WEEKLY MUST-HAVE!

Spring is almost here!!!! And that means, it's time to work on your tan! I love me some tinted moisturizers with buildable color... they're a clean, hassle-free, streak-free way to get bronzed skin without a tanning salon or the harsh effects of the sun.

British cosmetic giant, Boots, makes a fabulous lotion with buildable color! It's part of their No 7 line of skin products. Naturally Sunkissed Body Moisturizer offers you just that - a natural sun kissed tan! It's not streaky and it doesn't stain your clothes. It's the perfect amount of color without screaming - "I'm faking my tan!" And it doesn't have that chemical smell that many of the buildable color lotions unfortunately have. The lotion applies easily and color looks even so you don't need to exfoliate prior to use! AND, it's only $9.99!!! This is my must-have Spring self-tan lotion!

Also from Boots, No7 Instant Sunshine Shimmer Gel! It's a shimmery golden gel-like substance that can be applied alone, or mixed with lotion, to add instant color and sparkle for a healthy glow! I use it in conjunction with the Sunkissed Body Moisturizer when I'm hitting the town and I need a little extra color on my arms and legs. The company says, "It's just so versatile. Mix with your foundation or body cream, or use as a bronzer or eye colour." A little goes a long way so there's no need to overindulge.

Gold is in... whether it's as a shadow or on your skin! Don't have naturally tanned skin? Fake it!!!

How do YOU tan?!?

Opinion Polls & Market Research

Splendid Sunday Reads...

Beautiful Makeup Search cannot get enough of this palette from the new Heatherette for MAC Collection.


Haute and Bothered's seeing stars


eye4style offers up the cutest polar bear pendant ever as a reader giveaway - enter to win now!


Wardrobe oxygen wonders if a backless bra made for busty women will live up to its claim.


Snarkstress hated to do it, but she had no choice. See Fashion Maven Eva Longoria get her first (and much-deserved) Snarkstress Shredding.


Teen Style Lounge reminds you to enter to win a $50 e-Gift card to Arizona Jeans Co. Monday is the last day for entry, so hurry over!


She Knows Best wants your opinion on skinny ties.


Style It Less shows the new Twisted Silver Earrings, a promo code and chance to win a pair.


Style Tots thinks the Chloe Kids Collection needs a bit of color.


A Touch of Blusher can't live without this foundation.

The Scented Life tried Mariah Carey's limited edition perfume, M by Mariah Carey GOLD.

makeup loves me discovers the mystique of spring's newest nail trend grey polish . come see it for yourself!


The Raging Rouge Beauty Blog is wild about tarte Mineral Powder Bronzer in Park Avenue Princess. Oh heavenly tan!


Beauty Banter talks exclusively to Earnest Sewn's gorgeous publicist and partner to find out what are her favorite, must-have beauty products!

15 Minute Beauty Fanatic gets some advice from Brad Johns on maintaining her blonde highlights!


Beautynomics shares her Scrub Story about The Face Shop Sake Gel Clarifying Body Scrub

The Latest Luxe enjoys life in the luxe lane with the Anya Hindmarch Lulu Clutch.

A Socialite's Beauty Advice

Eleanor Ylvisaker isn't only a beautiful Manhattan socialite, she's also a brilliant Manhattan business woman. Eleanor has the highly coveted title of PR Director and Partner for one of our favorite denim lines, Earnest Sewn (I just wore my brand new Keaton Boot Cut jeans today... fabulous fit!). Eleanor speaks exclusively to Beauty Banter about all things beauty-related!


Eleanor and I used to live in the same apartment building in NoLita many, many years ago. She's always been super sweet, classy, stylish, and blessed with naturally gorgeous skin! I kid you not, her complexion is like a porcelain doll... sure, genetics play a major role, but so does a great skin care regimen. So, of course, my first question to Eleanor is...

What do you use on your skin?
"I use only Yonka skin care products. They are clean and natural and leave the skin feeling glowing. I use their GEL NETTOYANT (Face wash), LOTION with essential oils (toner), FRUITELIA with fruit acids (day moisturizer); ÉLASTINE NUIT with glycoproteinic extracts (night moisturizer); NUTRI-CONTOUR with hazelnut oil (anti aging eye and lip crème). I'm also a big proponent of caring for you skin from the inside out. I try and consume loads of anti-oxidants by eating Goji berries, drinking Kombucha Tea, and taking flax seed oil and fish oil supplements."

What's in your make-up bag?

• Chanel Teint Innocence naturally Luminous Fluid make-up SPF 12 (great natural looking foundation for going out)
  
• Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer in Sand ( perfect for the day for a natural even skin tone) ***a Beauty Banter fave***
  
• Chanel Inimitable Mascara
  
• Stila eyeliner in Onyx (I try to apply this into the lash line and then smudge it with a q-tip for a smoky eye)
  
• Chantecaille brilliant gloss in Modern (I love a dark eye and pale lip look!)
  
• Laura Mercier Eye Colour Duos in Burgundy (the dark shade creates a perfect subtle shadow for the crease and the lighter shade highlights the lid, opening the eye)
  
• Laura Mercier Secret Brightener
  
• Tarte Cheek Stain in Flush (gives that dewy flushed pink cheek color)
  

What's your must-have, can't live without product?

"Laura Mercier's Secret Brightener Pen. It gives you that natural glow under the eyebrow and at the temples. I even use it to brighten up under my eye after a long night!"

Red carpet tip or trick that you've picked up along the way?

"I have really deep under eye circles, so I always use a lighter shade concealer and make sure to apply it also on the sides of my nose which brightens up the dark shadows. Also, my natural skin color tends to be on the rosy side, so I use a very natural light blush color, if any."

SPRING HAIR

My favorite uber-cutter, Jen Atkin, just provided me with Spring's hottest hair trend!!!

Blunt cuts with waves are in high demand. Very au natural. No more long layers like Jessica Simpson and Penelope Cruz. Today, everyone's asking for straight cuts with that "just rolled out of bed" texture. To fake it, Atkin suggest trying Revlon's 3 Barrel Jumbo Waver. It's like a curling iron, but with two curling rods for double the curls in half the time!



The look; blunt and messy:






**Jen Atkin is the A-list cutter at the Chris McMillan Salon in Beverly Hills.

Best Body Oils

So as summer approaches and romance is in the air, soft, touchable skin is of the utmost importance. I personally believe that there is nothing sexier than a soft sheen over slightly tanned skin and nothing achieves this effect like a good oil.
Oils are also great for other uses like a scented bath or for dry ends. The only slightly problematic thing is that oils can be expensive. Avoid mineral oil, even though it’s the cheapest, because it will clog pores.

So my two favorite brands are Dr. Hauschka and Monoi Tiare Tahiti.

On the costlier side, The Rose Body Oil from Dr. Hauschka is divine. It is comprised of several essential oils that are blended together to create sheer organic perfection. The scent is light and disappears quickly leaving just a faint trace of rose so I would wear this on an evening when I wanted to dazzle with my favorite perfume. It also absorbs incredibly quickly, so it’s a great “in the morning and rushed to get dressed” choice.



My second obsession is The Monoi Tiare Tahiti solid coconut oil. Every bottle contains a real Tahititan Gardenia flower and only two ingredients: Pure coconut fat and the flower extract. This product is true luxury at a bargain, it generally runs about ten dollars a bottle. Don’t be scared off by the solidity of this oil, you simply throw it, cap on, in your hot bath or put it on the window sill and the heat warms it up to a lovely liquid consistency. It comes in a myriad of scents, I’m partial to the Vanilla, the original Tiare which smells like Bobbi Brown beach, and the coconut. Regardless, they are all amazing. This product has literally given me the softest skin I have ever had and I’ve tried everything. Try it, you’ll be hooked.




Xoxo Di

Organic Blush Give-Away!!!

Starting Wednesday, March 26, at 12:00pm EST, Physicians Formula is giving away coupons to redeem a free Organic Wear Blush at any MAJOR retailer that sells the products to the first 1,000 participants who sign up.

I've actually tried this blush and it's pretty amazing, great consistency, nice colors... and to think, it's PF's Organic Wear is  the first ever ECOCERT certified makeup line available in the US, the only organic certification for color cosmetics in the US (USDA does not certify for makeup), and it's the first ever all paper compacts made from recycled paper and fully recyclable – when you’re done with your makeup, simply toss into the recycling bin with your newspaper. 

Way to go Physician's Formula... we love us some sustainable beauty!!!

Click HERE to redeem your coupon... but remember, contest starts tomorrow, wednesday, at 12:00pm EST!!!

Good Luck!

Christopher Kane Goes Juicy...

Lancome Cosmetics has joined forces with yet another designer to create a fabulous lippy (remember Peter Som's P.S. Kiss?). London's Christopher Kane, a favorite of British fashonistas like Kate Moss and Posh Spice, and Lancome recently introduced 9 hot juicy tube shades just in time for Spring.

Says Kane, “I have always loved the way a Juicy Tube can transform a lip with its patent texture and appearance. It plumps the lip to perfection.”

Here's what Lancome had to say: "Juicy Tubes World Tour is a collection of iconic Juicy Tubes that are dressed to thrill. Inspired by 4 hot fashion cities, each must-have, limited-edition tube has been decorated with a chic dress by London’s darling fashion designer, Christopher Kane. Each city has its own designer dress."


The colors include:
*Red Hot New York
*Fifth Avenue Frosting
*Copacabana Coffee
*Rio Mango
*Grand Café Crème Brûlée
*Moulin Rose
*Paris Bubbly
*Tokyo Plum Blossom
*Peach Moch

I tried Red Hot New York and I've gotta say, it's pretty much the perfect shade of barely-there red with the perfect amount of gloss and shine. It smells and tastes a bit like cinnamon, giving me the impression that it was actually plumping my pout! And it's versatile, you can wear it alone during the day for a tiny dose of color, or layer it at night over something a little more bold.

Must-have Spring hue.... Red Hot New York! Your lips will sizzzzzzzle!

Weekend BEAUTY Reads...

SugarShock thinks she may have found her signature scent, and as it turns out, it's the perfect perfume for spring.

The Makeup Divas reviews Mac Fafi Lipsticks.

The Daily Cookie brings you the scoop behind Danity Kane's Welcome to the Dollhouse album cover photoshoot. Check out her exclusive Q&A with makeup artist JJ Jacobucci!

Beauty Anonymous brings you Chanel Limited-edition Highlighting Powders Duo!

A Touch of Blusher picks the top 10 spring 2008 collections.

Mischo Beauty shares a lesson on sun damage and the importance of using sunscreen.

Temtpalia has a weekend getaway you're bound to enjoy at the Pacific Palms Resort & Spa.

Raging Rouge gets her drink on in the only way a pregnant woman can... with tarte Cheek Stain in Tipsy.

15 Minute Beauty Fanatic shows you how to recreate Stila's look from Wayne Lee Fall 2008!

The Beauty of Life finds a way to keep her skin sparkling with Bliss Steep Clean!

Cybelesays checks out the latest in organic fragrances with a new favorite from Tsi~La

Stylish Opinion finds any reason, any reason at all, to try out caffeinated soap.

The Beauty Blog Network interviews new member Mischo Beauty.

Elke shares her fav drugstore beauty products.

Beauty and Personal Grooming tells you to cover your gray with touch-up sticks.

Sure you’re in love with your flat iron, but are your strands silky straight and FLAT? StyleBell shows you how to "http://stylebell.wordpress.com/2008/03/18/hairstyle-how-to-volumizing-straight-strands/ ">Volumize Straight Strands.

Beauty Blogging Junkie has fallen for the crazy spatula-like applicator and holographic shine of this lip gloss by Thierry Mugler

The Muse http://www.beautybloggingjunkie.com/2008/03/plexi-gloss-me-thierry.html >Hauls Heatherette! Check out her first impressions on this new MAC Collection!.

Ever thought about changing your hair because someone else says you should? Mystical Beauty's Musings tells you why you shouldn't in Cutting Long Hair

Savvy Skin realizes most of her favorite skin care and beauty items are Old-School Beauty products.

marina from makeup loves me meets the heatherette boys (pictures included!) and checks out their collaboration with MAC.

Makeup Moxie has a tragic love affair with Sue Devitt Microquatic Lash Line Enhancer

Glossypink has found the pale pink lipstick of her dreams!

Face Candy looks at the new Guerlain Terracotta goodies.

Toya tried the tarte health couture collection and she's feeling healthy, beautiful, and oh so couture!

Product Girl takes a peak at Creative Scentualization's Perfumers Palette.

Pursebuzz.com tries a new look with Heatherette Pigments, check out the video tutorial here!

Karen from Makeup and Beauty Blog gives you swatches of Chanel's new summer makeup collection, woot!

Spoiled Pretty has found the definitive eyebrow kit. Find out what it is!

Don't miss your chance to enter All Lacquered Up's Sally Hansen Giveaway. You could be one of three winners to receive the Tracey Reese for Sally Hansen Salon line collection.

Beauty Banter gives you a Girls Guide To Concealers... filled with tips and tricks from the makeup pros!

Heatherette Meet MAC...

It was only a matter of time before these two superdivas (MAC Cosmetics and Heatherette Clothing) joined forces... The most recent collaboration between the cosmetic giant and a fashion house does not disappoint!

Heatherette is the brainchild of post club kids/ style icons Richie Rich and Traver Rains. And now, they've turned their flair for fashion and fun into an awesome, limited edition color line exclusively for MAC.

Much like the bold and provocative clothes, the makeup is just as colorful and imaginative. Pinks, reds, purples... even multi-colored glitter! Duel-edge eye pencils, silver nail polish, flirtatious lashes... it's all so amazing I don't know what to buy first! And the casing is - what else - hot pink with a holographic foil decal of the Heatherette logo.

Here's to the inner club kid in all of us!



For the entire Heatherette color line, click HERE.

Has anyone tried it? Any must-haves??? Let us know, pretty pink please!

WEEKLY MUST-HAVE

For all those in search of their Spring bronzer, look no further... Smashbox's Fusion Body Lights Bronzing Powder in The Strip is the must-have, convenient bronzer and highlighter for a faux tanned complexion. It's meant as an all over body bronzer but I use it on my face as well.

At this year's L.A. Fashion Week, the kind people over at Smashbox decided to give the guests a bronzer and applicator in the gift bag! How amazing?!

I love the color that this product gives... it's the perfect tan.... not a fake and bake hue, but not pale either. It's a trio of colors that comes in a massive circular compact. One brush of your applicator over the three colors and you're good to go.

The one thing that I don't like, but many others do, is the scent. I get it... it's supposed to be "tropical." But it's SO perfumed I find it overwhelming. And since I have very sensitive skin, I do try to stay away from products that contain fragrance. But so far, the bronzer hasn't irritated my skin. And the color is SO hot... I'm willing to sacrifice the fragrant scent for a little healthy color!

So, stock up on your new must-have bronzer... Sun free, streak free tan! Amen!

$54.00 (comes with nub brush!)

BEAUTY BANTER WANTS TO KNOW...

Spring has finally arrived (well, almost... the sun is shining in LA, though!)

What is YOUR Spring beauty look???

We're loving highlighted hair, tanned skin, natural makeup, an exotic eye, some apricot blush and a glossy lip.

Simple does it!

Tell us in the comments... what are you feeling for Spring???

Tea Tree Oil In A Blue Mask

I love tea tree oil. As I've reported on previous posts, one of my favorite zit fighters is Desert Essence Blemish Touch Stick with Eco-Harvest Tea Tree Oil (read my rave review HERE).

Tea tree oil is a natural antiseptic and antibacterial. It is fabulous for oily, acne-prone, and problem skin. I've been using a purifying mask with tea tree oil on a weekly basis for some time now, and it's really helped to eradicate excessive oiliness and tighten my pores.

Astara's Blue Flame Purification Mask is my saving grace for problem skin. It mixes tea tree oil with botanical detoxifying, antibacterial, and healing agents for a ten minute mask that leaves your skin refreshed and revitalized. It's a blue clay that dries hard, seeping deep into your pores to remove buildup from oil and environmental hazards. It's also pretty brilliant as an overnight on-the-spot treatment as well.

A 2.0 fl oz tub sells for $41.00
We want to know, what's your favorite mask???

A Girl's Guide To.... Concealers

Clear skin is always in... and if you don't have it, you fake it! A flawless complexion is what we women strive for. Although genetics play a crucial role in who gets bestowed with the porcelain skin, the right concealer can be just as beneficial!

Applying concealer can be somewhat of a daunting feat. Too much looks cakey. Too little doesn't do the trick. And how about the bevy of colors... yellows, pinks, even greens! Certain colors combat specific areas of your face (i.e. dark circles as opposed to pimples) and it's important to know what type of concealer to use, and where. And, of course, how to apply? Brush, finger, straight from the wand?

The truth is, each concealer has it's purpose... you just need to educate yourself on the pros and cons and sift through the hype, straight to the core. How to apply concealer? We asked some of our FAVORITE makeup artists for their wise and helpful tips...

Here's A Girl's Guide to Concealer:

Emmy nominated makeup artist Patty Bunch has this to say about applying concealer to the ever-sensitive under eye area:

• Always start with a nourishing Eye Cream to hydrate your delicate eye tissue.
• There are many shades of Concealer. Pick a color that matches your undertone. If it’s blue pick a color that’s has a slight peach tone. Orange reutilizes blue. If you have red undertones pick a concealer that has a slight yellow tone. Yellow neutralizes red.
• Once you’ve made your choice, pick a shade that’s one to two shades lighter than your skin tone.
• With clean fingers apply the concealer mixing with your favorite Eye Cream or Gel. Warm the mixture between your fingertips and stipple starting at the inside corners and blend out. Stipple delicately several times to push the formula into the pores.

Prescriptives Director of Artistry, Jillian Veran, offers these tips to applying concealer to the eye area:

• Most dark circles start at the very inner corner of the eye and drop to the top of the cheek bone, creating a deep line of demarcation as we age. Using the top flat side of the applicator (sponge), dot the concealer from the inner corner of the eye down and around toward the top of the cheek bone. The shape would look like a crescent moon.
• Using the ring finger, tap upward toward the under lash line and inner corner until smooth.

Lancôme's National Artistic Director, Robert Cook, offers these incredible tips :

• When applying concealer it is always best to start with a very hydrating cream all over the face and eye area.
• After the eye area is hydrated, use a concealer brush and apply concealer only to the darkest areas. Most people apply to the entire under eye when only a small area may need attention. If concealer is put where it is not needed, you lose the highlighting effect.
• When choosing a concealer for the under eye area, it is best to go a little darker than you might normally think. Choose a concealer with a yellow or gold undertone.
• Often, women choose concealers that are too light which ultimately do not have enough color in them to neutralize purple or blue areas. This can make the circle under the eyes look muddy or grey.

For spot correction, Cook suggests:

• The concealer to use for spot correction on other parts of the face (side of the nose, blemishes, etc.) should be the same tone and color intensity of your skin or one or two shades lighter.
• Using the concealer brush, apply the lighter concealer with a tapping/ patting motion so you do not disturb the makeup underneath the concealer.
• If you feel like you have applied too much, pat a small amount of moisturizer over makeup. This will give a radiant glow and eliminate any dehydration. (LOVE THIS TIP!)

Makeup artist Cari Lynn Orr of Starlet Cosmetics has these great tips for applying concealer evenly:

• Try to use a small, sable or nylon brush in order to apply the product appropriately and evenly.
• Warm up your concealer on your skin(or hand) first, it will warm to your body temperature and smooth on with a flawless finish.

And in regards to choosing the appropriate color, Orr says:

• Salmon colored undertones work great on the undereye to diminish blue based dark undereyes.

Kevin Bennett, Director of Artistry for MAKE UP FOR EVER, explains how to apply the perfect amount of concealer:

• The key to making concealer conceal and not cake is using small amounts.
• I find it best to take a tiny amount of concealer on a soft synthetic brush and thin it out on the heal of my palm. I then apply very thin layers until the desired coverage is achieved.
• It’s always better to apply a few thin, well blended coats as opposed to one thick layer (which will inevitably cake, crack and look horrible).

And when choosing the correct color, Bennett suggests:

• For normal concealing try a concealer about 1 shade lighter than your foundation/skin color. For noticeable or intense dark circles, try to match your skintone exactly.
• To color correct excessively purple/grey discoloration try a peach tinted concealer.
• For excessive redness, try for a stronger olive undertoned concealer.

Wow, that's a ton of useful information! So, next time you're in the market for a new concealer, check back to this post before purchasing!

And next week, we'll be posting our favorite concealers on the market!!! Let us know which concealer you DIE over!

Monday Skin Talk

I just returned from NYC where the weather is still cold and windy, thus leaving my skin dehydrated and dry. Even with oily skin (like me), it's imperative that you moisturize. One of the biggest faux pas about oily skin is that you should dry it out... NOT TRUE... the more you dry out the skin, the more oil the skin thinks it needs to produce to counterbalance the dryness. Thus, even with oily skin, make sure to keep it hydrated. Of course, if you are prone to oiliness, it's important to find a moisturizer that is oil-free and balancing.

I have become absolutely obsessed with my dry climate skin cream.... Jurlique's Balancing Day Care Cream is heaven to the face. It doesn't over moisturize and it's great for sensitive skin. You put it on and your face literally glows - like that dewy, healthy skin look.

A word (or several...) from the company:
"A light, absorbing moisturising cream infused with the living energy of daisy, chamomile and rose, and precious plant oils to minimize the visible signs of aging. Leaves the skin with a smooth, healthy-looking glow. Ideal for maintaining balance. "

I am a huge fan of Jurlique products because they use the highest quality natural ingredients... no synthetics that just clog pores and produce "pretend" results... these products continually deliver visible, healthy skin. Over and over again. My favorite aspects of the creams is how they make your skin feel - throughout the day, skin is hydrated (never dull) and smooth (never flakey).

Sometimes I mix my Jurlique Balancing Cream with a tiny dollop of Elder Cream. The Elder Cream is a brightening moisturizer that leaves your complexion luminous. Even if I'm super tired, I put this cream on and look like I've just had eight hours of sleep (and I never cease to get a compliment about how great and hydrated my skin looks when I use it!).

Both of these moisturizers sell for $40.00.

If you still want the organic, all-natural products without the high price tag, try Weleda. Their moisturizers are just as soothing and less expensive. A comparable cream to Jurlique's Balancing Cream is Weleda's Rose Cream. It's great for balancing out normal to oily skin tones and like the Jurlique cream, it's lightweight, never oily, yet super hydrating. It retails for about $25.00.

Monday Poll

I just lightened my hair for Spring, and lightened my brows....
Beauty Banter wants to know, what do you do?

Weekend Beauty Reads...

Emo Hairstyles are all the rage and totally cool – StyleBell asks: Do you have scene hair?

Face Candy checks out MAC's new Beauty Powder Blushes.

The Makeup Divas reviews 2 eye shadows from a new cosmetic line calledMellies Makeup.

15 Minute Beauty Fanatic tries out Elizabeth Arden's new Intervene Foundation and loves the results!

Makeup Moxie reviews Calvin Klein Tempting Glance Intense Eyeshadow

The Muse shares her current beauty addictions and asks what are some of yours?

A Touch of Blusher will be buying the latest fragrance from Stella McCartney.

Mischo Beauty shares why she lovesWella Salon Professional Power Mask.

The Beauty of Life falls down the rabbit hole for the Alice in Wonderland nail lacquers from Goldie!

Beauty Blogging Junkie kicks off Wash Me Amadeus Week with Dermalogica Clearing Skin Wash.

Beauty and Fashion Tech reviews Philosphy A Pigment of Your Imagination, a suncreen and melasma treatment in one.

Temptalia tells you whether the Zeno Acne Clearing Treatment Device is worth it!

SugarShock is having a Hair Plump Showdown: it's T3 360 Plump versus Fekkai All-Day Hair Plump. Find out who comes out on top!

Beauty Anonymous shares her experience with DHC in the US.

The Beauty Blog Network welcomes newest member Mischo Beauty to the network.

Elke starts her 5 part series on Eyebrow No-No's and how to fix them.

Stylish Opinion ponders which manicure to get from Dashing Divas........ the Spoiled Diva or the All Out Diva?

Beauty and Personal Grooming writes about the alternative uses of lip gloss.

Raging Rouge dives into the Spring 2008 Urban Decay collection, including reviews of Loose Pigment Eyeshadow and 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencils!

Mystical Beauty's Musings overhears a conversation about Bacon Perfume, and asks if you would wear it.

Beauty Banter goes behind the runway at L.A. Fashion Week to get the scoop on the beauty inspiration...

Glossypink tells you how to get Rachel McAdams' ravishing look!

makeup loves me is having a giveaway with whole foods for some dr. hauschka products! hurry over to get yourself entered!

Looking for a liquid liner that's easy to use and makes your eyes POP? Look no further...Spoiled Pretty has found it! Plus, enter our Chloe and Jane giveaway!

Karen from Makeup and Beauty Blog shows you how to make your eyeshadow colors look bolder and brighter with MAC Cream Color Base in Pearl.

Are high-end brands better than drugstore brands? The Daily Cookie weighs in and compares two toners to find out.

Pursebuzz.com takes a trip to LA for LA's fashion week. Gregory A., M.A.C senior artist gives her a chance to pick his brain. Find out what his top favorite tips are and more here.

SPLENDID Saturday Reads....

The weeks Splendid best!

Beauty Secrets Revealed is giving away spa products worth $48.

Lipstick, Powder 'n Paint thinks that the K-Palette Real Lasting 24 hours Liquid Eyeliner is the best thing since sliced bread. See why.

Raging Rouge listens to expert advice from Dr. Jeanette Graf on how to stop (and reverse) the aging process!

Hot Mama Daily talks about a new color obsession for Spring 2008.

Aging Fabulous asks, Do you use eye cream?

She Knows Best wants Justin Timberlake to give Iggy Pop some lesson.

Haute and Bothered's psyched to see a Murakami grow in Brooklyn.

Style It Less wants to show Britney Spears how to wear a white halter dress for less.

Style Tots asks, an Xbox 360 or a Burberry Peacoat?

STYLEnosh quips that confidence is the most stylish thing you can wear.

Wardrobe Oxygen reviews plus size couture line Trentacosta New York.

A Touch of Blusher will be buying the latest fragrance from Stella McCartney.

My Wardrobe Today reviews a few beauty products from Benefit and Philosophy.

Snarkstress shares a lesson on how to completely overwhelm a small frame, compliments of the lovely Hayden Panettiere.

Teen Style Lounge is budget shopping in 5’s, finding 5 Super Sweet Easter Dresses under $20 and 5 Short and Sassy Prom Dresses under $75.

The Fashionable Kiffen celebrates St. Patrick's Day.

Raging Rouge listens to expert advice from Dr. Jeanette Graf on how to stop (and reverse) the aging process!

Beauty Banter speaks exclusively with Smashbox Cosmetics Lead Makeup artist, Lori Taylor, backstage at our dear friend, Nicky Hilton's, L.A. Fall Fashion show. Find out the inspiration for the look... and what products she used to achieve it!

WEEKLY MUST-HAVE!

My blogger has been acting crazzzy and not really letting me sign in to post but hopefully I have rectified the problem!

For this week's must-have product, we're traveling down south... on the body!  Intimate products for your "special" areas are crucial! Of course, you can use good old baby wipes and a bar of hand soap and that'll do the trick, but why not pamper yourself down there... after all, you pamper every other part of your body!

I first became familiar with SweetSpot Lab, the Intimate Grooming Collection, a couple of years ago when I received some products in a gift bag.  The packaging is super girly and cute and the products are just as fabulous!  The line includes a gentle wash, balancing mist, and my favorite, on-the-go wipettes.... think baby wipes meets Jo Malone!  The entire line really is amazing (and an investment in your dating life as well), but I adore these wipettes because you can use them at virtually any point during the day for a gentle and refreshing boost!

On-the-go Wipettes come in 3 amazing fragrant formulas and an unscented one for those sensitive types.... Citrus Galbanum, Basil Grapefruit, and Gernaium Lavender (my favorite).  

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

"This especially gentle formula delivers a sophisticated clean, especially designed for women (no, not the baby!).  Alcohol-free and pH balanced for sweet spots, this cocktail offers the best of both worlds - a refresher and a pick-me-up."

Great to use before a date or after a long day of who-knows-what when you just need a little indulgence down there... 

PRICE TAG - $12.00 for packet of 30 

BACKSTAGE PASS: NICHOLAI FALL 2008

One of my very dear friends, Nicky Hilton, debuted her fall line the other evening at L.A. Fashion Week... and it was off the hook! Nicky's high-end line, Nicholai, is sophisticated, edgy and seriously sexy!!! I can't wait to buy the entire collection! But onto the beauty...

We were granted an **exclusive** backstage pass to check out the hair and makeup for the show!

Lori Taylor, Smashbox Cosmetics Lead Artist, spoke to us about her beauty inspiration.   She said, "the collection has an equestrian influence.. like a society lady... naughty, not stuffy."  She described the look as The Avengers or Amanda Peel.  

For the eyes - a sophisticated, smokey cat eye.  More high fashion.  Taylor used the Smashbox Twilight Trio of black, silver and white.  She then added false eyelashes to the outer corner to intensify the effect.

The skin had to be perfect.  "The people who buy these clothes are people who are conscious about the way they look," explains Taylor.  "They're high fashion and healthy."  Taylor used Smashbox's High Definition Foundation and Camera Ready Concealer.  She didn't want the skin to look powdery or dewey, but natural and flawless.

The cheeks were all about shimmer.  Taylor wanted to highlight the natural cheekbone so she added lots of shimmer to the area.

For lips, Taylor used two red glosses.  She wanted the look to be sheer, moist lips.  Taylor combined Starlit and Spark and blotted onto the lips to give them that "stain" effect.  

Taylor's must-have Smashbox product:  Bionic Mascara - Taylor said that the new mascara (just launched in February) is actually infused with ions (like a bio-ionic flat iron) so it gives mega shine to the lashes!  She used it on all the girls during fashion week!

Here are some pictures from the Nicholai Fall 2008 Fashion Show:

**Thanks to Nicky and Smashbox for giving us a behind-the-scenes peak into L.A. Fashion Week!!!

Fellow Beauty Whore Recommendation...

I LOVE when fellow beauty whores send me their favorite products! That's a big reason for having this beauty blog... sharing!!!

Annah Cuthbert of the U.K. wrote in gushing over the skin and body line LUSH (and a fave conditioner from the local drugstore) and now I share it with you...

Here's what she had to say:


"It is such a fab line, the face packs are just amazing. At first i thought the whole organic, homemade tagline (which at the time was rather original) was just another gimmick but now I'm complete Lush addict.

The brazened honey face pack is a powerhouse of effective ingredients for all tired skins, it apparently exfoliates and detoxifies as well as stimulates and nourishes the skin.
Refreshing herbs and fruit juice are blended with warming Ayurvedic herbs and spices. With almonds to polish and moisturising honey, this blend leaves the skin vibrant and re-visited. You apply to clean skin, leave on for 20 minutes until dry, rinse and voila, glowing goddess.

Another great face pack by LUSH is the BB Seaweed, which has a lovely relaxing and reviving fragrant. It is a mineral rich mask to cleanse, soften and beautify all skin types. This blend contains fresh, nutritious seaweed and seaweed absolute. Cleansing kaolin, antiseptic honey, calming aloe vera and rose absolute make this a great mask for everyone. there are also masks for wrinkles, problem skin, you name it, it caters for all.

The dream cream is also really delish, it is an incredibly soothing body lotion for troubled skin. it is Lush`s best-selling product because it makes sore skin feel good again. It calms irritations, reduces redness and banishes blotches. It contains just about everything nature makes for soothing your skin.

I can use every product in LUSH with ease as I trust nature over science when it comes to skincare, and even though I have very sensitive cells, I have not received a single irritation from the line.

Another product I highly recommend which has transformed my thirsty head of highlights, is this leave in conditioner called, Vitapointe. I found it in my local drugstore, right at the bottom, behind some mainstream products. There were only two bottles left, which intrigued me. i asked the sales assistant and she told me it is a really popular product, but got discontinued ages ago, and due to all the latest array of options Vitapointe gets ignored. but the older generations snap it up like flies, and i always think the oldies knew their stuff when it came to beauty ( quality always). the product contains masses of different minerals, vitamins and ingredients such as beeswax, to feed your hair, no muss no fuss. you apply a tiny pearl sized drop onto dry hair and it makes such a huge difference after using it for a month my hair actually appears glossy and manageable which is rare for a highlight addict. the best bit is its so cheap it cost 2 pounds which i think is like $3 or $4. this should def be a beauty classic."

To view the entire LUSH line, click HERE!

Backstage with M.A.C.

L.A. fashion week has officially begun! And we were backstage at the Kelly Nishimoto show, chatting it up with M.A.C. Cosmetic's very own, Gregory Arlt (left), Director of Makeup Artistry (such a snazzy title...)!

Here's what he had to say:

Inspiration for the look:

Nishimoto and Arlt discussed the idea of 1920's romantic, whimsical, and natural. "Like riding on the back of a horse or rolling around in the hay." Everything has this clean and soft feeling to it. From the hair (wind swept, romantic curls) to the skin (moist, flawless and glowing).

Creating the look:

Arlt chose to stain the lips, "like she was just eating a bowl of ripe berries or drinking a glass of red wine." He used Got Um (working title), a lipstick that he spread onto the top of his hand, mixed it with his finger to soften, then patted onto the lips, like blotting, to achieve the stain effect. Arlt projected that stained lips will definitely be a trend for Fall 2008. He suggested adding a clear gloss on top to really make your pucker pop! We like the stain cause it looks soooo natural... like we're not trying too hard but we really are!

For the eyes, Arlt wanted something soft... "I used a grey liner as opposed to black and lined the inner rim of the eye. I wanted to give the effect that it had been there for a few days." He mixed Naked Lunch and Fluff to accentuate the pink and burgundy colors in the clothing. He applied the shadow like a wash, from brow to lash line, even extending it to the cheek bone for highlighting. "I want these colors to pick up the light on the runway."

For the cheeks, Arlt mixed two blushcremes, Laid Back and Posey, creating a pinkish berry. He applied to the apples of the cheeks with a foundation brush, not a blush brush. And this really helped to blend the color into something a little more natural.

Spring M.A.C. Must-Haves:

The entire Fafi Collection! And although many of the colors in the line are bold, Arlt says to concentrate on the Spring hues: "peaches, golds and apricots" (we love us some apricot blush... click HERE to read our review of Fafi's fabulous Hipness). He also mentioned that gold shimmer on the eye lid is tres, tres Spring 2008 (we say that gold shimmer is ALWAYS in style)!

The One Must-Have M.A.C. Item:

The Viva Glam lipstick! It's always in style AND raises money for a great cause. Arlt especially loves the new Fergie campaign (for Viva Glam... VG VI) saying that there is a special edition pink lippy that is vital for everyone's makeup bag! "It's the perfect pink. Not too girly. Sophisticated." And just in time for Spring! Cannot WAIT to try it out!

Check out these pics of the Kelly Nishimoto Fashion Show, Fall, 2008!

***Thanks to M.A.C. and Kelly Nishimoto for this behind-the-scenes glance of L.A. Fashion Week!

SPLENDID Sunday Reads....

The weeks Splendid best!

Beautiful Makeup Search tells us why she wants to covet the new CHANEL eyeshadow quad.

Temptalia tells you what ingredients may be causing you acne or irritating your face!

Her Accessories is holding a contest to win a wee little rhinestone charm from Twisted Silver!

Beauty and Fashion Tech looks at new items and a great mineral makeup from Neutrogena Cosmetics.

SugarShock has a brush with greatness as she discovers the beauty editor fave product, YSL Touche Eclat .

Viva Woman finds out why some mineral makeup may pose strong health risks.

Style Manila spots a lady wearing a gorgeous Zara Maxi Dress.

Beauty Bento Box discovers an invigorating facial cleanser that's perfect for traveling to warm and humid countries.

Tops 2 Bottoms came across a great shop find for shoes and bags!

The conversation over at The Space Between My Peers is all about Sweat Suit Alternatives.

Canadian Beauty has a new favourite foundation: it's Estee Lauder Double Wear Light!

Shopalicious has found the perfect overnight bag for a getaway with the girls...

Karen from Makeup and Beauty Blog visits Shu Uemura's Lash Bar and finds false eyelash nirvana, where the lashes are affordable and the appointment booking process couldn't be easier.

Beauty Match reflects on how Lindsay Lohan is 21 and looks like she's going on 41!

Indie Style File puts the spotlight on t-shirt designer Sam Trout.

All That & A tries to see if her hair is shinier after using Herbal Essences' clear shine booster.

Style...a work in progress asks, "would you buy J Crew 's $3,000 jacket?"

Shoe Blitz discovers some jeweled sandals and striped pumps that are perfect for spring.

Savvy Skin writes about the never-ending obsession to find a miracle wrinkle cream.

Laya's EYE loves Sage Machado Candles.

Petite Fashionista searches for the petite with the best style, vote today!

ShopDiary thinks the YSL Y-Mail collection is pretty cool.

NY Spender plays pairs with Gwen Stefani and her L.A.M.B shoes.

Have a most splendid weekend!

Weekend Beauty Reads...

Coarse hair? Read EyeshadowCult.com's Hair, of coarse article with tips for women of color.

The Makeup Divas reviewsMy Chic Things Boutique as well as an interview with the owner.

Canadian Beauty reviews an oil cleanser - and loves it.

StyleBell shows you how to Create Carefree Curls with a Flat Iron.

SugarShock is turning one and we're celebrating! Enter our contest to win one of 50 Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleansers.

Girl Gloss loves Archipelago Botanicals Grapefruit Lip Butter!

Raging Rouge gets a taste of Maternity Beauty- Courtesy of Mama Mio.

Temptalia has a makeup tutorial for a dramatic, bold green and blue look!

Elke announces her new website, "beautyurls.com". A complete beauty aggregator bringing you the latest news, headlines and beauty info in the beauty industry. Visit daily for the latest or subscribe to the blog.

Stylish Opinion gives you the scrub of the month club.

The Beauty Blog Network Blog welcomes their newest members to the network.

A Touch of Blusher reviews a beautifully on-trend eye palette from Chanel.

Beauty Blogging Junkie recommends a foolproof way to achieve a smokey eye .

Beauty Anonymous invites you to discover the scents of Chanel Les Exclusifs Perfume Collection.

What's really in Origins' new Youthtopia Eye Cream? The Daily Cookie does a little investigating to find out.


Karen from Makeup and Beauty Blog visits Shu Uemura's Lash Bar and finds false eyelash nirvana, where the lashes are affordable and the appointment booking process couldn’t be easier.

Mischo Beauty takes her readers to school for a lesson on serums!

The Beauty of Life continues to bring you her weekly Wallet-Friendly Wednesdays column. This week, she found some truly amazing deals that are suitable to take with you on the plane!

The Muse showcases a Shu Uemura Face Chart created exclusively for readers of Musings of a Muse!

Glossypink has the low-down on some sizzlin' hot lip gloss!

Marina at makeup loves me gets a mani/pedi at dashing diva!

Beauty Banter asks celebrity Brow Specialist, Sarah, to give a step-by-step tutorial on achieving beautiful brows!

15 Minute Beauty Fanatic tries out Creme de la Mer and discovers why J. Lo slathers herself in it!

Pursebuzz.com reviews NYX Chrome Shadows one of her favorite inexpensive shadows.

Spoiled Pretty is giving away J.Lo’s newest fragrance, Deseo to five lucky readers. Will one of them be you?

Weekend Beauty Reads...

Coarse hair? Read EyeshadowCult.com's Hair, of coarse article with tips for women of color.

The Makeup Divas reviewsMy Chic Things Boutique as well as an interview with the owner.

Canadian Beauty reviews an oil cleanser - and loves it.

StyleBell shows you how to Create Carefree Curls with a Flat Iron.

SugarShock is turning one and we're celebrating! Enter our contest to win one of 50 Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleansers.

Girl Gloss loves Archipelago Botanicals Grapefruit Lip Butter!

Raging Rouge gets a taste of Maternity Beauty- Courtesy of Mama Mio.

Temptalia has a makeup tutorial for a dramatic, bold green and blue look!

Elke announces her new website, "beautyurls.com". A complete beauty aggregator bringing you the latest news, headlines and beauty info in the beauty industry. Visit daily for the latest or subscribe to the blog.

Stylish Opinion gives you the scrub of the month club.

The Beauty Blog Network Blog welcomes their newest members to the network.

A Touch of Blusher reviews a beautifully on-trend eye palette from Chanel.

Beauty Blogging Junkie recommends a foolproof way to achieve a smokey eye .

Beauty Anonymous invites you to discover the scents of Chanel Les Exclusifs Perfume Collection.

What's really in Origins' new Youthtopia Eye Cream? The Daily Cookie does a little investigating to find out.


Karen from Makeup and Beauty Blog visits Shu Uemura's Lash Bar and finds false eyelash nirvana, where the lashes are affordable and the appointment booking process couldn’t be easier.

Mischo Beauty takes her readers to school for a lesson on serums!

The Beauty of Life continues to bring you her weekly Wallet-Friendly Wednesdays column. This week, she found some truly amazing deals that are suitable to take with you on the plane!

The Muse showcases a Shu Uemura Face Chart created exclusively for readers of Musings of a Muse!

Glossypink has the low-down on some sizzlin' hot lip gloss!

Marina at makeup loves me gets a mani/pedi at dashing diva!

Beauty Banter asks celebrity Brow Specialist, Sarah, to give a step-by-step tutorial on achieving beautiful brows!

15 Minute Beauty Fanatic tries out Creme de la Mer and discovers why J. Lo slathers herself in it!

Pursebuzz.com reviews NYX Chrome Shadows one of her favorite inexpensive shadows.

Spoiled Pretty is giving away J.Lo’s newest fragrance, Deseo to five lucky readers. Will one of them be you?

WEEKLY MUST-HAVE

A little late in the week but, alas, here it is!

Our obsession this week is...
Bourjois Effect 3D High Shine Lip Gloss - the deliciously glossy French lippy!

I've been a fan of Bourjois ever since my first trip to Paris. The line is a staple in the local pharmacies (the equivalent to Duane Reade and CVS) and the beautiful Parisian women covet the make-up because the color range is amazing AND it's super affordable. Here in the states, the prices are a bit more steep, but it's still worth it!

I adore the 3d High Shine lippy because it's the perfect gloss - touch of color, mega shine sans the gooeyness. Sephora offers 18 classic colors ranging from clear to rouge. My fave is the Rose Angelic 5, a golden berry pink that looks great on all skin tones. The color reminds me of one that a 70's fashion model would wear... it must be the frost effect... it's truly rocking! AND, it's the must-have Spring hue - sheen and iridescent with a splash of pink! I love, love, love the wand - bristled like a lip brush for an easy, swift and precise application.

A word (or several...) from the company:
"Discover a whole new dimension of fabulous by indulging your lips in a variety of shades with a variety of effects: from glaze-like candy coated hues to dazzling shimmer and everything in between, you'll easily find the perfect Effet 3D just for you!
Natural oils nourish and moisturize, while the brush-tip applicator glides on precisely for perfect shine."

So, whatever hue you choose, rest assured your pucker will pop with a burst of shine and a hint of shimmer!

PRICE TAG: $15.50

MAC brings out the STROBE (lights)

MAC Cosmetics just launched (TODAY) their new collection, Strobe... for all of those who dig the bright and beautiful glow of soft, radiant skin and sheer, iridescent hues, this line is for you! And it's just in time for Spring!!!

I haven't tried it yet, but will let you know my thoughts once I play around.

Here's the line:

Strobe Liquid Lotion
Blending soft-focus diffusers with iridescent pigments, this ultra-fluid strobe formula produces a soft, radiant light on the skin, reducing the appearance of skin imperfections by providing a natural-looking glow.

Strobe Cream
The ultimate quick fix for the skin. Super-powered with potent botanicals; de-snoozes, de-stresses, moistens, freshens and boosts the look of dull, flat or tired-looking skin with a fully loaded vitamin zap and a mega dose of green tea. Brightens and clarifies with iridescent particles and antioxidants.

Tinted Lip Conditioner Stick SPF 15
Colors are: Strobe Kiss, Strobe Rays, Strobe Blossom, Strobe Beam, Strobe Current

AND, thanks to MAC, I'll be attending the Kelly Nishimoto fashion show here in Los Angeles for L.A. Fashion Week... and I'll be bringing you exclusive beauty coverage from (gasp!) backstage! That'll be Sunday night... tres, tres exciting!