beauty girl musings

Amber Valetta at the NARS 15x15 Event

2009-11-23T08:52:00.000-08:00

makeup artist Lena Koro for Nars Cosmetics created the makeup look for Amber Valletta's appearance at the launch event for NARS 15x15. as one of the 15 celebrities to participate in the project, the model-actress attended the party alongside hosts Daphne Guinness and Marc Jacobs to commemorate 15 years of iconic beauty by François Nars, founder and creative director of Nars. the product that served as the inspiration for her portrait, NARS Belle de Jour Lipstick, was a staple in creating Amber's classic look for the event.

key NARS products used to create Amber's look:

face:

-Vanilla Concealer to hide imperfections

-Firming Foundation in Fiji

-Flesh Loose Powder all over face to set makeup

-Orgasm Blush to contour cheeks

-highlight cheeks with Albatross Blush

eyes:

-Alhambra Duo Eyeshadow on the eyelid

-Mekong Single Eyeshadow on the crease

-Mambo and Black Moon Eyeliner Pencils to line the eyes

-Larger Than Life Volumizing Mascara on lashes

lips:

-Belle de Jour (Sheer) Lipstick

xo
this post includes affiliate links-- simply put: if you click thru the links and purchase from the site, a small percentage of the sale will be paid to me.

Just in Time for the Holidays: Enjoy 30% Off Korres!

2009-11-21T06:16:00.000-08:00

hello beauties! i'm thrilled to share that Korres is extending a fabulous gift of 30% off their products and free shipping on orders over $35 using promo code BEAUTYGIRL just for you-- just in time for the holidays!

if you're like me, you like to get as much of your holiday shopping done as soon as possible. if you're not, that's ok, too. just be sure to take advantage of this opportunity! need some suggestions? here are some great picks to consider:

limited edition Sugar Plums color collection-- this set features a Cherry oil lip gloss in Plum, Plum lip butter and Sunflower and Evening Primrose shimmering eyeshadow in Plum. all three products are gorgeous, all-natural and would make a fabulous gift for any beauty-lover.

Triple Threats Little Gift Set-- this limited edition value set includes three travel approved shower gels in scents of Jasmine, Gauva and new Japanese Rose! each shower gel is enriched with Active Aloe®, wheat proteins and vitamins C, E & zinc.

visit korresusa.com, browse around, and you just might find that perfect gift for that special person! if you do, don't forget to enter code BEAUTYGIRL at checkout. :)

xo
products featured sent to me by Korres

nail color of the week: Rescue Beauty Lounge Grunge

2009-11-20T13:32:00.000-08:00

Rescue Beauty Lounge's Grunge is a fabulous neutral, but unlike any neutral i own. it's a described as a moody pinkish grey with a dash of lilac, and i think that's a perfect description.

though i bought Grunge earlier this year, this is only my second time wearing it. in certain light it really looks more pink, and in others it looks more grey-- look at it, it's amazing! :)

xo
pics taken by me :)

StriVectin Overnight Facial Resurfacing Serum

2009-11-20T13:14:00.000-08:00

StriVectin Overnight Facial Resurfacing Serum is a new product that promises to gently exfoliate skin overnight-- while you sleep to be more specific --minimizing the appearance of large pores, improving skin's tone and overall appearance so you look more radiant when you wake in the morning.

so, does it work??

i found that it did leave my skin feeling smoother and looking more refreshed the next morning after using it for the first time. now after using it for over 6 weeks, my skin still looks great and a few dark spots (that had been left after a few pesky breakouts) are a distant memory. i am really enjoying this facial serum!

ingredients include willowbark and retinyl palmitate (they gently exfoliate the skin), rosa multiflora fruit extract (helps brighten the skin), and vitamins C and E (antioxidants). it also caontains Exfolactive®,a rich source of complex sugars that increase natural enzyme productivity for enhanced exfoliation.

if you're looking for a gentle exfoliating product, i highly recommend you try this for yourself. this new breakthrough product is one anyone of any age can use, and it's even safe to use around the eyes.

visit strivictin.com for more info and to purchase. you can also find it in Sephora and Macy's stores.

xo
product sent to me for review
pic taken by me :)

Leighton Meester's L'Oreal Liploss of Choice

2009-11-19T13:25:00.000-08:00

L'Oreal's Infallible Plumping Lipgloss, like the original, leaves lips glossy and actually lasts on lips longer than most lipglosses. Plumped Tawny and Plumped Rose are the colors i like to wear the most, but i don't find that it adds any fullness to my lips. i can, however, feel the cool tingling when i wear it.

Gossip Girl star Leighton Meester also likes this gloss, finding it gives her that little something extra.:

"L'Oréal Paris' Infallible Plumping Lipgloss
in Plumped Red gives me that extra little color
and boost when i really want my lips to pop."

visit lorealparis.com for more info. find it at a drugstore and mass retailer near you.

have you tried Infallible Plumping Lipgloss yet?

xo
info courtesy of L'Oreal. product featured sent to me for review.

Bridget Moynahan: New Face of Garnier Nutritioniste

2009-11-19T06:51:00.000-08:00

fictitious characters Carrie and Natasha had a serious rivalry on Sex and the City, but in real life Bridget Moynahan has no problem joining Sarah Jessica Parker as the newest spokesperson for Garnier Nutritioniste.

Moynahan will appear in print and television ads for the Garnier Ulta-Lift collection, beginning in july 2010. the collection is dedicated to anti-wrinkling cremes, serums, and other skincare treatments.

"her class, grace and accessibility make her a model representative of the Garnier brand," says David Greenberg, Maybelline New York-Garnier president of the newest spokeswoman. "most importantly, she exhibits a likable, healthy beauty that speaks to our consumer in such a positive way."

xo
source

WWD: Kate Moss On Her New Fragrance & Living a Fashionable Life

2009-11-18T07:13:00.000-08:00

Kate Moss sat down with Women's Wear Daily contributor Brid Costello to discuss her new scent Vintage, which was introduced in europe earlier this month. additionally, Stephen Mormoris, svp of global marketing at Coty said they may look into having Moss create a special color cosmetics collections for its Rimmel brand, which Moss also fronts.

the fragrance's genesis–- Moss' love for vintage fashion–- has much more humble origins. "i couldn't really afford designer clothes when i was young, so i just went to the secondhand shops. it wasn't called vintage then, it was called 'secondhand' when i was 15."

read the full article here

WWD Beauty Biz also spoke with the supermodel about her very fashionable life-- among other things, she opens up about her dfinition of beauty, her inspirations and how to multitask....

defining beauty:

"it sounds really corny, but i think that if you’'e beautiful inside, it shows on the outside for sure. you can be a pretty face, but if you're not a nice person it just doesn’t work. i'm not traditionally a beauty, but apparently people think i'm all right. if you’re a nice person, it definitely helps."

on having a motto:

"there are loads. there's "nothing tastes as good as skinny feels." That’s one of them. You try and remember, but it never works.”

her secrets to multitasking:

"i think women are really good at multitasking. men just cannot do it. my boyfriend cannot talk on the phone and [answer] if i ask him a question or get dressed at the same time. i can do all of that-- talk on the phone, answer a question, get dressed and put my makeup on all at the same time. women just do, don't they? i think it's something to do with babies. when you have a child, you have to be able to multitask."

read the full interview here

xo
source: WWD

beauty girl tip: Get Soft, Shiny Hair

2009-11-17T12:10:00.000-08:00

to give your hair a natural moisture boost while adding amazing shine, follow this easy hair treatment recipe:

1 ripe avocado
1 tbsp olive oil
optional-- 1 egg yolk

*mash avocado into a small bowl. mix in olive oil (and yolk), then spread through hair. leave in for 20-30 minutes (this is a great time to apply a face mask and relax with a favorite book or magazine!).

*wash out using your favorite shampoo, then condition and style as usual.

*enjoy your gorgeously shiny and soft mane!

xo

China Glaze Re-Releases Wizard of Ooh Ahz Collection

2009-11-16T11:13:00.000-08:00

listen up nail polish fans, China Glaze is re-releasing one of their most popular collections, just in time for the holidays: the Wizard of Ohh Ahz collection! this set of six glitters is very similar to the original version (released in 2001), and will remind you why China Glaze's glitters are always in the ahead of the pack!

colors include (from left to right as shown in the photo above):

Ruby Pumps: an all time red glitter favorite!
Cowardly Lyin': gold frost with specks of gold micro glitter.
The Ten Man: silver frost with specks of micro silver glitter.
Dorothy Who?: blue polish with massive amounts of silver and blue glitter!
C-C-Courage: purple frost with specks of purple micro glitter.
Good Witch: pink frost with specks of pink micro glitter.

China Glaze nail lacquers are available through salons and professional beauty supply stores nationwide. be sure to visit chinaglaze.com for more info.

xo

Body Beautiful: When Do You Prefer To Workout?

2009-11-16T08:08:00.000-08:00

it's my personal habit to wake up before my family to workout. it's not something i always enjoy doing (really, if i told you how early i wake up, you'd think i was nuts), but i love that i can get in a seriously tough workout before the sun comes up-- then i'm done and i can move on with my day!

do you exercise? if so, when do you do it? did you know there are benefits to working out at different times of day? yep, and thanks to my friends at Blush Media, i'm here to share them with you...

morning exercise benefits:

* a boost of energy. a morning jog can give you extra energy for the rest of the day. another bonus? it staves off hunger. so you'll be less likely to reach for munchies throughout the day because you won't need the energy boost.

* a clear head. your mental acuity improves, so you're able to stay sharp on your feet for whatever comes your way later on in the day (even three cups of coffee can't do it as well as a head-clearing run).

*you'll burn more calories throughout the day. if you kick-start your day with a trip to the gym, you'll raise your heart rate and metabolism, which will stay revved up throughout the day. another bonus? you're not dreading a workout after work. it's done. the only thing left on your calendar is relaxation.

midday workout benefits (don't feel guilty for relishing those extra 30 minutes beneath your down comforter):

* even a twenty-minute sweat session will leave you feeling refreshed and focused.

* a workout in the middle of the day can help beat that afternoon slump and deter you from reaching for a sugary late-afternoon snack.

* it will release any pent up tension and improve blood flow so you can renew your focus (and sanity) to help you get through the rest of your day.

benefits of working out in the evenings (some would rather have their feet up in front of the dvr, but for some this is the only time):

* this is the best time to clear your head of all the demands and to-dos hurled at you all day-- zone out and have some you time. you can focus the stress and aggression into your workout, using that to make your body go harder and faster.

* you're less prone to injury. your muscles are already warmed up and flexible from a day of movement.

* all that stuff that weighed you down today? you can sweat it out-- you truly can.

xo
source

Holiday 2009: Napoleon Perdis

2009-11-14T08:08:00.000-08:00

during the holiday season, most people take the opportunity to reflect, regroup, relax and in most cases, reward loved ones (and themselves!) with a gorgeous gift or two. it's for this reason Napoleon Perdis Cosmetics is offering a captivating array of holiday-themed goodies handpicked by the makeup maestro himself.

this stylish, desirable and moderately priced "Guilty Pleasures" collection includes limited-edition mini brushes, mega makeup palettes, lip glosses, eye shimmers and bronzing products. everything is graced with the midas touch. each palette shines with glittering gold fabrics, the eye shimmers come in three divine metallic shades, and the lip glosses are embellished with a filigree of glistening metal. when purchased online,customers who spend over $100 will also receive a gold tote bag destined to be dangling from the chicest wrists this winter.

"Guilty Pleasures" is made up of affordable little luxuries-- so much so that you are most likely to think, "one for you. two for me!"

take a look...

Gold Digger Glimmer

"like mini pots of gold at the end of the rainbow." -Napoleon

three brilliant highly-pigmented shimmer pots for eyes include yellow gold, white gold and bronze—an ideal offering for the height of the party season. wear them solo or blend for dramatic and seductive tonal effects. the effect is always dazzling. brush applicator included.

Deco Deluxe Lip Gloss

"create a pout with memorable clout!" -Napoleon

from their sparkling tubes to their radiant shades, these limited edition lip glosses are the height of festive glamour. their juicy flavors (Strawberry, Peach, Raspberry, Tangerine and Watermelon) make them an absolute delight to wear, while jojoba seed oil helps to effectively hydrate your pout. the gloss tubes are bedecked with an art deco-inspired filigree that makes your lip application a fashion statement.

Bronze Bonanza

"you glow girl!" -Napoleon

sun-kissed beauty—with a twist. this intriguing trio of products consists of pressed powder, bronzing brush and lip gloss housed in one convenient kit. the shimmering powder can be used on cheeks, decolletage and limbs for a decadent all-over luminosity. the bronze lip gloss is perfect for jet-setters.

Golden Girl Palette

"welcome to the golden age of makeup." -Napoleon

one ravishing palette, one million looks. available in three variations, each Golden Girl Palette boasts 16 riveting eye shadows, three delightful cheek colors and two brush applicators, all enclosed in an eye-catching gold fabric wallet. that's a whole lot of razzle-dazzle, and all you need for day-to-night transformations.

Gold Fever Brush Sets

"brush up on your makeup skills with these stellar tools." -Napoleon

Shake Rattle and Brush Roll Set features six plush travel-sized brushes: powder brush, blush brush, eye liner brush, concealer brush and two eye shadow brushes in a blend of natural and synthetic hair. the brushes come in a swanky gold brush roll.

Eight is Enough Brush Set comes with eight elegant travel-size brushes including a powder brush, concealer brush, liner brush, lip brush, mascara brush and three eye brushes in a blend of natural and synthetic hair. the brushes are presented in a stylish gold wallet with built-in mirror.

all of the products, along with some other goodies, are available now at napoleonperdis.com. to find a location near you, click here.

xo
images and info courtesy of Napoleon Perdis

November is National Healthy Skin Month!

2009-11-12T08:03:00.000-08:00

did you know your skin is your body's largest organ? it's also your first defense against disease and infection, and works to protect internal organs from injuries. skin helps with so many aspects of your well-being including regulating body temperature, preventing excess fluid loss, and helping your body remove excess water and salt.

keeping skin healthy is uber-simple. here are a few of my recommendations for doing so:

stay out of the sun as much as possible-- it may be difficult to always stay out of the sun, but wearing an spf everyday will definitely protect skin from premature aging.

use an spf daily to protect it-- to add to my thoughts from the last recommendation, i think spf 30 is great-- put it everywhere your skin will be exposed.

don't smoke-- cigarettes rob skin of its radiance by depleting it of moisture and reduces the amount of blood flowing to the skin, thus depleting the skin of oxygen and essential nutrients.

wash your skin gently--tugging and over scrubbing your skin can cause irritation-- be careful!

moisturize-- keeping skin hydrated will always make it look and feel better.

sleep-- there's a reason it's called "beauty rest"! getting an adequate amount of sleep will allow skin to rejuvenate and repair itself (short naps during the day are fabulous, too!).

and of course...

eat a healthy, balanced diet, drink plenty of water and exercise-- it's simple, really. eat healthier (more fruits and veggies), drink more water and get your body moving (sweat helps rid skin and the body of toxins), and believe me, you'll see a huge difference in the condition of your skin.

here's to healthy skin!

xo

The Rachel Zoe Project's Taylor Jacobson Venturing Out On Her Own

2009-11-11T13:21:00.000-08:00

Taylor Jacobson, Rachel Zoe's right-hand gal is finally going out on her own.

i guess that should read, "former right-hand-gal"...

anyway, according to Fashionista.com, Taylor sent an email to her contacts saying:

"after four amazing years at Rachel Zoe Corporation, i'm saddened and exhilarated at the same time to announce my departure. after much thought and consideration, i have decided to take the challenging leap to go off and style on my own."

on the flip side, People reports she was fired, which caused her to finally take the leap.

either way, this is definitely exciting, especially since i -- and millions of others-- have seen she has a great sense of personal style, and really knows how to make others look good as well. i can't wait to see what she will do on her own!

Tay Tay & Brad :)

if there is a season 3 of The Rachel Zoe Project (love that show!), i wonder if this would be an included "storyline". i guess we'll have to wait and see...

good luck Taylor!

xo
source

LORAC Holiday Smoked Out Collection

2009-11-11T08:03:00.000-08:00

if you're looking for an amazing, wallet-friendly gift for your makeup-loving friend or family member, this limited-edition LORAC Holiday Smoked Out Collection is definitely one to consider. sold exclusively on loraccosmetics.com, this set includes fabulous products to create everything from a sweet to a sultry look.

here's what's in this set:

*Starry Eyed Baked Eye Shadow Trio in Rising Star
*Midnight Sparkle Pencil Eye Shadow/Liner
*Cheek Stamp in Island Spice
*Lip Polish in Bliss
*Black Makeup Bag

if you're still not convinced, know this: Starry-Eyed Baked eyeshadows retail for more than this whole kits costs-- that's a serious deal!

visit loraccosmetics.com to get more info and to order.

p.s. -- in addition to this, there are many products on sale right now from about $5 (click on the vip discount tab), so take advantage and happy shopping!

xo

Rachel Roy's Favorite Beauty Tips

2009-11-10T13:03:00.000-08:00

fashion designer Rachel Roy built a following not only for her beautiful designer and diffusion collections (Rachel Rachel Roy is now available in Macy's stores across the u.s. and on rachelroy.com), but also her amazing personal style and beauty. i was given the scoop on Rachel's beauty secrets and tips on how she expresses her indian ancestry through her makeup. you'll love how simple her personal tricks are to looking bright, fresh and flawless everyday!

read on...

q: have you picked up any great beauty tips or tricks that you can share?

RR: i feel a great mascara can open the eye and instantly make you look as though you've have a good night's sleep, even when that is not the case. i use 2-3 coats of Lancome's Fatale on the top, bottom, and also on the back of the top lashes.

q: do you have a beauty signature? a fragrance or a lip color that you just love to wear?

RR: because of my indian ancestry, i love darkly rimmed eyes-– a messy eye adds a sexy yet natural look to a classic outfit. to make the eyes smoky, i use Revlon's Luxurious Color Kohl eyeliner in Black Truffle on the inside of the lids.

q: what about a lip color that you just love to wear? what do you put on to achieve your favorite look?

RR: bright lipstick is a way to quickly pop an outfit and freshen up a look a la Ava Gardner in "The Barefoot Contessa". my favorite bright is MAC's Morange lipstick-- it's a great way to add a twist to a classic look.

q: any last bits of advice?

RR: i use Bobbi Brown's eye shadow in Navajo and another way to make your face pop is to fill in the eyebrows.

fabulous, no? i always love insider tips! be sure to follow her on Twitter (@rachel_roy) or fan her on Facebook.

what are your favorite beauty tips and tricks?

xo

Holiday 2009: NARS Gift Sets

2009-11-10T07:11:00.000-08:00

Nars is celebrating the holidays with red-hot packaged gifts that boast a variety of products. these are definitely on my wishlist! check these out:

15th Anniversary Palettes

Nars is including two palettes to celebrate 15 years of color innovation. Everlasting Love contains intense eye hues to create the perfect smoky eye and Wild at Heart (pictured at top) features bold lip shades for a deeply pigmented pout.

Plein Etè Mini Multiple Set

this exclusive set of mini Multiples contains three best-selling shades.

Drop Dead Gorgeous Mini Nail Kit

gift your nail polish fanatic pal with this cute set. it also makes a great gift in any stocking; includes four glamorously festive shades: Arabesque, Chinatown, Candy Darling and Saratoga

D. Lovely Lip Gloss Duo Set

with four smaller versions of the brand's best-selling Duo Lip Gloss, this set is a variety of shades that can be mixed and matched: Misbehave/All Night Long, Pillow Talk/Sandpiper, Orgasm/Chihuahua, and Greek Holiday/Stolen Kisses.

The Holiday 2009 gift sets and palettes are currently available at narscosmetics.com and the Plein Etè Mini Multiple Set is available exclusively at Sephora.

xo
info courtesy of Nars Cosmetics

Check Me Out On All Lacquered Up!

2009-11-09T12:35:00.000-08:00

i'm especially excited to to share that today i have been featured on one of my favorite blogs, All Lacquered Up! Michelle, the fabulous nail polish fanatic and creator of many fabulous nail shades herself (including last week's nail color of the week), has interview moi for her What's On Your Nails? series.

i can't tell you how excited i was when i received her email last month asking me to participate-- beyond thrilled doesn't even begin to describe it!

so, to feed your curiosity about everything from what my favorite nail color is to what nail trend i wish would go away, head over to All Lacquered Up to read my interview right now.

thanks again Michelle!

xo
image: All Lacquered Up

Beauty Girl Tip: Get Your Vitamin E!

2009-11-09T08:19:00.000-08:00

vitamin E is a fabulous antioxidant that gives skin and hair gorgeous luster, promotes healthy circulation and positive heart health. great sources of it in food are found in brown rice, nuts, wheat germ, peanut butter and leafy green veggies. yum!

some beauty goodies that contain vitamin E:

Earth Therapeutics Nail & Cuticle Care contains vitamins and proteins to strengthen the nail bed and tea tree oil to prevent the growth of bacteria and fungus.

Alba Jasmine & Vitamin E Moisture Cream replenishes moisture with essential lipids-- great for use at night!

Mineral Essence Vitarich Lip Treatment is a creamy lipcolor that applies smoothly, leaving lips feeling and looking fab.

xo

Be & D 's Kan Kan Platform Sandal Featured on Oprah

2009-11-07T16:12:00.000-08:00

Be & D 's Kan Kan Platform Sandal was featured on Oprah's "Bag and Shoe Intervention" show last week, and just like the talk show host, i am loving them.

Oprah actually gasped when she saw them and couldn't stop talking about them!

but while she may have referred to them as "car service shoes", these are definitely shoes i could wear everyday since i already wear heels everyday. plus, these have a hidden platform in them which are fabulous for support!

as you can see in the above pic, these shoes look fabulous when worn! fyi, here are the details about the look: dress: Theory, Macy's; jacket: Rachel by Rachel Roy, Macy's; shoes: Be & D Shoes: Kan Kan sandal, shopbop.com; necklace: Fenton, FentonUSA.com; ring: Kara Ross, Macy's; pantyhose: Donna Karan, Macy's; purse: Christian Louboutin pillow clutch, NeimanMarcus.com

xo
shoe images: shopbop.com
model image courtesy of Oprah.com

Cyndi Lauper and Lady Gaga Named New Faces for MAC Viva Glam

2009-11-07T14:27:00.000-08:00

Women's Wear Daily reported earlier this week that Cyndi Lauper and Lady Gaga have been named the latest faces for Viva Glam which benefits the MAC AIDS Fund. the upcoming campaign ads, dubbed "From Our Lips", will break on february 25.

the MAC Viva Glam Gaga Lipstick and Viva Glam Cyndi Lipstick will launch in north america on march 18 and globally throughout the month, with 100 percent of the proceeds being donated to the MAC AIDS Fund.

tell me: what do you think of this new collaboration? are you a fan of the Viva Glam lippies?

xo
info: WWD
pics: source and source

NARS Used on the Set of Mad Men!

2009-11-05T13:58:00.000-08:00

Lana Horochowski, department head of makeup for Mad Men (don't you just love this show?), loves using NARS on the cast-members.

"i love, love, LOVE the NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencils because they are long-lasting and give that perfect matte finish that is so authentic to the time period," says Lana. "in the past, we used mostly cream cheek color because that was used in the period. since powder blush was invented in 1963, we were finally able to throw it in for this season!"

keep reading for all the details on specific NARS products Lana has used to create the looks for January Jones' Betty Draper and Christina Hendricks' Joan Holloway...

January's character Betty wears Madrague Duo Eyeshadow in almost every scene when she is at home. "it’s a staple", says Lana, "but when she goes out, we spice it up with color." to add emphasis to her eyes, Lana adds Heart Of Glass Eyeshadow. for her lips, she uses Calliope Velvet Matte Lip Pencil and Belle de Jour Velvet Matte Lip Pencil.

"i also love Barbarella Lipstick on January because it's perfect for her every day look." for blush, try Penny Lane Cream Blush, Gueule de Nuit Cream Blush, and Gilda Powder Blush!

"for Christina's sexy Joan i love the bold colors of Velvet Matte Lip Pencils in Dolce Vita, Red Square, Sex Machine, and Forbidden Red. Lana also uses Heat Wave Lipstick and Jungle Red Lipstick! for her eyes, she uses Madrague Duo Eyeshadow and Fez and Bali Single Eyeshadows.

"with Christina's peaches and cream complexion," Lana explains, "she looks great in Gueule de Nuit Cream Blush, as well as Dolce Vita, Gilda, and Gina Powder Blush."

thanks for sharing, Lana! be sure to visit narscosmetics.com for more info on these products.

xo
info courtesy of NARS Cosmetics

nail color of the week: Rescue Beauty Lounge Mismas

2009-11-05T13:38:00.000-08:00

Mismas is an amazing polish color that has been featured in InStyle and People StyleWatch magazines, and just happens to have been created by someone i know! Michelle Mismas writes one of my favorite blogs, All Lacquered Up (if you haven't already guessed, she's a polish fanatic), and is the go-to source when i want to know all about the latest and greatest nail colors and trends.

back to the polish-- not only is this a gorgeous true purple, but it's a cream-- no shimmer to found (love that!). i have received countless compliments while wearing this and my daughter loves wearing it, too!

to order Mismas, visit rescuebeauty.com

xo
pic taken by me :)

Beauty Girl Tip: Use Eye Cream

2009-11-04T10:54:00.000-08:00

here's a tip for your peepers, the windows to your soul, the...ok, you get the eye-dea (ooh, that was bad, wasn't it?):

use an eye cream. even if you're only 21 and don't think you need one-- trust me you will thank me in ten years. eye creams do everything from reducing puffiness to diminish dark circles to softening fine lines and wrinkles. good ones can be found at every price point!

one i'm enjoying right now:

Lumene Time Freeze Instant Cooling Eye Stick (you can find it at CVS and on cvs.com) is a refreshing eye cream that i have been using in the morning to wake up my tired peepers. i received this while i was in nyc from the some fabulous PR gals. i love the smooth texture, and there's no messing with a tube-- just swipe it under your eyes and pat in until absorbed.

eye creams my beauty blogging gal pals love:

Alyson (@glossmenagerie on Twitter, glossmenagerie.com) loves 100% Pure's Coffee Eye Cream

Erika (@makeupbag on Twitter, makeupbag.net) recommends Chanel's Sublimage Eye-- "so rich and creamy!"

Amy (@thebeautychick3 on Twitter, thebeautychick.blogspot.com) has been using DeClars Lifting Eye Serum

let's dish! do you use an eye cream? why or why not? what is your favorite?

xo
Lumene Eye Stick received from PR for review consideration
eye stick pic taken by me :)

hair therapy: Victoria Beckham's New 'Do

2009-11-04T08:50:00.000-08:00

Victoria Beckham wore her hair a bit different at the Lakers game over the weekend. the Telegraph UK describes it as short, sweet and just a little shaggy and undeniably feminine-- i concur. this hew style definitely softens her up. she looks amazing...

agree? disagree??

let me know!

xo
source: Telegraph UK via NY Mag's The Cut
photo: Getty Images

Walmart Beauty Bag Giveaway Winner!

2009-11-03T13:36:00.000-08:00

i'm so excited that so many of you entered to win the beauty bag courtesy of Walmart! now it's time to find out if you're the winner...

congrats Patrice Mantovani!!

your info has been sent to Walmart reps, so you should receive your prize within the next few weeks.

thanks again for all your entries-- stay tuned for the next giveaway!

xo
pic taken by me :)