From the LIPS of Ms. Kaycee Flinn...

My fabulous and foxy friend, Kaycee Flinn, wants to share her new beauty discovery with our blog readers. SO, here it is:
"BELLA IL FIORE LIP TINT!!! This is my new favorite beauty product. I am not a big fan of wearing make-up, especially lip stick and gooey lip gloss. So for me, my lips were bare naked until one day as I was going through my pile of gift bags, I discovered lip tint that isn't thick and gooey, doesn't taste bad, and doesn't have the feel of lipstick. It lasts while giving you the natural, beautiful look that we all want. It's changed my life (or at least that of my lips). I swear by it (as does my boyfriend) and you will too!!!"
Bella Il Fiore Double Agent Lip Tint comes in three rocking shades...
Here is Kaycee wearing tint number 002.

SEXXXY!

And the Beauty Emmy Goes To...

Heidi Klum

An unprecedented amount of emails came through voting Heidi Klum the Emmy's number one HOTTIE!!!

Runner up would have to be... Evangeline Lilly!

As for my comments, lets see... Ellen Pompeo looks a little too botoxed, Tyra Banks looks like she's got spiders crawling on her eyes, Jamie Presley's fake and bake is brutally noticeable, Sandra Oh looks bored and tired, Tina Fey's rocking a crazy buffant, Eva Longoria is too hyped (not into her very typical and of-the-moment facade) and Geena Davis looks pale as a ghost (she could use some of Jamie's mystic tan...)
As for Katherine Heigl, Maria Menounos and Debra Messing... they're looking pretty damn fine!

My personal choice for winner would have to be...

Love HIM!!!

2006 Emmy Beauty Awards!!!!

While everyone in Hollywood is talking about the most stellar performances, and everyone in New York is talking about the fashion, we here at Beauty Banter are talking about the beauty!
"And the Nominee's for most beautiful hair and make-up are:"
(in alphabetical order)

Debra Messing

Ellen Pompeo

Eva Longoria

Evangeline Lilly

Geena Davis

Heidi Klum

Jaime Pressly

Katherine Heigl

Maria Menounos

Sandra Oh

Tina Fey

Tyra Banks

"And the Beauty Emmy goes to..."
YOU DECIDE! Either leave a comment HERE or
EMAIL US with your choice...
I'll be back tomorrow at some point with the results... and, of course, some of my own comments!

"100 New Beauty Rules You Need To Know For Autumn"

In the August 21 edition of British tabloid mag, Grazia, there is a brilliant article entitled, "100 New Beauty Rules You Need To Know For Autumn." This is a must-read for any true beauty whore! Unfortunately, the article isn't linked on line, but the glossy can be purchased from any major newstand (and I highly suggest that you spend the $4.75 to read the review!)
The article is jam packed with useful trends, tips and products for Fall.
To highlight a few:
"Buy a pink blush"
"Eyeliner's back!"
"Purple reigns" (as in eyeshadow)
"The new lip shade: geranium"
"Say good-bye to beach hair (this season, "it's back to looking like you've just stepped out of the salon," says Kate Moss's stylist, James Brown"(I've gotta say that this tip came in quite useful the other night as I was getting ready for a party, debating on how to wear my hair. For the first time in a year, I actually blew out my hair... and I was inundated with compliments. Hence, I've been blow drying on a more frequent basis).
"Get creative with ponytails"
"Lashes must be clump-free"(Duh!)
"Try the new nude lips"
"Keep nails short and dark" (again, love this trend as I ONLY wear dark polish!)
"Go brunette"
"Matte skin is in"

The entire article rocks, so if you want a copy, Email me with your email address and I will try and scan the article and send it to you! It's THAT good!

WEEKLY MUST-HAVE

For the most part, I stay away from red (red clothing, red make-up, red hair – my colorist actually says that the two hardest tones to strip from the hair are red and black – but there I go again digressing…). After all, red is a tough color to rock. Disaster is practically certain. But we’ve found the Bentley of all lip and cheek colors – Poppy by Stila. This creamy convertible compact adds the perfect hue to any skin tone – natural and sheer enough so that you won’t feel like Strawberry Shortcake or a bleeding (we’re talking lip color here!) Courtney Love.

I've gotta say that I wear this color almost everyday... my friend Caroline turned me onto the compact and since then, I've been rocking the red on my lips and cheeks... either alone (very daytime) or layered with other products to create an edgier, rock and roll look.
Here's my girl Caroline and myself, both donning a touch of poppy:

To use: Dot on cheekbones and blend upwards. Apply with lipbrush or finger tips to lips and pat with a tissue. For an evening look, apply a clear gloss on top of the red stain.

Cameron Diaz is a fan too! She donned the look in CHARLIE’S ANGELS. Source.

Paradise Found

My mini-vacation proved successful. I am now properly de-stressed and recharged. Three days spent sunbathing, surfing, swimming and jet skiing helped to decompress but the real kicker were the private massages and manicure/ pedicures.

Like any true beauty whore, vacation treatments are a must especially when traveling in an exotic locale. For me, the Four Seasons Spa in Los Angeles gives the most heavenly hot-stone massage (although I do believe that this service is provided in all Four Seasons Spas across the globe). For mani/pedi’s, I’ve gotta give it to the ladies at the Isle de France in St. Barths. Not only is the pedicure perfection, the view is pretty stunning too (they do it on the deck overlooking the Caribbean Ocean). For straight up spas, I am obsessed with this place in Ibiza, Spain (the name has escaped me), where you pay around twenty-five Euros and you are granted access into their facility, which includes hot and cold pools and a Eucalyptus steam room that must be at least 500 degrees (only a slight exaggeration, I assure you). The ambiance is so peaceful and the décor is reminiscent of a Moroccan palace.
I love to travel – and I do so whenever the opportunity arises… but this most recent trip to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico is definitely on the top of my list…. Just look at the views….

What's your SHELF-LIFE?

I came across this interesting article about make-up and it’s shelf-life… Who knew? Like fruits and vegies, condoms and cold medicine (random grouping, I know), even make-up has a shelf-life!

So here are some pointers as to when to clean out your grimey make-up bag…

Brushes – wash every 2-3 months – try cleaning with Vincent Longo’s Hygienic Professional Brush Cleaner– removes dirt and disinfects (like anti-bacterial handsoap!)
Concealer – up to 12 months
Eyeliner – 3 years, but sharpen on a regular basis
Eyeshadow – 3 years
Foundation – water-based, 12 months; oil-based, 18 months
Lipliner – up to 3 years
Lipstick – 1-2 years say some, 4 years say others
Mascara – 4 months
Nail Polish – up to 12 months
Powder – 2 years
Sponges – 1 month but wash weekly


Source

P.S. I am leaving for a mini-vacation (much-needed) to Mexico where I will be relaxing and soaking the rays (with sunblock, of course – current favorite – M.D. Forte Environmental Protection Cream SPF 30 for face), so I will write upon my return – Monday or Tuesday!
Have a BEAUTY-full weekend!!!!

P.P.S. I haven’t forgotten about the lip-gloss challenge… so stay tuned!

"Are You Ready For These Lips?"

Make-up powerhouse MAC has a new spokeswoman - the outspoken, big-lipped (and mouthed) Sandra Bernhard. Okay, I'm not going to lie - I'm a huge fan of Will & Grace and Ms. Bernhard's outlandish performance on the sitcom had me in hysterics (from laughter, that is). She can be seriously funny - but she can also be tremendously raunchy and extremely irritating.... unfortunately, the new MAC spot, SANDRA: MOUTHING OFF falls into the latter categories. (Her mouth may be big - she definitely has a fondness for flapping those lips, but come on, are you really going to tell me that her pucker hasn't been prodded in recent years - can you say Restylane?)
Alas, I have not yet tried the gloss, but here's what the power's that be over at MAC would like you to believe:
Sheer lip colour with a pearlized high-shine gloss finish. Formulated to make lips look and feel like more – instantly! Comfortable to wear: lush, multi-dimensional. Sensational in application: gives a cool-warm, vanilla buzz to the lips. Moisturizes, soothes and visibly plumps the lips to make them look luxuriously healthy and well-conditioned. Contains vitamin E for added environmental protection. To keep lips looking full and lush, use it on an ongoing basis.
For MAC's sake, I'm hoping that the new Plushglass collection (available in 12 shades) is more successful then Sandra's fledgling career (apparently the budget wasn't big enough for Angelina and her plumped pout).

WEEKLY MUST-HAVE

Is your skin as parched as your body? Summer has a tendency to lead to dehydration (especially with this epic heat wave sweeping the nation...). I always make sure to moisturize - constantly - and to drink liters and liters of bottled water. But a true beauty secret that helps elimintate dehydration is on that I've been using for years. Hidden beneath a non-descript tin jar and costing a measley $5.50 is this week's MUST HAVE BEAUTY PRODUCT: Rosebud Salve - it’s the cure all for anything chapped…

A word (more like several...) from the company:
Founded in 1892, the Rosebud Perfume Company set out with a simple mission: To provide simple, multi-usage products that are both affordable and effective. With the creation of the world famous, cult-favorite Rosebud Salve that boasts to be the cure-all for a wide array of skin ailments from blemishes to chapped lips to dry elbows, the family run Rosebud Perfume Company has solidified its place in cosmetic history.

Personally, I use Rosebud on my eyes to make them look bright and glossy and my cheekbones to give them a little natural-looking shine. Good for brittle cuticles and of course, fabulous for dry lips!!!
The models slather it on their skin prior to a photo-shoot because it adds the right amount of glisten...
Try it... you'll be gald you glossed - guaranteed!

Leaving on a Jet Plane...

Tonight I am returning to California (Los Angeles) after a three month jaunt on the East Coast (New York City). I'm a pretty low-maintenance flyer - give me a seat next to a window, my own TV and a Klonopin and I'm good. If I allow my mind to wander to those frightening places, I do think about the fact that I am breathing recycled air for five in a half hours - this can't be good for the immune system or the skin....
So this is how I ready myself pre-flight:
I ALWAYS carry hand lotion in my bag. Current Choice: C. O. Bigelow Dr. Hiosous Quince Hand Lotion - non-greasy and effective. I don't need to apply a million times - once does the trick!
I ALWAYS bring my own liter-size bottle of Evian water.
I ALWAYS take Airborne (I prefer the lemon-lime flavor) an hour before the flight is slated to depart.
I ALWAYS use an astringent, face moisturizer and eye cream before I leave my house. Current Choices: Kiehl's Blue Astringent Herbal Lotion; Ole Henriksen Herbal Day Creme Anti-Oxidant Formula SPF 15; Shiseido Benefiance Revitalizing Eye Cream - sooooo moisturizing it's like candy for your eyes... yummy!
I ALWAYS carry my Labello Cherry Lip Balm - it moisturizes without any goo or shine and adds a dab of red color to your pout (just because your traveling doesn't mean that you have to look insipid!)
And a great tip from my hair fanatic friend, Jenny Cohen, slather your nose with Neosporin - I know, it sounds a little suspect, but it actually aids in fighting off infections from the dry, reprocessed airplane air.
And lastly, I ALWAYS bring my oversized Dolce & Gabbana Sunglasses to ward off wandering eyes (and to shield my own eyes from those nasty fluorescent lights!)
So farewell for now - see you back on the West Coast....
What's your pre-travel beauty regimen? email us!

The French do it Better...

"You will do foolish things but do them with enthusiasm." Colette, French Author.

So in staying with the French theme, I thought, what better time to discuss one of my all-time favorite French products... Bourjois Effect 3D High Shine Lip Gloss in Number 4.

I happen to be a fan of the entire line of classic colors but the lip glosses are by far my favorite. This particluar one is super shiny without being gooey and it has a subtle sparkle effect that makes the pucker pop. Number 4 is the ideal summer pink color for practically any skin tone (it looks tres fab with a tan!)
This will, without a doubt, be one of the contestants for the lip gloss challenge. So if you don't have it, but it, try it and rate it.

Sephoraholic

Feeling glum as I awoke to yet another day of grey skies and thunderstorms (thanks to global warming), I decided to venture to Greenwich, Connecticut for a little change of scenery. Driving through town, I noticed an enormous Sephora just begging for my entrance.
After all, what better way to salvage a bad day then via a beauty makeover?

Here are the products that I purchased today:

Lorac Eye Shadow in Beige – the perfect base color to begin the process. Apply from lashes to brow bone (ALL OVER the eyelid).
Lorac Eye Shadow in Black – the “smudger,” this shadow should be used in slow, gentle strokes ONLY on the outer corner of the eye. If you want to line your eye with the powder, use a thin brush, wet with water, dab in eye shadow and - Voila! - The powder turns to paste (perfect for using as a wet eyeliner).
Anastasia Eye Lights Matte in Camille – it creates smooth highlights under the brow (and covers stray hairs in between visits to the waxer). Also comes in shimmers but I prefer the matte as it appears more subtle. Apply a single, swift line directly on brow bone and blend with fingertips.
Anastasia Perfect Brow Powder Duo in Medium Ash – it helps to thicken thinning brows and aids in shaping unshapely brows. With an angled brush, apply the powder along the natural curve of your brow.
Stilla Convertible Color in Poppy – the absolute best dual-action compact for a dash of lip and cheek color. It looks so natural, people will swear that you’re blushing! Just make sure not to over do it; a little dab on either cheekbone does the trick.
Tarte Powder Bronzer in Hotel Heiress (pictured) – Now we’ve mentioned this bronzer before but trust me, this is one of those products that you need duplicates of (especially considering that actual sun is so damaging to the skin – and causes premature aging – yuck!)
Tarte Glam-to-Go Brush Bag and Case – the must-have bronzing brush. It applies the powder with perfect and even precision.

All products purchased from Sephora (they really should be paying me…)

The Lip Gloss Challenge

On average, every woman in America owns at least a dozen lip glosses in their lifetime. Okay, maybe not, but it’s a fair assessment.
These days, lip-glosses offer their consumer’s lucious lips anything from color, stain, shine, conditioning, plumper, or any variation of the above. So what’s really the deal when it comes to the gloss – glam or gimmick?
You tell us!!! email us your raves and disses…

The Rating System:
1 kiss: not even worth a peck
5 kisses: tres fab, must have

We’ll post the results sometime within the next couple of weeks!