WEEKLY MUST-HAVE

Cuticles always tend to get the bad end of the stick. No one really cares about them unless you have a hang nail... then you curse your cuticles. But the truth is, healthy cuticles help nails to grow and flourish into the bright young things you have always desired.

Burt's Bees - Lemon Butter Cuticle Creme is a product especially designed for the cutciles. It moisturizes, heals, and protects. An added bonus, it smells so delicious.

A word (or several...) from the company:

"Our natural earth friendly personal care products feed your skin vital moisture and essential nutrients using only the purest and safest ingredients to nurture your body from head to toe! Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream is a soothing blend of natural ingredients for intensive care of dry cuticles, brittle nails and chapped, cracked fingertips. Massage into and around nails nightly."

I've been doing this for a week and I already see such a difference... my nails don't look as tired and cracked!

So give your cuticles a break (no pun intended). They too deserve some TLC!

I Just Have To...

This just came to me today in an email:

David Beckham's Instinct embodies the inner strength and power that all men possess, the intuition that drives ambition and results in success. It begins with an invigorating flash of bright Italian bergamot, grapefruit and mandarin leaf notes. Next, an unexpected trio of provocation strikes via a blend of spicy red pimento, warm star anise and fusing cardamom notes. The scent ends with a seductive wave of precious Haiti vetiver, intense patchouli and an almost touchable hint of white amber.http://www2.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gif

It then said, "Let me know if you'd like a sample."
I wrote back, "I'd like David. In person, please!"

I Heart David Beckham. And I know he's married, with kids, but he is like a fine piece of art work... so much fun to admire. SO, if he's concocted a scent that smells like him, then maybe through some Weird Science osmosis, he who wears it will look like him as well!

Here's to wishfull thinking....

Good-Bye to Undereye Circles

Anyone who reads this blog, knows my obsession with eye cream. My biggest fear (besides growing up to be a spinster or finding that I'm infertile) is waking up one moring with wrinkles around my eyes. Thus, I have been using eye cream since I was about 13 - long before the first wrinkle ever appeared.
My father is from Casablanca, so I have naturally "tanned" skin, but with that tan comes dark circles around the eyes. I can sleep 12 hours a night (and believe me, sometimes I do!) and still wake up with a little black and blue under my eye.
So you can imagine my excitement when I received
Avon ANEW ALTERNATIVE Intensive Eye Cream. The promotional edge is that "undereye circles start to fade in 7 days." I mean, from my lips to God's ears. This was heaven sent!
So I tried the miracle cream for seven days. And I must say, although I still have a hint of black and blue, it is severely less then before. The cream also moisturizes nicely without being greasey and I still use it in the mornings because it sort of makes my eyes "pop." Like I just had a mini eye lift.
The entire line is pretty awesome. At least they promise pretty awesome results. But hey, it's affordable and worth a try! Afterall, this is far from the Avon of our parents generation!!!

To Blue or Not To Blue...

Blue is like the new black. At least, as far as eye shadow is concerned. (check the runways... they never lie!)
So, I decided to try it myself... I wore blue to (gasp) a Rod Stewart concert!!! I'm not sure if it was the 80's love or my fierce eyes, but blue was bold.

Here's what I did:

To start, I used a base color... something neutral. I like Nars' All About Eve. I put this on the width of my eye.

Next, I used Tinte Cosmetics Shimmering Face Pearls in Midnight Blue. I used a thin brush, wet it, and applied it first like eyeliner above and below my eye. Then, I used a contour brush and applied the loose powder to my lids, just below the brow bone.

Finally, I used Stila's Kajal Eye Liner in Sapphire to line the inside of my eyes. This eyeliner could almost be mistaken for black if it weren't for the lightest navy hue. I loved this liner!!! It wasn't as aggressive as black but it was still a statement.

Try the blue look and tell us what products you used! Email beautybanter@gmail.com

HERE'S A GREAT ARTICLE THAT EXPLAINS HOW TO WEAR BLUE SHADOWS... CLICK HERE

The Perfect Foundation For YOU

This is cool. Women's Health Magazine has posted the best foundations for each skin type.
CLICK HERE to find out what's your ideal match!

Apparently, mine is Neutrogena Healthy Skin Enhancer in Neutral to Tan.
Hmmm... I'm gonna have to give it a try!

Beauty Obsessed...

Sexy Swimsuit Model and Actress, Rachel Sterling's refridgerator...

Can you say, Beauty Obsessed??? We Love Rachel!!!

Hot Mama! Beauty interview to come....
check back!

Fellow Beauty Whore Recommendation... LIP GLOSS

"One of the girls at work always has shiny lips & I asked her what she used. She uses Victoria's Secret Beauty Rush Lip Gloss. I asked if she had to apply it alot to get that wet look she has & she said no. That is why she recommends this product - it is the one lipgloss that actually stays on for more than 5 minutes at a time. Being a consumate coffee/diet coke drinker this was right up my alley!!! She usually buys hers in the store for $7.00 a piece. I got online with them directly & they were having a sale on them - 3 for $15.00 - sign me up!!!!! So I ordered 3 - "Honey Do", "Slice of Heaven", & "I Want Candy". They all 3 look & taste delicious. I especially like "Honey Do" as it has extra sparkles in it that really add even more shine but not in a teeny-bopper-high-school sort of way.

The beauty of this product besides awesome shine is that it lasted through several cups of coffee & diet coke without being stickey or gooey. Best thing since sliced bread! I would highly recommend these to anyone I know who is a lipstick/lipgloss freak such as myself!!!"

Susan Hedrick

Q & A with Hair-Crazed Jenny

Q - "What does Jenny's diet consist of and what supplements does she take to achevie such long, healthy hair?"

Anne

A - "My diet consists of bagels and pancakes. I'm the worst. I don't take any supplements. I rarely color my hair and I always get my hair professionally blown out. Also, I never use hair accessiories. Ever. These ruin your hair!"

Jenny

A few of my favorite things...

It's been a while, but well worth the wait (I hope!)

On this beautiful and sunny Wednesday afternoon, I am going to share with you, fellow beauty whores, a few of my favorite things:

The Body Shop Born Lippy Strawberry Lip Balm - Why? Because it smells fresh, goes on smooth, actually moisturizes (yea!!!) and leaves the lips with the slightest touch of rouge... in other words, I can wear it daily without looking made-up but still looking magnificent.


Kevin Aucoin Super Soft Buff Powder Brush- Why? Because it is cut flat on top so, once dipped in your favorite blush, it covers the perfect amount of cheek... in other words, I don't need to play the guessing game - where do I put the blush, how far up, etc. This brush does all the dirty work for me!


Cococare Coconut Moisturing Oil - Why? Because it's a nice break from the old lotion routine. AND it smells simply delicious. And it leaves skin soft, smooth and shiny (like a wrestler, but sexy). And the best part is, it's cheap!... in other words, I smell and look like a sex goddess without breaking the bank. I also love to mix oil with lotion and lather on my body after a nice long bath (post exfoliation)... there's something about the combination that really makes the skin "pop."


A Wide Tooth Comb - Why? Because it is the perfect detangler when hair is still wet AND it doesn't break the cuticle or the tips. Also, since I have curly hair, it allows enough room for my hair to "breathe" as opposed to a brush which stiffles and suffocates the hair shaft... in other words, hair that's combed is happy and healthy hair.


Neutrogena Skin Clearing Oil-Free Concealer - Why? Because everyone breaks out and who what's their blemishes out there for the world to see? This concealer also contains salicylic acid which fights break-outs and reduces redness. So really, you get two in one - a zit zapper and a cover-up... in other words, this product is genius! (I use color medium 03 and I NEVER leave home without it!)

Tell us your favorite things by emailing beautybanter@gmail.com

ALSO, hair crazed Jenny is back in town so if you have a question for the lovely Jenny C, email us asap!!!

HAPPY 100!!!

This is Beauty Banter's 100th POST!!!



Thanks to all of our devout readers and remember, stay BEAUTY-full!

Bath Time is Fun Time

From Fellow Beauty Whore, Di Gaeta:
(recommendations for a divinely blissfull bathing experience...)

"If I learned anything this Valentine’s Day, it’s that beauty is all about the bath. Besides being a great place to distress, which we all know is the best way to avoid those dreaded wrinkles, it’s a great place to exfoliate. I’m all about exfoliation, as you devout beauty bloggers know, and I’ve found the greatest one of all time. Everything I’m about to share with you, by the way, is courtesy of the geniuses behind the Standard Hotel in downtown, LA, one of my favorite places to stay.
So, I begin my bath with a good old-fashioned classic: Mr. Bubbles. Yes, ladies, this childhood best is still just as good as you remember... with a sexy, hot pink bottle and a scent of cherries, clean laundry, and bubble gum.
Once you’ve soaked till your pruney, pull out a jar of C.O.Bigelow’s Lemon Sugar Body Scrub. This little jar of heaven leaves you brightened and moisturized. Once you’ve gotten out and lightly towel dried, follow it all with C.O. Bigelow’s Lemon Body Cream. This Stuff is so thick and perfect for winter and I’m not exaggerating when I tell you it smells exactly like a lemon sugar pie. Yummy!

Till next week, you little pretties……

Xoxo Di"


Di in the bath

WEEKLY MUST-HAVE

Who hasn't tried C.O. Bigelow's mint-insfused lip gloss? (I mean, they were even giving them out at Coffee Bean with any coffee purchase!)
Well now, they come tinted. Minty fresh breath and a hint of color all-in-one.... I'm loving it!
My pick, Mentha Lip Tint in Pink. It's super shiny with the mildest dose of light pink to glam up any pucker. I use it for day and to apply over other darker colors for night. It also plucks the pucker.
Can you imagine all this for 5 bucks?!

Fellow Beauty Whore Recommendation... FACE WIPES

"I know it sounds really lazy to say you're to tired to wash your face but I can be that lazy/tired/distracted/bored. In 1996 I was living in Canada while my dad was on business and fell for Comodynes face wipes and Klorane eye makeup pads (I remember coming home to L.A. for prom during that time and being able to wipe a serious amount of makeup off in a swipe...genius). I brought home loads. Fortunately they're now avail in the States and they've been a bedside standby for a decade. But, they have new competition. British chemist Boots has brought their No 7 line of skincare to Target and I picked up their 4 in 1 wipes. They do the eye makeup and the skincare and the moisturizing. I had a really bad cold last week and beyond lazy, tested them out. They're pretty good. And my sensitive skin had no complaints."
(via email)

I've never tried face wipes, but this product sounds too good to be true... I will definitely be purchasing a bundle a.s.a.p.

Have a recommendation of a product that is your must-have? Email us at beautybanter@gmail.com

Your Questions, Answered...

I am an LA resident and love to be tan year round, but I am at the age where
I am really thinking about aging and protectin my skin. I want a deep tan
from a bottle and was wondering if you could recommend a sunless tanner that
really works, price is no issue, just quality.

Thank you!
Desiree

The Beauty Whore says:
From Sephora, it's called glow fusion... it is the most fabulous self
tanner that I have ever used... I'm gonna be writing about it soon... Keep in mind, it's
very expensive... but not as expensive as curing skin cancer or fixing a withered face!

Hello:

I am wondering if you have any suggestions for a really good nail hardener or strengthener? My nails are just peeling like crazy. Any brand is fine...........anything from Covergirl to Channel.................price not important.........but dependability.

I thank you so much in advance!!!!

Sincerely,

Susan J. Hedrick


The Beauty Whore says:
i like nailtique....(CLICK HERE for product)
it's awesome... $15.00 and well worth every cent!
you must use daily for optimum results!

Have a beauty question? Email us at beautybanter@gmail.com and we promise to get back to you within 24 hours!!!

Fellow Beauty Whore Recommendation... AFTER-SUN COOLING GEL

A must-try by a fellow beauty whore....
"First off, I love your blog, you're the shit, and I read it religiously.

Secondly: I just bought an after-sun product that is absolutely
fantastic...I had to share it with you; it's called Yoghurt Cooling Gel by Korres(you can find it at Sephora). I even use it after
waxing...it takes the redness away and almost immediately cools your
skin. I have an olive complexion, so I don't really get burned, BUT,
it also helps keep your tan a lot longer than most products by
increasing the water content of the top layers of the skin. Seriously,
phenomenal; and for $23.50, it's a steal for what it does, trust me.
Try it out...I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!!"
(via email)

Although I have yet to try this cooling gel, I do believe that I have it stuffed away in one of my dozen boxes filled with beauty products... I'm gonna try it out and let you know.

Have any beauty recommendations? Email us at beautybanter@gmail.com!

CALLING ALL BEAUTY WHORES!!!

If you're a true beauty whore, who likes to be in-the-know, a trend-setter and a cosmetic junky, then you'll LOVE this!
CLICK HERE to view all of the fabulous beauty products nominated in the CEW beauty awards!
What's the CEW beauty awards, you ask?
It's an annual award ceremony (like the Oscars for the film industry) that acknowledges women in the cosmetic industry AND amazing products in selected categories. Make-up, bath & Body, Hair care & coloring and Scents are just a few of the categories. Products range from the expensive (30 dollars and above) to the non-expensive (10 dollars and under).
Check out all of the new products making their mark on the cosmetic industry!!!
It's so fun I think I'm having an orgasm... seriously!!!

Tell us what products are worth a review...

For Inquiring Minds...

Posh's new blond do is courtesy of colorist to the stars, Johnny Ramirez.



Johnny changed Posh from an uptight brunette Brit to a free-spirit Los Angeles blonde!

Johnny is a resident colorist at the famed Beverly Hills Salon, Chris McMillan. Other celeb clients include Penelope Cruz and Jen Aniston.

To schedule an appointment, call 310-285-0088. Prices range between $200 - $350.
You may need to drop a famous name to secure an appointment... or just say that you're the "daughter of..."

Do you like the new do? Tell us at beautybanter@gmail.com or leave a comment down below!

WEEKLY MUST-HAVE

Are you in constant search of that one perfect face product that guarantees a flawless complexion?
If you're not, then you're weird.
If you are (like moi) then this is the most important post that you will EVER read.
My friend Kourt Kardashian has been raving about this tinited moisturizer for ages. Being that I have sensitive/ oily skin, I was always skeptical to try it. I mean, let's be honest, an oily complexion doesn't need any additional moisture.
But I finally gave in and the results are fabulous.
Laura Mercier's Oil Free Tinted Moisturizer with SPF is the end-all to a dull, blotchy complexion. It goes on smooth and actually offers optimal coverage without feeling "weighty." AND it's oil free thus, my face never looked shiny. To top it off, it's already infused with SPF so I don't have to worry about sun damage.
This product has CHANGED MY FACE. I apply every morning after my other new fave, Smashbox Photo Finish Primer. It actually makes my skin appear even-toned and a shade tanner then usual!
But don't just listen to me... try it for yourself. I guarantee that it will be love at first touch!
(Kourt and Sarah in Mexico.... awwww, how I miss the sun!)