use them. Check it out here. Well, since I am in the process of growing out my hair, I am loving these little slices of heaven. And now we want to share them with you!!

Three lucky winners, will each score one Zannclip in the size and color of their choosing!

There are three different sizes and numerous colors to choose from. Head on over to zannclip.com for more info and to see what color you would like. BTW...Right now you can purchase any three items and get 20% off at checkout! Prices range from $10 to $23 depending on the size and finish you choose.

Now for the lucky winners....

A big congratulations goes out to Karissa G., Jennifer S., and Denyse G.!!!

Don't forget to enter our other giveaways!!

Jennifer and Christine

5 minutes, 5 questions with marla malcolm beck

2009-06-25T09:30:00.000-04:00

We recently had the chance to interview the ultra fab Marla Malcolm Beck, the founder and CEO of bluemercury inc.

In case you aren't familiar with bluemercury, it's basically a beauty addicts dream come true...the best-of-the-best beauty products and spa services all under one roof.

It's seriously like the mother ship calling us home.

Anyway, Marla was kind enough to take time away from her busy schedule and answer a few questions for us.

Enjoy...

1. You literally have beauty addict's dream job! How many products do you sort through until you find those worthy enough to be sold on your shelves?

I probably receive at least 20 products per day to look at – if you multiply this by 250 business days this is at least 5000 products a year, if not more!

2. Okay...share...what are your top 5 cannot-do-without beauty products?

Darphin Hydraskin Serum – I put this on under my makeup primer to get a dewy, hydrated look.

Skinceuticals C and E Ferulic Serum – this brightens and firms my skin like no other product.

Oribe Shampoo and Conditioner for Beautiful Color – the best shampoo and conditioner for my dry, highlighted hair that I have found in a long time.

Trish McEvoy High Volume Mascara – doesn’t smudge and the long thin brush is perfect for lifting and separating.

Remede sweep – the most gentle but effective exfoliant out there.

Skinceuticals SPF 45 Sport – the only sunscreen I will wear on the beach.

Tan Towels on the Glow Body – a slow self-tanning product – fool proof as I am so bad at applying self-tanners.

Caudalie Cleansing Water – I use after I cleanse my face to get the rest of the makeup off and soothe my skin. (ok – sorry, more than 5, I could go on forever. )

3. We know that you're a working mom who's always on the go. What are some of your tips for getting out the door in a hurry, but still looking fabulous?

I wash my hair at night so I only wet it in the morning by dunking my head in the shower – this combined with Oribe’s Royal Blowout (which I spray on my damp hair) speeds my blow dry time tremendously. I put on a moisturizing serum first, let it soak in while I do my eye makeup, that way if the eye makeup gets on my skin, I haven’t already done my tinted moisturizer. I only do tinted moisturizer during the day – you just sort of slather it on and don’t have to worry about getting it perfect – plus it has SPF.

4. What's your favorite product for a spa experience at home?

Darphin’s new Waterlily Foaming Gel Cleanser. I keep it in my shower. It’s like you go to the spa every time you take a shower – it smells heavenly and gets all of the makeup off. Bliss Triple Oxygen Mask – I use this after a week of traveling to clear my skin of all of its grime.

5. Being you're from DC, can you give us a couple of your top spots for dining out and shopping?

For great dresses love Intermix in Georgetown, Urban Chic (in Georgetown or Bethesda). For a quick organic lunch, can’t resist the food at Sweet Greens (Georgetown or Bethesda). For the power lunch or power dinner – Bourbon Steak in Georgetown. Rumor has it Brad Pitt was there a couple of weeks ago, too! Adore Chef Geoff or Café Milano for girls lunch!

Okay...it's official....love her! Plus I totally need to try that Oribe Royal Blowout. Anything that could shave some time off of my morning routine has me at hello.

For more information on the products mentioned above, or to learn more about their spa locations and services...head on over to bluemercury.com.

Jennifer

giveaway with perricone md

2009-06-24T12:00:00.003-04:00

We are just in a giving mood lately. We have another fab giveaway this week for one lucky reader. One reader will receive one of Perricone MD's best selling products, valued at $120..... Advanced Face Firming Activator.

This product is paraben-free and will leave your skin smooth and glowing. This is a Perricone best-seller which transforms skin to appear firm and toned using Alpha Lipoic Acid and DMAE. It’s recommended to apply this in the morning to the face and neck and follow with moisturizer.

For more information check out Perricone MD skin care products.

Details for the giveaway....as always, send us an email at beautyinreallifecontests@gmail.com with "Perricone MD Giveaway" in the subject line. Be sure to include your full name and mailing address.

We will randomly select one winner July 6th at 11pm est. The winner will be announced on Tuesday, the 7th!

Alright, just to clarify...One entry per person, duplicate entries will not increase your odds of winning. For this giveaway, only US residents may enter. You have from now until July 6th at 11:00 PM EST to enter.

Good luck!!

Jennifer and Christine
proud members of total beauty and the bbn networks

*Please Read This: In entering this contest you are giving us permission to forward your name and mailing address to representatives for Perricone MD for fulfillment and mailing of contest prize(s). If you fail to include that information we will disqualify your entry. One winner, chosen at random, will receive the prize(s) mentioned. Duplicate entries will not improve your chances of winning. Giveaway sponsored byPerricone MD. Some restrictions may apply. Open only to US residents only...sorry. Entries will be accepted through 11:00 pm on Monday, July 6th, 2009.

urban decay's pocket rocket man hunt is on baby

2009-06-23T11:39:00.004-04:00

In case there's a man in your life who's dying to get some "exposure"...here's his opportunity.

Urban Decay has just begun their Pocket Rocket Man Hunt!

Huh?

The folks at Urban Decay have developed an online contest to find the next two models for their two new shades of Pocket Rocket Lip Gloss – scheduled to launch in Spring 2010!

Here's how it works...

You'll nominate your boyfriend, husband, friend, (friend-with-benefits, UPS man, favorite barista, coworker, hot neighbor... whoever), via the contest website: urbandecayguys.com .

There you'll upload photos and tell them a little about your guy. Then you'll be given a link so that you can ask friends your vote. (think Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, blog, and e-mails, so that lots of people will visit the site.)

Visitors to the site will vote for their favorite guy. Then, at the end of the contest, they will choose two winners from the top 10 to be the next models on their Pocket Rockets.

The contest starts now, and goes through July 17, 2009.

But wait...there's more...

The winners (and the woman/man who nominated them!) will be flown to California where the men will be professionally styled, shot and retouched by our expert team. You'll get a flight to Cali, a hotel stay, and some fun prizes: $500 in Urban Decay Cosmetics, $200 in Urban Outfitters gift cards, and $200 in Apple gift cards. A couple of runners-up will get prizes, too.

Hmmm...I wonder if Big L is up for the challenge?

If there's a man you'd love to put up for this, head on over to urbandecayguys.com. Don't forget, he contest will end July 17th...so you better get a move on!

Jennifer

nordstrom anniversary sale...get your pre-order on now

2009-06-22T15:30:00.000-04:00

With a little over 3 weeks till I'm due for delivery, I'm all for shopping online.

My ginormous pregnant self can only handle so much shopping by foot right now...so online's where it's at.

Anyway...from July 17th through August 2nd, beauty junkies nationwide will line up at their closest Nordstrom store to get the hottest exclusives, limited-edition items and beauty bargains, only available during those two weeks.

The only risk you run is this, if you wait until then your faves might not be there.

So what do you do?

Pre-sale honey...pre-sale.

Right now you can go online to nordstrom.com or stop into any Nordstrom store and pre-order and reserve your favorite beauty goodies!

Considering there's over 100 top beauty brands participating this year (think Chanel, Juicy Couture, NARS, Clarins, Kiehl’s, Laura Mercier, Marc Jacobs, Fekkai, Dior, Bobbi Brown and many more), you might want to get a move on.

Here's just a couple of offerings that are sure to have you reaching for your platinum card...

Laura Mercier Renaissance Collection($65; $167 Value)

Laura Mercier created an exclusive set featuring seven must-have items in the hottest shades of the season, all housed in a chic patent cosmetic bag.

MAC Look in a Box – Seductress ($49.50; $100 Value)

This set of five full sized products gives glamour girls everything they need to create a sultry, sexy look – minus the guess work.

Kiehl’s Crème de Corp ($70.00; 89 Value)

With this jumbo version of Kiehl’s cult-favorite all-over body moisturizer, you are sure to not run out of stock until next anniversary sale rolls around
(fyi...we go through this like water once colder weather hits).

Lancome 4 piece Brush set with indigo blue cosmetic bag ($52; 119:50 Value)

This undeniably chic brush set takes a cue from the ombre trend seen on the runway.

And like a million more items to choose from.

From what I can also gather, if you pre-order online now, Nordstrom will start shipping out your goods starting July 17th!

So make like a tree and get out of here (sorry...totally obscure Back to the Future reference) and head on over to nordstrom.com.

Jennifer

another origins one day offer

2009-06-22T12:36:00.002-04:00

Offer available at origins.com. For more info click here.

Jennifer

our little bits of beauty...the best and worst acne products

2009-06-21T17:31:00.002-04:00

While neither one of us has to deal with the skin-annoyance that is acne, we have had to deal with major breakouts in our lifetime.

I still get breakouts here and there and I definitely have to deal with an oiliness that drives me insane.

What sucks the most is that...hello...I am waaaayyyy past the time when I should be getting any pimples or nasties on my mug.

Well, Total Beauty has heard the cries of anguish and they've come running with some of the 12 Best and Worst Acne Products.

Read on and find your solution!

12 Best & Worst Acne Products

Zits happen, so trust these unbiased reader reviews to tell you which acne products actually deliver

Sure, dealing with acne in your teens is cruel -- but in your 20s, 30s and 40s? That's just plain unfair. Here we uncover the top reader-tested acne-fighting products, as well as the products that did not deliver results, so you can save your time and money.

See products

The Best: No. 6: Clinique Acne Solutions Clarifying Lotion, $13.50

TotalBeauty.com average rating: 8.7*

Even those who have "tried everything and nothing worked" claim this product is "like a miracle..."

No. 5: The Body Shop Tea Tree Oil, $9

TotalBeauty.com average rating: 8.8*

"Just a dab with a Q-tip is all it takes for my pimples to be drastically reduced overnight..."

No. 4: Peter Thomas Roth Gentle Complexion Correction Pads, $36

TotalBeauty.com average rating: 8.9*

"The pads smell great, clear up acne, soften up lines and get your skin glowy..."

Want to see the rest of the best (and find out the worst)? Click here!

weekend reads...total beauty

2009-06-21T12:00:00.003-04:00

The Informed Makeup Maven discovers Votre Vu and Terra Firma Cosmetics, talks summer faves and hosts MAC, Stila and Maybelline giveaways.

Beauty Anonymous shares a preview of Jill Stuart's upcoming 5th Anniversary Collection for fall 2009!

Boutique Flair is offering 2 chances to win some swag. Enter here and here by 06/21/09!

The Beauty Couch shares some ideas for getting that sexy 60's Star Trek-inspired look.

Meilily talks Fitness Shoe Skepticism: Are FitFlops & MBTs Just Glorified Platform Shoes?

Neon Bible experiments with Japanese nail art

A Little More Beautiful is giving away 1 LUSH Sweetie Stack Gift Set which includes 3 of their most popular soaps.

eye4style keeps her tootsies in tip top shape with THIS Farmhouse Fresh product.

Dao from My Makeup Blog has a gorgeous makeup tutorialfor nighttime and clubbing.

The Makeup Divas reviews Philosophy Beach Party.

Beauty Banter gives you the secret beauty tips and products of Parisian ladies... straight from 2 gorgeous frenchies!

Beautiful With Brains reviews Clynol Play With Me Powder Punch.

LA Pretty is having two giveaways of new releases from Target beauty lines Pixy by Petra and Napoleon Perdis. Get the details here!

Monique from Beauty Girl Musings reviews LaVaque Tweezers!

Enter to Win Several of Lipgloss Break Giveaways, including Borghese B Gloss in sold out Fuchsia!

Hot Beauty Health shows you 5 organic hair care products that works and stylish pics of rihanna at Carol's Daughter Spa in NYC.

The Advice Sistersreviews Beauty Fix a season's worth of beauty bargains in a box!

weekend reads...beauty blog network

2009-06-20T12:00:00.001-04:00

The Makeup Divas reviews Philosophy Beach Party.

Decorative Diva just found the new summer essential! Head over to find out what it is!

A Touch of Blusher reviews Olay Regenerist Daily Regenerating Serum.

Beauty Anonymous shares a preview of Jill Stuart's upcoming 5th Anniversary Collection for fall 2009!

opi bubble bath and the look good..feel better program

2009-06-19T09:30:00.002-04:00

I'm always looking for a new shade for my toes and tips.

Normally I just stare blankly at the wall of shades, that my local nail salon offers, and then rush to choose one when it's my turn to go.

Kind of ends up being a hit or miss situation sometimes if you catch my drift.

Luckily the uber fabulous Rachel Zoe recently Twittered some advice on her fave color for summer mani and pedis...OPI's Bubble Bath.

What's even better is when you purchase OPI’s Bubble Bath in July or August, you’ll not only be getting a perfect summery light-as-air shade, you’ll also be supporting Look Good…Feel Better, a national public service program that helps women cope with appearance-related changes from cancer treatment.

During July and August, OPI will contribute a portion of the proceeds of every bottle of Bubble Bath nail lacquer sold, with a minimum contribution of $25,000, to Look Good…Feel Better.

A great way to make yourself look great and help others in the process.

Love that.

For more info on the Look Good...Feel Better program, head on over to lookgoodfeelbetter.org. Try opi.com for more info on OPI products.

Jennifer

kiehl's superbly restorative argan body cleansing oil

2009-06-18T11:06:00.001-04:00

Kiehl's has a new addition to the their Superbly Restorative Argan Preparations Collection. To aid in the support of the Targanine Women’s Cooperative in Morocco’s Atlas Mountain Region, Kiehl’s Since 1851 is pleased to introduce the Superbly Restorative Argan Body Cleansing Oil. This luxuriously rich, yet gentle formula improves skin’s suppleness and heightens the bathing experience in a multitude of ways – as a rich body cleanser, in-shower shave oil or in-bath treatment.

Kiehl’s Superbly Restorative Argan Body Cleansing Oil transforms into a milky treatment to cleanse and retexturize body skin, revealing a smoother, more healthy-looking radiance. Naturally-fragranced with oils of Sweet Orange, Patchouli, Eucalyptus, and Cedarwood, this versatile formula gently cleanses skin without stripping it of essential lipids.

We have not had a chance to check out this particular item from the Collection, but I did happen to score a brand new bottle of the Superbly Restorative Body Lotion with Argan Oil from Makeup Alley and I love it. Actually, I'm just about to run out of it. It smells great and really soaks in and moisturizes throughout the day. If the Body Cleansing Oil is anything like the lotion, it won't be long before I have it in my shower.

It retails for $27.50 and you can check it out on kiehls.com.

Christine

how to get michelle tractenberg's look at the cfda fashion awards

2009-06-17T14:15:00.005-04:00

I've always loved Michelle Trachtenberg's unfussy-yet-glam looks at events, like this one for the CFDA Fashion Awards that took place the other night.

Celebrity makeup artist Sandy Linter for Lancome worked with Michelle Trachtenberg and she gave us the lowdown on how to she did her gorgeous eyes.

She accentuated the eyes by first applying Effacernes Waterproof Concealer in Porcelaine I as a shadow base, under eye base and skin corrector giving Michelle a silky soft complexion.

Sandy then lined her eyes with Le Crayon Khôl in Black Coffee giving it a smudged effect for a soft contour. To accentuate her eyes even more, Sandy applied Color Design Eyeshadow in Click for a smoky look and Bikini Golden on the inside.

She then coated Michelle’s eyelashes with Ôscillation Vibrating Mascara to give them an extended effect and finish the look.

All products can be found online at lancome-usa.com.

Jennifer

image courtesy of nachofoto.com

giveaway with ms. pedicure and china glaze

2009-06-16T16:00:00.003-04:00

Ms. Pedicure products are available at Ulta, Walgreens, and other mass department stores nationwide. Visit www.mspedicure.com for a complete list of retailers.

Now for the details for the giveaway....as always, send us an email at beautyinreallifecontests@gmail.com with "Pedicure Giveaway" in the subject line. Be sure to include your full name and mailing address.

We will randomly select one winner June 29th at 11pm est. The winners will be announced on Tuesday, the 30th!

Alright, just to clarify...One entry per person, duplicate entries will not increase your odds of winning. For this giveaway, only US residents may enter. You have from now until June 29th at 11:00 PM EST to enter.

Good luck!!

Jennifer and Christine
proud members of total beauty and the bbn networks

*Please Read This: In entering this contest you are giving us permission to forward your name and mailing address to representatives for Ms. Pedicure and China Glaze. for fulfillment and mailing of contest prize(s). If you fail to include that information we will disqualify your entry. One winner, chosen at random, will receive the prize(s) mentioned. Duplicate entries will not improve your chances of winning. Giveaway sponsored by Ms. Pedicure and China Glaze. Some restrictions may apply. Open only to US residents only...sorry. Entries will be accepted through 11:00 pm on Monday, June 29th, 2009.

giveaway with secret, covergirl and crest...the winners

2009-06-16T13:30:00.000-04:00

In celebration of Shawn Johnson being recently crowned champion of Dancing with the Stars Season 8...two readers will win a makeup bag filled with some of Shawn’s favorite beauty products including Secret Clinical Strength Sport, CoverGirl Outlast Lipstain and Crest Whitestrips Advanced Seal!

Shawn is always in the spotlight and these are the products she uses to look her best.

Congratulations to Brittany K. and Lisa B.!!! You lucky ladies have just won our giveaway.

Check back later today for another giveaway announcement and don't forget to enter our Zannclip giveaway.

Jennifer and Christine

meet francois nars at the barneys new york in chicago

2009-06-16T09:30:00.000-04:00

As a follow up to his appearance in San Francisco...which was also his first appearance in 10 years fyi...Francois Nars will be at Barneys New York in Chicago, Saturday, June 20th from 2-3:30 pm!

This is all in celebration of the NARS counter opening at the new Barneys New York location in Chicago.

He'll be making a special personal appearance – signing copies of his books X-Ray and Makeup Your Mind.

Why is he appearing at Barneys New York, Chicago?

Well, it was the first store to carry NARS in 1994, 15 years ago, when François debuted his collection with just twelve lipsticks!

Consumers will be able to purchase X-Ray (1999), the wildly successful photography book and collector’s item, Makeup Your Mind (2001), the ultimate instructional makeup manual featuring the world's most recognizable models, and the limited-edition NARS Loves Chicago Set containing an assortment of four classic products resurrected from the archives by François Nars specifically for the women of Chicago, because all will be available for sale at the NARS counter during this time.
Also, a talented team of NARS makeup artists will be on hand, offering customers in-store makeovers with the NARS Loves Chicago Set and Summer collection.

And who doesn't love a makeover?

This will be taking place this Saturday at the Barneys New York store in Chicago, IL...so if you live in the area or plan on visiting you definitely want to catch this.

The Barneys New York address is 15 East Oak Street, Chicago, IL 60611. Call the NARS Counter direct at 312-587-1700 x1175 for more details or to make an appointment.

Better hurry because I can guarantee that space will be limited.

Jennifer and Christine